http://www.houghtonlakeresorter.com/news/2012-09-20/Editorial/HLCE_Another_choice_another_chance.html
Also, you may visit http://www.boostup.org/en to find out what you can do to help students graduate.
Don't forget to explore the resources at http://speakingforkids.com/2013/01/31/making-sure-that-kids-count-more-in-2013/.
Some highlights to recognize:
"As we know, good public policymaking can contribute positively to well-being, inadequate or misguided public policymaking also impacts well-being. The findings in the Data Book once again point to the need for real commitment to supporting programs that lead to successful children, youth and families in Michigan – commitment that we have not seen at the state level in recent years. In 2013, we are looking to policymakers for the following:
Enable higher high school graduation rates by expanding access to alternative education opportunities that utilize a fifth or sixth year of high school and connect a high school credential to community college credits or real-world work experience."*
According to Voices for Michigan's Children:
"The latest Kids Count in Michigan Data Book underscores the need to act to help children in Michigan with eight of 15 indicators of child well-being showing worsening trends. The data show that between 2005 and 2011, child poverty went up 28 percent, young children qualifying for food assistance jumped by 55 percent, and confirmed victims of abuse and neglect -- linked to poverty -- increased by 28 percent. The biggest improvements were the decline of kids in foster care and a drop in fourth-graders not proficient in reading.
http://action.voices.org/site/R?i=809vFWku3yQy-ieCJRc7SQ
Visit our website for information on what the data mean for public policies. See our Speaking for Kids Blog, Making Sure That Kids Count More in 2013, on what the data means for policy efforts in 2013. And see our advocacy handout on easy steps you can take to use the Data Book to begin improving public policies on behalf of Michigan children and families."
*This action is one of four major goals policymakers must embrace in order to educate Michigan's students.