DPI mega-report released

Your state Department of Public Instruction reports crime, violence, long-term suspensions and expulsions are up in our state's public schools...oh joy. This from DPI's first and newly-consolidated data report on school crime, violence, suspensions, expulsions and drop-out rates.

DPI:

While there were few statewide patterns concerning school district performance in all three areas, the report noted that ninth grade males are the group at highest risk for dropping out, being suspended or expelled and for committing acts of crime or violence at school.

Yadkin County was the only school district to have low rates for all three measures. Five school districts - Clay County, Mount Airy City, Chapel Hill-Carrboro City, Elkin City and Cherokee County - were on two of the three top 10 lists in terms of districts with the best performance in all three reporting areas.

"We know that there often is a relationship between crime and violence incidents, suspensions and expulsions and high school dropouts," said State Superintendent June Atkinson. "By consolidating the reports that look at each area, we hope that we can better understand how to efficiently address student needs and help more students stay in school and be successful. It is important for all education leaders to examine our policies to be sure none of them have the unintended consequence of encouraging students to drop out."

Sounds as though a summit needs to be convened to discuss the status of ninth graders.

E.C. :)