The national Project GRAD organization and the Columbus local school board made a mutual decision to terminate the GRAD program in Columbus. It was first implemented in 1999 at 15 low-income Columbus area schools to help kids graduate.
The performance rate was not increasing at the anticipated rate directors and administrators had planned. Officials said they would continue to explore ways to help students graduate in the low-income areas.
The setback causes concern for kids in poverty-stricken schools when discussing the new CORE curriculum proposed by Gov. Bob Taft and planned to begin in 2011. The criteria for graduation will stiffen for students, as they will be expected to complete a heavier course load to achieve graduation requirements.
Many Democrats were attracted to CORE because of the funding for schools and teacher training that complemented the rigorous structure. When programs such as project GRAD are cut, however, it is not a promising sign for any initiatives aimed at strengthening the math and science curriculum.
Programs like Project GRAD push kids living in poverty and disadvantaged areas to reach higher standards, but it is difficult when these students are already performing at a lower level than kids at neighboring schools. To ensure that all kids are given a fair and equal chance to succeed in the increasingly competitive workplace, it is vital to gear efforts toward implementing effective teacher training, tutor training or student aid programs that aim for schools to maintain a high-quality standard everywhere in Ohio.
Editorials represent the majority opinion of The Post executive editors.
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Student aid should start sooner to be effective; Teacher and tutor training programs important
