Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Utah's high school graduation rates highest in nation
By Cheryl Madsen
The Daily Universe (BYU)
07/09/2007

(U-WIRE) PROVO, Utah — A recent publication of "Education Week" listed Utah as having the highest high school graduation rate in the nation.

According to the report, 13.9 percent more students graduate from high school in Utah than the nation's average of graduates.

Of the 50 largest school districts in the nation, Jordan School District has the highest graduation rate.

Melinda Colton, spokeswoman for the Jordan School District, attributed their success to superb teachers, parent involvement and great students.

When parents support the subjects students are learning and value education, the students do better in school, Colton said.

"If a parent is involved, a student will do well," she said.

The Jordan School District aims to promote learning for all students.

The district holds meetings for parents to discuss what the schools can do to help students with any barriers they face, Colton said. Parent involvement is highly appreciated and is credited for helping Utah schools succeed.

"Education Week" also noted that Utah minority students have higher graduation rates than the nation's minority average.

Teresa Taveres said she believes in parental involvement for bilingual children to succeed in school as well. Taveres is an instructor for Utah County's English for Speakers of other Languages program, or ESOL.

ESOL is a program offered to help adults in the community improve their English and in turn become more involved in the community, Taveres said.

Bilingual children can benefit more in school if their parents speak English and can help them in their English education, Taveres said.

The ESOL classes are $30 for the first term and $15 for each additional term. However, this fee is waived if the parent volunteers at a local school.

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