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February 28, 2006
Response to 2/20/06 Herald Leader story: "State wants high school grads ready for next step"
Progress with Scholars: Students Volunteer for Tougher Courses
By Susan Mullineaux
Are you ready for some good news about education? Many Kentucky high school students are already taking tougher classes…and they’re doing it voluntarily. No, they weren't required by their legislators or their teachers or their parents to work harder in high school. They made a conscious choice to take a more difficult path to graduation.
Are all of these students destined for a college? No, some will choose another life preparation program—vocational school, a full-time job or perhaps even service in the military.
Are these only high performing students? No, they come from all achievement levels, but they share something: they are convinced that working harder now will pay higher dividends later when they face challenging career and life choices. They also understand that preparing now is the best way to ensure career alternatives and life flexibility. They want to find rewarding work and to enjoy their career path wherever it may lead.
What is responsible for this remarkable student volunteerism? The Kentucky Scholars Program. This remarkable program was praised in a recent New York Times article as a vivid example of how public and private partnerships can effectively transform educational systems across the country. Nationally, there are 14 Scholars Programs engaged in delivering the tougher courses message. In 2003, Kentucky was selected to receive the federal grant that funded its introduction. Since then, over 12,000 students have taken part in Scholars presentations.
Who are the leaders of this innovative and successful program? Citizens of forward-thinking communities. People just like you. Folks who want to help make education better—business people, retired executives, bankers, former teachers, small business owners, corporate managers, electricians, mothers, dads, former sports stars, even former governors.
Community volunteers enter 8th and 9th grade classrooms to engage students in lively discussions about their futures. Will they be prepared for what lies ahead? Presenters guide classes in real-life budgeting, an illuminating exercise for most. They share data about how many job applicants fail to be qualified for the jobs they seek (over 70%). They describe how future jobs will go to the people who are best prepared to continue learning throughout their careers—life-long learning. And, they recommend the Scholars curriculum—a course of study that will give them what they need to succeed after high school, regardless of where they land.
One of the most poignant questions these presenters ask students is, “Do you know anyone who has a job they don’t like?” Most of the students raise their hands in silent sadness and their faces reflect the pain of unrewarding work. Most responses to the next question, "Why don't they like their job?" may surprise you. The number one answer is not "low pay". It varies from "He's stuck in his job: can't do anything else", or "She didn't get the training to do something else"”or "They work with people they don't like."
At the end of these conversations, students have the opportunity to sign a Scholars commitment card. Overwhelmingly, the majority choose to become a Kentucky Scholar. Then, parents, guidance counselors, teachers, and the entire community work together to support this wise choice over the next four years. At graduation, many Scholars communities are presenting awards to their students, recognizing their extra effort and commitment.
Kentucky’s economic future is completely reliant upon having workers who are prepared to excel in tomorrow’s workplace. Developing qualified, satisfied workers will help create thriving communities, not just surviving ones.
The citizens of Scholars communities realize that education is far too important to be delegated to only one group of professionals—educators. They understand that education is EVERYONE's business. And, everyone in their communities benefits from their involvement.
I have been fortunate to visit with students and volunteers in many communities during orientation sessions for the Scholars program. It’s been an immensely rewarding experience. The superintendents, principals, guidance counselors, teachers, students, and citizens are collaborating with a common goal – better prepared graduates. The Partnership for Successful Schools and its Scholars director, Polly Marquette are continuing to enlist communities and school districts who share this vision of the future.
Congratulations to all Kentucky Scholars volunteers. What a great investment!
Susan Mullineaux is managing partner of Mullineaux Management Services, former executive vice president with Bank One Kentucky, and member of the board of directors for the Partnership for Successful Schools, Lexington.
