Klamath Falls, Ore. – A ‘Klamath Promise’ to boost graduation rates is paying dividends…and colleges are playing a role in that effort.
The Klamath Promise kicked off in November of 2013, when city school graduation rates were less than 60%.
Klamath Falls City Schools Superintendent Dr. Paul Hillyer says a community-wide effort is paying off…
“We’ve seen a 22% improvement in our completion rate for our high school students.”
Some of that success is due to a program where students can earn college credit while still in high school.
“A lot of our K-12 partners don’t have the labs, don’t have the services that we have.” Points out Klamath Community College President Dr. Roberto Gutierrez. “We have those here. So let’s share.”
Gutierrez adds that students are taking advantage of those partnerships…
“Last year in our graduation, we had one student that received a high school diploma, and an associates degree at the same time. This year, we had nine.”
Over 100 teachers met at Klamath Community College Monday to learn more about the dual-credit program.
“We want our teachers to be informed, and to be aware of this program.” Says Klamath County Schools Superintendent Greg Thede. “So they can promote this program to our students.”
Jackson and Josephine Counties will soon be adopting the program.
“But in Klamath, it’s just a notch ahead.” Notes Superintendent Scott Perry of the Southern Oregon Education Service District. “They’ve been at it longer, they’re hitting it with such seriousness.”
The goal of the ‘Klamath Promise’ is a 100% graduation rate.
Some of the partnerships are extending beyond the Klamath Basin.
Klamath Community College recently signed an agreement with Southern Oregon University allowing transfer of K.C.C. student credits to S.O.U.
© 2024 KOBI-TV NBC5. All rights reserved unless otherwise stated.