February 2, 2012 - For the second consecutive year, PCS experienced a sizable reduction in the number of students dropping out of school. According to the 2010-11 Consolidated Report presented to the State Board of Education today, the number of students dropping out of school for PCS decreased by 11.9%, totaling a 37% reduction in the last two years. At the same time, the number of short-term suspensions also decreased for the district.
“I am incredibly proud of the efforts of our schools to address the many variables that impact our dropout rate,” commented PCS Superintendent Dr. Beverly Emory. “Despite dwindling resources and increased responsibilities, our schools have been steadfast in their commitment to this cause. Our students, faculty and especially the supporters of our Dropout Prevention Campaign are to be commended.”
Key findings of the Consolidated Report show that:
A number of programs have contributed to the successful reduction in dropouts and suspensions including the launch of the district’s Dropout Prevention Campaign, the Twilight Academy, Project Equal and the Summer Significance Academy. This school year, PCS also launched a new program called the Pitt Academy, which provides an alternative learning setting for those students who have been long-term suspended. School officials believe this program will assist in systematically reducing the number of long-term suspensions over time.
