OKLAHOMA CITY (November 12, 2009) – The twin brother of a high school dropout addressed a House committee today regarding the need for the Legislature to improve graduation rates by streamlining testing and funding graduation coaches and school programs that would help them to stay in school.

            State Rep. Joe Dorman invited Chad Hagermann to speak to the House Common Education Committee because he thinks the current dropout rate in the state is alarming.  Presentation to the House Common Education Committee showed alarming numbers on how many Oklahoma students choose to end their academic career before completion.

            “I chose to have Chad Hagermann present this issue because of his personal experience and because he took an active part in a state Department of Education task force on dropout rates,” Dorman, D-Rush Springs, said. “I think he made salient points about the need for improved alternative education funding, for graduation coaches and for streamlined testing. He also spoke about the importance of programs such as FFA in keeping the student actively engaged in school.”

            Hagermann said not only do students take national tests but also state tests that significantly increase the time spent taking tests.

            “Students could focus on a few tests, get the same accountability and spend more time actively learning in the classroom,” Dorman said. “The committee also discussed the fact that school counselors have become testing coordinators in many districts and they should be using their time to actually counsel students, which would further reduce dropout rates.”

            Dorman said he plans to work with other legislators to file legislation to streamline the testing and hopefully redirect the money currently used for duplicate testing to pay for students to take the ACT.

            “I feel the amount of money we spend on repetitive tests could be directed to pay for the ACT exam for students and possibly even fund preparatory classes for those students who choose to do the extra work,” said Dorman.  “If we increase the number of Oklahoma students taking the ACT and help them prepare for this test, this will increase the likelihood many of these students will go on to further their education.”

            Hagermann said a high school dropout is usually someone who has gotten behind through absences, received disciplinary action such as suspension or has seen an increased burden such as teen pregnancy. These students have trouble readjusting to school after being away from class for a period of time and because of this time deficiency they’ve accrued, they too often give up hope of catching up in their studies.

            High school dropouts are more likely to be incarcerated, unemployed and on welfare, Hagermann said. He said the Legislature could prevent these problems by funding additional tutors, graduation coaches and health screenings to detect learning disabilities.

            “Chad made it clear that multiple approaches need to be taken because no one approach will solve the variety of factors that contribute to students dropping out,” Dorman said.  “For every student we keep in school, this is one less person who will likely be on some type of state or federal assistance.  Investment up front with these students will save tax dollars in the long run.”