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Is The High School Obsolete?

Governor PawlentyGov. Pawlenty says YES
"American high schools are obsolete in their current form."
Bill GatesBill Gates says YES
"A great failure is taking place in our high schools."

AN EXPLORATION OF HOW OUR HIGH SCHOOLS ARE DOING,
AND HOW THEY CAN IMPROVE.
By Minnesota Public Radio
April 2007

Leaders ranging from the richest man in the world to Minnesota's governor say the same thing -- the American high school needs a complete overhaul. The U.S. lags behind key competitors in math and science scores and graduation rates. Minnesota Public Radio explores how well our high schools are doing, and how they can improve.

Feature Stories


Go to story
Document The answer is not that simple
By Laura McCallum
Minnesota's high schools are the gateways to college or the workforce for teenagers. Whether they're doing their jobs depends in large part on the individual students.

Document A closer look at Gates' and Pawlenty's solutions

Document Graduation rate goes from 90 percent to 73 percent. Why?

Document Pawlenty's motivation is part politics, part personal
By Tim Pugmire
Why is Gov. Pawlenty focusing so much attention on high school reform?

Document Governors joining forces on education reform

Document From high school to higher education
By Art Hughes
Educators say high schools are not preparing students well for the transition to college.

Document High school to college, by the numbers

Document Role of guidance counselors forgotten in reform debate

Document A need for more math and science
By Lorna Benson
The state's high-technology companies want more focus on math and science.

Document Two Boston Scientific employees share their experiences
Document A visit to Minneapolis North
By Brandt Williams
A Minneapolis City Council member suggested North High be "burned down" because of poor student performance. A visit to the school tells a different story.

Forum Event
The future of the American high school
A Public Insight Forum

Held on April 27, 2007
The UBS Forum at Minnesota Public Radio
Listen to the program

WHAT HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENTS SAY ABOUT THEIR SCHOOLS

View slideshowWe asked students from three metro area high schools what they think of the education they're receiving.

Flash Video View slideshow

WHAT MINNESOTANS ARE SAYING

"Kids should eat broccoli, do pushups, and work hard to develop self-discipline."

Document Read others' perspectives on high school

WHAT DO YOU SAY?

Share your opinions Share your opinions

RESOURCES

Document Minnesota Department of Education
Document Learn More Minnesota
Document Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation
Document NPR interview with Melinda Gates
Document National Governors Association: Education reform

CREDITS

Reporters: Laura McCallum, Tim Pugmire, Art Hughes, Lorna Benson, Brandt Williams
Editors: Mike Edgerly, Bill Wareham
Online Editor: Melanie Sommer
Web design: Marcus Ekblom, Bob Collins
Researcher: Betsy Cole

 

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