Focus on success, strict policies help Spokane, Washington’s Rogers High transform

In 2009-’10, there were 1,458 short-term suspensions at Rogers. In contrast, North Central High School, with the second-highest number of suspensions in the school district, had 306.

Before, overwhelmed administrators said they may have looked the other way.

The shift began about three years ago when district leaders and school administrators took steps to shift the culture at the high school located in the state’s poorest ZIP code. Administrators were added to handle discipline and attendance. Another resource officer was hired. A zero-tolerance policy for misbehavior was implemented, and the high school has become an environment where the goal is not just to graduate, but to go to college.

Data show the efforts are working. Attendance is up, Advanced Placement enrollment is up, college entrance exam testing is up, and police calls to the school are down.

The school’s renovation, completed in 2008-’09, made a difference. The students take pride in the school, technological resources are up-to-date, and it’s cleaner and brighter, Rogers officials said.

Jody Lawrence-Turner The Spokesman-Review

Full Story: http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2011/jan/30/strict-policies-focus-on-success-help-rogers-high/