Canby Ranked in Top 10% of Minnesota's High Schools
Joe Nathan, PhD and Director
Center for School Change
Humphrey Institute and University of Minnesota
Congratulations to Canby high school - faculty, students and families.
That's one of my conclusions from a study recently completed by our Center at
the University of Minnesota. Canby high school ranks in the top 10% of all
Minnesota public high schools when it comes to preparing students for public
colleges and universities. In this key area, Canby has a better record that
any metro area high school - urban or suburban.
Here's what we found. A study by the University of Minnesota and the Minnesota
State University and College System looked at what percentage of Minnesota
public high school graduates entered a Minnesota public college or university
in the years 2000-2003. The research also looked at what percentage of the
graduates entering a Minnesota public college or university took one or more
remedial courses in reading, math or writing.
Statewide, 49% of Minnesota public high school students entered one of
Minnesota's public colleges or universities. And 36% of those students took
one or more remedial courses - that's thousands of students.
Canby's record was FAR better. First, 62.5% of your 2000-2003 graduates
entered a Minnesota public college or university. But of those graduates, only
15% took a remedial course - less than half the statewide average.
When a Center for School Change staff member visited Canby this year, we heard
widespread praise for the high expectations in the school, for the
encouraging, supportive faculty, and for many families and community members
who worked
closely with the school and students. We'll be writing more about this in
Journal of Rural Affairs, which comes out in November.
Part of our report notes:
Students often find themselves in leadership positions, which the staff feels
builds character and reinforces many core values. These leadership roles do
come with certain responsibilities, however, and the students are aware that
the staff and community have high expectations for them. "The kids here have
goals. They know we don't just want them to show up, we
want them to do something," says Gary Stokes, a business owner and parent of a
former student."
As people think about Canby, what has and what is being accomplished, I hope
that you give yourselves credit for doing a marvelous job with many young
people.
Sincerely
Joe Nathan, Director
Center for School Change
Humphrey Institute
University of Minnesota
