Class of 2008
Thousands of students will graduate this year from schools in Washington State. As testing and graduation rates make the headlines, we pause to hear from some of the children behind the education numbers.
Meet Rashard Brown, a graduate of the Renton School District; eighth–grader Chimuanya Okoro; sixth–grader Ossmar Zapata; and third–grader Marcelas Owens. They share their stories of overcoming loss, getting in trouble, cutting through the crowd, and looking ahead to the future as they graduate from schools in the Seattle area.
We also get an update on the first Washington State high school class that must pass the WASL to graduate: the Class of 2008. Reported by Phyllis Fletcher.
Most High School Seniors Pass WASL
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
91 percent of high school seniors in Washington State have passed the required sections of the Washington Assessment of Student Learning, or WASL. The high school class of 2008 is the first that must pass the WASL in reading and writing in order to graduate. KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher has more.
Big Kid, Small Chair: Ossmar Zapata
Class of 2008, Part 1: In His Parents Shoes
Wednesday, June 04, 2008
Some students coast through school with no problems. Others need to learn English. Sometimes they move from town to town. And some kids get in big trouble before they figure out what to do. That's Ossmar Zapata. And this month he graduates from Beverly Park Elementary School near Seattle. KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher has part one in our series on the Class of 2008.
The Devil's Advocate of Washington Middle School: Chimuanya Okoro
Class of 2008 Part 2: The Devil's Advocate
Thursday, June 05, 2008
In middle school, sometimes it's best to blend in with the crowd. But C.C. Okoro doesn't see it that way. She's the youngest of seven. This month she graduates from Washington Middle School. KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher has part two in our series, The Class of 2008.
Rashard at Work: Rashard Brown
Class Of 2008, Part 3: Time To Get A Job
Friday, June 06, 2008
Everyone in Rashard Brown's life wants him to get a job, now. He's about to wrap up a transition program in the Renton School District. The district provides support for Rashard and other disabled students to learn job skills–until the end of the school year. KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher has the final report in our series on the Class of 2008.
Marcelas Owens and family. Photo by Phyllis Fletcher.
First Place School
Friday, June 13, 2008
Many urban school districts have programs for kids who are homeless. But that's not enough, say the people behind Seattle's "First Place" school. It's a private elementary school for kids and their families coming out of homelessness. KUOW's Phyllis Fletcher has this profile.
