You probably have heard about the Graduation Coaches in Georgia's high and middle schools who are hard at work keeping kids focused on a diploma.  The  state program began in 2006 and reports are it is making a difference in keeping students, students.  But have you heard about the Community Coaches?

Gov. Perdue challenged the business community to become more involved in education.  As a result of that charge, the concept of the "Community Coach" was developed.  Kerry Campbell, immediate past-chair of Communities in Schools Georgia and former Manager of Community Development at Georgia Power, initiated the  program that is matching business volunteers from around the state with the Graduation Coaches in local schools.  The Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education was part of the Advisory Board that developed the program.

What exactly is their role?  The Community Coach will be available to help Graduation Coaches in whatever way possible based on the particular needs of that particular school.  For example, they will help enlist community support, recruit other volunteers, share ideas, offer student mentoring and provide business world expertise.  The program's goal is simple:  Improve the high school graduation rate! 

Click here for more information about the program.

Interested in getting involved?  Contact Tom Roman (404-724-2423/800-838-5784) at Communities In Schools Georgia.

Analysis:  NAEP - The Nation's Report Card: What's Georgia's Story

Status Report:  Georgia's Education and Workforce Development Initiatives

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What are Other States Doing

Kentucky -  The state is considering an effort to expand its early childhood education efforts.  Would it be cost effective?  This analysis answers that. (December 2009)

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