Anniston Dropout Forum
On Tuesday, October 11th, 2011, several citizens from around the city of Anniston gathered for an Alabama Issues Forum (AIF) on Dropouts: What Should We Do? The forum was held at the Anniston Meeting Center and was organized by Carol Bush, Director of the Wiggins Community Center. Forum participants ranged from elementary school students to college students to senior citizens. Deliberation took place around several tables to accommodate all of the participants, and each table had an intern and/or Mathews Center staff person moderating.
The forum began with an icebreaker exercise that helped the attendees get to know one other. The exercise required each participant to introduce him or herself and tell what concerned them the most about the dropout issue. Interestingly enough, Carol stipulated that each participant’s concern had to begin with the first letter of his or her name. The exercise sparked discussion and laughter around each table, which led directly into deliberation over the three approaches.
Discussion about approach one, “Emphasize Achievement,” began around each table after participants were asked to voice their concerns and personal stories related to the approach. Though no two conversations were alike, some common themes emerged as the various tables reflected with the larger group. Most participants felt that approach one leaves out students that need the most help, and therefore does not address the dropout issue effectively. The need for career preparation was highlighted throughout the conversation. A number of the participants noted that career tech programs help identify the gifts and talents of ALL students. The attendees pointed out that the biggest challenge to implementing career tech programs lies in persuading parents that their children should have options other than four-year institutions.
The need for career tech programs segued the deliberation into approach two, “Emphasize Preventative and Corrective School Programs.” One gentleman suggested that Anniston implement a preparatory career-counseling program in the ninth grade. The need for understanding students’ home situations also constituted a common theme. One woman suggested that, “a child will not learn if their basic needs have not been met.” Other participants cited the effects of broken homes, poverty, and violence – particularly the type that stems from bullying on social media sites. Forum participants felt that one of the best ways to alleviate the pain that students experience at home and in school is through mentoring programs for at-risk students.
Mentoring programs and their benefits spurred further discussion as the group talked about existing programs in Anniston. This conversation led the group to analyze approach three, “Emphasize Community Responsibility.” Mentoring programs and credit-recovery initiatives in Anniston – such as the Success Academy – were highlighted. Forum participants felt that people in the community must commit time and money to assist existing mentoring programs. Forum attendees also encouraged community leaders and teachers to support such initiatives.
As the forum came to a close, participants continued chatting with each other while completing post-forum questionnaires. Upon exiting the meeting room, attendees wrote ideas for what they would like Anniston to do in response to the dropout situation on large sheets of paper hanging on the walls. The handwritten comments will be published as an op-ed in their local paper in the near future. I look forward to hearing what effect this forum will have on Anniston!
- Cristin Foster
