3/5/2009 8:30:00 AMClosing the Achievement Gap Program
For Immediate Release: For More Information Contact:
March 5, 2009 Angela Buford: 216-858-6994
Charisse Ausbrook: 216-574-8143
State Representative Sandra Williams to Visit CMSD for Symposium on Governor’s Closing the Achievement Gap Program
Cleveland, Ohio- East High School will host a symposium attended by President of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus and State Representative Sandra Williams. The essence of the symposium is to share, discuss and celebrate the successes of Governor Ted Strickland’s Closing the Achievement Gap program. The symposium will discuss the high schools represented in State House District 11: East High School, Martin Luther King High School and Ginn Academy.
Over the last two years, the Closing the Achievement Gap program has made great strides by increasing the gradation rate from 70% to 91%. “This has proven to be a very successful program, especially for young black males”, said CJ Prentiss, Special Advisor to the Governor for Closing the Achievement Gap. “Mentoring and encouraging young men to stay in school brings them to the realization that they can be anything they desire with ample preparation.”
Ginn Academy saw a 100% passage rate of ninth graders to the 10th grade at the end of the 2008-2009 school year. Other Cleveland high schools that participate in the Closing the Achievement Gap program saw a significant increase in promotion rates as well.
“My goal as a legislator is to ensure the success of all the children in the State of Ohio. This program has a proven success rate, and I will be advocating to the Governor to take whatever avenues necessary in the state’s operation budget to ensure its continued success”, commented State Representative Sandra Williams. “I look forward to working with the teachers, principals and students to assist wherever I can to ensure the continued success of the Governor’s Initiative for Closing the Achievement Gap.”
WHAT: Closing the Achievement Gap Symposium
WHEN: Monday, March 9, 2009
11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
WHERE: East High Campus
1349 East 79th Street
Cleveland, Ohio 44103