Congratulating Charter Schools for Their Ongoing Contributions to Education

Floor Speech

CONGRATULATING CHARTER SCHOOLS FOR THEIR ONGOING CONTRIBUTIONS TO EDUCATION -- (House of Representatives - May 01, 2007)

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Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate charter schools I want to recognize the Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS) operating in my Congressional District. The Youth Connection Charter School (YCCS) has a unique mission and purpose. It has been said that education is the great equalizer--it is the key to success.

The mission of YCCS is to provide individuals who have dropped out of school an opportunity--to drop back in and receive a quality education. Since its creation in 1997, YCCS has graduated more than 5,700 students who had previously dropped out of traditional high schools. Just think, what would have happened to those students if YCCS was not available to them. They likely would have become another statistic.

Clearly, the data shows that students who drop out are more likely to be unemployed. In fact, the unemployment rate nationally for high school drop-outs was 29.8 percent in 200. (Dept. of Labor). We know that students who drop out are more likely to be candidates for prisons. A total of 75 percent of America's state prison inmates are high shool drop-outs, with only 59 percent of America's federal prison inmates completing high school (Harlow, 2003). We also know that high school drop-outs are more likely to be receiving public assistance and living in poverty. These negative consequences lead to the destruction of a community and country. Students who drop out are less likely to be married or see a doctor on a regular basis. The benefits of a high school education move society forward economically and socially. A person with a high school diploma is more likely to be employed, live longer, and become a productive part of society.

The impact of YCCS and its involvement as the only charter school in Illinois providing alternative educational services focused primarily on drop-outs can be seen throughout education. In 2005, YCCS placed in the upper third for school performance in reading by CPS in comparison to all of the other 76 high schools in the city of Chlcago.

Conversely, we know that a quality education opens the doors of opportunity and provides hope for a brighter future. An investment in the education of young people who have dropped out of school saves our city and state taxpayers' money. The Alliance for Excellent Education reports that a 1 percent increase in high school gradution rates would save approximately $1.4 billion in incarceration costs yearly. Additionally, a 1-year incease in average education levels would reduce arrest rates by 11 percent.

I am pleased to honor the outstanding work of the Youth Connection Charter School.

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