Saving students

Regular reports on the performance of public schools around the nation and across Missouri continue to report dropout rates that are far too high. In the Cape Girardeau School District, the focus of a special committee is on the success of students, and the group is developing recommendations that are expected to have a positive impact down the road.

The committee charged with finding ways to help at-risk students is one of several special committees formed to deal with different areas of how public education is delivered. The committee's early recommendations indicate that student needs are receiving a high priority.

Among the ideas so far are expansion of the district's alternative school for students who need more attention that a regular classroom offers. A voluntary prekindergarten program is another idea.

Already the alternative school helps students complete their studies in order to get their high school diplomas. The committee suggests more students in grades as low as fifth- and sixth-graders should be included, perhaps heading off more serious problems as they move into high school.

Recognizing the need for a concentrated effort to reach students who are headed for failure in the education system has been a big step for the district. Its programs have proven that these students can become success stories.

Any additional effort to help students become winners deserves widespread support.