Graduating Every Child
Graduating Every Child

Only 60% of Paterson Students Graduate from High School.


In a state that graduates more than 90% of its students, it’s not ok!

It’s not ok because it keeps our children from productive, fulfilling lives. Without a high school diploma our children’s choices narrow. Where they live, how they work and how healthy they are, are all reduced.

It’s not ok because it costs us tax money for the rest of their lives. Children who do not graduate are more likely to go to jail, need welfare and require charity care medical services. And they are not contributing to our Social Security system.

We know how to improve education, keep children in school and support them to graduation. The question is: will we do it?

We have good news: Paterson graduation rates which were 50% in 2003 are on the rise. How do we keep the graduation rate increasing?

What can you do to help every Paterson child graduate?

  1. Know what the graduation rate is and tell others about it. When PEF showed the graduation data in 2004, educators disputed the data. Now they know the data and are actively working to improve. Why? Because you joined us in putting a spotlight on the issue. Join us at the annual "Graduating Every Paterson Child" conference to learn more about how Paterson is doing.
  2. Help every child find a navigator to help them create a life plan. Support the Navigation 101 program in our elementary/middle schools and the First Things First advisory program in the high schools. You can volunteer to talk to children about your job or be a community liaison with a Navigation 101 lead teacher.
  3. Schedule a College Track workshop for parents and/or students in your school, faith-based organization or community group. Most Paterson parents didn’t attend college and need to know how to work with their children. Provide the opportunity to learn more.
  4. Encourage reading. Children who read, succeed. Have children you know participate in the Paterson 50 Book Club. Read Get Your Ticket to Your Future, our guide to college produced by Paterson students about Paterson famlies.
  5. Participate in organized groups at your school, house of worship or local neighborhood. Or organize a new group. No single person can make the changes our children need. Work together.
  6. Vote and encourage others to vote.
  7. Take action. Don’t just grumble. Legislators, school board members and newspapers can’t hear you unless you write, email or phone. So few people do that your voice is very loud. Latest issue.




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