A
Mr. Omorogbe was originally set to graduate in 2014. But after a fight with his dad, he was “tossed out” on the street. Eventually, his grandmother took him in for a while, but with her working during the day, Omorogbe needed to care for his seriously ill grandfather. School eventually became too much, so he dropped out.
For many students across the country, circumstances like Omorogbe’s can derail (使偏离轨道) them the high～school～to～college track. In his case, Boston Public School’s Re～Engagement Center was able to connect him with EDCO Youth Alternative, a school that provides extra support to nontraditional and struggling students. He started in September 2016 and will have his diploma in hand by May.
“I have my counselor (指导教师) who calls me every day. If I miss school for two or three days, she’ll call me, and ask, ‘Are you OK?’ ” says Omorogbe. “During the vacations, she’ll call me; for my birthday, she’ll bake me a cake.”
Ten years ago, Boston high school students like Omorogbe were far less likely to get their diploma. In 2007, the city’s graduation rate was 59 percent. This year, in 2017, the number of Boston students who graduated in four years hit a record high of 72.4 percent. Statewide, the graduation rate inched up to a record 87.5 percent from 87.3 percent last year, according to state figures.
“You’re seeing gradual progress,” says Paul Reville, a professor at Harvard’s Graduate School of Education and former Secretary of education for Massachusetts. “We’re dealing with one of the most important problems that we have in education these days, which is people dropping out without a high school education and having no place to go in our economy.”
Education experts say Boston’s record graduation rate was particularly encouraging because of the gains by the city’s African～American and Latino students in the last decade – 13.6 and 16.5 percentage points respectively.
But with roughly 5,500 kids across the state still dropping out of high school every year, professor Reville and others admit that Massachusetts, widely recognized as having the nation’s leading education system, still has a long way to go.
21.Why did Omorogbe drop out of school?
A. He had a poor family. B. He had no interest in his studies.
C. He was seriously injured in a fight. D. He had to take on the role of a carer.
22.What does Omorogbe think of his counselor?
A. She’s strict. B. She’s kind～hearted.
C. She’s open～minded. D. She’s knowledgeable.
23.Which of the following is TRUE about Boston’s high school graduation rate?
A. It reached a record 87.5 percent this year.
B. There has been a rise of over 10 percent in 10 years.
C. This year’s figures show a sharp increase over last year’s.
D. Less than half of the students could graduate 10 years ago.
24.What’s the best title for the text?
A. The success story of Mr. Omorogbe
B. Boston students are regaining their confidence
C. The important role high school education plays
D. Reforms have given fresh hope to struggling students
