In Indiana School District, Dropouts Have Tech Alternative to Regular Classroom
From: The National Center for Media Engagement
Series: PBS Newshour
Length: 08:56
In Shelbyville, Ind., Melissa Lakes and the Student Achievement Center provide at-risk students with technology-enhanced hands-on learning. But it wasn't always like that. Part of the American Graduate project, Learning Matters' John Tulenko profiles one school district that wholly responded to its "dropout nation" epithet.
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Broadcast History
April 25, 2012
Transcript
GWEN IFILL: Our latest story about the dropout crisis and efforts to keep students in school comes from the Midwest.
Special correspondent John Tulenko of Learning Matters Television profiles one school district that altered its whole approach toward at-risk students.
It's part of our ongoing American Graduate project.
JOHN TULENKO: In Shelbyville, Ind., 17-year-old Kayla Owsley lives a very grownup life, caring for her 2-year-old daughter, Bailey.
KAYLA OWSLEY, student: At the end of seventh grade, that's when I found out that I was pregnant. And it was hard to think that I could even be a mom, but I am, and I'm a good one.
(LAUGHTER)
JOHN TULENKO: She stayed in school, and in 10th grade, began working to support her daughter, but it all became too much.
KAYLA OWSLEY: I was exhausted. I could barely wake up in the mornings. Like, it was hard -- I was just like starting to drag my...
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