A groundbreaking school alliance
It is an idea that makes so much sense that it doesn't seem possible that it could be groundbreaking.
The wonder is that it is news at all.
The wonder is that it hasn't been done before.
Harper College in Palatine and the three school districts containing the public high schools that funnel students into it are proposing a strategic partnership to smooth the transition from high school to college.
The Northwest Educational Council for Student Success would be a consortium that includes Harper, Palatine-Schaumburg High School District 211, Northwest Suburban High School District 214 and Barrington Unit District 220.
The notion makes inordinate sense. It is commonplace for high schools and elementary schools to work together to coordinate a student's growth from eighth grade to freshman year. Why, then, shouldn't similar working relationships exist between high schools and community colleges?
The tax-supported high school has a stake in that relationship. The tax-supported community college has a stake in it.
But most importantly, the student has a stake in it. And in a global economy of increasing competition, the country does too.
Make no mistake about it. This partnership is not just about the traditional articulation that takes place between elementary and high schools. Its motivations and ambitions are higher than that.
The council's vision would be to “develop programs, share talent and data, and leverage joint resources to ensure that every high school and college graduate will have the opportunity to be prepared for 21st-century careers and postsecondary readiness (and) success.
Harper College, under the vision of President Kenneth Ender, has been espousing an interconnected approach to education for the better part of a year. With this partnership, it indeed is putting its money where its mouth is. The college will seed the partnership with $250,000 to be spent by the council on innovative projects that support and improve student success.
How close is the working relationship in this consortium apt to be?
In a meeting on the topic with the Daily Herald editorial board, Ender and superintendents Tom Leonard of District 220, Nancy Robb of District 211 and David Schuler of District 214 were downright bubbly with enthusiasm and excitement.
That bodes well for the relationships now being built.
But particularly given the credentials of the four educators in the room, it also underscores the tremendous promise this initiative holds.
The four truly are on a groundbreaking path that could reduce the need for remediation and improve the chances for widespread success.