Why Atwater High School has the Highest Graduation Rate in the State: A Students Perspective by Eduardo Vera-Garcia,

Jessica Hou, and Megan Wood The United States is one of the nations that spends the most on education, but spending does not necessarily correlate with high academic performance. American students were far outperformed by students in countries such as Finland, a country that tops the list of the best educational systems in the world. What is it that makes countries such as Finland so successful? With a national high school graduation rate of 93%, this country attributes its success to the respect teachers are given in its society, to the importance students themselves place on education, and to teachers Whatever it takes attitude. Atwater High School, which is known for having the best FFA program in the state of California, also has the highest graduation rate in the state. A 97% graduation rate in 2013 cannot be solely attributed to the same combination of factors that give Finland the success it has had in the area of education. Sadly, American culture does not give teachers the high status in society equivalent to that of doctors or lawyers, and teenagers often complain about going to school. Atwater High School is not immune to these aspects of American culture, but it sure knows how to overcome them. The secret to Atwater High Schools success lies, much as with Finland, in its teachers. There is a strong sense of community and high school pride in the air. I always appreciate the respect I receive from students, says long time substitute teacher, Laurie Motz. Visitors to Atwater High School are often impressed by the general enthusiasm shown by both the staff and students. Teacher involvement is high and teachers are willing to go above and beyond in order to improve academic performance. Last year, the school principal, Alan Peterson, cut and dyed his hair blue when students surpassed expectations on standardized testing. It is not difficult to imagine why Atwater High School has such a strong sense of community and teacher involvement when you look at the fact that forty-five percent of the faculty are alumni of AHS. Since Atwater is not the most affluent in the state, teachers have to work extra hard to instill the hope in students required to succeed in the future. Im there to guide them, to coach them through challenges, to give them the skills they need to be successful while I find myself to be their biggest fan at the same time, English teacher Heather Dougherty says. AHS students can relate to this perspective. The schools teachers fill many roles, they are mentors, coaches, friends, and as Heather Dougherty says, students biggest fans. The high teacher involvement in the diverse student activities makes sure that there is something available for the large pool of students on campus. Knowing that there is a positive relationship between

the number of activities students participate in and a higher GPA, teachers are glad to donate their time to help improve kids lives despite having other obligations. It is common at Atwater High for teachers to stay on campus three to four hours after school ends, not to mention, many double as a coach in after school sports. The dedication of the staff isnt easily overlooked. Everybody is friendly; there is this bond with the teachers. They care about the students even if others think they do not, says Junior Rosemary Ayon. As a student who has now realized the importance of education, she recognizes the positive influence her teachers have had on her. However, there is not always this change in students attitudes towards becoming higher achieving students. The socioeconomic area in which the school is located plays a` big role in students views towards education. It is this group of students which Atwater High School's principal is trying to move up. Atwater high school is a home to several Advanced Placement programs, as well as many AP students. These high end students definitely appreciate the extra work the AP teachers put into the curriculum as well as the out of the classroom sessions put in in order to better prepare their students for the AP exam at the end of the year. Mr. Kalcevich in particular put together several after school and weekend sessions to review for the AP U.S. History exam. Many other AP teachers follow this role as well, making sure their students are as prepared and familiar with the test format as possible. Chelsea Hoyle, a very high achieving student of the school proclaims, I feel like a lot of the teachers here are willing to make the effort if the student is as well. All of my Advanced Placement teachers have helped me become successful not only because they show an interest in my studies but because they show an interest in my life as well. Atwater High School's 97% graduation rate is noteworthy and an enormous milestone for the school when compared to the United States national average of 75%. Teachers at Atwater High are trying to break through the socioeconomic factor that prevents students from reaching their full potential. There are statistics, such as the high graduation rate that reflect their success and others that demonstrate a need for improvement. Many times, it can be frustrating for statistics not to reflect the hard work the staff puts in, but overcoming the socioeconomic factors is a slow process. Regardless, this goal can be achieved with the hard work of the staff and students. With this involvement and dedication, Atwater High School is becoming the stepping stone for students to set and achieve higher educational goals for generations to come.