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School Solutions

The Oprah Winfrey Show  |  April 12, 2006
Kevin Johnson

 

The St. Hope Public School System now expects more from its students, teachers and families. Kevin says that without these changes, neighboring communities would have felt very negative consequences. "We all know the story—your crime rate goes up, your unemployment goes up, your dropout rate goes up," he says.

Kevin says that reform is not only about economics. There is also a moral implication. "Our work is not just about high school and education," he says. "It's about transformation. Education is supposed to be the great equalizer for us all."

"We have a national crisis going on. We want to get into the psyche of America so everyone understands that there has to be a national dialogue," he says. "The Stand Up campaign stands for awareness. We want to demand that all of our high schools graduate kids who are ready for college, work, and beyond."

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