The best high school in Wisconsin? According to the U.S. News and World Report rankings, released several days ago, it is the Carmen High School of Science and Technology campus on Milwaukee’s south side. Which is a charter school. One of the most disheartening and alarming developments on Milwaukee’s school scene this academic year? The closings of three Universal Academy for the College Bound schools, right in the middle of the school year and in fashions that raise a lot of questions. And they were charter schools. Milwaukee Public Schools held a celebration at Reagan High School Wednesday morning for the district's positive showing in a list of the nation's best high schools, as determined by U.S. News & World Report. In listings released last month, the magazine ranked almost 20,000 high schools around the country based on how well the schools prepare students to tackle college-level work.
By Alan J. Borsuk Published on: 12/27/2008 High expectations. High performance. It's been that way throughout Patricia Hoben's life. A doctorate in biophysics and biochemistry from Yale. Influential work as a science adviser in Washington. And now: founder and head of a small high school on the south side, where low-income students are being pushed to commit themselves to two things: High expectations. High performance. In its second year, many of the 140 students of Carmen High School of Science & Technology show signs they are making those commitments. And Hoben shows the traits that make schools like this succeed: Unrelenting dedication, clear vision, an ability to bring people together, and a positive outlook. |