TORONTO, Jan. 23 /CNW/ - As Minister of Education, I know that many of you have had a hard time since you started high school, often for reasons beyond your control. High school isn't easy at the best of times, and the last
few years have been particularly tough in our schools. The new curriculum and the effects of the double cohort are just two of the possible reasons.
Many of the students I've talked to have told me they're worried about
the right level of study to choose, how to get better marks and what they will
do after high school. Some of you have said you're even thinking about
dropping out and believe that no one will care.
If you're one of these students, I'm asking you to hang in there. Don't
give up. It's very important to me that you get your high school diploma.
You need to know you are not the only high school student who's
struggling. Today we released a new report that outlines the problems many
students are facing. It says:

- More students might not graduate from high school due to the recent
changes.
- A major problem is that 25 per cent of students either don't or can't
make up the credits they didn't get in Grades 9 and 10; and,
- Some schools don't offer courses that help you prepare for the
workplace or college.

Dropping out isn't a solution. There are better options for you instead.
Schools, school boards, principals and teachers are already working on ways to
help and more are coming.
The new literacy course in Grade 12 gives you a chance to show you have
the literacy skills needed to get a diploma, instead of re-writing the test
again. And there are now people at every school board across the province
whose job is to help you succeed and stay in school. A "student success"
program (run by a "Student At-Risk Leader") is being developed at your school
board to help you. Talk to your principal or call your school board office to
find how to reach the right person in your board. (If you have trouble finding
out, call one of our regional offices at the numbers below.)
Our government is committed to doing whatever it can to help you be able
to stay in school. But we need your feedback too. Why do you think some kids
drop out and others stay in school? What more could be done to help you
succeed in school? Let me know what you think and what you need. You can reach
me at .
You deserve to have a bright future, and these days that means you need a
good education. Our government isn't giving up on you or Ontario's public
school system - so don't give up on yourself. Please stay in school.

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