On Wednesday, May 23, University of Washington’s Mia Tuan, dean of the College of Education, visited Chehalis’ W.F. West High School to observe teachers and students and to be briefed on the Student Achievement Initiative.
“I really enjoyed learning more about the important collaboration between the Chehalis schools, Centralia College and the Chehalis Foundation. Your deep sense of buy-in was inspiring. It’s clear the collaboration is working! We also enjoyed touring the STEM and Vocational buildings,” Tuan said in a statement. “And meeting your impressive students and teachers. It is becoming widely known in education circles that something very special and valuable to students is happening in Chehalis.”
The national average of high school graduates going on to earn degrees or certificates beyond 12 grade is about 30 percent.
“We see that two thirds of new family wage jobs today require more than a high school diploma. So there’s a big gap.” said Chehalis Superintendent Ed Rothlin. “Because of that, we know that we have to focus on preparing our students for being successful earning either a technical degree or a college degree beyond high school. We are very grateful for the support and advice we receive from Dr. Tuan and her team at the University of Washington.”
The objective of the Student Achievement Initiative is to raise the quality of education and support for Chehalis students so that 60 percent of W.F. West graduates by the class of 2022 go on to earn a degree or certificate after high school.
Centralia College is engaged in the Student Achievement Initiative.
“The funding from the Chehalis Foundation supports extra efforts to enhance student success at our College. And our goal is to apply the successful elements of this effort to assist all of our students. The specific focus is to increase the numbers who complete our programs whether it be those who earn a technical career degree or earn an AA degree or go on to earn a four-year college degree,” said Bob Mohrbacher, Centralia College President.
