Dr. Cindy Reed Appointed to Alabama Select Commission on High School Graduation and Student Dropouts

Dr. Cindy Reed, Professor of Educational Leadership and Director of the Truman Pierce Institute in the College of Education at Auburn University, was appointed to the Select Commission on High School Graduation and Student Dropouts earlier this summer. The Commission, established by both houses of the Alabama State legislature, is charged with developing effective, specific plans for new strategies, programs, and efforts to increase on-time high school graduation rates. The work of the commission will include study of the problems and patterns of high school dropouts in Alabama and their educational and economic impact on the state and local communities. As part of this study, the commission will examine graduation and dropout rates in Alabama, research on best practices and factors related to students' success in school, social and economic consequences of dropping out of school, laws and policies that must be addressed to provide strategies and supports for students, and other important factors contributing to high school dropout rates or impact on the state from dropouts. The Commission has been charged with producing a final report, including any proposed legislation, to be presented to the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Speaker of the House of Representatives, and Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court no later than December 31, 2009.

The Select Commission on High School Graduation and Student Dropouts is composed of four members of the Alabama House of Representatives who are appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives; four members of the Alabama Senate appointed by the Lieutenant Governor; four members from the business, civic, and community leaders of Alabama appointed by the Governor; four members from the legal, philanthropic, and education leaders of Alabama appointed by the Chief Justice of the Alabama Supreme Court; and four members from the education leaders of Alabama appointed by the State Superintendent of Education. Reed was appointed by Dr. Joe Morton, State Superintendent of Education. The Commission is chaired by Senator Arthur Orr who represents District 3.

Last Updated: Feb 12, 2011