By Matt Sepic, KWMU
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kwmu/local-kwmu-696237.mp3
St. Louis – In the United States, only 70 percent of high school students are earning diplomas. Among minorities and the poor, that figure is even lower.
Bob Wise says young Americans can do better. While governor of West Virginia, he got legislation passed that gives college scholarships to students who get a B average or better and do well on college entrance exams.
These days he heads a Washington-based advocacy group, the Alliance for Excellent Education.
Wise spoke about high school reform as part of Webster University's Holden Public Policy Forum.
Wise told KWMU's Matt Sepic education at all levels is important, but the upper grades have been neglected.