The Mainstream Online

Restructuring adult high school diplomas

Median Earning by Level of Education, 2003
Professional Degree, around $100,000 yearly income Doctorate Degree, around $80,000 yearly incomeMaster's Degree, around $60,000 yearly income Bachelor's Degree, around $50,000 yearly income Associate's Degree, around $38,000 to $40,000 yearly income Some College, No Degree, around $35,000 yearly income High School Diploma, around $30,000 yearly income Less than High School Diploma, around $20,000 yearly income
Source: Education Pays 2004, College Board

The average salary for a high school graduate is $10,000 more than a non-high school graduate, a number which in Douglas County could mean the difference between being poverty stricken or having the means to live and thrive. However, Douglas County’s adult high school program at the Woolley Center is facing restructuring that will affect students enrolled in the program.

Local high schools will no longer refer their students to the Woolley Center for its adult education program after the spring term. The program instead will focus its attention on students no longer eligible to attend a high school. “There are around 10,000 adults that reside within Douglas County who still do not have their high school diploma,” April Hamlin, adult basic skills coordinator at the Woolley Center, said.

“I am very displeased to hear that the program is being restructured; it is going to delay my graduation which could cost me money. I will most likely go to UCC to do the dual credit program that is offered. It feels like the people who are trying are being overlooked in the decision making process of the restructuring of the program,” Kayla Sandoval, a student at the Woolley Center in the adult education program, said.

Many other students at the Woolley Center agree. “The adult high school program has helped so many better themselves in so many ways.  I will have to go to either UCC for its dual credit program or find another school of the equivalence to that of the Woolley Center,” Camille Wooldridge, said.

The scheduling change is pressuring students. “I was supposed to finish this summer and start a job at a mill; I had talked to the boss and had a job lined up, but now due to the restructuring of the program, I will have to finish my schooling this summer which will leave me no time for a summer job,” said LZ, a student at the Woolley Center enrolled in the adult high school diploma program.

By no longer referring their students to the Woolley Center, Roseburg High will retain the funding they get from the state for those students. Roseburg High instead will refer their students who are seeking an alternative education to Phoenix School, Roseburg High’s alternative school. “There are talks of instituting more alternative education programs such as Step Up for individuals going to Roseburg High School,” Alie Mageehon, dean of academic support, said.

Roseburg High’s focus on recapturing its student body will create more paperwork. “The credits that the students have earned towards their high school diploma while here at the Woolley Center, will transfer to their respective high school,” April Hamlin, said.