Open Meadow graduate and now board member, Josh Monda wrote a guest column on OregonLive on August 19. Josh was responding to a recent article that was highly critical of Portland’s alternative school network. Click here, or keep reading below.

Alternative schools: Success outside the cookie cutter

Published: Thursday, August 19, 2010, 6:29 PM

Guest Columnist

By Josh Monda

In its July 25 story, “Dropouts in Portland Public Schools,” The Oregonian displays a remarkable disconnect with secondary education in the 21st Century. I strongly agree with the premise that programs need accountability and high standards, but I seriously question the newspaper’s understanding of the task at hand when reporter Betsy Hammond criticizes the ability of alternative schools to “get the job done”.

As a 1999 graduate of Open Meadow High School, a North Portland alternative school, I know that holding up high school graduation as an end completely misses the point. At a time when the unemployment rate for youth ages 16-24 is at an all-time historical high—nationally and globally—success in the 21st Century economy clearly requires advanced training and skills far beyond the diploma. A diploma does not get a real job.

As a student at Open Meadow, I took college classes and eventually earned my way into Oregon State University. But, at Open Meadow I learned something far more important than what it takes to graduate high school and go to college: I learned what it takes to succeed in life. I learned that hard work pays off and doesn’t go unnoticed. I learned that I am capable and responsible for my own achievement. I learned that goals matter.