The so-called choice bus is certainly a standout. The front end is a normal yellow school bus like America’s children are used to riding in every day. But the back is a replica of a prison bus that stands as a stark warning to the next generation.
In a related report by The Inquisitr , one study found that 30 percent of college dropouts have a student loan . Even when it comes to high school the dropout rate in California is said to now be 20 percent… and that is considered an improvement!
That means millions of American teenagers are dropping out every year. Statistically, an overwhelming majority of those who fail in high school also tend to fail at life, with many serving time in prison. It’s also claimed that “dropouts are six times more likely than high school graduates to commit crimes and become incarcerated, and more than 80 percent of prison inmates are functionally illiterate.”
Startling statistics like that are why the choice bus was created in the first place. Dr. Shelley Stewart created the choice bus in order to honor his mother, who was killed by his father when he was just a child. Despite being homeless Stewart eventually succeeded with the help of teachers who taught him about business. He also created an organization called the Mattie C. Stewart Foundation, which explained why the choice bus was made:
“Instead of creating programs to keep students in school, Stewart developed experiential learning tools to help young people understand the consequences and rewards of the choices they make.”
The choice bus lets students see the consequences of their decisions might lead to in the future. The prison section of the bus is outfitted with real prison bars in order to leave a lasting impression, which the charity’s director says is all part of the plan:
“There is no better learning tool than experience itself. We designed our tools to let young people and their families experience first-hand the powerful benefits of education and the likely consequences that await high school dropouts. We know from student and teacher testimonies that we’re having a positive impact on their choice to stay in school.”
The only good news is that the high school dropout rate in the United States declined from 12 percent in 1990 to seven percent in 2011. But the choice bus remains a grim reminder of how poorly the education system has been performing.
What do you think should be done to improve the education system in the United States?