
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SUNDAY, September 5, 1993                   TAG: 9309030084
SECTION: CURRENT                    PAGE: NRV-3   EDITION: NEW RIVER VALLEY 
SOURCE: RICK LINDQUIST STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: RADFORD                                LENGTH: Short

SCHOOLS' SUCCESS IS IN PERSISTENCE

Emblazoned on a plaque above the School Board's meeting table is the motto: "Every student can succeed. We don't give up on you."

To School Superintendent Michael Wright, the motto is a way of life.

Some kids don't succeed, despite teachers' best efforts.

"To restate a cliche, in the race for quality there is no finish line," Wright said when asked if he was satisfied with the city's Literacy Passport scores, which led the state.

"We're concerned about every student who does not meet expectations."

Radford has remedial specialists to help pupils in danger of failing or dropping out, including a new cooperative alternative education program with New River Community College for high school students.

But part of the burden for success rests on the student, Wright said.

"We're not successful with every student, because each student has to assume a degree of responsibility for his or her own success."

by CNB