Tulsa Public Schools Adjusts Admission To 'College High School' After Student Speaks Up

Ashli Sims, News On 6

TULSA, Oklahoma -- Tulsa's Will Rogers High School is getting a new mission, a new principal, and a brand-new student body. Many are excited about the changes, but some feel left out.

5/12/2011 Related Story: Tulsa Student Frustrated Over 'College High School' Selection Process

"Some of us honestly do deserve it. Some of us go to class, stay in class, do our work. But they were gonna make us all leave," Christian Janke said.

Christian Janke is a currently a 9th grader at Rogers High School. He didn't think it was fair that one test score determined his future. So when district officials came to Rogers last week he spoke up.

"I honestly didn't think they'd respond to it. I thought they'd blow it off and try and ignore it," Janke said.

But district leaders didn't ignore him. They're taking a second look.

Associate Superintendent Kevin Burr told News On 6 the district is sticking with its requirement for the new college high, which is a score of 17 on the EXPLORE exam.  He says the exam shows who will be ready to take college level courses by junior year.

But Burr also says the district is now giving Rogers students some extra consideration.  He says current students who scored well on the EXPLORE exam in 8th grade could be invited to apply to the new Rogers.

"It honestly surprised me a lot," Janke said.

Now Christian is a bit of a hero to his classmates.

"After the lady showed up and they got all the applications, they was thanking me. Telling me how much they appreciated it," he said.

"He made a difference not only in his own life but in the lives of several other children who were qualified but were overlooked because of one test score," Jessica Young, Christian's mom, said.

Tulsa Public Schools couldn't confirm how many Rogers students were invited, but it was definitely more than last week. This is a consideration that's only being given to Rogers students since their school is being closed.