Does a New School Promise Improved Student Achievement?
There's no doubt that a new school will solve the middle-school facility problems, but suggestions by Superintendent Jordan, that the students' performance will be improved academically is probably an exaggeration, although it's based on unidentified "research".
One of the things that the school institution does best is create excuses for why students don't meet standards. First and foremost; blame it on the family. 'Research shows that there is a link between family background and student achievement..."
Don't forget to blame the effects of poverty. Everything is measured in relation to the number of students who qualify for "free or reduced lunch."
How about this excuse..."But we test ALL of our students". I'm sure you know what the implication is with this excuse.
"Five year olds are not coming to school "prepared to learn""Guess what? In a few years, " Four year olds will just not be coming to school "ready to learn"" either!
Has anyone done a study that shows the link between uninspiring leadership and student achievement?
There's no end to the excuses, or the solutions.
One ray of hope is Dexter Middle School Principal, Juliana Richard, who seems to be a rational, clear, effective communicator with the competence to lead, as evidenced by her letter to parents regarding the new school project.
Too bad she's not the Superintendent!
One of the things that the school institution does best is create excuses for why students don't meet standards. First and foremost; blame it on the family. 'Research shows that there is a link between family background and student achievement..."
Don't forget to blame the effects of poverty. Everything is measured in relation to the number of students who qualify for "free or reduced lunch."
How about this excuse..."But we test ALL of our students". I'm sure you know what the implication is with this excuse.
"Five year olds are not coming to school "prepared to learn""Guess what? In a few years, " Four year olds will just not be coming to school "ready to learn"" either!
Has anyone done a study that shows the link between uninspiring leadership and student achievement?
There's no end to the excuses, or the solutions.
One ray of hope is Dexter Middle School Principal, Juliana Richard, who seems to be a rational, clear, effective communicator with the competence to lead, as evidenced by her letter to parents regarding the new school project.
Too bad she's not the Superintendent!
posted by Art | 3/30/2007 07:37:00 AM
5 Comments:
I'm sure Mr. Jordan doesn't really care what you think about his leadership ability. Your bitterness seems to have no end. Lets be clear about a couple of things if you want to question leadership. In two/three short years, Mr. Jordan has ended a pro-longed contract dispute with the teachers and brought a new school to SAD#46. Two things you & Art were unable or unwilling to do while you were in a leadership position. While you have spent your time complaining, Mr. Jordan and Mr. Parola has spent their time doing. Show some class and offer congratulations. They faught clean & fair, and they succeeded where you failed.
Congrats, anonymous, on a fairly clean, though anonymous, faught! You can come out from under your bag now..
It must be nice to be so perfect.
The previous superintendents must bear some of the blame, responsibility and accountability for the lack of bringing a new school to the district, as well as former board members. With my experience from being on the school board, the new school issue/idea was pushed for a couple of months, with committees and subcommittees started and not much happened after that. I also believe that it was the superintendents responsibility to arrange these meetings. It is my opinion that without Art's leadership and guidance of the negotiations committee, the disputes would be numerous and much more costly to the district. I always have and always will acknowledge and appreciate the work and dedication that both Art and Mel gave to our district. Much more time and energy than most board members (me included). How many of the current board members take off time from work to attend meetings and seminars to help the district? Not to mention the time spent away from their families. It's time for the "anonymous" board members who comment on this blog to come clean and be brave enough to share their opinions as well as their real names with the public. Are you afraid of your opinions and what you stand for as a man/woman? Stop hiding and signing with "anonymous" user names. I proudly sign my name to this comment. Laurel Robinson, Parent of 3 children educated at SAD 46, resident of SAD 46, & former board member of SAD 46.
Thanks to Laurel for her recent comment. Her courage in signing her name is admirable.
But may I add this? More important than time spent on task is the importance of the issues facing all the communities. While the need for a new middle school was never in question, the need to consolidate was always a point of contention.
Now when the governor recently proposed consolidation and elimination of superintendents, what a hue and cry! Yet, when effective local schools are shut down, there's nary a "peep". Except from those brave anonymous folks who shout "You're anti education!" or "You're anti kid!"
So I ask you: Who holds the power here? It's not the taxpayers or the parents!
Large consolidated schools are not safer, and they have never enhanced scores or educational opportunities. (Don't put all your eggs in one basket!)
Rather, they create and protect bureaucracies. For example: the large amount of non-classroom space in the new facility begs for an explanation. Anybody got one? It sure ruffles my feathers!
When your superintendent's job is on the line, all hell breaks loose.
When your local school is closed, well, now we're all one big happy family -- except for those whiners!
Excuse me if don't sign my real name -- my kids still have quite a ways to go in the system -- but I will always sign my comments: Mad as a Wet Hen!
Post a Comment
<< Home