What does it take to improve our schools? On one front page story of the Post and Courier, we're told Dr. McGinley is proprosing a plan for "a typical classroom to have: a Smartboard, a ceiling-mounted projector; two student computers; a teacher laptop, a laser printer; and a document camera, which projects any image or object on a display screen." Are we suppose to be impressed? Who decides she's the expert on what it takes to improve our schools?
On another front page story, we're admitting our libraries don't have enough books for our students and "the quality of books is a serious problem." Considering the fact we are giving diplomas to students who can only read at minimal levels, I say let's go with the books.
Monday, June 30, 2008
Thursday, June 19, 2008
School Choices
According to the Post and Courier, CCSD is trying to pretend they're getting a jump on SC Superintendent Jim Rex's school choice plan. I have to quote it. The article states, "The West Ashley constituent school board has unanimously endorsed a plan that will enable its middle school students, regardless of where they live, to attend whichever middle school they want, either West Ashley or St. Andrew's middle schools.
Wait a minute. I thought it said students could choose whichever middle school they want, so why not CE Williams Middle School? Oh, yeah, that's just for the magnet students from St. Andrews Math and Science or Ashley River Creative Arts. Students living down the street from CE Williams can't even attend the school unless they enter a lottery AND WAIT. Peninsula residents know all about that waiting. Don't hold your breath because it's not happening. I'm just disappointed in the West Ashley constituent board for pretending along with CCSD that they're actually offering choice when they're NOT. Personally I wouldn't want my child going to either West Ashley or St. Andrew's middle school. Neither school has ever met Adequate Yearly Progress as outlined by federal law. Both schools are either rated Unsatisfactory or Below Average. So what's the BIG CHOICE?
According to their websites, survey results show 81% of the teachers at West Ashley Middle are satisfied with the learning environment. Yet only 60% of its students are. At least the students are willing to speak the truth.
On St. Andrew's website, 82% of the teachers are, once again, satisfied with that learning environment, but OOPS! the parents and students' surveys were LOST IN SHIPMENT. Hmmm...
I know CE Williams is no picnic, either. We know about the pot smoking in the bathroom and the robbers disbursing money on campus thanks to the Post and Courier. Yet, they seem to get that AYP every now and then and their state rating has been "Good" four out of the last five years.
CCSD, you have such a long way to go and yet you seem so lost in which direction to turn.
Wait a minute. I thought it said students could choose whichever middle school they want, so why not CE Williams Middle School? Oh, yeah, that's just for the magnet students from St. Andrews Math and Science or Ashley River Creative Arts. Students living down the street from CE Williams can't even attend the school unless they enter a lottery AND WAIT. Peninsula residents know all about that waiting. Don't hold your breath because it's not happening. I'm just disappointed in the West Ashley constituent board for pretending along with CCSD that they're actually offering choice when they're NOT. Personally I wouldn't want my child going to either West Ashley or St. Andrew's middle school. Neither school has ever met Adequate Yearly Progress as outlined by federal law. Both schools are either rated Unsatisfactory or Below Average. So what's the BIG CHOICE?
According to their websites, survey results show 81% of the teachers at West Ashley Middle are satisfied with the learning environment. Yet only 60% of its students are. At least the students are willing to speak the truth.
On St. Andrew's website, 82% of the teachers are, once again, satisfied with that learning environment, but OOPS! the parents and students' surveys were LOST IN SHIPMENT. Hmmm...
I know CE Williams is no picnic, either. We know about the pot smoking in the bathroom and the robbers disbursing money on campus thanks to the Post and Courier. Yet, they seem to get that AYP every now and then and their state rating has been "Good" four out of the last five years.
CCSD, you have such a long way to go and yet you seem so lost in which direction to turn.
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