1. I dislike using the WKCE as the measure of success as it only a snapshot in time and does not reflect the progress made throughout the year in the classroom. With that said, the state does need a tool for measurement and the WCKE is the only game in town.
2. I realize that RUSD faces challenges that many districts do not, but frankly I am tired of that excuse. Saying a poor child cannot learn is ignorant, and in some cases bigoted.
It is clear that RUSD (in the past) spent more than some districts and have far less (in test scores) to show for it.
My question is this - since the referendum for June 12th has been cancelled (therefore less money for the district for the upcoming school year) what sort of impact do you think we will see next year at this time?
1 comment:
Brenda,
You're correct that it isn't right to say children who are poverty stricken cannot learn.
The Federal & State Government has programs in place to help poverty stricken children. One of those programs is Title I. It is a very good program that gives children the extra help they need to succeed.
Years ago, it wasn't used solely as a low-income program. But with budget cuts within the last 6 or 7 years, the program has been geared mainly toward those children who are falling behind but who are also labeled as low income.
Some children are reccomended, but parents don't always take advantage of the opportunity.
Another reason I believe poverty stricken children struggle is because they don't have the help at home. Often times these children come from single parent households where mom is working two jobs to get by and there is nobody to make sure homework & studying are getting done.
I have also worked in schools where mom or dad are involved in gangs. So naturally the children will be involved too. It's a learned behavior.
Lets face it, look at the test scores. You can see where education is more important & where it's not a top priority.
Does this mean we should give up? No, we shouldn't. The kids deserve to have a top education. Do I know what the answer is to fix the problems? No, I don't.
As far as your question about the referendum, I feel it'll be interesting to see what happens. Frightening, as well if they end up cutting jobs.
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