Leaving Lots of Schools Behind
The New York Times reported (10/13/2008) that Prairie Elementary School in Sacramento, CA had moved each of its student groups – Hispanic, Blacks, Asian, Whites, American Indians, Filipinos, Pacific Islanders, English Learners, the disabled – toward higher proficiency in recent years. Overall the number of students passing statewide tests had increased by more than three percentage points annually. But California schools are required, by the terms of No Child Left Behind, to increase student proficiency in every group by 11 percentage points.
The original improvement required by NCLB was a modest amount of improvement. But now, a “balloon” payment of 11 percent is being required in the state of California and some other states.
The New York Times reported that “in 40 states that reported on their compliance so far this year, on average, 4 in 10 schools fell short on the law’s testing targets,up from about 3 in 10 last year. Few schools missed targets in states with easy exams, like Wisconsin and Mississippi, but states with tough tests had a harder time. in Hawaii, Massachusetts and New Mexico, which have stringent exams, 60 to 70 percent of schools missed testing goals. And in South Carolina, which has what may be the nation’s most rigorous tests, 83 percent of schools missed targets.”
I had a woman in one of my workshops who said that she wanted to live until December 31, 2014 because she wanted to see the day when ALL students would read on grade level. Expecting 100% perfection is unrealistic. We do not have 100% achievement in any field – not in science, medicine, law or manufacturing. It is not that we should not shoot for the ideal. But the reality, especially when you deal with people, is that to achieve 100% is beyond expectations and merely causes frustration and anger.
Winfree Academy – Dallas, TX
| November 23, 2008 | ||
| 3:30 am |
I will be delivering an all-day presentation to staff, administrators and the corporate partners of this multiple Charter School. The Winfree Academy has 6 campuses in Texas.
The presentation will be “Helping Students Graduate: Tools and Strategies to Help Students Graduate” for the staff. The administrators will hear “From At-Risk to Academic Excellence: What Successful Leaders Do” & “School Cultures That Embrace Learning”.
National Dropout Prevention Conference – Atlanta GA
| November 17, 2008 10:00 am | to | November 19, 2008 10:00 am |
I will be presenting two sessions at the Crowne Plaza Ravina in Atlanta.
Monday, November 17 8:30 -10 AM
Helping Students Graduate: Tools and Strategies to Prevent School Dropouts
Using the 15 effective strategies developed by the National Dropout Prevention Center and tools developed as best practices by some of America’s outstanding schools and programs, workshop participants will not only learn what to do but how to aid at-risk youth to graduate.
Tuesday, November 18 9:45 -11:15 AM
What Do Successful Leaders of At-Risk Learners Do to Raise Academic Performance and Improve School Cultures?
Educators are aware that some schools support a culture that is not only hostile to learning but is toxic to students, parents and staff. We contacted 300 high performing, high minority, high poverty schools and asked the school leaders how they were transforming a hostile culture into a supportive learning environment.
National Dropout Prevention Center’s National Conference, Atlanta, GA
| November 16, 2008 12:00 pm | to | November 19, 2008 12:00 pm |
2 Sessions
“Helping Students Graduate: Tools & Strategies To Help Students Graduate
Today, almost one-third of our K-12 students never graduate – increasing the likelihood of their imprisonment, single parenthood, poverty and the use of alcohol and drugs.
Using the 15 effective strategies developed by the National Dropout Prevention Center and tools developed as “best practices” by some of America’s outstanding schools and programs, workshop participants will not only learn what to do but how to aid at-risk youth to graduate.
Presenting on the topic, “From At-Risk to Academic Excellence: What Successful Leaders Do”
- How do school leaders build school cultures that diminish the likelihood of children dropping out of school?
- What are the determinants of school success
From At-Risk to Academic Excellence: What Successful Leaders Do,
Based upon Franklin Schargel’s recent book, From At-Risk to Academic Excellence: What Successful Leaders Do, this seminar will bring together the wisdom and experience from over 50 schools that have been categorized as “high performing, high minority, high poverty.” Mr. Schargel will show us how the leaders of those schools succeeded in raising academic achievement, motivating students, boosting parent and community involvement, and applying the Three R’s””Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships.
