A liberal national think tank that has praised Wake County's old socioeconomic diversity policy has released a new report giving the school district high marks for educational productivity.
The Wake County school system earned high productivity marks in a report released Wednesday by the Center for American Progress. Other North Carolina districts receiving high marks include Caldwell County Schools, Wilkes County Schools and Burke County Schools, whose high schools are set to lose accreditation from AdvancED at the end of the school year.
The center released an interactive website that evaluates more than 9,000 school districts in 45 states. Districts were evaluated by comparing their academic achievement with their educational spending, while controlling for factors like cost of living and students in poverty.
According to the center's press release, the study revealed that districts could significantly boost student achievement without increasing spending if they used their money more productively. A highly inefficient district in North Carolina, for example, could see as much as a 15 percent boost in achievement if it dramatically increased its productivity, all else equal.
The study also found that low productivity costs the nation’s school system as much as $175 billion a year. The study also found that more than a million students are enrolled in highly inefficient districts across the country.
The center cited Weldon City Schools, Gates County Schools, and Washington County Schools as examples of inefficient districts in North Carolina.
Moving back to Wake, Cindy Brown, vice president for education policy at the Center for American Progress, questioned the elimination of the diversity policy in the September issue of District Administration magazine.
"Undoing that (diversity policy) doesn’t make a lot of sense when you’re getting good results,” Brown said.
Comments
"Schools were out
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 13:28 — AngelaW"Schools were out celebrating, 'We're a school of excellence, we're a school of distinction,' but there were pockets within the school that were doing horrible academically," Bracy said
http://heraldsun.com/printer_friendly/6596024
Notwithstanding that a
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 15:01 — willynillyNotwithstanding that a 51-52% is considered "proficient" on many if not all EOGs in middle school.
The report should be
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 08:27 — willynillyThe report should be interesting to read later, but I am wondering what specifics are given for efficient? Drop out rates? test scores? Utilization of per student costs? I am checking, but it seems Forsythe has done away with busing. At the same time Forsyth is on Mannings watch list....thatw as 2 years ago on the list, but I have not looked at scores recently, another weekend project. What "specificially" specifies "efficient?" Should be interesting reading.
We are #1
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 23:32 — user12345The bad news just keeps rolling in for the anti-diversity team.
How is this bad news? That
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 08:41 — woodstockHow is this bad news? That bad news is that far too many low-income and minority kids are still dropping out and failing to graduate... and busing is not the answer.
How is this bad news? That
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 08:57 — user12345How is this bad news? That bad news is that far too many low-income and minority kids are still dropping out and failing to graduate... and busing is not the answer.
And bussing them to a school that is a little closer to their home is the answer?
Actually, I have some data
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:32 — willynillyActually, I have some data on this that might make sense. Agree or disagree, but try this from a teacher's standpoint. This is my 14th year in a classroom. In 13 years I have taught over 200 students that never provided a vlaid phone number. Example:
Call work.....is Mr/Ms so and so there? Answer: WHO? No, no one here by that name. I worked here 4 years, never heard of them.
Call home: The number you have dialed is disconnected or no longer in service.....
Call home: ring ring.....no answer, no voice mail.
Call home: No, no one here by that name.
In the WCPSS it was not uncommon to have students attending from across town. In other schools I had an address and simply stopped by their home to talk or to drop off make up work, etc. Funny, there is no law in NC for any parent to provide a valid phone number for them when their child is in school. And you wonder why you don't get a phone call back when you contact the school? FACT: All of the principals I have worked for will tell you, "Do not fail that child if you have not made parent contact, and I mean a conversation, not a voice mail." We are busy trying to contact the 2 dozen students who do not have a valid phone number.
Willy ... similar to wife's
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 09:50 — user12345Willy ... similar to wife's complaint ..mind you that many of her students who need parental contact are homeless, live in hotels, in shelters, or group homes ... and the others don't have current or working phones .... It seems the system is still set up for parents to participate like in the 1950's and maybe that ideal family does not exist anymore except in North Raleigh. And even in the burbs, both parents work to get a big house and view school as an extension of daycare to hold the kids so they can stay late.
I do not know what the answer is but the kids and families have changed from the 1950's ideal of calling mom and dad to engage their kids and no amount of fantasying will change that. As always with evolution, we need a new plan, path, system.
To respond to magnetparent,
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 09:58 — willynillyTo respond to magnetparent, there is a bit of a difference in a zone school. The house is close enough that I could stop by. You know, it makes a world of difference when that child is home and even if parents are not the child knows I'll stop by. It is a pretty good tool.
In one case I had a school social worker make contact with the county about a child I had. This was for attendance problems and the social worker for the county got a cell phone for the mother so that we could contact her when the student did not show up. Of course the phone was monitired to make sure she did not use it for anything else. There are a few ways to do this.
While that example,
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 22:20 — magnetParentWhile that example, unfortunately, is a real problem in the schools, it has absolutely nothing to do with diversity. You can, and will, have that whether the student goes to their neighborhood school or one many miles away.
Yes, it a key part of
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 09:03 — woodstockYes, it a key part of the solution. It facilitates better alignment of resources, increased access to afterschool programs, greater community and parental engagement and support and it reduces the amount of time wasted in transit.
Are you really an idiot or a
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 09:24 — user12345Are you really an idiot or a script reading robot? School A and B fail poor kids. You say move the ones in School A who are closer to School B to School B will make them smarter. You are saying that that a physical move will make the poor kids left in School A smarter and the overwhelmed resources in School B who get "another helpin' of poor kids" smarter?
I am sorry your powers of
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 09:30 — woodstockI am sorry your powers of comprehension are so limited that you do not understand. I can't help you with that.
BTW, it has nothing to do with the kids being smart or not. I think most kids from all walks of like are smart, it is getting them educated that is the challenge.
Woody's only right about the
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 23:58 — Andrew95Woody's only right about the bottom part. Anyone can get through highschool. It's a matter of whether or not you care about your education versus other things. It has nothing to do with a higher level of intelligence.
The first 4 words of Keung's
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 23:42 — jeffrey1The first 4 words of Keung's post:
A liberal national think tank...
Did you really think that it might be good news for "pro real diversity" BOE majority?
I believe your John Locke
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 23:46 — user12345I believe your John Locke folks have also said WCPSS is well run.
I'm a democrat.
Thu, 01/20/2011 - 23:56 — jeffrey1I'm a democrat.
Your views seem to align
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 13:27 — virginiadareYour views seem to align more with those of Republicans. What do you agree with Democrats on?
Your views seem to align
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 03:02 — jeffrey1Your views seem to align more with those of Republicans. What do you agree with Democrats on?
Virginia, I am quite offended by your question, but nevertheless I will provide you with some details. It never ceases to amaze me how a smart person like you can make assumptions about another's political beliefs based on how they feel about one issue.
For anyone interested in taking a political quiz to determine where their beliefs stand, I would suggest this one: http://www.okcupid.com/politics. I've taken the test, and I can assure you that I am a democrat.
I do not believe that the creation of high poverty schools is necessarily bad. There are thousands of example of high poverty, high achieving schools all over the country. I believe that discipline and high expectations, and good leadership are missing in high poverty, low achieving schools (Note that I did not say poor teachers).
Back to your question, I believe we need to raise property taxes with the revenues going directly to the schools, I think everyone should have food, clothing, and shelter. I think the Iraq war was a huge mistake. I believe the 1st amendment means that unless schools can include all religions, then they should not include any religion. I believe the opening clause of the 2nd amendment has some meaning that seems to have been ignored by the right.
I could go on, but I think I have made the case.
Now I would like to ask you something. Go to http://www.okcupid.com/politics, and take the test. At the end of the test, click on political ideologies, and tell us the result.
Thanks love these
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 16:45 — user12345Social Liberal (68% permissive)
Economic Moderate (41% permissive)
You left the Republicans
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 17:03 — woodstockYou left the Republicans when they went on a spending spree... yet you remain a Democrat. How does that make sense considering we are staring down Obamacare and nearly a trillion in wasted "stimulous" spending?
The Republican have been
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 17:28 — user12345The Republican have been "the party of NO" not offering any viable alternative except NO which is a pretty risk free and lazy path... hopefully everyone agrees that Health Care is expensive and everyone knows Americans pay the most for the least service by now ... the problem is defined ... now it is the Republican's chance at the wheel ... they seem focused on repealing what was done ... but I am looking for what they want in it's place ... I foresee them wounding the present plan and we all end up with nothing .... if the Republicans are serious lets see what they do with the Obama's Debt Commissions recommendations .. of course, you will lose the mortage deduction on your second beach house which you may find unacceptable.
just a brief aside
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 13:15 — AngelaWwebsite? is it a "joke"? two seperate people's responses (mine and someone else I know)
You are a Social Moderate (41% permissive) and an.Economic Liberal (35% permissive)
You are best described as a Centrist. You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness.
other
You are aSocial Liberal...(93% permissive)and an...Economic Conservative(88% permissive) You are best described as an Anarchist You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness
You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness. You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness
Please forgive me for
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 12:44 — virginiadarePlease forgive me for offending you! I sincerely did not intend to offend, but am genuinely curious about why people believe what they do, especially people who are Democrats like me but have diferent views on school issues. I believe values inform those views, and for the most part, people in the same political parties tend to share the same values.
Thank you for suggesting the test! I really enjoyed taking it, but did not see where it indicates if a person would be a Democrat or Republican; in fact, it specifically stated its purpose is to get beyond party labels. I was identified as a social liberal, 68% permissive, and an economic liberal, 13% permissive. Here is what it said about me:
"You exhibit a very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness."
I disagree that there are "thousands" of successful high poverty schools across the country, maybe dozens. Usually the ones that are successful have a dynamic leader, like you said is key, or are well-funded, and would be very difficult to replicate across the board. I also believe that even if the high poverty schools were successful at helping their students achieve, there is still value to going to school and interacting every day with others in a different economic bracket or a different race and culture. I do not believe it is good for minorities to attend racially identifiable schools, not that they are not able to learn when not sitting beside a white child, but it sends a message that people should be segregated into like groups rather than trying to appreciate each other's diversity, of whatever type.
Again, apologies for any offense.
Virginia, the values
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 15:31 — Voice_of_Reason_Very few people will disagree that the Democrat party is more diverse than the Republicans. Why would you think they share the same values? Heck, some Democrats have no values. Some are very nice and thoughful people that IMHO look too shortsighted and are gullible. But that is only my opinion, you probably think otherwise. The only thing that seems to be a common thread is that they believe more government is the solution for all the world's troubles.
Thank you for suggesting the
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 15:10 — jeffrey1Thank you for suggesting the test! I really enjoyed taking it, but did not see where it indicates if a person would be a Democrat or Republican
At the end of the test, after it displays your results, click on "Political Ideologies," then click on "Famous People." For me, I was identifed as a Democrat and I landed close to Hilary Clinton's right ear :) I'm curious as to what famous person you land on.
Again, apologies for any offense.
Thanks, but I probably overreacted a bit as well.
I see now. I was
Mon, 01/24/2011 - 00:21 — virginiadareI see now. I was identified as a Democrat also and was toward the top of Gorbachev's head between him and Hillary.
LOL The questions on that
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 08:30 — woodstockLOL The questions on that so-called "test" are ridiculous and are clearly written with a bias.
Why, What did it say about
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 15:03 — jeffrey1Why, What did it say about you? Perhaps you weren't as George Bush as you think you are?
It said what I already know
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 15:39 — woodstockIt said what I already know about myself, that I have a "very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness." But, those are the attributes of all the conservatives -- and most moderate and rational Democrats for that matter -- I know. But, the "test" described it as merely Centrist. That is why I said it was skewed.
The questions are biased/skewed to such an extent that everyone will be described as moderate. It was rather obvious that the test writer is confused about the views and motives of conservatives. I don't know what the purpose of this is, execpt maybe as an incentive for less informed individual to alter their political allegiance.
The test is interesting not
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 16:09 — jeffrey1The test is interesting not because of the conclusions it draws, which I agree is not very informative. If you click on "famous People" or "Political Ideologies," you'll get a better picture of where you stand, and I've seen different people have very different results. So you are a conservative. Are you more like Bush, McCain, Reagan, Donald Trump, Huckabee, or the Unabomber?
I don't know why you
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 17:02 — woodstockI don't know why you mention the Unabomber (he is clearly just a madman) and, I don't follow the political stylings of Trump... or even care to. It is Reagan that is the quintessential modern conservative.
I mention the Unabomber
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 19:54 — jeffrey1I mention the Unabomber because he is on the map. ANSWER THE QUESTIONS, CLICK ON FAMOUS PEOPLE, AND TELL US WHERE YOU STAND. Unless you are afraid to find out the truth?
"Afraid?" Uh, no. As I said,
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 21:03 — woodstock"Afraid?" Uh, no. As I said, according to the test, I am a Centrist (not true) with a "very well-developed sense of Right and Wrong and believe in economic fairness" (true). I doubt that would be true for the Unabomber. Also, that this “test” even applies a political affiliation to a whack job like the Unabomber just confirms my original point that it is biased and not much of a gauge of anything.
Even the Unabomber has
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 22:51 — jeffrey1Even the Unabomber has political beliefs, and on this site, he's classified as an Anarchist.
On well, my little attempt to have some fun by asking which famous person your political beliefs matched. As a centrist, you could be leaning towards John McCain, Michael Gorbachev, Donald Trump, or Adam Sandler, or even Hilary Clinton depending upon where on the Centrist region you landed. But I guess you don't want to play by clicking on the Famous People link.
Perhaps you're not as conservative as you think you are. Thanks anyway.
...
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 15:38 — SideburnsNot another prove you're a worthy Democrat speech....
Just really curious. I'm
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 15:59 — virginiadareJust really curious. I'm wondering the same thing about you, too. What policies or positions does the Democratic party have that you agree with? Your views as expressed publicly do not seem to align with those of most Democrats. I've had this discussion with Jenman, too, and respect the fact that she has recognized that I am genuinely trying to understand and is very patient in explaining why she feels the way she does. You seem to be very hostile to Democrats. It's just very hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that a person who has values that would cause him or her to become a Democrat would be okay with purposely creating very high poverty schools which would be much more likely to fail to educate the students there.
...
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:16 — Sideburns"...it's just very hard for me to wrap my head around the idea that a person who has values that would cause him or her to become a Democrat would be okay with purposely creating very high poverty schools which would be much more likely to fail to educate the students there."
I don't want to purposefully create high poverty schools. (But you just had to get that little dig in there, didn't you?)
I want all families to have access to successful schools. I am tired of watching children targeted for reassignment as the solution to low-performance. I want educational solutions to our educational problems -- not just more of the same. All parents should have a voice in their child's education -- regardless of if they are rich or poor.
I have many beliefs that align with the Democratic party -- but this is an educational blog and that discussion, IMO, is not pertinent to the conversation.
No....
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 21:39 — chaboardI don't want to purposefully create high poverty schools.
.....you just worked hard to put the school board in the hands of those who proudly proclaim (on national TV, no less) that that's exactly what they want to do. You'll have to pardon us if we have a hard time seeing a meaningful difference.
...
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 22:25 — SideburnsThat's not what they want to do. But I know you believe otherwise.
And, I did work hard. Thanks for the recognition.
????
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 09:20 — chaboardHuh? John came right out and said last week (on MLK day on national TV, no less - another one of those deaf to history moments I chided you for) that he wanted to create high poverty schools so that we couldn't ignore them.
If it's not what he wants to do....someone better convince HIM that it's not. He hasn't gotten the memo.
If you don't want to
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:36 — virginiadareIf you don't want to purposely create high poverty schools, how would you prevent that from happening if you go along with what the new majority is trying to do? Or do you think that if they don't "intend" to create such schools, then it's okay if it happens because they didn't do it on purpose? And why would you support elected officials who will not try to fund public schools adequately?
I believe Wake County parents have always had more choices than almost any parents in any district in the US. Wake County has tried harder than most to make sure that all schools are successful, by keeping them from becoming very high poverty. Our problems were caused by massive growth and lack of funding.
...
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 17:26 — Sideburns"And why would you support elected officials who will not try to fund public schools adequately?"
I had high hopes that the Dem majority on the County Commission would attempt to address adequate funding of our schools. They didn't -- even though they continue to espouse that more funding is the solution. Ironically, one commissioner is more vocal now about funding our schools now that he is in the minority. His "I should have tried harder" excuse is not believeable. Therefore, my support went to those who will support me as a parent. Besides, funding is not always the answer.
"Wake County has tried harder than most to make sure that all schools are successful, by keeping them from becoming very high poverty."
Is that why your group is called "Great Schools" and not "Great Students"? What a shame that you choose to ignore the academic failures of our system just to promote the perception of "all our schools are succesful".
I am not a part of GSIW. but
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 18:37 — virginiadareI am not a part of GSIW. but I do agree with them that creating very high poverty schools will hurt the students attending them and not help them achieve, as well as destroy our community. That's what scares me.
The Democrats only held the majority on the county commission when the bottom fell out of the economy and they had to cut funding for everything, and couldn't raise taxes. It would have been much worse -- and will be -- with Republicans in charge.
Darn
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 22:35 — FSandYOUAt least that would have been an excuse for your apocalyptic views.
I am sure this will sound
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 20:25 — willynillyI am sure this will sound like a broken record, but here goes. This mess keeps going round and round. You can have a high poverty school and if you teach the kids well they will learn. Take for example Spring Lake Middle School in Cumberland County. Stafford Daniels and LaShanda Moore are the 8th grade science teachers there. Three years ago the school was at about a 24% pass rate. Two years ago that rate rose to 45.3% with about 39% of black students passing the science EOG. Last year the pass rate went to 72% school wide with 111 black students taking the science EOG and 73% of them passed. So what happened? well, for some time the thought was that the reading and science EOG scores were linked. So what happened to the reading EOG scores? Last year 73% pass science, 50% 8th grade reading. Two years ago the reading EOG scores were......50%. So how do you get a jump of 22%? Hmmmmm, I wonder.
So you can keep saying high poverty, low SES, etc etc etc. I do not buy it. You get a good principal who will back you up.....you use good strategies and you hold your kids accountable along with carefully showing them what to do day to day. Teach the kids to teach themselves.....give me a man fish and all....... Go look at the demographics and scores of this school and maybe you will see something.
An here folks you have an example
Fri, 01/21/2011 - 16:21 — Voice_of_Reason_Of the tolerant views of far-left thinking. The Democrats are no longer the party they were in the 60's, the one that I bet a lot of Republican had parents who were Democrats, like me. My parents and I had the good sense to leave that party when we thought our vote would count. That's why the old Democratic entrenchments outside of the cities went away. Like President Reagan, a former Democrat said, the party left him. The big umbrella, HA, what a joke. It the party of we know what's best for you and shut up now. The poor are only pawns they use to stay in power. The poor are being used and the race-baiters are the left's cheerleaders. One day I hope they figure it out. And a lot of others are easily influenced good charitable people who just don't see the big picture.
You should embrace Jenman, she has a brain and uses it well. I would vote for her if she ran for BOE. She actually looked at the facts instead of spouting party line propaganda.
Based on my experiences I
Sun, 01/23/2011 - 09:09 — willynillyBased on my experiences I have to say that you are correct and that although I have never really been a "conspiracy theorist" I have come to think that the public school system does everything it can to esnure midiocraty or less in its schools.
The Democrats are no longer
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 09:56 — user12345The Democrats are no longer the party they were in the 60's, the one that I bet a lot of Republican had parents who were Democrats, like me. My parents and I had the good sense to leave that party when we thought our vote would count.
Didn't you leave the Democrat party like many Southerns because of the Party's of Civil Rights? That was the turning point for many white Southerns when they forgave the Republicans for the Civil War and blamed the Democrats for the siding with Blacks.
One word - No
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 10:38 — Voice_of_Reason_Because where I lived (Louisiana) it was the party of corruption. I left when a popularist named Edwin Edwards first ran for governor. He ran again admitting he was a crook and won. I just heard he was released from prison last week and in a half-way house. He seemed like a very nice guy on the surface. But the party is far more left than it was now. It had nothing to do with civil rights. In fact, having been a Democrat there and actually helping in senatorial election (Bennett), I saw how the black vote was manipulated and laughed at behind the scenes.
The big exodus occured during the Reagan years, when the Republican party became a viable party in the South. Previous to that, the South was pretty much a monolithic party system. Most local races were run in the primary and never went to the general population. Republicans didn't have a voice, Democrats ruled. And corruption was rampant.