Post by title1parent on Dec 10, 2009 21:06:14 GMT -5
www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=342975&src=
Give ear to the most at-risk students
Daily Herald Editorial
For school officials considering budgets, the toughest decisions come when cuts go head to head with goals to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed. Those students labeled at risk in particular need every possible advantage.
Elgin Area School District U-46 found a way to further chip away at its massive deficit by returning its three year-round schools to a traditional nine-month calendar. The move, at Garfield, Channing and Sheridan elementary schools, is projected to save $200,000.
However, last week's announcement took parents and even teachers at the schools by surprise. The district left phone messages, sent e-mails and put a notice on its Web site. Teachers were told at a staff meeting. No information sessions were held; the communication went only one way.
That didn't sit well with the parents and teachers, many of whom spoke out with justifiable indignation at Monday's board meeting.
The school communities have grown comfortable with the year-round calendar in the 10 years since it was adopted. Teachers say it has helped students stay focused. The enrichment activities during the three-week breaks offer many children experiences their parents cannot afford to give them.
A Daily Herald analysis shows that Garfield saw a 26-point gain in the percentage of students meeting and exceeding standards on state tests over the past eight years. Channing's and Sheridan's scores improved considerably. While scores also rose districtwide, it is significant that such improvement was made at the three schools, which have high percentages of low-income and minority students.
Still, all three schools remain on the state's academic warning list. It's obvious that without extra care, these kids are susceptible to failure.
"Teaching these populations is especially challenging," Sheridan teacher Cynthia Wendt told reporter Kerry Lester. "With the continuous calendar, we have much more energy. I feel we're much more productive."
Year-round calendars are not necessarily money savers for school districts, and in U-46's case, extra expenses are incurred through stipends, summer utility bills, and meals and busing for the three schools when most of the other elementary schools are not in session.
While $200,000 may seem small potatoes compared to the district's expected $53.5 million deficit, every bit counts. In fact, we commend U-46 for its diligence, which includes cutting 348 jobs in March and slashing budgets for athletics, supplies and stipends in November. Superintendent Jose Torres even turned down a raise.
Board member Joyce Fountain said in October, "The reality of our circumstances is students will be impacted. How do we make those choices and establish those priorities that do the least amount of damage to our students? These are really tough decisions that have to be made."
Indeed. We urge U-46 to continue its scrutiny. But when those tough decisions affect the most vulnerable students and their families, we hope the district will offer them a place at the table and a meaningful role in the process.
Give ear to the most at-risk students
Daily Herald Editorial
For school officials considering budgets, the toughest decisions come when cuts go head to head with goals to ensure that every child has a chance to succeed. Those students labeled at risk in particular need every possible advantage.
Elgin Area School District U-46 found a way to further chip away at its massive deficit by returning its three year-round schools to a traditional nine-month calendar. The move, at Garfield, Channing and Sheridan elementary schools, is projected to save $200,000.
However, last week's announcement took parents and even teachers at the schools by surprise. The district left phone messages, sent e-mails and put a notice on its Web site. Teachers were told at a staff meeting. No information sessions were held; the communication went only one way.
That didn't sit well with the parents and teachers, many of whom spoke out with justifiable indignation at Monday's board meeting.
The school communities have grown comfortable with the year-round calendar in the 10 years since it was adopted. Teachers say it has helped students stay focused. The enrichment activities during the three-week breaks offer many children experiences their parents cannot afford to give them.
A Daily Herald analysis shows that Garfield saw a 26-point gain in the percentage of students meeting and exceeding standards on state tests over the past eight years. Channing's and Sheridan's scores improved considerably. While scores also rose districtwide, it is significant that such improvement was made at the three schools, which have high percentages of low-income and minority students.
Still, all three schools remain on the state's academic warning list. It's obvious that without extra care, these kids are susceptible to failure.
"Teaching these populations is especially challenging," Sheridan teacher Cynthia Wendt told reporter Kerry Lester. "With the continuous calendar, we have much more energy. I feel we're much more productive."
Year-round calendars are not necessarily money savers for school districts, and in U-46's case, extra expenses are incurred through stipends, summer utility bills, and meals and busing for the three schools when most of the other elementary schools are not in session.
While $200,000 may seem small potatoes compared to the district's expected $53.5 million deficit, every bit counts. In fact, we commend U-46 for its diligence, which includes cutting 348 jobs in March and slashing budgets for athletics, supplies and stipends in November. Superintendent Jose Torres even turned down a raise.
Board member Joyce Fountain said in October, "The reality of our circumstances is students will be impacted. How do we make those choices and establish those priorities that do the least amount of damage to our students? These are really tough decisions that have to be made."
Indeed. We urge U-46 to continue its scrutiny. But when those tough decisions affect the most vulnerable students and their families, we hope the district will offer them a place at the table and a meaningful role in the process.