Re: "Raising" scores by pushouts, expulsions, suspensions, withdrawals...

[Anne Nonniemouse <ShopMathEdu@AOL.COM>]

In a message dated 6/9/00 10:17:47 PM Central Daylight Time,
judih@OUSD.K12.CA.US writes:

<< I think it's a good idea to do this
 in a Learning Center rather than one-on-one because they need to hear us
 working with other students so they can learn how to give each other
 support.
 Judi >>

Judi:  You raise a good point.  Let me explain a little more about what we
are proposing:  When I say, "one-on-one," I mean in a classroom environment.
There may be 6-12 students and one instructor.  There will be a certain
amount of classroom activity, but there will also be 5-10-15 minutes of
one-on-one instruction with each student.

When you suggest a "Learning Center," I have a few questions.  In our
district, the folks who have pushed out the low achievers are, at best,
suggesting a centralized alternative learning center for low achievers.  This
way, they could sweep them under the rug and purge them from their scores at
their school.

I propose that we have "alternative learning centers" within each school.
This way the student will stay within their community and amongst their
peers.  Some have no means of transportation to get a centralized center.
Other logistical nightmares develop when students are transported across town.

The parents will have more accessibility to the school also if it is closer
to home.

I would not rule out a centralized center, but this seems like it would
further "track" the low achievers who would have little chance of ever being
mainstreamed.  Furthermore, low achievers may have difficulties in specific
content areas, and could be placed in mainstream classes (even if just one)
in other areas where they have strengths.

We need all of the input we can get on this, because we are expecting to let
the cat out of the bag within the next 72 hours.  We have to be ready with
many concrete, constructive, affirmative proposals so that we do not get side
tracked by all of the inevitable mud slinging.

We shall look forward to the ideas of people on this list.

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