From the time we enrolled in kindergarten (and perhaps VPK these days) we were taught that a ‘C’ is average. Is less than 1/2 proficient at math really average? Is less than 1/3 proficient at reading average?

The gains are to be celebrated. But grades aren’t assigned based on improvement. If a child scores a 10 on a test and follows that up with a 50 his improvement is far greater than the improvement that Pineview has made. But the kid still gets an ‘F’.

Congratulations one the improvements, but a grade of ‘C’ doesn’t even rise to disingenuous. It’s criminal. Pineview is still failing more of the children than it’s reaching.

Well really a volunteer is just that a volunteer and they do so out of the kindness of their hearts. Title 1 funds do not pay for volunteers or mentors.

Michelle, first off Title 1 funds should be paying for mentors and volunteers as the law says, these kids should not be depending on the kindness of others, as you are suggesting by telling Mark to volunteer (as if you know he does not already). Second, these accomplishments mean absolutely nothing to an elementary school child, they are not at a level to understand school grades. What the school is doing, however, is providing effective administration. For example, Ms. Connor talks about how adding bus service for those who live closer to school helps with attendance. This comes at a time when Rocky Hanna has notified elementary school parents that a bus will not pick their child up within two miles. Ms. Connor just made a fabulously smart political move – Rocky can’t take that away from her school now. Its not just about making things better within the school, its about having the political acumen to get the kids what they need from a superintendent who is not known for his interest in helping vulnerable kids. Good for her.

Celebrating small accomplishments, will only encourage the students to try harder. Showing students that they are able to achieve anything with hard work is what the school is clearly doing. But since you know so much how about you sign up to volunteer your time at the school, instead of making pointless comments.

I hope that’s not true…. I hate nonsense approaches like that. Standards have to be the same for every student…just because a kid is in poverty doesn’t mean he doesn’t need to learn the basic skills to survive and contribute to society at the same level as everyone else. This kind of stuff leads to the Af.Act. recipients flunking out…they think they’re ready, and so do the universities that admit them, based on getting great grades at subpar schools. It’s not the students’ fault…they’re being failed by the state.