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fringe
Citizen
Username: Fringe
Post Number: 274
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, January 22, 2004 - 7:51 am: |     |
At a Tuesday evening achievement gap forum at Tuscan School, I presented 4th grade standardized test results from 1997, 2002 & 2003 to illustrate the fact that a gap exists and has existed in SOMSD for at least the last 6 years. Because the tests were different (1997-Stamford 8, 2002-NJESPA, 2003-NJASK) I heavily caveated the presentation by stating several times that comparison of the scores had no statistical relevance. A school board member in attendance felt the main point - regardless of the test differences each showed a significant gap - was too subtle and that attendees focused instead on the changes between year-to-year numbers caused in part by factors unrelated to the gap. Indeed, I did not make that point, leaving it for the audience to decide from the differences shown on each test. Because I did not draw this conclusion directly, I make it here without the chart in hopes this will clear any confusion.
Another point I did not make, is that if the current gap is similar to that identified in 1997, what benefit has the district derived from the numerous programs it put in place (eg., Project Ahead, CHS Supplemental courses, and the Alternative Program) over the last 6 years since the gap was first proven to exist here?
One attendee asked why no BOE member/administrator was present to explain what the district intended to do about the situation. Before that, I'd like to hear from members who have been on the board from about 1997 and Super H who arrived 5 months after the initial report, on the effectiveness of these programs in light of the seemingly static gap. This while other districts have shown real progress in closing theirs.
BOE members Bethiel, Clifford & O'Leary began to raise this issue on the vote for the 2004-05 budget goals and priorities by questioning the wisdom of appropriating even more dollars for these remedial programs (which other forum speakers indicated were the wrong approach)without assurances from the administration that such spending will narrow the racial differences. The other 6 board members felt such assurances unnecessary.
The Parenting Center, a co-host of Tuesday's forum, will be sponsoring another in February featuring the principal from a New York school that has made significant strides. This would be a good time for Super H, Mr. Memoli and Ms. Davenport to talk about the success SOMSD has enjoyed, and answer the question posed Tuesday night. |
fringe
Citizen
Username: Fringe
Post Number: 277
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Saturday, January 24, 2004 - 8:14 am: | |
In response to email inquiries, I've posted the 4th grade test results by race for 1997, 2002 & 2003. Again, the test scores are not comparable across the years - the only certainty is that a gap continues.
See "Achievement Gap" under Standardized Test Reults at http://hometown.aol.com/njfabian |
Diversity Man
Citizen
Username: Deadwhitemale
Post Number: 597
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, January 25, 2004 - 5:28 pm: | |
So, six years, and approx. 400,000,000.00 dollars spent by the Board and Horoschak, under Latz and the Lattites, (in whom we trust), and this is what we get.
Vote for the Latz ticket in 2004.
You will know who they are in due course.
JF, anyone?
DWM |
William Ralph Gifford III
Citizen
Username: Williamgif
Post Number: 2
Registered: 3-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 7:14 pm: | |
Hello, my name is William Gifford. I am a senior at Columbia High School and I am running for the Board Of Education. As another year passes, Columbia High School seems to be falling apart quicker and quicker. Our public education needs more support and more funding. More than ever we need our community to support the public schools.
As a student in Columbia, I am very knowledgeable of the problems that our schools face. Everyday I walk the hallways and I hear the hardships of the janitors who have to pay for there own supplies and I see the students who hesitate to read aloud in class, because sadly they can’t. I see the low level classes filled with black students and I see the high level classes filled with white students. We need to make changes!
First we must admit that Columbia High School is not the school it was years ago. Right now the district is trying to maintain educational excellence, when we really need to be making changes so that we can achieve it. For years Columbia has been known for its variety of choices for students: now elective classes are being cut by the dozen. We need to restore the privilege of choice to the students of our district.
As a candidate for the Board of Education, I want to work harder on closing the achievement gap in the district. Not enough is being done to solve this problem. Also, I want to restore Maplewood and South Orange’s reputation for having excellent public schools. To do this we will need greater support from the larger community so that the needs of our schools are adequately funded.
If elected I promise to work hard on the issues and gain the support of a community so all children are given the chance to succeed. On APRIL 20th VOTE WILLIAM GIFFORD FOR THE BOARD OF EDUCATION
Yours,
William Gifford
If you have any questions please contact me at Qsociety@hotmail.com
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mimosa
Citizen
Username: Mimosa
Post Number: 100
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2004 - 8:22 pm: | |
Mr. Gifford,
I am a new parent at Columbia. Can you please tell me specifically what dozen electives have been cut? What choices are my son missing? |
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