From my inbox:
League of Women Voters Invites the Public to hear about the Charter Schools Proposal in Peoria – Will this “fix” District 150 or cost money & hurt other schools?
Peoria – Should Peoria School District 150 approve a math, science and technology charter school, a middle school to be expanded into a high school? How will this impact other schools and students? How will it be financed?
Cindy Fisher and Vicky Stewart will explain the plans of the Peoria Charter School Initiative to open a math, science and technology charter school in District 150 by August, 2010, beginning with grades 5 – 7 then expanding yearly into high school. The plan contemplates a school with 600 students, with the students chosen by lottery.
Gerry Brookhart, the Regional Supt of Schools, will explain what charter schools are and the restrictions the state of Illinois places on them.
Tom McLauglin and Sharon Teefey from the Illinois Federation of Teachers (IFT) will present their alternative view on charter schools.
The presentations will be followed by a question and answer session.
When: 9-11am Saturday, November 21, (free) Program (8:30am optional light breakfast $8)
Where: Peoria Castle Lodge (formerly Jumers) 117 N Western Ave.
Having heard the charter school proponents’ view quite a bit as of late, it should be interesting to hear the union’s take on the issue.
Billy, I just received a name and I probably will ask the school board about the rumor, and they will tell me that it is confidential information. All I know is that the rumor is rampant and that I am hearing it from those whom I would call reliable sources.
Wow. So it’s the perfect rumor. It cannot be verified or denied. Convenient.
Billy, in District 150 almost everything starts as a so-called rumor because employees are afraid to state facts because they know they will be punished. If the Lincoln situation is not a fact, then the board and Dr. Lathan should be obliged to prove that social promotion isn’t happening. You or I could write to board members privately and ask them. and we would get no response–certainly, you shouldn’t expect to hear any admissions if such practices are indeed occurring. Under Royster’s era, a very similar thing happened–non-graduating 8th graders were sent to Manual from Roosevelt and from Blaine Sumner. I have heard that others were sent to Woodruff. That, too, was a rumor at the time, but then we actually had a board that looked into the rumors (because they are often kept in the dark, also).
Sharon: As an educated person, you should now that one cannot prove that something didn’t happen. And there is a recent history at District 150 of rumors being investigated and and no evidence being found to support the allegations. I’ve been bombarded with District 150 school board rumors and found the basis for the allegations were not true. Again, if you know the names, submit them to any member of the school board you trust. And I’ve covered school boards and schools as a reporter for a LOOOOOONG time. This kind of rumor mongering is common, and easy to do because of confidentiality laws. I’ve never seen it used to the extent it’s being done here to attempt to destroy this superintendent.
Billy Dennis-it is true…I know one of the students being socially promoted very well..he attends school at Lincoln after school on tues and thurs with about 20 other students. He is in 7th grade. He was told by the principal if he and others pass the required 8th grade government tests then they will go from 7th grade to 9th grade.
Billy, I have no doubt that there are many unproven rumors. I will be responsible for only my own–that’s why I blog under my own name. Some have accused me of starting rumors that have never proven to be fact, but, to my knowledge, no one has ever provided the proof. It is difficult to walk that fine line between not reporting rumors that could be fact and allowing District 150 to get away with actions that shouldn’t go unreported. I did not jump the gun on this rumor–I did wait until it was already on the blogs and until I had heard from enough people in whom I place trust.
About the confidentiality laws, in my opinion, District 150 often uses the privacy rules to protect its own privacy to operate as it pleases rather to protect the privacy of students or employees. For instance, after the fights at Peoria High at the beginning of the year, I asked at a board meeting how those students were disciplined. Dr. Lathan responded that we would never know how those students were punished. I recently FOIA’d all the suspensions (dates given but, of course, no names). Therefore, I now know how those students were punished–and not one student’s privacy was violated. And, yes, I believe the public has a right to know whether or not violators of board policy are meted out according to the the consequences in board policy.
Billy, whether or not I trust a board member has nothing to do with it. If I would submit a name of a student, information would automatically be withheld (and rightly so) because that would invade the privacy of an individual student.
If the school district wants to move students from one grade to another for whatever reason, it can do so. However, I believe if it is to happen then the board owes the public an explanation as to how and why it is being done–and why (if) it is only being done in one school. Then the public can decide if the move is or is not justifiable. Of course, this can’t be done totally in secret because people close to the situation know it is happening–they just can’t speak freely about it.
Dr. Royster did the same thing–moved significant numbers of students to high school without benefit of meeting 8th grade graduation requirements. Rumors (of the truth) were rampant, and I was one of several who reported it to board members at the time because I was working in a building where teachers and students suffered the consequences of such ill-advised decisions.
Billy, there you have it–the rest of the story that I chose not to tell yet–about the Tues and Thurs classes, etc.
Sharon, it appears you are itching to tell everyone about the Tues and Thurs classes etc. Please enlighten us.
I don’t have to tell you; Mortified already did. Also, if the district decides this is a legitimate way for kids who are too old for middle school to get to high school, then sobeit. However, I don’t like rules and advantages that apply only to certain people or certain schools, etc. I am sure that older kids in middle school are a problem–but the district needs to find an acceptable and open way to deal with the problem. These “under the table” stopgap measures are not acceptable.
Truth telling does not equal destroying.
From Education Week:
“Social promotion is the practice of passing students along from grade to grade with their peers even if the students have not satisfied academic requirements or met performance standards at key grades.”
mortified said “it is true…I know one of the students being socially promoted very well..he attends school at Lincoln after school on tues and thurs with about 20 other students. He is in 7th grade. He was told by the principal if he and others pass the required 8th grade government tests then they will go from 7th grade to 9th grade.”
If you pass the tests, how is it social promotion?
Last year, less than half of Lincoln 8th graders met 8th grade ISAT standards. If these 7th graders meet those 8th grade standards and want to continue directly to the 9th grade, then don’t they DESERVE it. If they take the tests and don’t meet the standards and don’t get to continue directly to 9th grade, then at least they had the desire and determination to stay after school trying to achieve something.
In other words, it seems that what Lincoln is doing is a GOOD thing. Just because someone else isn’t doing something doesn’t mean they can’t. The only way to make sure that “rules and advantages (don’t) apply only to certain people or certain schools” is to offer choice. Under the present boundary policies, for example, there is a clear advantage to attending Kellar than Glen Oak. (Google “Housing Policy is School Policy”)
Jon – As you uphold reverence for logic, may children flourish and ne’er do wells be cast aside.
Jon, passing the government test does not equal passing 8th grade. It is a test that all 8th graders have to pass even if they have passed all their subjects. In this case, these kids may pass the extra test but not meet the other 8th grade requirements–and they will do so with all this extra help. How did you jump to the conclusion that these 7th graders passed the test and met the NCLB standards. As 7th graders, they didn’t even take the NCLB tests. You seem to be assuming that these 7th graders are the best and the brightest and deserve the chance to “skip” a grade–skipping grades because of academic readiness is not social promotion.
As important is the fact only a few 7th graders in one school are getting this “opportunity.” Actually, it isn’t an opportunity because these kids aren’t academically ready for high school–their chances of failing and/or dropping out of high school are almost inevitable.
There is a very good chance that these young people are discipline problems–probably the main reason they are offered this “chance.” Do you think that placing them in a high school where their frustration levels will be even greater will cause their behaviors to improve. The alternative school is probably the best option.
I am failing to see what the problem is here. Some kids are being allowed to test out of 8th grade and go directly to 9th grade. This is a problem why? I am assuming the tests are appropriate assessments. Frankly I wish schools would allow kids to skip grades if they have the academic capabilities. It is social ‘de’motion to hold a talented kid back by not letting him skips grades. This results in the whole weighted/enriched grade nonsense, which is essentially tracking.
I’m not assuming these are the best and brightest. Since you and mortified have been using the term social promotion, I did assume that these were 7th graders who have been held back at some point and are the same age as other 8th graders.
You say that “these kids aren’t academically ready for high school”. So, what are the 8th grade requirements? You say “it” – presumably the ISAT – is a test that all 8th graders have to pass. What if they don’t? What is “pass”? I’m looking at the school report card for Lincoln and seeing that less that half meet or exceed state standards on the ISAT. Does that mean less than half didn’t “pass”? Do less than half not go on to 9th grade?
Sharon, you’ve said that you’ve been hearing these rumors – though you did receive “a” name. In other words, it sounds like you don’t know the whole story yet.
That’s fine. Except you then go on to say that these kids aren’t academically ready, it’s almost inevitable that they’ll fail or drop out of high school, that they’re probably discipline problems, and that they should be in an alternative school. Really?
Even if all of those things turn out to be true – what I see are kids who are willing to stay after school for help to try and change that. They are improving their odds.
Jon and Mahkno, all of this discussion defines why District 150 needs to explain what is going on. First of all, the ISAT tests have already been taken, so the kids can’t be studying for those tests. I don’t believe those tests can be given any time other than the set times for all 8th graders.
The point, of course, is that there are very few of the very best students–if any, in District 150, who get to skip grades. The requirements for passing 8th grade first and foremost are that a student spend a year in 8th grade. That is the requirement for passing 8th grade (not just a passing grade on an ISAT test or the government test).
If this is an option for Lincoln 7th graders who have been held back, then it should be an option for all 7th graders who have been held back–and it should be board approved.
“The requirements for passing 8th grade first and foremost are that a student spend a year in 8th grade. That is the requirement for passing 8th grade”
Can you provide a link to any D150 policy or Illinois School Code or any recognized authority that states as such?
Does that same requirement apply to all grades? If not all, which one(s) does it not apply to? If it applies to all grades – doesn’t that mean a kid can never skip a grade? If a kid has been held back, say early in his school years, like first grade. But then catches back up to his peers, is he never allowed to move back to his “normal” grade?
I imagine D150 has explained what is going on to the students and parents of those students who are staying after school. Have you asked anyone in D150 to explain? Have you tried speaking with the principal as a start?
Jon, I will pursue further information about the situation–discussion closed for now (on my side anyway). However, I do believe we all know that most students (few exceptions) spend a year in all grades 1-8.
Why aren’t you looking through all the comments by bloggers to find the ones who originated this discussion–ask them to clarify what they know about the Lincoln situation. Without names–how can you assume that some of these bloggers aren’t writing from first-hand knowledge?
Many students are home-schooled for a part of their traditional K-12 education. Often, they enter the public school during their freshman year of high school – (they may have to meet a minimum age requirement) How can they enter 9th grade without “spending a year in 8th grade”?
My niece was home schooled for what would have been her 6th and 7th grades. When she returned to public school in the 8th grade (in a different state than where she attended 5th grade), she had to meet a minimum age requirement and pass assessment tests to be enrolled in 8th grade. Why should kids who have always been in the public school NOT be entitled to the same options?
I don’t know who originated this issue – nor do I really care. I do know that you and mortified have chosen to bring it up here and I am responding to the issues you raised.
I don’t see a problem with what Lincoln is described to be doing. You do see a problem. As such, I would again encourage you to talk with school officials – like the principal, and if aren’t satisfied with the response, work your way up the “chain of command”.
I also think it is fine to inquire here about the program – to gather information. However, I think it premature to condemn the actions (and deem the students involved to inevitably fail or drop out of high school) until you understand what is going on.
Peoria Public Schools no longer implement proficiency tests similar to what formerly took place in the high schools. Those were the only proficiency tests given in order to advance to the next grade, or graduate during high school.
I am an eighth grade teacher in D150. D150 changed their History tests policy 2 years ago, so two assessments are given in the seventh grade, and three given in the eighth grade. Until 2 years ago, the eighth grade students had to take 6 tests in order to meet the mandates of the state of Illinois…not the district only.
The History tests that are now taken in 7th & 8th grade are:
Voting test
Flag test
Declaration test
Illinois history and maps
Constitution test
They are in no way tied to the actual grading of 7th or 8th grade. They are in place to meet the mandate of the state of Illinois, along with the district. It is simple…if they do not pass all five tests, they CANNOT go to 9th grade, regardless if they are straight A students.
Sharon was giving you the most useful information about the “History tests.” Home schooled students also must pass the same tests, if they are to enter 9th grade in D150. In my time of teaching, I have never had a home schooled student, so “Many students are home-schooled” should read…”very few students are home-schooled.”
You have missed the whole point of the Lincoln discussion…and they do this in summer school also…if you don’t pass the History tests, you have to re-take them. No questions asked, no amount of blogging otherwise will keep you from the mandate of passing those tests.
Those tests have NOTHING to do with the report card grades. I include the 5 grades they get on their tests in their History grade during the period they take the tests, but that is it.
Students need to pass eighth grade. They are being set up for failure in high school otherwise.
Oh, and before there is discussion about the Constitution test given as Juniors in high school. That also MUST be passed. Anybody blogging who has a high school diploma knows that, if they went to D150 or any high school in the state of Illinois. Anybody who has a high school diploma in the state of Illinois has passed the test in high school and some part of the tests in eighth grade, right now it is 5 tests. It has always been that way…not debatable…the state of Illinois has mandated them for a very long time.
I’ve never seen a larger extrapolation from limited data than this statement. I shudder to think of the implications of this logic. What else have you not personally experienced that must therefore be normative for the city, state, or nation?
I retract that to say “I have never had a home-schooled students in my 20 years in District 150” and leave it at that. I would never inflict my personal experience as norm for anybody. My sincerest apologies if that is the way you took that.
“It is simple…if they do not pass all five tests, they CANNOT go to 9th grade, regardless if they are straight A students.”
So…if they DO pass all five tests, they CAN go to 9th grade? Again, if the only REQUIREMENT is to pass these tests, and these kids then pass the tests, what is the problem? Is the bar too low?
You said, “Students need to pass eighth grade.” What constitutes “passing eighth grade”? I guarantee you that there are students who have entered 9th grade in D150 who were home-schooled up until that point. How did they “pass 8th grade”? If a student goes from 6th to 8th grade, skipping 7th grade, and still passes all 5 tests, is that OK?
Jon, think back to your 8th grade. Did you not have Math and Science and PE and Reading and English and possibly Spelling…those are not tested in the History tests. There is no proficiency test forr 8th grade. The kids in the Lincoln case are not understanding Pythageon’s theory, no are they delving into the human body, or learning in-depth about WWII, the Korean War, the 20th Century if they do not have to attend eighth grade. Nor are they understanding the Literature 8th grade students are studying.
Passing the History tests is a very small part of the curriculum. My eighth graders are almost ready to pass into 9th grade. One more grading period of grades and all have passed their History tests. Grades and History tests…only as eighth graders and Juniors in high school are both required.
I cannot imagine asking my own children’s teachers to pass them into 9th once they passed their History tests. School is not that simple. Should there be a call from all parents to allow their children to pass into high school once they have passed History tests?
My students this year passed their History tests month ago…and all are ready to go to 9th grade once they get grades from both semesters. Not one parent demanded that their child then be bumped into high school. School does not work that way.
The History tests are about History.
Jon, I don’t know how home-schooled students got into this conversation. I think it is fairly safe to assume that there are no home-schooled students in the group of students at Lincoln–they are kids who have failed and weren’t passed on at some point in the education (maybe more than once)–and now are too old to be in middle school. Yes, I believe there should be a solution to this problem throughout the district–but a legitimate plan offered to all students in the same situation; a plan that does not just pass them on to the next grade.
Jon, you are assuming that these students do not need the instruction offered to them in the 8th grade (English, math, science–all courses not covered in the state-mandated government tests). I am guessing, but I wouldn’t doubt that they read below grade level.
Jon, I hope you understand that District 150 does require 8th grade or the equivalent of 8th grade instruction to go on to high school, so just passing the government tests doesn’t qualify a student for high school.
Sorry, RUKidding, I was posting at the same time that you were–you said almost the same thing that I said–only better. Thanks.
“Jon, you are assuming that…” Sorry, wrong again, Sharon.
This discussion of home-schooled kids is an example of how the theory that “you must pass 8th grade” in order to go to high school is incorrect. The example of a kid going from 6th to 8th, thus skipping 7th, is another example that makes one wonder about that so called requirement (unless 8 is a magic number).
It sounds like the only true requirement – or mandate – is that these kids pass these history tests. Again, maybe you think that isn’t enough, the standard is too low, but that seems to be the only requirement (and maybe age). If there is another requirement, please substantiate that – don’t just say it’s so.
So, if these tests are the only true requirement, and if these kids pass this only requirement, how is that social promotion?
It would seem that your argument is more against low state standards – rather than with D150 for complying with them.
The requirement is and always has been…8th grade 2 semester of grades and the History tests.
Sharon, would you please FOIA the home school requirements? They are closely followed by the ROE, who helps them with curriculum and requirements.
Social promotion began a few years ago. I wish the district would have tracked the students who had no 8th grade grades and how they are now doing in high school. That would be a great research project.
Maybe we should require that all of the Lincoln group take the same test or requirements home school students take to move forward.
The history of social promotion goes back many more years in District 150–and the battle against it has been fought many times. Jon, there is no sense in trying to have a discussion with you. You will always bring up all the exceptions, etc., but in this case none of your arguments apply to the Lincoln situation. If your arguments were correct, then every 7th grader in District 150 would be eligible to skip 8th grade if he/she passed the state-mandated government tests. I trust you understand how ludicrous that idea is. These tests are not the only requirement–they are just the requirement that can prevent an 8th grader from going to high school even if he/she passes his 8th grade subjects.
“If your arguments were correct, then every 7th grader in District 150 would be eligible to skip 8th grade if he/she passed the state-mandated government tests.”
I’ve said many times that there is probably an age requirement. Even then, there are probably some exceptions – for exceptionally gifted kids, for example. If there is no age requirement, then they very well might all be eligible. Being eligible to do something and actually wanting to do it (or your parent allowing you to do it) are completely different things.
“These tests are not the only requirement” Again, if there is an actual requirement, wouldn’t it be in some sort of district policy or state or federal statute?
You seem to be saying that these Lincoln kids are not meeting the requirements – which is a pretty serious allegation. Please, show us the requirements in order to prove such a claim.
Jon, I know that you like to argue just to be arguing and that you know that I will continue the discussion no matter how ridiculous the discussion becomes. 🙂 I do believe these students have not met the requirements to go to high school? Why? Quite simply because they have not yet completed the 8th grade or met the requirements expected of an 8th grader. Board policy clearly states that students will not be promoted because of age or for social reasons–therefore, if these students are passed, the action violates board policy. Board policy states: Peoria Public Schools, District 150 6:280
Instruction
Grading and Promotion
The administration and professional staff shall establish a system of grading and reporting academic achievement to students and their parents and guardians. The system shall also determine when
promotion and graduation requirements are met. The decision to promote a student to the next gradelevel shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance based on Illinois Standards Achievement Tests, or other testing. A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance. The Parent(s) or guardians(s) of a student who is not promoted may request a review meeting regarding the lack of promotion, with the building Principal and his staff. The Principal may seek the input of the Superintendent or his designee. The Principal’s decision shall be final. The administration shall determine remedial assistance for a student who is not promoted.
From District 150’s website:
By Illinois state law, every middle school student must pass a constitution test before entering high school. In District 150, students in grade 7 take “The Constitution” and “The Declaration of Independence” tests. Students in grade 8 must take the tests on “Voting”, “Proper Flag Use”, and “Illinois History and Government”.
The rest of it is just not something I will further address. Unless they are gifted, and have the knowledge necessary to jumps grades, which I endorse fully, students need to be at school and learn. If anybody thinks otherwise, it’s okay by me. Sharon is right on…and is obviously concerned about the children in District 150. I wish she would run for the school board.
Sharon- Why continue to waste your time and argue with Jon? According to Jon, Jon always has the right answers. If he had his life to live over again, he would still fall in love with himself.
If you see two guys together and one looks bored, Jon’s the other one.
“Why do you continue to waste your time with Jon?” as mortified writes two posts in a row about me. Do you understand what hypocrisy means? Or what an ad hominem is?
Sharon and RU Kidding – you prove my point exactly. RU quotes the 5 tests – presumably the same tests that mortified said the principal told the kids that if they pass, they will go on to 9th grade. State requirements? Check
Sharon then quotes D150 policy. “The decision to promote a student to the next grade level shall be based on successful completion of the curriculum, attendance, performance based on Illinois Standards Achievement Tests, OR OTHER TESTING.” D150 requirements? Check
Jon, the policy doesn’t list one requirement. Completion of the curriculum means completing the requirements of the grade-level (8th, in this case) curriculum (math, English, science, etc., not just government). If the 7th graders are passed to high school on the basis of the government tests, then Lincoln is violating the policy.
By the way, the OR in the policy, I believe, is a grammatical error (surprise that District 150 would produce a document with a grammatical error)–but I admit it does provide a basis for your quibbling. The choice is between the Illinois Standard Achievement Tests or other testing. The tests DO NOT replace the attendance and curriculum–they are additions. There is another section of the policy that discusses proficiency tests–the government tests are not proficiency tests used for skipping grades.
“Truth telling does not equal destroying.” except when it comes to politics…
Who are the two principals who refused their new appointments? How will these moves save D150 $350,000 to $500,000? Are salaries being lowered?
If I remember correctly, Angie Stockman refused hers for personal reasons and the other one was Wojecovich (sp?). She was supposed to be Director of Curriculum at PHS. Not sure of her reason though.
That’s convenient, Sharon. Rather than interpreting the policy as it is written, you have to assume there is a grammatical error for it to read as you want.
I don’t know these kids and their particular situations, and it doesn’t sound like you do either (you said “I am guessing, but I wouldn’t doubt that they read below grade level.) But if twenty 7th grade kids are staying after school to study for tests in order to go to high school, it’s pretty likely that at a minimum the principal and parents of the students know the situation far better and have decided together that this is an appropriate option.
If I were a parent of one of those kids, I’d be pretty ticked off to know that some “school activist” who doesn’t even know my kid is spouting off on a public blog that my kid is not academically ready, that there is a very good chance my kid is a discipline problem, and that it is almost inevitable that this decision will lead to my kid failing or dropping out of high school. You don’t need to name the students specifically for some people to know exactly who you are talking about.
Jon:
From what I can gather, it appears the only children getting an education are the children who attend the schools where Sharon’s “pretend grandchildren” go to school. Whittier, Richwoods, Washington Gifted.
Jon, I believe how the policy is routinely practiced indicates how the policy should be interpreted. Every year children progress from one grade level to another on the basis of meeting all the requirements (not just the requirement of passing a state test). Every year some children are held back because they do not meet the requirements. Also, please remember that I did not start this discussion–bloggers who withhold their names for good reason started the discussion.
All I know about the Lincoln students is that they are students who have not passed one or more grades (that would indicate that they have not met some of the requirements). Also, if they are passed to high school, they will not have met the requirements of attendance and completing the curriculum of the 8th grade–both of which are requirements, no matter what your opinion of the policy is.
Emerge, you often criticize me for my negativity toward District 150, yet you rarely have had anything good to say about any of District 150 schools or their teachers. In fact, you recently stated that the recent assessment of some of District 150’s programs prove that very little education is going on in the classrooms of District 150 schools. The report states or implies no such thing. It does state that some programs are not working for various reasons–but those programs aren’t the sum total of what goes on in classrooms every day.
Also, I have never stated that teachers aren’t teaching and that students aren’t learning. I have stated that the Johns Hopkins program at Manual is not providing the challenge needed for many of Manual’s students. However, I have never said that students aren’t learning or that teachers aren’t teaching. Also, I have stated that discipline programs in many schools reduce the opportunities for teachers to teach and students to learn.
Nice post Jon.
RU Kidding, I have a question for you. When is a student simply too old to be retained in middle school? At some point it is not appropriate for children of vastly different ages to be housed together.
If my young son or daughter is running around middle school at age 11, I really don’t expect, or want, a bunch of 15 or 16 year old 8th graders running around the building.
Frustrated, if had read all my comments, you would have read that I, too, recognize the problems presented by students too old for middle school. However, there is no official board policy for handling the problem of young people who do not meet requirements to be passed on to high school.
What you, also, do not take into account are the problems created at the high school level when a 9th grade teacher encounters several students who have been passed on without passing the 8th grade requirements. This situation occurred at Manual during the Royster era when Blaine Sumner and, I think, Roosevelt passed students on to high school. Some such students were, also, sent to Woodruff.
Board policy clearly states in 6:280 that “A student shall not be promoted based upon age or any other social reason not related to academic performance.” Nor does the policy state that 7th graders can take the Illinois government tests (as Jon contends) and pass on to high school without meeting 8th grade curriculum requirements and attendance.
You are right about the problem–I agree (and RU Kidding would agree). In fact, 7th and 8th grade teachers would rightly wholeheartedly agree. However, the board has not addressed the problem or its solution–so, on occasion, some principals decide to handle the problem in a way that violates board policy–and without a board vote about handling the problem in this way.
I agree, Sharon.
Frustrated, I wish there was an answer to what do you do with 15 year olds who only come to school now and then, and want to go to high school. I do not have the answer to that question.
The other part you need to keep in mind is if they are doing that at Lincoln…how many more are still enrolled at other schools who wish to do the same thing? If attendance is a problem, how do they solve that same problem in high school?
My biggest fear is that some of these students are not ready for high school. Eighth grade is a vital transition year. It prepares students for high school.
If somebody wishes not to believe that, it is okay by me. I am not saying this to change anybody’s minds. I am just stating the obvious. I have always wanted the district to track the students in this category. I have no answers for older kids in a middle school.
Yes, I heard the same thing about Wojcikewych not going to PHS. I also heard she isn’t allowed to complete the process for the selection of the new students to Washington Gifted for next year. That is too bad. She is a really great principal. Rumor has it that Dr. Lathan is wanting her child to go there next year instead of Mark Bills.
I believe it is school law that a student can no longer be in middle school after the age of 16. I’m having trouble finding it but I thought that was what I have been told in the past. So that maybe the reason those “select” 7th graders are being pushed to pass the Constitution test.
Lea, does the same law state what to do with these 16 year olds? Does it state that they should be sent to high school without passing all grades?