More on Schools

I must say, yesterday was one of the most productive days I've had in at least 3 months. Ok, there is that whole you had a stroke thing but still work is going quite well, home life is ok, and the internet presence is getting out there. So you can pat yourself on the back if you're somehow responsible.

The School district is trying something with the calendar. Next year's schedule is only going to be a difference of maybe 3 or 4 weeks...or less. They are saying that SIC (School Improvement Council) is going to get a vote, hence parental involvement, on which calendar they want. Seriously look for a single system within two years.

Meanwhile we're told about improving student achievement. You want to get achievement? The only thing you can do is hope the population changes. I don't want to sound mean, but the chronically failing, the black and Latino population, need something different. Like a family that cares about what they do in school. If we don't have that, you're just spinning your wheels.

What if you do care and you have an under performing child? You need to look at your child's PACT score or even MAP score, your child's teacher will have this information, and come up with exercises that can be done after school to help your kid out. In my wife's class, I came in one day to help some kids count money. Over and over and over again, I doled out the money and they attempted to count. That's probably the hardest part, the hard, monotonous practice that's required.

Your not supposed to just coast through school. If you are then you aren't being challenged. My take on it anyway...