TAKS, TAKS, TAKS

So the scores have come up. Good for the district. Lets look at the demographics though. If one digs deep into the scores, one will see glaring problems broke down upon racial lines. Is it a surprise? No. Every district struggles with the same problem. What will happen? Programs will be established to get the underperforming groups up to speed. Inevitably, the kids that aren't a problem when it comes to understanding the material and passing the TAKS will be pushed to the side. Focus will be placed on getting the failing kids to pass. Over time, the upper bar and lower bar will meet somewhere in the middle, thus, contributing to the dumbing down of a whole group of children. What can be done? Not much, if it is left to the district. Parents have to demand that all kids are serviced. Find out what goes on in class, ask questions, show up at school. Don't take the district's word for the truth. Guess what!... some of the employees of the district will tell you what they think you want to hear because they want you to go away.

On to something else...... Is the rumor true that employees of the district are not going to be allowed to question administration on subjects they might not agree with? Are they supposed to toe the company line on every issue without question? Teachers that display a negative attitude are subject to reprimand? Eye can see the policy as one that might be helpful to improve morale, but in this district, there are too many personal agendas at work, therefore, "the code" can be subject to interpretation and can be twisted to meet the needs of those administrators that have an axe to grind with some teachers. Don't think they won't do it to. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Teachers need to remember the "Bill of Rights" They do still teach that in history, right? Oh, and there is that little whistleblower act that was set up a few years ago to protect employees from employers.