A closer look at these numbers shows there is a problem with them. First, there is no way certain schools claiming none or few drop outs are reporting honestly. There are ways to cover drop outs by labelling them as something else. Secondly there is no mention of the numbers of students who actually attend the schools. Grant has 1875 students so its percentage of drop outs is actually lower than some of the schools listed with greatly smaller student bodies. Looking beyond the raw numbers, percents show some schools are not as good as they look at first glance. But these numbers like any can be represented in amy way that bolsters the claim of those presenting them. Under NCLB there is a competition between school administrators to give the appearance they are working wonders, or are at least better than other schools. Sadly the honest ones get slammed

Joe is on the head of the nail. Some administrators, across America, haven’t figured out what it means to NOT leave a child behind, but have figured out strateiges to give that appearance. I’ve been in the trenches at “underperforming” schools and have seen the blood, sweat and tears that many of those administrators and faculty have shedded. In witnessing that it brings about a whole new appreciation and respect for my fellow colleagues, looking back. Most often we don’t hear about how the low performing schools have made 15-20% gains vs. the high performing schools (with the “cream of the crop”) have only made a 5-10% gains or only the bare minimum- state requirements. One day we will all realize that America will not function or prosper as a whole country until WE figure out that the have and have not live together- IN AMERICA!!!!! Get rid of catergories and labels if we’re not going to confront the real issues with SOLUTIONS….not more TALK.

There also needs to be some accountability to the state for schools that are suspending students for maximum time allowed for minor infractions that could be diciplined by ISD. Keeping kids in school is the only way to succeed in performance. Not kicking them to the curb and expect them to teach themselves. The governors office tells you to contact the state dept of Ed and they say its not in their jurisdiction. The local school boards say they also have no control over suspensions. Come on, really? I know of 12 kids suspended in a 2 week period for the remainder of the school year for minor things that should have been 3-5 day suspension max. and they would be attending classes and be able to actually pass the classes instead of failing.