News-Record.com

Thank you for publishing this info. Actually very sad scores for the entire county. Can you find out how NW and Grimsely had kids taking the English EOC's in 2006 since they are on traditional schedules? I wouldn't think they would have any scores yet. Not sure how that works. I do think it is a shame that our middle colleges at Bennett and A&T have below 5% passing some things. I understand this is the last chance for many, but do we take the per person money that is paid for 100 students and if only 5% pass say that is a success? Lots of money, little to get excited about.

In the Dudley report the auditors ask to revisit past redistricting. They are clearly recommend more diversity for Dudley.

I shall be following that up with Ductor Grier and the School Bored.

Judge, you are right. There is a request for more diversity at Dudley but none for either Smith or Central. The auditors even speak of "rich" diversity at Central. They obviously see that this sort of mixture (similar to Andrews) is no barrier to a good education. Their main recomendations to me look like teacher and leadership cultural improvements.

In fact in the Central report there is even a criticism of the choice plan. It reads something like this: "Central students come from many different parts of Guilford county which has made it difficult to articulate programs from feeder middle schools".

The comments from the Central teachers about discipline are quite alarming.

"Central office has a high tolerance for poor student behaviour". We have no control".

"Students misbehave because there are no consequences"!!

In fact there if you read this report there is a big discipline problem there.!

Some of my favorites from the Central report:

"Almost half (46%) of those teachers who deliver core curriculum are new to the teaching profession and have not yet competed their licensure requirements."

"With the exception of the central office staff, all of these individuals expressed the opinion that behavior problems were out of control and that the principal did not have sufficient authority to eliminate them"

"While policies gave the principal the authority to suspend troublesome students for short periods, school staff members expressed the opinion that, except in the most extreme circumstances, the need to reduce suspensions informally constrained the use of this prerogative. Further, the staff was nearly unanimous and unequivocal in their belief that the school administrators were powerless to deal with habitual troublemakers who disrupted learning."

The report explicity asks for more diversity at Dudley.
Central and Smith are richly diverse.

Seems that the auditors would think that Andrews is richly diverse too.

The real job needs to be dune at Dudley.

Will the Bored have the balls?

Jenny, Jenny,...who can I turn to? ...I got it , I got...the number on the wall....

Bored stuff chalkbaord readers: GO TO ALLEN JOHNSON'S BLOG.

I miss Bruce....

The Central report is a disgrace. I wonder why the school board member never complains about the school like Amos did about Dudley for example..
Ahhhh. Now I know why. The auditors confirm it. Its a school within a school. Blacks on CP and the whites of Emorywood on IB and AP.
Thats ole HP for ya.

WAKE UP SCHOOL BOARD.

Oh forgot, the did complain. They want the gangs out right?

I have a friend who teaches the dropouts, and she said a student who just started reads on a first grade level. The student dropped out of 10th grade.

HOw does a student get to 10th grade reading on that level? What a disgrace!!!!! And they want to bus kids around to fix the problem. These kids need help - real help!!!!!!!

I have a friend who teaches the dropouts, and she said a student, who just started, reads on a first grade level. The student dropped out of 10th grade.

HOw does a student get to 10th grade reading on that level? What a disgrace!!!!! And they want to bus kids around to fix the problem. These kids need help - real help!!!!!!!

It's called social passing. God forbid we hurt their "self-esteem". No one seems to care about their self-esteem when they are 16 years old and can't read. We didn't need a Judge's mandate to tell us what most of us already know. These children have been failed by the system long ago, before high school, long ago before Terry Grier came.

Questions now: What do we REALLY do NOW to help these kids? What has GCS done in the past 6 years to make a difference?

We cannot just keep hiding them, ignoring them, busing them, and passing out grades because they don't have teachers to teach them. Feeling sorry for them, not making them accountable is NOT helping them in the long run.

I agree that social promotion has caught up with us. It probably went unnoticed until testing became such a huge priority.

Of course, social promotion is still happening. Remember the article about how many kids were actually retained? Was in 1 in Guilford County? Kids don't get to the ninth grade and all of a sudden become stupid! Well, maybe a little when the hormones kick in, but you know what I mean. Are they failing this bad in elementary school? Middle School? My personal thoughts are the academic bar in middle school needs to be raised. I am not sure we are challenging any of the kids with English or Science. I know they all take Algebra 1. Maybe that is why the Algebra 1 passing in 9th grade is so low. All the average, and higher kids take that class in grade 8. The only ones taking it in grade 9 are the low achievers, or people that transferred from another county/state etc.

I just solved that problem! Just go back to Algebra 1 in 9th grade and your numbers will increase without any additional teachers, money or training. Wonder if I can get a job with GCS?

Debora,

You sure would be excellent working for GCS. You have so much darn common sense. It seems this is not the "norm" though so I don't think you would be welcome. They go by reports, statistics, more reports, different reports, etc. So much for what is really going on and needs to be done.

We definitely would love for you to run for school board. But you have one of the best reps on that school board in your district. You will have to wait until Dot's at-large positions opens up.

Dr. Routh is a sensible, capable woman. She takes her time to know the numbers, reads data and just doesn't fall for the b.s. that is presented on the surface. With age comes wisdom and she has it.

Why do they pass them? Take Central. Large CP classes, small AP/IB classes.
Does the local board rep care? No, because her country club friends kids are in the AP/IB classes.
Shhhhhhhhh!
Keep it quiet. Someone might find out and they will actually have to start sharing some of the good teachers out down there?
What about demanding good teachers for all Mrs Mendenhall?

What, educate them? Who is going to work the mills?

Keep that factory fodder acomin!!

Busing...Uniforms.....What is next??????

Dudley students should not be forced to wear uniforms because the Guilford County schools have failed to educate them.

Who wears uniforms? Professionals? Ha?
The more money you make the more options you have in what you wear.

Who wears polo shirts and khaki pants to work?
Try custodians, maintenance workers, fast food workers, movie theater workers, Food Lion baggers.... "blue collar workers"!!

All respectable jobs, but "not professional,
high paying jobs that high school students should and could be striving for.

So what message are we sending to the Dudley students.

Unproven theories:

A uniform improves academic performance by reducing behavior problems, thus creating a better learning environment and focus on learning National studies find this is unfounded:

http://www.members.tripod.com/rockqu/uniform.htm

Dr. David L. Brunsma and Kerry A. Rockquemore’s study “The Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement” published in The Journal of Education Research (Volume 92, Number 1, Sept./Oct. 1998, pp. 53-62) found just the opposite:

“A negative effect of uniforms on student academic achievement was found.” Pg. 1

"Our findings show that students who were forced to wear uniforms actually performed several points lower on standardized tests." http://www.uah.edu/News/1999rr/uniforms.html

ftp://ftp.ets.org/pub/res/order.pdf

The study “Order in the Classroom: Violence, Discipline, and Student Achievement” by Paul E. Barton, et al and published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) specifically studied this and found that this was not the case.

“The notions that school uniforms and zero tolerance for gangs would reduce school disorder and consequently improve student academic performance were not supported.” Pg. 18

Dudley students should not be forced to wear uniforms because we have failed to educate them.

Who in our society wears uniforms?...prisoners....

Professionals? Ha......
You want see a uniform on anyone in my building
and we are highly paid professionals.

A uniform improves academic performance by reducing behavior problems, thus creating a better learning environment and focus on learning National studies find this is unfounded:

http://www.members.tripod.com/rockqu/uniform.htm

Dr. David L. Brunsma and Kerry A. Rockquemore’s study “The Effects of Student Uniforms on Attendance, Behavior Problems, Substance Use, and Academic Achievement” published in The Journal of Education Research (Volume 92, Number 1, Sept./Oct. 1998, pp. 53-62) found just the opposite:

“A negative effect of uniforms on student academic achievement was found.” Pg. 1

"Our findings show that students who were forced to wear uniforms actually performed several points lower on standardized tests." http://www.uah.edu/News/1999rr/uniforms.html

ftp://ftp.ets.org/pub/res/order.pdf

The study “Order in the Classroom: Violence, Discipline, and Student Achievement” by Paul E. Barton, et al and published by the Educational Testing Service (ETS) specifically studied this and found that this was not the case.

“The notions that school uniforms and zero tolerance for gangs would reduce school disorder and consequently improve student academic performance were not supported.” Pg. 18

Why are we forcing Dudley students to wear uniforms?
So they know how to dress professionally????

I'm a professional and we do not have a uniform in the building....except for the vendors and maintenance workers.

What message is this sending??????

Frank,

It's called a Diversion Tactic.

Just keep throwing out new ideas, confuse the public, and keep diverting the issues away from education.

Uniforms at Dudley???
Students need to fight this.....

Do professionals wear uniforms????

Not in my profession

Are the uniforms a certainty? I thought it was a parent driven meeting with food served and 'possible' SMOD discussed. I don't like the idea, but if the parents are supporting it then in my opinion it's okay. It's time for parents at these low performing schools get involved. If this is the first step.. so be it. I don't mean to say that NO parents are currently involved, but obviously these students need help. Real help, and the help should start at home.

I'd like to see uniforms at Central too. Shirts and ties for "white" Central (AP&IB). Khaki's and Polos for "black" Central (CP).

I'd like to see uniforms for all schools, and Tatoos for all the kids that are bused..sos we don't lose 'em...maybe even microchips..but definitely unis. I think black and white would be appropriate. Black bottoms, white tops for neighborhood kids, black tops, white bottoms for the shipped in kids. We have to have some way to keep 'em separate. Isn't that was this is all about?

What is the worst educational myth since "new math"?

"Uniforms will improve student performance"

Reminds me of a famous quote

"Make the lie big, make it simple,
keep saying it
eventually they will believe it" - Hitler

Let's spend time, money and energy doing something that will really educate our students.

If a parent wants his student to wear a polo shirt and khaki pants there is absolutely nothing stopping him from doing so. After all, the parent supplies the clothes.

1. End social promotion in the lower grades.
2. Invest in reading teaching specialists.
3. Take the 1500 dollars a bused student cost
and invest it in education in the classroom.
4. Save the money re-taking SAT test for seniors
already accpeted in college (100.000+) and put
it back in the classrooms.
5. Quit wasting time and energy on quick fix
gimics. Look how much Eastern's Guilford's
scores have gone up this year. It was pure
hard work and effort on the part of the
students and the teachers.

Guess what...no uniforms.

Frank,

You should launch a write-in campaign for School Board!

Frank, I thought the only trouble makers in this county were from the SW side.

You know, the sh,,,y White side.

Frank,

The Quote by Hitler that you mentioned in an earlier post sounds alot like something that might have been said by "Comrade Kearns",,,Leader of the Socialist Republic of High Point...

I wonder if old Adolph and The Comrade ever crossed paths behind the Berlin Wall??????

General sir,
during my last trip behind the curtain I found out about several very nasty stories of Diversity Dot and her escapades there.
I found out that she had been through Checkpoint Charlie several times to meet up with other agents. My contacts told me some horrible tales, too bad to even mention here. I still have nightmares over the G.Farmer story that they told me about.
I have some leads from that trip and will be returning for follow-up at the end of April.
The dossier grows.
Sir, I will give you a full report upon my return.

Since by federal law, a "mandatory uniform policy"
by the school, would require the school or GCS to provide the "uniform" for any student that falls under the "federal free and reduced" lunch program,
I would like to know how Dudley's principal plans
on paying for these.

If you do not believe me , look up the "Mandatory Uniform Act" which was proposed by Bill Clinton in 1996.

This is the biggest reason that Aycock and Hairston were smart enough to call their "uniforms" "SMOD"
or standardized mode of dress. The only difference is that they are not required to follow the law in providing the "uniforms" that the "public" school is required to provide for "free" under this law.

Has anyone thought about who is going to buy over
70% of Dudley's students their clothes for next year?

Maybe we can have another bond for this?
The Uniform Bond?

Yet a better idea, I know there is still a little
money left in the Jamestown bond money.

We're talking about kids here people. Many come from poor families in our communities and just because they may not be our kids our selfish tendencies should be set aside in order to provide standardized uniforms for them. We should all contribute financially in this matter.

A good and fair uniform standard for Dudley and in fact for all the rest of the Guilford County schools would help to disipate self esteem issues that many poor kids are confronted with at school as a result of not having the money to dress cool.

Dudley's administration is to be commended for this step in the right direction.

Another good smoke screen, but I haven't heard the students complaining that they were having self-esteem issues. I'm sure Amos Quick's daughter would be more than happy to refute that point.

Since the poverty level at Dudley is so high, I doubt very seriously that students wearing expensive clothing is really an issue.

Let's spend the money that you seem to think that we have floating around to increase the teachers salaries, provide smaller classrooms, provide tutors, hire highly trained reading specialist,
provide computers, textbooks, library books, paper, pencils, pay for SAT's, pay for college applications and provide scholarships.

We are talking about providing an EDUCATION here!!

I will gladly chip in a few bucks to purchase the uniform for our esteemed leader,,,mr.grier..

He would look great in a pair of Khakis,,Polo shirt and topsiders,,,HMMMM,,maybe a Beanie would top off his ensemble????

mr. grier,,,,if you lead,,,,they shall follow.

p. s. (No Norman Stockton allowed,,,only Wal-Mart,,,K-Mart,,,,Target,,Etc.,,,,,It's OK mr.grier,,,you'll get used to it..)

Troublemaker,

Self esteem issues in school can be the difference between a successful kid who doesn't become a stain on our society or the kid who becomes a blight on our landscape. Technology and the other minor items you refer to have their place but the importance that the appearance you present to your fellow classmates is just as important.

Our kids are our future. It's unfortunate that most of you have a sensitivity issue when it comes to the poor disenfranchised minority child who wasn't privileged to be born into the "preferred" race.

Ask the students at Dudley next year this question.
When you walk into the building and are out of uniform, how does it feel to be forced to go to the school clothes closet to put on used clothes that may or may not fit properly.

The answer will be humiliation.

You think this is will help anyone's self-esteem.

You are fooling yourself if you think anyone is going to buy students brand new uniforms and replace items as they out grow them.

Even if by some miracle it happens the first year, the students will be asked to donate their uniforms back to the school so that 5 years from now kids attending Dudley will be wearing hand me downs that are 5 years old.

I'm sorry, but wearing someone else's used clothes has never done a thing for my self-esteem.

But maybe that is just a "white" thing....