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GoogleComplete Report Card data can be viewed at
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Tennessee Department of Education released the annual report cards Tuesday for schools, school systems and the state as a whole, although state officials say a recalibration of the guidelines makes it impossible to compare this year's letter grades with previous years.
The letter grades apply to schools with students in fourth through eighth grades and are meant to describe the success of a school or school system in providing value added -- the difference between what a student knows this year and what that student knew a year earlier, as measured by the annual TCAP tests.
The state has adjusted its grading guidelines and made them more rigorous, and the state's grade in all four subject areas this year is "C."
Bedford County School System, as a whole, carries that same "C" grade in two of the four areas -- math and social studies -- but gets a "D" in the other two, reading/language arts and science.
"I'm always disappointed if we don't have all 'A's," said School Superintendent Ed Gray. But he said Bedford County scored comparably to school systems of similar size and demographic makeup.
"We are essentially the same as they are," said Gray.
Bedford County's high percentage of students for whom English is not their primary language, and the county's high poverty, are contributing factors, he said.
"Those are two big factors we have to overcome," he said.
Bedford County has a 17 percent Hispanic population; Gray said the only other county in the state with a similar percentage is Robertson County. But Gray said the number of Hispanic students fluent in English is increasing over time, and noted that the percentage of Hispanic students attending Thomas Magnet School, a program for high-achieving elementary-age children, is the same as the percentage of Hispanic students in the overall student population.
Betty Farrar, supervisor for elementary instruction, said trying to assess someone who is not a native English speaker can sometimes be deceptive. A child who converses well may not be as far along in reading or writing, she noted.
Gray said 60 percent of students in Bedford County are poor as defined by participation in the free and reduced-price meal program. He said the actual poverty level might be even higher, because some poor families refuse to apply for the meal program.
Bedford County School System spends an average $6,820 per pupil. The state average is $8,518 per pupil, although Gray said that special school districts (usually meaning city-run school districts) bring up the state average.
Two individual schools got an "F" in three of the four subject areas. Thomas Intermediate School got an "F" in math, reading/language arts and science, as did Community Middle School.
In the case of Thomas, the school which received those scores no longer exists. A reconfiguration of elementary classrooms in Shelbyville turned it into Thomas Magnet School, with a completely different faculty and student population.
Until this school year, Shelbyville had three "primary schools" serving kindergarten through third grade and one "intermediate school" for fourth and fifth grades. Because TCAP testing starts in the third grade, there's no value-added data until the student reaches the fourth grade. Now, all of the elementary schools within the city are K-5, and so each will have value-added letter grades in next year's Report Card.
Administrators say Community Middle School should benefit by being separated from Community High School, which moved into a new facility this fall. Connie Boutwell, director of federal projects for the local school system, says federal Title I special education funds are being spent at Community Middle, which added a Title I teacher and will have a "target-assisted" Title I program this year. It will move up to a school-wide program next year.
In general, the school system is ramping up technology as a way of reaching out to students. Today's students are more technology-oriented than any previous generation, and Gray said it's necessary to use technology to reach them.
"Today's student comes in to us as a digital learner," he said. Educational software can make learning tasks fun.
"Are the students engaged in class," he asked, "or are they just sitting there?"
Gray said he visited every classroom in the system last January and spoke with teachers. He stressed the importance of reaching "bubble students," those who are just on the edge of proficiency.
"Our school administrators and our teachers are working very hard, and we realize that we have to address every child, period." He said the requirements of NCLB have forced educators to concentrate on results, not just theories or techniques.
Farrar said that new programs such as "Read Well," a reading program for primary school students, and "LANGUAGE!", for fourth graders through seniors, are based on research into how children learn.
Boutwell said the special education program is also based on data about what works and what doesn't.
The state's method of calculating scores and the scale used to determine letter grades were revised to allow for a transition to the new standards and assessments required by the Tennessee Diploma Project, according to a state news release. Comparison of the 2009 Report Card data with previous years' scores will not be possible or valid.
"Our students have made great progress over the last five years," Education Commissioner Timothy Webb said. "Our teachers have truly made the difference. These changes to our calculations reflect no loss of learning but rather the pursuit of higher standards as we demand the highest level of success fo our students."
Two major changes have been implemented for calculation of scores on the Report Card. First, the baseline year for comparing student achievement has been reset using 2009 test scores. Previously, all students were compared to students who took state tests in 1998.
Second, a new grade scale will be used. The scale used to determine all grades A through F has been dramatically revised. In past years, Tennessee defined student proficiency in subject matter as a very basic understanding of the knowledge required. The Tennessee Diploma Project requires that the state realistically assess proficiency of subject matter. Going forward, students will be expected to have mastered a concept to be considered proficient.
"We must set expectations for all students higher," said Connie Smith, assistant commissioner for accountability, teaching and learning. "The Tennessee Diploma Project sets the stage for children to succeed."
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Liberty rules!!
Well, looks like the school board knows what is best for the public schools. Instead of using their time to make the schools better, they rather make useless rules that have absolutely nothing to do with learning. I thought their comment in the meetings were that "uniforms will help the children learn better". Um, I don't think it helped. Do away with the uniforms and use the money and time to get better teachers who really want to teach the children and help them to become smarter and brighter people.
Oh, and honestly, it doesn't surprise me to see that Community Middle has F's. They are so far behind, it's sad. And I think the elementary deserves F's as well.
It is time for a private school in Bedford CO.
A big shout of thanks to the school system, this is PATHETIC. Maybe we should put sports on the back burner for awhile, and move education to the front one.
Instead of providing a magnate school, it seems a school for "non-native English speaking" students would be the better choice. Mrs. Farrar says it is hard to assess these students because of the language barrier and that is probably true. It also takes much time and needed attention from the English-speaking students to try to mainstream them into the classroom. Some propose private schools, then make private schools for non-English speaking students and provide bi-lingual teachers for those classes. When people come to America they should shoulder the cost of any special education services needed. Our American teachers and students deserve to receive the time, attention, and education the American taxpayers pay for. Our education facilities have become nicer, more modern, better equipped and more expensive, but the value of education has declined. One more area where America's priorities get confused. It is not the building that provides better education, it is what is inside the building and what is being taught, comprehended and applied.
I know when this report came out last year, it was mentioned that some of the reason that certain scores were so low is because we have a large population of students who have English as a second language. Is it possible that this has factored in yet again?
This may be a bit off subject, but it kind of ties into what PrpleHze said. I think that teacher tenure should be done away with. It's entirely too easy to get, and once a teacher has it they are almost impossible to get rid of. I would like to see a list of teachers by school and what subject they teach. Then I would like to see how many years those teachers have been in teaching. Granted there are some seasoned teachers who are a real blessing and are true educators. But I can remember having some dinosaurs when I was in school who were only there so they could max out their pension. They didn't care one bit if we actually learned anything as long as we didn't interrupt their crossword puzzle time. On the other end of the spectrum, I have seen some new teachers who don't have a clue. They have no professionalism and the only reason they are a teacher is because they didn't know what else to major in.
Testing kids to death isn't teaching them anything. How about we ensure quality teachers in the classroom so that when testing time rolls around we don't have to spend weeks preparing for it.
"I'm always disappointed if we don't have all 'A's," said School Superintendent Ed Gray. But he said Bedford County scored comparably to school systems of similar size and demographic makeup.
"We are essentially the same as they are," said Gray.
This is no excuse. You wouldn't accept that answer from anyone else. Why are you using it? If I allowed my son this answer when I get onto him, he would not have the grades he has.
By the way, why are there not AP or honor classes for the middle schools?
This is a sad day for the future leaders of our county. Our kids are the ones paying the price for the YEARS and YEARS of bad decisions by the powers that be. I would love to see some new faces up there in that central office. Retirement is well overdue for most of them and can not come to soon for me as a parent.
Now...as for testing the kids to death AMEN!! I believe that the teachers should be evaluated every 6 mths for the progress that THEY are providing to our kids, not our kids being tested to track the teachers progress. Its a system that makes NO sense.
I know that there are many wonderful teachers in this county and that they are not to blame!!! But for those few that are not doing their job there should be a system for them to be the ones "graded".
I agree that they should have different classes for those who cannot speak the English Language. However, I don't think that the entire reason why the school failed has to do with them. Did it contribute, yes. Did it cause the all of the failing grades, no.
When my children were in public school, they did have a couple of teachers who really taught the children, and did a wonderful job! But there were some, who were plan lazy and wouldn't teach.
I believe that the teacher's reviews or a grade to represent their class average should be known to all parents. This would show who is teaching and who is not.
Oh, and I would like to add, that if the county would pump as much attention and money into the schools as they do the horse shows, then schools would not have an excuse for failing!!
I am so thankful my child is able to attend Liberty School. The parents, teachers, and students are all really involved, and that is what it takes to get a good education for our children.
But we can tuck in our shirts!!!! What do you expect when teachers spend all day on belt patrol. It all starts with the school board,... replace your morans and the rest will follow.
"I'm always disappointed if we don't have all 'A's," said School Superintendent Ed Gray. But he said Bedford County scored comparably to school systems of similar size and demographic makeup.
"We are essentially the same as they are," said Gray.
Are you kidding me?! That is BEYOND a poor excuse. You need to start holding teachers accountible. My child once had a teacher that had a sign on her desk that said "Ask 3 before you see me"...in other words, ask 3 fellow students if you don't know something before you ask me...IN 3rd GRADE! Well, gee, what if I ask 3 other students and they give me different answers OR DON'T KNOW IT EITHER?!
Granted, not all teachers are that way, thank goodness and we've had plenty of good ones, but come on! ...I also get the fact that some students are bad test takers. Period...no matter how much they study, they can fail a test.
But Ed Gray...WAKE UP...and stop using excuses. This is pitiful!
It seems that education always is pushed to the back seat. And, what a shame! I am sure there are many good teachers in our county education system, but there are also those that are lazy and do only what is required of them - not willing to give anything extra for the benefit of a child. Teachers are there to insure (supposedly) that a child is given every bit that he or she has to offer so that child will excel in their education. But some are not willing or are not qualified to mold the future generations. If the teacher doesn't care, it reflects on the child as well. And, Mr. Gray, it sounds like you are somewhat lax in monitoring grades and standards.
All the blame can;t be put on the teachers. It starts at home too. Parents gotta work with their children. Can't expect them to learn everything at school. I work with my daughter for an hour or more every night when we get home. I go over what was discussed that day, she reads to me, I give her homework that I personally made up, etc. I think this is a big contributor as to why my daughter makes straight A's.
"Bedford County's high percentage of students for whom English is not their primary language, and the county's high poverty, are contributing factors, he said."
How many of these are illegal and why are illegals here ?
WE NEED 287G in Bedford County !
The dress code really helped the grades. This is very sad when high school kids can't even make change or do simple math. They worry to much on how many candy bars or whatever they can sell!!!
A 17% Hispanic population should not be an issue. Why are the children speaking Spanish? If the parents were speaking English as they should be, provided that they are LEGAL citizens, then the children would not have an issue communicating in our schools.
If they do not speak English, then it is likely that they are not legal. This means that they do not pay taxes. But their children attend public schools which are fully funded by the tax payers.
However probable that the children are legal by birth, does not excuse the fact that they attend public schools and are provided the same amenities as children whose tax paying parents taught their children the native language from birth. The failure to do so only creates a black hole effect for tax funds that, instead of going to the educational betterment of ALL children, only goes to the education of children who slow the progress of the system.
How much money goes to teaching students to speak English in an English speaking school system? And when it is time for recess or the bell rings, do you honestly think that those children walk out of the doors and speak English?
If you came home to find your neighbor sleeping on your couch, with your kitchen bare, your medicine and liquor cabinets empty, and your bathroom faucet dripping water, would you be so nonchalant?
I went to Liberty, and now I'm making all A's in college. That says something. :)
I went to Liberty, and now I'm making all A's in college. That has to say something. :)
If the school board and Mr Gray were not so worried about the dress code then maybe our children can learn something else in class. Time for a change Bedford County. Are we going to continue to let are kids pay the price for the good ole boys!!!
It's no wonder the kids at Cascade High aren't doing any better.I was there today and the kids have to have a class in the cafeteria because of the overcrowding.We need to fix this!
Just give it time, the re-zoning and dress code will fix it all in a few yrs! As we all know those changes were sooo important to our childrens educations.
This is completely disgraceful.
I think the issue with clothing has more to do with teaching children boundaries and respect than fashion. If children were taught to take pride in their appearance, their school work and show respect not only to other students but also to the teachers and administrators, these issues may not have come up. Instead of parents getting on the bandwagon arguing this moot point of a dresscode, spend that time teaching your children to respect themselves and others which includes following rules. In most instances throughout life these children will always have to follow the rules, they may as well learn now. Read the headlines of all the people in business and leadership positions that have recently gotten themselves into deep deep hot water for not following the rules. I don't have a problem with dresscodes. I can't see how a uniform dress code could hinder a child's learning process, but I can see how baggy pants, vulgar T shirts, and untied shoes could be a distraction. Let's quit beating this horse to death. If the parents would get over it, so would the kids!
Let me get this right, so in 2018 I'll likely still not get the right change back after ordering my fries?
It's apparent that things are not getting any better for a list of reasons. How things have changed for the worse in the last 20 years and our children are paying the price sadly.
while i am often critical of the school system, i have to defend them as far as these test scores are concerned. the biggest predictor of a childs success is not the school they attend, but the home to which they return. instead of taking responsibility for our own failures, i see all the usual scapegoats.
lets have less emphasis on sports. sound good? then how come tullahoma, oak ridge, brentwood, and germantown are among the strongest academic schools in the state... and all have strong extracurricular programs, including sports?
lets eliminate tenure. there is no denying that there are those who abuse tenure. however, do we believe our school faculties will benefit from wholesale replacement of existing teachers with friends and family-members every time the administration changes?
it is those danged furriners not speaking english at home. that's funny. i know chinese, indians, and yes, hispanics, who speak their native language at home, yet produce some of our top scholars.
we need a private school. we have a private school. private schools produce top graduates by enrolling top prospects. the private school model is no more effective at turning poor students into good students than the public school model.
etc, etc, etc. we blame everyone for our outcomes, except ourselves. as parents, we are the role model our children pattern themselves after. we have to ask ourselves; what sort of role model are we? do we show that we place any value on learning by our actions? do we read (and i dont mean the enquirer or harlequin romances) do we ever go to a museum, or the aquarium, or anywhere else that stimulates the mind? does our tv ever feature a documentary, or is it straight reality programs and sit-coms. we all have computers (or we wouldnt be communicating here). do we ever demonstrate the curiosity to google something we dont know about? do we talk to our kids like adults, and share ideas and thoughts? do our kids know that when they come home and tell us something new they learned at school (or elsewhere), that our response might well be; "really? i never knew that!" our children are bringing up the rear scholastically because they are following our lead. of course we always have the option to continue to neglect our responsibilities to our children, and blame the result on mr gray, athletics, immigrants, tenure, or the man in the moon. sure our kids will never amount to anything, but what matters is that it wont be our own fault. or we can take stock of ourselves, and demonstrate by our own actions that learning and knowledge are valuable and desirable.
Bottom Line - Bedford County schools have the distinction of being one of only 4 "High Priority" Systems in the state. Let's speak clearly here, that distinction means we are one of the 4 LOWEST PERFORMING school systems in the state.
Here's the link:
http://www.state.tn.us/education/nclb/ay...
One more question; if Robertson County is similar demographically to Bedford and as Mr. Gray stated "we are essentially the same", then why are we on the high priority list and they are not?
Lazarus has some very valid points. Our child's education begins at home and it is our responsibilty to make sure that they get the best possible start they can. Once we turn them over to the school system our job does not end. We still need to be involved in their life long learning. Parents today are so overwelmed with their own problems that they neglect to follow up with what their children are learning. We can not blame teachers for all problems. Some of them are working their tails off for long hours without any respect. More and more "stuff" is being placed on their plate with no regards to how much time it takes to implement it. Yes I am sure there are lazy teachers just like there are lazy parents. I resent the fact that some of us are being lumped together by the public. I take my job seriously....Do you as a parent???
These state report card scores are always a mystery. Community Middle has an F in "value added" for reading/language yet Community's 8th graders have scored straight A's for the past three years on the state writing assessment, which is yet another state test. The writing scores and the "achievement scores", were not published by the Times-Gazette.
You can link these scores on the state website at:
http://edu.reportcard.state.tn.us/pls/ap...
lazarus,
I agree and disagree with some of your points. First, parents do need an active role in all aspects of the child.
What I disagree about is the fact that my child has to be under-stimulated for the sake of another child that shouldn't be left behind (by law). This is a travesty that frustrates teachers, parents, administrators and God.
When the board surveyed the parents regarding the dress code, MOST parents objected. It was overwhelming. Does Tullahoma, Oak Ridge, or Brentwood have this type of dress code?
I don't see scapegoats, I see a lot of opportunities were dropped to hide the fact they are unable to achieve their objectives by using the same old techniques they are familiar with (see one trick pony or, we have always done it that way.)
There are 2 board members I can see really understanding what really needs to be done. The others are oblivious.
dont worry about the education lets worry about baseball foot ball and basketball!!!
It may start at home, but it certainly comes HOME from school. When my 3rd grader has an hour and a half of homework...what's being done at school?! I don't mind homework and the rule is they do it when they get home, period...but 1 1/2 hours of homework? And there are many parents that take an active role in our childrens lives/education. Due to the economy and our lack of funds this year, we've probably seen more of our state (for free) with our kids (and them not realizing it was really educational) than most people do in several years. But with the schools, it's always wanting more money for this and that...and this is what we get in return. Nice.
I don't know what the answer is or even if there is a right/wrong answer...but Ed Gray, your response..."We are essentially the same as they are," said Gray....IS CRAP!
It makes me sick...yes physically ill to think that our kids have WAY less than they deserve. They didn't ask for this poor leadership or even get a say in how the schools are run. One thing is correct we as parents should DEMAND better Principals, department heads and yes even Superintendents!! (With the exception of Janice Womble, who has just won a very well deserved award)
Demanding...meaning desperate times...desperate measures.!! We should be in protest on the lawn @ the central office until THE "Leaders" inside are held responsible for their job!! I mean WE the parents do pay their salary...but I guess its ok to make excuse after excuse for non-performance.
Eakin Elm has carried one of the highest % of non speaking English student populations in the whole state for a few years now and has not only managed to stay off the "report card" but has had their principal awarded by the state for her hard work and dedication to education. So, Mr. Gray needs to see that if it can be done there.....it CAN be done anywhere!! No excuses...just everlasting tolerance for those that choose NOT to do their jobs.
This is the first yr my child has been at Cascade High School with exceptions of two teachers (one an honors teacher and the other non-honors)the education is seriously lacking. He is in 3 honors classes and one is great and extremely challenging and engaging but the other two have been a complete joke...apparently one teacher thinks quantity=honors and the other treats the class as if it were not an honors class at all. And they apparently don't offer any AP courses either for those that do have ambitions.
The thing I have seen in many schools is that a parent is in the school complaining if their child is cut from a team or doesn't get playing time...if only those same parents did as much complaining about education think of how that could affect their child. I am not opposed to sports at all, both of my children play sports as their father and I did as well. However, they have to maintain grades and follow the rules. And I don't mean the fixed grades that some teacher's are required to give students to keep them eligible for sports and yes it does happen at Cascade, I have a friend that works there and they have confirmed it. And as for the rules, it is still the name game there as well. A couple of yrs ago a top notch student/athlete was caught with an over-the-counter medication, which is strictly prohibited, and his punishment...call mommy and daddy and keep it all hush-hush.
It is the responsibility of the parent to support their child and encourage them to due better but if they are not being challenged or engaged in class discussion how can we push them for more academically? My son is constantly amazed at the complaints of other kids when the teacher tells them they have to do ther word search by themselves and then the teacher gives in. Why, in high school, is there a word search is beyond me...oh wait that would be because the teacher would have to be willing to fully prepare and not give in to those that are too lazy.
Our society in general has become lazy and as a society we are passing it on to our youth. The hardest thing to do is to change our habits and give up our freedom to make sure our child will become a productive member of our society...trust me it is not my first choice for me to spend my evening helping my kids study after working all day but I know it is what is necessary so that they can be successful in school so that hopefully they will be successful in life.
And to blame poverty as a reason for lack of grades...it does not cost any money to review with your child. Actually, if the parent doesn't have employment they should have the available time to spend with their students after school...they can job search during the school day or work on their own education to set an even better example.
Oh and about the dress code...the majority of the kids are over it and how many of you adults have a required dress code at work? I know I do and even if it doesn't help them with grades it is a preparation for life in the work world if they can manage to graduate from high school and get a job...even McDonalds has uniforms!
We all need to take responsibility for the education of our children, kinda like a marriage, its doesn't survive on 50/50, it takes 100% from all involved.
No one has mentioned the no child left behind act that was passed in the previous administration and continues to function today. This is the most vile act ever promoted. The reason your child is not learning is because teachers (good teachers) are afraid of losing their job if these students don't pass these tests. If I went to college and got a teaching degree and license and had to prove my worth as a teacher by the way my students passed these tests, I would flip out. I have severe test anxiety. Many students do not do well on tests. Tests are not the end all answer to whether a student knows the material or not. Some students are test whizzes and cannot read a novel. Why is the test the age old answer to all things?? The Hispanic "problem" is also not the issue. These students work diligently trying to prove themselves and fit into our society. The parents strive as well to do the best they can for their family. We have put such emphasis on the dress code, the teacher's fault, the parent's fault --when in reality, students are simply bored off their proverbials because they are not being intellectually stimulated and the teachers are teaching to pass these daggone tests because their livelihood depends on it and in today's economy, no one wants to lose their job. The entire educational system needs to be reworked, rethought and redone. We need teachers to get back to teaching, we need to work with students to encourage a love of knowledge, a love of great literature, an interest in science and math and stop all this nonsensical testing. When it is all said and done, in college, there is testing but one must also be able to write, to read, to learn and to communicate thought and be able to think critically and no one can teach that thru a test.
And please, parents are really wanting the best for their children but they also are working long hours and long weeks so trying to teach at night after being at work all day is not easy either. Its not anyone's fault but we need to redo and make things different without blaming everyone. BTW, Tucking in one's shirt does not a successful student make :)
All of you idiots who are fussing about sports need to shut-up. Both of my kids play sports and will continue to play, but my wife will be the first to tell you that grades comes first. Which most of the PARENTS whom have kids in sports support their kids at the ballfieds and with their school work. By the looks of things most of the people B------- on here are probably unemployed and have nothing better than to play on this website over & over & over again. I would be willing to bet that the parents who use the ballfields or gyms as a babysitter are the ones who's kids are failing because they have no support at home!! BY the way everybody get your kids signed up for basketball which will start in late November and Baseball will start in March.
If I were to throw a rock in from the bushes...I would have to say that recent events of moving some kids out of a class at Central now make sense. The teacher is obviously hopping to improve his performance scores. After all to some teachers it is just a job and they look forward to nothing but the end of the day. Fortunately others are driven by the desire and ability to teach. That is why we should insist on merit pay and not tenure to determine if a teacher stays or goes. Simply standardizing test so "all" students can average out and pass is not working. It is as simple as us dirt turners who have to plant new crops each year. We can only harvest what we plant out on the farm..
No Child Left Behind definitely has a lot to do with these low test scores.
Instead of being allowed to fail students who are unable or unwilling to keep up with the course work, teachers are "encouraged" to pass non-performing students to improve NCLB scores and keep federal funding.
Most class work is "dumbed down" to accommodate these students and the result is that our schools are catering to the lowest common denominator instead of the average student.
As for non-English speaking students-they should not be allowed in our schools unless or until they can speak passable English.
The school board should take a long hard look at how much money we get from the feds and really consider if it is worth all the strings that are attached to it.
In my opinion it is not. By saying no thanks to the feds and their money, our local community could set the rules for how we wanted our schools to run, and not have to follow the ridiculous mandates from the feds.
***Rant over***
"it is those danged furriners not speaking english at home. that's funny. i know chinese, indians, and yes, hispanics, who speak their native language at home, yet produce some of our top scholars."
-- Posted by lazarus on Wed, Nov 4, 2009, at 6:55 PM
Lazarus,
I challenge you to point out where anyone, especially me, referred to our Hispanic population as "danged furriners". Are you disputing the fact that there are children in the schools who are too busy learning English to progress in other areas of education? Are you arguing that attention is not being taken away from the acceleration of English speaking students so that others can learn what they should already know? Also, that's funny. Those same Indians, Chinese, and yes, Hispanics, that you are referring to also speak fluent English.
Instead of making crude, simplistic, and idiotic comments about concerned parents who may or may not be questioning the legality of some of these children and their parents, not to mention where their tax dollars are going, maybe you should address the issue head on? Make an honest attempt at addressing a point, but by all means, don't hurt yourself.
The fact that Ed Gray put more effort into keeping a motivational speech about the importance of a good education out of the schools for political reasons, shows he has more interest in pushing his political views than actual interest in the education of our children. Why don't we see him putting that much effort into improving the education system of the is county?
Sadly our students are to suffer.
If we can't get rid of the illegals we could at least separate the non English speaking students from the English speaking ones, not as discrimination but as a way of improving the ability of all of them to learn. That way they could have a full day of education and not be held back by the language difference. Last year I had a grandson who was put in a class that only had 4 -5 English speaking students, that is NOT ACCEPTABLE IN AMERICA ! ! ! Parents should be held accountable for making sure their children learn the language, or be considered guilty of intentional neglect. To get services the parents should be REQUIRED to take English classes or lose the benefits. Where is immigration control in this county?
We need to be able to elect the School Superintendent. Obviously Ed Gray cannot get the job done. School board, maybe we should focus on the students getting an education instead of worring about what they are wearing. I spent nine wonderful years at Liberty School, and I am now a student at the University of Tennessee Knoxville. I'm not the least bit surprised Liberty recieved the best grades. It is a GREAT school.
I think we should use some of the millions of dollars brought in by the horse show to enable the county to pay our good teachers well and recuit good teachers. My son goes to Cascade and some of the teachers don't do much to teach my son. Way to much homework every night and even on Wednesday night. If they have that much homework, what are they doing in class every day. Just a thought.............
I went to Liberty, and now I'm making all A's in college. That says something. :)
-- Posted by AmRuss on Wed, Nov 4, 2009, at 3:02 PM
WAY TO GO!!!!!! :D
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so the school or the teachers are not miracle workers. Have you walked into the schools and seen the behavior of some of these kids. its not the teachers responsibilty to teach these kids respect, manners and show accountability for their behavior. they might actually sit in the class and learn something or even participate if the proper direction were given at home. Parents should support the teacher and stop blaming them for their childrens issues at school. Discipline at home and at school,made me try harder at school. i have seen parents and students cuss teachers out.I have seen some very concerned , active parents too. the difference in the two are the Grades of the children and behavior in class. An Education is a priviledge.we need to respect it before its gone.
NCLB may not be perfect, but it does provide a window for us to gauge how our children and educators are doing. Without the testing, we would not even know our current situation. It may upset teachers to have so much pressure, but some type of measure is necessary to ensure the education of our children. "Teaching to the test" may be the lesser of two evils. I prefer it to teaching nothing.
Some of you capable & concerned people need to run for the board. Particularly in those districts that are currently represented by the leaders of this board. The rest of us need to support that effort through donations of money and/or time. This board has had an opportunity. I seriously doubt next year will be any better. It may very well be much worse, depending on the new requirements and the effects of the magnet and rezoning.
The fact that Ed Gray put more effort into keeping a motivational speech about the importance of a good education out of the schools for political reasons, shows he has more interest in pushing his political views than actual interest in the education of our children. Why don't we see him putting that much effort into improving the education system of the is county?
Sadly our students are to suffer.
If we can't get rid of the illegals we could at least separate the non English speaking students from the English speaking ones, not as discrimination but as a way of improving the ability of all of them to learn. That way they could have a full day of education and not be held back by the language difference. Last year I had a grandson who was put in a class that only had 4 -5 English speaking students, that is NOT ACCEPTABLE IN AMERICA ! ! ! Parents should be held accountable for making sure their children learn the language, or be considered guilty of intentional neglect. To get services the parents should be REQUIRED to take English classes or lose the benefits. Where is immigration control in this county?
I'm sorry did not intend to post that twice....
Another great reason to home school!! Maybe if the school board had dedicated the time they spent discussing the dress code on discussing the educational needs instead they would have better grades.The kids may not be able to multiple but hey at least they know how to tuck their shirt in.
As I read through all of the comments that are posted as well as looked through the report card; I realized that tons who commented are missing a very important piece to the puzzle. Granted I agree all schools can and should constantly strive to get better and better every year. The BIG factor in a lot of these scores are the populations of the schools. If you were to check the demographics of every school you might be surprised and began to understand some scores. If you have a high population of non-English speaking students, then you can almost guarantee lower scores. If you have a school with a very high percentage of children who struggle with poverty then you must factor this in. I think sometimes as humans we are quick to judge and point fingers. The truth is most teachers try their hardest each and everyday. Some schools' locations make it where poverty and ESL students are not a factor. Does that make it a better school? No not necessarily you can not compare schools in this since because they have totally different students who are coming from totally different environments. I know and am around many teachers from various schools in Bedford Co. and the one thing I can so about most, they truly care. I hear many constantly discussing ways to help students and teach in new ways. Before judging let's think about all factors that play key role in the report card. Our job is not to judge and point blame, but instead support and make sure that we as parents help and encourage students at home as well as at school.
Does anyone really understand what the state report represents?
I don't think so. Maybe before we preach what is wrong with the schools we should understand the data.
Why weren"t the achievement scores from all the schools published by the paper?
These scores give a much better picture of what is actually going on in our schools.
It's a shame that a few bad apples are spoiling the whole bunch.
Teachers have a very demanding job of not only teaching the basics but of teaching all of those things that are not being taught in the home such as manners, good behavior, and how to act appropriately in public. If they could just TEACH maybe they could get more accomplished in a day. To those parents who complain about their child having too much homework, have you ever thought that maybe your child was NOT using their time wisely while in school and therefore had to take home work that they actually could have gotten done at school. Just something for you to ponder.....
These achievement scores are much more positive too. But you know...people don't want to post on what is good.... they only jump on what they percieve to be bad!!!
No matter what the reason for these low scores, the bottom line is that on the day they graduate they are being sent out this counties education system unprepared, they do not have the education needed to enter the real world on a level playing field.
The question is, HOW do we fix that problem? We must first of instill in these children and their parents THE IMPORTANCE OF A GOOD EDUCATION .....They must learn that they are worthy of having one, that they will need it to succeed, and we must insist upon them getting one. Do not take for granted the schools will do it all, but do hold them responsible for doing their job correctly. DO not just take for granted that they will do the right thing,ask questions, show your face in the class room, be an active part of the system. If your child is not performing up to standards, go in talk to the teacher and find out why! I had a teacher tell me once if her and my son were ever going to accomplish something they would have to learn to like each other ---( he was out of that class the next day) but the point is had I not been pro-active and in there I would never have found out the problem (he was an easy quiet child, but dyslexic that was 1st grade)
Hold the school and teachers accountable, be there to know your children's teachers, offer your help where you can and when the child comes home DO YOUR PART to help them succeed.
Learn your rights as a parent and if you have a child who needs additional help, research and learn your rights. They owe your child more than just repeating a grade if they are having trouble but in many cases unless you get involved will not tell you so.
Meaty, Now that you mention it, homework is a sore point with me. You are mistaken if you believe for one second that the children who have so much homework are simply wasting their time in school. Every teacher is different, as is each grade within each school. That being said, the last 3 years have been homework overload for us, with this year being the worst by far. My son has been doing his homework for 3 hours tonight and still has at least an hour to go. He has not watched TV or played video games all afternoon. I guess he could have been playing paper football for 4 hours in school, but I sorta doubt it. Further, if he had been given 4 hours of free time to do it (that he wasted), what were his teachers doing?
I have looked at the achievement scores and I do not see the successes that you apparently have seen. It could be that I do not understand the results. Why don't you explain the good news that everyone is overlooking?
It is easy to blame the parents of the "bad apples", but unfortunately, parents are not paid educational professionals. It would be great if every parent did everything they were supposed to do at home, but it remains the duty of the school to teach all the children regardless.
Memyselfi....
If your child has 4 hours of homework then you must be very fortunate and proud to have a child in Honor's Classes. Otherwise I seriously doubt he has that much...if so, you need to see your child's teacher because research says that a child should have no more than 30 minutes of homework per year in school.
Example: 3rd graders should have no more than 1 and a half hours of stuff to do at night.
Meaty,
You apparently do not have children in school. When my children were in public school, and were not in any honor or ap classes, my 3rd and 4th graders (at that time) had about 2 hours+ of homework each night. I do agree that children should come home with homework. About an hour's worth is normal. I don't think there should be anymore than that unless they are in AP or Honor classes.
Honors classes? I wish he were in honors classes; they have virtually no homework as much of it is done in class. He is only in the 7th grade, but by the guidelines you provide, he is right on the threshold. I do have to wonder though if that research applies only to elementary school aged children. It seems to me as if 6 hours of homework for a senior in high school would be tough.
I have not yet seen the teacher who assigns the most homework, but I have sent word to him about my concerns. I am not in a very good position to complain anyway. The last report card grade was a 100, and my child thinks very highly of this particular teacher.
You may doubt what you will, but I have had children in school for 16 years. I know what a "lot" of homework is. 4 hours is a "lot" of homework for any evening, much less several evenings every week.
I stand corrected about the time. It is 10 minutes per grade. Therefore your child should not have more that 70 minutes of homework. I would ask that teacher why your son is taking so long to do his work. Is your child an overachiever? I have one. One good thing about that is she definately knows how to study now that she is in college. Sorry about the mixup on the amount of time.
"...on the day they graduate they are being sent out this counties education system unprepared, they do not have the education needed to enter the real world on a level playing field."
my kids all started kindergarten in bedford co schools, and graduated from bedford co schools. (one did attend another school for 2 years). kid 1 attended an out of state high academic private college & graduated in 4 years with an honors diploma & a double major in electrical engineering & computer science. kid 2 attended an out of state private college for 2 years then returned to middle for 2 years plus a semester and graduated with better than a 3. grade average. kid 3 attends a private college in state and is on track to graduate this spring (4 years) also with a gpa over 3. their bedford county education doesnt seem to have left them at that much of a disadvantage.
there is a good education at every school... if you want it. our job as parents is to make our kids want it. it might not be a popular viewpoint, but i see those scores as a negative reflection on us as parents, not the schools as education institutions. i was taught that when i see a problem it is a waste of time to try and figure out who else i can blame it on. my time is better spent figuring out how I can fix it. there is no reason that our children cannot attend bedford county schools and come out competitive with their peers from any other school system.
aww shucks,it twernt my doins, i wuz edjumicated in bedfurd county
I don't know what criteria is used to give a score, but I attended Community (when it was K-12) from Kindergarten through graduation. At no point during my college years or thereafter have I felt undereducated as compared to others from other school districts. My child now attends Community Elementary, and we have been pleased with the education he has received. There are always good teachers and bad teachers just as there are good students and bad students. All things considered, there is not another school or school system that I would rather have my child attend than Community's Schools.
Meaty, I could ask his teacher why it takes him so long to complete his assignments, but I already know the answer; it would take me hours to complete it as well. No, he is not what I would consider an overachiever. He just wants to get by. 10 minutes per year sounds much better to me. Thanks for clarifying.
lazarus, I do understand your points, but I am not sure that you are really looking at the underlying issues that are affecting the overall outcome.
I am very happy that your three children were so fortunate to have the opportunities that they did here. I also do not doubt for one instance that you (or someone else) would have made sure of that regardless. That being said, not every child is lucky enough to be your child, nor were they ever given the opportunity to choose their raising.
You are absolutely correct; some parents are either too lax, do not understand the importance of their children's education or simply do not care. Historically, those same children who predictably represent more challenges to teach, never got taught. That is wholly unacceptable to me. Public school is just that - public. While I do realize there are innate differences between children, every child should be taught to the best of their ability, not passed along without mastery or allowed to get so far behind, they completely fail.
I have never claimed that a motivated student could not receive a good education in Bedford Co. I do claim that those who are not highly motivated, either by volition or external forces will not get the education they require.
It has never been the "good" students who were the problem. It is the average to weak and borderline students whose educational failures resonate throughout their lives. It is easy to provide the "good" students with what they need. It is admittedly much harder to provide the difficult students with what they need, but it is of at least equal, and I would say more, importance.
I am also glad that you have not experienced the disappointment of realizing that a Tennessee public school education was a disadvantage for your children. My eldest child was advised to drop a class based solely on that criteria. Our schools do not even begin to approach the advanced mathematics required in some freshman collage courses.
* Our schools do not even begin to approach the advanced mathematics required in some freshman collage courses.
They don't begin to teach enough math skills for the ACT test much less college courses.
I strongly believe that you get out of an education what you put in to it.....If you give 50% then you will get half of what you need. Both my children went through Central's Honor classes and were very prepared for the ACT and college thereafter. We, as a society, need to motivate all students to desire the knowledge needed to be productive citizens in this world. We cannot lay this huge undertaking on the backs of teachers..."it takes a village to raise a child." We are all responsible-parents, teachers, and others in society. Is this a huge undertaking?? YES!!! Will the benefits be worth it???? YES!!!!
While I agree that all students need to be motivated to learn, at the end of the day, our schools and teachers are the last line. In many instances, the undertaking must necessarily be placed on their backs. Yes, I agree in a perfect world this would not be the case, we do not live in that world though.
When our schools and teachers assume the responsibility of teaching our children, it should not be understood that their primary responsibility is only to those easy to teach children who have concerned parents actively encouraging their children's education.
I am happy to read of your satisfaction with the education that your children received, but I seriously doubt that satisfaction is universal. For those lucky enough to attend them, Central's honors classes are quite adequate for many of the class choices available in college, but wholly sub-standard for some majors.
There are many different ways to go to college, but some of the more coveted placements, which include scholarships and internships, are well out of reach for even the most advanced of our students, let alone those who may fall behind our best and brightest.
It is not my intention to be mean, but I tell you what, do me a favor and get one of your children's senior yearbooks out, have them sit down with you and go over what these children are doing now, as best as they can tell you. The realities of our system should be clearly visible.
i have to disagree about the scholarships/internships. my 3 bedford co educated kids cashed in on over $200,000 in scholarships. not by accident or good fortune, but by doing the things that people who get good scholarships do. there are no special rules disallowing bedford county kids.
i also disagree about bedford county graduates lacking the ability to take math in college. my oldest was the only one to go into a math oriented course of study, and here are some of the freshman year courses: calculus 2, discrete structures, data structure & algorhythms, multivariable and vector calculus, mechanical physics. the result of that year? 3.552 gpa. funny thing, most of the kids in that school came out of private schools from up north. that did not stop a bedford co tennessee hillbilly kid from being near the top of the class. had an advisor ever told one of my kids that they should not take college math because they went to school in bedford county, i would have had a cow. never let someone else tell you what you can or cant do.
lazarus, The rules disallowing Bedford Co. children from the most desired positions are not special. They are fairly based on competition and ability. As you mentioned, these things do not come about by accident or good fortune, except of course the good fortune of the parent lottery, which shapes every subsequent event in the child's life.
I am honestly impressed with your child's freshman load, but again, I have to ask, did any percentage of your child's classmates have the ability to maintain the same load as well?
Let me be clear, I am not saying that our top students are not able to compete with others, or all go to college completely unprepared. I have pointed out several times in the past that our top students do well in local competitions. In fact, there is at least one true educator currently teaching math at Central who I respect more than any teacher I have ever met. What I am getting at is that even the most advanced classes offered here do not prepare our students for the most advanced classes at some universities.
This population is not really the problem anyway though. It is those who fall behind this group who suffer the most. That is a solid majority of our students.
Actually, my child did "have a cow" when advised to drop the class. He refused to let someone else tell him what he could not do. Unfortunately, the advisor also happened to be the professor of the class in question and chaired the department. He did pass the class with much tutoring from the professor to catch him up to the other 8 students in the class, but there was a price to pay for it. In retrospect, it may have been better to listen to the appropriately given advice, as it was correct in that he had simply never been exposed to what was required to complete the class.
memyselfi and lazarus,
Both of you make excellent points and I am sure you would agree on more points than on those which you disagree.
I do, however, wonder if your divergent viewpoints are bases on the type of science/math programs your children are persuing. Please understand I have not followed your discussion too closely...so if my assumptions are wrong, I apologize now... but have collected enough information to at least be curious about one thing.
Is it possible that Bedford Co does a better job of preparing students for the applied sciences, such as engineering, than it does for the theoretical sciences? My observations (albeit limited) are that there are more students from BC that attempt and succeed in the engineering programs than are in the pure science/ theoretical world. Just a thought.
gottago, I think you are pretty close to accurate. The situation really boils down to the fact that the very most our local students can hope for is AP Calculus, if they have been taught enough to take the class. They are competing with students having already completed Calculus 3. That is a considerable difference.
These students are not my concern though. They will make it. It is those who will not make it through their first year of college, and those who will never attend at all, that I am concerned about.
Memyself,
While I know that we disagree on this, I still maintain that those that you say will make it are the very kids that we should be pushing for the hardest.
You are right. Even some freshman physics classes (not the 'service' classes for non majors but the course required for the degree) assume at least SOME vector and multi varaible calculus experience and those concepts are rarely covered before Calc 3.
We have been down this road before, and I fully understand your argument advocating more investment in the most apt. My only questions are - at what price, at whose expense, and for what gain.
"Our schools do not even begin to approach the advanced mathematics required in some freshman collage courses.
They don't begin to teach enough math skills for the ACT test much less college courses."
Really? I graduated with a minor in Math, made a 33 on the math portion of the ACT, and AP tested out of Calculus I, with my K-12 Bedford Co. education. I also know first hand that colleges/scholarships do not care how prestigious your school was as long as you have the grades and the test scores. As lazarus has said, the education is available for those who want it and are willing to work for it.