I just read my recent Reading Today Newspaper and was motivated to respond to the Reauthorization of NCLB. I work as a provider of Supplemental Educational Services. Over the past year, I worked with schools and presented to many our program to teacher and parent groups. I understand the intent behind the "Parent Choice" options; however, when good, scientifically based, proven programs are not selected (not just ours) because a basketball group is giving away free, autographed basketballs and free basketball lessons on Saturday to receive the contract as a service provider, we have a problem. I have noticed that states have begun to reject the applications of many of these organizations; however, the problems continue. In one school, I observed students as they wrote the released items from the state test, the answers and why they were correct or incorrect, all day long: that was the total of their curriculum. This school moved from a low performing school to a high performing school in one year. The school board and community believes the school is "fixed". These are examples of abuses that are going on across the county. I do not believe this was the intent of the legislation; however, it is often happening rather than true school improvement that takes time and effort. It is true that these schools need help; but I must question the decisions I have observed. Do these parents lack the understanding and expertise to make the best decisions? Will their choices bring about the needed changes in their schools? School improvement in these schools will require time and confronting the often toxic culture that exists to bring about the needed changes. The people who do so will not necessarily be popular initially until the changes begin to show growth in student performance but improved performance of this type is lasting, not superficial. We want our schools to be successful but ture change takes time, effort and expertise. From the observations I have made, many are looking for a "quick fix" rather than lasting change and the students remain the victims.
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I just read my recent Reading Today Newspaper and was motivated to respond to the Reauthorization of NCLB. I work as a provider of Supplemental Educational Services. Over the past year, I worked with schools and presented to many our program to teacher and parent groups. I understand the intent behind the "Parent Choice" options; however, when good, scientifically based, proven programs are not selected (not just ours) because a basketball group is giving away free, autographed basketballs and free basketball lessons on Saturday to receive the contract as a service provider, we have a problem. I have noticed that states have begun to reject the applications of many of these organizations; however, the problems continue. In one school, I observed students as they wrote the released items from the state test, the answers and why they were correct or incorrect, all day long: that was the total of their curriculum. This school moved from a low performing school to a high performing school in one year. The school board and community believes the school is "fixed". These are examples of abuses that are going on across the county. I do not believe this was the intent of the legislation; however, it is often happening rather than true school improvement that takes time and effort. It is true that these schools need help; but I must question the decisions I have observed. Do these parents lack the understanding and expertise to make the best decisions? Will their choices bring about the needed changes in their schools? School improvement in these schools will require time and confronting the often toxic culture that exists to bring about the needed changes. The people who do so will not necessarily be popular initially until the changes begin to show growth in student performance but improved performance of this type is lasting, not superficial. We want our schools to be successful but ture change takes time, effort and expertise. From the observations I have made, many are looking for a "quick fix" rather than lasting change and the students remain the victims.
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