[Grovenet] An attack right here (was: An Important Matter)

[Dick La Jeunesse]

I'm not sure of what kind of evidence you need, Steve.

When you and I served together on the Board, we regularly heard reports from 
teachers and administrators at all grade levels that documented improvements 
in student behavior and atmosphere as each class came through the realigned 
grades.  The community panel that recommended the realignment in the first 
place developed a body of research that showed the fiscal benefits for 
buildings and staffing, as well.  We reviewed and augmented those reports by 
research contracted for by the Board prior to the next two bond elections.  
I am not sure it was even considered an issue in the most recent election - 
Dale would know.

I do agree that a some folks dissented - mostly advocates for returning to 
small, safe, self-contained neighborhood schools.  I wish we could go back 
to that model, too, but we can no longer justify the costs to staff and 
maintain those small buildings.

I have never seen evidence that linked the grade alignment to poor test 
performance.  Perhaps you can give me a reference.  I have read reports that 
staffs find it more effective to manage age-appropriate classwork and 
activities with K-4 and 5-6 than with K-6, and with 7-8 versus 6-7-8.

I agree that two years in a building is less effective than seven or three, 
but that is an entirely different and far more important issue - one of 
making each level more accountable for the readiness of their graduates for 
the next level.  When it comes to keeping Tom McCall and NAMS from passing 
along students who are not prepared, I think you and I may be in violent 
agreement.

Many of those who had concerns came back to me to thank us for the changed  
alignment as their kids got to the middle and high school - both of which 
have reported steadily improving relations and atmosphere for the past 10 
years.

I acknowledge that much of the more recent basis for my statements is 
empirical, but it is compelling.  Since I no longer serve on the Board, I do 
not have access to the latest reports and data on violence and unrest.  
However, like you, I still have kids in the schools, I have a large circle 
of acquaintances, I still hear from staff and parents and I still shop at 
Safeway and Ace Hardware.

Cheers

Dick

>Reply-To: stevedj at teleport.com,        Forest Grove local interests list 
><grovenet at rdrop.com>
>To: "Forest Grove local interests list" <grovenet at rdrop.com>
>Subject: Re: [Grovenet] An attack right here (was: An Important Matter)
>Date: Sun, 1 Apr 2007 16:47:23 -0700
>
>
>Dick wrote:
>
> > The FGSD grade realignment has been hailed in almost every quarter as a
>huge
> > fiscal and developmental  success.  Students are flocking to our 
>district
>in
> > record numbers to avail themselves of our curriculum and program
> > opportunities to develop life skills far beyond the three r's.  Unrest
>and
> > violence has been greatly reduced. Nope - look elsewhere for the 
>culprits
> > and for solutions.
> >
>Dick,
>
>While I agree with the bulk of your post, I would sure like to see some
>evidence of your statements above.
>
>Specifically: Which quarters have hailed and where can we see the hailings
>for ourselves? Where can we see evidence that violence and unrest have been
>greatly reduced because of the grade realignment
>
>Stev
>
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