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

[Dale Wiley]

The grade realigments had nothing to do with the bond failure in the general
election in November. I had a lot of contacts after the election and it was
never mentioned once. While I am nto properly versed to address the
educational merits/ demerits of our current grade configuration, with our
current enrollments and demographics, it is the best thing right now from an
operational standpoint to maximize our current physical plant and serve the
educational mission in the best way possible.

As to the previous question on the Federal funding, I will try and find out
wha the exact number is, but that 4% seems to be fairly close to my recall
from last year. On a 39 million dollar overall budget, that amounts to about
1.3 million per year, or about $ 300 per student based upon 4500 student
enrollment. I personally would like to tell them to shove it as well, but at
the current time, I have to agree that we have to comply, unless we have
some greater ability to off set the negative impacts such a move would have.

-----Original Message-----
From: grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com [mailto:grovenet-bounces at rdrop.com]On
Behalf Of Dick La Jeunesse
Sent: Monday, April 02, 2007 12:10 AM
To: grovenet at rdrop.com
Subject: Re: [Grovenet] An attack right here (was: An Important Matter)


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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