By Antonio D. French
Filed Friday, April 28, 2006 at 7:51 AM
St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Creg Williams recently announced, as part of his greater plan to turn around the struggling district, plans to require some 8th graders to attend classes through the summer. But weeks after the announcement, parents are still struggling to understand if their kids are part of that requirement. Labels: Schools
Williams has said that the summer school plan is meant to help 8th graders who are struggling academically. He and district representatives have said that only those students who are performing poorly will be required to attend summer school. But at other times, the district has said summer classes are mandatory for all 8th graders.
An undated press release on the district's website says, "ALL EIGHTH GRADE STUDENTS REQUIRED TO ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL." But a call to the district's headquarters has a receptionist telling callers this is not the case.
"We couldn't put 'all poor performing students required to attend summer school,'" she said. "Someone might sue us."
The district is hoping to clear up some of the confusion at a meeting on Saturday, May 6. Parents of current 8th graders are being asked to attend a 5-hour "orientation" that day from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Vashon High School, 3035 Cass Ave.
One of the things parents will be wanting to hear is what the consequences are for those that do not send their children to summer school. That part has still not been announced.
Johnnie Little, the district's Public Information director, did not return PUB DEF's phone call on this matter.
For some parents, the lack of public information has already led to confusion and anger.
In a letter being circulated around the district, one parent is calling the requirement "a complete contradiction to the most recent information."
The letter says that parents were told that only kids whose grades fell below a certain point would be required to attend summer school. "Now it's everyone, with the 'summer science academy' the only option for the competent students. How nice to give families so much notice so they can make summer plans. But then families haven't even been given the courtesy yet of being told the fall starting date."
3 Comments:
Do whatever it takes, however be clear in your message.
Williams should specify who is doing summer school.
Personally, I think all students should be in summer school, since about 1.xxx percent of students are passing 'state requirements.' We all know 'state requirements' are the bottom barrel of what it takes to be a functioning rational human being in society.
Something drastic needs to be done, and summer school may help, however, Williams, and his staff, need to be clear.
4/28/2006 11:35 AM
Students who work hard all year, even if they are a small percentage, should not have to go to summer school if they don't choose it. It's ridiculous for the SLPS to claim that they would be sued by requiring the low performing students to go to summer school. If reaching a certain standard before advancing to the next grade is required, then they can go to summer school, or they can repeat the grade next year if they'd rather do that. I agree with Dr. Williams' efforts here in everything except making the students who are doing well lose their summer. They should have the opportunity to pursue their own interests, intern to learn about jobs they may choose, work for the experience, whatever they need to supplement their achievements. Don't discourage success in a district which is struggling to find those success stories.
4/28/2006 1:22 PM
Anonymous #2 be serious, we know that a student can never learn too much by being in school longer than the established traditional months. This antiquated agrarian schedule of allowing students time off in the summer NEEDS to change!!!
Here we are comparing state standards while many of the worlds societies leave us behind. As a parent with children currently in the district I would prefer year round schooling with appropriate breaks between semesters.
Having students repeat grades costs society in dollars and in human development. It also cheats that child out of the chance to maintain age-parity with his/her peers. I do not know of any eigth grade students who are "working" during the summer because you have to be at least 15 1/2 to get the neccessary work permit. The idea of interning is a good one, but it should be incorporated into the regular curriculum, like that at Clyde C. Miller Academy.
4/28/2006 1:41 PM
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