AISD Joins Grading Policy Suit |
Two Reasons Why AISD Joined the Grading Policy Suit: Students, Local Control
The Houston Chronicle ran an article this morning, November 20, 2009. The headline read, “Districts sue over report card grading policy.” The article discussed how Fort Bend, Aldine, Klein, Alief, Anahuac, and Clear Creek are suing the Commissioner of Education over his interpretation of SB 2033. Why does Anahuac ISD think this issue is important enough to take a stand by becoming a part of this suit? Two reasons, Students and Local Control.
The most important reason Anahuac ISD joined this suit is Students! In every decision that we make, we must always ask, “What is best for students?” Over nine years ago, local districts began noticing that there are times that a student makes a grade so low for the six weeks or the semester, that numerically, it is impossible for that student to pass a course. Districts began searching for a solution to that problem. Many districts adopted policies that basically said that teachers should give students exactly the grade that they make on their assignments---20, 55, 30 etc. However, when the six weeks grade and semester average is computed, it will default to a 50.
Now one might say, “That is not right. They should get exactly what they make!” Let’s examine that argument from two student-centered scenarios. There is always that student who does not try. They are the ones who turn in no homework, sleep through class, and regardless of the effort a teacher makes to “engage” them, they remain unengaged. They make zero after zero. Shouldn’t they get a zero on their report card for the six weeks? Well maybe so; but, the question becomes, “If they get a zero on their six weeks report card, do they fail?” Answer, “Yes.” If they get a fifty on their six weeks report card, do they fail?” Answer, “Yes.” The end result is the same.
Scenario two, let’s look at the student who may have lost a parent, been raped, or is in an abusive relationship. They may find themselves in an emotional world where studying and turning in assignments is the least of their worries. Most all teachers would do everything to help this student if they are aware of the problem, but the teacher may not always be aware of what is going on in the life of the student. That student makes very low grades for the six weeks and receives a 25 on his/her report card. In the six weeks following, that student gets the emotional support that they need and they become the strong B student that they were before. However, numerically, the 25 has written them failure!
Now are there going to be students that game the system? Certainly, but in this day of emphasis on keeping students in school and preventing dropouts, do we write the “good” student a failure because the “bad” student needs to “get exactly what he deserves?” Anahuac ISD would certainly hope not!
The second reason that AISD joined this suit is Local Control. There are 1,032 school districts in Texas. They range from Urban to Rural, Large to Small, Rich to Poor, etc. A “one size fits all” model simply does not work. It is for that reason that Local Control of districts has long been supported by educators and their organizations.
A local school board is elected to make decisions concerning what is best for their students, staff, and community. Over the past fifteen years that I have been a superintendent, I have witnessed a continued erosion of local control. I have witnessed educators being shut out of decision making concerning their districts and local school boards being subjected to more and more “rules.” The 2009-2010 school year is one of the most heavily regulated ever. Sometime, we must stand up and say, “Wait a minute, our school board, our administration, and our staffs must be allowed to decide what is best for our students!”
There have been numerous decisions handed down to local districts from funding, to instruction, to regulations, that are NOT GOOD FOR OUR STUDENTS! AISD has said, “No more!” This law and the interpretation made by TEA in support of the legislation are not good for students and we will take a stand. But beyond this particular situation we are looking at the bigger picture. This is a way of saying, “No matter what the situation, give us back the control of our districts so that we can do what is right for our students.”
For further information concerning this topic, please do not hesitate to call Linda Kay Barnhart at 409-267-2001.
| Playoff Game Friday |
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This Friday, November 20, we will play the Regional playoff football game against Kirbyville in Dayton beginning at 7:30 p.m. We are considered the visiting team. Pre-sale tickets may be purchased at the High School office. Adult tickets are $5.00 and Students (K-12th grade) tickets are $3.00. All tickets purchased at the gate will be $7.00. The only passes honored will be Texas High School Coaches Association and District 23-AA UIL passes. AISD Employee passes will not be honored.
The Pride of Anahuac Receives 4th in State!
Thanks to all of you who had a hand in the band’s homecoming and to all of you who made the journey to San Antonio to cheer on the hometown team. The band represented us well placing 2nd in prelims and 4th in finals of the UIL state marching contest out of the top 18 bands in the state. We are very proud of our students and just as proud to have such wonderful support. Thanks for supporting the Pride of Anahuac!
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More District News - Anahuac FFA Results at Trinity Valley Exposition (TVE)
Anahuac FFA and Junior FFA competed in various livestock events at TVE October 12th through 17th. Following are result highlights:
Cole Turner: Grand Champion American Heifer
Katrina Swope: Grand Champion Exotic Heifer
Steely Burk: Reserve Champion Market Goat
Livestock Judging: 5th Place team overall
Team Members: Rachael Richey, Morgan Boyer, Cole Turner,
and Rush Herrington
Rachael Richey was 3rd high point individual overall
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