Education Today Helping Educators Ally Tactfully

Errol,

Michigan has recently gone through a reform process that now requires 4 years of Math, 4 years of English, 3 years of Science, 3 years of Social Studies, 1/2 year each of Health & Phys Ed, 1 year of World Language and options for electives.

Also, the former MME(Michigan Merit Exam) used to calculate proficiency in high school has been replaced with the ACT.  Two reasons; one is to prepare ALL students for post-secondary education; the other to eliminate the cost to those families that cannot afford to have their kids take this college entrance qualifying test.

And, grades really don't tell the story anymore.  We are required to have our students meet a certain level of proficiency in each subject matter.  We, as a School Board, are being presented with those options from the curriculum teams in our district.  It's a challenge across the state.

Keith Warnick 

Ferndale Public Schools Board of Education V/P

The subject level proficiencies sound like a viable option for assessing student performance.  My wife and I had this discussion last week. I thought it would be more helpful to know the strengths and weaknesses by subject area.

Upon graduation, does the preort card reflect any differences between students? How does subject matter grading impact graduation rates?

The changes in the report cards are ongoing, yet not finalized.  The state would set an expected proficiency rating that students need to meet to graduate.  Each district has the right to determine how we get them there.  I would expect you would still see your student ranking at the end of the year, but not yet sure.

Keith: This is Off the Subject

To establish a focus on "Customer Service" in an effort to let those we serve know we care about them and their needs. And to develop an improved program of communications needs in an effort to focus on the many positive aspects of our school district. 

Your school board lists their goals for the year. Above is one that demanded my attention and comment.

Focusing on "Customer Service" will not eliminate all education problems, but it should keep staff aware of the reasons we all are on payroll. 

Back to the Topic

Do you have any sources I can review that speak to the grading issues? I'd like to get more information on the subject.  

To the 'Customer Service' comment; not only Staff, but the public.  As you know, negative rumors move faster than positive actions. 

The first employee our new, (2000), Superintendent hired was a Communications Director.  Her job, in the beginning, was 'PR'.  As with many school districts, the only news that was reported was bad news.  She started a campaign to report to the small local and larger regional newspapers all the good things that were happening in our district. 

Her job responsibilities have grown, now to include pupil services coordination, but her department still handles PR and now publishes a weekly Ferndale Fanout, first mailed to all households in the district and now electronically sent to over 4000 contacts.  And each board meeting, we get a packet of newspaper reports from the past month that include articles about our district, and other pertinent education topics.

I was a promoter of this position to the previous Superintendent having heard of a nearby larger, more affluent, district having this position.  It's been a positive addition.

On the grading issue; as I said, it's currently being developed by departmental heads and will be brought to the Board as soon as they feel they are ready to implement.  Will let you know at that time.

Thanks.