It is truly disheartening when I find students who are not attaining their highest potential. Basic or Below Basic, when they could be Advanced. Some don't read independently at night, some rarely complete homework and some can't seem to pass quizzes even though they have been engaged in high quality instruction with world-class teachers. As much as we as a school think that we communicate a message of attaining every child's highest potential, our test scores paint an underwhelming picture.
Passing the high school exit exam (CAHSEE) is one goal that students are working towards. Planning backwards from that point, a child must be at least Proficient every year starting in Kinder. When a child is Basic in language arts or math, he/she is at risk of not graduating on time. High school drop out rates are alarming throughout the nation, and the impact of not being educated is devastating.
Emerson has made academic growth for the past 3 years overall. As we reflect on this general pattern of growth, however we find that we are not doing enough to meet our goals with every subgroup of children. In response, we have set in motion a comprehensive plan, analyzed data, strengthened our curriculum and instruction, and worked to implement focused interventions. Despite this, we still find students scoring Below Basic and not meeting their goals for growth.
I have been scheduling meetings with several parents every week, explaining the urgency of making sure that their children catch up and do their best. But there are so many; and each family has a unique background and story. Every child is so unique. I've been individually meeting with each teacher, together talking through numerous steps that should ensure each student's success.
If we decide that, as a community, can't tolerate even one child's failure, what should our response be? Together don't we need to react as if they are in imminent danger?
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