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Grand Prairie ISD seeks holidays for those passing TAKS
Ohanian Comment: Since school is entirely about passing the state test, why don't we eliminate school for all students whose zip codes indicate they are wealthy, thus enabling teachers to concentrate their test prep attention on less fortunate students?
By Stella M. Chavez
Grand Prairie students who pass the state TAKS tests could get a present next year: eight days off from school.
The school district has asked the state for permission to grant the days off so teachers can focus on preparing students who didn't pass the tests.
The district granted three days off this year to high school students who had passed in 2007. Now, they are seeking to expand the program for another week and include middle school students.
Those who are granted the time off could stay home or take part in district-sponsored events or field trips.
Superintendent Susan Simpson said a small environment would help failing students, especially those who are on the cusp of passing. More than 1,100 students in the district failed TAKS by six or fewer questions last year, she said.
"If we can bring them into very small groups and give them the instruction that's specific to their exact needs, then we can bring them over the line," Dr. Simpson said.
State rules allow districts to seek waivers for up to 10 days off for testing preparation, but less than 10 percent of districts have asked to do it since the 2004-05 school year, state records show. Those districts that do grant days off do not lose state funding.
A few North Texas districts – including Duncanville and Waxahachie – considered adopting the schedule and ultimately decided against it, citing concerns about child-care arrangements and programming issues.
Some questioned whether such a plan hurts students who are doing well by limiting their time in the classroom.
"There is a philosophical problem when we say that passing TAKS is the minimum standard and yet we deprive students who have met that minimum standard from extending their learning by cutting their school year short by up to 10 days," said Dr. Larry McHaney, an associate superintendent in Duncanville. "Our goal is for all students to reach their maximum potential, not just meet the minimum standard."
Dr. Simpson said she had success with a similar schedule in White Settlement before she came to Grand Prairie in 2007.
In January, she requested permission to grant three days off for high school students who passed last year. More than 5,000 of the district's 24,500 students got days off.
Under her new proposal, Grand Prairie students entering grades six through 12 in the fall must have passed all sections of this year's TAKS tests to receive days off.
This year's testing season is still ongoing so it's impossible to tell how many students would qualify.
Roxane Cruz, an eighth-grader at Adams Middle School, said the plan could give students an incentive to do well on the tests.
"Everybody's really excited about it because it gives them an extra push to do good on their test," she said.
Robert Schaeffer, public education director for the National Center for Fair & Open Testing, said he understands the motivation, but he believes schools should host classes after school and on weekends for students who need extra help.
"You don't get that extra help by denying those [other] children a quality education," Mr. Schaeffer said.
The state is now reviewing the district's application to ensure that it meets the criteria for the waiver. District officials say they expect a decision within a few weeks.
Proposal
Students who passed state tests this year would have eight days off in 2009. They could stay home or attend school-sponsored activities.
Why: The district wants to focus on failing students.
Eligibility: Students who enter grades six through 12 in the fall. They must have passed all sections of TAKS this year.
When: The 2009 scheduled days off would be Feb. 16-20 and April 15-17.
Status: The district filed a request with the Texas Education Agency. A decision is expected within a few weeks.
Proposal
Students who passed state tests this year would have eight days off in 2009. They could stay home or attend school-sponsored activities.
Why: The district wants to focus on failing students.
Eligibility: Students who enter grades six through 12 in the fall. They must have passed all sections of TAKS this year.
When: The 2009 scheduled days off would be Feb. 16-20 and April 15-17.
Status: The district filed a request with the Texas Education Agency. A decision is expected within a few weeks.
— Stella M. Chavez
Dallas Morning News
2008-04-24
INDEX OF OUTRAGES
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