[Mpls] Peebles & City Pages (The Grinch who stole recess)

[Michael Atherton]

Robert P. Goldman wrote:

> With all due respect to Mr. Atherton, As a parent of public school
> children, I haven't seen a lot of evidence of public school employees
> being obstacles to my children's education.  My experience is pretty
> limited to Jefferson Community school, but I have been very, very
> impressed with the teachers, principal, vice principal, and even the
> much-maligned office staff.
> 
> I am not happy with everything, but my impression of the employees I
> see in day-to-day contact with students and parents is very favorable.

Jefferson Community School

Minnesota Basic Skills Test Percent Passing
Grade 8
Reading  51%
Math     33%

Minnesota Comprehensive Assessment Percent Proficient
Grade 3
Reading  39%
Math     58%
Grade 5
Reading  51%
Math	   55%

Percent of Students Making A Year's Growth
Reading  53%
Math     59%

Tests scores are not everything, but they are general indicators
of typical performance.  My personal opinion is that the performance 
level at Jefferson Community School is unacceptable, but I'm sure 
there might be a lot of nice people who work there.  Nice and
student achievement don't always correlate, neither do management
style and organizational success.  Mr. Goldman's disconnect with
the overall performance for students at Jefferson illustrates why
testing is so critical for educational reform, without it we could
go on for years believing that everything is just fine and dandy.

Michael Atherton
Prospect Park