After the big buildup, it was announced that the graduation rate for the class of 2013 was 86.8 percent, much higher than it has been in recent years.
The promises of this game-changing announcement were made in joint invitations sent out last month by the Joplin R-8 School District and Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. The cost of the invitations appeared to have been paid by Southwest Missouri Bank and Freeman Health System.
Reportedly, the members of the graduating class who made the announcement possible were not present for the festive occasion.
Though it was certainly good news for the Joplin R-8 School District, the announcement comes just 15 days before the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is expected to release information indicating that the Joplin School District is going to be provisionally accredited and barely missed losing its accreditation.
Accredited with Distinction five or six years in a row. But, not since the tornado.
ReplyDeleteAccredited with Distinction was lost BEFORE the tornado. Lost shortly after Dr. Dream Team arrived with her bag of tricks.
ReplyDeleteBut he only cried three times at this wondrous miracle wrought from massaged numbers.
ReplyDeleteAll the students that weren't counted because they "withdrew" when their parents took "better paying jobs elsewhere when the economic downturn" happened?
ReplyDeleteThere were many wonderful, hardworking, intelligent, diligent students in this graduating class. We salute their integrity and work ethic.
ReplyDeleteAnd then there were those who skipped class more often than not, failed perpetually, behaved horrendously, and yet magically graduated. They take away from the hard working group above and they are not ready to go to work or college. They got their diplomas in order to make CJ and Co look good.
The best part was when one of the crony principals stood up to applaud our dear Bessie. Then watching everyone else struggle to their feet to pretend to be excited was hysterical. Such a herd mentality.
ReplyDeleteHow do you give a standing ovation to someone who has taken a district from accredited with distinction to basically unaccredited in five short years? Think, people, think.
How do you give a standing ovation to someone who has taken a district from accredited with distinction to basically unaccredited in five short years?
ReplyDeleteBecause your significant other hasn't gotten a higher paying job elsewhere, and neither have you. You are busy looking, praying not to get turfed before you do, and have actually considered getting a brown tattoo on the end of your nose so people quit asking what that is on your nose.
In the meantime, you are even planning to make some positive Facebook posts to help the new super duper Joplin Schools look even better. The bonus will be that your asterix kissing will be seen by those who demand it.
Hypothetically.
One of these days the principals who have caused so much pain trying to appease those ahead of them are going to look behind them and find out there's nobody there. And certainly, those ahead of them will not be here long, either. The district has fallen apart as they jockey for position or hurt their friends and followers while they try vainly to hold on to their jobs. Loyalty does not come from crushing people. Loyalty comes from having faith in them and lifting them up.
ReplyDeleteThis will be my last year in Joplin, even if those at the top finally are held accountable for their actions. There is nothing here to show for all of my efforts, and nothing I do is appreciated or valued. It is time to seek another profession.
The event tonight cost someone a tremendous amount of money. No one has pointed out the absurdity of spending thousands and thousands of dollars to celebrate a graduation rate that is still below the state average. CJ needed a PR moment before the bad news starts rolling in, and there is a lot of it. That the man cannot give any kind of speech without falling apart is a reflection of his mental state as all comes undone. All of you who sacrificed others to save yourselves will have your own sorrows. You will have no supporters to help you pick up the pieces.
I feel sorry for the students of Joplin. There are so many really fine young people here. They have been cheated in so many ways as bureaucrats wasted learning opportunities while building up their careers and egos. I commend those who are determined to stay and fight it out and rebuild. I went up that mountain once. I don't think I can do it twice. There is no strong leadership to guide the way. Good luck, Joplin.
Great work Joplin. Raising the grad rate is a testament to the students, parents, teachers and administrators! This is wonderful news
ReplyDeleteIt's sad what has happened to this school. I graduated in 1994 and received what I believe was an excellent high school education. I took several CP and AP classes and had the opportunity to participate in numerous activities, academic and otherwise. I was very well-prepared for college. My courses at JHS were challenging, and I learned useful skills and information, and my teachers were top-notch. Now, I realize that I was perhaps not average---I loved school, was motivated, and had involved parents---but I don't think that I was so unique or that my situation was. But maybe I am wrong? Have things really changed so much? What happened? Maybe it's just been so long that I don't remember!
ReplyDeleteAnonomous 8:51 what is so sad? I can't even figure out how the graduation rate going up equals bad for this school. In 1 year Joplin High School will be one of the best in the entire country. I graduated in 1995 and everything is better now.
ReplyDeleteIn 1 year Joplin High School will be one of the best in the entire country.
ReplyDeleteLudicrous.
I guarantee you that this person is either deluded or intoxicated on Huff's Hopium.
Wow, it's great that the graduation rate is up. However, creating a big self-congratulatory event over one piece of data seems a bit contrived. Congratulations Joplin Schools for taking strides toward fulfilling your core purpose!
ReplyDeleteMeanwhile, teachers are leaving in droves because they are grossly underpaid and generally devalued by central office leadership. Joplin teachers treat their students with more respect than they receive from their employer. Giving away shirts is a nice gesture but is no substitute for professional respect. When (and if) that situation improves, maybe they could hold another big celebration.