This blog features observations from Randy Turner, a former teacher, newspaper reporter and editor. Send news items or comments to rturner229@hotmail.com
Saturday, August 03, 2013
Joplin Schools set orientation dates for sixth graders, freshman
I want to know if my son will have books at the high school this year. My friend's son started there last year and they didn't have books, and they hated it. He is in another school now where the emphasis is on academics instead of technology and careers. My son isn't ready to declare a career. If it looks like there won't be any improvement over what I heard last year, I'll pull my son and send him to school with our neighbor's son. What I want to know is, what happens to those students who are unhappy with the arrangement whose parents can't afford tuition at one of the other schools? Doesn't this make a segregated school system, with the wealthy students in one builiding and the other students in the public school? And if only the advanced students get books, is that a fair and equitable education? I'd love to talk to the Board about this, but they are no longer listening to parents.
You are correct that some of the AP (advanced placement) classes still use textbooks but for most classes it is computer only. You are also correct that using a "technology-only" approach gives wealthier students an advantage because they are more likely to have Wi-Fi at home and don't have to find another location to do their homework. I would speak to Jeff Flowers if you have concerns - I don't think it is as difficult to contact Board members as it is being portrayed. Their phone numbers are listed on joplinschools.org and if you don't reach someone that way, leave a message with Pat Waldo (secretary) to have someone call you back.
As of the last Board retreat in June, individual parental concerns will no longer be addressed by the Joplin Schools Board of Education. All concerns will be directed to the administration. I'm positive they will not give a rip if you want books for your child. That approach will never get them any attention in education journals or bookings for speeches.
Why is the orientation during the day? We are a two working parent family. We cannot make those daytime hours. Can the hours be extended to late evening times for those of us eho work dayshift hours?
I want to know if my son will have books at the high school this year. My friend's son started there last year and they didn't have books, and they hated it. He is in another school now where the emphasis is on academics instead of technology and careers. My son isn't ready to declare a career. If it looks like there won't be any improvement over what I heard last year, I'll pull my son and send him to school with our neighbor's son. What I want to know is, what happens to those students who are unhappy with the arrangement whose parents can't afford tuition at one of the other schools? Doesn't this make a segregated school system, with the wealthy students in one builiding and the other students in the public school? And if only the advanced students get books, is that a fair and equitable education? I'd love to talk to the Board about this, but they are no longer listening to parents.
ReplyDeleteTo 2:44...
ReplyDeleteYou are correct that some of the AP (advanced placement) classes still use textbooks but for most classes it is computer only. You are also correct that using a "technology-only" approach gives wealthier students an advantage because they are more likely to have Wi-Fi at home and don't have to find another location to do their homework. I would speak to Jeff Flowers if you have concerns - I don't think it is as difficult to contact Board members as it is being portrayed. Their phone numbers are listed on joplinschools.org and if you don't reach someone that way, leave a message with Pat Waldo (secretary) to have someone call you back.
6:59--
ReplyDeleteAs of the last Board retreat in June, individual parental concerns will no longer be addressed by the Joplin Schools Board of Education. All concerns will be directed to the administration. I'm positive they will not give a rip if you want books for your child. That approach will never get them any attention in education journals or bookings for speeches.
Why is the orientation during the day? We are a two working parent family. We cannot make those daytime hours. Can the hours be extended to late evening times for those of us eho work dayshift hours?
ReplyDeleteAre you aware that this is from August 2013 not this year?
ReplyDeletedoes anybody know when the freshman oreitation is for 2015???
ReplyDelete