Wednesday, April 1, 1998 | 10:25 a.m.
THE results are in, and 13 of Clark County's 219 public schools have been found to be inadequate because of low standardized-test scores.
Under a new state law, schools are labeled inadequate, adequate or high-achieving based on the standardized TerraNova test. Schools that are deemed inadequate are eligible for more funding to help them raise students' achievements. If they are found to be inadequate for three years, the state government may take them over.
Clark County School District Superintendent Brian Cram, a supporter of accountability, told reporters on Monday that changes will be implemented. "Some may say that 94 percent is a pretty good pass rate. Our view is that one school (found inadequate) is too many," Cram said. That's a healthy attitude. He is ready to take logical steps to help these students and teachers. The school district needs more money from the state, and classes need to focus on the basics.
Some teachers interviewed by SUN reporter Benjamin Grove resented the inadequate label. Science teacher Benjamin Gonzalez called it a "slap in the face." The teachers pointed out that many of the schools found to be inadequate are in low socioeconomic areas where many of the students come from broken homes or speak little English.
Those are as legitimate factors as what's being taught in the classroom in determining the success of any education program. They're also a reason teachers should welcome extra funding or other assistance to help them do their jobs.
Now is not the time to be defensive and lash out at the new law. More and more residents are demanding accountability from public schools before they vote for bond issues to help build new schools.
Now is the time to work together and find ways to bring the schools into compliance. Students and teachers shouldn't feel stigmatized by the results. This is simply the first step in increasing student achievement, by identifying what schools need more assistance so their students get a top-flight education.
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