Minority students reduce gap on tests [thanks to Jeb's emphasis on education reform]

The Ft. Lauderdale Sun Sentinel ^ | Jan. 24, 2002 | Bill Hirschman, Education Writer

[summer]

Gov. Jeb Bush has raised expectations for minorities, and the results are now in: more and more of FL's minority students are succeeding.

For decades, Florida's minority students struggled to escape a reputation for doing poorly on Florida exams. Educators despaired of bridging the chasm between what minorities achieved and what white students accomplished.

But evidence is emerging that intense efforts by students, parents and educators are beginning to shrink the gap.

The lowest-performing minority students have made significant gains on state tests during the past three years, according to new figures.

[summer]

They are not "dumbing down" education here in FL. Standards are being raised. You are wrong again. Sorry. :)

[summer]

When I was growing up, God help me if the teacher complained to my folks about me. It didn't matter what I said.....I was dead meat!

Same here. And, I am not that old at all. That parental attitude alone cut down many potential probelms, IMO.

Today the attitude is different. For many low income black parents, they think one way to easy money is to sue a white teacher. I am not kidding. It is extremely difficult being a white teacher in a black school. I know because I tried it, and although sometimes I think I would do it again, I know what goes on and frankly, I am glad I am not teaching in a black school now. You are out there on your own.

[summer]

"problems" is what I meant to type! :)

[Tai_Chung]

It is a true accomplishment to reduce the failure rate while increasing the standards. We should all congratulate Florida.

Nevertheless, I still believe this focus on the gaps between the various ethnic groups is wrong. I believe it contributes to racial division. All students should be viewed equally. It would be better to push all the students to achieve thier best even if it somehow increases the gap between the races.

[doc30]

When I first hear about Jeb's education intitiatives, I was skeptical and there was a lot of outcry from teachers that the state standards were being implemented as a way to introduce vouchers.

Now I see that the State government did what was really common sense: teach the kids and get results. It really upset the teachers that like the touchy-feely approach to education. They suddenly realized that their students had to pass state tests or they would lose education funding. The result was schools and teachers actually taught kids. What a difference a little accountability makes!

[summer]

Believe me, Gov. Bush has done a whole lot more than "a little accountability" though I know you meant that remark in a positive way. :)

[davidosborne]

I agree that the parent should respect the teacher. This is why home schooling is becoming popular.

AMEN !!!

>David C. Osborne

Not that I am OPPOSED to public schools but they SHOULD always be LAST RESORT.. when circumstances do not allow parents to home school..

FReegards,

David

[summer]

I agree that all students should be pushed to do their best. And, it would help enormously if blacks would stop having 70% of their kids out of wedlock, so that kids could have a 2-parent home and there could be more parental support for learning, and if everyone in public schools spoke ENGLISH at home, but this is not what is happening. That is why Gov. Bush's leadership really is something worth supporting. He is truly helping to make a difference in education despite enormous odds here in FL.

[summer]

David, I am all for homeschooling -- but many parents will never honeschool, and that is just a fact. They choose public schools. BTW, GW and his wife chose a public high school for their twin daughters! :)

[davidosborne]

summer,

You are doing a great job getting the TRUTH out.. I support and applaud your tireless efforts..

God Bless America !!

David

[davidosborne]

I think we are in complete agreement.. My wife and I CHOOSE to homeschool.. however we are always being riduculed by those who think we are "hurting" our children by not giving them "social skills".. That is also a FACT.. That is why I think the government should PROMOTE homeschooling ! Now there is an idea... IMHO..

David

[Tai_Chung]

It is extremely difficult being a white teacher in a black school. I know because I tried it...

Great, we can get an insider's view on public education!

Do you believe that the college curriculum for Education majors is inadequate? Do you believe there is a problem with uneducated teachers in the classroom?

How do federal education standards/regulations positively influence teaching?

How do federal education standards/regulations negatively influence teaching?

How do you feel about education vouchers that would allow students to attend any school?

What is the best way to improve public education?

[Tai_Chung]

My children are home schooled and they are constantly being praised for their "social skills".

[summer]

I have written about my experiences at length here on FR. I do not feel like rewriting over 5,000 replies right now. If you are interested in what I have to say, please feel free to click on my screen name and read the editorials I have written in support of Jeb Bush on education. I mentioned some of my experiences therein. Thanks for your interest. :)

[summer]

I agree with you on that David -- government would be wise to promote the incredible success of children who are homeschooled. I have close friends, on the left, who homeschool and their children are on a genius level. In addition, they no longer vote De, because they hate the Dems' refusal to support homeschooling.

[summer]

vote De - vote Dem

[summer]

Thanks, David, and thank YOU and all the people in our military who are doing such a great job protecting our country right now and always. :)!

[davidosborne]

So are mine!! My kids are among the most OUTGOING socially developed kids that I KNOW, and I know a LOT of kids.....The people that KNOW us, can attest to that.. but the ridicule comes from those who do not know me personally and OPPOSE home schooling.. that is the best argument they can come up with.. so I am constantly hearing it.. but then when they get to know my children I always hear "Well, I guess your kids are just an EXCEPTION to the rule"... HOGWASH.. I know MANY homeschooling families and my kids are "AVERAGE" in the social skills department for homeschooled children..

FReegards,

David

[summer]

My friends who homeschool have kids who are very social too -- and each day they spend time with other kids, playing organized sports or participating in other community groups. Not only are they social, they are the most polite kids I have ever met, bar none.

[davidosborne]

My friends who homeschool have kids who are very social too -- and each day they spend time with other kids, playing organized sports or participating in other community groups. Not only are they social, they are the most polite kids I have ever met, bar none.

If you take away the "My friends" I would think you were talking about my kids :) Okay I admit I am a little biased on this one..:)

FReegards,

David