Passion for words buoys students, school [In Jeb's FL, another low-income "D" school is moving up]

The Orlando Sentinel ^ | June 9, 2002 | Leslie Postal

[summer]

In 1998 and 1999, Hamilton's students were among the worst readers in the state. Three-quarters of its fourth-graders couldn't read at their grade level.

But last month, the Sanford school posted its best-ever scores on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, continuing a steady -- and remarkable -- climb that began four years ago.

When I talk to Dem teachers who do not like the GOP on the whole, these teachers admit that no governor in this state has turned a spotlight on education, and put a focus on education, like this current governor. Since the day he took office, Gov. Bush has kept education on the front burner, and by doing so, continuously changed the educational culture in this state. No, not every school that was a "D" is now an "A" -- but the improvement is happening, school by school, classroom by classroom, student by student. I'm glad The Orlando Sentinel took the time to notice.

[summer]

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[summer]

FYI. :)

[summer]

Well, Larry, I've come to realize this forum is big enough for both of us - you can keep posting those new and improved teacher-bashing articles -- and, I can keep posting the articles showing good teachers are out there and turning kids around. Yes, you and I can co-exist here. :)!

[summer]

FYI. :)

[summer]

FYI. :)

[summer]

I saw your post on another thread about reading, so I thought you might find this article interesting. :)

[okiedust]

Hi summer. More good news. Thanks for keeping us informed. You do great work.

regards

[dalebert]

Jeb knows what is important to the future of this country. Its our youth. IF they fail we all fail. Reading is the key to knowledge. Jeb wants all kids to have the key.

[GailA]

Any one of average intelligence can be taught to read and do basic math. All it takes is a little work and phonics. I'm only high school educated, yet I managed to teach my youngest to read when the school system failed to do so. I went to the library and got books and made him sit down and read. Corrected what he got wrong with phonics and some swats on the behind when he balked. Strange it worked and didn't take years to accomplish. Just a few months. Afterwards I made him keep up his reading with frequent visits to the library.

His dad did the math end. Created modern flash cards using the old Comodore 64 computer and doss. In six weeks took the kid from D's & F's in math to A's & B's. The teacher kept screaming he was Learning Disabled. BULL HOCKEY he was teaching disabled.

[summer]

A big BTTT to you and all dedicated, involved parents, GailA. Every kid should be so lucky as yours.

[summer]

Re your post #9 - Thanks, okiedust. I appreciate that you took the time to read and post here. Good news doesn't always get the attention it deserves. :)!

[summer]

PS :)

[summer]

Jeb knows what is important to the future of this country. Its our youth. IF they fail we all fail. Reading is the key to knowledge. Jeb wants all kids to have the key.

BTTT. Thanks, dalebert. :)

[summer]

Note: This school's reading scores are now ABOVE the state average:

Reading scores climb

Hamilton has now posted three straight years of improvement in its FCAT fourth-grade reading score and this year beat the state average for the first time.

Yet, in the school district where YOU reside, that district's reading scores are BELOW the state average. Why?

Well, IMO, it's because that school district will hire a "teacher" who can not pass the state teacher test before they will hire a teacher who can, provided that first "teacher" is (a) married to another teacher in the district (like your favorite teacher, Ian Harvey), or (b) is related to a teacher or a principal.

And, now, years of such nepotism is showing up in the LOWER level of student achievement and reading scores.

[My Favorite Headache]

Do we have access to the numbers in Collier County somewhere around tonight so I can compare?

[lsee]

You know what's funny...one school my kids attended focused so much on reading that their programs neglected math...Can't win for losing. :)

[mafree]

Jeb- the Education Governor. GO JEB!!

[LarryLied]

I wonder how many people learn to read in school and how many learn on their own.