There is a crisis in public education in America, in Missouri, and especially in St. Louis. With 2008 being both an election year and, because of term-limits, the final legislative session for many legislators, it should come as little surprise that several bills have been filed recently taking stabs at the causes and symptoms of an undereducated population of young people.
State Representative Jamilah Nasheed (D-St. Louis) filed legislation this week that seeks to hold schools accountable for the academic success rates of their students. The bill would require the district’s accountability officer to ensure schools within the district are raised to an acceptable level of academic performance within two years.
“Right now we have far too many children in our district who are reading below grade level and the only way we can change this disturbing trend is by holding our schools accountable for the academic success rate among these children,” said Rep. Nasheed.
It’s not clear where additional funding for Nasheed’s mandate would come from or how districts would be penalized for failing to meet the requirements.
State Rep. Rodney Hubbard* (D-St. Louis) has introduced a bill aimed at reducing the number of dropouts by tying school attendance to something most teenagers value more than homework — the privilege of driving.
Hubbard’s House Bill 2078 makes eligibility for a driver’s license for 15-18 year-olds contingent upon proof that they have complied with certain school-related standards, including attendance and passing grades.
Though it has fallen in recent months, the dropout rate in St. Louis Public Schools remains high. Just as high are tensions between the two boards leading the district — one elected, and one appointed. Legislation has been introduced to put the power to run the city schools back into the hands of the elected board.
Senate Bill 1129, sponsored by State Senator Maida Coleman (D-St. Louis), seeks to repeal the law which authorized the creation of the Special Administrative Board led by real estate developer Rick Sullivan, who Governor Matt Blunt appointed to run the city schools. Just this week, Sullivan and the SAB surprised many, including Superintendent Diana Bourisaw, when the asked her to reapply for her job, effectively firing her after just 19 months.
“I have little confidence that the governor’s handpicked henchman will do the right thing for our students when he chooses a new superintendent,†said Senator Coleman.
*Hubbard is a client of A D French & Associates
February 16th, 2008 at 4:16 pm
From Bill Monroe-
Check this out-
Los Angeles Releases Blueprint For Stopping Gangs
Is St. Louis Doing Enough ?
http://www.officer.com/online/article.jsp?siteSection=1&id=40217
I am not suggesting this is the solution for our Gang Related Problems in St. Louis; however we desperately need a centralized entity as a solution and NOT just the St. Louis Police Depatment.
Bill Monroe
February 17th, 2008 at 6:25 pm
Rep. Nasheed is very misinformed. Holding schools accountable for graduate rates is like blaming the car for the driver’s misdeeds. Students at the high school level all over the world know what is expected. There are great numbers of students who actually study as opposed to partying and gang banging. As long as the fault lies with adults; the students who want to escape the hard work of study–are safe to continue to do so. Holding high school students accountable for their own success is by far more reasonable. When I was in high school; an ‘F’ was a sign of disgrace; now it is viewed as a red badge of courage. We need to stop bluffing students and make consequences immediate. I agree with Rep. Hubbard. If gaining a valid driver’s license were connected with high school graduation; you would see many more students buckle down. We do not need more policing; we need to support our teachers and our parents. We need to hold high school students accountable for their actions. This is good preparation for adult life, and much more kind than waiting till the law stops them. In education; the actions of a teacher are only half the equation; the other half being the committment, hard work and self-discipline the student brings. Blaming the teachers only lets the students off the hook.
February 18th, 2008 at 5:30 am
“2 SoCal men charged with abusing cattle”
Can someone in the know please advise Bill Monroe or the students and Parents of the St. Louis Public Schools if SODEXCO or other food service providers utilize Westland/Hallmark Meat Company which supplies meat to the federal school lunch program.
Thanks from Bill Monroe
February 18th, 2008 at 9:30 pm
I agree with Julie Hill. The teachers are usually dealing with at least two or three students per class who, if given the attention required to keep them on task, would slow down the progress of those with enough buckle down in them to make the grade. I suppose in more urban districts the ratio would be higher meaning extra assistance to keep the misguided on track.
It’s too bad we can’t just admit that not every kid can make it in math and science, but probably be more apt to learn a specific trade skill…and even still, they know that’s not going to make them rich and famous. Poor kids…the true meaning American dream has become quite twisted in their minds. It’s tough for many kids to know WHY they need to learn anything abstract or seemingly unnecessary to their life situation…growing up too fast in some ways, yet not growing up in others.
February 19th, 2008 at 10:19 am
Bill (and others),
According to the district, all vendors have been contacted and SLPS has been assured that none of the meat in question was sent to any SLPSchool.
February 19th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
From Bill Monroe,
Having delt with Sodexco, I know the level of deception that is possible;Katherine take it from an Ole Ex-Cop-It’s how you ask the question-The question should be for the food providers to provide both Boards with a list of Companies that Meat is purchased from for the last three years_
The question should be more direct as to whether or not the St. Louis Public Schools have ever done business thru it’s food providers,i.e. Sodexco and others with the Comapny in question Westland/Hallmark Meat Company or any of their subsidiaries and how often does the providers of food for our children themselves conduct inspection of providers.
Our children are worth the effort.
Don’t you agree ?
February 19th, 2008 at 4:12 pm
It’s Aramark, not Sodexo, that has the SLPS food services. Hope this helps.