Wow, Margie. That's sad. I used to work for a school (alternative school). I'm trying to remember what the differences in everything were, but if I remember right it all boils down to what testing gets the school extra money, district image, and paperwork-for instance that an IEP might create a ton of extra paperwork or red tape they don't want to deal with. I'm not sure of that, but I'd guess it's about funding and/or additional paperwork... It may also have to do with their ratings as a district, but I would think that low grades would affect their image as well.
Each district has a bit of a different educational philosophy. The schools here are no better (larger district), IMO, but due to discipline issues more than anything. I know several children in different sizes and types of school systems that have faced similar problems, so it isn't size.
At least they didn't pass Keith just to get him through the system. I've seen that, too.
Size doesn't seem to matter as much as educational philosophy, funding... and sometimes how many teachers are tenured. At least that's my experience.
OK, off my soapbox. I wanted to teach, till I saw the mountains of red tape and the enormous amount of politicking. Decided I'd rather not.
(On the matter of politics-we were told in education classes we'd better vote for so-and-so in the next election if we were planning to teach. I would think that campaigning should be kept outside the classroom!)
Glad you finally are getting somewhere!
Threaded Mode
