District Changes

If you have happened to see the news or read a newspaper over the last few days, I am sure you have heard that the state Department of Education is in the process of taking over Metro schools. This is happening because our district has failed to make the needed progress toward fulfilling No Child Left Behind. Let me start out by saying that our school has met the requirements, but as we are a part of the district, we fall under the take-over as well.

I am attempting to find out as much information as I can so that you know what is going on. Once I hear back from those in the know, I will let you know what this means for our school. All I know right now is that the standards and curriculum will be adjusted. I don't really know what that will look like, because our district standards were based on the state standards. In my opinion, for what that is worth, adjusting the standards is not necessarily a bad thing. Our district standards are/were very thorough, which made it difficult to cover all standards with the time and attention needed. If the list of standards were pared down to a manageable list of important and crucial skills, I would not complain. You hopefully know by now, that I would rather teach those key standards in depth so that my students truly understand them, than briefly touch the surface of numerous, important, but not as crucial skills. Does that make sense? If that is where we are headed, count me in!

Now for the part that has me a bit concerned. We received a press release today that stated staff transfers will be made so that people are placed where they are needed most. I assume that holds mainly for administrative positions and people at the Board, but I don't know. No, I am not afraid that I am going anywhere--no one else would want me anyway! What I do fear is the repercussions that arise when people are involuntarily shifted to a new job. Bad feelings tend to trickle down.

Anyhow, that is all I know at this time. As I do learn more, I will update here on the blog. All I can say is it is not yet time to start worrying. So, get out there and enjoy the summer!

Here is the latest update--an explanation from Ms. Greer:

It has been no secret that the state has been revamping all of the state standards; therefore, we knew Metro standards would have to change in order to address the state changes. We are required to teach state standards. Prior to now the Metro standards had always encompassed the state standards so we will use whatever the state says we will use from this point forward.

Thanks to Ms. Greer for taking the time to comment!