Test-score decline stuns school community
By Diette Courrégé
Additional information
School under scrutiny, published 09/10/08 (This has links to the previous stories)
The sign outside Sanders-Clyde Elementary School had a message for passers-by and the community at large: "Every child is more than a test score."
The words were one reaction to news that the school's previously strong test results plummeted this year. The high-poverty school made a dramatic academic turnaround under the leadership of former Principal MiShawna Moore, but this year's test scores fell an average of 31 percentage points.
The decline coincided with a new, intense monitoring of the downtown school's testing process, and district officials have asked the State Law Enforcement Division to investigate the school's abrupt change in results.
The unexplained cause of the test score drop has hit educators and parents hard. Some felt shock; others cried.
Pam Kusmider, chairwoman of the downtown constituent board, said she was sad for the school's students. She's frustrated by the stigma placed
on low-income and minority students about their inability to learn and be successful. These children can do both, and they can do it without anyone cutting corners, Kusmider said.
"We need to maintain that strong support system that I think we have in place, and we need to rally behind these kids," she said.
Shamekei Gray, who heads up the school's PTA and has four children enrolled there, was speechless after hearing the news. She was hesitant to speculate on what happened, and said her children have been doing "awesome" in school.
"This is a shock," she said. "I don't know what to say."
Melvin Middleton, the school's new principal, said school staff felt hurt on Wednesday. He compared it to caring for a dying relative; you prepare as much as you can, but it's a different feeling when it happens, he said.
Still, the school's employees were resolved to go above and beyond to do what's right for children, and that's more than just delivering content in classrooms, he said. It's about teaching children to be good citizens, Middleton said.
He didn't send a message to parents because of the potential for misinformation and because so many visit the school daily. He prepped teachers on how to handle parents' questions. Students weren't told about the investigation either, but he said he made a deliberate effort Wednesday to accentuate the positive and to emphasize his pride in them.
Attempts to reach Moore were unsuccessful for the second consecutive day.
Superintendent Nancy McGinley met with Middleton and the school's faculty on Wednesday to let them know they had the district's support, and she said she knows the school has made progress. District officials had to report what they knew because it protects the school, teachers and students from potential impropriety, she said. If someone did something wrong, she said, they should be held accountable.
Teachers were concerned about the district's oversight of testing this spring, and McGinley said they saw the extra scrutiny as overbearing and impacting the school's climate. The district stationed monitors in the classrooms and took the tests away from the school each night. It's not for the school district to judge whether that accounts for the test score drop, but that will be investigated, she said.
Mike Ethridge, a Charleston attorney who has advocated on behalf of Sanders-Clyde in the past, said he was disturbed by the situation but was glad the district hadn't drawn any conclusions. The fact remains that the school's students, according to its most recent scores, are way behind and unprepared, he said.
"They are not getting what they need," he said. "And we, as a county, are failing them."
So while there is intrigue in trying to find out what happened, he said the more important question should be about how the community will give these and other at-risk children the support they need to be successful.
Reach Diette Courrégé at dcourrege@postandcourier.com or 937-5546.
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sethook (anonymous) says...
"The decline coincided with a new, intense monitoring of the downtown school's testing process, and district officials have asked the State Law Enforcement Division to investigate the school's abrupt change in results."
I bet the fix for the low scores will be to get rid of the monitors next year. They are probably intimidating the youngsters by their presence, thus having a negative impact.
September 11, 2008 at 1:27 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
moonpie (anonymous) says...
No JOHNQ the poor and down trodden are Democrats because this will be a majority that will not be able to take care of themselves and will follow the pattern that the party has set forth and intended for them. They live in a element that must depend on Gov to take care of them. Now its expected. From their test scores to their school supplies someone else will take care of me. And the irony of this is they don't seem to know why? Here's an under lying clue "Shamekei Gray" who has 4 children enrolled there....NOW She may have a husband/daddy around but I would bet there's a 70% chance she doesn't. Which pretty much gurantees a life in poverty, just like you Democrats like it!
September 11, 2008 at 6:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
dogwoodroad (anonymous) says...
can someone around here focus on the kids for a change? This is not a political issue!!!
Thank God those kids have a mother who is interested enough to be in the PTA, which would explain WHY her children have been doing well in school - most kids these days have parents who are way too into themselves to take an interest in their child's education.
September 11, 2008 at 7:28 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
madcity (anonymous) says...
You dumb m_ _ _ _ r f_ _ _ _ _ s need to stop. While you are arguing about who is a racist, and who is not, these children are still not getting the education that they need, because the teachers are not being paid enough to teach. As long as you have people like these two idiots going back and forth at each other you will always have the dumbest kids in America. It's not only this school, SC as a whole is way behind in nationally education.
September 11, 2008 at 7:56 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeakyclean (anonymous) says...
Moonpie should keep comments like the one he made to himself. According to the words used I would say that moonpie is caucasion. All black mothers are not single parents and i agree with johnq2, to insult a mother who is actually taking time to head a PTA and to be present in her kids school should show speak for her character. you do not know what she does for a living or what her marrital status is. You just assume again because she is black she is single and locked down with a bunch of kids .apparently somtheing has happen and as an active parent she is concerned like any absentee parent who is working a 9-5 job and cannot be involved as much as this parent can be in the schools.i'am proud to hear that this mother of four is active in the schools at lease she is not sitting at home waiting for hand outs or sitting on a corner playing a card game and drinking. check your self.This has nothing to do with politics. in regards to Palin she needs to be w little more active in her kids lives or her 17 yoa daughter may not be pregnant but, hey the chip does not fall to far from the block. we'll have a daycare inside the white house if she is elected or a whore house for the daughter who i'm sure will be forced to marry the father.
September 11, 2008 at 8:03 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeakyclean (anonymous) says...
coldbeer you said it loud and clear it starts at home and the parents should be involved . the mother of four is doing just that and again i'am proud of her. if she does not work and is living on governmnet funding then in my book she is giving back by being involved in the schools . all non working mothers should take this stand. she wants the same thing for her kids that the kids at ashley hall school is getting with out having to pay for it. keep race and politics out of this.
September 11, 2008 at 8:26 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
DoaMM (anonymous) says...
"Every child is more than a test score."
Umm, well duh!
But the test scores reflect on the child's knowledge that YOU have (supposedly) taught him/her. If you, as a teacher or superintendent continue to feed the child's belief that they are doing well, all the while not teaching them properly and cooking the books (altering test scores), then you're the ones who think the child is "just a test score".
September 11, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
squeakyclean (anonymous) says...
coldbeer i made my comment to shine a bulb in moonpies eyes that we all can see a situation for how we want to see it. I do not know anything about Palin or her daughter but i can assume just like moonpie did because of his harsh comments.and in regards to me no i was not pregnant at age 17 i had my first child at age 25 and the second at age 29. i was blessed with a boy and girl and their was no need for me to have anymore. i was got married at age 23 after receiving my masters degree. a 17 year old should be concetrating on graduating from high school and GPA'S NOT HAVING SEX. this happens every day to girls of all races. I was just trying to make a point please do not think that i don't see the real issuse at large. your comments made a lot of sense and we should focus on the kids even if they are not ours.
September 11, 2008 at 8:41 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyeinthesky (anonymous) says...
Madcity... if a tacher is making 50 thousand a year, you say they are not paid enough to teach the kids. If I give THAT teacher 75 thousand, will (s)he be paid enough to teach.???
Or are you saying these teachers are no good no matter what salary and we need to fire all of them and pay new teachers more money. In other words are you saying that smart people will not teach for the money that is offered.
September 11, 2008 at 9:11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
martin (anonymous) says...
I hope the school district in NC where Ms. Moore got a better job is reading about this in their local papers.
This should be teaching them a lesson all school districts need to learn: when you do a "nationwide" search for a school administrator (a school administrator!!!), you have no real idea what is coming to you. There are probably many who are leaving before they are fired. You are better off to promote honest people from within.
What a shame these children have been used like this to temporarily inflate this woman's resume.
September 11, 2008 at 9:33 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
nappyd (anonymous) says...
Made it 3 posts until someone dropped the "won't someone think about the kids" plea into it.
Here's a thought: No matter what color or where they come from, maybe the kids & parents are dumb. The world needs ditchdiggers, after all.
September 11, 2008 at 9:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
waterbug (anonymous) says...
These tests are inversely proportional!!!!!
September 11, 2008 at 10:06 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Larz13 (anonymous) says...
Get here late, johnq's rant has already been removed.
Must have been one heck of a anti-white, anti-republican, anti-large income rant.
Does this mean that johnq3 is about to be born?
September 11, 2008 at 10:07 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
soul2soul (anonymous) says...
Congratulations to Shamekei Gray for taking an active role in her children under performing school. The hell with those who concern themselves with you having a husband/ daddy around just continue to make your children top priority and help keep them focus on what's important.
Parents out there please take your child's education seriously, get involve show them that you care meet the teachers and don't be afraid to challenge them, the system is not perfect. My personal experience my child struggled in elementary school, teachers had their doubts about him but we made sure he didn't fall through the cracks.
We got him the help he needed and today this proud mama and papa are happy to say that their baby the same one teachers said was "hard to teach" he's in his sophomore year in college on a FULL academic scholarship........... who knew???? My point is this, get involve parents don't be a shame of the environment you live in ignore the airheads out there ask questions and be an advocate for your children..........
September 11, 2008 at 10:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Tammie (anonymous) says...
Damn, what did John say? Lol
September 11, 2008 at 10:55 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
coolfreaknbeans (anonymous) says...
nappyd I see where your coming from.Not everyone is academically strong.I once again will gripe that too much emphasis is being put on test scores.I can give a couple of references.One neighbor child years back started stuttering horribly a week before the test.They were stressed to no end.I was in highschool and they had an exit exam on I believe US history.No matter what your class grade was,if you didnt pass this one exam,you failed the whole class.How damn stupid is that?I personally witnessed a classmate my senior year(excellent student with a high A class average)look at the list of who passed/failed and she had failed.She literally collapsed to the ground and bawled.She was from a lower income family who had already scrounged the money for grad. invitations and everything.The stress of the test and weight on her shoulders made her flunk the exam.Beating a dead horse here-but something has got to change.Why have grades if they don't count and it all hinges on ONE final test?
September 11, 2008 at 11 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonpride (anonymous) says...
The children at Sanders-Clyde are treated very well by the teachers and faculty. They supply food for the ones that don't get enough to eat at home, and they even go to the student's homes that have a hard time in the mornings and bring them to school.
The monitors did not interfere with the kids when they were testing. They just sat in a chair and watched the teacher.
September 11, 2008 at 11:14 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
prettywoman2457 (anonymous) says...
Good post ColdBeer! Teachers don't teach anymore....they are programed as robots. What ever happened to a teacher making out her own tests, taking time with students that are in trouble, teaching in a manner that is understandable for everyone? Everthing is done for them and they are expected to teach like robots. Parents should be involved, but teaching is different now from when I went to school. I had a hard time helping with homework for my kids and grandson, but I did my best and they did and do very well in school. The way I was taught to do something is very different from what the kids are being taught today. I see the different teaching methods making things harder for uneducated parent/parents or even those who went to school way back when. Who decided that taking test after test was best for our kids? Sounds like the Bush thing in Texas that failed, but its country wide now. Low scores need to be sent to those that say: "NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND!!" and we all know who those people are!
September 11, 2008 at 12:09 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
halfsheli (anonymous) says...
I would disagree that teachers are robots. I can attest that at the high school level, teachers are EXTREMELY diverse and often innovative.
Most teachers are very aware of the constraints imposed upon them by state standards and HSAP/EOC/PACT (or whatever they're calling it now). But that (at least at a secondary level) does NOT equate to programming teachers.
I absolutely disagree with the level of importance placed on these tests; I feel they should be used as benchmarks, not bargaining chips. But, there are many teachers that can teach "to the test" in very creative ways. The problem is not with the skills being assessed; the problem is with the assessment of those skills.
I wish I knew how to create an unbiased and relevant standardized assessment, then I could help fix this problem (and probably make alot of money!!!!)
September 11, 2008 at 1:19 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
crankyyankee (anonymous) says...
So these kids were actually dumb but they didn't know it! Sounds like they are chips off the old block to me. Why do parents constantly think their kids are smart when mom and dad are darn near illiterate? Like Shamekei, it would be nice if the whole school board found work in another State. The answer to all of this of course is more money!
September 11, 2008 at 1:23 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
guidedbystewart (anonymous) says...
Has anyone seen the "Read a Book RAP" on YouTube? Now it is a rap song that at least has a good message, even though in a tongue and cheek kind of way.
September 11, 2008 at 1:25 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
eyfigueroa (anonymous) says...
"On a side note: It'd be nice if, one day, instead of logging on and seeing 200 posts where 5 people are making fools of themselves arguing that the democrats are evil or the republicans are evil, you guys would maybe take the time to offer a better way. Bitching without offering solutions is just whining. It's getting old. The solution here is to find a way to get the parents involved in their children's lives. I don't know how that can accomplished, but I doubt arguing about political affiliations is going to get much done."
Some sage advice that should be followed by all.
Myself included.
Great posts CB.
September 11, 2008 at 1:39 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonpride (anonymous) says...
The politics of NCLB needs to be trashed. It was actually started by back in 65 by Lyndon Johnson and backed by Ed Kennedy, but never went anywhere, just "revisited" every couple of years. It was started as part of the War on Poverty.
I don't think anyone knows what to do with education. The powers that be are always trying to make people happy because they are "sue" happy, which is the fault of lawyers, judges and parents wanting money because Johnny has ADD and his "needs" are not being met. You can't make a parent care enough to get involved in their child's education. Many years ago, we had children that just would not behave in class and the parent had to come to school and sit with their child all day. This was an alternative to suspension. It didn't work because the parents complained too much. Education is broken and everyone has their opinions, but who has the answers?
September 11, 2008 at 2:13 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
shoelaces (anonymous) says...
I didn't read anything that would make me think any racist thoughts.....stupid people do stupid things...I don't care what color you are!!
ColdBeer:
I wish I could "just" teach. I also wish people who are not in schools could really see what we are up against. Don't get me wrong, I love my job and I think I do it pretty well!! But unfortunately, we are so data driven and so focused on "the test" that gone are the days of much of the creativity we used to see. We are standards bound and if it isn't a standard then you better not teach it!!
It really is sad. As for what Sanders Clyde is experiencing I think it is a real shame. I would also like to hear from anyone who praised them for their achievements and condemned other Title I schools for missing the mark. Hmmm....an apology may be in order somewhere.
September 11, 2008 at 2:17 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
GG (anonymous) says...
As an educator over the years during the PACT testing program in 4 school districts, I can make three comments regarding testing:
1. I saw students erase frequently during testing. Most students were diligent during testing. How the state can say students averaged only one erasure during testing is ridiculous.
2. As a security measure every school district was required by the SC State Department of Eduction to have a teacher AND a monitor in the classroom during testing. Most monitors were other personnel in the school like counselors, aides, secretaries etc. Some schools did accept a few parent volunteers also but not for their own student's class. Each teacher and monitor was required to go through testing training and security training so they would know what they could or could not say when a student asked a question of them during the test. They were also required to sign a statement that they were trained in both areas.
3. District level and state level monitors were often assigned to schools during testing. Not because the school had problems but as an added security measurement and because many times the school level administrators wanted them there.
Certainly even with these measures, I feel it could be very possible for test security to be violated. Somebody collected these tests daily and had access to them before they were sent back to the district office for shipping to the SCDE.
However, for the benefit of the students, I hope every avenue is followed in investigating this situation. I know from experience how this might impact the students' beliefs in themselves and their abilities.
September 11, 2008 at 3:37 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Teach7775 (anonymous) says...
Black, white, pink, orange, etc.... The single biggest reason for failing schools in America is lack of PARENTAL support. Computers, SMART boards, and shiny new books are nice but they are not nearly as valuable as having a parent or guardian spend an extra 30-45 minutes a night working on BASIC reading and math skills. It is so important that parents show their children they give a s___t about their education!!!
I sure hope all the people posting these messages are backing up their strong opinions by working, or volunteering in Charleston County Schools. And if your'e not keep your opinions to yourselves...... :>)
Have a nice day!!!!
September 11, 2008 at 3:56 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
charlestonpride (anonymous) says...
Good words Teach. I agree and as a parent of adults now, I did work with my kids and did the whole PTA thing. It paid off because my kids have turned into great adults, and are doing the same thing with their kids.
September 11, 2008 at 4:02 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
clisby (anonymous) says...
It seems to me there cuold be more to this than PACT scores. If kids got artificially inflated PACT scores, did they also have artificially inflated classroom grades? If not, wouldn't the disparity draw attention? I don't mean if there was a disparity for a handful of kids, but wouldn't somebody notice if a whole lot of D students were testing proficient on the PACT? Or a lot of A students tested below basic? Did the kids' MAP scores pretty much support the PACT scores they were getting? If not, were people asking why?
September 11, 2008 at 4:06 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
justus1017 (anonymous) says...
The monitors was a problem walking in and out of the classes slamming the doors. Of course the children was focusing on the stangers instead of the tests. The teachers only teach what is on the PACT Tests. They do not teach the way they used to . That's the real problem. Blame the people that started all these standardized testing. They are responsible for these rushed teaching the teachers provide.
September 11, 2008 at 4:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
SouthernBell (anonymous) says...
Sadly, there is the endless circle of poverty and illiteracy and as many of you already stated education starts at home. Would it not be interesting to get test scores on the parents of these children? Early and very early children learn what is expected of them. If the expectation at home is low then why would the child think or know otherwise away from home. Gone are the days when education was thought of as a privilage. Today education is viewed as something that is owed to all without working for it. There is no end to the circle.
September 11, 2008 at 4:46 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
mypointofview (anonymous) says...
Very well said, Coldbeer. It's refreshing to read a thoughtful and well-developed post.
September 11, 2008 at 5:27 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
belovedbliff (anonymous) says...
I can tell you that we did not always have monitors in our school during PAct. And yes, there is a lot of grade inflation at my low performing school EXCEPT for about three of us. I was called to the office all the time by the idiots.
September 11, 2008 at 7:03 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
educatormd32 (anonymous) says...
Word out on the street is Dr. McGuinely had it out for Mishawna Moore.
September 11, 2008 at 7:44 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
benedict78 (anonymous) says...
The presumed correlation of test scores and socio-economic background has some merit. However, like all situations, exceptions do exist. Passing a test of standards does not mean that one is educated or intelligent. Everyone (rich or poor) came into this world knowing nothing. You were taught everything directly or indirectly by someone else. On a personal level, my mother (a high school grad) worked as a cook raising six children. We lived on Union Heights, and the old George Legare housing project. We received "free" lunch at school. Today, all of my siblings are college graduates; earning at least one college degree. I have a Masters degree in science and was a research scientist most of my life. We (my sibling and I) got where we are in life because of non-judgmental,caring, and supportive people. Today, I represent my company and my old neighborhood by volunteering my time to persons whose background mirrors mine. It's easy to criticize and point fingers (Please note: Truly educated and intelligent people rise above such nonsense and focus their attention on finding solutions to situations). These children of Sanders-Clyde Elementary are a microcosm of the greater Charleston and South Carolina communities. Remember, the national media stories on test scores and schools usually mention the city and/or state, not the school or the child.
September 12, 2008 at 12:19 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
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