This is cause for celebration and also increased effort
83% High School Graduation Rates are nothing to sneeze at. Good for us!
Now, let's keep going and not let the celebrating get in the way of the teaching. I get it, we're doing an OK job. Texas alone is, in fact, OVER the 85% mark. Let's not ignore the fact that standardized tests scores are down, and, even if they weren't, one student graduation that isn't college or career ready is still unacceptable. There's nothing wrong with setting goals and reducing the gaps, but the objective should be the elimination of "gaps" not just the reduction of them.
There are still miles to go if we are trying to increase the quality of our teachers and administrators. We can't pat ourselves on the back for too long if we still have buildings that are in such poor repair that it is impacting the learning of our students. We owe it to ourselves and, most importantly, our students to respond to this good news by redoubling our efforts.
Some say that setting targets too high encourages people to not even try, but the numbers show me what's possible and that I have no reason to lower my target.
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Related Articles:
Having a great day - A Dallas Teacher Reflection
Dallas ISD Teacher Tells Positive Stories of her Students
Dallas ISD and Dallas School Graduation Blogs
DISD and Dallas Education Rundown - October Week 1
Graduation Rates Up in the US - NPR
Now, let's keep going and not let the celebrating get in the way of the teaching. I get it, we're doing an OK job. Texas alone is, in fact, OVER the 85% mark. Let's not ignore the fact that standardized tests scores are down, and, even if they weren't, one student graduation that isn't college or career ready is still unacceptable. There's nothing wrong with setting goals and reducing the gaps, but the objective should be the elimination of "gaps" not just the reduction of them.
There are still miles to go if we are trying to increase the quality of our teachers and administrators. We can't pat ourselves on the back for too long if we still have buildings that are in such poor repair that it is impacting the learning of our students. We owe it to ourselves and, most importantly, our students to respond to this good news by redoubling our efforts.
Some say that setting targets too high encourages people to not even try, but the numbers show me what's possible and that I have no reason to lower my target.
Follow us on Facebook; Twitter; iTunes; Soundcloud; Stitcher
Related Articles:
Having a great day - A Dallas Teacher Reflection
Dallas ISD Teacher Tells Positive Stories of her Students
Dallas ISD and Dallas School Graduation Blogs
DISD and Dallas Education Rundown - October Week 1
Graduation Rates Up in the US - NPR
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