underperforming schools

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Home : 2003 : February : 21

underperforming schools
By angie

I work at a school in Florida that received a "D" last year. Reading this article hit home for me. The population I work with is very behind, coming from all types of disadvantaged backgrounds...foster children, abused
children, many children with parents in prison, children with parents addicted to drugs and alcohol, etc. I know that I personally work extremely hard every day, including weekends, to provide an environment for these children that they will thrive in. Right now I have only about 3-4 students who will most likely go to 4th grade (with our new Florida Statute that requires 3rd graders to

pass the FCAT in order to be promoted), yet all but 2 of them would be just fine in 4th grade. I feel like I can't work any harder at this point, no exaggeration. My children make progress, just not the progress they are required to make in order for my school to not be considered failing. I try not to get angry and dwell on it, but it's hard when officials are constantly in our classrooms observing us. My state gives bonuses to "A" schools. I truly feel teachers who work as hard as we do at my school deserve the bonus. It's really a sad situation these days...