This is an update to my March 16, 2007 posting titled Counterfeit Excellence. Since that time, I acquired additional data from East Maine School District 63 (EMSD63).
In the Spring of 2006 and again that Fall, I had short discussions with Mr. Scott Herrmann, Principle at Gemini Jr. High School (GJHS.)
First Discussion.
Mr. Herrmann was informed of my findings and expressed concern about a logical perception of “grade inflation” at Gemini by parents and taxpayers, and said that he would review this issue with his teaching staff.
Second Discussion.
Mr. Hermann reiterated his concern and said that the problem should not we occur in the future.
GJHS Principal Scott Herrmann, is a man who is true to his word!
Where last years “Honor Roll” lists averaged 65.15% of the student population. This year’s lists average close to 20%. Current search indicates that no more than 20% of the student population would normally attain “Honor Roll” status.
Am I happy with the result? Yes! Should I have had to make the comment to Mr. Herrmann to begin with? No!
Had I not intervened, I believe, grade inflation at GJHS would have occurred again this year.
So, where was Executive Director of Curriculum and Instruction, Katherine Ruh? Where was Superintendent Williams? Where was the "ever vigilant" EMSD63 School Board? Were they all brain-dead? How could all of these trusted professionals be so out of touch, that they could not or would not see the the grade inflation/honor roll problems at Gemini?
In the end, I have some satisfaction in knowing that I have done my part to solve this problem!
But that’s just my opinion!
Your comments please!
Kenneth J. Butterly
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
3 comments:
You have not solved anything.
Select A grades or potential honor rollees simply have been eliminated from the honor roll roster. No matter where a student is placed, advanced, regular, special ed., or remidial, the student is taught at that level. He or she is graded at that level. A remedial student can receive an A in Math (let's say). He or she can receive an A in all of his or her classes. Hence student can be on the honor roll. Clean that up a bit and say only advanced or regular students are now allowed on the honor roll. Done.
And here I sat, fat, ignorant, smug and happy. I actually thought that I’d solve the problem. What do I know?
You, obviously, have an insider’s perspective on this problem. Unfortunately, civilians, non-teacher/administrator types have no idea how the game is played. For most of us, including this writer, we have been led to believe that only the best students make the Honor Roll. If what you are saying is true, even this change brought about by my intervention, is a fraud.
It appears that additional investigative work is in order!
Thank you for your comment.
Mr. Butterly,
I've just read your two posts on grade inflation at district 63. My child attends district 25. I don't know if grade inflation is happening here. How can I find out?
Post a Comment