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Students’ scores continue to fall
Published Friday, August 17, 2007
NATCHEZ — Test scores of Natchez-Adams school children have dropped consistently as the children have progressed in grade level for the last five years.
Photo by Ben Hillyer
They started taking the MCT test in 2001 as second graders. Last year the same class took the test as eighth graders. Here is a snapshot of how 2001's second graders performed on the MCT test as they progressed through school.
In 2001, 67 percent of the second-grade class scored proficient and above — the highest rankings — in reading on the state’s Mississippi Curriculum Test. Those same students were eighth-graders last spring, and only 35 percent scored proficient or above in the same category. On the state level 52 percent of the eighth graders scored proficient and above.
Test scores
For a list of this year's test scores, including a comparison with last year's scores and the statewide average download this pdf. 2007 Test scores
The range is similar for the each grade level in language and math as well.
The state publicly released preliminary scores from the 2007 MCT and Subject Area Tests today.
And though the trend is a negative one over a five-year span, no grade level or subject area fluctuated much compared to last year.
Natchez students are approximately 10 percentage points below statewide numbers in nearly every category for 2007. In some cases the gap is larger.
A number of factors go into every set of test scores, Superintendent Anthony Morris said, but he isn’t happy with overall picture.
“(The scores) do concern us tremendously,” he said. “It worries us here and it’s a state worry in general.”
Morris said scores typically drop as students go up grade to grade across the state.
“The content gets harder,” Morris said. “We are trying to evaluate basically the depth of knowledge from the way the curriculum is taught.”
The district has hired a new central office level administrator to help key in on some of the weaknesses that contribute to the falling scores, Morris said.
Other factors that contribute to the drop include age and parent involvement.
Students in fifth- through sixth-grades are often less interested in schoolwork. Extracurricular activities take up much of their time, Morris said.
And in turn, parents are not as involved in things like checking homework and following up on academics.
Morris said parents must continue to stay involved as their children get older, making sure students are attending tutoring and special programs offered by the schools.
Morgantown Elementary Principal Fred Marsalis said one of his goals for the coming year is to find ways to address the students who did well in second- through fourth-grade but may begin to drop academically in fifth grade and beyond.
At Morgantown, 71 percent of fifth graders and 66 percent of seventh graders scored proficient and above in reading the spring tests.
But in language and math the scores were much lower.
Only 45 percent of the fifth graders scored proficient or above in reading, compared to 86 percent statewide. In math, that number was 46 percent locally, 72 percent statewide.
In sixth grade, the number was 56 percent in reading and 46 in math.
“Our students were either great or at the bottom,” Marsalis said. “The bell curve didn’t exist.”
Marsalis said his school would focus on improving the scores of the students in the middle.
Reading coaches, teacher assistants and tutors are already in place at the school, and Marsalis said he thinks the right plan is in motion.
“My personal opinion is we are holding our own,” he said. “Our teachers are doing a really good job. We still have got to get our parents involved with our children.
“We are not satisfied, but we don’t feel bad. We are proud of our students who did great.”
Other score comparisons show:
4Second-grade scores went down from the previous year in every subject. They dropped the most in language, 13 percentage points.
4Fourth-grade scores improved in nearly every category, jumping up 13 percentage points in reading and up 7 points in language. Math scores were down 1 percentage point in fourth grade.
4Fifth-grade scores were down across the board, dropping 16 percentage points in language.
4Seventh-grade scores went up slightly in language and math, but fell 1 percentage point in reading. The scores are still roughly 20 percentage points below the state numbers.
4Eighth-grade scores went down 2 percentage points in reading and up 8 and 3 in language and math, respectively. Eighth-grade scores statewide are also roughly 20 percentage points higher than Natchez scores.
Some middle school and all high school students take Subject Area Tests. Scores in the Algebra I test went up 7.3 percentage points this year. U.S. history and Biology I dropped slightly. And English II Multiple Choice scores were 6 percentage points lower than last year.
Morris said high school students have always struggled on the English portion of the test because it involves reading long passages and comprehending the materials.
“Some students have trouble recalling that information, retaining it is hard,” he said.
The scores released today are not final. Final numbers, Average Yearly Progress reports and school levels will be released in approximately a month.
Comments
Posted by Crazynms (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 3:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
It would help if ALL the teachers used the Schoolnotes.com site to post homework and keep it current and up to date at all times. They have time to check their email at school, then they have time to put in the homework.
Another problem is..Why give the students planners to write homework down, if they teacher is not going to check and make sure they wrote it down. The children don't have a set time to write down homework. I think the first 10 minutes should be for calling roll and writing any assignments down.
Posted by cevers (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 5:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Parents and Teachers,
Try this - look at the reporting categories at the bottom of the individual student reports, if your child or student scored less than 70-80 correct on any area, find tutorial assistance or (teachers) use this information to skills group students within your class to give you an opportunity to make needed interventions (differentiation). Intervention is like an apple: 30 minutes a day, will keep low performance away. To monitor progress, students should take 15-20 question mixed-practiced tests each week in reading, language, and math. Try it - I know it works. Also require the children to read-read-read to help build their vocabulary; AR in the original form is awesome!!!!! Remember that sustained improvement will come when the parents, district, and children are ALL focused on the same goal. I look forward to seeing you grow together. cje
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 17, 2007 at 7:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
VISION
The vision of the Natchez-Adams School District is to provide a safe learning environment involving all stakeholders in student achievement, and to produce lifelong learners who are productive citizens in a global community.
MISSION
The mission of the Natchez-Adams School District is to ensure that all students are prepared to continue their education and to successfully enter the workplace as productive, responsible citizens.
GOALS
1. Improve student achievement
2. Increase parental involvement
3. Improve attendance of students and employees
4. Enhance the image of public education
5. Implement technology throughout the school district
It is not easy to write a Vision statement or a Mission statement. And, it is even harder to set measurable, objective Goals. I assume, that the School Board, the County Supervisors and the City Council are in agreement with the Vision, Mission and Goals.
As for the Goals:
1. Improve student achievement - Are we deficient? I would think so, if test scores were our measurement.
2. Increase parental involvement – How are we measuring involvement? How has it changed over the years? Is it getting better or worse?
3. Improve attendance of students and employees - We have attendance records? How has attendance changed over the years for students and employees? School started August 7, and we will not have full attendance by students until after Labor Day! Roughly, 10% of our students will not be in class until sometime after to Labor Day.
4. Enhance the image of public education – What criteria is being used for this one? With three (3) private schools in the area, one would have to venture a guess that nothing is being done!
5. Implement technology throughout the school district – What are our measurable objectives?
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 8:53 a.m. (Suggest removal)
The goals mentioned doesn't necessarily mean there is a deficiency. The purpose of setting obtainable goals is to help maintain focus, reduce laxity.
Over a period, the goals should change (once they've been obtained). Prior to establishing goals, a detailed analysis(internal/external) should be performed in order to determine the schools current state of operations/affairs (where NASD is at the present time). Let's be careful during this process. How easy would it be to allow emotions to take control and alter the findings? Data collection techniques should be implemented in order to formulate a close to accurate analysis. Compare the findings of "were we are" to "were we need to be." Now, it's time to go to work on the problem at hand.
Establish a plan that will focus on how those goals will be obtained (plan is just a model, may be some deviations)Implement the plan. Review the plan periodically to ensure the outcomes are aligned with the goals/objective.
This is easier said, of course. But, we have to start somewhere.
Personally, I think the article focused on the word "drop" to often. Based on the data provided, the scores were somewhat consistent. One percentage point here, two points there. You know, there is still hope (one couldn't tell based on the title, and the way the article was written). To be honest, findings should have been placed on a graph, spread sheet, or something so the numbers/findings could have been side by side. This would allow for an easy read.
Posted by BHillyer (Ben Hillyer) on August 17, 2007 at 9:08 a.m. (Suggest removal)
There is a downloadable version of the test scores in the box above. The pdf shows this year's test scores and compares them to both the state scores and the statewide average.
Posted by eaglebe (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I do not have any children in the school system but I have volunteered and have attended many of the activities geared to help parents and students. sad to say, few parents showed up. This happened time and time again. Please parents, make time to be involved. Learn how to make learning fun. Take advantage of the materials in the parent centers.
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 9:34 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Thanks "b". I didn't see the pdf box.
The above article consists of too much negativity. Simplify!!! The scores should have been published, along with how to interpret the findings, and comments made by administrators. Nothing else should have been stated. This article has a-m-b-i-g-u-i-t-y written all over it.
Posted by revolutionary (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 10:01 a.m. (Suggest removal)
State test scores fell drastically throughout the state this year due largely to the fact that ALL special education students were required to be tested on their actual grade level instead of instructional level. We should look deeper and see which schools had the highest number of special education students before we rush to judge these schools. No Child Left Behind is unfair and unjust. If a 8th grade students' Indiviualized Educational Plan ( IEP ) states that he is on third grade math level, how can we expect this child to score above profecient on the state test on the 8th grade level when his teachers are teaching him on the 3rd grade level. My child is just leaving the middle school and she currently attends a private school because I do not have faith in the leadership of Natchez High School ( check graduation rate and ACT scores ). The Middle school had a large percentage of sped students last year and the previous year as well which quite naturally would result in much lower test scores this year. However, they only fell one and two points in Reading and INCREASED 4 and 8 points in Language and 4 and 3 points in Math. This was not to be expected. Check the state trends and see how many middle schools and elementary schools had higher scores this year than last year. There were very few. Furthermore, the middle school tested 99.9 percent of its students not choosing to not test any of the many low performing students like many school districts do to keep them from pulling down their test scores. The increase that the district had in Algebra I scores can also be credited to the middle school because 100 percent of the Algebra I students at Lewis Middle School passed the test. My daughter was one of them. These improvements do not get any praise and it really hurts me and the children. I want to thank the one principal that we had last year that unfortunately is no longer in the district for really putting the education of children as a top priority and doing all that he could to better the school system and wish him the best in all that he does. Don't worry about the stone throwers. This is a product of envy,low self esteems, self hate, and bitterness in the African American community.You are truly missed and they know that no one person could have done what you did in less than a year. Remember a prophet is without honor in their hometown, especially among his own people.
Posted by truck0724 (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 10:02 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Do we have scores for the public school system in Natchez prior to 1989? It seems to me that the fall of Natchez began when the schools merged.
Posted by BHillyer (Ben Hillyer) on August 17, 2007 at 10:09 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I have added another graph that tracks the scores of one class (a group of second graders from 2001) over the course of the years that the MCT has been given. It shows how their scores have dropped as the class progressed through school.
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 10:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Truck", I don't think these tests were required then. Only when your president came into office did this nonsense begin.
Revolutionary, you're right!! Too much attention is placed on certain aspects. Who would have known that the special needs students were tested with regular ed? Why don't they (media/powers that be) include that info as well?
You also mentioned to "My child is just leaving the middle school and she currently attends a private school because I do not have faith in the leadership of Natchez High School (check graduation rate and ACT scores)".
Shouldn't this improvement consist of a joint community effort. Community effort including: parental involvement, church & other social institutions that proclaim to "provide community service"?
Posted by revolutionary (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 10:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree 100 percent with truck0724. The current mayor of Natchez sued the district so his son could go to school with white students for one year and he has been UNINVOLVED with education every since his children graduted. The school system has since gradually gotten worse and worse every year while the private schools and Concordia Parish Schools thrive. He has not made any effort to address the current state of the public school system since the beginning of the decline which has gotten worse than ever under the leadership of the current seperintendent. We should take some of the tax payers' monies that has been wasted over the years to recruit industries and use it to recruit and retain a beeter educational leader than the present. With improvements in education ( public ), businesses and industries will likely follow. Mayor West has made no attempt to resolve the students and parents disatisfaction with the superintendent and school board members but I remeber him LEADING A MARCH at Alcorn State University a few years ago to try to fire a football coach who is still there to this day. Priorities,Priorities, yet WE ( african americans ) will still put him back in office just because he is black.
Posted by gemccull (Gary McCullars) on August 17, 2007 at 10:58 a.m. (Suggest removal)
When I came to Natchez about 20 years ago with a high school student, I heard that I should put my child in private school not the public school. "The public school was not up to the standards of the private schools". Well, we talked to the private schools and decided that their arrogrance was not acceptable to us. So my child attended public school.
My child went on to get an accounting degree from LA Tech with honors.
The point is not to brag, but to say that not much has changed about the preception (sp) of the public school system. We still have three private schools that should be consolidated into the public system.
Posted by c_8512 (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 11:23 a.m. (Suggest removal)
You may be surprised at how many sixteen, seventeen, and eighteen year old 9th graders that attend NHS. Many of these students leave the elementary schools on target, or slightly behind target for their age group, but what happens in the seventh and eighth grades? The teachers are mandated by NCLB to be highly qualified to teach, so that is not the problem. The children are bombarded by the entertainment industry telling them that "street life" and distrusting the establishment is cool and cooperating with the law is bad, so the children are not fully to blame. The school administrators cannot seem to be able to look beyond their noses to see the problem is staring them in the mirror. And then there are the parents who, for the most part, think that school is just a daytime babysitting service that they do not have to pay for. And then we have the state saying improve or else. The people of Natchez and Adams County should not be forced to improve the school system, WE ALL SHOULD want to improve it. So where is the ultimate spark of change in all of this? Each parent that is concerned about making the school system better should be at each and every school board meeting to see how business is conducted. And them go to the supervisors and alderman meetings to voice their concerns. Community involvement has to involve the community in other ways than complaining amongst ourselves, so PLEASE, get up off of your collective butt Adams County, and get things done!!
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 11:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Revolutionary, that march at Alcorn took place in back in 2000/2001. West was not the only ASU Alum that felt the coach should have been released from the duties as head coach. I can't say I would have taken it to that extreme, but the march was peaceful. Please realize the potential revenue earned at football sporting events. If the team isn't winning,people are not going to travel to support the team. When people do travel (come to Alcorn from out of town) they will need lodging. Two real Choices: Natchez, Vicksburg.
As it relates to recruiting, for Natchez, it's difficult to attract young individuals to the area. Assess the community, (Certified Retirement Community). The public school system cannot operate properly without adequate support/involvement of the community. This requires effort!!!
Posted by truck0724 (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 1:36 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Due to the poor education system in Natchez, the local economy will and has followed, while the rest of the nation's economy flourishes overall. Mississippi already has a terrible public school system compared to other states, but Natchez's is near the bottom of that barrel. I love Natchez, but along with most of my more ambitious friends, we had to move away to make a living. Does anybody know of a city that has a growing economy and poor public school system?
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 2:54 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The ills of Natchez cannot be based primarily on the school system. O.K. so the public school system is failing. High performing school systems alone cannot attract industry(ies) to the area. What does it say to potential investors when Natchez boasts to be a "Certified Retirement Community."
What we're seeing with the students is something that just recently started (I'd say 1998). In some states, you will find school systems with the latest technology, newly constructed facilities, and students who lack ambition. These communities have taxes out of this world, yet subpar school systems are found.
Issues are everywhere, working together may help resolve them
Posted by teacherteacher (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 3:10 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am really glad to see the rise in the scores at the middle school. The teachers worked hard last year, as did the students.
Posted by truck0724 (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 3:17 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I would agree with incognito on the year 1998. That's the year I realized that coming back to Natchez to make a living was not an option. Tunica and Fayette are prime examples of schools that get a lot, but are still subpar.
Somebody needs to take a seriously hard stance, make some unpopular decisions and straighten out the school system. For those students that chose to work blue collar jobs, at least the system will provide a quality workforce. Industries are not going to come to Natchez with an unqualified labor force.
Granted the school system alone doesn't attract industry, but a good school system is in every good economy. Therefore, I feel it's a must to get the current system lined out.
Posted by wherehaveubeen53 (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 6:02 p.m. (Suggest removal)
As a parent in this school district. The time has come for the school board and superintendent to put up or shut up. You have hired teachers that are not capable of producing, and you have hired principals that cannot produce an environment conducive to learning. We as parents are charge with the behavior of our children, and you as educators were charge with educating our children. Well looks like we all have done not so good of a job. Where do we lay the blame now, ohhhhh!! I forgot its the parent fault.
When do the teachers and administrators share a part of this vicious cycle in the 21st century? When does accountability takes place? ohhhhhhhh the 24th century thats how long its going to take to get us out of that tangle web you have produce for us. awe!!!!!!! you all got paid, fine homes, fine cars, nice vacations, kids in private school, and we the parents got children that can't score on the state level, a town that can't bring in a decent paying job and yet you want to lay the blame on us.personally, I think we all play a role in this terrible ordeal. We need to look at the whole picture, and lets start at the stop and get rid of what we have because it is not working. The school district is the largest industry we have in Natchez, and we need to start lookng at it as such. When company's start losing money they get rid of management(superintendent). Bring in someone else that can do the job. I understand he left because one of our former superintendent thought he was not effective as a principal, and the board brought him back to run the whole program(get rid of the board). Teachers are responsible for classroom management. If you can't control your classroom(get rid of teacher. What's left? parents and students if you get rid of us, you want have an educational system. Can you afford to get rid of the system? No! so we need to get busy as a community and get a new CEO and Board of Directors. Bring in some people that want to see growth. I know the now superintendent thinks he can't find that in Natchez, and he maybe right since education has been going down since he got here. But I think as a parent with a child in this system we can prove him wrong. What do you say "Natchez." Will he get to turn off the light in this communtiy? and move back home leaving us homeless. "Lord" help the athletic program!!!! Its sad when you got to beg a man to become Athletic Director.We couldn't give away the job. Look at the scholarships, shame shame shame
Posted by revolutionary (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 7:13 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Face it, most Natchezians that could step up and help change the school system choose not to do such because their children and grandchildren have left Natchez and they feel that what is going on at our schools does not affect them. Our children do not have role models and therefore they choose what they see on t.v. ( rappers, mafia, athletes,gangs ) to be such. The ones that should be role models are not and the kids do not respect FAKE people. How can they respect administrators and principals they know are sexually involved with students if not members of the same gender,regularly smoke on campus despite anti tobacco signs hanging everywhere,use drugs sometimes with students, come to work grouchy because of hangovers, etc., never seen or do not live in Natchez, curse them and parents out and then have the nerve to try to punish them for small things like no decal on uniform. If these people were WHITE the so called black leaders would have been come out of hibernation to run them smack out of Natchez with the power of the RACE CARD. However, since they are our ( their) own they accept them and turn a deaf ear on the students' wants and needs educationally. Furthermore, when we do have role models that don't do things like mentioned above and are subjected to harassment, envy, plots, scowls, slander, etc. by the powers that be, they are run out of town for NO reason and again what do the blacks do, turn a deaf ear. Good people cannot make it under the current regime in the school system and this is know so many simply choose not to be good educators to basically protect their jobs. Shame, Shame, Shame. Pray for the children.
Posted by Teach4Peace (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 7:47 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I am a PROUD graduate of NORTH Natchez high, the last class to be exact, and I don't ever recall, this much disorganization and problems within the public school system. It should have been left alone! I saw nothing wrong with having North Natchez and South Natchez and they made for some good football rivalries. The pass/fail graduate standardized tests for those graduating from high school, had just been instated. We DID NOT have "no child left behind," and few if any were. Of course, I also remember parent/teacher involvement at that time as well. I remember my parents and I actively participating in PTAs, etc. I also had parents who took the time to sit with me, while it was ensured, that I not only did my homework, but that it was correct and neat. Now, I see far too many parents, involved in "doing their thing." Children are basically raising themselves, with the street and television images being their examples. Some children don't get decent meals, breakfast or dinner. The environment at home, is hardly conducive to one for productive learning. It is my belief for the most part, Mississippi teachers are certified to the hilt, yet,they can't be parents as well. There is only so much time alloted for subject teaching in the class. If a teacher has to take 20 minutes of that time, to beg your children to pay attention, then how much time is left for learning?
Posted by Lilsister (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 8:40 p.m. (Suggest removal)
The scores in our public schools can improve. It will happen when all of the interested parties come together to do what is best for the students. The home, church, and community should all play its part to do this. Let's stop blaming, accusing, and come together to work out a plan that will work. Let's try to motivate not kill our bright young minds. Remember a mind is a terrible thing to waste. Teachers need to know that busy work is not teaching. Teachers should learn to make learning meaningful and enjoyable. We cannot teach these children of today the way we did years ago.
The board of education should always try to hire and retain good quality people. People like Ms. Mason, Mr. Givens, Mr. Hooper, Mr. Murphy and several others certainly were making a difference in the lives of our children. Check their records.
Posted by wherehaveubeen53 (anonymous) on August 17, 2007 at 8:55 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Morgantown sent a letter home today we are in first year school improvement. As a parent can anyone explain what it means? Does it mean the state has heard our cry and plan to step in and show us the light. True if we had a white superintendent doing this to our children the black community would have rose to the occassion 5 years ago. Black on Black crime seems to work well on the north side of town. we are somtimes our worst enemy. We need some black men back in this town. Why do you keep running off black men that want to make a difference? I smell a conspiracy.
Posted by Crazynms (anonymous) on August 18, 2007 at 1:13 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Why does everything have to be about race or black and white? The truth is Natchez school system needs to bring someone in from another state, someone qualified to do the job, someone who has worked in a system and brought it up to par, someone who is not afraid of the few who have lived in Natchez all their lives and just want a paycheck.
I am not afraid to say that after Karen Tutor left McLauren, the discipline went downhill. The whole school was different. Then at the end of the year 06-07 they decided it was time to buckle down. They decided it was time to start by sending students home for the rest of the year. Except for MCT test days! It was ok for them to come those days. Stop putting incompetent people in important positions. Some people were made to stay in the position they were in.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on August 18, 2007 at 3:17 a.m. (Suggest removal)
AMEN!! TEACH4PEACE!!!! That could not have been said any better....
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on August 18, 2007 at 3:32 p.m. (Suggest removal)
We should look at what is working with other communities in Mississippi and try to learn from what makes them successful by drawing ideas to help model our school system from what works for them. Look at Claiborne County Schools. They have had level 5 schools for many years now. They do not have an interstate highway or huge industry moving in, yet they have had a very successful public school system for years. Look at Madison County. They have had a very successful public school system for many years and the community is thriving and growing. So you have to extremes within these two school systems. Claiborne County is majority rural, black, less income and Madison County is majority white, urban, more income. So why are both county public school systems successful? We should not use the excuse that race or income are the reasons for failure. That is a cop out. These two counties from within our own state (and close to us) are a prime example of that. We should see what works for both of those communities and try to model ourselves from what works. Face it, things have not worked here for many years so that should tell us something. We should question: Do we have strong educational leaders? Are the parents involved in the education process of our children? Do we have support from the local government and businesses? Do we have strong community support? How important is education to our community? There is no one single problem. It is a combination of factors but we should see what is working at these other successful communities and try to learn from them unless we just want to continue to stir in ignorance and point fingers at each other. We need to become involved. Our leaders (educational, political and business community) plus the home. Until we all have the same primary goal, to improve our public education system, we will not move forward.
Posted by revolutionary (anonymous) on August 18, 2007 at 3:57 p.m. (Suggest removal)
I agree with you NtzMom55 but I assume that you are not aware of the fact that the Principal that led the school in Claiborne County to Level 5 is the same Principal that Dr. Morris ran off for no reason at Robert Lewis Middle last year. He left a job in a community where I know he was well loved and respected by students, teachers and the community. He took a huge paycut as well to come and be an Asst. Principal at a Level 2 school in school improvement with major discipline problems and look how he was done. It is known that he ran Lewis Middle without any asst. or support from the Superintendent who punished him for encouraging students to do their best on a WRITING test. Do we really want our schools to get better ? We know it will not happen under the current powers that be but what have we done. Where are the so called leaders. Natchez really does not have any, especially in the black community where envy, hate,jealosy and ignorance reign supreme.Yet we still support and elect the same incompetent indivduals to run the city every four years and all of them are far from leaders and none are concerned with the current state of the public school system.
Posted by concrnd2 (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 12:32 a.m. (Suggest removal)
So it appears that almost all school systems are running low on education and having problems keeping up with all the testing. It's not just in Mississippi or Louisiana, but everywhere. Flunking out or failing does not have anything to do with the desegregation of the school system in the early 70s. It was time for a change. But the people still wanted to be seperate. Why do you think private schools started popping up everywhere? It was because change was never accepted. And the bad part about it is that private schools found a way to get public school funds. A house divided will fall. And that is what happened. If we can't get it together and accept the change and flow with it, it will never work. The problem won't change if the schools are segregated; but the problem will find a cure when the change that happened almost thirty years ago becomes a reality and is accepted. Until then, we all lose.
Posted by Crazynms (anonymous) on August 19, 2007 at 1:41 a.m. (Suggest removal)
True, public schools have more problems than private. Private have their share also. Wasn't it just last year or year before that ACCS was doing random drug testing because of the drug problem. The two or three girls who OD a while back were from Trinity. All schools have problems and it was when they consolidated that most whites moved their kids to private schools, before they ever gave it a chance.
McLauren, did have a homework site and it was kept up to par.
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 8:10 a.m. (Suggest removal)
"Revolutionary" correct me if I'm wrong, but that Claiborne County school was a level 5 prior to Mr. Hooper's leadership. Not to take anything away from Mr. Hooper, but a system was already in place for that school's development. Until the specifications, and the terms and conditions of Mr. Hooper's contract are revealed, know one should speculate on why Mr. Hooper's contract was not renewed.
Please note that human resource issues, if discussed (made public) outside the organization by a representative of that organization (HR Manager,supervisor, etc.)may cause that organization to be liable (lawsuit).
Posted by revolutionary (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 9:12 a.m. (Suggest removal)
In response to incognito who is obvioiusly another envious resident of Adams county. Since Mr. Hooper left his former school it is no longer a Level 5 school. A principal who left Natchez took over his school and lasted just one year. So it must not have been a system. Stop hating and in refernce to why his contract was not renewed Dr. Morris told him that he did not have to give him a reason because it was his first year in the district. Mr. Hooper did not have due process/hearing if this was the case he would still be in Natchez. It was obvious a personal agenda. Its bad when people in Natchez always have something negative to speculate about good people but are mute when it comes to the ones that are deserving of criticism and don't deserve to be responsible for educating or even being around children. Check the data from the Ms. Dept. of Education web's site on test scores and you will see how Mr. Hooper's test scores improved every year he was principal. I know this because I have relatives that have worked under him.
Posted by Incognito (anonymous) on August 20, 2007 at 12:19 p.m. (Suggest removal)
Revolutionary, why must speculation occur? Did I mention that I was envious of anyone? I mentioned, " Not to take anything away from Mr. Hooper" so that statement does not constitute "hating".
"Stop hating and in refernce to why his contract was not renewed" is a statement I don't understand.
What would have happened if the Supt. would have disclosed details concerning the non-renewal of Mr. Hopper's contract? When the district would have gotten sued, then what?
In order to make an informed decision, you must have the facts, and data to support those facts. Apparently, when we make statements such as, "It was obvious a personal agenda," that is being opinionated, which is not valid.
Again, not to take anything away from Mr. Hooper, but that school in Port Gibson has been a consistant high performer over the years.
Revolutionary, to be honest, several of the statements I've read of yours have focused on "who ain't doing this", or "that ain't right." What about solutions? Even when you mentioned the boycott at Alcorn, leaders not having their priorties in order. Changes , (in an area that is reluctant) takes time and effort. It ain't gone happen overnight. We can either be a part of the solution or the problem!!!
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