CHANGES COULD HELP STUDENTS GET UNSTUCK - Cartwright Says "We Need More Opportunity For Success"

(03/22/2005)

By Bob Weaver "We have been looking at improving math and reading skills in Calhoun schools," said Greg Cartwright, Director of Curriculum, telling Calhoun school board members last night that some changes are being made. The administrator spent much of last night's board meeting discussing academic concerns. Cartwright said educators have been carefully looking at why 9th grade students drop the ball academically, and how the problem could be turned around. "It is a problem almost everywhere in school systems," he said. One of the proposed changes is related to teaching Algebra, a mandatory subject which causes problems for lots of students. The proposals will "give a lot more opportunity for students who are having difficulty catching on," he said, rather than be kept in algebra classes feeling that they have failed. Cartwright said the drop-out rate between the Freshman and Sophomore year is much too high. "It is here we need to overcome failure," he said. Cartwright addresses School Board Cartwright said under a system that is required to improve test scores, it is unfortunate that students at the bottom are pulling the scores down. "We must help those students," he said. A double block of reading and language is being proposed for those students having trouble. Cartwright said "CM-HS is planning a split-block that would help music programs, including band and choir. It would allow band and choir to meet 45 minutes a day all year long, rather than 90 minutes for half a year." He told board members that instructors are looking at how feeder programs for music can be improved. The board extended the comment period for a new graduation and retention-promotion policy. OTHER school board news will follow.

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