Teachers want more time to improve school

Mar 10, 2010 — High Point Enterprise

David Nivens

Mar. 9, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- GUILFORD COUNTY -- Several Oak Hill Elementary teachers urged district leaders Tuesday to give them more time to improve student performance at the low-performing school.

While Principal Sara Roberts and Regional Superintendent Angelo Kidd met with parents at the High Point school, the teachers called on the Board of Education to let their programs work.

Located in a decaying factory district, Oak Hill has challenges. Sixty percent of K-2 students speak English as a second language and 99 percent of students receive free meals.

"We do serve the homeless and the poor," said teacher Monica Smith. "We have taught students to read. If that is not growth, I do not know what is. Don't give up on us. We have not given up on them."

Only about 24 percent of students scored proficient in reading on state exams last year, and 39 percent were proficient in math. Several teachers said it could take several more years before students show improvement in all grades.

"The performance of our third-graders has improved," said first-grade teacher Jennifer McClinton. "In two years, all students would have the same preparation. We need time."

School district leaders have not decided if they will change the school reform plan that includes tutoring and mentoring by high school students and individual student performance plans.

"Each student is part of the family," said Angela Jackson. "We help parents find jobs and the students get clothes. We look at the whole child at Oak Hill."

If they want to use a federal grant from the No Child Left Behind program or others to reform the school, district officials may have to replace the principal and half of the teachers.

"Teachers are involved there and making progress," said Tijuana Hayes, president of the Guilford County Association of Educators. "Students are more than a test score."

To receive the federal grant, school districts must agree to either closing the school, turning the school over to a charter school organization or reforming the school by replacing the principal and half the teachers.

School board member Garth Hebert of High Point, who supports strict reforms, said harsh reform measures may not work at Oak Hill.

"We have seen the best of humanity at that school helping these children," Hebert said. "You have to stand up for what is right. This school does not fit the round hole. I thank these teachers for feeding the poor and helping the fatherless."

dnivens@hpe.com -- 888-3626

Newstex ID: KRTB-0090-42731783