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McCook Gazette
Editorial

Does McCook welcome only average students?

Thursday, April 17, 2008

Sometimes, we just have to scratch our heads.

While there have been expansions and improvements in many areas of the school, notably a new ag program and improved and expanded sporting facilities, the McCook school board couldn't see its way clear to spend $7,200 on a program that would benefit perhaps a third of the junior- and senior-high student body by helping them catch up with core studies like readin', writin' and 'rithmatic as well as other subjects that can't be offered in the regular classroom.

The board tied 3-3 to approve a trial of the A+ Learning System, turning it down after one board member pushed through a resolution to create a "study team" to look at the program further.

We've watched enough governmental goings-on to know that creating a committee is another way to make sure nothing happens.

Judging by Monday night's meeting, it seems school officials, specifically curriculum experts, know enough already about the computerized learning system to know how useful it will be.

It's a software-based system designed to help students at-risk of dropping out, helping kids prepare for the ACT test, credit recovery, advanced placement and world language offerings.

It's also needed to replace the curriculum now in use at the LIFT alternative school.

It would actually cost up to $42,550 to fully purchase and implement, but the school would have taken advantage of a free 90-day trial, had the school board not decided to appoint a committee to study the proposal to death. After the trial, if the school decided the program wasn't for us, the hardware could have been diverted to other uses.

One board member noted that the program could help many junior- and senior-high students who failed core classes.

What message is the board's action sending to them? Does it mean we're not willing to help them learn material we've failed to teach them the first time around?

Does it signal that our school is open only to average students who don't press the envelope toward over- or under-achievement?

Does it mean local college-bound students will be at a disadvantage in competing with students from other schools that do offer ACT preparation classes?

Does it mean another summer will pass without an opportunity for lagging students to get back on track?

We hope not.

The school board should drop the study committee and take on the 90-day trial immediately.

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  • I go both ways on this subject of having this program for the summer. Unfortunately, I speak from first hand experience, SOME of the junior high teachers SAY that they want their students to ask questions and seek them out before and/or after school. HOWEVER, when it actually comes down to the student raising their hand, a specific teacher told my son that he would have to wait until the end of the class because she didn't have time for him. He waited until after class but by then the bell had rung and was needing to get to the next class. He asked her if he could stop by after school. She said that she leaves after school and doesn't have time. What are these "failing" students to do? Are parents supposed to hire tutors for their children? Shouldn't the teachers MAKE time for their students who are struggling? I know of 2 teachers right now that "don't have time" for their failing students but absolutely adores and calls only on the students who are doing good. What kind of example are these teachers setting? As parents, we struggle with assisting our children because it's been so many years since school, however we call upon other parents to help out when needed. What ever happened to the days when you could go to a teacher and get help? Now, 1 particular teacher actually told the parents at the first of the school year that she has 30 students, 37 minutes and not enough time to do her own work let alone anyone else's. Great attitude. yes, we've gone to the Board, they can't do anything because it's up to the Principal. He won't do anything because they are "stretched". WHO'S PROBLEM REALLY IS IT? WHAT ARE WE PAYING OUR TEACHERS TO DO? JUST BABYSIT?

    -- Posted by FNLYHOME on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 1:59 PM

  • For what it is worth, China, and India, both, have more genious students than America has students. Leaving a serious student behind, or worse yet ignoring the student, because he or she cannot understand something, and needs extra help, can cripple a students mind, self esteem, and future income potential.

    What happened to the old system of asking an 'A' student to mentor a slower, desirous of learning, student to catch up with the class?

    Good luck figuring out this age-old problem.

    -- Posted by Navyblue on Thu, Apr 17, 2008, at 4:55 PM

  • It got to the point a few years ago that if it doesn't make McCook Public Schools money its not worth it. Teachers get to the point they don't feel like they are paid enough, so why teach as well as they can? Why take the extra time? The new teachers also need to realize that even though they didn't like something in school, they probably learned from it and maybe it would be beneficial to teach material that way. Don't get me wrong, open book tests are great, but why pay attention and learn something for the test when you can just look in the index and find what page it is on. I know I remember more in a traditional test class then open book open notes.

    -- Posted by npwinder on Sat, Apr 19, 2008, at 12:47 AM

  • Teachers wish they got baby sitting wages. 25 kids an hour at even $2.50 an hour would rack them up over $425 per day for just watching the kids. The educators I know at the Junior High and across the district are at work early, stay late, and are up at school on the evenings and weekends. They spend their own cash to buy whatever each kid is selling for their clubs and churches. They buy kids food, clothes and pay their way to events all out of their own money. If you have not observed how rude kids are to their peers and teachers you need to check it out. Teachers have a tough job. They love the unlovable and TRY to teach the unteachable.

    -- Posted by dennis on Mon, Apr 21, 2008, at 9:48 AM
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