Discussion Topic: “Dumping Kids on Zoned Schools The Nashville Unites eduction discussion group has been talking about a variety of issues that directly affect East Nashville (and the members of East Nashville United). I’d like to “drag” one or two of these over to this group to see what people think (these are all issues I had not thought about before…none are my personal “pets”). First issue was brought up by a Maplewood teacher who observed that last Spring, on the eve of EOC exams, some children with behavioral and attendance problems were transferred from East Magnet to Maplewood. She implied those kids didn’t do so well on the EOCs. I guess that they did not contribute to a positive learning environment for the other Maplewood students, either. Similar stories are anecdotally told about the Charters (indeed, I hear that charge much more frequently about Charters than about Magnets). Presently, Lockeland, East and the Charters all have the power to kick students out for conduct that does not justify expulsion from MNPS (bad attendance, bad attitude, bad grades). These students then “land” at their zoned school. I have always understood that Lockeland and East only do this at the end of a school year (however, the Maplewood teacher says, at least for East, this is not true), but that Charters (allegedly) do it frequently mid-year. Is this something that people have a strong opinion about? Is this something that supporters of the zoned schools would like to see cease? Would it be appropriate in our discussions with the district to ask for “no more dumping?” One of the commitments Dr. Register shared at the Bailey meeting was his intent to reduce “mobility” (the in-year change in student populations, which is over 50% at many EN schools). Ending “dumping” would reduce one of the worst kinds of mobility (the intentional placement of low-performing children, mid-year, at zoned schools). Do any East, Charter or Lockeland parents have a strong position in favor of the present system? (Not trying to start a fight, here, just asking — I’m a former and possibly future East parent myself). Obviously, there are logistical issues — how do you accommodate a parent who realizes the Charter or local school is a bad fit for their child, and who wants an in-year transfer to another EN school with the space to accommodate? Do you let transfers for the first 9-week period of the year? I am not trying to highjack the discussion, or direct it. Just genuinely curious if this is something we have consensus on (or at least strong opinions about). If this discussion is fruitful, I will share some other topics in the future. Peace, RT
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 15:52:37 +0000
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