How do we make all KCS equal?

[lindaps]

On another thread this idea was suggested we make all KCS equal. Maybe we should talk about how we get to the point of "equal" schools. What are some basic ideas that can be implemented (soon) to begin raising the bar? As a parent what would you change at your child's school to benefit all students? What as a parent is of the utmost importance to better your child's school.

[John]

A background check is required of all school employees by law. The cost of background check is deducted from school employees paycheck but with a volunteer there is no paycheck and no guarantee on how long that volunteer is going to be at the school so it comes right out of the schools budget.As far as Anderson County goes, they don't have Security at any of their schools. The School System has used until last school year the Clinton Police Department officers. I personally know the Police Officer that has worked at the learning center for years and I will tell you that he would abuse a child. As for last year the City of Clinton got out of the school business and it was taken over by the Anderson County Sheriff's Dept. and most of the officers where hired by the Sheriff's Dept. for the same positions.I think that I would rather have someone with a vested interest in the education of the students of Knox County rather than someone that is only there to arrest students for committing crimes which is what the Police and Sheriff's deputies are sworn, hired, and required by law to do.There are always scumbags that abuse their authority in every job and career field and law enforcement is no different so you do background checks and put in place strong polices to prevent just such an issue. That is like saying if the Knox County Sheriff's Department abuses a suspect ( or any department for that matter, not picking on KCSO) we should do away with funding of that department and just let Tennessee State Troopers take over even though the trooper assigned to your neighborhood lives in Blount County.I don't know other reasons schools don't use volunteers but the safety of the students is the most important thing of all.

[Debi]

No, I'm not saying do away with funding, I'm saying a separation of entities to decrease the risk of covering up.

[Debi]

What are the other reasons, you stated "one" of the reasons?

[Ginevra]

Here's an interesting idea from California:

http://insightca.net/losangeles/inside_insight.asp

"Insight School of California - Los Angeles is a full-time, diploma-granting, online public high school-a tuition-free option to traditional high school. At Insight, students complete their coursework in a self-directed, teacher-facilitated environment. Students study at their own place and pace.

Insight School of California - Los Angeles offers the best in high school online learning. The school is designed for student success-delivering an unmatched mentoring program, broad and flexible curriculum, excellent instruction, and all of the administrative and technology support required for students to meet their goals.

Individual learning plans are developed for every student so you can tailor your education to your abilities, interests and goals.

We offer all levels of learning - from honors to foundations-and 120+ online courses that are applicable to the lives of today's high school students.

Full-time Insight students receive a laptop with wireless capabilities, a printer, and an Internet reimbursement - you'll access your education in a safe, secure environment.

Insight iMentors, along with our certified instructional team, work with you to help you transition into the world of online learning and to provide academic support and guidance."

[Cathy McCaughan]

We can't make all Knox County schools equal. The needs of students in some areas of town are just not the same as the needs of students in other areas of town. Family and community support is not equal. Attempting to make the schools equal will only frustrate one school while dragging another down.

[Debi]

Then we need county-wide open enrollment where those families who are like-minded can have an opportunity to send their children to similar environments. Having a house in a title one district is not easily sold with enough equity to buy into a more expensive area of town. Some of us are being forced to either sell a larger home that can accommodate the family but not the school in order to buy a smaller home that cannot accommodate the family but can for the school district. This cannot help the county's financial interests to have so many nice neighborhoods with homes that cannot be easily sold simply because of school zones.

[Pamela Treacy]

County wide open enrollment needs to be explored. I am still waiting to hear from others the pros and cons from their personal experiences with it.

[Jamey Dobbs]

AP classes are considered necessary to gain entry to good colleges, and there is definitely a problem of equity in the high schools in that regard. Taking a rigorous courseload is advised by all colleges. It seems that we could increase equity by offering AP courses online or by broadcasting courses around the county. The same could be done with foreign languages. I thought Sup. Lindsey claimed to be looking into this? Does anyone know if distance learning is being considered currently?

[Cathy McCaughan]

More online classes would be great for students who can and will do more. They should also be available for students who have attendance problems for whatever reason. The Plato classes that are done in the schools should be accessible from home, too.

[Ginevra]

I had not heard of "The Plato classes".

So I went to search: here is a link to some sample classes:

http://www.plato.com/Research-and-Resources/Sample-Lessons.aspx


Here's also link to a homeschooling free Spanish program. There are a lot of goodies available out there for free:
http://homeschooling.gomilpitas.com/explore/Spanish/spanishFreeLess...

[Debi]

And also for elementary and middle school. Enrollment issues are not just high school, it begins with pre-k.

[granma2]

I don't know about the "revised" AE and Fulton, but prior to that, ALL KC high schools offered AP courses. I believe KCS has done a good job of trying to offer similar courses at all high schools, but the teacher/pupil ratio is higher at West schools and it needs to be as small there as other schools. Having 35 per class at Farragut and 5-6 at Austin-East is certainly NOT equal. Apparently Farragut is busting at the seams again despite the opening of Hardin Valley. KCS is now providing transportation for MANY kids from failing NCLB schools including Carter which is more than 50 miles from Farragut. I pity the child who has to get up early enough to catch his taxi to Farragut by 8:30. I don't think it's fair that the kids who are ZONED for Farragut and whose parents pay the property taxes to live there should have to go to an over-crowded school continually. Why can't we enforce zoning, period? I know I'll get nasty replies, but this is beginning to really irritate me.