What about Whittle Springs Middle School?

[Ellen L]

I'm a "Big Sister" of an eighth grader at Whittle Springs Middle School. She got F's in Math for the last 2 grading periods of 6th grade and then for the year and was promoted to the 7th grade. She got F's for all 4 grading periods in the 7th grade and for the year as well as 3 of 4 periods in Geography and then for the year; the results, nothing. Absolutely no reaction from the school, a promotion on to eighth grade, no suggestions to attend summer school, nothing! Her parents are slightly involved and call the school every once in a while. I set up a conference with the teachers and guidance counselor in the middle of last year and she received a slight bit more attention by the teachers, but still, failure.This year I pressured the new principal, who looked at her T Caps scores in August and placed her in two new classes: basic math and basic science. First grading period she got C's in those classes but received one F in Social Studies. This time it seemed to be the result of moving her into a different SS class almost halfway into the first grading period, (the school seemed to take weeks fine tuning which classes everyone should be in.) That teacher couldn't find all of her work, sent home an F for the mid term grade and promised to help the child catch up. Then, last week, she gave her an F for the first period.My young friend is NOT getting the best education or being encouraged to like school or to stick with it through high school. Any suggestions?

[teachkids]

As a high school teacher I can attest to the fact that middle schools all over Knox County are sending students to us who have not passed a single class in middle school. And who is it that gets reconstituted due to not making graduation rate--the high schools. Middle schools seem to suffer no consequences for this. Knox County has got to wake up and fix this problem, not only for the high schools, but especially for these students. When you come in a failure, you are pretty much assured of leaving that way. We can only do so much once they become teenagers. Thanks for caring for this child who is not your own. If more people would step up and do the same, perhaps sticking with it through high school would just be the beginning for these young people.

[Debi]

Has she ever been tested for any learning disabilities? If it were me, that would be my first suspicion to have ruled out. Sometimes poor performance is linked through a child not knowing how/able & pretends to not care of have behaviors against doing work to cover for the abilities part.

I know of at least one middle school whose teacher stated to me when the teacher identifies a student in need of help the first question is if student is poor and/or has single parent. It was the impression of the teacher that the questions are to see if they can get a read for whether the parent will fight for services or be 'an easy walk over." Just hear say, but with my experience of the last decade I tend to believe the teacher, at least as of a few years ago.

[Ellen L]

The school has refused over and over again to test her for learning disabilities. The principal thought that using her TCAP scores was sufficient. ( Her 2 older brothers were found to have such disabilities.) My young friend was an exceptional elementary school student: There were few tests and she was judged by her cheerfulness and attentiveness and general good behavior. Her downfall has been middle school.

[Ginevra]

Ellen -- thank you for paying attention to this middle schooler. I have no advice, but I do have gratitude. A few more people doing what you are doing could make a huge difference in our community -- appreciate your efforts.

[Debi]

When ever a child is evaluated for a learning disability, there needs to be AT LEAST two instruments, as I understand it. This means TCAP alone is not sufficient. The fact that she has siblings with LDs is a major flag for her. She may be so intelligent & savvy that she could "fake" her way through elementary but now that it's more challenging she's running out of strategies to compensate.

I wish I could give you better information, except if the family could get in writing (I don't know if you legally can do it or not) that you request she be tested, then the school has 40 school days to respond. Again, as I understand it. A STEP basic rights workshop might give you some info, they are totally free. I believe the website is www.steptn.org

[Indya Kincannon]

Ellen,

Thank you for taking such an active role in this child's life. She is lucky to have you as an advocate.

Whittle Springs has had 4 different principals in 5 years and that kind of turmoil is not healthy. I have met with Dr. Jill Hobby, the new principal, and think she is a very effective and dedicated leader for the school. She can't undo the past, but she can help support students, teachers and families from here forward. I've visited the school recently and am confident that things are going in the right direction.

I would suggest that you and the parents communicate with the school often to make sure the student is getting what she needs, including possibly further assessment for learning disabilities (the S-Team process). Students who are not eligible for Special Ed services can still access other resources that can help them thrive at school. Whittle Springs has free after school tutoring and also Project GRAD supports.

In many cases students receive low grades not because they don't have the capacity to do the work but because they fail to complete assignments or turn in work, or miss a lot of instructional time due to absences.

As for social promotion versus retention, research shows that neither approach works well. We need to intervene early and often to help kids learn, using interventions, differentiated instruction and engaging them in the learning process. We need accountability at all grades, and not just the high schools.

I think more and better communication between the family (and you) and the school can make a positive difference in this girl's life. Thanks for taking an active interest.

Sincerely,

Indya Kincannon

[Ellen L]

I have had a WONDERFUL result from posting my concerns on this web sight! On Wednesday the Whittle Springs Middle School principal, Dr Hobby called me after hearing about my posting and asked me to come see her. We had a conference for about 40 minutes which included time with my young friend's social studies teacher and time with the eighth grader herself. I am now thoroughly convinced that this principal both cares about this student AND has more ideas about making her school experience really great this year.

The Basic Math and Basic Science classes that were newly created this year have definitely helped the student perform better and now the social studies teacher has agreed to keep an eye on the girl and to encourage her to be more responsible. My young friend and I learned about the tutoring available right now and what will be added come December. She and I were really engaged in the talk with Dr. Hobby. We both now know to go see her if there is any problem with school.

Because of my discussion on the School Matters web sight I have learned where to turn when things are not great with my friend and her schooling. I am extremely grateful to find out that there is an effective way to help her have a more meaningful school experience this year. I thank Dr. Hobby and Ms. Indya Kincannon for their sincere interest in this child's success.
Ellen L.

[Lisa Starbuck]

Wonderful news - thanks for your persistence and for posting about the principal meeting! Your little sister is lucky to have you - we need more big sisters who will take time to intervene when things aren't going well in a young person's life. Thank you!