But educational rot is not the story at Wesley. When Mr. Thaddeus Lott became Wesley's principal in 1975, only 18 percent of third-graders scored at or above grade level in reading comprehension. Wesley's student's test scores are higher than some suburban schools. This success was a result of a solid curriculum, rigorous teacher training, strict discipline, high expectations of teachers and students, a fervent belief that any child can learn and lastly a determined principal. Parents agree, so much so that many falsify addresses so their children can attend Wesley.
Fighting is forbidden.
Foul language to teachers and other students is a no-no. New teachers are told that if they want to interpret their contracts literally Wesley is not the place for them. Lott's philosophy was an anathema to Houston's superintendent of schools. His success prompted school administrators to question the validity of Wesley's test scores. The district sent a pair of investigators to Wesley to look for foul play, but they came away empty-handed.