As we saw the work that needed to be done, planning was put in place. Teachers went to workshops this summer in readying themselves for the challenge that would be ahead. The school accountability data shows that in Orleans Parish, six schools are identified as schools of academic achievement, six schools are above average and 47are below average. Many parents say the district's poor numbers are no surprise, but they are anxiously awaiting changes in the classroom and in the test scores. The teachers need to apply themselves a little more.
Parents also acknowledge that improvement needs to begin in the home.
Principal Young says even though she knew her school's test scores months ago, seeing the ranking on a fax from the state made it more of a reality. She says this afternoon, she's holding an emergency meeting with her teachers to reassure them the plans are in place for better results next year. Many educators say they're glad the state is raising the bar for school performance. They say it s forcing the schools to improve education in a way that may not have happened otherwise. With 50 Orleans Schools listed as unacceptable and a total of 91 below average, Davis says now is not the time to panic.