Those results are very encouraging. Students who were furthest behind and received transition services met grade-level benchmarks at nearly the same rate as students who began the year at grade level. These results show that with specialized instruction, additional time with focused instruction, and periodic assessments through the year, students can accelerate their improvement and catch up. Now, not acknowledging teacher contract negotiations would be a bit like ignoring the elephant in the living room. Teachers are key to what happens in schools, and I highly respect them, even when I may disagree with union leaders about policies that affect them.
Negotiations are never easy.
Each side will have to give up some things in order to get some things. Still, I am confident that we will reach an agreement. Thank you for your warm wishes.