Location: Future of area high schools a mystery

Discussion: Smaller schools not the answerReported This is a featured thread

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Posted Anonymously
Smaller schools not the answer
Sep 23 2007, 2:00 PM EDT | Post edited: Sep 23 2007, 2:00 PM EDT
Having worked as a public school educator in the Puget Sound area for nearly 10 years, I have seen the "small schools" phenomenon take hold (thanks largely to the Gates Foundation's misguided charity). Now many of those schools are moving back to larger programs because students lost so many of the opportunities a larger, comprehensive school can provide. Even the Gates foundation now admits its small schools grants were a mistake! Please, Walla Walla, don't fall into the trap! Individualized attention for students is a function of staff commitment and training, NOT of school size. Don't rob your children of the opportunity to experience music, art, sports, journalism, foreign language study, business programs, agriculture, auto mechanics, technology, and other programs that KEEP KIDS IN SCHOOL. Instead, use your YES vote to support the kind of funding that will allow the school district to implement real positive change for students. 0  out of 1 found this valuable. Do you?    
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Posted Anonymously
1. RE: Smaller schools not the answer
Sep 28 2007, 9:17 PM EDT | Post edited: Sep 28 2007, 9:17 PM EDT
It is not a question of adequate programs to meet the needs of the 21st century. The need for another high school sprouts from the fact that the high school is not a safe place. It is to large for the staff and administration to police and protect the kids from aggressive groups who prey on the weak. When teachers and administrators have the availability to use ignorance of a problem as a reason for not reporting or taking action against bullying claiming they cannot keep track of 2000 kids then it becomes an unsafe environment that retards the ability to learn. If the enrollment numbers continue to rise or stay the same the administration will never have to address or hold any one accountable for their behavior or their inaction. To many kids do not want to be at WaHi because their basic human needs are being ignored. Change the superintendent and get rid of his cronies and that will be a real positive change for students and my vote will be there. Do you find this valuable?