« Overcoming Negative Attitudes Toward Diversity~a Snapshot of District 8 | Main | Remembering Mayor Fred Pruett »
November 16, 2005
Listening Forum on Education: Our Schools Deserve Better
They deserve better from all of us, although so many teachers and parents have already given so much. Our county schools represent most of our future employees and employers in Hamilton County. They represent our hopes and dreams economically and culturally. If they are not prepared to compete in the global market, how will we ever bring to our area or develop the kind of businesses that will sustain us? These young people are, in a word, who we will depend on. Well, who are they?
Before I answer that, let me note: At a well-attended forum on education at Eidson's Restaurant last night, the campaign took our 40 Days of Listening tour to the mother of all political debates in Hamilton County. Of the 15 or so citizens participating, everyone agreed that the most critical change in county leadership must come in improving the relationship between county commissioners and the county school board. One way to start making this change, said one citizen, would be to get the word out about how well our schools are doing. Another citizen asserted, "John, you will need to ignore the silly diversions of some politicians and talk instead about the children and schools."
So who are these children and teachers working daily in public schools across the county? Here's a tiny glance into our schools:
1. Did you know that the Hamilton County Schools improved again in all scores among all ethnic groups for the fifth year in a row? (See fact sheet.)
2. Did you know that Chattanooga State and Hamilton County Schools have been collaborating since 2001 to assist students who have lost interest in or have "disengaged" from high school, by placing them in a Middle College High School? (See this article.)
3. Did you know that this week, some 3,000 Hamilton County students are participating in the Chattanooga Area Chamber's "Career Crunch" at Chattanooga State with about 60 area companies? (See article.)
4. Did you know that Thrasher Elementary was awarded "No Child Left Behind/Blue Ribbon School of Excellence" for 2004 because the school made straight As in both Achievement and Value-Added scores? (See what Principlal Jean Trohanis has to say.)
| By wjbailes | 06:15 AM
Trackback Pings
TrackBack URL for this entry:
http://chattablogs.com/mt/mt-tb.cgi/27383
Listed below are links to weblogs that reference Listening Forum on Education: Our Schools Deserve Better:
