Nov 8, 2008 11:18 pm US/Eastern
Baltimore Schools Improve Test Scores, Attendance
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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City school leaders say a boost in test scores, high attendance rates and a decline in dropouts are reason to celebrate.
City school leaders say a boost in test scores, high attendance rates and a decline in dropouts are reason to celebrate.
As
Gigi Barnett explains, it's the first time in decades that school leaders are reporting change.
Teachers, students and parents celebrated with a jazz brunch--food, music and good company. The celebration was due to a year-long achievement boost in city schools.
"I expected a turnaround. I am gratified at how quickly it's come," said City Schools CEO Dr. Andres Alonso.
Alonso says his first challenge shortly after taking over the school system last year was to increase parent involvement. It worked.
"We needed to bring the parents back. You can't create progress in a system that's bleeding kids every year," Alonso said.
Over the summer, city schools saw a 10% across-the-board jump in test scores. African-American, special education, English language learners and low-income students all saw improvement. Alonso says that kind of achievement is boosting the low enrollment rate, which is the highest in 40 years.
"There has been progress every year and what we see now is just an acceleration of that progress," Alonso said. "It's about the health of the city. A city cannot grow greater if it's losing its kids."
Some parents are taking a deeper stake in city schools.
"I decided that I wanted to teach at some place. I have other family members who have taught in Baltimore County but I told them, `No, I insist on teaching in Baltimore City,'" said Doretha Houston.
City school leaders say another reason why enrollment, exam scores and the graduation rate are all up is that students are being challenged with more rigorous courses.
"This is a business and a business that's losing customers is going to fail, and I think that if we're keeping our customers and adding to our customers, the city should be celebrating," Alonso said.
The last time city school leaders saw a slight increase in enrollment was in the early 90s, shortly after a small baby boom.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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