Post by Okwes on May 16, 2007 9:42:53 GMT -5
School asks exception from law for Native American funerals
Warm Springs Elementary School may be judged a failure because its attendance rates fall below the standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind law, but school officials say that's not fair.
School officials want the Oregon Department of Education to acknowledge the academic success of the school on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and the reason for its attendance record — multiday funeral events that tribal members are obligated to attend.
Jefferson County School Superintendent Guy Fisher said he's seeking an exception that would accommodate the three- to five-day funeral events, but he's been unable to secure it.
The school ranks among the best in the Jefferson County School District academically, Fisher said. "There's no other school in the state like it," he said.
But the law takes into account both academic and attendance figures. Warm Springs consistently misses the minimum standard by a percentage point or two.
If attendance records for the current school year do not make the grade, Warm Springs will be subject to restructuring measures aimed at failing schools under the law.
Fisher said he's been seeking the exemption for five months and drove to Salem last week without success.
"I'm getting to the end of my rope," he said. "All I'm asking for is a clause."
Doug Kosty, assistant superintendent in the state Office of Assessment and Information Systems, said state officials recognize the difficulty Fisher faces, but he does not believe there is any need to rush action. State test scores and attendance numbers, he said, will not be available until summer 2007.
"I don't see that there's a sense of urgency," he said.
But Fisher said sanctions might be applied as early as next school year.
"We're trying to avoid having that label of failure put on the school again," Fisher said. "I don't want to be aggravating; I just want to resolve this."
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Information from: The Bulletin, www.bendbulletin.com
Warm Springs Elementary School may be judged a failure because its attendance rates fall below the standards set by the federal No Child Left Behind law, but school officials say that's not fair.
School officials want the Oregon Department of Education to acknowledge the academic success of the school on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and the reason for its attendance record — multiday funeral events that tribal members are obligated to attend.
Jefferson County School Superintendent Guy Fisher said he's seeking an exception that would accommodate the three- to five-day funeral events, but he's been unable to secure it.
The school ranks among the best in the Jefferson County School District academically, Fisher said. "There's no other school in the state like it," he said.
But the law takes into account both academic and attendance figures. Warm Springs consistently misses the minimum standard by a percentage point or two.
If attendance records for the current school year do not make the grade, Warm Springs will be subject to restructuring measures aimed at failing schools under the law.
Fisher said he's been seeking the exemption for five months and drove to Salem last week without success.
"I'm getting to the end of my rope," he said. "All I'm asking for is a clause."
Doug Kosty, assistant superintendent in the state Office of Assessment and Information Systems, said state officials recognize the difficulty Fisher faces, but he does not believe there is any need to rush action. State test scores and attendance numbers, he said, will not be available until summer 2007.
"I don't see that there's a sense of urgency," he said.
But Fisher said sanctions might be applied as early as next school year.
"We're trying to avoid having that label of failure put on the school again," Fisher said. "I don't want to be aggravating; I just want to resolve this."
___
Information from: The Bulletin, www.bendbulletin.com