The news that the Caledonia school district isnít making ìadequate yearly progressî really bugs me.

No, not the so-called inadequacy, because I donít think that exists.

Iím talking about the label and simplistic approach to this ridiculous promotion. Itís really just a gimmick.

First of all, Governor Pawlenty announced it at the Minnesota State Fair. NEVER trust a politician at a state fair. They think we are all google-eyed after looking at the 900-pound hog and eating one too many batter-fried Snickers bars.

Sorry, we are not, Governor.

Saying that ISD #299 isnít making adequate yearly progress casts a cloud over the three schools. Itís a label akin to the governor calling Minnesota Care ìwelfare health care.î Itís stupid and not true.

Iím not being defensive and parochial here. Just look at the facts.

ï Caledonia Elementary School had an test index target of 63.36 in reading; it scored 89.36. In math, the target was 62.51, and students scored 86.70.

ï Caledonia Middle School had a target of 70.60 in reading and scored 81.75. In math the target was 68.75 and the score was 83.33.

ï Caledonia High Schoolís target in reading was 77.09 and the score was 88.83. The target in math was 70.91; the score was 91.41.

Doesnít sound inadequate to me!

The area that put the label of not making adequate yearly progress at Caledonia was in special education. There the index rate target in reading was 67.31; Caledonia scored 57.29. In math the target was 62.61; Caledonia scored 53.66.

Special education by definition deals with students with special needs. One challenging student could throw off the entire curve.

Iím not diminishing special education. Teachers there and the entire staff need to do their best. But I think that is happening. I always thought that you really couldnít ìfailî in special education. Itís tailored to students with a very wide range of abilities. Teachers have always adjusted to that.

There were 34 other school sites that failed to make adequate yearly progress because of special education ìfailure.î That fact alone should tell you that the system needs retooling.

Meanwhile ISD #299 is not making adequate yearly progress. What hogwash.

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Caledonia Argus
314 West Lincoln St.
P.O. Box 227
Caledonia, MN 55921-0227
507/724-3475

E-Mail: editor.argus@ecm-inc.com