Bluff City Ed does a phenomenal job of covering the Memphis education scene and we’ve published information from a number of their stories on Tennessee’s Achievement School District.
Today, Bluff City Ed has a response from the ASD about some of the criticism the District is receiving.
Here are a couple highlights:
On performance:
If you look at our 2nd year charters, their average composite proficiency growth over two years is 11.2, compared with an average growth of 2.2 over three years in the 10 Priority schools on our matching list. All three of our 2nd year charters had Level 5 growth last year. Two are off the Priority list. I say this not to suggest that every ASD school is where it needs to be—far from it—but that when it comes to ASD charters with at least two years’ experience running schools, these schools are showing real promise. Where our schools aren’t performing, we’re going to hold ourselves accountable. It’s just way too early to draw major conclusions about school performance and policy implications. There may be a time for a mea culpa or a moratorium, but not after two years.
On Contentious Meetings:
We had loud, contentious meetings last year, too. It’s absolutely right for people to come in skeptical, emotional, and confused by this. It’s a lot to take in. For teachers, especially, it’s difficult news. Understanding this, our goals aren’t to claim we have every answer, but to stand humbly before parents, teachers, and community members; to listen and learn; to make sure we’re sharing every bit of information we have; and to always keep our focus on what’s best for kids.
Elliott Smalle, the ASD’s Chief of Staff, says a lot more about issues like co-location and the future of the ASD. The entire post and response is worth a read.
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