06-28-2009, 01:05 AM
veryconcerned Wrote:Yes, teachers were pressured into passing students who did not meet minimum standards. I was one of those teachers. Apparently I was failing too many students who did no work and rarely showed up to class even though I tried to contact home. I was "talked to" by administration about what I would do to improve those students grades. I was talked to about changing my standards and grading practices in order to get more students to pass. In other words, pass students who should not pass. And so I did. And I truly apologize to the community. Unfortunately the administration did not care when I presented them with my attempts to contact home. I was told it was my fault and I had to fix it.
I do not know where the shame lies in this situation. Was it your lack of courage to make a difference in your present situation, or the environment in which you presently find yourself? I will say, I appreciate your honesty and hope that our school board can change the situation you found yourself in. Please enlighten us, without revealing yourself, who suggested you improve your students grades. I want to know names.
We must provide an atmosphere that people are able to point out glaring weaknesses in our district in order to bring about real change.
Shawn White
(224) 381-2834