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Dayton Daily News education reporter Scott Elliott writes about schools, kids, teaching and learning.
Home > Blogs > Get on the Bus > Archives > 2006 > August > 02 > Entry
Big news on Dayton Public, Roosevelt HS
Dayton Superintendent Percy Mack made if unofficially official this morning — Dayton will jump up two rungs on the state’s accountability ratings to “continuous improvement” when the ranking is released Aug. 15.
That sparked a joyous explosion among 2,500 teachers and support staff at the district’s annual convocation event at UD Arena, punctuated with the Colonel White High School band marching in and banging out celebratory rhythms on the drums and cymbals, waving gold pom-poms and flags.
“Two years ago that band had 12 people in it,” Mack shouted over the music from a group of about three dozen kids. “It shows we can do it. It’s been a long time coming, but it’s here.”
It’s a big news day for the district, totally overshadowing the other big story from last night’s school board meeting — the final nail in the coffin for historic Roosevelt High School.
No matter how you look at it, moving out of academic emergency is an accomplishment for Dayton, a district that for three years has been buried at the bottom of Ohio’s report card ratings.
I asked Mario Gallin, one of just two board members who pre-dates the Gail Littlejohn era, what she thought were the most important factors in the district’s turnaround. Here’s what she said:
—First, a real emphasis on accountability. “People were unable to hide any longer behind who they knew or how long they had been here,” she said. “We don’t have that attitude, for the most part, anymore.”
—Second, teachers and staff bought into the idea of consistent instruction across the district. “Putting together consistent curriculum and teaching can have an effect,” she said.
—Third, a self-informed school board that doesn’t just rely on the superintendent for information. “This board is very open and reached out to various parts of the school district,” she said. “We had round table discussions with teachers, parents and others and we forged relationships around the district with people we could go back to and get advice and input from. And the superintendent was willing to work with those relationships.”
Check back later today for more from convocation.
Permalink | Comments (6) | Categories: Dayton Public Schools
Comments
By Scott Elliott
August 7, 2006 12:55 AM | Link to this
Come on, now, Hugo. I think the regulars who visit and comment here at Get on the Bus simply have great interest in education and its issues and enjoy the debate and discussing differing points of view. One of the great things about the Internet is the opportunity it gives you to try your arguments out, see them challenged and allow the process to continually shape your own views. I hope that’s what we’re doing here and no, I don’t think it’s pointless. I know I’ve learned a lot from you, the readers, which I believe helps my reporting. And I hope you also have learned from each other.By hugo zayas
August 6, 2006 7:01 PM | Link to this
For months now, I have read all the comments of OLDPROF,MARY, and two or three other people. I do recognize the inteligence of the comments, what I do not undertand is the point of it all. Are you people just talk about the education between yourselves? or actually do anything about it ?. Are you guys bored to death with your own lives ? and every morning you read de Dayton Educational problems,and then later on in the day send your comments,and that in itself makes your day? or what is really the point.Why dont’you guys get a life.love hugoBy Larry Ramey
August 3, 2006 10:35 AM | Link to this
What a great way to start the new school year! My family attended the thrilling dedication of the new state-of-the-art Kiser building and then we heard the state report! As the father of two outstanding recent graduates of Dayton schools (both attending high-quality universities this fall), I enthusiastically encourage parents to send their children to Dayton Public Schools for an excellent education. We have high expectations based on our improving performance and demonstrated potential. We are working together to build a new atmosphere of hope.By John McCance
August 2, 2006 10:36 PM | Link to this
Congratulations to Dayton Public Schools: to include every teacher, administrator, and support staff. This has been a hard fought journey over many years to rise to this level. Thanks also need to be extended to the hundreds of community leaders who have volunteered there time and talents to assist in this achievement.By Robin Shope
August 2, 2006 4:01 PM | Link to this
It should not be a shock that we are out of academic emergency! Our dedicated teachers work extremely hard, as well as our students and parents, to make a new day dawn at Dayton Public Schools.By Mary
August 2, 2006 12:57 PM | Link to this
I hope congratulations are in order as details unfold in the future. I respect the approach outlined by board member Mario Gallin. However, I worry about the 36 band members and th erest of the audience who probably experienced some noise induced hearing loss from the drums, cymbals, and loud speaker. I could hear the cacophony through your words. Schools bear some responsibility for educating the public on the public health issue of noise induced hearing loss that is epidemic among our youth.