US News Annual Rankings Announced

U.S. News and World Report recently reported the results of its annual rankings of America’s high school. The magazine partners with the research firm RTI international to evaluate over 20,000 high schools. The criteria they utilize include Advanced Placement programs, International Baccalaureate program scores, performance on state standardized tests, graduation rates and low-income student performance. Massachusetts scored highest in college readiness and had the highest percentage of nationally ranked schools. The states of California and Maryland also scored well. As with all quantitative information, what do you do with it?

Some states can pat themselves on the back; other must face the fact that there is room for improvement. Several of the states where there have been recent teacher demonstrations are not on the top of the list. The US News survey also ranked the STEM and the best charter schools. For more information you can access the full report at www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools.

c.2018 J. Margolis

Teacher Appreciation Week

The week of May 7, 2018 has been designated Teacher Appreciation Week. It is traditionally the first full week in May and has been created to pay tribute to the work of teachers as an important cog in the fabric of American society. Teaching, after all, is the career that prepares students for all other careers. This year has been a very trying one for America’s teachers. In West Virginia, Arizona, Colorado, Oklahoma and elsewhere, teachers have been protesting for not only long overdue increase in salary, but for funds to be allocated to improve school building infrastructure and to purchase updated books and materials.

For teachers at the Marjorie Stoneman Douglass High School in Parkland, Florida, it had to deal with the aftermath of an unspeakable tragedy, a lone gunman opening fire with an automatic weapon on the defenseless student body.

While it might be nice to make a card or bring snacks to school to show appreciation, there are more significant things to do. Teachers often purchase needed supplies and pay for them out of their own pockets. Parents and students can purchase the supplies for the school.  Groups can initiate “Gofundme” campaigns for supplies, books, field trips and such. Parent and community groups can attend school board meetings and advocate on behalf of the teachers so that they have the supplies they need to be successful educators and work in an environment that is safe for all students, teachers and administrators.

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week!

C.2018 J. Margolis