Attempt to rescue struggling schools

AUSTIN (KXAN) - The Austin school district is getting pro-active in trying to rescue struggling students. The superintendent has called community meetings at the eight campuses deemed 'Academically Unacceptable' by the state last year so parents and faculty can track progress and change the pattern.

Lamar Middle School was the first community on the schedule Monday night. Three hours before the meeting, while parents lined up outside Lamar Middle School to pick up their kids in the pouring down rain, some had already decided not to return that night.

"If I felt that my opinion mattered to the school at large, I probably would go to the community meeting," said parent Deanna Goodson. "But I don't feel that."

Goodson said her seventh grade son failed the TAKS test by one math question last year.

"I have not seen him improve upon his learning greatly since elementary school and that scares me because high school is coming," said Goodson.

It was the school's eighth grade science scores fell below the state's 50-percent passing rate, and ultimately led to the 'Academically Unacceptable' rating. The ante is up this year -- 55-percent of students must pass.

According to beginning of the year benchmark test results released at Monday night's meeting, eighth graders started out more than a percentage point below where they started last year.

"I think the middle of the year benchmark data is gonna be more positive," said Bergeron Harris, AISD's Associate Supterintendent for Middle Schools.

It was AISD Superintendent Meria Carstarphen's idea to give parents the big picture before winter break, and listen to feedback.

When compared to other districts similar in size and demographics, Northside ISD in San Antonio had zero unacceptable schools last year. Ft. Worth ISD had twelve.

Lamar Middle School parents are not giving up hope halfway through the year.

"I'm very confident that it can be turned around satisfactory to everyone's expectations," said Scott Doyal, before taking a seat at Monday night's meeting.

There is no doubt it is going to a challenge.

"They [the students] come from all over and they're hungry to learn they just need somebody who is gonna help them to learn," said Goodson.
 

Community Meetings:

December 1, 6 p.m.
Lamar Middle School
6201 Wynona

December 2, 6 p.m
Pearce Middle School
6401 North Hampton Drive

December 8, 6 p.m.
Mendez Middle School
5106 Village Square

December 10, 6:30 p.m.
Eastside Green Tech High School
1012 Arthur Stiles Road

December 10, 6 p.m.
Garcia Middle School
7414 Johnny Morris Road

December 15, 6 p.m.
Martin Middle School
1601 Haskell

December 15, 7 p.m.
LBJ High School
7903 Lazy Creek Drive

December 16, 6 p.m.
Reagan High School
7104 Berkman Drive