The accuracy of the grade reporting system for kindergarten and first grade was questioned by parents and educators alike at the Athens City Board of Education meeting Thursday night.
Nora Williams, a parent with two children in the Athens City School system, asked the school board for further explanation of the reason for changing the grading system.
The grading system is too “subjective” putting “undue stress on teachers” with no clear guidelines, she said.
Williams represented numerous parents who signed a petition to stop the new grading system.
The grading system, installed last year, was put in place to save time in assessing students’ progress, school board President Larry Kennum and Athens Superintendent Dr. Orman Bridges Jr. explained.
The system is designed to give standards-based report cards, versus a simple score, to coincide with No Child Left Behind standards, former Brookhill Elementary School principal Garner Ezell explained.
However, first grade teacher Donna McDaniel said that the new system does have problems.
The subjectivity that the system requires can cause teacher to over-analyze their scoring, especially in the language arts area, she said.
Bridges and board members agreed that the system needs further tweaking and the system also needed to communicate better with parents and teachers about the scoring system.
Cadet Major Jeremy McMunn of the Athens High School JROTC reported on the progress and further goals of the JROTC, recalling the year’s activities, fundraisers and competitions.
The JROTC will march in the upcoming Christmas parade and soon participate in a physical training competition in Birmingham. The troop will also attend a military ball in February, hold an awards night, participate in Memorial Day activities and a seven-day summer camp, all on dates to be announced, McMunn said.
Other business:
The board voted unanimously to:
• Approve the purchase of Astaro software, in the amount of $21,143 from the technology fund, to be used as an Internet firewall and also an Internet content filter.
• Approve Covington Flooring, of Birmingham, to resurface the existing track at Athens High School at a cost of $222,815 from the state capital purchase and local bond funds.
• Approve a program titled “Life Skills Training,” a substance abuse prevention program, for sixth grade students. All activities and materials will be provided through a grant awarded to the Boys and Girls Club of Athens.
• Approve revisions to the board policy manual instructions. No change yet to be made to the criteria for valedictorians, salutatorians and honor graduates.
The board went into executive session to discuss academic matters of the National Honor Society and to discuss sale, lease or purchase or real property.
For a full synopsis of the school board meeting see the Saturday edition of the News Courier.
Local News
Grades accuracy is questioned by parents, teachers
- Local News
-
-
Burial detail seeks new members
The detail, which provides free military honors for families who request it, typically serves at 50 to 60 funerals per year. This year, Keyes said, the group has provided honors at more than 40 funerals already.
-
Ardmore Welcome Center turns 35
On Thursday, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., the Center will celebrate its 35th anniversary and the public is invited.
-
Governor kills bill on tax appeals
Business groups pushing the legislation say they will try again in the next legislative session.
-
17 veterans assistance offices closing in Alabama
The offices are being closed because of severe funding cuts to agencies funded by the state General Fund budget.
-
Local morning update for May 29, 2012
VIRAL VIDEO OF THE DAY
This couple in Kansas didn’t seem too concerned about a tornado churning off in the distance as they exchanged vows. -
Ala. schools take different approaches to calendar
A new law requiring Alabama schools to start later in the year has some districts cutting holidays while others have students attending longer class days fewer times throughout the year.
-
MORE STORIES: Click LOCAL NEWS bar at top left
Click "Local News" bar at top left for more stories
-
Limestone grand jury indicts 149
A recent panel of jurors found there was adequate evidence to formally charge 149 people on crimes involving drugs, property and violence.
-
City shows off new CNG-powered ride
“It amazes me we haven’t gone to this a long time ago,” said Mayor Ronnie Marks, while giving an overview of the vehicle.
-
Deputies investigate report of downed balloon, find nothing
Witnesses on Mooresville Road near Nick Davis Road called in the balloon report Sunday evening about 8 p.m.
- More Local News Headlines
-
California's Foie Gras Ban About to Begin
6-Year-Old Going to National Spelling Bee
Video Essay: Funky Winkerbean Comic Turns 40
On Thailand Trip, Suu Kyi Visits Migrants
Raw Video: Pink Diamond Auctioned for $17.4M
Hurricane Andrew Remembered, 20 Years Later
Sister Says She Reported Brother in Patz Killing
Patz Suspect's Sister: I Went to Police in 1980s
Diplomatic Expulsions Follow Fresh Syria Report
15 Dead in Northern Italy's 5.8-magnitude Quake
Angry Birds Spreading Their Wings
Witness Describes Fla. Face-chewing Attack
Man Falls Off Crane, Dies After Police Standoff
Russia Condemns Ally Syria Over Massacre of 108
Dairy Farm Uses Chiropractor to Help Cows
Unexpected Smog in Pristine National Parks
Air Canada Plane Makes Emergency Landing
New Ticks Spread Across Southeast, Diseases Rise
Bring Your Own Tech Programs Charge Up Students
Pope's Butler Vows to Help Vatican Investigation
