Action | 2007-2008 revisions |
Stage | Proposed |
Comment Period | Ended on 11/5/2008 |
Dear Members of the Board of Education:
I am a Virginia resident and a strong supporter of our public schools. I appreciate the Board's efforts to make graduation rates a priority for Virginia high schools, but given the importance of producing graduates ready for college, work, and life, I'm writing to ask that you take a stronger stand.
Currently I serve on two of Fredericksburg City School Parent Advisory Committees, Special Education and Gifted and Talented.
My 11 yr old son has learning disabilities & is on track to graduate with an advanced degree. My grandson has an IEP and participates in the Gifted and Talented Programs.
I am actively involved in several groups in my area who address the needs of people with disabilities.
The answer to meeting the needs of these populations is not to lower expectations, it is in making available the supports needed to guarentee their success to their highest potentials.
Please increase the target to at least 90 points, OR adjust the graduation and completion index so that it gives schools more points for Standard and Advanced Diplomas and fewer points for all alternative diplomas and other credentials. I am especially concerned about the points awarded to certificates of program completion. There is no evidence that they provide any benefit to students.
I'd like to ask that you ensure the new standards provide:
Thank you for your consideration. I hope you'll do all that you can to increase the number of students who successfully graduate ready to fulfill their greatest potential.
Sincerely,
Dee Jacobson
328 Brock Square
Fredericksburg, VA 22401