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Conversation Connection

Over a few pints on St. Paddy's Day, another teacher and I started discussing the whole reading intervention idea and how it should translate into real life. I had been looking at other schools and trying to figure out what they were doing to increase scores and what they hadn't. I mentioned my former high school and their somewhat stellar state reading scores... stellar when compared to our school (nearly 30% higher). Graduation rates are also much higher. When I mentioned the number, my collegues immediate reaction was "well, they probably have more money." If they do, I can't imagine where from - the plant closed over three years ago and there only industry (and I use that word lightly) left is logging and agriculture. In fact, my alma matter has a higher poverty rate, has less than half the student population, and can barely afford to offer extra curricular activities. Last time I looked, the band uniforms were over 15 years old. Also, I've heard that all photocopying must be submitted to the district office a week prior to delivery... teachers don't get to copy on their own. Obviously their priorities differ from the our little puddle west of the Cascades.

I know that money is always a perinnial issue with schools. Every year it's a fight over who gets what and when and what they did to get the money. However, I'm thinking I need to stand up and say "it's not all about money." It may require a sacrifice of time (without pay - shocking!) and will mean a significant change in thinking for the entire community. Can that happen? it will one or the other. Either community makes the changes here or they make the changes as they move into new and more successful communities. I'm just wonder when I should say it... if ever.

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