Overage students need a school of their own

[johnmeeks1974]

I read in this morning's newspaper that the Duval County School Board discussed the issue of creating a school for students (Grades 4-8) who are at least two years behind their correct grade. I hope that the school system follows through and creates such a program.

I firmly believe that overage students present a twofold problem for our schools. Overage students are going through the motions in a mainstream classroom. They are not learning anything new so they act out in the classroom. What's more is that the overage students distract from teachers efforts to teach the other students in the classroom.

Overage students are a problem that once was dealt with through 'social promotion.' Teachers often felt forced to promote students because they did not want to deal with a fifteen-year-old sixth grade student. Now that we are expecting more of our students in order for them to advance to the next grade, overage students are bound to increase in number.

With a school that is dedicated to overage students, everyone can be better focused on the learning process.

[Claude91098]

John,

I don't know if this demonstrates what your speaking to or not...but this is my OWN story:

1st year in 8th grade: Passed everything except English. (I just couldn't catch on to dangling participles and diagramming sentences. Mental block.)

Next year: 9th grade for everything EXCEPT ENGLISH. I had to KEEP an 8th grade "homeroom" because I didn't pass the 8th grade 100%.

Next year: 10th grade subjects, in ALL except...you guessed it.,English again!

Next year: Walked into my "homeroom" classroom. I looked like Henry Winkler as Fonzie sitting amongst a bunch of kindergardeners...I got up..walked out...never went back! My exact words were "F*** this shit!" and I left!:p

BTW: I was an A/B student in every other class I took! Math, Science, Biology, History and more! I just couldn't "get" English at that time in my life.:rolleyes:

Fast forward 25 years: Got my GED in the Navy from Pensacola Junior College..passed with high scores the first try...no studying!:)
After the Navy, went to SJRCC, O.P. Campus..took many courses...Comp I & II....made a straight 4.0 in ALL and the Dean's List every semester I attended!:)

Go figure!:confused: :p

Back in the 50's and 60's there was no "alternative" schools...except "reform school" which is liken to Juvie lockup today!:rolleyes:

[Hollysrose]

This is a subject that is near and dear to my heart in the form of my son.

Claude-his story is very similar to yours. He just turned 18 and is getting ready to take the test for the GED.

I hope for the kids in the same situation that the school board decides to push this through.

[johnmeeks1974]

Claude,
I am assuming that you attended junior high school. In that system, someone could advance to the next grade and repeat the grade level only for the subject he failed. Your example is a good one. We had students at my junior high school who were in 9th grade but were taking 8th grade level English (or whatever lone course they failed the year before).
In a middle school situation with its 'team' concept, however, a student could one core class and fail the entire grade. He/she even repeats the classes that they passed. This all-or-nothing deal creates more overage students.

[Screamin Eagle]

My Story: My mother was a teacher. God help me if I came home with anything below a "B" on my report card. Or get sent to the principle's office or any hint of trouble in the school. Not only would I get it from Mom, but when Dad got home I would *really* get it! WHooHoo!

http://www.home.earthlink.net/~aartworks/art/eaglebg.jpg

[johnmeeks1974]

I received an e-mail from the School Board Chair Vicki Drake explaining that the county is seriously considering the school for overage students. I am glad that we are still on track for such a program. It is sorely needed!