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In clarifying the Lowndes County Schools’ controversial grading policy, Superintendent Dr. Steve Smith spoke of second chances.
“I dare say there isn’t anybody in here who hasn’t been given a second chance,” Smith said during Monday morning’s press conference to explain that the school grading policy will not offer a series of do-overs for students failing assignments. Instead, the policy offers students a second chance to better learn and understand the material.
“Failure is unacceptable,” Smith said. “If a student fails, we must determine why and seek a solution to achieve success for the student. Thus evaluation, re-teaching, and re-assessment of students who fail to master the skill the first time is vital to learning and student success. Does this mean all students will learn? We hope so, and we must do everything possible to ensure they will, but unfortunately, some may not.”
Since The Times reported on the grading policy last week, it has become a lightning rod of controversy. While numerous parents, teachers, and others have commented on the policy locally, it became a target for national media attention with reports on Fox News and the Huffington Post.
The policy’s initial impression indicated that students would never fail. That they could test and test and test and test, etc., again until achieving a passing grade.
Smith and Fred Wetherington, Lowndes County school board vice-chairman, apologized for not having explained the policy better. Monday’s press conference was the superintendent’s opportunity to better explain the policy. It was his second chance.
Giving something a second chance is a sound policy. The policy may still not meet with everyone’s approval but, given the school system’s efforts to better explain the grading policy’s purpose, it is at least worth a second look.
What We Think
Grading policy: A second chance?
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School’s out so watch out!
Summer is a time of rest, vacations and trips. It is a time when school is out, when people take time off from work, when people may stay out a little later. It is a time of swimming, trying new things, and seeking adventure.
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Qualifiers are next leaders
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Thumbs up
THUMBS UP: To the 2011-12 arts season. Theatre Guild Valdosta’s rollicking comedy, “Caught in the Net,” officially brings to a close a magnificent schedule of shows ranging from theatre to opera to concerts to art exhibits and more from a variety of area venues. Theatre Guild will also open the 2012-13 season this summer with the musical “Into the Woods.” Until then, arts lovers can soon enjoy a new series of exhibits from the year-round Annette Howell Turner Center for the Arts and three musicals starting in two weeks from Peach State Summer Theatre.
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Events that get things done
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Not so for the Valdosta area. -
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Video helps veterans
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For those unfamiliar with Community Blueprint, Valdosta is one of three cities across the nation selected as a pilot city for the program. -
Happy Mother's Day!
Mother. Mama. Mommy. Ma. Mom. She fed us when we were too small to feed ourselves. She nurtured us, clothed us, cleaned us, protected us.
She helped us form our first words. -
Thumbs Up. thumbs down
THUMBS UP: To Dr. Brian Hickox. Valdosta’s newest chiropractor overcame great odds to open his practice last week. Born with partial vision, an assault robbed him of the remainder of his sight. Despite these odds, he followed his dream to become a chiropractor. School took him twice as long, at seven years rather than the usual three and a half to complete, but he reached his goal. The story of Brian Hickox should be an inspiration to us all. It proves that we may lack sight, we may have to overcome difficulties and disabilities, but that doesn’t mean we have to lack vision.
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School’s out so watch out!
