Low passing rates on science tests dropped three of Bryan's four middle schools to an unacceptable level in 2008-09 by state standards, according to accountability ratings released Friday.
Lucy Larrison, Bryan's assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and assessment, said the ratings were misleading.
"It's not like these middle schools aren't doing good things. They've made incredible strides at all these schools," she said.
The local schools are among many across the state that received lower ratings because of new science requirements, officials said.
Meanwhile, six schools in Bryan and four in College Station received the state's highest rating -- reflecting an improvement across the state in scores due to a change in the way ratings are figured.
The Texas Education Agency released accountability ratings for all campuses and districts Friday afternoon.
Both the Bryan and College Station school districts were rated academically acceptable.
Although ratings include a number of factors, scoring is based primarily on the percentage of students who pass the Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills tests.
More schools across the state achieved higher ratings because of a new system that gives schools credit for individual students' improvement.
State officials said science test results and stricter dropout measures also caused the number of unacceptable districts to increase to its highest level since implementation of the state accountability system 15 years ago.
In Bryan, Arthur L. Davila, Jane Long and Sam Rayburn were ranked academically unacceptable this year.
Larrison said that the schools came very close, with each campus missing the mark by fewer than 10 students.
She also pointed to scores at those schools in reading, writing, social studies and math -- in which 10 out of 12 scores were recognized or exemplary.
Fannin Elementary was also ranked unacceptable for the second year in a row. Larrison said the school missed being acceptable by one student who did not pass the reading test.
"This is a very skewed process. It is an unfair labeling of schools," she said.
In College Station, A&M Consolidated High School increased from acceptable to recognized this year.
Of 11 schools in College Station, three improved their ratings and one declined. Four schools were ranked exemplary and four were academically acceptable, while three were recognized. The only school whose rating went down was Oakwood Intermediate, which was recognized last year and acceptable this year.
"While we are extremely proud of the label these schools will receive, we know that our ultimate goal is for all students to be successful each day," Deputy Superintendent for Administrative Services Clark Ealy said in an e-mail Friday. "These results are one indicator of the success [College Station Independent School District] students are having."
In Bryan, eight schools out of 22 showed improvement, while only two declined. Crockett Elementary, ranked unacceptable in 2007-08, received an acceptable rating this year.
Ten schools maintained the same ratings as last year.
Six schools in the district achieved exemplary status -- the state's highest rating -- compared with only one last year. Six schools were recognized, and six were acceptable.
Bryan Collegiate was ranked exemplary, while Rudder High was recognized and Bryan High remained acceptable.
Officials said this year brings Bryan one step closer to achieving its goal of becoming a recognized district. The district missed being recognized by 121 students out of more than 15,000, Larrison said.
106 comment(s) found!
Posted by:
BISD Parent On:
Thursday, August 06, 2009 9:29 AM
Comment Title: Parents need to be involved!
Parents need to support their child's school and make sure their child is completing the work as assigned.PERIOD!
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 03, 2009 9:15 PM
Comment Title:
Good thing Mike. If one was needed you don't seem qualified, or capable for that matter, to make one with any substance.
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Posted by:
Mike CS On:
Monday, August 03, 2009 8:52 PM
Comment Title:
Bryan and BISD no comment needed.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 03, 2009 7:20 PM
Comment Title: Bryan Parent
Good job Neal Elementary. The other schools could learn a little from them they work together with people in the community to help our students and there principal is wonderfull. It just goes to show how teachers, the community and parents can work together to help our children in one of the bad areas in Bryan.
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 03, 2009 12:45 PM
Comment Title: HUMMMMMM!
Hummmmmm I think I know just what principal you are talking about and if other parents etc think about they will too. As a parent I agree!
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Posted by:
On:
Monday, August 03, 2009 12:06 AM
Comment Title: To Aggie '76
Why not principals I can think on one that needs to be booted out! You would be surprised just how much a principal can make or break a school. Even one that wasn't broken.
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Posted by:
Sam --CSTX On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 11:10 PM
Comment Title: We need to help Bryan.
YOU DO KNOW BRYAN!!! "Jill-CS Poverty simulations? This is more feel-good higher education exercises that are meaningless. Move into the Twin City Mission for a semester, live on their foor, give up your computer/cell phone/Ipod, ride the trolley or walk to school, and try to tell us what you know about poverty. Try staying hungry for a couple of weeks. Try living in a house without utilities with strangers. Try begging for food at the food bank. Sleeping in sleeping bags on campus for a couple of nights is not poverty. Try dodging crackheads on the way home from school after you get off your school bus. Try avoiding panhandlers who really want to steal your money. I am sure your professors think you are experiencing poverty. Try not bathing for a week because your water has been turned off for nonpayment. Try cold showers when it is turned back on because the gas has been turned off in order to turn on the water and lights. Sorry to be harsh. Your experiments are not too convincing. Try dealing with students who do not bath, are not fed, do not get proper medical attention, let alone proper parenting, and that seems normal to them."-Unknown person in Bryan ghettos?
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Posted by:
Geff Foxworthy On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:57 PM
Comment Title:
Bryan Independent School District..."Would you like fries with that?"
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Posted by:
Dr. SD On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:33 PM
Comment Title:
I never post on here but read posts often and AG, the "shut up" poster/teacher is the exact reason that I send my children to Allen Academy instead of Bryan.
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Posted by:
OnlyANobody On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:26 PM
Comment Title: Jumping into the fray
To the "Observations" poster who is putting up a good fight and making some strong arguments for the teachers, I can see some of your points. But, as AG points out, we are stuck with the TAKS. As long as Texas continues to renew its contract with Pearson Educational Measurement, we will continue having the test. It, for better or worse, is what we have right now, and it is the standard by which our students and yes, our teachers and administrators are measured. You can rail against it all day long, but it accomplishes nothing until and unless the test goes away. As long as we have it, you must find a balance of teaching the basics and teaching to the test. To the person who told detractors to shut up, I would say to you that if you are going to argue as a teacher or on the behalf of teachers, that you might calm down and proof read your post. You made several errors in both grammar and spelling that would make me concerned if you were teaching my child.
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Posted by:
Bethany On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:13 PM
Comment Title:
No kidding AG, if I knew who this teacher was, I would make darn sure my daughter was NOT in his/her class. She can't handle a debate or comment. IS THIS WHAT IS TEACHING OUR CHILDREN???
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:10 PM
Comment Title: WOW
And this is a teacher at an "AU" school!!!! No wonder.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:02 PM
Comment Title:
Well if any of you knew anything you wold realize that the transfer rate in BISD is very high. You have parents wanting their kids to go to the "BETTER" school. When you, the parent, transfer your kids from school to school in an attempt to put them in the "Better" school you only weaken the district as a whole. If parents would become more actively invovled in your children's educations it would help the teachers. Removing a single person or group of people is like putting a bandage on a bullet wound. That's a temporary fix that will not hold up. How about we stop pointing fingers and accept responsibility for our own faults. Teachers work their butts off along with ALL of the administration team at central office. We are all to blame for these test scores. Yes, the middle schools look really bad right now, but the kids that are struggling didn't just start in middle school. I would like for anyone that sayd that BISD isn't doing their job to print out a copy of the test and take it. Then come back on here and post your score. Sometimes a test isn't the best way of determining knowledge. If you knows all of the answers to fix the problem, I am sure all of these schools would appreciate volunteers. There are several TAKS nights at local schools. Take some time to go and volunteer. If you are not being Pro-Active then just shut-up and let the people who are do their jobs.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:01 PM
Comment Title: Go to bed
To: "Try working in Bryan it a fast way out of poverty." we are trying to read the intellegent arguements on here...........can you go have another drink and go to bed?
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:53 PM
Comment Title:
Try working in Bryan it a fast way out of poverty.
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Posted by:
Poverty Breeds Poverty On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:49 PM
Comment Title: From KBTX
A TEA fact. All the poverty in Bryan is have a major effect. 593 out of 753 are rated in Poverty. Just at one school. See: http://ritter.tea.state.tx.us/perfreport/account/2009/static/tables/c021902045.pdf
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:47 PM
Comment Title: And we do understand
And we do understand about all of these problems and issues with parent and students. But, schools are rated based on these tests and this is the only system we have to base our opinions about schools. Even further in the past teachers and administrators had the issue of getting children in school because it was not as important as having them in the fields working for the family. We had to think out of the box and correct that situation as well. Other generations of teachers have had other issues to deal with, this is the issue of our time. Everyone has to find ways of dealing with the problems. It maybe difficult right now, but not near as difficult as it will be in the future. Unfortunately, studying to the test and for the test is the "now". ACT, SAT, Bar Exam, MCAT, CPA, CDL, Cosmetology, and McDonald's Drive Thru Speaker Test (probably not). But, in life, as you say, you are preparing for the tests. Businesses now call them "performance goals". Hopefully the teacher can teach the basics as well but also have to teach to the tests. They are suppose to show wheather or not the student has an understanding of the basics. Is that always the case? No, but it what we have at this moment and schools are rated based on this.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:31 PM
Comment Title: to Jill-CS
Poverty simulations? This is more feel-good higher education exercises that are meaningless. Move into the Twin City Mission for a semester, live on their foor, give up your computer/cell phone/Ipod, ride the trolley or walk to school, and try to tell us what you know about poverty. Try staying hungry for a couple of weeks. Try living in a house without utilities with strangers. Try begging for food at the food bank. Sleeping in sleeping bags on campus for a couple of nights is not poverty. Try dodging crackheads on the way home from school after you get off your school bus. Try avoiding panhandlers who really want to steal your money. I am sure your professors think you are experiencing poverty. Try not bathing for a week because your water has been turned off for nonpayment. Try cold showers when it is turned back on because the gas has been turned off in order to turn on the water and lights. Sorry to be harsh. Your experiments are not too convincing. Try dealing with students who do not bath, are not fed, do not get proper medical attention, let alone proper parenting, and that seems normal to them.
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Posted by:
John-BCS On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:21 PM
Comment Title:
"The cultures that some of these students come from are a greater threat to their well-being than drugs or violence."---MRK77 >>>This Bryan culture: Drugs and violence<<<
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:19 PM
Comment Title: "Observations" Returns for More Comments
Schools that do succeed, do so for one simple reason. These schools become more successful at "teaching the test," at least in some cases. The increased focus on teaching the test, teaching to the test, etc., can actually detract from the overall morale of teaching staff and the good of the students. Not all students are destined for "traditional academic success." One size does not fit all. That is an innate problem with standardized testing as a measure of either student achievement or teacher accomplishment. Some students are destined for success in other less academically traditional areas, technical skills, trades, etc., and there is not one single thing wrong with that or with accepting that. Certainly the basic skills are necessary for all of our young citizens to succeed in whatever endeavors their skills and talents best suit them to pursue. Science and social studies might not always be among those skills and talents. Reading, writing, and basic math skills are certainly necessary skills in any life one can imagine. The big question that appears to have been raised by my earlier posting, is how do some schools "succeed" when faced with similar challenges, i.e. socioeconomic similarities in their student populations? The answer is quite simple. The teachers are trained to teach in such a manner as to promote excellent test taking skills and to teach exactly what will be covered on the standardized tests. That does NOT mean these students will be prepared to face the challenges in their lives or pursue the interests that are truly theirs as they learn to define them. These statements are based on experience and opinion. I watched curriculum and teaching methods and the focus of learning objectives change while in the education field. It is ALL about the tests. It used to be about developing thinking skills after mastering the basics, commonly referred to as the three R's. And, of course, those of us old enough to remember, do recall that misbehavior in schools was simply not tolerated in the not too distant past. It seems that some parents are anxious to defend their child's poor behavior rather than correct it. I have seen and experienced it too many times. I have also had the pleasure of teaching many wonderful children and dealing with wonderful, supportive parents. This is NOT a simple issue. I do not know the complexities of the problems at BISD and do not know whether or not there are problems at the top. I do know enough about the diversity of the population of Bryan to know that teaching can be extremely challenging for the reasons stated earlier in the "Observations" post. Of course there are teachers and administrators who do a less than adequate job. The same can be said for some parents. Teachers do not allow children to stay up until all hours watching television, playing xbox or whatever, and ignore their academics. Teachers deal with those consequences. There are plenty of great parents who do everything they can to instill the very best values in their children. It appears there are enough who do not to skew test scores on occasion.
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Posted by:
MRK77 On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 7:08 PM
Comment Title: I also teach at a middle school.
Academic success and failure are determined at home. I teach in Dallas. I am familiar with the problems your schools are having. Too many of your students come to school with one or more of the following problems: 1. Very poor English language skills. 2. An antipathy toward educational success. 3. A belief that education is for the "wealthy." 4. A belief that undeveloped talent will suffice for academic effort...."I'm going to be a rap/football/basketball/singing star." 5. District micromanagement of the classroom. Schools are not equipped to cure societal problems. The cultures that some of these students come from are a greater threat to their well-being than drugs or violence.
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Posted by:
Aggie '76 On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 6:25 PM
Comment Title: to AG
Yes you are right. The leadership on the boards and central office let the campuses make decisions based on data and the skills of the faculty and staff. It is a matter of people not programs that can really help.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 6:06 PM
Comment Title:
The BISD Chief administer needs fired over this. 75% of the middle schools have the Lowest possible rating.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:58 PM
Comment Title: To Aggie '76
It sounds like you had the leadership to accomplish these successes. I have know doubt that BISD has some very dedicated teachers. Now if we had the leadership in place. Not the principal, but the super and board that does not settle for unacceptable but expects recognized or above. We, the clueless parents and taxpayers, should set higher expectations with our leaders.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:49 PM
Comment Title: What???
What did you just say? It does sound like you are on drugs, Susan!
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Posted by:
Susan-CSTX On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:42 PM
Comment Title:
If you are on Drugs a bet you could say the are the same.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:41 PM
Comment Title:
BRYAN ISD AND CSISD CAN NOT THE SAME.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:39 PM
Comment Title: Bryan is better then 22.8%
DISTRICT RATING COMPARED TO STATE (10 is best) 3 Better than: of TX school districts 22.8% BISD----http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tx/bryan/schools/
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:37 PM
Comment Title: CSISD is rated 89.6 better then other Texas Schools
DISTRICT RATING COMPARED TO STATE (10 is best) 9 Better than: of TX school districts 89.6% CSISD-http://www.neighborhoodscout.com/tx/college-station/schools/
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Posted by:
Aggie '76 On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:32 PM
Comment Title: Aggie '76 and planet earth
I am actually a career educator. I have 30 years teaching in public schools (4 Hearne, 26 College Station). I am not a professor. In College Station, my team of teachers and I always were given the most challenging students. Why? Because we were successful with them! As a retired teacher, I am now helping schools with high poverty numbers. I know that kids from poverty have challenges! I am a certified trainer for one of the most successful research groups who studies kids from poverty. I am just tired of all the blaming put on the kids. Nothing beats a great teacher in the classroom! Great teachers learn about each of their kids and takes what each child comes to school with and takes it from there! Trying to change their home life isn't going to happen. You control what you can and that is what happens during the school day. Great teachers need support from the leadership team. Great teachers help make schools successful. A school is only as good as its weakest teacher.
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Posted by:
NBA-Normal Bryan Activity. On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:21 PM
Comment Title:
NBA IN BISD
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Posted by:
I don't disagree that the BISD population is more challenging than CSISD's On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 5:17 PM
Comment Title:
A true fact. Bryan gang members and drug user have children.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 3:49 PM
Comment Title: Not a teacher
So since we are not teachers and do not have a clue, should we find teachers that do have a clue as to how to get middle schools up to an acceptable rating? Few on this board have blamed teachers, in fact, many have defended teachers. Clue us in so that we (the clueless taxpayers and parents) know what we need to do to remedy the situation, like a new school board or superintendant?
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 3:43 PM
Comment Title: I must be stupid
Oh, you are so right. I must be stupid, since I do not have the answers. You are correct, I do not have the solutions. I am not in the education business. You are the one that needs to look at the numbers. My proposal is that we find someone who does know how to do it, since we obviously do not have that person or people. But I did not accuse the teachers of these results. I believe leadership is from the top and I wouldn't be commenting if I did not truly want BISD to be the best and have the best results. Again, excuses are just that.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 3:28 PM
Comment Title: If you're not a teacher, you have NO CLUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This goes out to all those people commenting on the leadership of Bryan Schools. If you don't work there you have no clue about the hard work and dedication put in by each employee there. You say that SFA, Rudder, and BHS have the same demographics at their school as the other unacceptable schools. While this is true, lets not forget that SFA was in this boat alone a few years ago and recieved a great deal of attention from the state and BISD. This may play a small part in their success. Let's help out the other schools with some of this funding. Also do not forget the way Bryan has shifted students from campus to campus by offering Academies at other schools. The middle Schools failed in the Science section of the TAKS Test. Funny how SFA has the Odyysey Academy, which focuses mainly on Math and Science. HMMMMMMMMMM...................
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Posted by:
JB On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 1:59 PM
Comment Title: "Leadership Problem?"
3 of the 4 have new leaders. Hello!
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 1:16 PM
Comment Title:
I don't disagree that the BISD population is more challenging than CSISD's, but Bryan High, Rudder, and SFA have the same compositions as the three schools that were unacceptable. This is a leadership problem. These campus leaders don't have the answers and the district administration doesn't have the answers for administrators who don't have the answers.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:30 PM
Comment Title: Jill-CS: perfect example of TAMU Education program
"Lack of education or poor education has been linked to poverty and high rates of crime which Bryan has currently been undergoing." As any Sociologist can tell you Jill; poverty has been linked to a lack of emphasis on education as well as high crime rates -- not the other way around.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:24 PM
Comment Title:
Ag, are you just stupid? Do you think that all other schools in Texas have better TAKS results than BISD? You don't have to look very hard to determine that that is not true. Do you think that BISD is the exception of low performance in districts with a heterogeneous population? Again, look carefully -- districts with similar populations have similar results. You think it's an excuse, it's not. It's a reason the results are what they are. It requires much more effort to overcome these challenges and BISD may never achieve the consistent results we would all like to see. Your and Aggie 76 offer no realistic solutions. It's either the teacher's fault or can be solved by sending kids to private schools (which is a great idea, by the way -- send every kid who failed TAKS to private school and let's see what they can do). If the solution was that simple, there would be no unacceptable campuses.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:16 PM
Comment Title:
Since poor education and crime go together. Bryan has both. Maybe 3/4 of the crime in CS also comes from these Bryan ISD gangbangers that have placed the middle schools in a unacceptable condition in Texas.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 11:40 AM
Comment Title: Jill-CS
Jill, good fortune has smiled on you and the other TAMU students. With an increase of 18% in major crimes for the year 2008 in College Station versus a 2.8% increase for Bryan, you have several excellent areas or groups in College Station in which to run your simulations. May I recommend the infamous Southgate Village Apartments and/or Windsor Pointe Apartments. When may we expect to see what you have learned from your last simulation? And do you intend to apply/recommend what you have learned first to College Station since it is your home and according to CSPD the major crime rate has increased by 41% through May of this year. By the way, it is Texas A&M rather than Texas A/M.
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Posted by:
To: B.L. On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 10:51 AM
Comment Title:
The person writing about tours has nothing germane to contribute to the conversation and feels left out; hence the comment. He/she pops up quite often with the same old line when, as usual, he can contribute nothing to a discussion. He seems only to want someone to recognize his existence.
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Posted by:
Jill-CS On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 10:45 AM
Comment Title: TAMU Students Helping You
Texas A/M and the student body has been running poverty simulations in attempt to help the citizens of Bryan in their daily lives. We recognize the hardship and suffering that many Bryan residents go through in their daily lives. Hearne was also part of the poverty simulations that were covered in the media. This semester we hope to have more poverty simulations to help the people in Bryan. One of the ways to get out of poverty is through education. Lack of education or poor education has been linked to poverty and high rates of crime which Bryan has currently been undergoing.
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Posted by:
B.L. On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 10:29 AM
Comment Title: To Education Tour
What other cities in Texas doesn't have these same streets and areas? Madisonville, Hearne, Dallas, Houston, all of them have the same areas of town. What does that have to do with anything?
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Posted by:
B.L. On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 10:25 AM
Comment Title: To Angie
If you can somehow justify and turn an unacceptable rating for a school into a "positive" or view it as positive, I hope that you are never a teacher for one of children. I agree with many of the things you have said, but it is not positive to be unacceptable when other schools have the same rules and can achieve an acceptable rating.
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Posted by:
.Education Poverty Tour of Bryan On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 10:23 AM
Comment Title: The Future For Many In Bryan.
Here are a few roads to take the scared back to school education poverty tour in Bryan this weekend. Sims, Beck, MLK, Groesbeck, Palasota, South College, Finfeather, Hwy 21 West of Texas Ave. Neal rec and elementary school area, Kemp elementary school area and Leonard road. Common activity to look for in some area are prostitutes, Narcotics dealers, large groups of intoxicated people, up to 50 at times, in empty lots drinking.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 10:09 AM
Comment Title: To Observations
Not many people disagree that teaching is one of the most difficult jobs out there. Then add all of the problems at home and so on. But are these problems unique to BISD? Why are other schools achieving acceptable ratings (I am not talking about CS) other cities the size or larger than Bryan. (Dallas, Houston, Lubbock) These cities have a higher percentage of middle schools that are acceptable. Do they not have the same problems? I have never been able to "tell" a horse where water is located, I have been able to lead them. I don't believe it is the teachers that are the problem, I believe it is the leadership of BISD that is the problem. I have read many times teachers saying that parents are not involved in the child's education and I am sure there is a lot of truth in those statements. When a teacher defends an unacceptable rating for a school that also could be a problem.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:46 AM
Comment Title: Observations
Education is as important to children as parents make it to them. Attitudes and behavior in classrooms are a direct reflection of those accepted and tolerated at home. Teachers are NOT miracle workers, they are educators who do their best to deliver and explain information. If students come to school lacking sleep, nutrition, and the basic idea and value that respect for teachers and others in authority postions, these people are NOT going to be successful. If these students do not care, no person in the world can force them to learn or perform. That is the challenge. That schools are as successful as they are is somewhat miraculous. That College Station ISD achieves better rankings on tests is only a direct reflection on the socioecomic status of its population. To blame the schools for NOT instilling the values in young people that they learn from their parents, parent, or grandparent, uncle, aunt, or other primary care provider is absolutely ludicrous. Our teachers face a monumental challenge on a daily basis - maintaining discipline in a classroom instead of being able to focus on teaching. If you do not believe that, try being a Middle School Teacher for one day or one week. Even at the best schools, that is a challenge. I have taught Middle School children in other areas. I taught Math in a large urban area in which students were bused from all parts of the city. Please try to design lesson plans for 25 - 30 students in a class in which some students cannot do simple arithmetic and others are ready to tackle algebra. Please try to prepare lesson plans for a class in which some 6th graders cannot even read at a 2nd grade level and others read at a 9th or 10th grade level. Another tremendous issue and failing in the educational system in Texas and in this country is social promotion. Ask any teacher, it is extremely difficult and unpopular, and very nearly a career breaker to hold a student back. Students who cannot perform at grade level are routinely advanced to avoid damaging their self-esteems, and they then become someone else's problem. This usually culminates in Middle Schools. It is extremely difficult to pass these tests when a student cannot read at grade level and/or when they simply do not care. People are quick to blame teachers, but our culture has become one of success with out effort. We promote students without them having achieved the required levels of learning. We therefore teach them that they need do nothing to succeed in life. It is frequently said that you can lead a horse to water, but you cannot make it drink. Not quite true. You can tell a horse where the water is located. You can suggest to the horse that it might be better off drinking the water than dying of thirst. The horse has to decide if it even wants to wander over to the location of the water. You cannot lead it to the water. Parents must instill the value of education to their children. This value is usually instilled or not instilled by the time children begin attending Pre-K. If it is not valued by then, do not blame the teachers. They are teachers, not faith healers. They are not miracle workers.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 9:29 AM
Comment Title: More excuses
Don't ALL of the schools in Texas follow the same rules as the BISD? I would think they they have the same issues about the 1 or 10 students that skew their numbers as well, correct? In Houston, not counting any of the suburbs, I would think the inter-city schools have about the same student social make up of BISD. Maybe? Houston had 34 middle schools acceptable or above and 4 unaccepable middle schools. In Bryan we have 3 unaccepable and 1 acceptable. Doesn't Houston have the same rules as we do? Why can they do so much better? If you look at other cities in Texas like Bryan, most do better than we did. Stop with the excuses and lets do something to make it better. Do you think that the Houston parents participate in classrooms more there?
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Posted by:
Another Rayburn Parent On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 8:53 AM
Comment Title: To Rayburn Parent
FYI. Rayburn was not an unacceptable school last year. They were acceptable. No they didn't meet AYP, but that is a different thing from the TEA ratings. Also the principal at Rayburn is one of the best Bryan has, as is the entire Rayburn administration. Again, look at what the article says about the schools missing the mark by fewer than 10 students. That means the majority of the kids passed. But it is all divided into subgroups, and if a certain number in each subgroup doesn't pass that brings the whole school down. Think about the schools that are unacceptable because of 1 student, that happened a few years ago at one of the Bryan schools, does that mean the school is horrible? Sure some of those kids probably didn't know their stuff, but what if some of those kids were having major struggles at that time, or maybe they just didn't feel very good that day but came anyway to take the test, that all affects how kids do on their tests. And again the state said that there would be more schools go down because of the science test counting this year and the stricter drop out rules. Did you know that starting last year if a parent moves and doesn't withdraw their kids from school and let the school know where they are going, and then if that school can't find where they went by a certain time of the year, they are counted as a dropout at that school, even if they are enrolled at another school. Isn't that crazy? But that is what the state is doing, and that counts against a school. So please, don't start complaining about something when you don't have the full picture.
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Posted by:
Witherspoon On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 7:39 AM
Comment Title: Great job Stephen Fuller Austin..
Maybe tha teachers frm tha three other middle school needs to see wat SFA is doing tht their r passing. I went there 10yrs ago n I came fem slums as most of u people call it..1200 ridgedale..wasn't a good neighborhood then. Now its all better
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 6:43 AM
Comment Title:
Well Angie, I just don't consider flag waving, marching, cheer leading, and most other extracurricular activities to be part of education the taxpayer must fund. Of the ten largest employers in Brazos county, only two are not funded by taxpayer (Sanderson Farms and Universal Computer Systems). How many of the remaining eight are grappling with revenue shortfalls and are putting the bite on the taxpayer to bail them out? The public trough can handle just so many, and I think we have reached that point. Good news though, I'll vote for the tax increase proposal as my taxes are frozen and it hurts me none if the ISD and city tax rates increase.
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Posted by:
Angie On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 1:15 AM
Comment Title: Read to the End
What I have found amazing is the jump from a test that is designed not to measure your intelligence, but to measure your frustration level to jail. I just don't see the connection. Before you start bashing BISD read the whole article and not just the salacious headlines designed to grab your attention and sell papers. If you would read ALL of the article and actually assimilate the data you are reading you might not make fools of yourselves. How many of you actually read the part about the Academically Unacceptable schools missing the mark by less than 10 students? Let's put this in to perspective here, that means 9 or less students on campuses with enrollments in the 100's, I know our campus had nearly 700, did meet expectations. This means we should throw everyone out and start all over, this means the 67 of my 6th graders who were commended in reading were less important than the ones who didn't pass. This year TEA has given us new ELA TEKS which we are REQUIRED to teach, but we will be TESTED over last year's TEKS. All of you being so critical of BISD, how about spending some time volunteering in the classrooms? You might need to work on your spelling and grammar a bit first. By the way, I watched the KBTX news report over the same material, it was a very positive and uplifting report about our school districts, but they didn't need grabbers to sell the product. As an educator, I ask two things of the community; first educate yourself about the subject before you open your mouth, about the test itself and what the data really means, and secondly, don't undermine your child's education. Every time you berate and belittle the school system, the administration, the test, and the teachers you give your child the message that you have little or no respect for education. If you don't respect it why should they? And to the person who has implied that extra curricular activities should only be for those who can afford to pay for because they don't want their tax dollars covering it; Shame on you! If you truly believe in a separate and elite system of public education, shame on you!!!
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:39 AM
Comment Title: To One principal gets demoted and another stays in place
The answer is right before your eyes, just look at the School Board, superientendent and all the assistant superientendents controling BISD. Yes that is your answer. I think the Bryan community needs a do over, starting with the School Board right on down to the principals....
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Posted by:
CQ On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:27 AM
Comment Title: To "Visit Planet Earth"
You are so correct! The College of Education fills the minds of our new teachers with cr*p.When they get to the REAL world, they find out how tough teaching can be and leave after a year or two. If A&M would be honest and prepare these kids for the real classroom, they would be able to get the job done and stay in the trenches.
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Posted by:
Rayburn Parent On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:21 AM
Comment Title: One principal gets demoted and another stays in place
Why does Fannin Elem. lose their principal after two years of being unacceptable and Rayburn gets to keep their principal after two years of being unacceptable? Rayburn did not meet AYP for 2007-2008. Obviously there is something wrong there, too!
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Posted by:
NV in Bryan On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:13 AM
Comment Title: This would help...
The BISD School Board needs to make passing the 8th grade Science TAKS Test a requirement for promotion. Since the students know they don't have to pass the test, not all of them even try to do their best.
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Posted by:
On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:11 AM
Comment Title: Aggie 76 -- visit planet Earth!
Aggie 76, if you think that the challenges of educating low socio-economic students is no different from those of educating middle-class or upper middle-class students, then you are beyond obtuse. If that were the case, TEA would not differentiate results by race and by economic disadvantage. I can only assume that you are a college level education professor. That is the only ilk that persists in believing the illusion that student success rests solely with the teacher and without regard to the student's personal background. Indeed, all students can learn. But not students are interested in learning. That is a common consequence of the culture of poverty. The notion that classroom teachers have the ability of to dramatically change this 800 lb social gorilla is pie-in-the-sky drivel from the College of Education that flies in the face of mountains of social science evidence.
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Posted by:
RH On:
Sunday, August 02, 2009 12:10 AM
Comment Title: Way to go SFA!
How about some of you recognize the one middle school that continues to improve!
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:58 PM
Comment Title:
I is a Bryan people.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:57 PM
Comment Title:
I hope new jail in Bryan be open soon. We will need it soon.
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Posted by:
Re: extracurricular activities On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:23 PM
Comment Title:
I have nothing against these activities, I just wish for the parents to pay for them (activities). I don't mind paying so that all children learn the 3 R's, etc, and I don't mind feeding and busing those in need, but enough is enough.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:12 PM
Comment Title: I have a question!
I have a question! WHY would the principal at Sam Houston do what she did to some of the teachers that helped their school rank EXEMPLARY? Instead of being proud of them she played shuffleboard with them. She took the teacher that was in charge of students passing the 5th grade science and moved her to second grade. (?) She moved the 5th grade teacher that only taught math to 4th grade where they teach everything. She then took a 4th grade teacher that helped to make sure the 4th grade students passed writing etc. and put her in 1st grade (again no TAKS.) She moved a second grade teacher where there is no TAKS to 5th where there is TAKS. She moved two 3rd grade teachers to 5th grade, another 5th grade teacher to PE. WOW! The PE teacher to kindergarten, and a kindergarten teacher to 1st grade. At one time she moved a kindergarten teacher to 3rd but then moved her back to kindergarten. This is the way she rewards her teachers for helping the students pass TAKS. I could see all these changes taking place if it had been Fannin where it is rated AU, but on a campus where it is EXEMPLARY it just doesn’t make since. This is not to say that each of the teachers that are being moved will not do a great job this next year, but why would you try to fix something that is not broken. Here we go, now we have to retrain these teachers, another good reason to raise taxes. I think that the school board, Superintendent Mike Cargill, Frances McAuthur and Katy Pruitt need to take another look at what is going on out there. Way to go Sam Houston and BISD! What a shame!
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:09 PM
Comment Title: To re:Bryan resident
To the person who doesn't like extracurricular activities. Do you listen to music of any kind? Do you read or watch tv? If so then you support the above mentioned activities. You must not realize that fine arts are required by the state and for good cause. It has been proven scientifically that students involved in music programs are better test takers. They are also well rounded in their education which colleges look for in applicants. Programs like these teach young kids teamwork, responsibility, and good leadership skills.
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Posted by:
Be postive Bryan. On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 8:48 PM
Comment Title: Bryan does it again.
75% of BISD MS have the lowest rating possible in Texas and TEXAS ISD are among the lowest rated schools in the USA. On a positive note maybe we can get them all in SFA and use the BRAZOS CO JUVENILE DETENTION as a starter school.
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Posted by:
RE: Bryan Resident On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 8:43 PM
Comment Title:
In my opinion, of the eight items you listed, only number three is noteworthy in education. The rest, excluding #7, are superfluous activities that I preferred my tax dollars not be spent on. If these kids want to participate in these endeavors, let them pay the associated expenses, and yes that includes all extracurricular activities.
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Posted by:
Rocky-BC On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 8:37 PM
Comment Title: New Jail needed
Bryan and BISD is making more products. Let hope the save now for a product holding area.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 8:33 PM
Comment Title: Proud Byan Mom
I just wanted to agree with the comment about the negative publicity for Bryan schools. The headline could have read so differently! I have a daughter at Jane Long and wouldn't have her go anywhere else! The teachers there do care about their students and aren't just there because they couldn't find a job somewhere else! My daughter is in Pre Ap classes as well as involved in band, sports, and NJHS. The scores don't show how many GOOD, SMART students we have. If you want to know just ask how many students we have in NJHS! The students work hard every day! I believe the only reason that CS doesn't have lower scores is because they have parents that can pay for their students to attend private schools! Which I would like to point out are in BRYAN, the same place that everyone keeps saying is full of drug addicts!! Just something to think about!
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 7:16 PM
Comment Title: Agree with BISD supporter
My children were students in Bryan for their high school years after moving from a highly regarded school district in the Houston area. There weren't many differences in the demographic makeup of Bryan High and the high school where they would have attended (which is located in an upper middle class area). I'm proud to know several Bryan High graduates who are fine examples of success: college graduates, corporate management positions, law school, MBA, etc. I also personally know several Consol students who never graduated or are still trying to support themselves on minimum wage jobs. Give it a rest--sometimes it just depends on the personal incentives of the student, quality of teachers, and caring parents who hold their children accountable for their actions.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 6:42 PM
Comment Title: The Eagle is going bankrupt!
'BISD Supporter' I agree the problem is with this publication. That is why many of us do not purchase it and instead look at it online. It's not worth our money. The real problem is with the reporter. Take a look and see who it is that keeps publishing this negative junk about Bryan. Janet, if you really want a job with the Houston Chronicle, your going to need to start reading it more often to see how "Real" articles are written. Here is her information if you want to let her know your thoughts: By JANET PHELPS janet.phelps@theeagle.com
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Posted by:
Bryan Resident On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 6:39 PM
Comment Title: Did you know?
Did you know that in Bryan ISD in the last year that the following happened? 1. The BHS Shyannes won high marks at the American Dance and Drill Regional contest. 2. BHS Gymnastics were the STATE CHAMPIONS. 3. Fourteen Bryan High School students achieved high honors at the state Visual Arts Scholastic Event, with 12 of them scoring the highest rating of Superior. 4. That BHS has an Award-winning Color Guard. BHS Color Guard earned a State Championship at the Texas Color Guard Circuit Regional A Division for 2008 last year, and qualified as regional finalists at the Winter Guard International competition in 2009, which at the time ranked them 11th in the nation. They also were promoted two divison levels this past spring which does not happen very often. 5. The Sam Rayburn Cheerleaders claimed national championship status at a Cheer America competition in Houston. 6. 7 of the 13 charter members of the All Region Drill Team were from Bryan and Rudder. 7. Students from Bryan ISD meet early every year the morning of the KBTX Food drive to ride a bus and donate the food that their schools have collected. 8. That the Bryan bands and choirs earned superior ratings at different contests throughout the school year. This is only a few of the wonderful things happening in Bryan. If you want to know more about some of these things then go to the Bryan ISD website, and look at the Spotlight link. This sure doesn't sound like a bunch of gang banger children to me, but in fact is a lot of hard working children striving to do their best.
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Posted by:
BISD Supporter On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 6:17 PM
Comment Title:
it is so frustrating to read some of these comments, and it is disappointing that The Eagle chooses to be negative towards Bryan ISD in their headlines. Why not put 6 Bryan schools earn Exemplary ratings. Why must we focus on the negative. Several Bryan schools improved. In it's first year, Rudder was rated Recognized, but no we have to start with the negative. And then starts all of the comments about how Bryan is a gang banger town, and BISD produces jail bait. Unfortunately, probably very few citizens of Bryan read the comment section here, or there would be more of us standing up for Bryan and Bryan ISD. I teach in Bryan ISD, have so for 10 years, my children go to BISD schools, and they have had outstanding teachers, and do very well in school. I think a lot of people would be amazed at all of the positive things including learning go on in Bryan schools, if the news and newspaper would just cover it.
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Posted by:
Peachy On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 6:01 PM
Comment Title: It's all about discipline
If there were some discipline in the schools for those kids who talk back to teachers, threaten and bully others, skip class, maybe, just maybe we would have some order in the school and they would learn. The kids run the schools, not the teachers-principals-adminstrators.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 4:59 PM
Comment Title: Aggie 76 is correct
Nothing but excuses as to why we can't do it. Excuses are useless. It's the parent's fault, it's the kid's fault, it is always someone else's fault. No, it is BISD's fault. BISD doesn't have any more or less "economically disadvantaged" kids than most other cities this size, yet other cities can do the job. I don't know how to do it because I am not in the education field. Someone does know how to do it so we need to find that person who does.
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Posted by:
Aggie '76 On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 4:34 PM
Comment Title: Low Socio Economic Students
People are making excuses and don't understand the job of a teacher if they are going to blame low test scores on kids. All students can learn! Schools in the area with high populations of minority and poor kids are learning and earning their schools high ratings. Look at Hearne ISD and Calvert ISD! Don't blame it on the kids. Blame it on "doing things the same old way all the time" and people who blame it on the kids! That is the problem!
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 4:27 PM
Comment Title:
How many times is Fannin Elementary going to be academically unacceptable before someone in bisd makes a change? Or are they waiting for TEA to do it? Or does anyone at the central office or on the school board even view this as a concern? How is it that the principal at Jane Long last year gets appointed to take over at Bryan HS after an unacceptable rating? How is it that the curriculum director last year at Long gets promoted to campus principal there after an unacceptable rating? Most importantly, HOW DOES A SUPERINTENDENT WHO HAS BEEN IN CHARGE OF MORE SCHOOLS WITH UNACCEPTABLE RATINGS THAN ANY OTHER LEADER IN THE DISTRICT'S HISTORY KEEP HIS JOB????
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Posted by:
Aggie '76 On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 4:27 PM
Comment Title: Raising the Scores
Congratulations to those who raised their scores or maintained high scores. This is not an easy task. I have worked with schools to help raise the standards. This is done by hiring the best leadership team, the best teachers, and motivating students to be responsible for their learning. Want to have an exemplary school? Then hire the BEST teachers! Don't settle. Don't keep ineffective teachers. The principal is also extremely important. Two of the schools (1 Bryan and 1 College Station) that I happen to have friends teaching in had/have extremely unstable leadership and morale is low. People respond to people who care and believe in them and are all working for a common purpose---the success of each student. Schools don't have room for egos! Not one student can be written off! You can't make positive change in schools if excuses are constantly made. If there is a disagreement about a program or a schedule, you do what is best for the students, period. It is sad that so much emphasis is put on one test, one day. Kids should not throw up in third grade on TAKS days. This test doesn't determine whether or not you will be a success in life! Principals, support your teachers and only hire the best! Teachers, teach! Not the test, but what you are responsible for and teach it using best practices and strategies that are proven. Worksheets is not teaching. Our students deserve the best!
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 4:17 PM
Comment Title:
If you understand how the rating system works, you understand that the problems in BISD (and just about at any other school that is Academically Unacceptable) are not with the students whose parents can afford to put them in private schools. Those students perform as well as their peers in CSISD and in private schools. Entering private school or moving across town won't improve their scores -- they're the kids being educated. The problems are with students from the other end of the economic spectrum. BISD's difficulties lie in having so many of these kids to address. Nevertheless, you have to give CSISD a pat on the back for an impressive improvement in African American math scores at AMC. I don't think anyone anticipated that kind of a jump in passing percentage in one year.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 4:16 PM
Comment Title:
If you have ignorant parents, you will have ignorant kids. If parents do not value an education, neither will the kid. Let's put the blame where it belongs on the kid and the parent. You have to put forth some effort to learn if you want to learn. Make the parents accountable for the kids grades. Do these kids ever get any praise for their school grades and work. Do they know that the more education they have the more money they can make in their lifetime? If you can't speak proper English neither will the kid. Obviously something is missing in these kids lives. I would be ashamed to attend school and still be a dunce. Where is pride?
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 2:59 PM
Comment Title:
Trapped, thank you for presenting yourself as a reminder that stupidity is present everywhere.
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Posted by:
Trapped by Bryan Rats On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 1:56 PM
Comment Title: Helping you understand.
Some of these BISD past top students commenting just do not get it. Getting a welfare check from the Government is not working and Weed smoker is not a occupation. Two last things: A Federal housing unit is not your home because you live in one for free in Bryan. Last thing. Smoking rock cocaine in a Bryan crack house does not make you a Rock Star.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 1:15 PM
Comment Title: How about a different perspective?
So no one wants to comment on the recognized and exemplary high schools? Looks like the final product is better than you think.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:54 PM
Comment Title:
Here's my advise to those who want to talk down Bryan. Get off the computer and pay attention to your kids. I was in College Station last night and was stopped at a red light when a car pulled up next to me. I had just left the hospital and my daughter was asleep in the back seat. These kids looked like upper class white kids but they were listening to rap music and throwing gang signs. I couldn't believe what I was seeing. I thought I was watching "Malibu's Most Wanted". So before you start talking down on Bryan take a look at your own town and people. So to the parents of a kid who drives a gold 4 door honda with a big dent in the rear bumper, if your on your computer judging others you need to stop worrying about others and worry about your own.
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Posted by:
RoyFlores On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:51 PM
Comment Title: The Furture
It is in all of our best interest to make sure as many children get a good eductation as possible. The Brazos Valley is our community it may not be perfect but it's ours. Yes it's shame that we have one of the greatest Universities in the nation, and with in a 5 miles radius we have failing schools. what does this tell you? that maybe we all could work together to uplift as many young people as possible. every child that gets a good education is a chance for one less child living on the streets. perhaps we could use all this brain power to make suggestions to help not hinder the school district. Here's one. Stop making our children sell products 4-6 times a school year, and have them spend that time working on the testings or better yet the three RRR's.
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Posted by:
PG On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 12:03 PM
Comment Title: Proactive instead of reactive.......
I am a proud graduate of Bryan High School, class of 96! I am also proud to have grown up in Bryan and to have the ability and knowledge to retain a job with the government for the last 10 years. I will not make the claim that what I am about to type will have the proper punctuation or grammar etiquette but here goes.......I have never done drugs, didn't rush to have kids that I couldn't support and never been on any government assistance. I couldn't be prouder of the person that I have become and that is partially due to the wonderful education that I received at BISD! So many people are quick to jump on the bandwagon against Bryan but just like there are drug abusers, gang bangers and welfare receipients in Bryan they also hail from College Station. If anyone is upset for having to pay extra tax dollars to people that are on HUD or whatever else then quit having such a NEGATIVE reaction to it and do something proactive to alleviate the sitation. I dislike College Station for one reason and one reason only, that is because they are the home to the rival school and that is it. I know several coaches and teachers that have moved in both directions and College Station has gotten any worse with having BISD teachers and Coaches and Bryan has gotten any better with have CSISD teachers and Coaches. It's called judgement.....Only God has the right to do so, please don't assume that because of where you are from it will make you suffer or reign supreme. It may be that very kid that looks like a gang banger and came from a low income housing project that would be your boss one day....be careful how you handle people no matter where they are from!
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Posted by:
Susan CSTX ----X-Bryan resident On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 11:09 AM
Comment Title: I escaped BISD and Bryan. I was lucky to make it out!!!!
I would say the die was cast 30 years ago for Bryan. So much for the Bryan come back from welfare HUD living. Every city has a poor area and we have Bryan. BISD will be a Crime and welfare maker for the future. At least we have something to point to to show our children why you should stay in school, off of drugs and away from gangs. Any trip into over 70% of Bryan will help educate your children on these issues.
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Posted by:
Just how many generations have been marrying their cousins in Bryan? On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 11:02 AM
Comment Title:
About the same number as College Station fathers diddling their daughters and grandfathers diddling their grandchildren. How many links to stories would you like me to provide you.
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Posted by:
B.L. Georges On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:59 AM
Comment Title: What is it going to take.
I do see what you are saying but I do live pretty far from the bad areas. If I were to totally buy into your theory about the mix of students and CS not having this mix, wouldn't CSISD be rated much higher? They are not much better. Same overall rating and most of the Middle Schools and High School are only one level above, not exemplary.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:48 AM
Comment Title:
I find this amusing that Bryan residents cannot figure out why their schools mimick their city residents composition.. Just how many generations have been marrying their cousins in Bryan?
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Posted by:
To: Peachy On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:44 AM
Comment Title:
Peachy, no doubt the Lamar Alternate School scores are not shown for the same reason CSISD's Timber Academy scores are not shown.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:33 AM
Comment Title: What is it going to take?
"I am embarrassed by BISD. What is it going to take, a new school board, superintendent, administrative staff?"---A Bryan GED Rocket Scientist. Basically Bryan thugs and goons have children. They are now in school in BISD. Move to a city not full of gang members and low life crack heads living in poverty like in Bryan.. If you live next to a ghetto you have to put up with ghetto People. You live next to a slum. Does this answer your question?
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Posted by:
Bryan HS Student On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:17 AM
Comment Title:
Bryan Schools are doing an fantastic job at preparing students for the GED!
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Posted by:
John-CSTX On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:17 AM
Comment Title: Gangland-Bryan
BISD is becoming a gang and thug maker.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:13 AM
Comment Title: 26%
I see TDCJ will have job security in the future from Bryan.
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Posted by:
Joel On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:07 AM
Comment Title:
I propose a "No Confidence" vote for BISD school board.
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Posted by:
Peachy On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:06 AM
Comment Title: Rating
Wonder why the Lamar Alternate School scores are not shown.
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Posted by:
B.L. Georges On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 10:00 AM
Comment Title: Proud
I am very proud to live in Bryan and fortunate enough to live in one of the nicer areas of Bryan. We moved here 7 years ago and fell in love with Bryan and College Station. While I am proud to live in Bryan, I am embarrassed by BISD. What is it going to take, a new school board, superintendent, administrative staff? I have been impressed by many teachers but have also been disappointed with a few. I wish we could see a little more input from the impressive teachers as to what needs to be done. While many teachers can be proud of their work, the BISD School Board should be embarrassed.
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Posted by:
OnlyANobody On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:52 AM
Comment Title:
While it is unpopular to be the spelling and grammar police on message boards/forums, this particular one is about education, so I would say to J.Witherspoon that, if you meant to give testament to the value of an education in BISD, you should have spent some time making your post sound intelligent and well written. To "Not All Bad," I would say that if you are attempting to talk down to BISD schools and its products, you might have said "worse" instead of "worst." I won't even address the "cold" because you'll just say "you can't forgive a typo?" If you are as educated as you would like to appear, you would have proof read your post and found the errors. And to Rocky: "furture?"
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Posted by:
Rocky-Brazos County On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:40 AM
Comment Title: Furture product makers of Bryan
Bryan and BISD Products..Start on a larger Jail now.
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Posted by:
Jessica On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:23 AM
Comment Title: Sad is right
So we will continue to have to pay school taxes and pay for private school for our kids because we just can't seem to get it right.
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Posted by:
College Station Texas On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:21 AM
Comment Title: CSISD keeping us progressive.
Great JOB CSISD.
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Posted by:
AG On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:20 AM
Comment Title: Excuses
I know the teachers are trying very hard with what they have. I don't care what the excuse is, we should not have our schools in this kind of shape. Lucy Larrison, Bryan's assistant superintendent of curriculum and instruction and assessment, said the ratings were misleading. "It's not like these middle schools aren't doing good things. They've made incredible strides at all these schools," she said "Misleading"? Does this mean the exemplary ratings are misleading as well? Or are you just making excuses for the low scores? Luckily we have children in one of the exemplary elementary schools but will move to private schools when they are in middle school. This is sad. So we can't teach science to the highest level?
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Posted by:
Not All Bad On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 9:16 AM
Comment Title: BISD
ONLY 4 BISD SCHOOLS HAVE THE WORST RATING TEXAS AND TEA CAN GIVE. Be positive after seeing the type of people living in many areas of Bryan it cold have been worst.
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Posted by:
On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 8:43 AM
Comment Title: a bitter disappointment
"She [Larrison] also pointed to scores at those schools in reading, writing, social studies and math -- in which 10 out of 12 scores were recognized or exemplary." As a teacher (in a subject other than science) at one of those academically unacceptable schools, I can tell you the unacceptable rating is a real blow to morale-- after a school year full of blows to morale.
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Posted by:
J.Witherspoon On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 7:41 AM
Comment Title: great job BISD.....
I congratulate Bryan school district for improving for tha most part..but to have three out of four middle schools not meet is a bit of a let down.. I actually went to SFA a while back n it's still tha best middle in that district... also for BISD to say Fannin miss tha cut by one student is so wrong... n judging it by one student is not tha way it should be done...overall I say great job to all students n both districts.... n teachers lets keep tha great job up...hopefully this school yr every school will pass...
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The Eagle reminds me of another classless rag - NY POST On:
Saturday, August 01, 2009 7:31 AM
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KBTX story headline is "TX School Accountability Ratings Released" and the KRHD story headline is: "TEA announces school district ratings". Real class act there Eagle.
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