Comments on: PPS History of Broken Promises

By: Carrie Adams

Carrie Adams — Thu, 06 May 2010 05:09:40 +0000

Thanks Zarwen!

By: Zarwen

Zarwen — Thu, 06 May 2010 02:26:42 +0000

Apologies for the typo in my previous post: it should have read “PCC,” not PPC.

NAL, there is a discussion on Urban Mamas, and I also belong to the Grant HS google group.

I miss PPS Equity too, but I don’t see why this blog can’t be our new home.

By: NAL

NAL — Wed, 05 May 2010 21:29:50 +0000

Zarwen, what other blogs are you finding that are discussing the redesign? I’m really missing PPS equity….
Thanks for the historical reminders about Jefferson, Carrie.

By: Zarwen

Zarwen — Wed, 05 May 2010 20:51:43 +0000

It’s not exactly “college prep” when you are getting credit for your high school courses, taught by high school teachers, at PCC. I read somewhere on another blog that “middle college” could be considered a type of remedial program. I don’t know much about it, but I do know that that’s where Jefferson is going.

I am curious whether the dance program will eventually become part of PPC too or whether it will end up at another high school.

By: MMcPherson

MMcPherson — Wed, 05 May 2010 17:47:11 +0000

Is it just me or is the concept of ” middle college” at an already struggling high school such as Jeff, not quite the right fit? I understand the desire for PPS to work along side PCC ( and like you said earlier, Zarwen..we all know where that’s heading ), but let’s be realistic here…how about first starting with just a basic high school foundation, and then, once you’ve got your numbers up and most of the kinks worked out, then maybe start looking at a middle college idea, but not now. That to me, sounds intimidating, and almost takes away from what high school is meant for. Sure, it’s great to cater to your high achievers, or offer students no-cost or low-cost college credits but most kids at this age group just want to focus on high school, at least their first 2 years. It’s almost like Carole Smith felt Jeff needed some new title or want the public to believe Jeff will be more than just a neighborhood school. I’m not sold that easily, and would really prefer to see Jeff be a dual neighbohood school along with an arts magnet school- build on the dance prpgram, bring kids in from all over the district, etc.. then you have a school of appx. 1,300 students! Jeff needs something new, but certainly not a college prep program, not when only 20% are meeting bench mark.

By: Zarwen

Zarwen — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:50:21 +0000

I will be very surprised if PPS delivers anything like a “core curriculum” at Jeff. Whoever ends up there will be stuck with the Middle College program. Others have already said this, but it is only a matter of time until Jefferson is officially closed as a neighborhood HS and its attendance area farmed out to other schools.

Of course, Carole Smith will be retired by then, and other people will be on the school board, which is why these events aren’t already happening now.