September 16, 2008Schools need to prepare studentsIn June, thousands of Roanoke-area high school seniors adorned themselves in colorful caps and gowns and reveled in the pageantry of pomp and circumstance. At commencements or other ceremonies for graduates, school administrators and principals saluted their students and waved many of them off to colleges and universities across the country. But as some of those high school students settle into college life, a disappointing reality will wash over them. They'll realize they may not be as ready for college as they thought. September 9, 2008School's success belongs to everyoneBank manager Debbie Burcham remembers taking the call from someone at nearby Stonewall Jackson Middle School one day last spring. Would Carter Bank and Trust post a message on its marquee to encourage Jackson students taking the upcoming Standards of Learning tests, school employee Jean Thompson asked. The bank eagerly agreed, joining a car wash, drugstore and other Southeast Roanoke neighborhood businesses to rally the youngsters. Later this month, Jackson will learn whether students' SOL scores were strong enough to earn the school the state's accreditation. Preliminary data released by Roanoke city schools a few weeks ago showed that Jackson was one of two middle schools to make it, and the only one to meet federal standards |
About this blog In her signature plainspoken style, Michigan native Shanna Flowers peels away the layers and gets to the heart of the issues. No pretense. Just straightforward perspective. Shanna writes about local people whose circumstances reflect decisions made as near as City Hall or as far away as the halls of Congress. Other times, she weighs in on a topic because it is incredibly ridiculous. Or heartening. Or fascinating. Read Shanna's column three days a week, Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, at roanoke.com
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