Classroom Visits Stir Action in SLPS

St. Louis Post-Dispatch: Classroom Visits Stir Action By New Schools Chief

After visiting classrooms in the 25 schools, new St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent, Kelvin Adams, admits that that teachers in the district are simply not teaching. And he aims to direct more focus the failing assessments that have been saying the same thing for years.

He has many reforms in mind to fix these disturbing findings, with some even implemented this January. The fact that he is not turning his back on our children like so many others by just ignoring the problem is commendable. However, it is also important that he rallies others in support St. Louis schools and that his reform plans are effective, meaning based on research.

The bottom line is our community can not afford to continue to fail our children, SLPS need reform.

Education is a Lagging Market in the US

The bottom line: When compared to other countries and other industries the education in America is radically lacking in progress! The solution? Getting patents and educators actively invested in our children though school choice!

More from the CATO Institute on School Choice

Democrats for Education Reform names Hubbard Midwest Regional Director

December 8th, 2008, New York, New York -- Democrats for Education Reform, a national political action committee, announced today that it has named Missouri State Representative Rodney R. Hubbard (D-58th District, MO) as the organization's first Midwest Regional Director.

"We are going to support Democratic leaders and leaders-in-the-making who want to modernize our public schools, give every school and library broadband internet access, expand charter schools, grant charter authorization to big city mayors, institute longitudinal studies that will help us analyze teacher and student performance over time, provide merit pay for quality teachers and increase funding for teacher training," said Hubbard. "Candidates and current office holders who have the courage and the conviction to create 21st century schools for all students are the kind of bold leaders who can help us fix our broken public school systems."

Hubbard, who wraps up his second legislative term this month, was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in November 2002. A lifelong Democrat, his political legacy has been in two key areas: revitalization of the City of St. Louis and education reform. He is well known for working with Democrats and Republicans to improve public education and provide parents with high quality education opportunities. His new role will allow him to focus all of his time and energy on this issue.

During his tenure in State government, Hubbard received the 2006 Distinguished St. Louis Business Journal Legislative Award; 2005 Associated Industries Cooperative Award; 2005 Lewis & Clark Statesman Award presented by St. Louis Regional Chamber and Growth Association; Loretta Hall Award from the Carr Square TMC; Yes I Can Award; the 2004 Lewis & Clark Statesman Award presented by St. Louis RCGA and the 2004 Certificate of Appreciation presented by the Missouri Assisted Living Association. He is also a member of the Taheed Youth Group, an anti-drug/violence taskforce as well as his membership with the One Hundred Black Men. Hubbard earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Lincoln University. Rep. Hubbard resides in St. Louis City with his wife, Shameem S. Hubbard. He is the proud father of Ayana Amani, Rodney R. Jr., Jabari Ali, and Attallah Azizah.

Democrats for Education Reform (DFER) is a New York City-based political action committee whose mission is to encourage a more productive dialogue within the Democratic Party on the need to fundamentally reform American public education.
DFER operates on all levels of government to educate elected officials and support reform-minded candidates for public office.

The Children's Education Alliance of Missouri has the press release.

US News & World Report Prove: Charter Schools are Working

Though Charter High Schools only make up 5% of High Schools nationwide, they constituted 18 of the Top 100 Schools!! This study by the U.S. News and World Report was released yesterday.

CONGRATULATIONS to these schools and their success! Though both the freedom to innovate and accountability for results are underlying (and successful) principles that are engraved in concept of any charter school, the extra-representation on this list is the result of passionate individuals, fighting on behalf of our children for real improvements in education!

The results are in: SCHOOL CHOICE WORKS!

The Wall Street Journal has more information (including study methodology and the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools).

History of St. Louis School Choice

The political battle over school choice has been long and brutal in St. Louis.

On one side there is an alliance of teachers union leaders, central board administrators and various public-school interest groups that has an established routine for managing the schools and are skeptical of any proposal for change. Unfortunately, this cartel acts as a veto player in school policymaking.

Until educational improvement through school choice gains its proper support, the war in Jefferson City will rage on. And regrettably it is the children that suffer the causalities.


The Hoover Institution details the painstaking history of school choice in Missouri politics.

Dear Politicians, Missouri NEEDS School Choice

Former Sen. Franc Flotron, who now serves as a lobbyist for the Missouri Charter School Association, weighs in on the issue of school choice in politics:

"Having watched the Missouri General Assembly for 25 years now, day in and day out, I can say the public school establishment is one of the most powerful political influences in the state...the traditional educational system does not seem comfortable with the idea of parents deciding where their kids are going to go to school. Do I think that’s rational? No."

Why would public schools not support this effective reform? Sen. Flotron shows the importance of putting KIDS first (ahead of political or monetary agendas) and knowing the facts (that school choice is best for everyone. In fact, the only schools/educators hurt by school choice are those preforming poorly. High-quality educators and existing schools will actually benefit from this healthy competition. But most importantly, more children are able to obtain a proper education!)

Ultimately, school choice need the passionate support of Missouri politicians and educators so kids can be properly educated and parents can be deservingly empowered!

Four New Charter Schools for MO

Announced last week, the US Department of Education approved four new charter schools—three in St. Louis and one in Kansas City—to open next fall. This is certainly a promising step in the right direction.

Though many talk of school reforms, it is extremely encouraging to see individuals taking an active interest in improving our children’s education. The charter schools will offer families a much-needed alternative to inadequate public and expensive private schools. Therefore, an enormous amount of appreciation goes out to those crusading for the necessary changes in the education system of our state—specifically by way of school choice provided by charter schools.

These four schools will undoubtedly bring hope to these communities of a brighter future for more children.


The Story from STLtoday.

Much More Than a Money Problem

The passing of Proposition A in Missouri sparks the age-old funding debate. But the fact is, that simply pouring more money into a defective system is not enough to produce the improvements the educational establishment desperately needs—both on a state and national level.

Interestingly, the United States spends more money educating our children than we do on defending the country in which they live!

Despite an enormous increase in federal funding - 131% in just the last eight years - student assessments repeatedly indicate that many of our schools are not effectively serving young people or taxpayers.

Particularly in the hard sciences, the students in other counties are consistently outperforming our own. We must train our students properly, particularly in core curriculum areas, in order to retain our ability to compete in the world market.
Though global implications can seem drastic, it is important to remember just how vital a proper education really is.

Unfortunately, this is not simply a quick-fix money issue. The complex problems faced by Missouri schools must be solved by involved reforms based on research and maintained by passionate individuals.

Education in Politics

Presidential elections bring an increasing interest in politics and issues. While this active participation is a good thing, it is important to maintain (or even increase) this political attention even though the votes are in. Education policy is an incredibly important subject that is deeply affecting the United States--specifically Missouri (and not just during presidential campaign times). Our children need dedicated individuals to remain actively crusading on their behalf. Creating a passionate momentum is the only means for school improvement.

The United States will undoubtedly experience many changes over the next few years, and it is imperative that education remains in the political discussion. For some insight, Washington Post Education Columnist Jay Mattews offers his predictions on the general direction Obama will take our schools based on debates and campaigning.

Video: St. Louis Schools Recognized for Student Achievement

It is such a refreshing reminder in the depressing face of continually low-achieving schools that there are area schools performing at a high level. Along with all the discussion of education reform, it is important to also take the time to recognize the efforts of those that are truly making a difference right now.

Only 3.9% of eligible schools nationwide receive the 2008 No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon School award. Among those were: McKinley Classic Leadership Academy, Metro Academic, Classical High School, St. Peter Catholic School and St. John Lutheran School (seen in the video).

The families that have their children enrolled at these impressive schools are certainly lucky. But ultimately, every single child deserves this kind of top-quality education.

Click here for the KSDK story

The Economy, Children & Teachers

The economy we are facing right now is bad for everyone, including our children and teachers. Education will likely face both immediate and delayed cuts in funding. However, it is not the time to panic. Instead we must think clearly, strategically scrutinize the serious problems that face our schools and implement reliable improvement plans.

Basically, the argument comes down to merit pay. By not wasting money on promotions to teachers that are ineffective, school performance will also see significant increases. With less governmental funding available, the completion for this money will rise. Many psychological and business studies have proven the efficiency of rewarding the highest performers and a means to overall improvement. There is also a moral aspect in merit pay reform. Good teachers deserve to be reward! They work hard to ensure that our kids are getting an acceptable education which is good for everyone!

For tons of helpful education information related to teacher pay and retirement check out the interview of John Musso (executive director of the Association of School Business Officials International--former teach and district CFO).

Principal Deserves a Pat on the Back

The principal of Beaumont High School, Travis Brown, deserves a pat on the back. He was so adamant on making sure students showed up to school on the first day that he went to the neighborhoods to inform students and their families that attendance was expected. He knocked on doors of high-absentee students and rode the streets on a fire truck making the announcement over the loudspeaker.

His dedication to education is very inspiring—especially in the face of the failing St. Louis Public Schools! If more individuals had this genuine and passionate concern for the students—making the children the top priority—then these schools can finally begin to turn around. Because improvements in the cities education system are desperately needed now!

http://www.stltoday.com/stltoday/news/stories.nsf/education/story/C556072BAE6E4E44862574A7000C647E?OpenDocument

Alternative Teacher Certification

A few days ago the St. Louis Post Dispatch highlighted a new law that took effect on August 28 allowing for business professionals to gain teacher certification in Missouri by completing the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence program.  Programs like these are sorely needed to attract more teachers to Missouri who already have real world experience and want to share it with our children.

It was very disheartening to see Otto Fajen of the MNEA call the program a "quick and dirty way"to address teacher shortages.  His concern of how long these teachers will last is nullified two paragraphs earlier.  According to program administrators, 85% of the program's teachers are in the classroom three years after being certified and 95% of the principals it surveyed found ABCTE-certified teachers to be as effective or more effective than its traditionally certified peers.

Hopefully, Missouri will recognize more programs like the ABCTE program.  A broad spectrum of experienced individuals teaching in our classrooms can only better our children's education. These experienced professionals know what it takes in the real world to succeed and that is knowledge our children need to advance in life.      

  
  

Parents make choices for their children? Perish the thought!

Education...a Deciding Factor in Elections.

Opinion Piece by Clint Bolick

Many people have favorable views of school choice, although they may not publicly voice it. Clint Bolick, a director of the Goldwater Institute Center for Constitutional Litigation and a research fellow with Stanford University's Hoover Institution, writes an opinion piece on certain groups and their thoughts on educational choices. His basis...a survey with surprising results.

McCain's School Choice Opportunity

By CLINT BOLICK
July 15, 2008; Page A17

Education is slipping in priority among many voters but not among Hispanics, many of whom see school choice as a deciding factor in whom to vote for this fall. This has implications for the presidential election.

A new poll shows that 82% of Hispanics consider education as one of three most important issues facing this country. The survey also shows that, even while Hispanics trust Democrats over Republicans on education by more than a two-to-one margin, that ratio could change if Republicans heavily promote school choice while Democrats oppose it.

The poll was conducted last year among more than 800 registered Hispanic voters for the Alliance for School Choice and the Hispanic Coalition for Reform and Educational Options, but never publicly released. It was conducted by two polling firms, The Polling Company (which works primarily for Republicans) and the Ampersand Agency, (which polls mostly for Democrats).

This survey found that although Hispanic voters generally consider public schools to be effective, they also favor, by a wide margin, school choice (defined as allowing parents a choice in whether to spend their children's education dollars in public or private schools).

Fifty-two percent of Hispanic voters have a favorable view of school choice, according to the poll, while only 7% had an unfavorable view. When asked about vouchers specifically, 32% expressed a favorable opinion compared to 13% unfavorable.

But where the poll really gets interesting is on school choice as an electoral issue: 65% of those surveyed reported that they would be more likely to support a candidate for office who supports school choice, including 35% who said they would be "much more likely." Only 19% said they would be less likely to vote for a pro-school choice candidate.

...Hispanic voters are overwhelmingly young and have exhibited a propensity toward political independence -- and no issue is more tangible for them than educational opportunity. If Hispanics align their voting with the educational interests of their children, it could alter the electoral landscape -- not merely for this election, but permanently.

To read the rest of the piece, click here.

Survey indicates parents want school choice

Posted: June 25, 2008 04:47 PM CDT
Updated: June 25, 2008 05:37 PM CDT
A survey of Oklahomans suggests there's a significant disconnect between where our kids go to school and where parents would like them to go.
A survey found that 92% of Oklahoma students attend regular public schools. But, if parents had the choice, only 17% would choose to send their kids to public schools.
Some lawmakers are pushing to give parents more choice. The move is getting support from both sides of the aisle.

"In this state, there's a lot of potential for the school choice issue to be a bridge builder for policy-makers. There are no partisan lines drawn among likely voters, and many different demographics show high levels of support for school choice," said Paul DiPerna with the Friedman Foundation.
A bill that would have created a privately supported scholarship fund for students from lower income families passed the Oklahoma Senate last session, but was defeated in the Oklahoma House of Representatives.

Missouri has faced similar challenges...have have had bills going through the legislature many times...only to be defeated. Of course, the teacher unions have always stepped in...their lobbying powers are extreme. Teachers are great, but the unions seem to suck the goodness out and replace it with something that only serves to further hurt the children and their education.
I will hold onto the fact I know the movement will grow stronger day by day, and we may finally have a school system that I can say I am proud of.

Power vs. Parental Choices

Parents need to make the choices for their children...or at least have the option to do so. I have a child who is my entire life. Not making the decisions for him would not work for me and I could not imagine other parents wanting decisions made for their child either. Arizona is struggling to keep parents in control of their child's future, with some strong opponents. As this commentary mentions, there always seems to be a power struggle...to keep the power with the school monopoly. Funny how monopolies on other areas are illegal, yet in our most important tool in life, they seem to be the norm.

A commentary from Phoenix's East Valley Tribune:

Vouchers benefit families, not schools
Karla Dial, Commentary

When an Arizona appellate court scrapped the state’s school-voucher programs for disabled and foster children, it pulled Arizona from a path of settled case law, threatening both groups’ educational prospects.
In scrapping the voucher programs May 15, the court cited one of the Arizona constitution’s two Blaine Amendments — 19th Century laws which prohibit “appropriation of public money made in aid of any church, or private or sectarian school.” Though 37 states have Blaine Amendments prohibiting state funds from being used to “support” private schools, Arizona is one of only four with a second amendment prohibiting state “aid” to them.
The Arizona Supreme Court, where the voucher case is now headed, has clearly stated school choice programs such as the two in question do not “aid” private schools. They aid parents and children by enabling them to purchase an education.
The court has held that in deciding Blaine issues, judges must determine who the “true beneficiary” of a state program is, and in the case of school choice, the court said, the beneficiaries are families, not private schools.
The groups who sued to halt the voucher programs — the ACLU Foundation of Arizona, People for the American Way, and the Arizona Education Association — don’t want the public to know who the true beneficiaries are.
What these opponents have accomplished is to rob a small number of disabled students (117 were enrolled this year) and foster children (140 students) and their parents of their civil rights in order to make a political point, and push a false interpretation of the state’s constitution.
Nor have they been intellectually honest enough to acknowledge that the state of Arizona has for years run a school choice program for disabled children very much like the voucher program in question, under the federal Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act. The only difference is that the state assigns special-needs children to the IDEA programs that bureaucrats feel will best serve them. Under the voucher program, parents choose.
That suggests what lies at the heart of this issue: a struggle for power and control. Those who run the government school monopoly want to keep their power instead of sharing it with taxpayers and parents who might not choose their services. The idea of competition can be a scary thing, especially for groups that already enjoy captive audiences. Arizona, which operates four distinct school choice programs, has shown choice really works — and that’s why these groups are targeting it.
The decision is headed to the Arizona Supreme Court on appeal. Since the lower court contradicted itself regarding the state constitution’s Blaine Amendments — saying the programs “aid” religious schools but do not “support” them — it’s reasonable to expect the high court to abide by its own precedents and recognize this case for what it is: a grab for additional power by a fat and callous educational establishment.
Karla Dial (dial@heartland.org) is managing editor of School Reform News.

St. Louis City Kids are Given a Choice

Its not everyday a child from a poverty stricken family has the option to attend private schools. Usually, these children will be forced to attend the public school in their district, whether it be failing or not. Although there are laws saying a child should be able transfer out of failing schools, there are no laws saying those children must be accepted anywhere. While not all schools in inner cities are failing, the ones in St. Louis city are. The Today and Tomorrow Foundation gives "hundreds of tuition assistance scholarships for city residents desiring a private school education for their kindergarten through 4th grade child(ren) (and are) available for the 2008-09 school year. The maximum scholarship award amount is $2,000."

The St. Louis Post Dispatch published an editorial on this:

ST. LOUIS — A Catholic education foundation is looking to give 600 city school students up to $2,000 each year to move into private and parochial education this fall.

The Today and Tomorrow Educational Foundation has gathered $12 million — six times last year's offering — to cover nine years of scholarships that aim to steer poor students away from the troubled St. Louis public district and into city private schools.

The foundation, part of the archdiocese, has raised money for parochial school scholarships for nearly two decades, Henry said.

But this is the first time a local agency has raised this much for scholarships to so many different private schools, he said.

The foundation piloted the program last year, said board member and campaign chair Kevin M. Short. It offered a similar scholarship to 75 kindergartners, but only for Catholic schools.

Just four donors — the Lay Family Foundation, the Sinquefield Family Foundation, Eugene and Evie Williams, and local technology company Emerson — gave all $12 million.

Some leaders say the program has already made a difference.

What an incredible opportunity for children in the city! This could very well be the thing that changes the rest of their lives. Currently, school choice is not an option, so Foundations such as these involved must act on their own to help these children. Maybe someday, every child will have this type of choice.

Video: Today and Tomorrow Foundation scholarships offered in St. Louis

Tax Credit Ethics

We recently read an article about Obama’s efforts to incorporate a tax credit for college students. The tax credit would be about $4000 for each student volunteer who had at least 100 hours community service for that year. I think this is a great way to increase the amount of volunteers for non-profit organizations. It also helps out students who need assistance with tuition. I don’t see it as a payment in any way. If it were payment, these volunteers could use the money for whatever they choose. Since it’s a tax credit, going strictly to tuition, it’s merely an incentive to increase the number of volunteers.

This blog is by students studying the ethics of fundraising and philanthropy at Kansas State University. I think this student’s assessment of tax credits is quite accurate. Missouri’s current legislation about scholarship tax credits for special needs students uses the same principle. Just like community service volunteers, philanthropists would give to a cause they believe is worthy, in Missouri’s case tuition assistance for special needs students who require private services in their education but cannot afford them. It's ethical, it promotes compassion and rewards people who go out of their way to do good.

Just another area where more transparency will help

Springfield School’s superintendent Norm Ridder raised some eyebrows for his statement that some of the lawsuits that cost the district over $340,000 over the last 3 years.

"It really gets into what I would call frivolous in some cases ... people have a right to file a suit but in some cases, it is basically taking advantage of the system," said Ridder, according to the Springfield News-Leader.

The News-Leader felt this statement implied that the lawsuits were not consequential, and that the school system had been “duped” into paying for unreasonable claims.

Without a clear idea of the lawsuit claims, it’s hard to validate or invalidate that, but apropos that vagueness, the News-Leader has offered some ideas for clearing up that quagmire. They believe that more transparency about the claims would help on many fronts. Knowing that a problem has been repaired is important to the community that shoulders that cost. In turn, that accountability from the community may quell some of the less than admirable claims.

Rep. Scharnhorst discusses Bryce's Law

Missouri Education: In need of reform

The need for special needs education reform in Missouri (part 2)

The need for special needs education reform in Missouri

A better solution for Columbia's tax credit woes

The Columbia Daily Tribune today has a letter from Frank Martin offering just the kind of smart, creative solutions we like to see. Columbia Public Schools made a blunder with the budget reserves, and instead of using that reserve to make a one-time purchase, such as Chemistry textbooks that some parents claim their kids don’t have, they used it to create new positions that are a repeating cost—and they’re asking Columbia residents to replace that money each year through a levy. Their argument is that students won’t be educated well if they don’t get this levy.

It’s a bit of a hostage situation. CPS misappropriates the reserve fund, and says: If you don’t pay for our mistake, your kids won’t learn.

That’s quite a stranglehold—despite whether taxpayers believe CPS should get the 54 cent tax levy, they are obligated to do it at the cost of their child’s education. And when you give a mouse a cookie, he’s going to want some milk. Frank Martin’s solution cuts the ties of that stranglehold:

Editor, the Tribune: As voters consider whether to raise their property taxes 54 cents per hundred dollars of assessed property value, I urge them to consider a different approach.

Instead of taxpayers being forced to pay their school taxes to one school system - the public school system - they should have the option of choosing which educational opportunity they want their school tax to support: public school, private school or home school. Just as Pell Grants at the college level are not tied to just public universities and colleges, neither should educational tax dollars at the K-12 level.

Under current law, the K-12 public schools do not have to compete for public tax dollars; they operate a monopoly. They receive 100 percent of all school property tax dollars every year regardless of the product they produce. Even if the dropout rates are high, or some who graduate are ill-equipped to move forward in their adult lives, the public school still gets 100 percent of the tax dollars taken from you for the purpose of preparing young people for success in life.

I urge voters to reject this 54-cent tax levy that only increases the power of this outdated public school monopoly. Parents should be provided the option of choosing the education structure they believe will best prepare their child to meet the challenge of adult life.

Yes, this would create real competition for the current public school monopoly. This competition would do what competition instead of monopoly always does: create a better product at a lower cost.

Charlie Shields and Bombardiers

Senator Charlie Shields, a St. Joseph Republican, is looking out for the Kansas City and Missouri state economy. As a State Senator that is his job, to protect and improve our state’s vital assets, to shield us from danger, to lead the way. He is a leader who, according to the Kansas City Star, is the cosponsor of a bill that would give tax credits to Bombardier, an airline manufacturer, if they build a plant in Kansas City. Since, according to the Star, “the estimated overall economic impact over 22 years was calculated at $5.9 billion,” then, “legislation is on such a fast track that a hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.”

In the second of two articles, published March 24^th and 25^th, the Star said:

Missouri lawmakers pushing a state financial aid package to help attract the proposed Bombardier plant predict it will be quickly approved.

“I think you’ll find a high degree of enthusiasm around this project,” said state Sen. Charlie Shields, majority floor leader.

“People hear about Southern states getting car plants and wonder why we’re not in the running. Here’s one that has the same impact, and here’s a chance to get it done. I don’t think it will be a problem.”

I haven’t heard the same enthusiasm from Charlie Shields for Senate Bill 993, which would also give tax credits to individuals, or companies, that donate to a fund to help special needs children receive a good education. I can only hope the good Senator is looking out for the children in this state, realizing that, though an economic impact might not yet have been calculated, it has been proven numerous times, that improving education is a good investment.

But it really isn’t about the money, is it? What it is about is doing the right thing, making a good moral decision, and protecting the good kids of our state; shielding them, like your namesake.

Please step up and speak out, Senator Shields, for Senate Bill 993, and it’s sibling in the House, HB 1886, or Bryce’s law. These two bills are important for our future, for our children, for today.

Partnering with the community to improve education

The South Side Journal wrote a very interesting article about how religious groups are helping public schools. The strict-constructionist views of our establishment clause and Missouri’s Blaine amendments have sought, over the years, to create an impermeable wall between religion and state, and I find a great deal of the effect of that to be harmful. In looking up some of the case law about Missouri’s Blaine amendment, so many of them revolved around a church or religious group that was trying to help their community—not in an effort to proselytize but simply because they felt it was the right thing to do. The spirit that Shawn Clubb writes about in this article is something that should be encouraged, not stuffed behind a wall. I believe our Framers never meant that wall to prohibit the good effects a church can have on its community, but rather to allow anyone to practice their religion freely without being thwarted by the state. Needless to say, this article shows some enlightenment on that front:

Jason Julian regularly visits five city high schools with other staff from K-Life Ministries looking to make a difference in children's lives.

K-Life and 80 other faith-based groups have started going into the public schools in the city. Ministers, deacons, rabbis, imams and lay people from churches, synagogues and temples have teamed with schools throughout the city.

They come to teach, not to preach. They serve as tutors, mentors and role models for students who otherwise might not get the level of attention they need to succeed."We're not even trying to proselytize to kids," Julian said.

Instead, K-Life volunteers mentor students, read to them, tutor them and conduct a Play it Smart character-building program for high school athletes at Vashon, Beaumont, Roosevelt, Sumner and Clyde C. Miller Career Academy.

The Rev. Douglas Parham, pastor of Community of God Church in Blackjack and president of the St. Louis Clergy Coalition, said many children in the schools also attend area churches with their families.

"We have a vested interest in the quality of education in our schools," he said.

The coalition has had a dialogue with the public schools since Cleveland Hammonds was superintendent, Parham said. Apart from that relationship many congregations had started tutoring and education support programs in their churches.

Superintendent Diana Bourisaw said she set a goal for the district to bolster schools with corporate, community and faith-based partnerships.

"There's a church on every corner and we had some churches already doing things in our schools. We decided to help them," she said.

Some churches were uncertain about whether they could have a relationship with public schools, Bourisaw said. They were aware of the barrier between church and state.

"That means they can't proselytize. It doesn't mean they can't care," she said. "If a family needs help and the school doesn't know where to turn, they can turn to the church partner."

The partnership quickly went from a handful to more than 80 faith-base groups wanting to help out. Many clergy kicked off their congregation's involvement during a recent Clergy Reading Day in which 29 clergy members read to students in city elementary schools.

Sally Bloom, principal of Wyman Elementary School, 1547 S. Theresa Ave., looks forward to her school being paired with St. Luke's Memorial Baptist Church, 3623 Finney Ave. The Rev. Jimmy Brown from the church took part in the reading day and plans to have further involvement with the school.

"It's helpful to have partnership throughout the community - not just with the churches - but the churches are a strong part of St. Louis," Bloom said. "We're looking for mentoring assistance with the children. I think in some cases we have a number of them that just need somebody to be there for them on a regular basis.

"We're not treating it as a church necessarily, but a group that wants to give support."

Carey Cunningham, principal of Simmons Elementary School, 4318 St. Louis Ave., has been working for a month with Prince of Peace Missionary Church, 2741 Dayton St., and its pastor Rev. William Kilpatrick.

Before anyone else from the church can come in to mentor they must go through the district's screening process, Cunningham said. After they have been screened, they will be able to play an active role in the after-school literacy program.

"Our students can fall into many negative traps growing up. They can be here as a support to help students stay on the right track," he said. "At Prince of Peace, they understand some children lag behind academically. They have a goal to create in the church their own educational center for further academic and social assistance."

Cunningham said he's encouraged that the district has tried to unite school and church, which students tend to see as being separate.

"The school and church can work together in harmonious ways," he said. "The religious sector and education sector can work hand in hand."

Jason Browne: More than platte-itudes?

Rep. Jason Brown from Platte City hasn’t come out with his support for HB 1886, and for me this is a must-have vote, and I’d like to hear what all of our Missouri Legislators have to say about this boon for families with special needs children.

His website has this inspiring quote:

“The legislative process never ceases to amaze me. From the overwhelming number of ideas introduced each session, through numerous committee hearings, by debate on the House and Senate floors, and from the thoughtful communications of private citizens like you, there emerges public policy designed to respond to the changing needs of most of Missouri’s citizens but still sensitive to their concerns. As this regular session of the 93rd General Assembly ends, I am reminded that in a democracy when ideas are shared, the result is much greater than the sum of individual contributions.”

It seems to me that HB 1886 is the confluence of these values. It is a scholarship tax credit, and that’s something Missouri has not tried when responding to the changing needs of education across Missouri and within families. Parents have communicated stories about having to move to district after district, uprooting their families and lives, in an attempt to meet the needs of their disabled child. Some families feel torn between different abilities of two children, and other families have had to spend beyond their means for private instruction. Parents have testified to the importance of having flexibility. Legislators have shaped a bill that reflects those family voices, concerns from school districts about losing too many students (I’m not too concerned about that, given history in other states, but an amendment placing 10% cap on all IEP students was added to assuage that concern).

Given all of this, I hope to see that Rep. Jason Brown is nodding yes. If you’re in Platte City and want to make sure your voice is heard on this issue, call Brown at (573) 751-6593.

Supporting all children, all the time

Paul supports legislation that would require the state to award offices to non-profit organizations set up by school districts or bid the offices out to individuals or organizations. Then, most of the profit made from these fees can go back to the state and be directed into local public schools.

Paul LeVota, that is, Missouri Representative in Jackson Co., including Lee’s Summit, North Kansas City and Independence. I hope, in light of his stance here, he'll also support HB 1886. This bill would create a scholarship tax credit program. A non-profit organization that grants scholarships to special needs children would accept donation eligible for an 80% tax credit. While revenue is not collected the state will surely save money as scholarships given out through other similar tuition tax credit programs are less than the state pays for IEP students to attend public schools. That saved revenue could easily be directed into public schools.