"Unintended Consequences"

No Child Left Behind (NCLB) has created several "unintended consequences" . A by-product of this national legislation is the perceived need to "rank" schools across the country. This became very evident this morning when I received the first in a series of texts from our curriculum coordinator noting our improved status from 2009. "We are 188 this year- up 124 places from 322 last year- a step in the right direction!!" It is generally better to get good news than bad- and I was excited for our staff, students, and community that this was positive news. I also understand that it is just a snapshot in time and real improvement won't be realized until it is sustained over time- but nevertheless- I enjoyed the moment!! School report card results can be found in the Chicago Tribune.

The impact of NCLB was the highlight of an article this week in the Tribune that featured interviews with leaders, parents, and students from high performing Chicago area schools that suddenly found themselves not making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). I found it interesting to read quotes from administrators that many schools used in prior years- "we aren't a failing school- the bar is just set too high". Everyone knew this day was coming- when 9 out of 10 high schools in Illinois failed to make AYP and nearly 2000 schools overall failed to hit the mark. The key now for all of us is to continue our focus on the use of student performance data to improve instruction- with the number one goal- making sure that students meet the college/career readiness standards so they are prepared for life after high school!

This goal continues to present the need for schools to prepare students by exposing them to a rigorous and relevant curriculum, making vocational opportunities that support this mission available, and promoting the development of life skills. I recently received data showing the educational attainment of Grundy County residents. 17% of the residents in the county have a Bachelors degree or higher while 36% have some college (U.S. Census data). I found that interesting and in my opinion, points to the need for balance- balance between the "unintended consequences" of NCLB and preparing our students to be productive members of the future workforce.

MCHS continues on our improvement journey and we are now engaged in the Rising Star systemic process that will help develop and institutionalize our efforts. I have been impressed with the leadership team of teachers, support staff, parents, and administrators that are helping to implement this initiative. Balance will be the key!!

I wonder if the leaders of the most prestigious schools in Illinois ever dreamed they would have to send a letter to every parent declaring they were a "failing" school? I bet not!!