LCSD featured in Herald editorial this week
Thank you to Marcia Martinek at the Herald Democrat for this editorial, printed in the August 24th, 2017 edition:
And all the kids are above average
Anyone familiar with Garrison Keillor’s fictional town, Lake Wobegon, knows that each of his tales ends with this phrase: “Well that’s the news from Lake Wobegon, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking, and all the children are above average.” We’ve always wanted to say the same thing about Lake County, where, clearly, all the women are strong and all the men are good looking (beauty being in the eye of the beholder). And now we can say, without a doubt, that our children are mostly above average in many academic areas, based on the test results released last week.
Over the years, we have hoped for the chance to congratulate the school district on its test scores, and it seems this is the day. Nice work, teachers, students, administrators, parents and everyone else who contributes to the educational experience of our children. A story in this issue describes the recent test scores more fully.
Once we saw the scores, we asked the district administration what marked the turning point. Kate Bartlett, CFO, responded that it feels as if they have “collectively reinvented the schools from the ground up” over the past five years. And this ranges from making sure the copiers are working to building the new high school. Supportive working conditions for the teachers were created, she said. Expeditionary Learning was a key partner, Bartlett said, but so was making sure kids had access to breakfast and lunch. The current focus is on academic achievement, and the recent test results “show some of the early fruits of this labor.”
Bartlett pointed out the school district hasn’t reached the end of its journey but it does have momentum. Although everyone gets some credit in this recent achievement, Bartlett is quick to emphasize the hard work of the teachers. “Their dedication and talent are absolutely key factors in our success,” she said. With school starting this week, students will receive “data-driven and rigorous instruction at all grade levels,” she said. “Academic proficiency is the ultimate measure of our success and of an equitable education,” Bartlett said.
It’s interesting how so many different facets combine to improve the educational experience of our youngsters. If you’re one of the parents who has turned your back on the Lake County School District for whatever reason, it might be time to take a closer look.
Well, that’s the news from Lake County, where all the women are strong, all the men are good looking and all the children, well, you know the rest.
Marcia Martinek
Herald Editor
