Educator: Federal system hurts

Albion Horrall Elementary, Bayside Middle School and Turnbull Learning Academy are all in "program improvement," based on standardized test scores, test attendance and other factors. But Director of Instruction Joan Rosas said each is improving.

"I think we need to think of it in a more positive way. Who wouldn't want to have better teachers and schools?" she asked.

Horrall is in year one of program improvement, meaning that it must notify parents of the problems, make sure the teachers are qualified and let students transfer. Bayside is in year two, so it must do the same and provide support services for struggling students. Turnbull is entering year four, meaning it also has to bring in outside experts and restructure.

No Child Left Behind is designed to allow parents to move kids out of troubled schools, but Rosas said most parents in the San Mateo-Foster City District do not.

"I don't find them wanting to leave. They want to have the most qualified teachers and make changes for the better," she said.

She also said Turnbull, often identified as a troubled school, will get new reading, math and arts classes with a federal Magnet School Grant for the next three years.

Though it is in year four and could close, she said, California does not believe that closing schools is best for families, she said.

Stephen Baxter can be reached by e-mail at stephen@smdailyjournal.com or by phone: (650) 344-5200 ext. 109. What do you think of this story? Send a letter to the editor: letters@smdailyjournal.com.