Districts on Probation, Say Misunderstanding, Their Way is Better

More than 100 Arkansas school district are on probation. But a few say it`s because of a misunderstanding. Several White County districts say the changes they made, which put them on violation, are better for the students than what state law required. Three years ago, Algebra 1 at Bald Knob High School was taught according to state requirements: 50 minutes a day, 36 weeks a year. "One lesson after the other, they didn`t have time to comprehend there wasn`t time for me to check to make sure they were understanding the lessons," explained Mary Ann Roberson, algebra and geometry teacher. Under a block schedule, the course would have taken one semester. So, thinking they had the state`s understanding, Bald Knob stretched the course out over two semesters. They called it Algebra A/B. "[It] allows extra time for a subject many students find difficult," said Principal Steve Landers. But the state placed the school on probation for not offering Algebra 1. "Those children who can do it in less time should be given the opportunity," said Dr. Charity Smith, AR Department of Education assistant director. In the 2001-2002 school year, only seven percent of Bald Knob students tested proficient in Algebra 1. Using Algebra A/B, that number leaped to 64% the following year. That same class scored 73% proficient in geometry the year after that. The school board doesn`t give all of the credit tothe longer schedule. "In large part, I think because of professional development, additional training, additional focus on the math," explained Dr. Smith. "It`s simply a matter of a lot of us learning at a different pace," said Landers. The district says in order to meet requirements, they offer both Algebra 1 and the A/B schedule. Thirty-two students have signed up for the Algebra 1, compared ot the 75 students who`ve signed up for the longer Algebra A/B. Two other White County Schools placed on probation say they have better plans than the state requirements. Judsonia and Bradford schools say they were offering 50 minutes of art and music per day for nine week periods. They were in violation because the state requireds art or music for 40 minutes a week, throughout the year. Administrators at the those districts say complying with the law will hurt students because their plans allowed more time for learning and working on art or music projects.