Middle School Reform

Supports current middle school reform and is worried that adding another ability group will lead to segregation again.

"We're in the middle of a reform effort, and I don't think we can go back. I don't think going back has proven to be beneficial for all children."

Does not understand the difference between grouping and tracking:

"How is flexible grouping different from tracking? I'm flummoxed. I don't know the answer to that."

Wade presented data recently released by the district showing achievement differences between white students and black students -- a gap of about 30 percentage points on state tests.  

Supports flexible grouping and advocates for more levels within the college prep group

"The notion that just because you have ability groups means that certain socio-economic and racial groups will be at the bottom" is not true.

Supports the current middle school reform and said that:

 "I noticed the bad effect the academic sifting system had on many students' self-esteem." She also believes that the current trend will improve children's reading abilities, improve their test scores and close the achievment gap.

Supports flexible grouping and advocates for more levels within the college prep group.

"It' not a tracking system. You're grouping by achievement. There's a material difference between tracking and achievement grouping."

Is also in favor of flexible grouping.

"I personally take offense to the idea that as soon as you have an ability group, the black kids are going to be at the bottom. I'm not saying the disparity does not exist. I'm saying it's not the ability grouping that leads to that disparity" 

Superintendent Search 

Would like a superintendent that will move forward with current curriculum and middle school reform efforts.  

Prefers someone who has been superintendent of a diverse, urban school district before. She would like the new superintendent to have a "proven track record for closing the achievement gap in an urban school system."

Would like to find someone with previous experience as a building administrator. "Someone who will put the kids first not their careers or anyone else." Willing to look within the district.  

Prefers someone with experience at all levels of teaching and has worked their way up from the bottom. Someone who has been a teacher and principal before. Also states that it is important that the new superintend will continue with current middle school reform efforts.

Would like to find someone with previous experience in the classroom and as an administrator, including time as a superintendent.

Budgeting 

Thinks we do not spend enough money on education. Would like to spend more in the arts, music and developing the whole child. But NCLB is a big driver of how we spend our money. 

Pointed out that recent reviews in special education programs could result in hundreds of thousand of dollars in savings. 

It is important that the public understands investing in education is critical and the money should be spend in the classroom and not in fad projects and central office expenditures. 

Wants to reduce the budget in education by finding efficiencies to keep costs down and look to cut something that is "not going to effect a numerous amount of children."