Ypsilanti, Willow Run high schools on state lowest-performing schools list
Two high schools in Washtenaw County are among the state’s lowest performing 5 percent.
Willow Run and Ypsilanti high schools both made the dubious list, which is called the Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools list. Both now have a deadline to meet to file a reform plan and are eligible for grant funding to help make changes.
The inclusion of Ypsilanti on the official list is a small surprise.
Ypsilanti officials had been told several months ago the school was on the list and began drafting plans, which included the possible shift of the high school to having a communication/arts focus.
Then state officials told Ypsilanti district administrators they were off the list.
But on Monday, they were back on. In a way, that’s good news for the district because it means it can get money to help make the changes, district administrators said.
Superintendent Dedrick Martin weighed in on the inclusion of Ypsilanti on the list.
“Embarking on an initiative of this magnitude would be a challenge without the assistance of significant federal funding, up to $2 million per school, through the ARRA School Improvement Grant,” Superintendent Dedrick Martin said in a press release. “The development of strong educational systems is an ongoing effort - this grant funding will help provide additional services and opportunities.”
The news is no surprise to Willow Run officials. They’ve been working on a restructuring plan for several months now.
The plan calls for establishing a STEMM magnet school inside the high school focusing on science, math and engineering and a cyber school academy. Other changes in the plan include more extended day or extended year options for students; getting a 1-to-1 computing for STEMM students; shifting to a project-based learning environment; increasing the safety at the school; and involving the community in the school through mentorships, community service and internships.
Districts with schools on the Persistently Lowest Achieving Schools list must submit a redesign plan to the Michigan Department of Education's school reform officer by Nov. 16, using one of four improvement models required by the U.S. Department of Education.
Schools may begin to implement their redesign plans immediately, but must begin implementing them no later than the 2011-12 school year.
The four federally-required school improvement models from which the schools must select, are:
- Transformational model: Districts would address four specific areas: 1) developing teacher and school leader effectiveness, which includes replacing the principal who led the school prior to commencement of the transformational model; 2) implementing comprehensive instructional reform strategies; 3) extending learning and teacher planning time and creating community-oriented schools; and 4) providing operating flexibility and sustained support.
- Turnaround model: This would include among other actions, replacing the principal and at least 50 percent of the school's staff, adopting a new governance structure and implementing a new or revised instructional program.
- Restart model: School districts would close the school and reopen it under the management of a charter school operator; a charter management organization; or an educational management organization selected through a rigorous review process. A restart school would be required to enroll, within the grades it serves, any former student who wishes to attend.
- School closure: The district would close a failing school and enroll the students who attended that school in other high-achieving schools in the district.
David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.
Comments
Grant
Fri, Aug 27, 2010 : 10:31 a.m.
Well Humdinger, if the teachers worked 260 days, they would be worth $100,000. The union leadership has managed to cut back the actual days and hours of instruction to a point where it is not surprising that these students cannot achieve!!
teacher
Mon, Aug 23, 2010 : 5:07 p.m.
As Ms Castle points out, both Willow Run and Ypsilanti Schools have significant numbers of students from low income households. It does make a difference. What is needed to help these students be successful is not exactly the same as what students from homes with more income need. What is the community responsibility in this problem? What has happened in both of these districts is that many of those with resources and higher incomes have moved their students out of these districts. There are some families who choose to stay and work to make things better for all students but they are the exception not the rule. Our local schools need the support of the community, parent involvement from all parents, and schools that are focused on making progress through well developed, defined, and researched instructional programs and strategies. Raising strong children is not an easy task for parents or for educators. Too much time is being spent blaming each other instead of working together to address the problems that are faced by our community.
ypsilistener
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 10:44 p.m.
@lorie: My questions were: "I'm just wondering, what are YOU doing? How are you helping?" I don't think you answered them. Then you ask, "Maybe the schools aren't the problem? eh?" But I don't know that you are cluing us in to what the problem actually is, and what should be done about it. Many of us would love to know.
pseudo
Sat, Aug 21, 2010 : 3:21 p.m.
@Ypsilistener: good points and yes, I know of some families who have made it work for them but it has been a hard decision and a hard-fought result. I stick by my earlier comments. I have had occasion to go back and read though old Ypsi Press, News and Couriers. My earlier comments are from that experience: this same exact conversation has been going on for more than 30 years and how to 'save' these schools as they continue to make headlines for failing. From what I can tell getting a new superintendent didn't change things much; a new curriculum lead didn't change things much; paying consultants didn't change things much; dumping a bunch of money into infrastructure didn't change things much. Maybe the schools aren't the problem? eh?
Jay Allen
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 1:32 p.m.
@katmando: "Students from Willow Run and Ypsilanti swap schools two or three times a year." Help me out here. If what you said is true (and I do not know either way) why is this? How is this allowed? ERM's Ghost and I on this issue are almost on the same page. No matter how good the surroundings are, if the kid's attitude is such that they just don't care, then what? @Sandy Castle: I think it is awesome that your children are doing so well!!! Congratulations. However, you seem to be the exception and not the rule.
Sandy Castle
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 11:31 a.m.
My oldest daughter just graduated from YHS and the ECA (Early College Alliance at EMU) with 49 college credits, and a great GPA. She leaves tomorrow for college where, due to these extra credits, she will be pursuing two majors and she'll be working towards a doctorate in Physical Therapy. My youngest daughter will begin at the New Tech High School in Ypsilanti this fall and she is very excited about this new program and the phenomenal teachers that are teaching there. The achievement gap can be tracked directly to parental involvement, or lack thereof. Unfortunately, this appears more often in kids from underprivileged homes, whatever the color of their skin. Children do well in school when their parents enforce consistent goals and rules. Stop wasting time trying to blame the schools for the problem. It's unfortunate that the schools are graded by a system that consistently singles out communities with higher low-income families. I grew up and went through the school system in Ann Arbor and that really is the only difference between Ann Arbor and Ypsilant schools. Huron High wasn't much different than Ypsi High. Living in Ypsilanti, and helping out in the classrooms as my kids went through the system, I realized that you do what you can to help. But that is all you can do, you can't take the place of parents. You can only help people who want help and they don't even seem to know they need it. Unfortunately it IS their children who will suffer. It never ceases to amaze me, you have to take a test to get your driver's license, but ANYBODY can have a kid.
ypsilistener
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 9:57 a.m.
@lorie: Of course your blanket statement is wrong. I am not rushing to get my kids out of the schools, and neither are most of my school friends. What we do try to do is contribute our energy and values, and send our kids to school with good attitudes and ready to learn. The negativity is nothing but destructive. "Graduation rates, grades, test scores, college entrance rates, college graduation rates...really. What are we doing?" I'm just wondering, what are YOU doing? How are you helping?
lifeisgood
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 9:29 a.m.
Yes, it starts at home. Total agreement. However, in a failing district such as this, they need to raise the bar. Period. Follow their own published guidelines as far as attendance, cheating, etc. They are not doing that, and it appears this school is being driven by the students and the lazy parents who can't get the kids to school on time. The only skills I see being learned are how to figure out percentages.
tdw
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 9:07 a.m.
Why does everyone blame the schools? its the parents that are at fault
pseudo
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.
Ypsilanti (and Ypsilanti Township) school district is failing. Really. Fundamentally failing. Any parent who really values what their kids are learning and how they are being taught and what happens in the hallways is finding a way to get their kids out of these schools. Graduation rates, grades, test scores, college entrance rates, college graduation rates...really. What are we doing?
ypsimom1
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 8:22 a.m.
@Jay: You may want to re-read or just READ the transportation consolidation agreement. Don't worry....your Ann Arbor children are safe! They can't send their buses to Ypsi, Ypsi can't send their buses to Willow Run, and Willow Run can't send their buses to A2....it's simply a money saving transportation consortium that pays the drivers much less and has fewer routes to school for all kids. Take another peek.
community101
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 8:18 a.m.
What to say....education begins so early in life. And the love for education has to be instilled in the parents long before the child ever arrives. To me, it is the small things; reading to a child at night. Actually going to the school....what a theory. During the summer months buy the workbooks to keep them learning. I would like to see kids come home with a "summer learning" package of math, reading and maybe an assignment or two to complete during the summer. They could turn it in for a reward in the Fall. Its obvious parents are not going to change their understanding overnight. Or maybe ever. Just help the kids that you can, provide books to kids that you know, help in the classroom if you have some extra time....
ypsilistener
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 6:53 a.m.
@Corby: Well done! I know of plenty of success stories in Ypsi schools. The opportunities are there for the taking. Now, how do we get more families to become more "educationally obsessed"? How many different ways can this message be delivered (more than it already is)? And what will it take for the message to be received and embraced? That is the key.
Corby
Tue, Aug 17, 2010 : 12:07 a.m.
I'd like to echo what several folks have said: the role of parents and the social value placed on education is key. Does anyone really believe if we transferred all teachers and administrators from Ann Arbor schools to Ypsi the results would change significantly? Would Ann Arbor scores suddenly plummet? (It'd never happen, but you have to admit, it'd make for some groundbreaking research, eh?) As a parent, what I want to know is if my child can meet their potential in a school system. Every report I've heard from engaged parents in Ypsi schools is an answer in the affirmative. The state's standardized evaluations are absolutely meaningless as a measure for educational success. Success should be measured by progress. Given the disparity between starting points, one student in one district could progress slowly but still meet the state standards. Another could progress by massive leaps but still fall short. The state standards do nothing to address and assess the learning achieved, the quality of education. I've been extremely appreciative of the quality of education in Ypsi schools, and I have very high standards. This is true both in the education my child has received and that given to classmates who come from less "educationally obsessed" backgrounds. I commend the YPS teachers. Thus far, they are doing an amazing job at advancing an incredibly diverse group of students. My measure of success is far more personal and critical than that of state standards, and you are doing exceptionally well. Thank you!
WLParent
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 10:04 p.m.
@lifeisgood Your "data" (FB posting) is exactly what is wrong with education today: Rather than a parent taking responsibility, it is blamed on the schools for a student's lack of success! It looks to me like the parent did not follow through with his/her threats; furthermore, this parent obviously doesn't care what time this student goes to bed. The same parent would most likely allow this to happen if the student was getting a zero rather than the 49%. Your "data" actually proves quite the opposite. The students with parents who don't care will still fail regardless if the grade is a 0 or 49%. However, if a parent followed through on the threats, and made a student go to bed on time, then this student would possibly have a chance of passing the class because he/she was forced to accept some responsibility for his/her education. The "real data" will show that parents who are involved in their students' educations will more likely have students who succeed in school. Teachers can only do so much, and they cannot enforce whether or not a student goes to "zee mall".
YpsiLivin
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 9:29 p.m.
E. None of the above. Sadly, the State can see fit to install an emergency financial manager when a district fails to manage the books properly, but seemingly doesn't have the fortitude to declare a district-level academic emergency, no matter how low student performance drops here.
lifeisgood
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 8:09 p.m.
@ypsilistener--the methodology of the case makes sense....if the school went to a four point scale, but they didn't. As a step-parent, here is my data. The English class I referenced, grades as of 3/25 (2nd semester), 7 letter grades/ 19 49%s. At least teacher graded a lot of work. Passing. Want more proof (taken from Facebook)? "Can't go to zee mall...can't get another 49." And 30 minutes later..."at zee mall with....." A week later...."Just stole XXXXX's answer key, now maybe I'll pass." A few days later on FB, at 2:30 a.m. on a school night,.home alone, text me? CPS doesn't think this is a problem. Enough data for me.
pseudo
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 7:42 p.m.
@CountyKate: ah right? And yet - really, does it matter if they make this list at the bottom 5% or not at, say, the 6th percentile...its still a long long way to a "passing grade".
Jay Thomas
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 7:29 p.m.
Thank goodness Superintendent Roberts got our school transportation system merged with theirs so they can now all go to school here. Yippee!
DonBee
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 6:53 p.m.
I hope that both schools get back on their feet. Every student deserves a solid chance to learn and succeed.
ypsilistener
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 6:38 p.m.
I'm pondering the current results of the surveys, which are very interesting. You'd think they'd be pretty similar to each other, but for Ypsi, 40% say to go with the Transformational model and 18% say to close it down. For Willow Run, 16% say Transformational model and a whopping 52% say to close it down! Wow! Does this mean that Willow Run is ready to throw in the towel? Does it mean Ypsi still has hope? Or does it mean Ypsi is still in denial? @lifeisgood, do you have proof--hard data--that the 49% policy has made things worse at YHS? I understand the concept behind it and agree with it, for the most part. In general, if a kid does no work or fails all the assignments, that kid will fail the class regardless of whether receiving a 49 or a zero. If, however, a kid is trying to pull it together after a bad start, or does well on most things, a bad grade of 49 can keep them afloat. I'm on the side of hope and progress, not punishment and failure. But I'm willing to reconsider, if the data shows otherwise. I'll say this much: If more of the teachers would follow the policy and explain it to the students better, instead of criticizing the decision-makers, I think it would help tremendously!
lifeisgood
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 6:17 p.m.
Until YHS stops giving 49% for NO WORK, they will never get out. They base this on the article "The Case Agaist the Zero." This is teaching them nothing! I have first hand knowledge, and it is sickening. When we couldn't get through to anyone at school, we took the time to show up during the school day (the language we heard from students in the office was disgusting).When asked why given child was not penalized for 54 tardies to 1st hour, we were told...."We can't possibly keep track of 1st hour." What? It is your RESPONSIBILITY!And, yes, child received full credit for the class. When we requested a discipline report at the end of the year for the 40+ unexcused absences throughout the year (skipping), there were none listed. Why is this important to this community? To begin with, said child was in AP Prep English, squeaked out a D, a couple c's, and an A in elective, maintained a 2.0 (had far more 49%s than grades) and was eligible to play sports. These same kids are competing for spots at WTMC, EMU Alliance and their grades DO NOT REPRESENT the truth. At parent/teacher conferences teachers just shook their heads. Can you imagine how hard their job is dealing with the apathy that YHS is teaching their students? Do not throw money at them, question the board's decision to adopt this policy. And then see where their true graduation rates, test scores, and dropout rates land.
katmando
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 5:56 p.m.
Ypsilanti has been in panic mode for years. Students from Willow Run and Ypsilanti swap schools two or three times a year.
CountyKate
Mon, Aug 16, 2010 : 3:22 p.m.
Wouldn't it be nice if the state could figure out what is going on in Ypsilanti? First, it is, then it isn't, then it is, again, on the list. Give me a break. Ypsilanti was on the road to making the changes needed. With new administration, however, I wonder if the original plan will be derailed and we'll go into panic mode, instead.