Lane letter reflects inaccurate stereotypes of teaching profession – Call Newspapers
November 14, 2007
i.call
November 14, 2007 – Carl Lane’s letter reflects the inaccurate stereotypes of the teaching profession that are perpetuated by people who are not teachers.
Mr. Lane cites statistics that highlight the minimum contract hours of teachers. Teachers work longer hours than their contracts require.
If teachers were to “work the contract” as Mr. Lane recommends, papers would never get graded, tutoring would never take place, lesson plans would never get completed, parents would never be contacted and student clubs would never meet.
Mr. Lane argues others “work extra hours and pursue continuing education opportunities.”
He fails to mention that teaching is one of the few professions in which continuing education is mandatory. Missouri places several requirements on teachers in regards to improving professionally. It requires that teachers accumulate 30 hours of professional development annually. Teachers are mandated to earn a master’s degree to stay certified.
Mehlville School District has achieved Distinction in Performance for the 2nd Straight Year
November 14, 2007
i.call
November 14, 2007 – Based on preliminary reports from state education officials, the Lindbergh and Mehlville school districts achieved Distinction in Performance for the 2006-2007 academic year.
Lindbergh met all 14 performance indicators now used for accreditation of school districts and Mehlville met 13 of those 14 indicators, according to the Nov. 1 release of Annual Performance Reports, APRs, from the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, or DESE.
Click here to read the rest now!
The report measures progress on meeting six academic standards represented by 14 specific performance indicators. Official APR results for all school districts will be released in December.
This marks the seventh consecutive year that Lindbergh has reached Distinction in Performance. Mehlville now has achieved Distinction in Performance for the second straight year.
Mehlville class-size reduction could occur naturally by 2011
November 14, 2007
i.call
Mehlville class-size reduction could occur naturally by 2011
Enrollment projections show drop of 2,000 pupils by 2018
BURKE WASSON
Staff Reporter
November 14, 2007 – If Mehlville School District officials want to reduce class size, an administrative study shows that a projected decline in student enrollment could naturally achieve that goal as soon as 2011.
Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources Lisa Counts last week presented the study that concluded the district’s academic performance likely would improve through smaller class sizes.
The Nov. 5 session was part of the district’s public-engagement effort, COMPASS — Charting the Oakville-Mehlville Path to Advance Successful Schools.
Bad Behavior Does Not Doom Pupils, Studies Say – New York Times
November 14, 2007
More on the brains natural ability to overcome hyperactivity in early education…
Bad Behavior Does Not Doom Pupils, Studies Say – New York Times
One concluded that kindergartners who are identified as troubled do as well academically as their peers in elementary school. The other found that children with attention deficit disorders suffer primarily from a delay in brain development, not from a deficit or flaw.
Experts say the findings of the two studies, being published today in separate journals, could change the way scientists, teachers and parents understand and manage children who are disruptive or emotionally withdrawn in the early years of school. The studies might even prompt a reassessment of the possible causes of disruptive behavior in some children.
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Mad Magazine summed it up with the statement, “The only reason a great many American families don’t own an elephant is that they have never been offered an elephant for a dollar down and easy weekly payments.”
Also, congratulations to the Oakville High Marching band…
Friend,
As I sent out the last email about the Bernard “Salute To Veterans,” I realized that since I was out of town on Friday of last week I failed to send out my news releases. I apologize for this momentary case of amnesia. I’ve attached the releases I sent to the media on Wednesday of last week before I left town.
In other news, I’m sure you all have heard by now that Mehlville High School has two teams in the State Final 4 Championships.
The MHS football team travels to Pattonville for a 7pm game on Friday, with the winner advancing to the State Championship Game at the Edward Jones Dome over Thanksgiving weekend. Best of luck to Coach Heyde and the team.
On the pitch (as they say around the world about the playing field) the Mehlville boys soccer team will go where no previous Mehlville boys soccer team has gone — to the Final 4 in the Missouri State Playoffs. Mehlville matches up with St. Louis U. High on Friday evening at 6pm at the Soccer Park in Fenton. With a win, Mehlville will play for the State Championship the next day (Saturday). Good luck to Coach Harper and his team.
I also want to mention that the Oakville High Marching Band completed its season with a first in Missouri Marching Band history — Winning their division at the Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival 5 years in a row!!! Congratulations to Mr. Meador and his talented musicians.
Finally, just a reminder that the Board of Education will meet on Thursday evening at 7pm at the John Cary Early Childhood Center. And, Mr. Noble and selected Board members will host a Saturday Morning Cafe at the St. Louis Bread Company in the South County Mall area this weekend from 9am – 11am. Stop by and say hello.
More news and notes from around the District will come your way this Friday.
Regards,
Patrick W. Wallace, APR
Director – School/Community Relations
Mehlville School District
Phone: (314) 467-5152
Fax: (314) 467-5198
Bernard Middle Salutes the Vets – on Charter Ch. 21 this Thursday
November 14, 2007
Friend,
Just a quick not to let you know that I videotaped the Bernard Middle School “Salute To Veterans” celebration tonight and have scheduled it for air on Charter Cable Channel 21 this Thursday evening (November 15) at 6pm.
As I start my 8th year with the District, I can honestly say no other event I’ve covered has filled me with as much patriotic pride as the Bernard “Salute To Veterans.” The kids do such a great job singing, playing music and presenting their salute. Plus, the finale is beyond words. I encourage you to check out this performance if you get a chance. I only hope my video camera (and my videotaping skills) do justice to the program.
Regards,
Patrick W. Wallace, APR
Director – School/Community Relations
Mehlville School District
Phone: (314) 467-5152
Fax: (314) 467-5198
