Where the state sees progress the federal government sees failure, allowing for transfers out of four schools.
By MELANIE AVE
Published July 21, 2003
TAMPA - This year, the four Tampa elementary schools that had been graded F worked hard, improved and shed the failing labels the state gave them a year ago.
Regardless, the federal government says, those schools are still failures because they did not make enough improvement in the last two years by its standards.
The schools get more than a new failing label. All 2,500 students at those schools can transfer to better-performing public schools - this school year.
With the first day of school only weeks away, meetings begin today to inform parents of students at Lockhart, Oak Park, Robles and Shaw elementaries of their wider enrollment options.
The four high-poverty schools join at least 44 other Florida schools that were graded F last year by the state and are now considered failing under the federal No Child Left Behind Act. Parents of children at those schools can transfer them to other public schools with grades of C or better.
Dozens more schools, even some graded A and B, are expected to receive failing marks July 31, when the complete list of schools not making "adequate yearly progress" according to federal standards, is released.
The new federal label has left some parents confused by another ranking of their children's education and schools worried about declining enrollment and loss of funding.
"There's a little bit of a discrepancy between what the state is looking at and what the federal government is looking at," said Gwen Luney, Hillsborough assistant superintendent. "I wish they would merge their conversations."
School principals say it could drive away children at a time when they are actually doing better, not worse.
"Grades are very confusing and this is another layer of confusion to the grades," said Shaw principal Velia Pedrero.
The state gave the four schools F grades last year based on student performance on the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test. But this year, Shaw, Oak Park and Robles improved to D's and Lockhart jumped to a C.
Then the federal label zapped the joy over the improving state report card.
"I know a D is not the best thing," said Oak Park principal Joyce Miles. "But to find out this, it's a little disappointing."
Under Gov. Jeb Bush's plan, school grades depend on student performance in writing, reading and math as well as how much they improve from one year to the next.
Scores of children - including those with some disabilities, those who move and those with few English skills - are not counted toward school grades.
The federal grading plan is more broad than the state's. Under No Child Left Behind, each state determines criteria by which to assess student performance. In Florida, schools must show nine specific groups of children - including those who are poor, those who are disabled and those who have limited English skills - are improving on the FCAT in reading and math.
Each category is graded and must have at least 31 percent of children in reading and 38 percent of students in math doing well.
If a school fails to meet the standard in one area, it is considered not making "adequate yearly progress."
The school system mailed letters this week to parents who have children at the four schools, giving them a list of four to six schools in which they can enroll their children, with transportation provided.
Many of the optional schools are several miles away. In some cases, schools that are much closer, but crowded, were left off the letter even though the law allows the children to attend them.
The letter says parents can transfer their children to other schools "as long is space is available." The legislation, however, allows parents to enroll their children at any school with a better grade regardless of space.
Rachel DeLeon said she may transfer her fourth-grade daughter, Carmen, out of Shaw because she was unhappy with the school last year and she wants her child to be closer to her work.
"I see this as good news," she said.
The public school transfer puts a major hitch in the school district's transfer policy.
Generally, parents can only transfer their children outside their neighborhood if they prove certain hardships, such as a medical reason or day care needs.
Still, the federal transfer options are more strict than those under Gov. Bush's education reform plan known as Assistance Plus.
Under the state plan, students at Florida schools that receive two F's within four years may receive vouchers to attend private schools or to enroll at better-performing public schools.
David Williams said even with the federal distinction, he will keep his two children at Oak Park. He is that confident in the school's improvement.
"We made D last year but we're making progress," he said. "We're working toward a higher mark."
Lockhart principal Tracye Brown said she is hopeful few students will transfer, especially since the school is being converted to a visual, performing and communication arts magnet school this year.
"I'm concerned about the legislation," she said. "But I'm confident with the level of instruction that will be here."
