Blog

 SMSD area Sen. MELCHER voted in favor of mandatory 3rd grade retention. Recall he also voted in favor of the constitutional amendment to limit the court’s ability to order school funding. Families from Trailwood, Brookwood, and parts of John Diemer, Indian Woods, SMS and Blue Valley SD, Sen. Melcher needs to hear from you! Thank SMSD Sens. Wolf and Pettey for voting the bill down. http://cjonline.com/news/2013-02-26/committee-rejects-plan-hold-back-third-graders Retention decisions should be made by parents, teachers and principals based upon evaluation of multiple criteria rather than based upon a single test score and mandated by the legislature.  Academic research shows a harmful...

Kansas Senate education committee voted down Governor Brownback’s 4th grade reading plan SB 169 (retains 3rd graders who fail tests) on a 5-6 vote.  This bill was another example of the wrong cure.  Retention decisions should be left to parents, teachers and principals, given research showing a link between retention and drop-out rates and other issues.  ...

http://www.kansas.com/2013/02/26/2690968/letters-to-the-editor-on-public.html...

MainStream Coalition is hosting an education forum Thursday, February 28 at 7:00 pm at the Colonial Church, 7039 Mission Road, in Prairie Village.  Speakers will include Dave Trabert of the Kansas Policy Institute, a vocal critic of school funding and achievement and proponent of “free market” solutions (vouchers, online learning, home schooling, etc.) and Dr. Tom Trigg, Superintendent Blue Valley School District.  Hope to see you there!...