Problems, answers lie in the schools

Reports presented this month by the principals of 21 schools in the

Newport-Mesa Unified School District showed that there are a few

problems on our campuses, but many more successes.

First, the good news.

The vast majority of our schools are performing better than

federally mandated goals set by the No Child Left Behind Act.

Many are well above state requirements, as set by the Academic

Performance Index. Nine of the 21 schools met the state’s goal of an

800 score out of a possible 1,000.

Particular successes include Andersen Elementary in Newport Beach,

which had a 900, the highest API score of all schools in the

district. Harbor View Elementary was close behind with 899. And

Corona del Mar was the only high school to meet the goal.

The bad news is that three campuses -- Whittier, Pomona and Wilson

elementary schools -- failed to meet the federal mandates.

Under the 2001 federal act, 13.6% of students must meet federal

standards in English and 16% in math. The trio of Westside schools

missed the mark for English although they are on target for math.

The reason for failing to exceed federal standards, in a nutshell,

is that large numbers of the schools’ students are non-native English

speakers. Many have parents who don’t speak or are learning English.

Most don’t grow up in homes where a familiar sight -- stacks or

shelves of books -- can be seen.

But even the bad news comes with happy tidings. Compared to

schools with similar demographics, they rise to the top. The schools

are getting better, by all accounts. There are good, dedicated

teachers, support staff and principals at all the campuses. There are

programs like Reading by 9 that are making a difference.

Yes, there are problems right now. But it is better that the

problems are being seen and addressed. After all, if the problem is

not identified, it can’t be solved.