st. paul

The article doesn't mention the worst aspect of the proposed changes -- moving 6th grade from elementary to middle school. The research consistently shows that doing so has negative consequences, such as increased behavioral problems and lower on-time graduation rates. Moreover, the negative effects are strongest for lower SES students -- preceisely those about whom the district claims to be most concerned. Interestingly, the "data" supplied by the district in support of the move was not even on point, nor did it support their position.

"Administrators say the sweeping restructuring proposal will close the achievement gap, save $10 million by reducing transportation and duplicate programs, and bring in $22 million of revenue by recruiting more students to the district."

"Administrators say the sweeping restructuring proposal will close the achievement gap, save $10 million by reducing transportation and duplicate programs, and bring in $22 million of revenue by recruiting more students to the district.

Comments by Ebuddy: Only if the administrators are fired if the promised benchmarks are not met.

@crkruse: agree, and nobody is talking about this. I know a few St. Paul junior high teachers who are VERY worried about this - where in the building would they go when it's really not set up for them, would they be mixed in with the developmentally very different 7th/8th graders, will new 6th grade teachers come to teach them or will 7/8 teachers need to learn how to work with 6th graders, etc.

The reporter needs to not refer to the city's western neighborhoods as the "West Side." The "West Side" is the neighborhood across the river from the rest of St. Paul. The neighborhood names are what they are and the Strib needs to not change them.

These are huge changes, that won't be easily undone; there has been almost no opportunity for parents to give input; Superintendent Silva's "listening" sessions were not so that she could hear what SP families thought of her plan, they were set up so she could sell the plan, then divide up the audience before anyone could voice an opinion. When anybody did get to speak in opposition, she was extremely defensive and disrespectful. 6th graders do not belong in the same schools with 7th/8th graders - they are very different, maturity-wise, and the research doesn't support such a move. None of the parents I've spoken to approve of this plan. If it passes, we will look into charter and/or private schools. Not solely because the plan is ill-informed, but also because of the way the school board and superintendent are forcing through a plan without consulting the families of St. Paul, or including them in the process.

Will Superintendent Valeria Silva's plan drive more Saint Paul students into private schools?

I'm just confused as to how neighborhood schools is a bad thing....and how the district will be "resegregating" kids. If their parents don't want to be in that district, find housing in another area that is equivelant. I know it's probably difficult, but why are taxpayers bussing kids all over creation while the parents do nothing? Could just be my rural brain at work here, but having a neighborhood school made up of neighborhood kids seems to have some benefits.

Also, my local district moved 6th graders to the middle school with 7th and 8th graders. Haven't hear anything that it's been a bad decision. Parents should consider shutting up in front of their kids sometimes; kids only emulate what they see and hear.