District Administration - March 2010 - (Page 42)

He noted Georgia’s high school graduation rates. “There is room to grow, but from where we started, there is at least a 10 to 15 percent increase,” he says. “Plus, like the rest of country, we have experienced austerity reductions for the entire time she has been in office, so she has had to accomplish her goals without a full complement of funding.” Evans applauds Cox for the faster turnaround of data from curriculum-based assessments and pushing for training at 180 school districts. “We’re getting more The Moxie of Kathy Cox timely feedback so students can get remedial education during their current school year,” he says. “Cox recognized that Georgia needed an assessment program that matched the state’s curriculum.” Another of Cox’s strengths that Evans cites is her accessibility. “She recognizes the importance of making herself available to educators across the state. That is not an easy thing to do,” he adds. “She visits and teaches at schools across Georgia to demonstrate her background and her belief in what makes a difference in student learning. “There are disparate needs across Georgia, and Cox understands the needs of both ends of the spectrum—from highachieving, affluent districts to low-tax-base districts,” he concludes. The Future Despite her public problems, Cox is running for re-election in November. However, five other candidates, including three Democrats and two other Republicans, are vying for her slot. One of her challengers is Roger Hines, a 42-year teaching veteran with two terms of experience in the state House of Representatives. Hines’ motto is “We can do better.” As he explains, “Georgia is still 46th in many areas. … We have not moved.” Hines wants to improve the teaching climate. He says, “Teachers are weary from things that keep them from teaching. They want more time for instruction, more freedom; let my teachers teach.” Along with other critics, Hines takes issue with the touted graduation rate, which he says is closer to 70 percent. There is a 16 percent gap between state and independent calculations, ranging from 56 percent to 72 percent, according to the Alliance for Excellent Education. But Cox believes she has accomplished much, despite the challenges. “I have lived up to my promise to my students to be part of the solution. It’s a tough job,” Cox says, acknowledging that it may never be possible to please every citizen. “It’s like asking someone about Congress. If you ask, ‘Do you think they’re doing a good job?’ everyone says no. But if you ask about their own congressmen, they will say, ‘They’re doing a great job.’ It’s the same phenomenon.” People might have a negative opinion of schools in general, but they are generally happy with their schools’ performance, she says. “Lack of knowledge about the big picture is my biggest enemy,” she says. “Education isn’t about instant gratification. “We have moved, but there is more to do,” says Cox. “I am proud of our public education system. And we don’t give it enough credit.” DA Stephanie Johns is a freelance writer who lives in Mountain Lakes, N.J. District Administration Flowers blooming. Warm breezes blowing. Bunnies bouncing. And one of the most significant advances in strategic website and community management solutions. Ever. Coming this Spring. www.schoolwires.com 877.427.9413 See us at CoSN booth 300 42 March 2010 twitter.com/schoolwires http://www.schoolwires.com http://www.twitter.com/schoolwires

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of District Administration - March 2010

District Administration - March 2010
Contents
From the Editor
News Update
Curriculum Update
Conversations
Administrator Profile
District Profile
Toward a More Perfect Union
The Moxie of Kathy Cox
Logging On to Learn
Battling Sexual Abuse
Supervisor’s Opinion
Problem/Solution
Crisis Response
Product Focus
New Products
Tech Disruptions

District Administration - March 2010

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