POPLARVILLE —
School rankings were just released, indicating how well Mississippi schools performed in regards to standardized test scores. Now that we are truly in the so called era of accountability with our public schools, communities can see how local schools “stack up” against each other. The consequences for teachers, administrators, economic developers and others can be high. Even those in real estate pay close attention. Have you ever seen a “house for sale” ad, stating that a given address is in a certain school district?
The public schools today appear quite different from the schools of yesteryear. Yes, tests were administered and scored; but in a much more relaxed approach. There were no set aside school days dedicated solely for standardized tests. Today, youth organizations such as band/music, dancing and sports go into idle mode during school test days. Kids are told they cannot participate in fun activities, in which much learning takes place, due to school testing. Some of life’s most valuable lessons are learned in areas outside of the classroom and beyond the standardized test. Yet there is no measure attached to these areas.
Furthermore, in defense of the teachers and administrators, there are so many external factors that go into a student’s ability to score well on a test and influence the outcome. Imagine if a community’s healthcare system was graded solely on death rates, disregarding other factors such as diet, tobacco use, etc. Certainly communities that gorge on fried food and have a high percentage of smokers will have an adverse death rate; this is of no fault to the doctors. The same could be said for fire departments. Damage due to fire is much heavier in areas prone to drought and high temperatures, yet we do not place blame on fire fighters that choose to live in arid regions.
No standardized test score can quantify what happens in a school. Just like with doctors and fireman, there are too many external factors to take into account to solely grade a school just on test scores alone. While determining a child’s skill at rote memorization, which is at the heart of standardized tests, is basically the only measurements of school performance currently published, other measures could be incorporated.
Perhaps local citizens could be asked to grade their school. After all, public schools are funded by local taxpayers; it could be the time to find other measures of school performance other than just scores on standardized tests.
Business
School rankings have consequences for more than just students and faculty
- Business
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- Dual Enrollment Practical Nursing Program available at PRCC Some students possess the maturity level and academic wherewithal to begin studying toward a fruitful career path while still in high school. It is no secret that many earn most of the necessary credits towards a high school diploma by the completion of the junior year of school; thus, requiring the student to attend high school for part of the school day during their senior year. Many students have jobs or extracurricular school activities, such as band or athletics, to help round out the day. However, those not in falling into these categories often ended up with a lot of free time; fortunately policy makers in Mississippi are finding ways to assist these students.
- Senators Burks Hill and Smith along with Representative Frierson panelists for Chamber Business Review The Greater Area Picayune Chamber of Commerce held a Legislative Review for the business community, at Char Southern Steakhouse, Monday at 5:30 p.m. Panelists included State Senator District 40 Angela Burks Hill, State Senator District 47 Tony Smith, and State Rep. Herb Frierson of Poplarville. All are Republican. They spoke on the past session and bills they either authored or helped pass which impact local and state businesses.
- Investing in the community one building at a time There is a bit of a renaissance occurring in Pearl River County. This is happening one building at a time. It seems to be happening rather quietly, but the end results are going to help shape the future of the county and the cities located here.
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Medical Group gives back to community
, Children’s International Medical Group is proud to announce the opening of their pediatric clinic in Picayune.
The clinic is one of many throughout La. and Miss. which brings compassionate care centered around pediatric patients and the community in which they live.
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Charter Bank names Westfall as VP
Charter Bank is pleased to announce the addition of Rich Westfall as vice president of business development and marketing. His responsibilities will be to lead business and community development and oversee all marketing efforts for the bank.
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Weak Oracle sales, Cyprus fears weigh on US stocks
Stocks closed lower on Wall Street Thursday after Oracle’s weak sales results weighed down big U.S. technology companies. Traders also worried about Cyprus running out of time to avoid bankruptcy.
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Mississippi REALTORS® hold annual REALTOR® Day at the Capitol
On Feb.7, 2013 Pearl River County REALTORS® joined more than 120 Mississippi REALTORS® at the Mississippi State Capitol to take part in REALTOR® Day at the Capitol.
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More than school board needs to be changed: Part 2
Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
At quick glance, it is easy to see that the Mississippi economy will only need about 25 percent of its workforce at the bachelor’s level or higher. Most jobs still require only a high school degree, but many well paying jobs will require some sort of 2 year degree or a post high school type credential such as a certificate in welding, carpentry or plumbing. -
HORNE LLP welcomes Picayune native as spring accounting intern
HORNE LLP, one of the top accounting and business advisory firms in the nation, recently welcomed Melissa Pigott of Picayune, Miss., as a spring accounting intern. A total of 26 accounting students were selected for the highly competitive internship program.
Pigott is a student at the University of Southern Mississippi and is completing her internship in assurance services in the Ridgeland, Miss., office location. -
More than school board needs to be changed: Part 1
By Dr. Scott Alsobrooks/Guest Columnist
The Senate Education Committee passed Bill 2141 recently. The bill is championed by local Senator Tony Smith. While the bill would not affect Pearl River Central Schools, it would change the Picayune and Poplarville School Districts from a mix of appointed and elected board members, to all elected. An amendment was put in the bill to require board members to have at least one year of college. - More Business Headlines
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