State review indicates accreditation for KC district to be uphill climb

The state’s review of the Kansas City School District is in, and the prognosis is dire. The climb to full accreditation by 2010 will be steep. According to the state’s findings, the district has lacked sustained leadership and goals. The Board of Education has been too involved in the district’s day-to-day workings. Classrooms lack academic rigor. Curriculum lacks structure. Too many students and teachers are distracted by concerns about order and safety. Professional development falls short of improving instruction. The district also received data this week showing that students improved on state tests in April. The review, however, said the district needed to pick up the pace. “The report is frank and candid,” said board member Ingrid Burnett. “That’s good. Because we’re not going to get better if we can’t be honest and... [read full story]