When a school district doesn’t have one traditional school rated “excellent” by the state, it’s not much of leap to think that drastic and immediate reform measures are needed.
So even though many students in Aurora Public Schools are balking at the idea of not being able to leave campus at lunch, we agree wholeheartedly with Aurora’s decision to close campuses for students who aren’t making the grade.
It’s hardly a drastic measure, but it’s certainly a step toward revitalizing the district, where students score 20 percentage points or more below the state average in almost all areas tested.
Aurora schools also have a 10 percent truancy rate, while the state average is 4 percent. It doesn’t take a high school graduate to figure that if students aren’t in class, they can’t learn.
Under the new policy, good students who attend class, get decent grades and stay out of trouble can leave campus for lunch with a “Principal’s Pass.”
The policy strikes the proper balance because it rewards those students who have proven they’re mature enough to accept the responsibilities that come with becoming young adults. Responsible students shouldn’t be penalized for the problems of others.
Under the policy, freshmen will not be allowed to leave campus at all. Sophomores, juniors and seniors who want to leave for lunch will need at least a 2.75 grade-point average, a 93 percent daily attendance rate and no behavioral problems. Each quarter, students at Aurora’s four traditional high schools will be assessed for a Principal’s Pass.
“This quarterly check really gives a student who isn’t doing as well a chance to turn himself around and earn some privileges in a nine-week period of time,” Tony Van Gytenbeek, deputy superintendent for the Aurora district, told The Post’s Carlos Illescas.
Aurora’s new policy will be coupled with other changes, including more pay for teachers who double as “case managers.” If students they’re working with are deemed at-risk for skipping school, the teachers will check in with them daily.
Aurora schools have many challenges, including a growing number of students who don’t speak English.
It’s not possible to turn the district around overnight, but simple, common- sense rules such as this are one good method to get it chugging down the right track.
