(Name-mce) ListServ School asks exception from law for Native American funerals

[KispokoT at aol.com]

Please disregard if this has already been posted.  However, this important 
story is a good example of how NCLB works AGAINST  many students and cultures 
and how apathetic some officials appear to be  about the problems.
 
 

School asks exception from law for Native American funerals
2/4/2007, 12:43 p.m. PT  

The Associated Press
http://www.oregonlive.com/printer/printer.ssf?/base/news-18/117062214326870.xm
l&storylist=orlocal
 
 
MADRAS, Ore. (AP) — Warm Springs Elementary School may be judged a failure  
because its attendance rates fall below the standards set by the federal No  
Child Left Behind law, but school officials say that's not fair. 
School officials want the Oregon Department of Education to acknowledge the  
academic success of the school on the Warm Springs Indian Reservation and the  
reason for its attendance record — multiday funeral events that tribal 
members  are obligated to attend. 
Jefferson County School Superintendent Guy Fisher said he's seeking an  
exception that would accommodate the three- to five-day funeral events, but he's  
been unable to secure it. 
The school ranks among the best in the Jefferson County School District  
academically, Fisher said. "There's no other school in the state like it," he  
said. 
But the law takes into account both academic and attendance figures. Warm  
Springs consistently misses the minimum standard by a percentage point or  two. 
If attendance records for the current school year do not make the grade, Warm 
 Springs will be subject to restructuring measures aimed at failing schools 
under  the law. 
Fisher said he's been seeking the exemption for five months and drove to  
Salem last week without success. 
"I'm getting to the end of my rope," he said. "All I'm asking for is a  
clause." 
Doug Kosty, assistant superintendent in the state Office of Assessment and  
Information Systems, said state officials recognize the difficulty Fisher 
faces,  but he does not believe there is any need to rush action. State test scores 
and  attendance numbers, he said, will not be available until summer 2007. 
"I don't see that there's a sense of urgency," he said. 
But Fisher said sanctions might be applied as early as next school year. 
"We're trying to avoid having that label of failure put on the school again," 
 Fisher said. "I don't want to be aggravating; I just want to resolve this." 
___ 
Information from: The Bulletin