Atlanta Public Schools like all districts have had their triumphs and frustrations this year of 2012. All stakeholders have their own grading system for Atlanta Public Schools. School districts have reports, responsibility and accountability. Atlanta Public School District must persist on being transparent as they review the budget and plan for the following year school.
This school year ends May, 2013. What grade would you give APS this year so far? How would you grade the superintendent of APS? What grade or recommendations would you give to the APS School Board?
Atlanta Public Schools vision, is to be a student centered, high performing urban school district, where all students become successful, life long learners and leaders. Their mission, is to educate all students through academic excellence, preparing students for success in life, service and leadership. The vision and the mission is the direction, focus and motivation of the school. The district should be evaluated on their vision and mission accomplishments.
APS is the urban school system in Atlanta
Atlanta Public Schools is a district based in Atlanta, Georgia. APS is run by the Atlanta Board of Education with interim Superintendent Erroll Davis. The district has an active enrollment of 54,956 students, attending a total of 100 schools: 59 elementary schools (three of which operate on a year-round calendar),16 middle schools, 10 high schools, and 7 charter schools. Atlanta Public Schools also supports two alternative schools for middle and high school students. The district has two community schools, and an adult learning center. The district owns and operates radio station WABE-FM 90.1 ( The National Public Radio affiliate) and Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) Public television station WPBA 30.
Atlanta Public Schools has been in the media locally, state and national, since the cheating scandal. Here is a review of some of headlines that have been published by local newspapers, and made news on local television in the Atlanta area from January to December, 2012:
January 6, 2012: APS special needs bus crashes into fence.
January 16, 2012: Audio tape show former superintendent bullying state official over CRCT cheating.
January 30, 2012: More APS teachers face disciplinary action.
February 1, 2012: Interim Superintendent Erroll Davis letter on redistricting.
February 1, 2012: Parents raise concerns over APS redistricting.
February 6, 2012: sanctions recommended against five APS teachers.
February 6, 2012: Parents line up to speak at APS redistricting meeting.
February 9, 2012: Commission recommends revoking APS teachers license and suspending others.
February 17, 2012: Contract of dozens of teachers named in cheating scandal could get renewed.
February 22, 2012: APS teacher on leave ordered to meeting.
February 24, 2012: Superintendent to consider expansion for Buckhead Elementary School.
February 27, 2012: Lawyer: APS made false promises to accused teachers.
March 5, 2012: APS superintendent O.K. closing of 13 schools.
March 7, 2012: APS heads say teachers facing layoffs can apply for other jobs.
March 12, 2012: APS to fire 11 educators named in cheating scandal.
March 12, 2012: Community meeting to discuss APS redistricting.
March 13, 2012: Embattled APS teachers face tribunal today.
March, 13, 2012: Parents, teachers question APS school closure plan.
March 14, 2012: APS teacher recommended for firing by tribunal.
March 17, 2012: Angry parents speak on slated East Lake closing.
March 22, 2012: APS officially fires first teacher in cheating scandal.
April 1, 2012: APS reveals final redistricting plan.
April 3, 2012: Parents upset over English only letter about school closure.
April 6, 2012: School closing flier depict superintendent in Klan robe.
April 10, 2012: APS to present final school closure list to school board.
April 11, 2012: APS to close 7 schools adopt redistricting plan.
April 12, 2012: Tribunal upholds firing of test coordinator in cheating scandal.
April 12, 2012: Lawmaker: ‘It’s time for Dr. Hall to cry.’
April 13, 2012: First APS administrator faces tribunal.
April 13, 2012: Teacher lashes out against accused APS test coordinator.
April 25, 2012: Student testifies in APS cheating tribunal.
May 17, 2012: APS custodian accused of using fake IDs.
June 6, 2012: APS teacher cleared of test cheating allegation.
July 25, 2012: APS teacher accused of helping student copy answers.
August 7, 2012: Second day of bus problems for Atlanta students.
August 8, 2012: APS parents outraged over bus stop policy.
August 15, 2012: APS agrees to add bus stops after parent complaints.
August 27, 2012: Superintendent testifies against accused APS teacher.
August 31, 2012: Families want bus stop moved away from strip club, liquor store.
August 31, 2012: Student accuse coach of abuse.
September 24, 2012: School sign ask parents not to walk kids into school.
September 24, 2012: Superintendent removed 178 cheating educators
October 7, 2012: Students to protest leadership changes at North Atlanta High School.
October 7, 2012: Principal abruptly dismissed from job speaks out.
October 10, 2012: State say superintendent’s claims not entirely accurate.
October 11, 2012: School board member left speechless after firings at North Atlanta.
October 11, 2012: APS board chair supports superintendent over North Atlanta firing.
October 15, 2012: North Atlanta High School staffer calls it quits amid racism allegations.
October 16, 2012: Superintendent Erroll Davis defends controversial North Atlanta H.S. firing.
October 25, 2012: Parents frustrated over North Atlanta High School grade changing investigation.
October 16, 2012: Superintendent speaks out over fired North Atlanta High School interim principal.
October 23, 2012: New North Atlanta High School principal meets with parents.
October 31, 2012: Ousted principal demands public hearing to clear name.
December 3, 2012: Carbon monoxide leak sends more than 50 to hospital from Finch Elementary.
December 4, 2012: Students to attend another school after gas scare.
December 5, 2012: Families may pursue legal action over school poisoning.
December 6, 2012: Superintendent Errol Davis addresses carbon monoxide poisoning.
December 7, 2012: Finch Elementary reopens following CO poisoning.
December 11, 2012: Atlanta school leader gets contract extension.
December 17, 2012: Metro Atlanta Schools enact extra security measures.
With several months to go before the end of the 2012-2013 school year. Atlanta Public Schools are in the public eyes daily. The district is being monitored and every decision is being challenged by all stakeholders. The district leadership are working hard to move the district forward and to keep the focus on student learning. Many changes have been made under the present administration to improve the quality of teaching and learning in all schools.
The Atlanta Public School District is working hard to reclaim the trust of all stakeholders. Everyday and every month is a test of that attainment. Their are many positive and successful initiatives happening at all schools in the district. Parental involvement is very pivotal in support, confidence of the schools and the administration in this stage of moving forward. The school board will do a national search for a superintendent in the coming months. Email me at (dipdab80@sbcglobal.net)Children first.
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