Dena Levitz, The Examiner
2007-11-09 08:00:00.0
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WASHINGTON -

D.C.’s school leaders have made strides when it comes to easier-to-fix problems like facilities readiness, but there’s still a long way to go when it comes to academic-driven measures, according to a soon-to-be-released audit by community group D.C. Voice.

The audit, which was accomplished by having 190 volunteers visit 139 of the city’s public schools, is a comprehensive review into whether individual schools are receiving critical resources. D.C. Voice will officially release the report Saturday, but Executive Director Jeff Smith and Program Director Erika Landberg discussed basic findings with The Examiner on Thursday.

“With all of the extra money poured into the schools to get the facilities ready, there was a consensus that a lot of it trickled down to that level,” Smith said. “But on the more complex questions of educational initiatives, they didn’t show improvement.”

For instance, he said principals were asked to score from 1 to 5 how well the central office had supported the schools, with a higher number indicating more support. Last year, the average came to about 3.1. However, the new audit will show a higher score close to a 4. But there was a decline in how prepared principals were to improve student achievement.

Smith wouldn’t reveal all the data that will be released. However, some of the larger issues explored in the audit include whether teachers were put in place by late August, the number of music and art instructors hired, and the degree of professional training offered to principals and teachers.

Landberg indicated that the recommendations — which will be directed to Chancellor Michelle Rhee, Deputy Superintendent for Education Victor Reinoso and the D.C. Council — will emphasize the need to direct more money to training as well as to counseling.

Smith said he would meet with representatives of the school officials and the council this week. Although government higher-ups are not bound by the group’s findings, past audits have been factored into strategic planning.

Rhee’s spokeswoman wrote in an e-mail that the report “will serve as a great resource.”

dlevitz@dcexaminer.com