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State Superintendent Kathy Cox spends afternoon at ECHS
Cox's school visitations are part of her plan to visit all Georgia schools and see how the policies implemented at the state level are performing in the classroom. Cox traveled to Calhoun, Marion and other southwest Georgia schools that she had never visited prior to this week. Interim principal Irene Bush escorted Cox throughout the high school where she observed students and met with teachers. "There is a lot happening with high schools," says Cox, "and I have high expectations for our students and our teachers." Cox stepped into her past role of teacher while discussing standards with ECHS juniors. "What are we doing at our high schools now? We are raising standards... why? Because higher standards and higher expectations will make Georgia students more competitive against students worldwide. What good is a diploma if it doesn't mean anything?" Cox, among other state leaders, has been a proponent of the one-diploma system, which will be implemented with the Class of 2012. "For a long time there has been an artificial separation and stigma attached to vocational departments. It's time to break that separation and strike a balance between academic and vocational interests." "What the one diploma system will do, for example, will make accommodates for a child who wants to go to UGA, so they need higher academic studies, but also plays in the band and needs room in their schedule for that, but also wants to study business and needs accounting classes. The one diploma system will allow the student's vocational and academic tracks to work together." The Graduation Rule revision will change the current rule on several levels. The new rule will contain one common set of requirement for all students, unlike the previous tier-system which had different requirements based on placement. The new rule requires 23 total units for each students - 4 English, 4 math, 4 science (one of which may also meet the elective requirement), 3 social studies, 1 health/pe, 3 ctae and/or fine arts and/or foreign language and 4 additional elective units. Cox believes the "cross pollination" of academic and vocational classes will lead to well-rounded and more prepared students for enrollment in post-secondary schools after graduation. The push for the one diploma system is four years in the making. Georgia's test scores in math remain the second lowest in the nation, only Washington, D.C., has lower math scores. And Cox reminded teachers of the importance of raising math performance. "Our problem is math, it always has been. But it wasn't a problem with the teachers, it's a problem with the curriculum. Now, we have a better curriculum and higher standards." When asked to discuss, scheduling options that maximize student performance, Cox discussed the merits of all three systems. While she remains uncertain on whether the modified block, block only, or traditional class scheduling is most effective for schools; she states, "We are looking at the data to see if there is one way that is ultimately better. But I can tell you this, if you are struggling, try something different." "You've got a great looking school," said Cox as she met with teachers in the ECHS media center. "Our goals at the state level are first to increase the gradation rate among students and second, to work with our universities in increasing teacher quality, quantity, preparation and retention at the employment level." "You are the great opening to the benefits of American society," encouraged Cox, "I know its hard but we've got to do this for our kids, they need it and they deserve it. Social obstacles are hard. Its efficacy - and a lot of kids are missing it, but it can be instilled by persistent and tough love. Public education is the doorway to greatness."
Cox presented Bush with a banner commemorating her visit and promised to return for a longer stay, and a turn in the teaching position of a social studies class, in the future.
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