History of IDEA
Jeannie Oakes, Founder and Former Director
Youth Voice in School Finance
NEW REPORT: Los Angeles' road to A-G for all
Without Dollars and Sense Powerpoint
Past Educational Opportunity Reports
While students shore up basics, electives are beyond reach
- 02-03-2011
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By Sharon Noguchi/San Jose Mercury News
In the decadelong quest for students to master basic math and English, Uncle Sam has dictated beefed-up instruction in schools not meeting his standards. The focus on basics has worked; test scores are up. But while students sit through double periods of math, English or sometimes both, electives -- those favorite classes such as drama, graphic design or astronomy -- are out of their reach. At Lincoln High School, Principal Jackie Zeller has had to cut back arts, music and foreign languages in part to staff the intensive math and English classes that San Jose Unified School is required to offer this year. In the East Side Union School District, the usual schedule for freshmen who are struggling the most includes English, math, general science and physical education. Period. That doesn't sit well with some of the faculty. (more...)
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