Photo above: South Cobb High School, Larry Felton Johnson/Cobb County Courier

By Larry King, Founder – STEM News Chronicle

I offer these suggestions for parents in Mableton to become informed and better engaged in the education of their children. These are methods and questions that may be asked of CCSD administrators, elected officials, and qualified educational consultants on your behalf. Students in South Cobb schools have faced challenges for many years despite changes in education leadership at many levels. Thus far explanations have not been plausible or convincing. From my perspective the issues of greatest concern in the economy our children in South Cobb will inherit are:

§ Many graduating from HS could not read at grade level 8 years ago, so what does that mean?

§ Our schools struggle to set goals of student enrollment in AP math beyond 12%.

§ Graduation rates are relatively high, but do they truly reflect readiness after HS?

Education outcomes are measured using various tools and yardsticks that assess student performance, program effectiveness, and overall educational quality are some key metrics used:

Standardized Test Scores

Common tests include SAT, ACT, and state assessments. Do they truly reflect student’s access to knowledge and skills in core subjects?

Graduation Rates

Percentage of students who complete their programs within a specified time frame is highlighted as achievement and are used to track student graduation progress. They can also indicate overall school effectiveness and student

retention. Graduation rates do not provide a complete picture. While graduation rates are a useful metric, they should be considered alongside other indicators to assess overall educational success.

College and Career Readiness

This measures preparedness for post-secondary education or traditional career enrollment and jobs secured in key workforce categories. This data is often

evaluated through advanced coursework participation and career technical education enrollment. CTE may be the same old educational practices with a new name.

Student Engagement in Advance Math/Science

AP classes present a unique combination of challenges and rewards and need to be better understood by students and parents alike. They cover a wide range of subjects, including biology, calculus, history, and literature, and are designed to challenge students with rigorous academic content in preparation for jobs even if college is not an immediate aim.

Surveys and feedback from students regarding their educational experience and reason for their AP choices are needed. They can include metrics on attendance, participation, and perceived value of education. Data collected and independently evaluated can focus on factors like employment rates, parental desires, andincome levels post-graduation whether going to college or not.

Equity and Inclusion Metrics

Evaluating educational outcomes across different demographic groups is a high priority for South Cobb. Educational programs need to aim to identify and address disparities in achievement and access when compared with individual School Improvement Action Plans. This can provide parents with a comprehensive view of educational effectiveness.

We have exceptional children in South Cobb schools, but we should not find comfort in success of the few, rather the achievement growth of the many. Students that are most vulnerable require special attention and support. I am prayerful, parents of South Cobb children and the community groups they support can find ways for those in the community to come together to build momentum for CCSD to become more efficient in managing our investment in the future of our children.

Lawrence King, Founder – STEM News Chronicle https://www.snchronicle.com