Ackerman hears from advisory councils on how to improve schools

About 50 parents and community members who sit on school advisory councils of some of the district's worst schools told Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, during a forum at district headquarters yesterday, how the schools should improve .

More parent outreach and enrichment programs. Special attention to students with special needs. Emphasis on college readiness. Longer school day and year.

Ackerman was on board with most of the suggestions made and said that she would consider others.

"We're teaching you how to fight for your kids," she said. "And we won't be mad at you for doing it."

This is the beginning of the process by which five schools will be converted to "Promise Academies," schools to be run by Ackerman and her staff next school year.

Today, members will begin visiting once-struggling schools that district officials say have turned around academically and in other areas. Members then will help draft reform programs for their schools.

"When hallways are empty we think that learning is taking place, but is that true? No," said Karren Dunkley, chief of the district's parent-engagement office. "That's low expectations. We have to dig deeper."

During yesterday's morning session, which began at 10, attendees, including Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, were instructed on how to analyze standardized tests and how to construct a curriculum.

Later, participants cited a pledge to put a textbook in every classroom and to respect students as scholars.

Together with Ackerman, school advisory councils also will choose staffing and parent-enrichment programs. Officials encouraged parents to think creatively about their children's education.

"We're not going to have numbers on the doors at [Promise Academies]," she said. "We're going to have names of colleges. It starts young."

Last month, officials named 14 troubled schools as so-called Renaissance schools, the latest batch of district schools pegged for drastic turnaround. Nine more will be matched with one or more of six outside providers.

The Renaissance program allows broad leeway for reform, including biweekly weekend classes, longer school days and years, and a controversial proposal to require all staff and faculty to reapply for their jobs. Only up to 50 percent of current employees may return.

Staff and students at Promise Academies will be required to wear uniforms, recite a pledge daily and participate in enrichment programs such as photography, dance, martial arts and Egyptology. Parents also will be able to attend evening vocational and education courses offered by the district's Parent University, she said.

The schools are: elementary or middle schools Ethel Allen, Clemente and Dunbar; and University City and Vaux high schools.

The School Reform Commission is slated to vote on the Renaissance plan May 26.