Cathy Treulich's Matter of Opinion, "signed by 20 Cunha educators," (Review, March 29) deserves careful attention. She took pride in a 3.6 percent increase in API last year. Yet, she criticized testing for NCLB. Strange, both are based on the same tests that will again be given next month.
The difference is API is a reported average - like one hand in an ice bucket and one in a raging fire, on average you are comfortable. NCLB describes a minimum level of accountability for each group that makes up the whole!
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NCLB requires roughly a quarter (Language Arts 24.4 percent; Math 26.5 percent) of each group to be "Proficient" (350 out of 600 possible or a 58 percent) on California required material. Cunha Intermediate has never met NCLB standards.
For those who somehow feel comforted believing this is a Latino vs. Anglo problem - a substantial number (28 percent Language, 33 percent Math) of white students were below "proficient."
When more than half of the staff enumerates reasons why they aren't going to meet NCLB requirement next month, the School Board and Administration should listen.
CUSD Administration and trustees, except Mr. John Mosley, rejected the idea of preparing a "Plan B" for this year and last year for just such a moment like this. They also rejected the idea of going to other schools in the County for ideas: Schools that are exceeding the standards (up to double the performance of CUSD) while they successfully deal with more challenging demographics and less money.
The CUSD board rushed to hold two special meetings in March to bring a parcel tax to the ballot; isn't again failing at Cunha equally important?
Ken Johnson
Half Moon Bay
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