A long list of local schools are on a list they would rather not be on. The state recently released its list of low-achieving schools.
This list is based off PSSA math and reading tests that students in PA takes every year. Of all the counties in Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is tied with Dauphin, with the most.
For yet another year, the School District of Lancaster will be on this list of low-achieving schools in Pennsylvania. Fourteen Lancaster city schools, from elementary to high school, are on it.
Paul Marshall, a parent, says this isn't news to him. "Lancaster has always been un-achieving. They need to pick it up so the children can more educated and have a better future for their families."
But Lancaster Schools are not alone in Central PA. Dauphin County also has 14, Lebanon has 8, York and Franklin each have 4 and Cumberland, Juniata and Mifflin have one.
The superintended on Lancaster Schools, Pedro Rivera, released a statement. "Being identified as "Low Achieving" does not capture the true essence of what The School District of Lancaster and other urban districts provide. Given the diverse needs of our families and students, we are proud of the many ways in which we have enriched our students' lives academically, socially, and emotionally."
Rivera went on to say urban schools also face unique challenges with low-income students and many that don't speak English.
Some parents like Alfredo Santiago, think hiring teachers that speak more than one language would help. "I think more bi-lingual teachers would help a lot, too."
Marshall says it's not just the schools' fault. "The parents have a lot to do with it, too. When my children get home I am on top of them making sure they do their homework; make sure their assignments are done properly and on time. And then if they need help, to give them the extra help."
"It's not really that they're dumb, or that they don't have the education. I just don't think they are giving enough effort." Said Anthony Ford, a 2012 graduate of McCaskey.
If you would like to see the entire list and exactly what schools are on it, click on Find it.
This list is based off PSSA math and reading tests that students in PA takes every year. Of all the counties in Central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is tied with Dauphin, with the most.
For yet another year, the School District of Lancaster will be on this list of low-achieving schools in Pennsylvania. Fourteen Lancaster city schools, from elementary to high school, are on it.
Paul Marshall, a parent, says this isn't news to him. "Lancaster has always been un-achieving. They need to pick it up so the children can more educated and have a better future for their families."
But Lancaster Schools are not alone in Central PA. Dauphin County also has 14, Lebanon has 8, York and Franklin each have 4 and Cumberland, Juniata and Mifflin have one.
The superintended on Lancaster Schools, Pedro Rivera, released a statement. "Being identified as "Low Achieving" does not capture the true essence of what The School District of Lancaster and other urban districts provide. Given the diverse needs of our families and students, we are proud of the many ways in which we have enriched our students' lives academically, socially, and emotionally."
Rivera went on to say urban schools also face unique challenges with low-income students and many that don't speak English.
Some parents like Alfredo Santiago, think hiring teachers that speak more than one language would help. "I think more bi-lingual teachers would help a lot, too."
Marshall says it's not just the schools' fault. "The parents have a lot to do with it, too. When my children get home I am on top of them making sure they do their homework; make sure their assignments are done properly and on time. And then if they need help, to give them the extra help."
"It's not really that they're dumb, or that they don't have the education. I just don't think they are giving enough effort." Said Anthony Ford, a 2012 graduate of McCaskey.
If you would like to see the entire list and exactly what schools are on it, click on Find it.