Subscribe, Unsubscribe Share this page

		Past Extra Credits August 31 All issues

The following article appeared in the Louisville Courier-Journal (9-1):

"Louisville’s McFerran Elementary School got a federal pat on the back yesterday for its success under the No Child Left Behind law.

"David Dunn, chief of staff to Education Secretary Margaret Spellings, toured the South Seventh Street school and told parents, teachers and staff that he and other federal officials are visiting schools meeting the program’s goals.

"The act seeks to hold public schools accountable for ensuring that all students meet math and reading standards.

"‘The most important thing that we’re trying to do,‘ Dunn said, ‘is learn from the schools that are achieving this kind of success,’ including McFerran, which has met all of its No Child Left Behind goals the past two years.

"McFerran also was cited in a study by Kentucky’s Prichard Committee for Academic Excellence that examined high-performing schools that have above-average state test scores with at least half of the students receiving subsidized lunch….

"The parents and faculty who met with Dunn yesterday cited clear expectations and collaboration among faculty and staff as reasons for the school’s success.

"For example, the school makes a concerted effort to have special-needs students integrated into activities with other students, McFerran teachers said….

"Parent Sondra Williams of western Louisville said McFerran has been perfect for her 8-year-old daughter, Noelle, a third-grader who is autistic.

"‘She’s blossomed,’ Williams told Dunn and Kentucky Education Secretary Virginia Fox during a forum. ‘She’s beginning to talk…I just can’t believe the progress that she’s made since she’s been here.’"