What I found remarkable, was at the end of the play, all those who were headed off to college were given their moment in the sun, introduced, college announced.

Then the Skyline students who had a couple of weeks rather than months to prepare were announced.

The dancing, acting, and stage presence was great to see. The talent was amazing. I felt gratified to bring my 9 year old to a performance with so many talented young people from Oakland.

I hope Skyline continues to develop talent in academics and the arts as well as sports.

Over the summer, something “kicked on” for him, and now we’re getting wonderful feedback from the school (and from his private piano teacher). We’re seeing it at home too. He’s understanding things he never understood before, he’s taking responsibility for household tasks that have been his for years, but now he doesn’t need reminders, he just does what he’s supposed to do.

A year ago, we weren’t even all that worked up about a snafu that denied him the opportunity to take the CAHSEE with the rest of the sophomores, because he’s never taken standardized tests seriously, or done anything more than the minimum to get it out of his way. Now, we’re looking at the possibility that he might actually be able to pass it, and get his high school diploma.

I can’t believe that some people are trash-talking about a school that has accomplished that much with a kid with autism. There’s a disconnect from reality somewhere, but I don’t think it’s in my family’s observations, or in Diamond’s.

I agree that “complex districts like S.F., Oakland and Berkeley can (more efficiently) be navigated by savvy (street smart) students and kids with their heads screwed on straight into the top schools.” I also believe it is largely the “unmotivated students (you reference) from unsupportive (family, etc.) backgrounds” that make some schools in such “complex” districts “death traps” (as you call them).

Perhaps the reason you think MY suggesting a good student should leave a school “death trap” for safer more academically focused quarters is “silly and simplistic” because you’re under the influence of anger instead of logic & reason in making your response.

I certainly agree that “children are not political pawns or fodder for social experiments.” I also believe good students shouldn’t stay in school “death traps” as a means of improving school test scores or reliable source of ADA IF they have the means or a strategy to upgrade. Those that don’t must obviously make the best of their ‘high risk student’ high school environment.

It’s not necessarily a bad thing when good students (savvy parented or not) think they’re getting the best education. Denial isn’t always a bad thing and, in this context, is well complemented by the old lyrical admonition to “be true to your school”
as, exemplified by the eloquence of Dbroussard.

…Mr. Sye has never principled at a school remotely as large or dysfunctional as Skyline…

…because nobody who had that kind of experience…

… applied for the job…

… in fact, hardly anybody at all applied for the job…

…according to our Nexo, Wendy G.

Principaling in Oakland is like coaching the Raiders…

…good as a stepping stone maybe, but you aren’t going to last…

…and you’re going to leave with some scars…

I would NEVER begrudge a parent making decisions based on what is best for their child. Our children are not political pawns or fodder for social experiments. I’m a parent, I understand that.

However, your comments that Diamond is not getting a good education unless she leaves Oakland are silly and simplistic. Complex districts like S.F., Oakland and Berkeley can be navigated by savvy students and kids with their heads screwed on straight straight into the top schools — however, they can be death traps for unmotivated students from unsupportive backgrounds.

Check out the number of kids from Oakland Tech who got into the Ivy League last year. It compares very favorably with suburban schools with huge advantages.

For the moment, my hope is that he understands something about Spec. Ed. students and laws. That was the stumbling-block I saw with the previous principal. I’m sure others saw other problems in the last couple of years, and hope Mr. Sye will be prepared and capable of dealing with those too.