Accountability system did not work for Escambia County third graders

In May 2012, 19 percent of Escambia’s third-graders scored in reading a 1 — the lowest score — and 9 percent scored a 5 — the highest score. In math, 52 percent of Escambia’s third-graders were proficient; 21 percent scored a 1; and 8 percent scored a 5.

Escambia Schools Superintendent Malcolm Thomas, who was campaigning for a second term, told the daily newspaper that his staff would put an accountability system together to measure progress of students in first and second grades.

Those first graders are now in third grade. The percentage that scored the lowest score in reading remained the same – 19 percent. In math, the lowest score percentage increased by a point – 22 percent.

The problems in our public school are deeper and more difficult that superintendent and his staff want to admit. The “accountability system” did not work. A major shift in policies, programs and methods needs to take place.