The Caddo Plan And Its Potential Impact on BTW Students

The Caddo Plan is now the working model purposed by the superintendent as an alternative to state takeover of the 11 schools identified as low performing. You may use the following link to view the plan document. Click here: http://www.caddo.k12.la.us/caddo%20plan.pdf

Of course, this plan does appear to have the support of the local school board. However, it must also receive state approval.

Alums and friends are encouraged to comment here regarding your feelings on this possible change.

Could a state takeover actually be more of a benefit to impacted Caddo students?

The state would apparently enjoy greater latitude in dealing with sticky personnel issues than would the district because of the local union. (Or so says the state superintendent)

Could state control finally solve the problem of a shortage of certified teachers in the involved schools?

Does The Caddo Plan appear to be just more of the same NCLB carrot and stick stuff that has not and is not working?

Does The Caddo Plan place any increased expectations for change on students and parents? What would the state do in this area?

Does The Caddo Plan provide for mental health and other related services? Would the state address the need for such services?

Can The Caddo Plan point out specific school districts in the United States that are using these tools and quantify their success?

This list is intended to provoke a conversation about student achievement and success. It should not be viewed as being either for or against state takeover.

BTW Class of 1979 Reunion Plans

The BTW Class of 1979 is making plans for their 30th. A planning meeting is scheduled for December 15 at 6:00 p.m. at the Wallette Memorial Library on Hearne Ave. For more information contact Karen Brown at 318-518-2991.

BTW PTSA Playbook for Academic Excellence

greatschools http://www.greatschools.net Public,Private and Charter

Left click on the image to enlarge. (adopted 08/05)

2008 School Performances Scores Released

On November 7, 2008 the Louisiana State Department of Education released individual school and district level scores. An article also appeared in The Times on November 8, 2008 regarding these results.

You may view the department's release and attachments by going to http://www.doe.state.la.us/

BTW alums and friends must stay up on these results as they relate to our school.

Today, we are providing a brief snapshot in this forum.

• The goal of this state's accountability system is for all schools to be at a score of 120 or higher by the year 2014.
• BTW has a 2008 Baseline SPS of 54.9 (remember the goal is 120 by 2014)
• BTW experienced growth of 3.1 although our growth target was 8.7
• BTW has a growth label of "Minimal Academic Growth"
• BTW has a performance label of "Academically Unacceptable" ( a minimum score of 60 is needed to avoid this label)

Our challenge as alums and friends of BTW is to direct our activities and energy toward helping the school achieve its vision of Academic Excellence.

Parents may want to refer to the PTSA Playbook for Academic Excellence for additional information and suggestions.

Meeting Highlights

The foundation met on November 17, 2008. Highlights include:

1. Dr. Curley White, Principal, provided the group an overview on and his impressions of the recently published district reorganization plans.
2. Ms. Deloris Lynch, API, provided an update on the ACT Testing Program.
3. The group voted to continue its financial support of the ACT Testing Program.

See the "Meetings " and "Major Financial Donations" Labels for additional information.

Thank you and hope to see more members at our next meeting helping us help our BTW.

Superintendent Wants to Make Significant Changes

In a November 1, 2008 Times story by reporter Ashley Northington, Caddo superintendent Gerald Dawkins apparently wants to shake things up significantly at the area's 11 low performing schools. BTW is among the 11 schools.

A major feature of the changes being considered is to declare "...all jobs in the parish's 11 academically unacceptable schools be vacated and the schools be reconfigured."

Apparently positions would then be open at each of the campuses for any and all applicants.

Additionally, it is reported that BTW would be reconfigured into BTW New Technology High School.

Core academic subjects would continue to be taught, however, with more focus. There are apparently no plans for admission requirements

Based on initial reported comments from selected school board members, it appears Mr. Dawkins has board support for the recommended changes.

Of course, these changes would also require state board approval as well.

Although these steps do appear radical indeed, they nevertheless pretty much follow the menu of choices available to a district under the state accountability law. In fact, the requirements for schools in SI 4 appear to include all or some of the following:

1. replace school staff;
2. implement new curriculum;
3. decrease management authority;
4. contract an outside expert;
5. extend the school year or school day;
6. restructure.

BTW Alumni Breakfast

BTW recently announced its homecoming activities that include the annual alumni breakfast.

The alumni breakfast will be held on October 31, 2008 at 9:00 at the school. The cost is $5.00.

This year's Homecoming theme is "Royalty Under the Moonlight." The coronation will be held Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 6:30p.m..

A Homecoming Fest and Tailgate Party will be held at 3:00 p.m., while the gridiron contest will take place at 7:00 p.m., both on October 31.

BTW is located at 2104 Milam St., Shreveport, La. For more information call the school at 318-222-2186.

Dr. Curley White is the principal.

Please make plans to support the school during this festive occasion.

DONATIONS NEEDED

Your alumni foundation is exempt from Federal income tax under section 501(C)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

That means contributions to us are deductible under section 170 of the code. (Of course, see your personal tax advisor for specifics regarding your individual situations).

We are now asking the alumni community to help us help BTW.

You may click on "Major Financial Donations to BTW" to view examples of our giving.

However, we can do more with your help.

Please consider a gift of $25, $50, $75, $100 or other amount as you deem appropriate.

Mail donations to:

BTW Alumni Foundation
P.O. Box 3709
Shreveport, LA 71133-3709

Please also email this information to four other alums for their consideration.

Thank you for helping us help BTW.

ACT Scores for Caddo- 2008

We are listing below the 2008 scores for Caddo as reflected in the state report. You may view the complete PDF document for clicking on our link to the Louisiana State Department Of Education, then click on Most Requested and follow instructions from that point. Clearly we have work to do and we can use the support of the alum community in our overall school improvement efforts.

We have no doubt that our performance can significantly improve with the right total emphasis.

School/District-2008 Score

Caddo Magnet,25.3
Byrd,22.1
Captain Shreve, 20.8
District Average, 20.3
North Caddo, 19.1
Northwood,19.0
Southwood, 17.7
Green Oaks, 17.4
Huntington, 17.2
Woodlawn, 16.7
BTW, 16.1
Fair Park, 15.9

ACT Scores for Louisiana-2008

The Louisiana Department of Education recently reported 2008 ACT test results.

Overall, Louisiana students scored an average of 20.3 in 2008 which is up from 20.1 for 2007.

This compares with a national 2008 average score of 21.1. In 2007, the national average was 21.2.

African American students scored an average of 17.4 in 2008, up from 17.0 in 2007.

The national results for this group was 16.9 in 2008, down from 17.0 in 2007.

The state's press release noted that "Louisiana's African American and Asian American students demonstrated the greatest subgroup gains in the state."

There is clearly a need to monitor and work to improve our ACT results in the African American community. These test results are used for college placement by many state institutions.

In addition, in 2008, it took an ACT score of 20 to be considered for Louisiana's Opportunity Award, which is a part of the state's TOPS program.

Results ranked from the highest to lowest score are as follows:

22.1/Asian American
21.5/Caucasian American
20.8/Other-No Response
20.5/Hispanic
20.3/All Students
19.7/American Indian
17.4/African American

For a look at state and national results, use our link to ACT. To review the entire press release use our link to the Louisiana Department of Education.

2008 GEE and iLeap Results

(LEFT CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE)

BTW Enters AUS 4 Status (Now Eligible for State Takeover)

The Louisiana State Department of Education released information on Friday, August 1, 2008 that reflects the current status of the mighty BTW Lions. Although the Lions showed a 1.5 improvement over 2007 results, it was not enough to reach the critical score of 60.

The Lions improved from 53.4 to 54.9, just 5.1 points away from 60.

In fact, the Lions fared somewhat better than any of its immediate peers.


School ----2007 SPS----- 2008 SPS---- Pt. Chg -----Pts fm 60

BTW------- 53.4---------- -54.9-------- +1.5--------------- 5.1
Green Oaks- 51.5------------- -49.3 -------------(2.2)------------- 10.7
Woodlawn-- 48.6-------------- 47.7 -------------(0.9) -------------12.3
Fair Park--- 45.4-------------- 45.4-------------- n/c --------------14.6

From a process standpoint, it appears that Department recommendations will take place in the August/September time frame. Those recommendations will follow consultations between state and local officials.

Deputy Superintendent Ollie Tyler adds "This is leading edge work for which there is little precedent. our deliberations will involve fair assessments of the schools, but ultimately will center on the compelling interests of the children in these school communities."

Clearly, these are uncharted waters in the long and proud history of BTW. We do however, agree with Deputy Superintendent Tyler, the interests of the children must be superior to all other considerations.

Interested alums and friends should fully engage at this time in support of our school and community.

Accountability (Louisiana)

The specifics of the Louisiana School District and State Accountability System are detailed in Bulletin number 111. It appears that Bulletin 111 was last updated in May, 2008.

The information provided in this document is critical to a basic understanding of our state system and how it impacts BTW and all Louisiana schools for that matter.

Alums and friends of BTW should peruse this document to establish a working knowledge of the system.

We will attempt to establish a direct link to the document for your easy reference.

Please click on Louisiana Accountability System under (LINKS).

Thank you.

Scholarship Honor Roll Updated.

District Composite Report 2006-2007

The foundation strives to keep the alumni community informed. We believe the volume and quality of information available to you will greatly enhance your ability to act in the best interest of our students and the institution.

This post brings to you information extracted from the 2006-2007 District Composite Report which is dated March, 2008

.

You may access the complete report by using our link to the Louisiana Department of Education's Web site.(Go to Most Requested Information and click on District Composite Reports)

The report on BTW provides a great historical perspective in many key areas. Keep your eye on the Baseline School Performance Score (SPS). Starting with the 2004-05 school term, a minimum score of 60 was required to avoid the dreaded label of Academically Unacceptable School (AUS).

As you can see, BTW scored 53.4 for the 2006-07 term. Consequently, we are in the AUS 3 category that requires more stringent measures as discussed previously.

We have also included the district American College Test (ACT) results for all high schools.

We trust this information is helpful to alums and friends of BTW. Our greatest weapon in the battle for excellence is KNOWLEDGE itself. Next of course, comes your willingness to join the foundation in support of our vision.

See membership label for more information on how you can become involved.

(SPECIAL NOTE: LEFT CLICK ON THE ABOVE REPORTS TO ENLARGE FOR VIEWING OR PRINTING)

Reconstitution Plan Document-An Explanation

Most recent version of the requirements of a Reconstitution Plan as published on the state education department's Web site. (LEFT CLICK ON THE DOCUMENTS TO ENLARGE)

Are Reconstitution Plans in the Works for BTW for the 2008-2009 Term?

An article appearing in The Times on Sunday, June 15, 2008, states in part "Ten schools-Barret, Caddo Heights and Oak Park elementary schools; J.S. Clark, Linear and Linwood middle schools; and Green Oaks, Booker T. Washington and Woodlawn high schools- will undergo reconstitution this year. (note only 9 schools are listed-was Fair Park accidently omitted)

An 11th school, Bethune Middle, traveled that road two years age. Bethune escaped state takeover this year after Caddo agreed to make changes required by state education officials."

It appears Reconstitution is the next step in a list of state sanctions when a school enters its third year as an Academically Unacceptable School.

We will post the latest version, from the Louisiana Department of Education's Web site, of what we believe is the shell of a reconstitution plan. This will provide the alumni community an idea of what could be the scope of such a process if implemented.

Membership Drive

Pictured from left to right are Sara Pool, Rev. Richard Hardy and Dr. G Jeane Nichols, president of the BTW Alumni Foundation. These proud BTW grads paused for the camera during our recent membership drive.

The event was held on June 21, 2008.

Numerous BTW alums stopped by to chat, catch up on the latest happenings and to join the foundation. We appreciate each and every visit and the personal show of support.

Its not too late for you to join in with your fellow alums by taking out a 2009 membership. See previous entry for additional information. Thank you.

(Left click on image to enlarge)

Membership Drive

The Foundation will conduct its annual membership round-up this Saturday, June 21, 2008, from 10:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. in front of the school. All foundation memberships currently share a common expiration date of June, 2008. Please stop by to renew an expiring or take out a new membership.

Memberships are only $10.00 annually.

You may also mail in your membership request to P.O. Box 3709, Shreveport, LA 71133-3709.

We will also have available for sale a limited number of BTW caps for $15.00 each (see Fundraising label for more information).

Remember, the BTW Alumni Foundation serves as the eyes, hears, and voice of all graduating classes of this great institution. Your membership represents a tangible display of your support for our students and the continuation of the legacy

Thank you for your support.

Louisiana House Should Pass LA 4 Bill

The Louisiana Senate has passed SB286 and it is now in the hands of the House. This bill provides for the implementation of universal early childhood education in this state. Although this bill takes a phased in approach, it does nevertheless clearly point the state in the right direction.

The value of early childhood education and in particular the LA4 program is well documented.

This type of training should be made available to all students in our state without a needs based test. That is the direction we are headed and we concur with this movement.

So please get involved. You can go to http://www.legis.state.la.us and make your voice heard.
There you can identify your representative and send a quick email asking for their support.

Also, you may wish to see today's edition of The Times. Dr. Phillip Rozeman writes an excellent piece on this program.

Thank you for your support.

Major Financial Donations Update

This section has been recently updated. Click on this label for more information. If you are an alum or friend of BTW, we are certain that you want to be a part of continuing the legacy of this historically black high school. Obviously we want the best educational experience possible for students attending BTW. Your continuing and increasing commitment to excellence will make that happen.

Please consider joining the foundation in our pursuit of excellence. Become a member, make a donation or volunteer to assist.

Thank you.

BTW High School Library Media Center

BTW has established an exciting Web site in support of academic excellence. The site is a virtual media center. The links and other support are truly an aid to the student looking for help with regular homework assignments or information for winning research projects.

I am sure the entire BTW family is welcome to browse this site and share its existence with other interested parties.

The foundation appreciates this online library resource in support of our students. It is a high quality piece of work.

See our link to the BTW Library media center and enjoy your tour.

Reunion News

See Reunion News entry of July 27, 2007 for updates posted today.

Film and Media Industry

On April 22, 2008 a ground-breaking celebration took place in the City of Shreveport. Of course we refer to the exciting project called Millennium-Ledbetter Film Studio. Arlena Acree is the current director of Film, Media & Entertainment for the City of Shreveport.

The BTW family and community should certainly look to leverage our Telecommunications magnet component as this industry continues to take shape locally. Alums and friends of BTW should be alert to any and all opportunities for our students and campus to participate in this market.

For more information on this industry, visit the City of Shreveport's Web site at http://www.ci.shreveport.la.us and click on the Lights, Camera Shreveport icon.

Cyberspace Innovation Center

It would be in the best interest of BTW and the surrounding community to come up to speed on this significant area development. There is no reason why we should not actively support, be involved in and participate in this exciting regional initiative. Our Computer Science magnet component would appear to be a natural fit.

For more information, please visit the Center Web site at http://www.cyberinnovationcenter.org/ or see our link to this site.

The Passing of a Legend (Mr. Andrew Harris)

The Shreveport Sun ran today as usual. Just as it has for the last 30 years or so, Mr. Andrew Harris was again involved. However, today marks a historic day in the history of the Sun and the city. You see today's edition of our paper features coverage of the funeral services for Sun Editor Andrew Harris.

There he is on the front page. Looking at you as if ready to deliver one of his famous one liners, as only Andrew could do. With a straight face, and the voice of an accomplished sage, he was known to let loose some pearls of wisdom with machine gun speed.

Andrew departed this life for a greater place on Wednesday morning, April 2, 2008. A 1960 graduate of BTW, Andrew was a formidable leader in this community.

The entire BTW alum community wishes to extend its sympathy to the Harris family. We pray that you know others share with you in the loss of your loved one and our dear friend.

God can and will sustain you in the difficult days ahead. Lean on Him and trust in Him.

Thanks Andrew for your friendship and support of BTW over the years. You have earned your rest. Now, enjoy the place that was prepared just for you. We hope to see you on the other side where we can get your take on "them" Cowboys and other important and not so important issues of the day.

Improving the Lives of Children

Recently, Mrs Alma Powell, chair of the America's Promise Alliance, launched a nationwide campaign to contain and reverse the adverse high school drop out crisis.

The new program is called 15 in 5. The idea is to reach 15 million mostly at risk young people in the next 5 years with the five promises.

The five promises are:
-Caring adults
-Safe places and constructive use of time
-Healthy start and development
-Effective education for marketable skills and lifelong learning
-Opportunities to make a difference through helping others.

We have created a link to the 15 in 5 Web site. This is a great site and offers outstanding resources for anyone interested in kids and their education.

The BTW Alumni Foundation is proud to link up with this initiative which is also central to our purpose.

Please share this information with others. It is clear that a commitment from the community is needed to improve not only our beloved BTW but more importantly, the lives of the children we treasure.

Teacher Appreciation Week 3/17-3/21/2008

Dear BTW Teachers:

The alumni foundation wants you to know how critical you are to the growth and development of our students. It is no secret that a motivated teacher meeting a motivated student in the classroom is a formula for success. The foundation joins this community in simply saying thank you for your professionalism, sacrifices, and commitment.

This foundation operates under an overarching theme of "academic excellence." We share a vision of BTW becoming a "...premier learning institution..." in the not to distant future. Our vision will not be realized without you and your talents.

We encourage you to stay the course and please know that we are cheering you on to victory.

Best wishes during this Teacher Appreciation Week and may you enjoy many, many more in our collective future.

Signed:

G. Jeane Nichols, President
BTW Alumni Foundation

State Football Champions 1964-65

This is the winning team. It was on December 11, 1964 before a packed house at the old SPAR Stadium. The BTW Lions fought off Peabody High School of Alexandria to win the I-AAA Championship by a score of 20 to 18. I can still feel the excitement and hear the roar of the crowd as the game clock confirmed our victory. Thanks to a group of young men led by a brilliant head coach, the one and only Leonard C. Barnes, for insuring the BTW Lions a place in the history books forever.

Those were the days! And with the help of a committed alumni support group, The Lion is Coming Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Click on the image above to enlarge.

Alma Mater by B. K. Bell

O, Booker T Washington High School
We'll always honor and cherish thee
O, Booker T. Washington High School
We'll sing thy praises eternally...
Our colors maroon and white boldly fly,
Roar lion our brave mascot, keep spirit high
O, Booker T. Washington High School
We pledge our hearts to thee
O, Booker T. Washington High School
We'll praise the ever as years go by,
O, Booker T. Washington High School
We'll hold thy precepts both far and high
Through downfall or victory our voices raise
O, Booker T. Washington High School
To the our loyalty.

Wall of Fame Award Guidelines (DRAFT) for Comment

Left click on image to enlarge. This is the comment period for the lion family before adoption by the board. Thank you for your input.

BTW Class of 1988

The BTW Class of 1988 is looking for alumni for a 20 year reunion to be held this year. Send e-mail to Patrick Walker at patrick.walker@redstone.army.mil or call 256-655-7538 or 256-721-5576 or Shawn Gipson at 318-393-8612 or 318-636-7207.

BTW Class of 1968

The BTW Class of 1968 is looking for alumni for a 40-year reunion. Call318-631-0155 or 318-925-2346 for more information.

Class of 1978 Getting Ready for Their 30th

The class of 1978 is in the process of planning a 30th reunion celebration. Wanda McDuffy-Pegues can be reached at 281-288-2388 or Beverly Allen-Miles at 318-631-6468 for additional information. In addition, you may e-mail the class at btw7830threunion@yahoo.com.

Good luck to the Class of 1978 and the foundation extends its best wishes for a successful reunion.

BTW Caps For Sale

Get yours today! This 100% cotton 6-panel cap with Velcro closure is now available. You must have one for your collection. Show your school pride and help with our fundraising cause at the same time. Caps are offered for $15.00 each and may be obtained by calling Foundation president, Jeane Nichols at (318)-525-9859 or foundation member, Lieutenant Jackson at (318)603-2172. Currently, the caps are only available in the color displayed.

Thanks for your support.

Reunion Cruise Class of 1984

The class of 1984 is planning a 25th Class Reunion Cruise for 2009. The cruise is open to all BTW Graduates who may be interested. Only a selected number of cabins are available at our group rate. If you are interested in joining us next year, please contact class president, Freddie Gipson at fgipsonjr@cs.com.


Go Lions!!!!!!

Photo of School

BTW Crest

Stewart Recognized as Outstanding Leader

Carl E. Stewart, 1967 graduate of BTW, was recently recognized by The Times as one of 10 "community members who are leading the way." Stewart, who serves as a Judge for the U.S. Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals is also a graduate of Dillard University and Loyola University School of Law.

According to the published profile, Judge Steward is married to Jo Ann Southall Stewart, and they have three children, Carl Jr., Karella and Kyle; three grandchildren.

"The kinds of struggles people had, not necessarily criminally, were things that were better if they had a lawyer-legal representation," Stewart said. "My father always encouraged me and my two brothers to reach out and help other people in our climb upward. We have a family ethos of launching out and trying to achieve in a profession that gives us an opportunity to give back to the community.

Stewart is a much sought after speaker in this community. This writer has been personally moved by his motivational commentary. He displays a rare blend of raw intellect, compassion and wisdom.

Judge Stewart is a board member of the Norwela Council Boy Scouts of America. And according to The Times report, "considers the work he has done with the Boy Scouts to be one of his proudest accomplishments."

The BTW Alumni Foundation is proud to join this community in congratulating Judge Stewart for his most recent honor. It is a well deserved.