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Sunday, December 20, 2009

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Race to the Top Proposed Plan Released

The Louisiana Department of Education, today, released a proposed plan for its application to compete for additional dollars under this federal education initiative.

Race To The Top or R2T as it is becoming known, is seeded with some $4.35 billion. States will compete for these dollars as part of efforts to improve troubled schools.

Some indicate that Louisiana could reap as much as $250 million which could also include up to $500,000 per year for four years for individual schools accepted into the program.

This is a very high-stakes process and it obviously could, someday, impact BTW as well as other district high priority schools.

Interested alums and friends can view the state press release, together with the attachment called "Why We Can't Wait" at the states Web site. You may use our link to the state.

Monday, September 28, 2009

Attendance/Enrollement History

School attendance is being tracked and published on a weekly basis as part of an effort to reduce dropout rates. This activity will cover the entire month of September, 2009.


The most recent report shown in The Times on September 27, 2009 indicates a 7.5% absence rate for BTW.

This is based on a total average enrollment of 342 with an average of 26 students absent.

For the District, the enrollment was 41,182 with 2,025 absent generating a 4.9% absence rate.

According to The Times report, this effort is "...a collaboration of school districts, the Alliance For Education and the Community Foundation, all partners in the Learning to Finish initiative to reduce dropout numbers."

We certainly hope that all interested BTW supporters are viewing this information. And, of course, taking steps to make sure our students are attending school on a regular basis.

With some pushing for even more time in school as a way of improving achievement, clearly our community must make regular school attendance a top priority.

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Back to School Night-2009

The 2009-2010 Lions will hold back to school night on September 10, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.

It would be great for as many alums as possible to join the Lions on campus for this event.

Thank you very much.

Friday, September 4, 2009

Minimum School Performance Score Going Up

State superintendent Paul Pastorek now indicates that the minimum score is going up. According to a recent Times story, Louisiana started its improvement journey in 1999. In the beginning of the process, the minimum score was 30.. It moved to 45 and in 2005 it moved to the present 60 out of a possible 150.

Apparently the superintendent did not indicate when he wants to make this move.

The state average performance score is 86.3.

This of course places additional pressure on BTW and others striving to exit AUS status.

I can easily see a recommendation to move the minimum to 75.

I would certainly approach things from now until the change is debated and actually implemented as if it were something in the 75 to 78 range. Clearly, 60 is on its way out.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

School Performance Scores for AUS Schools Released

On August 28, 2009, the Louisiana Department of Education released the 2008-2009 school performance scores for the AUS schools. The four AUS high schools in Caddo scored as follows:

BTW...58.4
Fair Park...51.0
Green Oaks...49.4
Woodlawn...49.4

  • A score of at least 60 is needed to shed the AUS label
  • The state goal is for all schools to be at 120 by the year 2014
With the implementation of the Caddo Plan this year, we hope to see BTW and the other high schools exit AUS status next year.

Click on the FACTS label for additional information.

Thursday, August 20, 2009

ACT Scores for Louisiana-2009

A national tool for evaluating college readiness is the ACT score. The results for the 2009 graduating class are now in, and being reported by ACT at http://www.act.org.

On a national level some 23% of all students tested met the readiness benchmark in all four subjects, as compared with 15% in Louisiana.

Louisiana Composite Scores

Asian American/Pacific Islander... 22.3
Caucasian American/White.......... 21.5
National Average Composite.......21.1
Hispanic ......................................... 20.3
Other/no response......................... 20.2
Louisiana Average Composite... 20.1
American Indian/Alaska Native... 19.4
African American/Black................17.3

It is very important as parents and alums that we are aware of these scoring trends and that proper steps are taken to improve our results.

We must consider that Louisiana's Tuition Opportunity Program for Students (TOPS) requires a score equal to the prior year's state average to be considered for the OPPORTUNITY AWARD. Currently a minimum score of 20 is required.

As college costs continue to increase, scholarship money can not and should not be left on the table due to lack of performance.

Friday, August 14, 2009

Welcome to the 2009-2010 School Year

The alumni community wishes to welcome the entire Lion family back to school for an exciting new year.

It has been a long hot summer, and we suspect everyone is ready get started. Time to renew old friendships and of course establish new ones.

This is a critical point in our school history. Our new theme around technology offers great promise. Once fully implemented , we believe our students and parents will embrace this approach to learning.

Although new tech starts with the 9th and 10th grades this year, it will eventually encompass the entire student body.

Our 11th and 12th graders are the campus leaders and we know they will continue to pursue academic excellence as they close in on "life after high school."

Best wishes to all for nothing less than a highly successful 2009-2010 school year.

Tuesday, July 21, 2009

BTW Leadership Team (Other Key Information)

According to the most recent principal assignment document, the following individuals comprise the core leadership team for 2009-2010:

  • Betty Jordan-Principal
  • Nathaniel Adams-Assistant Principal
  • Deloris Lynch-Assistant Principal
  • Thedra Green-Assistant Principal
School Name:

Booker T. Washington New Technology High School
2104 Milam Street
Shreveport, LA 71103
Phone: 318.222.2186
FAX: 318.226.0628

We offer our congratulations and best wishes to this new team and the entire Lion organization as you begin a new era.

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Mr. Emmanuel Hudson is our new Band Director

According to a July 9, 2009 story in the Shreveport Sun, Emmanuel Hudson is now leading the marching Lions. Hudson has an impressive resume including being an honors grad from Southern University, Baton Rouge, with a degree in Music Education.

A parents only meeting with Hudson is scheduled for 6:00 p.m. on July 13, 2009.

The Sun announcement also indicates that band camp registration and orientation will be Monday, July 20. Practice will take place from July 20 to August 13.

In addition, those interested in Flag Line, Majorette or Dance Line should attend a 4:00 p.m. meeting on July 16, 2009.

Please call 318.425.2501 or 318.572.8515 for additional information

We look forward to seeing the Lions high stepping during the upcoming season.

Welcome and best wishes to Mr. Hudson from the Alumni Foundation.

Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Yearbook Information



As Alumni of BTW, we are always looking for ways to support our school. Please consider the yearbook school activity. We may take out ads in the yearbook, purchase a yearbook or sponsor a yearbook.
Please consider the following information shared with us by the BTW PTSA. As always, thank you for thinking of the BTW students and community. (Left click image to enlarge)

Thursday, April 23, 2009

BTW Class of 1965 (2010 Reunion Plans)

The BTW class of 1965 invites all class members to a meeting to be held on May 4, 2009 at 6 p.m. at the Atkins Library Branch. It is located at 3784 Greenwood Road, Shreveport, La.

For more information, please contact Clara Hall Farley at home phone, 318-621-9123 or cell phone 458-5110. Other key contacts include Fred and Delores Thomas at home phone 318- 636-2959 or cell phone 617-4857.

Wednesday, April 8, 2009

New Technology Foundation

"New Technology Foundation is a school development organization that assists communities across the country in creating a 21st century high school modeled on Napa's New Technology High School. Entering its 12th year, New Technology High School is an internationally recognized public school in the Napa Valley Unified School District, selected as a model for replication by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation."

The CPSB is working with New Technology Foundation in bringing BTW New Technology online.

Parents and interested community members can learn more about this model by visiting the New Technology Foundation Web site at http://www.newtechfoundation.org/.

Explore the site fully for more information. A good place to start is the "PRESS" tab; then select "RESEARCH." You can then select one of many documents to further improve understanding of this concept and its results to date.

For future easy reference, we will establish a LINK to New Technology Foundation from this site.

Remember to share the information and thus spread the word.

Saturday, April 4, 2009

Images From Recent Visit to a New Tech Academy( Left Click Images to Enlarge)




(L to R) Dr. Gerald Dawkins( Superintendent), Debra Bell and Veronica Ivy (BTW PTSA Members), Dottie Bell and Charlotte Crawley (CPSB Members), and Alisha Davis (BTW PTSA Member)


(L to R) Dottie Bell and Charlotte Crawley (CPSB Members), and Superintendent Gerald Dawkins examine a rocket display in one of the classrooms.








Friday, April 3, 2009

Dawkins Leads New Tech Site Visit

Although the hour was indeed early (around 5:00 a.m.) and with storm clouds swirling overhead, Dr. Gerald Dawkins led a group of Caddo system staff and community participants to visit a Dallas area New Technology program on April 2, 2009.

The New Tech model will be deployed this fall as a part of The Caddo Plan for the historic Booker T. Washington High School.

Our president, Dr. G. Jeane Nichols and alums Gloria Finister and Lieutenant Jackson were also part of the group.

The BTW PTSA was represented by members Debra Bell, Alisha Davis and Veronica Ivy.

High school director and long time Caddo educator Roy Thomas clearly was the system field general and operations point person for this excursion.

The Caddo contingent visited the campus of R.L. Turner High School (Carrollton, TX) which is part of the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD. Housed on that campus, is the Math, Engineering, Technology, and Science Academy (METSA).

Mr. Lance Campbell is the Turner principal and Ms. Mansoureh Tehrani is the METSA program director.

The Caddo group toured the METSA academy which began its operations during the 2007-2008 school year.

Student guides conducted very informative classroom visits that allowed for close observation of the technology and learning environment. It was impressive!

Students appeared very relaxed and at ease with their computers. Computer screens displayed individual creative project contributions as well as other shared content.

Random student inquires confirmed enthusiasm and appreciation for this approach. Students beamed with a sense of personal pride and accomplishment. They were eager to explain their projects and communicated in an effective manner.

All seems very positive and should serve to excite the BTW family for the kinds of experiences that await our students.

Dr. Dawkins confirmed that the Caddo School board has already appropriated an initial investment of some $1m. for the implementation of the New Tech model at BTW. It will also have a Math and Science emphasis.

Although we have the utmost confidence in Dr. Dawkins and his team, our implementation will present significant challenges. In my view, the greatest impediment has been the slow response by the state ed department to the overall Caddo Plan.

Our lead time has clearly been adversely impacted and may cause some activities to be compressed. However, I am confident this superintendent and his team are committed to overcoming these challenges.

Nevertheless, the BTW alumni community and friends of BTW should be ready to support the superintendent in this Herculean effort. We should be on the look out for opportunities to help and if called upon by the superintendent for assistance, we should respond without delay.

Share this information throughout the BTW family. The more we understand about the planned transformation of BTW, the higher our probability for success.

New Tech means a new day and a new opportunity for the mighty lions. I believe we are ready for a change. How about you?

New Technology Foundation



We have previously announced the expected transformation of BTW into a New Technology High School. The above brochure provides more detailed information on this model. As you can see, BTW will join a network of new technology schools emerging across the nation.
LEFT CLICK ON IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

BTW Prepares for the 21st Century

BTW already enjoys a rich and proud history in the Shreveport and surrounding area. First opened in January, 1950, it once served as the only high school option for generations of African Americans.

Over the years this proud and stately institution has stumbled. Changing demographics and the requirements of the state's accountability system have combined to cook up an almost lethal brew for BTW.

Down but certainly not out, BTW is again about to make history.

BTW is slated for what could easily be described as a complete transformation. It is about to join an emerging trend and become a part of the New Technology environment.

That's right. Our beloved BTW will become BTW New Technology High School when it opens for the 2009-2010 school term. Beginning with the 9Th and 10Th graders, BTW will adopt an exciting new learning model.

With heavy use of computers, our students will move to a platform designed to enhance what are sometimes called "soft skills." Through a project based learning technique, our students will master content by using real world problems.

This collaborative environment supports development of such skills as teamwork, critical thinking, a strong work ethic, presentation and writing skills and others. All of which will make our graduates better prepared for life after high school.

We will report on this transition using the label of "NEW TECH." In that manner, you can follow this truly history making process.

Friday, February 27, 2009

Once A Lion, Always A Lion (Photos Needed)

The new business manager for the BTW Lions football team is Charity Moran. He has invited former players to submit pictures for inclusion in the year book. Please contact Mr. Moran at 318-349-2533 or email him at cmmoran@caddo.k12.la.us

Mr. Moran believes such a display will demonstrate true BTW school pride to the younger players. The foundation agrees. Please support Mr. Moran in this effort.

Thank you.

BTW Class of 1957 Makes Cash Award to School

According to a report in the February 26, 2009 edition of the Shreveport Sun, the class of 1957 presented BTW with an $1800 cash award. The money is designated for two $500 scholarships and $800 to be used as incentives for the spring GED graduates.

The Shreveport Sun photo shows class members Willie Bolding, Joyce Orr, Lucy Wright, Johnnie Thomas and principal Dr. Curley White.

The Alumni Foundation salutes the Class of 1957 for this show of school support.

Friday, January 16, 2009

District Composite Report Link

The following link will bring you to the 2006-2007 report for Caddo. In it you will find significant historical data that sheds more light on our current situation with low performing schools.

The community can take a look at this data and gear up to support the system as it struggles to bring our low performing schools up to acceptable performance standards.

We must begin to think in terms of the data and not our feelings.

http://www.louisianaschools.net/lde/pair/dcr0607/dcr009.pdf

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

BTW Issues Cited in Recent Article

According to a Times news story on January 11, 2009, state education officials spent time reviewing all low performing schools. That review of course included Caddo and our BTW. The following concerns were listed in the article.

-A lack of urgency and general level of complacency is evident toward academic improvements.
-A serious school wide problem exists with tardiness, truancy and inconsistent discipline policy enforcement.
-A reconstitution plan was developed, but there is no documentation to show all actions have been addressed.
-Few teachers are engaging students in rigorous learning activities to improve student performance.
-For a student population of 456, 904 suspensions were reported.
-About 57 percent of sophomores and juniors read and write below grade level and 65 percent function below grade level in math.
-The average school performance score is 50.6.

It is apparently against this backdrop that further state recommendations and/or actions are forthcoming for BTW.

BTW and Other Local Schools Closer to Learning Their Disposition

State superintendent Paul Pastorek has made his recommendations public as to what he wants to do with 33 low performing schools in the state. BTW is one of the 33 schools covered by today's news.

The BESE board is scheduled to further consider this matter on Wednesday, January 14, 2009. A vote could come on Thursday.

Linear Middle and Linwood Middle are being recommended to enter the Recovery district effective July 1, 2009.

BTW and other impacted Caddo schools are recommended for continued local control but under very tight state requirements. These requirements are to identified in a Supervisory Memorandum of Understanding.

The local board apparently must agree to comply with the terms of the SMU within the next 60 days and also make adequate progress toward implementation of a plan during the first year of the agreement. If not, schools will then be scooped up into the Recovery District.

Please use our link to the Louisiana Department of Education Web site for more information.

UPDATE: On Thursday, January 15, 2009, the BESE board made the above mentioned recommendations final.

Monday, January 12, 2009

Report Cards (School Accountability ) Link

This link is to the School Report Cards. You can find the Principal's Report Card as well as the Parent's Report Card. This will include the most recent as well as historical report cards.

http://www.doe.state.la.us/lde/saa/1639.html

Louisiana Graduation Rates for 2007

On January 8, 2009 the Louisiana Department of Education released its cohort graduation rates for 2007. Indicated below are the rankings for our area. You may view the complete release together with attachments at http://www.doe.state.la.us/

1. Caddo Parish Magnet High School-96.4%
-State Goal for 2016----------------80%
2. C.E. Byrd------------------------76.9%
3. Captain Shreve------------------75.6%
4. Northwood----------------------71.2%
-State Average -----------65.9%
5. Southwood----------------------65.6%
-Caddo District Average------59.4%
6. Huntington----------------------57.4%
7. BTW----------------------------55.4%
8. North Caddo--------------------54.4%
9. Woodlawn----------------------47.7%
10.Green Oaks-------------------44.2%
11.Fair Park----------------------41.6%

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

Reunion News

  • BTW class of 1979 looking for alums for a 30th reunion. A meeting will be held Jan. 12, 2009 6:00p.m. at the Shreve Memorial Library, Wallett Branch, 363 Hearne Ave. Call Karen Brown at 318-518-2991 for more information.
  • BTW class of 1972 "Alive At 55" will hold a meeting Jan 11, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. at 9839 Amblewood, Shreveport, (Deepwoods Subdivision)
  • BTW class of 1968 is looking for alums for a 40th reunion. Call 318-631-0155 or 318-925-2346 for more information.
  • BTW class of 1959 is looking for alums for a 50th year reunion to be held June 25-28. Call Daisy Jackson at 318-861-3782 or Maryann Chaptman at 318-868-5947 for more information.
  • BTW class of 1964 is looking for alums for a reunion. Call 318-687-3814.