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.