There is a video going around about what a bad job some of the EPA teachers managed the classrooms; the kids are put in danger and they are not learning. I would recommend the Sequoia Trustees to watch the video first before you approve them. Too bad, I cannot attach the video to this posting.

By the way, when KIPP first came to Palo Alto Sequoia School District was against it, and even called potential parents who were interested in sending their kids there to advise them not to do it. Why is the big change of heart now? Is it because they do not want to deal with Ravenswood Students. I heard that from Trustee Wilson in a video that was put on Face Boo Group. I think she was right even if it hurt to hear it.

After our students finish middle school, we are so relieved that Sequoia School District is the one in charge of their success and not Ravenswood, but it does seem like they do not want our kids either because they come academically unprepared, and that looks bad in their scores.

One of the nicer things about charter schools is that if you don't like it, you don't have to send your child there. Enrollment is by application so it is strictly voluntary. If you prefer the Sequoia Union-run traditional school, have at it.

But if this charter school is anything like others, there will probably be significantly more demand than their ability to accept students. When families are given the choice, they choose the charter school. These families aren't dumb or uniformed. The charter schools must be doing something right.

But at least you are provided with the choice... something that is rarely offered by the traditional educational system.

Current data shows that many parents and students consider KIPP to be a better option than Ravenswood, which is basically a failed school district. The upper right portion of M-A's English tracks (see Web Link pretty much exists to deal with the fact that Ravenswood is not teaching students the skills they need to succeed in high school.

It is really unclear whether the benefits of KIPP (unclear beyond the obvious of "escape from failed schools") will translate to Sequoia Union, which is one of the stronger high school districts in the Bay Area. A large comprehensive high school is a much closer match to the college experience than a small charter, but if KIPP students are successful in college there is no reason parents and students should not be able to choose that path as well.

Remember that the end goal is helping students succeed - if KIPP will help more students succeed, let them build the school. Let's not sacrifice students' futures in the name of whatever flavor of political correctness keeps Ravenswood from being taken over by the state.