Dismal MEAP scores for Oscoda, ranks lowest of area schools

Oscoda Schools fell below state averages in 19 of the 28 reported categories for grades 3-9 as reported by the state.
Tawas fell below in 6 categories
Alcona fell below in 9 categories
Hale fell below state averages in 13 categories
Oscoda finished below in 19 categories
Whittemore Prescott fell below in 21 categories

Among other area schools Tawas, Alcona, Hale and Whittemore Prescott, Oscoda finished dead last in 11 categories.
Tawas had 11 top scores and one last place
Alcona also earned 11 top scores but finished last in three categories
Hale had six top scores, seven last place
Whittemore Prescott zero top scores but only 6 bottom scores
Oscoda zero first and 11 last place scores

What can be done?

First, I would like to clarify that I do not work for this district nor do I have a relative that does. I have no other vested interest except for the success of this town in which I live. I believe that most teachers in Oscoda are doing the best given their limitations in decision making and resources that are given them. Also, it is important to have resources for parents of children ages 0 - 5 when brain development is most critical. But most importantly in this district, the superintendent and school board have way too much power in the decision making of this district and it has caused chaos. The false sense of security one gets from the headline of the local newspaper that boldly screams "Oscoda MEAP Scores Show Improvements" does not help. The leadership (administration and school board) have already shown they purposely wear "rose colored glasses" and want the rest of us to do so as well. The public is not as naive as they would like us to be. What can be done is being honest, open and clear with the public. "Yes, there have been improvements and there is a long way to go. We can't do it on our own,nor should we. We need the stakeholders of this community to help make key decisions". The first decision I would make is to fire the superintendent since many of the school improvement goals have not changed for the number of years she has been here and have not been sufficiently met (ie. MEAP score improvements, marketing techniques, etc). If you haven't met a goal in 5 or more years, CHANGE!!! If President Obama can fire someone at the helm of a large corportation because they haven't made any significant changes then why can't we as taxpayers at least suggest the same for the person who dictates the decisions of this district? Anyway, I realize this is long but you asked a question.....

Got The Picture wrote:

First, I would like to clarify that I do not work for this district nor do I have a relative that does. I have no other vested interest except for the success of this town in which I live. I believe that most teachers in Oscoda are doing the best given their limitations in decision making and resources that are given them. Also, it is important to have resources for parents of children ages 0 - 5 when brain development is most critical. But most importantly in this district, the superintendent and school board have way too much power in the decision making of this district and it has caused chaos. The false sense of security one gets from the headline of the local newspaper that boldly screams "Oscoda MEAP Scores Show Improvements" does not help. The leadership (administration and school board) have already shown they purposely wear "rose colored glasses" and want the rest of us to do so as well. The public is not as naive as they would like us to be. What can be done is being honest, open and clear with the public. "Yes, there have been improvements and there is a long way to go. We can't do it on our own,nor should we. We need the stakeholders of this community to help make key decisions". The first decision I would make is to fire the superintendent since many of the school improvement goals have not changed for the number of years she has been here and have not been sufficiently met (ie. MEAP score improvements, marketing techniques, etc). If you haven't met a goal in 5 or more years, CHANGE!!! If President Obama can fire someone at the helm of a large corportation because they haven't made any significant changes then why can't we as taxpayers at least suggest the same for the person who dictates the decisions of this district? Anyway, I realize this is long but you asked a question.....

In response.....I rest my case. Harrah to you!!

Perfectly fabulous reponse.

4 Valadictorians. 4 exactly perfect students with perfect test scores, no missing assignments, perfect attendance. No doubt about, it's a wonderful things but seemingly diminishes the honor. It would be nice if these students came back to Oscoda nest year and reported how well prepared they found themselves in the first year of college.
On another note, don't know who publishes the School Observer but it is in need of an editor/proof reader.

The Class of 2006 graduated 110 seniors, six of whom shared the honor of being valedictorian.

Two of the Class of 2007 have earned perfect 4.0 grade point averages and have been named co-valedictorians

Couldn't find the number for 2008

So four is about average for Oscoda, but how many are going to Division 1 schools.

Just Another Voice wrote:

4 Valadictorians. 4 exactly perfect students with perfect test scores, no missing assignments, perfect attendance. No doubt about, it's a wonderful things but seemingly diminishes the honor. It would be nice if these students came back to Oscoda nest year and reported how well prepared they found themselves in the first year of college.
On another note, don't know who publishes the School Observer but it is in need of an editor/proof reader.

"Perfect" until they get to a campus of other "perfect" classmates who have had many more opportunities. That being said, I do congratulate those students who graduate at all. It is a difficult task when faced with all the state requirements as well as the chaos of what happens at OAS. BTW, I believe that Ms. Beardsley must write, edit and publish the Observer. That way she can always be sure what is written is the honest to gosh, gospel truth as she sees it, hears it and speaks it.

Well, there you are. The publisher of the Observer is none other than "Herself". Yes, look at how well students are faring a couple of years into their college experience. Bless their hearts - work hard and make it happen. They are way too busy to come back and say - hey - we have an issue.

Good luck to our Kids - you keep on keeping on. And - please - keep the school board informed! You are beyond "Herself's" reach. Be afraid no longer! Best of Luck to each and every one of you!

I have a daughter, a niece and a cousin's child that are in OHS's 2009 Graduating Class, one is going to ACC, another to Ferris and one to Grand Valley. I also have a niece graduating from Mt Clemens going to Northern.

I will be monitoring their progress and their ability to perform at the college level.

I'll let you know!

I have discussed this issue with children that have graduated from OAS and the overwhelming response was that they don't feel they were as well prepared for collage as graduates of other schools. They realized how much lower the stadards are at Oscoda. But lowering the standards in Oscoda seems to be the norm. "Lower the standards instead of making the students rise up to the challenges" seems to be Ms Beardsleys motto. As any good business person knows, change must start at the top..... time for taxpayers to insist on that change.