Open letter from Adrian school regarding class segregation

Adrian R-III School District

Kirk Eidson

Superintendent

(816) 297-2710

Christopher Shanks

Jr.-Sr. High Principal

(816) 297-4460

Brian Borgmeyer

Elementary Principal

(816) 297-2158

601 North Houston, P.O. Box 98

Adrian, Missouri  64720-0098

Phone  (816) 297-2158

FAX  (816) 297-2980

Jr.-Sr. High FAX  (816) 297-4598

Web Site:  www.adrian.k12.mo.us

Board Members

Gary Tolle, President

Tom Underwood, Vice President

Susan McMillan, Secretary

Jay Bagby, Treasurer

Steve Lewis, Member

David Knuth, Member

Jim Tenholder, Member

August 17, 2011

Blackhawk Parent(s):

First, I would like to apologize that this information did not reach you prior to the start of school. Hindsight is always twenty-twenty and this information should have reached you in the spring that would have allowed you the opportunity to select the gender specific or co-educational classroom. Unfortunately, we can only move forward and this letter is that effort to begin correction of the error. If you are not already aware, students in grades 6-8 and some high school students are enrolled in gender specific core classes. There is an increasing amount of research related to gender regarding the possibility of gender differences in learning styles between male and female students available. Several studies indicate that positive can develop from using gender specific classes.

It is our professional opinion that these classes could increase student academic achievement by providing the least distracting environment for the students. We are very proud of the fact that the 6-12 building grew +4.7% in Communication Arts and +9% in Mathematics last year as a result of our on-going school improvement efforts. Adrian High School currently ranks 8^th (top 2%) out of 531 high schools and 58^th (top 10%) out of 617 middle schools in the State of Missouri on performance exams in Math and Communication Arts. This high achievement level did not just emerge without the hard work and dedicated efforts of the exceptional members of the secondary staff. Outstanding educational opportunities are transpiring for your children. Gender specific classes are just another step in providing your child the opportunity to maximize their learning in a rigorous curriculum that prepares them for a successful high school and/or post secondary education.

A post-secondary education is required for many careers in today’s global economy. In the past, a high school diploma was often sufficient preparation for most entry level jobs. Now, given technological advances, job requirements, and changing labor force needs, a high school diploma is no longer enough. College readiness is an expectation and goal that we have for all students!

We would be happy to answer any questions or concerns that you may have regarding the gender specific classes. If you would like to have your child assigned to just co-educational classes and/or gender specific classes, please contact Dr. Carrie Eidson at school on or before Wednesday August 24^th. If you are willing to allow us the opportunity to implement the gender specific classes that are on your child’s schedule, there is no need to contact the office. If any of the classes fill-up, unfortunately we will be forced to abandon this concept and adjustments will be made to the schedule before Monday August 29^th. Thanks, as we look forward to a bright educational future for all students.

Sincerely,

Christopher E. Shanks MS/HS Principal

Dr. Carrie Eidson Director of Academic and Pupil Services