Congratulations APS!

Apparently, even with monster traffic, sky high crime rates, no adequate provision for floodweather, and a smog problem, Atlanta can actually do something right!

The National School Boards Association CUBE Committee selected Atlanta as this years' urban district of the year, according to the AJC this weekend. Justification, according to CUBE: "Atlanta Public Schools has been singled out for commitment to adapting to its needs by creating a strong governance structure, consistent leadership, and dedication to improving student achievement system-wide." (CUBE Finalists Press Release, pdf, dated August 11th) In other words, we're stubborn as an ox! The data considered includes "[five years] test scores, AYP status, drop out rates, minority college attendees, AP class demographics, and any other data that you feel would provide the judges an insight on how your district is successful." (CUBE Award FAQ) For those not in the know, AYP is a measure of how well your school district is complying with the federal guidelines in the No Child Left Behind Act - not a perfect act, but there's something genuinely wrong if you can't comply with it. (Not to say you're good if you can...hohohooo.)

Interestingly, all of the finalists and most of the honorable mentions were Southern schools, in Fort Lauderdale, Raleigh (hm), and Baltimore (hm.)

Of course, something not mentioned in this report is the wonderful involvement of Georgia Tech in the community, sponsoring Math contests, field trips, tours of every kind, Science Olympiad, school sporting events and open gyms, and minority education and volunteer tutoring throughout Bankhead and beyond. Why, almost every weekend you see a group of some school in the area coming to our college for some kind of field trip!