Post by Deleted on Aug 31, 2012 10:32:44 GMT -5
BERKE: FOR-PROFIT K12, INC. WASTING TAXPAYER DOLLARS
Recent results show low-performance, high-cost
NASHVILLE -- State Sen. Andy Berke is demanding answers on the dismal performance of a for-profit Tennessee school that draws students from all over the state.
gThis is a case of government letting down our students and our taxpayers,h Sen. Berke said. gIt defies common sense.h
The Tennessee Virtual Academy is owned and operated by K12 Inc., an out-of-state corporation, and its test scores are among the lowest in the state. School districts receive state funding based on enrollment. When a student transfers to the virtual academy, state funding for that student leaves the local district and goes to K12.
A letter was sent to legislative leaders Wednesday demanding accountability.
Sen. Berke has repeatedly voiced concerns over the past two years over a for-profit company siphoning taxpayer dollars to fund their venture in Tennessee public schools.
The most recent state accountability measures show how K12, Inc. is failing students:
œ The Tennessee Virtual Academy scored the lowest possible TVAAS score, which shows whether a student increased or decreased academic growth.
œ Only 11 percent of schools in Tennessee scored in that category, putting them gsignificantly below expectations,h according to the Department of Education.
œ A value-added index of -25.27, which ranks gnear the bottom of the bottom.h
œ Only 16.4 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math on state TCAP tests.
gI believe every child deserves an excellent education,h Berke said in the letter. gThe poor scores on academic achievement show K12 does not fulfill our expectations. Our accountability as lawmakers is to students, parents, and taxpayers in Tennessee, and we must make sure dollars go to work in the classroom.h
Recent results show low-performance, high-cost
NASHVILLE -- State Sen. Andy Berke is demanding answers on the dismal performance of a for-profit Tennessee school that draws students from all over the state.
gThis is a case of government letting down our students and our taxpayers,h Sen. Berke said. gIt defies common sense.h
The Tennessee Virtual Academy is owned and operated by K12 Inc., an out-of-state corporation, and its test scores are among the lowest in the state. School districts receive state funding based on enrollment. When a student transfers to the virtual academy, state funding for that student leaves the local district and goes to K12.
A letter was sent to legislative leaders Wednesday demanding accountability.
Sen. Berke has repeatedly voiced concerns over the past two years over a for-profit company siphoning taxpayer dollars to fund their venture in Tennessee public schools.
The most recent state accountability measures show how K12, Inc. is failing students:
œ The Tennessee Virtual Academy scored the lowest possible TVAAS score, which shows whether a student increased or decreased academic growth.
œ Only 11 percent of schools in Tennessee scored in that category, putting them gsignificantly below expectations,h according to the Department of Education.
œ A value-added index of -25.27, which ranks gnear the bottom of the bottom.h
œ Only 16.4 percent of students scored proficient or advanced in math on state TCAP tests.
gI believe every child deserves an excellent education,h Berke said in the letter. gThe poor scores on academic achievement show K12 does not fulfill our expectations. Our accountability as lawmakers is to students, parents, and taxpayers in Tennessee, and we must make sure dollars go to work in the classroom.h