The district also hasn't provided specifics about where the biggest academic gaps are for students. But the breakdown of such a vital function suggests a big problem and that accountability for the egregious lack of oversight and verification should perhaps extend beyond a single individual. If that's happened, let's hear about it!
Parents have a substantial role in checking their child's progress. But parents also should have confidence that an effective system exists to ensure most students are on the right academic track. Springer should feel responsible, as should many under his oversight. So should Springer's bosses — Monson and her fellow board members.
None of their responsibilities is more basic than their duty to provide a quality education for all students. On the best day in Oklahoma City, it's a tough task. That the job is difficult doesn't make the reality of what Douglass students are facing any more acceptable.
Students depend heavily on adults to make sure they're taking the right courses and the right tests on the right timeline. When 80 percent of a school's senior class isn't on track to graduate, just a semester away from what should be their big day, how is that not a failure on the part of the system and all those in charge of it?
