To consider individual schools rather than entire districts when determining accreditation will not only address the current logistical concerns being voiced by accredited districts which are affected by accreditation decisions, but it will give families much more accurate information to use when making choices regarding the education of their children.
As it is now, with districts as a whole being labeled as unaccredited, individual schools within that district which are achieving see their good results ignored and families are unaware that they even exist.
Given that most families would prefer to educate their children in the best possible environment that is closest to their home, the switch to accrediting schools rather than districts will give families better information and will also relieve concerns from neighboring districts that they will have to accept influxes of students with little warning or time to prepare.
Katherine Wessling, member
SLPS Board of Education
St. Louis