Live Blog - Community Meeting, Round Two

6:32 - We're live from Highland Meadow Elementary School in Northeast Dallas. It looks like we will be getting largely the same presentation as has been ponied up at recent community meetings (Bryan Adams for instance).

What we'll be interested in are the questions and answers at the end--which, obviously, should be different.

So stick with us and we'll update the web page if any new information comes up.

6:45 - The introductions are over and we're waiting for the Dallas Achieves Powerpoint. Jose Luis Torres is presenting tonight.

Superintendent Hinojosa and Trustee Leigh Ann Ellis are on their way after the Board Briefing winds down.

7:08 - Down to questions and answers.

Dual language.

Talking about parental involvement and how important it is for the student to hear Spanish and English at home.

"We use English for math and Spanish for reading [at the school]," answered a staff member--an expert in bilingual education.

Volunteerism. "How do I volunteer?" The answer: talk to your teacher or the principal.

There are plenty of volunteer coordinators in the audience tonight.

Lots of questions regarding education in general at the school. Special needs, learning disabilities, etc.

By the way, there are about 100 people in the audience.

Interesting question: "as the percentage of 9th grade students dropping out is increasing, what is being done to address the increase in dropouts?"

Torres replied that there is legislation mandating that something be done. He's going on to explain how effort is being increased in many academic areas.

Torres is explaining the reasons kids drop out.

"We do have a master plan on dropouts [...] it is a complex issue [...] we can't give you a simple answer," answered Torres.

Question: "if I don't speak English, and my child is being taught in English, who can help me with my child?"

Torres is urging parents to "connect" with their teacher. Going through some approaches to build up the child's self-esteem.

So I guess the bottom line: talk to the teacher.

Next question: guns and drugs in the school.

Torres is going through a litany of things the District does to monitor the behavior of kids, and deal with deterrence. Drug education.

Nothing earth shattering tonight. We're headed to another meeting.