AYP haunts Laredo schools.

LISD had an article on AYP and how local schools in both districts are failing according to the federal government. These schools included Martin, LBJ, Alexander High and Cigarroa Middle among others. It is important to note that some of these schools only failed to meet federal AYP guidelines because of its subgroups (namely Special Ed and Limited English Proficiency students) and not because of its main, English Speaking, at grade level students. Below are some comments found on the LMT reader comments board. (reader opinions not my own)

Laredo proud wrote on Jun 5, 2009 7:28 AM:
" I am a Mexican proud of my heritage and upbringing...however, I am sick of all these people from Nuevo Laredo bringing thier kids here for an education. I am tired of being addressed in Spanish when I go to the store. LAREDO IS NOT MEXICO. The schools could be better if some teachers and employees would teach and strive for excellence instead of collect a paycheck. We need to get rid of doing the minimum to get by attitude and strive to do better. Education begins at home so parents get your kids to read some books this summer. "


Embarrased wrote on Jun 5, 2009 8:08 AM:
" What a shame, Laredo will never progress. Just go to any major department store in town. You are lucky if you can find someone who speaks English. This is America you should be able to speak the language. If you don't, then learn it. It starts at home, but the schools need to do their part and them some. Heck you go to any school and you will see that some of the teachers have difficulty speaking English themselves. What a shame!!!!!!!!!! "

MARIACHI wrote on Jun 5, 2009 7:15 AM:
" I have many friends in these schools who are teachers. They keep telling that the reason Laredo doesn't do very good on anything academic is because of all the Mexicans from Nuevo Laredo attending such schools. They know not how to speak/understand/write English well and therefore bring the scores down in all areas. Laredo is starved for money and since they get extra funds for allowing such ignoramus, they fail to understand that such shall keep them from ever meeting standards; in fact, if they keep this up, they might even be history. "


Sometimes things are more complicated than they seem at first.