CARES Unites Residents at Oktoberfest

BerwynCARES participated in this year's Depot District Oktoberfest with a membership booth and a craft table for young children to enjoy. There are many parents of young children who are eager to learn about the public school system in Berwyn and we were so glad to share information about our work.

Our mission of uniting residents interested in renewing and sustaining an enthusiasm, interest, and passion for the education system in Berwyn includes a balance of two main focuses:

1. An activism role that includes reporting on the major decisions made by our school boards and acting as a watchdog organization on behalf of taxpayers.

2. A supportive, fundraising role that provides grants to teachers and scholarships to deserving students.

If you are interested (and I hope you ARE!!) in joining our efforts on either or both of the above roles, please consider joining Berwyn CARES. Thanks to all who came out yesterday to learn more about BerwynCARES. It really was a great day!

Get Schooled

I saw this video and thought about the 25% of kids

IN OUR COMMUNITY

that don't graduate from Morton West on time. I thought of the 70%

AT MORTON WEST

who did not meet the Illinois learning standards on the Prairie State Achievement Test. We've got to do something about it.

Is There an Acheivement Gap In Berwyn?

The achievement gap in our country is well documented and so it goes here in Berwyn. The term "achievement gap" refers to the difference in achievement between groups of students, especially those groups defined by race, gender and socioeconomic status. For example, in one Berwyn Elementary School District, the state report card for 2008 shows that 65% economically disadvantaged 3rd grade students meet or exceed state reading standards compared to 75% for their non-disadvantaged peers. This achievement gap is also evident when comparing students by race/ethnicity with white students outperforming their non-white peers and Asian students outperforming all groups (87% of Asian students in the Berwyn district meet or exceed expectations!). The real story, though, is in the number of students exceeding standards. When you separate out this group, indicated by a 4 on the report card charts starting on about page 8, you'll see the percentage of economically disadvantaged students EXCEEDING expectations is about half that of the non-disadvantaged peers.

We KNOW there is an achievement gap. What educators and communities don't seem to know is what to do about it. Well, that is not entirely true.

I've referenced the article, "What It Takes To Make a Student" , before and continue to reread it whenever I am considering what solutions exist for Berwyn's challenges. Hey, Berwyn! Do we REALLY want to eliminate the achievement gap? Take the time to read the 2006 New York Times article and then Ask YOUR school officials what efforts are being made to eliminate the achievement gap. Ask YOUR school officials what support is needed from the community to ensure that ALL students reach their potential.

Open Play @ the Library

A new program at the Berwyn Public Library called Open Play @ the Library aims to address the importance of early literacy. Come join other families with young children for an opportunity to socialize, play and read age appropriate books with your child. There will also be two 15 minute music/storytime sessions given by Josephine Tucci. The program is open to families and/or caregivers with children ages birth to 3 years, it will be held from 10-noon in the Community Room every Friday starting September 4th. No registration is necessary and you can come and go as you please. If you have any questions, please call Josephine at 708-795-8000 ext. 3020 or email josephinet3@ berwynlibrary. net. Hope to see you there!!!!!