Fictional Final

By: Kala Lindley

On January 21, 2011, Sparta High School students took part in a press conference with Dr. Jon Jones, a Direct School Improvement Specialist.

Jones was hired by President Barack Obama in December of 2010. He is with the US Department of Education and is looking to improve a number of things. “Sparta High is going under a transformation beginning February 1, 2011. They have been stagnant for the last couple of years and just below the state average,” said Jones.

With a focus mainly on subjects of math, reading, and science; Jones is aiming to increase ACT and WKCE scores. “This is all a push that first began on January 8, 2002 when Bush established No Child Left Behind,” stated Jones.

Cost will not be factor in this unilateral change. “We are not looking to impose any extra tax dollars on our taxpayers. The extra cost will be absorbed by the government,” said Jones.

Effective February 1, 2011, there will be many changes seen at Sparta High School. “Administration, faculty, as well as teaching assistants will all be replaced by a US Department of Education team,” added Jones. Pay will continue through the employees current contracts, but as of June 30, 2011, they will no longer be employed under the Sparta Area School District.

As for the students, a lot of pressure will be absorbed by them. “School days will run from 7:45 a.m. and conclude at 5 p.m. Co-curricular activities will be suspended as well as work permits. This is an effort to increase our student achievement,” said Jones. In addition to these changes, students will have to go to school until July 1. If progress made by both special and regular educated students improves by 25%, school will resume September 1. However, if no progress is made, school will be back in session on July 11.

In addition to all these changes, five police liaison officers will make their rounds at Sparta High School. “They will not be local Sparta police officers, and will have no ties to our local community,” said Jones. Officers will mainly target students and parents that do not comply with this change.

Poor attendance will no longer be acceptable. “There will be no open campus. If students leave during their lunch period, they may not come back,” states Jones. Even if your child is sick, you will be instructed to bring them to school. “We have an infirmary set up, that will take care of your child and allow them to continue with their academic studies,” said Jones.

This effort to increase student achievement has been seen in other countries and states as well as Wisconsin. “Sparta is the only school in Wisconsin to adopt this change, but five other states including California, Michigan, Rhode Island, North Carolina and Florida, as well as China, Japan, and South Korea have done this,” adds Jones.

Jones is hoping these changes will improve academic performance at Sparta High School. “This is a big change that is necessary,” said Jones. Students are our future, which should be one of our top priorities.