Is It Sunset 2016 for Frederick Douglass High School In Atlanta, Georgia?

by C. Henry Adams

Seriously, is it the 'Sunset'  for Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta, Georgia as a result of the State of Georgia OSD or Opportunity Schools District concept possibly becoming law of the land?  In my lifetime, I recall driving by where once stood Collier Heights Elementary School and to my shock, it no longer exist in its original form.  Click here to download the PDF regarding current reports of OSD Eligible Schools in the State of Georgia via County from the year 2013 up to 2015: http://www.southerneducation.org/Publications/OSD-Eligible-Schools-Updated-05032016.aspx

I grew up in the historical (4) four Quadrant area of the Community of Collier Heights in Atlanta, Ga, whereas, my home was located in Quadrant 2 of the now diminished Collier Heights Community; a lot of shocking changes have now occurred.

For those of you reading this blog and scratching your forehead attempting to figure out what it is that I'm speaking of when I state, " Sunset "; I'm simply referring to the end of an institution of learning.

As an Alumni of Frederick Douglass High School, I can not sat here and state that I or others did not see the possibility of this occurrence, because that statement would not be true.

Furthermore, as of May 3rd 2016, Atlanta Public Schools reported in a News Release that only 7 of 26 schools on the OSD or opportunity schools district list escaped that fate here:  http://www.atlanta.k12.ga.us/site/default.aspx?PageType=3&ModuleInstanceID=58172&ViewID=7b97f7ed-8e5e-4120-848f-a8b4987d588f&RenderLoc=0&FlexDataID=53795&PageID=49128

Unfortunately, Frederick Douglass High School was not one of the (7) seven schools listed.

So, you might ask, what is the big deal?

To answer your question, I would simply state that CCRPI is the big deal.

CCRPI stands for College and Career Ready Performance Index.  Basically, it is a comprehensive school improvement, accountability, and communication platform for all educational stakeholders that will promote college and career readiness for all State of Georgia public school students.

Unfortunately, it is the belief of individuals in the State of Georgia that because this High School is located in a mostly lower income Community, whereas, the 'mental mindset' there does not appear to have the ability to help educate the young people to become prepared for College or even working as Skilled Trade; they will likely not excel well in life as they move forward.

Any public school, whether it be Elementary, Middle or High School in the State of Georgia that has an overall score below 60 is in danger of being taken over by the State of Georgia Government.

According to Georgia's Education Standard Index (CCRPI), Frederick Douglass High has not improved within the last (3) three years regarding testing overall.

Furthermore, on August 12th 2015, Atlanta Public Schools - Dr. Meria Carstarphen wrote in a blog the efforts to be made in attempt to save the 26 schools from the take over.  By the way, she mentioned hiring Erin Hames, one of the individuals who crafted the OSD for the State of Georgia Government.

But, recent speculation of Atlanta Public Schools Management regarding the 26 Failing Schools it possess, indicates those particular Schools who continue to under perform would likely be shut down or closed.

Thus, Frederick Douglass High School, a once magnet school and school of excellence current situation.

So, what other plans should be considered for Frederick Douglass High School?

Perhaps the following:

1)  Frederick Douglass High School could become Frederick Douglass Charted High School assisted by Alumni.

2)  Frederick Douglass High School could become the New Morris Brown College Campus.

(or)

3) Frederick Douglass High School and Morris Brown College could merge together forming a unique and professional bond to help change the mindsets of the poverty stricken individuals in Atlanta, Georgia.

Well, its just a thought.  So, what say you?  Thanks for reading our blogs!





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