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Blog: FCAR
Speakout
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James Wyatt Marshall* came here in August from out of state. He had gotten in
trouble previously, and was in a boot camp. He came here to keep out of trouble
and earn his diploma. At **** High School, Wyatt attended regularly, earned good
grades, and got along well with students and teachers. On the October FCAT,
Wyatt passed the math, and got a 235 on the reading. He continued attending
regularly and doing well. When he got the results from the March test, his score
improved from 235 to 299. Close, but no stinkin' cigar, or diploma. We talked,
and I explained that he could go to summer school, take the test June 21, and
still be a 2005 graduate. He was bummed, but seemed ready to finish school. He
abruptly moved to South Carolina, where his mom lives. I spoke with his
guardian, who said he wanted to go to school there. I called the high school in
Anderson, and the school official said because of the requirements (their high
stakes test and a senior project), that he wouldn't graduate until next year.
Unfortunately, Wyatt was so disheartened by failing the test by one point that
he felt he had to leave, and has no chance to graduate for another year. Another
child left behind. -- May 2005
*Although we have permission to share this true story, we've used a pseudonym
for the student.
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