Behind this series

Last year’s Academic Performance Index rankings raised important questions about our public schools.

Though some progress had been made at most Lodi Unified campuses, the API showed our schools lagging others in similar socioeconomic conditions. We seemed to be slipping toward the back of the statewide pack, not elbowing toward the front.

Of special concern were students from poor and disadvantaged backgrounds, who were consistently behind their peers in Lodi Unified.

Are there ways, we wondered, that our schools can make brisker, stronger progress?

That question is answered in a series of stories starting today, and the answer is: Yes.

We checked with educators across California and in Texas and Virginia, where similar testing has been in place for some time looking for strategies and tactics for elevating student achievement.

We also looked for common themes among schools and districts that seem to be outpacing the competition.

Our series is not a blueprint. Nor is it an indictment of Lodi Unified, where many positive efforts are already underway.

Rather, it raises issues and offers ideas we hope will contribute to the progress now underway.

Richard Hanner
Editor