Wayne Scott’s recent letter concerning his Advanced Placement
math results is a pathetic attempt to avoid the subject of his
competence as a teacher of AP statistics.
In my column, I specifically singled out the most recent results
for students enrolled in AP statistics. Mr. Scott does not address
the fact that 80 percent of his class was unable to master the
material, since they did not pass the AP statistics exam.
Wayne Scott’s recent letter concerning his Advanced Placement math results is a pathetic attempt to avoid the subject of his competence as a teacher of AP statistics.
In my column, I specifically singled out the most recent results for students enrolled in AP statistics. Mr. Scott does not address the fact that 80 percent of his class was unable to master the material, since they did not pass the AP statistics exam.
Instead of sticking to the point (or attempting to defend the indefensible), Mr. Scott chose to focus on the fact that two years ago, one of his AP classes (calculus) came close to the national average on the AP exam. What he conveniently left out is that the very same year, only 17 percent of his AP statistics students successfully passed the AP exam.
Knowing that the community can judge for themselves how abysmal these numbers are, Mr. Scott tries another tactic. He doesn’t believe that the students who enroll in AP math classes at Gilroy High are smart enough to pass the classes.
In a given year, only 2 percent to 4 percent of GHS students take AP math. He would like us to believe that these are below-average math students. I know that 10 percent of GHS students are identified as Gifted and Talented, and a slightly higher percentage is proficient or advanced in math per the California Standards Test.
According to our assistant superintendent, to test proficient on the CST, you must be above the 66th percent nationally. It stands to reason that far more than 2 to 4 percent of GHS students are above average in math. I believe that the students who are enrolling in AP math are capable. I am not buying Scott’s “they just aren’t smart enough” defense. He may blame the students for their lack of success in his class; I choose to blame Mr. Scott.
With regards to being “honest and forthright” with parents, Mr. Scott was neither. He never told parents that in the previous two years only 17 and 20 percent of his AP statistics students passed the AP exam. Most troubling to me is the fact that Wayne Scott appears overly concerned about his success. His number one concern should be the success of his students. Mr. Scott will try to avoid the questioning of his abilities by calling my public dissemination of his results an attack on teachers. I am not attacking teachers; I am questioning the ability of one particular teacher to teach AP statistics. Mr. Scott might be an outstanding algebra teacher; he is not, by any measure, a success at teaching AP statistics.
Finally, I will gladly accept Mr. Scott’s assertion that I am a Dispatch bulldog. Their owners can attest to the fact that “the bulldog is among the gentlest of dogs. Just the same, it will see off any intruder, and few would risk a close encounter with a dog brave enough to bait a bull. It is described as a very affectionate and dependable animal, gentle with children, but known for its courage and its excellent guarding abilities.” So, I’m flattered.
And what of Mr. Scott? Personally, I find him most like an American Bandogge Mastiff; “a breed that loves attention. These dogs are very loyal and do not like to be left alone. Some, when left alone, will howl the entire time their owner is gone. They are happy to receive any attention and gladly accept whatever you give them. They prefer to be with their owners and live to please and protect them. Loving their families and protecting their domain. they can get along with other animals if they are raised with them, but they can be aggressive with animals they haven’t been socialized with.”
Denise Baer Apuzzo has lived in Gilroy for 5 years. She is married and is a parent of three children who attend Gilroy public schools. You can reach her at lu*****@****ic.net.
