Dear Editor,
Denise Apuzzo, one of the Dispatch bulldogs, is once again throwing mud in an attempt to discredit me publicly.
Ms. Apuzzo has previously attacked me in her column and when demonstrated to be wrong beyond any reasonable doubt has refused to retract or apologize.
In her latest attack upon me, Ms. Apuzo has used AP data in an improper manner, an issue I thought had been previously settled within the pages of The Dispatch. According to the College Board, comparing AP scores for an individual teacher or district to another district or the national average for the purposes in her piece is a misuse of data. Making such a comparison in a public column not only shows a lack of knowledge but also a lack of decency.
In 2002-03, 58 percent of students scored a three of higher on the AP Calculus exam (a figure that is relatively close to the national average).
What I have not said in many circles is that the 58 percent of students scoring a three or higher is the best three or higher percentage in the history of Gilroy High School for the AP Calculus exam. Does Ms. Apuzzo write about the best scores in the history of Gilroy High School?
Of course she doesn’t. To do so would not suit her agenda. Hand picking data in the manner in which Ms. Apuzzo has done and reporting those carefully selected bits of data demonstrates a lack of knowledge and a lack of decency.
Ms. Apuzzo’s analysis of data is deficient in specifics and demonstrates statistical immaturity.
Ms. Apuzzo has essentially asserted that in a district with low math scores across the board that the AP mathematics students are at or above the national average before they start their AP classes.
I challenge Ms. Apuzzo to prove that assertion. Vague generalities regarding the abilities of students without supporting data when accompanied with a specific attack upon a teacher shows a lack of knowledge in the use of data and statistics and lacks any sense of decency whatsoever.
As far as what I told parents at a meeting regarding AP scores, I was perfectly honest and forthright with parents. I stated the percentage of students who scored a three or higher accurately for both AP Statistics and AP Calculus. Ms. Apuzzo’s assertion that I attempted to mislead parents is an incorrect.
Ms. Apuzzo’s personal attack upon me demonstrates a lack of decency and is deficient in fairness. Ms. Apuzzo owes me a retraction and an apology. I won’t hold be holding my breath waiting for either.
Wayne Scott,
GHS Mathematics Teacher
