\doc\web\97\10\extenn.txt From: DNS BNA Date sent: Fri, 12 Dec 1997 19:15:35 EST To: eca@fastlane.net, education-consumers@tricon.net Subject: Re: SchoolMatch Audit Organization: AOL (http://www.aol.com) Jeanne, Maybe someone from Nashville can confirm, but I think this is the group that was the basis for an article in Nashville magazine recently. It rated our two accelerated academic magnet high schools right up there with the better private schools around (97th to 99th percentile). On the other hand, two of our high schools which have often been considered comparable came out very different. Hillsboro was, I think, at 93%, and Overton at 39%. Although they've been thought similar historically, I know Overton has waived exams for students with certain attendance and average requirements for the last several years. I also know that one of the major middle schools feeding into Overton (McMurray) does little to promote achievement by, e.g., offering pre-Algebra 7th and Algebra 8th. The similar school feeding into Hillsboro is much more aggressive, or so I've been told. As a result, Hillsboro has a much larger group of advanced math (Geometry and Algebra II) in the 9th and 10th grades. Thus, the survey might be reflecting reality. Dave Shearon, Nashville, TN In a message dated 97-12-11 09:42:03 EST, you write: << Subj: SchoolMatch Audit Date: 97-12-11 09:42:03 EST From: eca@fastlane.net (Jeanne Donovan) Sender: owner-education-consumers@tricon.net To: EDUCATION-CONSUMERS@tricon.net Dear All, Opportunity knocks in Fort Worth--for district parents or the consultants? An independent audit firm called SchoolMatch is going to examine the FWISD system over the next two months. SchoolMatch is run by William Bainbridge, and the team of consultants is comprised of former school administrators. The audit will be paid for by the Fort Worth Star Telegram ($86,000). Does anyone have knowledge about this auditing firm? I've located a home page for them at http://schoolmatch.com/ppsi/state.htm. This appears to be a for-profit organization. Todays news article mentions an audit done in Duval County, Florida. Anyone on the loop aware of the worthiness of the audit? Jeanne Donovan >> EDUCATION CONSUMERS CLEARINGHOUSE