One Comment

  1. mwillis2

    Ana,
    I agree that a school should “put its money where its mouth is.” In other words, if the goal is to have the maximization for student learning (in the skill of reading and understanding what is read), then shift funds around in the budget to
    provide for this optimization of learning. It sounds easy to make the decision, and, of course, implementation can be a lot of work, as in St. Gregory’s case. But it proved itself. But in Dr. Crist’s educational law class I learned that usually in public schools the best outcome for a student is not mandated by law. It needs to be merely “reasonable” or “adequate.” The “best” learning environment for a student is simply not legally required, so it often isn’t. Mrs. Gomez, I understand, had actual experience with the effectiveness of the SFA program from her teaching time in the Valley. In my opinion, she took quite a risk accepting the job at St. Gregory, not from the standpoint of the probable success of the program, but in getting buy-in from Father O’Gorman, from her school council, and from any member of the community who would question what aspect of the then curriculum would be sacrificed to find the money for this expensive but oh so effective program. For my part, on behalf of my kids, both of whom partook in the program and have had success in high school and at St. Mary’s, I’m glad she took the chance.

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