Getting ahead in school is usually a good thing; at least, about 35 students at Cross Keys High School, in Dekalb County, used to think so. In the 8th grade these students were presented with an opportunity to sign a “miracle” contract. This contract stated that by their sophomore year they would have completed the four required mathematics credits for high school. The students were also told that after the completion of those 4 math credits they would have their choice of math both their junior and senior year. Now they are juniors and are now being told that they must take Advanced Placement Calculus, a college level mathematics course. Most of these students in this “hybrid” program struggled with pre-calculus last year. This two semester class is weighted on a 5 point scale meaning that it counts higher than an average class. This class could ruin their GPA. In light of this, the students asked to be placed in a normal Calculus or AP Statistics class. To this they were told that they had no option but to have their schedules altered drastically and be placed into AP Calculus. The student’s parents and guardians were outraged. They have been calling, e-mailing, and complaining all the way up the Senator of their county’s district. The principal, Dr. McMillan, several teachers, and several people, namely Ken Bradshaw, Don McChesney and Robert Mosely at the county office are trying to be of help. Yet several of the people at the same county office, for example Wanda J. Audrict, and Eugene P. Walker are not. They say the students must take AP Calculus because of this contract that has magically disappeared and are also showing indifference to the matter. Neither student nor county has this contract. None of the students or their parents want this. Get the word out. Fight with us. The last time we checked this is the United States of America. Being discriminated, ignored, lied to, and railroaded by a county should never happen! The parents have the right to choose what is best for their children. Help us fight by proclaiming this injustice!
-DeAnna Parker, Laura Moreno, Iris Sanchez (C.S.A.)
