Racine Unified Superintendent Offers Examples of High Functioning Schools

This is the second video of a five-part series of an interview with Racine Unified Superintendent Dr. Jim Shaw and Mount Pleasant-Sturtevant and Caledonia editors. In thet, Shaw admits that Racine Unified is failing some students because of circumstances beyond the district’s control like poverty, diversity, and a high rate of mobility. Today, Shaw talks about the importance of engagement and how this type of atmosphere creates an environment for success.

While Racine Unified may be failing some students, there are success stories here. Shaw points to Schulte Elementary and Gifford Elementary in Sturtevant and Caledonia, respectively.

Both schools have created atmospheres for learning and a sense of community for parents, students and teachers, he says.

“When you look at Schulte school, they have a wonderful climate that says community,” Shaw added. “Or Gifford, which is as good or better than any school in the state.”

Shaw also singled out West Ridge Elementary in Mount Pleasant as a good example for how to engage parents.

“West Ridge communicates clearly expectations for students and what is expected of parents so students can meet those goals” Shaw said. “We need to reach out at each school what is expected of students and what parents can do at home to support their kids for success.”

The reality is that Racine Unified is a high-functioning school district for most kids, but there are those who struggle, Shaw said.

Part of the struggle can come from a lack of parental support at home. There are parents who feel that school and homework are the child’s responsibility, and the division is clear along socioeconomic lines. Middle class parents tend to know the benefit of helping kids with homework, but parents with lower socioeconomic status either don’t know how important their involvement can be or they don’t know how they can help.