Friday, October 3, 2008

Ginn Academy Gets Passing Mark On State Report Card


POSTED: 8:17 pm EDT October 2, 2008
UPDATED: 8:39 am EDT October 3, 2008

A boys academy that was started in Cleveland by a tough-minded man who is a security guard and football coach has received passing marks from the state in its mission to provide order, discipline and a safe school environment for young men.Glenville High School football coach Ted Ginn Sr. started the Ginn Academy last year with ninth- and 10th-graders. It scored a rating of "continuous improvement" on its first state report card. The mark is the equivalent of a "C" but stands out in the Cleveland school district, where most other schools failed or were on the brink.All of last year's 101 ninth-graders moved up to 10th grade at the academy, and 37 of the 39 10th-graders were promoted.Enrollment is expanding to a target of 500 to 550.The district promoted Ginn Academy as being for boys "at risk" of dropping out.But Ginn, who coached 2006 Heisman Trophy winning quarterback Troy Smith, now with the Baltimore Ravens, as well as son Ted Ginn Jr., a Miami Dolphins wide receiver, says any child can go astray without guidance.The school accepts a boy if the family makes a good case for admission and gives assurances it is committed to the program.Some Ginn Academy students require direction, others a school where they feel safe. The school addresses their varied needs with strict rules, mentoring and teachers devoted to kids whose personal lives are often unsettled and complicated.Ginn is not a certified teacher or school administrator. The former high school security guard serves as executive director, which includes setting the tone in the building and promoting the school.

Link.

Salty's Thought:

I guess it's sad that his school gets a "C" and that is good. Other schools "failed or were on the brink"? How do we expect Cleveland to become a better city with marks like that? I hope Ginn is teaching more than just sports at this school, the future of Cleveland needs it.

No comments: