Let Duluth Vote purposefully downplayed its part in inviting Dr. Joe Nathan to Duluth this week. I talked with Dr. Nathan a number of times in the late 90’s and was looking forward to hearing him Thursday evening. Instead a family matter drew me out of town so I’ve only gotten some vague reports about his appearance.
Perhaps the most interesting thing was his comment to the people gathered at the Secondary Technical Center that Dr. Dixon had called him up prior to his presentation to talk to him for 45 minutes presumably to win him over.
Dr. Nathan scrupulously took no sides on the Red Plan when he spoke. However, one of the items in the report he presented caught the attention of a person in his audience who sent it to the members of the Duluth School Board. It is arresting information concerning the atmosphere in big urban schools vs. smaller urban schools.
Teacher Reports of Daily, Weekly or Monthly Incidents by (Traditional Urban) School Size
Type of Incident………..200-749 Students……..1200 or more Students
Robbery/Theft……………21%……………………..50%
Vandalism…………………18%……………………..44%
Possession of weapons…..2%……………………..12%
Verbal Abuse of Teachers.30%…………………….57%
Use of Illegal drugs ……….5%……………………..45%
Use of Alcohol………………4%…………………….39%
Widespread disorder
in classrooms………………..15% …………..29%
