- Students from LeBron James’ I Promise school seem to be struggling academically
- The 8th-grade class hasn’t passed a math test in the last 3 years
- School board members from Akron, Ohio, are concerned about the results
One of LeBron James‘ greatest facets is his philanthropic nature. James has made a conscious effort to give back to his community. Perhaps his most important project is the ‘I Promise’ school which provides education for underprivileged children from minority communities. But a recent story reveals some concerns about the school.
A recent report revealed that students from the 8th grade of the I Promise school have not passed the Ohio state math test in several years. One board member questioned how that could be possible, as it is highly unusual for children in their age group to have such poor results.
“Not one? In three years?… It is discouraging.”
It should be noted that the school’s goal is to serve as an intervention for the lowest-performing students in the state, but this result is unusual. On top of that, some of the largest demographics in their school are performing far below state levels. Akron, Ohio, public school board president shared his concern too.
“For me as a board member, I just think about all the resources that we’re providing. And I just, I’m just disappointed that I don’t think, it doesn’t appear like we’re seeing the kind of change that we would expect to see.”
Per a Yahoo! Sports report, the incoming group of eighth-grade students who had not tested as proficient in three years were not always struggling at the level. The report further added that 17% of the class-tested proficient in their first year, but the following year had no tests slated due to COVID. On the English test this spring, a mere 8% of them tested proficient in the subject.
It should be noted that the discrepancy in proficiency can be attributed to new students coming in, and their proficiency, especially if they have struggled prior to arriving at the school, cannot be compensated for within a one or two-year span.
The report also mentions that the school has struggled with its academic performance in the past few years, despite the funding they receive from LeBron James’ foundation. So this could be an alarming result.
LeBron James Loves The ‘I Promise’ School And Wants To Give Back To His Community
LeBron James has consistently spoken about how much the ‘I Promise’ school means to him, and how he wants to give back.
Last year, a little after the end of the NBA season, James took time away from his schedule and made an appearance there to surprise the students on campus.
James’ friends have also supported the endeavor. Global superstar Drake donated $1 million to the school last year, even stating that he wanted to come down and deliver the money himself.
Hopefully, for the sake of the students, the administration of the ‘I Promise’ school can navigate the issues they’re facing and improve the test results of their students.
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