For a student to "graduate" from the program, as several did yesterday, he or she must show an increase in attendance of at least 75 percent. The court also looks at classroom behavior and academic performance.
Marcus Pittman, a 13-year-old in the seventh grade, received a basketball and a graduation certificate yesterday after improving markedly from a Feb. 28 report.
O'Malley grew impatient with another student who had missed several classes and repeatedly responded, "I don't know," to her questions.
"You're going to start talking now," O'Malley said.
Tabitha Williams, 13, came to the session with her father, Bruce Williams, who, like other parents, permitted her name to be published. The judge noted both a slip in Tabitha's performance and untapped potential. O'Malley suggested that because Tabitha seemed terribly shy, her court sessions could be held one on one, without the crowd of a faux courtroom. Tabitha assented, almost inaudibly.
We're not here to criticize you," O'Malley said. "We're here to help you," O'Malley said.
nick.madigan@baltsun.com
