Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Virtual Schools - Um, No Thanks!

With a good number of government bodies tightening their belts, a number of school districts are turning to virtual schools to offer online course work. Those who are proponents of such an education point to the fact that it literally opens up the world to its users aside from the fact that it is a cheaper form of education.

I am sure some students will make great use of online courses. However, for the vast majority of children I see virtual education has having many damaging deficiencies.

There is much about the current delivery system of education in which students must attend school, rather than staying home to be educated, that should not be lost. In and of itself, the mere fact that there is a schedule where young people have to get up at a certain time, catch a bus, and run through a structured day offers a certain degree of discipline that is needed and will likely be lost if students stay at home for their studies.

One of the biggest drawbacks to virtual education (staying home) is the fact that face to face contact with teachers is all but lost. Students always have questions about the material and need clarification. That one to one contact has always been critical when it comes to learning. Looking at a keyboard and screen just won't cut it relative to interaction.

School is also a socialization process and virtual education wipes this out for all practical purposes. People may not think this is a vital part of ones education but it truly is an important one. We all have to learn to deal with different people in different situations and school attends to that need. Where will online courses offer that positive socialization process.

By the way, to those who are supporters of virtual education, the vast majority of teachers and schools are already making great use of computers in the education of children. It's not like the valuable uses of the computer are being ignored at present time, quite the contrary.

People may want to see reform take place in education but virtual education is not one that I see as having positive results compared to the negatives that would flow from not attending traditional schools.

Dick

Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Income Equality and Education

NPR radio carried a thought provoking segment this morning dealing with income equality (aka, inequality) in the nation and the role of education relative to mitigating against such inequality.

Both Matthew Yglesias, a Slate.com reporter on economics, and Tyler Cowen, an economist at George Mason, both agreed that the super rich are getting richer and the poor are lagging behind.

What I found to be of interest in the report was the fact that these economists brought up the issue of education. Each felt that, though there is a growing income disparity, the real issue is the fact that some people are not afforded the same opportunity to move up the ladder income-wise.

Cowen reported that parents who attend a very good school (college) and, in turn, see their children receive a great university education are afforded the best opportunities to be upwardly mobile. Sadly, those parent, and their children, who attend poor schools and receive a poor education aren't able to be upwardly mobile.

The above isn't the only reason for a lack of upward mobility and an accompanying inability to share in the wealth of the nation but it is a most critical one according to Cowen and Yglesias. Other factors include macro economic issues, affordable housing and demographics.

But the bottom line is this...The better an education one receives, the better the chances of improving ones lot when it comes to realizing the 'American Dream;' that is, being upwardly mobile.

As you can see, the work our charity engages in helps students receive a better education. In turn, hopefully, students will realize such benefits and improve their chances at being upwardly mobile.

Thanks for being a part of this important process!
Dick

Monday, November 28, 2011

Maggie Daley - A Stalwart

A number of you who normally read this blog typically read something regarding my rants against harm being done to public schools. You might also come across some of our good works accomplished on behalf of children in need. At other times I ask you to participate in some of efforts to help students.

But today, today, I want to take a moment to point out the good that former Chicago First Lady, Maggie Daley, did on behalf of school children within the city of Chicago. Twenty years ago, Maggie started the After School Matters program which enables teens, in after school activities, particularly the arts,to acquire the skills to better themselves in schools, work, college and beyond. Today there are some 20,000 participants in this program.

Twenty years ago this lady saw the need to do something to aid education, to work to overcome poverty, to end homelessness and to make school a better place to be. Her work was done to make life better for all concerned. To say that she dedicated her life, in large part, to educating the city's youth is not an overstatement. She cared deeply about the children of Chicago. It is our hope, at Schools Count Corp., to carry on in Maggie's name.

Today's blog, then, is a testament to her enduring qualities. May she rest in peace.

Dick

Friday, November 25, 2011

Helping IMN with Food

Within the past couple of days Schools Count Corp has been involved in discussions with Global Hope and Haiti Partners with regard to the fact that IMN School in Haiti, which we helped to rebuild in 2010, has some serious problems with regard to providing food to its students.

The bottom line is this...the World Food Program can provide food to the students but Maxandre and IMN have to have the proper logistics to preserve and prepare the food. Up to this point in time, IMN has not been able to meet these requirements.

I am happy to announce that Global Hope and Schools Count Corp are providing the funds to fully meet the cost of installing a food depot at IMN which will meet the specs set forth by the WFP. As soon as the proper equipment is purchased and installed, I will be sure to provide you with photos and an update on the work that was undertaken to complete this project.

Alas, the children will be able to have a healthy level of food nutrition as they attend IMN for the remainder of the school year. Certainly, great Thanksgiving Holiday news!!

Many thanks,
Dick

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving

Dear Friends of Schools Count Corp.,

At Thanksgiving, and always, we are grateful for your efforts to aid Schools Count Corp and, most importantly, the children we serve throughout the Chicagoland area and other regions of the country. Whether making a monetary donation, establishing a fundraiser, devoting your time to package and deliver supplies, collecting coats and school supplies, or aiding us in a variety of other ways, please know that your support is greatly appreciated.


I am most appreciative and thankful for the fact that you put your trust into the work of our charity. Beyond my admiration for all that you continue to do, I want you to know that the children and families who benefit from your generosity are ever grateful for your support. Because of you, they indeed have much to be thankful for at this time of the year.

On behalf of myself, and our Board of Directors, allow me to wish you a joyous Thansgiving Holiday.

All the best,
Dick

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

2012 - Just Around the Corner!

As the holidays approach the Schools Count Corp Board of Directors has already begun to make plans to assist those in need going forward. We have plenty of exciting events planned for 2012. There are plenty of opportunities to be a working volunteer in addition to taking part in some exciting fundraisers. Here's a partial calendar for the year ahead.

Tuesday, February 21st. Our Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Concert put on by the Jazz Ensembles at Hinsdale Central High School. The student cafeteria will be rocking and rolling starting at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Friday, March 16th. Hinsdale Central's FCCLA will sponsor a Bowl A Thon at Willowbrook Lanes commencing at 3:30. Three games of fun along with prizes and refreshments. Get out your bowling ball, loosen up the arm and get ready for a great time!

March, 2012. Our Annual 'Donor Drive'

Friday, May 25th - June 8th. Our Fourth Annual 'Go Green' collection of gently used school supplies from area schools. I can always use a few helping hands to load the truck!

Monday, August 6th. Loading trucks with school supplies. 9:00 am to noon at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. A great time is had by all and we'll provide you with lunch!

Tuesday, August 7th - 8th. Deliver supplies to Chicago area schools.

Sunday, September 16th. Fifth Annual KICK event at Hinsdale Central H.S.

More events are certain to be added including some work with Joplin, Missouri schools and IMN in Haiti.

Thanks,
Dick

Monday, November 21, 2011

120 Coats and Counting!!

As of Monday, November 21st, the count of winter coats and gloves continues to soar! We have already collected some 120 winter coats and over 100 pairs of gloves and mittens which are bound for four elementary schools in Chicago.

Thanks to those of your who have made donations and those still in the process of collecting these needed items.

Remember, there's still plenty of time to collect all types of winter wear! Check your closets, ask your neighbors, and see if other family members can help out. Every coat and each pair of gloves makes a difference.

Our 'Winter Wear' kudos go out to:

Milena Alexandrova
The Amicus Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Bhargava
Carol and Harry Bull
Barb and Alan Cole
Annette DeAngelis
Joyce Fleming
Dick Flesher and Dawn Oler
Chris and Michele Freiler
Allison Gelman
Marie and Tim Higgins
Hinsdale Central High School's boys soccer team and parents
Hinsdale Central High School's girls volleyball team and parents
Jim and Joanne Kowalczyk
Barb Loebig
Marge and Earl McMahon
Liz Meersman
Sally Ortiz
Will Schneider
Ann and Pat Scott
Schools Count Corp.
Danielle Trezek

Thank you one and all!
Dick

Saturday, November 19, 2011

Grading of CPS Teachers

The Saturday, November 19th issue of the Chicago Tribune carried a fairly concise article regarding the impact that student performance would have in arriving at an evaluation of CPS teachers.

It is possible that by next year, 2012-13, up to 25% of a teacher's evaluation will be based on the academic success, or lack thereof, of students. According to the Tribune 'The teacher and principal assessments are required under the Illinois Performance Evaluation Reform Act' which passed the state legislature in 2010.

Senate Bill 7 essentially makes teacher performance, not seniority, the focal point relative to job security. Up to the point in time, within CPS, seniority had more of an impact relative to a teacher and/or principal retaining their posiition.

The key point going forward concerns the issue of the extent to which student achievement counts toward teacher and principal assessment. This sounds pretty simple but, as I've mentioned in past blogs, student achievement is affected by many issues outside of the school environment.

The CPS braintrust and the Chicago Teachers Union will have to sit down and 'negotiate how large the student growth proportion would count in a teacher's evaluation.' That's as it should be!

From my vantage point, I hope that many factors are looked at, aside from student achievement, when assessing the quality of the teacher. The whole idea of evaluating a teacher is to help them improve their performance. Let's hope the whole idea of using student achievement doesn't simply get rid of teachers.

Dick

Friday, November 18, 2011

Dec. 1st is just around the Corner

With the first deadline approaching, in less than two weeks, many Chicago Public School educators, parents and officials are busy with assessing information on possible school closings for the 2012-13 school year.

It is a nervous time of year for students, parents, teachers, school personnel and other community leaders. No one wants to see a neighborhood school close. As some communities lose population, jobs, and other societal institutions, the last thing a community needs is to see its local school close its doors.

The initial list of CPS school closings is set for Thursday, December 1st. Make no mistake about it, schools will be closed.

Over recent years, the process at arriving at which schools will be closed has caused a good deal of uproar. This year is not likely to be much different.

Officials at CPS have indicated that school closings will be based upon academic performance. In the past, school closings have been partially based on this factor but underattendance at buildings has also weighed heavily on which schools will have their doors shuttered.

Right now 42% of the schools in the CPS system have low academic performance and poor attendance. Obviously, one can't close 42% of the schools. Sadly, 72 schools in the system have five consecutive years of low academic performance and poor attendance. These schools seem among the more likely to be consdiered for closure.

I want to add a cautionary note. Failing schools, on their own merits, aren't solely responsible for that status. Many of you who have followed my blog realize the fact that the larger community, if it is in peril, has much to do with the relative success, or lack thereof, of the school.

As State of Illinois Representative Cynthia Soto, of Chicago, puts it, "rather than close the failing schools, CPS needs to provide a full blast of resources and focus efforts on improving those programs." I completely agree with this assessment. Unless, and until, all efforts are spent to make a 'failing' school succeed, its doors shouldn't be shut.

Thanks,
Dick

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Update on New Orleans Schools

Though Hurricane Katrina lashed New Orleans over six years ago, much is taking place in the city with respect to schools that invites our attention. As many of you know, Schools Count Corp has brought aid to the public schools for six years. During that time we have witnessed many great accomplishments, much of it do to the students, teachers, educational leaders and the parents.

The State of Louisiana Test Scores (I don't want to get hung up on these but that is about the only measure out there) reflected through LEAP show most neighborhood schools making significant yearly progress. That is the good news.

Sadly, there are some poor practices, on the macro educational level, particularly at RSD, that continue to haunt day-to-day schooling.

RSD officials continue to threaten traditional neighborhood public schools with taking them over and making them charters, no matter that they are functioning quite well. The number of neighborhood schools continues to dwindle and, in turn, the remaining ones are overcrowded in total and with regard to the number of students in each classroom.

The shrinking number of neighborhood schools, who are bursting at the seams, often have to turn away students due to the fact that there is no room. What happens is this: A family with a first grader, fourth grader and fifth grader may well have to send each of the three children to three separate schools (as opposed to just one facility) in different parts of the city. Talk about nonsense!!

Too often, these neighborhood schools also lack the resources needed to give kids a chance to succeed. Typically, resources are available to the school but the families, individually, are without the resources and supplies needed to be successful.

These are but a few of the continuing problems that continue to fall upon the shoulders of teachers, children and their parents. In spite of all of these obstacles, the fight to succeed goes on.

As you may know, Paul Vallas is no longer heading the RSD. He is now an advisor to the Chilean and Haitian governments on education...really!!

Thanks for all of your support of our NOLA initiatives!
Dick

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Coats, Gloves and Mittens Abound!

We are well on our way to supplying plenty of winter coats and other warm wear to a number of children in four Chicago Public Schools. All of the donated coats, gloves, mittens and scarves will go to Fuller Elementary, Songhai Elementary, West Pullman Elementary, and Curtis Elementary.

There is still plenty of time to check your closets and ask your friends and neighbors to pitch in and help us in our annual 'Winter Wear' drive. Why not walk around the neighborhood and scour up some coats and other warm clothing?! I think you would be surprised to see how many people would be willing to help you.

I can certainly pick up the clothing if you aren't able to drop it off. Simply contact me at rich219@comcast.net and we can arrange for a time for me to pick up the coats and other winter clothing. If you live in the Hinsdale, Darien, Willowbrook, Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills area, you can drop off your donation at Hinsdale Central High School. The items should be taken to Dawn Oler in Room 116A.

Please accept my thanks for helping the students of the CPS schools.

Dick

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Update on Joplin

Just wanted to update you on some of the events taking place in Joplin, Missouri. As you know we were able to send these schools a pretty significant amount of student supplies early in the school year.

Around 50% of the 7500 homes damaged, or totally destroyed in the May 22nd tornadoes, are currently being repaired or rebuilt. This past weekend the Habitat for Humanity organization finished up the 'Ten for Joplin' program. So some good progress can be reported on that front.

Speaking of rebuilding, there are six Joplin schools that are totally destroyed and still sitting in that condition. Bids have been accepted to start the demolition of the building. It is suppose to take a mere 60 days to complete the project once it commences on each school.

By 2014 six new schools should be built and ready to house the students.

Within the past couple of days Barry Manilow made good on a promise to help the music programs of the schools. He donated $300,000 worth of instruments to the Joplin School District. Quite a remarkable act!

The nearly 7,000 students who are back in school are doing about as well as possible though no one can really determine the extent to which such psychological issues as trauma, sadness, and depression exists. It's not merely a matter of losing a school or home. Remember, six students and one teacher lost their lives in the tornadoes. Beyond that tragedy, the students have plenty of friends and neighbors who suffered greatly at the hand of Mother Nature.

By the way, Schools Count Corp will return to Joplin to assist students and teachers in 2012.

Thanks,
Dick

Monday, November 14, 2011

My Perspective on Teacher Pensions

Much has been said about teacher pensions relative to its affect on state budgets. Some people complain that the state funding of teacher pension plans 'drains' or leaves too large of an unfunded liability. In terms of the unfunded element to pensions, it is largely due to the states borrowing from it and not repaying. Part of it is simply due to the fact that the state, over the years, has failed to pay its promised amount into the fund.

These same folks go on to say that teacher pensions should be cut or educators should pay more into the system. Some even call for the plans for the funds to be given to the teachers and they can create their own plan. The bottom line is this, states don't want to fund teacher and other public employee pensions. Simple as that.

Maintaining state pension plans is a must. In Illinois, for example, the Illinois State Constitution prohibits lawmakers from dropping public pensions. We need to keep pensions because, as in most states, teachers will not draw on Social Security. In other words, without the state pension, teachers would have NO retirement funds!

The current state of our pension plan is very positive. We have more money coming in than is paid out to retirees; the result, a net gain in funds each year. Why tinker with a plan that works?!

Does something need to be done with pensions? In my view, yes; otherwise, many states will be in even worse shape than they are now. Given the states poor management of teacher pensions, I don't want the legislators to act on their own.

The solution, as is always the best case scenario, is to let the various pension funds, educators and legislators work out the optimum solution through collective bargaining. State legislators acting on their own is not the way to tackle this problem.

Thanks,
Dick

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Already at 100 Coats!!

As of Sunday, November 13th, lucky 13th at that, we have already collected some 100 winter coats which are bound for four elementary schools in Chicago.

Thanks to those of your who have made donations and those still in the process of collecting these needed items.

Our 'Winter Wear' kudos go out to:

The Amicus Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Bhargava
Carol and Harry Bull
Barb and Alan Cole
Annette DeAngelis
Joyce Fleming
Dick Flesher and Dawn Oler
Allison Gelman
Hinsdale Central High School's boys soccer team and parents
Hinsdale Central High School's girls volleyball team and parents
Jim and Joanne Kowalczyk
Barb Loebig
Marge and Earl McMahon
Liz Meersman
Sally Ortiz
Will Schneider
Ann and Pat Scott
Schools Count Corp.
Danielle Trezek

Thank you one and all!
Dick

Saturday, November 12, 2011

Teaching Yesterday and Today

After nearly 40 years of teaching full time and then substitute teaching I can see, at least in the suburbs where I taught, a massive shift in the demands of the teaching profession. These movements, whether positive or negative, have added the workload of teachers.

In the past, a teacher merely mentioned an assignment or put it on the chalkboard. Parent contacts were few and far between, there was no email to respond to and a single curriculum sufficed.

Not so today. Teachers verbally tell the students the assigned work and then they have to take the time to put it on a computer program such as sharepoint. Today, teachers literally can spend ALL of their preparation time returning the dozens of daily phone calls and emails that didn't exist in the past.

I know there are teachers, due to Special Education and Inclusion, that have three different lesson plans for the same class during the same period. Talk about spending lots of additional hours preparing for class!!

The above just scratches the surface relative to the demands placed upon teachers in the 21st century. Though I retired a few years ago, I can tell you this, I don't see how teachers (and students for that matter) keep up with the mountain of demands and the frenetic pace of the day. I don't think its healthy for anyone.

By the way, for those who think teachers make plenty of money, being a great teacher today with such job requirements, is just nonsense. The vast majority of teachers in America in 2011 make far too little for all the good they do for their students.

Dick

Friday, November 11, 2011

We don't need Homogeneity in Teaching!

One of the beautiful aspects of teaching is that each teacher brings his/her own personality to the classroom. Some are more serious than others, some more humorous than not, and some are simply more creative and reactive.

While some in the public sector may complain about the above while invoking that one teacher is tougher than another or that such and such a teacher didn't cover a certain unit while another one did, we all need to understand the fundamental point that everyone is different.

And those differences are refreshing! Who wants to have seven consecutive classes, per day, where there is a monotony of teacher interactions with students and the system of lesson delivery is exactly the same? Not me and, more importantly, not the kids.

Let me pose this...don't you think it is possible that seven different teachers, each with a different style, different goals, different personalities, and more can get students to learn? You bet they can!!!!

Having different teachers, with different backgrounds, offering different styles of teaching and learning is one of the most attractive aspects of public education. I, for one, don't want the teaching profession to be one that stresses the need for homogeneity.

One of the other attractive aspects of having differences within the school, pertaining to the teachers, is that the students have to engage in the lifelong lesson of learning how to get along, or not, with other people who are - as we all are - different than we are.

Yep, I am all for non cookie cutter schools and teachers!

Thanks,
Dick

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Longer CPS school day and Physical Education

Commencing in the 2012-13 school year CPS elementary schools will have a longer school day. That's long overdo and welcome! Now the question becomes, what to do with the added minutes.

As reported by the Chicago Sun Times a good deal of the discussion, between the interested parties, on lengthening the school day, involves adding Physical Education to the curriculum. Right now 'few, if any, CPS elementary schools have daily PE, even though CPS has no official waiver from the state.'

Beyond the absence of PE from the elementary school curriculum, high school students, at the most, get one year of physical education. Currently the CPS system has a state granted waiver for roughly 36,000 of the 42,000 11th and 12th graders.

In my mind, this is a health nightmare. Why, because too many CPS children have very real problems with 'obesity, diabetes and early-onset hypertension' according to Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis.'

Sadly, these health issues are very real. Also, when the cost of getting rid of the waivers and putting Physical Education in the longer school day comes up then people tend to get nervous. Some educators estimate the cost of bringing PE to all students to be $20,000,000. Given the shortfall in the current budget, adding on this cost is likely to cool off the desire to add the benefits of PE to a longer school day.

Sad indeed, sad for the kids who really need the exercise.

Dick

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

One Week and over 50 Coats!!

We are just one week in our 'Winter Wear' coat drive and we've already had some sizeable donations. Plenty of ski hats, gloves and mittens, in addition to some fifty coats, have made their way to us.

Thanks to those of your who have made donations and those still in the process of collecting these needed items.

Our 'Winter Wear' kudos go out to:

The Amicus Foundation
Carol and Harry Bull
Barb and Alan Cole
Annette DeAngelis
Allison Gelman
Hinsdale Central High School's boys soccer team and parents
Hinsdale Central High School's girls volleyball team and parents
Barb Loebig
Sally Ortiz
Will Schneider
Danielle Trezek

Thank you one and all!
Dick

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Teacher Pensions and Collective Bargaining

Sadly, there's plenty of venom out there concerning teacher contracts, pay, pensions and collecting bargaining. Allow me, prior to making mention of contracts and pensions, to make the point that collective bargaining, done in good faith by both parties, is critical to solving these problems and concerns.

Collecting bargaining allows give and take by both sides. Done in a serious, respectful and trusting manner serves the best interests of everyone involved. Any locality, state or federal agency that thinks doing away with collective bargaining is anything but ill-conceived will one day lament its demise.

Having said the above, any measure that largely, and that is key, largely guts any pension will hurt everyone concerned. After all, people on pensions spend the money they receive thereby aiding the economy. Gutting the pensions of public employees will simply prolong and protract a downward economic spiral.

In sense, drastically cutting pensions is akin to not renewing unemployment benefits with respect to the fact that those without the funds will do little to sustain business activity.

I receive a Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension. Can reasonable reforms be made? In fact, I believe they can! Currently, I pay no IL State income tax on my pension. Having a state income tax levied on my Illinois income seems reasonable and I would gladly pay it. Some people would fight this but it is a way to add to the state coffers without really harming my pension.

But, as I said at the outset, making this change must take place through collective bargaining. Decent people who have the best interest of ALL in mind can get the job done.

Dick

Monday, November 7, 2011

Coat Drive

Our annual 'Winter Wear' drive is well underway this fall. We are very excited to help the children at four schools; Fuller Elementary, Songhai Elementary, West Pullman Elementary, and Curtis Elementary.

We have found that, aside from bringing the children school supplies, when the kids have the proper clothing (winter and school uniforms) it enables them to continue to attend classes. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the factors outside of the school environment have a huge impact on their learning.

When food, clothing and other forms of support are available, principals report a higher level of engagement by students in the schoolwork.

So why not be a part of our 'Winter Wear' effort. We are looking for the following for boys and girls, ages 4 - 14; winter coats, boots, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. If you are donating used items please be sure they are clean and in the type of condition that you would accept if you were to receive these gifts.

We will be collecting these items through Monday, December 5th. By donating to this initiative you will be bringing a smile to the faces of many during the upcoming holidays.

Contact me at rich219@comcast.net and we will make arrangements for either a dropoff in Hinsdale or I will pick up the items.

Many thanks,
Dick

Friday, November 4, 2011

American Education - Part II

Jonathan Dearman was known as a terrific teacher at San Francisco's Leadership High School. That's according to the students, staff, parents and administration at the the seven year old charter. When other teachers could barely get the kids going, Mr. Dearman inspired the students to do the impossible.

Mr. Dearman no longer teaches!!

Why you ask? He couldn't make ends meet, he was away from the family for too long and - believe it or not - he wasn't as effective as he wanted to be. Imagine that from a top flight educator.

One can say that teachers are paid about right, they receive what they deserve (given the mythical statement that 'they have summers off') or something of that nature. The fact of the matter is this...the 3,000,000 teachers in the United States make an average of $44,367 per year. No, that's not a starting salary, that's the average.

Do you suppose that the average lawyer, doctor, or government official has $44,367 as their 'average' pay?

Here's the deal. It isn't just that the average pay is $44,367 it's the fact that the great teachers like Mr. Dearman work 60 plus hours per week, deal with all sorts of kids with social/emotional needs literally every moment of the day and find that the demands of the profession are growing by the second.

Let me say this, school reform, in part, may want to tie a teachers pay to test scores but there are bigger issues that need to be tackled such as keeping great teachers like Mr. Dearman.

Dick

Thursday, November 3, 2011

American Teacher - A Documentary

Last night I had the good fortune to view a newly released film, American Teacher, which documents the lives of a number of teachers in different parts of America. The film tackles some of the myths about short workdays and endless summer vacations. The stories told also look at the social and emotional toll that the profession takes on its teachers.

Relative to the myth of short workdays, there is no denying that most school children aren't in classes for eight or nine hours however, the same cannot be said of kids instructors. The film followed teachers who arrived at school at 6:30 or 7:00 am until they left at 5:00 or 5:30 pm. Hardly, a short work day. The film went on to discuss the many evening and weekend hours devoted to schoolwork.

Depending on family matters and the pay that teachers receive, a good many of America's teachers aren't on endless summer vacations. The film illustrated that many teachers take on second jobs in order to make ends meet.

Today's teachers often face classrooms of students who enter the building with a number of issues which impacts their ability to concentrate and learn. The film made clear that handling literally hundreds of social and emotional student issues is paramount to successful teaching.

In the coming days, I will share some additional facts and insights from the film and book, Teachers Have It Easy. Don't let the title of the book fool you, nothing could be further from the truth!

Many thanks,
Dick

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

No Child Left Behind?

Today's Chicago Sun Times (page 26) carried an article titled 'Long Way to go to achieve No Child Left Behind goal.' The nation's report card (NAEP) reported that fourth and eighth graders scored their best ever on the math test while making progress in reading.

The article pointed out that 'just a little more than one-third of the students were proficient or higher in reading. In math, 40% of the fourth graders and 35% of the eighth graders had reached that level.'

Don't get me wrong, I love to see the growth of students in these areas. But I tire of the end game being one of testing and testing in these two areas alone.

What is needed is comprehensive growth in all academic endeavors offered by schools. Why is it that special emphasis is place on math and reading, often to the exclusion of other subject areas? Every content area should be afforded the best curriculum and teachers possible.

Young people need as much exposure to the arts, literature, history, physical education, civics, nutrition, health, shop courses, the sciences and more as they do in reading and mathematics.

It is time for all of us to say enough to the benchmark of success, or the lack thereof, being enshrined in math and reading scores.

Thanks,
Dick

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Update on Haiti

It has been some time since I have provided our bloggers with an update on the situation in Haiti. Excuse me for not having touched base sooner. At any rate, here is some of the latest news from the island.

Yes, it's true, Paul Vallas is a consultant to the Haitian Ministry of Education. I have no idea about his latitude of power but I find it hard to believe that his impact will be significant due to the skepticism most schools and localities have towards this federal government agency.

Just what money Mr. Vallas has at his disposal is just one of many questions that will determine the degree to which he is able to bring his power to bear. As we all know, most of the schools are private and have operated largely out of view of the federal goverment.

At IMN Maxandre Bien Aime reports that all five of the 6th graders were successful in passing the state exam and four of the students who entered the official exam for public high school passed and are now able to attend public high school. As these five students move on, I will keep you apprised of their progress.

IMN has 180 students this year, up 50 over last year. It is clear that the staff are doing some wonderful things for the children

There are still at least 600,000 Haitian living in tents at this point in time. As few as 50,000 to 60,000 Haitians have been resettled following the January 2010 earthquake. To say the least, progress has been slow in terms of developing decent housing for the quake survivors and the homeless.

Tempers seem to short on another front. Some Haitians harbor ill feelings toward the U.N. peacekeeping mission that has been in Haiti since 2004, when a violent rebellion of former soldiers toppled then President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The U.N. force has been blamed for introducing a cholera outbreak, and several Uruguayan sailors from one of its battalions face accusations of sexually abusing an 18-year-old Haitian man.

The IMN story is certainly a success! On many other fronts, the Haitian population is living in absolute misery.

Dick

Girls Singing at IMN

Classes Singing at IMN

IMN School Opens

Driving into Port Au Prince

IMN School Welcome

Tour of IMN School

IMN School