Test tampering is, and has been, a problem for some time. After nearly ten years of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, the drive to improve math and reading scores has witnessed a fair amount of suspicious changes in tests. Those changes, in a number of cities, almost always reveals much higher scores.
From Connecticut to Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA, the proliferation of reports regarding erasures, cheating, tampering, and the like has grown. The December 30th USA Today reported on a number of investigations in these areas regarding some suspicious test score results in 2011.
Let me be clear, I won't for a minute excuse those who have engaged in any form of test tampering. It's wrong on many levels.
Sadly, this might be expected. Why? Well, on the one hand there is immense pressure to show growth in state reading and math scores so that a school, districts, and the various states meet the targets set by NCLB. A second reason why this behavior exists has to do with tying teacher evaluations/pay to test scores. The scenario goes like this...higher scores mean a higher evaluation and greater pay.
Aside from my obvious disapproval of the conduct of anyone engaged in cheating, I have another perspective about this cheating on state administered tests. Why on earth are we tying test scores to teacher performance?! Will anyone ever get it through their thick skulls that a test result is but a minor part of ones education and has so darn little to do with meaningful student learning and teacher performance.
It is time for those of us in the field who understand education, students, and quality teaching to step up and say ENOUGH!!! Great teachers, who are at the top of the profession perform in this manner not because of the dollars or any other such tangible reward.
Teacher excellence is based on the love of the subject matter, their care for the students, seeing the significance of their endeavor, helping people grow, providing guidance, and the like. Tying state mandated test results to pay is antithetical to such excellence.
Get student test scores results the heck out of teacher evaluations!!!
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
A Reflection on the Coat Drive
Now that we have delivered some 320 coats, plus plenty of gloves and mittens, to roughly twelve Harvey and Chicago Public Schools, it is obvious that there is a need to continue the program in the fall of 2012. The great news is that the program will be in place again next year.
It is apparent that providing supplies, at the start of the school year, remains a primary and critical need that we will continue to address in the coming year. However, as we continue to assess the needs of the various schools, and the community at large, it is clear that an ongoing effort needs to made to address a whole array of concerns that have much to do with learning.
Whether it is supplies, food, clothing, or other needs, we will do the best we can to bring the type of aid that supplements and augments the learning process. It's not simply a matter of dollars and cents or a one-time delivery of supplies.
The solution to poverty, low achievement among some students, years of unemployment and other concerns is not found in a simple solution. I won't kid anyone, there is blatant neglect here and there are many that need to be held responsible.
All we can do as a charity is to do our part to assist children, often through no fault of their own, make the best of a tough situation. And along the way, there are, and will be, many success stories.
The coat drive is just one of the great successes!!!
Many thanks,
Dick
It is apparent that providing supplies, at the start of the school year, remains a primary and critical need that we will continue to address in the coming year. However, as we continue to assess the needs of the various schools, and the community at large, it is clear that an ongoing effort needs to made to address a whole array of concerns that have much to do with learning.
Whether it is supplies, food, clothing, or other needs, we will do the best we can to bring the type of aid that supplements and augments the learning process. It's not simply a matter of dollars and cents or a one-time delivery of supplies.
The solution to poverty, low achievement among some students, years of unemployment and other concerns is not found in a simple solution. I won't kid anyone, there is blatant neglect here and there are many that need to be held responsible.
All we can do as a charity is to do our part to assist children, often through no fault of their own, make the best of a tough situation. And along the way, there are, and will be, many success stories.
The coat drive is just one of the great successes!!!
Many thanks,
Dick
Monday, December 26, 2011
Happy Holidays
Like many kind hearted people, at this time of the year, joy was brought to the Wilkins family courtesy of the O'Donnell's and Cronin's. The photo reveals a smiling Mrs. Wilkins, flanked by Maria and her daughter Riley.Perhaps nothing spells out the kindness, decency and goodness of people than the spirit of unconditional and selfless giving. Providing some meals and Christmas gifts, with no strings attached, no gimmicks, all while avoiding praise says it all.
Many of you have provided the same care and concern for others throughout 2011 and for that I am truly grateful. There have been many hundreds of 'miracle' days during the past year just like the one the Wilkins have just experienced.
As in the past, Schools Count Corp, with its many volunteers and donors, will endeavor to provide days of happiness to the many students and families throughout Chicago and other regions of the country.
Many thanks,
Dick
Monday, December 19, 2011
Good Samaritans
A few days ago I posted a blog that mentioned a family of fourteen children living with their grandmother, in part, due to the grandmother having lost her husband and one of her daughters.
A couple of friends made contact with me and have decided to do something about it. The two individuals and families want to remain nameless...which I will respect. However, their good deeds will not go unnoticed.
Both individuals already do much for Schools Count (and likely other charitable organizations) so their willingness to help this family is all the more noteworthy. One individual is providing $500.00 worth of Jewel gift cards. What an incredible sum, what an act of kindness. The second family is buying Christmas gifts for all fourteen children. Simply incredible. These are truly good Samaritans.
All of these gifts will be given to the family this Wednesday, Dec. 21st. These two families have just done much to make the year, and season, a brighter one! I'll be sure to post some photos on Thursday.
To each of you, thank you for your gifts and acts of kindness throughout the year.
Dick
A couple of friends made contact with me and have decided to do something about it. The two individuals and families want to remain nameless...which I will respect. However, their good deeds will not go unnoticed.
Both individuals already do much for Schools Count (and likely other charitable organizations) so their willingness to help this family is all the more noteworthy. One individual is providing $500.00 worth of Jewel gift cards. What an incredible sum, what an act of kindness. The second family is buying Christmas gifts for all fourteen children. Simply incredible. These are truly good Samaritans.
All of these gifts will be given to the family this Wednesday, Dec. 21st. These two families have just done much to make the year, and season, a brighter one! I'll be sure to post some photos on Thursday.
To each of you, thank you for your gifts and acts of kindness throughout the year.
Dick
Friday, December 16, 2011
Tough Times
Some sobering news came out yesterday from the 2010 census. The data reveals a growing and rather grim picture when it comes to Americans living in poverty. Nearly 1 in 2 families (48% of them) have fallen into poverty or their shrinking wages classify them as low income.
This trend is likely to continue or worsen as many states and municipalities have cut back on their safety nets programs.
Think of it, 48% of all American families are classified as living in 'poverty' or are 'low income.' It is a sad scenario for sure. No doubt many of these people don't have decent housing, the proper food, access to excellent health care and the like.
Relative to the children of these families, no doubt, many don't have the proper clothing, nutrition or school supplies to be successful in the classroom.
Those of you who follow my blog know exactly where I am going with this. These school children of the poverty and low income families need our help. With 146,000,000 people falling into one of these two categories, the challenge is daunting. And yes, it is clear we can't help but a miniscule portion of this group.
However, every child we do assist has that much better chance of gaining a decent edcuation and an opportunity to better their lot in life. Thanks for being a part of this journey and your willingness to help stamp out the horror of poverty for young people.
Dick
This trend is likely to continue or worsen as many states and municipalities have cut back on their safety nets programs.
Think of it, 48% of all American families are classified as living in 'poverty' or are 'low income.' It is a sad scenario for sure. No doubt many of these people don't have decent housing, the proper food, access to excellent health care and the like.
Relative to the children of these families, no doubt, many don't have the proper clothing, nutrition or school supplies to be successful in the classroom.
Those of you who follow my blog know exactly where I am going with this. These school children of the poverty and low income families need our help. With 146,000,000 people falling into one of these two categories, the challenge is daunting. And yes, it is clear we can't help but a miniscule portion of this group.
However, every child we do assist has that much better chance of gaining a decent edcuation and an opportunity to better their lot in life. Thanks for being a part of this journey and your willingness to help stamp out the horror of poverty for young people.
Dick
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Anger at CPS Board Meeting
This morning's Chicago Sun Times carried an article entitled 'School Scuffle' which, in part, is what took place at the Wednesday CPS School Board Meeting. Not only did people show up at the board meeting to vent their frustration but, nearly 300 protesters were outside board headquarters on Tuesday night.
People are upset with school closings, the implementation of turnarounds (firing an entire building staff and replacing them with new personnel), the creation of twelve new charter schools and other issues.
Such was the chaos that the board meeting was moved to a closed session as protesters did not allow the open meeting to proceed.
Adourthus McDowell, a Public School parent and member of the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization had this to say; "Children have died, literally and spiritually, as a result of your policies."
The policies Mr. McDowell was referring to deals with school shakeups that forced children to walk longer distances, often through dangerous areas. The protesters also lamented school closings and replacing neighborhood schools with selective-enrollment or charter schools which have destabilized a good number of the poor minority areas.
Of course, no mention was made of the root causes of the so called failing schools nor did anyone bother to come up with solutions to the poverty, crime and unemployment that hamper the ability of children to succeed in school.
One can agree or disagree with the actions of the protesters, however, everyone should realize that the concerns of the protesters are real.
The fight goes on...
Dick
People are upset with school closings, the implementation of turnarounds (firing an entire building staff and replacing them with new personnel), the creation of twelve new charter schools and other issues.
Such was the chaos that the board meeting was moved to a closed session as protesters did not allow the open meeting to proceed.
Adourthus McDowell, a Public School parent and member of the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization had this to say; "Children have died, literally and spiritually, as a result of your policies."
The policies Mr. McDowell was referring to deals with school shakeups that forced children to walk longer distances, often through dangerous areas. The protesters also lamented school closings and replacing neighborhood schools with selective-enrollment or charter schools which have destabilized a good number of the poor minority areas.
Of course, no mention was made of the root causes of the so called failing schools nor did anyone bother to come up with solutions to the poverty, crime and unemployment that hamper the ability of children to succeed in school.
One can agree or disagree with the actions of the protesters, however, everyone should realize that the concerns of the protesters are real.
The fight goes on...
Dick
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Heart Warming Story
Supporters of Schools Count,
I have a brief story to share with you that was conveyed to me this morning while delivering some 40 to 45 winter coats to the Harvey, IL. school district.
Over the past several days we have delivered over 300 winter coats to 7 Chicago Public Schools. Yesterday, after making our final deliveries in Chicago, I had a conversation with Ms. Bolton at the Harvey Central Office regarding the need for winter wear. She said they would be thrilled with the donation.
When I arrived in Harvey this morning, Ms. Bolton told me a story of one family who has a need for the coats. A Mom, within the Harvey school district, called Ms. Bolton inquiring about the availability of any coats. This lady mentioned that one of her daughters recently passed away and that she now is taking care of the grandchildren. The lady has also recently lost her husband. Aside from these two deaths, the lady has another daughter living with her and she has her own children. The bottom line is that there is a great deal of need in this household of 14 children, who attend Harvey schools, all of them needing coats. Ms. Bolton was so excited to see us as we pulled up with the coats, knowing full well that she can call this lady and tell her that all 14 children will receive winter coats today.
I just want all of you to know that your coat donations, fundraising, monetary contributions, volunteer work and other efforts throughout this past year have made it possible for a family to stay warm this winter and to experience the joy of the season and the good that you have done on their behalf. To the extent that I can, I wanted to share this story of sadness, on the one hand, with that of jubilation on the other.
In a sense, it seems as if this story encapsulates much of the good that you have done for so many thousands of people in 2011. Thank you!
Be well
and Happy Holidays,
Dick
I have a brief story to share with you that was conveyed to me this morning while delivering some 40 to 45 winter coats to the Harvey, IL. school district.
Over the past several days we have delivered over 300 winter coats to 7 Chicago Public Schools. Yesterday, after making our final deliveries in Chicago, I had a conversation with Ms. Bolton at the Harvey Central Office regarding the need for winter wear. She said they would be thrilled with the donation.
When I arrived in Harvey this morning, Ms. Bolton told me a story of one family who has a need for the coats. A Mom, within the Harvey school district, called Ms. Bolton inquiring about the availability of any coats. This lady mentioned that one of her daughters recently passed away and that she now is taking care of the grandchildren. The lady has also recently lost her husband. Aside from these two deaths, the lady has another daughter living with her and she has her own children. The bottom line is that there is a great deal of need in this household of 14 children, who attend Harvey schools, all of them needing coats. Ms. Bolton was so excited to see us as we pulled up with the coats, knowing full well that she can call this lady and tell her that all 14 children will receive winter coats today.
I just want all of you to know that your coat donations, fundraising, monetary contributions, volunteer work and other efforts throughout this past year have made it possible for a family to stay warm this winter and to experience the joy of the season and the good that you have done on their behalf. To the extent that I can, I wanted to share this story of sadness, on the one hand, with that of jubilation on the other.
In a sense, it seems as if this story encapsulates much of the good that you have done for so many thousands of people in 2011. Thank you!
Be well
and Happy Holidays,
Dick
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
A Note of Thanks from Pickard
Yesterday we delivered another 80 - 90 coats to two schools, Pickard Elementary and King Elementary. These are two near westside CPS schools which we have assisted with supplies for the past two years. When I got home I was pleased to be in receipt of this email from Ms. Ratajczak at Pickard. Obviously, I want to share it with you so you get a sense of how appreciative they are for all that we do for the children.
Dear Richard,
Thank you, for the winter coats, we received them this Monday morning from your organization. The LSC parents are very grateful for your donation. This gift will help many of our families. You continue to be a great source of help and hope to our school.
Thanks again for your help,
Elaine Ratajczak, LSC Secretary
Dear Richard,
Thank you, for the winter coats, we received them this Monday morning from your organization. The LSC parents are very grateful for your donation. This gift will help many of our families. You continue to be a great source of help and hope to our school.
Thanks again for your help,
Elaine Ratajczak, LSC Secretary
Monday, December 12, 2011
Over 300 Coats and Going Strong!!
The photo is a shot of Ms. Williams, at Alex Haley Elementary, thanking me (and all of our terrific donors) for the many coats we brought the children. I can tell each of you that the expression on Ms. Williams face was duplicated at every school that received coats. Whether it was a principal, a secretary, students or parents, the reaction was the same...they were simply THRILLED!!Okay, it is early Monday morning, the coats are still coming in and we are off to deliver more warm clothing to the students at Pickard Elementary and King. I know they are looking forward to seeing us. Put the coats on the backs of the children is our way of continuing to help students achieve in the classroom.
Thanks again!
Dick
Sunday, December 11, 2011
Fuller Coat Delivery
Just thought I would pass along a few photos of our delivery of coats to Fuller Elementary. Aside from the kids showing off their coats and backpacks, in the last photo, you can see that they are hard at work in the classroom. Everyone was in a joyous mood with broad smiles.Thanks for making this day happen!!! Dick
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Coats Keep on Coming In
Well, our Dec. 2nd deadline for collecting winter coats has come and gone and, still, the coats keep on coming in!! That is truly a wonderful tale of the Christmas spirit.
A good friend of mine, and a former colleague, Harrison Bull, has his whole family involved in collecting warm winter wear. His wife, Carol, has encouraged some of her friends to donate coats to our cause. And then there is his granddaughter, Clare, who has worked with her Mom, Julie, to amass another 20 coats.
All in all, we have collected another 45 to 50 coats over the past two days, enough to make a delivery to a couple more CPS schools who could use the help. We will be delivering the coats to Pickard Elementary and King Elementary on Monday, Dec. 12th.
This is the second consecutive year that Schools Count Corp has run a 'Winter Wear' drive for the Chicago Public School students. It is a tradition we will continue to sponsor in the years to come.
The desire of our charity is to help students, and their families, in a variety of ways that positively impact their overall lives as well as their performance in the classroom. We see the two as inseparable aspects of improving their lot in life.
Again, thanks to one all for being a part of this initiative!
Dick
A good friend of mine, and a former colleague, Harrison Bull, has his whole family involved in collecting warm winter wear. His wife, Carol, has encouraged some of her friends to donate coats to our cause. And then there is his granddaughter, Clare, who has worked with her Mom, Julie, to amass another 20 coats.
All in all, we have collected another 45 to 50 coats over the past two days, enough to make a delivery to a couple more CPS schools who could use the help. We will be delivering the coats to Pickard Elementary and King Elementary on Monday, Dec. 12th.
This is the second consecutive year that Schools Count Corp has run a 'Winter Wear' drive for the Chicago Public School students. It is a tradition we will continue to sponsor in the years to come.
The desire of our charity is to help students, and their families, in a variety of ways that positively impact their overall lives as well as their performance in the classroom. We see the two as inseparable aspects of improving their lot in life.
Again, thanks to one all for being a part of this initiative!
Dick
Friday, December 9, 2011
Central Students Step Up
A good number of people who typically volunteer and donate to our charity have, likewise, pitched in and supported our ongoing 'Winter Wear' drive. We have already delivered over 250 coats to deserving CPS schools. More will follow in the coming days.
One is never to young to join in on the spirit of aiding a cause and people in need. Such is the case with two young students at Hinsdale Central High School. Both Will Schneider, a senior, and Allison Gelman, a sophomore have helped us collect coats.
Allison collected five full bags of coats while Will collected three big bags. I met these two individuals while speaking to the HC Habitat for Humanity meeting in early November. Since that time, both individuals made contact with me and offered to help with the coat collection.
Both individuals found their own way to collect coats. Allison generated her large contribution by turning to the congregants at her Temple while Will worked his family, friends, and the surrounding neighborhood for donations.
They came through in a big way. That's no surprise for these two individuals. Both are active at Central. Will is an active member of Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Allision is involved in a number of groups who assist others. She is a member of Clubs that Care and is heavily involved in Peer Leadership. Allision is also a member of the lacrosse team at Central.
Kudo's to Will and Allison for stepping up and finding a way to help Schools Count Crop keep students warm as the cold of winter sets in.
Many thanks!
Dick
One is never to young to join in on the spirit of aiding a cause and people in need. Such is the case with two young students at Hinsdale Central High School. Both Will Schneider, a senior, and Allison Gelman, a sophomore have helped us collect coats.
Allison collected five full bags of coats while Will collected three big bags. I met these two individuals while speaking to the HC Habitat for Humanity meeting in early November. Since that time, both individuals made contact with me and offered to help with the coat collection.
Both individuals found their own way to collect coats. Allison generated her large contribution by turning to the congregants at her Temple while Will worked his family, friends, and the surrounding neighborhood for donations.
They came through in a big way. That's no surprise for these two individuals. Both are active at Central. Will is an active member of Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Allision is involved in a number of groups who assist others. She is a member of Clubs that Care and is heavily involved in Peer Leadership. Allision is also a member of the lacrosse team at Central.
Kudo's to Will and Allison for stepping up and finding a way to help Schools Count Crop keep students warm as the cold of winter sets in.
Many thanks!
Dick
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Smiles All the Way Around
Mrs. Williams, a secretary at Alex Haley Elementary bound from her desk to the other side of the counter in what seemed like two steps! I wasn't really counting the steps because all I could notice was her broad smile as she greeted us and then gave us a HUGE bear hug.
Such was our day yesterday as Harry Bull and Ed Bulak joined me as we delivered well over 250 coats to five schools.
To say there was jubilation when we opened the boxes of coats, gloves, hats and mittens is not hyperbole. The principals, children, and office staff were thrilled to receive the winter wear. The cold is setting in and the children need to be kept warm.
One school that we delivered to said that they had a list of 89 students who have no coat. Fortunately, we brought them 60 coats and I am certain we can provide them with another 30 coats next week.
One of the interesting features of working with CPS is that when they receive needed resources, of any type, they let you know the extent of their appreciation. I love the fact that they are willing to wear their heartfelt emotions on their sleeves.
Each stop was much the same; handshakes, hugs, and smiles. In the final analysis, each of us was left with the same smile that greeted us at each school.
As soon as I get the photos, I will be sure to post them.
Many thanks for helping to make this day happen!
Dick
Such was our day yesterday as Harry Bull and Ed Bulak joined me as we delivered well over 250 coats to five schools.
To say there was jubilation when we opened the boxes of coats, gloves, hats and mittens is not hyperbole. The principals, children, and office staff were thrilled to receive the winter wear. The cold is setting in and the children need to be kept warm.
One school that we delivered to said that they had a list of 89 students who have no coat. Fortunately, we brought them 60 coats and I am certain we can provide them with another 30 coats next week.
One of the interesting features of working with CPS is that when they receive needed resources, of any type, they let you know the extent of their appreciation. I love the fact that they are willing to wear their heartfelt emotions on their sleeves.
Each stop was much the same; handshakes, hugs, and smiles. In the final analysis, each of us was left with the same smile that greeted us at each school.
As soon as I get the photos, I will be sure to post them.
Many thanks for helping to make this day happen!
Dick
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Well over 250 Coats bound for CPS
The response to our 'Winter Wear' drive has been terrific. To date we have in excess of 250 winter coats, many of them brand new!! We are heading to five schools tomorrow...Fuller Elementary, Haley Elementary Songhai Elementary, Curtis Elementary, and West Pullman Elementary.
Plenty of people have stepped to the fore to aid our clothing drive either with cash funds or donated coats, gloves, scarves and/or hats. Plenty of students and families will be happy to receive the warm clothing.
Aside from the coats, I had one contributor who bought fifty, yes fifty, brand new backpacks for a couple of these schools. To say the least, this is truly an amazing donation.
The outpouring of support has simply been; well, fairly overwhelming. We still have coats coming in, so many so that I will be able to deliver coats to King Elementary and Pickard Elementary on Thursday.
I'll be sure to post some photos of our trip to the city in the next couple of days.
Thanks for your support,
Dick
Plenty of people have stepped to the fore to aid our clothing drive either with cash funds or donated coats, gloves, scarves and/or hats. Plenty of students and families will be happy to receive the warm clothing.
Aside from the coats, I had one contributor who bought fifty, yes fifty, brand new backpacks for a couple of these schools. To say the least, this is truly an amazing donation.
The outpouring of support has simply been; well, fairly overwhelming. We still have coats coming in, so many so that I will be able to deliver coats to King Elementary and Pickard Elementary on Thursday.
I'll be sure to post some photos of our trip to the city in the next couple of days.
Thanks for your support,
Dick
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Charter Performance
Yesterday's Chicago Tribune carried an article entitled 'Charter schools get tougher scrutiny.' Why would they receive tougher scrutiny? Because, for the first time ever, the state released detailed performance data for the city charters and the news isn't necessarily stellar.
According the article, 'many schools (charters) from even the most prominent charter networks struggle to close the achievement gap for low income students.'
Mind you, not a single charter is slated for closing next year even though some of the charters performed almost as badly on state exams as those schools scheduled for closing. It isn't easy for CPS to close charters for a variety of reasons.
CPS Chief Jean-Claude Brizard has acknowledged the fact that a couple of charters are struggling. A day after the charter school data was released by the state, Brizard announced that CPS had begun the revocation process for two charters.
I digress however!!! My main point is this, whether a school is a charter public school or a tradtional neighborhood public school, where income is low, poverty is high, crime is rampant, jobs are tough to find and the mechanisms outside the building are nearly absent in terms of helping students, it will be a tough job to lift students up.
Helping students who are struggling in neighborhoods that are struggling is a monumental task and if the school in such an area is a charter, that doesn't mean that its students will instantly get a better education.
All hands will be needed within schools, families and communities to help children move forward. That is a fact.
Thanks,
Dick
According the article, 'many schools (charters) from even the most prominent charter networks struggle to close the achievement gap for low income students.'
Mind you, not a single charter is slated for closing next year even though some of the charters performed almost as badly on state exams as those schools scheduled for closing. It isn't easy for CPS to close charters for a variety of reasons.
CPS Chief Jean-Claude Brizard has acknowledged the fact that a couple of charters are struggling. A day after the charter school data was released by the state, Brizard announced that CPS had begun the revocation process for two charters.
I digress however!!! My main point is this, whether a school is a charter public school or a tradtional neighborhood public school, where income is low, poverty is high, crime is rampant, jobs are tough to find and the mechanisms outside the building are nearly absent in terms of helping students, it will be a tough job to lift students up.
Helping students who are struggling in neighborhoods that are struggling is a monumental task and if the school in such an area is a charter, that doesn't mean that its students will instantly get a better education.
All hands will be needed within schools, families and communities to help children move forward. That is a fact.
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, December 2, 2011
Fuller Elementary - Some Sad News
One of the schools that Schools Count Corp has worked with in the CPS system is Fuller Elementary. It was revealed two days ago that Fuller is one of ten elementary schools that is slated to be a 'turnaround.'
It's important to note that 'turnarounds' typically find 100% of the administrative and teaching staff let go while an entire new team comes into the school when a new school year commences. That background is important to understand relative to what is taking place at these ten schools.
Let me say, at the outset, that Fuller has room for improvement. No one knows that better than the new principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young. And that fact alone makes this a sad story.
Sad because I know Ms. Young and what she is all about. She gets to school early in the morning, is often in the office at 6:00 pm, has high standards and cares deeply about the children. By the way, these are but a few of her amazing qualities that she brings to bear.
There are plenty of reasons why children struggle. You can come up with literally dozens and dozens of situations and issues that lead to a school doing poorly. I will tell you this, and some officials in CPS may not, Ms. Young is not the reason for the lack of progress and being named as a turnaround school.
I mentioned that Ms. Young is in her first year as Principal of Fuller. Let me pose a question. Do you think it is feasible and realistic for the two hundred children, in less than one year, to have their academic lives (which have been problematic for years!!) turned around in dramatic manner in less than a year? No chance.
I will look into this situation in greater detail and get back to you with news of Fuller, Ms. Young, and what the 'turnaround' situation looks like going forward.
It's a travesty if Ms. Young loses her job at Fuller!
Dick
It's important to note that 'turnarounds' typically find 100% of the administrative and teaching staff let go while an entire new team comes into the school when a new school year commences. That background is important to understand relative to what is taking place at these ten schools.
Let me say, at the outset, that Fuller has room for improvement. No one knows that better than the new principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young. And that fact alone makes this a sad story.
Sad because I know Ms. Young and what she is all about. She gets to school early in the morning, is often in the office at 6:00 pm, has high standards and cares deeply about the children. By the way, these are but a few of her amazing qualities that she brings to bear.
There are plenty of reasons why children struggle. You can come up with literally dozens and dozens of situations and issues that lead to a school doing poorly. I will tell you this, and some officials in CPS may not, Ms. Young is not the reason for the lack of progress and being named as a turnaround school.
I mentioned that Ms. Young is in her first year as Principal of Fuller. Let me pose a question. Do you think it is feasible and realistic for the two hundred children, in less than one year, to have their academic lives (which have been problematic for years!!) turned around in dramatic manner in less than a year? No chance.
I will look into this situation in greater detail and get back to you with news of Fuller, Ms. Young, and what the 'turnaround' situation looks like going forward.
It's a travesty if Ms. Young loses her job at Fuller!
Dick
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Surge in Meals for School Children
Everyone agrees that school children need decent meals while at school, and at home, to give them a better chance for success. An alarming article appeared in the Nov. 30th New York Times (front page) discussing the huge upward trend of more students needing, and qualifying for, government sponsored food provided through the schools.
The article divulged the fact that subsidized lunches rose to 21 million last school year, up from 18 million in 2006-07. Yes, inner cities were hard hit relative to more students receiving food. But the spike in those seeking assistance didn't hit these traditional areas.
As the economy has hit a rough patch, lots of middle class families have turned to the subsidized lunch program for help. In Rochester, New York, home to many engineers and technicians who have lost their jobs, a good number of families have turned to the school to ask for help relative to providing their children with free lunches.
Since 2006-07, the Department of Agriculture reports that ALL 50 states have shown increases in the number of students who participate in the free lunch program. Maybe that's not surprising given the growth in overall population. However, the growth rate of those need food assistance has skyrocketed in many of these states. The USDA reports that 'eleven states had 4-year increases of 25% or more in meal programs.
All of this points back to arguments I have made in the past concerning jobs, schooling, poverty and the opportunity for student success. If jobs and careers aren't available, the cycle of poverty, crime and student dropping out of school continues unabated.
It is hard enough to get a decent shot at the 'American Dream' but, going without a decent education and the proper nutrition just tarnishes the chance of making the dream come true.
I, for one, applaud having food programs in schools. It is a wise use of federal monies. I have been in many schools where students received subsidized food and I can't ever recall seeing the food wasted!
Dick
The article divulged the fact that subsidized lunches rose to 21 million last school year, up from 18 million in 2006-07. Yes, inner cities were hard hit relative to more students receiving food. But the spike in those seeking assistance didn't hit these traditional areas.
As the economy has hit a rough patch, lots of middle class families have turned to the subsidized lunch program for help. In Rochester, New York, home to many engineers and technicians who have lost their jobs, a good number of families have turned to the school to ask for help relative to providing their children with free lunches.
Since 2006-07, the Department of Agriculture reports that ALL 50 states have shown increases in the number of students who participate in the free lunch program. Maybe that's not surprising given the growth in overall population. However, the growth rate of those need food assistance has skyrocketed in many of these states. The USDA reports that 'eleven states had 4-year increases of 25% or more in meal programs.
All of this points back to arguments I have made in the past concerning jobs, schooling, poverty and the opportunity for student success. If jobs and careers aren't available, the cycle of poverty, crime and student dropping out of school continues unabated.
It is hard enough to get a decent shot at the 'American Dream' but, going without a decent education and the proper nutrition just tarnishes the chance of making the dream come true.
I, for one, applaud having food programs in schools. It is a wise use of federal monies. I have been in many schools where students received subsidized food and I can't ever recall seeing the food wasted!
Dick
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
