If it's May, okay there is one day to go, then it's time to head to Naperville to kick off our 'Go Green' initiative. Naperville has been a big backer of this effort for a number of years.
This morning I am heading to Naperville Central to speak with some students about the work of Schools Count Corp. and our 'Go Green' effort. Time to get the students interested and excited about helping the children within CPS and around Chicago.
We'll not only chat with the students, answer questions, but we will also supply them with boxes, signs, and zip lock bags. Anything we can do on our end to help facilitate their collection efforts is well worth the time on my end.
Before I forget, I want to give a big 'Shout Out' to Naperville Central, Elmwood Elementary, Ellsworth Elementary, Prairie Elementary, Ranchview Elementary, Steeple Run Elementary, Kingsley Elementary and Highlands Elementary. These are the schools in Naperville participating in this years 'Go Green' effort.
This is a terrific program and I am indebted to the schools, sponsors, teachers and students.
Thank You,
Dick
Monday, April 30, 2012
Friday, April 27, 2012
Help!!
As the month of May rapidly approaches, it is that time of the year to plan our pick up of school supplies in our 'Go Green' program. Plenty of suburban schools are part of this effort to take perfectly good leftover student supplies, not used during the 2011-12 year, and to provide them to our charity. In turn, we will add these to brand new supplies and we'll deliver them to some 40 Chicago schools in August.
If you have some time on your hands and are looking to do some valuable volunteer work, I can sure use the assistance this month and in early June.
I will be picking up supplies from Naperville and Elmhurst on Friday, May 25th and Tuesday, May 29th and could use some helping hands. These supplies will be boxed up at the various schools and we'll simply load them in a truck.
I will drive a truck from Mokena to the above suburbs so, if you are able to assist me, it's probably best for you to simply meet me at our first stop. After that first stop, you can simply follow me to each succeeding location. Our work on the 25th will take a 1/2 day while we will be busy most of the 29th.
I know there are other days in early June where I can use the help but right now I don't have firm dates. As soon as I get these, I will share them with you.
Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net or call 630-863-6035 to let me know that you can help on either of these days. Obviously, if you have any questions or need more information just let me know.
Thanks for your consideration!
Dick
If you have some time on your hands and are looking to do some valuable volunteer work, I can sure use the assistance this month and in early June.
I will be picking up supplies from Naperville and Elmhurst on Friday, May 25th and Tuesday, May 29th and could use some helping hands. These supplies will be boxed up at the various schools and we'll simply load them in a truck.
I will drive a truck from Mokena to the above suburbs so, if you are able to assist me, it's probably best for you to simply meet me at our first stop. After that first stop, you can simply follow me to each succeeding location. Our work on the 25th will take a 1/2 day while we will be busy most of the 29th.
I know there are other days in early June where I can use the help but right now I don't have firm dates. As soon as I get these, I will share them with you.
Simply email me at rich219@comcast.net or call 630-863-6035 to let me know that you can help on either of these days. Obviously, if you have any questions or need more information just let me know.
Thanks for your consideration!
Dick
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Another Blow to Pensions
As if teaching until age 67 wasn't enough and paying an additional 3% more of your salary to your pension didn't hit your wallet hard enough, Governor Quinn has thrown one more log onto the fire.
Right now retired teachers in the TRS system get a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) to their yearly pension. The new COLA plan laid out by Quinn calls for capping the cost of living at a maximum of 3% or 1/2 of the CPI, whichever is less. So if the CPI is 2% then teachers would receive a 1% raise. By the way, this new amount, according to the new plan, is not compounded.
Out of all of the features of the governor's new plan, this is the one I am least troubled by. Really, if I don't get a COLA raise of 3% and, instead, receive 1 1/2% or 2% I won't cry over it.
But when you add up all of the features of the Quinn plan then you get a sense that teachers and other public employees are really taking it on the chin.
Teaching well over 40 years to get a full pension, paying 3% more towards the pension every single year and taking a lower amount of cost of living money each year once you are retired will hit teachers hard. These measures, collectively, are simply too punative.
Why not be more realistic? Rather than making mandatory retirement at age 67, why not be reasonable and say that age 60 is a better time to retire. You need more money for the TRS pension fund, why not ask for 1 1/2% increase rather than 3%.
Teachers and public employees are left filling the deep hole dug by legislators. We don't mind doing our share to plug the hole but to be fully responsible for problems largely created by the state government just doesn't make sense.
Thanks,
Dick
Right now retired teachers in the TRS system get a 3% cost of living adjustment (COLA) to their yearly pension. The new COLA plan laid out by Quinn calls for capping the cost of living at a maximum of 3% or 1/2 of the CPI, whichever is less. So if the CPI is 2% then teachers would receive a 1% raise. By the way, this new amount, according to the new plan, is not compounded.
Out of all of the features of the governor's new plan, this is the one I am least troubled by. Really, if I don't get a COLA raise of 3% and, instead, receive 1 1/2% or 2% I won't cry over it.
But when you add up all of the features of the Quinn plan then you get a sense that teachers and other public employees are really taking it on the chin.
Teaching well over 40 years to get a full pension, paying 3% more towards the pension every single year and taking a lower amount of cost of living money each year once you are retired will hit teachers hard. These measures, collectively, are simply too punative.
Why not be more realistic? Rather than making mandatory retirement at age 67, why not be reasonable and say that age 60 is a better time to retire. You need more money for the TRS pension fund, why not ask for 1 1/2% increase rather than 3%.
Teachers and public employees are left filling the deep hole dug by legislators. We don't mind doing our share to plug the hole but to be fully responsible for problems largely created by the state government just doesn't make sense.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
More on Quinn Pension Plan
As if requiring public employees and teachers to work until 67 isn't tough enough medicine to swallow, there's even troubling news with the Quinn Pension Plan.
Right now teachers are required to pay slightly over 9% of their pay into the TRS system. Under Quinn's plan that amount will be increased by 3%. In other words, teachers will be paying slightly under 13% into the fund for as long as they continue to teach.
Lots to think about with this increase. First of all, many teachers in many school districts pay this out of their check rather than the district picking up the cost. So, let's say a teacher receives, on average, a pay raise of 2%. By a teacher picking up the 3% TRS tab, that teacher will actually by losing ground.
Here's another way to look at the increase in the TRS contribution. If districts do in fact pay the 3% increase then the district, aside from other expenses, will have to find the funding to take care of this contribution to the system. This will definitely impact the budget concerns of a school district and very well may means cuts or an increase in property taxes.
By the way, this 3% increase in teacher contributions to TRS is not a one-time deal. This will go on for many, many years. It will take a number of decades to wipe out the $83 billion shortfall in all of the state's public employee pension programs.
I realize the state has a huge pension liability problem but putting the onus on today's teachers for problems largely created by the state's past failure to live up to past obligations does not sit well.
Thanks,
Dick
Right now teachers are required to pay slightly over 9% of their pay into the TRS system. Under Quinn's plan that amount will be increased by 3%. In other words, teachers will be paying slightly under 13% into the fund for as long as they continue to teach.
Lots to think about with this increase. First of all, many teachers in many school districts pay this out of their check rather than the district picking up the cost. So, let's say a teacher receives, on average, a pay raise of 2%. By a teacher picking up the 3% TRS tab, that teacher will actually by losing ground.
Here's another way to look at the increase in the TRS contribution. If districts do in fact pay the 3% increase then the district, aside from other expenses, will have to find the funding to take care of this contribution to the system. This will definitely impact the budget concerns of a school district and very well may means cuts or an increase in property taxes.
By the way, this 3% increase in teacher contributions to TRS is not a one-time deal. This will go on for many, many years. It will take a number of decades to wipe out the $83 billion shortfall in all of the state's public employee pension programs.
I realize the state has a huge pension liability problem but putting the onus on today's teachers for problems largely created by the state's past failure to live up to past obligations does not sit well.
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Analysis of Quinn Pension Proposal
Governor Quinn certainly made a splash with his proposal to reduce the liability of the various state pension funds. It is worth taking a critical look at the various parts of the plan to better understand the impact on everyone involved.
Let's look at his idea relative to making the mandatory age to retire at 67. As a retired teacher I can tell you that having started teaching at 23 years of age, notwithstanding my love of working with students, I would absolutely never be able to work 44 years in the profession! Never!
Teaching isn't a matter of telling students to do something and then simply sitting to watch them perform the assignment presented to them. That's not the way it works.
Even teaching until age 60 would be problematic for most teachers and professors. Stretching it to 67 is simply irresponsible.
Besides, setting the retirement age at 67 will affect other components of the pension system. By working to 67, it stands to reason that by working longer the state will pay out less in pension dollars overall since teachers are retiring at a later time than those of us who retired at 55. Now we are getting to the crux of the matter...DOLLARS.
Also, there will be a big impact felt at the local level. Let's say a teacher gets to the top of the payscale after 17 years of teaching. By forcing, yes forcing, teachers to teach longer then the local district will have to pay these higher salaries for a longer period of time. This is bound to impact the tax situation in the various Illinois communities.
Raising the retirement age to 67 is fraught with plenty of negatives. Let's hope that the powers that be will reconcile these issues prior to implementing them.
Dick
Let's look at his idea relative to making the mandatory age to retire at 67. As a retired teacher I can tell you that having started teaching at 23 years of age, notwithstanding my love of working with students, I would absolutely never be able to work 44 years in the profession! Never!
Teaching isn't a matter of telling students to do something and then simply sitting to watch them perform the assignment presented to them. That's not the way it works.
Even teaching until age 60 would be problematic for most teachers and professors. Stretching it to 67 is simply irresponsible.
Besides, setting the retirement age at 67 will affect other components of the pension system. By working to 67, it stands to reason that by working longer the state will pay out less in pension dollars overall since teachers are retiring at a later time than those of us who retired at 55. Now we are getting to the crux of the matter...DOLLARS.
Also, there will be a big impact felt at the local level. Let's say a teacher gets to the top of the payscale after 17 years of teaching. By forcing, yes forcing, teachers to teach longer then the local district will have to pay these higher salaries for a longer period of time. This is bound to impact the tax situation in the various Illinois communities.
Raising the retirement age to 67 is fraught with plenty of negatives. Let's hope that the powers that be will reconcile these issues prior to implementing them.
Dick
Monday, April 23, 2012
Teacher Pension Reform
Governor Quinn announced his long awaited plan to reform the state's pension system for public employees and teachers. The plan attempts to close the $83 billion in pension liability that has been accrued over these past years.
Here are the major points of his plan. First, employees to receive their full pension, would have to work until age 67. Also, during the lifetime of their employment, teachers and public employees would have to pay 3%, per year, more into the retirement fund than they are currently contributing. Finally, the proposed legislation would restrict the cost of living adjustments to a much lower rate than is currently the case.
It ought to be noted that the Quinn plan would only affect those currently teaching or who will one day enter the profession. Current teachers and public employees would not be affected by the above rule changes.
A good number of legislators back the plan as do a number of groups (Civic Committee, Commercial Club) looking to curtail the states pension liability. The plan is bound to run into roadblocks with the various unions and other like minded organizations.
Over the next few days I will look at the implications of this plan and offer some thoughts, comments and adjustments that ought to be made before it goes into effect. Suffice it to say, these are major alterations and some of them are rather draconian.
Dick
Here are the major points of his plan. First, employees to receive their full pension, would have to work until age 67. Also, during the lifetime of their employment, teachers and public employees would have to pay 3%, per year, more into the retirement fund than they are currently contributing. Finally, the proposed legislation would restrict the cost of living adjustments to a much lower rate than is currently the case.
It ought to be noted that the Quinn plan would only affect those currently teaching or who will one day enter the profession. Current teachers and public employees would not be affected by the above rule changes.
A good number of legislators back the plan as do a number of groups (Civic Committee, Commercial Club) looking to curtail the states pension liability. The plan is bound to run into roadblocks with the various unions and other like minded organizations.
Over the next few days I will look at the implications of this plan and offer some thoughts, comments and adjustments that ought to be made before it goes into effect. Suffice it to say, these are major alterations and some of them are rather draconian.
Dick
Friday, April 20, 2012
Grateful NOLA School
Though the note below is brief, I believe it summarizes the feelings of many of the schools we have assisted in New Orleans for the past six years. The reason Mr. Goodwin sent me the note is because I notified the NOLA schools that we will no longer able to bring student school supplies to the Crescent City. Instead, Schools Count Corp. will aid schools in the Chicagoland area in addition to those in tornado ravaged parts of Indiana and Illinois.
I thought it appropriate to share with our donors, volunteers and others who are interested in our work. These are indeed some grateful individuals. Imagine, if we ever need help, they will be there for us!!!
Quite amazing. Good Morning, I definitely understand and on behalf of students, parents and faculty we would like to THANK YOU for everything you have done and how much you have helped over the years. If you ever need anything of us just call or email.
Thanks,
Sean J. Goodwin Assistant Principal
Joseph A. Craig Elementary
I thought it appropriate to share with our donors, volunteers and others who are interested in our work. These are indeed some grateful individuals. Imagine, if we ever need help, they will be there for us!!!
Quite amazing. Good Morning, I definitely understand and on behalf of students, parents and faculty we would like to THANK YOU for everything you have done and how much you have helped over the years. If you ever need anything of us just call or email.
Thanks,
Sean J. Goodwin Assistant Principal
Joseph A. Craig Elementary
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Makes No Sense to Me
Okay, so the CPS big wigs have lengthened the school day. As I have stated on other occasions, I am in favor of such a move. The time has come to extend the school day from 5 hours, 45 minutes to 7 hours.
What is so puzzling is this. By adding 75 minutes to the school day it is clear that the city will have to come up with the money/resources to provide for the extended time in the classroom. This cost may be in the form of supplies, teachers salaries and the like.
Added to this is the fact that the school system is in debt. Not only is the district running in the red but this is the year that CPS and the teachers union will be negotiating a contract.
Here's what I don't understand. If you lengthen the day, have to negotiate a contract and are already operating in the red, doesn't it make sense that you had better come up with the funds before you implement and solve the above issues? It does to me.
I think the above factors may make the start of the 2012-13 school year somewhat problematic. Just what the students don't need!!
Dick
What is so puzzling is this. By adding 75 minutes to the school day it is clear that the city will have to come up with the money/resources to provide for the extended time in the classroom. This cost may be in the form of supplies, teachers salaries and the like.
Added to this is the fact that the school system is in debt. Not only is the district running in the red but this is the year that CPS and the teachers union will be negotiating a contract.
Here's what I don't understand. If you lengthen the day, have to negotiate a contract and are already operating in the red, doesn't it make sense that you had better come up with the funds before you implement and solve the above issues? It does to me.
I think the above factors may make the start of the 2012-13 school year somewhat problematic. Just what the students don't need!!
Dick
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Odds and Ends
Just thought I would briefly fill you in on some important matters...
...CPS Principals, as of today, have not been told their budgets for next year!
Wow, that will make it pretty darn difficult to figure out how to assist
students and teachers.
...Principals have to submit their plans for how they will use the extended school
day by Friday, May 18th. Pretty hard to believe that the plans have to be
submitted without knowing ones budget
...Paul Vallas, former school chief here in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans,
is the temporary Superintendent in Bridgeport, Conn
...If all of this is not enough, CPS and the teachers union (CTU) have to negotiate
a new contract. This will be quite problematic in all probability.
I'll have more to say about these issues in the next couple of days.
Dick
...CPS Principals, as of today, have not been told their budgets for next year!
Wow, that will make it pretty darn difficult to figure out how to assist
students and teachers.
...Principals have to submit their plans for how they will use the extended school
day by Friday, May 18th. Pretty hard to believe that the plans have to be
submitted without knowing ones budget
...Paul Vallas, former school chief here in Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans,
is the temporary Superintendent in Bridgeport, Conn
...If all of this is not enough, CPS and the teachers union (CTU) have to negotiate
a new contract. This will be quite problematic in all probability.
I'll have more to say about these issues in the next couple of days.
Dick
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Time to Buy School Supplies
It's hard to believe it's the middle of April!! This is the time of the year that I start to put together a plan to amass school supplies for delivery in August.
I have to organize our 'Go Green' effort by contacting schools and getting containers, boxes and zip lock bags in their hands so that they can organize their collection effort. I've got a pretty good start on this endeavor.
I'll also have to determine how much cash is in our checking account so that I can purchase new supplies. I want to be able to place our order for school supplies with Kits4Kidz no later than May 5th.
Together, the recycled supplies from our 'Go Green' program along with the newly purchased supplies will comprise all of the resources that we will have available to help some 40 Chicago area schools.
If you haven't already donated to the cause there's still time to do so prior to May 5th. To make a tax deductible charitable donation simply may the check payable to Schools Count Corp and kindly mail it to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Should you prefer to pay online simply go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and you can make a contribution in that manner.
Please know that your generosity has much to do with student success and their willingness to give their best effort in the classroom.
Many thanks,
Dick
I have to organize our 'Go Green' effort by contacting schools and getting containers, boxes and zip lock bags in their hands so that they can organize their collection effort. I've got a pretty good start on this endeavor.
I'll also have to determine how much cash is in our checking account so that I can purchase new supplies. I want to be able to place our order for school supplies with Kits4Kidz no later than May 5th.
Together, the recycled supplies from our 'Go Green' program along with the newly purchased supplies will comprise all of the resources that we will have available to help some 40 Chicago area schools.
If you haven't already donated to the cause there's still time to do so prior to May 5th. To make a tax deductible charitable donation simply may the check payable to Schools Count Corp and kindly mail it to Richard Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448. Should you prefer to pay online simply go to our website, www.schoolscountcorp.org and you can make a contribution in that manner.
Please know that your generosity has much to do with student success and their willingness to give their best effort in the classroom.
Many thanks,
Dick
Monday, April 16, 2012
Time Tested
Schools of all types; selective, charter, private, turnarounds, selective cluster and more. Sometimes I think people get lost in the maze of schools. Of course, public neighborhood schools are still the norm.
Public schools have always been the backbone of the education system in the United States. Despite claims and innuendo that our public schools are failing students the fact remains, public schools are still getting the job done.
More demands are placed on teachers and education in general and, yet, somehow our educators are doing a terrific job.
Don't measure the real worth of our public schools by the state tests scores or how we stack up against other countries. Each society has its own value system with regard to public education.
I continue to see teachers instilling confidence in students, inspiring them to reach beyond what they might feel they can achieve and pushing them in order to bring out the best of their abilities. To this day, teachers continue to be the motivating force in the lives of their students. Children still reach for the stars because of their instructors.
Our society demands a broadly educated populace and the most effective way to reach that end is through a comprehensive public education. It is incumbent upon each of us to continue this tradition.
Thanks,
Dick
Public schools have always been the backbone of the education system in the United States. Despite claims and innuendo that our public schools are failing students the fact remains, public schools are still getting the job done.
More demands are placed on teachers and education in general and, yet, somehow our educators are doing a terrific job.
Don't measure the real worth of our public schools by the state tests scores or how we stack up against other countries. Each society has its own value system with regard to public education.
I continue to see teachers instilling confidence in students, inspiring them to reach beyond what they might feel they can achieve and pushing them in order to bring out the best of their abilities. To this day, teachers continue to be the motivating force in the lives of their students. Children still reach for the stars because of their instructors.
Our society demands a broadly educated populace and the most effective way to reach that end is through a comprehensive public education. It is incumbent upon each of us to continue this tradition.
Thanks,
Dick
Friday, April 13, 2012
Welcome to Schools Count
Yesterday I had the good pleasure to meet with Hinsdale Central H.S. Activity Director Ms. Pam Kalafut and a junior student, Jenny. After doing some service work in New Orleans and looking over our website, Jenny approached Ms. Kalafut and myself about starting a student club, at HC, which directly aids our charity!
At any rate, the three of us exchanged some ideas about the many worthwhile activities that the club can conduct in addition to discussing ways the club can participate in volunteer work.
The long and short of the meeting is that everyone came away in agreement that there was a great opportunity for such a club to succeed at Central. There was a great energy and optimism that the club would be something that would aid children in need.
Next week the proposal for the existence of the club will take place on a formal basis. Fingers crossed, if Jenny and some fellow students get the okay then an interest meeting will be held this spring.
Of course I am a bit prejudiced but I can think of few other services that students can provide to other children than to participate in such a club.
Welcome Aboard!!
Dick
At any rate, the three of us exchanged some ideas about the many worthwhile activities that the club can conduct in addition to discussing ways the club can participate in volunteer work.
The long and short of the meeting is that everyone came away in agreement that there was a great opportunity for such a club to succeed at Central. There was a great energy and optimism that the club would be something that would aid children in need.
Next week the proposal for the existence of the club will take place on a formal basis. Fingers crossed, if Jenny and some fellow students get the okay then an interest meeting will be held this spring.
Of course I am a bit prejudiced but I can think of few other services that students can provide to other children than to participate in such a club.
Welcome Aboard!!
Dick
Thursday, April 12, 2012
A Better Use of Time
There's little doubt that the new elementary school day will likely (fingers crossed) provide some positive results. The fact that every child, within the CPS system, gets 20-25 minutes of recess is most welcome especially in light of the lengthened day.
What remains to be seen is what will the added 52 minutes of instruction look like. A question, no doubt, with plenty of different constituencies pushing different curriculum agendas.
You know CPS officials will want to see ISAT scores rise. Hence these people are likely to demand that more time should be spent on reading, math, and science. Others, like myself, see it differently.
I've lamented the frantic rush taking place in American schools with regard to focusing education (intended or not) on standardized tests. Putting more time and attention on this initiative may very well continue to shortchange student growth in other areas.
I have been in many CPS classrooms and can attest to the fact that a paltry amount of time is allocated to Art, Drama, Family & Consumer Sciences, Music and Physical Education (Shop classes, sorry to say are almost a forgotten subject area). In my view, these critical subjects should get the lions share of the added 52 minutes to the school day.
These courses may not meet the demands of those pushing the testing agenda but they serve the needs of the students!!
Dick
What remains to be seen is what will the added 52 minutes of instruction look like. A question, no doubt, with plenty of different constituencies pushing different curriculum agendas.
You know CPS officials will want to see ISAT scores rise. Hence these people are likely to demand that more time should be spent on reading, math, and science. Others, like myself, see it differently.
I've lamented the frantic rush taking place in American schools with regard to focusing education (intended or not) on standardized tests. Putting more time and attention on this initiative may very well continue to shortchange student growth in other areas.
I have been in many CPS classrooms and can attest to the fact that a paltry amount of time is allocated to Art, Drama, Family & Consumer Sciences, Music and Physical Education (Shop classes, sorry to say are almost a forgotten subject area). In my view, these critical subjects should get the lions share of the added 52 minutes to the school day.
These courses may not meet the demands of those pushing the testing agenda but they serve the needs of the students!!
Dick
Wednesday, April 11, 2012
CPS Shortens School Day
Mayor Emmanuel and CPS Chief Brizard have heard the calls for cutting back on the proposed 7 1/2 hour school day for elementary school children. The lengthened day was to go into effect commencing in the 2012-13 school year.
Yesterday Emmanuel said he was scaling back the increase in the school day by 30 minutes. Elementary school children will now have a 7 day while the high schools will still attend for 7 1/2 hours.
The retreat follows heavy CTU and parental pressure to cut back on the proposed 105 minute increase in the length of the day.
There were, and are, many concerns about lengthening the day, not the least of which is what to do with the added minutes, children being able to handle being at school from nine to ten hours (if there are lengthy bus rides)per day, to the issue of where the money will come from to pay for the added expenses. Remember, the district is running deeper in the red.
There's little question that this is wise move on the part of the mayor and CPS chief. I have been at a number of CPS schools this spring and it was clear that many plans had not been formulated to properly address an addition of 105 minutes to the school day.
Much work remains to be done to make good use of the extra 75 minutes. Hopefully, individual schools will be allowed to make those decisions.
Dick
Yesterday Emmanuel said he was scaling back the increase in the school day by 30 minutes. Elementary school children will now have a 7 day while the high schools will still attend for 7 1/2 hours.
The retreat follows heavy CTU and parental pressure to cut back on the proposed 105 minute increase in the length of the day.
There were, and are, many concerns about lengthening the day, not the least of which is what to do with the added minutes, children being able to handle being at school from nine to ten hours (if there are lengthy bus rides)per day, to the issue of where the money will come from to pay for the added expenses. Remember, the district is running deeper in the red.
There's little question that this is wise move on the part of the mayor and CPS chief. I have been at a number of CPS schools this spring and it was clear that many plans had not been formulated to properly address an addition of 105 minutes to the school day.
Much work remains to be done to make good use of the extra 75 minutes. Hopefully, individual schools will be allowed to make those decisions.
Dick
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Some More on IL Testing
I won't let go of the charge by the State of IL people who want to see an expansion of state testing to grades 3-11. This is nonsense on a variety of levels.
For one, I thought that the state was in some real trouble with regard to funding! Adding tests, developing standards to go along with the instruments, assessing them, submitting the paperwork and analyzing the results won't be cheap. Sure, we've got the funds for this but not for the schools who can barely keep their doors open due to a lack of funding. What a joke!!
I ask you, which is more important, funding schools or adding on more state exams? Well, I can tell you that teachers and learners would rather spend their time teaching and learning.
I also want to see some research that indicates that this mountain of state testing somehow, in the final analysis, will really have something to do with an enriched curriculum and improved student learning.
If the added state testing (and current state tests already in place) can't further a student's education then it is time to say NO to the new mandates.
Thanks,
Dick
For one, I thought that the state was in some real trouble with regard to funding! Adding tests, developing standards to go along with the instruments, assessing them, submitting the paperwork and analyzing the results won't be cheap. Sure, we've got the funds for this but not for the schools who can barely keep their doors open due to a lack of funding. What a joke!!
I ask you, which is more important, funding schools or adding on more state exams? Well, I can tell you that teachers and learners would rather spend their time teaching and learning.
I also want to see some research that indicates that this mountain of state testing somehow, in the final analysis, will really have something to do with an enriched curriculum and improved student learning.
If the added state testing (and current state tests already in place) can't further a student's education then it is time to say NO to the new mandates.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
More Testing - Part II
As I indicated yesterday, the State of Illinois is in the process of adding a good deal more testing to the already onerous amount that students face on a daily and yearly basis.
Students have quizzes, unit tests, written papers, ISAT, PSAe, ACT tests and more!! Added to this is the call for testing in all grades (were any missed in the past?),
3-11. The article didn't mention the content of the tests in terms of curriculum.
The single biggest reason for the added burden of more student testing is that the State of Illinois is hoping to escape the clutches of No Child Left Behind.
Perhaps avoiding the mandate of NCLB is worthwhile but not at the expense of expanding the ever-increasing testing which confronts students. There already is an excess of testing. Just ask the students. Oh, I forgot, 'we' know what is best, there is no need to check with the kids.
Most students simply want to learn. Give them a challenging, enriching and exciting course and you'll find that the vast majority of them will be turned on to learning. And that is a far more worthwhile goal of education than the constant drumbeat of more testing.
Thanks,
Dick
Students have quizzes, unit tests, written papers, ISAT, PSAe, ACT tests and more!! Added to this is the call for testing in all grades (were any missed in the past?),
3-11. The article didn't mention the content of the tests in terms of curriculum.
The single biggest reason for the added burden of more student testing is that the State of Illinois is hoping to escape the clutches of No Child Left Behind.
Perhaps avoiding the mandate of NCLB is worthwhile but not at the expense of expanding the ever-increasing testing which confronts students. There already is an excess of testing. Just ask the students. Oh, I forgot, 'we' know what is best, there is no need to check with the kids.
Most students simply want to learn. Give them a challenging, enriching and exciting course and you'll find that the vast majority of them will be turned on to learning. And that is a far more worthwhile goal of education than the constant drumbeat of more testing.
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Great...More State Testing on the Way!!
Yes, just when you thought we had enough testing, more is on the way. According to today's lengthy Chicago Tribune front page story, Illinois is looking at conducting far more mandatory testing in the very near future.
The plan is multiple facted but, suffice it to say, the scope of the testing will occur in every grade, grades 3 through 11!! In some cases, such as 8th grade, students will be tested twice!
What's driving this insanity of overtesting? Some legislators see this as a way to opt out of the No Child Left Behind legislation while still other state officials see the ISAT testing standards as being 'too low.' State of Illinois education personnel say the expanded testing would let schools better chart the annual progress of students.
You can bet that if all of the additional tests are implemented they will be used to in teacher evaluations.
This is added testing is crazy, it really is! This is simply a case of more isn't better. Yes, more hours spent on testing means less, significantly less, classroom enrichment and learning. It also means that with less classroom time further stess will be put on students and teachers to meet the curriculum demands.
Is this what education has become? I'm afraid so!! Somehow testing is equated to superior teaching and learning. Anyone who really knows something about education knows that it is a procees that involves maturity, growth, creativity, meaningful dialogue, nurturing student-to-pupil relationships, exploration and more.
I have news for the creators of year round testing. It won't come close to meeting these qualities...not even close!!!!
Dick
The plan is multiple facted but, suffice it to say, the scope of the testing will occur in every grade, grades 3 through 11!! In some cases, such as 8th grade, students will be tested twice!
What's driving this insanity of overtesting? Some legislators see this as a way to opt out of the No Child Left Behind legislation while still other state officials see the ISAT testing standards as being 'too low.' State of Illinois education personnel say the expanded testing would let schools better chart the annual progress of students.
You can bet that if all of the additional tests are implemented they will be used to in teacher evaluations.
This is added testing is crazy, it really is! This is simply a case of more isn't better. Yes, more hours spent on testing means less, significantly less, classroom enrichment and learning. It also means that with less classroom time further stess will be put on students and teachers to meet the curriculum demands.
Is this what education has become? I'm afraid so!! Somehow testing is equated to superior teaching and learning. Anyone who really knows something about education knows that it is a procees that involves maturity, growth, creativity, meaningful dialogue, nurturing student-to-pupil relationships, exploration and more.
I have news for the creators of year round testing. It won't come close to meeting these qualities...not even close!!!!
Dick
Monday, April 2, 2012
Nothing Comes Easy
Our trip to tornado ravaged Harrisburg, IL went smoothly until we hit Mattoon, IL. That's when things got interesting or, should I say, rather disheartening. Our 26' truck loaded with furniture broke down. I'm not talking a short span of time; rather, it was a good full seven hours before we got a replacement truck.
Not to worry though as our good friend from Harrisburg, Charlie Will, set out to help us.
Yes, the Harrisburg folks, still reeling from the devastation of the storms, were helping us get furniture to their small town. Maybe this says it all about the citizens of this small Illinois city. Here they are in the midst of dealing with so many tragedies, on so many levels, yet they are assisting us.
This wonderful gesture, on Charlie's part, is about all one needs to know when it comes to recognizing why our charity was, and is, so eager to help these people. As I said, 'nothing comes easy' but in this case, when faced with an all night truck delivery, Harrisburg came through in a big way!!
Thanks,
Dick
Not to worry though as our good friend from Harrisburg, Charlie Will, set out to help us.
Yes, the Harrisburg folks, still reeling from the devastation of the storms, were helping us get furniture to their small town. Maybe this says it all about the citizens of this small Illinois city. Here they are in the midst of dealing with so many tragedies, on so many levels, yet they are assisting us.
This wonderful gesture, on Charlie's part, is about all one needs to know when it comes to recognizing why our charity was, and is, so eager to help these people. As I said, 'nothing comes easy' but in this case, when faced with an all night truck delivery, Harrisburg came through in a big way!!
Thanks,
Dick
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