Calling All Volunteers

To those of you who follow the work of Schools Count you will realize I have not post in recent days.  Well, it is that time of the year and I have my roller skates on!  Roller skates you ask?  I don't really have roller skates but I am in the process of driving a truck throughout many of the suburbs as I pick up student supplies that we can provide to the children in Harvey and at the various CPS schools.

We pulled in quite a massive amount of supplies yesterday and we are about to head to nearly one dozen Elmhurst schools later this morning to gather up some more perfectly good materials!

So, we need to sort and package the supplies.  I could really, really use some help in this process.  This Saturday, June 1st we will sort supplies at our home in Mokena.  If you can spare about three hours (that's all!!) that would be a HUGE help and greatly appreciated.  We will sort from 9:00 am to noon.  Why not pitch in and have some fun!!

Our address is 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448.  Should you be free and can make it, please let me know.  If you want specific directions just shoot me an email or text.

Thanks!!
Dick

Tempest

The shouting, wrangling and pleas are over for now.  Above the objections of aldermen (and alderwomen, if such a term exists), parents, local school councils members and other concerned citizens, the Chicago Board of Education moved to close 50 schools yesterday.  The only schools to be saved from the axe were Ericson, Garvey, M. Jackson, and Manierre.

Yes, I do realize - and agree - some consolidation must take place.  But the number of neighborhood schools being closed is simply too many and often for the wrong reasons.  Many communities rely on the public schools for many of its needs, education being but one of them.

But the damage has been done.  What remains is this.  How will we treat the children, families, educators, and others who have been let go, fired and displaced now and in the future?  The CPS and 'powers that be' have made their decision.  They had better come through in a big way.

That better start right now.  Before the year is over, CPS needs to find those lunch room workers, staff, administrators, security folks and janitors who are terrific and get them into schools that can use their services.

I, for one, will be watching to be sure.  If CPS doesn't make this work then the parents, CTU, children and citizens have every right to go right back to state, city and CPS officials and hold them accountable.  By the way, that is a very big part of democratic education.

Dick

Devastation in Moore, OK

The images are horrific but even more tragic are the number of fatalities caused by the tornado that ripped through Moore, OK yesterday afternoon.   As of early this morning fifty-one people had lost their lives, twenty of them children.

Sadly, the storm hit heavy residential areas including schools.  In all, five schools were damaged as a result of the twister.  Two schools, Briarwood and Plaza Towers, were hit very hard with Plaza being leveled.  The news regarding the school children at Plaza Towers Elementary is heart wrenching.  At this point in the day, some seven students lost their lives.

Our charity will do our best to help the Moore school children.  We are setting up a special fund for the purpose of aiding the students going forward.  To make a donation to this cause you can contribute by making a check payable to Schools Count Corp and writing in the word 'Moore' in the memo section of your check.  Kindly forward your check to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448.

Many thanks,
Dick

Stuck in Place - Part II

It is indeed an appropriate title for what many disadvantaged families face - being stuck in one place that is anything but a desireable place in which to live, raise ones family and send them off to school.  Until recently I had no real clue as to how these areas came into existence. 

Sadly, since WW II formal laws, regulations and various zoning prohibitions, conducted at multiple levels of government had much to do with creating residential areas in which social and economic problems grew.

Urban renewal, for one, was a real misnomer.  Though areas of blight were wiped out in favor of factories or other development, the displaced residents were often relocated to even less desireable locations in various inner cities.  Urban renewal sounds like housing conditions were improved but, in fact, urban renewal simply added to the woes of the families in these 'renewal' areas.

Others forms of creating depressed areas within sections of the inner city included 'Neighborhood Improvement Assns.',  'Neighborhood Stability Loans', 'redlining' and restrictive covenants.  These were but a few of the gambits used to create miserable neighborhoods.  All had the impact of creating and re-inforcing housing segregation.

I mention these facts because many of the children we work with are the product of this depressed housing and community conditions that have helped to spawn crime, homeless and unemployment.  A sad thing, to be stuck in such a place.

Dick

Let's See...

• And just why isn't CPS likely to listen to judge recommendations, solicited by the brass at CPS headquarters, not to close certain schools?
• What will become of the 54 empty schools?
• Where will residents in those school closing areas turn for various social services once the schools close?
• Have plans been put into place to retain staff who are rated 'excellent?'
• Will CPS track the progress, or lack thereof, of students who are displaced by the closings?
• Will an 'impartial' observer comment/recorde how the combined school populations co-exist?
• Should some of these closings not work out, as planned, will CPS recant?
• If the above clsoings aren't effective or fail to live up to their billing will Mayor Emanuel hold anyone accountable?

These aren't unimportant concerns and issues.  It's one thing to make the alterations, it's quite another to make them work and then to dispassionately assess what is really taking place once the plans have been in place for a year or two.

Let's see!!
Dick

The Battle is On

Yesterday, the Chicago Teacher's Union filed two lawsuits regarding the upcoming school closings.  One suit alleges that Special Education students, 5,200 of them, are at risk because of the closings.  The other lawsuit says that the African American students are being targeted.

A statement released by CPS countered that "too many children today are trapped in underutilized, under-resourced schools cheating them of the investments they need to succeed in the classroom."  Yes there are underutilized and under-resourced schools?  Has anyone bothered to ask why or how we got to this point.  If CPS is really in charge, why did they allow schools to become under-resourced?

As the May 22nd date approaches, where the CPS brass will announce its closings, it is evident that the two sides are doing anything but cooperating with one another.  I don't expect things to get any better in the days following the CPS edict or when classes resume in August.

I can tell you this...some schools will now become overcrowded as a result of the impending closures and many will still be under-resourced.

Stay tuned!
Dick 

Take Action

I know a good number of you who read the blog have children in grade school, middle school/junior high and/or high school.  They can help us collect supplies for children-in-need in Chicago and Harvey even if their school doesn't do it on a school wide basis.  It's pretty easy!!

Simply have your son/daughter approach their individual teachers and ask them if they can collect binders and spirals on the last day (or other day) of class.  The students who have binders, spirals and the like can clean them out in the class and your children collects them for each class.    The point about classmates tearing out pages that are damaged and written on is a key element to making the collection a smooth process.

This method could result in quite a haul especially if your/son daughter can convince their friends to do the same!!  Think of how many items could be collected in this simple manner.

Yes, your son/daughter may well (likely) have too many items to bring home.  All you have to do is to let me know and I will come to their school, at a mutually agreeable time and date, to pick up the supplies.

Please give it some thought and ask your kids to pitch in and help others!!

Thanks,
Dick

Stuck in Place

'Stuck in Place' is a book I am reading which investigates the real causes in the lack of progress among African Americans (and other minorities) in portions of urban neighborhoods.  Our charity obviously works in many parts of Chicago and other metropolitan areas in other American cities and I wanted to better understand the ongoing poverty and neglect. 

Patrick Sharkey, the author, hasn't just studied social problems such as violence, joblessness, blight, low property values, and poverty but he takes a look at the effects the entire neighborhood or community has on a person/group of people over a long period of time.  His point is that what any one individual suffers is not merely the product of his/her situation nor purely under their control.  The community and multi-generational condition of the neighborhood has devastating consequences for any one person.

One of the striking conclusions, according to Sharkey's work is "that social problems that characterize poor, segregated urban neighborhoods have not arisen because of any character deficiencies of low-income African Americans or other ethnic minorities.  These , problems have emerged due to a combination of economic and political disinvestment in urban neighborhoods."

When there is a lack of investment in any neighborhood, it stands to reason that the neighborhood with its schools, businesses and home properties will suffer the consequences.

I look forward to sharing more of Sharkey's work with you in the coming days.

Dick

Being of Service

Whether one is without a job and desire to work or a person is without medical care or a youngster grows up in an area facing few real opportunities, the result is often the same.  People going without life's necessities.  Then, too often, the blame game is played as if that is really what is at stake.

Anyone without life care, a job, a decent education, proper nutrition, decent housing or living in an area that isn't safe is in real peril.  No human should have to live that way.  Sadly, anyone in this situation is likely to be in this shape, regardless of who is at fault, because of neglect.  There's usually plenty of folks who are culpable for this situation.

People are usually the ones responsible for a person suffering from the effects of neglect.  I happen to believe that if we, as a society, have allowed this condition to persist, we can also do much to put a stop to it.  When it comes to education, Schools Count Corp. will do our best to help afford young people a chance to advance by assisting them in the classroom.

Thanks for your help and for not neglecting children-in-need.

Dick

What Debt Crisis?

Not only are the turnaround schools costing CPS big money in terms of training principals and teachers but we now have word that Mayor Emanuel is set to spend $200 million on the schools who will be taking in students who are being relocated due to closures.

$200 million...WOW!!!  By the way, if all of these updates and repairs are needed, why weren't they taken care of prior to the closures?

There's no telling what the final tab will be when all of the expenses are added up.  Between closures, consolidations, necessary safety concerns and the turnarounds, the tab will go over $1/4 billion.  I wonder just how long it will take for all these closings to pay down that debt.   It seems hard to believe that the city and CPS brass would want to tack this debt onto an existing one that totals a staggering $1 billion.

And beyond this debt crunch I wonder how CPS will deal with many student concerns when the closings take place.  No doubt, some schools will be overcrowded.  I wouldn't be surprised to see some class sizes rise as one school is closed into another.  With some schools experiencing expanded growth, just how will CPS address health concerns?  Will nurses be staffed every day of the week along with school psychologists?  Don't hold your breath on some of these very real issues.

A debt crisis?  Yes, but the crisis doesn't deal with money alone.

Dick

What a Joke!

Over the past month, exhaustive and lengthy hearings have been conducted by highly regarded retired judges concerning the 54 CPS school closings.  Those judges, given the title of hearing officers, concluded that 13 of those schools should remain open because of a whole host of issues.

From my vantage point, it is best to listen to the wisdom of the judges.  These are an impartial group of people acting in the best interests of everyone involved.  And the 'powers that be' aren't going to heed their advice.  How shameful.

But Mayor Emanuel, yesterday, left little doubt that those recommendations are likely to go for naught.  He commented that "the board will take what they've said [and] work through it, but do what we need to do as a city because this...has been deferred through the years."  One can read through the lines to see what is bound to happen on May 22nd.  All 54 schools will close and others will be made turnarounds.  We should not kid ourselves.

I thought one of the other comments, made by the Mayor, was most laughable (though of course it isn't).   He said, "We haven't addressed it in the past - both on the academic side and the financial side."  I have been to hearings where schools have demonstrated improved test scores and by not making schools - like Barton - a turnaround, CPS would save money.  As I said, what a joke!!

Dick

AUSL to the Rescue?

Let's see, AUSL's (the turnaround schools administrative arm) former board chairman is now the President of the CPS Board of Education.  Of course, he was hand picked by Mayor Emanuel.  A former top AUSL executive now oversees CPS finances.  No wonder there is a prolifieration of 'turnarounds' in the city.

When AUSL takes over an elementary school staff - teachers and principals - they are provided with funds to train the staff.  Each elementary school receives $300,000 for specialized training plus $420 per pupil.  So, a school of 300 children would garner an additional $126,000.  Often a school that becomes a turnaround also is provided with substantial money for building renovations.  Hmm...why didn't these modifications take place, previously, when the building was a regular neighborhood school?

By the way the total above, $426,000 (yes, almost $1/2 million) is over and above the regular amount of money which is provided to the schools in the CPS system.  And CPS is carps about a $1 billlion budget deficit?

I know one school, Barton Elementary, which is slated for a turnaround in the 2013-14 school year that could use just $200,000 of the $426,000 and REALLY make some great progress.  Barton, in fact, has already 'turned' the corner!   Just why Barton, and others, are to be dismantled - ALL of the staff is essentially fired - is beyond comprehension.

Like I said, AUSL to the rescue?  Hardly!

Dick

More on Turnarounds

No doubt, CPS, Mayor Emanuel, and the brass at the Board of Education headquarters are going to find plenty to crow about relative to the performance of the turnarounds in the city schools.  To be fair, a number of elementary school turnaround test scores have risen in reading and math, some by significant amounts.

So what's the problem?

For one, though reading and math scores have risen in a number of elementary schools, we have seen almost no data regarding improvements in other subject areas.  If all we have to go on is data regarding a couple of subjects then I don't believe we can cast turnarounds as a panacea for 'reforming' schools.

This leads to my next point...improving reading and math, though not insignificant, is not the end all.  Improvments, from a standpoint of the whole child, need to take place in a number of additional areas.  Until we have data on how turnarounds affect these other social and curricular areas we won't be able to fully assess the impact of this educational model.

For another, CPS says little about how its high school turnarounds are performing.  The fact of the matter, according to a number of studies, is that Chicago CPS high school turnarounds are making very little headway.

I want to add another point.  I have been in turnaround classrooms and have seen a number of terrific teachers.  I have also been in a number of regular CPS neighborhood public schools and seen a number of terrific teachers.  The quality of instruction is more important than the organizational model of a school.

Dick

Still Time

It seems hard to believe that there is just a month left in the school year.  For some of you, there is under a month remaining.  As this year winds down, here at Schools Count we are in the process of gearing up for the start of school in August.

Right now we are in the process of collecting student supplies and ordering new ones.  I will be placing a large order next week for new supplies which will augment the ones we've collected in our 'Go Green' effort.

Many of you have already generously donated to the cause and for that I am truly appreciative.   Since we are placing our order for supplies late next week I wanted to take this opportunity to invite you, if you haven't already done so, to contribute to Schools Count Corp.  If you get your donation to us by May 15th it will help us determine how many funds we will have on hand to purchase supplies.

To make a tax deductible donation simply make your check payable to Schools Count Corp and mail it to Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. 60448.  You can also make a contribution by going to our website:  www.schoolscountcorp.org. 

Please accept my thanks for your wonderful support!
Dick

Not that Simple

Do you have a child who scored a very respectable 25 on the ACT - standardized test - and then retake it in order to get a higher score?  What did they get the next time?  Chances are, they received a 25 or 26...maybe a 27 (not likely).

Raising ones standardized test scores is not an easy task!!  Just think what it is like for a child, entire student body or community to raise its ISAT scores given the huge obstacles they are facing and have faced and that have a direct impact on learning. 

So when the CPS said that Barton Elementary just hasn't raised their ISAT scores enough (they went up 9.6% from 2010 to 2012) just what are they thinking given the above?  Steady progress is to be commended and the data from 2010 to 2012 proves this out.  Not even CPS disputes these numbers.

Here's where we are at...you don't raise test scores unless other student focused elements are taken into account and addressed.  Teachers spending time with students outside of the class period is critical.  Students, teachers, and parents developing a trusting and caring relationship is a must.  Providing a safe and nurturing environment that stresses learning has to take place.  Addressing psychological and health issues can't be avoided.  Having strong and positive leadership from the principal and assistant principal will produce results. 

All of these are in place at Barton.  These factors, and others, are the driving force in raising hard-to-raise standardized test results. 

My advice to CPS...Barton has turned around.  Leave them alone!!

Dick

Is It a Done Deal?

Nearly 175 Barton Elementary School staff, students, friends and families made their way to CPS headquarters last night to protest the board's planned action to make Barton a turnaround.  To hear both the board's presentation and that of Barton's one would think they were living in two different worlds.

The board representatives constantly talked about how Barton is low in performance compared with area schools.  It was a mathematical presentation the likes of which would move a Calculus student or actuarial to salivate.  The board's presentation was simply a quantative anaylsis and missed the point completely on the qualitative side.  Sadly, those present were told how poorly they have performed over recent years.  How insulting for CPS to declare Barton to be a failure and headed for turnaround status.

The 'powers that be' have decided that a fully utilized school (642 students) with rising ISAT test scores (a 9.6% increase over the past two years) and a veteran staff with a dynamic principal are all to be dismissed in the discussion.

Speaking of the principal, Mr. Gettridge (and his asst., Ms. H.) have made great strides at Barton in the past two years.  After-school activities abound, staff are motivated and work very long hours and parents can attest to the academic progress being made as well as the care provided to the children.  The litany of tutoring, mentoring and other activities made available to the Barton students was quite moving.

As I walked out of CPS headquarters and saw the American flag waving, I thought to myself, if there is any justice this school will be left alone and not made a turnaround.

Dick

Jazz packs 'em In

The Hinsdale Community House is typically a place for yoga, talks, recreation programs, and much more.  Last night the place came alive with a variety of jazz and choral singing.  All of this was compliments of the Hinsdale Central High School Music Department.

Special thanks to Matt Kurinsky, Matt Goeke, and Jen Berkamper for putting on such a wonderful concert to benefit Schools Count.  All of the proceeds of the evening, whether through admissions or monetary donations, will go towards purchasing music instruments for the students at Pilsen Elementary in Chicago.

The place was packed!!!  And why not!  The music was truly special.  Among the ensembles were the D Majors and the Minors, High Voltage, the Jazz Band, the HC Chamber Choir, Group B and the HC Jazz Ensemble.  Special appearances were made by Hinsdale Central's very own Deborah Powell and Aaron Koppel.

The Jazz Band played a wonderful rendition of 'Take the "A" Train' while the Chamber Choir had a splendid and spunky version of 'Route 66.'   Everyone loved the Jazz Ensemble's 'Love is Here to Stay' and Deborah brought the crowd to their feet with her striking Sinatra rendition of 'That's Life.'  Simply powerful and amazing...just like the entire concert!

Thanks to one and all for making this such a special occasion.

Dick