Today's Chicago Sun Times headline proclaimed Payton as No. 1. No doubt, the students are doing well at Payton and that is great news. Certainly the students, staff and parents are accomplishing much.
What I found most interesting in the article is the evidence - test scores - which indicate that there are some high performing selective schools but many, many more selective schools which aren't performing well. My intent is to not 'rub it in'; rather, to make the point that selective schools and charters do have the same issues to contend with when it comes to educating students.
26% of the state's top performing elementary schools are selectives ones located in Chicago. But, it is also worth noting that 76% of the worst performing schools in the state come from the selective schools in the city. The same holds true for high schools. 12% of the top 50 schools in Illinois come from selective high schools in the city while a whopping 84% of the bottom 50 schools in the state are selective.
The critics and 'reformers' must come to grips with the concerns, issues and problems associated with the educational and social environment of students in the inner cities of America. Changing the organization structure of schools will simply not take care of these. Selective schools, by nature, don't automatically take care of these problems.
Dick
Thursday, October 31, 2013
Wednesday, October 30, 2013
Keep Kids Warm!!
Keeping school children warm this winter is just another one of the ways that Schools Count Corp. assists children in need in the south suburbs as well as in the city of Chicago Public Schools. The more donation we get, the more children will be warm as the head to and from school each day.
We are looking for new coats, boots, mittens, gloves and hats. We are also collecting gently used and clean coats that you may wish to provide to us. Why not ask your neighbors, family or colleagues at work to help? Many people want to aid others at this holiday season and this is a way that they can do something meaningful!
Just email me at rich219@comcast.net and we can make arrangements for you to drop off at locations in Clarendon Hills or Hinsdale. Also, if those locations don't work for you, we can find a mutually acceptable time for pickup.
Many thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
Part of the Story
A sad but important element of this whole 'reform' movement is based on the allegation that education is messed up - low standardized test scores - because of poor teaching, teacher unions and anything that has to do with the teacher. Want proof of this? All you have to do is take a look at the fact that many districts and states are pushing to have teachers largely evaluated based on how students score on standardized tests.
As I have indicated in past blogs, that scores aren't low and in most cases American standardized test scores have risen in recent years.
Why on earth would anyone who knows anything about educating young people and the complexities of life think that basing a teacher's rating on test scores of children even remotely comes close to assessing the worth of their teaching? It defies common sense. It also defies everything we know about the multiple causes of learning and the many factors that may inhibit learning.
Yes, part of why I blog is to help slow down these cries for so called 'accountability.' To those who don't understand educating young people please hear this message. Not everything in life - including learning and growth - is quantifiable. It never has been.
Dick
As I have indicated in past blogs, that scores aren't low and in most cases American standardized test scores have risen in recent years.
Why on earth would anyone who knows anything about educating young people and the complexities of life think that basing a teacher's rating on test scores of children even remotely comes close to assessing the worth of their teaching? It defies common sense. It also defies everything we know about the multiple causes of learning and the many factors that may inhibit learning.
Yes, part of why I blog is to help slow down these cries for so called 'accountability.' To those who don't understand educating young people please hear this message. Not everything in life - including learning and growth - is quantifiable. It never has been.
Dick
Monday, October 28, 2013
More Ravitch
There are those 'reformers' out there who lament the quality of education in America. They also, far too many of them, allege that the teachers are failing the students and that is why student test scores are so poor. If you'll remember, I've addressed the myth of test scores already. However, I digress.
These same critics go on to say that giving merit pay to teachers will make them work harder thus raising student test scores. Merit pay has been tried before and it doesn't work. It was tried in the U. S. as early as 1918 and few of the plans survived. Merit pay has been pushed in the last few years and the results are not good. The National Center on Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt University has carried out the most definitive study of merit pay.
The university offered a $15,000 bonus to teachers of students who had higher math test scores. The study lasted for three years with a control group and the experimental group (who received the bonus). In 2010 the results of the study were released: there were no significant difference in the test scores of the student taught by the two groups.
Here's the deal...education is an enterprise that has many more goals than merely raising test scores. There are multiple and critical goals in the education process. Many of these goals aren't easily measured and they are not conducive to being rewarded in terms of dollars. Put another way, teaching and learning is not piece rate work and it never will be.
Quite simply, merit pay doesn't work in education. For that matter, if the critics of education were to examine merit pay in other occupations, they would find that it doesn't work in most of them.
Dick
These same critics go on to say that giving merit pay to teachers will make them work harder thus raising student test scores. Merit pay has been tried before and it doesn't work. It was tried in the U. S. as early as 1918 and few of the plans survived. Merit pay has been pushed in the last few years and the results are not good. The National Center on Performance Incentives at Vanderbilt University has carried out the most definitive study of merit pay.
The university offered a $15,000 bonus to teachers of students who had higher math test scores. The study lasted for three years with a control group and the experimental group (who received the bonus). In 2010 the results of the study were released: there were no significant difference in the test scores of the student taught by the two groups.
Here's the deal...education is an enterprise that has many more goals than merely raising test scores. There are multiple and critical goals in the education process. Many of these goals aren't easily measured and they are not conducive to being rewarded in terms of dollars. Put another way, teaching and learning is not piece rate work and it never will be.
Quite simply, merit pay doesn't work in education. For that matter, if the critics of education were to examine merit pay in other occupations, they would find that it doesn't work in most of them.
Dick
Friday, October 25, 2013
Real Reformers
The real school reformers don't push vouchers and close schools. They don't put schools in tough neighborhoods in more peril by opening charter schools right across the street.
The real education reformers are, and have always been, the educators of America. They look for ways to best deliver curriculum and they aspire to motivate children. They find ways to help students solve problems. They know that there aren't any cookie-cutter recipes to educate and improve learning.
If the so-called 'reformers' really wanted to help education they would first of all allow educators to do their work rather than interferring. Next, since they have political sway and funds they would pitch in and do something about poverty; create jobs where there is unemployment. You want to build something...forget building a charter and build a factory!
By the way, a real reformer wouldn't be castigating unions and teachers. Doing such doesn't build loyalty and a decent working relationship. A true reformer would understand that the value of education and teachers isn't found in the result(s) of standardized testing.
Ask educators and residents about the way to reform and what I mentioned in the previous two paragraphs is what they most desire. Go ahead and ask them.
Dick
The real education reformers are, and have always been, the educators of America. They look for ways to best deliver curriculum and they aspire to motivate children. They find ways to help students solve problems. They know that there aren't any cookie-cutter recipes to educate and improve learning.
If the so-called 'reformers' really wanted to help education they would first of all allow educators to do their work rather than interferring. Next, since they have political sway and funds they would pitch in and do something about poverty; create jobs where there is unemployment. You want to build something...forget building a charter and build a factory!
By the way, a real reformer wouldn't be castigating unions and teachers. Doing such doesn't build loyalty and a decent working relationship. A true reformer would understand that the value of education and teachers isn't found in the result(s) of standardized testing.
Ask educators and residents about the way to reform and what I mentioned in the previous two paragraphs is what they most desire. Go ahead and ask them.
Dick
Thursday, October 24, 2013
It Doesn't Have to be this Way
I get a kick out of the critics out their who have their own version of what is taking place in education these days. It's as if all you have to do is create a charter, select school or issue vouchers and all is well. Here's the reality...it's tough work.
In the past couple of days I have chatted with friends and colleagues in addition to witnessing the news.
Let's start with the national news front. Within the past two weeks there have been two separate school shootings. How very tragic that the safety of schools is in jeopardy. In terms of chatting with friends, here is what is taking place.
Teachers are being told how to create curriculum by those outside the classroom. I had a teacher, staying late in the day yesterday, who became aware of a student(s) stealing the work of other students. That's a story never talked about. Another teacher was talking about how disruptive the students were at the Pep Assembly and the lack of help from others.
Check with a number of staff and see what it is like to adapt curriculum, tests, and projects to meet the needs of students who need additional services. Teachers break their backs to make accommodations that you would never believe. Heck, teachers are even told to kick out a student from their class just to make room for a student who needs accommodations. What a joke.
Still other teachers are, in fact, nurses simply because the school doesn't have a nurse on that day of the week. And what do you think it is like trying to assist students who are failing every subject or may, god forbid, talk about committing suicide.
The loudest critics don't have a clue about what it's like in today's schools.
DIck
In the past couple of days I have chatted with friends and colleagues in addition to witnessing the news.
Let's start with the national news front. Within the past two weeks there have been two separate school shootings. How very tragic that the safety of schools is in jeopardy. In terms of chatting with friends, here is what is taking place.
Teachers are being told how to create curriculum by those outside the classroom. I had a teacher, staying late in the day yesterday, who became aware of a student(s) stealing the work of other students. That's a story never talked about. Another teacher was talking about how disruptive the students were at the Pep Assembly and the lack of help from others.
Check with a number of staff and see what it is like to adapt curriculum, tests, and projects to meet the needs of students who need additional services. Teachers break their backs to make accommodations that you would never believe. Heck, teachers are even told to kick out a student from their class just to make room for a student who needs accommodations. What a joke.
Still other teachers are, in fact, nurses simply because the school doesn't have a nurse on that day of the week. And what do you think it is like trying to assist students who are failing every subject or may, god forbid, talk about committing suicide.
The loudest critics don't have a clue about what it's like in today's schools.
DIck
Wednesday, October 23, 2013
Please Pitch In
I'm often asked, "how can I help?" At this time of the year, we are in need of many helping hands in terms of collecting warm winter wear. There are plenty of opportunities for you to assist us as we are once again, for the fourth consecutive year, providing warm winter outerwear for the students in the Chicagoland area.
We are looking for new coats, gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. If you have winter coats that are clean and 'gently' used we are also pleased to collect these. We are especially in need of these items for both boys and girls in grades K through 8.
You can drop off the items at a couple of locations or shoot me an email and we can make arrangements for me to pick up the items. Drop off points are as follows; front porch at 345 Harris in Clarendon Hills or 451 Colfax in Clarendon Hills. You can also take them to room 116A at Hinsdale Central High School (55th and Grant Sts.) in Hinsdale. If you prefer to have me pick up the coats, etc. just send me an email at rich219@comcast.net.
Keeping the kids warm as they go to and from school is an important part of our mission. Our goal is to help 750 students. Please consider helping us in this important endeavor.
Many thanks!
Dick
We are looking for new coats, gloves, mittens, hats and scarves. If you have winter coats that are clean and 'gently' used we are also pleased to collect these. We are especially in need of these items for both boys and girls in grades K through 8.
You can drop off the items at a couple of locations or shoot me an email and we can make arrangements for me to pick up the items. Drop off points are as follows; front porch at 345 Harris in Clarendon Hills or 451 Colfax in Clarendon Hills. You can also take them to room 116A at Hinsdale Central High School (55th and Grant Sts.) in Hinsdale. If you prefer to have me pick up the coats, etc. just send me an email at rich219@comcast.net.
Keeping the kids warm as they go to and from school is an important part of our mission. Our goal is to help 750 students. Please consider helping us in this important endeavor.
Many thanks!
Dick
Tuesday, October 22, 2013
Another Sad Episode
It's been less than one year since the horror of Sandy Hook. Yesterday's school shooting in Nevada marked the thirteenth since that tragic day. There seemed to be little talk of the incident in public cirles and, for that matter, in the mainstream media.
I often go to schools and you can almost always see signs declaring the grounds to be either 'smoke free' or tobacco free.' That's all and good. With the mass gun deaths that seem to keep piling up it's time for the vast majority of Americans to speak up and demand action. It's fine to be 'smoke free,' 'tobacco free,' 'bully free' or 'drug free.' Don't get me wrong, it is important to address these issues.
So I'll say it. Other than polic officers or trained security personnel, guns, knives and other weapons have absolutely no place in any school setting, no matter the location of the school. Parents, educators, students, the general community, lobby groups and government officials of all political persuasions must come together and prohibit such weapons from entering our schools. The safety of our children and fellow citizens is at stake.
Enough already!
Dick
I often go to schools and you can almost always see signs declaring the grounds to be either 'smoke free' or tobacco free.' That's all and good. With the mass gun deaths that seem to keep piling up it's time for the vast majority of Americans to speak up and demand action. It's fine to be 'smoke free,' 'tobacco free,' 'bully free' or 'drug free.' Don't get me wrong, it is important to address these issues.
So I'll say it. Other than polic officers or trained security personnel, guns, knives and other weapons have absolutely no place in any school setting, no matter the location of the school. Parents, educators, students, the general community, lobby groups and government officials of all political persuasions must come together and prohibit such weapons from entering our schools. The safety of our children and fellow citizens is at stake.
Enough already!
Dick
Monday, October 21, 2013
Not So Noble
You would think that the CPS brass and those tasked to look after the schools, within the administration, would be eager for some quiet in light of the spring school closings, uneven enrollment at the welcoming schools, and severe budget cuts. But, no, that just doesn't seem to be in the cards.
The latest episode which is creating an uproar is centered on the possible construction of a charter school (by the Noble Network) across the street from Prosser High School. People are up in arms and well they should.
You see, there are, count them, four high schools within a 1.5 mile radius of the proposed Noble Charter H. S. construction site. Not only are there plenty of schools but what also galls the residents is the fact that these four schools have had deep budget cuts which total a staggering $6.4 million. Yet, CPS seems to be just fine with diverting funds to a new charter. How sad.
Here's how it will play out as I see it. First, the new charter will open. Next, some students from the surrounding schools will attend the new charter and; finally, CPS can claim new enough students are attending one or more of the four schools and they will shut them down.
Work to help the Prosser students, families and staff? Not a chance. It's an opportunity for CPS to off-load some of its responsibilities.
Dick
The latest episode which is creating an uproar is centered on the possible construction of a charter school (by the Noble Network) across the street from Prosser High School. People are up in arms and well they should.
You see, there are, count them, four high schools within a 1.5 mile radius of the proposed Noble Charter H. S. construction site. Not only are there plenty of schools but what also galls the residents is the fact that these four schools have had deep budget cuts which total a staggering $6.4 million. Yet, CPS seems to be just fine with diverting funds to a new charter. How sad.
Here's how it will play out as I see it. First, the new charter will open. Next, some students from the surrounding schools will attend the new charter and; finally, CPS can claim new enough students are attending one or more of the four schools and they will shut them down.
Work to help the Prosser students, families and staff? Not a chance. It's an opportunity for CPS to off-load some of its responsibilities.
Dick
Friday, October 18, 2013
More Trouble at UNO
It wasn't until I got to the last paragraph of today's Chicago Sun Times story (pg. 3) that I really felt the pain of CPS, the students, and what is happening to public education. Oh, I was none too pleased to hear that UNO, the large charter school operator in Chicago, is under investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission regarding $37.5 million raised by selling state backed bonds. It was sad to see that their alleged mismanagement has resulted in having the State of IL. freeze $15 million in UNO funding.
This organization has come under scrutiny on a number of occasions and has had state school-construction grants frozen on a couple of occasions.
But the dismaying fact of this ongoing chaos is the fact that most of UNO's operating budget, as the Sun Times noted, "comes from the Chicago Public Schools, which gives UNO tens of millions of dollars a year." It's dismaying because these funds funneled to UNO could well be used in the neighborhood schools.
This is but one example of the 'corporate reform' movement gone bad, bad at the expense of all of us, particularly those children in CPS schools that could really use the assistance.
Dick
This organization has come under scrutiny on a number of occasions and has had state school-construction grants frozen on a couple of occasions.
But the dismaying fact of this ongoing chaos is the fact that most of UNO's operating budget, as the Sun Times noted, "comes from the Chicago Public Schools, which gives UNO tens of millions of dollars a year." It's dismaying because these funds funneled to UNO could well be used in the neighborhood schools.
This is but one example of the 'corporate reform' movement gone bad, bad at the expense of all of us, particularly those children in CPS schools that could really use the assistance.
Dick
Thursday, October 17, 2013
Aren't We All the Same?
This whole fiasco that has taken place with regard to many CPS 'welcoming' schools not being the school of choice for parents of students whose school(s) were closed last spring ought to teach the mayor and CPS brass a number of lessons. Whether the lesson(s) were learned or not will have to wait for another day.
One of the more subtle points of this whole episode ought to revolve around one critical issue. It should be understood that every CPS school should be a 'welcoming' place to learn. To simply label some schools as welcoming while providing them with needed resources while ignoring the needs of other schools not labeled as welcoming is simply wrong.
Every school should have been availed the ipads, a/c and building improvements that the so called 'welcoming' schools received. By the way, maybe it would be best, going forward, to forget the whole labeling thing. It almost always creates blowback.
Dick
One of the more subtle points of this whole episode ought to revolve around one critical issue. It should be understood that every CPS school should be a 'welcoming' place to learn. To simply label some schools as welcoming while providing them with needed resources while ignoring the needs of other schools not labeled as welcoming is simply wrong.
Every school should have been availed the ipads, a/c and building improvements that the so called 'welcoming' schools received. By the way, maybe it would be best, going forward, to forget the whole labeling thing. It almost always creates blowback.
Dick
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Not Quite as Planned
The Tuesday edition of the Chicago Tribune said it quite succinctly relative to the spring school closings and the relocation of the students. The front page banner proclaimed, 'Kids shun schools picked by CPS.' People might say that's okay as long as they are going to school but there's more dismay and disappointment with the students not going to the welcoming schools.
The welcoming schools had huge money spent on them; new ipads, air conditioning, building repairs and the funds put aside for 'safe passage.' On the other hand, schools not considered as welcoming, and not getting the above improvements, in some cases, received more students than the welcoming students.
A couple of examples, West Pullman was closed and the students were to attend Haley (we worked with both of these schools). A mere 34% of W. Pullman's students attended Haley while many more traveled further south to Metcalfe Elementary. Metcalfe took in the children but the strain on everyone was unexpected and burdeonsome.
There were bound to be glitches in the process but this is not one that the mayor and CPS brass could ever have expected on such a grand scale. I wonder if the non-welcoming schools will get the equipment, funding and attention - now that they have more students than expected - that they deserve.
Me...I'm not holding my breath.
Dick
The welcoming schools had huge money spent on them; new ipads, air conditioning, building repairs and the funds put aside for 'safe passage.' On the other hand, schools not considered as welcoming, and not getting the above improvements, in some cases, received more students than the welcoming students.
A couple of examples, West Pullman was closed and the students were to attend Haley (we worked with both of these schools). A mere 34% of W. Pullman's students attended Haley while many more traveled further south to Metcalfe Elementary. Metcalfe took in the children but the strain on everyone was unexpected and burdeonsome.
There were bound to be glitches in the process but this is not one that the mayor and CPS brass could ever have expected on such a grand scale. I wonder if the non-welcoming schools will get the equipment, funding and attention - now that they have more students than expected - that they deserve.
Me...I'm not holding my breath.
Dick
Tuesday, October 15, 2013
The Turmoil Continues
I know full well that Schools Count Corp. will not solve all the issues that confront children, their families, and the educators working with these students. However, I am aware of the good that is being done for these deserving citizens.
What is maddening, perplexing, and disconcerting is the fact, yes, a fact, is that the general population is being led to believe that American education is in peril, on the decline. It's not in peril!! It's not in peril because of the dedicated teachers who daily demonstrate their concern for the overall well being of their students. The state of education is evolving but it isn't shortchanging anyone.
The danger or peril lies with some government officials and 'corporate reformers' who have imposed their will and dogma on students and educators. Their mantra goes like this; the system is broken therefore we must have a)more testing, b)more competition, c)more choice (vouchers), d)more privatization and e)more accountability.
These 'reformers' spew nonsense!! Kids continue to learn while teachers constantly challenge the kids and themselves. Educators, by the way, have always fulfilled their charge to be accountable. Fortunately, they feel beholden to their students, not to today's version of 'reformers.' Thank goodness.
Dick
What is maddening, perplexing, and disconcerting is the fact, yes, a fact, is that the general population is being led to believe that American education is in peril, on the decline. It's not in peril!! It's not in peril because of the dedicated teachers who daily demonstrate their concern for the overall well being of their students. The state of education is evolving but it isn't shortchanging anyone.
The danger or peril lies with some government officials and 'corporate reformers' who have imposed their will and dogma on students and educators. Their mantra goes like this; the system is broken therefore we must have a)more testing, b)more competition, c)more choice (vouchers), d)more privatization and e)more accountability.
These 'reformers' spew nonsense!! Kids continue to learn while teachers constantly challenge the kids and themselves. Educators, by the way, have always fulfilled their charge to be accountable. Fortunately, they feel beholden to their students, not to today's version of 'reformers.' Thank goodness.
Dick
Friday, October 11, 2013
Reading Rex
Rex Tillerson, Chairman and CEO of Exxon, has been hitting public education hard the past couple of days. On Tuesday, Oct. 8th he had two full page ads in the New York Times calling for a push for more math and science in addition to staking out a claim to halt the decline in American education.
While some of the stats he quoted are correct, others were off base. His quoting of the results of the NAEP were inaccurate. Sadly, these ads will be read and too often believed.
His ads and his thinking made me ponder a number of concerns. How is it that an astute individual in the energy industry has the answers for the field of education? Stated another way, does he think a teacher or administrator should be telling Mr. Tillerson how to correct the ills of Exxon or the energy industry? I think not. Why is it that corporate America thinks it knows how to educate children?
Part of the bottom line, and Mr. Tillerson said so, is that we have we have to make educational changes so that we are more competitive. Sorry, Mr. Tillerson, the goal of education is not merely to make students more competitive. Among an educator's goal is to help young people to grow and mature so that they become decent people and citizens who contribute to our society.
Mr. Tillerson needs to ask educators about the way(s) in which teaching and learning can improve.
Dick
While some of the stats he quoted are correct, others were off base. His quoting of the results of the NAEP were inaccurate. Sadly, these ads will be read and too often believed.
His ads and his thinking made me ponder a number of concerns. How is it that an astute individual in the energy industry has the answers for the field of education? Stated another way, does he think a teacher or administrator should be telling Mr. Tillerson how to correct the ills of Exxon or the energy industry? I think not. Why is it that corporate America thinks it knows how to educate children?
Part of the bottom line, and Mr. Tillerson said so, is that we have we have to make educational changes so that we are more competitive. Sorry, Mr. Tillerson, the goal of education is not merely to make students more competitive. Among an educator's goal is to help young people to grow and mature so that they become decent people and citizens who contribute to our society.
Mr. Tillerson needs to ask educators about the way(s) in which teaching and learning can improve.
Dick
Thursday, October 10, 2013
Calling All Young People
We are about to commence our 'Winter Wear' drive (Nov. 1-22) to bring warm clothing to the students in the CPS and Harvey, IL. schools. We are fortunate to have many people help in this regard; the Benet cheerleaders, Cynthia McGann rallying her son's hockey team members, various school groups and kind hearted citizens who support our cause.
And am reaching out to you to see if your son or daughter, or someone you might know, needs a service project. Perhaps they are in Key Club at school and need to engage in a service project. Why not suggest our 'Winter Wear' drive? Maybe a young man is looking to become an Eagle Scout. Again, collecting winter wear would be a terrific endeavor. Is your son or daughter a member of a church/synagogue/mosque/temple and would like to aid those in need.
The opportunities are endless for these young people and I can think of few other important ways that they can help as we approach the holiday season. Providing some warm clothing to a youngster in need would certainly put a smile on that person's face.
Thanks,
Dick
And am reaching out to you to see if your son or daughter, or someone you might know, needs a service project. Perhaps they are in Key Club at school and need to engage in a service project. Why not suggest our 'Winter Wear' drive? Maybe a young man is looking to become an Eagle Scout. Again, collecting winter wear would be a terrific endeavor. Is your son or daughter a member of a church/synagogue/mosque/temple and would like to aid those in need.
The opportunities are endless for these young people and I can think of few other important ways that they can help as we approach the holiday season. Providing some warm clothing to a youngster in need would certainly put a smile on that person's face.
Thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
A Few Thoughts
As I continue to read Diane Ravitch's Reign of Error I can't help to think that one of the very reasons why we have this alleged 'mess' concerning education is that people simply don't have the facts. Yes, those messy facts that should guide our thoughts, actions, perhaps even alter our beliefs.
I am under no illusion that this will end soon. With almost every state going to the 'Common Core' testing (and likely falling scores) I get the sense that the howling will only get louder. Besides, many schools are going to tie teacher evaluations - some in large part - to the scores of students on standardized test results.
This insane drumbeat that our 'schools are failing' and that 'unions are ruining schools' has to stop. The desire to privatize public education has to cease. Do you really want a non-educator, in many instances, running such an important civic endeavor? Not me!! Put another way, do you want a non-physician running the medical profession? I think not!!!
Dick
I am under no illusion that this will end soon. With almost every state going to the 'Common Core' testing (and likely falling scores) I get the sense that the howling will only get louder. Besides, many schools are going to tie teacher evaluations - some in large part - to the scores of students on standardized test results.
This insane drumbeat that our 'schools are failing' and that 'unions are ruining schools' has to stop. The desire to privatize public education has to cease. Do you really want a non-educator, in many instances, running such an important civic endeavor? Not me!! Put another way, do you want a non-physician running the medical profession? I think not!!!
Dick
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
What's to be Done?
While I have been commenting on the growth of reading and mathematics achievement over the past 20 years in addition to the good news about the decline in the student dropout rate, there are real concerns regarding various portions of America's student population.
Let's not sugar coat it, as Ravitch reports, "black and hispanic youths who attend high-poverty, racially isolated schools have serious problems."
To be quite blunt, poverty and segregation are in evidence in many parts of America (urban and rural alike). These conditions, and others, do affect their level of success in school and beyond. It raises the question...what can be done to mitigate the harmful effects of poverty and segregation?
Ravitch, in fact, does offer some guidance with respect to this critical question. She interjects in Reign of Error that "our efforts should focus on reducing the causes of their disengagement from school, part of which has to do with being unprepared for high school work and part of which results from the circumstances in which they live."
We would be wise to heed such advice.
Dick
Let's not sugar coat it, as Ravitch reports, "black and hispanic youths who attend high-poverty, racially isolated schools have serious problems."
To be quite blunt, poverty and segregation are in evidence in many parts of America (urban and rural alike). These conditions, and others, do affect their level of success in school and beyond. It raises the question...what can be done to mitigate the harmful effects of poverty and segregation?
Ravitch, in fact, does offer some guidance with respect to this critical question. She interjects in Reign of Error that "our efforts should focus on reducing the causes of their disengagement from school, part of which has to do with being unprepared for high school work and part of which results from the circumstances in which they live."
We would be wise to heed such advice.
Dick
Monday, October 7, 2013
More Mistruths Revealed
Another one of the 'corporate reformer's' myths that has been perpetuated as part of their effort to discredit today's schools deals with the dropout rate. As the 'reformers' contend, more kids are dropping out thus revealing the failure of our public schools.
Again, this is not true. Among whites in 1972 the dropout rate was 12%. By 2009, the dropout for the same group was down to 5%. Among blacks the dropout rate in 1972 was 21%. By 2009, the dropout rate for blacks had declined to 9%. By the way, the same trend holds true for Hispanics. As you can see, positive gains have been made to reduce the dropout rate.
When someone goes on about the failure of our public schools with regard to test scores and children dropping out, you can straighten them on these fronts. The fact remains, kids are making learning gains and they are staying in school.
Don't allow the critics to bash the good that is taking place!
Dick
Again, this is not true. Among whites in 1972 the dropout rate was 12%. By 2009, the dropout for the same group was down to 5%. Among blacks the dropout rate in 1972 was 21%. By 2009, the dropout rate for blacks had declined to 9%. By the way, the same trend holds true for Hispanics. As you can see, positive gains have been made to reduce the dropout rate.
When someone goes on about the failure of our public schools with regard to test scores and children dropping out, you can straighten them on these fronts. The fact remains, kids are making learning gains and they are staying in school.
Don't allow the critics to bash the good that is taking place!
Dick
Friday, October 4, 2013
Will they Notice?
No doubt the mayor and CPS hierarchy see the news concerning the fact that, over the past four years, an additional 1,300 students are attending parochial elementary schools in the city of Chicago. They might well see this information but whether it has any impact on their decision making going forward is another matter.
Even Superintendent Sister Mary Paul McCaughey said some of the city growth came from parents leaving or dodging CPS. Her response to this premise was "certainly it's a factor."
I'm not raising an issue over children attending parochial schools. That is certainly a parents rightful choice. I am simply making the point that the constant chaos, in recent years, within the CPS system is likely costing them students. Schools being closed, budgets being slashed, a strike and the constant drumbeat of things going wrong seems pervasive.
Why wouldn't families opt to send their children to parochial schools? The question remains, what will CPS do to address so many issues?
Dick
Even Superintendent Sister Mary Paul McCaughey said some of the city growth came from parents leaving or dodging CPS. Her response to this premise was "certainly it's a factor."
I'm not raising an issue over children attending parochial schools. That is certainly a parents rightful choice. I am simply making the point that the constant chaos, in recent years, within the CPS system is likely costing them students. Schools being closed, budgets being slashed, a strike and the constant drumbeat of things going wrong seems pervasive.
Why wouldn't families opt to send their children to parochial schools? The question remains, what will CPS do to address so many issues?
Dick
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Not Again!!
As if nerves weren't already raw enough from the CPS school closures this past spring, the Chicago Sun-Times has reported that yet another factor could be used to close additional schools in the future. Might be hard to believe but true.
The State of Illinois released new state guidelines, this past Tuesday, spelling out how a district can proceed to close a school(s) in case a building's conditions threaten the safety of students.l Okay, we all know a building needs to be safe. This has been the case, quite literally, forever.
Here's the rub. Mayor Emanuel and CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett said there would be a five-year moratorium on closing schools. CS spokeswoman Becky Carroll stated "our commitment to a 5-year moratorium on closing schools is clear."
This isn't so clear to the Chicago Teacher's Union. The news of the published state guidelines hit the CTU brass like a ton of bricks. To a person, they aren't so sure they can trust the mayor or the CPS administration when it comes to keeping their promise on not shuttering schools.
The original promise, at least to me, seemed to be a blanket statement declaring no more closures. We shall see. If more schools are closed; well, look out!
Dick
The State of Illinois released new state guidelines, this past Tuesday, spelling out how a district can proceed to close a school(s) in case a building's conditions threaten the safety of students.l Okay, we all know a building needs to be safe. This has been the case, quite literally, forever.
Here's the rub. Mayor Emanuel and CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett said there would be a five-year moratorium on closing schools. CS spokeswoman Becky Carroll stated "our commitment to a 5-year moratorium on closing schools is clear."
This isn't so clear to the Chicago Teacher's Union. The news of the published state guidelines hit the CTU brass like a ton of bricks. To a person, they aren't so sure they can trust the mayor or the CPS administration when it comes to keeping their promise on not shuttering schools.
The original promise, at least to me, seemed to be a blanket statement declaring no more closures. We shall see. If more schools are closed; well, look out!
Dick
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
Look At This!
Over the past couple of days I have shared some NAEP data with you on American reading and math test scores over the past 20 years. The data is irrefuatable. American students continue to make progress in these subjects.
One of the other laments voiced by 'corporate reformers' is that Americans do poorly compared to other nations. Let's take a look at the facts!!
In 2012, the results of the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), the major international assessments of math and science were published. Various media portrayed U. S. students as doing poorly. The media were wrong. American students performed pretty darn well in math and science. In 4th grade math, American students outperformed most of the 57 educational systems that participated. American students tied with their peers in Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Only three countries outperformed the Americans. So much for getting trounced by the rest of the world. In 8th grade math, only Singapore, Japan, Russia and South Korea outperformed the U. S. children.
It simply is not true that U. S. school children lag way behind the rest of the world. It is time for the media to give an accurate portrayal of the quality of American education.
Dick
One of the other laments voiced by 'corporate reformers' is that Americans do poorly compared to other nations. Let's take a look at the facts!!
In 2012, the results of the TIMSS (Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study), the major international assessments of math and science were published. Various media portrayed U. S. students as doing poorly. The media were wrong. American students performed pretty darn well in math and science. In 4th grade math, American students outperformed most of the 57 educational systems that participated. American students tied with their peers in Finland, Denmark and the Netherlands. Only three countries outperformed the Americans. So much for getting trounced by the rest of the world. In 8th grade math, only Singapore, Japan, Russia and South Korea outperformed the U. S. children.
It simply is not true that U. S. school children lag way behind the rest of the world. It is time for the media to give an accurate portrayal of the quality of American education.
Dick
Tuesday, October 1, 2013
Get the Facts Right!
As I mentioned yesterday, there are plenty of voices out there condemning the failures of public education. One cry is that children aren't learning as much today as year's ago. I indicated just one day ago that reading scores have improved in the nation over the past twenty years. Today, I want to share some more NAEP scores on Math over the same period of time.
The proportion of 4th-grade students who were proficient or advanced increased from 1990 to 2011. In 1990 13% of students were "proficient or above" ; in 2011, it was 40%. During the same period, for 8th graders, in 1990 15% were "proficient or above"; in 2011, it was 35%.
These aren't number that I am 'spinning;' rather, the hard data from the NAEP. So the next time, someone complains to you about the failures of education, our nation's teachers and schools, let them know that the facts don't bear out their complaints.
Students are learning and teachers are teaching!!
Dick
The proportion of 4th-grade students who were proficient or advanced increased from 1990 to 2011. In 1990 13% of students were "proficient or above" ; in 2011, it was 40%. During the same period, for 8th graders, in 1990 15% were "proficient or above"; in 2011, it was 35%.
These aren't number that I am 'spinning;' rather, the hard data from the NAEP. So the next time, someone complains to you about the failures of education, our nation's teachers and schools, let them know that the facts don't bear out their complaints.
Students are learning and teachers are teaching!!
Dick
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