There are all sorts of inventions and technical tools available to teachers and school personnel these days. Many of these resources are helpful and quite valuable. However, think of this...How useful would any of these tools be without a terrific teacher?
Just because a laptop is put in front of a student doesn't translate into learning. Having the most up-to-date lab won't guarantee that a child is working to his or her potential. Being digitally connected doesn't insure that a student is deeply involved in his/her work.
Someone still needs to be there to pose questions and to answer them. A teacher is needed to prod, probe and move the student forward. Teachers bring life to the subject matter. Most importantly, the teacher engages with the students on a variety of levels; intellectual, emotional, social and behaviorally.
So some things remain the same in education in spite of all the changes that seem to take place in today's 'reform minded' conversation. Great teachers are still at the core of all that is good about education. Some things do remain unchanged...bright and capable teachers are fundamental to the success of children.
Dick
Friday, January 31, 2014
Thursday, January 30, 2014
Time to Spruce Up Hay!
Nothing like a fresh coat of paint to spruce things up! That's just we'll do when we head to John Hay Elementary School on Saturday, March 22nd. We are going to paint 2 girls washrooms, a faculty washroom and 4 very large classrooms in addition to a couple of entranceways.
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Schools Count Corp has embarked on an effort to brighten up a school. What better way to usher in spring and bring some smiles to the faces of students and faculty!!
To be part of this wonderful volunteer effort all you need to do is put on your painting clothes and pack a lunch. We'll take care of the rest; drinks, brushes, drop cloths, paint and the like. To be a part of this effort simply email me (rich219@comcast.net) and you are signed up!!!
Again, we will paint on Saturday, March 22nd at John Hay which is located at 1018 N. Laramie, Chicago, IL. Painting hours are 8:30 am to 2:30/3:00 pm. We always have a wonderful time and I'm looking forward to seeing you. The staff at Hay are excited that we are helping them.
Thank you,
Dick
This marks the fourth consecutive year that Schools Count Corp has embarked on an effort to brighten up a school. What better way to usher in spring and bring some smiles to the faces of students and faculty!!
To be part of this wonderful volunteer effort all you need to do is put on your painting clothes and pack a lunch. We'll take care of the rest; drinks, brushes, drop cloths, paint and the like. To be a part of this effort simply email me (rich219@comcast.net) and you are signed up!!!
Again, we will paint on Saturday, March 22nd at John Hay which is located at 1018 N. Laramie, Chicago, IL. Painting hours are 8:30 am to 2:30/3:00 pm. We always have a wonderful time and I'm looking forward to seeing you. The staff at Hay are excited that we are helping them.
Thank you,
Dick
Wednesday, January 29, 2014
Peering Ahead
Charter schools are on a fast track in many parts of the country particularly in urban areas. Some city governments are closing neighborhood schools and replacing them, often, with less expensive charter schools. But looking ahead into the next generation should prove quite interesting.
As many of you know, charters typically get only 65% to 75% of the funding that the traditional neighborhood school receives to run its operations. As time passes, I think a more profound picture will be painted concerning charters, their successes and their needs.
Over a period of 20 to 30 years, what will be the true performance of the vast number of charters? Will the teaching staffs at the various charters, as needs become apparent, decide they have to form unions to fight for progress for the students and their respective schools? Right now, a good number of charter don't allow unions.
As time passes, what will become of the building infrastructure? When the bricks and mortar needs to be repaired/replaced, will the chater companies (profit and non-profits alike) stand tall and make the necessary improvements or will they turn back to the governing body and tell them they have to take care of these expenses?
My guess is that a good number of the charter and their affiliated companies may find that the answers to these questions aren't so simple.
Dick
As many of you know, charters typically get only 65% to 75% of the funding that the traditional neighborhood school receives to run its operations. As time passes, I think a more profound picture will be painted concerning charters, their successes and their needs.
Over a period of 20 to 30 years, what will be the true performance of the vast number of charters? Will the teaching staffs at the various charters, as needs become apparent, decide they have to form unions to fight for progress for the students and their respective schools? Right now, a good number of charter don't allow unions.
As time passes, what will become of the building infrastructure? When the bricks and mortar needs to be repaired/replaced, will the chater companies (profit and non-profits alike) stand tall and make the necessary improvements or will they turn back to the governing body and tell them they have to take care of these expenses?
My guess is that a good number of the charter and their affiliated companies may find that the answers to these questions aren't so simple.
Dick
Friday, January 24, 2014
A Volunteer Opportunity!
It is with a great amount of enthusiasm that I can let you know that Schools Count Corp will paint a portion of John Hay Elementary School this March. At this point I don't have an exact date but I am meeting with the Principal, Mr. Williams, on Wednesday, January 29th to hammer out all of the details.
Once I know the time date and time of our painting project I will get back to you with the details. This will be the fourth consecutive year that we have undertaken a winter/spring school painting initiative. In the past, we have spruced up a number of schools and the freshly painted walls, lockers and classrooms really do change the mood of the school.
As I said, I will get back to you next week on a date so that you can take advantage of this wonderful volunteer opportunity!!
Thanks,
Dick
Once I know the time date and time of our painting project I will get back to you with the details. This will be the fourth consecutive year that we have undertaken a winter/spring school painting initiative. In the past, we have spruced up a number of schools and the freshly painted walls, lockers and classrooms really do change the mood of the school.
As I said, I will get back to you next week on a date so that you can take advantage of this wonderful volunteer opportunity!!
Thanks,
Dick
Thursday, January 23, 2014
That's a Bit of a Switch
I had expected the Chicago Board of Education to fully approve all of the charter school applicants at yesterday's monthly meeting. To my pleasant surprise (for the time being) only seven of the nearly 20 schools were approved to open over the next two years.
In fact out of the seven approved five have to meet certains conditions in the coming months in order to get the go ahead. Only Great Lakes Academyand ITW David Speer Academy were given the green light.
What's the meaning behind all of this? There are many ways of looking at the decision. For one, it appears as though the charter application process is under a good deal of scrutiny. For another, the pressure of a district in monetary crisis is likely to be a factor. It's also very possible that the combined pressure of school closings, in the past, combined with the board's sensitivity to these issues surrounding charters has come to the fore.
Sadly, as the Chicago Sun Times editorial page pointed out, "this year's charter process was supposed to focus on placing schools in areas with overcrowded schools. We see very limited results there." Indeed that is the case.
Kudos to the Board of Ed for not rubber stamping all charter applications!
Dick
In fact out of the seven approved five have to meet certains conditions in the coming months in order to get the go ahead. Only Great Lakes Academyand ITW David Speer Academy were given the green light.
What's the meaning behind all of this? There are many ways of looking at the decision. For one, it appears as though the charter application process is under a good deal of scrutiny. For another, the pressure of a district in monetary crisis is likely to be a factor. It's also very possible that the combined pressure of school closings, in the past, combined with the board's sensitivity to these issues surrounding charters has come to the fore.
Sadly, as the Chicago Sun Times editorial page pointed out, "this year's charter process was supposed to focus on placing schools in areas with overcrowded schools. We see very limited results there." Indeed that is the case.
Kudos to the Board of Ed for not rubber stamping all charter applications!
Dick
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
To Attend or Not to Attend?
The following people have at least one thing in common. Abraham Lincoln, Bill Gates, Rosa Parks, Harry Truman and Steve Jobs never earned a college degree though Bill Gates was awarded an honorary degree a few years back. This is not to criticize these people. Far from it!!
I point this out because our society seems to be in the throes of the mentality that if one doesn't get a college degree then something must be wrong with them. It's as if there is a 'all or nothing' mentality regarding the matter. Plenty of people simply don't want to go to college.
Many of these individuals have skill sets that aren't part of university curriculum. A good number simply want to be done wutg any type of schooling for a variety of reasons; they don't like school, they want to set out on their own or they want a trade career.
It is time that our society, parents, schools and other agencies did something other than say that college is the only pathway to success.
Dick
I point this out because our society seems to be in the throes of the mentality that if one doesn't get a college degree then something must be wrong with them. It's as if there is a 'all or nothing' mentality regarding the matter. Plenty of people simply don't want to go to college.
Many of these individuals have skill sets that aren't part of university curriculum. A good number simply want to be done wutg any type of schooling for a variety of reasons; they don't like school, they want to set out on their own or they want a trade career.
It is time that our society, parents, schools and other agencies did something other than say that college is the only pathway to success.
Dick
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Teachers Taking on More
The Illinois State Board of Education is all set to vote a proposal that would likely set forward a pathway for schools to increase classes sizes that involve Special Education students. Right now the state regulates that classes with Special Education students meet the state's 70/30 rule which says that any general education class is limited to have only 30% of the students be classified as Special Education.
The new proposal would grant local school districts the flexibility to determine their own limits for Special Education classes as well as general-education classes which include special education students.
Here's the stark reality of this decision. A Physical Education class of 45 students could have 20 Special Education students. A Chemistry class of 35 might include 17 Special Education students. Okay, you get the idea.
Here's another important caveat that is a harmful one in terms of the impact of the proposal on teachers and students. The proposal also states that there would be no state requirement that teachers get paraprofessionals or teacher aides in some Special Education classes based on size.
Like I said, this new state proposal, if enacted, likely means that teachers will be taking on a greater workload.
The vote takes place on Wednesday, January 22nd and I'll be sure to fill you in.
Dick
The new proposal would grant local school districts the flexibility to determine their own limits for Special Education classes as well as general-education classes which include special education students.
Here's the stark reality of this decision. A Physical Education class of 45 students could have 20 Special Education students. A Chemistry class of 35 might include 17 Special Education students. Okay, you get the idea.
Here's another important caveat that is a harmful one in terms of the impact of the proposal on teachers and students. The proposal also states that there would be no state requirement that teachers get paraprofessionals or teacher aides in some Special Education classes based on size.
Like I said, this new state proposal, if enacted, likely means that teachers will be taking on a greater workload.
The vote takes place on Wednesday, January 22nd and I'll be sure to fill you in.
Dick
Friday, January 17, 2014
Disgusting, Simply Disgusting
After 50 CPS schools were closed in the spring of 2013, the Board of Education is now ready, next Wednesday, to vote on opening 22 new charter schools operated by nine different companies. Hmm, I wonder if any of the 9 are for-profit enterprises? We'll find out.
Why is this disgusting? On one level, the children and families of those who saw their schools shuttered must really be scratching their heads. Let's see, they are untold that the school was underutilized yet magically within a year plans are rolled out opening new charters!
On another level the proposal (it's the Friday Chicago Sun Times) has the feel of some real deal-making. The article reports that two of the "landlords have ties to Rahm." I have been affiliated with public education for a long time and these sorts of deals aren't part of our heritage of a public education.
One other thought,towards the end of the article, which deals with the goal of the CPS brass. It is stated that "meeting the goal of providing a high-quality education so our students are 100 percent college ready and 100 percent college bound." Providing a high-quality education is enough. To say that you will make them college ready and college bound, to me, flies in the face of the fact that a true public education needs to do far more than make students college bound. That is a short-sighted view of education.
Dick
Why is this disgusting? On one level, the children and families of those who saw their schools shuttered must really be scratching their heads. Let's see, they are untold that the school was underutilized yet magically within a year plans are rolled out opening new charters!
On another level the proposal (it's the Friday Chicago Sun Times) has the feel of some real deal-making. The article reports that two of the "landlords have ties to Rahm." I have been affiliated with public education for a long time and these sorts of deals aren't part of our heritage of a public education.
One other thought,towards the end of the article, which deals with the goal of the CPS brass. It is stated that "meeting the goal of providing a high-quality education so our students are 100 percent college ready and 100 percent college bound." Providing a high-quality education is enough. To say that you will make them college ready and college bound, to me, flies in the face of the fact that a true public education needs to do far more than make students college bound. That is a short-sighted view of education.
Dick
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Haiti - 4 Years Later
This past Sunday, January 12th, marked the 4 year anniversary of the horrific earthquake that shattered much of the area of Port au Prince and surrounding communities. Whether one believes that the number who perished was 250,000 or 300,000 isn't the issue. The issue is that the harm was monumental as are the daunting tasks that lie ahead.
Though large parts of the capital have not been rebuilt along with many federal government buildings, there is much to be thankful for in a country that has a past of abject poverty, corruption and political turmoil.
Michel Martelly has brought a sense of stability to the country despite protests of not doing enough to rebuild. A good number of countries and NGO's have long since left the Caribbean nation. In spite of various setbacks, including the outbreak of cholera and the international community not ponying up the promised $9 billion, there is a sense of progress.
Most of the 1.5 million citizens that were in tented camps are no longer living in such conditions though adequate housing/sanitation/clean water remains a critical problem. New schools and small businesses are being created and these small but significant steps are vital to the long term hopes of the country.
As long as groups such as Kids4Good (which spearheaded many efforts) and Global Hope are out there and working under the radar, then people will see a better day. These groups have, since the earthquake, have brought IMN School back to life and within the past few months have installed modern toilets and washrooms to the school. Along with a new building and clean drinking water, the washrooms are a god send.
All in all, though the future is one fraught with much to accomplish, progress has been and will continue to be made.
Dick
Though large parts of the capital have not been rebuilt along with many federal government buildings, there is much to be thankful for in a country that has a past of abject poverty, corruption and political turmoil.
Michel Martelly has brought a sense of stability to the country despite protests of not doing enough to rebuild. A good number of countries and NGO's have long since left the Caribbean nation. In spite of various setbacks, including the outbreak of cholera and the international community not ponying up the promised $9 billion, there is a sense of progress.
Most of the 1.5 million citizens that were in tented camps are no longer living in such conditions though adequate housing/sanitation/clean water remains a critical problem. New schools and small businesses are being created and these small but significant steps are vital to the long term hopes of the country.
As long as groups such as Kids4Good (which spearheaded many efforts) and Global Hope are out there and working under the radar, then people will see a better day. These groups have, since the earthquake, have brought IMN School back to life and within the past few months have installed modern toilets and washrooms to the school. Along with a new building and clean drinking water, the washrooms are a god send.
All in all, though the future is one fraught with much to accomplish, progress has been and will continue to be made.
Dick
Wednesday, January 15, 2014
Perma Seal Pitching In
Friday, January 10, 2014
FEMA Says No to Washington, IL
As if the residents of Washington, IL didn't take enough of a body blow with the destruction to much of the city on November 17th, yesterday's decision by FEMA to not provide funds to the community must have come as yet another rude reminder of that fateful day in November.
As hard as it is to believe, FEMA stated (in a letter to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency) that the "infrastructure damage was not severe enough to warrant federal help." I have been to Washington on three occasions and I can tell you that the damage was just monumental.
Infrastructure, infrastructure? Are you kidding! Are they simply talking about foundation walls? Yes, many are still standing and intact but along many streets all that one can find is debris, mountains of debris.
Governor Pat Quinn, along with Senators Durbin and Kirk, voiced their disapproval over the decision. Hopefully, they folks can bring some pressure to bear on FEMA to reverse their decision.
I'll keep you posted on this going forward.
Hard to comprehend...
Dick
As hard as it is to believe, FEMA stated (in a letter to the Illinois Emergency Management Agency) that the "infrastructure damage was not severe enough to warrant federal help." I have been to Washington on three occasions and I can tell you that the damage was just monumental.
Infrastructure, infrastructure? Are you kidding! Are they simply talking about foundation walls? Yes, many are still standing and intact but along many streets all that one can find is debris, mountains of debris.
Governor Pat Quinn, along with Senators Durbin and Kirk, voiced their disapproval over the decision. Hopefully, they folks can bring some pressure to bear on FEMA to reverse their decision.
I'll keep you posted on this going forward.
Hard to comprehend...
Dick
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Be a Part of the Success!
Entering our 7th year is bound to be both exciting and rewarding. And what better way to help students and those families in need than to join forces with School Count! We have a number of ways that you can be a part of assisting others. We are always in search of donors and volunteers.
Here's are some of the activities: March is our Donor Month. I will provide you with a newsletter on our various endeavors which gives you an opportunity to contribute a monetary donation to SCC. Not only do you benefit thousands of school students but the donation is a tax write off. Tuesday, April 29th, 7 pm Jazz Festival This year the proceeds of the fest will go towards buying music instruments for John Hay Elementary School in Chicago.
Friday May 23 - Friday, June 6 is our 'Go Green' collection of gently used school supplies. You name it, we collect it. Why not give your students the opportunity to help others. Simply collect pens, pencils, markers, loose leaf paper, binders, spiral notebooks and the like and we'll pick them up at the end of the school year.
Sorting of supplies will take place at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. on Sat. June 7th and Sat., June 21. We'll work from 8:30 am to noon. This is always a great way to meet others, hear stories of our work and to ready supplies for delivery in August.
We'll load trucks on Monday, August 11th from 8:00 am to noon. Many of you have helped us in the past and this is a monumental project in terms of getting the right supplies to the proper schools so that they can be delivered on the following three days. As in the past, we'll keep you hydrated and provide you with lunch. What better way to kick off the school year than getting needed resources in the hands of the kids!!!
There are plenty of other ventures coming up; painting a school, our October Donor/Volunteer Dinner, Coat Drive and so much more!! To be a part of our exciting work just drop me a note and let me know you're in!! My email is rich219@comcast.net.
Many thanks,
Dick
Here's are some of the activities: March is our Donor Month. I will provide you with a newsletter on our various endeavors which gives you an opportunity to contribute a monetary donation to SCC. Not only do you benefit thousands of school students but the donation is a tax write off. Tuesday, April 29th, 7 pm Jazz Festival This year the proceeds of the fest will go towards buying music instruments for John Hay Elementary School in Chicago.
Friday May 23 - Friday, June 6 is our 'Go Green' collection of gently used school supplies. You name it, we collect it. Why not give your students the opportunity to help others. Simply collect pens, pencils, markers, loose leaf paper, binders, spiral notebooks and the like and we'll pick them up at the end of the school year.
Sorting of supplies will take place at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. on Sat. June 7th and Sat., June 21. We'll work from 8:30 am to noon. This is always a great way to meet others, hear stories of our work and to ready supplies for delivery in August.
We'll load trucks on Monday, August 11th from 8:00 am to noon. Many of you have helped us in the past and this is a monumental project in terms of getting the right supplies to the proper schools so that they can be delivered on the following three days. As in the past, we'll keep you hydrated and provide you with lunch. What better way to kick off the school year than getting needed resources in the hands of the kids!!!
There are plenty of other ventures coming up; painting a school, our October Donor/Volunteer Dinner, Coat Drive and so much more!! To be a part of our exciting work just drop me a note and let me know you're in!! My email is rich219@comcast.net.
Many thanks,
Dick
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Happy New Year
After a three week hiatus replete with taking a break from blogging, weathering the bitter cold (a burst water line in the crawl space this morning!!) and piles of snow, it is time to once again tackle the issues of education and keeping everyone up to speed on the undertakings of our charity.
This final point concerning various endeavors of Schools Count and letting you know how our past efforts are paying off will be the crux of much of my blogging going forward. Sure, I'll sprinkle in some mention of news concerning CPS and other events taking place within the sphere of education but I will do my best to keep you up to date on what is taking place here at SCC.
With all of this in mind, I want to welcome you to 2014 and can assure you that Schools Count Corp will be making plenty of headway in the year ahead. I look forward to chatting with you and encourage you to stay involved in the worthwhile effort to help school children.
Dick
This final point concerning various endeavors of Schools Count and letting you know how our past efforts are paying off will be the crux of much of my blogging going forward. Sure, I'll sprinkle in some mention of news concerning CPS and other events taking place within the sphere of education but I will do my best to keep you up to date on what is taking place here at SCC.
With all of this in mind, I want to welcome you to 2014 and can assure you that Schools Count Corp will be making plenty of headway in the year ahead. I look forward to chatting with you and encourage you to stay involved in the worthwhile effort to help school children.
Dick
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