Yesterday the Illinois House voted 73-39 in favor of a bill which says that the Chicago Public Schools must provide bus transportation to the children who must walk to and from school along the 'Safe Passage Routes.' These routes were established when nearly 50 schools were closed last spring forcing children from the shuttered schools to walk longer distances, often through unsafe areas, to get to their new schools.
Should the bill pass the IL. Senate and get approved by Governor Quinn it would mean that 1,800 additional bus runs would have to be made each day. They will be quite an expense, that's a given.
One would think that the CPS brass should know this might be coming given the fact that there are state rules on busing and the fact that many have expressed their concerns over these routes.
Given the fact that many schools were forced to get less funds this year in addition to the pension concerns and CPS moving to new digs, one has to wonder how the CPS administration, the Board of Education and CEO Byrd Bennett will deal with this busing issue.
Stay tuned!!
Dick
Friday, March 28, 2014
Thursday, March 27, 2014
CPS Update
Yesterday's CPS monthly Board of Education meeting had plenty of fireworks; people protesting outside headquarters in addition to lots of discussion taking place inside once the proceedings got underway. CEO Byrd-Bennett commented on her take that the closings made the district stronger. I'm sure some residents would dispute that remark.
Byrd-Bennett said that the 'Safe Passage' routes had no major violent incidents while workers were on duty and she noted that grade point averages had increased.
The meeting also saw parents of Ames Middle School protest the board's recommendation that the school be converted into a military school. A survey of verified voters indicated that 69% of those responding to a survey want to keep Ames as a community school and not turned into a military one.
Also, the board wants three more community schools made into 'turnarounds.' Remember, turnarounds fire everyone, from cafeteria workers to teachers to the building administration. If this plan goes through, as expected, this would mean that AUSL would have 32 turarounds in the city.
Make no mistake, plenty of people are none too pleased with the above actions.
Dick
Byrd-Bennett said that the 'Safe Passage' routes had no major violent incidents while workers were on duty and she noted that grade point averages had increased.
The meeting also saw parents of Ames Middle School protest the board's recommendation that the school be converted into a military school. A survey of verified voters indicated that 69% of those responding to a survey want to keep Ames as a community school and not turned into a military one.
Also, the board wants three more community schools made into 'turnarounds.' Remember, turnarounds fire everyone, from cafeteria workers to teachers to the building administration. If this plan goes through, as expected, this would mean that AUSL would have 32 turarounds in the city.
Make no mistake, plenty of people are none too pleased with the above actions.
Dick
Wednesday, March 26, 2014
And They Wonder Why
CPS has an "overall strategy to restructure and streamline its central office" according to CPS spokesman Joel Hood. What Hood is referring to is the fact that the central headquarters is spending $9.5 million on furniture for its move to a new location in the old Sears store.
Parents, teachers, the CTU and others have another thought on this. It is extravagent.
People examine this expense to the fact that 50 schools were closed last year and budgets for individual schools were tightened. Spending on the central office when money is cut that needs to flow to schools makes people wonder what on earth is taking place.
Just listen to Kate Schott Bolduc who said, "Every penny counts. For almost a year now, parents have been asking CPS to cut spending for central office and put the money in the classrooms where it belongs - and to serve students. I think teachers and textbooks need to come before furniture."
No wonder people are scratching their heads.
Dick
Parents, teachers, the CTU and others have another thought on this. It is extravagent.
People examine this expense to the fact that 50 schools were closed last year and budgets for individual schools were tightened. Spending on the central office when money is cut that needs to flow to schools makes people wonder what on earth is taking place.
Just listen to Kate Schott Bolduc who said, "Every penny counts. For almost a year now, parents have been asking CPS to cut spending for central office and put the money in the classrooms where it belongs - and to serve students. I think teachers and textbooks need to come before furniture."
No wonder people are scratching their heads.
Dick
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
Eulogizing My Friend Linda Hurt
Some years ago Linda came to me to inquire about becoming the Mentor Coordinator of new teachers at Hinsdale Central. I had relinquished the position and Linda was stunned to learn that she had been asked to assume the duties. She said, “Dick, why on earth would they ask me to be a mentor?” Before I could reply, I simply had a good laugh just as indeed you would have had a chuckle had you been there on that occasion. We all know why Linda was chosen, she was a people-person through and through.
Speaking of her love of people, Dave Vanderberg, the Science Department Chairman, early in his career observed Linda as part of her evaluation. Many of you will recall that in the 1980’s we were being ‘Bellonized,’ or to be blunt about it, making sure of ‘time on task.’ In his follow-up conversation with Linda, Dave, this weekend, recounted asking Linda to tighten up the first part of her lesson and to get right to teaching. Linda had no problem with the patterns and lesson that Dave had observed but she told Dave that her talking with students and allowing them to chat with one another, at the outset, was her opportunity to get to know the students and she would continue that particular pattern! Vintage Linda!
Linda always engaged us with that wonderful smile and ever boundless sense of optimism. She did it in so many ways, sometimes by poking her head into the room to say hello or, as she did on many occasions, by opening her home up to so many of us on Parent Teacher Conference nights. Sharing in some banter and laughter along with some snacks and a beverage at Linda’s condo always seemed to make for the perfect way to be among friends. Those were the best of times.
Her care and concern for others extended well past retirement. Linda told me in 2005 that she would continue to substitute teach to be around her friends and the kids. What you may not know is that she donated all the money she earned to charitable causes or to those in need. That was and is Linda.
This selfless attitude of giving was ever present. At the start of each school year Linda would pass out index cards, as many of us did, and ask the student for their names and addresses. The one crucial piece of feedback Linda sought was collecting information relative to the clubs, activities and sports that each student participated in during the year. Linda made it a point to see every single student engaged in these activities whether at Hinsdale Central or at a function outside of school. You know what? I know for a fact that she indeed saw every child, each year, doing something outside of the classroom. Typically, the day after attending that sporting event, play, debate or meeting Linda would chat with her students about the activity that the student had participated in the previous day. Talk about a caring and giving person!
Her love of young people was infectious and overflowing. Many of you might remember the days when attendance sheets were provided to teachers. Those students who were absent the previous day were listed by name and by the periods they were absent from class. I had a young man in 9th period ‘G’ World Geography and one day I confronted him with his attendance pattern where he missed 1st period, attended 2nd hour and then came back to school in the afternoon. I asked him why he came for 2nd period and then was absent for much of the rest of the day. He said, “Mr. Flesher, I have Ms. Hurt and I would never miss her class.” Well, why all know why he showed up.
In the late 1980’s, prior to Institute Day which kicked off the new school year I was putting up some posters and flags in my classroom. As was the custom, many students were milling about the hallways readying their lockers for the start of school. I can recall a group of students commenting on their respective schedules, one mentioning that she had Ms. Hurt for Biology. One girl chimmed in with, “You’ll love her,” another said, “my brother had her and he actually liked Biology.” To this day I remember another girl who said, “oh she’s the best.”
It seems appropriate today to echo those words as recorded by Tina Turner.
You are 'Simply the Best'
Dick
Speaking of her love of people, Dave Vanderberg, the Science Department Chairman, early in his career observed Linda as part of her evaluation. Many of you will recall that in the 1980’s we were being ‘Bellonized,’ or to be blunt about it, making sure of ‘time on task.’ In his follow-up conversation with Linda, Dave, this weekend, recounted asking Linda to tighten up the first part of her lesson and to get right to teaching. Linda had no problem with the patterns and lesson that Dave had observed but she told Dave that her talking with students and allowing them to chat with one another, at the outset, was her opportunity to get to know the students and she would continue that particular pattern! Vintage Linda!
Linda always engaged us with that wonderful smile and ever boundless sense of optimism. She did it in so many ways, sometimes by poking her head into the room to say hello or, as she did on many occasions, by opening her home up to so many of us on Parent Teacher Conference nights. Sharing in some banter and laughter along with some snacks and a beverage at Linda’s condo always seemed to make for the perfect way to be among friends. Those were the best of times.
Her care and concern for others extended well past retirement. Linda told me in 2005 that she would continue to substitute teach to be around her friends and the kids. What you may not know is that she donated all the money she earned to charitable causes or to those in need. That was and is Linda.
This selfless attitude of giving was ever present. At the start of each school year Linda would pass out index cards, as many of us did, and ask the student for their names and addresses. The one crucial piece of feedback Linda sought was collecting information relative to the clubs, activities and sports that each student participated in during the year. Linda made it a point to see every single student engaged in these activities whether at Hinsdale Central or at a function outside of school. You know what? I know for a fact that she indeed saw every child, each year, doing something outside of the classroom. Typically, the day after attending that sporting event, play, debate or meeting Linda would chat with her students about the activity that the student had participated in the previous day. Talk about a caring and giving person!
Her love of young people was infectious and overflowing. Many of you might remember the days when attendance sheets were provided to teachers. Those students who were absent the previous day were listed by name and by the periods they were absent from class. I had a young man in 9th period ‘G’ World Geography and one day I confronted him with his attendance pattern where he missed 1st period, attended 2nd hour and then came back to school in the afternoon. I asked him why he came for 2nd period and then was absent for much of the rest of the day. He said, “Mr. Flesher, I have Ms. Hurt and I would never miss her class.” Well, why all know why he showed up.
In the late 1980’s, prior to Institute Day which kicked off the new school year I was putting up some posters and flags in my classroom. As was the custom, many students were milling about the hallways readying their lockers for the start of school. I can recall a group of students commenting on their respective schedules, one mentioning that she had Ms. Hurt for Biology. One girl chimmed in with, “You’ll love her,” another said, “my brother had her and he actually liked Biology.” To this day I remember another girl who said, “oh she’s the best.”
It seems appropriate today to echo those words as recorded by Tina Turner.
You are 'Simply the Best'
Dick
Friday, March 21, 2014
Intimidation?
If the allegations are true as reported by the Chicago Sun Times then anyone involved in education ought to be outraged by the actions of CPS. Apparently CPS sent an attorney to Drummond School to interview students concerning not taking the recent ISAT test.
Can you imagine your 3rd grader being pulled out of class and then grilled about the ISAT test? Do you think any of the children were scared even if the person, not known to the students, was a kind individual. Of course, parents weren't notified ahead of time of this interview. Of course a CPS official said the kids were asked if they would talk. What 7 or 8 year-old is going to say no?
What was the purpose of this action...the real purpose? If they wanted to know why the kids didn't take the ISAT then the officials at CPS should have checked with the parents. The students didn't opt out of the exam.
No, what is really at work here is the ploy to indict teachers and others at Drummond Elementary as being behind the students not taking the test or somehow having an undue influence on the children. No, this is using the students as a means of letting others know that CPS didn't approve of an alleged action taken by the Drummond staff.
Pure intimidation, plain and simple.
Dick
Can you imagine your 3rd grader being pulled out of class and then grilled about the ISAT test? Do you think any of the children were scared even if the person, not known to the students, was a kind individual. Of course, parents weren't notified ahead of time of this interview. Of course a CPS official said the kids were asked if they would talk. What 7 or 8 year-old is going to say no?
What was the purpose of this action...the real purpose? If they wanted to know why the kids didn't take the ISAT then the officials at CPS should have checked with the parents. The students didn't opt out of the exam.
No, what is really at work here is the ploy to indict teachers and others at Drummond Elementary as being behind the students not taking the test or somehow having an undue influence on the children. No, this is using the students as a means of letting others know that CPS didn't approve of an alleged action taken by the Drummond staff.
Pure intimidation, plain and simple.
Dick
Thursday, March 20, 2014
A Kind and Caring Spirit
Ms. Linda Hurt didn't have large scale accolades poured on her like U.S. Science Teacher of the Year or Educator of the Year. Those awards are meaningful but they weren't Linda. Linda Hurt impacted students, teachers around her and others in even more profound ways.
Linda exhibited love, devotion, caring and concern for anyone she met and those who entered her classroom. Aside from those very genuine qualities, Linda was always there before school, after the day ended and even years later. It was not unusual for Linda to regularly meet a student she taught 20 or 30 years ago.
What can one say about such a person? Any words I express here would not come close to paying her the respect that should be accorded such a kind person. You had to meet her to know her.
Linda was also a HUGE supporter of our charity. She once told me that the reason she continued to substitute teach (right up into December 2013) was so that she could give away ALL the money she earned to others. Yes, that was, in part, Linda Hurt. She has left us but in others respects she will always be with us.
Weren't we all so very lucky to have her as our friend!!
Dick
Linda exhibited love, devotion, caring and concern for anyone she met and those who entered her classroom. Aside from those very genuine qualities, Linda was always there before school, after the day ended and even years later. It was not unusual for Linda to regularly meet a student she taught 20 or 30 years ago.
What can one say about such a person? Any words I express here would not come close to paying her the respect that should be accorded such a kind person. You had to meet her to know her.
Linda was also a HUGE supporter of our charity. She once told me that the reason she continued to substitute teach (right up into December 2013) was so that she could give away ALL the money she earned to others. Yes, that was, in part, Linda Hurt. She has left us but in others respects she will always be with us.
Weren't we all so very lucky to have her as our friend!!
Dick
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
Guess Who Can Evaluate?
With all the chatter out there about tying teacher evaluations to standardized tests, at least to a degree, one major component in this process always goes missing. Check around and you will find that it is a rare school or district which asks teachers to self evaluate.
I'm not suggesting that this is the only way to evaluate teachers...far from it! What I am saying is that the person actually preparing the lessons, doing the research and teaching the kids has first hand knowledge of what works and what doesn't work.
I have always found the toughest critics are teachers themselves yet we never empower them to any real extent to weigh in on their own evaluation. Teachers know darn well what works and doesn't work and if you let them have a say in assessing their teaching; well, they will be the first to want to improve upon their performance.
I believe there are many reasons that teachers are really involved in this self critique and I'll comment on these concerns tomorrow.
Dick
I'm not suggesting that this is the only way to evaluate teachers...far from it! What I am saying is that the person actually preparing the lessons, doing the research and teaching the kids has first hand knowledge of what works and what doesn't work.
I have always found the toughest critics are teachers themselves yet we never empower them to any real extent to weigh in on their own evaluation. Teachers know darn well what works and doesn't work and if you let them have a say in assessing their teaching; well, they will be the first to want to improve upon their performance.
I believe there are many reasons that teachers are really involved in this self critique and I'll comment on these concerns tomorrow.
Dick
Tuesday, March 18, 2014
I have a Question
Most people, particularly those in the education field, would readily acknowledge that hard work, dedication, thoroughness, grit, determination and thoughtfulness are some of the top requisites to be an outstanding teacher. No need to put these in some order, they are all critical aspects to providing children with a great learning experience.
There is a movement afoot that wants to evaluate teachers based upon how students score on a standardized test. So here is my question. How does a standardized test score of a student or a group of students measure the attributes mentioned in the previous paragraph? If someone can tell me, I'd be curious to learn just how those teacher qualities can be measured by the outcomes on a standardized test.
Let me offer this...hard work, dedication, thoroughness, grit, determination and thoughtfulness can be observed and aren't necessarily measureable by using any one tool. They are, though, important to the success of teaching and learning and the enterprise of education.
Dick
There is a movement afoot that wants to evaluate teachers based upon how students score on a standardized test. So here is my question. How does a standardized test score of a student or a group of students measure the attributes mentioned in the previous paragraph? If someone can tell me, I'd be curious to learn just how those teacher qualities can be measured by the outcomes on a standardized test.
Let me offer this...hard work, dedication, thoroughness, grit, determination and thoughtfulness can be observed and aren't necessarily measureable by using any one tool. They are, though, important to the success of teaching and learning and the enterprise of education.
Dick
Monday, March 17, 2014
1954, 1964 and 2014
Though the dates, above, span some 60 years there may be more to understand, over that period of time relative to education, than at first glance. What is true is that many things have changed in society; family, job loss, world economics, technology and more.
Many of these alterations are pronoucned, many not even anticipated, and a good number of them have impacted the classroom in America. Few people could have imagined that schools would have to play such an important role in dealing with hunger issues, social welfare, and combating health concerns. No one would have predicted the extent of the homeless issue among our nation's school children.
Where does that leave us? It may just be that the American education system is better than ever. That's right, better than ever. Education today is not solely about a geometric formula, doing some push ups, learning the facts about the American Revolution and taking care of ones spelling.
I see a pronoucned shift in what is demanded of students and teachers but I don't see these groups as shirking their responsibilities. If anything, they are better than ever!
Dick
Many of these alterations are pronoucned, many not even anticipated, and a good number of them have impacted the classroom in America. Few people could have imagined that schools would have to play such an important role in dealing with hunger issues, social welfare, and combating health concerns. No one would have predicted the extent of the homeless issue among our nation's school children.
Where does that leave us? It may just be that the American education system is better than ever. That's right, better than ever. Education today is not solely about a geometric formula, doing some push ups, learning the facts about the American Revolution and taking care of ones spelling.
I see a pronoucned shift in what is demanded of students and teachers but I don't see these groups as shirking their responsibilities. If anything, they are better than ever!
Dick
Friday, March 14, 2014
Real Failure
Doing poorly on standardized tests is not a meaningful measure of success/failure with regard to students achievement or that of teachers. I am much more concerned with the ingredients that go into making a presentation, taking an assessment, preparing a lesson and so on.
Here's what real failure would look like. A student not attending classes or not being alert would indicate that there is a high probability of failure. Students who don't do their homework/classwork or give anything close to a full effort...that's failure. Children who don't engage with students/teachers are having difficulties which could lead to a lack of success. Those students who could care less about education, now that's more akin to failure. Also, a student who demonstrates a lack of growth...that is failure.
Teachers who are poorly prepared for the classroom and lack the great training to become a teacher are bound to fail. Those who don't provide decent feedback to students, assess growth properly or are not clear in the lessons...they are going to fail. Effort, grit, and determination might be hard to quantify but they have much to do with success.
So, if one really wants to see what failure looks like, the previous paragraphs contain more valuable insights into this situation than do standardized test results.
Dick
Here's what real failure would look like. A student not attending classes or not being alert would indicate that there is a high probability of failure. Students who don't do their homework/classwork or give anything close to a full effort...that's failure. Children who don't engage with students/teachers are having difficulties which could lead to a lack of success. Those students who could care less about education, now that's more akin to failure. Also, a student who demonstrates a lack of growth...that is failure.
Teachers who are poorly prepared for the classroom and lack the great training to become a teacher are bound to fail. Those who don't provide decent feedback to students, assess growth properly or are not clear in the lessons...they are going to fail. Effort, grit, and determination might be hard to quantify but they have much to do with success.
So, if one really wants to see what failure looks like, the previous paragraphs contain more valuable insights into this situation than do standardized test results.
Dick
Thursday, March 13, 2014
The Public's Role
Public education...everyone is educated, every member of society has a stake in its success, and every member has a role to play. Given those requisites, then the success or failure of public education rests with each one of us. It is not solely for the taking, we must preserve to protect, grow it and defend it.
So if there is a measure of lagging behind or failure then the public has to step forward. It's not just about funding either. The public must demand that everyone, no matter their lot, has not only a terrific education but we have to make sure that the factors that hold back the success of kids are limited or eliminated.
It's not enough to pay taxes, though important, and to say the heck with those who are falling behind or struggling. There are plenty of ways to do our part to insure that our friends, neighbors, relatives, and, yes, those we don't know or have never met, are accorded with the same respect and decency.
You name it, there are plenty of ways we can all help and I'll write about those tomorrow.
Dick
So if there is a measure of lagging behind or failure then the public has to step forward. It's not just about funding either. The public must demand that everyone, no matter their lot, has not only a terrific education but we have to make sure that the factors that hold back the success of kids are limited or eliminated.
It's not enough to pay taxes, though important, and to say the heck with those who are falling behind or struggling. There are plenty of ways to do our part to insure that our friends, neighbors, relatives, and, yes, those we don't know or have never met, are accorded with the same respect and decency.
You name it, there are plenty of ways we can all help and I'll write about those tomorrow.
Dick
Wednesday, March 12, 2014
Another Glimpse at Failure
The drive to quantify the success or failure of those involved with education based on standardized tests has reached a fever pitch. If kids score low, the thinking goes, then the children, schools and teachers are failing. As simple as that so the 'reformers' say.
We have all gone to school and I believe a fair minded person would say that there is not one determinant that can accurately define that there has been success/failure AND, if so, to determine all the reasons for failure or achieving success.
One of the greatest failures, in my mind, is the fact that we tie too much credibility and support to standardized tests. And why on earth would any sane adult, buy hook line and sinker, the notion that this one particular test is the sole or even major indicator of a child's failure or his/her success.
The failure to recognize the complexity of the education process is a serious shortcoming. And because of this complexity, too many people have sought to circumvent looking at what really determines and measures ones level of success (or failure). Instead, occasional standardized tests take the place of such introspection.
On we go...
Dick
We have all gone to school and I believe a fair minded person would say that there is not one determinant that can accurately define that there has been success/failure AND, if so, to determine all the reasons for failure or achieving success.
One of the greatest failures, in my mind, is the fact that we tie too much credibility and support to standardized tests. And why on earth would any sane adult, buy hook line and sinker, the notion that this one particular test is the sole or even major indicator of a child's failure or his/her success.
The failure to recognize the complexity of the education process is a serious shortcoming. And because of this complexity, too many people have sought to circumvent looking at what really determines and measures ones level of success (or failure). Instead, occasional standardized tests take the place of such introspection.
On we go...
Dick
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
Who's to Blame - Second Installment
Kids failing, schools not doing well, teachers not making the grade. With so many people weighing in on these allegations it is worth noting that when someone, something fails, there are likely to be multiple causes. Yes, failure can be the fault of a person but in many cases I believe we would find that the causes are many.
That being said let me advance this. The environment that a child lives in and comes from has a real strong effect on success in school. If the home environment is not supportive, if parental guidance is lax or missing, should nutritious food be an issue, if neighborhood safety is a concern then you can be sure a seven year old will find that to be harmful.
Look at it from other side. Many families are affluent, are able to provide wonderful medical to their sons/daughters, have beautiful homes, provide tutoring to their sons/daughters, are there to give a helping hand and more. Do you think these are positive actions that would have a positive on ones performance in school? Sure they are!!!
There are plenty of environmental issues beyond the ones I alluded to but, I am convinced that most people would agree that environmental factors greatly impact the degree of success one achieves in school. That being the case, this is an area that deserves rectifying rather than merely playing some sort of blame game.
Dick
That being said let me advance this. The environment that a child lives in and comes from has a real strong effect on success in school. If the home environment is not supportive, if parental guidance is lax or missing, should nutritious food be an issue, if neighborhood safety is a concern then you can be sure a seven year old will find that to be harmful.
Look at it from other side. Many families are affluent, are able to provide wonderful medical to their sons/daughters, have beautiful homes, provide tutoring to their sons/daughters, are there to give a helping hand and more. Do you think these are positive actions that would have a positive on ones performance in school? Sure they are!!!
There are plenty of environmental issues beyond the ones I alluded to but, I am convinced that most people would agree that environmental factors greatly impact the degree of success one achieves in school. That being the case, this is an area that deserves rectifying rather than merely playing some sort of blame game.
Dick
Monday, March 10, 2014
Who's Failing?
There's plenty of rhetoric out there about failing schools, failing students and - to round things out - failing teachers. More often than not these three groups seem to be castigated for the 'alleged' failure of the American education system.
Yes, there are a good number of communities, schools, students, and families who face many hardships and have to overcome an abundance of hurdles. That very real dilemma should be a big part of the discussion about the issue of failure. Just as critical to this discussion is the very notion of failure and its many causes.
Does failure deal merely with standardized test scores for a school, subject matter or each child or does it have additional meanings? Failure has many connotations and it can thought of in a number of ways.
Allow me to interject this...if we are to examine the allegation that students, teachers and schools are failing then we had better examine a whole host of issues; such as, environmnet, expectations, the goal of education, the meaning/measure of failure and the role that society plays throughout.
Over the next few days I will be examining many of these issues and concerns.
Dick
Yes, there are a good number of communities, schools, students, and families who face many hardships and have to overcome an abundance of hurdles. That very real dilemma should be a big part of the discussion about the issue of failure. Just as critical to this discussion is the very notion of failure and its many causes.
Does failure deal merely with standardized test scores for a school, subject matter or each child or does it have additional meanings? Failure has many connotations and it can thought of in a number of ways.
Allow me to interject this...if we are to examine the allegation that students, teachers and schools are failing then we had better examine a whole host of issues; such as, environmnet, expectations, the goal of education, the meaning/measure of failure and the role that society plays throughout.
Over the next few days I will be examining many of these issues and concerns.
Dick
Friday, March 7, 2014
Need Some Adults
In a mere two weeks we will be heading to John Hay Elementary School in Chicago to do some springtime painting in various areas of the building. The colors are picked out and we are purchasing the rest of the supplies to brighten up different areas within the school.
I have plenty of high school age students but I am now in need of some adults who can do some of the work that is higher and will require the use of step ladders. So, all of you eager, energetic and volunteer-minded adults...come on out and join us on Saturday, March 22nd from 8:30 to 3:00 pm. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Just put on some work clothes, bring a smile and pack a sack lunch and you will be all set. We'll take care of the rest.
Get out of the winter blues and join us at John Hay at 1018 N. Laramie. Parking is in the back of the school and you will come in door #2.
Just shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net to let me know you're in!!
Many thanks,
Dick
I have plenty of high school age students but I am now in need of some adults who can do some of the work that is higher and will require the use of step ladders. So, all of you eager, energetic and volunteer-minded adults...come on out and join us on Saturday, March 22nd from 8:30 to 3:00 pm. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
Just put on some work clothes, bring a smile and pack a sack lunch and you will be all set. We'll take care of the rest.
Get out of the winter blues and join us at John Hay at 1018 N. Laramie. Parking is in the back of the school and you will come in door #2.
Just shoot me an email at rich219@comcast.net to let me know you're in!!
Many thanks,
Dick
Thursday, March 6, 2014
A Little ISAT Followup
Maybe the Saucedo Elementary School parents and teachers really do have it right when it comes to saying 'no' to the ISAT testing regime. To my surprise, I learned that the ISAT is but one of MANY standardized tests administered throughout the year.
Most elementary school students, starting in kindergarten take at least one other standardized exam in both reading and math TWICE a year. There are also twice-a-year tests in multiple subjects to evaluate teachers. There also quarterly Common Core benchmark tests in reading and writing. Some schools even add some other tests on their own or at the direction of CPS administration.
Enough already!!! If weeks are spent administering and preparing for standardized tests then too little time is available for significant teaching and learning. What on earth is so darn important about standardized tests as compared to getting a child to love reading or to become competent in some other area of study.
I have news for everyone (ok, maybe it really isn't news) you will not turn students on to education by giving them globs of standardized tests and that is a fact.
Dick
Most elementary school students, starting in kindergarten take at least one other standardized exam in both reading and math TWICE a year. There are also twice-a-year tests in multiple subjects to evaluate teachers. There also quarterly Common Core benchmark tests in reading and writing. Some schools even add some other tests on their own or at the direction of CPS administration.
Enough already!!! If weeks are spent administering and preparing for standardized tests then too little time is available for significant teaching and learning. What on earth is so darn important about standardized tests as compared to getting a child to love reading or to become competent in some other area of study.
I have news for everyone (ok, maybe it really isn't news) you will not turn students on to education by giving them globs of standardized tests and that is a fact.
Dick
Tuesday, March 4, 2014
Painting John Hay Elementary
Yes, spring will arrive one of these days. It is always nice to see more daylight and warmer days (they are coming!). What better way to get outside and enjoy the day than by participating in some 'Springtime Sprucing Up' at John Hay Elementary School!!
We will paint some classrooms, washrooms, a faculty lounge and perhaps more on Saturday, March 22nd. We will paint from 8:30 am to roughly 3:00 pm. We will provide all the materials and plenty of drinks. Just bring your energy and passion to paint and help these fine people bring some springtime to the building. John Hay Elementary is located at 1018 N. Laramie Ave., Chicago, IL.
I have plenty of students so now I am in need of some adults who can reach some of the higher areas (it's a wonderful building but old and with high ceilings). Just bring your own lunch and we'll take care of the rest.
Let me know that you can join us by emailing me at rich219@comcast.net.
Many thanks!!
Dick
Monday, March 3, 2014
Yes, Kids Want Us
Some years ago (is it 10 already?!), when I was on a one-year leave, I put in a good deal of time to survey high school, middle school, and elementary school students on a whole host of issues. One of the questions I posed dealt with which teaching tool/resource has had the most profound impact on their learning.
I asked students to rank, in order of importance, the tool that most influenced or has had the greatest impact on their learning experience. The options included; books/media, computers/laptops (tech), field trips, homework/classwork, projects or teachers. By far, among over 1,000 students surveyed, from six states, students rated teachers as the most essential element or having the great impact on their learning.
No matter the teaching resource or device, students really do long for and understand the value and importance of one to one contact. Since students 'get it' when it comes to valuing the merits of having a great teacher then the public needs to do all we can to maximize the positive engagement between teachers and students.
Dick
I asked students to rank, in order of importance, the tool that most influenced or has had the greatest impact on their learning experience. The options included; books/media, computers/laptops (tech), field trips, homework/classwork, projects or teachers. By far, among over 1,000 students surveyed, from six states, students rated teachers as the most essential element or having the great impact on their learning.
No matter the teaching resource or device, students really do long for and understand the value and importance of one to one contact. Since students 'get it' when it comes to valuing the merits of having a great teacher then the public needs to do all we can to maximize the positive engagement between teachers and students.
Dick
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