CPS Silent on Testing

With the spring test season at hand, it is unlikely that many schools will be ready to administer the new PARCC to the students. Yesterday the CPS brass was not able to identify the schools that will be giving the IL PARCC test to the students.

There are initial plans, unknown as of this writing, to limit giving the test to no more than 10% of the schools in the CPS system. What took place yesterday at CPS headquarters was the fact that the powers that be did not indicate which schools would be giving the exam. In fact, they were silent on the issue.

What that means is that 100% of the schools don't know if they will be the chosen ones. It also means that everyone is prepping for the PARCC in lots of ways with this unknown. Students and teachers are preparing for the actual exam while administrators and staff have to get locations and a slew of other logistics ready so that when the day arrives for the testing, they can pull it off. These are just some of the concerns.

Aside from all of this, the state has threatened the district that Illinois will lose up to $1 billion in federal money for poor children if enough Illinois schoolchildren don't take the PARCC test.

What an absolute bunch of nonsense!!!!

Dick

Just Might Be an Issue

No, I'm not weighing in on the Chicago Mayoral Race but I believe there is an education issue that has had, and will, much to do with the primary and the run-off election on April 7th.

As many of you remember some 50 neighborhood schools were closed a couple of years ago. Why is this, in all probability, an issue today in mayoral elections? The schools, to those living in these communities, are more than a place for children to get an education.

These schools are often some of the safest areas of the neighborhood. The schools often do community outreach of all sorts. The schools and LSC (Local School Councils) were, and are, a way to get parent involvement in education and other areas of concern. Quite simply, schools, along with churches, tend to be the two anchors holding a community together. That is a fact.

It will be noteworthy to see if the 50 school closing issue becomes important in the race between the mayor and his rival. Bottom line...schools are important no matter the region of the country.

Stay tuned,
Dick

Out of the Shadows

You never know who's going to make it in this world and who will falter. No one, with any consideration of their fellow citizens, wants a person to slip through the cracks. By the same token, we should all be pulling for those we know well or have never met to make it in life.

This is exactly why Schools Count exists. It is our desire to breathe life into a neighborhood, its schools and individual students. We will likely never, ever know who makes it and it is a certainty that we can't be absolutely sure that our work was the reason students became successful (however you want to define that term).

What I do know is that in the 'here and now' we are positively making a difference. We are breathing life into the various neighborhood schools. Kids are provided resources that give them a chance to succeed in the classroom and that is a plus.

One never knows who will emerge from the shadow of poverty, an area of crime and minimal opportunities but I am willing to give it my best shot in partnership with our many volunteers and donors.

Thanks for caring,
Dick

One Word Says it All

T Together
E Everyone
A Achieves
C Children's
H Highest
E Education
R Results

Public Education in Peril - Part III

Yes, the assault on public education is a bit demoralizing but as educators and supporters of public education, I am calling upon everyone to take action. Educators MAKE a difference and we have to get the word out. Never shy away from being proud of saying that or touting the good that accrues to children because of our work.

Perhaps there is one telling fact that remains with me to this day that helps to tell the story of the beauty of public education and teachers.

Ask 10, 20 or 50 people who made a difference in lives. I don't care if they are 35 years of age, nearing retirement or in the twilight of life. Many, many of these individuals will tell you that a teacher MADE a difference in their lives.

That alone should highlight the importance of public education.

Dick

Public Education - Part II

Yesterday's remarks about public education got me to thinking further on the topic/issue. Aside from the fact that our way of life, culture, basis of rights, and fabric of the nation is embedded in a public education system, it is just as important to think about what America would be like without it!

If public education were to cease to exist the vacuum would be filled with corporate or special interest education. What's wrong with that? Plenty!!!

For starters, having a special interest education system would likely teach based upon those special interests at the exclusion of looking at something through multiple lens. Would a special interest education really be all encompassing and broad based in scope? Not likely.

Going without a strong public education system would very likely diminish the prospects of teaching and re-enforcing the precepts of our democratic/constitutional/economic system. Without a strong public education system I believe that the chances of the powerful co-opting others in a variety of ways increases exponentially. To me, this is not the path to walk.

Dick

Public Education

In the whole scheme of things, in the history of this country, many events and institutions have stood the test of time and helped to make this a strong and rich (not money-wise in this case) nation. There have been few enterprises any more important in this journey than public education.

A wise, well educated, informed public free from tampering by politicians, political parties and corporations - or other special interests - has long been a bell weather of a society that respects all. Our people understand that freedoms are insured by people's actions as well as their tolerance for others and their ideas.

Today's public education, sadly, is being undermined by those forces; political parties, ideological agenda's and the corporate world. And though these groups have an important role to play in the life of this country, that role is not in the arena of public education.

Public education is an institution that has, at its core, the principles of freedom of expression, democracy, a liberal education and more. Those forces, and others, should never be manipulated with by special interest groups.

Dick

It Will Catch Up to You

The state of affairs regarding education in Kansas are anything but rosy. Newly re-elected Governor Sam Brownback has seen revenue to his state shrinking in a big way. Over the last two years, revenue state-wide has come in $1 billion less than anticipated and last months fell short by $47.2 million over previously predicted income.

The Governor has pushed for some sales tax increases on various products in addition to making other changes on the revenue side of things. Lo and behold, the Governor is also looking to cut school funding by $44.5 million. The Kansas City Public School system would see cuts to its budget beyond the $45 million they have lost since 2009.

Let's see...if you want to eventually increase income to the state, create more prosperity and have the state in a healthier situation then cut funding to education. Education is, long term, part of the solution to the problem. Why would you cut the lifeline that brings jobs and prosperity to your state?

As I said, eventually such a plan "will catch up to you!"

Dick

Teacher Unions - The 'boogeyman'

The amount of rhetoric out there bashing unions of all sorts particularly public sectors ones such as the AFT, IEA or NEA is, at once, alarming, disheartening and amazing. It's as if the teacher unions have failed us in education, rendered the enterprise dysfunctional and harmed our students beyond repair.

To make such charges doesn't serve anyone well. The charges and language used are loaded. It almost saying, "if you are in a union then you are a boogeyman." The anti-union bashing talks about those 'greedy' teachers.

Here's the reality - factual - the reason any union forms is due to some type of poor practice (or need for improvement) in a place of employment. Believe me, as a former teacher, I had plenty on my plate in terms of all the responsibilities that are attendant to the career and wasn't looking to be greedy or to 'get my employer.'

If people aren't properly resourced in the classroom and aren't accorded the support (trust, confidence, willingness to work together and more) needed, what would you do...just roll over? Come on, the reason any union exists is to have a mechanism in place that is able to advocate on behalf of its membership. That's it!!! And the day teachers stop advocating; well, that will be a sad and disappointing day.

Dick

America Scores

America Scores is a non-profit in various cities in the United States which supports education in a unique manner. The chapter in Chicago has three components; poetry, soccer, and community service. These after school programs tie in directly with the regular school day and align with the curriculum in the various schools.

Our charity has had a wonderful experience interfacing with America Scores over the past few years. These are schools that need our services as well as those of America Scores. I have found the resource person at each school served by America Scores to be most helpful, friendly and directly involved with the students. When we deliver student supplies, winter coats or the like the America Scores representative is so very grateful for our work.

I had the pleasure last night to attend the 'Red Carpet Poetry Slam.' What a great event!!! Smiling faces, big crowd, wonderful atmosphere and a great silent auction. All of this pales in comparison to the young students from America Scores schools who recited their very own poetry.

The kids were amazing, energetic and so very eager to share their poetry. The children are the reason for our work and it was a wonderfully exciting event that served to remind me of the mission ahead.

Dick

Resource Teachers - How?

Yesterday I commented that the two things most needed by teachers that leads to job satisfaction, being motivated and inspired. Provide teachers with the resources they need and accord them the respect, dignity and concern they deserve as professionals. In other words treat them like family.

Let me tackle the first one...resourcing teachers. Okay, it sounds easy but it often turns out to be anything other than easy.

First of all, administration needs to ask staff what they need and administration should fight like crazy to obtain those supplies and resources. Administration should not make teachers jump through hoops and red tape to acquire what is needed. In fact, administration needs to trust their teachers in terms of making such requests.

Often, teachers have to go through many catalogs and brochures to find the exact items needed for the classroom. The budget can't be the only thing that justifies the purchase of needed items. If dept. chairs and teachers do their homework, that should be enough for administration. We trust teachers with the kids, we need to trust them with spending.

These are reasonable suggestions and should be followed.

Dick

Two Things, Just Two

I can vividly remember getting into education as a profession well over 40 years ago. I made less than $10,000 in my first year and to the day that I retired I couldn't tell you what I made in that final year. No, I didn't intentionally forget what I made in 2005. It was more a matter that the amount of money didn't matter.

What mattered in the early 70's, as well as in 2005 and 2015, is something far more important than the bucks.

Teachers teach because young people matter and to effectively help students two factors are critical to making the enterprise of teaching and learning bloom. If teachers are asked what resources they need and are provided with ALL the necessary tools, that will go a long way towards reaching that goal. The final piece of the puzzle revolves around how one is treated.

If the community, boards of education, and school administration accords the staff with genuine respect, makes clear their shared concern for excellence, seeks their input (and follows it), and really care about others. To get right down to it, their is a fabric woven akin to a well-functioning family. Trust, respect and loyalty prevail.

Find a successful school and the above prevails.

Dick

What do Teachers Make?

Of course, many people want to know "how much do teachers make?" Of course the question is always posed as a dollar amount and there is commonly a snarky comment or leading idea that "teachers make too much"

Well, since people want to know what teachers make, I will tell you, from experience and from watching my fellow colleagues over the past few decades, how much teachers make.

Teachers make believers out of students. Often teachers make students see that the choices they make are significant now and well into the future. Teachers make extraordinary efforts to help their charges come to understand that their futures can be impacted for the better through education. Teachers gladly make sacrifices for the kids and teachers make it a point to avail themselves to help young people long after students have been in their classes.

Quite simply, the next time someone asks you "how muchdto teachers make,?" tell them that they make a difference in the lives of young people.

Dick

Springing into Action

Okay, so it isn't spring yet...not by any stretch of the imagination!! But, in a few short weeks, Schools Count will be reaching out to past donors, friends and neighbors as we start our once-a-year solicitation of funds to help area schools.

Our efforts to help those in need stretches from the deep south side of Chicago to the northwest portion of the city. From Harvey to Robbins, from Englewood to the Austin neighborhood, we endeavor to help students and their families forge ahead in the classroom and beyond. We bring support to students who are in need of everyday classroom supplies, school uniforms, band instruments and much more.

I'll be sending out our annual mailer in a few short weeks and you will be able to get a first hand glimpse of just how successful our efforts have been over recent years.

Looking forward to making 2015 a resounding success!

Thanks,
Dick

Here's an Idea

Say what you want, but I still think the most important thing the public and everyone connected to education can do is to find a way to work together in a cooperative manner. Many may be dismissive of this notion or think that is it some esoteric platitude with little meaning. They could be further from the truth.

By cooperating I mean that people seriously and respectfully listen to one another. I am referring to posing the serious questions about education. The art of compromise must fill the board room and community. If you don't think compromise works, just take a look at some of the lessons of history.

Finally, for today that is, it is time for groups to stop being so disagreeable. Oh, one can disagree with another individual but we don't have to be so disagreeable.

Just an Idea!

Dick

Productive Teachers

It might well be argued that today's students and teachers are more productive than ever. First, teachers have more mandates thrown at them than ever before. Both students and their instructors are forced to give up a number of days for standardized testing that has little, well maybe none, affect on learning.

Teacher certification in most states is more stringent than in the past and, oh, by the way, most teachers realize that keeping up with material and staying fresh is important.

There are always news books, new online materials and new magazines that teachers are eager to read. Plenty of course work in ones chosen field is always a must.

Keeping up with the latest software, rules on handling Special Education initiatives, and reconfiguring curriculum in light of Common Core are just the tip of the iceberg. School related responsibilities outside of the classroom take up considerable hours and are rarely viewed with a keen eye towards the commitment of teachers.

By the way, lesson planning, writing curriculum, delivering lessons and assessing student work are still the foundation of the critical mass known by teachers as central to their mission.

I know many of these productive professional!

Dick

Don't Beat Them Up

I find it interesting and most revealing that the so called 'reformers' are hell bent on complaining about high teacher salaries or the fact that they have summer vacations. What I find even more intriguing is the fact that none of these 'reformers' ever discusses the work load of teachers or students.

The field of teaching has changed in many ways over the past couple of decades. Bottom line, whether reformers want to believe it or not, we ask teachers to perform more in-class and out-of-class tasks than ever before. In short, we expect teachers to be more productive.

One word to the wise for everyone willing to pile more obligations onto the backs of teachers. Look out, you just might break one of the most precious commodities that exists in terms of raising and caring for your children.

I think it would be interesting to take a look at the longer hours worked and the additional responsibilities placed on teachers relative to their pay and then compare it to 20 years ago.

Here's my guess...people are continuing to get a real bargain with America's public school teachers in 2015!!

Dick