Monday, November 30, 2015

How Would Students Respond?

James Comer, founder of the Comer School Development Program, knows something about educating the 'whole child.' One of the critical components of Comer's belief of students processing focuses on the idea that every interaction that teachers, and others in the school setting, have with students matters and that these greatly influence how a child feels, acts, and responds.

I mention this point because the absence of positive interactions can have consequential results just as surely as the presence of them. As adults we interact hundreds of times each day with a large score of children in so very many ways. Likewise, each student has many interactions within the school day.,

All of this is not new for the vast majority of educators. Why do I mention this? I believe that placing a higher priority on one-to-one positive interactions is far more critical to a child's learning and growth than the overdone amount of standardized testing we are currently engaged in.

Here's a question for you. How do you suppose children would 'feel, act, and respond' to the onslaught of standardized testing? Put another way, do you suppose students would prefer a positive in-class teacher-student lesson (whatever that might entail) over a standardized test?

As teachers often say to students, "please pay attention!"

Dick

Friday, November 27, 2015

Signs of Hope and Despair

In the past two months I have been in the Syracuse, NY area, Minneapolis/St. Paul and Chicago (specifically Mokena since this where our home is located). Different regions of America but all with a sadly similar fate for low income people. What I have witnessed and read about over this period is the number of people (of course, including school aged children) who are relying on the goodwill of others in terms of food and other forms of aid.

Heck, I just noticed in today's Minneapolis Star Tribune where nearly half of the North Carolina state troopers are reporting a need for food stamps or other forms of help. Many of these state troopers are also having to take second jobs.

In many of the locales people of good conscience are helping out via food pantries, meals, food kitchens and the like. How very kind of such organizations to step up and help others.

In terms of Schools Count Corp., and our mission, these cases of people 'going without' have great implications in terms of how students perform in school. Certainly how children do in their classes is but one hurdle in their daily lives. But 'going without,' whatever that entails, is going to have a profound impact on the kids.

Yes, there is hope due to what charitable groups do on behalf of other but, at the same time, the growing number of people living in poverty and having too little to make it in life also reveals far too much despair.

But one thought to share with you on the subject. Far too many people talk about the minimum wage. Forget discussing a minimum wage, it is far more important and more critical to address the notion of people having a living wage. Until that happens we'll continue to see more people reaching out to others for assistance.

Dick

Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Thanksgiving

There is probably no better term to express one's sense of belonging/family, appreciation for what others have done for a greater cause and for being able to celebrate all that we are grateful for than the word Thanksgiving. It encapsulates how we live, evokes memories of a time long ago and it is a celebration of the now.

So whether it is a warm day in the South, a sunny but crisp day in Chicago or a rather dark and wintry mix somewhere in the Rockies, it is a day to be thankful for all of our many blessings.

Please accept my thanks for bestowing so many of your very own blessings towards the work of Schools Count and the many thousands of children we work with each year. Your kindness and generosity is something that I admire and am so very grateful for. May this holiday allow you the time to enjoy family and friends.

Happy Thanksgiving,
Dick

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Not Even Close

When the two sides in the current CPS contract talks can't even agree on the name or meaning of the recent CTU 'practice strike vote' then it's likely that it's just a matter of time before a real strike vote occurs and that will be easy to understand. Whether one calls the CTU vote, approved by 97% of those who cast a ballot, a 'practice vote' or a 'push poll' according to CEO Forrest Claypool, is irrelevant.

What is relevant is the fact that the sides are far apart and the prospects for both sides working to find common ground, in light of all that is taking place here in Chicago and Springfield, are dim.

By the way, a Fact Finder is required by law so a strike is not on the immediate horizon. The Fact Finder process runs 100 days before any strike can occur. So don't look for a strike until March 2016 at the earliest. Sorry to say, but I think the probability of the financial woes being properly addressed are about as dismal as the prospects for reaching settlement on a teachers contract.

Dick

Monday, November 23, 2015

As the Holidays Approach

It always seems to be a festive time of year during this week of Thanksgiving. It is the time when our attention turns to family and spending time with loved ones and friends. The aroma of freshly baked pies, turkey, casseroles, sweet potatoes and more fills the home. As it should be!

Soon after Thanksgiving we will turn our attention to the next holiday in December. Much joy abounds!!

But as we enter this holiday period I can't help but think of too many people, school children included, who are going without; going without proper food, not having warm clothing or a warm home, without the support they need, and missing out on the good that the holidays have to offer.

All of this is a reminder of the good each of you do on behalf of these children-in-need. Thank you for assisting them in so very many ways.

Dick

Friday, November 20, 2015

That Feels Good!

The snow and cold of late fall and early winter seems likely to rear up for another season. We just delivered many coats and boots to deserving children in various schools within CPS, Nathan Hale and Harvey, IL schools. We are pleased to be able to do our part to help kids warm as they go to and from school,

Thursday, November 19, 2015

Charters Shut Down

The Chicago Public School Board closed three low performing charter schools yesterday. A fourth charter may likely face the same fate when the CPS board gets together in December. The charter schools don't operate under the same rules as typical neighborhood schools. The neighborhood schools are regulated by a state-mandate process that is somewhat lengthy. Charters aren't under the purview of this process. CPS gets to determine the process of keeping charters open or closed.

It ought to be known that a couple of these schools have made progress and the CPS chief education officer acknowledged as much but she also said that "they failed to meet goals they laid out in remediation plans."

I believe it is also worth noting that these four charters - three closed - are mostly in poor neighborhoods. Here's the point...it doesn't matter if its a neighborhood school or a charter; the structure of a school doesn't guarantee success. Areas of poverty, crime, unemployment, low property values (low property tax income) and other concerns have a huge impact upon what takes place within the four walls of a school. Until all sides come to grips with this, the 'closing' trend will likely continue.

Dick

Wednesday, November 18, 2015

Progress, Not So Much

Yesterday Forrest Claypool, who is the CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, warned of dire cuts to school budgets and staffing without the assistance of the State of Illinois. This statement is similar to others made over the past couple of months. There is nothing new here.

What is new is that the Senate President, Mr. Cullerton, is pushing a measure that includes a two year freeze on local property taxes and while infusing $200 million into the pension relief for CPS. Here's the glitch; House Speaker Madigan, Governor Rauner and Chicago Teacher's Union Vice President Sharkey aren't in support of this proposal. So much for progress.

When on earth will these factions sit down at the same table, at the same time, and hash out these problems? I guess it is partly a rhetorical question as the answer seems to be that there is little chance of this taking place.

Dick

Tuesday, November 17, 2015

Give Me Education or Give Me Testing!

Yesterday I posed some critical questions to teachers, students, and parents regarding the idea that time spent on standardized testing as opposed to using the time for face-to-face. Whether you talk to students or teachers you will find that they are pretty much fed up with the overdose of standardized testing.

The answer is quite simple. Those most impacted by standardized testing want to teach and learn. They prefer to be in the classroom where real teaching and learning takes place.

There is a real or perceived disconnect between standardized testing and the benefits from such devices. Those most involved in the testing simply don't see the benefits of the tests. So the mantra of 'Give Me Education or Give Me Testing,' has a resounding answer...'Give Me Education.'

Dick

Monday, November 16, 2015

Just Ask Them

Given the enormous overload of standardized testing and the effort to use certain models of teaching to homogenize the efforts of teachers to instruct their students, some questions need to be posed to teachers and students regarding the effect(s) of these so called school reforms.

First, to teachers, "Would you rather see the time spent on standardized testing stay the way it is or would you prefer to use that time to teach?"

Second, also to teachers, "Do you feel standardized testing helps you teach and that it is a good measure of student learning in your class?"

Third, to teachers, "Do you feel that some of your instruction is used to prepare students for standardized testing and, if so, is that a good use of the time?"

Fourth, to students, "Would you rather take the standardized tests or would you prefer to use that time to be in the classroom?"

Fifth, to students, "Do you think standardized testing, and it results, help you to learn or play a significant role in motivating you going forward?"

Finally (though other questions need to be posed), to all groups in the public, "Do you feel as though there is too much time spent on standardized testing at the expense of classroom instruction?"

I'll talk about these tomorrow!

Dick

Friday, November 13, 2015

This is Urgent

Friends of Schools Count,

Below is a note I received from a Counselor at one of the elementary schools we work with in Chicago. I find it both sad and distressing that the children, their families and the school are facing these difficulties. Our charity WILL help them to the extent that we can. I omitted the name of the school and the counselor for obvious reasons (if you would like more info on the school please email me at rich219@comcast.net). They are hurting enough without seeing their names in print. If you would like to contribute towards these items simply send a check payable to Schools Count Corp., Dick Flesher, 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. In the memo section please write the word 'holiday' so that the funds are exclusively used for the items below.

Many thanks,
Dick


We are completely tapped out for the holidays. Plus our STLS (Students in Temporary Living Situations) population has tripled this year. Here is a list of some items that we can use this year.
Christmas gifts for STLS families
Hygiene items
coats
hats, gloves, scarfs
Turkeys and non perishable Thanksgiving items
socks, underwear, boots
uniforms for our pre-k students Youth sizes small/medium
games
sport equipment
and any other items you can help us with.....

I hate to beg but we are hurting...


Thursday, November 12, 2015

Enough Already

We entrust our teachers with the safety of the children of this country in addition to asking our nation's finest to educate our youth. This is as it should be. That being the case, it is time that local, state, and federal government bodies get out of the way of our nation's educational system.

Often the above government agencies create all sorts of accountability measurements and standards typically through all myriad number of standardized testing instruments. Let me be clear...every darn teachers who cares about kids realizes what it means to be held accountable. Their methods of being 'held accountable' are far more meaningful than those imposed from above.

Let local superintendents, principals, assistant principals, departments chairs, and teachers run their own affairs. It's time to restore both the integrity and system of educating our youth by putting it back in the hands of the professionals.

Dick

Wednesday, November 11, 2015

We Can and Must Do More

22,000,000 children live in poverty in America in 2015 and at least 15,000,000 kids often go hungry each day. Millions, yes millions, of our nation's youth are homeless. Who's to say how many are neglected, aren't afforded proper health care and aren't properly clothed.

I mention all of this because our charity works with many of these students. It is hard to fathom that the kids can perform well in school given these situations/conditions. I am not sure I would be able to do my best in school, or that I would even care about school, if I had to endure going without so many essentials.

What's important is this...the causes of the above conditions - no doubt - should be addressed; however, it is far more important to provide the assistance right now. Lives are at stake and we can't afford to wait any longer.

For the sake of everyone, let's keep on fighting for one another.

Dick

Tuesday, November 10, 2015

Listen to the Students

Late last week a number of CPS students descended upon the headquarters of the school system. The students know what is taking place and by taking place I mean that they understand real cuts have already been made to budgets and a reduction in the respective staffs has already taken place within the various buildings. The kids get it!!

When you get right down to it, the students have every right to protest the losses. Heck, they are the very ones who feel the impact of too few dollars, too few supplies and too few teachers.

Too often in this country a good number of people have admonished students for protesting. I say god love them for sticking up for their right to receive a decent education. In fact, that is exactly what we want people to do in terms of understanding their rights as well as to advocate for themselves. Expressing their First Amendment right in a responsible fashion is great to see. Also, having a desire to see the phrase 'with liberty and justice for all,' come to fruition is most noteworthy.

As I said, CPS, listen to the students.

Dick

Monday, November 9, 2015

Thanks for the Memories!

Last night's Hinsdale Central boys soccer banquet may well be the last one I ever attend. On the surface, one might say, "What on earth does this have to do with School Count Corp and assisting those children in need?" The answer is this...the night and the people involved have everything to do with our work.

This year the KICK initiative, headed by Mitch Collins, Bryan Loebig, Nick Silva and Jimmy Walker raised over $15,000!!! Never before has any endeavor, by any foundation raised such an impressive amount of funds so that our company can help others. It wasn't just that the KICK event raised that amount, they even involved soccer alumni!!!

My memories of my many decades of involvement with HC soccer as both a coach, timer and announcer are many. In total, as I write this brief blog, the many people who have been a part of this program have put a broad smile on my face. Your many acts of kindness, support and generosity are the likes of which I have never experienced.

I will ever be grateful!

Thanks for the memories,
Dick

Friday, November 6, 2015

Charters to Close

Thee fact that four south side charter schools are most likely to be closed in June of 2016 shouldn't come as a surprise. The four charters are languishing in terms of making academic progress. And that should come as no surprise since a good number of charter and non-charter public schools are having difficulties where the poverty rate is high among along with a whole host of other problems.

As noted in the past, the performance, generally speaking, of the charter schools compared with traditional neighborhood school is not all that different. Some charters do well, some don't, just as is the case with neighborhood schools.

The low academic performance of the four charters should not obscure the more important issues facing educators, families and students in the various types of buildings. Academic performance and progress are difficult to address where the environment presents serious problems well beyond the four walls of the building or the manner of organizing the school.

My issue is this...the four schools will close and the children will again go elsewhere but will the issues of low wages, unemployment, crime in the area, blight, and more be addressed? I have seen no evidence over the past years. What I would hope is that the CPS brass would look at the conditions that exacerbate the likelihood that growth is not taking place.

Merely shutting down any type of school, with little or no other attendant action, will do absolutely nothing.

Dick

Thursday, November 5, 2015

All Sorts of Safety for Kids

I subscribe to the notion that there is a way to both make children and firearms safer. Look, it took us years to put seatbelts in vehicles to lessen the likelihood that there would be fewer deaths and injuries. Some people ranted and raved at the prospect of having to wear seatbelts and some cussed up a storm that it became law. In the final analysis we are all the better for adding this safety feature to cars.

Surely we can make sure that guns are safer. If the proposition is that guns and kids can be kept safer, as the starting point, why on earth wouldn't we want to take steps to ensure that both occur?

Let me go back to the car. You have to have a key to start the car (okay, I realize that many cars are keyless now). Is it possible that a person with a firearm would have to have a key to operate it? No key, no use of the gun. It is a random thought but, the point being, we need to sit down and take seriously any number of ways to improve gun safety and the safety of our citizens.

As I've intimated throughout the week, the fact that a 9 year old was gunned down ought to make all of us take seriously what the implications are for our friends, neighbors and families. Time to pull together.

Dick

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

It Doesn't have to be this Way

In 2013 the Centers for Disease Control pointed out that there were 33,636 deaths in this country due to the shooting of said firearm. That's roughly 90 deaths a day. There's no need to compare this number to those killed in transportation accidents or any other cause. The number is simply sad and most distressing.

Raising the primary question among all of our fellow citizens, is this acceptable or even remotely tolerable? I suspect most people think this is not something that can continue.

Whether it's suicide, accidental shootings, or other forms of firearm death, this simply can't continue without some action. Why would a civilized nation continue to tolerate this condition? We shouldn't. It doesn't matter the form of death; car accidents, firearms, disease or other forms of meeting ones fate, we can do something about it.

Yeah, I know this is a contentious issue but on one thing I am certain everyone can agree and that is on the issue of firearm safety. Ask any decent gun owner and they will tell you that safety is a major concern of theirs. So, that's where we all have to start...the issue of safety. Everyone should want to find a way to keep safe and to ensure the safe use of guns. There are lots of options about how to achieve this goal and the sooner we tackle this, all the better.

I, for one, am tired of seeing 9 year-olds gunned down in the middle of the afternoon. We all ought to be driven to action to see to it, as best as possible, that the chances of this happening again are limited through sensible gun safety action.

Thanks,
Dick





Tuesday, November 3, 2015

Kids Getting Killed

Late yesterday, around dusk, a 9 year-old boy was shot multiple times on the south side of Chicago. He lost his life. A 9 year old mind you. As I think about the children we serve in the city schools of Chicago and all the problems that they have to deal with, the proliferation of guns on the streets is but another stark reminder of too many mountains to climb. How is a 9 year-old to overcome this?

We lose too many young people to gun violence and everyone can certainly agree to that fact. And what we will, what will I, what will any of us decide - if anything - to do about it.

For our charity, we will continue to do our best to help the students in the classroom.

On another front, we have to add voices, reason and action to stem the flow of gun violence. Whatever the causes, wherever shooting deaths occur, and no matter our lot in life we have to be more proactive in seeing to it that a fourth or fifth grader doesn't meet their end to life at the end of a barrel.

No matter what our U.S. Constitution, along with the amendments, there IS a way to deal with the harm inflicted daily by guns. You see people created our charter, we are the ones who pass laws and regulations of all sorts, and the citizenry are those who can either stand by idly or come to our senses to make this a safer country, one worthy of young boys and girls living long past the age of nine.

Yes, as the saying goes, "We the People..." The people of this country can and must take action. I can think of fewer ways, at this moment, to think of creating "a more perfect union" than to address the issue of gun violence.

Thanks,
Dick

Monday, November 2, 2015

Schools Back in Session

Now that my surgery is over and I'm on the mend, it is time to get back to the business of children, schools, our charity and the plight of education. As they say in the elementary grades, "if you can play right you'll have to have a timeout!" Well, that's just what I needed as I recuperate. Doing much better!!

As October has quickly moved into November, the time is short on a State of Illinois budget. Why is this a big deal? The budget passed by the Chicago Public Schools Board of Education is banking on receiving hundreds of millions of dollars in order to make the budget work. Word has it that if the state doesn't 'pony up' then the CPS brass will make drastic teacher cuts, translate...thousands of positions, leading into the holidays.

I don't get the sense that much positive movement has taken place on this front and there is every likelihood that the wheels are already turning in terms of determining which staff members and how many of them will get pink slips. In fact, I'd be shocked if these draconian cuts don't occur.

A sad state of affairs for all concerned. That last word is really it, isn't it? Are the 'powers that be' really that concerned?

Dick

Girls Singing at IMN

Classes Singing at IMN

IMN School Opens

Driving into Port Au Prince

IMN School Welcome

Tour of IMN School

IMN School