Allow me to put aside some education concerns and issues for today. Yes, the problems in education are real but let's take a step back, get some perspective, and think about what is most important.
With all that being said, I want to address the horrific problems in Aleppo, Syria. Yesterday the last pediatric hospital was bombed. Tragically, nurses, doctors and children were killed...in excess of 50 of them. This was a hospital run by the Red Cross and the Doctors Without Borders.
Sadly, one is killed every 25 minutes and 148 have died in the last six days. Of course, most of those meeting their end are civilians.
I'm commenting on the Syrian civil war because it is not really on the U.S. radar. I also want to draw attention to the fact that war, the death of children and the fact that a country is unraveling is far more important to deal with than what I often see as plenty of senseless political posturing that too often takes place in our education arena.
Why can't we get a grip, lose the posturing, quit the arguing and get things done in an amicable manner.
Dick
Friday, April 29, 2016
Thursday, April 28, 2016
News from CPS
Though I wasn't able to attend the monthly CPS Board of Education meeting I can highlight some of what took place and most of it is a continuation of rather sour news.
First, the potential Chicago Teacher's Union strike could hit the schools in May. If that happens CPS has said that graduation exercises would still take place. On another related front, if teachers are on strike during final exams, scheduled for the week of June 13, then the exams will be cancelled.
A second area of discussion took place regarding charter schools. Six charters are seeking an additional term to stay open while other charters want to increase their capacity to serve additional students. Both pro-charter advocates and those opposed to charter expansion spoke to this subject.
This is a big school system and there are plenty of issues and concerns that have to be dealt with but, as the expression goes, "this isn't rocket science."
Dick
First, the potential Chicago Teacher's Union strike could hit the schools in May. If that happens CPS has said that graduation exercises would still take place. On another related front, if teachers are on strike during final exams, scheduled for the week of June 13, then the exams will be cancelled.
A second area of discussion took place regarding charter schools. Six charters are seeking an additional term to stay open while other charters want to increase their capacity to serve additional students. Both pro-charter advocates and those opposed to charter expansion spoke to this subject.
This is a big school system and there are plenty of issues and concerns that have to be dealt with but, as the expression goes, "this isn't rocket science."
Dick
Wednesday, April 27, 2016
Money Matters
This isn't exactly a shocker but, let's not kid ourselves, money DOES matter!
There are plenty of areas of the country where wealth and good jobs exist. In turn, property values are high and a good deal of tax revenue is available for the schools. In these areas children are getting a pretty darn good education. That is as it should be.
There are also plenty of areas of subsistence living; few jobs, low paying jobs and very little wealth. You know where I'm going with this don't you? These are neighborhoods where houses are boarded up and property has much less value than in wealthier areas of America. In turn, too little money is generated in property taxes for schools. Yes, far too many schools starve.
As an attendant concern, where do you suppose most of the most highly qualified teachers seek a job? We know they are heading to where the money is.
Money DOES matter in terms of educating America's children. We have to find a better way to address this problem.
Dick
There are plenty of areas of the country where wealth and good jobs exist. In turn, property values are high and a good deal of tax revenue is available for the schools. In these areas children are getting a pretty darn good education. That is as it should be.
There are also plenty of areas of subsistence living; few jobs, low paying jobs and very little wealth. You know where I'm going with this don't you? These are neighborhoods where houses are boarded up and property has much less value than in wealthier areas of America. In turn, too little money is generated in property taxes for schools. Yes, far too many schools starve.
As an attendant concern, where do you suppose most of the most highly qualified teachers seek a job? We know they are heading to where the money is.
Money DOES matter in terms of educating America's children. We have to find a better way to address this problem.
Dick
Tuesday, April 26, 2016
Part Two - 'The End of Average'
Average grade point, median scores on standardized tests, SAT and ACT scores, Common Core, a common textbook. You name it and the field of education, at almost all levels (at least K-12) is very homogenized. By and large education teaches to the so called 'average student.'
Whether one wishes to believe this idea or notion is completely acceptable. All I would ask anyone who has anything to do with the field of teaching is to take a close look at how the school day is organized, how classes are organized, how decisions are made impacting education in ones building and the impact of many of the points I made in the opening paragraph today.
Let's not kid ourselves, we are constantly measuring each student by a certain measure; be it SAT/ACT scores, IQ, grade point average or some other sort of measurement. And much of this is undertaken with the perceived notion that if a student's score on a certain measurement is very high then that student will have a better chance at success.
The work of Todd Rose, in 'The End of Average,' found that this is not the case. There is no one score (as I mentioned in the previous paragraph) that will absolutely and positively correlate to success or achievement. This will surely not be accepted by many in the field of education but we had better look at what makes each individual tick rather than merely thinking one score or metric will reveal the character of an individual.
Dick
Whether one wishes to believe this idea or notion is completely acceptable. All I would ask anyone who has anything to do with the field of teaching is to take a close look at how the school day is organized, how classes are organized, how decisions are made impacting education in ones building and the impact of many of the points I made in the opening paragraph today.
Let's not kid ourselves, we are constantly measuring each student by a certain measure; be it SAT/ACT scores, IQ, grade point average or some other sort of measurement. And much of this is undertaken with the perceived notion that if a student's score on a certain measurement is very high then that student will have a better chance at success.
The work of Todd Rose, in 'The End of Average,' found that this is not the case. There is no one score (as I mentioned in the previous paragraph) that will absolutely and positively correlate to success or achievement. This will surely not be accepted by many in the field of education but we had better look at what makes each individual tick rather than merely thinking one score or metric will reveal the character of an individual.
Dick
Monday, April 25, 2016
The Age of Average in Education
Todd Rose has written a compelling book called 'The End of Average.' It is a text worthy of reading by anyone who cares about and is interested in the education of our children. Mind you, it is a book that details the onset of the concept of 'average' in many fields outside the field of education. In this regard, it is far reaching.
As I am finishing the book, I reflected on one of the first passages that deals with the concept of 'average' as it pertains to our educational system. The General Education Board in 1912, yes 1912, published an essay that described Fred Taylor's vision of schools. Taylor was a leading proponent of the idea that people should conform to the ideal of average.
Here's what the essay proposed for American education at the time..."We shall not try to make these people or any of their children into philosophers or men of learning or of science. We are not to raise up from among them authors, orators, poets, or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians...nor lawyers, doctors, preachers, politicians, statesmen, of whom we have ample supply...The task that we set before ourselves is very simple as well as very beautiful...we will organize our children into a little community and teach them to do in a perfect way the things their fathers and mothers are doing in an imperfect way."
I'll have plenty to say regarding this portion of the essay in the coming days but, suffice it to say, as a former teacher, I find this a dehumanizing manner of assessing the value of education. Just as sadly, if this is what still persists in the American classroom today; well, that is most troubling.
Dick
As I am finishing the book, I reflected on one of the first passages that deals with the concept of 'average' as it pertains to our educational system. The General Education Board in 1912, yes 1912, published an essay that described Fred Taylor's vision of schools. Taylor was a leading proponent of the idea that people should conform to the ideal of average.
Here's what the essay proposed for American education at the time..."We shall not try to make these people or any of their children into philosophers or men of learning or of science. We are not to raise up from among them authors, orators, poets, or men of letters. We shall not search for embryo great artists, painters, musicians...nor lawyers, doctors, preachers, politicians, statesmen, of whom we have ample supply...The task that we set before ourselves is very simple as well as very beautiful...we will organize our children into a little community and teach them to do in a perfect way the things their fathers and mothers are doing in an imperfect way."
I'll have plenty to say regarding this portion of the essay in the coming days but, suffice it to say, as a former teacher, I find this a dehumanizing manner of assessing the value of education. Just as sadly, if this is what still persists in the American classroom today; well, that is most troubling.
Dick
Thursday, April 21, 2016
A Real Whopper
The idea promoted by some state lawmakers (including some governors) that if teachers are stripped of employment rights; ie, collective bargaining, the right to forms associations/unions and other sorts of ways of coming together to advocate for educational improvements then students will perform better or that education in its totality will be better served is just ludicrous on its face.
If lawmakers, so called reformers, governors and other naysayers came together and joined forces with teachers to do something about school funding shortfalls and the harmful social/economic inequities that hit many communities then we would be doing far more to advance student progress than merely railing against teachers.
As I side note, this anti-teacher sentiment has another harmful side effect. It lends itself, in public discourse, to potentially dissuading great young people from entering the profession.
No, getting rid of education associations, or unions, would have absolutely no positive impact on student learning and advancing education in America.
Dick
If lawmakers, so called reformers, governors and other naysayers came together and joined forces with teachers to do something about school funding shortfalls and the harmful social/economic inequities that hit many communities then we would be doing far more to advance student progress than merely railing against teachers.
As I side note, this anti-teacher sentiment has another harmful side effect. It lends itself, in public discourse, to potentially dissuading great young people from entering the profession.
No, getting rid of education associations, or unions, would have absolutely no positive impact on student learning and advancing education in America.
Dick
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Time to Asset Ourselves
There are too few people entering schools of education in many universities throughout America. There are far too many naysayers with regard to teachers and the teaching profession. And there is far too much rhetoric surrounding school finance and budgets not to mention people claiming teachers make too much.
As teachers we are ultimately going to have to be the ones who stand up to the so called reformers or those who would diminish the good work we undertake each day.
How do we do this? We have to treat kids respectfully and we take everyone who comes through the doors and we give them our very best. As professionals we have to strive to perform to the highest standards, to indicate that we are the experts/professionals. We need to provide terrific lessons and assessments to our students. Performance matters, great lessons count and passion has to be a staple.
The best antidote to those who don't think we get the job done, we have to prove them wrong in the classroom.
Dick
As teachers we are ultimately going to have to be the ones who stand up to the so called reformers or those who would diminish the good work we undertake each day.
How do we do this? We have to treat kids respectfully and we take everyone who comes through the doors and we give them our very best. As professionals we have to strive to perform to the highest standards, to indicate that we are the experts/professionals. We need to provide terrific lessons and assessments to our students. Performance matters, great lessons count and passion has to be a staple.
The best antidote to those who don't think we get the job done, we have to prove them wrong in the classroom.
Dick
Monday, April 18, 2016
I Don't Support You on This Issue
I certainly back the teachers and the Chicago Teachers Union in total. It is the organization that speaks for teachers on many concerns and issues. However, the current stalemate regarding a proposed teacher contract is one in which I don't side with my teaching colleagues this time around. Why!
For starters, the CPS financial situation is dire at best. A $650 million pension payment has to be made in two months and I have no clue where the money will come from. The district has numerous bond payments not to mention solving the mess that is contract negotiations.
The district has also made numerous budget cuts at individual schools and that's due to the fact that there is little or no funding to take care of these needs. If the teachers are able to grab a contract beyond what is being proposed does anyone think that the budget cuts to programs within the schools will be fully restored? Not a chance!! Finally, Springfield doesn't seem eager to come to the rescue.
A 'fact finder' found that a previous contract proposal (accepted by CPS and the CTU leadership), which was turned down by a larger CTU group, was a suitable 4-year deal. To this, CTU President Karen Lewis said nay and said "we have no choice (but) to prepare ourselves for a possible strike."
Sorry my friends, on this one I'm not with you.
Dick
For starters, the CPS financial situation is dire at best. A $650 million pension payment has to be made in two months and I have no clue where the money will come from. The district has numerous bond payments not to mention solving the mess that is contract negotiations.
The district has also made numerous budget cuts at individual schools and that's due to the fact that there is little or no funding to take care of these needs. If the teachers are able to grab a contract beyond what is being proposed does anyone think that the budget cuts to programs within the schools will be fully restored? Not a chance!! Finally, Springfield doesn't seem eager to come to the rescue.
A 'fact finder' found that a previous contract proposal (accepted by CPS and the CTU leadership), which was turned down by a larger CTU group, was a suitable 4-year deal. To this, CTU President Karen Lewis said nay and said "we have no choice (but) to prepare ourselves for a possible strike."
Sorry my friends, on this one I'm not with you.
Dick
Friday, April 15, 2016
A Final Plea
I'd like to take this opportunity to invite you to next Tuesday's Hinsdale Central High School's Annual Jazz Benefit. This wonderful gala of jazz will benefit Lavizzo Elementary School as they build their very own band. I'm certain you'll enjoy the evening. The ensembles will perform at the Community House on Madison St. in Hinsdale commencing at 7:00 with admission at $5 per person and $10 for the entire family.
Those wishing to make a donation towards purchasing instruments can most certainly make a tax deductible contribution payable to Schools Count Corp. If you are able to attend the performance on the 19th you can make the donation at that time and get into the benefit for FREE. Otherwise, you can send the check to Dick Flesher at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL 60448.
See you Tuesday!!
Dick
Those wishing to make a donation towards purchasing instruments can most certainly make a tax deductible contribution payable to Schools Count Corp. If you are able to attend the performance on the 19th you can make the donation at that time and get into the benefit for FREE. Otherwise, you can send the check to Dick Flesher at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL 60448.
See you Tuesday!!
Dick
Thursday, April 14, 2016
Really Guys...It Took You This Long?!
No surprise...The multiple stakeholders in the city's CPS high schools have coming to the shocking notion - it isn't shocking since it has been well known for so long by most - that CPS should not consider opening or closing any more high schools until the district comes up with a citywide plan that considers neighborhood needs.
This really isn't news at all. Everyone gets it.
Perhaps Generation All leader, Beatriz Ponce de Leon said it best when she noted "While some people think competition is good and forces everyone to do better, it also...calls for some schools to fail or be impacted in a way that they can't keep up."
Of course neighborhood schools may not be able to 'keep up' because of unemployment, stagnant wages, low property values, fewer tax dollars coming in and a whole host of other factors that limit the ability of the schools to 'keep up.' Just what these power brokers will do about it; well, that remains a mystery.
Dick
This really isn't news at all. Everyone gets it.
Perhaps Generation All leader, Beatriz Ponce de Leon said it best when she noted "While some people think competition is good and forces everyone to do better, it also...calls for some schools to fail or be impacted in a way that they can't keep up."
Of course neighborhood schools may not be able to 'keep up' because of unemployment, stagnant wages, low property values, fewer tax dollars coming in and a whole host of other factors that limit the ability of the schools to 'keep up.' Just what these power brokers will do about it; well, that remains a mystery.
Dick
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
Jazz Season
There are plenty of reasons to head to the Hinsdale Community House on Tuesday, April 19th to partake in a festive evening. Here is but a sampling of why you should head that way.
#5 - You'll likely be tired of watching the NY Primary results roll in all night!
#4 - You're bound to love the jazz!
#3 - Nothing like a midweek respite from the everyday routine!
#2 - You're supporting the Hinsdale Central High School musicians!
#1 - Helping to start a band program for the Lavizzo Elementary students
Thanks,
Dick
#5 - You'll likely be tired of watching the NY Primary results roll in all night!
#4 - You're bound to love the jazz!
#3 - Nothing like a midweek respite from the everyday routine!
#2 - You're supporting the Hinsdale Central High School musicians!
#1 - Helping to start a band program for the Lavizzo Elementary students
Thanks,
Dick
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
No Money, No School
Chicago Alderman Howard Brookins Jr. hit the proverbial nail on the head regarding the planned for 'selective' north side prep school. It is a school supported by Mayor Emanuel but Brookins made clear that "If there's a need and the money, yes [go ahead and build it]. If there's the need and no money, no."
There you have it. If the money isn't there then it doesn't matter if it's a charter, neighborhood or selective school...don't build it.
The climate isn't right given the fact that CPS is operating in the red, a $676 million payment has to be made to the teachers pension fund by June 30 and the nerves are still raw from CPS closing 50 schools a couple of years ago. Add to this the fact that schools (as reported on this blog) have had their individual budgets and staff slashed on a number of occasions in the past few months and you have the ingredients for greater turmoil.
Brookins has it right, if the money ain't there then we aren't building a school.
Dick
There you have it. If the money isn't there then it doesn't matter if it's a charter, neighborhood or selective school...don't build it.
The climate isn't right given the fact that CPS is operating in the red, a $676 million payment has to be made to the teachers pension fund by June 30 and the nerves are still raw from CPS closing 50 schools a couple of years ago. Add to this the fact that schools (as reported on this blog) have had their individual budgets and staff slashed on a number of occasions in the past few months and you have the ingredients for greater turmoil.
Brookins has it right, if the money ain't there then we aren't building a school.
Dick
Monday, April 11, 2016
Jazz Time!!
Your support of the evening would be greatly appreciated. The Jazz Ensembles will kick off the evening at 7:00 pm at the Hinsdale Community House located on Madison St. in Hinsdale, IL. Admission is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. Join us for what will surely be a wonderful evening. It will be a night of wonderful jazz, great refreshments, plenty of wonderful musicians and a chance to help the students at Lavizzo.
Dick
Friday, April 8, 2016
Budget Woes
The proposed $200 million bailout, partial that is, of the Chicago Teacher's Union Pension fund has already faced mounting criticism. State Senator Andy Manar has put forth a funding plan that would greatly augment the CPS teacher pension shortfall. Mayor Emanuel saying that the current plan, funded through Chicago property taxes, is largely at odds with how other teacher pension plans are funded is patently unfair, the Manar idea has stoked disapproval from different quarters.
Downstate legislators who need funds for small colleges and schools, where they live, are largely in opposition to the plan as is Governor Rauner. Even House Speaker Madigan doesn't seem to be lining up behind the Manar idea. Then there are lots of different people, inside state government and on the outside, who aren't supportive mostly due to the fact that an overall state budget isn't in place.
Make no mistake about it, the state budget stalemate is tied to the whole issue of teacher pension funding and the overall funding of schools throughout the state. It's April and if things don't soon change then the start of education, overall, in August will be jeopardized.
Dick
Downstate legislators who need funds for small colleges and schools, where they live, are largely in opposition to the plan as is Governor Rauner. Even House Speaker Madigan doesn't seem to be lining up behind the Manar idea. Then there are lots of different people, inside state government and on the outside, who aren't supportive mostly due to the fact that an overall state budget isn't in place.
Make no mistake about it, the state budget stalemate is tied to the whole issue of teacher pension funding and the overall funding of schools throughout the state. It's April and if things don't soon change then the start of education, overall, in August will be jeopardized.
Dick
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Opting out of PARCC Test
Spring is here, if not weather-wise, certainly its arrived as the Illinois test season is in full swing. And the desire of some parents to have the right to opt their children out of the PARCC state assessment test remains in the headlines. In fact, a small group of parents went to the north side office of State Senate President John Cullerton to protest over the issue.
What is at stake, according to the parents, is the fact that a bill passed (64-47 last May)in the State House last year is languishing on the desk of the Senate President. The bill would clarify the rights of parents to prevent their children from having to take state standardized tests. Right now, only the students can choose to undertake such a move. Parents feel they have the right to make this decision and they don't want to have the kids subjected to undergoing such a move during the school day.
However one feels about the issue of students, anywhere in Illinois, from opting out of state standardized testing, one thing ought to take place and that is that the State Senate should vote on the bill. Give it an 'up or down' vote.
Dick
What is at stake, according to the parents, is the fact that a bill passed (64-47 last May)in the State House last year is languishing on the desk of the Senate President. The bill would clarify the rights of parents to prevent their children from having to take state standardized tests. Right now, only the students can choose to undertake such a move. Parents feel they have the right to make this decision and they don't want to have the kids subjected to undergoing such a move during the school day.
However one feels about the issue of students, anywhere in Illinois, from opting out of state standardized testing, one thing ought to take place and that is that the State Senate should vote on the bill. Give it an 'up or down' vote.
Dick
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
More Ugliness
However you cut it, the Chicago Teachers Union rally last Friday has sparked a good deal of support in many quarters and a fair amount of negative press or attention. To some, blocking streets at the end of the rally went a bit too far. Another incident involved an individual, towards the end of the speeches, barking nasty comments towards the Chicago Police.
The Chicago Police? Whatever ones feeling about the police this rally was calling attention to school issues and concerns as well it should.
The Fraternal Order of Police, Dean Angelo, is none too happy about the incident and it has made its way to the press and social media. The CTU may certainly have not known such provocative comments would be made about the police but, nonetheless, the incendiary language 'happened on their watch.'
At a time when so much is at stake regarding education in Chicago, having an incident like this simply adds to the perceived (or real) woes which encumber CPS.
Dick
The Chicago Police? Whatever ones feeling about the police this rally was calling attention to school issues and concerns as well it should.
The Fraternal Order of Police, Dean Angelo, is none too happy about the incident and it has made its way to the press and social media. The CTU may certainly have not known such provocative comments would be made about the police but, nonetheless, the incendiary language 'happened on their watch.'
At a time when so much is at stake regarding education in Chicago, having an incident like this simply adds to the perceived (or real) woes which encumber CPS.
Dick
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Part II - Finding Teachers
The other day I mentioned that in order to obtain top flight teachers in the future some significant efforts by many will have to be undertaken right now. We can't wait and just hope that some magical manner will suddenly come about and that numerous students will enter the field of education.
I've advocated that the NEA and AFT have to be proactive in making the case for young people to enter the profession of teaching. As part of the way of growing the pool of candidates to major in education in college I'm also encouraging high schools to have an intern program where the students spend a semester or entire year working in a elementary or middle school setting. It's being done in some schools but there is plenty more that needs to take place with regard to this option.
Other means of encouraging young people to join the path of becoming a teacher are out there. To those who graduate from high school and show a propensity for becoming a teacher universities should offer various incentives. These might include partial or full scholarships, grant-in-aids, subsidized housing and more. In short, colleges who have strong departments of education need to be as creative in 'recruiting' as are sports programs at those universities.
I'm dead serious about this notion. Unless schools of education take recruiting seriously then the prospects of a dwindling number of people entering the profession of teaching will continue.
Dick
I've advocated that the NEA and AFT have to be proactive in making the case for young people to enter the profession of teaching. As part of the way of growing the pool of candidates to major in education in college I'm also encouraging high schools to have an intern program where the students spend a semester or entire year working in a elementary or middle school setting. It's being done in some schools but there is plenty more that needs to take place with regard to this option.
Other means of encouraging young people to join the path of becoming a teacher are out there. To those who graduate from high school and show a propensity for becoming a teacher universities should offer various incentives. These might include partial or full scholarships, grant-in-aids, subsidized housing and more. In short, colleges who have strong departments of education need to be as creative in 'recruiting' as are sports programs at those universities.
I'm dead serious about this notion. Unless schools of education take recruiting seriously then the prospects of a dwindling number of people entering the profession of teaching will continue.
Dick
Monday, April 4, 2016
What to Do About the Teacher Shortage
Some ten days ago I put together a story outlining the dire need for teachers going forward. The shortage is already affecting many states and, in turn, in some cases, it means more students per class, fewer course offerings and even dropping various courses/programs of study.
There are plenty of ways the trend can be turned around and I'll discuss these over the next few days. But, to put it quite bluntly, a concerted effort must be undertaken to stem the tide. Nothing less than an educated society is at risk.
Allow me to offer a couple of ideas. First of all, for the those high schools with the funds and foresight, a course called 'Invitation to Teach' needs to be offered. I know of one high school in the Chicago area that has such a program and it really has promoted good students to pursue a degree in education. The great news is this...there are a number of students from this program who are now out in the teaching field and making a difference.
The NEA and IFT, along with other professional organizations, need to help schools foster the types of programs I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Such organization need to take an active role in making the case for students to entire the field of education. This has to be a sustained and significant effort.
In the coming days I'll offer other means of trying to induce excellent students to enter the field of education. Much is at stake!
There are plenty of ways the trend can be turned around and I'll discuss these over the next few days. But, to put it quite bluntly, a concerted effort must be undertaken to stem the tide. Nothing less than an educated society is at risk.
Allow me to offer a couple of ideas. First of all, for the those high schools with the funds and foresight, a course called 'Invitation to Teach' needs to be offered. I know of one high school in the Chicago area that has such a program and it really has promoted good students to pursue a degree in education. The great news is this...there are a number of students from this program who are now out in the teaching field and making a difference.
The NEA and IFT, along with other professional organizations, need to help schools foster the types of programs I mentioned in the previous paragraph. Such organization need to take an active role in making the case for students to entire the field of education. This has to be a sustained and significant effort.
In the coming days I'll offer other means of trying to induce excellent students to enter the field of education. Much is at stake!
Saturday, April 2, 2016
Battle Lines
Yes, this morning's Chicago Sun Times got it right...sadly. With yesterday's Chicago Teacher's Union 1 day work stoppage/strike/job action (call it what you wish) the stage has been set for a greater erosion of trust and the ability of both sides to find a way forward on any number of issues..
There are so many problems and issues involved in the ongoing tussle, it's difficult to untangle them. As time has gone on, the chasm has only widened. The Board of Education is now calling for sanctions against the union as they contend that the action yesterday was illegal. The CTU wants to call attention to the fact that schools aren't properly resourced. Both sides have other arguments about the many financial woes besetting the school system.
With both sides set to return to the bargaining table on Monday to work on a new contract, yesterday's teacher strike is not likely to be a harbinger of a smooth session.
By the way, calling Governor Rauner a "terrorist" is disgraceful and serves no positive purpose. I am in support of teachers everywhere but unless all parties are respectful of each other then more harm will come about.
As I have said before, the teachers could well use the upcoming furlough days, set by the Board of Education, to make a stronger point with the city's residents, students, their families and the public at large.
Dick
There are so many problems and issues involved in the ongoing tussle, it's difficult to untangle them. As time has gone on, the chasm has only widened. The Board of Education is now calling for sanctions against the union as they contend that the action yesterday was illegal. The CTU wants to call attention to the fact that schools aren't properly resourced. Both sides have other arguments about the many financial woes besetting the school system.
With both sides set to return to the bargaining table on Monday to work on a new contract, yesterday's teacher strike is not likely to be a harbinger of a smooth session.
By the way, calling Governor Rauner a "terrorist" is disgraceful and serves no positive purpose. I am in support of teachers everywhere but unless all parties are respectful of each other then more harm will come about.
As I have said before, the teachers could well use the upcoming furlough days, set by the Board of Education, to make a stronger point with the city's residents, students, their families and the public at large.
Dick
Friday, April 1, 2016
Education NOT Schooling
As I continue to work with various schools, observe the real disparities which exist in so many realms and follow events as they unfold regarding education in America, it is clear that the robust push for nearly everyone to attend college is misguided to a very large degree. My point is that the push 'to get ahead' in life seems to be largely focused on going to school rather than getting young people to understand that no matter who they are or what path they choose to follow they have to educate themselves.
No, this is not a quarrel over semantics. This has everything to do with promoting education. If someone wants to be a carpenter, mechanic, farmers, electrician, baker or any number of other occupations, it might well be that a trade school or some other form of education will fill the bill. A college degree might very well not be suitable.
I simply think the push for college for far too many people who do not want to go down that road is at an ill-fated one for far too many young people. In my view, the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of attending college at the expense of other options. I believe that the pendulum has been stuck in this position for far too long and it harms many...sadly.
Dick
No, this is not a quarrel over semantics. This has everything to do with promoting education. If someone wants to be a carpenter, mechanic, farmers, electrician, baker or any number of other occupations, it might well be that a trade school or some other form of education will fill the bill. A college degree might very well not be suitable.
I simply think the push for college for far too many people who do not want to go down that road is at an ill-fated one for far too many young people. In my view, the pendulum has swung too far in the direction of attending college at the expense of other options. I believe that the pendulum has been stuck in this position for far too long and it harms many...sadly.
Dick
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