A Public Education

After 30 plus years of teaching, some subsequent substitute teaching and overseeing the work of Schools Count Corp, I am still amazed at the good work of teachers and students. The barbs and criticisms of some come with the territory. Sadly, the assault on public education is all too present.

I want to put it this way...We need both a robust curriculum that places an equal emphasis on core and elective courses. I remain concerned that schools push the idea of 100% of its students to be 'college ready.' That sounds great on the surface but its not what 100% of children want in their lives.

I find it troubling that there is a stigma with respect to someone who doesn't go to college, who wants to work in a trade or who simply - and importantly - doesn't want to be pushed in one direction or another. The longer view is that education needs to be driven more by student needs, talents and interests and less by what 'the world at large thinks.'

Dick

Children and 'The Ban'

Our charity works with many children in the city of Chicago as well as plenty of other cities in America over these past ten years. I can tell you that many of the students are often confronted with sizable problems and issues that make it difficult for a 5 year old or 10 year old to overcome let alone flourish.

A good number of these children are either 'Dreamers' or they simply are of a different ancestry - not necessarily from the seven countries outlined in the Executive Order - and I have had reports that they are scared. Scared they will be deported, scared that someone in their family will be ousted or afraid for a friend or classmate. This fear just adds to the difficulties they face.

The fact of the matter is this...no one should be put in a position while attending school that they should fear something or someone. The ban implemented has far reaching effects and it is felt in America's classrooms.

Not here, not in our classrooms.

Dick

Funding Crunch

As the Chicago Sun Times put it today, 'state lawmakers have a long history of penalizing poor kids (not only within CPS but any area of poverty) Illinois with a school funding formula that shortchanges kids living in poverty.'

This is not merely an editorial making this claim, it is widely accepted as fact. Indeed, this spring the Chicago Tribune reported that 'poor students receive $0.81 for every dollar spent on their wealthier counterparts.' In other words, those students and schools who are in most need of assistance receive, proportionately, less than schools who are in better shape financially.

To be clear, I'm not expert on the funding formula and other issues regarding money provided by the state to the various districts. I do know that the funding formula has nothing to do with paying towards pension funds. The funding formula is a separate issue.

I know that if the formula changes to help the most vulnerable, the wealthier school districts will cry foul. In my view, it is time to bring some justice to the issue of the funding formula. Why, because we can't afford to let the kids down.

Dick

CPS To Shorten the School Year?

The monthly CPS Board of Education meeting, held yesterday, found one member suggesting that having fewer school days may help ease the budget crunch. Public school students have to, by law, attend a minimum of 176 school days. Right now, the schools are credited with holding classes for 178 days.

It has been revealed that it costs roughly $12 million a day to operate the schools. With the district looking for ways to counter the sought after state money, that it didn't receive, of $215 for teacher pensions, it appears that setting up some furlough days might just well be on the horizon.

At a time when everyone is screaming for schools and teachers to do more for students, the proposition of cutting back on instruction days flies in the face of doing what's right by students and their families. Granted, the budget crisis is real but putting it on the backs of the kids is wrong.

Dick

Take it From Someone Who's Done It

Not many of us have taught both high school in a traditional neighborhood school and at a charter high school. Brett McNeil has done both and he offers some profound insights in a full page Opinion 'Viewpoint' in the Monday edition of the Chicago Sun Times. I didn't think Mr. McNeil was ranting or raving, instead pointing out the differences based on his experiences.

The author found that the charter high school, in which he taught, lacked many of the programs of the traditional high school. There was no student council, no auto shop classes, no Art program, no swimming pool, no International Baccalaureate program and much more. Mr. McNeil's work at the charter had no library or librarians. Of course this is not the situation at every charter but his words are instructive. It's not unusual for a charter to have fewer programs.

One of the other problems/issues expressed by Brett concerned that of teacher retention/stability. Said Mr. McNeil, "The year I was hired to teach, all except one of the 10th grade teachers were new to the school, including English, math, history, and foreign language." He went on to note, "The principal who hired me is gone, the department chair is gone, dozens of teacher positions have turned over, in some cases multiple times, in the last five years."

Stability will always be a hallmark, certainly not the only one, of a great school. Unless schools of any type/structure can promote it they will surely confront huge problems, perhaps even failure.

Dick

A BIG Concern

Public schools have long been the backbone of education and an integral part of our democratic tradition. As events unfold surrounding school structure, finance, teacher quality, assessments, so called 'failing schools' and so much more, I have a much larger concern that goes back to the term 'public.'

Public schools are financed by the public and exist for the public good. As time passes I have witnessed many changes, many of them for the good. But, going forward, I am deeply concerned, and yes, fairly convinced that 'for profit' enterprises will gobble up and take hold of a good portion of our public schools.

'For profit' organizations dealing with public schools goes against the very idea of public education. Public education is not about making money, it's about providing our students with an excellent education. The profits which are derived from or are a result of the function of public education, in my view, are counterproductive and could well harm the very system itself.

Dick

Sounds Good, But...

The Chicago Public Schools have, as one of their missions, the lofty goal of seeing to it that '100% of the students are college ready and 100% college bound.' On the surface that sounds great. In fact, who doesn't hope that a huge portion of the students make it to this point. In a way, I'm not quibbling with this but I believe there is a more proposition that ought to be put forward by the brass.

Perhaps other goals ought to become more prominent in terms of REALLY helping the students and their families. Developing some realistic goals for growth and proficiency should certainly be realized for all children. Developing a love of learning (okay, so it's not measurable but it is critical), helping students realize their potential, and seeing to it that there are other goals to fulfill other than college are essential.

By no means am I suggesting that CPS shouldn't push college but they ought to think about the students in other ways. In fact, no school; suburban, rural or inner city should think that college is an 'end all.'

Dick

My Take on Jan. 20th

Our nation is always progressing, sometimes in bits, but always moving forward. Ours, like other nations, is not a story that starts and stops at any one point, on any one day. No, we keep moving on no matter the ups and downs, the successes and, yes, the failures.

Not unlike the story of our nation, our charity shares the same experience. There will be no end point to the need for the work of Schools Count Corp. There are many chapters to the story of our work. We may be called upon to continue our initiatives in Chicago and elsewhere in the area. The endemic problems with poverty and natural disasters throughout the nation and world will call upon us to be there to help.

So like the unfolding of a new era on this Inauguration Day, the nation and all of its people and entities, must continue to perfect our country.

Dick

Devos and Title IX

Title IX has as its goal, the guarantee of an equal opportunity, for all, to an education. That is it in its simplest terms. As the years have passed, sexual violence on college campuses has been added to Title IX to ensure that an equal and accessible learning environment is free of any such sexual violence.

While Ms. Devos, the nominee to be the Secretary of Education, hasn't publicly come out against the above she has donated $10,000 to the Foundation for Individual Rights in Education which is challenging the standard of proof on victims of sexual assault in college hearings.

As I listened to and watched Ms. Devos testimony Tuesday evening, I did not come away assured that she would do all she could to protect males and females, alike, by seeing to it that ALL parts of Title IX are fully complied with should she ascend to the Office of Secretary of Education.

I'm more than a bit concerned.

Dick

The Implications of the Devos Hearing

I typically don't weigh in on politics per se but I don't see the Ms. Devos, nominee for the Education Secretary, hearing as one dealing with politics rather one dealing with governing and overseeing education. I watched the hearing last evening and came away with a couple of thoughts.

When Ms. Devos was asked about whether guns belong in schools, she really seemed to be ambivalent about either supporting or not supporting their presence in schools. I'm not talking about the rights of people to own firearms but it seems that the presence of guns in places of learning is a pretty simple matter or question. Ms. Devos didn't really give a firm answer, one way or the other, regarding the issue.

I also found it rather confusing that Ms. Devos didn't have a firm stance concerning whether the the goal of education ought to be to promote either proficiency or growth. Perhaps the goal is to promote both of these. I do strongly believe that the Secretary of Education should be clear on this important matter.

These and other issues surrounding Ms. Devos nomination cause me great concern about the future of public education.

Dick

SCC Events in 2017

As the New Year has come and gone, I thought I'd share a few of the events and dates with you. I'm sure you'll find something worthwhile to participate in and we welcome you to attend and to participate in as many as possible, all with the goal of 'lending a helping hand.' Going forward, we will announce further plans!!

- March 1st, Newsletter and Donation Drive
- Tuesday, April 25, Jazz Benefit at 7:00 at the Hinsdale Community House
- Monday - Friday, Aug. 7-10 School Supply Delivery
- Oct 1-31st, Coat Drive
- Wednesday, November 8th, Appreciation Dinner at 6:30 pm

Thanks!!
Dick

Martin Luther King

Today is a day to commemorate the lasting work and legacy of one, Martin Luther King. While many know of the social issues and ills of the country which he sought to correct, it is worth noting that Dr. King also very much wanted to advance the quality of education, for all, in America.

One quote of his, regarding education, stands out. Dr. King had this to say about education in the United States..."the function is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character - that is the goal of true education." I could not agree more! The work goes on!!

Thank you Martin!

Dick

CPS Pension Crisis

I haven't weighed in on events with regard to the Chicago Public Schools for awhile so I think it's only wise to get back to work covering many of the schools we serve in the district.

In December, 2016 Governor Rauner vetoed a $215 million dollar pension bill that would have certainly helped the cash strapped district. To say that CPS CEO Forrest Claypool was dismayed or that Mayor Emanuel was upset is an understatement. Obviously the CTU was none to pleased though they weren't surprised by the Governor's veto.

Fortunately, at least for CPS, the Illinois Senate has already overridden the veto but as of today the Illinois House has not taken an override vote. It remains to be seen if Speaker Madigan can muster the 71 votes needed to override Governor Rauner's action.

The fact remains that the pension crisis and budget woes of the school system are still a major front burner issue and little seems to have changed in recent weeks.

Dick

The Challenge

As the New Year unfolds it is well worth considering the plight of others in need as well as the demands made of school children and their teachers. This isn't a small point or one that ought to be dismissed.

The normal rigors of the education day persist as they always have. What is different in 2017 is the fact that greater demands and challenges are confronted by both students and staff. Make no mistake about it, both groups have to accept the various challenges.

Today, students and teachers are confronted with more complex issues; new evaluations, a myriad of technological changes, more rigorous standardized testing, higher demands made of students, and so very much more. I mention all of this in light of changes in school structure, financial considerations and critics of public education.

All of this makes it all the more vital for our charity to continue to assist children, schools and staff going forward. As always we will do our best to help those suffering the effects of various calamities.

Dick

What's Ahead for SCC this Year

As with any year, 2017 offers our organization the opportunity to assist those students and, by association, their families who ha a need for the basic tools and supplies in order to get a terrific education. A top priority is to continue to work with students and schools in the immediate area.

But, as is the case at times, some issues and problems occur or come up without notice or planning. At times floods, earthquakes, or hurricanes harms school and school communities. You can be sure that our Board of Directors will do our very best to address these to the best of our abilities.

In the coming days I'll outline some of our activities we'll undertake in the coming year. I look forward to seeing you and working with you on these important initiatives.

Dick

A New Year and 10 Year Anniversary

2017 marks a remarkable milestone as it signifies the 10 year anniversary of Schools Count Corp. During this period your many efforts, have enabled thousands of children, and their families, access to school resources as well as the materials needed to rebuild their schools, homes and neighborhoods.

As I reflect back on the past ten years, whether serving those in Chicago, bringing supplies to tornado/hurricane devastated areas throughout the U.S. or supporting those in earthquake ravaged Haiti, the resilience and gratefulness of those served is real and quite profound. No amount of aid, large or small, is greeted by anything other than a warm hug, smile or note of thanks.

One other thought...I've never had the sense that those we've helped have ever sought to abuse a helping hand. Quite the contrary, there are those who we've supported who have pitched in and assisted on the various initiatives we have undertaken in addition to sharing supplies with others.

It is my privilege to ask you to continue your support of Schools Count in 2017. As has been our practice, over these past 10 years, 100% of all monetary donations will be used directly for the purchase of supplies for those in need.

Many thanks!
Dick