For those of you who follow my blog you know that I am insistent upon one message...true neighborhood public schools are vital to our country. They engender the best in our children, are democratic in so very many ways and are, as they ought to be, directly in the sight of the public.
In the next few days I will take a look at IL charters to examine them in the sense of accountability, meeting the needs and standards that are expected of all public schools as well as taking a look at how they measure up in a number of other ways. Remember, charters are public schools but just a different brand. Well, they are more than a different brand.
I want to present some background on the extent to which charters are being watched. As you might imagine, I have very real concerns on this matter.
Dick
Wednesday, January 31, 2018
Tuesday, January 30, 2018
Sounding the alarm
“Achievement tests may well be valuable indicators of general school achievement under conditions of normal teaching aimed at general competence. But when test scores become the goal of the teaching process, they both lose their value as indicators of educational status and distort the educational process in undesirable ways.” Psychologist Donald Campbell provided this thought-provoking and alarming statement some time ago regarding standardized testing.
Too often we hear about schools, and in turn students and teachers, 'cramming' for the spring standardized testing season. It's as if the testing takes precedence over all else. Truth be told; school districts, schools, administrators, teachers and students are all held hostage in my view.
And just what happens if a school, teachers and students - so to speak - don't measure up? Well, we'll take that up tomorrow but it's fair to say that little good comes of it.
Dick
Too often we hear about schools, and in turn students and teachers, 'cramming' for the spring standardized testing season. It's as if the testing takes precedence over all else. Truth be told; school districts, schools, administrators, teachers and students are all held hostage in my view.
And just what happens if a school, teachers and students - so to speak - don't measure up? Well, we'll take that up tomorrow but it's fair to say that little good comes of it.
Dick
Monday, January 29, 2018
A Threat to Public Education
Diane Ravtich, noted education researcher and author, knows a good deal of the field of education past and present. She is no fan of 'No Child Left Behind' as well as charters and vouchers. I got a chance to glance at one of her podcasts and two things struck me as fundamentally accurate and portending of some tough days ahead for public education.
First, Ravitch notes that what she refers to as 'corporate charter chains' "push out those with disabilities, English language learners and those with behavior problems." There is strong evidence that this continues unabated in a number of places.
The second point that Ravitch makes is that these 'chains' do much to "destroy what public schools are about, developing a sense of community and a sense of democracy at the local level." This final point about corporate charter chains destroying public schools is one which many might not consider to be important. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Charters are run by an a board that is not elected by neighborhood residents; hence, public participation is minimized. Make no mistake about it, this is a definite erosion of democracy at the local level. There is real loss of community through the sabotaging of democracy.
And, by the way, with little real community input is it any wonder, as Ravitch notes, that certain students are excluded from attending some of our nation's charters? It's no wonder to me.
Dick
First, Ravitch notes that what she refers to as 'corporate charter chains' "push out those with disabilities, English language learners and those with behavior problems." There is strong evidence that this continues unabated in a number of places.
The second point that Ravitch makes is that these 'chains' do much to "destroy what public schools are about, developing a sense of community and a sense of democracy at the local level." This final point about corporate charter chains destroying public schools is one which many might not consider to be important. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Charters are run by an a board that is not elected by neighborhood residents; hence, public participation is minimized. Make no mistake about it, this is a definite erosion of democracy at the local level. There is real loss of community through the sabotaging of democracy.
And, by the way, with little real community input is it any wonder, as Ravitch notes, that certain students are excluded from attending some of our nation's charters? It's no wonder to me.
Dick
Friday, January 26, 2018
Update and Ongoing Initiatives
Just thought I'd pass along a few updates to close out the week
- The snare drums have been provided to Rockport, TX High School in the aftermath of the hurricane
- Janice Jackson is the new CEO of the Chicago Public Schools
- Delivery of student supplies to Chicago and Harvey schools will take place on Aug. 7, 8, and 9, 2018.
- Campaign for Classrooms (C4C) at Hinsdale Central and Archer Daniels Midland are helping to get Escuela Marcela Garcia Cora School, in Puerto Rico, back on its feet following the devastating hurricane.
Have a great weekend,
Dick
- The snare drums have been provided to Rockport, TX High School in the aftermath of the hurricane
- Janice Jackson is the new CEO of the Chicago Public Schools
- Delivery of student supplies to Chicago and Harvey schools will take place on Aug. 7, 8, and 9, 2018.
- Campaign for Classrooms (C4C) at Hinsdale Central and Archer Daniels Midland are helping to get Escuela Marcela Garcia Cora School, in Puerto Rico, back on its feet following the devastating hurricane.
Have a great weekend,
Dick
Thursday, January 25, 2018
Take a Cue
A couple of days ago I cited the work of Eva Chiang of the George W. Bush Institute on Education Reform where Ms. Chiang noted that school principals are talent managers and teachers, so to speak, are the ones to 'get the job done' in the classroom. I believe there are some valuable lessons to be gleaned from her research.
Perhaps most noteworthy, in my estimation, is the fact that great principals need to be sought out and retained. Beyond this priority, if a school has a great principal, he/she should be the ones entrusted to hire teachers. School boards and, yes, superintendents ought to steer clear of the hiring process for the most part.
Allow the talent manager, the principal, the autonomy of finding and cultivating our nation's teachers. We'll all better off for such a move.
Dick
Perhaps most noteworthy, in my estimation, is the fact that great principals need to be sought out and retained. Beyond this priority, if a school has a great principal, he/she should be the ones entrusted to hire teachers. School boards and, yes, superintendents ought to steer clear of the hiring process for the most part.
Allow the talent manager, the principal, the autonomy of finding and cultivating our nation's teachers. We'll all better off for such a move.
Dick
Wednesday, January 24, 2018
A Growing Numbness to School Shootings
The sad and tragic deaths of two fifteen year old students in a senseless school shooting in Kentucky yesterday marks the 11th shooting in our nation's schools in the first 23 days of 2018. Yes, a school shooting every other day. Actually, it is occurring more often than that given the fact that schools aren't in session on weekends!
Schools have historically been viewed as among the safest of environments in our country. No more it appears. From Columbine to Virginia Tech to Sandy Hook, our schools are now, too often, facing the loss of lives through shootings. When people ask 'when will it end?' or 'is anyone going to do something about it?" no one seems willing to step forward. There simply is too little real concern, too much numbness and too little fortitude to tackle the many issues revolving around guns.
And by guns I'm referencing a number of issues; screenings and background checks, the availability of them, mental illness, gun safety (locks for example), assault weapons and more.
It's time to no longer be numb or ignorant to such conditions in our schools.
Dick
Schools have historically been viewed as among the safest of environments in our country. No more it appears. From Columbine to Virginia Tech to Sandy Hook, our schools are now, too often, facing the loss of lives through shootings. When people ask 'when will it end?' or 'is anyone going to do something about it?" no one seems willing to step forward. There simply is too little real concern, too much numbness and too little fortitude to tackle the many issues revolving around guns.
And by guns I'm referencing a number of issues; screenings and background checks, the availability of them, mental illness, gun safety (locks for example), assault weapons and more.
It's time to no longer be numb or ignorant to such conditions in our schools.
Dick
Tuesday, January 23, 2018
It's Not About I Pads and Computers!
Much has been made over recent years about the technological changes, improvements and growth in America's classrooms. No doubt these tools are important in terms of aiding in ones education. But in my view, too much attention has been channeled towards one to one, white boards, google docs and more. Lost in the mix is the importance of teachers and teacher leadership.
Eva Chiang, the Department Director of Education Reform at the George W. Bush Institute, has an interesting take on school leadership. Ms. Chiang say, "Teachers are the most impactful (educators) leading to an increase in student outcomes." She went on to add that "principals are the talent managers who know how to get and keep good teachers."
I really don't care how many of today's gadgets that a district possesses, if great principals aren't found, hired and retained then all the technology on ones desk won't really make a difference.
Dick
Eva Chiang, the Department Director of Education Reform at the George W. Bush Institute, has an interesting take on school leadership. Ms. Chiang say, "Teachers are the most impactful (educators) leading to an increase in student outcomes." She went on to add that "principals are the talent managers who know how to get and keep good teachers."
I really don't care how many of today's gadgets that a district possesses, if great principals aren't found, hired and retained then all the technology on ones desk won't really make a difference.
Dick
Thursday, January 18, 2018
Just Wondering
As the conversation and debate takes place over DACA, the TSP program and immigration in general I wonder about the manner in which families, schools, and teachers will handle/cope with actions that are taking place and are likely to continue to manifest themselves when it comes to removing these children from schools.
It is but one more element/question to take into consideration when it comes to how the schools will deal with the federal governing bodies decisions that will have real implications within the nations schools.
But one question (out of many and I dont' know the answer) can ICE officials go into schools and remove students?
The mere threat of removal, real or not, is enough to create plenty of fear and concern among those possibly affected.
Dick
It is but one more element/question to take into consideration when it comes to how the schools will deal with the federal governing bodies decisions that will have real implications within the nations schools.
But one question (out of many and I dont' know the answer) can ICE officials go into schools and remove students?
The mere threat of removal, real or not, is enough to create plenty of fear and concern among those possibly affected.
Dick
Wednesday, January 17, 2018
The Public is Essential
It may seem rather mundane and obvious to say that the public must be engaged in public education. No, I'm not trying to play games with these words; rather, I am suggesting that our educators and our nation's leaders need to step forward and be explicitly and unequivocally be supportive of the need for a strong public education.
The reasons, as I've stated in the past, are many and obvious. We have to find ways to remove skepticism about public education. Much of our country's foundation over these past 240 years has been grounded in this institution. I'm but one person reaching out to the public to find a path towards positive support of our neighborhood schools but it has to be stated that too many perils lie ahead without the proper and proactive support of public education.
Dick
The reasons, as I've stated in the past, are many and obvious. We have to find ways to remove skepticism about public education. Much of our country's foundation over these past 240 years has been grounded in this institution. I'm but one person reaching out to the public to find a path towards positive support of our neighborhood schools but it has to be stated that too many perils lie ahead without the proper and proactive support of public education.
Dick
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Public Education of Any Sort
I am apologetically a staunch defender of public education. I prefer the traditional neighborhood school as it is an anchor that welcomes all through their doors (there are charters that don't do this). So let's stop for a moment and not fuss over the manner of organization.
Public education plays many roles and that has been its long and, dare I say, glorious history. Public schools are anchors in the communities of America. Our schools are social in nature and connect those unacquainted with one another to perhaps be friends. Our schools provide a basis for carrying out the values of America enshrined in our Constitution and the traditions of our country. Our public schools expose young people to the various economic, social and culture norms we have long believed in.
Put another way - where would we be without them? Imagine if all of our schools were merely merit based or simply based upon some sort of belief system that rigidly conformed to only one way of viewing the world. Conjure up where we would be nearly 250 years after our founding without these fine public institutions.
They are worth protecting and defending. Doing any less would doom our country and what we have achieved and hope to do so going forward.
Dick
Public education plays many roles and that has been its long and, dare I say, glorious history. Public schools are anchors in the communities of America. Our schools are social in nature and connect those unacquainted with one another to perhaps be friends. Our schools provide a basis for carrying out the values of America enshrined in our Constitution and the traditions of our country. Our public schools expose young people to the various economic, social and culture norms we have long believed in.
Put another way - where would we be without them? Imagine if all of our schools were merely merit based or simply based upon some sort of belief system that rigidly conformed to only one way of viewing the world. Conjure up where we would be nearly 250 years after our founding without these fine public institutions.
They are worth protecting and defending. Doing any less would doom our country and what we have achieved and hope to do so going forward.
Dick
Friday, January 12, 2018
Haiti - A country of goodness.
I have had the good fortune to travel to Africa, Central America (though not El Salvador), numerous countries in the Caribbean and Haiti. I can tell you that there is abject poverty in a number of these countries just as there is in a good number of rural and urban areas of the United States. Poverty manifests itself in a number of ways throughout the world.
My experience in the above countries has been most rewarding. I have found the citizens to be welcoming, grateful for any assistance and inspiring. I was treated with respect and courtesy.
Allow me to site but one example... It has been exactly 8 years to the day since Haiti was ravaged by the January 12th 2010 earthquake. The devastation including the loss of 300,000 lives was and has been not only frightening but unending. Our charity has worked to help two schools that are part of the work of Haiti Partners a non-profit that has done wonderful work on behalf of Haitians.
John Engle of Haiti Partners and Maxandre of Mixte Nao Community School both tirelessly work to improve the quality of education of the students they serve. They are indeed generous and committed.
Whenever I emailed both men concerning rebuilding they, along with Kids4Good, in turn would always immediately follow up. John and Maxandre welcomed me with open arms when my girlfriend and I traveled to Haiti in April of 2010. John was kind enough to pick us up at the airport and allowed us to stay at his home. We found John's entire family to be so very kind. And the meals...how very delicious!!
Maxandre, the Principal of Mixte Nao, went all out to make us feel a part of the community. School children lined up for us as we pulled up to the school while singing a few songs. Maxandre and others spoke glowingly of our monetary contributions. We also had a chance to interact with the children. I will always fondly recall the smiles and laughter of the students. My recollection of the visit doesn't come close to portraying the elation and satisfaction that was experienced by one and all. After a lengthy stay at the school, Maxandre opened up his home for a wonderful meal prior to our traveling back to the capital.
Though this mornings blog is but a brief outline of our trip to Haiti it nonetheless is a brief glimpse into the warmth, hospitality and kindness of Haitians. They are a good people and we will find ways to continue to support them.
Dick
My experience in the above countries has been most rewarding. I have found the citizens to be welcoming, grateful for any assistance and inspiring. I was treated with respect and courtesy.
Allow me to site but one example... It has been exactly 8 years to the day since Haiti was ravaged by the January 12th 2010 earthquake. The devastation including the loss of 300,000 lives was and has been not only frightening but unending. Our charity has worked to help two schools that are part of the work of Haiti Partners a non-profit that has done wonderful work on behalf of Haitians.
John Engle of Haiti Partners and Maxandre of Mixte Nao Community School both tirelessly work to improve the quality of education of the students they serve. They are indeed generous and committed.
Whenever I emailed both men concerning rebuilding they, along with Kids4Good, in turn would always immediately follow up. John and Maxandre welcomed me with open arms when my girlfriend and I traveled to Haiti in April of 2010. John was kind enough to pick us up at the airport and allowed us to stay at his home. We found John's entire family to be so very kind. And the meals...how very delicious!!
Maxandre, the Principal of Mixte Nao, went all out to make us feel a part of the community. School children lined up for us as we pulled up to the school while singing a few songs. Maxandre and others spoke glowingly of our monetary contributions. We also had a chance to interact with the children. I will always fondly recall the smiles and laughter of the students. My recollection of the visit doesn't come close to portraying the elation and satisfaction that was experienced by one and all. After a lengthy stay at the school, Maxandre opened up his home for a wonderful meal prior to our traveling back to the capital.
Though this mornings blog is but a brief outline of our trip to Haiti it nonetheless is a brief glimpse into the warmth, hospitality and kindness of Haitians. They are a good people and we will find ways to continue to support them.
Dick
Thursday, January 11, 2018
I'm Back
The three week holiday hiatus is over!! It is time to kick off the 2018. It is an honor to be the President of Schools Count Corp. as we enter our 2nd decade of service. What I've learned is that it is critical to persist. The needs of students who live in poverty as well as those who are struggling to get back on their feet after horrific storms or other catastrophic natural events.
As I write you we are planning to continue to work with Chicago and Harvey, IL school students. We are also currently assisting those in Houston and Rockport Texas as well as an elementary school in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Much remains to be done and we are pleased to continue our efforts to help those in need.
Dick
As I write you we are planning to continue to work with Chicago and Harvey, IL school students. We are also currently assisting those in Houston and Rockport Texas as well as an elementary school in Guayama, Puerto Rico. Much remains to be done and we are pleased to continue our efforts to help those in need.
Dick
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