Spotlight on Curtis

Years ago we work with the good people at Curtis when it was still referred to as a 'neighborhood' school and we continue to work with Curtis even though the school is now under the AUSL umbrella. Why? The children from the area still need our assistance.

The school is name after George Curtis (1824-92). Mr. Curtis was the political editor of Harper's Weekly, a strong advocate for education reform and was an original member of the New York City Board of Education. It's not an understatement to say that Mr. Curtis was a real pioneer in the field of education.

Today, Curtis, led by Principal Ms. Louie, is a PK-8 school that is the home to 502 students. Curtis has a full academic program which also includes instruction in Music and the Visual Arts. Curtis students are supported with Counselors, Social Workers and a school Psychologist. Along with a Head Start program, Curtis has such after-school activities as volleyball, basketball, soccer, baseball and track.

Curtis has made some real growth as indicated by its higher rating to a level of 2+. Hats off to one and all!

Dick

Spotlight on Metcalfe Academy

Ralph Metcalfe (1910-1978)was a well rounded individual who won a Silver Medal in the 1936 Berlin Summer Olympics finishing just behind legendary Jesse Owens. Mr. Metcalfe went on to serve our nation in World War II and than he continued in service in the United States House of Representative.

Ralph Metcalfe Academy, a school of 440 students, is located on the south side in the West Pullman neighborhood. The school is led by Principal Mr. Fabiyi and it has made some great strides in the past four years going from a Level 3 ranking to a Level 2 ranking. That's quite a climb considering the poverty that pervades a good part of the area.

Metcalfe is a PK-8 and it offers a variety of programs as it is a Math and Science Magnet Cluster. This is an initiative that is a hands on approach to learning Math and Science. The more advanced students participate in the Comprehensive Gifted Program. Aside from the normal academics the school offers such activities as Math Club, Theater, Computer Club, Football, Basketball, Chess Club and other sports.

Ralph Metcalfe is certain ascending to new heights!

Dick

Alex Haley Academy

Alex Haley Academy is named after the author of the same name. Alex Haley (1921-1992) was the noted of author of such works as The Autobiography of Malcolm X, Roots, and A Different Kind of Christmas. By age 15 Haley was enrolled at Alcorn A & M and in 1939 he went on to serve in the Coast Guard.

Alex Haley Academy is located in the Roseland neighborhood and has 558 students. Principal Sherry Pirtle has helped to elevate Haley to the premier CPS rating status of 1+. This K-8 school has all sorts of wonderful activities and programs. Haley has an Art and Dance Program in addition to Head Start.

I have been to Haley on a number of occasions and I can attest to the very real sense of family. Just the other night I took in the production of The Wiz. The kids were fantastic. Prior to the start of the musical a band played in the gym and there was an auction of artwork that the students created. What a night!!!!

Dick

Lavizzo Elementary

Schools Count Corp has been involved with CPS schools for over eight years. Many of these schools have a long history which includes being named after notable Americans. In the next couple of weeks I will highlight the schools we are pleased to work with. It's my hope you will find the background most revealing. Enjoy!!

Lavizzo Elementary is named after Mildred Lavizzo (1916-1996). Ms. Lavizzo was a 1st Lieutenant in the U. S. Army in World War II and following the war she received her Bachelors and Masters in Nursing. Ms. Lavizzo was the 1st African American supervisor of nurses for CPS and later she initiated the Head Start program for CPS. Indeed a true pioneer!

Today, Lavizzo, located in the Roseland neighborhood is a Level 1 school ( Level 1 is the highest, Level 3 the lowest) which means it is in good standing. The Principal of Lavizzo is Ms. Tracey Stelly and she oversees 378 pupils in grades PK through eighth grade. The school has an Art and Music program and it also offers instruction in Japanese (K-5th grade) and Spanish in addition to other courses. Lavizzo certainly offers a wide ranging spectrum of courses for their students.

Tomorrow the spotlight will be on Alex Haley Elementary.

Thanks,
Dick

Can this be Altered?

Over recent years the middle income levels are disappearing in the south and west sides of Chicago. They have been largely replaced by those earning low incomes. The reasons are many and most are obvious. Many factories are shuttered and the jobs are relocated to the South or overseas. The infrastructure of the south and west side communities has often been ignored.

It's all well and good that we have come to grips with the fact that there is enormous blight in many parts of the city. But like any other problem or concern the question remains...what, if anything, can/will be done about this?

I have all sorts of ideas but one overriding thought seems, to me, to be the starting point. This can't be a one person solution or a single ward solution. It will take the new mayor, all of City Council, every member of the various neighbors, banks, community organizers, civic organizations, church leaders and others to tackle this. Buy-in at the outset by all parties is a must. Without it, the middle class in Chicago will be completely lost for all practical purposes.

Dick

Not a Good Sign

A couple of days ago The University of Illinois at Chicago released some colored maps revealing the location of income classes over a period of a number of decades. What the maps show is that the middle class, by income, has diminished in a very big way throughout the city. As the decades have crept by the maps indicate that there is an emerging growth in higher incomes as well as those with lower incomes.

What does this have to do with jobs and schools/education? Everything!! Where the map reveals lower incomes one finds that the schools with various struggles are to be found in those locations. It's as if there are two cities!! And as I make my way through the south side and west side it is hard to argue this point. And indeed, if this is the case, the next mayor will be presented with a massive challenge.

Over the next couple of days I'll delve into much more of this changing economic/social tide.

Dick

Add Your Voice

Public education needs you right now. This is urgent call to action for all supporters.

I have made it clear that our public schools are often underfunded, programs are being eliminated, teachers are confronted with a growing laundry list of 'to do' tasks, standardized testing has become part of the curriculum for all purposes, and the rolls of college graduates who would go into teaching are shrinking.

Those are but a few of issues facing everyone involved in public education. I am asking each of you in your own way to fight back in some way. There are plenty of ways to get engaged.

Tell teachers you appreciate their work. Get involved with the local board of education. Contact any government official and ask them to find dollars to fund various initiatives. Work on a referendum for your local school. Be a mentor/tutor in a school near where you live.
Go to work for Schools Count. Write a letter to the editor in support of public education.

The list goes on but please find a way to add your voice.

Thank you,
Dick

True Story!!

When I hear that a FACS teacher in West Virginia has 7 classes in a 7-period day and that schools in Arkansas are looking for full time English teachers (I just assumed there was a glut of them to choose from) then I know that we have much to do in public education in order to get things right.

In terms of said teacher in WV having NO preparation time during the day - not to mention catching her/his breath - that simply can't stand. How does one respond to an emergency? Is it even possible to prepare materials/resources for the classes? Grading...well, that's not happening!!! Respond to emails...not a chance! Get to a principal meeting...no way!

And I don't want to hear anyone saying that the teacher is fortunate to have a job!!! If I do hear it, here's my response...You're damn lucky to have this teacher!!!

In terms of not finding an English teacher, this is just as troubling as the FACS teacher situation in WV. If we aren't able to find qualified and proficient English, Science, Math, Social Studies - or other curricular areas - teachers then just how are we are to provide the best education possible?

Troubling times for public education!

Dick

Distinct Needs

Public schools are by their nature relationship focused for pretty obvious reasons. Their existence extends into perpetuity and they are student focused and by extension that should be the case all the way through the system.

The vast majority of public schools are not for profit. Private enterprise firms are profit driven and that ought to be enough to tell anyone that the manner of running each is and ought to be quite different. Imposing a hierarchical 'business model' into public schools is not welcome and I have witnessed the move in this direction and for one I'm none too impressed or pleased.

In short, the 'business model' has tended to create an impersonal environment in schools. And one of the major causes of the impersonal nature is the wall that tends to be built up by 'the powers that be' and those students and faculty in the building. I'm not sure there is the intention of creating this chasm but it nonetheless exists.

Another death blow that often surfaces from the 'top down' model is the imposition, often without collaboration (remember from yesterday's blog) of various orders and charges to implement a program.

Here's my plea...Please leave the business model in the corporate board room.

Dick

Collaboration

In education jargon there are certain terms that seem to be thrown around to indicate ones proficiency or adeptness. One such term, out of many, is the use of the word collaboration. Make no mistake about it, working together in order to have strong curriculum and enriched courses of learning are critical.

I have witnessed real collaboration where there is a genuine respect for many ideas, probing, seeking ideas, broaching of concerns, listening to others, providing guidance, asking thoughtful questions and so very much more. These are all a part of collaborating with colleagues. Why are these qualities important? Well, they foster trust and respect not to mention coming up with a qualitative/thoughtful solution to a problem or issue.

Telling a teaching professional, at whatever level that may exist in a school setting, that 'this is way its going to be' is no way to foster and arrive at collaboration. If people are looking for buy in so to speak, are seeking to involve others and want to see the implementation of a program or idea be successful then they might want to look to the previous paragraph on elements of true collaboration.

Shouting out from down on high doesn't work!

Dick

Today' Teachers

I just had to head to school to meet with some soccer players who are willing to help with a fundraiser for our charity. The endeavor is called KICK (Kick It In for Chicago Kids) and for years succeeding generations, so to speak, have always stepped forward to find ways to raise money for children in need.

Okay, I digressed a bit. As I was heading to school to meet the boys I noticed that the teacher parking lot already had 43 cars. Mind you it was 16 degrees at exactly 6:43 am. And yes the individuals were already in the building hard at work meaning they got there well before 6:43!

The teachers at both Hinsdale Central and Hinsdale South gladly put in long hours to give it their best. And this scenario plays out all across the public schools of America. It's about time the naysayers woke up from their years ago long nap in which they saw teaching as purely teaching the proverbial '3 R's.'

Today's teachers do amazing work.

Teacher Strikes

The Denver, CO teachers went on strike yesterday. There is little doubt that the action wasn't something that anyone wanted least of all those very people in the classroom. Teachers know, understand and are willing to make up the lost days.

Though I'm not a huge strike advocate (I prefer to talk things out...negotiate) but the reason(s) educators strike often has much more to do with learning/teaching conditions than money. Pay is a critical element in any negotiation but in today's world other factors have become much more prominent when a strike action occurs.

Often teachers need to hammer out details on class size, the composition of classes with paraprofessionals, supply budgets, provisions for students with a variety of special needs, health care/insurance benefits, the combining of multiple courses in one class period and much more. These issues rarely make the front page of the news in the city/town/village where the strike is occurring.

Too often the term 'strike' to those who are ill informed simply means teachers want more money. A closer and more in-depth look at what is taking place in a particular school reveals a different scenario, one that goes beyond the paycheck.

Dick

Update from Haiti

It's well known that Hurricane Maria slammed into Puerto Rico in the fall of 2017. That same storm also ravaged parts of Haiti including the island of LaGonave. Schools Count assisted Haiti Partners following the 2010 earthquake by helping to rebuild Institute Mixte Nao just west of Port au Prince.

Hurricane Maria sadly did a good deal of damage to Bel Platon School on LaGonave. Erik Badger of Haiti Partners has been kind enough to forward the following information on our most recent contribution to Bel Platon. Here's the latest from the school:

Hi Dick,

Here is a short video update from the principal at Bèl Platon, Tony Delus. The quality isn’t great, but I hope it conveys a bit of the daily environment at the school: https://youtu.be/slycvDZ7I5E

Also, here is another written update from Tony:

Hello friends of Bèl Platon. For now the school is still working well. All children come to school every day. Our teachers are still using the methods with the students we’ve learned at the Haiti Partners trainings. The parents are motivated as seen in the way they send children to school regularly. We have meetings every Friday during which the professors evaluate their work for the week. World Vision has also been giving us training on teaching practices that we have been implementing with the children. We still have 125 children who come to school every day.

Every Saturday we hold a study club for the students who need extra help. Recently World Vision held a training on how to treat water and the importance of hand washing. And as you see in the video, we also have an activity on sanitation and environmental protection.

You asked how the Schools Count donation will be spent. As with your last gift, it will go towards core needs, primarily staff salaries for teachers, administrators, the neighbor who keeps tabs on the school grounds at night, and the local cooks who help prepare meals (when available). Additionally, they will be used for supplies and school materials for the kids, like the ones being distributed in the video.

I’ve also attached a couple pics from the classrooms in action. Again, please excuse the quality.

Once again, THANK YOU to you and your wonderful network of supporters who continue to support this small, remote school. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to be in touch.

Gratefully,

Erik

A Bit More on Charters

There has been much written about the effectiveness of charters delivering on a quality education. This is by no means a minor issue and I don't think it should be disregarded but let's set it aside for now. And I won't, for the time being, even comment on those who establish charters. Again, much ought to be examined on this front.

But one of the real pressing problems for charters and neighborhood schools in close proximity to one another - and many are - is the fact that they not only 'compete' for students but they also essentially split funds since both are public schools. Here's my point...if people are lamenting the fact that students and teachers are going without resources they can look no further than the fact that these two structural entities are also 'competing' for dollars.

Public education (and I'm not referring to those who choose private schools...that's their choice) shouldn't have a competitive factor. Every child getting a public education, as well as those working in this sector, shouldn't be engaged in a competitive foray of any sort. Full stop!!!

Dick

Chicago Charters Striking

Perhaps this shouldn't come as surprise. I'm certainly not stunned to learn that at some point in the future - now it turns out - charter school teachers would have to advocate for themselves and the children. Just this week four Chicago International Charter Schools went on strike. Mind you, charters are public schools and they are often funded at less than a nearby neighborhood school.

And why are the teachers striking? Well, it turns out that there are multiple issues, issues that anyone following the creation and growth of charters nationwide would realize it was just a matter of time before issues came to a head.

The teachers want smaller class sizes, they are asking for more Special Education resources and they feel there is a strong need for additional Social Workers and Counselors. Oh, and by the way, the teachers also get less pay than that neighborhood school just around the block.

This strike, not unlike any other strike hitting our schools, isn't some gamesmanship or ploy. The above are real issues and until those responsible for overseeing the schools get into the building(s) to learn that the needs are great and that those in the trenches can provide valuable insights; well, more discontent will arise in addition to students not being properly resourced.

Dick

It's About Time

Last year the IL State Legislature crafted 12 bills that would, among other things, give state officials the ability to revoke educator licenses of those who abused students. Guess what happened to these bills in light of the Chicago Tribune's 'Betrayed' investigation of CPS? That's right, the bills didn't even make it to the floor for a vote last year!!

Apparently, the time has come for the IL legislators to come to their senses. There are numerous bi-partisan ideas and bills floating around that now want to take action. That's a good thing for certain. What will be crucial is to come to some consensus on what can pass the House and Senate. That ought to be a 'no-brainer' but don't kid yourselves.

Some legislators want to revoke licenses, some want to set rules on the specific age that sex with a student is a crime, still others want to increase the level of scrutiny and transparency with respect to public access to the disciplinary records of school employees. All are warranted but the question remains. How will the House and Senate come to agreement on which of these should move forward.

Dick

Take Stock

I taught with some remarkable educators both in the department and in other disciplines. We learned from each other and sought to make adjustments to content and an overall course without being TOLD or INSTRUCTED to do so. How could that come about with the 'powers on high' dictating what to do or how to act?

Actually this was quite easy and organic. The students always let you know. No, not necessarily by some assessment. Our interactions with students, day to day, always gave us the feedback we needed in our teaching. You had to pay attention to that feedback if you really cared about making your course relevant.

Here's but one other manner where teachers constantly updated, altered and improved curriculum. You find a great teacher and they are always learning; listening to others, reading books and journals, and sharing materials. This went on throughout ones career, it wasn't some summer project or a particular book that moved the needle.

If a school administration and district administration wants to see improvement in any area of course offerings they ought to listen and learn - just as teachers have to - from those who are constantly engaged with the students. Change doesn't have to come down 'from on high.'

Dick

Bringing Aid to Parker Elementary

Parker Elementary School in Panama City was hard hit late last summer by Hurricane Michael. Due to the generosity of a local family in Hinsdale the children were able to receive new composition books, notebooks and pencils. The school was also in dire need of copy paper for the entire teaching staff. This family was kind enough not only to take care of all the children in the school but came through for the teachers!!!

Many thanks!
Dick

Just a Sampling

The Polar Vortex hit much of the Midwest with a blast of cold air the likes we haven't seen for some time. So while everyone was hunkered down for the better of 48 hours that left our students and teachers with no classes for at least two days. While I don't know what the students were up to, I can tell you that three teachers I was in touch with weren't exactly idle.

These three teachers were spending hours on calendars and curriculum work aside from other teaching responsibilities. Why do I mention this seemingly trite point? These staff members are like the many others I didn't communicate with during the onset of the arctic cold. No doubt others were engaged in grading and the like.

Point is that much of America can't come close to understanding the commitment teachers gladly and willingly take on. The next time someone decides to provide a verbal polar vortex pointed at our teachers perhaps you can let them know how indispensable they are to the very fabric of our country.

Dick