Young People to the Fore!!

It is too often said that young people today are _______________________ (I let you fill in the  blank!)  Many in the older generations say that they just don't get it or they don't do it like 'in the good old days.'   Well, for the most part I think that is rubbish.    I find most of the young people I work with do give a damn!!  Below is a photo of over 100 Christmas gifts purchased and wrapped by the members of Hinsdale Central's Habitat for Humanity Club.    These gifts made their way to John Hay Elementary School in Chicago yesterday.    Thank you for helping to bring some joy to the children at John Hay!!!

 

Urgent Plea - Aid to Mayfield Schools!!!

 For those who are curious about giving direct aid to students and families in the Mayfield Independent Schools, who have lost their homes, I have direct contact with personnel who need housing for the kids and their parents. Schools Count is providing gift cards to stay in hotels, many 25 to 30 miles from Mayfield. Simply go to www.schoolscountcorp.org and hit donate. I will get the Holiday Inn and Best Western cards in the mail tomorrow. Many thanks for your consideration and responding to this urgent need. Sincerely, Dick Flesher

Wolf At The Schoolhouse Door - Part 4

 I'll try to keep this as simple as possible.   Over the last 40 years vouchers have been proclaimed as just the tonic needed to promote school choice and cure the alleged problems with the American education system.   Vouchers were to be earmarked to assist private schools.

Many states have said that public funds earmarked for public schools are not to be used to support private education though proponents of vouchers have fought vigorously to change said laws.   The federal legislation in the form of the Blaine Amendment finally said 'no' to public funds supporting private education.

The critics found a way around Blaine, they created neo-vouchers!!    This is a system where a supporter of private education gets a tax credit on their tax form (which reduces their taxes and the funds the state would receive) and the credit is accrued to a non-profit connected to a private school.    The non-profit, in turn provides a scholarship to the private school student of the tax payer who received the tax credit.

No funds are actually moved around in the above system but such a procedure can certainly make it more enticing to send a student to a private school rather than a public one.    In my view, just another of the many ways public education can be undermined.

Dick

Wolf At The Schoolhouse Door - Part 3

 Let me share some of the comments made by some of the wolves that may shed some light on what is passed off as failing public schools/education.   All of these comments, to a certain degree, can and do shape the public's perception of the quality of education in America and where we should/will go from here according to the critics.

Betsy DeVos had this to say..."So much has changed and our lives are better because of it."    She went on to say, in my view without seeing any connection to the progress she asserts, "So why is our education system so far behind the curve?"   

The list of prominent wolves is long and former Governor of Wisconsin, Scott Walker, did his part to harm schools.   Act 10 not only stripped teachers and other public employees of their collective bargaining rights but it slashed $2 billion in aid to public schools.

Bryan Caplan, an economist at George Mason University's Mercatus Center (the Koch Brothers help to fund this), had this to say about the funding of education.  "Government should stop using tax dollars to fund education of any kind."

People may think that public education isn't under assault but the slow trickle of criticism seems to be gathering steam and many of the people with real power and money are aiding in this cause.

Dick

'A Wolf At The Schoolhouse Door' - Part 2

 A Wolf At The Schoolhouse Door begs the question...just who or what is the 'wolf?'   In some ways that's a complicated question in and of itself.  Why?   Well, because there are actually many actors portraying the 'wolf' and for a variety of reasons.

Let's start here.  The goal of the 'wolf' (wolves) is to change the face of public education in America.   The end game is to privatize the system.   As I said the reasons are many.   More on that in the days to come.

Back to the question of who is the 'wolf?'   The wolf has many faces; conserative leaning groups; ALEC, thinks tanks (Heritage, Cato and others), and a new and vocal proliferation of groups heavily funded by the likes of the Koch Brothers and none other than the former Secretary of Education, Betsy DeVos.    In some ways this all got going 75 years ago by a leading economist of the day, Milton Friedman.

Yes, Friedman, in the 1950's argued that the free market ought to be the one to deliver the system of public education.   These are individuals who make no secret that they want funds to move away from public education, as we know it, to a whole menu of other types of education institutions.

Thanks,

Dick

A book for all Educators and supporters of Public Education

 Okay, so my blog title is a trifle long!!!    But I have a suggestion of a book regarding the dismantling of public education and I'd like educator and non-educators to give it serious consideration.    The Jack Schneider and Jennifer publication is titled 'A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door.'

Though I'm just 50 pages into the text the book discusses the nearly 75 year effort to privatize public education through grants, vouchers, tax credits and more.    The whole idea is get, what critics of public education declare, wasteful and unwanted spending off of the backs of taxpayers.

The critics of public education, who want to privatize education in America, have all sorts of alleged reasons for the failure of public education and the need to privatize.    Their argument is multi-faceted; wasteful spending, union control, too much bureaucracy, poor results and more.

Over the next few days (perhaps even weeks) I'll further discuss the current state of affairs in the struggle to maintain our public education while many forces are aligned behind striking at the heart of the American public education system.

Dick

Giving Tuesday

Below is a note from Terri Thomas who works in the main office at Medgar Evers Elementary on the south side of Chicago.    We delivered coats to many of the students two weeks ago.    I want to share the note with you as indicates the gratitude expressed by those who need a bit of help   I believe it is a real life example of what 'Giving Tuesday' is all about...caring and sharing.

Later today I'll provide the details on how you can donate to Schools Count on 'Giving Tuesday' so that you can help other Chicago Public School children keep warm this winter as they head to and from school each day.

Many thanks, Dick

 Good evening

I wanted to wish you a Happy Thanksgiving first of all.  Evers is so appreciative for all that you do for our students.  I wanted to share some pictures of the children in their warm winter coats.  This is truly an act of giving.  We appreciate you.  Enjoy your Thanksgiving with family, laughter and relaxation.

Blessings,

Terri Thomas

Medgard Evers Elementary

9811 S, Lowe St.

Chicago, IL 60628

Teacher Assistance

 With so many changes taking place in the field of education for a whole host of reasons, teachers often are left to advocate for themselves.    This isn't a one time only call to action due to the pandemic.    With an abundance of changes in teacher assignments, curriculum adjustments and the demands of the digital classroom it stands to reason that teachers are in need of some assistance.

Too often that assistance from the 'powers that be' is slow to arrive if at all.   What I have described above are demands that are rather overwhelming.     If Boards of Education and Administration can't or won't ease the burden or take something off the plate then it is up to teachers to turn to their associations for help.

Too often we think of teacher associations (or unions) as organizations that bargain.    Though that is a fact, it is high time that teachers demand their officials in their teacher associations/unions to stand up for teachers in light of the heavy burden of changes in work conditions.    Ones pay is important no matter ones occupation.    The demands made of teachers, if onerous, are of no less importance.

Teachers can only be as effective as their work conditions permit.   It's high time that they improve.

Dick

People Power

 Yes, each and every single one of us has the power to empower others no matter the cause or regardless of the obtacles.    The work of Schools Count relies on that very idea and ideal.    Each one of us has the ability to make a difference and that means that someone else is all the better for your 'people power.'

Next Tuesday, November 30th is 'Giving Tuesday.'   Many charities and non-profits, like ours, depend upon your kindness and generosity.    Please watch for facebook and other types of postings that will invite you to donate to Schools Count this year.

The funds raised next week will purchase new winter coats, new pajamas and will help to offset the cost of refurbishing music instruments.    As always you can donate simply by going to www.schoolscountcorp.org and clicking on the donation link to make a contribution.    I'll be sure to provide you with a tax deduction receipt for you People Power donation.

Many thanks and Happy Thanksgiving,

Dick

Equal ISN'T Equal - Part 2

 Yesterday I mentioned that two teachers, though each with 5 classes, are certainly not sharing an equal work load if one has 2 preps and their colleague has four preps.   That seems pretty clear.   There are still many other factors, perhaps not so clear to most, that make this idea of 'equal is equal' a fools errand!

Let's say a Social Studies teacher is teaching any unit; the Civil War, Civil Rights or any other one.  Another department member is teaching the same unit at the same time.    The background of each staff member may be very different.   One person may have a very rich history on the Civil War including doing their Master's Thesis on some aspect of the conflict.    The other staff member may have a cursory background on the Civil War.

Though we want some commonality, it is simply impossible to completely replicate what is taught and how it is taught.  It may come close but the idea that the teachers can make things 'equal' from one teacher or class to another is not achieveable.   It stands to reason then that the students are going to have a different experience.

Far more important to examine and achieve is the idea of equity and what I refer to as a 'qualitative' experience.

Dick

In Education Equal ISN'T Equal

 Let's say two teachers each have 5 classes to teach in the same department or in the same grade level.    One teacher may have two preps while the other teacher may very well have four preps.  So, yes, they have an equal number of minutes to teach but in reality their teaching load is not the same by a long shot.

There are any number of other variables to consider when talking about 'equa'l relative to the field of education.    The fact of the matter is that equal is not going to be achieved for a whole host of reasons.  Over the next few days I will get into other examples/issues with regard to 'making things equal.'   In fact, trying to 'make things equal' is a fools errand.

More to the point, it is equality that is far more important to chase rather than making things equal.  Please follow the blog where is continue to examine the issue of 'equal ISN'T equal.'

Have a good day!
Dick

Anchoring a Community

 In various communities in America there are a variety of hubs or anchors that, so to speak, bind or hold the community together.   In some areas it's a factory or industry while in other areas it might be a store or a place of worship.

As our work continues in areas of blight and neglect we have found that within the CPS school system the one place that is the focus of the community is the school.   Not only is it a place where education takes place but it often serves as a location of food or clothing distribution.    And there are plenty of schools that offer Saturday literacy classes.    

And surely one of the most important benefits of the school is that it is a safe and welcoming place for one and all.   Yes, CPS schools are truly positive anchors.

Have a great weekend

Dick

Not True

 For all those who simply believe that schools in areas of blight and neglect in urban and rural areas are underperforming or that they simply, to coin a phrase, simply don't care are way off.   These are regions or locations that lack the tax infrastructure, lost manufacturing jobs (suffer unemployment) or are missing key elements that would better support schools.

But to go into these schools to witness the effort of the students and school personnel one can see that the efforts made are nothing short of incredible.   Yes, they have to overcome so many barriers and hardships and - are you ready for this - they don't moan and groan that they have too little.   Like I've said before, it simply is not true that these people 'don't care.'

All of that said, it makes it easy for Schools Count Corp. to work with these schools.

Dick

Helping the Kids Stay Warm

 Yesterday I mentioned that aside from providing dollars to those schools and students in need there are other important ways to help the kids.   We are about to head out the door with 100 new winter coats and 40 pairs of PJ's to lend a helping hand.   A special thanks to all of our donors for seeing to it that the students stay warm and they head to school each day!!

More than Money

 Our work, and that of other groups, in Chicago, Harvey and other schools throughout the nation needs to be about much more than money and what funds can purchase.   If all that was ever needed was money and what it could provide then we would likely solve the issues and concerns facing the students, their parents and the rest of the school community.

Impoverished regions, both rural and urban, need to have the strong support of the community relative to letting the schools know that their mission is the most important facet of keeping the area vital.

Tutoring, social services, proper foods, family assistance, after-school programs, field trips, inspirational speakers, mentoring, weekend fairs, mobile libraries, and so many more services are needed.    In short, anything that can be provided to let the students know that they are cared for and that they are important.

Money can certainly aid the various causes but our robust human intereactions can make all the difference.

Dick

Bits and Pieces

Schools Count Corp will head out to some of our CPS partner schools this Wednesday, November 10th as we will be making our initial delivery of winter coats and pajamas!!!   Watch for photos and reactions from our CPS friends.

Though off, way off in the future, we will once again partner with the HC Music Dept on the evening of Tuesday, April 26th as we will revive our long standing Jazz Concert Benefit.    We will keep you posted on this marvelous event in the early spring.

Make sure to keep your eyes peeled as we will once again host our annual fundraising on 'Giving Tuesday' which falls on November 30th this year.    The funds will support the purchase of winter wear and the purchase of music instruments.

Stay well!!!

Dick

 

Buy In

My Friday message, particularly learned from acting as President of Schools Count Corp., is that creating 'buy in' is a healthy and necessary function of moving in a positive direction.

 You can give an education initiative, be it at a classroom or district level, any name you so desire but the most important consideration is that there has to be 'buy in.'   Granted this may be difficult to achieve but it's very success depends upon people seeing the value to it.

And this 'buy in' has to take place long before a policy, new course, tweaking a course and other programs is put into place.    It doesn't make any sense for a teacher, administrator or other school official (at the local or state level) to make a requirement or change without making sure people are on board.    

I am confident in saying that creating this type of operational system will be beneficial to all stakeholders.

Have a great weekend.   See you Monday!

Dick

On Honesty and Diversity

 Two interesting events took place yesterday.   In the first case the Southlake Texas school board election was won by a candidate who wanted to get rid of the district's diversity plan.    The other election saw Glenn Youngkin win the governor's race in Virginia.    In large part the governor's race, like the Southlake board election, had much to do with education.

At the heart of both elections was the issue of education or more specifically diversity and race (or as some refer to it as 'critical race theory').

Let's go back to the title of this post.   If we are dealing with anything in education, in this case diversity/race it ought to come as no surprise that we ought to talk about/discuss issues in an honest manner.   Sugar coating ought to be for cereal!

First, I know of no curriculum in schools that teaches so called 'critical race theory.'   How do I know?  I've asked teachers and others have been interviewed and said the same.   Second, if our schools are REALLY doing their jobs then we have to tell the whole story in an accurate manner whether that deals with economics, race, grammar, music, etc., etc.   Third, we have always been a diverse nation.  Nothing new there.    So why is the issue centering on facets in public education now in some school board and governor elections?   Yes, I really want to know why?   Oh, I have some thoughts as to why!

As I was trained as a teacher I did not come across the Tulsa Massacre, the Wilmington Massacre, the New Orleans Massacre, the destruction of Rosewood, FL (yes, that's what they were) and many other harmful events that actually took place in our history.   If I had known about these I would have included them in my lessons.

And quite 'honestly' had I known about any FACTUAL and ACTUAL events that took place in our nation's past then, as an educator, I should have taught it; otherwise it would have been a dereliction of duty.  I would hope that parents would want me to do the same.  And finally, as far as elections are concerned with many issues to consider by the voters, if any candidate can't portray an important issue within education in an honest manner then they are really doing a disservice to their constituents.

Dickis 

A Few Simple Things

 As parents and community members here are a few simple reminders...

...teachers do care about your sons and daughters

...ask your son or daughter about a concern or issue or how they're doing

...contact the teachers prior to going over their heads to the Principal or Asst. Principal

...be patient as the teachers have plenty on their plates

...work with the staff in collaboration (you're bound to get better results)

...see to it that your daughter and/or son get the proper guidance from your end

...take the time to simply be there

...it takes time but they'll get there

Dick

What I've Seen

 Having been involved in education for most of my life I still find myself, while not romantizing, wondering just why it is that those teachers and others involved in education are hired and entrusted with the welfare of children are often then left to the whims of boards of education, state legislators and others who might not have ever been in the classroom.

Do such agencies and groups not trust the staff?   Are they 'fearful' (whatever that entails) that someone or any number of teachers might chart a different course for students?   And what if they do?   Do they think they 'know' more than the teachers?

Those many teachers I've worked with and witnesed doing their craft are dedicated to the profession.  Better put, they are dedicated to their students.    The vast cadre of teachers get it...the curriculum, relating to students and being held accountable.   

All of which leads me to a couple of thoughts.   First, the above groups need to allow teachers to do what they are trained and willing to accomplish without interference.   Second, there is nothing to fear here.  By and large, many teachers play it close to the vest and know enough not to 'screw up.'   Third, find out what the staff needs rather than merely telling them what to do.

Dick

Time to Get Back in the Game!!

It's been far too long that I've been absent from blogging about all that is taking place in the field of education both locally and nationwide.    There's plenty to share with you.   Amazing things are taking place in the classrooms and yet...

School board meeting have become contentious in too many parts of America.    There are charges that school districts and teachers are teaching 'Critical Racial Theory.'  Before I add some comments on this issue, I want those of you who follow this blog to know that I have checked with at least a dozen of my former colleagues and none of them teach this.

Now, let me add this point.   Our country is 245 years old and we need to teach EVERY aspect of our American History...full stop.    That means talking about ALL discoveries, inventions, race, gender, government, wars, the economy and so much more.   So, guess what my friends, teaching American History means teaching all of it...things covered up, forgotten, and ignored...ALL OF IT!

Thanks, Dick