Turn down the Heat on Teachers

Only a fair portion of the American population, not a large part of it by any means, understands what it means to be a great teacher in America in 2014. I am tired of hearing of people bashing teachers for all sorts of reasons; summers off, alleged high pay, tenure, unions and more.

The fact of the matter is that the above don't even enter into what goes on in the life of a teacher. Most teachers quietly talk among themselves or come home to vent their frustrations, real ones at that! The biggest reason for not discussing these significant issues is because few will acknowledge them and even fewer will do anything about those issues.

The issues and concerns are often subtle and naked to the eye. Teachers want to be in the classroom and disruptive late start days, early dismissal days and long periods of time attending IEP meetings all serve to put teachers and students behind the proverbial '8 ball.' This is not a minor concern.

Students who miss long stretches of class due to illness, out of school suspensions, in-school suspensions are not minor disturbances. It seems as though everyone pounds the drum demanding that teachers suddenly meet the needs of these children after long stretches of absence. Teachers do their best to meet the needs of these kids but missing three, five or seven days of class at a time aren't made up in a 10 minute after school meeting with the teacher. Valuable class time is valuable class time and simply giving students missed assignments misses the point.

Many teachers have a number of students with IEP plans or other special accommodations and the students can typically be in the same classroom. Three special aides, as many as 35 to 40% of the class composition being Special Education students who require different curriculum and different assessment adds to the real craziness of running the class. On a given unit test, teachers may have to make three or four different exams, see to it that certain students are pulled out of class to go to their own room, making sure someone is available to proctor the tests and then have different answer keys and different criteria for grading those different tests makes this one small portion of the class - what use to be one simple unit exam - a HUGE undertaking.

To be quite blunt, even more troubling, is the fact that the 'powers that be' do very little to acknowledge the above (in addition to further underlying concerns) and the teacher is left to fend for themselves. With no acknowledgment of these issues it is no wonder that nothing is done about the above. I know for a fact that little is done about the issues that are of concern to teachers and students alike. I hear more terrific teachers lamenting the daily grind and pressures of obstacles that take away from their ability to teach effectively.

There are so many concerns and issues like the above that need to be addressed that one is left to wonder how America's teachers will be able to respond. I left the profession ten years ago but stay in touch with many in the classroom. I'm not sure, given the nature of the profession, that I would have been up to the task and that saddens me.

By the way, I don't want to hear some cynic say that 'if they can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.' Put another way, cynics, turn down the damn heat!!!

Dick

Not Changing Anything, Just a Bit of Help

I think we have all been told that we can change or do anything we set our minds to. There might be a modicum of truth to that but I am pretty sure we are better off setting our minds to simply helping where help is needed. I think it is nearly impossible to change anything; conditions in the world, others, or even ourselves.

I know for certain that our charity has brought aid and comfort to a number of students. I have absolutely no idea if our work has changed anyone's life. That may or may not happen for a number of years. Besides, we have plenty on our plates to simply bring resources to bear where they are needed.

As long as we know we are keeping kids warm, providing children with needed school supplies, and getting needed music/athletic/art materials to them then we can point to those acts as giving students every opportunity to succeed.

Thanks,
Dick

I Wonder...

Trying, and that is the key word, to put myself in the situation that so many young children face is impossible not improbable. That being said, I wonder what it would be like to live in a somewhat desolate and grim neighborhood? What would it be like not to have breakfast or any decent meal? And what would it be like to have the stress of the family having difficulties of all sorts.

These are but a few problems faced by a good number of school children day in and day out, year in and year out. How sad and unfortunate to live under such circumstances. I'm sure there is a fair amount of depression and little to look forward to for many of these young people.

Given this scenario, why would a child care about school, be concerned about homework, want to perform well on standardized tests, or even think about the future. The reality of day to day life takes precedence over such circumstances and I can understand why school might be the furthest thing from ones thoughts.

What I really wonder is why the rest of us can't come to some understanding of what it is like to deal with such issues and concerns.

Dick

CPS acts Responsibly

Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett made a couple of important and positive moves with respect to the rating of schools. Gone, thankfully, is the term 'probation' or 'probationary.' That is such a loaded term, in many respects, and its use certainly tainted the kids, teachers and the entire school community.

Also, many schools, last year, underwent significant changes as many schools were closed and others became welcoming schools with significantly different student populations. Some of these welcoming schools, under the old ranking system, would have had a lower rating due to the fact that test scores took a nosedive. But, to her credit, Byrd-Bennett realized that giving 'welcoming' schools a lower ranking, due to lower standardized test scores, would not be wise in light of the significant demographic shift.

To many these may not be big changes but to those children, families, staff and others, these changes reflect a sensitivity that are deserved by the various stakeholders.

Thank you CEO Byrd-Bennett for your understanding!

Dick

We can and must Change

I certainly don't have all the answers when it comes to poverty, areas of crime, unemployment, justice, and blight. These conditions affect many areas of America not just inner city regions. Yes, we hear the call of the inner cities but that is just a part of a larger issue.

I believe we have neglected to address the ills of our fellow Americans on a societal basis. I do believe we are all responsible for our own condition but when people are exposed to and suffer from various ills such as those above why wouldn't we in good conscience want to help as many of us do?

The fact of the matter is this...our SNAP programs, charitable foundations and numerous other agencies do blunt the effects of poverty, unemployment, a lack of nutritious food and more. The real issue isn't the good work of these groups; rather, whether our system of government and the organization of our society is set up in a way that makes it difficult for many to get out from under various hardships.

From my vantage point, things can be altered that would allow our fellow Americans to flourish.

Dick

Giving Back

Today is a global day of Giving Back. The smiles on the faces of the Harvey District #152 Superintendent and Asst. Superintendent are evidence of the good that takes place when we 'give back!' Please consider making a donation to Schools Count Corp., or another organization doing 'good' on this special day.

Many thanks,
Dick

Yes, 'Park' the PARCC test

Lauren Fitzpatrick, the Education Reporter for the Chicago Sun-Times, took the third grade PARCC test recently. As you will likely recall, the PARCC is offered at various grades levels and tests in the areas of English/Language Arts and Math. This year is the first year that the state exam will be rolled out in Illinois schools.

Ms. Fitzpatrick took the 3rd grade sample test. But to read her reflection, printed in today's edition of the Sun-Times, one would want to hold their breath if ones children were to take the exam. Why you ask? Well, for starters, when Ms. Fitzpatrick did some typing the information didn't show up in the box. In other instances Ms. Fitzpatrick kept "slipping the drag-and-drop box and wasted valuable time scrolling up and down that third long passage."

There were other issues and concerns with the 3rd grade test. I won't get into all of them as you have the idea.

What is most disconcerting is the scenario, as Lauren put it, of how she (as she recalled how she might react if she put herself when a third grader) or any third grade child would react to the problems described above. There's a great chance for confusion and frustration to set in. That should tell you all you need to know about this test being ready to be rolled out.

From my standpoint, 'park' the PARCC test!

Dick