Not Even Close

When the two sides in the current CPS contract talks can't even agree on the name or meaning of the recent CTU 'practice strike vote' then it's likely that it's just a matter of time before a real strike vote occurs and that will be easy to understand. Whether one calls the CTU vote, approved by 97% of those who cast a ballot, a 'practice vote' or a 'push poll' according to CEO Forrest Claypool, is irrelevant.

What is relevant is the fact that the sides are far apart and the prospects for both sides working to find common ground, in light of all that is taking place here in Chicago and Springfield, are dim.

By the way, a Fact Finder is required by law so a strike is not on the immediate horizon. The Fact Finder process runs 100 days before any strike can occur. So don't look for a strike until March 2016 at the earliest. Sorry to say, but I think the probability of the financial woes being properly addressed are about as dismal as the prospects for reaching settlement on a teachers contract.

Dick

As the Holidays Approach

It always seems to be a festive time of year during this week of Thanksgiving. It is the time when our attention turns to family and spending time with loved ones and friends. The aroma of freshly baked pies, turkey, casseroles, sweet potatoes and more fills the home. As it should be!

Soon after Thanksgiving we will turn our attention to the next holiday in December. Much joy abounds!!

But as we enter this holiday period I can't help but think of too many people, school children included, who are going without; going without proper food, not having warm clothing or a warm home, without the support they need, and missing out on the good that the holidays have to offer.

All of this is a reminder of the good each of you do on behalf of these children-in-need. Thank you for assisting them in so very many ways.

Dick

That Feels Good!

The snow and cold of late fall and early winter seems likely to rear up for another season. We just delivered many coats and boots to deserving children in various schools within CPS, Nathan Hale and Harvey, IL schools. We are pleased to be able to do our part to help kids warm as they go to and from school,

Charters Shut Down

The Chicago Public School Board closed three low performing charter schools yesterday. A fourth charter may likely face the same fate when the CPS board gets together in December. The charter schools don't operate under the same rules as typical neighborhood schools. The neighborhood schools are regulated by a state-mandate process that is somewhat lengthy. Charters aren't under the purview of this process. CPS gets to determine the process of keeping charters open or closed.

It ought to be known that a couple of these schools have made progress and the CPS chief education officer acknowledged as much but she also said that "they failed to meet goals they laid out in remediation plans."

I believe it is also worth noting that these four charters - three closed - are mostly in poor neighborhoods. Here's the point...it doesn't matter if its a neighborhood school or a charter; the structure of a school doesn't guarantee success. Areas of poverty, crime, unemployment, low property values (low property tax income) and other concerns have a huge impact upon what takes place within the four walls of a school. Until all sides come to grips with this, the 'closing' trend will likely continue.

Dick

Progress, Not So Much

Yesterday Forrest Claypool, who is the CEO of the Chicago Public Schools, warned of dire cuts to school budgets and staffing without the assistance of the State of Illinois. This statement is similar to others made over the past couple of months. There is nothing new here.

What is new is that the Senate President, Mr. Cullerton, is pushing a measure that includes a two year freeze on local property taxes and while infusing $200 million into the pension relief for CPS. Here's the glitch; House Speaker Madigan, Governor Rauner and Chicago Teacher's Union Vice President Sharkey aren't in support of this proposal. So much for progress.

When on earth will these factions sit down at the same table, at the same time, and hash out these problems? I guess it is partly a rhetorical question as the answer seems to be that there is little chance of this taking place.

Dick

Give Me Education or Give Me Testing!

Yesterday I posed some critical questions to teachers, students, and parents regarding the idea that time spent on standardized testing as opposed to using the time for face-to-face. Whether you talk to students or teachers you will find that they are pretty much fed up with the overdose of standardized testing.

The answer is quite simple. Those most impacted by standardized testing want to teach and learn. They prefer to be in the classroom where real teaching and learning takes place.

There is a real or perceived disconnect between standardized testing and the benefits from such devices. Those most involved in the testing simply don't see the benefits of the tests. So the mantra of 'Give Me Education or Give Me Testing,' has a resounding answer...'Give Me Education.'

Dick

Just Ask Them

Given the enormous overload of standardized testing and the effort to use certain models of teaching to homogenize the efforts of teachers to instruct their students, some questions need to be posed to teachers and students regarding the effect(s) of these so called school reforms.

First, to teachers, "Would you rather see the time spent on standardized testing stay the way it is or would you prefer to use that time to teach?"

Second, also to teachers, "Do you feel standardized testing helps you teach and that it is a good measure of student learning in your class?"

Third, to teachers, "Do you feel that some of your instruction is used to prepare students for standardized testing and, if so, is that a good use of the time?"

Fourth, to students, "Would you rather take the standardized tests or would you prefer to use that time to be in the classroom?"

Fifth, to students, "Do you think standardized testing, and it results, help you to learn or play a significant role in motivating you going forward?"

Finally (though other questions need to be posed), to all groups in the public, "Do you feel as though there is too much time spent on standardized testing at the expense of classroom instruction?"

I'll talk about these tomorrow!

Dick