West Pullman - More Success!

It is my hope that some of our avid blog followers are seeing a developing picture among a good portion of the schools we serve in the CPS system. A trend in upward growth is quite evident, a harbinger of better days ahead for the children.

West Pullman Elementary is but another success story. The average percent, schoolwide, of children meeting or exceeding state standards on the ISAT test in 2010was 58%. 2011 revealed that 64.7% of the students had met or exceeded the state standards. A nice jump.

Though other schools in the city may have achieved greater growth, few schools have suffered as much as West Pullman when it comes to dealing with some tough times on the southside. The fact remains...West Pullman is improving, the students are showing growth, and everyone concerned is 'pulling their weight.'

As such, the school is most deserving of any help that we can continue to render and that's just what we'll do going forward.

Keep up the great work!
Dick

Lavizzo Elementary Marches On

As I periodically do, I am posting the change in ISAT scores on another one of the Chicago Public Schools we are fortunate enough to work with each fall. As is the case with many of the schools we serve, Lavizzo Elementary's ISAT scores showed great improvement from 2010 to 2011.

The combined percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, in 2010, was 32.2%. Things changed drastically in 2011 as 63.1% of the Lavizzo student body either met or exceeded state standards.

This is wonderful growth!! Kudo's should go out to everyone in the Lavizzo community; the students, teachers, parents, support staff, administration, aides and tutors. I am probably missing some key individuals, who supported this exciting upward trend, so I apologize if I did not name you.

As the crusade to add charters and turnarounds seems to continue, unabated, there is clear evidence that a good portion of the neighborhood schools are getting the job accomplished on a daily basis.

Keep up the great work Lavizzo!!
Dick

'Don't Obsess on Selective Enrollment'

These are the words from today's Chicago Tribune article in which CPS Chief Jean-Claude Brizard emphasized that the best school options come from improving neighborhood campuses. Said Brizard, "I think as a community we're a bit too obsessed with selective enrollment."

These comments were made at the New Schools Expo at Soldier Field on Saturday, January 28th. He added, "What we have to do, folks, is create great schools for kids, no matter where they are."

I'm not always in agreement with Mr. Brizard but, on this issue, there is common ground. Many neighborhoods lack security; job, social, safety, etc. Another form of security can be maintained by keeping students in schools that are working hard and helping kids progress. Notice, I said nothing about test scores.

Whenever children, and their parents, can find peace of mind, a decent education and other forms of stability, withing their communities, then everyone will be all the better for it.

Shipping children around the city to selective schools, closing neighborhood schools that are doing a credible job, and tearing down pillars of crumbling communities is not the answer. On this topic, Mr. Brizard has it right. People 'shouldn't obsess about selective enrollment.'

Thanks,
Dick

Too Much at Stake

One of the efffects of promoting charter schools has been the resulting competetion for students. This may or may not have been an intended consequence of creating such schools but it is a fact. I'll put on my less cynical mask and say that it wasn't intended.

This is a sad story. Pitting schools against one another. Schools aren't free enterprise entities though I know some people reckon it ought to be that way. A seven year old is entitled to a decent and comprehensive education and it should take place as a matter of fact in our society.

We have gone centuries believing in and adhering to the fact that a public education is inherent in the American Experiment. There is no other way to put it and there is no reason to alter the march in that direction.

Lots of people tout 'American Esceptionalism' and if that is indeed the case then the mainstay of reaching such a lofty goal is to have a single, focused goal of providing the best possible public education .

We don't need competing interests and factions doing the above. We need to pull together and find a way, as we have for decades, to satisfy the 'commons.' There is too much at stake to do otherwise.

Thanks,
Dick

Just Another Day in the Life of a Teacher

I have written past stories regarding the onslaught of 'reforms' put in place by various government agencies. At the same time, I have commented on the amount of time, effort, and thought it takes for the classroom teacher to implement such reforms as; 504 plans, various levels of curriculum (and delivery) for students in the same class, online assignments, and IEP's.

I came across an example with an IEP, just the other day, that underscores the huge commitment made by teachers that goes virtually unnoticed by the general population. And, while going unnoticed, it allows critics of teachers and schools to continue the barrage of criticism against public education.

Here's what I came in contact with...A teacher filled me in on a student with an IEP who has it written in his plan, among a number of accommodations, that if he goes below a certain score then the teacher has to meet before and/or after school to go over the incorrect answers. The teacher has to go over all the material that this young man got wrong and he will keep meeting with the teacher until he gets the material correct. Once that takes place then the score will be raised.

Let me be clear I have worked with students with IEP's for a long period of time and I very much enjoyed my relationship with them just as I did with other students. So I want it to be known that we are to help students who have IEP's.

A teacher literally could have to meet with this one person numerous times (and has) per week outside of the classroom. But that's not the whole story. That's just not reasonable given the other duties of a teacher, the time that needs to be spent with up to 130 other students who might need one to one assistance, and the fact that many teachers have lots of IEP students.

Too often, those that develop such 'reforms' just don't understand, or care to, just how difficult it is to meet everyone's expectations and mandates. Really, when will this whirlwind of demands, many not very reasonable, end?

Like I said, it's 'just another day in the life of a teacher.' The fact is, it doesn't have to be this way.

Thanks,
Dick

Fat Tuesday Fundraiser!

2012 promises to be an eventful year for the schools we serve and what better way to kick off our fundraising than to put on a Fat Tuesday Fundraiser!! Our Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Concert is just around the corner and you'll want to get in on the fun at this wonderful jazz concert.

The Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles will put you in the mood by playing a variety of favorites on Tuesday, February 21st. As in the past, Hinsdale Central will host the event in the student cafeteria commencing at 7:30 pm.

Aside from the night club atmosphere and great jazz, the HC Music Parents Association will provide all sorts of refreshments for our patrons. Quite nice of them indeed!

Admission to the event is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. A nice deal! By the way, anyone wishing to donate an instrument, in good playing condition, will be provided with FREE admission and Schools Count Corp will provide a charitable tax deduction receipt for the donated instrument. Just bring the instrument to the concert and I will be pleased to accept it.

The instruments will be given to Chalmers Elementary School in Chicago. They have a music teacher but NO instruments!! Our charity will help the school collect instruments so that they can have a band program.

What better way to shake the winter blues away than to partake in a night of jazz, all the while by helping Chalmers get their program up and running.

Looking forward to seeing you!!

Many thanks,
Dick

And the Role of the Teacher...

As I was pondering the implementation of a longer school day at CPS next year, it dawned on me that adding 90 to 140 minutes to the existing day is quite significant.
Then the question hit me...what role did the teachers play, or not, in determining what specific curriculum will be implemented?

I am not talking about how the CPS Teacher's Union weighed in on the matter though I am not discounting their importance. I am sure there are many thoughtful people within the CPS hierarchy who have their heads on straight and can be of great assistance in this matter.

But here's the critical point...the people in the trenches, day in and day out, know the needs of the children. The teachers know the strength and weaknesses of the kids and, as such, must be part of the process.

If teachers aren't consulted then we have lost an important element that should be part of the process. Another reason to consult with teachers is this...they are the ones who have to deliver the additional subject matter. Curriculum should be added to the lengthened day that teachers can effectively deliver to the students.

When teachers are an integral part of the process, and buy into it, then the chances improve that the lengthened school day will produce great results.

Dick

Part II - CPS Lengthened Day

The longer school day going into effect next year is likely to provide many benefits to the children in the Chicago Public Schools. I'm certain that the added instruction will prove to be beneficial.

Let's hope that the driving force for a longer school day isn't raising test scores. To some, this may be the best way to track progress but that doesn't equate to receiving a well rounded education!

The extra 90 to 140 minutes could well be spent by providing students with art and music instruction. Right now the students within the CPS system receive minimal time in these courses. The point is this...if the vast majority of the expanded school day is used to augment reading and math then the whole child's development will be denied.

The benefits of a well rounded curriculum are well known. If such an education is appropriate for the vast majority of communities in America, with the proper resources, then they are necessary for the students of the Chicago Public Schools.

Dick

Details of Longer CPS School Day

As promised, according to this morning's Chicago Sun-Times article, the Chicago Public School students will see their day lengthened by anywhere from 90 to 140 minutes next year.

As mentioned on other occasions, I am in favor of a longer school day. I am sure the students will benefit from having additional classroom instruction time. No doubt about it.

The pluses could be huge and notice, please, that I said that the benefits 'could be' significant. No, I am not be skeptical at the outset; rather, raising some serious points that haven't been fully answered.

For one, the day is being lengthened for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Additional instruction time likely means more class periods and that will necessitate additional teachers. Little mention was made in the Trib's article about a real commitment to hiring more teachers.

Ninety to one hundred and forty minutes added to the school day will require teachers to put in much more time at school. The question needs to be raised, what compensation will be provided to the teachers? I can't fathom anyone realistically expecting teachers to put in the extra time pro bono.

Here's another concern. Though an additional 54 minutes will be added to the elementary school instructional day and 46 minutes to the high school day, what will use will be made of the remaining period of time? How will that additional time be used? If it's not used wisely then simply adding minutes to the day will prove to be useless.

Finally, one more factor needs to be part of this process. All parties need to make sure that school officials, building staff, teachers, parents and students buy into the lengthening of the day. If this doesn't take place then all of the plans, no matter how well intended will fail.

Let's hope for the best!
Dick

What School Reform Should Look Like

Plenty of programs, laws, and policies have been initiated in recent years in the name of school reform. From NCLB to charter schools to state testing to turnarounds to school closings, plenty has taken place over the past couple of decades.

I have great doubts about the effectivenss of most of these because I believe the essence of school reform, from its inception, is misguided. By that, I am referring to the meaning of school reform.

The idea of school reform should have one simple parameter...what can be done to best serve the learner. Notice I didn't say what can be done to raise test scores.

Closing one school and opening another, in and of itself, doesn't necessarily address the idea of best serving the learner. Does a charter necessarily meet the criteria I've suggested? Not really. Firing an entire staff, and replacing them, doesn't necessarily get the job done either.

You want school reform? Here's what it looks like...

a) Provide excellent teachers
b) Get the resources needed to the students and teachers
c) Strive for improvement
d) Put good leadership in each school building
e) Set high expectations
f) Don't worry about test scores
g) Maintain stability within the school
h) government agencies, and others, have to address neighborhood poverty rather than shuttering school buildings
i) Provide a comprehensive education that doesn't merely focus on one or two subjects
j) Engage students, believe in them, convince them that education will make a difference.

Thanks,
Dick

More Success!

Curtis Elementary is another one of the CPS schools which we are pleased to assist. Talk about a school on the rise...WOW!!

Check out these ISAT scores! The composite scores of all students, taking the ISAT, looks like this: The reading score was 36.7 in 2010 and jumped to 80.4 in 2011. An incredible amount of progress. The same goes for math. The score in 2010 was 49.1 and in 2011 it jettisoned to 80.4!

Just another example of students, staff and parents getting the job done. We find success stories like Curtis all the time. Too bad this good news rarely cracks the daily media.

We are proud to help Curtis and we'll continue to do so going forward.

Thanks for your assistance!
Dick

Diane Ravitch on Education

Take it from an expert, we are allowing those who know little about education and reform to dictate classroom policy. According to Diane Ravitch the time has come to let the pro's reform education and to get governors, the Dept. of Education and the President out of the way.

Ravtich commented in the Dec. 2011/Jan. 2012 issue of Educational Leadership that "testing is a very flawed instrument and we are basing our kids future on it." Her argument is a strong and profound one in that it calls into question what students will take out of constant standardized testing during the K-12 years.

Ms. Ravtich goes on to pose a thoughtful statement and question regarding the real goal of education. If the "aim of education is to get the right answer then what does that do to creativity, to imagination and the ability to find answers to solve problems?"

I'll help answer the question. Students will learn that getting the 'right answer' is all that counts. Getting answers correct is but one facet of educating today's youth. Going through life, however, will prove a great deal more difficult than getting the 'right anwser.'

The time has come to shelve the heavy dependence upon standardized testing as the 'cureall' reform to improve learning, teacher effectiveness and more. Perhaps this discussion will finally lead the general public to understand that education has always been about much more than testing.

Dick

It's A Cold One

As I sit comfortably in Starbucks, on this very chilly morning, my thoughts turn to the homeless and how they deal with this cold. The cold is but one more obstacle that many Chicago children, particularly those who are homeless, have to deal with year in and year out.

There are a staggering 1.35 million homeless youth in the United States, many of those (43%) who are age 6, or under, are living with homeless parents.

Here in Illinois, 25,000 youth are homeless and at least 11,000 of them live in the city of Chicago. Can you imagine what it is like to be in their shoes? How on earth, if they make it to school (which many do!), do they function in the classroom?

This is one of the many reasons Schools Count Corp. recently delivered hundreds of coats to the kids. It is a worthwhile endeavor we will continue next year.

When I hear people harp about the quality of school or the lack thereof I am reminded of such obstacles as homelessness and the cold. I am also reminded of the fact that many of these environmental and societal issues are outside of the control of the children.

I am puzzled by those who complain about low inner city test scores or some of the other struggles that children face who confront the effects of poverty. The cold and homeless are but symptoms of such poverty and the kids don't have the 'boot straps' to tackle such problems.

As long as the schools work hard to assist the children and as long as the students work to the best of their abilities then we'll do our part to help them get an education. Cold, poverty, homelessness and more should not stop us from helping these people.

Thanks,
Dick

Not So Fast!

For those of you who follow our blog and the happenings in the Chicago Public School system the article below renders a thoughtful judgement against closing schools and making others turnarounds unless CPS garners more information. Spearheaded by Rep. Cynthia Soto, there is a movement afoot, on different fronts, to better examine the closures and turnarounds.

By Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, Chicago Tribune

A state legislative task force created to address community concerns over Chicago's efforts to shut down or completely overhaul underperforming schools is calling for a moratorium on school closings and "turnarounds."

"This is a new (CPS) administration," said state Rep. Cynthia Soto, D-Chicago, who plans to introduce a bill calling for the ban when the General Assembly returns later this month. "They really have to get to know these communities before they start to take school actions. Some of the schools they've proposed are performing and should not be targeted."

Soto, the task force co-chairwoman, called for a moratorium three years ago and the legislature established the task force, which last year crafted the state law that now holds CPS subject to more rigorous guidelines concerning how officials decide actions like school closings and staff replacement.

The task force will be reporting back to state officials on CPS' compliance with the new law this year. In a resolution passed this week, task force members said CPS' guidelines for determining school closings and turnarounds remain unclear.

In November CPS announced its plans to close seven schools this year and picked another 10 for turnaround, a process by which all staff are fired, new people are hired and millions of dollars worth of programs are poured into the new school in a bid to raise test scores.

But since those announcements, community groups have pointed to the fact that Casals Elementary, a Humboldt Park school in Soto's district, is slated for turnaround even though other schools have lower test scores. More than 61 percent of Casals' students met state standards, which is almost 12 percentage points below the district average but still higher than other schools that are not being closed.

The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization said the greater Bronzeville region has seen 15 schools closed and one high school turnaround in 12 years, but still another two schools in the area were proposed for closing and two more for turnaround this year.

CPS objects to a ban on closings and turnarounds.

MLK on Education

Many students have the day off as it is Martin Luther King Day. Though everyone realizes Dr. King was a civil rights leader, many may not realize the extent to which Dr. King cared about the issue of education. Following is a quote from Dr. King that I thought was worth sharing with you.

Said Dr. King...

"At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths. To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.

Schools Count Corp will do all we can to enhance the above of condition, no matter the school, city or country.

Many thanks,
Dick

Haiti - 2 years Later

Barely a whisper was heard this past week marking the 2nd anniversary of the January 12, 2010 earthquake which literally ripped apart much of Haiti. Yes, there was mention of it at PBS and the Guardian but not much in the mainstream American media.

Lots of promises were made to come to the aid of the Haitians. $4.5 billion was committed to the country but, scarcely two years later, just 53% of the assistance has made its way to the country. A sad statistic but true statistic. Just two countries have fully followed through, namely Japan and Finland.

The ongoing tragedy has taken a huge toll. Not only did 300,000 Haitians perish in the quake but the after-effects continue to be devastating. Clean water, a lack of jobs, poor sanitation, cholera and homelessness are but a few of the problems. Oxfam states that at least 500,000 are still homeless. Yes, the tent cities remain.

On the education front, at least 653 have been repaired and another 612 rebuilt. That's promising but many children aren't attending school who were doing so prior to the quake. The earhtquake destroyed or damaged at least 4,000 schools. Much work remains to be done on this front.

As many of you know Kids4Good and Global Hope joined forces with Schools Count to rebuild IMN in Darbonne, Haiti. IMN is doing quite well...enrollment is up, a kitchen depot is in place and there is access to clean water.

Rarely do I have a wish but I do have one with regard to education in Haiti. My wish is that some philanthropic organization or foundation would donate $40,000 to build a high school in Darbonne. If that would come to fruition, I would see to it that the high school got built!!!!!!!!

All the best to our Haitian friends!
Dick

Good News from Pickard!!

There is more good news to report from one of the Chicago Public Schools which Schools Count Corp. assists each year. Today we will examine the ISAT scores of Pickard Elementary, a school of nearly 700 students.

The jump in ISAT scores in reading and math is quite noticeable!! In 2010 the percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards in math was 73.7%. By 2011 that percentage rose to 81.7%, an increase of 10.8% percent...quite nice!!

The gains in reading were even more prominent! In 2010 59.3% of the students met or exceeded the state mandate. By 2011, 81.7% of the children met or exceeded the state-set goal. This is meteoric rise of 37.7%!!

It's great to see that the entire Pickard Elementary school family is doing so well. It's is just one of many reasons why we enjoy working with this westside school. Keep up the good work!!

Dick

Chalmers on the Move!

Chalmers Elementary is on the upswing! Though the school has had some rough years, such is not the case recently. With some hard work, new administration and renewed efforts to excel on the part of the students and teachers, Chalmers has revealed some nice gains in the last couple of years.

The ISAT scores from 2010 to 2011 indicate such growth. Overall, the school-wide reading scores, went from 42.5% of the students either meeting or exceeding state standards in 2010 to 57% doing so in 2011. That's a 11.2% jump!

In terms of math, 46.9% of students met or exceeded the state standard in 2010 while 54.9% did so in 2011. Again, a double growth rate, this time 10.4%.

It takes many individuals and groups to make such outstanding gains. The students, parents, school staff and more have all pitched in to make this happen. No doubt, AmericaSCORES has done much to make the above improvements come to fruition in their afterschool program.

However you examine it, the students are getting the job done over the past couple of years. This is but one more indicator of believing in the staff and children and it gives our charity another reason (we really did need another one!) to continue our partnership with Chalmers.

This success story is another in a long line of those which never finds its way into the press. The general line often talks about the failure of public schools within the inner city. My experience, thus far, at Chalmers, is that it is becoming a much more positive school.

All the more reason to keep helping them!

Thanks,
Dick

Some happy folks at Chalmers

As sometimes happens, Harry Bull, a teaching colleague/golf partner/friend, made the trek to Chicago yesterday to deliver coats to the Chalmers children. Harry had some observations that give you a sense of the dedication of the Chalmers people.

On the ride home, after delivering the coats, Harry was effusive in his praise for the personnel in Chalmers. Said Harry, "these people really care about the kids. It is obvious that they are proud of them and take great pride in the progress being made by the students." He went on to say, "to a person, they are truly thankful for the coats."

It doesn't matter the school or neighborhood, the reaction is the same at every school; the staff and children are working hard, the administration demonstrates a real concern for the children and they are proud of any and all accomplishments.

All of these positive comments have a common theme. The teachers and administrators realize that the possibilities exist for the students to better themselves and that with some assistance brighter days are ahead.

As long as the teachers, parents and students are willing to give it their all, then it makes sense for us to stand with them and we will.

Thanks for your help,
Dick

Students Constantly Shuffled Around

Just take a look at yesterday's Chicago Tribune front page article on the history of CPS schools in the Bronzeville neighborhood and you'll see why Fuller Elementary is slated to be a 'turnaround' (all staff members are replaced) next year. I have some startling news for you...the shuttering of schools and the constant movement of students by CPS, over the years, is the real culprit.

There are many students currently attending Fuller who have seen the hallways of other schools prior to going to Fuller. Commencing in 1999 students, within Bronzeville, have gone from Einstein (closed down) to Donoghue (later closing) to Doolittle (it also followed the same closing pattern) and on to Fuller.

Instability is not a variable that works in the favor or students nor will it be beneficial to any school that sees such wild fluctuations from one year to the next.

Children, and their families, aren't game pieces to be moved around in order to win some game (what the CPS thinks it is). These are people who need to get accustomed to and acquainted with the school, the staff, their neighborhood and classmates.

Though Fuller will remain open next year, having a 100% staff turnover is somewhat akin to the students being sent off to another school. How would you like it if your elementary school child was moved to three different schools and, by the way, you had no real say in the matter. And these people have no say.

I have a solution for those who are making Fuller a 'turnaround.' Go visit the school and attend some classes and you'll witness a principal and staff that don't need to be 'turned around.'

Dick

Commentary on 'Race to the Top'

Yesterday I reported on some of the states lack of progress with respect to their follow through with regard to their use of $4 billion in 'Race to the Top' funding.

I believe there is an inherent flaw in any program that is a 'race.' Education isn't a 'race' and never has been. Education is a long term endeavor. This 'race' label has all the trappings of states trying to 'out do' one another merely to garner the funds. If that is the case, that's shameful!

The idea of a 'race' is that there is/are winner(s) and loser(s). it's quite conceivable that the 'losers' are as deserving, perhaps even more so, than the 'winners.' I'm sure the marketing and sales approach of the states that received 'Race to the Top' monies outperformed the states who were left wanting.

I know of schools here in Illinois that don't have the very basic student and teacher materials. There are schools, who want to wash the clothing of their students, in need of washing machines and dryers. If such needs don't qualify for help then I don't know what qualifies. Perhaps I don't want to know!

Dick

Race to the Top or Not

The Sunday edititon of the Chicago Tribune carried a significant editorial regarding the Department of Education's 'Race to the Top.' Sadly, according to the report, most of the states have not come close to meeting the performance expectations.

What does that mean? It means that the $4 billion awarded to the various states is not being put to good use. Why? Well, there are all sorts of reasons. In Rhode Island, a municipal bankruptcy in one community and a change in school and political leaders in another have stalled plans to turn around failing schools.

Florida failed to meet its overly optimistic target dates to hire contractors to create student data systems. Hawaii, another winner of 'Race to the Top' funds wants to delay most major elements of its plan.

All this means that the extensive funds aren't getting the job done.

The very idea of a 'Race to the Top' likely got many states to make HUGE promises in order to be selected as recipients of the funds. I don't like the idea of states competing for funds by seeing who can come up with the most daring manner of collecting the money.

From my vantage point, need, and need alone, is the reason for providing funds to various schools. Right now it appears as though the 'Race to the Top' might not actually deliver.

Dick

Expanding our Role in Chicago

This morning I am pleased to announce some new partnerships with portions of the Chicago Public Schools, AmericaSCORES and the Harvey Elementary School District. We are pleased to be able to serve more children in 2012!

Not only will we continue to aid the 28 schools we assisted in August of 2011 but we will work with some new schools on the west side of the city within the North Lawndale neighborhood. Going forward we will embark on partnerships with Pope Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Gregory Elementary and Chalmers.

Aside from providing desperately needed student and teacher supplies we will work with AmericaSCORES. AmericaSCORES is an after-school program in North Lawndale. They have a great literacy program and provide soccer to the children. I am certain we can help facilitate these initiatives.

We have already commenced our work with Harvey schools. Within the past month, Schools Count has provided over 100 coats to the students. We'll make our first delivery of student supplies to the kids in early August 2012. There are some wonderful people, we've already met, in the various Harvey neighborhoods.

In sum, we will be assisting over 40 Chicagoland schools this year. There is just one reason we can undertake such work...YOU, our generous donors and volunteers!

Many thanks!
Dick

A Message from Haiti

Yesterday I received this note from Maxandre Bien Aime the Principal at IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti. Those of you who follow our blog know that we have helped Maxandre and the students since the Jan 2010 earthquake. I thought you would enjoy hearing from Maxandre.

hello friends,

It 's one of the best tradition to wish happy holidays, Happy New year to people. I d like to choose the best words to thank you all of you for your support last year. I'd like to share you a great smile for your help. I'd like share with you a MESI.

All of my students, staff, and parents would like to share you the best in this year, Happy new year, God bless you.

2012, october we will celebrate our 10 years to try to provide a good education to my people. it's a big dream we have faith we ll atend this goal. This year at IMN school its a special for us. I invite all of you at the celebration. Celebration the effort to do something....

By the way, I want to thank you without your donation we dont arrive where we are today. Your help was very important for us. We have more challenges this year, so we ll continue to have hope, hope lespwa. One day the construction will complete, we ll find teacher salaries, more materials, training for our staff....

we get hope.
Happy new year,
We love all of you.

peace, peace and hope
Maxandre


Pardon for my english

Teaching Then and Today

As I am drinking coffee this morning and thinking of issues to comment on for today's blog it suddenly dawned on me that one of the hot button issues of today deals with teacher competence/evaluations. The issue is worth commenting on for a number of reasons but one stands out above all.

In my view, the quality of teaching (teacher competence) today has never been better!

As I reflect upon my own education from the 1950's through 2000 and consider the people I taught with during that era and measure that against the quality of teaching I have witnessed in Hinsdale, Chicago, New Orleans, Galveston and other areas impacted by the work of Schools Count Corp, I can say that the services delivered today are much improved over that from years ago.

Yeah, I know what everyone is saying about teachers, test scores and the like. Lots of people complaining. That, in and of itself, is one of the problems. Today, unlike in the past, people can be 'cable news experts' on education.

Don't delude yourself, for one minute, into thinking that your child is being shortchanged. Today, much more so than in the past, teachers have to deal with a plethora of concerns; emotional-social issues, inclusion, IEP's, 504 plans, the delivery of multiple curriculums within a class period and more.

The days of telling a child to take out his/her book, read it, and keep quiet are over. 'Stand and deliver' has been replaced with a higher quality teacher and we are all the better for it.

Dick

Fuller Elementary - Some nice results!

Over the next few weeks I will publish some of the ISAT scores for a number of the schools we work with in the city of Chicago. As you well know, for those of you who follow my blog, I am not a big fan of ISAT given the fact that education is represented by other more valuable and important concerns beyond testing.

Fuller Elementary is slated to be a turnaround school in the 2012-13 school year. In simple terms, this means that everyone on staff is being let go, replaced by an entirely new team.

Let me share some test scores with you that show progress being made at Fuller, indicating that the current principal, Ms. Young (and her staff) should be kept!!

Year 8th math 8th reading 4th reading 4th math 4th science

2010 39.4% 60.6% 23.3% 33.3% 13.3%
2011 50% 43.8% 24% 68% 16%

The percentages indicated show the percent of students at Fuller who meet state ISAT standards. Yes, some of the scores are low. But if you take a closer look at the results you will see that there was improvement in four of the five scores from 2010 to 2011. In my view, this is progress!!

I have been to Fuller Elementary, on a number of occasions, and can attest to the high quality of instruction taking place. The bottom line is this...the principal and staff are doing a terrific job and need to be kept in place in the coming years. It takes awhile to turn things around and that's what I see as taking place at Fuller.

For our part, we will continue to assist the students, staff and families of the school.

Dick

2012 - Forging Forward

Yes, too many children are going without the proper food, education, housing, and clothing. The number seems to grow by leaps and bounds, whether because of natural disasters, poverty or sheer neglect.

As 2011 has rolled into 2012, I am reminded that our mission is to serve students and to help them along the way. The mission remains, as always, to be devoted to the world's children by providing the resources that have the power to lift the spirit and unlock the vast potential of the human mind.

The reasons behind young people not having the resources to be successful in school are of concern but, they cannot stop us from doing what is right and just. Despite all the controversy that seems to whirl around schools and school reform and the various constituents who take specific stand on certain issues, one thing remains clear...the need our support.

So, as we embark on another year of 'unlocking the vast potential of the human mind,' we do so mindful of the good that is done each time a pencil is put in the hands of a child, each day they have paper and folders on their desk and each time we can keep a student warm by providing a winter coat.

2012 will be another year of making sure we do our part to bring something positive to lives of those who yearn for a better day.

I'm looking forward to working with one and all in the year ahead!

Many thanks,
Dick