I'll close out 2015 by saying that never before have we been able to help so very many children who are in need of assistance. This year has been astonishingly successful not only in terms of the number of students who received needed supplies but it has been a banner year in terms of the number of different ways we have been able to provide support.
We've helped to create three band programs, supplied hundreds of coats to kids so they can stay warm, put shoes and boots on the feet of many, brought Christmas gifts to those who would otherwise go without, and provided funds for special projects at various schools. All of this while we brought school supplies to nearly 20,000 children.
To those of you who donated money and to the many who collected/organized/donated/delivered all of the above, it warms my heart to know that you care. Please accept my thanks.
I will take a two week hiatus from blogging but want to extend to each of you my sincere best wishes for a peaceful and enjoyable holiday. May you find great happiness in being with family and friends. Wishing you all the very best in the coming year.
Sincerely,
Dick
Friday, December 18, 2015
Thursday, December 17, 2015
Dim pre Holiday CPS News
The Chicago Public Schools Board of Education meeting yesterday was not exactly one loaded with holiday cheer. A number of actions took place that offered a look into what promises to be rather bleak spring. Here's a look at what took place at the meeting:
- Larry Hawkins Charter School is being shut down because "its academics are not up to par and it had not made enough progress."
- The board voted to borrow another $250 million, much of it needed to pay expenses to get through this school year.
- It was noted that the State of Illinois is late on providing $150 million in block grant money.
- The board is asking for another $120 million in long-term bonds for a new Dyett H.H. and for new roofs and boiler at other schools.
- Jesse Ruiz, the board Vice President, stepped down
Any way you examine it, the picture of CPS, on a number of fronts, is anything from bright as we head towards the holidays. As I've note before, unless every single party at the local and state level, sits down together to mutually understand all of the problems and concerns then no progress will be made. Finger pointing, accusations, and the like seem to prevail while problems go unresolved.
Dick
- Larry Hawkins Charter School is being shut down because "its academics are not up to par and it had not made enough progress."
- The board voted to borrow another $250 million, much of it needed to pay expenses to get through this school year.
- It was noted that the State of Illinois is late on providing $150 million in block grant money.
- The board is asking for another $120 million in long-term bonds for a new Dyett H.H. and for new roofs and boiler at other schools.
- Jesse Ruiz, the board Vice President, stepped down
Any way you examine it, the picture of CPS, on a number of fronts, is anything from bright as we head towards the holidays. As I've note before, unless every single party at the local and state level, sits down together to mutually understand all of the problems and concerns then no progress will be made. Finger pointing, accusations, and the like seem to prevail while problems go unresolved.
Dick
Wednesday, December 16, 2015
Essentials Final Thoughts
There's no arguing that the University of Chicago's Consortium work regarding the 5Essentials bears heeding. There's also little doubt that the schools that can meet three, four, or five of the Essentials will likely have more students success than those who can meet two or fewer of those standards.
The work of the Consortium raises concerns about the ability of schools, and their respective staffs, to make gains in these areas.
Just yesterday I was in one school where the principal was dealing with some of his students who are homeless. There are MANY schools where the homeless population is pronounced and the need to attend to these children will take considerable resources and energy to address. Quite simply, dealing with the homeless population is a greater and more urgent priority than working on the 5Essentials.
Where schools are finding that there are significant budget cuts and key personnel in the classroom being let go, there is an urgent need to address these shortages. Until these issues are dealt with, the various commitments that the 5 Essentials demand will have to be directed towards the manner in which the respective schools will have to deal with these draconian cuts.
My point simply is this...For some schools there are clearly more pressing issues and concerns than the 5 Essentials.
Dick
The work of the Consortium raises concerns about the ability of schools, and their respective staffs, to make gains in these areas.
Just yesterday I was in one school where the principal was dealing with some of his students who are homeless. There are MANY schools where the homeless population is pronounced and the need to attend to these children will take considerable resources and energy to address. Quite simply, dealing with the homeless population is a greater and more urgent priority than working on the 5Essentials.
Where schools are finding that there are significant budget cuts and key personnel in the classroom being let go, there is an urgent need to address these shortages. Until these issues are dealt with, the various commitments that the 5 Essentials demand will have to be directed towards the manner in which the respective schools will have to deal with these draconian cuts.
My point simply is this...For some schools there are clearly more pressing issues and concerns than the 5 Essentials.
Dick
Tuesday, December 15, 2015
Another Essential Doesn't Make the Grade
Ambitious instruction. Of course instruction ought to be ambitious, it needs to be rigorous. No one is questioning this University of Chicago Consortium Essential. On this parents and educators of all stripes can agree. But, like the other U of C Essentials, answers need to be generated concerning what this looks like and will schools, and the public-at-large, step up and facilitate this critical aspect associated with student learning.
I believe one impediment to Ambitious Instruction is the rendering of teaching to a rote type of enterprise. I see more and more school districts embarking on a path of requiring teachers to become proficient in the use or one or two prescriptive teaching/instruction styles. Schools are requiring ALL teachers to perform in such a manner.
Doing something of this nature, in my view, can serve to diminish the unique gifts that are possessed by individual teachers. This uniqueness trait has always been at the very center of a strong instruction tradition in this country.
Dick
I believe one impediment to Ambitious Instruction is the rendering of teaching to a rote type of enterprise. I see more and more school districts embarking on a path of requiring teachers to become proficient in the use or one or two prescriptive teaching/instruction styles. Schools are requiring ALL teachers to perform in such a manner.
Doing something of this nature, in my view, can serve to diminish the unique gifts that are possessed by individual teachers. This uniqueness trait has always been at the very center of a strong instruction tradition in this country.
Dick
Monday, December 14, 2015
There's More to It
When the University of Chicago explains 'Supportive Environments' as "The school is safe and orderly. Teachers have high expectations for students. Students are supported by their teachers and peers," I believe they have missed a large part of what it really means to be 'supportive.' Of course you want teachers accomplishing these tasks but unless, and until, teachers and other personnel are themselves supported little will change.
Yes, having high expectations for students is what we should strive for. However, when schools slash budgets, cram children into classrooms, reduce supplies and resources in the classroom or don't provide the necessary items (I know music teachers who have NO band instruments) and take away resource teachers then reaching those goals diminishes significantly. There are other fundamental ways in which many teachers, particularly in urban areas, don't have the support they need.
Often this support ought to come in the type of leadership support that principals, assistant principals and department chairs can and should provide to staff and, in turn, the students. The support gained by assisting with lesson plans, classroom management and teaching techniques is a necessary part of this Essential referred to as 'Supportive Environments.'
I think the U of C Consortium has only partly identified the crucial points or aspect of Supportive Environments.
Dick
Yes, having high expectations for students is what we should strive for. However, when schools slash budgets, cram children into classrooms, reduce supplies and resources in the classroom or don't provide the necessary items (I know music teachers who have NO band instruments) and take away resource teachers then reaching those goals diminishes significantly. There are other fundamental ways in which many teachers, particularly in urban areas, don't have the support they need.
Often this support ought to come in the type of leadership support that principals, assistant principals and department chairs can and should provide to staff and, in turn, the students. The support gained by assisting with lesson plans, classroom management and teaching techniques is a necessary part of this Essential referred to as 'Supportive Environments.'
I think the U of C Consortium has only partly identified the crucial points or aspect of Supportive Environments.
Dick
Friday, December 11, 2015
School Rankings are 'RANK!"
Todays Chicago newspapers are replete with PARCC test scores. How wonderful!! The manner of reporting on the scores, though factual, is done by indicating the 'Top 50' and the 'Bottom 50' in Math and English/Language Arts. For the most part, the top scores in each belong to the suburban schools and a few 'gifted' or 'classical' schools in Chicago. The 'bottom 50' are almost exclusively Chicago City Schools.
Whether its the PARCC, ISAT, Prairie State, ACT, SAT this constant ranking of schools and students is an endless exercise. It's an endless exercise in putting pressure on schools, staff and students. It is an exercise in placing standardized testing ahead of the important endeavor of classroom teaching and learning. It's also a means of government bodies telling the professionals what ought to be taking place in schools.
Whether people want to acknowledge it or not, this constant ranking also offers the sad psychological warfare of the 'have's' and 'have not's.' Come on, how would you feel if, as a CPS teacher/student/parent, your kids gave it their very best just to learn that someone or some agency outside of your school said you are at the bottom or ranked low or failed or weren't proficient?
I'm tired of this constant 'ranking' by outsiders. More harm than good comes from it.
Dick
Whether its the PARCC, ISAT, Prairie State, ACT, SAT this constant ranking of schools and students is an endless exercise. It's an endless exercise in putting pressure on schools, staff and students. It is an exercise in placing standardized testing ahead of the important endeavor of classroom teaching and learning. It's also a means of government bodies telling the professionals what ought to be taking place in schools.
Whether people want to acknowledge it or not, this constant ranking also offers the sad psychological warfare of the 'have's' and 'have not's.' Come on, how would you feel if, as a CPS teacher/student/parent, your kids gave it their very best just to learn that someone or some agency outside of your school said you are at the bottom or ranked low or failed or weren't proficient?
I'm tired of this constant 'ranking' by outsiders. More harm than good comes from it.
Dick
Thursday, December 10, 2015
Involved Families
It should come as no great revelation that families who are 'involved' with the learning of their children will likely make a difference in their students school success going forward. This has been true since the founding of this country. Supportive families make a difference.
There are a good number of parents and grandparents who support the idea of involvement but they aren't 'involved' in the learning of their children. Contrary to what many may think, it's not as if they don't care or don't want to be involved, they may simply not have the time if they are working two low paying jobs.
Not to excuse others who aren't involved but, these people feel people that, at the end of the line of education of their kids, there is no hope. They feel as though their children will come to the same fate as they are now living. As I said, I'm not excusing this belief nor do I subscribe to it but I acknowledge that I can understand why they feel this way.
Yes, as the University of Chicago research reveals, 'involved families' may a positive impact on a child's education. Coming to grips with the reality of why there are shortcomings among some is another more important element.
Dick
There are a good number of parents and grandparents who support the idea of involvement but they aren't 'involved' in the learning of their children. Contrary to what many may think, it's not as if they don't care or don't want to be involved, they may simply not have the time if they are working two low paying jobs.
Not to excuse others who aren't involved but, these people feel people that, at the end of the line of education of their kids, there is no hope. They feel as though their children will come to the same fate as they are now living. As I said, I'm not excusing this belief nor do I subscribe to it but I acknowledge that I can understand why they feel this way.
Yes, as the University of Chicago research reveals, 'involved families' may a positive impact on a child's education. Coming to grips with the reality of why there are shortcomings among some is another more important element.
Dick
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
More on the 5Essentials
As if the teaching world and public at large didn't know, we need collaborative teachers according to the work of the University of Chicago Consortium in School Research. The platitude which states that "the staff is committed to the school, receives strong professional development, and works together to improve the school," is all fine and good.
I have often wondered to myself whether or not Principals, and other hiring personnel, REALLY look for this quality in a prospective staff member. My experience tells me that this is not a high priority. Of course, it ought to be.
Teachers know they need to collaborate...that's a given. What is not given are daily schedules and the necessary time to pull off the important work of collaboration. Here's what I mean. Let's say there are three Algebra I teachers. If the three of them never have the same planning period, tell me how they are suppose to collaborate? By the way, I don't want naysayers to tell me they can meet before or after school. Those time slots are already crammed with obligations.
This gets into the time element. Teachers have lesson preparation, teaching, grading, tons of emails, clubs, coaching, plenty to do with standardized testing, rankings and the like and more, there isn't, as the saying goes, "enough time in the day." And thoughtful collaboration takes significant time and commitment.
Real collaboration will take place only when those in charge make it a meaningful endeavor.
Dick
I have often wondered to myself whether or not Principals, and other hiring personnel, REALLY look for this quality in a prospective staff member. My experience tells me that this is not a high priority. Of course, it ought to be.
Teachers know they need to collaborate...that's a given. What is not given are daily schedules and the necessary time to pull off the important work of collaboration. Here's what I mean. Let's say there are three Algebra I teachers. If the three of them never have the same planning period, tell me how they are suppose to collaborate? By the way, I don't want naysayers to tell me they can meet before or after school. Those time slots are already crammed with obligations.
This gets into the time element. Teachers have lesson preparation, teaching, grading, tons of emails, clubs, coaching, plenty to do with standardized testing, rankings and the like and more, there isn't, as the saying goes, "enough time in the day." And thoughtful collaboration takes significant time and commitment.
Real collaboration will take place only when those in charge make it a meaningful endeavor.
Dick
Tuesday, December 8, 2015
Essential - Effective Leadership
According to the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research, 'Effective Leadership' is defined as "The Principal works with teachers to implement a clear and strategic vision for school success." Well of course this is one component of effective leadership. It, however, doesn't even come close to the most meaningful forms of effective leadership needed by our teachers and students.
I reference teachers and students because principals need to be on the front lines with these people. Principals should be helping teachers with classroom management, providing insights on how to 'connect' with students, and offering ideas on effective lessons and lesson planning. These, and other functions, have long been staples of effective leadership in our schools and they are constantly needed by staff.
Students need to realize that the principal is someone who cares about them and their growth. Principals have long served as role models for staff and students and that must continue. Another critical component that the principal must play in the school is that he/she must be involved in the classroom and school activities. Principals must 'be there' for kids. The idea that the principal is in the cafeteria, classrooms and hallways may seem outdated to some but, I would suggest these are fundamental to safety as well as learning.
Look at any successful enterprise and there is much more at work than articulating "a clear and strategic vision." Effective Leadership is far more involved than such a concept/idea.
Dick
I reference teachers and students because principals need to be on the front lines with these people. Principals should be helping teachers with classroom management, providing insights on how to 'connect' with students, and offering ideas on effective lessons and lesson planning. These, and other functions, have long been staples of effective leadership in our schools and they are constantly needed by staff.
Students need to realize that the principal is someone who cares about them and their growth. Principals have long served as role models for staff and students and that must continue. Another critical component that the principal must play in the school is that he/she must be involved in the classroom and school activities. Principals must 'be there' for kids. The idea that the principal is in the cafeteria, classrooms and hallways may seem outdated to some but, I would suggest these are fundamental to safety as well as learning.
Look at any successful enterprise and there is much more at work than articulating "a clear and strategic vision." Effective Leadership is far more involved than such a concept/idea.
Dick
Monday, December 7, 2015
This Isn't Mundane Stuff
This week I will tackle the latest means of so called 'school reform' by examining the 5Essentials. Almost all Illinois schools administer this survey. The measurement was created by the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. The bottom line, according to the U of C, is that schools "scoring strong on three or more of the 5Essentials were 10 times more likely to improve students learning gains in math and reading than schools weak on three or more of the Essentials."
This doesn't come as a surprise to me...far from it. One would expect such an outcome. I'm much more concerned with a couple of points relative to the Essentials. First of all, I believe the definitions/criteria on some of the 5Essentials misses crucial aspects of what ought to be measured. I'll get into this over the next couple of days. Finally, some schools are going to almost naturally grade low because of decades long neglect/built in handicaps. Again, I'll explore this in the days to come.
A final thought. Beyond rating schools on each of the 5Essentials, I'm much more concerned with finding ways to help individual schools combat such deficiencies. To merely say a school is lacking in a certain attribute offers little guidance in terms of growth/improvement. It's another issue to be dealt with going forward.
Dick
This doesn't come as a surprise to me...far from it. One would expect such an outcome. I'm much more concerned with a couple of points relative to the Essentials. First of all, I believe the definitions/criteria on some of the 5Essentials misses crucial aspects of what ought to be measured. I'll get into this over the next couple of days. Finally, some schools are going to almost naturally grade low because of decades long neglect/built in handicaps. Again, I'll explore this in the days to come.
A final thought. Beyond rating schools on each of the 5Essentials, I'm much more concerned with finding ways to help individual schools combat such deficiencies. To merely say a school is lacking in a certain attribute offers little guidance in terms of growth/improvement. It's another issue to be dealt with going forward.
Dick
Friday, December 4, 2015
Not the Way it's Suppose to be
Prepare lessons, grade papers, meet students before/after school, attend in-service sessions, go to grad school, teach class, prod students, inspire others, keep kids on task and more. This is a big part of the life of a teacher. As I approach writing this morning's blog I am reminded of the harm wrought on innocent people.
Teachers and other school personnel now have to be on guard. No, it's not some of juvenile pushing and shoving that can happen in the hallways that teachers and hall monitors have to attend to. Nor is it the rather innocent barbs that are traded between kids. No, staff now have to be sure to conduct safety drills in the event of some heinous crime perpetuated on a group of people who just want to teach and learn. Teachers have to be ready to conduct 'lockdowns' in the event some horrible crime is committed in the school building.
It's enough to make me sick to my stomach.
Schools were and ought to be safe havens.
Dick
Teachers and other school personnel now have to be on guard. No, it's not some of juvenile pushing and shoving that can happen in the hallways that teachers and hall monitors have to attend to. Nor is it the rather innocent barbs that are traded between kids. No, staff now have to be sure to conduct safety drills in the event of some heinous crime perpetuated on a group of people who just want to teach and learn. Teachers have to be ready to conduct 'lockdowns' in the event some horrible crime is committed in the school building.
It's enough to make me sick to my stomach.
Schools were and ought to be safe havens.
Dick
Thursday, December 3, 2015
I'll Keep Today's Message Simple
When it comes to schools in America...
Say YES to books, teachers, computers and learning
Say NO to guns
Say YES to books, teachers, computers and learning
Say NO to guns
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
The 5 Essentials - More of the Same
The Illinois State Board of Education has posted the results of the '5 Essentials' on its website. The five essentials are; effective leaders, collaborative teachers, involved families, supportive environments, and ambitious instruction. It goes without saying that schools that score high in these five areas are doing more for a child's education.
I tire of everything being ranked! Kids, schools, teachers and more. We, here in Illinois, have PARCC tests, other standardized exams, the ACT's and SAT's, the 5 Essentials and more. What's next the 10 most critical things a teacher is to say to each student each day? Don't laugh.
Education is sadly becoming standardized and homogenized to too large of an extent. It's as if we all have to be in the same place at the same time on the same day!!! Working with a variety of students isn't that neat and clean. It just doesn't work that way.
The rankings are a pecking order of sorts and it certainly doesn't take certain environmental and neighborhood factors into account. I am certain there are plenty of schools with 'low' ranking statistics that are doing their very best despite many obstacles. In fact, they may very well be putting forth more effort and progressing at a higher rate than schools ranked ahead of them.
I learned long ago that quantifying something isn't the end all or all that it's cracked up to be.
Dick
I tire of everything being ranked! Kids, schools, teachers and more. We, here in Illinois, have PARCC tests, other standardized exams, the ACT's and SAT's, the 5 Essentials and more. What's next the 10 most critical things a teacher is to say to each student each day? Don't laugh.
Education is sadly becoming standardized and homogenized to too large of an extent. It's as if we all have to be in the same place at the same time on the same day!!! Working with a variety of students isn't that neat and clean. It just doesn't work that way.
The rankings are a pecking order of sorts and it certainly doesn't take certain environmental and neighborhood factors into account. I am certain there are plenty of schools with 'low' ranking statistics that are doing their very best despite many obstacles. In fact, they may very well be putting forth more effort and progressing at a higher rate than schools ranked ahead of them.
I learned long ago that quantifying something isn't the end all or all that it's cracked up to be.
Dick
Tuesday, December 1, 2015
Giving Tuesday
It seems appropriate that today is Giving Tuesday since the weekend was consumed with a good deal shopping and yesterday being Cyber Monday. What better way to transition from spending during the holiday season to another type of spending. Giving Tuesday certainly falls within the realm of the holiday spirit.
Our charity lives the spirit and ideal of giving. Make no mistake about it, we look at our mission of giving as a way to help others improve their lives. It is merely the spoken words of giving/helping; rather, it's finding those students with the greatest needs and providing them with tangible products, supplies and resources to aid their work in school.
There is no time like the present to say I'm willing to help, I want to make a difference and I'm willing to GIVE! Please contact me if you want to be part of the Giving Spirit.
Thanks,
Dick
Our charity lives the spirit and ideal of giving. Make no mistake about it, we look at our mission of giving as a way to help others improve their lives. It is merely the spoken words of giving/helping; rather, it's finding those students with the greatest needs and providing them with tangible products, supplies and resources to aid their work in school.
There is no time like the present to say I'm willing to help, I want to make a difference and I'm willing to GIVE! Please contact me if you want to be part of the Giving Spirit.
Thanks,
Dick
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