We Could Use Your Help

I often hear people talking about trying to find ways to help others. Well, you have come to the right spot!! Our charity is always looking for more ways of helping children whether in Chicago, storm ravaged areas in other parts of America or outside of the continental states.

The more donations we receive the more we can do to help students in the classroom. That's our goal - a simple one - to assist children in their education. That may mean new books, pencils, music instruments, art supplies, binders, folders, athletic gear, uniforms...the list is literally endless.

To help children in need you can help in any of two ways. First, you can write a check payable to Schools Count Corp. and mail it to Dick Flesher, 9550 140th Court, #112, Orland Park, IL. 60462. The second manner of donating can be achieved by going to our website... www.schoolscountcorp.org and clicking on the donation button. That's it. And your tax deductible contribution will be put to good use right away.

As always, thank you for your assistance and consideration!!

Dick

Too Scared To Learn

As I walked home from Starbucks this morning I walked past a couple of children all bundled up and on their way to school. I gave them a smile but they looked down at the pavement (okay, some humor here...I might look a little scary!). I completely understand where we are in 2018. Children have been taught not to talk to any stranger. Who knows what might happen.

For children of the past 20 years or so, they have been brought up in an age of suspicion, anxiety and fear particularly when it comes to coming in contact people they don't know.

If the kids are heading to school a bit scared of this individual then how do you think they - along with the rest of their family -
are handling and processing the spate of gun violence last week and over these past 20 years.

Imagine how these same children, knowing that there are armed teachers (or other individuals) who are carrying some type of firearm, might feel. You can understand the students - some if not many - are likely to be scared; in fact, maybe a bit too scared to be able to handle what's in front of them on their desk.

Before anyone dismisses this I can tell you children do go to school in the inner city with a good deal of trepidation knowing some of the violence that surrounds the neighborhood. I've seen it and so have these teachers. They tell me they often have to deal with the gun violence before they can get the children to learn.

Dick

Just Say No

It was years ago that Nancy Reagan said, "Just Say No," and those were her exact words with respect to her view that Americans should follow this path with respect to rejecting drugs. Many people criticized her at the time but it was a call that struck a cord in our country.

I believe there is something to the idea of 'just saying no.'

I'll keep it simple this morning with respect to the issue of arming more people in our schools. My message to family, friends, students who I know and don't know, and those who work tirelessly in our nation's classrooms...NO. Don't put more guns in our schools.

Dick

A Sad Farewell

It was two days after Hurricane Katrina slammed into New Orleans, and the Gulf Coast, that my good friend Joe Prieto decided he needed to do something to help the good people of an area that he truly loved. It was a hot day here in Hinsdale and school was in session but that wasn't going to stop Joe from doing what he could to lend a hand.

In fact, the way I remember it went something along the lines of "I'm calling in and that's that!" He was bound and determined to head south.

We had two Penske trucks loaded with bottled water and we set out for Oxford, Mississippi (University of Mississippi) as that was the closest we could get to the hurricane ravaged area at that time. For Joe, not unlike his work as a Guidance Counselor at Hinsdale Central High School, it was all about aiding people.

We didn't pull into the loading dock area of the campus until well after 1:00 am but Joe wasn't about to stop and get some rest until we reached our destination. We unloaded our trucks got about 3 hours of sleep and headed back to Illinois the next day.

For the next four years Joe would accompany our charity to New Orleans as we delivered student supplies to over 50 schools. It was as if it was a Rite of Spring for this fine man.

This morning I learned that Joe had suddenly passed away. What a fine, generous and kind man. There wasn't a person, NOLA resident or HC student, who Joe wouldn't assist.

Rest in peace my friend, rest in peace

Justice, Testing and Ratings

Yesterday I made reference to the fact that 65% of a CPS school's rating is based on a composite of test scores. I stand by calling this a sham not merely based on it being an arbitrary number but because of compelling evidence that the success enjoyed by students lies well outside of the testing regime and by association any 'teaching to the test.'

Plenty of studies are available that point to the influences affecting the level of student success. By most accounts some 2/3's of what influences the learning of any student are those which take place outside of the school building. That being the case here is but one question I'd like to pose. Can those who have come up with this arbitrary 65% figure tell me to what extent they have taken into account the significance of these outside influences?

My best guess is they can't and that's all the more reason to dispense with the 65% number of any such figure.

Dick

Justice and testing in Education

So the City of Chicago school system says that 65% of an elementary school's ranking is based on the results of test scores. As I continue to give thought to this arbitrary number (and I believe it is) there are a number of major problems and concerns connected to it aside from the frustration that such a number exists outside of the input of school personnel inside the various buildings.

Today I'll attempt to tackle one of the major disturbing elements that should concern educators in Chicago as well as across America.

As alluded to, the 65% figure is an arbitrary one. Why is it 65% and not 60%, 41% or even 80%? I have never seen nor have teachers in CPS or the general public ever been provided with a rationale for this number. And if that is indeed the case then the whole thing is little more than a sham particularly when it comes to having anything to do with student success or the larger issue of improving their welfare or human condition.

This rating makes no sense and it ought to be done away with.

Dick

What Makes Schools Great?

Last night had the opportunity to attend a seminar and lecture revolving around the theme of 'What Makes Schools Great.' Well over 100 educators, students, parents and other stakeholders attended the gathering. To a person, we were presented with plenty of first hand experience and data that ratings (testing) doesn't make a school 'great.'

Over the next couple of days I want to convey some of the background regarding school ratings and the need to separate this from what makes a school a good school.

One of the areas talked about/discussed centered on the factors which affect student test scores. The research concludes that roughly 65% to 70% of what impacts scores are influences outside of the school setting. The point being this...for those critics of schools and school performance it is important to note that teachers and the school setting in total is NOT as important as one may think.

Flash...too much blame is put at the feet of schools for test scores, positive or less than positive.

Dick