Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
According to a Ravenswood parent who wrote in, "a weak turnout at an LSC election nearly 2 years
ago offered up 20 votes and a business-as-usual LSC consisting of 2
entrenched teacher reps (over a decade), 6 parent reps, 2
compassionate, well-meaning community members......and a principal who
was voted out of a job by a 6-4 vote in a rushed meeting last week."
Apparently the school has experienced an influx of middle class parents, attracted in part by new principal Erin Roche (pictured), a former Sabin and Telpochcalli teacher and New Leader trainee whose contract was not renewed despite high parent survey approval ratings last year. At issue is the usual stew of tensions around race, income, and Title I funding. Four parents joined the teacher reps to oust Roche, I'm told.
Anyone know anything more, or have anything to say about this? Has a CPS school ever gone through gentrification without major collateral damage? Nettlehorst? South Loop? Pritkzer? Sabin? It seems like things almost invariably go bad, at least partially, as things might just be getting better. Or maybe I'm just noticing the occasional flareups of an otherwise successful process.
There's apparently an LSC meeting coming on Thursday at 5:50 for Ravenswood Elementary.
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Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 7:50 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Add drummond to your list of ousted principals--Smith too due to idiotic LSCs. There are more!
They have got to go. This would never be tollerated by the Il legislator--let's have an elected council to telly ou what to do before you vote or spend money. Then, principal's evaluate teachers--the LSC teachers cannot wait to get back at the principal. The legislator gave them this power. There are no other LSC anywhere else in Il or the US. The legislators are more idiotic for doing this. Wake up. There should be LSCs for you.
They have got to go. This would never be tollerated by the Il legislator--let's have an elected council to telly ou what to do before you vote or spend money. Then, principal's evaluate teachers--the LSC teachers cannot wait to get back at the principal. The legislator gave them this power. There are no other LSC anywhere else in Il or the US. The legislators are more idiotic for doing this. Wake up. There should be LSCs for you.
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
It also shows that new leaders aint ALL that hype. The south loop principal was a new leader and was going to be chased out as well. Could not handle a fence issue---in the hood.
So he gets promoted and he is over his head. What does he really do in the ivory tower?
So he is a nice guy--so what? Talent should be promoted--not some program that actually started with allies of Clinton--yep--check it out.
They got some political pull with Daley some years ago--so Daley has bailed on Clinton. Then new leaders actually hired actors to test potential candidates for princpals. wow--actors---
Obama had no intentions of running for higher office either as quoted on WTTW. Now Daley is behind him and Obama wants private schools and the CTU supports him.
They are out for themselves, not the children.
So he gets promoted and he is over his head. What does he really do in the ivory tower?
So he is a nice guy--so what? Talent should be promoted--not some program that actually started with allies of Clinton--yep--check it out.
They got some political pull with Daley some years ago--so Daley has bailed on Clinton. Then new leaders actually hired actors to test potential candidates for princpals. wow--actors---
Obama had no intentions of running for higher office either as quoted on WTTW. Now Daley is behind him and Obama wants private schools and the CTU supports him.
They are out for themselves, not the children.
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 8:27 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Get rid of the residency requirement and it will open the doors to alot of qualified applicants who just don't happen to live in the city!
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 9:20 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Andersen is in an area that is gentrifying and there is going to be MAJOR collateral damage. There is a phase out plan in place...oops I mean proposed.
Another school is going to slowly phase in.
Board officials stated it would be a 6 year phase out. The letters sent home stated that the proposed changes would have no effect on the enrollment status of ANY student currently attending Andersen. Another flyer said, "No children are forced to move."
They then announced, did not write it out, that the existing pre-k and kindergarten students would go to Pritzker next year.
Then we pointed out that the current 1st graders would only be in 6th grade when Andersen officially closes. We were wondering what would happen to them. The next day the phase out was said to be for 8 years.
At every meeting the Board officials said the phase out could be shorter if enrollment dropped. THEREFORE the phase out might only be 1-2 years!! And at that time if ANDERSEN IS NO LONGER VIABLE ALL STUDENTS WILL BE DISPLACED. So the letter home that states no children will be moved is very misleading and contradicts what is being announced in meetings.
The letter home and all the press from CPS states that children will go to an equal or better school. Not true with a short phase out, kids will go to various neighborhood schools.
Are ISAT scores the only thing that makes a school better anyway?
The utilization rate of the school does not appear to have taken into account the various Special Education programs limiting class size.
Andersen is not a failing school ISAT scores have gone up, programming is varied, there is a World Language program, partnerships have been formed in last couple years,and there are sports teams. The statements made by the Board that an underutilized school lacks these things is not true in this case.
The school phasing in has a 22% low income population while 91% of the existing students are low income. Huge difference. Huge difference in racia demographics too.
There is no guarantee that the current bus students will contine coming to the school. They come from overcrowded Mary Lyon Elementary. Interesting though that the the new magnet school will bus kids, but only as far as 6 miles. Not quite far enough to reach our bus kids.
How is that for a gentrifying area? Remove an entire population of students to bring in another. Bring in new programming for the new students and not for the existing ones.
There are many inequalities between schools but in the same school!
The benefits to the community are stated as having a magnet school drawing from around the city. Andersen draws from the community and from around the city already. Could probably draw more with same busing opportunities.
The number of children in the community is low except for the pre-k, kinder, and 1st. Check out the numbers of applications for these grades in nearby schools. Why does the phasing in school have 6-8 years to get up to appropriate utilization %.
So during the phasing wouldn't the building be even MORE UNDERUTILIZED while a school phases in year by year.
Why are schools not involved in a dialogue prior to a proposal to phase out?
What message are we sending these children? That they are not good enough for the new school?
The best interests of the children have not been considered one bit!
Another school is going to slowly phase in.
Board officials stated it would be a 6 year phase out. The letters sent home stated that the proposed changes would have no effect on the enrollment status of ANY student currently attending Andersen. Another flyer said, "No children are forced to move."
They then announced, did not write it out, that the existing pre-k and kindergarten students would go to Pritzker next year.
Then we pointed out that the current 1st graders would only be in 6th grade when Andersen officially closes. We were wondering what would happen to them. The next day the phase out was said to be for 8 years.
At every meeting the Board officials said the phase out could be shorter if enrollment dropped. THEREFORE the phase out might only be 1-2 years!! And at that time if ANDERSEN IS NO LONGER VIABLE ALL STUDENTS WILL BE DISPLACED. So the letter home that states no children will be moved is very misleading and contradicts what is being announced in meetings.
The letter home and all the press from CPS states that children will go to an equal or better school. Not true with a short phase out, kids will go to various neighborhood schools.
Are ISAT scores the only thing that makes a school better anyway?
The utilization rate of the school does not appear to have taken into account the various Special Education programs limiting class size.
Andersen is not a failing school ISAT scores have gone up, programming is varied, there is a World Language program, partnerships have been formed in last couple years,and there are sports teams. The statements made by the Board that an underutilized school lacks these things is not true in this case.
The school phasing in has a 22% low income population while 91% of the existing students are low income. Huge difference. Huge difference in racia demographics too.
There is no guarantee that the current bus students will contine coming to the school. They come from overcrowded Mary Lyon Elementary. Interesting though that the the new magnet school will bus kids, but only as far as 6 miles. Not quite far enough to reach our bus kids.
How is that for a gentrifying area? Remove an entire population of students to bring in another. Bring in new programming for the new students and not for the existing ones.
There are many inequalities between schools but in the same school!
The benefits to the community are stated as having a magnet school drawing from around the city. Andersen draws from the community and from around the city already. Could probably draw more with same busing opportunities.
The number of children in the community is low except for the pre-k, kinder, and 1st. Check out the numbers of applications for these grades in nearby schools. Why does the phasing in school have 6-8 years to get up to appropriate utilization %.
So during the phasing wouldn't the building be even MORE UNDERUTILIZED while a school phases in year by year.
Why are schools not involved in a dialogue prior to a proposal to phase out?
What message are we sending these children? That they are not good enough for the new school?
The best interests of the children have not been considered one bit!
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
why are you posting about andersen in a thread about ravenswood?
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
The first post asked about collateral damage in gentrifying neighborhoods. This could possibly remove over 500 children. Hoping others would post if experienceing similarities in gentrifying areas.
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Drummond's principal took an early retirement package like so many other principals. I dont remember her name but she was offered another position on Clark st. So now she gets her Principal pension plus she gets a new position which she will have for a few years and get a pension from that too. SWEET!
The principal at my child's school retired last year and is getting a huge pension but she is staying on at the school as a consulting principal collecting yet another cps paycheck.
I like the New Leaders Principals. I truly doubt Pat Bacceleri was is in over his head. He is extremely well Qualified. The parents at South Loop miss him dearly. Another good Principal is Craig Benes over at Talcott. They had some grumblings over at Talcott but from what I hear they worked it out.
It is to bad that the Principal at Ravenswood got the axe. We need principals that think outside the box. I hope another school snatches him up,
The principal at my child's school retired last year and is getting a huge pension but she is staying on at the school as a consulting principal collecting yet another cps paycheck.
I like the New Leaders Principals. I truly doubt Pat Bacceleri was is in over his head. He is extremely well Qualified. The parents at South Loop miss him dearly. Another good Principal is Craig Benes over at Talcott. They had some grumblings over at Talcott but from what I hear they worked it out.
It is to bad that the Principal at Ravenswood got the axe. We need principals that think outside the box. I hope another school snatches him up,
Mon Feb 4, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Mr. Roche at Ravenswood is a principal who is doing everything right. By all accounts, in four short years in his post, he has made Ravenswood a model of what CPS appears to be trying to accomplish city-wide: truly diverse (both economically and culturally) AND a school with strong instructional vision.
With the vote to oust Mr. Roche, my confidence in the school and CPS has been shaken to its core. More than anything, my family-- and many families like mine --feels betrayed by the public school system.
It is clear that a majority of Ravenswood teachers do not subscribe to Mr. Roche's "best practices" approach to lifting student achievement. They do not want to be challenged to be better teachers, or improve their effectiveness in student learning. Yet, the teachers are protected and Mr. Roche is out.
Mr. Roche taught us, as parents, that we can have high expectations for a neighborhood school; you can bet that we will have extremely high expectations of our next principal.
With the vote to oust Mr. Roche, my confidence in the school and CPS has been shaken to its core. More than anything, my family-- and many families like mine --feels betrayed by the public school system.
It is clear that a majority of Ravenswood teachers do not subscribe to Mr. Roche's "best practices" approach to lifting student achievement. They do not want to be challenged to be better teachers, or improve their effectiveness in student learning. Yet, the teachers are protected and Mr. Roche is out.
Mr. Roche taught us, as parents, that we can have high expectations for a neighborhood school; you can bet that we will have extremely high expectations of our next principal.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Here at Sabin we didn't want to see Mrs. Arroyo go in 06. She had near unanimous teacher approval and scores were going up. The hang-around parents are the ones who invited in Mr. Dassinger and then when he does his job they throw another hissy. As far as how he compares to veterans, it's too soon he seems very preoccupied w/ jumping through legal and other hoops from above, not necessarily his fault. Last year wasn't too smooth, but whose first year is? Most of the LSC consists of different members now than then when they axed Mrs. Arroyo. Will the new improved LSC axe this guy, too? If you ask me, legislators put too much of the shoe on the other foot, some of these people affecting our lives are uneducated, unemployed yo-yos, meddlers who claim to represent the community. It's a tough issue because it then forces teachers to find allied parents to run and win and of course elections and meetings are held at like, 10AM just like Johnson used to do in the US Senate, the productive members of society are discounted.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 4:46 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Doesn't anyone from Ravenswood School read this blog? What happened here? What are the issues?
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 7:05 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I find it interesting that all the 'wronged' players who have supposedly been disenfranchised are white men.
Or are those the only ones about whose 'ousters' you care?
Juuuuust askin'....
Or are those the only ones about whose 'ousters' you care?
Juuuuust askin'....
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 7:25 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
here's what DFC has to say about the process:
Dear Alexander,
We were heavily involved in aiding the principal evaluation process at Ravenswood Elementary School, and our conclusions about the high quality of the LSC's process of principal evaluation are briefly summarized below. They contradict the inaccurate assertions in Dennis Frank's letter.
As you may know, DFC has provided in-depth assistance to LSCs with end-of-contract principal evaluation and principal selection for the last six years. Our focus is on helping LSCs carry out a thorough process that is consistent with law and policy and with best practices for effective LSCs, effective schools, and effective principals. We are very careful not to take sides in advocating for any particular decision or candidate; our focus is on helping the LSC carry out an effective process, based on the Seven Standards for Principal Leadership specified by the Chicago Board of Education..
DFC conducts four-hour introductory educational courses about Principal Evaluation and Selection in the fall and winter of each year and sends out invitations to attend to all LSC's whose principal's contract is expiring. .
A parent LSC member from Ravenswood attended a DFC Introductory Course last fall. She then convinced the Vice-Chair of the Ravenswood LSC (also a parent LSC member) that the LSC should consider enlisting DFC to help them with the principal evaluation process.
DFC agreed to come to the Ravenswood LSC meeting, and on January 3 Valencia Rias and Elena Rios (who is bilingual in English and Spanish) carried out a workshop for the LSC about how to carry out the principal evaluation process effectively.
The LSC then began the process in closed session and spent 5 hours beginning the process. Working in closed session is essential under the law to protect the confidentiality of information about the principal. DFC staff can participate in closed sessions only if the LSC agrees, No LSC member objected at any point to DFC's participation and role.
At the LSC's request, Valencia Rias and Elena Rios of DFC helped facilitate the process in subsequent closed and open sessions.. Two top DFC priorities were that the process be carried out systematically, with close attention to each criteria on which the principal was to be rated, and that LSC members focus on judging patterns of behavior and not simply focus on individual incidents.
The LSC held three further closed session meetings (5 hours on January 12, 4 hours on January 19, and 3 hours on January 24) to carry out and complete the principal evaluation process. For two of these meetings, Elena Rios of DFC was present as a facilitator (on January 12 and 24).
For all meetings, the LSC posted proper public notices. For the January 12, 19, and 24 meetings, the meeting included an open session in which the LSC heard from interested parents, community members, and teachers.
Since the LSC's tentative decision is reached in a closed meeting, the January 25 meeting in which the LSC conducted a formal 6 to 4 vote not to renew the principal's contract was done in order to comply with the legal requirement that the final vote be completed in in open session.
It would be illegal for DFC to disclose specifics of the evaluation or the reasons that were advanced by individuals in rating the principal. However, we can make several comments that contradict key assertions made in Dennis Frank's letter:
The process was not dominated by teacher LSC members. A parent LSC member was the individual who participated in DFC's Introductory Course, and another parent LSC member convinced us to come to the Ravenswood LSC meeting, which led to in-depth assistance to the LSC. Further, based on our 13 hours of participation as the LSC completed the principal evaluation, we were impressed with the seriousness with which each LSC member (including parent LSC members) took their individual responsibility to rate the principal on the numerous specific criteria contained in the principal evaluation. (Mr. Frank's inaccurate assertions about how the evaluation process unfolded rely on the stereotype that Latino parents will blindly follow the lead of teachers, when parent LSC members in fact advanced their own independent vviews about the principal's strengths and weaknesses.)
The principal evaluation process was not hasty. The LSC took 17 hours to systematically carry out the evaluation. Further, we conclude that the LSC succeeded in basing its ratings on patterns of behavior and not on individual incidents.
The complaint that the LSC refused to publicly explain its reasons for not renewing the principal's contract is bogus. The LSC has a legal duty to keep these reasons confidential. The principal has the right to request that the reasons for his non-renewal be spelled out by the LSC in writing. Only the principal is authorized to release this letter. The principal further has the right to request an independent hearing before an arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration, Association, which he has done. It is during this hearing that LSC members have the legal right and duty to verbally state their reasons for not renewing the principal's contract.
The fact that Elena Rios of DFC is bilingual in English and Spanish helped ensure the informed participation of LSC members whose primary language is Spanish.
Many LSC members complimented DFC staff on the helpful role that we played. Whatever their position on the principal's retention, no LSC members complained about DFC's role in facilitating the process or sought to bar DFC staff from the closed meetings. Further, DFC staff have been asked to continue to assist the LSC as the LSC proceeds with principal selection" by members who voted for and against the principal's renewal,
The LSC has a wide range of certified principal candidates who are eligible to apply. As of January 22, 2008, there were 624 principal candidates who had been declared eligible to become principals by the Office of Principal Preparation and Development. This list is available on the Chicago Public Schools website (under the Office of Principal Preparation and Development or OPPD).
Overall, the Ravenswood LSC conducted a very high quality principal evaluation, and the reality of this evaluation contradicts the inaccurate assertions in Mr. Frank's letter.
Sincerely,
Donald R. Moore, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Designs for Change
P.S. Please Post This Comment. Thank You.
Dear Alexander,
We were heavily involved in aiding the principal evaluation process at Ravenswood Elementary School, and our conclusions about the high quality of the LSC's process of principal evaluation are briefly summarized below. They contradict the inaccurate assertions in Dennis Frank's letter.
As you may know, DFC has provided in-depth assistance to LSCs with end-of-contract principal evaluation and principal selection for the last six years. Our focus is on helping LSCs carry out a thorough process that is consistent with law and policy and with best practices for effective LSCs, effective schools, and effective principals. We are very careful not to take sides in advocating for any particular decision or candidate; our focus is on helping the LSC carry out an effective process, based on the Seven Standards for Principal Leadership specified by the Chicago Board of Education..
DFC conducts four-hour introductory educational courses about Principal Evaluation and Selection in the fall and winter of each year and sends out invitations to attend to all LSC's whose principal's contract is expiring. .
A parent LSC member from Ravenswood attended a DFC Introductory Course last fall. She then convinced the Vice-Chair of the Ravenswood LSC (also a parent LSC member) that the LSC should consider enlisting DFC to help them with the principal evaluation process.
DFC agreed to come to the Ravenswood LSC meeting, and on January 3 Valencia Rias and Elena Rios (who is bilingual in English and Spanish) carried out a workshop for the LSC about how to carry out the principal evaluation process effectively.
The LSC then began the process in closed session and spent 5 hours beginning the process. Working in closed session is essential under the law to protect the confidentiality of information about the principal. DFC staff can participate in closed sessions only if the LSC agrees, No LSC member objected at any point to DFC's participation and role.
At the LSC's request, Valencia Rias and Elena Rios of DFC helped facilitate the process in subsequent closed and open sessions.. Two top DFC priorities were that the process be carried out systematically, with close attention to each criteria on which the principal was to be rated, and that LSC members focus on judging patterns of behavior and not simply focus on individual incidents.
The LSC held three further closed session meetings (5 hours on January 12, 4 hours on January 19, and 3 hours on January 24) to carry out and complete the principal evaluation process. For two of these meetings, Elena Rios of DFC was present as a facilitator (on January 12 and 24).
For all meetings, the LSC posted proper public notices. For the January 12, 19, and 24 meetings, the meeting included an open session in which the LSC heard from interested parents, community members, and teachers.
Since the LSC's tentative decision is reached in a closed meeting, the January 25 meeting in which the LSC conducted a formal 6 to 4 vote not to renew the principal's contract was done in order to comply with the legal requirement that the final vote be completed in in open session.
It would be illegal for DFC to disclose specifics of the evaluation or the reasons that were advanced by individuals in rating the principal. However, we can make several comments that contradict key assertions made in Dennis Frank's letter:
The process was not dominated by teacher LSC members. A parent LSC member was the individual who participated in DFC's Introductory Course, and another parent LSC member convinced us to come to the Ravenswood LSC meeting, which led to in-depth assistance to the LSC. Further, based on our 13 hours of participation as the LSC completed the principal evaluation, we were impressed with the seriousness with which each LSC member (including parent LSC members) took their individual responsibility to rate the principal on the numerous specific criteria contained in the principal evaluation. (Mr. Frank's inaccurate assertions about how the evaluation process unfolded rely on the stereotype that Latino parents will blindly follow the lead of teachers, when parent LSC members in fact advanced their own independent vviews about the principal's strengths and weaknesses.)
The principal evaluation process was not hasty. The LSC took 17 hours to systematically carry out the evaluation. Further, we conclude that the LSC succeeded in basing its ratings on patterns of behavior and not on individual incidents.
The complaint that the LSC refused to publicly explain its reasons for not renewing the principal's contract is bogus. The LSC has a legal duty to keep these reasons confidential. The principal has the right to request that the reasons for his non-renewal be spelled out by the LSC in writing. Only the principal is authorized to release this letter. The principal further has the right to request an independent hearing before an arbitrator appointed by the American Arbitration, Association, which he has done. It is during this hearing that LSC members have the legal right and duty to verbally state their reasons for not renewing the principal's contract.
The fact that Elena Rios of DFC is bilingual in English and Spanish helped ensure the informed participation of LSC members whose primary language is Spanish.
Many LSC members complimented DFC staff on the helpful role that we played. Whatever their position on the principal's retention, no LSC members complained about DFC's role in facilitating the process or sought to bar DFC staff from the closed meetings. Further, DFC staff have been asked to continue to assist the LSC as the LSC proceeds with principal selection" by members who voted for and against the principal's renewal,
The LSC has a wide range of certified principal candidates who are eligible to apply. As of January 22, 2008, there were 624 principal candidates who had been declared eligible to become principals by the Office of Principal Preparation and Development. This list is available on the Chicago Public Schools website (under the Office of Principal Preparation and Development or OPPD).
Overall, the Ravenswood LSC conducted a very high quality principal evaluation, and the reality of this evaluation contradicts the inaccurate assertions in Mr. Frank's letter.
Sincerely,
Donald R. Moore, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Designs for Change
P.S. Please Post This Comment. Thank You.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 7:31 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
here's a letter from principal erin roche, which was given to faculty and is being sent to parents, in which roche says he respectfully disagrees with the LSC decision and is planning on appealing:
Dear parents, families, friends, teachers, staff, and children of Ravenswood School,
The following comments are adapted from my address to the Local School Council at their emergency meeting January 30, 2008.
As I stated to the LSC after their vote, I disagree with the LSC's decision to not renew my contract. The LSC votes do not coincide with my understanding of parental support and evaluation of performance. I have appealed the decision to not renew my contract. My appeal is meant to show my commitment to Ravenswood School and to the work that we've been doing for the last three years. However, I have begun to look beyond this school year.
I joined Ravenswood three years ago and as principal undertook three major initiatives to improve rapidly student learning: Benchmark assessments, Balanced Literacy, and teacher-directed professional development.
Benchmark assessments are administered every eight weeks and give teachers feedback on individual student progress in specific areas of reading, math, and writing. Teachers use this information to create re-teaching plans, so all students can progress academically.
Balanced Literacy is a framework of instruction that allows teachers to focus on specific learning skills for individual students.
Teacher-directed professional development provides 14 hours each year for teacher teams to expand their instructional repertoire, so students are academically successful. Teacher teams identify their goals and the process by which they meet them.
Alongside these three instructional initiatives, I also began a strategy to embrace ALL the parents of the school's families and to include them actively in their children's school life.
In the past three years, all of these initiatives have resulted in significant improvements at Ravenswood. Test scores are up. Building improvements create a welcoming feel to learning. Classroom communities are stronger. Parent involvement is at an all-time high.
Over the next five months I intend to fully continue the initiatives. They have required faculty to think differently about student learning. That change has been hard for some faculty. Benchmark assessments, balanced literacy, and teacher-directed professional development will continue to build excellent learning for our children.
I am deeply disappointed in the decision of the LSC to not renew my contract. I don't apologize for pushing teachers to a higher standard, but I am sorry that I may have done something that made some teachers not want to renew my contract. I know that this has been hard on everyone.
I appreciate the strong support from parents and teachers in recent days and would welcome it throughout the appeal process. The outcome is less than certain given the vast discretion the Illinois School Code grants to LSCs in making these decisions. Let me be clear that whatever the outcome, I respect local control and the appeal process.
Ms. Blahuta and I will continue to support the good work that will occur over the next five months; at the same time, we have also begun to look for our next school leadership opportunity.
I wish students, their families, and the Ravenswood community continued successes and pledge to work toward that end this year. It is my hope that the next principal chosen by the LSC will support the successful initiatives established here for children.
Estimados padres, familias, amigos, maestros, facultad, y estudiantes de la Escuela Ravenswood,
Los siguientes comentos son parte de mi discurso al Concilio Local Escolar en la junta de emergencia el 30 de enero, 2008.
Como dije despues del voto del concilio, no estoy de acuerdo con la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. Los votos del concilio no reflejan como yo entieno el apoyo de padres y evaluación de mi trabajo. Yo apelé la decision de no renovar el contrato. La apelación es para mostra mi dedicación a la escuela y al trabajo que hemos hecho por tres anos.
Vine a Ravenswood hace tres anos y como director empece tres programas principales para mejorar rapidamente el aprendizaje de ninos: Examenes regulares, lectura balanceado, y desarrollo professional dirijido por maestros.
Examenes regulares son administrado cada ocho semanas y dan a los maestros la prueba de progreso academico para cada estudiante en las areas especificas de lectura, matematicas, y escritura. Los maestros usan esta información para crear planes de ensenanza para que todos los estudiantes puedan progresar academicamente.
Lectura balanceada es una estructura de instrucción que dejan a los maestros enfocarse en destrezas especificas de aprendizaje para estudiantes individuales.
Desarrollo profesional dirijido por maestros provee 14 horas cada ano para que equipos de maestros puedan mejorar su instrucción y para mejorar su exito academico. Equipos de maestros identifican sus metas y el proceso de llegar a las metas.
Ademas de estes programas de instrucción, también empecé una estrategia de incluir TODOS los padres de las familias de la escuela e incluirlas activamente en la vida escolar.
En los ultimos tres anos, todos los programas han resultado en mejoramientos grandes en la Ravenswood. Los resultados del los examanes están para arriba. Mejoramientos del edificio crean le dan el bienvenido al visitante. Las comunidades de cada salon son más fuerte. La inclusion de padres es mucho más alto.
En los próximo cinco meses, voy a seguir con estes programas. Ellos han requirido que la facultad piensa diferente por el aprendizaje estudiantil. Este cambio ha sido difícil para unos. Examanes regulares, lectura balanceada, y desarrollo dirijido por maestros van a continuar a construir oportunidades excelentes de aprendizaje para nuestros ninos.
Y aprecio muchísimo el apoyo de padres y mastros en días recientes y durante el proceso de la apelación. El resultado es desconocido dado el control que tiene el concilio por la ley del estado de Illinois. Dejeme clarificar que respeto completament el control local y el proceso de la apelación.
La Sub-directora y yo vamos a continuar el trabajo bueno de los proximos meses; a la vez, hemos a buscar la siguiente oportunidad de liderazgo.
Estoy muy triste de la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. No pido perdon por haber empujado los maestros a un nivel mas alto, pero pido perdon que quizas hice algo a los maestros que les hizo no querer renovar el contrato. Yo se que todo el proceso ha sido muy dificil para todos.
Erin Roche
Principal/ Director
Dear parents, families, friends, teachers, staff, and children of Ravenswood School,
The following comments are adapted from my address to the Local School Council at their emergency meeting January 30, 2008.
As I stated to the LSC after their vote, I disagree with the LSC's decision to not renew my contract. The LSC votes do not coincide with my understanding of parental support and evaluation of performance. I have appealed the decision to not renew my contract. My appeal is meant to show my commitment to Ravenswood School and to the work that we've been doing for the last three years. However, I have begun to look beyond this school year.
I joined Ravenswood three years ago and as principal undertook three major initiatives to improve rapidly student learning: Benchmark assessments, Balanced Literacy, and teacher-directed professional development.
Benchmark assessments are administered every eight weeks and give teachers feedback on individual student progress in specific areas of reading, math, and writing. Teachers use this information to create re-teaching plans, so all students can progress academically.
Balanced Literacy is a framework of instruction that allows teachers to focus on specific learning skills for individual students.
Teacher-directed professional development provides 14 hours each year for teacher teams to expand their instructional repertoire, so students are academically successful. Teacher teams identify their goals and the process by which they meet them.
Alongside these three instructional initiatives, I also began a strategy to embrace ALL the parents of the school's families and to include them actively in their children's school life.
In the past three years, all of these initiatives have resulted in significant improvements at Ravenswood. Test scores are up. Building improvements create a welcoming feel to learning. Classroom communities are stronger. Parent involvement is at an all-time high.
Over the next five months I intend to fully continue the initiatives. They have required faculty to think differently about student learning. That change has been hard for some faculty. Benchmark assessments, balanced literacy, and teacher-directed professional development will continue to build excellent learning for our children.
I am deeply disappointed in the decision of the LSC to not renew my contract. I don't apologize for pushing teachers to a higher standard, but I am sorry that I may have done something that made some teachers not want to renew my contract. I know that this has been hard on everyone.
I appreciate the strong support from parents and teachers in recent days and would welcome it throughout the appeal process. The outcome is less than certain given the vast discretion the Illinois School Code grants to LSCs in making these decisions. Let me be clear that whatever the outcome, I respect local control and the appeal process.
Ms. Blahuta and I will continue to support the good work that will occur over the next five months; at the same time, we have also begun to look for our next school leadership opportunity.
I wish students, their families, and the Ravenswood community continued successes and pledge to work toward that end this year. It is my hope that the next principal chosen by the LSC will support the successful initiatives established here for children.
Estimados padres, familias, amigos, maestros, facultad, y estudiantes de la Escuela Ravenswood,
Los siguientes comentos son parte de mi discurso al Concilio Local Escolar en la junta de emergencia el 30 de enero, 2008.
Como dije despues del voto del concilio, no estoy de acuerdo con la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. Los votos del concilio no reflejan como yo entieno el apoyo de padres y evaluación de mi trabajo. Yo apelé la decision de no renovar el contrato. La apelación es para mostra mi dedicación a la escuela y al trabajo que hemos hecho por tres anos.
Vine a Ravenswood hace tres anos y como director empece tres programas principales para mejorar rapidamente el aprendizaje de ninos: Examenes regulares, lectura balanceado, y desarrollo professional dirijido por maestros.
Examenes regulares son administrado cada ocho semanas y dan a los maestros la prueba de progreso academico para cada estudiante en las areas especificas de lectura, matematicas, y escritura. Los maestros usan esta información para crear planes de ensenanza para que todos los estudiantes puedan progresar academicamente.
Lectura balanceada es una estructura de instrucción que dejan a los maestros enfocarse en destrezas especificas de aprendizaje para estudiantes individuales.
Desarrollo profesional dirijido por maestros provee 14 horas cada ano para que equipos de maestros puedan mejorar su instrucción y para mejorar su exito academico. Equipos de maestros identifican sus metas y el proceso de llegar a las metas.
Ademas de estes programas de instrucción, también empecé una estrategia de incluir TODOS los padres de las familias de la escuela e incluirlas activamente en la vida escolar.
En los ultimos tres anos, todos los programas han resultado en mejoramientos grandes en la Ravenswood. Los resultados del los examanes están para arriba. Mejoramientos del edificio crean le dan el bienvenido al visitante. Las comunidades de cada salon son más fuerte. La inclusion de padres es mucho más alto.
En los próximo cinco meses, voy a seguir con estes programas. Ellos han requirido que la facultad piensa diferente por el aprendizaje estudiantil. Este cambio ha sido difícil para unos. Examanes regulares, lectura balanceada, y desarrollo dirijido por maestros van a continuar a construir oportunidades excelentes de aprendizaje para nuestros ninos.
Y aprecio muchísimo el apoyo de padres y mastros en días recientes y durante el proceso de la apelación. El resultado es desconocido dado el control que tiene el concilio por la ley del estado de Illinois. Dejeme clarificar que respeto completament el control local y el proceso de la apelación.
La Sub-directora y yo vamos a continuar el trabajo bueno de los proximos meses; a la vez, hemos a buscar la siguiente oportunidad de liderazgo.
Estoy muy triste de la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. No pido perdon por haber empujado los maestros a un nivel mas alto, pero pido perdon que quizas hice algo a los maestros que les hizo no querer renovar el contrato. Yo se que todo el proceso ha sido muy dificil para todos.
Erin Roche
Principal/ Director
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 8:06 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Being Counter and Designs for Change:
Being Counter: No one, including myself (a white guy), is crying disenfranchisement, but thanks for your cynicism and knee-jerk flippancy. If anything, this is about a group of people caught unawares and then seeing how strategic and stifling this process is. Lesson learned: Become a part of the elections, and you can bet on that. And if you are checking out a new school, look at the LSC minutes (if they are available--all of ours aren't!). The Ravenswood parents, both new and old, have yet to hear from the NO voting parent reps, but all intentions seem on placating a disgruntled faculty, and possibly a very small vocal minority with a chip on their shoulder. Come Thursday evening and maybe you will see that this isn't all gentrifying and scary, "like Nettlehorst, like Blaine" scary. I've met nothing but salt of the Earth folks wanting to be a part of something exciting with a very interesting
and smart Principal.
DFC: You know, I ran through your post twice, and I'll take it at face value that you are doing your job. I also appreciate the good intentions of your organization, but I must say, you are hardly an effective organization, your staff is diminishing, and you are losing credibility. Sorry. For every date you mention you were on site training people, the record will show that at least 2 parent reps have been absent since October, but made a real effort to be there 12 days ago to vote the way they did.
Also, when you take the time to train, DFC, you might want to think about training LSC's to post notices on the 48 hour button and not do it on one side of the school. Also, DFC, you might want to suggest to an LSC Chair that when she promises to have minutes and evaluations available in a timely way as she did last week, they should be made available. Like, pronto. Also, DFC, if an LSC goes into closed session,
maybe audio and/or video should be made available to the public.
Not just the last 2 years, but maybe THIS year, and maybe THIS past week. This LSC has got a roster of gross violations of the Freedom of Information Act---which you may want to consider part of your "training." You can bet your sweet bippy that this is going to be combed through completely. Information to the public has to be given completely and in a timely way, so you might want to have that be a part of your training, Designs for Change.
Just a suggestion.
Dennis Frank
Being Counter: No one, including myself (a white guy), is crying disenfranchisement, but thanks for your cynicism and knee-jerk flippancy. If anything, this is about a group of people caught unawares and then seeing how strategic and stifling this process is. Lesson learned: Become a part of the elections, and you can bet on that. And if you are checking out a new school, look at the LSC minutes (if they are available--all of ours aren't!). The Ravenswood parents, both new and old, have yet to hear from the NO voting parent reps, but all intentions seem on placating a disgruntled faculty, and possibly a very small vocal minority with a chip on their shoulder. Come Thursday evening and maybe you will see that this isn't all gentrifying and scary, "like Nettlehorst, like Blaine" scary. I've met nothing but salt of the Earth folks wanting to be a part of something exciting with a very interesting
and smart Principal.
DFC: You know, I ran through your post twice, and I'll take it at face value that you are doing your job. I also appreciate the good intentions of your organization, but I must say, you are hardly an effective organization, your staff is diminishing, and you are losing credibility. Sorry. For every date you mention you were on site training people, the record will show that at least 2 parent reps have been absent since October, but made a real effort to be there 12 days ago to vote the way they did.
Also, when you take the time to train, DFC, you might want to think about training LSC's to post notices on the 48 hour button and not do it on one side of the school. Also, DFC, you might want to suggest to an LSC Chair that when she promises to have minutes and evaluations available in a timely way as she did last week, they should be made available. Like, pronto. Also, DFC, if an LSC goes into closed session,
maybe audio and/or video should be made available to the public.
Not just the last 2 years, but maybe THIS year, and maybe THIS past week. This LSC has got a roster of gross violations of the Freedom of Information Act---which you may want to consider part of your "training." You can bet your sweet bippy that this is going to be combed through completely. Information to the public has to be given completely and in a timely way, so you might want to have that be a part of your training, Designs for Change.
Just a suggestion.
Dennis Frank
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 8:55 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Dennis -
Please stop perpetuating a stereotype - I am going to trust that none of these white guys will be climbing a tower with automatic weapons; please exercise the same restraint.
As for your exhortations for 'research'; the majority of parents in the city have limited ability to cherry pick schools based on the economic freedom to move where they would like. Because they and their children have little choice but to try to bloom where they are planted, they will be wary of how much fertilizer is being dumped on them. Sorry if you find this scary.
Bippy? I looked this up; it's a joke from a TV show from 40 years ago.
Do you have school aged children?
Please stop perpetuating a stereotype - I am going to trust that none of these white guys will be climbing a tower with automatic weapons; please exercise the same restraint.
As for your exhortations for 'research'; the majority of parents in the city have limited ability to cherry pick schools based on the economic freedom to move where they would like. Because they and their children have little choice but to try to bloom where they are planted, they will be wary of how much fertilizer is being dumped on them. Sorry if you find this scary.
Bippy? I looked this up; it's a joke from a TV show from 40 years ago.
Do you have school aged children?
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 9:23 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
LSC's have got to go. This Principal has an incredibley good reputation throughout the district. There is no reason that a random group of people should choose the principal. I hope the Principal considers leading a charter school. I think that charter principals are judged about what matters--parent support and student achievement results.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 9:53 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Being Counter,
Are you forgetting about the two hundred posts when the Curie principal was ousted?
Are you forgetting about the two hundred posts when the Curie principal was ousted?
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 9:57 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I'm curious--what went bad with Blaine and Nettlehorst? Wack job LSC's too?
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
From the IMSA webiste, where Roche is a board member--seems pretty decent to an outsider like myself..
ERIN ROCHE of Chicago, a member of IMSA's charter class of 1989, is principal of Ravenswood School in Chicago. Mr. Roche holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and mathematics from Knox College and a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Mr. Roche has served in Honduras with the Peace Corps, was assistant principal at both Boone Elementary and Noble Street Charter High School in Chicago, and a new school planner with the National Teachers Academy. Mr. Roche has also worked with the Chicago Public Schools in creating Telpochcalli, a school dedicated to developing bilingual English/Spanish students.
ERIN ROCHE of Chicago, a member of IMSA's charter class of 1989, is principal of Ravenswood School in Chicago. Mr. Roche holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and mathematics from Knox College and a master's degree in education from the University of Illinois-Chicago. Mr. Roche has served in Honduras with the Peace Corps, was assistant principal at both Boone Elementary and Noble Street Charter High School in Chicago, and a new school planner with the National Teachers Academy. Mr. Roche has also worked with the Chicago Public Schools in creating Telpochcalli, a school dedicated to developing bilingual English/Spanish students.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 10:11 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
The present Principal of Ravenswood came into a school
that was already doing well, he has brought some of the
scores for the school up, but he is not a people person.
He disrespects his teachers and he bullies his parents
who are not middle class. The teachers have always
been excellent at Ravenswood and he would have
done a lot better to treat them with respect instead
of disdain. No school can attribute success or failure
to one person. But all of a sudden the LSC is the villain.
Most of these people who are so upset have never even
tried to attend an LSC meeting or find out what the teachers
are going through because they want to work with
someone who will respect and work with them.
Mr Roche is a bully in the worst form. He cannot
be corrected. Perhaps if he had tried to work with
the teacher and the parents who needed help
the most, he would have gotten more votes.
that was already doing well, he has brought some of the
scores for the school up, but he is not a people person.
He disrespects his teachers and he bullies his parents
who are not middle class. The teachers have always
been excellent at Ravenswood and he would have
done a lot better to treat them with respect instead
of disdain. No school can attribute success or failure
to one person. But all of a sudden the LSC is the villain.
Most of these people who are so upset have never even
tried to attend an LSC meeting or find out what the teachers
are going through because they want to work with
someone who will respect and work with them.
Mr Roche is a bully in the worst form. He cannot
be corrected. Perhaps if he had tried to work with
the teacher and the parents who needed help
the most, he would have gotten more votes.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 10:21 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I heard different on the bullies.
* One pro-Roche teacher said that a Teacher LSC Rep had told the teacher to not talk to the LSC on Roche's behalf "or else"
* Another teacher independently said the same
* A parent said that she saw a teacher put her body in between a parent who asked a parent LSC Rep why he voted no; the teacher (you?) told the parent that they couldn't talk to the LSC parent Rep and had to leave the building
Sounds like some low tactics.
* One pro-Roche teacher said that a Teacher LSC Rep had told the teacher to not talk to the LSC on Roche's behalf "or else"
* Another teacher independently said the same
* A parent said that she saw a teacher put her body in between a parent who asked a parent LSC Rep why he voted no; the teacher (you?) told the parent that they couldn't talk to the LSC parent Rep and had to leave the building
Sounds like some low tactics.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 10:30 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
What went wrong at South Loop?
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 10:34 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Dear parents, families, friends, teachers, staff, and children of Ravenswood School,
The following comments are adapted from my address to the Local School Council at their emergency meeting January 30, 2008.
As I stated to the LSC after their vote, I disagree with the LSCs decision to not renew my contract. The LSC votes do not coincide with my understanding of parental support and evaluation of performance. I have appealed the decision to not renew my contract. My appeal is meant to show my commitment to Ravenswood School and to the work that weve been doing for the last three years. However, I have begun to look beyond this school year.
I joined Ravenswood three years ago and as principal undertook three major initiatives to improve rapidly student learning: Benchmark assessments, Balanced Literacy, and teacher-directed professional development.
Benchmark assessments are administered every eight weeks and give teachers feedback on individual student progress in specific areas of reading, math, and writing. Teachers use this information to create re-teaching plans, so all students can progress academically.
Balanced Literacy is a framework of instruction that allows teachers to focus on specific learning skills for individual students.
Teacher-directed professional development provides 14 hours each year for teacher teams to expand their instructional repertoire, so students are academically successful. Teacher teams identify their goals and the process by which they meet them.
Alongside these three instructional initiatives, I also began a strategy to embrace ALL the parents of the schools families and to include them actively in their childrens school life.
In the past three years, all of these initiatives have resulted in significant improvements at Ravenswood. Test scores are up. Building improvements create a welcoming feel to learning. Classroom communities are stronger. Parent involvement is at an all-time high.
Over the next five months I intend to fully continue the initiatives. They have required faculty to think differently about student learning. That change has been hard for some faculty. Benchmark assessments, balanced literacy, and teacher-directed professional development will continue to build excellent learning for our children.
I am deeply disappointed in the decision of the LSC to not renew my contract. I dont apologize for pushing teachers to a higher standard, but I am sorry that I may have done something that made some teachers not want to renew my contract. I know that this has been hard on everyone.
I appreciate the strong support from parents and teachers in recent days and would welcome it throughout the appeal process. The outcome is less than certain given the vast discretion the Illinois School Code grants to LSCs in making these decisions. Let me be clear that whatever the outcome, I respect local control and the appeal process.
Ms. Blahuta and I will continue to support the good work that will occur over the next five months; at the same time, we have also begun to look for our next school leadership opportunity.
I wish students, their families, and the Ravenswood community continued successes and pledge to work toward that end this year. It is my hope that the next principal chosen by the LSC will support the successful initiatives established here for children.
Estimados padres, familias, amigos, maestros, facultad, y estudiantes de la Escuela Ravenswood,
Los siguientes comentos son parte de mi discurso al Concilio Local Escolar en la junta de emergencia el 30 de enero, 2008.
Como dije despues del voto del concilio, no estoy de acuerdo con la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. Los votos del concilio no reflejan como yo entieno el apoyo de padres y evaluacin de mi trabajo. Yo apel la decision de no renovar el contrato. La apelacin es para mostra mi dedicacin a la escuela y al trabajo que hemos hecho por tres anos.
Vine a Ravenswood hace tres anos y como director empece tres programas principales para mejorar rapidamente el aprendizaje de ninos: Examenes regulares, lectura balanceado, y desarrollo professional dirijido por maestros.
Examenes regulares son administrado cada ocho semanas y dan a los maestros la prueba de progreso academico para cada estudiante en las areas especificas de lectura, matematicas, y escritura. Los maestros usan esta informacin para crear planes de ensenanza para que todos los estudiantes puedan progresar academicamente.
Lectura balanceada es una estructura de instruccin que dejan a los maestros enfocarse en destrezas especificas de aprendizaje para estudiantes individuales.
Desarrollo profesional dirijido por maestros provee 14 horas cada ano para que equipos de maestros puedan mejorar su instruccin y para mejorar su exito academico. Equipos de maestros identifican sus metas y el proceso de llegar a las metas.
Ademas de estes programas de instruccin, tambin empec una estrategia de incluir TODOS los padres de las familias de la escuela e incluirlas activamente en la vida escolar.
En los ultimos tres anos, todos los programas han resultado en mejoramientos grandes en la Ravenswood. Los resultados del los examanes estn para arriba. Mejoramientos del edificio crean le dan el bienvenido al visitante. Las comunidades de cada salon son ms fuerte. La inclusion de padres es mucho ms alto.
En los prximo cinco meses, voy a seguir con estes programas. Ellos han requirido que la facultad piensa diferente por el aprendizaje estudiantil. Este cambio ha sido difcil para unos. Examanes regulares, lectura balanceada, y desarrollo dirijido por maestros van a continuar a construir oportunidades excelentes de aprendizaje para nuestros ninos.
Y aprecio muchsimo el apoyo de padres y mastros en das recientes y durante el proceso de la apelacin. El resultado es desconocido dado el control que tiene el concilio por la ley del estado de Illinois. Dejeme clarificar que respeto completament el control local y el proceso de la apelacin.
La Sub-directora y yo vamos a continuar el trabajo bueno de los proximos meses; a la vez, hemos a buscar la siguiente oportunidad de liderazgo.
Estoy muy triste de la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. No pido perdon por haber empujado los maestros a un nivel mas alto, pero pido perdon que quizas hice algo a los maestros que les hizo no querer renovar el contrato. Yo se que todo el proceso ha sido muy dificil para todos.
Erin Roche
Principal/ Director
The following comments are adapted from my address to the Local School Council at their emergency meeting January 30, 2008.
As I stated to the LSC after their vote, I disagree with the LSCs decision to not renew my contract. The LSC votes do not coincide with my understanding of parental support and evaluation of performance. I have appealed the decision to not renew my contract. My appeal is meant to show my commitment to Ravenswood School and to the work that weve been doing for the last three years. However, I have begun to look beyond this school year.
I joined Ravenswood three years ago and as principal undertook three major initiatives to improve rapidly student learning: Benchmark assessments, Balanced Literacy, and teacher-directed professional development.
Benchmark assessments are administered every eight weeks and give teachers feedback on individual student progress in specific areas of reading, math, and writing. Teachers use this information to create re-teaching plans, so all students can progress academically.
Balanced Literacy is a framework of instruction that allows teachers to focus on specific learning skills for individual students.
Teacher-directed professional development provides 14 hours each year for teacher teams to expand their instructional repertoire, so students are academically successful. Teacher teams identify their goals and the process by which they meet them.
Alongside these three instructional initiatives, I also began a strategy to embrace ALL the parents of the schools families and to include them actively in their childrens school life.
In the past three years, all of these initiatives have resulted in significant improvements at Ravenswood. Test scores are up. Building improvements create a welcoming feel to learning. Classroom communities are stronger. Parent involvement is at an all-time high.
Over the next five months I intend to fully continue the initiatives. They have required faculty to think differently about student learning. That change has been hard for some faculty. Benchmark assessments, balanced literacy, and teacher-directed professional development will continue to build excellent learning for our children.
I am deeply disappointed in the decision of the LSC to not renew my contract. I dont apologize for pushing teachers to a higher standard, but I am sorry that I may have done something that made some teachers not want to renew my contract. I know that this has been hard on everyone.
I appreciate the strong support from parents and teachers in recent days and would welcome it throughout the appeal process. The outcome is less than certain given the vast discretion the Illinois School Code grants to LSCs in making these decisions. Let me be clear that whatever the outcome, I respect local control and the appeal process.
Ms. Blahuta and I will continue to support the good work that will occur over the next five months; at the same time, we have also begun to look for our next school leadership opportunity.
I wish students, their families, and the Ravenswood community continued successes and pledge to work toward that end this year. It is my hope that the next principal chosen by the LSC will support the successful initiatives established here for children.
Estimados padres, familias, amigos, maestros, facultad, y estudiantes de la Escuela Ravenswood,
Los siguientes comentos son parte de mi discurso al Concilio Local Escolar en la junta de emergencia el 30 de enero, 2008.
Como dije despues del voto del concilio, no estoy de acuerdo con la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. Los votos del concilio no reflejan como yo entieno el apoyo de padres y evaluacin de mi trabajo. Yo apel la decision de no renovar el contrato. La apelacin es para mostra mi dedicacin a la escuela y al trabajo que hemos hecho por tres anos.
Vine a Ravenswood hace tres anos y como director empece tres programas principales para mejorar rapidamente el aprendizaje de ninos: Examenes regulares, lectura balanceado, y desarrollo professional dirijido por maestros.
Examenes regulares son administrado cada ocho semanas y dan a los maestros la prueba de progreso academico para cada estudiante en las areas especificas de lectura, matematicas, y escritura. Los maestros usan esta informacin para crear planes de ensenanza para que todos los estudiantes puedan progresar academicamente.
Lectura balanceada es una estructura de instruccin que dejan a los maestros enfocarse en destrezas especificas de aprendizaje para estudiantes individuales.
Desarrollo profesional dirijido por maestros provee 14 horas cada ano para que equipos de maestros puedan mejorar su instruccin y para mejorar su exito academico. Equipos de maestros identifican sus metas y el proceso de llegar a las metas.
Ademas de estes programas de instruccin, tambin empec una estrategia de incluir TODOS los padres de las familias de la escuela e incluirlas activamente en la vida escolar.
En los ultimos tres anos, todos los programas han resultado en mejoramientos grandes en la Ravenswood. Los resultados del los examanes estn para arriba. Mejoramientos del edificio crean le dan el bienvenido al visitante. Las comunidades de cada salon son ms fuerte. La inclusion de padres es mucho ms alto.
En los prximo cinco meses, voy a seguir con estes programas. Ellos han requirido que la facultad piensa diferente por el aprendizaje estudiantil. Este cambio ha sido difcil para unos. Examanes regulares, lectura balanceada, y desarrollo dirijido por maestros van a continuar a construir oportunidades excelentes de aprendizaje para nuestros ninos.
Y aprecio muchsimo el apoyo de padres y mastros en das recientes y durante el proceso de la apelacin. El resultado es desconocido dado el control que tiene el concilio por la ley del estado de Illinois. Dejeme clarificar que respeto completament el control local y el proceso de la apelacin.
La Sub-directora y yo vamos a continuar el trabajo bueno de los proximos meses; a la vez, hemos a buscar la siguiente oportunidad de liderazgo.
Estoy muy triste de la decision del concilio de no renovar el contrato. No pido perdon por haber empujado los maestros a un nivel mas alto, pero pido perdon que quizas hice algo a los maestros que les hizo no querer renovar el contrato. Yo se que todo el proceso ha sido muy dificil para todos.
Erin Roche
Principal/ Director
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 11:10 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Thank you for posting Erin Roche's full statement, Alexander.
When this is all said and done, this travesty came from the neurotic machinations of "some teachers."
When this is all said and done, this travesty came from the neurotic machinations of "some teachers."
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 11:14 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
The Spanish in that letter is error-ridden to the nth degree and semi-literate. The writer doesn't even know how to use the subjunctive. It must be a slap in the face of Spanish speakers. And Chicago wants to be a global city!
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 11:35 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
An intriguing part about the Roche letter from an pedagogical point of view is the one about thinking "differently about student learning" and that that "change has been hard for some faculty." What could that possibly be referring to? A cutting-edge theory perhaps that other teachers should be aware of? If Roche visits this site, perhaps he can elucidate.
Tue Feb 5, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Calling that letter semi-literate is kind. It looks like it was run back and forth through Google translator...
Daley doesn't care if students learn a second language unless it is Chinese, so we can build those great business relationships with companies that make toothpaste out of pencil shavings and paint baby toys with lead paint.
Richie - so hard to learn a second, or even a first language when you have lead poisoning.
Daley doesn't care if students learn a second language unless it is Chinese, so we can build those great business relationships with companies that make toothpaste out of pencil shavings and paint baby toys with lead paint.
Richie - so hard to learn a second, or even a first language when you have lead poisoning.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 12:12 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
being counter,
You are really hitting the nail on the head on all counts. Ramming Chinese down the throats of kids who can barely handle their own language is insane. I wonder how much Chinese these kids are actually learning? My guess is virtually zero.
Since we have a huge Hispanic population and Spanish is rapidly become a second language, it would make much more sense to teach Spanish to everybody at an early age up to eighth grade, and to make Hispanic kids literate and proficient in Spanish, in addition to English, of course..
You are really hitting the nail on the head on all counts. Ramming Chinese down the throats of kids who can barely handle their own language is insane. I wonder how much Chinese these kids are actually learning? My guess is virtually zero.
Since we have a huge Hispanic population and Spanish is rapidly become a second language, it would make much more sense to teach Spanish to everybody at an early age up to eighth grade, and to make Hispanic kids literate and proficient in Spanish, in addition to English, of course..
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 6:57 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Posters
Being Counter, curmudgeon, and esp. Truth Be Told.......
Why don't you post your real names instead of
pseudonym-ing like some hormonal teenager on Facebook?
My guess is we'll find ourselves 1 or 2 or 0 degrees from
an art room at Ravenswood.
Being Counter, curmudgeon, and esp. Truth Be Told.......
Why don't you post your real names instead of
pseudonym-ing like some hormonal teenager on Facebook?
My guess is we'll find ourselves 1 or 2 or 0 degrees from
an art room at Ravenswood.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 7:14 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
some thoughts about the current situation --
-interesting and unfortunate for supporters of principal roche that they were unprepared to win spots on the LSC 18 months ago, cultivate better support from among those who were already on it, or at least get better intelligence about what was going on ahead of time
-last year with curie and every time before, nonrenewed principals withdraw or lose on appeal due to the low standard LSCs are held to for backing up their decisions; we know what's likely to happen here (though there's always a first time and the giants did with the superbowl)
-how about a timely reminder that it was, among others, none other than barack obama who brokered the language that protects LSCs rights to remove even high performing principals back in 1999? amazing. one of his few concrete education accomplishments.
-instead of endlessly focusing on questioning or reversing the LSC decision after the fact, or questioning the LSC process entirely, why don't LSC critics on this blog (and in real life) focus on their ability to run their own slates and remove current LSC members who vote against what parents want?
i mean, did proponents make it clear to current LSC members over the past few months -- everyone knew the contract was up -- that they'd be strongly opposed this spring if they went against principal roche? i'm not taking sides here, just pointing out a tool that seems to go unused in LSC situations.
-interesting and unfortunate for supporters of principal roche that they were unprepared to win spots on the LSC 18 months ago, cultivate better support from among those who were already on it, or at least get better intelligence about what was going on ahead of time
-last year with curie and every time before, nonrenewed principals withdraw or lose on appeal due to the low standard LSCs are held to for backing up their decisions; we know what's likely to happen here (though there's always a first time and the giants did with the superbowl)
-how about a timely reminder that it was, among others, none other than barack obama who brokered the language that protects LSCs rights to remove even high performing principals back in 1999? amazing. one of his few concrete education accomplishments.
-instead of endlessly focusing on questioning or reversing the LSC decision after the fact, or questioning the LSC process entirely, why don't LSC critics on this blog (and in real life) focus on their ability to run their own slates and remove current LSC members who vote against what parents want?
i mean, did proponents make it clear to current LSC members over the past few months -- everyone knew the contract was up -- that they'd be strongly opposed this spring if they went against principal roche? i'm not taking sides here, just pointing out a tool that seems to go unused in LSC situations.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:38 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
These are all valid points, Alexander.
I don't disagree at all.
I am one of many parents/kids coming in with the existing board.
I can accept the position, but don't have to like the
way it was handled, that being parent reps siding with
a negative faculty. And here, I would have to say
that I side with Principal Roche and his accomplishments and not
the apparently very bad teachers in the upper grades. The great
teachers are in the primary grades. Its 2 schools, plain and simple.
I don't disagree at all.
I am one of many parents/kids coming in with the existing board.
I can accept the position, but don't have to like the
way it was handled, that being parent reps siding with
a negative faculty. And here, I would have to say
that I side with Principal Roche and his accomplishments and not
the apparently very bad teachers in the upper grades. The great
teachers are in the primary grades. Its 2 schools, plain and simple.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:26 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Dennis - can't speak for the others, but I don't work at Ravenswood School.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:29 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
the original comments from don moore at DFC were cut off but have now been restored -- check above for the full text -- alexander
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:20 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Thanks, bean counter....really.
1 down, 2 to go...
1 down, 2 to go...
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Yesterday's comments by Dennis Frank show his ignorance about the Open Meetings Act and the Freedom of Information Act. Recordings of closed session meetings are not public information (that's why they are closed sessions). Notice of meetings is only required to be posted in the office of the building, not on doors, especially not on every door of a school. Your attacks would be more effective if they were at all accurate. Maybe you should get some training before going off on anyone else.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
thanks to mike klonsky for reminding me that there's another potentially more effective and less frustrating way to go when an LSC makes a decision that you don't like than complaining about the LSC law or trying to get the LSC decision reversed after the fact.
at telpochcalli, i'm told, the response when the LSC removed its long-standing principal was to rally against the LSC and get new folks elected, who were -- i'm not sure how -- able to get the original principal reinstated.
the full story from mike is over on his blog --
here, here, among other places.
even if you don't get your original principal back, cases like this demonstrate to LSCs that they can be held accountable politically.
i get the sense, though, that incumbents are mostly unopposed if they run again on LSCs, and are rarely opposed and beaten for making "bad" decisions -- is that right?
are there other examples like telpochcalli where an LSC is replaced through organizing over a specific issue?
at telpochcalli, i'm told, the response when the LSC removed its long-standing principal was to rally against the LSC and get new folks elected, who were -- i'm not sure how -- able to get the original principal reinstated.
the full story from mike is over on his blog --
here, here, among other places.
even if you don't get your original principal back, cases like this demonstrate to LSCs that they can be held accountable politically.
i get the sense, though, that incumbents are mostly unopposed if they run again on LSCs, and are rarely opposed and beaten for making "bad" decisions -- is that right?
are there other examples like telpochcalli where an LSC is replaced through organizing over a specific issue?
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 11:45 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
"Being Counter, curmudgeon, and esp. Truth Be Told.......
Why don't you post your real names instead of
pseudonym-ing like some hormonal teenager on Facebook?"
Do you really think the vocabulary of hormonal teenagers would extend to relatively obscure words like "curmudgeon"? Get real!
The advantage of anonymity is that it provides the potential of allowing the writer to disclose matters that would otherwide remain hidden. In an atmosphere of secrecy, e.g. closed sessions on the fate of principals, the value of such a venue should not be underestimated.
Why don't you post your real names instead of
pseudonym-ing like some hormonal teenager on Facebook?"
Do you really think the vocabulary of hormonal teenagers would extend to relatively obscure words like "curmudgeon"? Get real!
The advantage of anonymity is that it provides the potential of allowing the writer to disclose matters that would otherwide remain hidden. In an atmosphere of secrecy, e.g. closed sessions on the fate of principals, the value of such a venue should not be underestimated.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 12:04 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Ooo, getting heated up here...
The bs about the Spanish in Roche's letter being "poor" is just petty. Any Spanish speaking family I know is just pleased (and certainly not "slapped in the face') by the effort to include the info in Spanish, just as I am thankful for any English used when I'm traveling outside the US. Perhaps he wrote it himself, considering his time spent in Honduras, and I'd cut anyone slack who is writing in a 2nd language. Feel free, y'all, to fix it if it's important to you that it's grammatically correct.
And yes, closed meeting are, in fact, not for the public, but the minutes are--when are those going to be made public? And whenever ANY body doesn't make their intent LOUD and clear (like posting signs where everyone can take notice of them, not just where they're "required by law"), something dirty is going down.
Change in ANY organization is met with resistance. From what I understand, the changes in Ravenswood reflect the changes in the demographics in their families (and I truly believe that Ravenswood's diversity appealed to all taking a chance with CPS). Growing is going to be painful--but to fire someone who seems, by all accounts, to be a sharp, involved administrator is simply stupid. A year may not seem like a lot to us adults, but a year of turmoil for a child in his/her elementary years is HUGE, and this change, like so many in CPS, seems to have had beginnings a while ago but repercussions that simply exploded in everyone's faces. These kinds of actions do tremendous harm to the kids, who are the ones we should be thinking about.
And last comment for today--like all evolving schools, old time teachers, who got comfortable with their half assed teaching, forgiving themselves because they're "in the trenches", are a HUGE hindrance for growth. Good teachers are constantly evolving and learning. Just like good parents.
The bs about the Spanish in Roche's letter being "poor" is just petty. Any Spanish speaking family I know is just pleased (and certainly not "slapped in the face') by the effort to include the info in Spanish, just as I am thankful for any English used when I'm traveling outside the US. Perhaps he wrote it himself, considering his time spent in Honduras, and I'd cut anyone slack who is writing in a 2nd language. Feel free, y'all, to fix it if it's important to you that it's grammatically correct.
And yes, closed meeting are, in fact, not for the public, but the minutes are--when are those going to be made public? And whenever ANY body doesn't make their intent LOUD and clear (like posting signs where everyone can take notice of them, not just where they're "required by law"), something dirty is going down.
Change in ANY organization is met with resistance. From what I understand, the changes in Ravenswood reflect the changes in the demographics in their families (and I truly believe that Ravenswood's diversity appealed to all taking a chance with CPS). Growing is going to be painful--but to fire someone who seems, by all accounts, to be a sharp, involved administrator is simply stupid. A year may not seem like a lot to us adults, but a year of turmoil for a child in his/her elementary years is HUGE, and this change, like so many in CPS, seems to have had beginnings a while ago but repercussions that simply exploded in everyone's faces. These kinds of actions do tremendous harm to the kids, who are the ones we should be thinking about.
And last comment for today--like all evolving schools, old time teachers, who got comfortable with their half assed teaching, forgiving themselves because they're "in the trenches", are a HUGE hindrance for growth. Good teachers are constantly evolving and learning. Just like good parents.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
"Any Spanish speaking family I know is just pleased (and certainly not "slapped in the face') by the effort to include the info in Spanish,."
Sense when are Spanish speakers not due the same courtesy as English speakers? This is the problem with our system.
Sense when are Spanish speakers not due the same courtesy as English speakers? This is the problem with our system.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 12:39 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
This is not just about LSCs. Check out the ongoing battle at Passages Charter School where an excellent principal has been fired by a governing board (no LSCs in charter schools) without due process or any right of appeal.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 12:55 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
what's going on at passages, bernard?
tell us the principal's name, and the background -- i don't think i've heard about this before.
-- alexander
tell us the principal's name, and the background -- i don't think i've heard about this before.
-- alexander
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 1:14 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I'm assuming you mean "Since when..." but I'll give you the "courtesy" of accepting that a grammatical error is just that; an error, and by no means disrespect to me and my first language, which happens to be English, and certainly not an intent to slight me, as mistakes happen.
Spanish is not, regardless of whether it "should be", the first language of this country, and therefore any entities "choice" to include it to disseminate information IS a courtesy. Or a wise business move, depending on the arena we're playing in. Of course it makes sense to have school information go home in Spanish (or Polish or Russian) and I support that whole-heartedly--but to bash the grammar of it is petty and rude.
If I were to move to Mexico, I certainly wouldn't have a problem with any grammatical errors in any English-written literature I might get, so what "system" are you talking about and what is its problem?
Spanish is not, regardless of whether it "should be", the first language of this country, and therefore any entities "choice" to include it to disseminate information IS a courtesy. Or a wise business move, depending on the arena we're playing in. Of course it makes sense to have school information go home in Spanish (or Polish or Russian) and I support that whole-heartedly--but to bash the grammar of it is petty and rude.
If I were to move to Mexico, I certainly wouldn't have a problem with any grammatical errors in any English-written literature I might get, so what "system" are you talking about and what is its problem?
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 2:19 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
here's an update email passed along to me about some of the recent events and the upcoming (tomorrow) LSC meeting:
Hi, Everyone,
Here's a quick update on various meetings from Monday, as well as some details for Thursday:
1. Yesterday afternoon there was a meeting between just a few LSC members and a few concerned parents, put together by CPS leadership in the AMPS office and the LSC/Community Relations office. The LSC had their lawyer present, so it sounds like they were not able to offer much.
2. There was also an official LSC meeting yesterday afternoon, where the council members discussed formation of the Principal Selection Committee. Notes from that meeting follow this email (thanks to Natalie Waechter for taking notes and typing them up). The process for selecting the committee to select a new principal will also, apparently, be discussed/presented at the LSC meeting on Thursday evening.
3. A group of parents did get together last night to outline talking points, to make sure they will all be addressed at the meeting on Thursday night. However, EVERYONE who has an opinion on this matter is encouraged to attend and express their opinions. If you have written comments, please feel free to email me -- I will print them all out and put them together to present to the LSC.
3. The LSC meeting is open to the public on Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. at school. If you attend, you will be asked to sign in when you arrive at the meeting. If you want to make a public comment, you can check a box indicating such. We believe that public comments will be limited to 2 minutes for each person, and will be called in the order in which they were signed in. If you plan to attend, please drop me a note, as I am trying to keep a running tab on how many people are expected to attend, so that we can advise the LSC to make sure they plan for appropriate meeting facilities.
4. Childcare will be available in the nursery at Bethany Church beginning at 5:15 p.m. (before the meeting starts at 5 o'clock). Bethany Church is on Paulina, directly south of the school across Cullom. The nursery is in the church basement, which can be entered below the stairs to the main entrance on Paulina. We are looking for another adult to help supervise in that room, so if you are available or can refer someone to me, please let me know.
Thanks,
Wendy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ravenswood School
LSC Meeting Notes
February 2, 2008
5:30 pm
In attendance:
Lilliana Dominguez
Jennifer Simokaitis
Kitty Conde
Marysol Angeles
Abel Angeles
Colleen McVeigh
Ida (CPS Area Rep)
LSC Elaine Siegel (Legal Council)
Helen Poot
Bonnie Perry
Rosilie Hernandez
Not present:
Erin Roche
Tim Hart
AGENDA
Principal Selection Committee
LSC discussed the process for selection a Principal Selection Committee
1. A maximum of 20 members to be on the PSC (Principal Selection Committee). Those members can include members of the LSC. The breakdown of representation is as follows:
10 LSC members
5 Teachers
5 Parents
1 parent from Lower grades
1 parent from Intermediate grades
1 parent from Upper grades
1 parent from Special Education
1 parent from ELL
2. The LSC members can act as the additional parents and teachers members.
3. Candidates for the PSC must submit a written statement outlining their qualifications as a PSC member by February 15. There was some concern expressed as to the literacy of some of the potential candidates and whether or not their statements could be oral.
4. On February 23 at 9:30, a training session will be held to train all PSC applicants. The final reviews and candidates will be selected after the training session that same day.
If the current LSC cannot decide on viable candidates by the deadline, the Board of Education will assign and interim principal to the school on July 1. That principal could be Erin Roche.
The PSC and application process will be discussed with the school community at the LSC meeting on February 7, 2008.
if you know more, or have any thoughts about how this is panning out, let us know. and of course, the LSC meetings are open to the public
/ alexander
Hi, Everyone,
Here's a quick update on various meetings from Monday, as well as some details for Thursday:
1. Yesterday afternoon there was a meeting between just a few LSC members and a few concerned parents, put together by CPS leadership in the AMPS office and the LSC/Community Relations office. The LSC had their lawyer present, so it sounds like they were not able to offer much.
2. There was also an official LSC meeting yesterday afternoon, where the council members discussed formation of the Principal Selection Committee. Notes from that meeting follow this email (thanks to Natalie Waechter for taking notes and typing them up). The process for selecting the committee to select a new principal will also, apparently, be discussed/presented at the LSC meeting on Thursday evening.
3. A group of parents did get together last night to outline talking points, to make sure they will all be addressed at the meeting on Thursday night. However, EVERYONE who has an opinion on this matter is encouraged to attend and express their opinions. If you have written comments, please feel free to email me -- I will print them all out and put them together to present to the LSC.
3. The LSC meeting is open to the public on Thursday evening at 5:30 p.m. at school. If you attend, you will be asked to sign in when you arrive at the meeting. If you want to make a public comment, you can check a box indicating such. We believe that public comments will be limited to 2 minutes for each person, and will be called in the order in which they were signed in. If you plan to attend, please drop me a note, as I am trying to keep a running tab on how many people are expected to attend, so that we can advise the LSC to make sure they plan for appropriate meeting facilities.
4. Childcare will be available in the nursery at Bethany Church beginning at 5:15 p.m. (before the meeting starts at 5 o'clock). Bethany Church is on Paulina, directly south of the school across Cullom. The nursery is in the church basement, which can be entered below the stairs to the main entrance on Paulina. We are looking for another adult to help supervise in that room, so if you are available or can refer someone to me, please let me know.
Thanks,
Wendy
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ravenswood School
LSC Meeting Notes
February 2, 2008
5:30 pm
In attendance:
Lilliana Dominguez
Jennifer Simokaitis
Kitty Conde
Marysol Angeles
Abel Angeles
Colleen McVeigh
Ida (CPS Area Rep)
LSC Elaine Siegel (Legal Council)
Helen Poot
Bonnie Perry
Rosilie Hernandez
Not present:
Erin Roche
Tim Hart
AGENDA
Principal Selection Committee
LSC discussed the process for selection a Principal Selection Committee
1. A maximum of 20 members to be on the PSC (Principal Selection Committee). Those members can include members of the LSC. The breakdown of representation is as follows:
10 LSC members
5 Teachers
5 Parents
1 parent from Lower grades
1 parent from Intermediate grades
1 parent from Upper grades
1 parent from Special Education
1 parent from ELL
2. The LSC members can act as the additional parents and teachers members.
3. Candidates for the PSC must submit a written statement outlining their qualifications as a PSC member by February 15. There was some concern expressed as to the literacy of some of the potential candidates and whether or not their statements could be oral.
4. On February 23 at 9:30, a training session will be held to train all PSC applicants. The final reviews and candidates will be selected after the training session that same day.
If the current LSC cannot decide on viable candidates by the deadline, the Board of Education will assign and interim principal to the school on July 1. That principal could be Erin Roche.
The PSC and application process will be discussed with the school community at the LSC meeting on February 7, 2008.
if you know more, or have any thoughts about how this is panning out, let us know. and of course, the LSC meetings are open to the public
/ alexander
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 2:34 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
The issue for the LSC and Ravenswood is whether the problems with Roche were dealt with in an appropriate manner. Listening to the explanation of process that one post refers to does not reveal the truth of the substance of the decision. An entirely fair process can lead to an entirely bad decision. Since the vote, I've spoken with parents and staff who are baffled by the decision. The LSC's reponse is to lawyer-up and claim that they cannot comment. It does us all a disservice to allow speculation and rumor to supplant a rational explanation. Here, the half-hearted defense of the decision by a claim that he bullies parents and disrespects teachers does nothing to shed light on the decision. Was that the reason? If the parents are bullied, why did the parent evaluations come in overwhelmingly positive?
Among the other claims made against Roche is that he required the teachers to make their own copies and that he required the teacher to spend as much time each day assessing the progress of the students as they spend taking the kids to the bathroom. Neither seem like good reasons for the decision.
A more productive approach would be to place contract terms in a new contract to correct the perceived problems. If communication is the problem, that can be addressed. I am a parent of two kids at Ravenswood with a third coming in the fall. Erin Roche is the one who sold us on the school - several years ago when enrollment was way down.
Among the other claims made against Roche is that he required the teachers to make their own copies and that he required the teacher to spend as much time each day assessing the progress of the students as they spend taking the kids to the bathroom. Neither seem like good reasons for the decision.
A more productive approach would be to place contract terms in a new contract to correct the perceived problems. If communication is the problem, that can be addressed. I am a parent of two kids at Ravenswood with a third coming in the fall. Erin Roche is the one who sold us on the school - several years ago when enrollment was way down.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 2:44 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
No, minutes of a closed session are not public information. Read the very useful information on the web site for the Illinois Attorney General before you make any more accusations.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 2:51 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Now I am told that the LSC posting/agenda for tomorrow night's 5:30 p.m.
is "allowing" up to 30 minutes of public speaking at the front end of the meeting. 2 minutes per speaker, so, 15 speakers. Not enough time or people allowed to speak.
Ravenswood School 4332 N. Paulina Street Chicago
is "allowing" up to 30 minutes of public speaking at the front end of the meeting. 2 minutes per speaker, so, 15 speakers. Not enough time or people allowed to speak.
Ravenswood School 4332 N. Paulina Street Chicago
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 4:25 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
"Minutes of closed meetings are available only after a determination by the public body that it is no longer necessary to protect the public interest or the privacy of an individual by keeping them confidential 5ILCS 120/2.06(f)" So if we all know Roche has been "fired", why is it necessary to keep the minutes confidential?
Again, the sneakiness and the whole "you can't handle the truth" pomposity smacks of shady going ons. I'm just sayin'... If your beef is legit, then air it in the open. Holding teachers accountable, moving forward, wanting growth...these aren't bad things for Roche (and parents) to want and getting rid of the principal, who I have yet to read anything "fireable", about only hurts the kids and the school in general. A few old school teachers and families not down with the direction the school is taking? Then allow democracy to work and ask for all Ravenswood families to vote. Talk about bullying.
from the Attorney General's site
Again, the sneakiness and the whole "you can't handle the truth" pomposity smacks of shady going ons. I'm just sayin'... If your beef is legit, then air it in the open. Holding teachers accountable, moving forward, wanting growth...these aren't bad things for Roche (and parents) to want and getting rid of the principal, who I have yet to read anything "fireable", about only hurts the kids and the school in general. A few old school teachers and families not down with the direction the school is taking? Then allow democracy to work and ask for all Ravenswood families to vote. Talk about bullying.
from the Attorney General's site
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 5:18 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I have a copy of a glowing evaluation from a key faculty member and LSC teacher rep that is very interesting.
I mean, extremely positive.
It is 2 school years old. Somehow her opinion has changed (2 years!) to lead the charge to unseat Principal Roche.
This same teacher rep was part of the process to hire him, as well.
Maybe he was expected to be a lax principal and he turned out to be someone with a vision, 'ya think?
I mean, extremely positive.
It is 2 school years old. Somehow her opinion has changed (2 years!) to lead the charge to unseat Principal Roche.
This same teacher rep was part of the process to hire him, as well.
Maybe he was expected to be a lax principal and he turned out to be someone with a vision, 'ya think?
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 7:22 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Maybe he talked a good game but was all sizzle and no steak - just as likely, and it happens a lot more than you think.
But just as some principals are too lazy/disorganized/incompetent to identify weak teachers, or to take corrective action if they can identify them, not all LSCs can bring themselves to admit they were wrong and cut their losses on a principal selection that sours or turns out to be false advertising.
I don't think it happens more often these days; I just think parents are less likely to keep taking it, keep quiet and live with the mistake.
Curie is the most recent example in memory; as it happened, this all unfolded just around the time Rufus had noticed what a chucklehead he looked on cable broadcasts of parents reading him the riot act at Board Meetings.
Consequently, the Board nailed their flag to the mast, and Daley and Co. declared that not only was the council wrong for removing a 'nice' administrator who did not produce results (yes, "nice, but no cigar" is not an anomaly restricted to the teaching profession), when their witch hunt of the LSC failed to shake their determination to cut this dead weight loose, they mulishly announced she was a Superstar and and made her an AIO (I can't imagine how AIOs who are performing well felt when Central Office made it clear that they thought a bag of rocks could do their job)
It could be that the rash of oustings of white male principals is because they more likely than women and minorities to be so full of themselves that they oversell their abilities and then just expect that the community and teachers (who are usually female) should just shut up and take their 'management style', no matter how brutish or incompetent.
Most importantly, this should be a wakeup call to Daley and Duncan that the gross underrepresentation of Hispanics in School and Central administration is going to come to a head fairly soon.
50% Hispanic student population, but only 13% of principals are Hispanic. Less than 10 percent in Central/Regional administration.
But just as some principals are too lazy/disorganized/incompetent to identify weak teachers, or to take corrective action if they can identify them, not all LSCs can bring themselves to admit they were wrong and cut their losses on a principal selection that sours or turns out to be false advertising.
I don't think it happens more often these days; I just think parents are less likely to keep taking it, keep quiet and live with the mistake.
Curie is the most recent example in memory; as it happened, this all unfolded just around the time Rufus had noticed what a chucklehead he looked on cable broadcasts of parents reading him the riot act at Board Meetings.
Consequently, the Board nailed their flag to the mast, and Daley and Co. declared that not only was the council wrong for removing a 'nice' administrator who did not produce results (yes, "nice, but no cigar" is not an anomaly restricted to the teaching profession), when their witch hunt of the LSC failed to shake their determination to cut this dead weight loose, they mulishly announced she was a Superstar and and made her an AIO (I can't imagine how AIOs who are performing well felt when Central Office made it clear that they thought a bag of rocks could do their job)
It could be that the rash of oustings of white male principals is because they more likely than women and minorities to be so full of themselves that they oversell their abilities and then just expect that the community and teachers (who are usually female) should just shut up and take their 'management style', no matter how brutish or incompetent.
Most importantly, this should be a wakeup call to Daley and Duncan that the gross underrepresentation of Hispanics in School and Central administration is going to come to a head fairly soon.
50% Hispanic student population, but only 13% of principals are Hispanic. Less than 10 percent in Central/Regional administration.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:30 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Can we show a little respect? A good man lost his job. He had only been there 3 years! Does anyone think he had enough time to really make an impact there? It sounds like he tried to implement some very progressive structures in the school. These structures can prove very beneficial to our young people. Maybe teachers had to work harder, I don't know. The one thing I do know is that nearly half of our CPS freshman are graduating High School and out of that only 2% of those graduating high school will be graduating college. I can guarantee Mr. Roche wanted to see high levels of achievement for all his children. His only problem is that he didn't have the "people skills" to fit in at Ravenswood. It is a shame.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:31 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
From what I have observed (and I am a regular observer at Ravenswood), Mr. Roche does not treat the teachers with respect nor the students. There are big issues at Ravenswood with discipline and the fact that there is never anything done about these issues that arise (e.g., student breaking another student's nose, disrespect to teachers, students bullying teachers, students bullying each other, etc.).
*Side note--Mr. Frank the comment that you made about the upper grade teachers is completely false. The teachers in these grades are fabulous, their morale is down and they don’t feel supported. You try teaching 7th and 8th graders that call you a “Bitch” or “Asshole” to your face and see how you feel when they’re sent to the office and made the “special errand runner” for the rest of the day.
Mr. Roche doesn’t know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don’t feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn’t make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, “Good morning <insert student/teacher name here>,” he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It’s not just about test scores anymore; it’s about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a “Good morning” or “Hey, how’s it going?” Instead of ending the school day with, “DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside” try saying, “Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it’s icy out.”
It’s not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche’s case it is.
It’s too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn’t being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he’s at today.
A student told me the other day, “I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn’t even know any of our names so he’ll be fine at another school.” That pretty much sums it up.
*Side note--Mr. Frank the comment that you made about the upper grade teachers is completely false. The teachers in these grades are fabulous, their morale is down and they don’t feel supported. You try teaching 7th and 8th graders that call you a “Bitch” or “Asshole” to your face and see how you feel when they’re sent to the office and made the “special errand runner” for the rest of the day.
Mr. Roche doesn’t know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don’t feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn’t make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, “Good morning <insert student/teacher name here>,” he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It’s not just about test scores anymore; it’s about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a “Good morning” or “Hey, how’s it going?” Instead of ending the school day with, “DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside” try saying, “Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it’s icy out.”
It’s not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche’s case it is.
It’s too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn’t being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he’s at today.
A student told me the other day, “I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn’t even know any of our names so he’ll be fine at another school.” That pretty much sums it up.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:37 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
(2nd half of post..not sure what happened)
Mr. Roche doesn’t know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don’t feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn’t make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, “Good morning <insert student/teacher name here>,” he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It’s not just about test scores anymore; it’s about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a “Good morning” or “Hey, how’s it going?” Instead of ending the school day with, “DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside” try saying, “Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it’s icy out.”
It’s not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche’s case it is.
It’s too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn’t being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he’s at today.
A student told me the other day, “I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn’t even know any of our names so he’ll be fine at another school.” That pretty much sums it up.
Mr. Roche doesn’t know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don’t feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn’t make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, “Good morning <insert student/teacher name here>,” he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It’s not just about test scores anymore; it’s about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a “Good morning” or “Hey, how’s it going?” Instead of ending the school day with, “DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside” try saying, “Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it’s icy out.”
It’s not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche’s case it is.
It’s too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn’t being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he’s at today.
A student told me the other day, “I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn’t even know any of our names so he’ll be fine at another school.” That pretty much sums it up.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:39 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Mr. Roche doesn’t know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don’t feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn’t make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, “Good morning <insert student/teacher name here>,” he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It’s not just about test scores anymore; it’s about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a “Good morning” or “Hey, how’s it going?” Instead of ending the school day with, “DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside” try saying, “Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it’s icy out.”
It’s not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche’s case it is.
It’s too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn’t being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he’s at today.
A student told me the other day, “I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn’t even know any of our names so he’ll be fine at another school.” That pretty much sums it up.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It’s not just about test scores anymore; it’s about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a “Good morning” or “Hey, how’s it going?” Instead of ending the school day with, “DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside” try saying, “Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it’s icy out.”
It’s not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche’s case it is.
It’s too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn’t being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he’s at today.
A student told me the other day, “I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn’t even know any of our names so he’ll be fine at another school.” That pretty much sums it up.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:46 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
From what I have observed (and I am a regular observer at Ravenswood), Mr. Roche does not treat the teachers with respect nor the students. There are big issues at Ravenswood with discipline and the fact that there is never anything done about these issues that arise (e.g., student breaking another student's nose, disrespect to teachers, students bullying teachers, students bullying each other, etc.).
*Side note--Mr. Frank the comment that you made about the upper grade teachers is completely false. The teachers in these grades are fabulous, their morale is down and they don't feel supported. You try teaching 7th and 8th graders that call you a "Bitch" or "Asshole" to your face and see how you feel when they're sent to the office and made the "special errand runner" for the rest of the day.
Mr. Roche doesn't know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don't feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn't make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, "Good morning ," he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It's not just about test scores anymore; it's about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a "Good morning" or "Hey, how's it going?" Instead of ending the school day with, "DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside" try saying, "Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it's icy out."
It's not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche's case it is.
It's too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn't being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he's at today.
A student told me the other day, "I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn't even know any of our names so he'll be fine at another school." That pretty much sums it up.
*Side note--Mr. Frank the comment that you made about the upper grade teachers is completely false. The teachers in these grades are fabulous, their morale is down and they don't feel supported. You try teaching 7th and 8th graders that call you a "Bitch" or "Asshole" to your face and see how you feel when they're sent to the office and made the "special errand runner" for the rest of the day.
Mr. Roche doesn't know how to deal with the students and lets them walk all over everyone, including himself. When teachers try to address these issues with Mr. Roche/Ms. Blahuta, a blind eye is turned or the buck is passed on to Mr. Pollack (the principal in training with 2 years of classroom experience). These issues make it hard for the teachers to do their jobs. What I hear over and over is that the teachers don't feel supported. Sure, test scores are up but morale at the school is at an all time low. Mr. Roche doesn't make the teachers OR the students feel welcome. Instead of a, "Good morning ," he walks past them with his blinders on.
A principal should be a leader of a school. That means that he/she should be an example of how he wants his students and teachers to be when they are at school (and out in the world for that fact). If the principal has a sourpuss face on all day, the teachers and students are bound to as well. It's not just about test scores anymore; it's about being a person that treats others how he/she wants to be treated. Try a "Good morning" or "Hey, how's it going?" Instead of ending the school day with, "DO NOT touch the snow when you go outside" try saying, "Have a nice night and be careful walking home, it's icy out."
It's not hard to show others respect but apparently in Mr. Roche's case it is.
It's too bad that he thought that buttering up a few of the LSC parents was going to earn him his contract. He is so transparent and the parents, teachers AND students can see right through him. Mr. Roche isn't being ousted, because HIS actions (or lack of) have gotten him where he's at today.
A student told me the other day, "I feel bad for Mr. Roche but you know what, he doesn't even know any of our names so he'll be fine at another school." That pretty much sums it up.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 8:56 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Also to, "hmmmmmm", I believe the parents DID vote/make their voices heard when they turned in their "Principal Survey" of Mr. Roche. The whole process was very professional.
Also, I'm not sure why Mr. Roche would want to try and stay at Ravenswood where he is clearly NOT wanted. That would only make things worse. Teachers are afraid that if if he does end up staying and they state their concerns at these "emergency meetings" that they'll be fired next school year.
Also, I'm not sure why Mr. Roche would want to try and stay at Ravenswood where he is clearly NOT wanted. That would only make things worse. Teachers are afraid that if if he does end up staying and they state their concerns at these "emergency meetings" that they'll be fired next school year.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:03 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
They put a two year teacher/principal intern with a neophyte principal--this is how they train aspiring principals? What programis that? I want in! Well this intern principal is getting a lesson--two year teacher! Another new leader--what he learns here will damage another school. Find interns and put them with experienced and successful princpals in the inner city! Or are NL afraid thaey will chase their two year candidates and actors away?
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:22 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
To Mr. Janes-- I don't think that teachers are as baffled as they let on to you about Mr. Roche's termination. I know they play baffled around you because everyone knows what a "Roche supporter" you are. They'd be ignorant to let you think otherwise. Silly rabbit.
Mr. Roche belongs behind a computer at a desk, not dealing with children on a daily basis. He has the personality of a shovel and DOES bully his teachers. You wouldn't know because you aren't an employee of his and I guarantee that if you were, you would have circled, "No" where it asked if his contract should be renewed. End of story.
Mr. Roche belongs behind a computer at a desk, not dealing with children on a daily basis. He has the personality of a shovel and DOES bully his teachers. You wouldn't know because you aren't an employee of his and I guarantee that if you were, you would have circled, "No" where it asked if his contract should be renewed. End of story.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:30 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
This is true, parents and teachers are afraid because Mr. Roche looks for revenge. Every time you say a comment that he doesn't like, he gets angry. I agree with the decision that the LSC made. That is the best decision that they made. How can I allow for my kid to go to a school where trying to communicate with the principal is almost impossible because he only give you 2 minutes. There have been a lot of fights. Teachers have found weapons on kids. There is a huge problem with stealing. There is no respect towards teachers, towards him or with students. I have heard how kids say "Here comes the cockroach" when Mr. Roche is around them and even next to them and he doesn't do anything. He pretends that he didn't hear anything. How can I trust him if students don't even respect him. As a parent I can say a lot of things. The school was in good shape when it was passed down to him, but now it's chaos. Parents that are saying good things about Mr. Roche, don't know what's going on, because they never took the time to attend one of the many LSC meetings. I've been in those meetings and trust me it amazes me all of the things I heard.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Kudos, Mr. Pollack and this is happening all around the city "The Adolescent Principals". What a joke!!!! Yet, this is the way that CPS feels they are saving money.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 9:52 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Is an insighter an insider with insight?
Thanks for providing some specifics. This makes this affair less baffling. I am shocked at the student misbehavior you report.
Thanks for providing some specifics. This makes this affair less baffling. I am shocked at the student misbehavior you report.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:03 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Bip- The things I have listed as the problems in a previous post are only the tip of the iceberg. What "Insighter" says is also true about stealing, Mr. Roche ignoring name calling, and the fights at the school have gotten out of control. The sad thing is that the students know that there are any consequences and they basically do and say what they want.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:15 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Anecdotal and supremely exaggerated, Mr. Insighter. The school and the community as a whole are pretty darn safe. Have a talk with Mr. Willis in security, he'll give you the lowdown.
This is not a "Blackbord Jungle" (Glenn Ford, Sidney Poitier, Vic Morrow, 1955--good film, rent it on DVD).
But it makes for good hysteria and scapegoating of Erin Roche, which you spent a lot of time with your...posts.
That school is run like a well-oiled machine, its actually calm and quite most of the time. I invite anybody to take a tour and have a look.
This is not a "Blackbord Jungle" (Glenn Ford, Sidney Poitier, Vic Morrow, 1955--good film, rent it on DVD).
But it makes for good hysteria and scapegoating of Erin Roche, which you spent a lot of time with your...posts.
That school is run like a well-oiled machine, its actually calm and quite most of the time. I invite anybody to take a tour and have a look.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:25 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
If all these negatives are true, why haven't they turned up in the evaluations the LSC did over the past 4 years? He exceeded expectations last year and met expectations this year. Did they just come to light? Let's be honest - change is hard. The demographics of the school are changing. The teaching style that Roche is implementing is a change. Constant assessment is important. I have three kids with three vastly different learning styles who benefit from the constant assessment to make sure that they are appropriately challenged.
Remember, the LSC was fully aware of who and what they were getting when they recruited and hired Roche. Roche is a different model of principal - more the CEO model than the master of ceremonies model that is so prevalent. That’s fine. Is discipline a problem – I haven’t seen it. I know from my experience as a teacher that discipline starts in the classroom. Anecdotal evidence shows me that discipline is better now that it was under the last principal.
I understand that teachers want more of the credit for the success of the school. They are right - it is not just Erin Roche. There are some excellent teachers at Ravenswood, most of whom support Roche. However, to be a great school you need both great teacher and a great principal. It is disingenuous to discount Roche to the degree several posters have.
It is funny that an anonymous poster said that teachers would not tell me the truth because I am a Roche supporter. Would teachers not tell the truth to the contingent of teachers that are anti-Roche? Are they so easily swayed or so easy to be cowed? I hope not.
As to the point about young principals – the statistics are what they are. There is a principal shortage. Good teachers do not necessarily make good principals nor is there a rush for good teachers to become principals. National statistics show that a large percentage of principals are former gym teachers. Is that the alternative the posters here want?
Finally, the question remains for the teachers and the LSC - what is your plan? You did this. What is your plan? My family, and many other families, made a commitment to Ravenswood. We are in it for the long haul. I hope that the Ravenswood community does not see this decision as a call for a return to the old way. That would be a mistake.
Remember, the LSC was fully aware of who and what they were getting when they recruited and hired Roche. Roche is a different model of principal - more the CEO model than the master of ceremonies model that is so prevalent. That’s fine. Is discipline a problem – I haven’t seen it. I know from my experience as a teacher that discipline starts in the classroom. Anecdotal evidence shows me that discipline is better now that it was under the last principal.
I understand that teachers want more of the credit for the success of the school. They are right - it is not just Erin Roche. There are some excellent teachers at Ravenswood, most of whom support Roche. However, to be a great school you need both great teacher and a great principal. It is disingenuous to discount Roche to the degree several posters have.
It is funny that an anonymous poster said that teachers would not tell me the truth because I am a Roche supporter. Would teachers not tell the truth to the contingent of teachers that are anti-Roche? Are they so easily swayed or so easy to be cowed? I hope not.
As to the point about young principals – the statistics are what they are. There is a principal shortage. Good teachers do not necessarily make good principals nor is there a rush for good teachers to become principals. National statistics show that a large percentage of principals are former gym teachers. Is that the alternative the posters here want?
Finally, the question remains for the teachers and the LSC - what is your plan? You did this. What is your plan? My family, and many other families, made a commitment to Ravenswood. We are in it for the long haul. I hope that the Ravenswood community does not see this decision as a call for a return to the old way. That would be a mistake.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:31 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Mr. Frank,
First of all this is not a movie thread. This is about modern times and school, not movies from the 50's. Don't take it personally, but how long have you been at this school? This is not a well-oiled machine. Four years ago it WAS a well-oiled machine, not anymore. I am not exaggerating at all, more specifically, did you see the fight that was going on right in front of Mr. Roche today at the end of the school day? It was two girls fighting and two parents had to separate them, you call this calm and "quite"? There is not a blinder person than the one that doesn't want to see.
First of all this is not a movie thread. This is about modern times and school, not movies from the 50's. Don't take it personally, but how long have you been at this school? This is not a well-oiled machine. Four years ago it WAS a well-oiled machine, not anymore. I am not exaggerating at all, more specifically, did you see the fight that was going on right in front of Mr. Roche today at the end of the school day? It was two girls fighting and two parents had to separate them, you call this calm and "quite"? There is not a blinder person than the one that doesn't want to see.
Wed Feb 6, 2008 at 10:56 PM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Yes, I was a witness to this fight. My daughter has been in this school for three years. I have also heard good comments about the last principal and with what I've experienced, it is hard to communicate with him. The people that voted against Mr. Roche have their own reasons. They know what is the best for this school. Now what we must do is let go and hope that someone better or with better communication skills replaces Mr. Roche. We must not make this personal, we must not fight, we must see what is good for our kids. Teachers, students and parents should feel in a safe and secure learning environment. Greg, you are right, discipline starts in a classroom, BUT must be supported by the principal and we are not seeing this because Mr. Roche isn't doing his part in enforcing discipline. How do I know this? Experience.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 12:40 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Hi I just want to say that everything of what Mr. Insighter is saying is true, I personally experienced what is going on in this school, and truthfully Mr. Roche's leadership is very low, and I've been a leader a few times myself, I've experienced mistakes and I had to correct them, and I've been successful at the end. Mr. Roche doesn't accept any criticism to his work, because "he thinks" he is right. Someone who is blind, (Mr Roche), is someone who doesn't want to learn from his own mistakes, he is also someone who doesn't want to look for a better future, he's only worried about his own future, not the school's.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 1:32 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
To: who's the bully?
Well, probably you must say the true about who was asking to the LSC parent! They were 3 parents cornering 2 LSC members and questioning about why they choose not to renew the contract
Well, probably you must say the true about who was asking to the LSC parent! They were 3 parents cornering 2 LSC members and questioning about why they choose not to renew the contract
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 2:46 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Dear Greg -
Please share your anecdotal evidence with the group.
I am curious as to how it trumps witnessing fights and disrespect that is not addressed,which Mr. Frank also called anecdotal.
Please share your anecdotal evidence with the group.
I am curious as to how it trumps witnessing fights and disrespect that is not addressed,which Mr. Frank also called anecdotal.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 7:20 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I just want to express my gratitude to the LSC members for the great job that they did, voting 6 to 4 NOT to renew Mr Roche's contract. THAN YOU VERY MUCH!
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 7:40 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
No one wants to answer my question - what is the plan? How does this make Ravenswood better? In fact, no one answered my question about the actual reason the LSC made its decision. The various concerns stated here, particularly discipline - while valid - are not unfixable by a principal, teachers, and LSC working together. Teachers have to shoulder their responsibility as well. Contract terms that require ongoing discipline training for the principal and teachers could resolve the situation without the destabilizing of the school that a principal search and a new principal would bring. Does this make the school better?
I was one of the parents who questioned our parent representatives about their vote. The LSC members are elected public officials. Asking an elected official why they took the action they did is hardly bullying. It is the responsibility of the elected official to answer questions of their constituents, right? A teacher intervened stating that we parents didn't know the truth, which was precisely my point. What is the big secret? Why couldn’t these elected officials simply state their reasons. Also, if the concerns addressed were so pervasive, why is there such division within the LSC? Finally, if these problems were so pervasive, why were they not raised anywhere in prior evaluations?
My anecdotal evidence is that every time my wife and I have been at school, there is a calm, quiet, positive environment. There has been an influx of parents into the school to volunteer who all report similar circumstances. Additionally, we were told by several older parents that the former principal's discipline was to scream at children and that teachers would regularly manhandle children to achieve "order". From where I sit, that is progress.
I was one of the parents who questioned our parent representatives about their vote. The LSC members are elected public officials. Asking an elected official why they took the action they did is hardly bullying. It is the responsibility of the elected official to answer questions of their constituents, right? A teacher intervened stating that we parents didn't know the truth, which was precisely my point. What is the big secret? Why couldn’t these elected officials simply state their reasons. Also, if the concerns addressed were so pervasive, why is there such division within the LSC? Finally, if these problems were so pervasive, why were they not raised anywhere in prior evaluations?
My anecdotal evidence is that every time my wife and I have been at school, there is a calm, quiet, positive environment. There has been an influx of parents into the school to volunteer who all report similar circumstances. Additionally, we were told by several older parents that the former principal's discipline was to scream at children and that teachers would regularly manhandle children to achieve "order". From where I sit, that is progress.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 7:47 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I've heard things that Mr. Roche says that aren't true. For example, he says that he tried to bring the parents together, but in reality they are separated. There are two groups, The New Parents and The Old Parents.The new parents get a lot of time when they want to speak to him, but if one of the parents against him wants to talk to him, he says "I only have two minutes." and that's what he gives you, two minutes. It is also true Mr. Insighter, there is no security and respect anymore. Mr. Frank, another example I can give you is this: Last year when the former 8th graders went to Springfield, the teachers found alcohol and there were rumors about drugs. I know this because my son graduated last year with that class. I asked him and like always all of the negative things went unanswered. More facts: Lots of fights. I've seen kids bleed because of these fights. Kids are also stealing a lot. Mr. Frank, don't take this personally, but you are acting like Mr. Roche. You don't want to see all of the negative things about the school.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 7:51 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Secure environment is about everything, as a parent of a 7th grader, I would like to say that Ms. Donovan (former Principal at Ravenswood School) would be shocked, just to see the mess around the school, specially for the kids, sidewalks with a lot of snow, fighting girls, students pushing each other. Mr Roche's lack of discipline is very clear, please open your eyes!
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 8:35 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I'm sure the last few rants about the specter of disruptions are valid, to some degree. Kids are have energy, not always for the better good. Is that really a Principal problem, or a larger problem outside the school, I ask you? Is Erin Roche responsible for every mishap?
I guess I am part of the "new school." I wanted to be a part of community that took what is right and wrong with the school, tabled it with EVERYONE (that was interested) in the community, and become a part of something exciting. Yes, with change. Like our friend Obama says, "Yes WE can."
I think this is more of a personnel problem than a sociological one.
However, it became a sociological problem when a very popular art teacher--very loved by the community I might add (and I like her, too!)
--decided to enter into the fray of public policy and politics for her own agenda. Instead of coming up with new modules or following her Principal, she decided to put that time and energy into the art of propaganda. Creating the perception of Us and Them. Bullying faculty.
This will come to light.....
There's was a short guy with a funny mustache in Germany in the '30's who was an artist who entered then into the fray of public policy, for his own gain. I guess he was misdirected, and.....well, you know the rest of that story.
It is a gift, to be an artist. Especially when you inspire people to look at the beauty of our world, or our contradictions. Sometimes this is best put on a canvas, rather than over a decade of LSC meetings.
***
Alexander, put down your laptop and come tonight! Faces are better than fonts. I thank you for your blog, its a lot of soapboxing, but a lot more exciting than Big Media.
I guess I am part of the "new school." I wanted to be a part of community that took what is right and wrong with the school, tabled it with EVERYONE (that was interested) in the community, and become a part of something exciting. Yes, with change. Like our friend Obama says, "Yes WE can."
I think this is more of a personnel problem than a sociological one.
However, it became a sociological problem when a very popular art teacher--very loved by the community I might add (and I like her, too!)
--decided to enter into the fray of public policy and politics for her own agenda. Instead of coming up with new modules or following her Principal, she decided to put that time and energy into the art of propaganda. Creating the perception of Us and Them. Bullying faculty.
This will come to light.....
There's was a short guy with a funny mustache in Germany in the '30's who was an artist who entered then into the fray of public policy, for his own gain. I guess he was misdirected, and.....well, you know the rest of that story.
It is a gift, to be an artist. Especially when you inspire people to look at the beauty of our world, or our contradictions. Sometimes this is best put on a canvas, rather than over a decade of LSC meetings.
***
Alexander, put down your laptop and come tonight! Faces are better than fonts. I thank you for your blog, its a lot of soapboxing, but a lot more exciting than Big Media.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 8:49 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
To quickly address a few things that have come up in posts:
Mr. Janes- if you think about it, your children, who behave in school and try their best, are the ones who are going to suffer having Mr. Roche as a principal. The chaos created around the students that are consistently behaving, doing their work are being shorted here. The negative attention that these unruly students are causing in the classrooms, instead of being dealt with by Mr. Roche/Pollack/Blahuta, are taking precious learning time away from YOUR children. How is that in the best of interest of any of the students at Ravenswood?
There are also more issues than just the discipline too. It's goes deeper than that. It's the "holier than thou" attitude that Mr. Roche walks around Ravenswood with. Also, I believe Mr. Roche knows why his contract isn't being renewed. I don't believe that those reasons need to be discussed with you, unless of course, your representing him as his attorney. Your voice was listened to when you filled out the "Principal Survey" and fortunately for the teachers and parents that KNOW what's taking place at the school, THEIR voices were also heard. It always seems calm at Ravenswood because teachers don't want parents, like yourself, running back to Mr. Roche saying what you heard. Talking takes place behind closed doors.
Also, Mr. Frank-- Mr. Willis is a joke to the students more than a security guard. He is a 60-something year old man waiting his final years out at Ravenswood to retire. The students know that Mr. Willis isn't going to be able to do anything if there is a security issue that arises. How safe does that make you feel if YOUR children are indeed students at the school? Mr. Willis will also tell you that there ARE issues at Ravenswood. He knows, just as the rest of us do. Some are just more privy to the things that are going on. Did you know about the student that was bullied by some 7th and 8th grade students and was caught between a door and had his leg punctured so seriously that he required stitches? Probably not because nobody was reprimanded and the issue was never addressed. That's the kind of chaos that's taking place. OPEN YOUR EYES!
Mr. Janes- if you think about it, your children, who behave in school and try their best, are the ones who are going to suffer having Mr. Roche as a principal. The chaos created around the students that are consistently behaving, doing their work are being shorted here. The negative attention that these unruly students are causing in the classrooms, instead of being dealt with by Mr. Roche/Pollack/Blahuta, are taking precious learning time away from YOUR children. How is that in the best of interest of any of the students at Ravenswood?
There are also more issues than just the discipline too. It's goes deeper than that. It's the "holier than thou" attitude that Mr. Roche walks around Ravenswood with. Also, I believe Mr. Roche knows why his contract isn't being renewed. I don't believe that those reasons need to be discussed with you, unless of course, your representing him as his attorney. Your voice was listened to when you filled out the "Principal Survey" and fortunately for the teachers and parents that KNOW what's taking place at the school, THEIR voices were also heard. It always seems calm at Ravenswood because teachers don't want parents, like yourself, running back to Mr. Roche saying what you heard. Talking takes place behind closed doors.
Also, Mr. Frank-- Mr. Willis is a joke to the students more than a security guard. He is a 60-something year old man waiting his final years out at Ravenswood to retire. The students know that Mr. Willis isn't going to be able to do anything if there is a security issue that arises. How safe does that make you feel if YOUR children are indeed students at the school? Mr. Willis will also tell you that there ARE issues at Ravenswood. He knows, just as the rest of us do. Some are just more privy to the things that are going on. Did you know about the student that was bullied by some 7th and 8th grade students and was caught between a door and had his leg punctured so seriously that he required stitches? Probably not because nobody was reprimanded and the issue was never addressed. That's the kind of chaos that's taking place. OPEN YOUR EYES!
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 8:56 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
It is just not true that the former Principal screamed at children and that teachers manhandled them. Shame on you for making things up to bolster your position. Mrs. Donovan had a relationship with every one of her students. That might not mean that every kid liked her, although most kids certainly did, but every kid respected her. If you are looking for proof of the discipline problems referenced here, I would direct you to a Substance article on school violence reports. It was published last winter, and you can find it on the Substance web site.
I was shocked to see a sharp increase in incidents over the last few years. The important thing at this point, is to move forward, and while Mr. Roche may or may not return next fall, the teachers, parents, and students will. So try to keep the dialog civil and focused on the best outcomes for the greater school community. The frequent references to "two" schools, one for the early grades and one for the upper grades, betrays a racist/classist sensibility. Ravenswood has long been a neighborhood school that we can be proud of. Before Mr. Roche was hired, the student demographics were a little different, but the award winning teachers, school and community partnerships, well maintained building, substantial library, and investment in technology, were all in place. Ensuring that all of these things continue to be available for all of the children is what people should be focused on.
I was shocked to see a sharp increase in incidents over the last few years. The important thing at this point, is to move forward, and while Mr. Roche may or may not return next fall, the teachers, parents, and students will. So try to keep the dialog civil and focused on the best outcomes for the greater school community. The frequent references to "two" schools, one for the early grades and one for the upper grades, betrays a racist/classist sensibility. Ravenswood has long been a neighborhood school that we can be proud of. Before Mr. Roche was hired, the student demographics were a little different, but the award winning teachers, school and community partnerships, well maintained building, substantial library, and investment in technology, were all in place. Ensuring that all of these things continue to be available for all of the children is what people should be focused on.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 10:24 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
...happening all around the city "The Adolescent Principals"...
Wow. We see that at our schools, too. Adolescent new administrators who don't have the chops. Sad for everyone involved, including the administrators, who should have had sought more experience before taking on top level roles...
Wow. We see that at our schools, too. Adolescent new administrators who don't have the chops. Sad for everyone involved, including the administrators, who should have had sought more experience before taking on top level roles...
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 10:42 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Mr. Frank,
If you publicly compare the people you "like" to Hitler, what must you say about the people you don't like? While you cite Obama's campaign as a source of inspiration, you have apparently not learned anything from his campaign message-end the politics of distortion. It is so unfair, unnecessary, and unproductive to pin all the problems on one teacher. She was not alone in her decision. You are doing Mr. Roche no favors by smearing the reputation of a good teacher that any school would be glad to have.
If you publicly compare the people you "like" to Hitler, what must you say about the people you don't like? While you cite Obama's campaign as a source of inspiration, you have apparently not learned anything from his campaign message-end the politics of distortion. It is so unfair, unnecessary, and unproductive to pin all the problems on one teacher. She was not alone in her decision. You are doing Mr. Roche no favors by smearing the reputation of a good teacher that any school would be glad to have.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 10:49 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Mr. Frank- Now you're focusing the blame on Miss K? She is on the LSC and representing the teacher community (and parent community since 2 of her children are students at Ravenswood) and because she's bringing to light things that are taking place, she's at fault now for Mr. Roche's actions? Maybe if she were more of a sheep, like yourself, then you wouldn't be trying to slander her name on this blog. I don't believe she is bullying anyone, it sounds to me that you're the one trying to bully people into thinking the same ignorant way you are.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 11:12 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
to: Mr Dennis Frank.
It is very disgusting that you compare a teacher with that short guy that you mention, If she has been doing that propaganda I haven't received any, (but I have eyes and ears, and I'm open to listen), please move forward and focus to bring a Real PRINCIPAL, not someone who can't control his own school, got lack of discipline, and full of lies. If you are so into bring better for the school, why you didn't enroll as a LSC member before, go take the require steps and be involved. not just now, where you were before this happen?
It is very disgusting that you compare a teacher with that short guy that you mention, If she has been doing that propaganda I haven't received any, (but I have eyes and ears, and I'm open to listen), please move forward and focus to bring a Real PRINCIPAL, not someone who can't control his own school, got lack of discipline, and full of lies. If you are so into bring better for the school, why you didn't enroll as a LSC member before, go take the require steps and be involved. not just now, where you were before this happen?
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 11:19 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
Dennis if you think that a few rants in some grades are Ok!, I think you must have a serious problem of discipline yourself at home. To me any school should admit any fights either in or out the school grounds.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 11:27 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I really think that the teachers who have posted here should be embarrassed by their unprofessionalism. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions, but they should be presented in a professional manner. Calling members of the school "liars" "neophytes" and "jokes" is not productive. Please remember we are talking about people and you should be respectful in your opinions and criticisms.
You all see such a small part of a big picture.
You all see such a small part of a big picture.
Thu Feb 7, 2008 at 11:38 AM
Riled Up At Ravenswood - New Principal Ousted
I'm sure the last few rants about the specter of disruptions are valid, to some degree. Kids are have energy, not always for the better good. Is that really a Principal problem, or a larger problem outside the school, I ask you? Is Erin Roche responsible for every mishap?
I guess I am part of the "new school." I wanted to be a part of community that took what is right and wrong with the school, tabled it with EVERYONE (that was interested) in the community, and become a part of something exciting. Yes, with change. Like our friend Obama says, "Yes WE can."
I think this is more of a personnel problem than a sociological one.
However, it became a sociological problem when a very popular art teacher--very loved by the community I might add (and I like her, too!)
--decided to enter into the fray of public policy and politics for her own agenda. Inst
I guess I am part of the "new school." I wanted to be a part of community that took what is right and wrong with the school, tabled it with EVERYONE (that was interested) in the community, and become a part of something exciting. Yes, with change. Like our friend Obama says, "Yes WE can."
I think this is more of a personnel problem than a sociological one.
However, it became a sociological problem when a very popular art teacher--very loved by the community I might add (and I like her, too!)
--decided to enter into the fray of public policy and politics for her own agenda. Inst