Problems At Washington HS? "OUR KIDS HAVE THE RIGHT TO QUALITY EDUCATION!!!!
This last week when Principal Florence Gonzalez began the mass firing of teachers, she declared war on the communities of South Chicago and the East Side. Chosen because of her political connections rather than her qualifications, she knows little about our neighborhoods, and has shown through her actions that she cares even less about our kids- the students whose education is entrusted to her.
Teachers and students alike took action even before her term as principal expressing their dissatisfaction with her appointment. Regardless, she was rushed into position, and has been abusing her power since. She has increased police presence in the school, using money for security instead of much needed educational materials. Student morale is low, and those teachers that encouraged and motivated students to actually be excited about their education have been terminated.
She has fired the ONLY bilingual history and math teachers, and those who run after school activities, INCLUDING the faculty sponsor of STUDENT COUNCIL!
Students responded with outrage, going as far as to plan a walk out. Principal Florence Gonzalez reacted with more of the same, warning students that they would be suspended, and that paddy wagons had already been called.
OUR STUDENTS DO NOT NEED A FACIST PRINCIPAL TURNING THEIR SCHOOL HIGHWAYS INTO A PRISON. THEIR EXPRESSION OF DISSATISFACTION SHOULD BE MET WITH CONSIDERATION, NOT WITH THREATS OF POLICE ACTION.
WE DO NOT WANT A PRINCIPAL WHO OBVIOUSLY NOT ONLY DOES NOT CARE FOR OUR CHILDREN, BUT TREATS THEM WITH DISDAIN.
Principal Gonzalez has ties to the HDO, she has fired good teachers and are replacing them with people who backed her, connected people. She claims to be firing teachers who are on probation and have done things to fired. The only thing that these teachers have done is hard work to teach our children, many times these teachers host special events, come in early and stay long after the school day is over with, without getting paid. The meeting held on Monday, when that one teacher stood up to Principal Gonzalez, she couldn't respond to this teacher, she knew that this teacher was right. Principal Gonzalez's way of showing that she cares for our children is not right. The only thing she is doing is hurting our children at their chance to get a good education."
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Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 7:47 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The Hispanic Democratic Organization. Florence Gonzalez's clout is Daley's former secretary Alderman Pope; she is also said to be Al Sanchez's BFF. Members of the LSC, since rewarded with jobs for friends and family, repeatedly refused to make a quorum until all qualified and experienced applicants went on to other jobs. FG waited patiently in the wings for a year and a half to take over this plum, for apparently no other position would do, and she came with a list of good teachers to fire who had expressed their disatisfaction about the illegal manipulation of this process as well as the disruption it would and has caused for the kids. Nearly the entire IB program was fired, including teachers who helped build this program and top teachers who were prevented from achieving the tenure that might've protected them under the old contract. Last week the alderman had flags strung from lamposts on the Eastside touting the completely destroyed program! Perhaps it looks good to the real estate developers? Provisions exist in policy for the Board to examine the unusual circumstances of this vote and to remove this usurper for the good of the student body and community that she appears aggressively set on destroying. Public schools are for educating children, not for use as chess pieces in political money games. Tenured teachers who expressed concern are already being called to the carpet on ridiculous accusations, and she even had the previous administration removed from campus in a very undignified manner. Ms. Gonzalez has also literally barred the door to community members who were invited to speak long before she pulled this coup, and the teachers who had arranged the opportunity were disciplined with loss of pay. She went after the basketball team with a vengeance too since the coach was on her list. The kids basically ended up having to throw the season. Every child, every school? Nice.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 8:33 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Well, Florence Gonzalez came from her post as director of OSS for high schools. She wasn't too great there from what I hear.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Relevant post from a previous thread:
By: Highly qualified and unemployed now
High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union
Washington High School is in crisis! Fourteen effective teachers have been terminated so far, plus numerous support perso[nal]. Our once happy community has nearly been destroyed within three short months by the newly and dubiously elected principal. Immediately the politically affiliated and even relatives of LSC members!! have been elevated to positions for which they are not experienced or qualified. Teachers who do not even live in Chicago have been given lead positions because they helped manuever the new administration in power over the protests of a united staff and despite the hugely disruptive effect this politically motivated bloodbath has had on student learning and community morale. No word from the union. In protest over half of the students stayed at home and parents have begun circulating flyers and contacting responsible parties as well as the press. The kids have been threatened with severe disciplinary measures, including suspension and the witholding of graduation privileges which they have earned, for attempting to advocate for their own education in the face of this self-interested and incompetent administration. Teachers are being accused of outrageous acts and suffering immediate economic sanctions, while egregious ethical violations and gross violations of child safety remain ignored since they involve friends of the principal and alderman. It is frightening how quickly a stable learning community can be destroyed, and it is completely unsafe. Offices and furniture have been moved exposing confidential matters to public view and allowing adults with no background checks or security concern immediate access to the kids. The Board should override the manipulated vote of this LSC and place a responsible and experienced administration in charge before the situation becomes worse. There is zero confidence in this devisive and inexperienced leadership. Second language speakers are being left in the cold, and Black parents are withdrawing their children in numbers. All "non neighborhood kids" are being kicked out, excessively disciplined, and made to feel very, very unwelcome. Anti-black gang graffiti appeared immediately over the entire entrance to the building and was left in place for days by the new administration. The principal never bothered to introduce herself to the student body over the PA, and days passed before she even spoke to the staff and even then no expectations, educational vision, or leadership ability were conveyed. It is a very unethical, unpleasant, and even dangerous situation now, and your support in bringing the truth out would be appreciated. The union has obviously been compromised to allow conditions such as this to exist in a publically funded institution.
By: Highly qualified and unemployed now
High-Level Strife Inside Chicago Teachers Union
Washington High School is in crisis! Fourteen effective teachers have been terminated so far, plus numerous support perso[nal]. Our once happy community has nearly been destroyed within three short months by the newly and dubiously elected principal. Immediately the politically affiliated and even relatives of LSC members!! have been elevated to positions for which they are not experienced or qualified. Teachers who do not even live in Chicago have been given lead positions because they helped manuever the new administration in power over the protests of a united staff and despite the hugely disruptive effect this politically motivated bloodbath has had on student learning and community morale. No word from the union. In protest over half of the students stayed at home and parents have begun circulating flyers and contacting responsible parties as well as the press. The kids have been threatened with severe disciplinary measures, including suspension and the witholding of graduation privileges which they have earned, for attempting to advocate for their own education in the face of this self-interested and incompetent administration. Teachers are being accused of outrageous acts and suffering immediate economic sanctions, while egregious ethical violations and gross violations of child safety remain ignored since they involve friends of the principal and alderman. It is frightening how quickly a stable learning community can be destroyed, and it is completely unsafe. Offices and furniture have been moved exposing confidential matters to public view and allowing adults with no background checks or security concern immediate access to the kids. The Board should override the manipulated vote of this LSC and place a responsible and experienced administration in charge before the situation becomes worse. There is zero confidence in this devisive and inexperienced leadership. Second language speakers are being left in the cold, and Black parents are withdrawing their children in numbers. All "non neighborhood kids" are being kicked out, excessively disciplined, and made to feel very, very unwelcome. Anti-black gang graffiti appeared immediately over the entire entrance to the building and was left in place for days by the new administration. The principal never bothered to introduce herself to the student body over the PA, and days passed before she even spoke to the staff and even then no expectations, educational vision, or leadership ability were conveyed. It is a very unethical, unpleasant, and even dangerous situation now, and your support in bringing the truth out would be appreciated. The union has obviously been compromised to allow conditions such as this to exist in a publically funded institution.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 9:19 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Alderman Pope and his friends are just saying "Thank you" for a job well done to Al Sanchez and HDO. What part of "clout" don't you understand. Just because someone else is dressing in denim and talking to the press during snowstorms doesn't mean that people don't owe Sanchez. And given the fact that Washington High School is more than 20 miles from Chicago's media centers, it's a safe bet that nobody from the Talking Heads will ever be able to find the place, let alone figure out what's going on out there. TV, radio and other media celebs know how to get to the gaming boats, not to the schools that are being screwed by clout in the shadow of the boats.
Gonzalez is purging the teachers to make way for more patronage.
At least the students were able to smell all the rats involved last week, and had a very effective school boycott. The official absence rate Wednesday, March 13, 2008 was 36 percent, with the real rate a lot higher. The absence bulletin went on, in very small type, for nearly four pages. And many many kids were blocked from getting out and bullied by Gonzelez and her enablers. Some of them will be telling their own stories here soon, even though that part of town doesn't have as much Internet access as many places.
So what did CPS do when Gonzalez purges some of Washington's "best" young teachers?
Investigate the purges?
You've got to be kidding.
This is clout town, in miracle city. Arne Duncan, great city schools, and all that.
Ask why the principal was getting rid of all those (dozen) brave new (and young) teachers that Arne Duncan says we need to pump "new blood" (blah, blah, blah) into our schools?
Announce that he was going to investigate the politicians on the LSC who brought Washington to this mess (think Curie last year at this time)?
No.
Arne Duncan sent out extra Board of Education Security people to keep the kids from walking out and try and intimidate both the students and the teachers who are opposing Ms. Clout. And the Ward Boss (Pope) obliged by adding a few Chicago police (as if there is nothing better to do in South Chicago, the East Side, and Hegewisch than baby sit for some crazy patronage principal) to back up the CPS Security in intimidating the kids who tried to walk out.
And keep away the press?
What's been going on at Washington High School the past couple of weeks could have been a couple of weeks of the screenplay from "The Wire." Except in Chicago we don't have the kind of corruption that HBO just ended five years of documenting, as fiction. No, Chicago's got edumiracles, courtesy of Richard M. Daley, out schools "CEO", and a bunch of reporters who are so deeply embedded in Daley's back pockets that they actually believe it's Chanel Number 5 every time that addled megalomanic farts.
Bring on the Olympics.
Gonzalez is purging the teachers to make way for more patronage.
At least the students were able to smell all the rats involved last week, and had a very effective school boycott. The official absence rate Wednesday, March 13, 2008 was 36 percent, with the real rate a lot higher. The absence bulletin went on, in very small type, for nearly four pages. And many many kids were blocked from getting out and bullied by Gonzelez and her enablers. Some of them will be telling their own stories here soon, even though that part of town doesn't have as much Internet access as many places.
So what did CPS do when Gonzalez purges some of Washington's "best" young teachers?
Investigate the purges?
You've got to be kidding.
This is clout town, in miracle city. Arne Duncan, great city schools, and all that.
Ask why the principal was getting rid of all those (dozen) brave new (and young) teachers that Arne Duncan says we need to pump "new blood" (blah, blah, blah) into our schools?
Announce that he was going to investigate the politicians on the LSC who brought Washington to this mess (think Curie last year at this time)?
No.
Arne Duncan sent out extra Board of Education Security people to keep the kids from walking out and try and intimidate both the students and the teachers who are opposing Ms. Clout. And the Ward Boss (Pope) obliged by adding a few Chicago police (as if there is nothing better to do in South Chicago, the East Side, and Hegewisch than baby sit for some crazy patronage principal) to back up the CPS Security in intimidating the kids who tried to walk out.
And keep away the press?
What's been going on at Washington High School the past couple of weeks could have been a couple of weeks of the screenplay from "The Wire." Except in Chicago we don't have the kind of corruption that HBO just ended five years of documenting, as fiction. No, Chicago's got edumiracles, courtesy of Richard M. Daley, out schools "CEO", and a bunch of reporters who are so deeply embedded in Daley's back pockets that they actually believe it's Chanel Number 5 every time that addled megalomanic farts.
Bring on the Olympics.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 9:32 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
True, true. And all this within the shadows of the great steel mills and blocks from Turnball Park.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 10:52 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
And parents wonder why all the teachers want to work in the suburbs! At least we get treated like professionals there.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 10:56 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Florence Gonzales, the new and horrible principal of Washington High School is the girlfriend of Al Sanchez, of the HDO. She was appointed by the local school council despite the majority voting against her. The 2 teacher representatives did not vote on the teacher's majority they were supposed to represent. She is doing a disservice to Hispanics and all students by firing the only bilingual teachers as well as the teachers who go above and beyond to educate and help their students get into college. She saw these teachers as a threat to her influence over the school since they were loved and respected by both they students and faculty. The moral of the students is at an all time low. She refuses to even introduce herself to them, then at the local school council meeting claims they should go to her for advice, not their teachers who they respect and feel comfortable talking to. Parents have called to complain and if she even takes their call, she simply says "thank you" and hangs up the phone.
It is obvious to everyone that this was a political move, she is bringing in all of her own people, regardless of their experience. Please bring awareness to the situation! The education of these students is being threatened by the political clout of people who don't put their education first!
It is obvious to everyone that this was a political move, she is bringing in all of her own people, regardless of their experience. Please bring awareness to the situation! The education of these students is being threatened by the political clout of people who don't put their education first!
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 11:26 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
This is simply ridiculous and, unfortunately, not uncommon in the city of Chicago. There is no surprise that the schools in the suburbs perform at a much higher rate than in the city of Chicago when we have school principals who don't actually have any PRINCIPLES!!!!!
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 11:30 AM
Union Help?
How is the Professional Problems Committee at Washington? That was a vehicle i used as delegate at Englewood to confront head-on, any bogus actions of the administration. Has there been any muscle flexed by the union to combat the dismissals? By creating such a hostile work and learning environment, Gonzales deserves more than an investigation. With such a rich history of struggle against racial injustice in the area -- are there community groups teachers can ally with to work the external pressure angle?
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 11:35 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Oh, yeah. The principal came in and got rid of a bunch of good, harworking teachers. I don't know who comes up with this crazy shit. Just because someone is popular, does not mean she's any good. Just because they are young does not mean they are good. How many young teachers did she keep? Oh, wait, no one mentioned that. She must have gotten rid of all of them for these hot "patronage" jobs teaching at a tough high school. Right.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
I live two blocks away from Washington High School and I will not allow our daughter to attend school there. Why would I even consider such an option when this current principal is waving her wand & ridding the school of teachers who've actually made an impact on the education of their students? Some of these teachers have chosen to work in inner city school instead of comfy suburban jobs. They should be rewarded not discarded. Unfortunately, it is the students who will suffer from these choices. Perhaps, someone should take the time to listen to them.
I am a product of the Chicago Public School system as well as a university graduate. I will always be grateful to those handful of teachers who've made an impact on my education & encouraged me to pursue my goals. It is shameful that the principal of GWHS is negatively impacting the lives of her students as well as her staff. The Board of Ed as well as the Local School Council need to open their eyes to this situation.
I am a product of the Chicago Public School system as well as a university graduate. I will always be grateful to those handful of teachers who've made an impact on my education & encouraged me to pursue my goals. It is shameful that the principal of GWHS is negatively impacting the lives of her students as well as her staff. The Board of Ed as well as the Local School Council need to open their eyes to this situation.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 12:25 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Perhaps Chuck Goudie & the I Team from ABC7 should get a call...
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 1:58 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
I am a teacher at Washington and am really upset about what our newly appointed principal, Florence Gonzales, has done to our school in less than a month's time. She does not communicate with the staff, is indifferent to all of the issues raised by teachers, has fired one quarter of the staff since she has taken office, and has hired assistant principals with little or no previous supervisory background. She is in violation of the union contract and has instilled an environment of fear and anger. Students do not suffer any consequences for improper behavior. They are sent back to their classes where the misbehavior continues, and student learning is disrupted. The attendance rate has dropped more than twenty percent since she has started her own Reign of Terror. Students are afraid to come to school because of the gang-related fights that have become commonplace. Our teachers also fear for their safety, because when they are threatened by students, there is no disciplinary action taken against them by the administration. The union needs to take action against this administration before it is too late.
The Board of Chicago Public Schools should form a team to investigate the incompetency of our new administration, and the political reasons behind their appointments.
The Board of Chicago Public Schools should form a team to investigate the incompetency of our new administration, and the political reasons behind their appointments.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 2:31 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
She is Al Sanchez's wife. He wants to keep his power intact when he goes to the Big House.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 3:23 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Remember, appointed principals serve at the whim of Arnie Duncan!
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 3:46 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Florence Gonzales has a four-year contract! She is not an appointed principal, she is a contract principal!
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
As both a university staff member and close friend of one of the talented young teachers who has chosen to work at Washington and been rewarded with a pink slip...I can say that it seems clear some additional inquiry into the situation at the school should take place. Some young and popular teachers ARE that good. It is a shame that all politics and (good) intentions aside, the students are the ones that will ultimately suffer.
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 5:10 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Im still laughing at these comments. You can always leave and try a new zipcode. Oh, I'm sorry Chicago is the only place that will allow you to work. HA HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 6:20 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
It gets worse. Wait'll you see the ones that were kept and, indeed, rewarded. It would keep the "bad teacher" and City of Chicago (whaddya expect) trolls chewing for days, add to that employees being denied pay for services already performed, and you may as well grab some popcorn.
Greetings from what usedta be Fast Eddieland.
ps (No Olympics in my backyard, please.)
Greetings from what usedta be Fast Eddieland.
ps (No Olympics in my backyard, please.)
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 7:57 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
You know, some people do care about what is happening in their neighborhood. We grew up here - went to this school - seen how the neighborhood slowly died with no care from any one. We are a part of the city that has been forgotten. It's really sad to see comments like your, Still Laughing. You should have more pride for where you came from (if you are not from here than you have no right to leave such comments). The kids in this neighborhood should have a fighting chance at a good education - just like the rich kids from the suburbs and the North Side. The city choose to do this because they thought that we would stand idle just like we did when the mills closed, when the plans were made to keep filling the over flowing landfill, and when all the businesses closed. We can't stand idle and watch the quality of our children's education go too.
I am a Washington High School drop out - I had to drop out - there was no room for the majority of the students that were shoved into that school. Our teachers were old, they could care less if we learned anything. Our learning materials were WAY outdated and half of the time there was not enough books to go around. Try to do your homework but you couldn't take the book home - or - Try to read the lesson but you have to share with one or two other students. It wasn't pretty.
It was so cool when some of my friends said that they CHOSE to teach at WHS. They said that they wanted to reach out to these kids - they wanted to give them the education that they deserve. Scaring kids to try to get them to behave doesn't work - just ask any kid (or parent) here and they will tell you that. We need to encourage our kids - let them know that they are cared for. There are so many students that come from broken homes, battered homes, or from extreme poverty, and they need a place to feel comfortable - to have a chance to better themselves.
I have a child but she is still a baby - but I still feel that it is the responsibility of EVERYONE in the neighborhood to ensure the education of our children. It takes a village. . . we are that village - it is time to act!
I am a Washington High School drop out - I had to drop out - there was no room for the majority of the students that were shoved into that school. Our teachers were old, they could care less if we learned anything. Our learning materials were WAY outdated and half of the time there was not enough books to go around. Try to do your homework but you couldn't take the book home - or - Try to read the lesson but you have to share with one or two other students. It wasn't pretty.
It was so cool when some of my friends said that they CHOSE to teach at WHS. They said that they wanted to reach out to these kids - they wanted to give them the education that they deserve. Scaring kids to try to get them to behave doesn't work - just ask any kid (or parent) here and they will tell you that. We need to encourage our kids - let them know that they are cared for. There are so many students that come from broken homes, battered homes, or from extreme poverty, and they need a place to feel comfortable - to have a chance to better themselves.
I have a child but she is still a baby - but I still feel that it is the responsibility of EVERYONE in the neighborhood to ensure the education of our children. It takes a village. . . we are that village - it is time to act!
Mon Mar 17, 2008 at 8:59 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
This is a Daley scam with the alderman and the new principal. it is true that some of the LSC was manipulated, it is true that the principal just married Sanchez and it is true that Daley is trying to make it up to him and HDO. There were many well qualified candidates for principal and the LSC did purposely wait and manipulate...
CPS is really planning to have WHS fail;bring in a charter or AUSL again there is a plan--it is just hurting the students. I do not blame them for not coming, the principal has brought havoc with her with her totalitarian ways. There is a plan...
But!! Hey CPS, this know it all principal did NOT have the meeting to evaluate teachers--
aRE YOU INVESTIGATING somone so politically connected that she can throw the BoaRD PROCEEDURE OUT . tOO BAD THE ctu IS IN STICHES--THIS HAS BIG GRIEVANCE all over it.
CPS is really planning to have WHS fail;bring in a charter or AUSL again there is a plan--it is just hurting the students. I do not blame them for not coming, the principal has brought havoc with her with her totalitarian ways. There is a plan...
But!! Hey CPS, this know it all principal did NOT have the meeting to evaluate teachers--
aRE YOU INVESTIGATING somone so politically connected that she can throw the BoaRD PROCEEDURE OUT . tOO BAD THE ctu IS IN STICHES--THIS HAS BIG GRIEVANCE all over it.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 6:36 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The administration forgot that without the children, that they will not have jobs. Enrollment is expected to drop and additional teachers will receive pink slips. Minority students are encouraged to drop out instead of obtaining a education. With the closing of positions of career service positions FG seems to potting money up for some of her own reasons, what could they be? Does she not think of how being unemployed in the 2nd semester of a school year will not effect a person. No, she just claims everyone is insubordinate (her favorite word) to her and her A.P.'s. In essence she is insubordinate to all the students and most of her staff in that building, by not being accesible. Their were complaints of past principal not being seen, but her office and her A.P.'s were always accesible. The LSC wanted her out, and succeeded. LSC then split, three members felt FG was pushed on them, they refused to come to the meetings in protest, new intermin principal comes, visible, approachable, asking for imput, seems that LSC got what they wanted for their students? NO! They want Flo, who isn't seen in the halls, who needs to make appointments by email only, who leaves the building at 4:30 and night school without an administrator daily, who has not been seen in any after school program in support as of yet, and whos office is ropped off.(Might be easier to see the major) The result of the LSC membership, is one parent rep received a city job within two weeks of getting on the LSC, and another members husband just opened a Insurance office just receievd A LOT of business, wonder how that happened?? Teacher reps, are left alone to their mediocre teachings and won't ever be called to be insubordinate. Funny enough, the same group of people that are pro Flo are running to be part of the LSC again. Political favors being paid out left and right. Hopes are, that the parents and students speak about their rights. Parents and community members must vote during the LSC elections against the group of people that are ok with the injustice. The Board / Arne Duncan will have to respond to you, don't expect them to do something just because its wrong, they need your voices loud, strong, and consistantly for them to move and see the injustice that FG is bringing upon Washington's students, parents and staff.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 8:21 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
...and another LSC member's wife replaced a highly competent and experienced woman as office secretary. According to a parent newsletter, the new (non-Spanish speaking) dean previously served as bartender at Alderman Pope's bar, if you can beat that! Last I checked all of this is in violation of public policy, besides being a danger to kids, a gross violation of public trust, an afront to the union, and contrary to every board policy governing ethics and conflicts of interest. Bring back the interim and disband this LSC.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 8:42 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The word is the new principal expelled 65 black students as soon as she got there, and fired all of the black athletic coaches. Anyone know Jesse Jackson's phone number?
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 9:10 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
How are hispanics ever going to succeed and obtain a piece of the pie when we hamper the education of our children, our future? Certain areas should be off limits for patronage and political games. The teachers that were dismissed will find jobs but the children left behind will suffer. Non-tenured teachers are all probably looking for jobs elsewhere because as enrollment drops she will have to cut staff in Oct 2008. Who wants to be unemployed in October? Some tenured teachers are also looking for jobs because no one wants to work in a hostile environment and risk being evaluated unfavorably. Come September who is going to be teaching the children of the East side who don't have the option of going to a private school or a magnet school? It seems like the children that need the most are the ones that get the shaft. Teachers on the inside are afraid to speak out. The East side community, that is not owned by the HDO, should be protesting at the top of their lungs. The good people within the HDO also have the responsibility of speaking out.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 9:12 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Most of the "non-neighborhood kids" she targets also just happen to be black! She had the much respected BBall coach removed by security and required only basketball players at first to prove their eligibility on a weekly basis. Even 'A' students and positive role models were thus scrutinized. I'm sure it was only coincidence that they are black!!Recently she has required this of some other club members and teams, but probably because it was just too obvious what her agenda was. Many black parents have also withdrawn their children because the message has been clear and the rules are suddenly applied differently and more harshly to black kids. Just check out what happened to our used to be successful basketball program and the kids' recent season. These sports programs have kept kids safe and off the street, motivated at school, and have even given some students who might otherwise not make it a real shot at college, why take things out on them? What does it take to get the board to act?
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 12:32 PM
"More than meets the eye at GWHS"
Last Wednesday's direct action ended up being a peaceful boycott after the administration got on the intercom, the Wednesday the week before, and threatened the students with disciplinary action if they had a sit in in favor of the teachers, or if they walked out.
They were also threatened to be arrested by the police, so paddy wagon(s) were present at the school, extra police officers, and several board security personnel were called in.
They were threatened again the day before the peaceful boycott over the intercom, but it probably only encouraged more students to boycott classes in support of the teachers.
In all, it was a big success for the students, and a big waste of time and money for the police and extra board security.
This was a student action, and they were not coached by the staff.
The school's own security staff prevented more from walking out,
though a lot more than half of the student population peacefully boycotted class anyway, in a school that has had close to a 90% attendance rate.
Last year at this time the students published a piece about the dismal learning conditions at Washington HS, with the roof leaking every time it rains, mice rampant throughout the building, that feed off the moisture everytime there is a thaw or a heavy rain the roof subsequently leaks. It was in the "Patriot", the student newspaper. The school was told that the roof would not be leaking after spring break of last year, but the band-aids once again did not work, and the Board's (passing the buck) response, was that they were suing "Ridgeworth roofing".
The principal was told by a PPC member (Professional Problems Committee) in early February that the CTU (Chicago Teachers Union) would be filing a grievance on behalf of the staff under the "Safety & Security" clause of the Board of Ed. / Union agreement. Then the "big wigs" from the CTU came out and took pictures of the roof leakage all over the building, and teachers talked to the editor of the union publication.
In the aftermath of this, retaliation (which is illegal, under IELRB law)(Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board)160 N. LaSalle, as the most vulnerable of the staff members(non-tenured instructors, who have less senority rights, but still have procedural rights) were preyed upon by the new admisnistration at Washington, using many slanderous tactics. This was no "just a coincidence", so make no mistake about it. In addition the Illinois Department of Labor has been notified about all this, so hang in there George Washington High School students and staff. Help is on the way.
by Spiderman
They were also threatened to be arrested by the police, so paddy wagon(s) were present at the school, extra police officers, and several board security personnel were called in.
They were threatened again the day before the peaceful boycott over the intercom, but it probably only encouraged more students to boycott classes in support of the teachers.
In all, it was a big success for the students, and a big waste of time and money for the police and extra board security.
This was a student action, and they were not coached by the staff.
The school's own security staff prevented more from walking out,
though a lot more than half of the student population peacefully boycotted class anyway, in a school that has had close to a 90% attendance rate.
Last year at this time the students published a piece about the dismal learning conditions at Washington HS, with the roof leaking every time it rains, mice rampant throughout the building, that feed off the moisture everytime there is a thaw or a heavy rain the roof subsequently leaks. It was in the "Patriot", the student newspaper. The school was told that the roof would not be leaking after spring break of last year, but the band-aids once again did not work, and the Board's (passing the buck) response, was that they were suing "Ridgeworth roofing".
The principal was told by a PPC member (Professional Problems Committee) in early February that the CTU (Chicago Teachers Union) would be filing a grievance on behalf of the staff under the "Safety & Security" clause of the Board of Ed. / Union agreement. Then the "big wigs" from the CTU came out and took pictures of the roof leakage all over the building, and teachers talked to the editor of the union publication.
In the aftermath of this, retaliation (which is illegal, under IELRB law)(Illinois Educational Labor Relations Board)160 N. LaSalle, as the most vulnerable of the staff members(non-tenured instructors, who have less senority rights, but still have procedural rights) were preyed upon by the new admisnistration at Washington, using many slanderous tactics. This was no "just a coincidence", so make no mistake about it. In addition the Illinois Department of Labor has been notified about all this, so hang in there George Washington High School students and staff. Help is on the way.
by Spiderman
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 1:04 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
The previous principal at this school was Hispanic. And she's no longer there because she wasn't offered a contract by the LSC.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 2:07 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
First: The Physical Education Staff has long being very racist towards Hispanic Students.
Second: A few teachers that were fired tend to brainwash students so that students only obey them and undermine the rest of the other teachers. The purpose of that is to win the biggest prize "Who is the most popular teacher in the building?" Very childish.
Third: Many of the leftover teachers tend to discriminate other teachers based on their ethnicity. It is a huge problem at GWHS.
Fourth: The Union is not effective because teachers compete among themselves and see each other as a threat. Jealousy among teachers and lack of ethics is a huge problem.
Fifth: Mrs. Gonzalez is not the problem. CPS is the problem. Teachers must focus on teaching and not worry who the principal is. Of course principals should be professional and observe what teachers are focus in their classrooms and begin to worry about the ones who constantly look for her affection.
Sixth: I truly believe principals should enforce the residency policy no matter who it is. If you are not math, science or special education, sorry but you should live in the city.
Seventh: If teachers don't accept the fact that African Americans are part of our school and country, Why don't they move to Finland then?
Eight: The new administration and disciplinarian must accept the fact that this is a Spanish speaking school. I hope they are sensitive about that fact. I don't think Mrs. Gonzalez has a problem with that, but she must advice the rest of her new administrative team that is about time to embrace multiculturism.
Ninth: This is not only happening in our school, its taking place all over Chicago.
Tenth: Finally, Principals, using fear tactics is not the answer. Teachers can produce if you find the right approach.
Second: A few teachers that were fired tend to brainwash students so that students only obey them and undermine the rest of the other teachers. The purpose of that is to win the biggest prize "Who is the most popular teacher in the building?" Very childish.
Third: Many of the leftover teachers tend to discriminate other teachers based on their ethnicity. It is a huge problem at GWHS.
Fourth: The Union is not effective because teachers compete among themselves and see each other as a threat. Jealousy among teachers and lack of ethics is a huge problem.
Fifth: Mrs. Gonzalez is not the problem. CPS is the problem. Teachers must focus on teaching and not worry who the principal is. Of course principals should be professional and observe what teachers are focus in their classrooms and begin to worry about the ones who constantly look for her affection.
Sixth: I truly believe principals should enforce the residency policy no matter who it is. If you are not math, science or special education, sorry but you should live in the city.
Seventh: If teachers don't accept the fact that African Americans are part of our school and country, Why don't they move to Finland then?
Eight: The new administration and disciplinarian must accept the fact that this is a Spanish speaking school. I hope they are sensitive about that fact. I don't think Mrs. Gonzalez has a problem with that, but she must advice the rest of her new administrative team that is about time to embrace multiculturism.
Ninth: This is not only happening in our school, its taking place all over Chicago.
Tenth: Finally, Principals, using fear tactics is not the answer. Teachers can produce if you find the right approach.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 2:53 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
I'm with you except the "brainwashing" part. You will only like me, and not obey your other teachers... Doesn't seem likely or especially desirable. One thing, you can't kid a kid.
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 3:38 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
What proof do you have that the physical ed department was rascist? That is a very heavy-handed remark. The CPS residency rule states that a teacher who has been active in the CPS system since 1995 without any breaks can live anywhere. Please be cognizant of the rules of CPS before the statement is made. Just an observer of the rules
Tue Mar 18, 2008 at 6:42 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
You are the truth Spiderman--I hope this principal and the Alderman get caught up in your web.
Gigi, there is something wrong with you. I hope you do not work at Washinbgton HS. The students of any color, do not deserve you if you work there. If you do not work there; stay away.
But spiderman is not enough unless he is from the Inpector General's office. There are problems there, but if they get enough calls, they must act--same for Attorney General's office. band togther and report your cases to these offices. log it in and keep dates and notes. You have whistle-blower protection. The LSC is corrupt and ethics codes are usurped and ignored. Shame on the Alderman, but there is a deal with Daley--a deal with the devil. Put the pressure on the IG and the AG and CTU and the principal will be removed. Just because she has a 4 year, does not mean she cannot be removed, suspended, dismissed--she did negative stuff before that got her in trouble at her former school.
(Remember the last LSC election at your former school Ms. Gonzalez?)
Vote a new and clean LSC in and advertise for a new principal after they remove this one. demand that you have a say in the interum principal selection; interview that person. Do not let the social studies department rule the school either teachers. Stop selling yourselves out and put out these corrupt people. The student should be contacting the media, eveyday--including the neighborhood paper. Shame on the principal for making this racial. Put the pressure on and do not let up--file those grievances! Do not allow this racist, crony principal tear our school apart! I have made my calls, I have sent my letters--have you?
pass this blog address and the numbers to the IG and AG to the students--have them call. this is not insubordination--well do not put this in your lesson plan! These students ahve a right to call, speak and be heard. get it out!
Gigi, there is something wrong with you. I hope you do not work at Washinbgton HS. The students of any color, do not deserve you if you work there. If you do not work there; stay away.
But spiderman is not enough unless he is from the Inpector General's office. There are problems there, but if they get enough calls, they must act--same for Attorney General's office. band togther and report your cases to these offices. log it in and keep dates and notes. You have whistle-blower protection. The LSC is corrupt and ethics codes are usurped and ignored. Shame on the Alderman, but there is a deal with Daley--a deal with the devil. Put the pressure on the IG and the AG and CTU and the principal will be removed. Just because she has a 4 year, does not mean she cannot be removed, suspended, dismissed--she did negative stuff before that got her in trouble at her former school.
(Remember the last LSC election at your former school Ms. Gonzalez?)
Vote a new and clean LSC in and advertise for a new principal after they remove this one. demand that you have a say in the interum principal selection; interview that person. Do not let the social studies department rule the school either teachers. Stop selling yourselves out and put out these corrupt people. The student should be contacting the media, eveyday--including the neighborhood paper. Shame on the principal for making this racial. Put the pressure on and do not let up--file those grievances! Do not allow this racist, crony principal tear our school apart! I have made my calls, I have sent my letters--have you?
pass this blog address and the numbers to the IG and AG to the students--have them call. this is not insubordination--well do not put this in your lesson plan! These students ahve a right to call, speak and be heard. get it out!
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 4:00 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The staff, parents, and students at Washington High School have a week to find enough candidates for every slot on the LSC (including "community"). Then everyone has a month to get out the vote (palm cards, buses, phone calls, a complete GOTV program) on LSC election day. None of these things is impossible (remember later to thank PURE and Designs for getting the deadline extended), but each takes planning and work.
Once a new LSC takes power, it can do a great deal to reverse these monstrosities -- even during the summer after the clicked out staff have left the building.
But remember. On LSC election day, you're going to be up against some very serious people who know how to GOTV and will be working from dawn until closing time to do it. So it will be a learning moment and a teaching moment, if you decide to take on the challenge.
One suggestion I have:
If the other side hasn't already done it, prepare your "community" GOTV base to include the senior citizen centers. And even if the other side pays for the bus, you can still get half the votes by having your palm cards in the voters' hands when they go to the "ballot box." Just don't let Al Sanchez's poll watchers walk each voter through the process when your back is turned.
Finally, be sure to know who the counters are and watch every count.
One of my favorite Chicago moments in an LSC election was watching one young lady (47th Ward) drop as many hash marks as possible into the next line when she was doing the tally. If you weren't actually watching her pencil, you'd have missed it. She was working with the precinct captains who were taking over the Amundsen High School LSC, and she was very indignant after I caught her making the same "mistake" the second time.
Keep your sense of humor on election day and you'll learn a lot. But don't think, if you're serious between now and then, that it's going to be easy. The 10th Ward has always been a lot of fun. Enjoy the civics lesson.
Once a new LSC takes power, it can do a great deal to reverse these monstrosities -- even during the summer after the clicked out staff have left the building.
But remember. On LSC election day, you're going to be up against some very serious people who know how to GOTV and will be working from dawn until closing time to do it. So it will be a learning moment and a teaching moment, if you decide to take on the challenge.
One suggestion I have:
If the other side hasn't already done it, prepare your "community" GOTV base to include the senior citizen centers. And even if the other side pays for the bus, you can still get half the votes by having your palm cards in the voters' hands when they go to the "ballot box." Just don't let Al Sanchez's poll watchers walk each voter through the process when your back is turned.
Finally, be sure to know who the counters are and watch every count.
One of my favorite Chicago moments in an LSC election was watching one young lady (47th Ward) drop as many hash marks as possible into the next line when she was doing the tally. If you weren't actually watching her pencil, you'd have missed it. She was working with the precinct captains who were taking over the Amundsen High School LSC, and she was very indignant after I caught her making the same "mistake" the second time.
Keep your sense of humor on election day and you'll learn a lot. But don't think, if you're serious between now and then, that it's going to be easy. The 10th Ward has always been a lot of fun. Enjoy the civics lesson.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 4:04 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
If you are going to share with the Inspector General's office, be ready to lose everything. That bunch is one of the most corrupt things in CPS. Every word you say and every piece of "evidence" you share with them will be in your enemies' (that's a deliberate plural) before you get home that evening.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 4:46 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Al Sanchaz = Trucks for Scandal?
Flo GonzaleS = Schools for Scandal?
What a great couple?
Flo GonzaleS = Schools for Scandal?
What a great couple?
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 8:20 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The LSC candidate forum is April 1, 2008, in the library of GWHS. Please come one, come all. Elections are coming up quick, April 16, how can we get an extension? We need alternate parents, community members, students, and teachers on the ballot. Can you post a list of addresses too that folks can contact? What is GOTV?
I am really very proud of the kids! Way to register your complaint in a non-violent and effective manner. i heard over 52 percent stayed home taht day. Among schools with similar demographics, we were a successful community of learners. It is worth fighting for and your help and advice is appreciated.
I am really very proud of the kids! Way to register your complaint in a non-violent and effective manner. i heard over 52 percent stayed home taht day. Among schools with similar demographics, we were a successful community of learners. It is worth fighting for and your help and advice is appreciated.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 8:32 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
But wait, hasn't she fired all the teachers who could've stood against her? She's even fired teachers on the PPC and those who advocated for the children over the roof that still leaks.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 8:37 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
2-156-030(a) (Improper Influence) and 2-156-080(a) (Conflicts of Interest). Section 2-156-030 (a) states that no official or employee shall make, participate in making or in any way attempt to use his position to influence any City governmental decision or action in which he knows or has reason to know that he has any economic interest distinguishable from its effect on the public generally. Section 2-156-080(a) states that No official or employee shall make or participate in the making of any governmental decision with respect to any matter in which he has any economic interest distinguishable from that of the general public.
There's a few on the ballot that shouldn't be there.
There's a few on the ballot that shouldn't be there.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
All forms have to be submitted before March 24. Can we take back our school?
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 10:58 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
"What is GOTV?..."
Sorry, GOTV is the acronym for "Get Out The Vote", used on election day now that such things are computerized nationwide.
But in order for GOTV to be effective, you have to have gotten candidates on the ballot during the nomination process. There is no reason to GOTV for people you don't trust. Look what happened in November 2006 when we played GOTV for a bunch of Democrats because everyone wanted the Iraq War to end, and Rahm Emanuel decided it was really a mandate for More of the Same.
Know your candidate(s).
Get them on the ballot.
Then GOTV.
Otherwise, watch yourself dismembered slowly.
Sorry, GOTV is the acronym for "Get Out The Vote", used on election day now that such things are computerized nationwide.
But in order for GOTV to be effective, you have to have gotten candidates on the ballot during the nomination process. There is no reason to GOTV for people you don't trust. Look what happened in November 2006 when we played GOTV for a bunch of Democrats because everyone wanted the Iraq War to end, and Rahm Emanuel decided it was really a mandate for More of the Same.
Know your candidate(s).
Get them on the ballot.
Then GOTV.
Otherwise, watch yourself dismembered slowly.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 1:05 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
The list with proposed teachers for the LSC had the same teachers who voted for the new principal. Is there anything wrong with that?
In fact one of them was fired by the previous administration, but managed to keep his job by staying in LSC. Maybe the newly fired teachers should look into being a candidate for these 2 positions. Looking forward for the LSC candidate forum on April 1, 2008, in the library of GWHS at 6:30 pm. Enjoy the show and hopefully a big crowd of anti administration fans.
In fact one of them was fired by the previous administration, but managed to keep his job by staying in LSC. Maybe the newly fired teachers should look into being a candidate for these 2 positions. Looking forward for the LSC candidate forum on April 1, 2008, in the library of GWHS at 6:30 pm. Enjoy the show and hopefully a big crowd of anti administration fans.
Wed Mar 19, 2008 at 1:46 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Is the Washington High School staff that is left, being set up? Washington High School has satisfied two of the four criterias for a Turn-Around School. 1.) The School's Students Do Not Succeed: In the 2006-2007 school year, only 17% of Washington students met or exceeded state standards on the PSAE composite. From the 2005 school year to the 2007 school year, Washington had an average PSAE composite score of 19.6% of students meeting or exceeding state standards. 2.) The School's Students Do Not Compete: In 2006, Washington had 45% of students making the expected year-to-year gains on the ACT EPAS assessment series. Washington High School did not satify the two other Turn-Around criterias. 3.) That students missed an average of 35 days of school from 2005-2007. Washington students missed 24.5 days of school from 2005-2007. 4.) That students had a drop-out rate of 10% or higher for 2005-2007. Washington drop-out rate was lower than 10% for 2005-2007. If these two numbers go up, then the Washington staff that is left better update their resumes!
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 7:59 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
"...2.) The School's Students Do Not Compete: In 2006, Washington had 45% of students making the expected year-to-year gains on the ACT EPAS assessment series. Washington High School did not satify the two other Turn-Around criterias.
"3.) That students missed an average of 35 days of school from 2005-2007..." (Retired Principal, yesterday).
Thanks for these two, "retired principal."
All four of the "criteria" used the past couple of years to screw schools are bogus, but these two are my favorite, and I'd love to see them under a public microscope with Arne Duncan, Barbara Eason-Watkins, and (now, briefly I'm sure) Ginger Reynolds trying to explain how they are legitimate criteria against the real world of CPS high schools in 2007 (and for the preceding couple of years). These are political hatchet jobs, but let's just take those two (out of the four you quote from Scripture on).
I want to have a real hearing, with the Board members and CPS's top executives under oath and facing a year in jail for perjury if they lie. So this really requires a court (and one that's willing to enforce perjury laws against hacks with enormous power and clout).
Let's take a dip into reality and see why Barbara Eason Watkins (who prattles these "criteria") would be crushed under cross examination if these "criteria" were even subjected to public scrutiny.
First, ACT scores as a measure of "compete." ACT is specifically not supposed to be used in any kind of school or individual (teacher or student) ranking. That's been doctrine from the ACT people since the damned test was invented. They've said so for decades. ACT scores are not a valid measure of anything about school or individual student progress (or teacher effectiveness). As has been proved over and over and over and over, ACT (and SAT) scores measure what's now called "social capital".
One of the most famous data sets published annually shows how ACT and SAT scores spread perfectly according to family income. I know about the exceptions, but we're talking here about massive data sets. Statistically, the best way to get "higher" SAT and ACT scores is to serve wealthier families. Every school (e.g., Washington High School, Chicago) that serves working class, poor, and a few "middle class" families is going to distribute ACT scores towards the "bottom." So what? All you've proved is what researchers already know. That's why they say: Don't try to use ACT scores to measure the effectiveness of instruction, student learning, or a school.
Period.
Second, this so-called "average" absence person. The "average" student at a general high school, rendered this way, does not exist. This is another example of how Arne Duncan has been cooking the books and spinning the data against the victims of CPS (and Chicago) triage -- the general high schools.
General high schools have a large number of students who miss very few days. Because they are required to put on their books the most "at risk" kids in the city, they also have a smaller but important number of students who are virtually never there.
The result, when you graph these data differently from what Arne is dong (Arne is playing games with the mean, and you have to insist on distributing all of the data for he medians) is a bi-modal curve. The curve for "student attendance" at virtually every general high school has two medians: one for the students who are in school, and the other for the ones who are forced on to the school's books by Arne Duncan.
One of the tragedies of deregulation of administration is that the CPS central office is now filled with people who don't know what the heck that last paragraph means, including Arne Duncan. Every time Arne Duncan talks about the "average" student being "absent" 35 days (and he kept babbling it against Orr and Harper high schools during the lynchings he organized last month), he's talking nonsense.
To use a corporate example, from history, let's take Enron. During its last year, Enron's stock dropped from more than $60 per share to less than $1 per share in less than six months. At that point, it was delisted by the NASDAQ and Enron went into bankruptcy. Does that mean that everyone for that year got the "average" value of Enron stock (which was about $30 per share).
For the past seven years, Arne has been running a statistical shell game, Enronizing the data. Just because he hasn't been publicly exposed for it doesn't mean that's not what's going on. And the best place to see it is when he blathers those talking points about the "average" absent student in a high school he's murdering.
If you've been a principal you know precisely what I'm talking about here.
In many cases, there is not one student at the school that is the "average" student (with precisely 35 days absent) -- and you know it. If you have three of those at a school of 1,000, you're amazing.
What you have is a small set of "students" with more than 100 days "absent" and a larger set with fewer than ten days absent.
That's how these tyrants compute that stupid "average" that Barbara Eason Watkins prattles on and on about whenever she is called on to slip the knife into a school because of its "failures".
And we're not even talking here about the fact that principals and teachers are being fired because of this statistical mendacity. How can Chicago hold teachers and principals responsible for attendance when Mayor Daley abolished truant officers more than 15 years ago and has refused to bring them back. It's a complete set up, from the manipulation of the data (both ACT and "absences") all the way to leaving out the question of why Chicago no longer has truant officers.
Although every one of those four "criteria" is bogus against the real background of the triaging of CPS general high schools by the Daley administration, the two discussed here would be the most fun to get these people in court on. The lies of the Duncan and Eason Watkins administrations are so transparent to just about everyone that only the stultifying closed world of CPS can even give them a micro second of serious attention.
Than you say, "Say WHAAAAAT?" and look again at the so-called "data" they're polluting the public discourse with.
"3.) That students missed an average of 35 days of school from 2005-2007..." (Retired Principal, yesterday).
Thanks for these two, "retired principal."
All four of the "criteria" used the past couple of years to screw schools are bogus, but these two are my favorite, and I'd love to see them under a public microscope with Arne Duncan, Barbara Eason-Watkins, and (now, briefly I'm sure) Ginger Reynolds trying to explain how they are legitimate criteria against the real world of CPS high schools in 2007 (and for the preceding couple of years). These are political hatchet jobs, but let's just take those two (out of the four you quote from Scripture on).
I want to have a real hearing, with the Board members and CPS's top executives under oath and facing a year in jail for perjury if they lie. So this really requires a court (and one that's willing to enforce perjury laws against hacks with enormous power and clout).
Let's take a dip into reality and see why Barbara Eason Watkins (who prattles these "criteria") would be crushed under cross examination if these "criteria" were even subjected to public scrutiny.
First, ACT scores as a measure of "compete." ACT is specifically not supposed to be used in any kind of school or individual (teacher or student) ranking. That's been doctrine from the ACT people since the damned test was invented. They've said so for decades. ACT scores are not a valid measure of anything about school or individual student progress (or teacher effectiveness). As has been proved over and over and over and over, ACT (and SAT) scores measure what's now called "social capital".
One of the most famous data sets published annually shows how ACT and SAT scores spread perfectly according to family income. I know about the exceptions, but we're talking here about massive data sets. Statistically, the best way to get "higher" SAT and ACT scores is to serve wealthier families. Every school (e.g., Washington High School, Chicago) that serves working class, poor, and a few "middle class" families is going to distribute ACT scores towards the "bottom." So what? All you've proved is what researchers already know. That's why they say: Don't try to use ACT scores to measure the effectiveness of instruction, student learning, or a school.
Period.
Second, this so-called "average" absence person. The "average" student at a general high school, rendered this way, does not exist. This is another example of how Arne Duncan has been cooking the books and spinning the data against the victims of CPS (and Chicago) triage -- the general high schools.
General high schools have a large number of students who miss very few days. Because they are required to put on their books the most "at risk" kids in the city, they also have a smaller but important number of students who are virtually never there.
The result, when you graph these data differently from what Arne is dong (Arne is playing games with the mean, and you have to insist on distributing all of the data for he medians) is a bi-modal curve. The curve for "student attendance" at virtually every general high school has two medians: one for the students who are in school, and the other for the ones who are forced on to the school's books by Arne Duncan.
One of the tragedies of deregulation of administration is that the CPS central office is now filled with people who don't know what the heck that last paragraph means, including Arne Duncan. Every time Arne Duncan talks about the "average" student being "absent" 35 days (and he kept babbling it against Orr and Harper high schools during the lynchings he organized last month), he's talking nonsense.
To use a corporate example, from history, let's take Enron. During its last year, Enron's stock dropped from more than $60 per share to less than $1 per share in less than six months. At that point, it was delisted by the NASDAQ and Enron went into bankruptcy. Does that mean that everyone for that year got the "average" value of Enron stock (which was about $30 per share).
For the past seven years, Arne has been running a statistical shell game, Enronizing the data. Just because he hasn't been publicly exposed for it doesn't mean that's not what's going on. And the best place to see it is when he blathers those talking points about the "average" absent student in a high school he's murdering.
If you've been a principal you know precisely what I'm talking about here.
In many cases, there is not one student at the school that is the "average" student (with precisely 35 days absent) -- and you know it. If you have three of those at a school of 1,000, you're amazing.
What you have is a small set of "students" with more than 100 days "absent" and a larger set with fewer than ten days absent.
That's how these tyrants compute that stupid "average" that Barbara Eason Watkins prattles on and on about whenever she is called on to slip the knife into a school because of its "failures".
And we're not even talking here about the fact that principals and teachers are being fired because of this statistical mendacity. How can Chicago hold teachers and principals responsible for attendance when Mayor Daley abolished truant officers more than 15 years ago and has refused to bring them back. It's a complete set up, from the manipulation of the data (both ACT and "absences") all the way to leaving out the question of why Chicago no longer has truant officers.
Although every one of those four "criteria" is bogus against the real background of the triaging of CPS general high schools by the Daley administration, the two discussed here would be the most fun to get these people in court on. The lies of the Duncan and Eason Watkins administrations are so transparent to just about everyone that only the stultifying closed world of CPS can even give them a micro second of serious attention.
Than you say, "Say WHAAAAAT?" and look again at the so-called "data" they're polluting the public discourse with.
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 8:50 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
speaking as a student, i just want to say a final three words: fire everyone!
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 9:35 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The general high schools and elementary schools are under attack! If everyone at these schools don't unite, if CPS wants to get you, you are gone. All the criterias that CPS uses are bogus! Gigi, if they fire everyone, will that make it better? Who will replace them? Teachers, when you are looking for a school to work at, make sure you have seen the "Master Plan" for that area. CPS does what it wants to do!
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:23 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Sara Karp. I just heard your interview on WBEZ about your story on general high schools in Chicago. You swallowed the Arne story and never mentioned any of the type of "factors" in "low performing" schools like the M.O. mentioned above. Sara. What's happened to your reporting? Doesn't Catalyst want the real story? I'm disappointed. You know better.
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 7:33 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Well, the facts are all out there. Let's see what the responsible parties do in this glaring instance. I for one have had enough of CPS, period.
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 9:44 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
This is a perfect picture of American decaying values. Decaying society, weakening army, weak dollar, weak economy, lack of moral values, school shootings, streets infested by gangs, hypocrisy and fake white America, which worries that they are becoming the minority, and where fear dominates schools, American teens raised by a TV set or desktop; all equal the end of American supremacy. America is slowly destroying it self, this blog is perfect proof.
Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:52 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
I'll address my comments to "Concerned". Maybe you didn't expect me to read this or find out about your comment but you need to get your facts straight, before you get yourself in trouble and hit with a lawsuit regarding your comment "and another members husband just opened a Insurance office just receievd A LOT of business, wonder how that happened??" My question to you is what "A LOT of business" as much as I wish this were true it is not. I've received not one piece of business nor have I solicited any business as a result of any relationship with any member of any LSC and I demand that you prove your comment or detract them. I work hard for the business I earn and I earn the business by helping and educating others and being concerned about their families financial well being!
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 12:55 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Sorry, "Sara, Sara, Sara"...
If you ever thought Catalyst was doing more than apologetics for Richard M. Daley's version of corporate "school reform," maybe you're learning your lesson the hard way this month.
The spinning of the "data" has always been part of the Catalyst MO. They all ought to be working on the Sixth Floor at Clark St. (Communications Department), but they are more useful presenting all the CPS talking points and Duncanian lies from an "independent" source.
Watch the history closely and follow the money. They are serial spinners, with a long history of this kind of deception.
One of my favorite examples took place nearly a decade ago, in 2000, at the time Paul Vallas and Gery Chico came up with "Intervention" as the way to fix "failing high schools".
There was a lot of hoopla, and much teachers bashing (and principal bashing, too) just like "Turnaround" today.
One of the more droll moments came when Catalyst presented the "data" to show the "failing" of the schools that were put on "Intervention" back in the summer of 2000. At that time, the "data" came from the TAP tests (the high school version of the ITBS). Catalyst ignored the fact that the publishers of the Iowa and TAP tests had said, as late as that year, in their Administrators' Handbook for those tests that the tests were not to be used to measure schools, teacher performance, or for high stakes decisions about individual children. The big scandal that year (and for the preceding four years) was that CPS had been using those tests -- despite the clear warnings -- for precisely those three forbidden uses. (Just as Arne Duncan's using the ACT results today to slander the general high schools). As usual, Catalyst jumped not to the side of the facts, but into the lap of CPS and cuddled cuddled cuddled.
That was a long time ago, but the same thing you just heard. Names change, but the game's the same.
Of course, every "Intervention" graph Catalyst published (fed straight to them from CPS) showed the schools getting "Intervention" going DOWN.
Collins. Bowen. Etc. DOWN THEY WENT (according to the graphs in Catalyst, which were very narrowly rendered to show precisely the lies that was being used that year). No mention of context, or of the fact that the tests said DO NOT DO THIS WITH THESE TESTS. Plus the here's why.
Catalyst was just doing its job, performing its cheerleading function behind a smog of "data" and pseudo-facts (quotations from various people, all saying the same thing, but from different parts of the echo chamber).
Summer, then autumn of the year 2000. A few months before Paul Vallas imploded in Chicago and was exported (again, thanks to the hagiographic nonsense that anyone could Google up on the Catalyst Web site) to Philadelphia, then New Orleans.
That smog of defamatory "data" against Bowen, South Shore, Collins and the other high schools -- all for "Intervention" -- was followed up by a ridiculous six-month long series of stories following (breathlessly, in many cases) the "Intervention" team.
Every stupid thing said by JoAnn Roberts (who was briefly "Chief Intervention Officer" for CPS at one of the highest salaries downtown) was repeated and reported.
Even the claim (by Roberts) that the schools could all get their "average" TAP scores "up" to "75" in one year with the right intervention strategies. No mention (from Catalyst) that doing such a thing was either statistically impossible or would have involved massive fraud. (In those days, "average" was the median on the TAP and Iowa tests).
I have a hunch, if Catalyst is still doing the job its been paid to do for a generation, that this year we'll get the same adulatory treatment of the "Chief Turnaround Officer" and all of those "Turnaround Specialists" that CPS will be deploying, counting on Catalyst to provide the "independent" cover story to cover up how corrupt -- and tragic -- this whole attack on general high schools and the community elementary schools really is.
The Catalyst crew is just doing its just and earning their pay. As I asked earlier, do you think they're getting their money from the Easter Bunny?
If you ever thought Catalyst was doing more than apologetics for Richard M. Daley's version of corporate "school reform," maybe you're learning your lesson the hard way this month.
The spinning of the "data" has always been part of the Catalyst MO. They all ought to be working on the Sixth Floor at Clark St. (Communications Department), but they are more useful presenting all the CPS talking points and Duncanian lies from an "independent" source.
Watch the history closely and follow the money. They are serial spinners, with a long history of this kind of deception.
One of my favorite examples took place nearly a decade ago, in 2000, at the time Paul Vallas and Gery Chico came up with "Intervention" as the way to fix "failing high schools".
There was a lot of hoopla, and much teachers bashing (and principal bashing, too) just like "Turnaround" today.
One of the more droll moments came when Catalyst presented the "data" to show the "failing" of the schools that were put on "Intervention" back in the summer of 2000. At that time, the "data" came from the TAP tests (the high school version of the ITBS). Catalyst ignored the fact that the publishers of the Iowa and TAP tests had said, as late as that year, in their Administrators' Handbook for those tests that the tests were not to be used to measure schools, teacher performance, or for high stakes decisions about individual children. The big scandal that year (and for the preceding four years) was that CPS had been using those tests -- despite the clear warnings -- for precisely those three forbidden uses. (Just as Arne Duncan's using the ACT results today to slander the general high schools). As usual, Catalyst jumped not to the side of the facts, but into the lap of CPS and cuddled cuddled cuddled.
That was a long time ago, but the same thing you just heard. Names change, but the game's the same.
Of course, every "Intervention" graph Catalyst published (fed straight to them from CPS) showed the schools getting "Intervention" going DOWN.
Collins. Bowen. Etc. DOWN THEY WENT (according to the graphs in Catalyst, which were very narrowly rendered to show precisely the lies that was being used that year). No mention of context, or of the fact that the tests said DO NOT DO THIS WITH THESE TESTS. Plus the here's why.
Catalyst was just doing its job, performing its cheerleading function behind a smog of "data" and pseudo-facts (quotations from various people, all saying the same thing, but from different parts of the echo chamber).
Summer, then autumn of the year 2000. A few months before Paul Vallas imploded in Chicago and was exported (again, thanks to the hagiographic nonsense that anyone could Google up on the Catalyst Web site) to Philadelphia, then New Orleans.
That smog of defamatory "data" against Bowen, South Shore, Collins and the other high schools -- all for "Intervention" -- was followed up by a ridiculous six-month long series of stories following (breathlessly, in many cases) the "Intervention" team.
Every stupid thing said by JoAnn Roberts (who was briefly "Chief Intervention Officer" for CPS at one of the highest salaries downtown) was repeated and reported.
Even the claim (by Roberts) that the schools could all get their "average" TAP scores "up" to "75" in one year with the right intervention strategies. No mention (from Catalyst) that doing such a thing was either statistically impossible or would have involved massive fraud. (In those days, "average" was the median on the TAP and Iowa tests).
I have a hunch, if Catalyst is still doing the job its been paid to do for a generation, that this year we'll get the same adulatory treatment of the "Chief Turnaround Officer" and all of those "Turnaround Specialists" that CPS will be deploying, counting on Catalyst to provide the "independent" cover story to cover up how corrupt -- and tragic -- this whole attack on general high schools and the community elementary schools really is.
The Catalyst crew is just doing its just and earning their pay. As I asked earlier, do you think they're getting their money from the Easter Bunny?
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 6:45 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Dear Outside Looking In,
Can you explain why this woman is on a rampage against the students and staff?
Just asking.
Can you explain why this woman is on a rampage against the students and staff?
Just asking.
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 9:56 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
How sad!! CTU brethren turning on fellow brethren. Calling the IG on one another!! I taught with CPS for 36 years and have never witnesed the Union in such a weakened state as it is. You teachers are playing into the hands of Central Office and City Hall. Every gain that we made came from sacrifice and unity. You guys at Washington are a prime example of why it is slowly eroding away. Remember, FG is not the problem the problem is the weak Union that puppet master Daley has control over. If you have any hope of beating this the membership should start looking for strong and honest union Leadership. Don't waste your time fighting the local school administration put your energy into finding some one wh can fight 125 S. Clark. Remember soon to be retired teachers: "our pensions are not safe without a strong CTU.
P.S.
The previous administration was corrupt and that former Washington basketball coach that has been blogged about was part of the corruption. Wasn't he just in the Sun-Times for playing ineligible players? I thought our job was to educate the mind? Not to entertain the masses. HMMMMMMMM?
P.S.
The previous administration was corrupt and that former Washington basketball coach that has been blogged about was part of the corruption. Wasn't he just in the Sun-Times for playing ineligible players? I thought our job was to educate the mind? Not to entertain the masses. HMMMMMMMM?
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 1:17 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
The interim principal was top notch, very visible and approachable, respectful to the kids and staff, besides being bilingual. Unfortunately, being new to the district, he was not politically connected enough to suit the self-aggrandisers, so it is back to the old mess, I guess.
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 2:47 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Dear tsr,
I can no more explain to you or to anyone for that matter why someone does what they do. We all have different motivating factors. What I don't understand is how and why my business got put into this in the first place, other than someone running at the mouth and saying what they felt they had to say to make their point even if what they said was not true.
Well said Retired Teacher Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 9:56 AM.
Look I'm not at all involved in what either happened in the past or what is happening in the present. What I do know is that dispite all of this my children who are students at the school are doing very well, and of that I am most proud, because it speaks to their ambition of making something out of their lives despite the mess that is going on around them.
What surprises me more is the way the so called educated adults are acting and in the examples that they are setting for the students.
Everyone at this school from the top down is responsible first to the students then to themselves then to their employer and finally to their maker. Each of you has to make decisions that are in the best interest of the students and each of you has to live with the decisions you make.
With regards to the decisions the new principal is making right or wrong she knows she will be held accountable for them. I'm sure she knows that everything she does will be watched and scrutinized. Ultimately she should know that whatever she does will have a profound impact on the lives of the students and faculty and that she will have to live with that, just like the faculty has to live with whether or not they have allways given their best and their all to the students they've served.
LAST WORD, BEFORE YOU JUDGE OTHERS LOOK INWARD FIRST AND ASK YOURSELF IF YOU HAVE DONE ALL YOU COULD, IF YOU HAVE DONE YOUR BEST, THEN THROW YOUR STONE!
I can no more explain to you or to anyone for that matter why someone does what they do. We all have different motivating factors. What I don't understand is how and why my business got put into this in the first place, other than someone running at the mouth and saying what they felt they had to say to make their point even if what they said was not true.
Well said Retired Teacher Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 9:56 AM.
Look I'm not at all involved in what either happened in the past or what is happening in the present. What I do know is that dispite all of this my children who are students at the school are doing very well, and of that I am most proud, because it speaks to their ambition of making something out of their lives despite the mess that is going on around them.
What surprises me more is the way the so called educated adults are acting and in the examples that they are setting for the students.
Everyone at this school from the top down is responsible first to the students then to themselves then to their employer and finally to their maker. Each of you has to make decisions that are in the best interest of the students and each of you has to live with the decisions you make.
With regards to the decisions the new principal is making right or wrong she knows she will be held accountable for them. I'm sure she knows that everything she does will be watched and scrutinized. Ultimately she should know that whatever she does will have a profound impact on the lives of the students and faculty and that she will have to live with that, just like the faculty has to live with whether or not they have allways given their best and their all to the students they've served.
LAST WORD, BEFORE YOU JUDGE OTHERS LOOK INWARD FIRST AND ASK YOURSELF IF YOU HAVE DONE ALL YOU COULD, IF YOU HAVE DONE YOUR BEST, THEN THROW YOUR STONE!
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 3:47 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
The events at Washington High School Should not be a surprise to anyone. The school has been on a downward spiral since the 1990's. Remember the principal was chosen to do a job and if things don't improve by 2012 then we know her decisions were wrong. If they do then she made the right decisions and everyone will agree it was a job well done. I have watched the goings on at Washington High since the early 1980's and I will say that I have watched disgraceful things happen outside and in-front of the school . The students were not neighborhood kids and were just causing trouble. Washington High School is a neighborhood school and should remain as such.
The rumors from inside the walls of Washington High are all around the neighborhood Those kids on the basketball team should be angry that they were be used for their talents and denied access to the real opportunity that is out there and only available through a good education. Shame on the coach who thought he was an educator, the man should not be allowed to work in another CPS building again.
I live less than a block from the school and my last child graduated High School 2 yrs ago. I sent my kids to Catholic schools because I did no have any confidence in that school. It was unsafe, and the lack of safety was ongoing with the "do nothings" that ran the school for the last eight years.
Those who think that the prior administrations were so great ask them what was being done to make kids safe. What about the ring of thugs that robbed the freshmen daily? I hear they were part of the "protected class", protected by the former vice principal/basketball coach. Nothing ever done to protect the docile innocent. So those who think the previous years were the "Good Old Days" including the beginning of this school year remember protecting the average student was never a priority. Protecting the thugs and not making waves was.
Because my children's safety was my priority, I chose to spend over $32,000.00 to give them a high school education. I would have sent them to Washington High but did not feel confident with those people who ran it and did not care about the community. I remember hearing a story of a child that was beaten and robbed by some thugs two years ago and never was disciplined. The student was even able to graduate on stage. What was the previous principal thinking?
As for the teachers that were fired, sorry that this has happened. Remember teachers are secondary the students come first if the new principal made that decision lets hope it is in the best interest of the students. If the students begin to thrive then we know it was. Finally for those who were fired good luck in your quest for new jobs
The rumors from inside the walls of Washington High are all around the neighborhood Those kids on the basketball team should be angry that they were be used for their talents and denied access to the real opportunity that is out there and only available through a good education. Shame on the coach who thought he was an educator, the man should not be allowed to work in another CPS building again.
I live less than a block from the school and my last child graduated High School 2 yrs ago. I sent my kids to Catholic schools because I did no have any confidence in that school. It was unsafe, and the lack of safety was ongoing with the "do nothings" that ran the school for the last eight years.
Those who think that the prior administrations were so great ask them what was being done to make kids safe. What about the ring of thugs that robbed the freshmen daily? I hear they were part of the "protected class", protected by the former vice principal/basketball coach. Nothing ever done to protect the docile innocent. So those who think the previous years were the "Good Old Days" including the beginning of this school year remember protecting the average student was never a priority. Protecting the thugs and not making waves was.
Because my children's safety was my priority, I chose to spend over $32,000.00 to give them a high school education. I would have sent them to Washington High but did not feel confident with those people who ran it and did not care about the community. I remember hearing a story of a child that was beaten and robbed by some thugs two years ago and never was disciplined. The student was even able to graduate on stage. What was the previous principal thinking?
As for the teachers that were fired, sorry that this has happened. Remember teachers are secondary the students come first if the new principal made that decision lets hope it is in the best interest of the students. If the students begin to thrive then we know it was. Finally for those who were fired good luck in your quest for new jobs
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 5:15 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Its about time someone is doing right by the student body. It sounds like everyone who is blogging about Mrs. Gonzalez being mean spirited have a personal agenda and the blogs seem more emotional than sensible.
Sad to say, in October when I picked up my daughter from school as I walked past a couple classrooms the rooms were up for grabs and without order. How can a child learn in this? If it was any of the teachers that the classrooms were filled with chaos, all I have to say is GOODBYE. We all know that some of those teachers are worthless. Good Job Mrs. Gonzalez! Keep fighting for our children.
The last principal Mr. Klimesh would have probably made the same calls. This school was going down, you either would have had to be blind, stupid or just not care to have let everything remai the same.
Sad to say, in October when I picked up my daughter from school as I walked past a couple classrooms the rooms were up for grabs and without order. How can a child learn in this? If it was any of the teachers that the classrooms were filled with chaos, all I have to say is GOODBYE. We all know that some of those teachers are worthless. Good Job Mrs. Gonzalez! Keep fighting for our children.
The last principal Mr. Klimesh would have probably made the same calls. This school was going down, you either would have had to be blind, stupid or just not care to have let everything remai the same.
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 6:39 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
I teach at a neighborhood school that has many dedicated teachers, but I would never send my children there. It's the other children that I would not want my kids to have around them. Several are criminals. Many are budding sociopaths. Children who have committed multiple crimes shouldn't be in schools with kids who haven't. But they are, and we can't get rid of them until they turn 21. I really love the idea of my 14 year old freshman having contact with a 21 year old demo. And the best students are at magnets, so if you can't go anywhere else, you go to the neighborhood school.
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 9:11 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Don I agree with this but it should not be that way. Why should our children have to travel an hour plus from their neighborhood to get an education? A 21 year old with a 14 year old can be a danger. It is time that we take care of our neighborhood schools, support our principals and show the powers that be Downtown that we are sick and tired of mediocrity at our local schools. A change must come. That is why I am supporting Mrs. Gonzalez in her attempts. If it works maybe some decency will come back to Washington High. If not at least someone has tried.
To the Local School Council I hope the decision was made with honesty and concern for the students. I think those who showed up faithfully trying to get things done right should be commended.
To the Local School Council I hope the decision was made with honesty and concern for the students. I think those who showed up faithfully trying to get things done right should be commended.
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 9:45 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Right on!!! change is coming!!! At least Crump is not around to intimidate and mistreat kids and letting his Basketball players rob and terrorize the students that were not part of the click. I never felt safe when I was there and was afraid to use the bathroom fearing I would be robbed. I remember a meeting where Crump publicly made a student cry for speaking her mind about the safety at the school. What an asshole he was. I only wish I was there to laugh at his sorry ass as when he was fired. I hope he felt shamed when he was escorted out of the school.
Who is this new principal? Let me shake his hand.
Why would students want to walk out for who is sitting at the principals desk. Certain teachers have shared too much information with us students. I remember when certain teachers would talk about Mrs. Vidal being in Puerto Rico. Being a student at Washington High School and knowing how some of those childish teachers operated I am sure that some teachers try to influence students to be vocal against issues that they have with the school policies. If teachers are being fired Im sure they are the ones who use the students to do their dirty work. Most of the teachers were great but a few were either incompetent or just like another student.
Maybe the counselors will now do something since teachers are being shown the door. And just maybe that counselor (can't remember her name) but she tormented us about community service hours and was nowhere to be found when we needed her. What a grouch she was. I hope she is finally working for her money.
Who is this new principal? Let me shake his hand.
Why would students want to walk out for who is sitting at the principals desk. Certain teachers have shared too much information with us students. I remember when certain teachers would talk about Mrs. Vidal being in Puerto Rico. Being a student at Washington High School and knowing how some of those childish teachers operated I am sure that some teachers try to influence students to be vocal against issues that they have with the school policies. If teachers are being fired Im sure they are the ones who use the students to do their dirty work. Most of the teachers were great but a few were either incompetent or just like another student.
Maybe the counselors will now do something since teachers are being shown the door. And just maybe that counselor (can't remember her name) but she tormented us about community service hours and was nowhere to be found when we needed her. What a grouch she was. I hope she is finally working for her money.
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 10:40 PM
Problems At Washington HS? les Américains sont vraiment stupides
Américains complètement de merde, se noyant dans leur merde
Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 11:43 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
One thing is for certain for GWHS in the 10th Ward. This will be a huge election here. Don't know how many are running for the LSC. What time is the forum on April fools day?
The next thing is don't trust CPS at all or Rosalind Rossi from the Suntimes, she is in bed with CPS and Mike Vaughn the CPS spokesperson, your better off trying Abdon Pallasch, who is a little fair to everyone.
Also, stay 100 feet from the school doors, I could just imagine what the principal or opponents will do to the candiates.
Watch out for the 4th district police, to see if they play favortism.
Bring your video cameras.
Don't trust Designs for Change. They are supposely supporting LSC's, not true, they took a position at the Curie LSC on the principal contract and sided with the principal's supporters. Some of their workers live in South Chicago and have friends and supporters who are part of Gallistal school on 104th and Ewing.
Have a attorney ready, try Elaine Siegel an Education attorney who helps many schools, like Ravenswood, Curie and others.
Or try the Curie LSC Chair attorney, don't know if Ramos is still the Chair, but his attorney is James Tunick, in case CPS sends the Inspector General after you.
So by hearing all of this, do you still want to run for the GW LSC. Its not worth it, if so, have some dinero for a attorney.
And most importantly, watch out for Jose Villasenor, and Miguel Rodriguez from the CPS Law Dept, who will probably be their. Don't be fooled Hispanics, or HDO, they will act like your compadres, or amigos, they are the biggest snakes in the grass against their own kind. So have your own attorney's or try John DeLeon or best of all Frank Avila, another good attorney who won't take no crap from CPS. I believed some of these attorney's represented Ramos (Curie LSC member) at his hearing with CPS.
Good luck to all, but let's see how politics goes here at Washington High School, in the 10th Ward.
The next thing is don't trust CPS at all or Rosalind Rossi from the Suntimes, she is in bed with CPS and Mike Vaughn the CPS spokesperson, your better off trying Abdon Pallasch, who is a little fair to everyone.
Also, stay 100 feet from the school doors, I could just imagine what the principal or opponents will do to the candiates.
Watch out for the 4th district police, to see if they play favortism.
Bring your video cameras.
Don't trust Designs for Change. They are supposely supporting LSC's, not true, they took a position at the Curie LSC on the principal contract and sided with the principal's supporters. Some of their workers live in South Chicago and have friends and supporters who are part of Gallistal school on 104th and Ewing.
Have a attorney ready, try Elaine Siegel an Education attorney who helps many schools, like Ravenswood, Curie and others.
Or try the Curie LSC Chair attorney, don't know if Ramos is still the Chair, but his attorney is James Tunick, in case CPS sends the Inspector General after you.
So by hearing all of this, do you still want to run for the GW LSC. Its not worth it, if so, have some dinero for a attorney.
And most importantly, watch out for Jose Villasenor, and Miguel Rodriguez from the CPS Law Dept, who will probably be their. Don't be fooled Hispanics, or HDO, they will act like your compadres, or amigos, they are the biggest snakes in the grass against their own kind. So have your own attorney's or try John DeLeon or best of all Frank Avila, another good attorney who won't take no crap from CPS. I believed some of these attorney's represented Ramos (Curie LSC member) at his hearing with CPS.
Good luck to all, but let's see how politics goes here at Washington High School, in the 10th Ward.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 2:07 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
You are over reacting. This is a LSC election not Florida 2000. My gosh I am sincerely hoping that your not in charge of anything that matters. Talking about burning money up. A video Camera? Come on, next your going to want national coverage by CNN, MSNBC and FoxNEWS. I will be sure wear my Sundays best for the Cameras. What color do you think I should wear Mr/Mrs. Video camera this might be our chance to be discovered. Maybe I can go on to stardom and you to higher office. Yeahhhhh Righhht. Get a life go make some donuts.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 5:16 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
The issue that brought Washington High School here was that a new principal had come in and in less than 60 days tried to get rid of a dozen teachers (all PATs) by "clicking" them out. The wholesale purging of the teaching staff (especially the younger teaching staff) is the issue the students boycotted for this month.
The issue that's bubbling now does not include questions about whether there were gang members at Washington High School during the past 15 years -- or whether some of them were African Americans and athletes who might or might not have received special treatment from some members of the school's discipline and security staff.
Washington High School's challenges in discipline and security are separate from what generated this thread and what prompted the student walkout two weeks ago.
The people who are trying to drag in these kitchen sinks (in English, Spanish, or bad and rather obscene French) are really trying to drag the whole discussion away from why Gonzalez began dumping as many teachers as she could two weeks ago. How do you say "Red Herring" in merdy French?
Anyone who wants to discuss the discipline and gang security problems faced by Washington High School over the past five or six years -- or for that matter, the past 15 years -- should start that discussion elsewhere. I held several meetings at Washington High School on gang security four and five years ago, as many members of the staff will attest. And I may agree with many of the things that are being reported above about how and why those problems existed then and may continue today.
But fact is they are separate from what's prompted this discussion. To let them muddy the question of the current elimination of teachers up will serve nobody's purpose but the people who want to purge as many staff as possible to replace them with patronage.
The issue that's bubbling now does not include questions about whether there were gang members at Washington High School during the past 15 years -- or whether some of them were African Americans and athletes who might or might not have received special treatment from some members of the school's discipline and security staff.
Washington High School's challenges in discipline and security are separate from what generated this thread and what prompted the student walkout two weeks ago.
The people who are trying to drag in these kitchen sinks (in English, Spanish, or bad and rather obscene French) are really trying to drag the whole discussion away from why Gonzalez began dumping as many teachers as she could two weeks ago. How do you say "Red Herring" in merdy French?
Anyone who wants to discuss the discipline and gang security problems faced by Washington High School over the past five or six years -- or for that matter, the past 15 years -- should start that discussion elsewhere. I held several meetings at Washington High School on gang security four and five years ago, as many members of the staff will attest. And I may agree with many of the things that are being reported above about how and why those problems existed then and may continue today.
But fact is they are separate from what's prompted this discussion. To let them muddy the question of the current elimination of teachers up will serve nobody's purpose but the people who want to purge as many staff as possible to replace them with patronage.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 7:58 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
I agree, Mr. Schmidt, but the campus is not more safe, it's much less safe. The cops are being forced to come in all the time, the halls are back to chaos, and two major fights broke out just last Friday. An ambulance had to be called for one injured student for crisakes. It is a leadership issue as well. Besides, the kids were angry and antagonized first, and she went after security and support personnel before she ever got around to the teachers. Plus, I'm not so sure who is really fostering this climate of rumor among children, since I am personally unaware of any teacher invovment or motivation behind the students' effective boycott. (Not to say it hasn't gone on?) I do know that the buck stops somewhere and that no communication exists, nor has direction been provided by the new administration. The students seemed to have been informed of all details and terminations before the staff.
These firings are clearly not based on merit or seniority, and staff are being disciplined, accused, and targeted with no concern for workplace rights and procedures that exist even without a contract. Pay is even being withheld for work already provided.
Bottom line? Many teachers I really admire are now gone, and I'm myself am stunned and not sure I want to come back under this leadership anyway. The real motive behind the terminations, if you ask me, seems to be preventing tenure and increasing control at the expense of the other stakeholders in public education: the students, the teachers, and the parents who all have a right to expect that they be treated with fairness and respect and that student learning and achievement come first. Speaking up for this should never be cause for retaliation. I guess people ar just angry and hurt. Teaching is not a competition and it takes a whole village of teaching techniques and interpersonal styles to reach every kid. Parent contact and support is crucial. But all parties should have one goal improving student learning and safety. HS should be a place where kids feel safe and valued. No wonder there is so much violence and so many kids drop out of CPS.
Wherever many of these teachers end up, I know that that school and/or district will be fortunate, no matter what the trolls and slanderers may say.
These firings are clearly not based on merit or seniority, and staff are being disciplined, accused, and targeted with no concern for workplace rights and procedures that exist even without a contract. Pay is even being withheld for work already provided.
Bottom line? Many teachers I really admire are now gone, and I'm myself am stunned and not sure I want to come back under this leadership anyway. The real motive behind the terminations, if you ask me, seems to be preventing tenure and increasing control at the expense of the other stakeholders in public education: the students, the teachers, and the parents who all have a right to expect that they be treated with fairness and respect and that student learning and achievement come first. Speaking up for this should never be cause for retaliation. I guess people ar just angry and hurt. Teaching is not a competition and it takes a whole village of teaching techniques and interpersonal styles to reach every kid. Parent contact and support is crucial. But all parties should have one goal improving student learning and safety. HS should be a place where kids feel safe and valued. No wonder there is so much violence and so many kids drop out of CPS.
Wherever many of these teachers end up, I know that that school and/or district will be fortunate, no matter what the trolls and slanderers may say.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 9:04 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Friends :
Washington is now in the blogosphere and the world is watching.
So sad for so long a school destined to provide quality is now a joke. In fact it has been dysfunctional for at least 25 years in spite of courage and determination by a handful of knowledgeable staff.
Washington will take years to restore itself to it's proper role as a General high school to serve a deserving population.
A succession of disastrous leaders led to a wierd political climate that was racially motivated and gender specific. No one had a clue, or for that matter any semblence of Washington's rightful mission
at the far southeast corner of the city. It was startling how little any of the leaders in the last 20 years or so knew about the complex fascinating historical legacy they inherited.
The personal lives and professional experiences of these leaders were laughable. Malfeasance and mopery led to mismanagement
for years. Not an academic impulse ever expressed or ,at minimum,
and understanding of adolescent human capitol development.
Now there appears to be something dubbed the Crump Affair. More silliness and in the end more shuffling for political reasons and a new round of ding-a-lings will emerge. The dump crump crowd
won round one and the kids will loose another round.
UNLESS.....
Friends Let me perfectly clear. If power and money is your motive please stay out of education. Child development should be left to
those that have acquired a real liberal education,understand historical precedent and please keep the progressive, save the world special educators at bay.
In tribute to the many fine academics of years gone by that understood Washington's mission.
Fast Eddy
Washington is now in the blogosphere and the world is watching.
So sad for so long a school destined to provide quality is now a joke. In fact it has been dysfunctional for at least 25 years in spite of courage and determination by a handful of knowledgeable staff.
Washington will take years to restore itself to it's proper role as a General high school to serve a deserving population.
A succession of disastrous leaders led to a wierd political climate that was racially motivated and gender specific. No one had a clue, or for that matter any semblence of Washington's rightful mission
at the far southeast corner of the city. It was startling how little any of the leaders in the last 20 years or so knew about the complex fascinating historical legacy they inherited.
The personal lives and professional experiences of these leaders were laughable. Malfeasance and mopery led to mismanagement
for years. Not an academic impulse ever expressed or ,at minimum,
and understanding of adolescent human capitol development.
Now there appears to be something dubbed the Crump Affair. More silliness and in the end more shuffling for political reasons and a new round of ding-a-lings will emerge. The dump crump crowd
won round one and the kids will loose another round.
UNLESS.....
Friends Let me perfectly clear. If power and money is your motive please stay out of education. Child development should be left to
those that have acquired a real liberal education,understand historical precedent and please keep the progressive, save the world special educators at bay.
In tribute to the many fine academics of years gone by that understood Washington's mission.
Fast Eddy
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 10:47 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
To George, Ed and Disillusioned:
Washington High School has been in a shambles for at least the last 12 plus years that I have taught there. It is upsetting to see what is happening to my colleagues. Although some that have been asked not to come back were poor teachers that lacked any type of meaningful program in their classrooms. Washington needs strong teachers that can model stability, structure and maturity to our students. We do not need teachers who: want to win the popularity /beauty contest, teachers who supplement content topic with movies, teachers who allow students into their own personal lives (disagreements with administration or other teachers) teachers who lack classroom management ability, teachers who just can't do it.
One of the previous posts said it best "stop snitching on one another" these problems would not exist if we were all doing our jobs and maintained a strong union.
Many of us at Washington seem to have a short memory. The previous administration was ineffective and we all wanted them to be gone. Remember the fights? Remember the public scoldings infront of your students? Remember the every now and then tirades in the halls? Remember our colleague that was falsley accused of hitting or pushing a student and another teacher even substantiated those false claims?Remember the firings for the last 5 yrs, 30 days before the end of the school year? How many were let go last year? Don't you understand? Its the same bag of tricks just with a different bag. The more childish immaturity that is displayed the more that administrators will continue to do this.
We all must do our very best to educate our students, we should not worry about how to hurt the one who was chosen to lead. I truly am confused, does any profession get to pick their boss? Thats what I thought. I don't think we should either, but according to school reform two of our peers have a say. I know when I was polled back in January, I was all for the change eventhough I liked Mr. Klimesh I felt that whoever was given a contract would have done the same things. Interim principals looking for jobs become much different principals when given a job; ask any veteran who has been around this system.
Sadly, those who wanted Mr. Klimesh to be our principal were looking for an easy time. They saw a man who was kind, approachable and seemingly weak. My colleagues liked that because it was different than the Vidal years. Things were more relaxed and easygoing.
We are all in this together most of us who said hello to the new administration will say goodbye. Washington will still be here and our students will still need us. Lets not focus on the negativity, in the wake of school closings and the dissmal economy we should be doing our best and giving our students all our best. If we were all striving for a common goal, to educate our students we could probably get off probation and many of us would not have to worry about our school being part of a school closing scam. Lets work for our students not our own personal agendas.
Washington High School has been in a shambles for at least the last 12 plus years that I have taught there. It is upsetting to see what is happening to my colleagues. Although some that have been asked not to come back were poor teachers that lacked any type of meaningful program in their classrooms. Washington needs strong teachers that can model stability, structure and maturity to our students. We do not need teachers who: want to win the popularity /beauty contest, teachers who supplement content topic with movies, teachers who allow students into their own personal lives (disagreements with administration or other teachers) teachers who lack classroom management ability, teachers who just can't do it.
One of the previous posts said it best "stop snitching on one another" these problems would not exist if we were all doing our jobs and maintained a strong union.
Many of us at Washington seem to have a short memory. The previous administration was ineffective and we all wanted them to be gone. Remember the fights? Remember the public scoldings infront of your students? Remember the every now and then tirades in the halls? Remember our colleague that was falsley accused of hitting or pushing a student and another teacher even substantiated those false claims?Remember the firings for the last 5 yrs, 30 days before the end of the school year? How many were let go last year? Don't you understand? Its the same bag of tricks just with a different bag. The more childish immaturity that is displayed the more that administrators will continue to do this.
We all must do our very best to educate our students, we should not worry about how to hurt the one who was chosen to lead. I truly am confused, does any profession get to pick their boss? Thats what I thought. I don't think we should either, but according to school reform two of our peers have a say. I know when I was polled back in January, I was all for the change eventhough I liked Mr. Klimesh I felt that whoever was given a contract would have done the same things. Interim principals looking for jobs become much different principals when given a job; ask any veteran who has been around this system.
Sadly, those who wanted Mr. Klimesh to be our principal were looking for an easy time. They saw a man who was kind, approachable and seemingly weak. My colleagues liked that because it was different than the Vidal years. Things were more relaxed and easygoing.
We are all in this together most of us who said hello to the new administration will say goodbye. Washington will still be here and our students will still need us. Lets not focus on the negativity, in the wake of school closings and the dissmal economy we should be doing our best and giving our students all our best. If we were all striving for a common goal, to educate our students we could probably get off probation and many of us would not have to worry about our school being part of a school closing scam. Lets work for our students not our own personal agendas.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 11:20 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
First of all Saturday 2am, you probably had to play with yourself overnight because you had no one next to you in bed. That's what happens when you are bored Friday nite. Yes, you should have a video camera, i guess either you are from CPS communications, catalyst magazine, (aka) friends of CPS to be rewarded with something soon, or a principal. So yes, this can make it to You Tube, CNN, MSNBC, or the FOX O'Reilly Factor.
Have you been at Curie, Juarez, Ravenswood on LSC matters, if you haven't or you are just a lame consultant from a group, no wonder why. Be ready for April at Washington High School.
Note: Atty Villasenor, lives in the 10th ward in the north end, by the bush.
Have you been at Curie, Juarez, Ravenswood on LSC matters, if you haven't or you are just a lame consultant from a group, no wonder why. Be ready for April at Washington High School.
Note: Atty Villasenor, lives in the 10th ward in the north end, by the bush.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 12:17 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Attorney for Hire:
This is completely out of hand. Are we here for the students or our own egos?
This is completely out of hand. Are we here for the students or our own egos?
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 2:59 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
The interim principal's qualifications and experience speak for themselves. I have no doubt that his academic vision, moral grounding, and professionalism will serve him well as it will likewise the students placed in his care. You can slash and burn all your "enemies" as much as you want (Beauty contest?! WTF), but of all the teachers I know on "the list", not a single one deserves this. as another poster said, teaching is not a competition, folks, but it is a real responsibility.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 3:53 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
To Ed, George and disillusioned:
I have been teaching at Washington for over 12 years. The school has been steadily going down for the last 8 yrs.
How short memories are, just a year ago people were happy about change coming to Washington. Don't you remember: the scoldings in front of students, the screaming and yelling tirades in the halls, our colleague who was falsley accused of hitting or pushing a student and the fellow colleague who substantiated those false claims, the firings for the last 5 years, 30 days before the end of the school year. the fights, the riot in the lunchroom that had Chicago's finest come in full riot gear, the denial that there was a problem.
Many of our colleagues don't like the new boss but who does like their boss? Since when do people have a say in who their boss is? Its not a matter of liking or disliking the boss its a matter of doing your job and doing it with pride and excellence. I am here to teach and that is what I do. I am not here to start a following of fans. I think we all need to be aware that it is our job to do our best to educate our students. Especially with School Closing Scams and the dissmal economy.
We need to protect our jobs by giving the students the best skills possible so we are not looked at as a failing school. I think we all need to work together to do this. She is our principal for at least 4 yrs and will not be removed for a massive amount of phone calls. Their are worse things being done at schools throughout this city and those principals stay in their respective schools. Gonzales is here for the duration of her contract so we all need to work together for our common goal, which is our students being educated and keeping our school open.
Teachers should give students the tools they need to succeed not bring them into their adult disagreements. Teachers should also give it their all, they should keep control of their classrooms, They should not supplement content topics with movies to "help explain it".
Sadly, only 2 of our colleagues that were dismissed will be a loss to the school those 2 ladies gave a lot to the students, to the rest; all I can say is good luck on surviving in a school that has accountability.
Where were all these people like "attorney for hire" for the last 8 years when things were declining? We lost many talented teachers througout those years, or scores declined and we had an LSC that was a rubber stamp for the previous administration. To me this is just another typical polital war for chicago using students and schools as a front. Didn't one of those attorney's mentioned appear in a political ad for Dinah Ramirez last spring? Wasn't she on the LSC for many years as a rubber stamp? Go away and quit causing trouble. All of you that are makingt this political game and don't care about what is happening at Washington and never have. We were all left there to deal with the last hellish 8 yrs on our own, and now you want to help? How hypocritical. I guess its just the nature of the beast. Everyone sees opportunity and tries to exploit what they can. At least I can say those of us teachers wh have been in it have truly tried to make the difference and give our students a fighting chance. I worked with the previous administration not because I liked them but because I like the kids and I will work with this one because I like the kids. Thats the drill. We are not here for anything else but them
I have been teaching at Washington for over 12 years. The school has been steadily going down for the last 8 yrs.
How short memories are, just a year ago people were happy about change coming to Washington. Don't you remember: the scoldings in front of students, the screaming and yelling tirades in the halls, our colleague who was falsley accused of hitting or pushing a student and the fellow colleague who substantiated those false claims, the firings for the last 5 years, 30 days before the end of the school year. the fights, the riot in the lunchroom that had Chicago's finest come in full riot gear, the denial that there was a problem.
Many of our colleagues don't like the new boss but who does like their boss? Since when do people have a say in who their boss is? Its not a matter of liking or disliking the boss its a matter of doing your job and doing it with pride and excellence. I am here to teach and that is what I do. I am not here to start a following of fans. I think we all need to be aware that it is our job to do our best to educate our students. Especially with School Closing Scams and the dissmal economy.
We need to protect our jobs by giving the students the best skills possible so we are not looked at as a failing school. I think we all need to work together to do this. She is our principal for at least 4 yrs and will not be removed for a massive amount of phone calls. Their are worse things being done at schools throughout this city and those principals stay in their respective schools. Gonzales is here for the duration of her contract so we all need to work together for our common goal, which is our students being educated and keeping our school open.
Teachers should give students the tools they need to succeed not bring them into their adult disagreements. Teachers should also give it their all, they should keep control of their classrooms, They should not supplement content topics with movies to "help explain it".
Sadly, only 2 of our colleagues that were dismissed will be a loss to the school those 2 ladies gave a lot to the students, to the rest; all I can say is good luck on surviving in a school that has accountability.
Where were all these people like "attorney for hire" for the last 8 years when things were declining? We lost many talented teachers througout those years, or scores declined and we had an LSC that was a rubber stamp for the previous administration. To me this is just another typical polital war for chicago using students and schools as a front. Didn't one of those attorney's mentioned appear in a political ad for Dinah Ramirez last spring? Wasn't she on the LSC for many years as a rubber stamp? Go away and quit causing trouble. All of you that are makingt this political game and don't care about what is happening at Washington and never have. We were all left there to deal with the last hellish 8 yrs on our own, and now you want to help? How hypocritical. I guess its just the nature of the beast. Everyone sees opportunity and tries to exploit what they can. At least I can say those of us teachers wh have been in it have truly tried to make the difference and give our students a fighting chance. I worked with the previous administration not because I liked them but because I like the kids and I will work with this one because I like the kids. Thats the drill. We are not here for anything else but them
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
The WHS LSC had many better qualified candidates than who they finally picked--they stalled and stalled until they could get in who the alderman wanted. Which is what the mayor wanted and this inexperienced hs principal is making a mess and does not know what she is doing. the LSC had excelelent candidtes and chased them away. The LSC is corrupt in this--period. Poor teacher above--do you not see that by all this mess, it is designed to take your HS away--they are coming to take it away..And look at the Orrs and harpers and Englewood--destruction and NO improvement for the students. You are for the students dear teacher--open your eyes.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 4:26 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Teachers schools are being closed and its because of the weak union. Listen to Retired Teacher. A united front must be formed and not just at Washington but throughout all of cps schools. WIth such unity the principals have limited power.
TSR, I have been in this system for 31 years and made my share of sacrifices to get those benefits you younger teachers are letting 125 S. Clark take them away. They are being taken away because many newbies do think its a popularity contest. I agree with the poster teaching is a real responsibility. Inform some of your colleagues that the "Boston Public" mentality is what causes these situations.
Teacher, you said it twice I think but in your second entry if those political claims are valid I think you see the bigger picture. Are you running for LSC teacher representative? You should!
TSR, I have been in this system for 31 years and made my share of sacrifices to get those benefits you younger teachers are letting 125 S. Clark take them away. They are being taken away because many newbies do think its a popularity contest. I agree with the poster teaching is a real responsibility. Inform some of your colleagues that the "Boston Public" mentality is what causes these situations.
Teacher, you said it twice I think but in your second entry if those political claims are valid I think you see the bigger picture. Are you running for LSC teacher representative? You should!
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 5:11 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
In Response to to teacher:
I agree, its not that I don't see, we are letting this happen. We must all be strong teachers with professionalism and knowledge for our jobs. We must also be mindful that we are slowly losing because of those who can't do the job are ruining it for all of us. Their incompetence is the highlight of every media outlet in this city. Richie hates us and would love to ruin us and is succeeding because of the Naive in our profession Wake up! its not just the LSC and Administration. its us too. Read what retired teacher says, we need to get off our asses and stop letting our selves be walked all over. We need strong leadership at the union and Marilyn isn't cutting it. I am honest and know that if we were actually producing items that meant profit a few of us would have been out on our asses before our probation periods were up.
Stop pointing the finger of blame and lets do something that fixes it. What needs to be fixed is not only at Washington.
I agree, its not that I don't see, we are letting this happen. We must all be strong teachers with professionalism and knowledge for our jobs. We must also be mindful that we are slowly losing because of those who can't do the job are ruining it for all of us. Their incompetence is the highlight of every media outlet in this city. Richie hates us and would love to ruin us and is succeeding because of the Naive in our profession Wake up! its not just the LSC and Administration. its us too. Read what retired teacher says, we need to get off our asses and stop letting our selves be walked all over. We need strong leadership at the union and Marilyn isn't cutting it. I am honest and know that if we were actually producing items that meant profit a few of us would have been out on our asses before our probation periods were up.
Stop pointing the finger of blame and lets do something that fixes it. What needs to be fixed is not only at Washington.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 6:09 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Who's pointing the finger of blame, and what are ya talking about "letting 125 S. Clark take [benefits] away"? The newbies are paying full union dues and getting no representation. They are paying other people's pensions when it might not even be there for them, if they can stand to put up with all this insult and crap for 34 years. Just remember, by the time that they come for the dinosaurs, there may be no one left to stand for you. While I agree that anyone who considers teaching a popularity contest must be as immature and confused as anyone who assumes this of a colleague based on their age and gender. Likewise, it is equally mistaken to confuse a quiet room with kids doing busy work as real learning. Each to his own conscience.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 8:03 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
Glass houses and Teacher, Teacher:
You are all a bunch of fools voting for Barack Hussein Obama, Daley's guy. And, Daley has David Axelrod, his political muscle guy where he wants him. If Obama wins, Daley will be so much powerful, thanks to the Teachers Union supporting Obama. You cannot learn political science 101 overnight.
Teacher you sound good in writing, why don't you put those kind writing and run as a Teacher Rep candidate at Washington?
Will you be a rubber stamp? HMM?
Meanwhile, hope to see all of you on April fools day for the lSC forum.
You are all a bunch of fools voting for Barack Hussein Obama, Daley's guy. And, Daley has David Axelrod, his political muscle guy where he wants him. If Obama wins, Daley will be so much powerful, thanks to the Teachers Union supporting Obama. You cannot learn political science 101 overnight.
Teacher you sound good in writing, why don't you put those kind writing and run as a Teacher Rep candidate at Washington?
Will you be a rubber stamp? HMM?
Meanwhile, hope to see all of you on April fools day for the lSC forum.
Sat Mar 22, 2008 at 10:54 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
April Fools:
I wouldn't vote for Obama. CTU endorsed him but I and some of my colleagues know he is bad news and would only serve Daleys interest. It would allow Daley to do what he wanted.
I believe in Unions and I believe in fulfilling obligations. I don't beleive in trying to control what can't be controlled but I do beleive that change comes from all parties and some must be given a chance before being crucified.
I have seen some attempts at change by this administration and would be willing to wait and see where it goes. All I see is a bunch of complainers on here and nobody willing to offer real solutions. I guess some can say that about me but I put my faith in the solution of strong unions and solidarity of the membership.
I wouldn't vote for Obama. CTU endorsed him but I and some of my colleagues know he is bad news and would only serve Daleys interest. It would allow Daley to do what he wanted.
I believe in Unions and I believe in fulfilling obligations. I don't beleive in trying to control what can't be controlled but I do beleive that change comes from all parties and some must be given a chance before being crucified.
I have seen some attempts at change by this administration and would be willing to wait and see where it goes. All I see is a bunch of complainers on here and nobody willing to offer real solutions. I guess some can say that about me but I put my faith in the solution of strong unions and solidarity of the membership.
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 2:46 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Sorry, but I think much bigger puppet masters than Daley have dibs on Obama. He has a bigger target painted on him than Bush and Reagan did, but they never were the sharpest knives in the drawer, so I guess one can rationalize their being used. And they are Republicans.
What's our excuse? Besides, Obama is not dumb. I can only imagine what the portrait in his closet looks like.
What's our excuse? Besides, Obama is not dumb. I can only imagine what the portrait in his closet looks like.
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 8:39 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
This is BS. Many of the terminated teachers were excellent, male and female. Period. They were fired because they could be fired under a union that was already made weak before they even got here by the same type of teachers who now gloat over their wrongful terminations, toot their own horns, switch their names, and toot again.
There is something very rotten going on down by the eastside. The LSC is supposed to be there to protect the integrity of public education. It is not something to be bought and sold, pressured and manipulated, or subverted for political gain. Every teacher who expressed concern when this activity became apparent is fired, if they lacked tenure or were close. How is that justified? This wasn't a projected numbers thing based on seniority or bad observations. This was surgery and unlawful retaliation. WHS is a microcosm (and particularly gross example) of what they are doing in high schools all over the city, and we need you, union friend, to stand up. There is a bull's eye on you too, tenured teacher, but you refuse to see it.
When educational decisions are made based on clout and the financial speculations of those in power it endangers students and recklessly disregards their best educational interests. I challenge you to uphold your moral mandate as a teacher and stand up on behalf of the student body. A critical and publically funded institution such as the local school must function under the same rule of law and established procedures as any other government office, but the fox is watching the chicken house now. I am concerned too about what's going on at my child's school. I am concerned about the tone and heavy handed favoritism of this administration, the lack of communication and reactionary punishments, the galling lack of respect and the anger generated. It is a completely disruptive and antagonistic form of leadership. It has suddenly become a petty tyranny. The last thing this union needs is more kowtowing to the boss and smug complacency. Less butt kissing, please, and more backbone.
BTW, how does one get popular with high school students anyway? Passing out candy? Letting them carry teacher's books or sit in your throne? Maybe the youth know exactly who cares about them and who really puts in the effort in front of the class and in calls home? Some of the teachers who were fired graduated from WHS. I wonder if they would sing your praise as highly as you do yourself? Please come to the forum and be counted. Sorry to other readers for getting angry, but I know it is a very bald lie to suggest these teachers were not up to snuff, when many have contributed mightily to the kids and are the ones found after school or going the extra mile. It is probably exactly what the administration wants to be said, but you should be ashamed to slander other teachers.
There is something very rotten going on down by the eastside. The LSC is supposed to be there to protect the integrity of public education. It is not something to be bought and sold, pressured and manipulated, or subverted for political gain. Every teacher who expressed concern when this activity became apparent is fired, if they lacked tenure or were close. How is that justified? This wasn't a projected numbers thing based on seniority or bad observations. This was surgery and unlawful retaliation. WHS is a microcosm (and particularly gross example) of what they are doing in high schools all over the city, and we need you, union friend, to stand up. There is a bull's eye on you too, tenured teacher, but you refuse to see it.
When educational decisions are made based on clout and the financial speculations of those in power it endangers students and recklessly disregards their best educational interests. I challenge you to uphold your moral mandate as a teacher and stand up on behalf of the student body. A critical and publically funded institution such as the local school must function under the same rule of law and established procedures as any other government office, but the fox is watching the chicken house now. I am concerned too about what's going on at my child's school. I am concerned about the tone and heavy handed favoritism of this administration, the lack of communication and reactionary punishments, the galling lack of respect and the anger generated. It is a completely disruptive and antagonistic form of leadership. It has suddenly become a petty tyranny. The last thing this union needs is more kowtowing to the boss and smug complacency. Less butt kissing, please, and more backbone.
BTW, how does one get popular with high school students anyway? Passing out candy? Letting them carry teacher's books or sit in your throne? Maybe the youth know exactly who cares about them and who really puts in the effort in front of the class and in calls home? Some of the teachers who were fired graduated from WHS. I wonder if they would sing your praise as highly as you do yourself? Please come to the forum and be counted. Sorry to other readers for getting angry, but I know it is a very bald lie to suggest these teachers were not up to snuff, when many have contributed mightily to the kids and are the ones found after school or going the extra mile. It is probably exactly what the administration wants to be said, but you should be ashamed to slander other teachers.
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 9:33 AM
Problems At Washington HS?
Are any of the Washington High School people going to the Bd of Ed Meeting to complain about what's happening at Washington High School?
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 2:38 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
To all teachers throughout the system you must present a united front. Protect each other, principals have too much power. Remember though that they stand alone. If our union was strong like it was in the 70's and 80's the Bob Healy and Always the Lady Jackie Vaughn years this would not be occuring. It is not any of these teachers faults that the CTU has fallen weak it is the membership who allowed Jackie Vaughns successor "The Two Faced Crook" to get in bed with Daley and Vallas. It is also the Fault of anyone who voted for Marilyn Stewart the reincarnation of the "The Two Faced Crook".
Teachers ask what your union is doing for you? Call Stewart demand that she helps. You are paying union dues aren't you? Get something for those dues. CPS wouldnt pay you to come in and do nothing, would they? Why should you pay someone who is doing nothing? Demand that she earns her pay, like our employer demands of us. If she does not comply then we should fire her, like our brethren is being fired at Washington.
Another problem that has driven a wedge between teachers is all the freed up positions, the quasi administrators, You know those Lead Teachers in Charge of teaching and the one in charge of this and that. When Principals were able to open all of these positions that did nothing but build anomosity among faculty.
I never worked at Washington so I don't know what the climate was. I do know that as a teacher at Stowe I had a the displeasure of working with your former principal Miss Quinones, Rivera, Vidal or what ever her name was when she was there. I must say she was crazy and mean so if your new principal is any crazier or meaner dont wal run out of that school and find something better. That lady was unstable and miserable.
Teachers ask what your union is doing for you? Call Stewart demand that she helps. You are paying union dues aren't you? Get something for those dues. CPS wouldnt pay you to come in and do nothing, would they? Why should you pay someone who is doing nothing? Demand that she earns her pay, like our employer demands of us. If she does not comply then we should fire her, like our brethren is being fired at Washington.
Another problem that has driven a wedge between teachers is all the freed up positions, the quasi administrators, You know those Lead Teachers in Charge of teaching and the one in charge of this and that. When Principals were able to open all of these positions that did nothing but build anomosity among faculty.
I never worked at Washington so I don't know what the climate was. I do know that as a teacher at Stowe I had a the displeasure of working with your former principal Miss Quinones, Rivera, Vidal or what ever her name was when she was there. I must say she was crazy and mean so if your new principal is any crazier or meaner dont wal run out of that school and find something better. That lady was unstable and miserable.
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 4:22 PM
Problems At Washington HS?
At the beginning of this school year, it was looking better for both the teachers and the students. We were optimistic with the new vision and hope that Mr. Klimesh brought in the school. However, we were devastated to hear when the LSC decided to bring in a new principal in place of Mr. Klimesh even if it were against the voice of the majority of the teachers. As soon as Ms. Gonzales walked in at Washington, she fired our assistant principals and told them to leave within that week! Mr. Crump, who is the coach of the school's boys basketball team and one of our assist. principal was told that he cannot continue coaching the team; he led the school to championships! Within the last 2-3 months that the new principal is in, changes has been made, not for the better but for worse. Besides firing people, new staff that she put in are not really doing their job. For instance, the Discipline Office is a joke! Teachers write up students, but nothing happens to them! Administration is not backing up their teachers! There is so much tension within the students, teachers and administration. Students tried to protest by not coming to school; 2 weeks ago, over 50% of students did not come to school. Fights in the school also has gotten worse. Teachers who are luckily, or should I say, unluckily asked to stay, are thinking of looking for other schools to work at next year. Who can blame them? Who would want to stay in a school were you feel unsafe and unsupported?
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 6:58 PM
Problems at Washington HS
School Employees...
Calling the CTU and demanding that Marilyn Stewart do her job will not produce any solid results. Stewart is inept; she is not capable of performing her leadership role. Stewart is not effective and never will be effective. Few people trust Ted Dallas; Porter is devoid of any skill; Mark is solid follower but no leader. Mixed reviews on McGuire. But hope springs eternal - 312-329-9100.
Calling the CTU and demanding that Marilyn Stewart do her job will not produce any solid results. Stewart is inept; she is not capable of performing her leadership role. Stewart is not effective and never will be effective. Few people trust Ted Dallas; Porter is devoid of any skill; Mark is solid follower but no leader. Mixed reviews on McGuire. But hope springs eternal - 312-329-9100.
Sun Mar 23, 2008 at 9:00 PM
Inevitable
All the posts of recent weeks are indicative of the sick environment
that has plagued that school for years. No one has ever understood
the special role the southeast side has played in the rich historical legacy of greater Chicago. A continuum of thieves, hustlers,petty
power creeps have plagued Washington High School for yea
that has plagued that school for years. No one has ever understood
the special role the southeast side has played in the rich historical legacy of greater Chicago. A continuum of thieves, hustlers,petty
power creeps have plagued Washington High School for yea