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In Testing and Accountability
Some principals and school staff should be sweating right now, while others can breathe a sigh of relief: CPS officials could announce, as early as this week, which schools to close or turnaround this year.
At the Dec. 16 School Board meeting, the district laid out its clearest criteria yet for closing and turning around underperforming schools. The turnaround process sends the principal and staff packing.
Our analysis at Catalyst Chicago shows that some 35 elementary schools and 25 high schools could qualify, leaving district administrators plenty of discretion about where to intervene. Historically, CPS has closed or turned around about 10 schools a year.
Several principals were surprised to hear that their school could qualify.
“This is quite alarming information for me,” says Demetrius Bunch, principal of Louis Armstrong Math and Science Elementary in Austin.
On the same day the criteria were announced, the district posted a review of schools’ performance measures on its Research and Accountability website. Still, many principals don’t know it exists and don’t know their school’s status.
“Every staff member would like to know what the status or the performance of the school is, straight from the principal’s mouth, instead of hearing it from hearsay or seeing it on a website,” Bunch says. “Certain things should be done in a decent manner.”
Under the policy, any school that has scored less than 33.3 percent on the district’s performance policy, which incorporates test scores and other measures like attendance and dropout rates, in both the 2007-08 and 2008-09 school years can be turned around.
The district can also close elementary schools that meet these criteria, or that have fewer than 250 students and less than 40 percent utilization. However, central office will not intervene in Fresh Start union-run schools, or schools with principals hired less than two years ago.
The release of the criteria represents increased transparency for the district’s controversial closing and turnaround policies. “I think for some time, this has been too murky,” Board of Education member Norman Bobins said shortly before the policy was adopted.
A principal from a Northwest Side high school that qualifies to be turned around sounded resigned when he heard the news. Like so many high schools in Chicago, there have been many tries to improve his school, from reconstitution to creating small learning communities.
On one hand, the principal says it’s good that the district not give up on improving chronically struggling schools. But on the other hand, turning schools around takes an emotional toll, and data cannot tell the story of all the positive effects.
“Relationships are a part of it,” says the principal, who has been at his school for five years. “Performance management (the district’s data-driven approach to improvement) doesn’t pick up what evolves in the hearts and minds of people.”
He notes that some of the schools that have been turned around, like Fenger, have seen their climate suffer.
Sonja James Bellephant, who became principal of Grand Boulevard’s Parkman Elementary in 2008, says she is glad the policy will give principals time to transform their schools before the district steps in.
“To do any good, anywhere, takes time,” Bellephant says. “For new principals, that data is owned by someone else.”
In addition to neighborhood schools, six of the district’s charter schools scored low enough to be eligible for turnaround or closure if they were neighborhood schools. Those schools are Chicago International Charter School – Washington Park; the Barbara A. Sizemore Academy of Betty Shabazz International Charter School; ACT Charter High School; ACE Technical Charter High School; Young Women’s Leadership Charter School; and Youth Connections Alternative Charter School.
|
ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS ELIGIBLE FOR TURNAROUND OR CLOSING |
|||
|
School Name |
Area |
% of Possible Points 08-09 |
% of Possible Points 07-08 |
|
PARKSIDE |
17 |
7.10% |
33% |
|
WOODSON SOUTH |
13 |
9.50% |
29% |
|
GILLESPIE |
17 |
11.90% |
31% |
|
RUGGLES |
14 |
11.90% |
29% |
|
MCNAIR |
3 |
14.30% |
24% |
|
MADISON |
17 |
16.70% |
29% |
|
O'TOOLE |
13 |
16.70% |
31% |
|
ROSS |
13 |
16.70% |
31% |
|
DENEEN |
14 |
19.00% |
26% |
|
DEPRIEST |
3 |
19.00% |
26% |
|
GUGGENHEIM |
14 |
19.00% |
26% |
|
MOLLISON |
13 |
19.00% |
29% |
|
PARKER |
14 |
19.00% |
33% |
|
TILL |
15 |
19.00% |
29% |
|
AVALON PARK |
17 |
21.40% |
26% |
|
BARTON |
14 |
21.40% |
33% |
|
CARTER |
13 |
21.40% |
21% |
|
LAWNDALE |
9 |
21.40% |
29% |
|
LIBBY |
13 |
21.40% |
26% |
|
KEY |
3 |
23.10% |
23% |
|
ARMSTRONG, L |
3 |
23.80% |
33% |
|
BOND |
14 |
26.20% |
29% |
|
MAY |
3 |
26.20% |
29% |
|
CROWN |
10 |
28.60% |
33% |
|
WADSWORTH |
15 |
28.60% |
24% |
|
EMMET |
3 |
31.00% |
31% |
|
FAIRFIELD |
11 |
31.00% |
29% |
|
FERMI |
15 |
31.00% |
12% |
|
MORGAN |
16 |
31.00% |
29% |
|
SMYTH |
9 |
31.00% |
29% |
|
SULLIVAN |
17 |
31.00% |
31% |
|
WOODS |
14 |
31.00% |
29% |
|
HIGH SCHOOLS ELIGIBLE FOR TURNAROUND |
|||
|
School Name |
Area |
% of Possible Points 08-09 |
% of Possible Points 07-08 |
|
ROBESON |
23 |
8.30% |
14% |
|
CLEMENTE |
25 |
11.10% |
17% |
|
ROOSEVELT |
54 |
16.70% |
22% |
|
CHICAGO VOCATIONAL |
24 |
16.70% |
17% |
|
HOPE |
21 |
16.70% |
23% |
|
WASHINGTON |
23 |
16.70% |
14% |
|
GAGE PARK |
23 |
16.70% |
17% |
|
PHILLIPS |
19 |
19.40% |
28% |
|
SCHOOL OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
24 |
19.40% |
21% |
|
CRANE |
21 |
22.20% |
8% |
|
SCHURZ |
19 |
22.20% |
25% |
|
SENN |
25 |
22.20% |
33% |
|
TILDEN |
23 |
22.20% |
8% |
|
HYDE PARK |
24 |
22.20% |
19% |
|
HARLAN |
23 |
25.00% |
11% |
|
SCHOOL OF LEADERSHIP |
24 |
25.00% |
15% |
|
SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY |
24 |
25.00% |
21% |
|
FENGER |
29 |
25.00% |
14% |
|
DYETT |
21 |
27.30% |
27% |
|
FOREMAN |
26 |
27.30% |
21% |
|
HIRSCH |
23 |
27.30% |
24% |
|
DUNBAR |
19 |
27.80% |
17% |
|
NEW MILLENNIUM |
23 |
27.80% |
27% |
|
CHICAGO DISCOVERY |
24 |
30.60% |
22% |
|
FARRAGUT |
26 |
30.60% |
19% |
|
SULLIVAN |
19 |
30.60% |
33% |
Notes: This list includes each non-charter, non-Fresh Start school that received less than 33.3 percent of possible points on the district’s performance policy, unless the school’s principal – according to a phone survey, principal tenure data, and Chicago Public Schools principal contract records – has worked at the school for less than two years. Principal tenure information may contain errors.
Sources: Chicago Public Schools principal contract records and principal tenure data; school survey of principal tenure; school performance policy data provided by the Chicago Public Schools Office of Research, Evaluation and Accountability
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Wed Jan 6, 2010 at 8:53 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
i'm extremely sadden by this. i noticed a number of schools improved from the previous year and were a point or two shy from meeting the required percentage. Shouldn't those schools be put on probation for a year or two before they close?
Although, i am aware of the pressure put on principals and instructors, what pressures are put on the students and their parents and/or guardians?
Some may poo-poo this says, but it rings true for me. You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. My Mom would say that to me from time to time.
i am not a teacher, but i have relatives in the Chicago Public School System. They are dedicated and concerned educators.
Hats off to all principals and educators. You have one person on your side. God bless you, all!
Although, i am aware of the pressure put on principals and instructors, what pressures are put on the students and their parents and/or guardians?
Some may poo-poo this says, but it rings true for me. You can bring a horse to water, but you can't make it drink. My Mom would say that to me from time to time.
i am not a teacher, but i have relatives in the Chicago Public School System. They are dedicated and concerned educators.
Hats off to all principals and educators. You have one person on your side. God bless you, all!
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 11:17 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Public Act 096-0803 Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect upon becoming law. Effective Date: 10/30/2009
It seems like CPS has not followed the law in holding meetings according to this new law, so if it announces any closings or whatever they call it it would be a violation of the law.
Public Act 096-0803
(5) School openings, school closings, school consolidations, school turnarounds, school phase-outs, school construction, school repairs, school modernizations, school boundary changes, and other related school facility decisions often have a profound impact on education in a community. In order to minimize the negative impact of school facility decisions on the community, these decisions should be implemented according to a clear system-wide criteria and with the significant involvement of local school councils, parents, educators, and the community in decision-making.
(6) The General Assembly has previously stated that it intended to make the individual school in the City of Chicago the essential unit for educational governance and improvement and to place the primary responsibility for school governance and improvement in the hands of parents,teachers, and community residents at each school. A school facility policy must be consistent with these principles.
Public Act 096-0803
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0803
john kugler
kuglerjohn@comcast.net
It seems like CPS has not followed the law in holding meetings according to this new law, so if it announces any closings or whatever they call it it would be a violation of the law.
Public Act 096-0803
(5) School openings, school closings, school consolidations, school turnarounds, school phase-outs, school construction, school repairs, school modernizations, school boundary changes, and other related school facility decisions often have a profound impact on education in a community. In order to minimize the negative impact of school facility decisions on the community, these decisions should be implemented according to a clear system-wide criteria and with the significant involvement of local school councils, parents, educators, and the community in decision-making.
(6) The General Assembly has previously stated that it intended to make the individual school in the City of Chicago the essential unit for educational governance and improvement and to place the primary responsibility for school governance and improvement in the hands of parents,teachers, and community residents at each school. A school facility policy must be consistent with these principles.
Public Act 096-0803
http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=096-0803
john kugler
kuglerjohn@comcast.net
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 5:22 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Rebecca Harris and Sarah Karp write: “At the Dec. 16 School Board meeting, the district laid out its clearest criteria yet for closing and turning around underperforming schools. The turnaround process sends the principal and staff packing.” At the December 16, 2009 Board meeting the district laid out no criteria, the criteria was laid out at the board meeting of June 24, 2009 when CPS passed board report 09-0624-PO1. What we got this December were the results of the criteria established in June. Possibly CPS laid out its most simple criteria yet for closing and turning around underperforming schools, but it is far from what I would call clear.
Now as to the actual performance scores and their calculation that was established at the June Board meeting. The math of the calculation that creates the performance score itself is odd in many respects. For example significant weight is given in the elementary school calculation to eighth (or highest grade) ISAT test scores which compose 14.29% of the total possible points in this elementary school 42 point system. The reality is in Chicago it was the seventh grade ISAT scores that were critical in determining the future of children until CPS revised its selective high schools admissions policy just a month ago. Moreover, in elementary schools with high mobility rates a good number of students in eight grade may have only been in the school for a year or two and it is hard to argue that the elementary school they are attending is fully responsible for these students academic standing. CPS attempts to offset this mobility factor with yet another component.
That offset is the complex Value-Added ISAT math and reading components which together compose 28.57% of the total possible points in this elementary school 42 point system. According to the CPS Board report that created this performance score value added scores are defined as: “the metric that assesses school effects on students’ academic growth,
controlling for student characteristics, grade level, and prior performance through a regression methodology. Academic growth is measured by the change in scale score points on the ISAT from one year to the next.”
Value-Added metric (VAM) according to CPS accounts for the following student-level characteristics: Prior ISAT score, Free / Reduced Lunch Status, Grade Level, IEP status, Gender, ELL status, and Mobility. However, in all the information CPS has provided on the value added metric it has also included the following cautionary notes: “Only a Data Metric – Not intended to provide information on what to do,” “Based on Statistical Estimation – Cannot account for all external factors, but confidence intervals are provided so that information can be interpreted with caution.” There is more cautionary note than just what the CPS department of applied research has presented on its web site. Terry Hibpshman writing for the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board in September 2004 ( see http://www.kyepsb.net/documents/Stats/Journals/Heterogeneity%20of%20regression.pdf ) states that “None of the (VAM) models can be shown to have sufficient precision to be useful in a high-stakes environment.”
While VAM seems to have some value in understanding student improvement, it does seem questionable whether is should be such a big component of the ultimate high stakes test, one that could lead to a school being closed and all its staff fired. I can really see nothing in the literature that that would recommend that VAM should compose 28.57% of the life and death performance scores being used by CPS for elementary schools.
Rod Estvan
Now as to the actual performance scores and their calculation that was established at the June Board meeting. The math of the calculation that creates the performance score itself is odd in many respects. For example significant weight is given in the elementary school calculation to eighth (or highest grade) ISAT test scores which compose 14.29% of the total possible points in this elementary school 42 point system. The reality is in Chicago it was the seventh grade ISAT scores that were critical in determining the future of children until CPS revised its selective high schools admissions policy just a month ago. Moreover, in elementary schools with high mobility rates a good number of students in eight grade may have only been in the school for a year or two and it is hard to argue that the elementary school they are attending is fully responsible for these students academic standing. CPS attempts to offset this mobility factor with yet another component.
That offset is the complex Value-Added ISAT math and reading components which together compose 28.57% of the total possible points in this elementary school 42 point system. According to the CPS Board report that created this performance score value added scores are defined as: “the metric that assesses school effects on students’ academic growth,
controlling for student characteristics, grade level, and prior performance through a regression methodology. Academic growth is measured by the change in scale score points on the ISAT from one year to the next.”
Value-Added metric (VAM) according to CPS accounts for the following student-level characteristics: Prior ISAT score, Free / Reduced Lunch Status, Grade Level, IEP status, Gender, ELL status, and Mobility. However, in all the information CPS has provided on the value added metric it has also included the following cautionary notes: “Only a Data Metric – Not intended to provide information on what to do,” “Based on Statistical Estimation – Cannot account for all external factors, but confidence intervals are provided so that information can be interpreted with caution.” There is more cautionary note than just what the CPS department of applied research has presented on its web site. Terry Hibpshman writing for the Kentucky Education Professional Standards Board in September 2004 ( see http://www.kyepsb.net/documents/Stats/Journals/Heterogeneity%20of%20regression.pdf ) states that “None of the (VAM) models can be shown to have sufficient precision to be useful in a high-stakes environment.”
While VAM seems to have some value in understanding student improvement, it does seem questionable whether is should be such a big component of the ultimate high stakes test, one that could lead to a school being closed and all its staff fired. I can really see nothing in the literature that that would recommend that VAM should compose 28.57% of the life and death performance scores being used by CPS for elementary schools.
Rod Estvan
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 8:23 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
We as teachers are giving our all to aid the children in the successfoul achievement of their goals. We spend an over abundance of our own money to aid the children in being successful. And this is what we get our schools being closed due uncooperative parents, adminstration and students whom all bring down each individual school. Not to mention the drugs, violence and negilgence of the system to whom we trust to fully finance use in our endeavors to perform miracles with some children. Long hours taken away form our families when deadlines are due and placed upon use, Saturdays and Sundays with other people's children, evenings doing the same, feeding them, clothing them, loving them,etc. you name it we do it all to be told that we will not have ajob in the up coming year. Those in the upper seat need to come back to the basement to see what is taking place in our house. The school. There has been parents, adminstrations and others who have fought the battle with use but now there are over a dozen of schools on the hit list. I have been one of those teachers who had to fight against the new teachers coming in to only stay for 3 years and then change careers. We as veterans teachers know what to expect, and how to get the job done. By the way it is not just a job it is our profession. I am so upset at the system. The burdens placed upon a current teachers is ridiculous. I am old school Reading Writing and Arithimetic. Good back to the basics and get the job done!
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 9:18 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
What this article is, is just a speculative article. These two authors don't know anything, other than the criteria & who meets that criteria. Bad journalism. Dumb journalism. Now people who read it will think these authors actually know something and this is being reported like some decisions have been made. Dumb and unethical.
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 9:41 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Whatever schools are announced, it is still possible to fight city hall...and win. 6 schools were saved last year and if more people get involved, more schools can be saved. Come out to Malcolm X this Saturday between 10 AM and 1PM and make your voice heard at a community forum against Renaissance 2010. In a blizzard last year, we had 500 people come out to protest.
This year, CORE will be hosting another community forum, where they will unveil their slate of officers who will run against Marilyn Stewart and the UPC Machine in the May 2010 Chicago Teachers Union elections. CORE will also be hosting workshops where they will teach you how to fight and win! 10 AM-1 PM. Malcom X College 1900 W. Van Buren 60612. Parking Available off Jackson. Refreshments and childcare will be provided. $10 suggested donation.
CPS is gearing up to announce what schools it intends to close, it's time to gear up the effort to stop them.
Joe Linehan
CORE
This year, CORE will be hosting another community forum, where they will unveil their slate of officers who will run against Marilyn Stewart and the UPC Machine in the May 2010 Chicago Teachers Union elections. CORE will also be hosting workshops where they will teach you how to fight and win! 10 AM-1 PM. Malcom X College 1900 W. Van Buren 60612. Parking Available off Jackson. Refreshments and childcare will be provided. $10 suggested donation.
CPS is gearing up to announce what schools it intends to close, it's time to gear up the effort to stop them.
Joe Linehan
CORE
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 10:15 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Would you send your child to a school where 5 out of 10 students can read? I am sorry, 3 out every 10 students can read or do simple grade level math? We have been spoiled as educators and did not have the wisdom to see the ship sinking. There are many factors that contribute to a school's success or failure, however there is one set of employees that will bare the cross for success the demise. Is this fair, most likely no, however inner city educators have allowed a clever trick to be played on them. While we point fingers and watch scores decline, what could be done differently? Does or should anyone have to tell a failing school or a staff of this. This teaching body should have and will always be the first line of defense. When our students sit in classes and schools that are not productive, what type of obligation should we have. If the school is not fit for your children, then it should not be fit for anyone else's, especially the under served. We are, were and should have been our brother's keeper and this should have been in the classroom. Teachers are in a position of great power, and it is up to them as to how to use it. When you see your school train going off the track, you do your part to put it back on. The factors that you can't change will remain, but take control of what you can alter. Society does not feel sorry for displaced teachers of failing schools. In fact, it is questionable if teachers really feel sorry for each other. If we did, we would be more accountable to each other and the business of education would be the only business!
Thu Jan 7, 2010 at 10:22 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Why isn't Prescott Elementary on the list? The school has lost enrollment (currently 155 students) and have been on probation since last year. The principal (in the 2nd year of his contract) has run Prescott right into the ground. Even with a 'warning resolution' nothing has changed. Who does that guy know?
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 12:46 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Dear Daley and CPS Top Admin trolls on this forum, the buck stops at the top! If Daley had any integrity, which he doesn't, he would admit his incapacity and fear to hire a very competent CEO with successful experience of leading and running a large urban school district with the freedom necessary to carry out his or her duties apart from Ren 2010. Daley needs to stop the train wreck of a plan called Ren 2010 and follow what true high performing school districts are doing.
he report notes that U.S. teachers participate in workshops and short-term professional development events at similar levels as teachers in other nations. But the United States is far behind in providing public school teachers with opportunities to participate in extended learning opportunities and productive collaborative communities. Those opportunities allow teachers to work together on instructional planning, learn from one another through mentoring or peer coaching, conduct research on the outcomes of classroom practices, and collectively guide curriculum, assessment, and professional learning decisions.
“The United States is squandering a significant opportunity to leverage improvements in teacher knowledge to improve school and student performance,” http://www.srnleads.org/press/prs/nsdc_profdev.html
he report notes that U.S. teachers participate in workshops and short-term professional development events at similar levels as teachers in other nations. But the United States is far behind in providing public school teachers with opportunities to participate in extended learning opportunities and productive collaborative communities. Those opportunities allow teachers to work together on instructional planning, learn from one another through mentoring or peer coaching, conduct research on the outcomes of classroom practices, and collectively guide curriculum, assessment, and professional learning decisions.
“The United States is squandering a significant opportunity to leverage improvements in teacher knowledge to improve school and student performance,” http://www.srnleads.org/press/prs/nsdc_profdev.html
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 12:49 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
All teachers should vote out Marilyn Stewart. That is one smart and necessary step we teachers can do to improve public education in Chicago and hopefully keep Daley honest.
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 7:54 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
What does a warning resolution mean to a principal? Who gives a principal a warning resolution?
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 3:53 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Please tell me Tired of the bull is not a teacher. I don't like the idea of closing down schools, however some of them are not fit for learning. Close those schools and give students a fighting chance at life. This is a "job" for so many and not a purpose. If the school is not good enough for your children, it's not good enough for mine.
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 6:42 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
The Board of Education gives a warning resolution to a principal. Whatever the act of misconduct that the principal received the warning resolution for, if the principal does it again ,they can be terminated!
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 10:38 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
What causes teachers to get warning resolutions? Is it possibe for principals to fabricate information against teachers to cause warning resoultions?
Fri Jan 8, 2010 at 11:52 PM
To: What
I applaud your concern for the children, but there is absolutely no evidence that closing down schools helps the students whose school closes in anyway. In fact, the evidence shows just the opposite. You add in the increased youth violence created by the closings and it is clear the closings are not being done to help the children.
Sat Jan 9, 2010 at 10:36 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
In response to Warning Resolutions-teachers: Absolutely! Principals can and do fabricate information against teachers to cause warning resolutions. It happened to me. A principal who was out to get me lied on me and even though I was able to prove that I wasn't even at work the day of the alleged misconduct, the Board still issued the warning resolution. It is public humiliation to have your name associated with what should be a private matter between you and your employer on the Internet and I have obtained an attorney regarding the matter.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 1:44 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Thanks for your response. Do you know for instance if any teacher suspended even for minor offenses gets a warning resolutions?
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Yes. That can happen, but not always. It depends on the principal's request. When my principal completed the form requesting the disciplinary action she wanted to impose for something so petty most people thought it was a joke, she requested that I receive a five-day suspension AND a warning resolution, and the Board honored both requests after my so-called "due process" hearing, which was a big joke. I was not allowed to enter any evidence defending myself during the hearing and, in fact, the hearing officer at one point accused me of lying. Even prior to that though, my principal never, ever discussed with me any of the allegations which were made by a very emotionally disturbed student to determine whether or not they were true. She simply listened to the student, then embarked on a journey to get as many other students and teachers as she could to make negative remarks about me, and used their statements to impose discipline. Most of the teachers she approached, with the exception of the very few flunkies she used in this regard, told me what she was up to, as did several of the students who could see that she was "setting me up." Despite my telling the Board about her dirty and unethical behavior, which she has since used to get other teachers in trouble, they suspended me and issued me a warning resolution. Prior to that, I had more than a decade of superior ratings and an impeccable work history. All of that was destroyed simply because an out-of-control principal used the Board's disciplinary policy against me for her own personal vendetta, and the Board allowed her to do so.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 4:50 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
I am sorry that CPS treats it's veteran teachers like dirt. I do know there are many vindictive principals out there. I have always believed in karma. Hopefully "what goes around comes around and twice as bad." I hope that you are still working for CPS or perhaps that you are looking outside of the system. I have two children who attend CPS schools and I am worried about the direction the school district is following...pretty soon we will lose all of the wisdon of the veteran teachers and central office staff. Then our schools will be full of the "shake and bake" teachers with no experience and no way to gain insight from teachers who have been with CPS for numerous years. Once again I am sorry for what you have been through and I hope you are able to get through this. Thanks for your quick response to my question.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 5:15 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
No, after 15 years, I'm no longer with CPS and haven't been for several months. However, by the grace of a higher power, I've landed on my feet in a BIG way--still in the education arena--and a much better job. Given the current economy, I do realize how blessed I am and I'm so very humbled by it. I pray each and every day for my former CPS colleagues who still work in this hellish school district.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 6:58 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
One last question (just trying to help one of my friends), how did you find out about the warning resolution? Are you told at the hearing or do they tell you when you receive the hearing officer's decision?
PS-I'm happy you found another job. When you have good karma you always land on top. Sorry to see CPS has lost yet another veteran to someplace else. Thank you for all of this information. It has been very helpful.
PS-I'm happy you found another job. When you have good karma you always land on top. Sorry to see CPS has lost yet another veteran to someplace else. Thank you for all of this information. It has been very helpful.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 7:22 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
No bother at all. When given the disciplinary notice after the initial hearing (and before the appeal hearing), in addition to checking off a five-day suspension as my discipline, my principal also checked a box at the bottom of the page indicating she wanted me to receive a warning resolution. A few months later, after a Board meeting, I received a letter from the Board stating that at their most recent meeting, they had "adopted a warning resolution" concerning me. I couldn't believe it! The thing that bothered me most about all of this is I honestly didn't do what I was accused of, and after I elected to fight hard to clear my name, I ended up "laid off." Actually, however, the Board did me a favor because I love my new job. In fact, I've considered sending Huberman & Company a "thank you" letter. In the meantime, my former out-of-control principal has ended the careers of many other very good veteran teachers she disliked. She's a very insecure, troubled woman. Wish I could name the principal and school, but there is litigation involved and my attorney has muzzled me.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 7:41 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
One other thing. Please tell your friend, and I'm sure others will corroborate this, regardless of how hard she/he fights, and regardless of how much evidence she/he presents to the contrary, the Board will side with his/her principal, even when the Board knows that the principal is wrong. There is nothing the teacher can do. If the principal requests discipline, the teacher absolutely will receive it, and an appeal hearing is a waste of time. Because of my stellar work record, I refused to believe this when other teachers warned me, and they were absolutely right. There is nothing you can do, and if you refuse to accept their bullshit, you will be targeted and blackballed. In my case, I have no regrets whatsoever, but others who have mouths to feed please be forewarned. I endured a lot of stress and grief for something I honestly, honestly did not do. There is no way I would have fought for the truth to come out if I had committed the alleged misconduct, which, in fact, if it had been true, did not warrant the punishment I received. Occasionally, I run into my former principal and she can't even look me in the eye because she knows I am aware of the lies she told and the people she solicited to bring me down. Good luck to all of you who still works for this district and please believe what I have told you. We all have to work for a living. I'm just glad I can make my living someplace else.
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 7:56 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
You have been extremely helpful! I will give my friend all of this information and I do believe you. The teachers need a "real" union that will stand up for them during these injustices! I am not a teacher nor do I work for the board. I am a supporter of teachers. I hope they all unite and vote Marilyn Stewart out because they deserve better!! Thank you again :)
Sun Jan 10, 2010 at 11:53 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
I'm not a teacher, but my wife is. I can't tell you how many hours, per night, she spends creating lesson plans, grading papers and attempting to institute a fun learning enviornment.
Are there underperforming schools and bad teachers? Absolutely! However, the problem starts at home. When 75% of the parents do not speak English (as it is in my wife's school), it becomes increasingly difficult to effectively communicate. How can you possibly inform parents that their child is underperforming if they don't show up to report card pickup and a note sent home in English will be ineffective? Thankfully, my wife is bilingual, but I feel real sympathy for those non-Spanish speaking teachers who are at a severe disadvantage.
Look at the schools on the list... many of them are from low-income neighborhoods, with little home access to computers and learning material, but no shortage of cell phones, SUVs and XBoxes. In my opinon, these parents need to enforce education and less time in the nail salon.
Are there underperforming schools and bad teachers? Absolutely! However, the problem starts at home. When 75% of the parents do not speak English (as it is in my wife's school), it becomes increasingly difficult to effectively communicate. How can you possibly inform parents that their child is underperforming if they don't show up to report card pickup and a note sent home in English will be ineffective? Thankfully, my wife is bilingual, but I feel real sympathy for those non-Spanish speaking teachers who are at a severe disadvantage.
Look at the schools on the list... many of them are from low-income neighborhoods, with little home access to computers and learning material, but no shortage of cell phones, SUVs and XBoxes. In my opinon, these parents need to enforce education and less time in the nail salon.
Tue Jan 12, 2010 at 10:50 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
It is not the teachers fault that children are not learning. When you have parents that could care less as long as the child is not in their face. They do not help with homework or anything else. The parents that are involved with their children you see it in their grades. Stop blaming the teachers and start where it should be placed in the home.
Tue Jan 12, 2010 at 11:59 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Many of the problems in these schools now is the lack of discipline for these students of today who have no regard or respect for anything or anyone. I blame the administrators of the school, and the school principals. Teachers have no power any more. I believe that if they did, some much of this would not be allowed. The students know that teachers have no real say or power so that is why they do what they do when they want to do it. The profanity used in these schools all up and down hallways and in classrooms toward the teachers and other staff, as well as other students is unacceptable and unexcusable, but when reported, all principals do is send them back to the classroom. There are no rules and no morals. Parents are not assisting in most cases. Children come to school every day without paper, pens, pencils. That is not the teacher's job. This is a fact, not an opinion. How can teachers teach when this type of lack of learning behavior is so prominent? Come and see for yourselves if you think this is exaggeration. Why aren't parents held accountable for this? These are their children. They are responsible for home training and responsible attitudes toward their children's academic achievement. You cannot teach anything or anyone out of control and out of bounds of discipline. If you want to see improvement in these schools, go back to the old way of doing same, and forget about the rap age. When I attended school, you could not talk back to a teacher. You definitely did not use profanity or you went home, not back into the classroom. Look at all of the weaknesses on the part of the administrators, both downtown and in the schools. No, this is not a teacher problem. I don't doubt we have some bad teachers, you have bad in every group of working people. For example, we have bad superintendents, bad policemen, bad CEOs, bad chief educators, bad managers, bad mayors, bad governors, bad presidents, bad principals,and so on and so on. This is evidenced every day, so why pick on teachers only? Deal with the reality of what you allow to happen in our schools today; for instance, the way you allow the students to dress: baggy pants off their behinds, with their underwear showing; rags on their heads, earrings in their ears. Girls: tight jeans, tight tank tops, nasty mouths, disrespectful attitudes, etc. How can you possibly expect the kinds of scores we received years ago when students had to be respectful, when parents sent children to school with adequate supplies and monitored them, when parents monitored and assisted in their child's homework every night. When parents cared and came up to speak with the teachers with respect, not threats and profanity? Why don't you top administrators stop sitting in your plush offices and come on in the schools unannounced, and get the true picture of where your problems really are in these schools. I guarantee you will come out with a different agenda. Don't judge teachers of today with what we have to teach today until you walk a mile in our shoes.
Tue Jan 12, 2010 at 5:13 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
I believe the district is moving in the right direction, accountability. Every profession has it, why not education? All school districts have their problems, and Chicago's problems begins and ends with the apathy of some of its principals and teachers. When we signed up for this job, yes, I'm an educator, we knew that we were not going to get 100% participation from home. We must deal with our realities and not fairytales of yesteryear-C. Jones. It is criminal to give the poorest among us the worst education. I for one am glad that the abuse is over.
Tue Jan 12, 2010 at 7:22 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
I agree with so many of the comments from my colleagues! Yes, there are teachers that need to revisit their teaching ethics. However, the first teacher, let us all remember, is at HOME! Until accountability is placed there in a major way, we will continue to see poor results (contrary to turnaround belief). Our union (and the other powers that be) needs to create a plan for accountable parents to present to our CPS administrators. For example, let's place some stipulations on government issued items. If the parent are the recipients of these types of funds, why cant' we put something in place? 1. Parents must meet with teachers weekly to receive reports about their child. 2. If the teacher doesn't see the parents he/she reports it and the funds or whatever is withheld until they do. 3. If the child is failing, offer parent supportive classes to provide strategies for their failing child. 4. If the parents don't show up or sign documentation withhold the funds or whatever. These are just a few ideas that I am sure will give us the results we are all looking for (including the Republican party). It's mighty funny that they are willing to go through extremes to eliminate teachers rather than pull together and improve are parents! We are quick to say "well these are the conditions but we have to...." have to what? There isn't much some of us can do without the parents total involvement. Our union can speak with the politicians and get these parents involved one way or another, instead of holding teachers accountable for the impossible. Ps. What are the statistics of success on turnaround schools and charter schools? I've read they aren't great at all. Charters and turnaround schools are other revolving tactics not solutions!!!!!!!
Wed Jan 13, 2010 at 2:23 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
We the people, the teachers and educators for Chicago Public Schools who are to reside in the City to teach at CPS schools must cause a change.
We MUST elect a better mayor since Daley has taken charge of CPS and made closed and consolidated schools into charter schools for his own braging rights. Those Charter schools do not help but have hindered and hurt the children of Chicago. GET DALEY OUT OF OFFICE, ALL OF THE CPS PERSONNEL THAT WERE HIRED BY HUBERMAN AND HUBERMAN HIMSELF.
THEN vote out of office the politicans that promise to clean up state government while keeping their job safe, like Mike Madigan.
We MUST elect a better mayor since Daley has taken charge of CPS and made closed and consolidated schools into charter schools for his own braging rights. Those Charter schools do not help but have hindered and hurt the children of Chicago. GET DALEY OUT OF OFFICE, ALL OF THE CPS PERSONNEL THAT WERE HIRED BY HUBERMAN AND HUBERMAN HIMSELF.
THEN vote out of office the politicans that promise to clean up state government while keeping their job safe, like Mike Madigan.
Wed Jan 13, 2010 at 7:02 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Ann is right! If we really want something to change, we must actively be involved and elect politicians that will support us and not their own wallets.
Turn around schools are not working; they are not the solution. For example, I know a teacher who used to work at one of these schools. She had 35 second graders, and slowly she was making a difference and helping kids. One student who had had many behavior problems a day would only have 1-2 a week! That is a big improvement, especially since he was also beginning to read and participate in class. But, last year the school was shut down and all of the teachers were fired. Well, one of her former students just brought a gun to school... so is the "new" turnaround school helping the kids? No.
Turn around schools are not working; they are not the solution. For example, I know a teacher who used to work at one of these schools. She had 35 second graders, and slowly she was making a difference and helping kids. One student who had had many behavior problems a day would only have 1-2 a week! That is a big improvement, especially since he was also beginning to read and participate in class. But, last year the school was shut down and all of the teachers were fired. Well, one of her former students just brought a gun to school... so is the "new" turnaround school helping the kids? No.
Wed Jan 13, 2010 at 9:03 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Absolutely! We need to vote out Daley, Stroger, and let our state legislators know that we want, demand an elected Board of Education. We, as citizens of Chicago, have allowed our power to be taken from us. It's time to take it back. It's time to let the Machine know it runs/works for US, not the corporations. Let our votes be heard! We need a change of leadership, a change we can believe in!
Wed Jan 13, 2010 at 11:15 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Okay suppose it is the parent's fault. Suppose the school leadership is problematic. Suppose the community is not supportive. Does that save one teacher position? The students still will need an education and someone will need to provide it. It should be obvious that the teacher's union may not be able keep one's job. So now what? Additionally, there are people out there who are saying and contracting to do our teaching jobs for less money, happily. Let us not forget all of the other professionals who work 52 week jobs compared to our average 38.6 weeks. Bottom line, if we won't do the job, someone else will. I realize that this may not read pleasantly, however does anyone have an up to date count of the displaced CPS teacher population?
Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Amber,
I'm a former CPS teacher and am currently battling with CPS and looking for an attorney. Could you steer me in the right direction? How should we contact one another? Thank you!
Luis
I'm a former CPS teacher and am currently battling with CPS and looking for an attorney. Could you steer me in the right direction? How should we contact one another? Thank you!
Luis
Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 11:31 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
if the school i work at be a turnaround school everybody go but 1 thing i have to ask what do the bus aids have to do with the teachers
Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 12:20 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
In regards closing schools, I know that many of these schools don't deserve closing and I hope they are able to win their battle to keep them open. However, there is one school on the list, Madison that has a culture so unusual and strange that it is just too toxic of an enviroment for children.
The new principal at Madison, screams, hollers and demeans students a staff. She even had an incident where she assaulted a parent and a teacher. I don't see how CPS can support this angry person. She has totally collasped the school in 2 years.
In 2006-2007 they had 2 hard working Lead teachers who loved the students and worked with them. The school was not on probation.
She got rid of both of them when she came in. Since then the school had been on the decline.
However, this principal didn't do anything to help those poor children and they despised her. She was extremely mean to parents and would not allow them in the building.
Once, I met a student who attended Madison in the grocery store and asked her if she had graduated. The student responded, " I hate that school and the principal". Before that, this was one of the best students in the school.
Maybe if Madison closes, it will allow the students who live in the area to have the kind of quality education and respect they so deserve.
The new principal at Madison, screams, hollers and demeans students a staff. She even had an incident where she assaulted a parent and a teacher. I don't see how CPS can support this angry person. She has totally collasped the school in 2 years.
In 2006-2007 they had 2 hard working Lead teachers who loved the students and worked with them. The school was not on probation.
She got rid of both of them when she came in. Since then the school had been on the decline.
However, this principal didn't do anything to help those poor children and they despised her. She was extremely mean to parents and would not allow them in the building.
Once, I met a student who attended Madison in the grocery store and asked her if she had graduated. The student responded, " I hate that school and the principal". Before that, this was one of the best students in the school.
Maybe if Madison closes, it will allow the students who live in the area to have the kind of quality education and respect they so deserve.
Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 1:12 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Amber,
I need to talk with you. We have a similar issue and I have talked with an attorney who says he can represent a group of teachers who have had principals falsify documents. I have talked with 5 teachers who have similar stories. Maybe we could set up a place to meet because I am in litigation also.
A message to all tenured veteran teachers. If you feel that a principal doesn't care for you, keep plenty of documentation, report everything that may seem out of order. If students act out in a way that threatens you, you can't just look the other way and call the parent like we used to. Report any instance of abuse to the police.
Believe me, the law department will try to support any lie that the principal tells on you. They may add a few themselves. However, if you have documentation you will win your case even if you have to take it into federal court.
The union is useless and will not support you. They will support the principal.
As far as turn-a-rounds, most parents in at risk communities don't really know what is happening. Teachers are spending so much time documenting things to save their jobs, there is little teaching going on in their buildings. Many of the most talented teachers are being
fired because they are smart, thinkers and will not go along with the
abuse of children or staff.
Have you noticed that the schools where they have these principals who are acting out like this are on the closing list?
I think it's part of the gentrification scheme. They know these principals have emotional issues and are not fit to run a school.
I think they just put them in the building to destabilize the school so that it can be turned around.
They attack and fire everyone in the building and later after they've done the dirty work for CPS they fire them. That goes for AIO's too.
Not to mention the CPS Board President!
Notice how we have the same story and don't know each other. These tactics are used city-wide.
WHO SUFFERS? OUR CHILDREN! Children need teachers to be focused and not at war with the principal and the law department.
Look forward to hearing from you Amber.
I need to talk with you. We have a similar issue and I have talked with an attorney who says he can represent a group of teachers who have had principals falsify documents. I have talked with 5 teachers who have similar stories. Maybe we could set up a place to meet because I am in litigation also.
A message to all tenured veteran teachers. If you feel that a principal doesn't care for you, keep plenty of documentation, report everything that may seem out of order. If students act out in a way that threatens you, you can't just look the other way and call the parent like we used to. Report any instance of abuse to the police.
Believe me, the law department will try to support any lie that the principal tells on you. They may add a few themselves. However, if you have documentation you will win your case even if you have to take it into federal court.
The union is useless and will not support you. They will support the principal.
As far as turn-a-rounds, most parents in at risk communities don't really know what is happening. Teachers are spending so much time documenting things to save their jobs, there is little teaching going on in their buildings. Many of the most talented teachers are being
fired because they are smart, thinkers and will not go along with the
abuse of children or staff.
Have you noticed that the schools where they have these principals who are acting out like this are on the closing list?
I think it's part of the gentrification scheme. They know these principals have emotional issues and are not fit to run a school.
I think they just put them in the building to destabilize the school so that it can be turned around.
They attack and fire everyone in the building and later after they've done the dirty work for CPS they fire them. That goes for AIO's too.
Not to mention the CPS Board President!
Notice how we have the same story and don't know each other. These tactics are used city-wide.
WHO SUFFERS? OUR CHILDREN! Children need teachers to be focused and not at war with the principal and the law department.
Look forward to hearing from you Amber.
Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 5:45 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Luis and Zeta:
I'd definitely be willing to talk/meet with both of you and/or anyone else who is caught up in CPS' unethical mess. What is the best way we can connect? I'd prefer not providing personal info here (e-mail address, etc.) but again, I do want to discuss this issue with both of you. Believe me, what I have to say will be very helpful, I'm sure. Can you guys provide info in some way or maybe via a third party and I will contact you ASAP!
I'd definitely be willing to talk/meet with both of you and/or anyone else who is caught up in CPS' unethical mess. What is the best way we can connect? I'd prefer not providing personal info here (e-mail address, etc.) but again, I do want to discuss this issue with both of you. Believe me, what I have to say will be very helpful, I'm sure. Can you guys provide info in some way or maybe via a third party and I will contact you ASAP!
Thu Jan 14, 2010 at 10:16 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
I am a member of CORE, you can reach me through them . We are having fund raiser tomorrow. Join us if you can.
Hang out with CORE Friday, January 15th. We will be at 2 locations starting at 4:00 PM:
Artis’ 1249 E. 87th St
It you can make it we'll exchange information there.
Hang out with CORE Friday, January 15th. We will be at 2 locations starting at 4:00 PM:
Artis’ 1249 E. 87th St
It you can make it we'll exchange information there.
Fri Jan 15, 2010 at 12:04 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
If I can't make it, can I call someone there and reach you by the handle you use here?
Fri Jan 15, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Dear Amber,
O.K. Hope to see you tonight.
O.K. Hope to see you tonight.
Sun Jan 17, 2010 at 2:13 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
When Huberman came aboard as CEO we knew cuts were coming, but this is the mother of all cuts. THE COMMUNITY MUST GET ACTIVE MOBILIZE AND PROTEST THIS LATEST INJUSTICE. WE HAVE THE LAW ON OUR SIDE.
Thu Jan 21, 2010 at 10:52 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
After reading these comments and speaking with friends who are still working and teaching for CPS, I wonder how anyone can function, let alone learn in an environment with so much injustice, fear, and uncertainty. The atmosphere being created from the top is one of blame, persecution, and punishment and it permeates the system!
Thu Jan 21, 2010 at 1:19 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Antoine and Veteran CPS teacher:
I agree with every point you have made. Let's hope enough people join together and take action. I already have.
I agree with every point you have made. Let's hope enough people join together and take action. I already have.
Wed Feb 3, 2010 at 8:41 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
This entire plan is ridiculous. My fiance is a CPS teacher and it is really criminal to se what she has to put up with because she is a dedicated hard working person that is really commited to giving children a chance at an education. She teaches in the West Side of chicago. My question is where are the parents. The entire system seems to leave them out of the equation. Every day she comes home upset because every day something new happens. Kids who have no manners, kids that cannot understand the value of education and parents that are not available. She has to copntinuously buy things for the classroom. everything from teaching aids to light bulbs for the projectors becasue CPS wil not do it and if these things are not in place she gets dinged for it. CPS's budget is the teacher's pocket. People out there do not realize this and parents do not realize this. My fiance has gone as far as buying a student a new outfit so that she could go to a City Science Fair, because the student had nothing appropriate to wear. She has filled out high school applications for students, she has personally talked to some of the better high schols to try to get her students in. In no other words work that is above and beyond the call of any duty. But why does she do it because of the commitment that she has towards the kids. Does she get thanked, by administration, no she is threatened on a daily basis and by parents rarely. Her easiest day is the day for parent teacher conference, why you may ask? Because the parents do not show up.
This whole Rennaisance plan is not about better schools and better education with these "Charter Schools its about doing away with teachers that have bee around that know how to teach so that CPS can hire younger cheaper teachers that they give less benefits and less pay too. The teacher's union needs to wake up because soon they will be obsolete in the City of Chicago. Meanwhile the corruption in high places goes on. Come on Mr. Huberman you want to fix your budget. Start with your own office. Getting rid of experienced teachers on the expense of children is not the way to fix your budget.
Do you honestly believe that these kids coming right out of college really know how to handle children with social problems. My fiance has had in the past 8th grade students that had not one but two children. 8th grade students that have been caught smoking pot in school. 8th grade students that can't read let alone write but get passed through the system because everyone is afraid to hold them back.
So where are the parents. Its hard to say but I tell you where I think they are. Just recently she had a discussion in her Science class about field irrigation in agriculture and whe she asked a child what the purpose of the pipes were, the child answered, for smoking. There is your answer, the parents don't care they are only worried about their own problems and keeping themselves afloat. To them education is a pipe dream, just that and you have to change that before you can expect anyone to be able to do anything with these children.
thanks,
JC
This whole Rennaisance plan is not about better schools and better education with these "Charter Schools its about doing away with teachers that have bee around that know how to teach so that CPS can hire younger cheaper teachers that they give less benefits and less pay too. The teacher's union needs to wake up because soon they will be obsolete in the City of Chicago. Meanwhile the corruption in high places goes on. Come on Mr. Huberman you want to fix your budget. Start with your own office. Getting rid of experienced teachers on the expense of children is not the way to fix your budget.
Do you honestly believe that these kids coming right out of college really know how to handle children with social problems. My fiance has had in the past 8th grade students that had not one but two children. 8th grade students that have been caught smoking pot in school. 8th grade students that can't read let alone write but get passed through the system because everyone is afraid to hold them back.
So where are the parents. Its hard to say but I tell you where I think they are. Just recently she had a discussion in her Science class about field irrigation in agriculture and whe she asked a child what the purpose of the pipes were, the child answered, for smoking. There is your answer, the parents don't care they are only worried about their own problems and keeping themselves afloat. To them education is a pipe dream, just that and you have to change that before you can expect anyone to be able to do anything with these children.
thanks,
JC
Sun Feb 7, 2010 at 8:04 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Its very sad to see what is happening to CPS. There was a time when teahing was an honorable job. We stuck together and believed in sacrafice. Today everyone is a individual and point the finger at others. We are no longer a unit that stands together to have a mighty fist and fight for our collegues. Many teachers feel like its not me so I DON'T CARE. What they fail to realize is that its not you today but it may be you tomorrow. Teachers need to be applaud for their efforts. You cant compare marshall high school to whitney young high school its impossible. Whitney young can select the best and the brightest while marshall get what others don't want a problem. I feel that perhaps since the schools that selective enrollement are model schools therefore they should have model teachers. Let them go to schools like marshall, etc. Where students are fighting, killing, shooting, and dealing drugs and she make a change and bring up those test scores. I feel if we are going to treat all teachers the same eliminate selective enrollment schools.
Sun Feb 7, 2010 at 10:26 AM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
I could say that the playing field is not the same for everyone thought the measuring tool is the same. The two tiered system plays favorites with the magnet schools. My uncle was a high school math teacher in another state and he cherry picked the students. He liked it that way and he bragged about how easy it was to teach them. You can't compare magnet schools with neighborhood schools because the context is different in many ways.
Wed May 5, 2010 at 3:58 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Why don't we run schools like educational institutions, not like a business
which stresses only data or the special pet projects of colleges like the University of Chicago?
Remember the Universities get paid to experiment with student education. So does that make our children human 'lab rats'?
which stresses only data or the special pet projects of colleges like the University of Chicago?
Remember the Universities get paid to experiment with student education. So does that make our children human 'lab rats'?
Wed May 5, 2010 at 3:59 PM
Dozens of Chicago schools eligible for closure, turnaround under new criteria
Why don't we run schools like educational institutions, not like a business
which stresses only data or the special pet projects of colleges like the University of Chicago?
Remember the Universities get paid to experiment with student education. So does that make our children human 'lab rats'?
which stresses only data or the special pet projects of colleges like the University of Chicago?
Remember the Universities get paid to experiment with student education. So does that make our children human 'lab rats'?
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