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In Finance and Budgets CEO Ron Huberman gathered together all principals and chief area officers Monday morning to tell them to prepare for the worst, presenting them with a detailed list of sacred cows that would have to be cut with if state legislators don’t find more money for schools next year.
Among the cuts: increasing class sizes to 37; slashing money for magnets, gifted and International Baccalaureate programs, including scrapping all transportation to them; cuts from bilingual and early childhood education; 18 percent cuts in per-pupil funding provided to charter schools; and perhaps cutting assistant principals. (Here is Huberman's Power Point. Skip to page 25 and 26 for the breakdown.)
Huberman would also like to get the teachers' union to agree to forgo teacher raises that were promised in the last contract. But the list he released Monday were of areas he could control.
This meeting was clearly a way to rally principals into action, with Huberman telling principals to “raise hell,” according to one, who asked not to be identified. Principals will be getting letters to send out to parents and are encouraged to have teachers, and even students, write letters.
CPS is facing a budget deficit of almost $1 billion, the result of increased costs, a huge payment due to the teachers’ pension fund and declining state and local tax revenues. Huberman has been lobbying state lawmakers to let the district off the hook for some of the pension bill and to increase the income tax.
It’s unclear whether state lawmakers will take any action.
Huberman told principals that they will need to prepare their budgets for next year as though the district will get no more money, according to his PowerPoint presentation. If more cash comes in, they can build the budgets back up quickly.
The other option, the one Huberman doesn’t want to take, is to "bury their heads in sand" and then be forced to make reductions at the last minute. Over the next month, principals will start their budget preparations for next year.
Clarice Berry, head of the Chicago Principals’ Association, said she was disappointed at what she terms “misinformation” being given out by the district.
In elementary schools, for instance, assistant principals are classified teaching positions (principals usually find a way to free them from teaching duties). These positions, Berry says, are vital to everyday operations because AP’s handle discipline and are second in command when principals are unavailable.
Berry says that Huberman’s staff erroneously told principals they would be able to choose who would be laid off. Not true, Berry says—school mandates and the union contract stipulate who can go and who can’t.
The principals understood that the scenarios presented were “fluid,” but Huberman’s presentation did scare them. “My phone has been ringing of the hook,” Berry says.
One principal at a West Side school says he and his colleagues took the news seriously and are frightened. “Wow,” he says.
Spokeswoman Monique Bond says Huberman went over the cuts and 536 layoffs that he made over the last year. Last month, Huberman said he planned to layoff 500 more workers in mid-March, but has yet to do so. Bond says positions have been identified, but that pink slips haven’t been issued yet and she’s unsure when that will happen.
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Mon Mar 15, 2010 at 6:16 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
If Huberman wants to get rid of the the top (read "highest paid) end of the teaching force thinking that will save money, let him offer
a 5+5 buyout! Most teachers at my level (57 with 25 years of service) would be gone in a nanosecond. Remember: he is a money guy; he is absolutely not a people person.
a 5+5 buyout! Most teachers at my level (57 with 25 years of service) would be gone in a nanosecond. Remember: he is a money guy; he is absolutely not a people person.
Mon Mar 15, 2010 at 6:26 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Daley can free up the money in his private piggy bank.
Read the archives in the Chicago Reader.
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-chicago-reader-tif-archive/Content?oid=1180567
Read the archives in the Chicago Reader.
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-chicago-reader-tif-archive/Content?oid=1180567
Mon Mar 15, 2010 at 6:56 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I know this is serious...but I can't stop laughing everytime I look at those power point slides that look like something my kids would create.
Mon Mar 15, 2010 at 8:17 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Any CEO who met with his managers (like today) would have REAL numbers and decisions made ready to share. Like AVID--this program should have been dropped in June 2009. IB-just with applications, Ron now scares the bjesus out of parents-which will hurt LPHS. If he closes magnet programs, will the (hidden) administrators/consultants of these programs really be let go or still continue to hide in the shadows? He is in over his head and he ain't that tall.
Mon Mar 15, 2010 at 8:20 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
why is she there with her $$$ salary? She says nothing on stage today. She does nothing. Ron--he hired more and gave raises to the CAOs--where is his responsibility for this? CAOs should PAY IT BACK!
Wait until the scores come out--we will see the difference CAOs made for the $$ they're paid. (NONE)
Wait until the scores come out--we will see the difference CAOs made for the $$ they're paid. (NONE)
Mon Mar 15, 2010 at 8:22 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
So many would take this, but this costs CPS $. It is far cheaper to chase older teachers out. And it you are to live in the city and don't or have not renewed your certificate--you are OUT> Cheaper still!
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 12:03 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Hyde Park Johnny over at Daily Kos says just as Huberman is set to lay of tenured teachers and cut programming due to a $1 billion budget deficit, the district is advertising for new teachers out of state and holding secretive job fairs, inviting selective applicants to attend.
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/9/03521/62126
The uncovering of the hundreds of advertised jobs came from a tip from a reassigned teacher that was attending the Lake County teacher fair and happened to talk to a student teacher in CPS.
A reassigned teacher sent an email, "I was talking to a CPS student teacher this morning. There is a job fair on April 10. She said that as a student teacher she received a pass to let her in early. If this is true, shouldn't displaced and reassigned teachers the same priority admission?"
Although CPS human resources websites say nothing about needing new teachers, a website from Austin, Texas says the city is looking for 655 new teachers and school staff.
http://www.educationamerica.net/
http://www.dailykos.com/story/2010/3/9/03521/62126
The uncovering of the hundreds of advertised jobs came from a tip from a reassigned teacher that was attending the Lake County teacher fair and happened to talk to a student teacher in CPS.
A reassigned teacher sent an email, "I was talking to a CPS student teacher this morning. There is a job fair on April 10. She said that as a student teacher she received a pass to let her in early. If this is true, shouldn't displaced and reassigned teachers the same priority admission?"
Although CPS human resources websites say nothing about needing new teachers, a website from Austin, Texas says the city is looking for 655 new teachers and school staff.
http://www.educationamerica.net/
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 8:52 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I also was sent an email from a teacher outside of CPS who went to a job fair for CPS teachers. How is this possible when we are cutting teacher positions? Is it really true that they are trying to get rid of anyone with over ten years to make way for cheaper teachers? Also, before Huberman starts cutting teacher positions, how about getting rid of all the consultants we fly back and forth or some of the costly initiatives that have failed,ie. CNTC,Math and Science Initiative, etc. How about all of the consultants we pay for CPS University? Are you aware that we fly them back and forth each wee, pay hotel and food costs, plus salary? Go on the second floor of Elizabeth and look at all the young people we employ at CNTC to "coach new teachers." Watch all the NTC materials, food and conferences we spend millions on. Cut this waste first. That would save at least a hundred good teachers right there!
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 8:53 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
First, the contract states the maximum number of students in a class. Unless the contract is renegotiated, I don't see how Huberman can do this. He might try, but ?
He is already getting rid of tenured teachers by using turnaround schools, eliminating programs and then reinstating them under a different name.
And, several people have told me that principals have been told not to hire reassigned teachers because they are too expensive. This is despite the contract saying such teachers should be given priority in hiring
He is already getting rid of tenured teachers by using turnaround schools, eliminating programs and then reinstating them under a different name.
And, several people have told me that principals have been told not to hire reassigned teachers because they are too expensive. This is despite the contract saying such teachers should be given priority in hiring
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 11:25 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I am one of those displaced tenured teachers NOW a cadre sub.
It is true. Get rid of highly qualified experienced teachers with more than a BS or a BA, that have more than 5 years of experience to reduce costs.
BUT
there is a revolving door policy with CPS as well. Many 2nd and 3rd year teachers were clicked off as well because they may one day secure TENURE.
So keep that revolving door policy going Mr. Huberman. Prove that CPS schools fail because you promote failure by getting rid of stability and expertise in education.
You're doing a great job Mr. Huberman, keeping your CAO's, your buddies from the CTA, expensive PR Firms and law firms with multi-million dollar contracts and whatever. Waste should be your middle name Mr. Huberman since you signed for countless dollars at the 911 center for equipment never received.
Yes Mr. Huberman, I may now turn into journalism and begin to write like Mr. Walter Jacobson.
It is true. Get rid of highly qualified experienced teachers with more than a BS or a BA, that have more than 5 years of experience to reduce costs.
BUT
there is a revolving door policy with CPS as well. Many 2nd and 3rd year teachers were clicked off as well because they may one day secure TENURE.
So keep that revolving door policy going Mr. Huberman. Prove that CPS schools fail because you promote failure by getting rid of stability and expertise in education.
You're doing a great job Mr. Huberman, keeping your CAO's, your buddies from the CTA, expensive PR Firms and law firms with multi-million dollar contracts and whatever. Waste should be your middle name Mr. Huberman since you signed for countless dollars at the 911 center for equipment never received.
Yes Mr. Huberman, I may now turn into journalism and begin to write like Mr. Walter Jacobson.
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 12:54 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
The contract actually does not allow the ctu to have any say over class size. The number 28 really doesn't count for anything because we are not as a union allowed to take action against class size. It is a "rule" with no bite to it.
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 1:57 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Ron huberman has never been in a class room. We should implement a "Teacher for a Day" instead of "Principal for a Day" just so that he and others who have never taught a class before can see what we teachers deal with on a daily basis. Why all this underhand & dishonesty? Don't you know Mr. huberman that if you make a mistake they will find you in the river like Mr. Scott. Do the best thing and keep good qualified teacher; give displaced teachers the same benefits you give others, like letting them know about these job fairs. Stop paying your friends or people you and Mayor Daley like all this money, that is why we do not have money. When the scores come out you will see just what your CAO's are doing, NOTHING!! Why are you and the others trying to set our school system up for failure. Our children deserve better. You can get a good quality education in our system, I did, my daughter did, and I know lots of others who did. What school does your children go to?
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 2:08 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I don't know what to say except that I never thought that it would come to this. What is really going on? Why does everyone want to mess with CPS? we have a good school system. It really does work. I think that the best thing done to help our children was having the eight transition schools. Paul Vallas did a great thing when he did this. This really helped our children. We should implement programs that will promote good education and higher learning instead of trying to find a way to get rid of teachers, adminstrator, etc., I am a firm believer that GOD is still on the throne, and Large and in Charge; no matter what you say, he will have the final say. You need to be very careful of the decisions you are making involving people's life. HE is watching you.
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 2:11 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
This kind of mess is what happens when "bean counters" not educators are put in charge of school systems. As Chicago teacher posted, class size is a "permissive" area of negotiation, not "mandatory". Theoretically, teachers could not strike because of it. However, since he's also saying that wage freezes have to happen, then...I've never been in a strike, but I'm dang sure looking forward to it. One of the veterans in my building has already got us fired up!
Stand up and be counted like humans not beans!!!
CORE PAT (would like to keep my job)
Stand up and be counted like humans not beans!!!
CORE PAT (would like to keep my job)
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 2:36 PM
Sucks, don't it?
The reality of the situation is that CPS has a huge hole in the budget (something on the order of one BILLION dollars). Some of this is just the current economy (CPS had to pump a couple hundred million bucks into the pension fund, because the law says it has to be funded at 90% of its value, and it lost half of its equity when the stock market tanked; ISBE themselves admit that they're supposed to give us $650 million that they just aren't going to give...)
The first thing Huberman did was to cut 1/6 of the central office workforce, and give a 3% paycut to the rest-- that was last year.
This year, he's cutting another 1/5 of the remaining non-union workforce, and giving a 6% paycut to the rest...
AFTER that, we've got this billion dollars to come up with. The CTU president sent out letters to all members (I figure that's got to cost $10,000, just for the mailing) saying that the Union won't budge an inch.
So, if the CTU isn't willing to even sit down and discuss options, then CPS has to do whatever it can. And it CAN ignore class size restrictions.
In other words, the CTU can come to the table and talk, or it can have class sizes balloon, so that a bunch of teachers can be cut outright. Which do you want your union to do for you?
The first thing Huberman did was to cut 1/6 of the central office workforce, and give a 3% paycut to the rest-- that was last year.
This year, he's cutting another 1/5 of the remaining non-union workforce, and giving a 6% paycut to the rest...
AFTER that, we've got this billion dollars to come up with. The CTU president sent out letters to all members (I figure that's got to cost $10,000, just for the mailing) saying that the Union won't budge an inch.
So, if the CTU isn't willing to even sit down and discuss options, then CPS has to do whatever it can. And it CAN ignore class size restrictions.
In other words, the CTU can come to the table and talk, or it can have class sizes balloon, so that a bunch of teachers can be cut outright. Which do you want your union to do for you?
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 2:38 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
"We are simply out of options," CTA chief Ron Huberman said, acknowledging the "tremendous hardship" that will force 250,000 people to find a new way to get around each day. "This is grim. This is difficult. This will impact people in a very terrible way," Huberman said.
Oct 12, 2007 12:48 pm US/Central
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/CTA.doomsday.cuts.2.342703.html
This guy huberman is a scam artist who helps to pilfer public funds for private gain: Daley's Chainsaw Al!
CHAINSAW: The Notorious Career of Al Dunlap in the Era of Profit http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_42/b3651099.htm
Oct 12, 2007 12:48 pm US/Central
http://cbs2chicago.com/local/CTA.doomsday.cuts.2.342703.html
This guy huberman is a scam artist who helps to pilfer public funds for private gain: Daley's Chainsaw Al!
CHAINSAW: The Notorious Career of Al Dunlap in the Era of Profit http://www.businessweek.com/1999/99_42/b3651099.htm
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 3:24 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I agree with Jamey. The union must come to the table with the attitude of listening and not election year politics. Children's lives are at stake.
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 3:30 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Seems to me that this Power Point sent out by Huberman continues to point the finger at unions and at the state. Where is the recognition by CPS that it has wasted money over the years? Charter schools that show no difference in student learning and nonpayment into the pension fund from 1995-2005 have contributed to this finacial debacle. Seems to me this was created to get the public to look at teachers as being the blame for the crisis. Now CPS and Huberman will sit back and see if the public jumps on thier bandwagon so they can really push us as being the bad guys.
Jim Cavallero
Member of CORE
Jim Cavallero
Member of CORE
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 3:48 PM
Coming to BACK Chicago schools: TIF money?
Huberman: We are out of options.
Not true. TIFs took $250 million away from schools last year:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-public-schools-cps-cutbacks-track-coaches-athletics/Content?oid=1467256
Not true. TIFs took $250 million away from schools last year:
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/chicago-public-schools-cps-cutbacks-track-coaches-athletics/Content?oid=1467256
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 4:32 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Regarding Jamey's comment. Since I am no longer a member of CTU I have nothing to say about whether or not members should accept possible changes to their contract. But I would ask people to consider that the current fiscal problem are not likely to end in FY 11, but are likely to continue to go into FY 12. So what is to stop CPS from asking for yet more concessions next year?
It could be wiser to examine the deficit in detail and if necessary take lay offs rather than concessions which may not stop. But first CTU should basically go to the level of a forensic accounting analysis of the CPS general ledger, cash flow analysis for the last year, and various reserve requirements to verify the perspective CPS has presented.
Rod Estvan
It could be wiser to examine the deficit in detail and if necessary take lay offs rather than concessions which may not stop. But first CTU should basically go to the level of a forensic accounting analysis of the CPS general ledger, cash flow analysis for the last year, and various reserve requirements to verify the perspective CPS has presented.
Rod Estvan
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 5:06 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Ron would prove leadership IF he would document $ due to the CTPF based on Daley's renig of the '95 agreement AND mentioned TIFs. A CEO independante of the eternal mayor, would have done this.
It is a most dangerous game Ron and Daley play.
It is a most dangerous game Ron and Daley play.
Tue Mar 16, 2010 at 7:51 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
too much new stuff has been done at CPS. Turning schools into year round; instead of shutting down in summer. That would save a bundle of money. Paying retired Principal tons of money to walk around and mentor new Principals. Years ago; Principals didn't have mentors. Now you have all these Reading Specialists each time you change a program. Save money. Teachers were instructed in college. Years ago; that was all they had to do. It worked. Those people are getting paid big bucks. That can be saved. Now you have CAO's that takes up a big chunk of the budget. They are not needed either. The big picture of horror is having 37 students in a classroom. Now that will be hard to teach. You won't be able to teach for trying to control the class ALL day. Then teachers will be having health problems because of the stress. 37 children is just 3 shy of 40. Again; not healthy for anyone. Hopefully the people will go on and pass that 1% so Mr. Quinn can turn the money loose.He will not prosper from this if he is wrong. People doing wrong never do. But when educators have devoted their heart and soul to educating children; it should be something that is respected. Not a lot of people like to deal with children. It's really hard. Hopefully the board is not throwing in extra proposed cuts; just because wanted to do this anyway. Somehow I have that gut feeling. Opening up all these so called outstanding schools. A waste of more money. Why are the children of the city still acting the same; if not worse. To many bright ideas started with this Renaissance thing. Now the Nation is being messed up the same way. I have never seen it like this. Young educators don't stay. Why should they put up with the headache. Teaching is not a good choice of jobs anymore. It's a sad choice of jobs. Hopefully you all will think these things out; and not do the wrong thing. It has become a SAD day in education. Society; please pray for educators.
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 5:05 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
One day he says pensions they are bad and are causing financial problems but in in the past he tried to steal a police pension for himself.
F.O.P. On Huberman's Pension Claim: Um, No - Chicagoist
http://chicagoist.com/2008/10/17/fop_on_hubermans_pension_claim_um_n.php
CTA boss' controversial plan for his own pension Huberman asked the police pension fund for permission to keep paying into that fund, even though he hasn’t been a police employee since 2004. The board deferred action on the request, which has drawn ridicule in some police circles.
“This is, in no way meant to be disrespectful towards anyone in law enforcement. I have the greatest respect for Chicago Police officers and the work that they do," Huberman said before testifying at a City Council committee on transit issues.
"Part of my responsibility is security at the CTA. I'm not saying I'm a police officer because I'm not. But the law says if you're involved in security work and that's part of your responsibility, you have the right to pay in if you're on leave of absence from the Police Department, which is what I am. I’ve been paying into the fund for the last 13 years.”
http://www.truthinaccounting.org/news/listing_article.asp?section=451§ion2=451&CatID=5&ArticleSource=437
F.O.P. On Huberman's Pension Claim: Um, No - Chicagoist
http://chicagoist.com/2008/10/17/fop_on_hubermans_pension_claim_um_n.php
CTA boss' controversial plan for his own pension Huberman asked the police pension fund for permission to keep paying into that fund, even though he hasn’t been a police employee since 2004. The board deferred action on the request, which has drawn ridicule in some police circles.
“This is, in no way meant to be disrespectful towards anyone in law enforcement. I have the greatest respect for Chicago Police officers and the work that they do," Huberman said before testifying at a City Council committee on transit issues.
"Part of my responsibility is security at the CTA. I'm not saying I'm a police officer because I'm not. But the law says if you're involved in security work and that's part of your responsibility, you have the right to pay in if you're on leave of absence from the Police Department, which is what I am. I’ve been paying into the fund for the last 13 years.”
http://www.truthinaccounting.org/news/listing_article.asp?section=451§ion2=451&CatID=5&ArticleSource=437
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 3:39 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I remember the days of 35-40 kids in a classroom. Teachers were used to it and there was NO problem. What is good for the goose is good for the gander.
What's wrong? Is it that the new breed can't cut the mustard. Stop the scare tactics. It's actually quite funny when Huberman thinks the way to scare teachers is to put a group children
(many with behavior problems in one class). That how we taught 20 years ago. Veteran teachers can handle any awful situation that we were asked to deal with. Why doesn't Huberman just " Do what he has to do". That's what the the old superintendents did. Everyone had 35 -40 disadvantaged children in a class it wasn't a news story at all.
O.K. new teachers it's your turn to find out how CPS really is. You think they are untrustworthy now, wait until you try to get a pension after working decades and then they fire you just when you start making enough to have an extra pair of shoes.
Huberman you're new at this and probably believe all the CPS Hype yourself. Go ahead and fire all your high paying administrators that did nothing harass teachers and children. Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish!
As for the teachers, since Huberman has already fired thousands of veteran teachers, lied on them, attacked their credibility and closed down so many schools just to fire them, WHO REALLY CARES WHAT YOU DO?
What's wrong? Is it that the new breed can't cut the mustard. Stop the scare tactics. It's actually quite funny when Huberman thinks the way to scare teachers is to put a group children
(many with behavior problems in one class). That how we taught 20 years ago. Veteran teachers can handle any awful situation that we were asked to deal with. Why doesn't Huberman just " Do what he has to do". That's what the the old superintendents did. Everyone had 35 -40 disadvantaged children in a class it wasn't a news story at all.
O.K. new teachers it's your turn to find out how CPS really is. You think they are untrustworthy now, wait until you try to get a pension after working decades and then they fire you just when you start making enough to have an extra pair of shoes.
Huberman you're new at this and probably believe all the CPS Hype yourself. Go ahead and fire all your high paying administrators that did nothing harass teachers and children. Good Riddance to Bad Rubbish!
As for the teachers, since Huberman has already fired thousands of veteran teachers, lied on them, attacked their credibility and closed down so many schools just to fire them, WHO REALLY CARES WHAT YOU DO?
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 3:47 PM
Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions
Are Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions affected?
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 3:48 PM
Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions
Are Magnet Cluster Lead Teacher Positions affected?
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 3:53 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Cut in half- Supplemental resources for Magnet, Magnet Cluster, Montessori, Gifted and IB programs.
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 3:55 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Cut in half- Supplemental resources for Magnet, Magnet Cluster, Montessori, Gifted and IB programs.
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 7:44 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I too, started in the days of 37 students in the class. My line of female students would often extend around corners of the school. The expectation was and still is, my student can and will learn. I am most concerned with the teachers who are willing to make concessions and have no real idea of what they are about to concede to. These concessions will not stop at 4%, in fact this is probably not about concessions at all. Its more about divide and conquer. A discussion about concessions can never be expected without all parties being forthright and honest about everything. (Where are your reserves (BOE), how much is in the reserves?) The expectation that one would compromise their pension and give up their contractual raise just because, is unrealistic. When I don't pay my debts, they increase and increase and increase. When I don't pay my debts and do other non essential things with my funding, it is call fiscal mismanagement. Additionally, I believe the proposed cuts and modifications have been in the works for awhile. This is just a great time to implement them and blame it on a budget crisis. When you are on the eve of a financial crisis, do you really open new departments and hire new staff. Wouldn't you reassign the people that you have. I find it hard to believe, the big house had no current talent that could perform the duties of all of these new administrative hires. There is a much bigger issue at hand, when administrators are being ordered to not hire teachers with tenure of any significant time. Every teacher starts out new and perhaps young and the process of aging occurs. Young teachers and older ones, do your homework and find out what this is really about and be not deceived into thinking that mindless concessions will save your job. Our union will need to demand some real answers and some accounting, otherwise, let the games begin. Trust me, having a workforce that is forced to deal with hostile or unproductive conditions will be more costly for the board (long term)than they really are willing to pay. You can be certain that the real budget PowerPoint exist somewhere, probably locked up with the reserves.
Wed Mar 17, 2010 at 8:41 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Tired of Daly using your money as a personal piggy bank for his cronies. Daley can use the TIF funding to help the situation.
Read about Daley's Shenanigans at the good reporting on the TIF Tax money Daley doesn't talk about!
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-chicago-reader-tif-archive/Content?oid=1180567
Read about Daley's Shenanigans at the good reporting on the TIF Tax money Daley doesn't talk about!
http://www.chicagoreader.com/chicago/the-chicago-reader-tif-archive/Content?oid=1180567
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 10:27 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Are all the teachers aides in the Montessori classrooms going to be cut? 37 children in a Montessori classroom without a teachers assistant will be chaos! 37 kids three different grade levels all in the same classroom. This will be interesting to say the least!
Didnt the board just approve a IB program at Pulaski? What will happen to that now?
I dont get it.
Yes indeed Huberman has been the best thing for enrollment at a good cheap Catholic school. ST. Helens here we come!!! Cant get there fast enough.
Didnt the board just approve a IB program at Pulaski? What will happen to that now?
I dont get it.
Yes indeed Huberman has been the best thing for enrollment at a good cheap Catholic school. ST. Helens here we come!!! Cant get there fast enough.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 10:40 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Mom,
That's the smartest thing you can do. I went to Catholic School all my life where people were honest, decent and taught us to operate with a sense of morality (Even the priest I came in contact with). My children went to private, parochial and public school when they were decent. I taught in the system when it was somewhat functioning. If you can find a magnet school or gifted center, this would be better.
If you can afford a Catholic school, please do it NOW! Your children will thank you for getting them out of this ball of confusion.
That's the smartest thing you can do. I went to Catholic School all my life where people were honest, decent and taught us to operate with a sense of morality (Even the priest I came in contact with). My children went to private, parochial and public school when they were decent. I taught in the system when it was somewhat functioning. If you can find a magnet school or gifted center, this would be better.
If you can afford a Catholic school, please do it NOW! Your children will thank you for getting them out of this ball of confusion.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 11:02 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
If high teacher turnover (its COST $$$$ and multiple negative effects on schools) is a problem now, just wait! It's going to be off the charts!
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 11:08 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
We have been at both catholic and our local public school and they both are good. It depends on the principal and the teacher. Our public school has a lot of extras that were not available at the catholic school.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 11:09 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
37 children in a classroom is the least of the problems that CPS has. Let's deal with some real issues that plague the schools. I have an idea, if you are a teacher who has been verbally or physically assaulted by a violent out of control student or students write to the Illinois General Assembly and ask them to refuse to fund any CPS programs until they ensure the safety of teachers and students.
At my school fights would break out on a daily basis. One time a student was hit in the back with a chair. Teachers were punched in the face while breaking up fights.Then after-wards they were threatened with the loss of their jobs if they reported these incidents.
The only thing these people understand is a loss money to fund the "cushy" jobs downtown where they sit in their offices out of harms way, making unrealistic decisions about what is going on in the schools.
Here's a plan - violent schools get NO extra money. Fund the magnet and gifted programs, Any school where the principal allows verbal and physical attacks on students and teachers should not be allowed to receive state of federal dollars. Write to your Illinois State Representatives ask them to withhold funds until there is a plan that includes the safety of teachers in public schools.
At my school fights would break out on a daily basis. One time a student was hit in the back with a chair. Teachers were punched in the face while breaking up fights.Then after-wards they were threatened with the loss of their jobs if they reported these incidents.
The only thing these people understand is a loss money to fund the "cushy" jobs downtown where they sit in their offices out of harms way, making unrealistic decisions about what is going on in the schools.
Here's a plan - violent schools get NO extra money. Fund the magnet and gifted programs, Any school where the principal allows verbal and physical attacks on students and teachers should not be allowed to receive state of federal dollars. Write to your Illinois State Representatives ask them to withhold funds until there is a plan that includes the safety of teachers in public schools.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 4:27 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Dear CPS employees, don't forget if CPS declares a "budget emergency", CPS can move to REOPEN negotiations with the CTU and seek union agreement to fore-stall $169 million in teacher raises or to impose furloughs!
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 5:57 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
for Zeta from the Lane Tech blog on the history of the school about Albert Lane:
"When Albert was 17, he and a friend decided, just for fun, to take the City Teacher's Examination. His passing of the test changed the course of his life and has had far reaching effects on our own lives as well. The Franklin School, which once stood at Sedgwick and Division, had a problem. Some boisterous students insisted on driving many of their teachers out of the school and finally, bodily threw their principal into a snowdrift. These actions so discouraged applicants for teaching positions, that no one could be found to replace the principal. The Board of Education asked Albert Lane to take the job. He had not graduated from high school, but he was honest, intelligent, and muscular, and appeared to
be able to handle the task asked of him.
After ten years as Franklin's principal, he was asked to serve as Cook County Superintendent of Schools. For 19 years he faithfully served the county by producing schools that reached a degree of practical efficiency not excelled by any county in the state. In 1878 Albert Lane married Frances Smallwood, a teacher at Central High School. The couple had two daughters. "
"When Albert was 17, he and a friend decided, just for fun, to take the City Teacher's Examination. His passing of the test changed the course of his life and has had far reaching effects on our own lives as well. The Franklin School, which once stood at Sedgwick and Division, had a problem. Some boisterous students insisted on driving many of their teachers out of the school and finally, bodily threw their principal into a snowdrift. These actions so discouraged applicants for teaching positions, that no one could be found to replace the principal. The Board of Education asked Albert Lane to take the job. He had not graduated from high school, but he was honest, intelligent, and muscular, and appeared to
be able to handle the task asked of him.
After ten years as Franklin's principal, he was asked to serve as Cook County Superintendent of Schools. For 19 years he faithfully served the county by producing schools that reached a degree of practical efficiency not excelled by any county in the state. In 1878 Albert Lane married Frances Smallwood, a teacher at Central High School. The couple had two daughters. "
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 6:45 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
True, but we teachers at a large el school are talking STRIKE, both young and old if this happens. We are mad a hell and are not going to take it anymore.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 7:30 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Does the contract address what happens if there is a strike? i assume striking teachers can be replaced?
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 8:07 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
who is going to cross the line? Schools will be shut down,Daley takes a hit.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 8:42 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Anyone who crosses a picket line is a scab. Scabs are picked off and discarded. There will be flattened tires, sugar in gas tanks, keyed cars in parking lots, dead rats in mailboxes. A strike is a serious thing and anyone who thinks this will be a walk in the park will know what a real fight is. Unless, they let that sellout Marilyn Stewart back in. Huberman is trying real hard to make that happen. Just look at the letter he sent to the principals.
The Sellout UPC will make there is labor peace by giving all the concessions. She talks tough now, but wait untio the day after the election!
The Sellout UPC will make there is labor peace by giving all the concessions. She talks tough now, but wait untio the day after the election!
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 9:38 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
There is a lengthy process before a strike could be undertaken.
First, if the Board does seek to reopen negotiations, then Union lawyers and accountants should demand a forensic audit of the Board's finances. They don't get to just SAY there is a budget crisis; they have to PROVE it.
The IELRB (IL Educational Labor Relations Board) sets a number of tasks that must be met before we get to the point of asking the membership for a strike vote.
Still, if the Board holds out for unreasonable demands and fails to meet their contractual agreements, I think a strike timed around next February's mayoral election is a good idea.
First, if the Board does seek to reopen negotiations, then Union lawyers and accountants should demand a forensic audit of the Board's finances. They don't get to just SAY there is a budget crisis; they have to PROVE it.
The IELRB (IL Educational Labor Relations Board) sets a number of tasks that must be met before we get to the point of asking the membership for a strike vote.
Still, if the Board holds out for unreasonable demands and fails to meet their contractual agreements, I think a strike timed around next February's mayoral election is a good idea.
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 10:04 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
get current union operators out.
the day after the election the will give cps anything thing they want.
"The only strike I like is in a bowling alley"
the day after the election the will give cps anything thing they want.
"The only strike I like is in a bowling alley"
Thu Mar 18, 2010 at 11:06 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
If you want a strike you're insane. It's ugly, difficult, and there is no guarantee that in end you'll come out on top. With that said, the only strength the union has is in the solidarity of it's members and their willingness to take action. Most teachers in Chicago have never had to go on strike and don't reallize that so many of the things they take for granted as a CPS teacher were given to them by the blood, sweat, and tears of older teachers who did walk the picket line. If you want a strike you're insane, but that doesn't mean one won't be necessary. I just hope it's not.
Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 12:04 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
If we don't strike we have all to loose. We need a national teacher's strike. This ridiculous charter school reforms agenda is sweeping the nation. In 4-5 years, we won't have enough union teachers across the country to do anything. The time to strike was in 2002 when they "turnarounded" the first CPS school. We are 8 years late. It's now or never. We won't even have a union if we don't get it right this time.
Some thing are worth fighting for even if some loose out.
Some thing are worth fighting for even if some loose out.
Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 5:14 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Zeta/Zeat/whatever your name is,
Please proofread your comments and perhaps your name.
Loose = not tight (my shoe laces are loose, I should re-tie them)
Lose = failure to keep or maintain (I need to lose 10 pounds)
If you're going to suggest a strike, I'd suggest you do it for the right reasons, not because you're afraid of charter schools and turn around schools, and losing job security. If the CTU or the whole nation strikes, it should be to demand better administration, better support, better management; curriculum, classes, and discipline structures developed by experienced, talented teachers, not people who sit in the ivory tower and claim to know what children need; better distribution of funds and resources by people who understand what children need in the classroom and what teachers can utilize to help learning.
It is disgusting that teachers will throw around the word "strike" when it comes to money or job security, but never when it directly impacts the children. Teachers are willing to jump up and fight if they lose their yearly raise, but they can't be bothered to fight for safe schools. Talk about a lack of priorities.
I teach in a Charter school -- one of the successful charters that is frequently ignored because it falls into the umbrella of a mediocre charter holder. We didn't become successful by demanding more money or less students; we became successful by fighting for good conditions for students to learn.
Please proofread your comments and perhaps your name.
Loose = not tight (my shoe laces are loose, I should re-tie them)
Lose = failure to keep or maintain (I need to lose 10 pounds)
If you're going to suggest a strike, I'd suggest you do it for the right reasons, not because you're afraid of charter schools and turn around schools, and losing job security. If the CTU or the whole nation strikes, it should be to demand better administration, better support, better management; curriculum, classes, and discipline structures developed by experienced, talented teachers, not people who sit in the ivory tower and claim to know what children need; better distribution of funds and resources by people who understand what children need in the classroom and what teachers can utilize to help learning.
It is disgusting that teachers will throw around the word "strike" when it comes to money or job security, but never when it directly impacts the children. Teachers are willing to jump up and fight if they lose their yearly raise, but they can't be bothered to fight for safe schools. Talk about a lack of priorities.
I teach in a Charter school -- one of the successful charters that is frequently ignored because it falls into the umbrella of a mediocre charter holder. We didn't become successful by demanding more money or less students; we became successful by fighting for good conditions for students to learn.
Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 6:46 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
well said.
Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 9:08 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
In response to the April 10th career fair, this is not currently listed on the CPS website; however that does not mean it doesn't exist. As some of you may remember, there was also a "secret job fair" late last summer that became open to the all teachers after the beans were spilled.
CPS student teachers have always received 2 additional hours with Principals prior to the job fair opening to the general public. By the time the general teaching population is allowed in, Principals are tired and lines are 45 minutes-2 hours long.
The school system is as dysfunctional and corrupt as the rest of the city.
CPS student teachers have always received 2 additional hours with Principals prior to the job fair opening to the general public. By the time the general teaching population is allowed in, Principals are tired and lines are 45 minutes-2 hours long.
The school system is as dysfunctional and corrupt as the rest of the city.
Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 9:27 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
In addition, CPS has been recruiting outside Chicago, please see below link:
http://www.cps-humanresources.org/Careers/EventSearch.asp
Obviously, there is not enough talent from the displaced teachers and the numerous outstanding graduates from the universities in the Chicago metro region who are without teaching positions.
http://www.cps-humanresources.org/Careers/EventSearch.asp
Obviously, there is not enough talent from the displaced teachers and the numerous outstanding graduates from the universities in the Chicago metro region who are without teaching positions.
Fri Mar 19, 2010 at 9:35 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
can the first without not sin cast the first stone...we ALLLLLLL make typing mistakes!! and grammar mistakes.....lets stick to the issues!
Sat Mar 20, 2010 at 12:24 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Hello - teachers in Chicago are only allowed to strike over wages and benefits by state law - not because we're greedy. Class size is "permissive", not "mandatory" and will take a change in Springfield to change. But Zeta - grammar mistakes are not acceptable by teachers. Typos - yes, grammar no sorry.
Charter teachers by and large are temporary workers. Revolving doors are not good for students. I hope you're at a school where the staff if stable. It's best for students. It is rather annoying that you guys get supports we in the real public schools don't have. Good luck to you, though. I hope you never have a pedagogical disagreement with your bosses. You'll be asked to clean out your desk by the end of the day. I just wish you wouldn't think that those of us who believe in unions don't care about kids. That's annoying, a cheap shot and not worthy of someone doing good work.
Charter teachers by and large are temporary workers. Revolving doors are not good for students. I hope you're at a school where the staff if stable. It's best for students. It is rather annoying that you guys get supports we in the real public schools don't have. Good luck to you, though. I hope you never have a pedagogical disagreement with your bosses. You'll be asked to clean out your desk by the end of the day. I just wish you wouldn't think that those of us who believe in unions don't care about kids. That's annoying, a cheap shot and not worthy of someone doing good work.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 8:47 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
As a new teacher to the system (and the profession), I'm disgusted about the comments on this blog. It's as if everything is phrased from the individual teacher's perspective. "We want our 4% increase" this and "we won't negotiate" that. Insane. We are in the most extreme budget deficit in history. School districts across the state -- across the nation -- are in the same boat, re-thinking pensions, raises, classroom sizes, etc. In fact, business everywhere, from manufacturing to health care, are making similarly difficult decisions. And all I can hear from the teacher's unions are selfish pleas for individual perks. What about the children? What about the reasons your a teacher in the first place? I didn't enter the profession to receive a lofty pension nor guaranteed pay increase (regardless of performance = unheard of in industry outside of education). I became a teacher to raise student achievement. It's at the center of every decision I make. If you can't say the same, consider a different profession now.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 8:56 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
As a new teacher to the system (and the profession), I'm disgusted about the comments on this blog. It's as if everything is phrased from the individual teacher's perspective. "We want our 4% increase" this and "we won't negotiate" that. Insane. We are in the most extreme budget deficit in history. School districts across the state -- across the nation -- are in the same boat, re-thinking pensions, raises, classroom sizes, etc. In fact, business everywhere, from manufacturing to health care, are making similarly difficult decisions. And all I can hear from the teacher's unions are selfish pleas for individual perks. What about the children? What about the reasons your a teacher in the first place? I didn't enter the profession to receive a lofty pension nor guaranteed pay increase (regardless of performance = unheard of in industry outside of education). I became a teacher to raise student achievement. It's at the center of every decision I make. If you can't say the same, consider a different profession now.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 9:53 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
While you are correct that we are in the "most extreme budget deficit in history" it is ridiculous to blame teacher unions for wanting to hold on to what gains they have. You should not castigate anyone for wanting an honest dollar for an honest days work. Lofty pensions? Are you kidding? Go look and see what the average teacher pension is. Less than $40,000. If that's lofty, then I'm confused big time. If you want to raise student achievement, why don't you just volunteer to tutor. You'll get a great amount of satisfaction, do good deeds and be very proud of yourself. When you talk about the teaching profession, it's that - a profession. What other professional doesn't get paid for their time?
I care about the kids - I'm one of the ones who comes early and stay late, but I also care about MY kids and they need to eat, too. So if you want to have 37 kids in a classroom because we're in the most "extreme budget deficit in history" please don't try to make me feel bad because we didn't make this deficit, so why should we have to pay for it??? We didn't get all the rewards when the economy was booming - hey that's why we got the pension deal. They didn't want to give us raises when there was plenty of money.
You also are at a point in your career where you don't care about a pension. Fine. You don't see the value of seniority and job security, because you haven't been burnt out by a broken system that places all the blame for "lack of student achievement" on your back, all the while forcing you to use materials that do not improve student achievement. I hope you will have more compassion when the bloom wears off the rose and you've seen the colossal waste of money to promote the "next new thing" while the children you care about go without.
It is unfair and unreasonable for you to assume we don't care about students and because we demand our contract be honored with "selfish pleas for individual perks". I hope you will never be judged by someone as sanctimonious as you. Why don't you work for free so the other people in your school won't have to have 37 kids in their classes. That will help a lot.
I care about the kids - I'm one of the ones who comes early and stay late, but I also care about MY kids and they need to eat, too. So if you want to have 37 kids in a classroom because we're in the most "extreme budget deficit in history" please don't try to make me feel bad because we didn't make this deficit, so why should we have to pay for it??? We didn't get all the rewards when the economy was booming - hey that's why we got the pension deal. They didn't want to give us raises when there was plenty of money.
You also are at a point in your career where you don't care about a pension. Fine. You don't see the value of seniority and job security, because you haven't been burnt out by a broken system that places all the blame for "lack of student achievement" on your back, all the while forcing you to use materials that do not improve student achievement. I hope you will have more compassion when the bloom wears off the rose and you've seen the colossal waste of money to promote the "next new thing" while the children you care about go without.
It is unfair and unreasonable for you to assume we don't care about students and because we demand our contract be honored with "selfish pleas for individual perks". I hope you will never be judged by someone as sanctimonious as you. Why don't you work for free so the other people in your school won't have to have 37 kids in their classes. That will help a lot.
Thu Mar 25, 2010 at 10:01 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
teach4equality writes: "I became a teacher to raise student achievement."
I suppose you consider student achievement to be something measured by a standardized test score.
If so, maybe you should consider a different profession. Now.
If you insist on staying, however, please feel free to work for as little money as you'd like; but don't belittle other teachers who have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into teaching in this city and expect to have the city honor its promises.
Pensions and raises are not "individual perks." They are just compensation for labor services performed. Perquisites, by definition, are incidental to regular wages and salary.
Let's cut to the chase, t-4-e: You are a new teacher, and you're scared you will lose your job if there are cuts. Well, as you wrote, "School districts across the state -- across the nation -- are in the same boat." And they're cutting teachers.
I suppose you consider student achievement to be something measured by a standardized test score.
If so, maybe you should consider a different profession. Now.
If you insist on staying, however, please feel free to work for as little money as you'd like; but don't belittle other teachers who have poured their blood, sweat, and tears into teaching in this city and expect to have the city honor its promises.
Pensions and raises are not "individual perks." They are just compensation for labor services performed. Perquisites, by definition, are incidental to regular wages and salary.
Let's cut to the chase, t-4-e: You are a new teacher, and you're scared you will lose your job if there are cuts. Well, as you wrote, "School districts across the state -- across the nation -- are in the same boat." And they're cutting teachers.
Fri Mar 26, 2010 at 8:19 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Actually, the $1 billion projected deficit for CPS is disappearing quickly:
$1 billion (projected 2010-2011 deficit)
- $400 million (legislative relief from pension payment obligations)
- $400 million (average overstatement of projected budget each year for the last 8 years)
--------------------------------------
$200 million actual deficit
Not too hard to knock that out, either...
$200 million (actual deficit)
- $30 million (elimination of IDS/High School Transformation)
- $170 million (restoration of 68% of education money now poured into TIFs)
-------------------------------
$0 deficit - all without raising taxes or cutting teachers
teach4equality,
On a side note, I am the provider for my family. My wife has been looking for work, unsuccessfully, for almost a year as we burn through our savings. The ability to pay the mortgage on my modest Chicago home, which I purchased based on the contractual salary agreement between CPS and CTU, does not constitute an "individual perk".
What about the children, you say? I gladly volunteer over 1,000 hours of my time each year to help raise student achievement. Get a reality check, already. And, by the way, I'm a kick ass teacher at the top of my profession - leaving education per your suggestion would harm my students not help them.
$1 billion (projected 2010-2011 deficit)
- $400 million (legislative relief from pension payment obligations)
- $400 million (average overstatement of projected budget each year for the last 8 years)
--------------------------------------
$200 million actual deficit
Not too hard to knock that out, either...
$200 million (actual deficit)
- $30 million (elimination of IDS/High School Transformation)
- $170 million (restoration of 68% of education money now poured into TIFs)
-------------------------------
$0 deficit - all without raising taxes or cutting teachers
teach4equality,
On a side note, I am the provider for my family. My wife has been looking for work, unsuccessfully, for almost a year as we burn through our savings. The ability to pay the mortgage on my modest Chicago home, which I purchased based on the contractual salary agreement between CPS and CTU, does not constitute an "individual perk".
What about the children, you say? I gladly volunteer over 1,000 hours of my time each year to help raise student achievement. Get a reality check, already. And, by the way, I'm a kick ass teacher at the top of my profession - leaving education per your suggestion would harm my students not help them.
Fri Mar 26, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
I obviously didn't do a good job of expressing my point. It wasn't to anger good, hard working teachers. Quite the contrary actually.
I am new to the profession, as stated earlier. I come from a 5 year stint in the business world, so this is a career change for me. I understand business well, and I'm beginning to understand education. What I don't understand is how the CTU can keep the "no negotiations" mentality when the district is in such a crisis. It may be a crisis partly because of a fatty middle and upper management structure, which could be fixed, but it's a crisis nonetheless that extends beyond that. Negotiations must be made. Guaranteed 4% salary increases don't seem realistic across the board. I realize merit pay has been introduced before, but maybe it's a time to re-visit that concept.
The fact is that many teachers in my school and schools across the district are not performing. And I don't mean in terms of test scores. They're not preparing their students for a future of options. They're not implementing the necessary planning and pedagogy to make a classroom successful. They're not keeping up with even the most basic contemporary practices, such as backwards design. So when the public hears "no negotiations" in terms of tenure and salary increases and is reminded that only 50% of CPS students graduate high school, it leaves a sour taste. I may be too idealistic, but anyone who doesn't recognize the state of our district and the current practices in place that perpetuate poor performance is being unrealistic.
My only point is this: some compromise must be achieved. The "no negotiations" emails I receive daily are just unacceptable. 37 students per classroom would be an environment not conducive for learning, so I am obviously against it, but there are other budget deficit tactics proposed by the executive office that should be considered for negotiation by the CTU in order for us to keep our focus on our students.
I am new to the profession, as stated earlier. I come from a 5 year stint in the business world, so this is a career change for me. I understand business well, and I'm beginning to understand education. What I don't understand is how the CTU can keep the "no negotiations" mentality when the district is in such a crisis. It may be a crisis partly because of a fatty middle and upper management structure, which could be fixed, but it's a crisis nonetheless that extends beyond that. Negotiations must be made. Guaranteed 4% salary increases don't seem realistic across the board. I realize merit pay has been introduced before, but maybe it's a time to re-visit that concept.
The fact is that many teachers in my school and schools across the district are not performing. And I don't mean in terms of test scores. They're not preparing their students for a future of options. They're not implementing the necessary planning and pedagogy to make a classroom successful. They're not keeping up with even the most basic contemporary practices, such as backwards design. So when the public hears "no negotiations" in terms of tenure and salary increases and is reminded that only 50% of CPS students graduate high school, it leaves a sour taste. I may be too idealistic, but anyone who doesn't recognize the state of our district and the current practices in place that perpetuate poor performance is being unrealistic.
My only point is this: some compromise must be achieved. The "no negotiations" emails I receive daily are just unacceptable. 37 students per classroom would be an environment not conducive for learning, so I am obviously against it, but there are other budget deficit tactics proposed by the executive office that should be considered for negotiation by the CTU in order for us to keep our focus on our students.
Sat Mar 27, 2010 at 9:10 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Real school reform will only happen when there is real support for the school organizations. In real high performing schools there is time for teachers to have built in time to collaborate on planning, evaluation of real student data, do peer visits and peer review. For that to happen we would need more staff, longer instructional time in the elementary level. School reform is about building real professional capacity on site. The way professional development is handled in CPS is a model from the middle ages. Lack of experience, vision and wisdom is lacking from Daley to Huberman to his management team.
Merit pay is a not a solution since it appears that in places where it occurs folks game the system (cheat). Second, in a two tiered education system the playing field is NOT even by a long shot. Merit pay is a canard. Forget merit pay and have solid school reform built into our work day.
A real business person would see that the way school is organized in a way that prevents collaboration and not leverage the professionalism that exists, is not the way to go but that is Pre-Daly and Daley's way. We need to move forward with what works and not make up stuff and pass it off as innovation!
Merit pay is a not a solution since it appears that in places where it occurs folks game the system (cheat). Second, in a two tiered education system the playing field is NOT even by a long shot. Merit pay is a canard. Forget merit pay and have solid school reform built into our work day.
A real business person would see that the way school is organized in a way that prevents collaboration and not leverage the professionalism that exists, is not the way to go but that is Pre-Daly and Daley's way. We need to move forward with what works and not make up stuff and pass it off as innovation!
Sat Mar 27, 2010 at 11:55 AM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
Your comment is well-reasoned and appreciated, however teach4equality is too busy being judgmental to see that. I am so sick of these new teachers who come into the system thinking they know everything. Most of them can't manage a classroom, which places extra work on those of us who do. Those of us who are fortunate to work in buildings where there is common planning time - mostly high schools, though, know how valuable true professional capacity is. I wish we wouldn't bash each other (even though I just did) because the vast majority of us want our students to do well.
Thu Apr 1, 2010 at 12:52 PM
Coming to Chicago schools: 37 students in a class and other budget details
The Nation just did not go into turmoil this year. Arne Duncan went to the White House. He messed up Chicago Public Schools and now he is messing up the Nation. Obama went there; but he certainly did not to take Arne Duncan. Just look at the mess. His bright dream in Chicago was turning all these schools around. What a big mess. More children started getting killed; they were placed in the wrong territory. Because of his bright ideas. People started losing jobs. What another mess. No improvement of course. Finding out that he too, was too busy hooking up some crookedness by using his clout of choice of school for his friends. I still think that all of them is still tied up in some kind of mess with Real Estate and school deals. I am seriously feeling that Mr. Michael Scott and some of those higher uppers; like the Ex Governor know secrets that some people don't want thrown out. The person at the Board who kept that list is hurting; because he knows the wrong doing that they were pulling down there. The school system does not need all those middle men to show teachers how to teach children. They need supplies; and an allowed to do opportunity to teach. Every year there is a new program that did not work. Money wasted. All that collaboration mess cuts down on teaching time. Teachers Really feel that crunch. Old fashioned ways worked. Teachers taught their children. They were allowed to spend more time teaching; and not all this someone being paid to come around to watch you teach. THAT, is a big waste. Or check off on a checklist to see if you have a board up. Principals are constantly walking around with a notebook writing. And the sad problem about it is; Discipline is mounting! Principals need to hold those children down; with constant daily fights ; so the teachers CAN teach. Principals now, look like business men walking around with suits all day; coming around and writing. In other words; Teachers being watched like hawks. Of course if they don't like you ; or have friends or relatives that have a need; they write you off. It's a racket. Classroom are in for a BIG MESS with children in the rooms from wall to wall. The Nation needs to start rewriting now. It is going to be impossible to teach. Teachers will need boxing gloves and armor on to go up in those classrooms. Children already can't stand for another student to look at them. Why is Arne Duncan holding back money they have and putting it on something else; when the children and the school systems have problems now. They put parents to work; and cut them off of assistance;allowed them to have school for their smaller children to be and get an education at the same time; and now where will those children have to go; and how will the parents be able to work. THIS is going to be a big problem. Jobs don't let people work half day. This is not a smart idea for educated people. Small children are the feeders into the schools. Remember, a baby has to crawl before they walk. The small children need a place to be; in this time of umemployment; so that their parents can work. This is going to cause more people to be unemployed. Hopefully when Mr. Duncan finishes his 4 years in the White House; he does come back here and finish messing up. With Gov. Blag; we did not have this big mess. Hopefully Patrick Quinn is replaced; because has really caused a lot of problems for Illinois since he has been in there. How sad. He too; is a VERY bad choice. These people are just not working out. It's like a repeat of the Bush Symdrome.
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