tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post1837525663596964503..comments2024-03-28T23:38:22.511-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Board Meeting Ramps UpMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger55125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26524980182891360222013-11-19T13:27:32.077-08:002013-11-19T13:27:32.077-08:00All characterizations of delivery models for advan...All characterizations of delivery models for advanced learning programs are meaningless and unenforceable. It is a waste to time to discuss existing ones, let alone hypothetical ones.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91059608865575801312013-11-19T11:42:54.620-08:002013-11-19T11:42:54.620-08:00So Goose, I'm not quite following your point. ...So Goose, I'm not quite following your point. Could you expand on that?Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-32324062711592248622013-11-19T08:52:00.535-08:002013-11-19T08:52:00.535-08:00Interesting how the talk about "Bex IV says&q...Interesting how the talk about "Bex IV says" , "the levy says", "voters voted", "my tax dollars", etc is not a part of the discussion about TT Minor/World School as it was with Mann/NOVA.<br /><br />Selective enforcement of "the law" or justice for all?GooseGandernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21669498139414504822013-11-18T22:55:01.220-08:002013-11-18T22:55:01.220-08:00Will "blended" at Fairmount Park mean AP...Will "blended" at Fairmount Park mean APP & Spectrum mixed? That could be a real asset to kids who are numerous years ahead in math but not LA or the opposite. It could be an opportunity to offer a model that works for some APP kids mixed with Spectrum (and even Gen ed who are advanced in one area) and for those who need self-contained APP no matter how far away, TM is the answer. One thing I am really optimistic about is at FP there is an opportunity to hire a principal and staff who want to support AL and don't just have it thrust upon them. Just as STEM @ Boren was able to hire a principal and staff who were enthusiastic about building a unique, innovative program there. If it isn't done right parents will opt into TM or something else. I know TM has been a godsend to some, but riding on a bus for two hours a day does not work for some kids and families especially in the lower grades and not everyone qualified for AL has been able to get into Lafayette in the past. I hope this program isn't going to dilute the TM program, rather it will provide a option for WS kids who are not in APP because of the distance and who can't get adequate AL services at their schools in WS. -WSKparent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33603270083625222852013-11-18T22:27:15.517-08:002013-11-18T22:27:15.517-08:00And what does a "blended" model of spect...And what does a "blended" model of spectrum look like? Is it just "walk to math"? What about reading?<br /><br />--definitions pleaseAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66163015523314636592013-11-18T21:49:41.064-08:002013-11-18T21:49:41.064-08:00I don't even really care about the student ass...I don't even really care about the student assignment rules for the optional APP site. I want to know what a blended model of APP with Spectrum looks like. This will be the second Spectrum elementary school in Madison's attendance area.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37804637691935242612013-11-18T21:46:44.500-08:002013-11-18T21:46:44.500-08:00Eden,
I still see the new attachment on the Agend...Eden,<br /><br />I still see the new attachment on the Agenda found <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=189059&sessionid=c2bcc4eef8baa6d584ca2af3ca5b820a&t" rel="nofollow">here</a>.<br /><br />I don't think you're missing anything. If DeBell's amendment doesn't pass this week, the Superintendent can decide anytime before open enrollment where middle school APP is placed.<br />Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24753209501408669912013-11-18T21:39:00.310-08:002013-11-18T21:39:00.310-08:00I know promises were made, but they were made at a... I know promises were made, but they were made at a time when we had lots of extra inventory and a choice system. Services are getting spread out for AL and SPED too. The world has changed.<br /><br />The world has not changed that much. <br /><br />First, World School is the middle/high school for recent immigrant students. It would be very difficult for some to just walk into a regular middle or high school.<br /><br />Two, oh, so when do we decide which promises we keep and those we don't? <br /><br />It's ironic that you say "the world has changed" and I'm sure that's exactly how the students and parents of World School feel.<br /><br />The Islamic School idea might be good. There is no room to build on at Mann so that's not an option. <br /><br />It is entirely credible to say that World School could easily grow to 300-400 IF they had the right programming and services. That's not aspirational. We hear this discussion about JAMS and its growth.. ALL parents want their students at schools that can serve their needs. <br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57657304238833412572013-11-18T21:24:15.460-08:002013-11-18T21:24:15.460-08:00Thanks Lynn
I was able to see it from your link, ...Thanks Lynn<br /><br />I was able to see it from your link, but strangely I can't seem to find it on the link to the agenda.<br /><br />Did it go away again or? Are you still seeing a revised agenda with a link to the updated BAR?<br /><br />At any rate, B is not actually in the motion that was there the last time I looked, so unless they changed it to read that both Attachments A and B are approved, I'm not sure how these rules get accepted. I guess that the "optional" assignment to a "program" alleviates the need for board approval of student assignment rules.<br /><br />Expect that Option schools have geozones, so that doesn't follow. What are the rules for student assignment for the optional APP programs?<br /><br />Anyway, this does not actually mention North APP at all, so I think there is STILL NO NORTH APP boundaries or pathways up for approval in this BAR. Am I missing something somewhere?<br /><br />"ACCELERATED PROGRESS PROGRAM (APP) <br /> Current south end APP pathways remain in place, with eligible students guaranteed pathway assignments at Thurgood Marshall, Washington, and Garfield. <br /> APP will be offered as an option for eligible students at Fairmount Park in West Seattle <br />beginning in 2014-15 (and subsequently at Madison). This will be a different service delivery model, which is why enrollment is optional. It is anticipated that this will serve students who live in West Seattle who may not have participated in APP previously because of the distance to their pathway schools. <br /> APP may be offered as an option in Southeast Seattle in the future if eligibility and enrollment increases warrant additional sites. There are no plans to implement additional such sites at this time." <br /><br />Eden<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88941395033923542142013-11-18T19:30:58.547-08:002013-11-18T19:30:58.547-08:00There's a new Attachment B for the Growth Boun...There's a new <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/school%20board/13-14%20agendas/112013agenda/20131120_GrowthBoundaries_AttachmentB.pdf" rel="nofollow">Attachment B</a> for the Growth Boundaries BAR.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77687344258950143542013-11-18T17:02:22.258-08:002013-11-18T17:02:22.258-08:00If I understand correctly from the above quote, th...If I understand correctly from the above quote, there are students that have taken 7th grade math as sixth graders, and because they did poorly on a year end test, they are repeating the 7th grade curriculum? Is it their 6th grade skills that are weak due to skipping the material? So they could have done 6th grade math, 7th grade math, then potentially tested into Algebra in 8th grade, but instead they are taking 7th grade math twice. And for 8th grade? Sounds pretty messed up.<br /><br />As far as a placement test, it is valuable to have a test other than MAP in which you can check performance on specific skills. MAP scores can't tell you if a student is struggling with dividing fractions or multiplying decimals. So beginning and end of year tests are valuable, I just question their use as a single determinant in placement.<br /><br />From the district:<br /><i>In early spring, schools will receive placement recommendations for students based on each student’s current math course, grade in that course (for 8th grade students), teacher recommendation, most recent state test scores, and MAP data.</i><br /><br />Is it the use of MAP that is misidentifying students for placement? <br /><br />-parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67723520337226697092013-11-18T17:01:11.405-08:002013-11-18T17:01:11.405-08:00I agree with Erik that TT Minor makes most sense f...I agree with Erik that TT Minor makes most sense for Meany kids starting ASAP (taking the pressure off Washington and giving Meany a viable roll-up location) and as a neighborhood elementary in 2017 when Meany is completed and as central elementary demand grows. I think Smith-Blum proposed something along these lines.<br /><br />World School need a real home, not someplace they'll get shuffled out of again and again.<br /><br />CentralCentralnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77664446072915744512013-11-18T16:45:30.701-08:002013-11-18T16:45:30.701-08:00Lynn, that plan for the World School's growth ...Lynn, that plan for the World School's growth is PURELY aspirational. They serve about 185 high school children now. No guarantee that it would be accepted and embraced by parents to stay once there children's English has been scaffolded. The parents get to choose the education most appropriate for their children, and they may choose Garfield, or Cleveland, or Ingraham, all excellent institutions. The district has no way of knowing or even influencing this scenario. We hard-working and committed advocates for the World School can't decide it either. So, the much lauded growth and vision for World School remains totally up in the air. Whereas, their continuous instability is not in question. They deserve a stable future for the model they do have.<br />-185, not 600Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17208139894117132172013-11-18T16:24:00.875-08:002013-11-18T16:24:00.875-08:00I asked this question recently and was told that t...I asked this question recently and was told that there are many students who could be best served by World School who are currently not enrolled. The district intends to grow it to 600 students or so. (I think that's the number I heard.) <br />Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85029396011529271922013-11-18T16:03:30.670-08:002013-11-18T16:03:30.670-08:00In regards to World school,
Combine the budgets fo...In regards to World school,<br />Combine the budgets for the Mann renovation and World school buil out and build an addition, or seperate building at the Mann building site for the World school. Then the World school and Nova would continue their connection that they currently have. This would allow the World school students to be able to have access to the resources of Nova and Garfield.erik tanennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37456000992456902722013-11-18T16:01:05.589-08:002013-11-18T16:01:05.589-08:00Totally off the wall idea... Could SPS buy the old...Totally off the wall idea... Could SPS buy the old Islamic School next door to Mann/NOVA and renovate that for World School? It's small, and might be just the right size for this small program. It's also across the street from Garfield, so World School students could take some classes at Garfield or NOVA.TechyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04650916001250022778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37542075894063339582013-11-18T15:55:52.453-08:002013-11-18T15:55:52.453-08:00Why does world school need to stay 6-12? There are...Why does world school need to stay 6-12? There aren't any other 6-12 schools in SPS. Could the 6-8 part be at a middle school (Meany?) or Madrona, and the 9-12 part at a high school? Franklin would be a good spot for an all-city draw. Or, maybe the services could be offered at each of the three international high schools?<br /><br />It seems like setting aside a whole building for 120 kids isn't really workable in a district as crowded as this one. I know promises were made, but they were made at a time when we had lots of extra inventory and a choice system. Services are getting spread out for AL and SPED too. The world has changed.TechyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04650916001250022778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77081289935400438732013-11-18T15:41:23.582-08:002013-11-18T15:41:23.582-08:00Madrona does currently have space, but odds are, M...Madrona does currently have space, but odds are, Madrona will fill, too. And then does the World School get bounced again? I would like to see their program get a long-term space.<br /><br />And discussing just capacity doesn't address whether or not co-housing a K-8 and a 6-12 is best for the kids in either program.Meghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12795753563127975720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13323448338208299572013-11-18T14:47:03.059-08:002013-11-18T14:47:03.059-08:00Whitman does not have Advanced LA. The school does...Whitman does not have Advanced LA. The school does mixed-ability classes where everyone is blended together. They got rid of Spectrum last year so don't be fooled that Whitman still has Spectrum of any kind when all that is really offered is ALO. According to their website:<br /><br />"By moving to a cluster grouping model, Spectrum-identified students will be integrated into mixed-ability classrooms with rigorous instruction and teachers who will provide appropriate differentiation opportunities for any students who need them. Differentiation will occur as teachers modify the curriculum and their instructional strategies to meet the needs, strengths, learning styles, and interests of individual students so that ALL students will have the opportunity to learn to their full potential."<br /><br />The only reason that this mixed ability grouping isn't done in 6th grade is because the principal eliminated Spectrum after open enrollment last spring and incoming 6th grade parents were upset at the bait and switch. So for this year it is only being done to 7th and 8th grade students. But you can bet that next year it will be school-wide no real Spectrum. Let's call it what it is, ALO, but it ain't Spectrum.<br /><br />You also can test into any math but Whitman doesn't make it easy. They administer a beginning and end of the year placement test. Who came up with this test? Not sure anyone knows. This test isn't given at any other Seattle middle school, it's just something that Whitman cooked up. From their website:<br /><br />"Accelerated math placement at Whitman has been an ongoing concern. Experience shows that even if they are recommended by the District for advanced math, students who don't have a strong foundation in sixth- grade math concepts have difficulties being successful in Whitman's accelerated math program. 40% of last year's sixth- graders placed into accelerated math by district recommendation did not pass the year-end placement test or receive teacher recommendations to continue in accelerated math, and are now repeating the seventh- grade math curriculum. Prior to the district recommendation process, over 90% of all accelerated math students at Whitman passed the year-end placement test on a consistent basis."<br /><br />To pass this end of the year test, you have to score a 92% or higher to move on to the next level for the next school year. If you score lower than 92% then your child will be repeating math the following year. Doesn't matter if you got good grades all year. Get a 91% and you will repeat your math class. Awesome.<br /><br />This isn't a Spectrum issue, this is a lack of district oversight issue. <br /><br />NorthBallardAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3983420860746936782013-11-18T14:36:29.690-08:002013-11-18T14:36:29.690-08:00How many kids are there in the World school at the...How many kids are there in the World school at the present location. My understanding is that they have about 120 kids. TT minor can house 400. Why would the district promise a small program a school that can house three times the number.when the district is facing a coming influx of kids from the Yesler Terrace developement. <br /> Madronna is a K-8 that appears to have a shrinking enrollment and could accommodate the world school population at no cost. It seems simple.<br />Don't even want to bring up the issue that the kids who are going to go to Meany could then be housed at TT minor until Meany is done. This would help Washington, Madronna and the world school with a lot less cost than projected. It keeps TT minor free to be used for the growing need that will be there in a few years.erik tanennoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9028936740237479222013-11-18T14:10:27.999-08:002013-11-18T14:10:27.999-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13188925241856492052013-11-18T14:06:32.925-08:002013-11-18T14:06:32.925-08:00I think the APP cohort helps for math, but not for...I think the APP cohort helps for math, but not for other subjects, in that case, NE mom. I don't know enough about the ALO programs at the feeder schools to know if those additional kids add up to a robust cohort for the currently identified Spectrum kids.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27265436684147921702013-11-18T14:00:27.337-08:002013-11-18T14:00:27.337-08:00Just to be clear...I'm advocating for support,...Just to be clear...I'm advocating for support, in the form of an adequate cohort size, for all Spectrum-level learners, not for self-contained or officially tested in Spectrum students only.<br /><br />Advanced learners at ALO schools, such as the JAMS feeder schools, don't necessarily take the AL test to qualify for ALO. Those kids won't have an official Spectrum designation, but they should still be served at their ability level. Still, it seems like you need a good-sized cohort of students capable of advanced work to make even non-self-contained classes work.<br /><br />- North-end MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71554680036070044642013-11-18T13:47:40.419-08:002013-11-18T13:47:40.419-08:00From what I've heard from Whitman parents, kid...From what I've heard from Whitman parents, kids have to test into advanced math regardless of Spectrum status. All Spectrum kids take the advanced LA class, although it's not in a self contained class for 7th and 8th Grade. I'm hoping the advanced LA arts is available to everyone who needs it regardless of Spectrum status, having a kid who will really benefit from that when she hits middle school next year.<br />Crown Hill Mom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8346193837733243682013-11-18T13:47:26.866-08:002013-11-18T13:47:26.866-08:00I thought Spectrum was "dead" at Eckstei...I thought Spectrum was "dead" at Eckstein...is that not the case?<br /><br />AntAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com