tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post234158347094007427..comments2024-03-28T23:38:22.511-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38366356218710532272014-09-25T07:35:56.969-07:002014-09-25T07:35:56.969-07:00That's what I'm talking about. A program f...That's what I'm talking about. A program for kids working 4 or more grade levels above. HCC can handle 2 and 3 year above, that's a doable range, but when kids are at 4 or more years above grade level, they need their own cohort and teaching methods.<br />I'm afraid these very outlying students are getting lost in the shuffle of HCC and sitting on their hands a lot.<br /><br />DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44164381307755457252014-09-24T07:20:38.827-07:002014-09-24T07:20:38.827-07:00With a site like Khan Academy it's easy to see...With a site like Khan Academy it's easy to see where your child can go beyond normal acceleration. If a child can complete Algebra II on Khan and absorb the lectures on chemistry, physics, etc. while in elementary school, they are in need of AL service beyond normal HCC. Easy enough to find out.<br /> Dad<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43468788286128902902014-09-23T23:41:09.654-07:002014-09-23T23:41:09.654-07:00I think we need two programs, Lynn. I did not say ...I think we need two programs, Lynn. I did not say anything about sending anyone back, as you say it's pretty much impossible.The point is a student over 150 IQ is a different type of learner than an average HCC student. There have been students at Hamilton and WMS who needed access to classes at UW, even elementary age students, if I'm not mistaken. They are as far out of sync with the HCC as the HCC is with general education, I would argue more so as their numbers are so small. These kids need a tight multi-aged cohort where they can do differential geometry together and study cell metabolism and quantum mechanics when they are ready, no matter how young. There languishing in HCC and they're bored and losing steam.<br /><br />DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86252268557292390912014-09-23T23:26:08.315-07:002014-09-23T23:26:08.315-07:00Dad,
What would you do with the remaining 2,800 A...Dad,<br /><br />What would you do with the remaining 2,800 APP students? Their neighborhood schools in most cases have no interest in educating them.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15710624617162620152014-09-23T22:34:14.357-07:002014-09-23T22:34:14.357-07:00HIMSmom,
the range of the top 1/5 is essential
inf...HIMSmom,<br />the range of the top 1/5 is essential<br />infinite as it goes from 98% to the the most capable student possible, who could be a prodigy with an IQ over 200. I doubt such a child would be very well served at any school however. There should really be a program for the prodigies and extreme outliers. At 8th grade there is the UW program for skipping high school and going straight to college but nothing like that for younger children and the UW program is quite small, less than thirty children I believe. I would advocate for a highly selective program for the top 1/2% or 3/4% nationally normed. Say IQ's over 150. Guessing probably 50-100 or so in the district, but a very different group than the average HCC student and with an even greater need of a cohort and specialized instruction.<br /><br />DadAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21413192363750696122014-09-23T15:34:48.344-07:002014-09-23T15:34:48.344-07:00It depends on how you define levels. Take a fourth...It depends on how you define levels. Take a fourth grade class. There may be kids still working at third grade level, kids at 4th, and kids beyond 4th. The kids beyond 4th are likely to include some working at 5th (Spectrum-like ), as well as others at 6th, 7th, or even 8th grade level in various areas. So pulling out the "top level" does not necessarily result in a smaller range for that group. It may, however, provide actual opportunities for that group to learn--and likely will increase the ability of those closer to grade level to learn as well, since the teacher won't be spread so thin.<br /><br />That said , I think it would be fabulous to provide additional support for struggling students. Isn't that what MTSS is supposed to do?<br /><br />HIMSmomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88803438577345419932014-09-23T14:50:11.102-07:002014-09-23T14:50:11.102-07:00I think we already pull out 1 in 5 kids in the nor...I think we already pull out 1 in 5 kids in the northend for grouping in HCC.<br /><br />uiopAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4856140470948862102014-09-23T14:44:55.144-07:002014-09-23T14:44:55.144-07:00good point jkl;
who should we group? the top three...good point jkl;<br />who should we group? the top three so the really struggling get a narrower range or should the lowest three levels be grouped and give the top level a smaller range? or two levels in each group?<br /><br />zxcvAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20803893466408772942014-09-23T14:37:10.482-07:002014-09-23T14:37:10.482-07:00Expecting all teachers to differentiate across may...Expecting all teachers to differentiate across maybe 4 levels is what seems unrealistic. Some level of ability grouping just makes it more efficient and more likely that all students will be closer to getting instruction at the appropriate level, whether they are working below, at, or above standard. <br /><br />jkl;Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-14725607370885345872014-09-23T13:21:09.742-07:002014-09-23T13:21:09.742-07:00"It is damaging to both the kids in the class..."It is damaging to both the kids in the class who feel awful every time that kid aces the test again and they didn't understand, AND to the HC kid who didn't ever have to work to learn."<br /><br />That's the part that is irritating.It's analogous to saying that good looking kids should be removed because they make the rest feel bad, or Nobel Laureates should be living in special enclaves and not speak to the ordinary folk.Why is it so awful for kids to see each others' abilities? Now if the teacher won't challenge the kids who ace the tests by differentiating, that's on the teacher and should be rectified, or the school should pull out advanced math students or create walkto's or if you like, send them to HCC. Just don't keep repeating that idea of doing the rest of the kids a big favor by moving out the HC kids. Think for a minute about how that sounds regarding kids who are below grade level; we don't say they shouldn't be around higher performing students, do we? What about SpEd students? Isn't it good for kids to be around others of different abilities for its own sake? Don't we want our kids to appreciate each other for who they are as people not how well they do on tests?I don't care where you send your kid just don't tell me how good it is for mine to not be around kids who are born with a better propensity for mathematics. That is patently ridiculous and offensive.If the district can get its act together and serve most HC students in a heterogeneous environment it would benefit all students. If it can't then then there's the HCC, but don't you set the straw man, asdf, 'cause its BS.<br /><br />qwerty<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-272521037998552602014-09-23T09:58:44.961-07:002014-09-23T09:58:44.961-07:00"I'm a little sick of HC parents telling ... "I'm a little sick of HC parents telling me how bad it is for my kids to be in school with theirs." How could you have so misinterpreted the issue? Do you even want to understand? Or is your resentment so great you just manufacture your straw man so you can knock it down? <br /><br />It's not about you, or your kid. My other kid is in class with your kid and I'm thrilled with that because my other kid is learning. My HC kid is in class with your kid and is not learning math. I'm not wanting something different for my kid because something is wrong with your kid. I'm wanting different for my kid because my kid is not learning. My kid is not learning because the school is not teaching my kid. The school is "not worried" about my kid because my kid already knows everything they are responsible for teaching this year. They will start teaching my kid when they've neglected her long enough that she is finally at grade level. Until then, she can be bored, get lazy, and learn to hate school. You may be happy if my kid ends up like that, but I'm not. <br /><br />asdfAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42311547684278369742014-09-23T08:01:42.206-07:002014-09-23T08:01:42.206-07:00Melissa
Amen!!!
-teflonMelissa<br /><br />Amen!!!<br /><br />-teflonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16198107551314358992014-09-23T08:00:28.081-07:002014-09-23T08:00:28.081-07:00Satire or sarcasm? Just not sure (but really don&...Satire or sarcasm? Just not sure (but really don't care).Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27394377090628269732014-09-23T06:21:56.799-07:002014-09-23T06:21:56.799-07:00Textbook question: When in a high school class whe...Textbook question: When in a high school class where the teacher is using an adopted text, especially math or science, aren't students supposed to have their own copy of the text to take home? Our child is reporting there aren't enough books and they won't have a copy to take home. How typical is this?<br /><br />booklessAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54186065718597280312014-09-22T23:13:42.238-07:002014-09-22T23:13:42.238-07:00Hippie
Amen!Hippie<br /><br />Amen!mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-92173146072300048842014-09-22T22:17:17.966-07:002014-09-22T22:17:17.966-07:00I'll take that as a compliment, Charlie. I hav...I'll take that as a compliment, Charlie. I have to say, that if nothing else, and there is a lot of really good else on this blog, the passion people show for education of children, even if it's just theirs, is fantastic. That energy seeps into the schools and the administration and can only help. Plus the watchdogging and meeting attending by the stalwarts is incredible. I love the info, my friends are always amazed by how much I know about the district and the schools and it's fun to do a little creative writing once in a while. Keeps me on my toes for helping the kids with editing papers.<br />BTW, kudos to Lawton for teacher of the year in the person of Lyon Terry. That school has been hammered a few times for introducing "cluster grouping" into our lexicon. Thank goddess they have the best teacher in the state!<br /><br />HippieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-34916967021322448762014-09-22T20:48:11.843-07:002014-09-22T20:48:11.843-07:00Let's hope you don't base your ideas of AP...Let's hope you don't base your ideas of APP/HCC (whatever it's called) on the blog postings of a handful of parents.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18817607192065322982014-09-22T20:47:19.990-07:002014-09-22T20:47:19.990-07:00Hippie, thanks for providing even more satire.Hippie, thanks for providing even more satire.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37472142641079508342014-09-22T20:11:57.340-07:002014-09-22T20:11:57.340-07:00I'm a little sick of HC parents telling me how...I'm a little sick of HC parents telling me how bad it is for my kids to be in school with theirs. How bad they will feel being around geniuses(or near geniuses). How their kids suffer just being in the same place as mine. How there's a damage that will occur to them if they are not with their own kind, the "smart", yes I'm quoting some posts, ones.<br />How all, yes Charlie, you and others have said all, the research says they must be separated. How there is no right to expect service at local schools. And the real insult, how miserable they have it at their overcrowded Lincoln, forgetting the six or is it ten levels of music at WMS and Hamilton. The money that flows like water into the HCC schools,, the lack od diversity. I read the discussAPP blog and the posters are obsessed with IBX english and Ivy league schools when in other parts of our city kids deal with graduating HS. I think Toopretty"s post was cute, like her boy. I'm surprised people took it so literally.<br /><br />HippieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51997195106938412562014-09-22T19:46:08.132-07:002014-09-22T19:46:08.132-07:00Toopretty,
If you have a kid that is good at spor...Toopretty,<br /><br />If you have a kid that is good at sports, be sure to tell him to use his non-dominant hand for throwing the ball, and be sure his shoes don't fit so he can't run well. You don't want him to outperform anyone, or further develop his already too strong skills, so don't let him practice. Try to get him on a team that is younger than he is and less experienced. That will help hold him back so he won't improve. By the time he's grown he'll be really average at what used to be his special talent, and all the other parents will still like you. <br /><br />a momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60468343868043405132014-09-22T19:25:40.351-07:002014-09-22T19:25:40.351-07:00@ Toopretty,
Congratulations! You win the most sp...@ Toopretty,<br /><br />Congratulations! You win the most specious argument of the year award! Your inability to engage in meaningful discourse proves my point: best to just take care of one's own kids. One can't fight a tidal wave of prejudice and willful ignorance.<br /><br />asdfAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85619859915104268512014-09-22T18:27:06.368-07:002014-09-22T18:27:06.368-07:00Do you mean federal court, mirmac? I believe this...Do you mean federal court, mirmac? I believe this would be a state court case- McCleary tells us among other things that the courts here are fairly friendly to educational rights, and they have new regs to work with. It's also a different constitution they'd be working with that promises ample education- just different.<br /><br />Not trying to launch into a fed jur lecture, just not sure if you mean wa state Supreme Court or the 9th circuit (who would not control on this issue, unless they are bringing up federal issues I am not aware of).<br /><br />Generally I agree with Lori, about how obliged local schools need to be to serve HCC designated students who could go to an HCC school. I do think that all local schools should offer more in the way of advanced learning opportunities to all students, though. I don't think they need to serve every single advanced learner, but they should be serving many more than they currently are.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58808682952327026312014-09-22T17:25:18.688-07:002014-09-22T17:25:18.688-07:00That's what you go to court for - to find out ...That's what you go to court for - to find out if the law is saying what you believe it is.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75438548002867426622014-09-22T17:06:53.293-07:002014-09-22T17:06:53.293-07:00I have many decisions from the second highest cour...I have many decisions from the second highest courts in the land that say otherwise.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71040392368318930342014-09-22T15:37:09.265-07:002014-09-22T15:37:09.265-07:00"..here was no down-side to taking the test.&..."..here was no down-side to taking the test." <br /><br />Maybe not to the kid and the parents but the costs to the district testing all those kids who were going nowhere? Huge. Remember the majority of money goes for testing, not PD and better ways to reach these kids.<br /><br />Lori, it is unclear to me whether the student whose parents may sue has an APP-qualified student or Spectrum. It matters because yes, I believe the district is obligated to service all APP students,whether at an APP school or not. They very much could have a case if that is true.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.com