tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post237734916157334987..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: What Will Seattle Schools Be When It Grows Up?Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger225125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68548604578034203232016-06-25T16:17:55.800-07:002016-06-25T16:17:55.800-07:00(continued)
Nutrition Services report:
I agree t...(continued)<br /><br /><br /><b>Nutrition Services report:</b><br />I agree that this is an important study that prompts follow up and action. It confirmed many of the issues that were brought to the Board in the last year by the Lunch and Recess groups. I have expressed this at recent Board meetings and to the superintendent and staff.<br /><br /><b>Comments:</b><br />Just to clarify, some principals spoke before the Board on the topic of equity, urging the Board to consider this aspect when making decisions. <br /><br />What I found problematic was the message from a few people that night who told the Board that we should not listen to certain constituents, students and school communities who bring their concerns to us, and the claim that those constituents are ‘louder’ than others. <br /><br />I was troubled by that message and disagreed. For starters, ignoring constituents would be a violation of our duties as elected public representatives. <br /><br />As I said at the last Board meeting, I don’t think we as a Board can embrace that message. We have to listen to everybody who comes to us, whether they’re loud or quiet.<br /><br />Yes, we have to reach out to those we do not hear from often. But in my three years on the Board, there have been quite a few different communities who have come to us on many different issues, from various backgrounds, who’ve been passionate and compelling. We cannot ignore any of them.<br /><br />The irony is, if the Board were to follow the logic presented to us by some of the principals that night—-to ignore the loudest voices who share their concerns with us –-that would mean that we should ignore those very principals. After all, there were about 20 of the district’s nearly 100 principals present, so, by their own definition they were a “vocal minority.” But I don’t subscribe to that view, as I indicated in my director’s comments.<br /><br />I was also concerned by the suggestion that we not fund certain smaller schools or certain programs or services because they purportedly serve just one demographic and do not serve “our most fragile students” (an incorrect assumption).<br /><br />It worries me when we get into a situation where we seem to be playing a zero-sum game, where groups are pitted against each other. We must be committed to all of our 53,000 students and meet the needs of all of them.<br /><br />We cannot dismiss the concerns of any of our groups. We must address issues of equity and fairness with an eye to all of the students in need, and not forget any of our students.<br /><br />Thank you. <br /><br />Sue Peters<br />Vice President, Seattle School Boardsuep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44085840348328707092016-06-25T16:16:16.620-07:002016-06-25T16:16:16.620-07:00Dear all,
A couple of points of clarification an...Dear all, <br /><br />A couple of points of clarification and context. <br /><br /><b>Budget:</b><br />The one-time funds were discussed at a recent work session, then brought to Executive Committee (Board president, VP and at-large) the following week for a determination. We felt that it should be decided by the full Board, which then required another meeting. Time (hard to come by especially in the waning days of the school year and as we headed into graduation schedules) was found on Weds, just before the Board meeting (6/15). Because related documents were not provided to the Board until the afternoon before, a discussion was had, but it was determined that there was not time in that brief meeting to reach an informed conclusion. This will happen soon so funds can go to schools ASAP.<br /><br />Views discussed ranged from funding some or all of the 5 Board governance goals for 2016-17, funding IB for all three locations (Rainier Beach, Chief Sealth and Ingraham high schools), dividing up some of the funds among each school to use at their discretion, funding a MS math adoption, mitigation funding for schools with a priority on schools that have high needs or programs that cannot function without mitigation, to not spending any of it in the 2016-17 school year, but saving it for the 2017-18 school year.<br /><br /><b>Center School:</b><br />My point was, it is possible that one-time mitigation funds to retain a crucial component of a school (here, the art dept) could be an investment in the future of the school in that it could attract students and increase enrollment (bringing with it funding), making mitigation in the following year unnecessary. In other words, it may not require annual shoring up, but could be a one-time investment that would then sustain itself by attracting enrollment. <br /><br />It’s my understanding that the loss of the art teacher and other offerings has dissuaded students from enrolling. I also want to point out that our smaller schools (perhaps what some are referring to as “boutique”?) also serve diverse students with needs that cannot be met in more comprehensive, larger school settings. That’s why there is broad Board support for an investment in various options for our students. <br /><br />The term “boutique” has certain derogatory and subjective implications which I don’t find particularly constructive. I urge those who may discount such schools to study up on the history Middle College, Indian Heritage School, Center School, Nova, and the role they have played in giving a place, purpose and support to students who are no less deserving than any other, some who have been at risk of dropping out of school, and do not fit anyone’s stereotypical demographic. As for our our language immersion schools, I believe there is some general agreement that we need a sustainable model that funds all the programs and services the district offers, and to not have to rely on PTAs.<br /><br />(continued)suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89304436581775821792016-06-24T08:37:58.364-07:002016-06-24T08:37:58.364-07:00North-end Mom and Realist -
Yes, the NSAP resulted...North-end Mom and Realist -<br />Yes, the NSAP resulted...in many cases...in drastic lowering of F/RL numbers in north end schools.<br />McClure MS was 47% F/RL in 2009, and fell to 22% in 2013<br />Interestingly, Whitman MS went from 23% to 30% F/RL in the same period.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73659553428322885472016-06-23T16:55:03.656-07:002016-06-23T16:55:03.656-07:00@realist
"Hamilton was 54% FRL before the AP...@realist<br /><br />"Hamilton was 54% FRL before the APP program was placed there, and is now 8% FRL. IHS has gone from 56% FRL (2009-10) to 28% FRL (2014-15)."<br /><br />If I am remembering correctly, prior to the NSAP, transportation was provided to students living in SE Seattle, so that they could attend north-end schools like Hamilton and Ingraham. The changes in the demographics at these schools are due, at least in part, to the discontinuation of transportation to and from SE Seattle.<br /><br />-North-end MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62457661379830304532016-06-23T11:00:31.295-07:002016-06-23T11:00:31.295-07:00"As for equity, I believe it's only equit..."As for equity, I believe it's only equitable that parents who's children are not being served in SPS should receive some sort of compensation." <br /><br />"What does that mean in specific?"<br /><br />-Property tax refund<br /><br />WestAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73387539272491664082016-06-22T12:13:10.748-07:002016-06-22T12:13:10.748-07:00No, I'm not talking about parents' behavio...No, I'm not talking about parents' behavior. <br /><br />I'm talking about the district fully explaining this new (and seemingly overarching) vision for the district and how that will play out in schools and classrooms.<br /><br />I know it is for staff but parents need the big picture explanation AND, if it gets used in their school, how it will be used.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45667958792818739902016-06-22T10:25:28.281-07:002016-06-22T10:25:28.281-07:00Melissa, you wrote that you were "still uncle...Melissa, you wrote that you were "still unclear what it is that parents are supposed to be changing in their behavior or mind using this "equity lens."<br />That is what I was responding to in my comment about it not being used by parents. It's a policy and procedure tool.<br />Oh, I see, I read your comment as parents using the tool, but I think you mean how are parents to change their behavior if the tool is used generally. My apologies.<br /><br />But yours is a good point - parents should know how tool is used, be involved in policy and procedure, particularly as it impacts schools in a variety of ways. AND why just race, and not F/RL, ELL, SpEd, HCC....<br /><br />Regarding my comment about how it's not an option to just not do anything, well, it's not. Not trying to guilt anyone or anything, but I've been on a ton of committees over the decades, watched stuff developed, watched it languish and not a lot changes. I wasn't suggesting that parents WANT to just do nothing, but rather that we can't just do nothing.<br /><br />A/H/G TAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56573409712262896242016-06-22T09:48:45.239-07:002016-06-22T09:48:45.239-07:00Lisa G, wait and read.
Lisa G, wait and read.<br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84213120806108514432016-06-22T09:11:20.139-07:002016-06-22T09:11:20.139-07:00Melissa wrote " look for my upcoming series o...Melissa wrote " look for my upcoming series on personalized learning which is all about use of technology"<br /><br />Does that mean your upcoming series will be all about the use of technology? Because personalized learning doesn't have to involve "technology" at all.<br /><br />LisaGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37220652088067757532016-06-22T08:26:42.615-07:002016-06-22T08:26:42.615-07:00"As for equity, I believe it's only equit..."As for equity, I believe it's only equitable that parents who's children are not being served in SPS should receive some sort of compensation." <br /><br />What does that mean in specific?<br /><br />West, look for my upcoming series on personalized learning which is all about use of technology.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62744250419547830442016-06-22T07:34:53.232-07:002016-06-22T07:34:53.232-07:00Oh, West, SPS discourages teachers from lecturing....Oh, West, SPS discourages teachers from lecturing. It's not considered active learning. Students working in groups to share their lack of knowledge is considered the pinnacle of student engagement. SPS doesn't place much value on texts, either. They are fine with teachers supplanting with randomly downloaded material. Desks? My child's classroom experimented with going without those as well. "Academic freedom" = free for all<br /><br />-counting downAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38904611973276896712016-06-22T07:20:38.946-07:002016-06-22T07:20:38.946-07:00West nailed it. The irony is that for many values ...West nailed it. The irony is that for many values of x, east-side schools treat group x better than SPS does.TechyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04650916001250022778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48132774417842116912016-06-22T05:45:16.902-07:002016-06-22T05:45:16.902-07:00I think it's verging on criminal to have so mu...I think it's verging on criminal to have so much technology in schools. Seattlites are not new to the technology hustle. <br /><br />How many personal computers have you owned? Count your smart electric typewriters, your Commodores, your Amigas, your Apple II E, your IBMs and HPs, your PDAs, Blackberries, your smart phones, every single one, the HTCs and iPhones, count all your tablets, Kindles, iPads, off brands, count all your laptops, including the one you left on the train, ran over, dropped off the kayak. <br /><br />Can you even count that high? Do you remember? <br /><br />Why didn't 1 computer just last for even a decade? Why is it that we know that technology is not sustainable and Staff tell us it is the sustainable way to spent 11 million. Either they are young and stupid, or they are in on the hustle.<br /><br />Teachers, classrooms, curriculum, pencils, paper, books, nurses, counsellors, desks, playgrounds, lunches. Repeat until all students are REALLY given an education. We don't need fancy projectors if student teacher ratios are small enough. Students should be able to see to the front of the room. Teachers should be able to walk a text around for read-a-loud if only one book is available. Teachers should learn the art of the lecture, and know the material well enough to draw diagrams on a whiteboard spontaneously, as needed. ... I guess that would be MTSS... "Oh, some of you still don't see, let me draw a diagram to clarify my point." Teachers should not need multi-year implementation for that, just small enough classes to assess learning while teaching.<br /><br />West<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40347424752105924562016-06-21T22:41:47.042-07:002016-06-21T22:41:47.042-07:00The good news, schools out in 3 days and the bad n...The good news, schools out in 3 days and the bad news, it starts again in 73 days without any noticeable improvements.<br /><br />As for equity, I believe it's only equitable that parents who's children are not being served in SPS should receive some sort of compensation. <br /><br />Cultural relativity Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47336834184381815002016-06-21T22:23:21.543-07:002016-06-21T22:23:21.543-07:00Seems like a nasty way to cut classes and teachers...Seems like a nasty way to cut classes and teachers...<br /><br />Administration: " Look how poorly we treat x group of students. You are selfish to want better for your beloved. You are selfish like east-siders. "<br /><br />Parents: " I guess we should race to the bottom, well, when you put it like that. I wouldn't want to be thought of as selfish. You had better treat our beloveds poorly as well. It's OK, forget that whole education thing, silly us for wanting it, expecting it, and paying for it. Those selfish Bellevue folks can demand public education, we'll settle for equity I guess."<br /><br />Administrators: "Right, education is unsustainable and selfish. We need more lucrative tech, consulting, and admin. contracts!"<br /><br />WestAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41557780945836024212016-06-21T21:04:42.728-07:002016-06-21T21:04:42.728-07:00Stop the Hypocrisy, I know plenty of people, inclu...Stop the Hypocrisy, I know plenty of people, including myself, who would pay more taxes and my kids are out of the system. That said, I'd like to start with the business subsidies first.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-17852610797479745552016-06-21T19:34:42.071-07:002016-06-21T19:34:42.071-07:00Really, JS? That's your idea of equity? Studen...Really, JS? That's your idea of equity? Students would most likely choose their neighborhood school over commuting 2-3 hours a day on public transit.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18816317768711432312016-06-21T17:22:27.667-07:002016-06-21T17:22:27.667-07:00Speddie, to say that it’s just HCC getting “more,”...Speddie, to say that it’s just HCC getting “more,” well that’s simply not true. Every single student in SPS is getting more compared to the group you describe. Books, classes, teachers, materials - these things are not unique to HCC. <br /><br />If you compare HCC to gen ed students, the only “more” they are getting is the option to refuse the service, or in the case of HS, the option to play the lottery for IBX. That is not as good as it sounds – pathway schools are overcrowded with long commutes and could split, move or disappear at any moment, IBX is not a guaranteed placement, and neighborhood schools most likely don't offer what the student needs. Some people would call these “opportunities” but to those who have to make the decisions they are closer to impossible choices.<br /><br />not moreAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36000470234796704232016-06-21T15:41:23.683-07:002016-06-21T15:41:23.683-07:00Hmm. Won't that just flip the demographics of ...Hmm. Won't that just flip the demographics of Garfield and rbhs? Isn't rbhs smaller, so it actually couldn't take the hcc kids? I am not sure you can force them out of their neighborhood schools. Sped and ell families can choose to refuse service and just go to their neighborhood schools, so I imagine hcc kids have this right too. Interesting idea, but I am not sure it pencils out.<br /><br />I am also not sure how many times in a row the answer to a capacity problem can be "kick the hcc kids out!" before that is pretty inequitable, but we're butting right up against it. Especially since these are the kids who got pulled out of Lowell and then HIMS midstream(not my kid). That's starting a new school from scratch in the middle of your time at every single level. Pretty crappy.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9733623218878851062016-06-21T15:29:15.170-07:002016-06-21T15:29:15.170-07:00The only solution seems moving HCC to RBHS, in fac...The only solution seems moving HCC to RBHS, in fact it should the only placement allowed for middle school HCC students.They will want to go their attendance school, but there is no way Ballard or Roosevelt can take them.<br />Solves the equity question too.<br /><br />JSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66758892423018272502016-06-21T14:02:38.019-07:002016-06-21T14:02:38.019-07:00APP/Gen Ed Teacher, you say that the Equity lens i...APP/Gen Ed Teacher, you say that the Equity lens is not for parents and yet it could fundamentally change much of how this district does its work. Yes, I do think parents should be fully-informed on how it works and what those changes will look like. As well, you said,"<br /><br />". That WILL be work; it will be effort; it will be "a heavy lift", but to do nothing is not an option."<br /><br />That we are asking questions of this new policy is NOT saying "do nothing." Please do not put words in anyone's mouth or make it appear that people are seeking the dreaded status quo. We all know change needs to happen but as a long-time viewer of the district, I know enough to beware of changes that come with little real explanation.<br /><br />Maureen, I think you are right. Just viewing everything thru one equity lens means other issues may not get attention that is valid. I'm going to have to talk with some Board members about how they see this.<br /><br /><br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64591464328257243142016-06-21T13:47:38.585-07:002016-06-21T13:47:38.585-07:00My guess is that most of us would pay more taxes t...My guess is that most of us would pay more taxes to pay for this. I would in a heartbeat. And I do spend a lot of time advocating for tax restructuring that would result in my family paying more taxes.<br /><br />-sleeperAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6077242815116670952016-06-21T13:26:39.221-07:002016-06-21T13:26:39.221-07:00Maureen, that is a good question: why isn't it...Maureen, that is a good question: why isn't it just an "equity analysis tool" instead of "race equity analysis tool"?<br />Perhaps because it was developed by the Race and Equity Committee, with that focus, but certainly the overarching equity issue deserves its own analysis and attention, and that issue is poverty. IMO.<br /><br />A/H/G TAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23642695203106610422016-06-21T12:53:51.517-07:002016-06-21T12:53:51.517-07:00Lots of people on this thread are complaining abou...Lots of people on this thread are complaining about the lack of funding but I haven't heard a single one volunteer to pay more in taxes to provide it. The consensus seems to be that someone else should pay for their benefits. <br /><br />Stop the Hypocrisy<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15193681135965605572016-06-21T12:48:50.444-07:002016-06-21T12:48:50.444-07:00"Haven't checked in on this thread lately..."Haven't checked in on this thread lately but it's taken a sad turn. Parents fighting, pitting kids against each other and trying to tear down programs, egged on by two SPS principals who really ought to know better. This is not ok, it's not helpful, and it doesn't help us achieve equity or solve problems"<br /><br />I agree and I hope these individuals don't take this fight to city hall. I was disappointed to learn that a John Stanford staff member decided to join the rally and hold a sign.<br /><br />In case anyone is watching, I'm advocating that the district support trauma informed instruction. I've added this to my list which includes funding IB for 3 years, providing teacher/ student supports related to decreased suspensions, funding middle and high schools (Franklin needs help), and supporting deaf and hard of hearing.<br /><br />There are things to support vulnerable communities without pitting groups. <br />Watchingnoreply@blogger.com