tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post2666633177305015943..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12026175343115564292013-12-25T09:11:32.448-08:002013-12-25T09:11:32.448-08:00Mag Mom,
You live outside the transportation zone ...Mag Mom,<br />You live outside the transportation zone for Bagley. The district mails bus stop info to families in the summer for students eligible for transportation.BLnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76892738717728314352013-12-23T08:13:18.815-08:002013-12-23T08:13:18.815-08:00The students who have been eligible for transporta...The students who have been eligible for transportation were already at their schools before the New Student Assignment Plan was approved. Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5422758554454406032013-12-23T08:04:09.439-08:002013-12-23T08:04:09.439-08:00My daughter has attended Bagley Montessori for the...My daughter has attended Bagley Montessori for the past 2.5 yrs. we live in magnolia and have driven her since day 1. Was she eligible for the bus all this time??? I thought since we chose an option school outside our cluster we were responsible for transportation. <br /><br />Mag MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4620383576219801292013-12-22T20:59:57.518-08:002013-12-22T20:59:57.518-08:00I have a friend who was considering going to an op...I have a friend who was considering going to an option school, but was concerned about losing their spot at their local (very full) K-5. They were told by someone at the district that once they left the K-5, they gave up their guaranteed spot. They could apply during Open Enrollment and through Sept 30, but would get a spot only on a space available basis. As opposed to the guaranteed spot they would be given if they had never left.Majehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14946793603263324660noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70080257619091857692013-12-22T17:34:42.425-08:002013-12-22T17:34:42.425-08:00PFrom the Growth Boundaries webpage:
Students ent...PFrom the Growth Boundaries webpage:<br /><br /><i>Students entering grades 6-8 who currently attend a K-8 attendance area or option school. These students will receive a continuing assignment to their current K-8 school. If they apply for JAMS during Open Enrollment through September 30, they will be assigned to JAMS.</i>Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37272065118122005872013-12-22T12:44:03.679-08:002013-12-22T12:44:03.679-08:00@ unscientific survey
You wrote:
" but, unde...@ unscientific survey<br /><br />You wrote:<br />" but, understand that JAMS is a guaranteed assignment, so kids can trade horses late in the day once they and their families realize the depth of opportunity that a only comprehensive middle school can offer."<br /><br />Are you sure that JAMS is a guaranteed assignment for families now at the JA K-8? The reason why I'm asking is because in the Growth Boundaries presentations, it said that families wishing to switch from the JA K-8 to JAMS had to do so during the Open Enrollment period.<br /><br />My impression was that once you chose an option school, then you give up your assignment to the attendance area school, and open enrollment was the only time you can make a switch.<br /><br />- North-end MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7572603748835385282013-12-21T21:20:12.588-08:002013-12-21T21:20:12.588-08:00I think they're actually using it to evaluate ...I think they're actually using it to evaluate the nomination process. They want to know if there are students who might qualify who are not nominated for testing by parents or teachers. This makes no sense to me. They have MAP test scores for all but the kindergarten students - so they know which students might qualify for the programs. (Unless they're considering dropping the achievement test scores requirement.)<br /><br />Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-84421054391887044312013-12-21T19:30:56.696-08:002013-12-21T19:30:56.696-08:00The testing is being done to compare identificatio...The testing is being done to compare identification screening tools. It's not expressly being done to nominate students for AL. The full CogAT would be used for that. Isn't our screening tool currently the MAP test? They don't need parental permission for that test (yes, it's an achievement test, so different than the CogAT). I think the objective is to determine if the current identification procedures significantly under-identify students.<br /><br />Per Lynn's post, the SE students are being given the <i>CogAT Screening Form</i>, which is different than the full CogAT test. <br /><br />-clarifyingAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82585168921056497672013-12-21T16:46:28.912-08:002013-12-21T16:46:28.912-08:00This seems more of a gray area to me than Charlie&...This seems more of a gray area to me than Charlie's interpretation. I thought districts were allowed to screen students as a part of the process. WAC language is not clear about whether or not a screening requires parental permission. It is clear about obtaining permission to do full testing and consideration for AL Programs. Following a screening, districts are required to obtain written parental permission. http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-170-045<br /><br />Charlie may correct about this but in either case and especially at this late date, going back and obtaining parental permission to administer the full CogAT seems pretty cumbersome. More WAC Language below:<br /><br />WAC 392-170-045<br /> <br />Nomination process for highly capable students.<br />Each school district shall adopt procedures for the nomination of students to participate in programs for highly capable students. Such procedures shall permit referrals based on data or evidence from teachers, other staff, parents, students, and members of the community.<br />A district's nomination procedure for students who are highly capable may include screening procedures to eliminate students who, based on clear, current evidence, do not qualify for eligibility under WAC 392-170-055.<br /><br />CECAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6067744364853128882013-12-21T16:37:28.750-08:002013-12-21T16:37:28.750-08:00Here are the instructions for nomination for Highl...<a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/advanced%20learning/201314InfoPacket.pdf" rel="nofollow">Here</a> are the instructions for nomination for Highly Capable services in Seattle Public Schools.<br /><br />It states, very clearly, that<br /><br />"<i>--A signed Parent/Guardian Permission Form is required prior to testing.</i>"Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22854187831617628292013-12-21T16:35:52.507-08:002013-12-21T16:35:52.507-08:00Here is a link to a VERY recent report to the Boar...Here is a link to <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/school%20board/12-13%20agendas/112812agenda/20121128_Presentation_ProgramEvaluation.pdf" rel="nofollow">a VERY recent report to the Board</a> on the assessments used in Seattle Public Schools.<br /><br />The CogAT is listed on slide five and the only stated purpose is "<i>screener for advanced learning programs (K-8th)</i>"<br /><br /><a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/siso/ssdassessment.pdf" rel="nofollow">Here</a> is a list of all of the assessments given and the CogAT isn't on it.<br /><br />And here is the smoking gun: <a href="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%2520Content/advanced%2520learning/ALTF2a.pptx&sa=U&ei=QDO2UufqNdKskAfauIEI&ved=0CA4QFjAH&client=internal-uds-cse&usg=AFQjCNFdesRGDR6zmWZA0yi29PRyj0a0qg" rel="nofollow">a Powerpoint</a> that, on slide ten, clearly states that the CogAT was given to 2nd graders in southeast Seattle specifically to indentify students for the Highly Capable program.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24309003675763681212013-12-21T16:25:27.214-08:002013-12-21T16:25:27.214-08:00I'm confused by the claim that the District di...I'm confused by the claim that the District did universal CoGAT testing without parent/guardian permission.<br /><br />Unless the state law has been changed, I don't believe they are allowed to do that.<br /><br />Yep. Here it is:<br /><br /><a href="http://apps.leg.wa.gov/wac/default.aspx?cite=392-170-047" rel="nofollow">WAC 392.170.047</a><br />"<i><b>WAC 392-170-047</b><br />Agency filings affecting this section<br />Parental/legal guardian permission.<br /><br />Parental permission shall be obtained in writing before:<br />(1) Conducting assessment(s) to determine eligibility for participation in programs for highly capable students;<br />(2) Placement in the district's highly capable program before any special services and programs are started for an identified highly capable student;<br />Parental permission notice shall include:<br />(a) A full explanation of the procedures for identification of a student for entrance into the highly capable program;<br />(b) An explanation of the appeal's process;<br />(c) An explanation of the procedures to exit a student from the program; and<br />(d) Information on the district's program and the options that will be available to identified students.</i>"<br /><br />What was the purpose for giving the CoGAT to every 2nd grade student in the Southeast? Wasn't it to identify students to apply for advanced learning programs?Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38379409043120871482013-12-21T15:24:05.720-08:002013-12-21T15:24:05.720-08:00Lynn,
Thanks for the link. So my son still has to...Lynn,<br /><br />Thanks for the link. So my son still has to do the full cogat test in January.<br />I don't know why they didn't bother explain this to the concerned parents..<br />Anyway, thanks again.<br /><br />SE MOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3590379869900406922013-12-21T13:25:14.916-08:002013-12-21T13:25:14.916-08:00Blue Bus, I have a thread in mind about porn. Sad...Blue Bus, I have a thread in mind about porn. Sadly, it is quite a wide-spread problem that many parents seem to be completely unaware of.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65607696294366983972013-12-21T13:00:22.308-08:002013-12-21T13:00:22.308-08:00For what it's worth, we sent our then kinderga...For what it's worth, we sent our then kindergardener on a k-8 bus without any serious issues. Not all middle school aged kids are "bad".<br />BenBenjamin Leishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76610677568236150692013-12-21T11:14:58.970-08:002013-12-21T11:14:58.970-08:00SE MOM
I found this in the Teaching and Learning ...<b>SE MOM</b><br /><br />I found this in the <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/school%20board/Friday%20Memos/2013-14/Nov%2022/20131122_FridayMemo_TeachingLearningUpdate.pdf" rel="nofollow">Teaching and Learning Friday Memo</a> for November 22nd. <br /><br /><i>In addition to a much more robust outreach effort during September, we are also administering the new CogAT Screening Form to all 912 second graders in the Southeast Region during December. This is a 40 minute assessment which predicts success on the full CogAT. We expect scores by early January, at which time we will compare the number and performance of students whose parents referred them for testing with those who showed promise on the Screening Form but had not been referred. This will provide data to indicate whether our established referral process is effective.</i>Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8655924559365835702013-12-20T22:10:46.851-08:002013-12-20T22:10:46.851-08:00Re - Busses
Elementary kids and middle school kid...Re - Busses<br /><br />Elementary kids and middle school kids: not a good mix on a bus. Forget about lewd behavior or bad language, we are talking porno.<br /><br />Yup, porno.<br /><br />Can you say "iPhone"?<br /><br />Adolescents are not known, in general, for their spot-on, consistent judgment.<br /><br />I know a case where a middle schooler showed porno on his smart phone -- in order to impress his buddies about what a bada** dude he was -- to some kindergarteners :-(<br />Once that bell has been rung, you can't unring it. <br /><br />Parents giving their middle schoolers smart phones with data plans (e.g. the internet) WITHOUT a filter or embedded parental controls activated is not a great thing. But it is life, and, it is surprisingly common.<br /><br />So, truly, my little girl is not getting on a bus with a bunch of guys or girls who are 14 are prone to discuss topics that are inappropriate for her age/stage. <br /><br />Switching to another item that was raised, sharing busses to Lincoln, there will be different bell times in order to make co-location work, so that can't happen. <br /><br />-blue busAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15140185012594778112013-12-20T19:58:26.516-08:002013-12-20T19:58:26.516-08:00Wow, they surveyed the JAK8 kids, not the kids and...Wow, they surveyed the JAK8 kids, not the kids and parents, or the parents? I know in our family, it will be the parent who decides where our child goes for middle school. We feel we have a little bit more insight into the big picture and a bit more judgment and experience then does our 11 year old. Call us crazy!<br /><br />A survey in that setting won't tell you much. Peer Pressure, herd mentality, and a juvenile understanding of the choice before them, will heavily influenced the look of the survey.<br /><br />It's pretty clear, JAk8 is going to loose students, once families find out that the numbers will be down and certain teachers will be riffed, and once they realize the mitigation dollars and commitment that District is putting into the launch Jane Addams (hint: it is the first new comprehensive secondary institution this District has launched in 40 years, this is a VERY high-profile event -- the District knows it, the School Board knows it, and the City and all of the other high-end muckity-mucks know it too) look for more of the middle schoolers in the area to be seduced by the bevy of electives and advanced level coursework that will be a given with the incoming APP cohort. <br /><br />Plus, of course, there are the facilities to consider. Jane Addams has spectacular fields. Soccer, baseball, football, Ultimate frisbee - all possible. Marshall has a parking lot. That's okay for elementary kids, but bigger bodies need more than a playground, they need a play field! <br /><br />So what time will tell, and everyone will head to the spot that feels right to them, but, understand that JAMS is a guaranteed assignment, so kids can trade horses late in the day once they and their families realize the depth of opportunity that a only comprehensive middle school can offer. <br /><br />So, that survey? Not really going to have too much predictive power. And, that's okay, because in the end, kids will all get served and that's what matters!<br /><br />-unscientific survey<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64525395132545629012013-12-20T16:53:14.053-08:002013-12-20T16:53:14.053-08:00SE Mom - I think you should probably contact the a...SE Mom - I think you should probably contact the advanced learning office to let them know your son has already taken the CogAT. <br /><br />It is weird that parents didn't have to give permission for the CogAT testing. Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11996090947125985842013-12-20T16:35:25.169-08:002013-12-20T16:35:25.169-08:00From the new JAMS Fusion Page (http://jams.www.sea...From the new JAMS Fusion Page (http://jams.www.seattleschools.org )<br /><br /><br />Jane Addams K-8 families<br /><br />We've created a survey for families of current Jane Addams 5-7th grade students. Please look for an email asking you to complete this brief survey so that Principal Nelsen and Principal Montgomery can better plan for next year! Many thanks, have a great break!<br /><br /><br />I heard that 6th graders at the JA K-8 were surveyed about their plans for next year during class yesterday. They were asked to check a box for either: staying with the K-8 (at John Marshall), or transferring to JAMS (at the Jane Addams building).<br /><br />- JR MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-14289386997106363202013-12-20T16:07:50.063-08:002013-12-20T16:07:50.063-08:00Hmm - I predict a later start time would be a disa...Hmm - I predict a later start time would be a disaster for HIMS. It will put students and parents and busses right in the middle of the traffic heading into the UW. <br />Maybe HMIS isn't slated for a later start though. I hope not. <br /><br />-Staying at HIMSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89136200261220284822013-12-20T15:47:37.288-08:002013-12-20T15:47:37.288-08:00The district is testing all 2nd graders in SE Seat...The district is testing all 2nd graders in SE Seattle this year with the CoGAT 7. <br /><br />Here's a quote from district meeting minutes earlier this year:<br /><br /><i>The new CoGAT 7 was just delivered last week and we are in process of storing the materials. It’s a larger than normal order. They will be testing students that are referred and doing a universal screening, using CoGAT 7, of 2nd graders in the southeast region schools. CoGAT 7 has improved the non-verbal components. This will address the needs of children with language barriers. The test takes 1 ½ hours and will be administered by teachers in their classrooms. All of the students in second grade classrooms at selected sites will take the test all at once. It’s not individually administered. The non-verbal portion is imbedded in the test and is age specific.</i><br /><br />Maybe they scheduled the January date in error? Or maybe it's a placeholder date in case they want to administer additional achievement tests like Woodcock-Johnson? They used to do CoGAT and then call children with high scores back for W-J testing in the era before MAP. I think they sometimes still do W-J even with MAP but am not positive.<br /><br /><br />What is weird, for sure, is that no one bothered to tell the parents of 2nd graders in SE Seattle that this was going to happen.<br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/school%20board/committees/C&I/2013-14/20130909_Minutes_C&I.pdfLorihttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07777580098975083499noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23020826881915653652013-12-20T15:28:06.147-08:002013-12-20T15:28:06.147-08:00Lynn,
I don't know, he told me it was the Cog...Lynn,<br /><br />I don't know, he told me it was the Cogat 7 level 8 and that it was long but don't know more Than that.<br />A screener for what? Advanced placement? So which test would be used to see if he is eligible, this one or the one he is supposed to take in January? And will the parents be notified of the result of this test, for a change ?<br /><br />Anyway,thanks for your reply!<br />SE MOMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24672960494925324142013-12-20T14:51:28.983-08:002013-12-20T14:51:28.983-08:00The BEX IV monthly update reports that the first ...The <a href="http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Departmental%20Content/school%20board/Friday%20Memos/2013-14/Dec%2013/20121213_FridayMemo_BEXMonthlyUpdate.pdf" rel="nofollow">BEX IV monthly update</a> reports that the first change order for the delay at the Mann building was received - $82,000. The completion date has been moved from July 1, 2014 to September 23, 2014.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43611983882366141802013-12-20T14:41:13.579-08:002013-12-20T14:41:13.579-08:00Just read the update, thanks Melissa. I thought t...Just read the update, thanks Melissa. I thought that was already the case? I didn't think you were provided transportation if you lived outside the service area. Interesting. Davidnoreply@blogger.com