tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post4773302421028422910..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Tuesday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45002641498430379192015-11-13T12:20:46.299-08:002015-11-13T12:20:46.299-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-48919665347727932162015-11-13T10:58:26.640-08:002015-11-13T10:58:26.640-08:00The reality... a district full of greedy needy ad...The reality... a district full of greedy needy administrators see students with disabilities as cash cows to fund their pet classes, reduced class size advanced learning or IB, or enrichment opportunities, like language immersion or athletics, for other students. These pet projects cost more than the state funding provides, and can only be paid for by extra building funds. Special Ed is the largest source of extra funds. Students with disabilities are routinely stripped of their funds, and sit in the largest classes in secondary schools. This is because the district views them as nonexistent, or partially existent. Tales of these greedy needy administrators and the entitled parents driving them, almost never appear in the media.<br /><br />Another Sped ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63900852840816858312015-11-12T20:57:19.405-08:002015-11-12T20:57:19.405-08:00"A popular riff on the idea that special educ..."A popular riff on the idea that special education students are bleeding public school budgets blames private place ments. A large number of mostly undeserving disabled students and their clever parents, critics allege, have managed to get public schools to pay for attendance at expensive private schools. Tales of the “greedy needy”—disabled students who receive unreasonably expensive services—appear regularly in the media. "<br /><br />A <a href="http://educationnext.org/debunking-a-special-education-myth/" rel="nofollow">good article to educate yourself on.</a>mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43741586108092377442015-11-12T10:04:57.849-08:002015-11-12T10:04:57.849-08:00Remember what Amplify is - a Rupert Murdoch compan...Remember what Amplify is - a Rupert Murdoch company, selling tech to schools. It's a big business, without a single educator listed in a leadership position. They are selling widgets, lots of them, to schools. Why anyone has any faith in the accuracy or appropriateness of these tests is beyond me. This does not seem to be an educational or intellectual endeavor - it's sales. And they are doing that, apparently, quite well. <br /><br />http://www.amplify.com/leadership<br /><br />Gone<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />gonAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71002189820859599232015-11-12T09:11:44.221-08:002015-11-12T09:11:44.221-08:00Also related to testing, it looks like Amplify/Bea...Also related to testing, it looks like Amplify/Beacon testing for 3rd- 9th grades starts on MONDAY for SPS. I'm going to opt out my APP middle school 7th grader at WMS. I hope others might consider doing the same to stand for the teachers and kids and against the testocracy. <br /><br />I don't know if we need to use a specific opt out letter, but maybe someone has one to post. For reference, here are the assessment schedules for k-8 and high school. Note: The use of the word "required" on the K-9 schedule is misleading, since it apparently means that schools are required to give the tests, not that kids are required to take the tests. <br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/Assessment/Assessment%20Calendar%20K-8%20for%202015-16_rev9-25.pdf<br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/Assessment/Assessment%20Calendar%209-12%20for%202015-16_rev9-25.pdf<br /><br />-Seattle parent<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37602388787609795832015-11-12T08:29:43.219-08:002015-11-12T08:29:43.219-08:00To change the topic: SBAC question. On the source...To change the topic: SBAC question. On the source, one kid has a green "Tested" for ELA but a red "No Booklet" for Math. (Score=0, met standard=N.) My older kid has two nice red "Refusals" which are accurate 0- a junior who did refuse. But the younger wanted to and did take the SBAC. So I told her, "Guess what, they lost your test booklet!" She then reminded me that it was a computer test!<br /><br />So...has anyone else seen this? How exactly do you lose a digital test? I Don't Care (With Capital Letters) and not going to make district track it down, but it's curious. I'm curious.<br /><br />ChrisChris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59438216725755309682015-11-12T07:04:55.983-08:002015-11-12T07:04:55.983-08:00Gotta agree with "B" -- That is some who...Gotta agree with "B" -- That is some whopping interest they'll be paying off on the JSCEE. <br /><br />If you are interested, the JSCEE stuff starts on page 88 of the doc "B" cites above - <br />Page 97 that gives the yearly payback schedule thru Fiscal Year <b>2027</b> is eye-popping! <br /><br />reader47Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71795558639330077082015-11-12T06:07:24.114-08:002015-11-12T06:07:24.114-08:00This has more detail on JSCEE debt than I have see...This has more detail on JSCEE debt than I have seen before at least, but I haven't followed too closely. It's amazing that they are just recopying old slides though - an update is definitely necessary.<br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/committees/A&F/2015-16/20151112_Agenda_A&F_Packet.pdf<br /><br />Also, I like how they claim 11 speakers at the levy board meeting. While factually true, a good percentage where there disclaiming interest in the levy due to QAE situation not the levy per se.<br /><br />- BAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23630330655110069382015-11-11T23:10:15.364-08:002015-11-11T23:10:15.364-08:00Sped Parent, you're missing the basic account...Sped Parent, you're missing the basic accounting fraud perpetrated by the district. The district purposefully overstates sped spending.... so it can justify service cuts. Here's how:<br /><br />1. Students sitting in self contained situations, kids who are self contained classrooms, or students who are in resource rooms part of the day...are supposed to be funded by GENERAL ED DOLLARS. GENERAL ED DOLLARS are supposed to follow students to self contained settings, all day long. The district claims special ed teachers should be paid for by special ed dollars. This is only true if they are co teaching with a Gen ed teacher. Every second a sped teacher is teaching kids in a sped room, general ed dollars should be partially funding her.<br /><br />This NEVER happens Therefore, special ed expenditures are overstated.<br /><br />2 Special ed teachers shouldn't be teaching general ed students unless the special ed teacher is funded by general ed. Special ed teachers teach general ed students ALL THE TIME! Sometimes it's just a few kids in a resource room. Other times its a whole regular ed class with a single sped kid on the roster.<br /><br />This is very common. Therefore, special ed expenditures are overstated <br /><br />3. Equally pernicious,use of sped staff for subs, recess, hall, lunch, bus monitors.<br /><br />This is common and robs sped students of time with staff. And it overstates the sped funding for a staff member.<br /><br />Another Sped Parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72505758394718159982015-11-11T17:58:27.875-08:002015-11-11T17:58:27.875-08:00Read my post "For example, Hamilton's fun...Read my post "For example, Hamilton's funding per SPED student is $20,460 and is the sum of Basic $5,238 and Spec. Ed. $15,222." "All students are regular education first"<br /><br />It was made clear to me by the district, that those are the actual dollars and reflects what each school building is allocated. This was confirmed with the district more than once.<br /><br />I don't think it matters what comprises the SPED dollar allocation. What's important is the total and what exactly each building uses the money towards. If a school doesn't need $25K per pupil, then the budget should reflect that and those dollars should go elsewhere. <br /><br />It's clear that schools are being allocated funds per pupil listed in the budget, but in reality the buildings are not spending those funds on that pupil. It looks to me like they are robbing from Peter to pay Paul. In other words, taking the maximum per pupil $20K at TM, but in reality diverting those funds to other students needs, perhaps even using the money for non SPED services. <br /><br />Blame it basic 101 accounting if you like, but there's more to this and I think we need a clear explanation. <br /><br />SPED Parent <br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71621604978960688262015-11-11T17:21:14.749-08:002015-11-11T17:21:14.749-08:00The $$/Sped student includes their basic ed fundin...The $$/Sped student includes their basic ed funding. Do some serious analysis into k-12 funding in our state. Don't just look at at pdfs posted on the SPS website as gospel. It's reduce for basic consumption. School Finance 101.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24983723187617721552015-11-11T17:11:28.235-08:002015-11-11T17:11:28.235-08:00No I wrote,
"Take a look at SPS own numb... No I wrote,<br /><br /> "Take a look at SPS own numbers.<br /><br /> For example, Hamilton's funding per SPED student is $20,460 and is the sum of Basic $5,238 and Spec. Ed. $15,222.<br /> West Seattle elementary is $21,703 per SPED student.<br /> Thurgood Marshall is $25,598 is SPED student.<br /> Sacajawea is $21,203 per SPED student.<br /><br /> Are you saying those numbers are not accurate? "<br /><br /> Well, are you saying those numbers are not accurate? There are many more +$20K schools, but you get the point.<br /><br /> In the big picture, it's impossible to explain to many parents at any of the above schools, how it's possible the building is spending $20K plus on their child, when many of the students on IEPs can't read or write close to grade level.<br /><br /> So, exactly what are these buildings doing with the $20K the district gives them for each student on an IEP?<br /><br /> SPED Parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79484038144017428122015-11-11T17:04:42.135-08:002015-11-11T17:04:42.135-08:00No more conversation on my part, that's for su...No more conversation on my part, that's for sure.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-34192180835255617322015-11-11T16:58:19.958-08:002015-11-11T16:58:19.958-08:00With whom are you expecting to have that conversat...With whom are you expecting to have that conversation?<br /><br />West SeattleAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15797070434049357192015-11-11T16:11:20.241-08:002015-11-11T16:11:20.241-08:00GL said,
"Vouchers for special education ar...GL said, <br /><br />"Vouchers for special education are a fraud. What we should be pushing for is 1) adequate funding, 2) adequate training, and 3) adequate staffing so that the public schools can do their jobs."<br /><br />Really? Speaking to items 2 AND 3, What do you think parents have been doing for the last 10 years! As for item 1, come on GL, wake up and see the light. 22 states have vouchers and you think they ALL are fraudulent systems? Wouldn't you agree the Seattle public schools are committing fraud? What is SPS doing with the $150,000,000 annual budget for students with IEPs?...not much.<br /><br />You can sit around and hope for SPS to change, I'm done with waiting and will start a honest conversation about creating a IEA program in WA.<br /><br />SPED ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18708618939596553192015-11-11T15:31:42.993-08:002015-11-11T15:31:42.993-08:00JSIS = $11,563
Sandpoint = $11,425
Wedgewood = $11...JSIS = $11,563<br />Sandpoint = $11,425<br />Wedgewood = $11,527<br /><br />Do you really think students with SLDs are sent to low ratio programs at Lowell or West Seattle Elementary, that bring far more for student?mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85040285474011016902015-11-11T15:05:10.319-08:002015-11-11T15:05:10.319-08:00Who said life was to be fair? Is it fair for peopl...Who said life was to be fair? Is it fair for people to work 2080 hrs a year and because they make over $60K a year have to pay for other's benefits? I say no.<br /><br />We are taking about special education, not vouchers for Gen Ed private schools. No one would be forced to accept an IEA. By your reasoning a special educational student should be punished because of his parents income...really? Is it the student's fault their parents are not poor?<br /><br />I think your anti middle class bias is telling. <br /><br />SPED ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28528220721888010362015-11-11T14:53:05.456-08:002015-11-11T14:53:05.456-08:00Sorry, but you need to actually read the district&...Sorry, but you need to actually read the district's own budget document. You will see in the actual document they break down each building's budget and it's explained that "All students are regular education first" SPED students are GenEd students first and each building in allocated both the GenEd allocation and the special ed allocation.<br /><br />Take a look at SPS own numbers. <br /><br />For example, Hamilton's funding per SPED student is $20,460 and is the sum of Basic $5,238 and Spec. Ed. $15,222. <br />West Seattle elementary is $21,703 per SPED student.<br />Thurgood Marshall is $25,598 is SPED student.<br />Sacajawea is $21,203 per SPED student. <br /><br />Are you saying those numbers are not accurate? <br /><br />It's clear that SPS could save millions if just 7% of students went with a IEA, call it a win-win. No one would be forced to an IEA, but it's clear that an IEA would clearly be a welcome escape for many.<br /><br />SPED ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70663802132048243382015-11-11T13:09:49.144-08:002015-11-11T13:09:49.144-08:00You're spot on Another Sped Parent. By my ana...You're spot on Another Sped Parent. By my analysis, average sped student funding (BEA and levy) is around $13K, counting levy funds, BEA and SpEd state funding.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43856787520617879802015-11-11T12:54:58.597-08:002015-11-11T12:54:58.597-08:00And Sped Parent. The district's "average...And Sped Parent. The district's "average" sped cost, is more like $10K. The BEA is about $5K (basic education allocation). And the Excess costing allocated for sped is about the same. That means - another 5K. Note "the special ed" cost is only $5K.<br /><br />If the district gave out vouchers - that only covered partial educations ($10K, or even $16K) then that would grossly unfair to poor families. They could get the voucher - but wouldn't be able to pay for an education. Therefore - the voucher would be worthless to anybody who wasn't rich.<br /><br />Another Sped ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9912083547269650242015-11-11T12:39:34.058-08:002015-11-11T12:39:34.058-08:00OK. "Sped Parent".... who can't spe...OK. "Sped Parent".... who can't spell "of course". "Coarse" is a texture - not an idiom. Not very many students with disabilities are actually in private school, as a percentage of population. Why? Because private schools are even more discriminatory than the public schools. Because it is WAY more expensive than any voucher could possibly cover - and more than most well heeled parents can cover.<br /><br />Let's look at some special ed school tuitions. Hamlin Robinson(disability school) - $21,000. (only takes students with minimal disabilities) Morningside Academy(disability school) - $22,000. (only takes students with minimal disabilities that are only a tiny bit behind). Neither of these serve high school students. Their total enrollment is less than 200 students. And that covers the entire Puget Sound region. That's a tiny fraction of the Dyslexia, ADHD population in the region. Academy for Precision Learning(disability school for significant disabilities). $21,000 - $40,000, depending on service level needed. Students with significant needs pay $40,000. High school is probably even more. Then there's CHILD on Mercer Island. I believe CHILD is around $50G. Yellow Wood Academy - around $60G for high school tuition. It's somewhat less as an a la carte menu for elementary and middle schoolers. Guess what? The district ALREADY pays for students with disabilities in all these places! Hard to believe, but true. They contract with a few, like CHILD and Yellow Wood, but do a secret family "reimbursement" for others like APL - because they don't want people to learn about the possibility of private placements.<br /><br />Then we have other private schools. Billings Middle(de facto disability school) - $32,000 for students with disabilities. That's another 60 students with ADHD, mild intellectual disabilities, and dyslexia. Go look at it. These are not typical students. Then, there are a few schools like UPrep, NW, and even Lakeside - which are highly selective, serve high performing students, but offer some "disability" services. These students would most likely NOT qualify for special ed services if they were in public schools. The pricetag for this option is around $30,000 for a high end private school and then another $2K or $3K for extra resource room. <br /><br />So - it's pretty simple. If the district could save money by "going private" for special education - they would have already done it. If the "voucher" rate is $16,000 - $25,000, as you say the district is already paying for sped.... that will only cover the most minimally disabled students, and cover them at a much higher freight than the district is currently shelling out for them. Bottom line. No. They ain't doin it! Unless you sue them. And then they'll silence you as they pay your tuition. They don't want the "floodgates opened".<br /><br /><br />Another Sped ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91816940279128969812015-11-11T11:47:38.500-08:002015-11-11T11:47:38.500-08:00Vouchers for special education are a fraud. What w...Vouchers for special education are a fraud. What we should be pushing for is 1) adequate funding, 2) adequate training, and 3) adequate staffing so that the public schools can do their jobs. <br /><br />I think it's quite possible that a person who most recently was a candidate for Seattle Public Schools board is now forcefully pushing vouchers for special education on this blog, which is rather ironic. <br /><br /><br />--GL Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66320423560538904702015-11-11T11:40:43.098-08:002015-11-11T11:40:43.098-08:00SPS is closed today.
-WS ParentSPS is closed today. <br /><br />-WS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-52815060384116278752015-11-11T11:09:52.083-08:002015-11-11T11:09:52.083-08:00Are staff working today, or are district offices c...Are staff working today, or are district offices closed?<br /><br />Trying to get in touch with someone. Thanks.<br /><br />SPS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33076228385135676732015-11-11T09:58:59.205-08:002015-11-11T09:58:59.205-08:00Techy Mom,
The student would have to qualify for ...Techy Mom,<br /><br />The student would have to qualify for an IEP first. IEA would not cover situations where a students are on a 504 plan, but we could possibly add that into WAs system?.<br /><br />I can tell you many SLD students move to 504 plans because parents are just tired of their child being jammed into a studies skills class.I believe if there were an IEA system in place that practice would decrease. <br /><br />SPED Parent Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com