tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post6478411877566238808..comments2024-03-18T16:51:10.406-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Let's Get Loud (or at least noisy)Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger93125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36203324704716244032010-07-07T11:09:03.191-07:002010-07-07T11:09:03.191-07:00Just to be clear, although I don't like relian...Just to be clear, although I don't like reliance on donations in education... I tend to like the donations of the big donors a lot more than the PTA-type. That is, the strings attached to the big donor gifts are usually thought out better than the small strings and small scope of the small donations. I haven't seen much coming from the "watch-dog" blogosphere that I'd really want in my kid's school.readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02754095597231700863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62305438125051603132010-07-07T10:59:17.136-07:002010-07-07T10:59:17.136-07:00Yes. All public services are a form of "welf...Yes. All public services are a form of "welfare". No. It isn't a dirty word. Healthcare and education have a lot of features in common. In fact, many special education services are actually covered under health insurance plans. Health care is also a backbone of society, perhaps an even larger backbone than education. I'm not saying I <i>like </i> the fact that people who donate more money have more say. But, it is still a fact. Debating it is like debating gravity. And Helen, yes of course there is benefit to people using public service like health care Or education. As we all have seen in healthcare, it is the monied intrests that drive the delivery of public health... even more than in education.readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02754095597231700863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27408953351257669642010-07-03T21:56:09.010-07:002010-07-03T21:56:09.010-07:00Rather than a discussion of "charters" p...Rather than a discussion of "charters" per se (aren't they still illegal here?), how about a discussion of "public/private" or "alternative" schools that help close the "achievement gap" (a phrase that makes me a little uncomfortable, I'll admit). Other than South Shore, are there others? Nova was brought up, but it and many other "option/alternative" schools in Seattle seem to be more "white/Asian" and less "poor/FRL" than the district average.wsnorthhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03795943009142572757noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43734998303260252072010-07-03T14:39:51.063-07:002010-07-03T14:39:51.063-07:00I would just say that welfare is generally defined...I would just say that welfare is generally defined as "actions or procedures on the part of governments and institutions striving to promote the basic well-being of individuals in need". So for me, it's help for those who don't have the means or wherewithall to meet their needs.<br /><br />Education isn't a "need" to live. But it is the backbone of any society or government that expects to succeed.<br /><br />I just can't put education into the welfare category because of its importance to our society as a whole.<br /><br />Wseadawg, I'm gearing up to have a multi-part discussion of charters. Just a lot of reading to do but yes, let's have a discussion.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58281401516713923172010-07-03T14:11:39.650-07:002010-07-03T14:11:39.650-07:00Welfare isn't a dirty word, but some have been...Welfare isn't a dirty word, but some have been brainwashed to think so. (Help others? What a sucker!) It's actually inherent in both Judeo-Christian values, and for my secular friends, inherent in the Golden Rule. <br /><br />May the first person who raised themselves in the woods with a wolfpack cast the first stone. Otherwise, we've all been on welfare from our parents, and from society, since day one. Get over yourselves. <br /><br />People should raise points they think are worthy of discussion, or are what they'd like to see in schools. If Charters are doing some good things, by all means talk about them. But that's not what I've seen, nor how they've been presented. It's always "charters" as the magic bullet solution, instead of "some charters do A or B. Should we try that?" <br /><br />Like everything else in this polarized society, charters have become both a political football and a shell for other less desirable aspects of education like profiteering and privatization. I'm happy to discuss nuances, benefits, ideas, and methods that might be used in the charter camp. But, again, that's never raised or discussed before someone suggests we change state law and allow charters. Kind of putting the cart ahead of the horse, isn't it? How about first answering the question: why? Or, why can't we do that in a typical public school? <br /><br />I'm not pro or anti charter, but I know a trojan horse when I see one, and the educational reform movement is full of them right now. <br /><br />Along with the polarization of everything, I see a lot of union bashing on this blog too. As if an idea "collective bargaining" is inherently evil. Do all the union haters want child labor to return? 80 hour work weeks? Company towns & stores? Um, then, you might want to lay some facts down as to what it is you don't like about the teachers union and how the union makes things worse, instead of repeating Limbaugh-like anti-union diatribes all day long. <br /><br />Be thoughtful and I'll reciprocate. So will many others. Spout talking points, and you won't be very well thought of on this blog. People here do their homework.wseadawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08750439461734046035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18859726553996143432010-07-03T11:26:41.384-07:002010-07-03T11:26:41.384-07:00I guess anything where you contribute to a pool an...I guess anything where you contribute to a pool and get back from it what you need is welfare -- like health insurance. So is there no benefit to me in my brother not being bankrupted because he has type 1 diabetes and I don't? (and before you start going on about lifestyle, I said TYPE ONE, not type 2, and this is a real example).<br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-762313842148241262010-07-03T09:46:40.074-07:002010-07-03T09:46:40.074-07:00Reader, so all public services are welfare? Hones...Reader, so all public services are welfare? Honestly, I don't get it. Is police service, fire service, all of it welfare?Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82516333968855759952010-07-03T09:36:51.761-07:002010-07-03T09:36:51.761-07:00Reader:
so you really are saying he who pays the ...Reader: <br />so you really are saying he who pays the piper (on the education of OUR children) pays the tune?<br /><br />And that is OK with you?<br /><br />So, if you can only afford to give a $500 grant to your child's school, and I give $50,000 to your child's school (and I dont have any children in the school), I get to say what are the structures and rules/processes in place in your child's school, I get to dictate what and how your child learns, what materials are used and who teaches your child?<br /><br />And that is OK with you?Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58948581536313105382010-07-03T09:24:58.721-07:002010-07-03T09:24:58.721-07:00Reader...I'm underemployed - and I pay sales t...Reader...I'm underemployed - and I pay sales tax...<br /><br />You think public education is a form of welfare???<br /><br />Wow.......... <br /><br />I think it's a society's collective investment in its future...Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20140684515119198192010-07-03T09:05:03.605-07:002010-07-03T09:05:03.605-07:00Uh, uh... no... our kids are clients - we pay for ...<i>Uh, uh... no... our kids are clients - we pay for those services through our taxes and in return for that payment, we're entitled to the best for our kids... we are the employers here and the buyers...<br /><br /></i><br /><br />Last you posted Shaila, you were unemployed. That means you aren't really paying taxes enough to cover your child's educational costs. That isn't a client relationship you have with the school, he is a public service recipient. If he were a client, people would care if you came back and purchased more services. In actuality, they don't. Isn't that also your experience? Nobody gives a rip whether you return to AS1 or not. Did the school send you a coupon or something to attract you back?<br /><br />And yes, education is a form of welfare. And yes, I support that welfare. But let's not overstate the case for input.readerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02754095597231700863noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79266804787862485702010-07-02T21:29:15.685-07:002010-07-02T21:29:15.685-07:00"your student is receiving public services&qu..."your student is receiving public services"... as though our kids are receiving some kind of charity???<br /><br />Uh, uh... no... our kids are clients - we pay for those services through our taxes and in return for that payment, we're entitled to the best for our kids... we are the employers here and the buyers...<br /><br />and who asked us, by the way, if we were OK with the trillions being spent on 'defence' and wars, and only a comparative drop in the ocean on education...<br /><br />seems to me we are spending ourselves into eternal debt on death-bringing activities and being scrooge on life-affirming ones... and if we spent more on educating our kids, maybe we would one day not have to send them off as cannon fodder because the world would be a better place...<br /><br />gee whizz... simple, elementary logic... pity that appears not to be taught in school... but then profits would go out the window and the economy would collapse ... oh but wait, that's happening already.... sick, sick, sick....Sahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62050093454920731932010-07-02T19:20:29.293-07:002010-07-02T19:20:29.293-07:00reader said...
Gavroche, how strange to on the one...<i> reader said...<br />Gavroche, how strange to on the one hand hate all those evil-philanthropist-corporatists, and on the other hand... use their positive terminology ("investment") to describe your student.</i><br /><br />Hence the irony, reader, which apparently you missed. I was purposely using your language to make my point to you.<br /><br />I never said anything about "hate," by the way -- that's your word and an oversimplification on your part. I have merely and legitimately questioned why people like Bill Gates and Eli Broad -- neither of them education experts -- should have more influence on my children's education than I, our school community, or even the School Board members I elected do.<br /><br />Just because they are rich does not mean that we should all roll over and give them the right to run our schools.<br /><br /><i>Your student is receiving public services.<br />Are medicaid recipients "investments"? Are people using the fire department because their house is burning, an "investment"? The correct term is "cost". Your student is a "cost", paid for by others.</i><br /><br />Apparently you consider public education some kind of welfare. I consider public education a pillar of democracy and a public trust.<br /><br />If you don't see the education of our nation's children as a worthwhile undertaking, or if you don't realize the even greater "costs" of <i>not</i> educating our children, then we will probably disagree on most aspects of education.<br /><br />Every student in public schools brings money into the system through govt-allocated funds. We parents helped pay for this through our taxes, just as we pay for libraries, highways, and various other services that have been deemed for the public good.<br /><br /><i>As such, you have very little say in anything.</i><br />I agree that we parents do not have enough say, but we can engage in our kids' schools and vote in School Board elections, so I'm not willing to give up so easily on my say.<br /><br /><i>And let's not get our undies gnarled in a bunch by parent "fundraisers".</i><br />Here you're not even making any sense. Parent fundraising efforts in public schools pay for many things. That's a simple fact. The person with their knickers in a knot over that is you. I merely stated that fact.<br /><br /><i>A few hundred thousand, raised in only the wealthiest school, really doesn't amount to that much. Schools would do fine without it.</i><br />With what authority do you speak on this? Apparently you have little experience with what really goes on in our schools. PTA money pays for teachers, enrichment, books, equipment -- many things that the District ought to be paying for. These do make a significant difference in our schools, and it is a shocking testament to the fact that our state fails to fully fund our schools (46th in the nation for per-pupil funding), and our District management (Supt. & Board) constantly mismanages funds that we do get.<br /><br />You've got me confused with someone else with your "lockstep" comment, by the way. I believe this blog should be open to anyone's views and have never said otherwise. Of course, we all may be challenged sometimes to support or defend our views, but that's okay too.<br /><br />The remainder of your comments were simply obnoxious and not worth responding to.gavrochehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11336376340965305696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57466204286863956612010-07-02T19:14:29.209-07:002010-07-02T19:14:29.209-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.gavrochehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11336376340965305696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27327491597504729592010-07-02T14:27:24.737-07:002010-07-02T14:27:24.737-07:00Techymom,
Yes, standardized tests can be good: We ...Techymom,<br />Yes, standardized tests can be good: We have standards (knowledge and skills) we would like students to know, and these tests can assess that (to some degree of accuracy, another subject).<br /><br />Perhaps I wasn't clear: What I meant to say is that with "fidelity" and "alignment" and "performance management" we are seeing a growing effort to have everything align, and standardized tests in that view are (merely, perhaps) the tools used to try and see if the (worst case) scripted and aligned instruction was used.<br /><br />In this scenario, it is necessary for those who would use such a system to make sure the system is used with "fidelity" - If it is not, the system loses a couple of things:<br /><br />It can't determine what led to the increased knowledge (unless it videotapes the classroom or something), it can't say, "teacher did well" or "teacher did poorly" because there is nothing to back up the statement (what we hear with merit pay and teacher quality and such is a lot of tying teacher performance to expected outcomes, and it's way easier to publicize whether a teacher is "good" or "bad" if you can merely say, "they had this instruction routine, which should have led to X, X was not reached (as we see on the test) so teacher is not successful.<br /><br />I guess what I'm saying is that, as we've seen, little matters (in this scenario) except the basics that are standardized. There is no Civics test. I feel, in my opinion, that it is way easier to "sell" ideas about "teacher quality," about "success," if we allow those things to be determined merely by scripted lessons and then tests. It makes it simple, and makes for headlines such as "School ______ is failing."<br /><br />In an "efficient" and "controllable" system, you want all your variables minimized, and many of the things we are doing now seem to be headed in that direction.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88191569519363666062010-07-02T13:56:40.154-07:002010-07-02T13:56:40.154-07:00seattle citizen asked: "Anyone care to discus...seattle citizen asked: "<i>Anyone care to discuss?</i>"<br /><br />I think are people who would like to discuss the pros and cons of curricular alignment and standardization. Can this blog be the place for that discussion? Should this blog be the place for that discussion? Should that discussion take place on this blog and elsewhere too?<br /><br />I think we should have that conversation here - and I want to have that conversation here - but I think it also needs to happen in other forums as well. I think it needs to happen with some more of the right people doing the talking and some more of the right people paying attention.<br /><br />It may be that there are those among us who can give an informed, supported, and spirited argument in favor of standardization, but if that argument isn't coming from district staff it can and will be discounted. Moreover, the media and the Board need to give witness to it.<br /><br />Actually, I've been thinking about who could sponsor the substantive conversation series and we absolutely must add the Board to the list of appropriate sponsors.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91869481420005827142010-07-02T13:50:37.120-07:002010-07-02T13:50:37.120-07:00Seattle Citizen, why does a standardized test impl...Seattle Citizen, why does a standardized test imply standardized, scripted lessons? ITBS, SAT, PSAT, and a variety of other standardized tests are used across the country for students who have been taught using many different texts and teaching styles. Even if you're concerned about Texas-influenced textbooks, these tests are also taken and passed by students from private, alternative, and home school environments that teach differently. Right here in Seattle, NOVA has the highest average SAT score in the city, and teaches the material in a very different, very unstructured way.<br /><br />Standardized tests, rather than dictating scripted lessons, can be used to free teachers from them, by making a requirement on the 'what' (a certain average score or pass rate) without dictating the 'how'. They can be used to show what works and what doesn't, and even to prove that alternative styles get the job done. Are they always used that way? No, of course not. But, neither are they always used to force scripting.<br /><br />Personally, I really like having nationally-normed MAP test results so frequently. My only complaint is that I really wish I had access to the more detailed information available to the teachers, so that I could use it to structure a supplemenation and acceleration program for 'after-schooling.' That, and I wish there was more training for the teachers and the parents on how to use that info to tailor lessons both during the day and at home.TechyMomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04650916001250022778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20229052484578733192010-07-02T13:17:48.531-07:002010-07-02T13:17:48.531-07:00Ok Spruce, let's debate.
My opinion is that o...Ok Spruce, let's debate.<br /><br />My opinion is that overly scripted instruction is a problem, but that NOT having an overly scripted instruction makes it more difficult to ascertain what instruction was actually delivered using a standardized test (specifically, a test designed to test outcomes given a highly scripted instruction.<br />This is what "fidelity" refers to: Some would like "fidelity to the material," which means they want "teach in the exact way you are told by the material." The problem with this is that other instruction happens: either divergent instruction (away from the particular standard in question) or a different way of teaching the standard (a way that teaches it but not in the prescribed fashion.)<br /><br />Both of these interfere with a testing system that is designed to operate across the district, testing knowledge according to a specific method of instruction.<br /><br />Of course there is divergence now. There was more previously. We seem headed for a more strictly scripted method of instruction in order to "manage performance," and this concerns me.<br /><br />Anyone care to discuss?seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4070859528427673512010-07-02T12:59:45.532-07:002010-07-02T12:59:45.532-07:00"I've never seen a thoughtful viewpoint, ..."I've never seen a thoughtful viewpoint, delivered respectfully on this blog, receive unwarranted venom."<br /><br />I have.Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11112891876788898542010-07-02T12:10:25.440-07:002010-07-02T12:10:25.440-07:00SC, what are you not getting? I don't mind deb...SC, what are you not getting? I don't mind debating any given topic. AT ALL. As I said I love a healthy debate. But that doesn't happen often on this blog anymore. Rather the debates are largely unproductive with a few bloggers relentlessly accusing anyone that supports charters, reform, et al, of being a plant, working for SPS, being naive. Is there anything productive in that? Bring on some thoughtful debate, or even just your opinion, but leave the paranoia and name calling at the back door.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85967982121857851742010-07-02T12:02:43.779-07:002010-07-02T12:02:43.779-07:00Wseadawg, thanks for the free speech reminder, how...Wseadawg, thanks for the free speech reminder, however I wasn't talking about citizens first amendment rights. <br /><br />I have the RIGHT to pet my dog every day. It's my dog after all. But if every time I pet that dog it bites me I will eventually stop petting it. Not because it's not my right to do so but because I don't want to. No different than posting on this blog. If I post that I think there are some virtues and positives to charter schools and then have to deal with people accusing me of having a secret agenda, or being a plant for Broad, or working for SPS, or being naive, or if I have to sift through post after post of canned remarks and knee jerk responses, then why would I ever bother posting again?<br /><br />It's not such a friendly environment for anyone with differing opinions and that's sad, because I think everyone has something to add, share, and learn from one another.<br /><br />Not saying anyone has to agree with my viewpoints. I love a healthy debate. But I do expect a thoughtful, civil, respect exchange.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56421907521058069782010-07-02T12:01:13.594-07:002010-07-02T12:01:13.594-07:00Spruce,
"If I post that I think there are som...Spruce,<br />"If I post that I think there are some virtues and positives to charter schools"<br /><br />We're all ears. Please tell us what those virtues are, and then engage in debate about them.<br /><br />"and then have to deal with people accusing me of having a secret agenda, or being a plant for Broad, or working for SPS, or being naive,"<br /><br />These things have all (four) happened to you? Which people accused you of these four things?<br /><br />"or if I have to sift through post after post of canned remarks and knee jerk responses, then why would I ever bother posting again?"<br /><br />None of MY posts are canned. Some are repetitive because their is a full-court press on to fundamentally change education, and my little drumbeat might reach at least some ears (and the wearers of those ears are certainly free to debate me on my points. Or not)<br /><br />MOst people, in discussion about important issues like politics, economics, social ideals and ideals, and the former of all of these things, education, engage in knee-jerk back-and-forth, often time passionately. When I call my brother an idiot for believing something it means two things: my opinion is different and he is free to respond; and b) I don't REALLY think he's an idiot. I mean, come on, we've all become heated over the dinner table but we still talk and we still love one another (well, I love them, and can only hope they love me.)<br /><br />"It's not such a friendly environment for anyone with differing opinions and that's sad, because I think everyone has something to add, share, and learn from one another."<br /><br />I refuse to play the "let's all make friendly" game. While there are tenets of civil discourse worth remembering, speech is speech is speech, and muzzling it to be polite (and believe me, difffering people have differing ideas about politeness) is to diffuse it and, often, turn it to pap.<br /><br />No one said democracy is easy. Or nice.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85216650980491694172010-07-02T11:50:29.483-07:002010-07-02T11:50:29.483-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88200058116804204702010-07-02T11:19:29.461-07:002010-07-02T11:19:29.461-07:00Yes, we are all grownups here. So how about dispe...Yes, we are all grownups here. So how about dispensing with playing the victim and accusing others of "attacking" or being "uncivil" (code: not as good as me) because they disagree with ill-conceived, weak, obtuse and often completely irrational viewpoints. We have a first amendment for a reason: If you disagree with what someone else is saying, air your own viewpoints and engage in the debate. That way, in the public sphere, everyone gets to hear or read all sides of the argument. For those who take their ball and run home because others don't agree with them, I'm calling you out as Un-American. Yup, that's right. Un-American. <br /><br />People died to defend your right to speak and be heard. Live up to that ideal and engage thoughtfully in the public arena or don't. But don't whine and moan about others' being uncivil and shutting down debate when you slink away and shirk your own responsibility to defend and advocate for your own viewpoints. <br /><br />I've never seen a thoughtful viewpoint, delivered respectfully on this blog, receive unwarranted venom. Is there a chorus of like minded people on this blog? Sure. So what. <br /><br />To quote Peter Tosh: Stand Firm, or Feed the Worm.wseadawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08750439461734046035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23718213758761413862010-07-02T10:59:33.717-07:002010-07-02T10:59:33.717-07:00Spruce, I agree with this comment for the most par...Spruce, I agree with this comment for the most part:<br />"we do need some rules and guidelines around accepting the money, but within those guidelines we should accept it with open arms, as we do from the PTSA and every other fund raising group in the city."<br /><br />I'm all for anybody contributing to a school. But the rules and guidelines must be strictly enfored and fair for both the givers and the school.<br /><br />The school must be at the heart of it, and must make ultimate decisions and direct the donation. The school and its community (reperented, perhaps, by its principal and its BLT, composed of educators, parent/guardians...students..) are the arbiters for how resources are allocated, within district and funding guidelines.<br /><br />The PTSA, for instance, does not direct policy much: its money (if available) might be used to fund a particular sort of class, or to buy materials...but not without the consent of the school. The school (as agent of the District) gets to decide.<br /><br />What we are seeing more of lately is that decision-making is given away to others, often decisions that are not just what to do with that particular donation of money (or other) but are about the very way the school is run.<br /><br />Ultimately, it is not up the PTSA nor some other external benefactor to tell the school what to do. Quite the converse, it is up to the school to tell everyone else what to do. The school SHOULD be the representative of not only district policy, but its community, including students, staff, parent/guardians, other relevant community support, and the citizenry at large. THESE are the ultimate decision makers.<br /><br />While Reader seems to think that "he who has the gold makes the rules," I believe it is up to the community to assert its "ownership" and leadership of our public schools. PTSA and, say, Sloan should at least be on equal footing in contributing to decision-making, but both are subservient to the school. Money shouldn't buy access to our children for purposes other than the school's community allows.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-25963528618508595942010-07-02T10:59:16.456-07:002010-07-02T10:59:16.456-07:00Spruce, I agree with this comment for the most par...Spruce, I agree with this comment for the most part:<br />"we do need some rules and guidelines around accepting the money, but within those guidelines we should accept it with open arms, as we do from the PTSA and every other fund raising group in the city."<br /><br />I'm all for anybody contributing to a school. But the rules and guidelines must be strictly enfored and fair for both the givers and the school.<br /><br />The school must be at the heart of it, and must make ultimate decisions and direct the donation. The school and its community (reperented, perhaps, by its principal and its BLT, composed of educators, parent/guardians...students..) are the arbiters for how resources are allocated, within district and funding guidelines.<br /><br />The PTSA, for instance, does not direct policy much: its money (if available) might be used to fund a particular sort of class, or to buy materials...but not without the consent of the school. The school (as agent of the District) gets to decide.<br /><br />What we are seeing more of lately is that decision-making is given away to others, often decisions that are not just what to do with that particular donation of money (or other) but are about the very way the school is run.<br /><br />Ultimately, it is not up the PTSA nor some other external benefactor to tell the school what to do. Quite the converse, it is up to the school to tell everyone else what to do. The school SHOULD be the representative of not only district policy, but its community, including students, staff, parent/guardians, other relevant community support, and the citizenry at large. THESE are the ultimate decision makers.<br /><br />While Reader seems to think that "he who has the gold makes the rules," I believe it is up to the community to assert its "ownership" and leadership of our public schools. PTSA and, say, Sloan should at least be on equal footing in contributing to decision-making, but both are subservient to the school. Money shouldn't buy access to our children for purposes other than the school's community allows.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.com