tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post8853482540253556776..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55512586600872406262013-01-14T20:10:43.956-08:002013-01-14T20:10:43.956-08:00Anyone want to try this recipe posted on the schoo...Anyone want to try this recipe posted on the school meals page? "Green Apple Avocado Salso." <br /><br />--Muir MomAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39112795517489823832013-01-14T08:19:55.954-08:002013-01-14T08:19:55.954-08:00The District bought the MAP test for use as a form...The District bought the MAP test for use as a formative assessment. It doesn't work as a formative assessment, so we should get rid of it.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35977556210347647022013-01-14T00:20:52.558-08:002013-01-14T00:20:52.558-08:00Great article, great comments. Whites hate other w...Great article, great comments. Whites hate other whites who get in. Here it's APP. But a district has to cast wide net to catch the true brainiacs who really need special classes. Plus,gifted programs can help all kids if parents demand similar rigor for gened kids. It has been shown that all students benefit from gifted teaching styles. Don't bring the kids in gifted classes down, bring the rest up!<br />-reggieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69552445809464454722013-01-13T15:45:02.913-08:002013-01-13T15:45:02.913-08:00New York Times Sunday edition has an article about...New York Times Sunday edition has an article about NYC Gifted and Talented programs, and how they face some of the same issues we face here - testing system is a bit wonky and Whites and Asians proportionately over-represented: <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/13/education/in-one-school-students-are-divided-by-gifted-label-and-race.html" rel="nofollow">Gifted, Talented and Separated -In One School, Students Are Divided by Gifted Label — and Race</a>seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33063323913802318102013-01-13T10:06:30.068-08:002013-01-13T10:06:30.068-08:00And Also-Sayin, the huge interaction between lot...And Also-Sayin, the huge interaction between lots of staff, the scheduling, the use of multiple resources in multiple locations (like the library)... makes "taking the MAP" completely different from "reciting the pledge of allegiance". I would say they both have a similar benefit - close to nothing. At least reciting the pledge is a long tradition and may have marginal benefit as such.<br /><br />-parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38152921064828837442013-01-13T10:01:19.676-08:002013-01-13T10:01:19.676-08:004 cents, you must not be from around here. The M...4 cents, you must not be from around here. The MSPs take almost a month... even though some kids can probably finish in less than 2 hours. It has to be scheduled. Accommodations for all students who need them must be found and scheduled. (This is important because schools are motivated in this case to make every possible accommodation. Not to mention it's the law.) These resources must be redirected from other things, and those things must be cancelled. At the secondary level, ALL classes should be cancelled until EVERY student is finished. You can't resume some classes without resuming all of them, or else some classes will be ahead of others. All in all - school is suspended for 3 weeks for MSP testing. <br /><br />After all that - you want to bring in MAP? This introduces yet another resource - the computer. This limited resource has to scheluded, other things put on hold. In secondary schools, students are scheduled in all sorts of ways - but the sample principle applies. You can't cancel some sections of classes, without cancelling them all. Think of doing that 3 times per year. (Sure if it's an elementary school, and 1 teacher is all that's required to test the MAP - then it wouldn't be a big deal) But, that's not the case. <br /><br />Let's just kill the MAP.<br /><br />-parent<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12873201005847264572013-01-13T09:54:03.381-08:002013-01-13T09:54:03.381-08:00Schools are doing their best to make sure students...Schools are doing their best to make sure students are testing twice a year. If students didn't have a Spring score - either they were new to the district or skipped the Spring test - they were tested in the Fall. If the school had chosen not to do school wide MAP testing in the Fall, this meant a small group of students not only lost instruction time, as with any testing, but they actually missed class. <br /><br />not a MAP fanAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-22603513936355959402013-01-12T22:28:47.284-08:002013-01-12T22:28:47.284-08:00maureen, i hate to quibble but one could multiply ...maureen, i hate to quibble but one could multiply a one minute pledge of allegiance per school day by 45,000 students in the district and get, what,over 13 years of time per school year spent on the red, white and blue piece of cloth we call our flag.if that is worth our children's time then i guess anything is.<br /><br />also sayin'Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51821173694105017142013-01-12T19:32:29.911-08:002013-01-12T19:32:29.911-08:00In an effort to keep my children's scores from...<i> In an effort to keep my children's scores from being used for teacher evaluations, I try to make sure they aren't tested more than once in a year.</i><br /><br />I've thought of this, but worry that pulling my kid from the stats would make the teacher look worse. I wonder what happens to the stats if a kid skips the winter MAP (zero score) and then takes the Spring one(infinite growth!).<br /><br /><b>Four cents,</b> time to do some math: "three hours" PER KID per year (actually probably more than twelve hours given math AND reading exams AND transitions AND the fact that they can take as long as they need)= how many people hours at a school like Garfield? 4000+? And that doesn't even include the impact on the kids who are taking the test, but can't access the library and/or computer lab during testing hours, OR the time teachers are expected to spend compiling and interpreting the exam result. <br /><br />If MAP provided useful feedback then it might be worth it, but why tie up all those hours for something that doesn't provide meaningful information (for 9th graders at least)?Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18444916440000921599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6848928577641564822013-01-12T17:04:42.811-08:002013-01-12T17:04:42.811-08:00In LASD (Los Angeles) 292 teachers are being "...In LASD (Los Angeles) 292 teachers are being "housed" awaiting investigation at an administrative site. Salary for teachers- 1.4 million a month; salary for subs 865,000-again- per month. How many in SPS? Good point, 4 cents.<br /><br />IhopAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54502381000898274702013-01-12T16:50:29.954-08:002013-01-12T16:50:29.954-08:00So, MAP is bad 'cause it:
Takes up valuable in...So, MAP is bad 'cause it:<br />Takes up valuable instruction time<br />Is used for things it was meant for<br />Costs too much<br />Does not match curriculum<br /><br />Three or four hours a year? Come on, cancel a boring assembly or two<br />Sounds efficient to use for extra purposes<br />SPS wastes more on keeping crappynteachers "busy" at the no work sites<br />Teachers can't teach to the test? I thought we all didn't like that<br /> The union screwed up and put it in the contract. Teachers should find a way to weed out dead wood that is better. I've always found it ridiculous that as a teacher gets older, more burnt out and sometimes downright cynical; they make more money. The youngbloods who are fired up and energetic get half the pay of some of these oldsters. Not saying old is bad, some veterans are fantastic, but many aren't.<br /><br />My four centsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65154493982200779832013-01-12T15:21:14.015-08:002013-01-12T15:21:14.015-08:00Yes - My child was pulled out of a science lab thi...Yes - My child was pulled out of a science lab this fall to take the MAP test, which then meant make-up work for class. I was not happy, nor was my child. We have since opted out.<br /><br />-Go GarfieldAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-53850113841791793592013-01-12T14:17:10.003-08:002013-01-12T14:17:10.003-08:00Protesting the MAP actually takes *less* time than...<br />Protesting the MAP actually takes *less* time than giving it.<br /><br />Teachers who do not have to give it and students who do not have to take it are still affected. All computer labs (including the library as a whole) are off limits for class use, researching and studying when the MAP test is being given. <br /><br />Some students are pulled out of non-MAP testing classes in order to take it. This means those students get behind in their classwork. It doesn't matter that the student was supposed to take a test or complete a lab.<br /><br /><br />--Old School MusicAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79794938511151694652013-01-12T13:32:12.888-08:002013-01-12T13:32:12.888-08:00The district decided to move to 2x a year - Winter...The district decided to move to 2x a year - Winter and Spring - rather than 3x a year. If students didn't have a Spring '12 MAP score they were tested in Fall '12 (with little or no notice to parents). Schools could opt to test students in the Fall, but the Winter and Spring testing continues. They need 2 scores for teacher evaluations. In an effort to keep my children's scores from being used for teacher evaluations, I try to make sure they aren't tested more than once in a year.MAP skepticnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91882357419492305092013-01-12T13:20:48.159-08:002013-01-12T13:20:48.159-08:00witch hunt nw parent? Speaks volumes. I've fo...witch hunt nw parent? Speaks volumes. I've fought more battles against MAP than you ever will. Too bad you don't care to do the same for other people's children. Frankly, the sham at Ballard speaks volumes, for those who give a damn, my pretty.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6778854471472844082013-01-12T13:01:18.165-08:002013-01-12T13:01:18.165-08:00MAP testing continues apace RIGHT NOW, montag.
No...MAP testing continues apace RIGHT NOW, montag. <br />No investigation required.Eric Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17663977355241677800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28506062473021484442013-01-12T12:03:19.357-08:002013-01-12T12:03:19.357-08:00I am fairly certain that in the fall either the sc...I am fairly certain that in the fall either the school board or some district administrator, perhaps the new superintendent, decided to not renew the contract with NWEA for SPS. If this is true it means that the district has already decided to not continue MAP testing in the future. I agree with the idea of questioning any type of educational practice that isn't worthy of valuable time and resources, but if the district isn't going to continue MAP testing I question the use of resources for this protest. But perhaps my memory is faulty or sources were faulty when I heard the district was stopping MAP testing. Maybe someone at GHS should look into this before spending any more time and resources on their protest.montaghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17589731190641969386noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63770265173744862422013-01-12T11:29:15.875-08:002013-01-12T11:29:15.875-08:00From the Garfield PTSA Board:
From the Garfield Hi...From the Garfield PTSA Board:<br />From the Garfield High School PTSA Board Members. Written by President, Phil Sherburne<br /><br />You may have seen in the news that the Garfield teachers have decided that they are no longer going to give the MAP tests to 9th grade students at Garfield. These are tests that are given three times during the 9th grade year to assess a student’s performance level in reading and math and their progress during the course of the year. These tests have nothing to do with a student’s grades or their progress toward graduation. The test results are just information for the teachers and the school district.<br /><br />However, because the tests have no consequences for the student, many students do not take them seriously. As a result the test results do not really measure a student’s knowledge level. Teachers also object because the tests are not connected to what is being taught in the classroom and they take up a lot of time. Further, the teachers are concerned that the test results might be used to evaluate teachers which they believe would be inappropriate. The teachers believe that the grades the students are earning in the classroom are much better measures of the student’s knowledge level and educational progress.<br /><br />The Garfield PTSA shares the concerns of the teachers at Garfield with the MAP testing and supports termination of these tests. There are many students who start the 9th grade who cannot perform 9th grade level math and english work. Some students are far behind. The real issue is what the school district is going to do, starting early in a student’s educational life, to help as many students as possible perform at grade level. A major effort to get students to grade level performance and to keep them there through graduation requires a focus and resources that we have not seen from the District or the Legislature. It is this focus on improving student achievement and providing the resources to accomplish it that deserves all our attention. Eric Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17663977355241677800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-39471520606047072952013-01-12T08:47:16.537-08:002013-01-12T08:47:16.537-08:00While we're on the subject of Ballard (!) the ...While we're on the subject of Ballard (!) the Nordic Heritage Center will be screening a documentary on education in Finland as part of their Nordic Lights film festival: http://www.nordicmuseum.org/events.aspx#filmfest<br /><br />It will be at noon on Saturday Jan. 19th, Information is pasted below:<br /><br />Noon<br />Finland - Documentary<br />The Finland Phenomenon 60 min.<br />Directed by Sean T. Faust <br /><br />Finland’s education system has consistently ranked among the best in the world for more than a decade. The puzzle is, why Finland? In this film, Dr. Tony Wagner guides the viewer through an inside look at the world’s finest secondary education system. A life-long educator and author of the best-selling book The Global Achievement Gap, Wagner is uniquely qualified to explore and explain Finland’s success. <br /><br />From within classrooms and through interviews with students, teachers, parents, administrators, and government officials, Wagner reveals the surprising factors accounting for Finland’s rank as the #1 education system in the world. wordhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02195042896296788956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-89959293127892576172013-01-12T03:50:36.279-08:002013-01-12T03:50:36.279-08:00Marty McLaren The Worst Board Director Hands Down...Marty McLaren The Worst Board Director Hands Down Nick Esparzanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63585999006395119762013-01-11T21:30:58.987-08:002013-01-11T21:30:58.987-08:00Wow. The only think more reliable than Dan bringin...Wow. The only think more reliable than Dan bringing MGJ is Mirmac hijacking a thread to dis Ballard. Good thing at this point, you only continue to discredit yourself with your witch hunt.<br /><br />- north west parent.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83034954058959365122013-01-11T21:06:19.656-08:002013-01-11T21:06:19.656-08:00Next I would like the entire Ballard staff to decr...Next I would like the entire Ballard staff to decry the rip-off of special ed money by your ethically-challenged principal. How can you condone that? Is it so the rest of you can have classrooms with few, if any, sped students? Or is it that those students with mild learning disabilities don't really need a good education and the services in their IEPs? Love to see a press conference on that illegal practice.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60831570520430272802013-01-11T19:08:35.376-08:002013-01-11T19:08:35.376-08:00Well, what about it BHS? Why stop there? Follow...Well, what about it BHS? Why stop there? Follow the lead of GHS. Now, that would really be a statement.<br /><br />"Where as'es" only go so far.<br /><br />-Ballard residentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24152654767566828322013-01-11T18:39:03.423-08:002013-01-11T18:39:03.423-08:00Ballard staff letter concerning the MAP test
Wher...Ballard staff letter concerning the MAP test<br /><br />Whereas<br />The MAP test is a resource expensive and cash expensive program in a district with very finite financial resources,<br />The MAP test is not used in practice to inform student instruction,<br />The MAP test is not connected to our curricula,<br />The MAP test has been repurposed by district administration to form part of a teacher’s evaluation, which is contrary to the purposes it was designed for, as stated by its purveyor, making it part of junk science,<br />The MAP test has also been repurposed for student placement in courses and programs, for which it was not designed,<br />The MAP test was purchased under corrupt crony-ist circumstances (Our former superintendent, while employed by SPS sat on the corporation board of NWEA, the purveyor of the MAP test. This was undisclosed to her employer. The initial MAP test was purchased in a no-bid, non-competitive process)<br />The MAP test was and remains unwanted and unneeded and unsolicited by SPS professional classroom educators, those who work directly with students,<br />The MAP test is not taken seriously by students, (They don’t need the results for graduation, for applications, for course credit, or any other purpose, so they routinely blow it off.)<br />The MAP test’s reported testing errors are greater than students’ expected growth,<br />The technology administration of the MAP test has serious flaws district wide which waste students’ time,<br /><br />therefore<br />We, the undersigned educators from Ballard High School do hereby support statements and actions of our colleagues at Garfield High School surrounding the MAP test. Specifically, the MAP test program throughout Seattle Public Schools ought to be shut down immediately. It has been and continues to be an embarrassing mistake. Continuing it even another day, let alone another month or year or decade, will not turn this sow’s ear into a silk purse.<br />Eric Mhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17663977355241677800noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87996606981860511272013-01-11T13:52:29.151-08:002013-01-11T13:52:29.151-08:00I find it just a tad ridiculous that a kickoff ral...I find it just a tad ridiculous that a kickoff rally for education levies is being held in the heart of the SoDo industrial area on a Saturday. I can't think of a worse place for this rally in terms of visibility or accessibility. Eric Bnoreply@blogger.com