Tuesday Open Thread -NOT- on Wednesday
Ack! Melissa usually does this. Sorry I muffed it.
Here is your Tuesday open threadjust one day late.
Did anyone attend the Curriculum and Instruction Policy Committee meeting? Can we get a report? Has anyone seen the draft policy for Advanced Learning?
What else is going on?
Somehow, when I first created this thread I thought it was Wednesday. What a goob.
Here is your Tuesday open thread
Did anyone attend the Curriculum and Instruction Policy Committee meeting? Can we get a report? Has anyone seen the draft policy for Advanced Learning?
What else is going on?
Somehow, when I first created this thread I thought it was Wednesday. What a goob.
Comments
HP
Here are a couple of articles to think on:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/innovations/wp/2014/09/02/the-unstoppable-ti-84-plus-how-an-outdated-calculator-still-holds-a-monopoly-on-classrooms/
http://2020science.org/2010/07/11/texas-instruments-graphing-calculators-essential-math-teaching-aid-or-a-scam/
--kensington
Thanks for posting this event. I'm really curious why they are calling it "Universal" Pre-K when the issue on the ballot is not for a "universal" pre-k program. In talking with the campaign manager a few weeks ago, he indicated that it has been renamed to "Seattle Quality Preschool" for the very reason that this proposition is not a "universal" program, but focued instead on piloting "quality" preschool:
"Proposition 1B on the November general election ballot will enact the four-year pilot phase of this Seattle Preschool Program, ramping up to cover 2000 children in 100 classrooms by 2018, which will be funded through a modest property tax levy."
Their own gap analysis found that there are around 6000 3 and 4 year olds in Seattle each year, and this plan will only serve a fraction of that number in the "pilot" phase of this current proposition (1B).
They named the campaign "Quality Seattle Preschool".
This is the campaign website:
http://qualityseattlepreschool.com/
I'm a major supporter of preschool efforts (as is SCPTSA and WSPTA) and it is concerning to have this event stating that "this proposed project" is a "universal" pre-k program when it isn't.
Eden
Not surprisingly, they're quite the "hot" item to "acquire" when left unattended.
I do wonder how it can be "required" if it's out of the financial reach of some of the students. Will the school subsidize the purchase?
I had to buy three T-84's and yes they were very useful in class. I remember one class had a loaner and in my child's case, one broke, one stolen and the other is still in use in college.
$$$
PSP
--Math is Important, but...
A Mom
I agree with you completely, and don't feel right about the school asking me to purchase this for my 8th grader. We've written several checks to our kids's schools during this first week of school (Music Programs, classroom supplies provided by schools, etc.) and it's a huge strain on our budget. I used the TI graphing calculator in a community college class a couple years ago and, from my experience, I find it hard to believe that this is something our kids really need at this point.
On a broader note, while I am sympathetic to our severely underfunded schools, I think there needs to be more care taken in asking families to provide direct funding, even when scholarships or aid are offered. Additional financial stressors shouldn't be a routine part of sending your kid to public school.
rk
At schools my children attended there were classroom calculators provided. The only time they didn't have enough was during state testing - but you should be able to take and pass the EOC tests with nothing more than a basic scientific calculator ($10). If you can't, then you haven't really learned algebra. You've only learned how to operate the calculator.
I would discuss the matter with administration. If graphing calculators are required they need to be supplied by the school. You don't want the school to set the precedent of requiring this of parents.
2cents
2cents
Question regarding writing tutor or writing workshops for middle school/early high schoolers? Any recommendations for my writing challenged kid? He has lots of thoughts, just trouble putting it to paper coherently. Thanks in advance...
Writing HELP!
And for what its worth, I used that sucker all the way through high school and into college calculus. I then, at some point, had to pick up a used TI-83 for college statistics and econometrics (the 86 doesn't do stats).
Now I'm taking business stats in an MBA program. We're using excel. I'm going to have to start digging through my boxes to find one of my TIs...
A Mom
As far as cost, I would see if your PTA/PTO or office has funds available for people who need it. All of the SPS schools we attended had that available.
Is it true that the last director was fired with cause? Was it all about the contract with TIERS or were there other problems that directly affect our children?
Is the interim director our contact for the year or is a new hiring process underway? Are there other changes in staff at the management level? Every year is 'new' with the rotating chairs and policies downtown so I want to know who I am dealing with before I jump into getting services for my child this year.
Thank you
SpecialEd parent
Sure we "can" buy it--but it just really hacks us off that price isn't an issue when the parents are buying.
Thanks for all the tips on used ones, though. If we can avoid lining more pockets at TI, we will.
--kensington
What annoyed me was seeing this specific calculator referred to in the textbook. Also not too happy when a hs math teacher told us that kids taking calc at UW didn't use them, but his students would not be able to pass ap calc without the graphing calculator.
Also many are stolen at HS, guard it like an iphone.
-HS Parent
Since a lot of people use them for school, used ones are not that hard to come by.
At my daughter's school, for 9th grade algebra they use the TI-84 in class, provided by the school. The teacher said students don't have to have such a fancy one for homework this year, but if we're buying one anyway the TI-84 would be familiar from class and also used in high school math and science classes. I thought the TI-84 was a pretty nice calculator, and certainly less expensive than Hewlett Packard's, which used to be the calculator of choice back in the day.
?
As a matter of fact, the city's proposal is to reach 2000 students with cost $58M. The city wants to fund one highly paid administrator to every 50(!) students. The top dog is expected to make $200K and many many are in the $156K per year club. Perhaps this initiative should be called "Quality pay-check for All" (!)
I'm still waiting to see who will fund the city's initiative. A few days ago, Matt Griffin was the main contributor at $25K. The city is working with Acelero -a for profit entity that revamps Head Start.
Maybe the class/school could put in a group order with TI to help lower the cost?
That being said, graphing calculators are incredibly useful. I used a TI-83 often between 7th grade (it was Integrated I in my day) and 12th grade.
However, if she has a smartphone, the website wolframalpha is great for graphing and calculator functions (but often a little too useful -- it'll happily solve most simple problems for you, which might make her homework a bit too easy).
-formerAPPer
I bought and tested out a Casio hopeful that the lower price would make graphing calculators more accessible, but unfortunately in my opinion they did not compare very well to the TI calculators.
I borderline required (as much as possible) at least a good scientific calculator. The unfortunate reality is that having a graphing calculator (TI83 or 84) does create an equity issue as they are very helpful to students who learn how to use them. On the flip side, students who do not get a calculator that goes beyond the basic 4-functions in Algebra are severely handicapping themselves.
In terms of cell phone apps - for homework, no problem. Please understand, however, that by insisting teachers allow them in the classroom is extremely counterproductive. I've been in way too many classrooms already in which teachers routinely allow cellphones for calculators or other reasons and most of the students are mostly using them for non-academic purposes.
In terms of home usage, check out Microsoft Math 4.0. At times it's a little bit wonky and not as well designed as the TI interface... but it's free! Public schools generally can not legally buy graphing calculators for students, so I'm looking forward to when tablet prices come down even more AND there are more high-quality free apps such as graphing calculators on the cheap tablets making the pricey TI's relics. {I can't criticize the 84 product, just the price}
By the way, many private schools do require graphing calculators. As much as I respect the cost issue for most families, when criticizing them it should be noted that those with private school money know the value.
former mathie
APP AHOLE
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 2014, 6:30 – 8:00PM
Seattle Speaks: Preschool Politics
but the description still references universal preK...
There was a link for a survey, it kind of blended in w the rest of the post but it's here
https://www.seattlecityclub.org/forms/seattle-speaks-universal-pre-k
I took it and said as it stands now I wouldn't vote for either. Too many unknowns.
--katydid
Note that Garfield alum Sylvie Nemeth conducted an AP Statistics class survey on attitudes towards assault which figured into media reporting on the Garfield rape.
SSAIHS
Just browsing
Seattle Public Schools aligned texts a few years back, providing a list of 25 or so books for each grade (at least in HS, not sure about MS but I think there, too)
Part of the purpose of alignment is so students don't read Persepolis, for instance, in 7th grade and then agsin in 10th grade.
According to Seattle Public Schools ELA aligned texts (google those terms - can't link from my phone, then click on bottom link on that page) Persepolis is a choice for 10th grade teachers; it's on that list as 10th.
So a) SPS doesn't want it taught in 7th due to alignment (it might be taught in 10) snd b) SPS has decided it is appropriate for 10s.
In my opinion it MIGHT be appropriate for 7s, but...a bit edgy, and background (Iran in revolution of seventies when Ayatollah came to power) is a bit advanced for 7s. Great graphic novel, but no, an SPS 7th grade teacher shouldn't teach it.
It is interesting to note that Matt Griffin and Stuart Sloan have each contributed to the city's pre-k program.
http://www.pdc.wa.gov/MvcQuerySystem/CommitteeData/contributions?param=UVVBTFBLIDEwMw====&year=2014&type=single
Both Matt Griffin and Stuart Sloan are interested in real-estate and land development.
Can we wonder if Griffin and Stuart are currying favor with Murray and Burgess?
It's true, McWilliams is gone. Fired. You won't hear about it from the usual Special Ed posters because she was supposed to be one of the Good Administrators. When it turns out she was fired for cause, you can hear a pin drop. That is because suddenly the unfortunate game some posters on this blog play of Good Administrators and Bad Administrators suddenly isn't so much fun anymore when one of their picks bites the dust.
She was supposed to be the best head of the department in the past decade, according to some of the posters. Let it be known, though, that not one of the other 'incompetent' (not my description) special education directors were fired for cause. Kinda makes you rethink previous postings rating the department head, doesn't it?
For your other question, don't count on the executive special education staff staying as it currently appears. There will be changes as the interim gets to work.
The bottom line is that the department is in a bad place. In many ways worse than one year ago. There is every expectation that the posters will find much to dislike about the interim so don't expect much progress this year.
'Watching'
HERE
Actually, Sloan Stuart is involved with the New Schools Foundation in S. Shore.
This plan goes way back:
http://fcd-us.org/sites/default/files/FCDCaseStudyWashington.pdf
It is sort of surprising to me that the price is virtually the same as it was 20 years ago. That can't be necessary.
-Old Whippersnapper
As for blog silence - best not to feed trolls.
Oh, I bet her lawyer has told her not to talk to you, but you know this.
So did you talk to Tolley? Maybe you spoke to #2 who is also in hot water.
OSPI wanted McWilliams gone even before she royally screwed up, even before she bad mouthed Dr. Gill to TIERS group.
From what I've seen between you two and the TIERS documents, there's no chance McWilliams will return.
She was truly unprofessional and unethical and self documented her own demise.
New Sped
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/educationlab/2014/09/10/national-merit-scholarship-semifinalists-named/
Seattle looks like it did really well this year (by my quick count about 33 winners) and what was nice to see were kids representing 7 different high schools.
Has anyone encountered this situation at their school, and, if so, how did you do science experiments that used water when out in a portable? We don't have space for a separate science room inside the building.
Thanks.
- North-end Mom
What is the turnaround, roughly, in days, between handing in a course change request form and course reassignment, in cases where the SPS teacher from the year before recommends placement, but the placement recommendation is not initially acted upon?
So the question of where SPED stands remains and is a good one eg When will McWilliams's future be made clear? A waterfall of next steps will no doubt come after that point in time.
More personally, why does the program delivery (nondelivery) to my student and the other students I know look as underwhelming as ever? What has the state mandated happen within the downtown offices this fall? Surely it has to be more than timely IEPs.
I don't see a path to advocate for my child - to be more specific I don't see a *useful and productive* path to advocate for my child at the moment because SPS SPED is as clear as mud as usual. The only path I know I must take has little to do with SPS. I'm researching outside SPS academic and skills help.
academic help.
Moderate Sped
M
Moderate Sped M, I presume the complaint process is the same as ever - teacher, principal, ombudsman, executive director, OSPI.
Understand this if you don't file a complaint with OSPI nothing will happen. Sure the teacher's will get possibly bent out of shape, but many teachers want change and understand this will ONLY be resolved in court unless a miracle happens.
Poster's here do much more than simply post emails by the unscrupulous.
New Sped
Being disenfranchised doesn't allow you the privilege of maligning the facts and you certainly can't overturn them.
@Mirmac is correct/truthful in acknowledging that a meeting did take place between Mirmac and Senior Cabinet members yesterday regarding SpEd. Where/Who are your sources New SpEd that you believe you can discredit this? It is quite clear you don't pursue those fact-checking avenues...and being selective in what you purport continues to lessen your effect and any message that you are trying to share.
You are encouraged to, please do, ask any Board Member, or Nyland for that matter, who will ALL confirm that McWilliams matter is under review and she has NOT been fired and remains under the employ of the District (be it on leave or not). Check the Supt. Personnel Reports if you want to know who has been fired/non-renewed/separated from SPS.
A good reporter reports the facts and not fiction...
BTW we thought you said under one and many of your aliases that you were "done" with this blog, yet you keep coming back... I guess that wasn't entirely true either?
I shudder to think about how much these fees will increase with each passing year.
Roosevelt mom
Readers, what this poster is saying is there's an elite group of parents are out there. They sit on SEACC and SpEd ptsa. These parents have a track record of receiving preferential treatment. They will try any tactic to discredit any other parent who disagrees with their agenda.
Funny I heard from OSPI that McWilliams was no longer with SPS in any capacity.
I don't know who you think you are, but you don't know me or what I'm doing.
New Sped
Sped dad
Have any of you considered meeting together to work out a comprehensive strategy or are you so fractured that isn't possible? I don't have a Sped kid but it must be easy to push you guys around when no one gets along.
Popcorn lady
I have to concur with some previous posters that I have no idea what the status of the department or services or for that matter fellow parents are for the coming year.
And to Charlie, who outlined the list of how to escalate Special Education concerns: Thank you, but you left out a couple of steps like special education regional director. However, anyone who has been in Seattle schools for awhile knows its not the chain of command that matters, its the personalities. So I agree that not knowing who is in charge and who is under that person is a problem.
Sped Mom
Yes, it seems we are light years away on our agendas. I won't open that up again.
Right now I'm focusing on one corrupt executive who did little to nothing except favors to friends, collision to award funds to her friends, provided enrichment to herself while students suffered, then attempted to hide her actions from the public.
These accusations are well documented. The other groups little leader is just having a tantrum because she is a control freak and ego maniac.
My agenda is on track and working. Those who were illegally provided extravagant services up to $126,000 per year should be worried, those who receive legitimate services have nothing to fear.
New Sped
The district FINALLY added some new information to the SpEd Dept homepage (after, oh, 3 years of nothing). Check for supervisor contact info here.
Actually popcorn lady the hot mess is really only 1 or 2 people, usually the same person under multiple names. He should proceed with his lawsuit and start his own advocacy group. Those who wish to join him, should.
The first meeting of the Special Education PTSA will be Sept. 22 at 7pm in Rm 2700 at the John Stanford Center. Superintendent Nyland has been invited to speak.
mirmac1 says with a gain of salt.
It's important to use the IEP team approach, because once you start isolating team members problems will start.
You can call an IEP team meeting anytime. No IEP team member has anymore influence over the IEP than you, remember that.
Keep the meeting to the facts and collect all information to support your position in advance. Usually your biggest obstacle will be the Gen Ed teacher and the district supervisor. If possible always bring another person with you to take notes.(this is important)
By being knowledgeable and doing these things you gain respect of the team.
New Sped
It is important to remember that the city's pre-k program is actually Pre-k-3 alignment.
It is important that the district's Partnership Agreement with the city does NOT allow a pre-K TfA contract to extend into K-3.
Let's remember: Burgess's plan wants to hire individuals with 4 year degrees with "alternative certificate" processes. In essence, Burgess is pushing TfA.
Let me know if Burgess talks about the fact his pre=k proposal funds 1 administrator for every 50 students. Does anyone think that 1 administrator for every 50 students defies logic?
Please let me know when Burgess explains desire to merge data systems. Will Burgess and Holly Miller let the board know that the members of the Family and Education Committee follow individual students that leave pre-k and enter SPS.
Will Holly Miller and Stephan Blanford talk about the "special project" they are working on?
Any chance Burgess's plan, which is loaded with administrators, data etc.. is laying the administrative framework for mayoral control of Seattle Public Schools? Burgess's plan wants to fund 1 administrator for every 50 preschool students; it doesn't make sense.
I also found this:
"Since this 'creative approach' will only work in schools where there is homogeneity and parental agreement, it will work for the better performing alternative schools in SPS whose parents would be the most likely to make strong arguments for charter schools legislatively." -- Holly Miller, (Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods), 2/21/2012 e-mail to Sara Morris (Alliance for Education), Mary Jean Ryan (Community Center for Education Results, CCER), Chris Korsmo (LEV), Shannon Campion (Stand for Children, Inc.), Lizanne Lyons (chief labor negotiator for SPS) Tim Burgess (City Council), Susannah Malarkey (Technology Alliance), Jane Broom (Microsoft), Karen Waters (Strategies 360), Julie McCoy (Mayor's office), Sid Sidorowicz (Seattle Dept. of Neighborhoods), Kacey Guin (Memphis City Schools, formerly of City of Seattle Office of Education and CRPE), Isabel Munoz-Colon (City of Seattle). "
One thing is clear, the city wants space within sps and many of the players are the ones that supported charter schools.
It was more of a kiss ass session with the group telling Nylan they are here to work with him. Blah Blah puke.
Oh I can't wait for the magical SEACC brochure that will fix SPED!
New Sped
Nothing like throwing a fast- ball to take the directors by surprise and not allow them a lot of time to study a major initiative.
Peters pointed out the irony that there would be a City PreK with a 6 hour day while SPS cannot even provide Full-day K. Burgess says golly FDK should be funded, but realize that Boston found that the K-5s found it hard to handle the "superkids" coming from their vaunted PreKs. Herndon chimed in that by 2018 McCleary should be funding FDK.
Patu had started the comment period expressing her aggravation that COS had blithely moved forward with planning, without meaningful engagement with SPS. McLaren noted that SPS funds and reputation are at stake. Directors questioned oversight. Burgess claimed Blanford and Nylands membersip on the FEL provides that.
If so, they weren't revealing. They used old BERK data to show 60% of WA 3-4 yr olds were "below standards" (whatever the hell that means).
NB Parent
1. Post your issue to the SpEd PTSA listserv. Others may have had the same issues and may be able to offer help. To subscribe to the listserv, send an email to seattle_sped_pta-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.
2. The OEO has a great handbook with suggestions for advocating for your child with disabilities within the public school system. It is at http://www.governor.wa.gov/oeo/publications/manual_students_with_disabilities.pdf.
3. The Washington Autism Advocacy is running a workshop this Saturday in Shoreline on developing IEP's. The afternoon will feature small group discussions with lawyers. This may be valuable. In any case, it is free or nearly free. I am trying to get a good link on this that goes to their registration page.
4. If you want to email me for specific questions, please feel free to email me at Maryvgriffin (at) gmail.com.
IDEA – Blueprints to Special Education Sept. 13th, Shoreline Conference Center
It doesn't matter what Kim says; she is sitting in the John Stanford Center. I highly doubt that Murray would publicly deny thoughts of governance changes. I've seen Murray red faced "SPS will see changes like they've never seen before." Not only that, but Seattle's business types had already drawn up a plan for governance changes within SPS and Murray was going to present it to the legislature. Then, the city funded the business backed-board and the effort died down. No worries though, Seattle's business community only put their plan on the back burner.
BTW: What was Holly Miller's position on charter schools? Afterall, she is one of the individuals behind grand schemes.
Please move this conversation there.
Does your child's school say the Pledge of Allegiance? At our child's previous school they said it once a week with Monday announcements (it's supposed to be said every day). This year, nothing, not even on 9/11. I understand there are strong feelings, but thought the once a week practice was more respectful than nothing.
RCW 28A.230.140 United States flag
wondering
Good luck explaining that when even a US Supreme Court judge can't.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/posteverything/wp/2014/09/04/i-just-freed-an-innocent-man-from-death-row-and-im-still-furious/
parent