tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post2389314652632831772..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90657750444222005102014-08-09T16:51:57.306-07:002014-08-09T16:51:57.306-07:00I'm going to end this particular open thread. ...I'm going to end this particular open thread. Nothing more needs to be said about a single commenter who does not know this blog or its writers. <br /><br />Most of us who are/have been Sped parents know the frustration and yes, anger. But ranting doesn't serve this blog or its readers and, as I have said over and over, this is NOT a rant and rave blog. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56631068858544152122014-08-09T16:21:21.839-07:002014-08-09T16:21:21.839-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-44285920780758840062014-08-09T16:06:58.241-07:002014-08-09T16:06:58.241-07:00I think people are angry when they care deeply and...I think people are angry when they care deeply and are afraid. Michael is obviously a caring parent. Michael, go for a walk or something and move on.<br />KTAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-85626647924601081402014-08-09T16:01:52.751-07:002014-08-09T16:01:52.751-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65845169710740583322014-08-09T15:44:29.320-07:002014-08-09T15:44:29.320-07:00The thing is Michael. When you say "Pervasiv...The thing is Michael. When you say "Pervasive" you really just mean Autism, right? You use that word "Pervasive", wink, wink, because Autism is listed in the DSM IV as a "Pervasive Developmental Disorder". And educated parents dealing with disabilities know this, but most readers do not know it. So, you are really just saying.. the Autistic kids are getting all the goods. And your kid - well, evidently, he's getting nothing at all. Is that your point? Autism VS SLD. ??<br /><br />You seem to forget that every single elementary Resource (SLD) classroom in the district was handed an IA, and had their caseload reduced by 1/3 to 18. That costs the district millions every year. But without numbers. You can say whatever you want.<br /><br />The reality is - students in ALL disability categories are getting screwed. Sure, a few people have worked their way into programs that sort of work. SORT OF. But they are always, always, always full of very apparent failures and ridiculous compromises. For example, kids can be in expensive inclusion programs - and still be denied basic high school classes. Or, have to take the same class twice, because well, that's where they are allowed to be. Tons of those expensive Autistic kids were put in new self-contained programs with absolutely no materials or even classroom furniture. I'm sure SLD kids at least can use regular books. Some kids in programs have no books at all. Those same kids have 0 access to general ed. They don't get to step outside their room. SLD kids can go to any class. It ain't perfect - but it is still more then sitting in an empty classroom all day.<br /><br />Yes. How Resource (SLD) rooms are run - is completely up to the discretion of the school. And practices are often beyond bad, especially at the secondary level. Guess what? That is true for all other disability categories too.<br /><br />Isn't it best to advocate for best practices for all kids with disabilities?<br /><br />Another ReaderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5805870279972532862014-08-09T15:10:51.555-07:002014-08-09T15:10:51.555-07:00The two topics - the rape at Garfield and Special ...The two topics - the rape at Garfield and Special Ed - don't have anything to do with each other.<br /><br />And, to everyone, NO name-balling. Not a troll, not a hypocrite, nothing. <br /><br />I have tried to be kind about people having opinions but enough is enough.<br /><br />Michael, you seem very angry and willing to lash at anyone. This is not productive for this blog.<br /><br />I will not ask again.<br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58720079699036103842014-08-09T13:58:47.780-07:002014-08-09T13:58:47.780-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90377457674035884652014-08-09T13:51:08.369-07:002014-08-09T13:51:08.369-07:00Yes, I see your point and it's unfortunate but...Yes, I see your point and it's unfortunate but those were not my words, I just paraphrased what whom ever posted that. Yes they were a bit dramatic and direct, but I've had it with the pervasive issues dominating the SPEd conversation. So, don't single me out just because I choose to type out what many say in private.<br /><br />My intentions are well known and maybe not PC, but are shared by many including parents, SPS, OSPI and academia. I have chosen to end the bull shit after 7 years of watching nothing happen. How is it going? so far so good.<br /><br />I realized right away there's not really a PC way to deal with this so I'm taking going head on.<br /><br />BTW, just so you know SPS has attempted to buy me off and I turned them down! I want systemic change for the SLD student population not just for my kids as micamac claims.<br /><br />So Mirmac continue your pervasive first SPED PTA and SEAC meetings and continue to push out SLD advocates. Keep trying to scare people into your agenda that I'm going to ruin it for them. Why don't you explain exactly how that will happen! <br /><br />This is not a pleasant conversation for anyone but, it's about time we had it and MW I think your are a hypocrite, do think we want to listen to your rant on about a rape! how self serving to bring that students misery to the forefront for your own gain or blogs gain, disgusting. <br /><br />Why don't you reflect on that for awhile! before trying control this conversation. <br /><br />--Michael<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36881514969329648712014-08-09T13:07:15.556-07:002014-08-09T13:07:15.556-07:00I refuse to engage a troll on this blog.
Unfortun...I refuse to engage a troll on this blog.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the few unsupported parent volunteers must face those who would use a shotgun to achieve their means. All they do is bring about collateral damage that sets us all back. Senior administrators just lap this stuff up and use it to advance their own political agendas. Guess who gets the shaft.<br /><br />One obsessive, insulting parent has brought nearly all the gains in recent years (but may not have necesarily benefited his children - for that I am sorry but SPS usually counters abuse with abuse) to the brink because of batsh** crazy charges and insinuations.<br /><br />Just letting you all know who to blame when the poop hits the fan. Won't affect me and mine, but will hurt many - and unfortunately I still work hard and care about them as much as if they were my family.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50964985015365884372014-08-09T12:51:24.958-07:002014-08-09T12:51:24.958-07:00Michael, I believe everyone is entitled to their o...Michael, I believe everyone is entitled to their own opinion. However,<br /><br />"If it takes as you put it " malign and pit parents who have children with other disabilities against one another" to get SLD students the help they need, then that's exactly what I will do!"<br /><br />You won't be doing that here. We get enough of that with Advanced Learning and now Special Ed? No.<br /><br />So you are welcome to comment w/o maligning students or you can go start your own blog.<br /><br />As well,that $80M figure you cite is from various sources of money. The district, on its own, does not have $80M to spend. <br /><br />The feds have let the district know that they must do better. (I think the state should do a lot better and maybe districts take their cue from them.)<br /><br />But, we are not going to be pitting child against child. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-34003913526966990152014-08-09T12:43:37.342-07:002014-08-09T12:43:37.342-07:00@Michael
I'm usually of the mind to ignore yo...@Michael<br /><br />I'm usually of the mind to ignore your posts because they frankly are off-putting even when I happen to agree in principle. But seriously you're winning yourself no points with continued statements like above. The only right behavior here if you're sincere is to apologize and think before you post again.<br /><br />BenBenjamin Leishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91273066926877764942014-08-09T11:44:59.621-07:002014-08-09T11:44:59.621-07:00--enough already
No, whats wrong with the distric...--enough already<br /><br />No, whats wrong with the district is public servants failing to follow the laws. Really it's that simple.<br /><br />If teachers as public servants would follow the IDEA for ALL students with IEP's I would not be posting this!<br /><br />Your really don't seem to understand the situation which is not totally your fault.I don't care about other school districts it's not relevant. <br /><br />If it takes as you put it " malign and pit parents who have children with other disabilities against one another" to get SLD students the help they need, then that's exactly what I will do!<br /><br />But pointing out the $80 million the district spends on pervasive issues is not pitting parents against each other, it's seeking equnmiity.<br /><br />--Michael Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-158859787253766742014-08-09T11:36:38.831-07:002014-08-09T11:36:38.831-07:00I am not meaning to pit anyone. And I am not Micha...I am not meaning to pit anyone. And I am not Michavel. What I mean to say is that the state Medicaid or whoever is responsible for medical and nursing care needs to provide adequate care and funding before SPS attempts to teach.<br /><br />For all our students medical needs and safety need to come before academics! <br /><br />See the discussions about the field trip issue for perspective. Physical safety NEEDS to come before academics. <br /><br />Teachers didn't suddenly grow medical degrees, and they should not be expected to provide medical care. Neither did they sprout nursing licenses, they should not be providing nursing care. It is not safe.<br /><br />Likewise, medical funding is not where our budget should be spent. SPS is an educational institution. You wouldn't ask your accountant to pay for your hip replacement or do PT exercises with you.<br /><br />Teachers are trained professionals, not medical professionals, schools are not nursing facilities, and districts are not health insurance companies. It's not fair or safe to expect otherwise.<br /><br />Does our district demand adequate state funding to cover safe nursing costs? We need to!<br /><br />It is our duty to provide appropriate TEACHING, and to promote learning, our budget should be spent on treating LEARNING disabilities, slow learners, accelerated learners, and every student in between.<br /><br />-J<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15635585333446723832014-08-09T11:27:27.928-07:002014-08-09T11:27:27.928-07:00One other thing Michael -
Enough Already said it ...One other thing Michael -<br /><br />Enough Already said it all - you malign other parents and children.<br /><br />IF we live in a world where it's OK to malign kids, stigmatize them, call their teachers babysitters - then your kid will always be maligned too. IF IT'S OK TO STIGMATIZE AND MALIGN KIDS IN THE WORLD YOU CREATE - THEN: Your kid will always just be another idiot with an excuse of a label: DysXXX.<br /><br />Who wins from that?<br /><br />Another ReaderAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47681718728821491612014-08-09T09:23:31.084-07:002014-08-09T09:23:31.084-07:00Michael,
You are the epitome of what is wrong wit...Michael,<br /><br />You are the epitome of what is wrong with this school district in terms of parental advocacy--you are only thinking about your own child. That is, unfortunately, rampant in this district and has helped create and sustain the immorality and dysfunction of downtown SPS. If parents are only focused on the narrow well-being of their own child the district can and will placate them. You will be placated because you are so loud, angry and focused. Those would be great qualities if you cared about the well-being of all of the students, but you haven't demonstrated that by your comments.<br /><br />School districts across the country do a horrible job with students who have dyslexia, dysgraphia, etc. Schools of education do not train even the most specialized teachers in effective methods in this area. SPS could and should team up with the cutting-edge researchers in the region--Virginia Berninger comes to mind. You are on the money when it comes to your identification of the shortcomings and failures to help children with these SLDs. I am a teacher with a special education endorsement and have worked with scores of children with these issues, by the way.<br /><br />Your willingness to malign and pit parents who have children with other disabilities against one another in order to get first in line is beyond the pale. <br /><br />Do us all a favor and be quiet.<br /><br />--enough alreadyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19698068797698899852014-08-09T07:52:40.200-07:002014-08-09T07:52:40.200-07:00There are students that require 1 to 1 skilled nur...There are students that require 1 to 1 skilled nursing or health aide care. We can't expect our teachers to administer insulin, provide suction, or percussion. It would be dangerous. If the school district were not paying for these services through the school day, other state departments would be, or parents would be because these students would still need nursing care.<br /><br />The downside of closing children's residential nursing facilities is that the budget left the nursing facility and the cost ended up on everyone else's books. Public schools have taken up a large share, transportation took a piece, and parents have been expected to take a larger and larger portion. <br /><br />State funding for schools should have increased as residential facilities were emptied to cover these costs, which are much higher in the community because of the inability to bundle services. The opposite was true. Funding has gotten tighter and tighter. <br /><br />I would love to see some actual numbers regarding state funding. To me it seems that the medically fragile have been required to do quite a bit of the belt tightening themselves, and families have already been impoverished and sleep deprived.<br /><br />-JAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70032111011883820812014-08-08T22:47:24.612-07:002014-08-08T22:47:24.612-07:00Perhaps we should have K for All before PreK for f...Perhaps we should have K for All before PreK for families that make $18oK. <br /><br />How about those administrative salaries? That is just the tip of the iceberg.Holy Cownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60456087336322086962014-08-08T22:37:19.911-07:002014-08-08T22:37:19.911-07:00Again. Seriously?????
>>>
The real SPE...Again. Seriously?????<br /><br />>>><br /><i><br />The real SPED issue is a small group of parents have hijacked SPED and caused 80% of the funding to be spent on their cohorts that's around 7% of the SPED student population consuming 80% of the funding.<br /></i><br /><br />No. There's no "I think". What small group of parents? Which Sped 7% of sped students are eating up 80%. ???? That should be deleted.<br /><br />Lame. Crybaby Michael.<br /><br /><br /><br />Comments OnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15984730429203777532014-08-08T22:28:17.658-07:002014-08-08T22:28:17.658-07:00I'm disappointed that Mr. Wolf rarely sees fit...I'm disappointed that Mr. Wolf rarely sees fit to respond to my questions. I present them in a challenging, yet respectful way. Oh well, I guess he knows by now that I do not just wag my tail whenever some "feel good" news pops up on the blog. I see many more facilities emails than I post. Not so good news.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23702758659141175882014-08-08T22:09:18.619-07:002014-08-08T22:09:18.619-07:00Holy Cow,
Under the Mayor's plan, every famil...<b>Holy Cow</b>,<br /><br />Under the <a href="http://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/OFE/AboutTheLevy/EarlyLearning/SPP_118114a.pdf" rel="nofollow">Mayor's plan</a>, every family would receive a subsidy. The expected cost per student is $10,700 and the most a family would pay is $10,173. A family of four wouldn't reach that maximum tuition amount until their income exceeds $180,000.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35281025699074942892014-08-08T21:07:41.968-07:002014-08-08T21:07:41.968-07:00Burgess and Holly Miller are planning on using 1/3...Burgess and Holly Miller are planning on using 1/3 of the Family and Education Levy to fund prek for all and they aren't providing high need schools with funds. Yet, they are more than happy to provide more than generous salaries to administrators.<br /><br />Meanwhile, the PTA is trying to scrape -up dollars so kids can have a gym shirt.<br /><br />It's for the kids.Holy Cownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38725908807185268112014-08-08T21:03:48.465-07:002014-08-08T21:03:48.465-07:00The City will allow very generous salaries for adm...The City will allow very generous salaries for administration. Hold on to your hats and I will provide a small smathering and incomplete list of administrative salaries:<br /><br />PFA director $200K (!)<br />PFA Assistant Director $170K, Finance Mjr. $170K, Data and Evaluation Manaer $169K, Databbase Adm. $112K, Outreach coordinator $156K (!), Quality Control Manaer $156K (!), Strategic Advisor $144K and this is an imcomplete list. I'm not seeing generous costs to cover sps expenses.<br /><br />It should be noted that the city's plan covers transportation. Who will do the work around transportation? Let me guess--SPS.<br /><br />Vote NOHoly Cownoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-20954936213952671102014-08-08T20:19:03.852-07:002014-08-08T20:19:03.852-07:00Dear Joe Wolf
I am concerned about the location ...Dear Joe Wolf <br /><br />I am concerned about the location of special needs Pre-K classrooms in portables at Sacajawea. It's already difficult in SPS to integrate our students with disabilities into the GenEd mainstream even when they're in the main building! <br /><br />Please let us know what the thinking has been to have arrived at this situation? <br /><br /><br />AnneSAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24443209409818669882014-08-08T20:17:44.111-07:002014-08-08T20:17:44.111-07:00Comments On, I closed the comments not so that oth...Comments On, I closed the comments not so that others could not comment but to stop that kind of comment. I agree he provided no real data but at the end did say, "I think" which is an opinion to me. <br /><br />Of course, it is offensive.<br /><br />As far as Charles Wright, I believe a number of us raised questions to the Board about how this SPed review was being handled. Upon examination, I think it came about that there was a realization that it was not handled in the proper fashion (and likely that other companies could complain of unfair treatment). Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1028280164892793542014-08-08T19:57:41.894-07:002014-08-08T19:57:41.894-07:00Seriously???? You're going to "close to...Seriously???? You're going to "close to comments" in a special education thread, but leave behind this gem???? People need to be able to respond to this sort of tripe - posted without evidence, and directed at a whole swath of students.<br /><br /><i><br />Anonymous said...<br />The real SPED issue is a small group of parents have hijacked SPED and caused 80% of the funding to be spent on their cohorts that's around 7% of the SPED student population consuming 80% of the funding.<br /><br />Sorry not to be PC, but many of these "students" are simply being baby sat at public expense.<br /><br />Diaper changing and restraining students should be be happening in schools. I just think it's gone to far and we need to stop it.<br /><br />--Michael<br /></i><br /><br /><br />The whole thing <i>is</i> pretty weird. Getting email, saying "rah rah sped" in the middle of summer from Charles Wright???? Who the heck is Charles Wright? A highly paid mid manager brought on by Banda? Can't Banda take all the guys he foisted on us, with him?<br /><br />-Comments OnAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com