tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post257037291430706612..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Ramona Hattendorf Sets the Record StraightMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger37125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10396986294676170382016-05-29T00:04:18.504-07:002016-05-29T00:04:18.504-07:00Many people suspected that Ramona Hattendorf was s...Many people suspected that Ramona Hattendorf was supporting LEV and the charter movement. <br /><br />Ramona Hattendorf has finally admitted to supporting charter schools- it took a while! Ramona had this to say on social media:<br /><br />"Ramona Hattendorf I disagree with the Dem charter position, so I guess I am no longer a real Democrat. Which happily leaves me with a clear conscience to support Ruth Kagi and her work on the health and human services subcommittee. Btw... if Democrats are only allowed to agree with each other, and must leave when we disagree"TookAWhilenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88663417680340567582012-03-22T13:10:52.360-07:002012-03-22T13:10:52.360-07:00Again, not people I would want to listen to.
I ...Again, not people I would want to listen to. <br /><br />I do need to write something else about the charter forum the PTA put on because Ms. Lake, for being an expert, sure had some not-quite-right statements. It's troubling to have someone like that on a panel who people are trusting to give the FULL picture but apparently not.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88606306372761958152012-03-22T12:45:23.900-07:002012-03-22T12:45:23.900-07:00DistrictWatcher says:
RED ALERT
Kelly Munn is at...DistrictWatcher says:<br /><br />RED ALERT<br /><br />Kelly Munn is at it again. Another "informative" session stocked solely with Ed Reformers and Charter-Pushers, under the auspices of LEV and (fake grassroots) coalition A+ Washington "Powered by Excellent Schools Now".<br /><br />There are 3 choices here:<br /><br />1) Kelly gets off the PTSA listserve pushing her agenda.<br />2) The PTSA listserves become a lot more inclusive of opposing viewpoints<br />3) Optimally, PTSA requests removal from Excellent Schools Now.<br /><br />Which one is it going to be? Who is going to put the pressure on? What does Ramona have to say about this one? How about the head of the local PTSA (Lauren McGuire).<br /><br />Here is the text of the invitation:<br />Hot off the heels of the last tele-town hall (over 5,000 Washingtonians participated), we’re excited for you to join us in the next conversation.<br /><br />Join us and our A+ Washington coalition partners for our next discussion on Tuesday, March 27th from 12-1pm with the following speakers:<br /><br />• Robin Lake, Director of the University of Washington’s Center on Reinventing Public Education<br /><br />• Jana Carlisle, Executive Director Partnership for Learning<br /><br />• Dave Powell, Policy Director Stand for Children Washington<br /><br />Conference call details:<br /> When: Tuesday, March 27 <br />Time: 12-1pm<br /><br />Phone number: (888) 886-6603, Extension: 18493#<br /><br />....<br /><br /> Kelly Munn<br /> State Field DirectorAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1854556185189638122012-03-22T12:30:50.552-07:002012-03-22T12:30:50.552-07:00This PTA issue is due its own thread as they are s...This PTA issue is due its own thread as they are starting to get it from all sides and there are at least 2-3 new parent groups trying to get into their turf. And my question is, do principals have to let everyone in the door as they do PTA? Hmmm.<br /><br />As to the conversation on the WA state PTSA listserv, my read is that a couple (3-4) people in Issaquah, probably working in tandem with Senator Tom, brought up the charter issue. <br /><br />Now Ramona is right on the point that generally the list of issues is not controversial and it's generally a rearranging priorities for the year with full-funding always at the top.<br /><br />What they should have done when charters were brought up is get clarity. <br /><br />Was the PTSA following the national PTA and supporting charters in a qualified manner (as the national teachers unions do)?<br /><br />And, once charter legislation did magically appear in the Legislature, did WA state pta reject or approve of the bill? What was their reasoning for their stand?<br /><br />I believe that the support of charters was not as "qualified" as it could have been and I have to wonder why given how many people rose up against it.<br /><br />I think those people in Issaquah sat down, planned how to get this on the legislative agenda and worked to make sure they would win.<br /><br />NOW, this is all within the rules but you need a bit of backstory.<br /><br />1) Leg Assembly happens in Sep well before most PTAs have met and gotten their grounding. So to say this was discussed by the majority of PTAs in the state is just not true. If this had been put forth in April or May before the end of school, I might have accepted the outcome.<br /><br />2) Not every PTA has a leg rep. I think a president could go in the place of but most presidents are running around a lot in the early days of the year doing other things.<br /><br />3) There is a cost to go to the Assembly which some PTAs might not want to bear as well as the costs of travel when it is on the eastern side of the state (they switch locales in fairness to all). So fewer PTAs go.<br /><br />These people knew that, got their people aligned and the rest of the others were left scrambling. That they barely pulled it off shows you that it was not widely supported.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60687730635233043202012-03-22T09:11:50.916-07:002012-03-22T09:11:50.916-07:00Sorry, having everyone in your PTA withdraw/not pa...Sorry, having everyone in your PTA withdraw/not pay dues is what I meant. There is one thing that may not be easy - you have to/get to manage your own funds. So you need a bookkeeper - but we even pay ours and it's not as much as the Alliance would take.<br /><br />I have to qualify my opinion by saying I've never actually been in a PTA - but we considered joining and the money-handling issue was the deal-breaker for us. You'll never go back!Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8589978750405222172012-03-22T07:16:55.442-07:002012-03-22T07:16:55.442-07:00That's part of the problem is representation. ...That's part of the problem is representation. Even if you join, pay your family dues, go to meeting, volunteer a LOT, much of what we do in the PTA is fundraising. Attempts to even look at helping out other schools without PTAs or ones that cannot fundraise don't go far. Leadership posts are vetted by the selection committee. Even if your name goes in, it may not come out. It just feels like the PTA does things now pretty much how the charter fiasco debut or even the way TFA votes went down last night. Lots of concerns expressed and more ho, humming, but when it comes down to it, votes are already in. Plus I can't stand the way teachers are being dissed right now, and not a peep from the PTA.<br /><br />-Not giving up, but looking elsewhere for leadership.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-91882783877137969782012-03-22T07:12:50.337-07:002012-03-22T07:12:50.337-07:00What about utilizing proxy votes?
OompahWhat about utilizing proxy votes? <br /><br />OompahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67775166537043163332012-03-21T23:14:42.036-07:002012-03-21T23:14:42.036-07:00"Last year only 11 out of 75 PTSA's in Se..."Last year only 11 out of 75 PTSA's in Seattle sent delegates,"<br /><br />People have to work and it costs $$. That is part of the problem.<br /><br />Like everyting else, the arm of Bill Gates (LEV) has made it's way into the PTA.Wonderingnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10454890474641861702012-03-21T22:53:41.192-07:002012-03-21T22:53:41.192-07:00Instead of dropping out of PTSA, how about trying ...Instead of dropping out of PTSA, how about trying to take it back? As was pointed out, WA PTA in the past has supported things like free and reduced lunch, the DREAM act and many more important child and family issues. Each PTSA is allowed at least 2 delegates to vote on resolutions at the convention coming up this May. The more members, the more delegates - so if we really want to send a strong message, we should recruit as many members as possible, send all the delegates we can and vote at the upcoming convention where a permanent resolution supporting charter schools is up for a vote. Last year only 11 out of 75 PTSA's in Seattle sent delegates, and most sent only 1. If we all show up we can do it, if we stay home and complain about it, well, we will just have more to complain about. Go to the Wastatepta website to find out more.<br />IWantMyPTABackAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28465727046557240762012-03-21T20:29:26.169-07:002012-03-21T20:29:26.169-07:00This is hardly the only issue where the state PTSA...This is hardly the only issue where the state PTSA has opposed its members. Ideally, the school PTSAs would be able to wrestle back control from the state PTSA, who represents the views of a small minority of its members. However, this hasn't happened, and I don't know if it will. <br /><br />While I'm sympathetic to Chris S and the idea of not paying dues to your PTSA, a better option would be for the school PTSAs to withdraw and start our own statewide organization. <br /><br />-- EbenezerAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47623714849294495952012-03-21T20:21:07.565-07:002012-03-21T20:21:07.565-07:00Christina, you young n foolish thing you. You thin...Christina, you young n foolish thing you. You think Lauren McGuire has done THAT? You think anyone in the Regional PTA would encourage THAT? That would take time...and, and..a general commitment to deeply understanding a divisive issue instead of sitting in meetings at downtown HQ...and, and...cross-collaboration instead of hierarchical structure. And, and...having Kelly Munn and her ilk simmer down and not play Alpha Dog and let us have an honest conversation.<br /><br />My usual mantra. PTA doesn't even represent my end of the city. But hey, if it wants to put its money where its slogans are for once, perhaps they can embark on just such a fact-finding mission. I'll start whistling hopefully now. <br /><br />SouthieAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30923813724187163152012-03-21T19:31:03.467-07:002012-03-21T19:31:03.467-07:00Is someone tracking the number of Seattle Public S...Is someone tracking the number of Seattle Public Schools PT(S)As who support charter schools legislation no matter how "qualified" the support is, and the number of Seattle Public Schools PT(S)As who announced their lack of support for charter schools legislation?<br /><br />My PTSA Legislative Liaison sent out a communique stating our school PTSA is against charter schools. But if it's a small minority or even unique in its opposition I won't be giving it funds anymore.<br /><br />--Former PTA Board memberChristinanoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13614445590322917532012-03-21T18:26:44.013-07:002012-03-21T18:26:44.013-07:00"BUT, it seems clear from following the PTSA ..."BUT, it seems clear from following the PTSA listserv, that many people were very suspicious of the process that got charters on the PTSA list of issues for this year"<br /><br />I'd like to know more about this. Rodney Tom style politics?Watch Dognoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55821510996262769962012-03-21T17:00:06.056-07:002012-03-21T17:00:06.056-07:00@Teacher and Voter
I didn't know about Ramona...@Teacher and Voter<br /><br />I didn't know about Ramona Hattendorf, LEV, SFC or the new Alliance (I knew it as the group that used to help me get supplies for my students living in poverty during John Stanford's tenure) from Adam and Eve's house cat when I taught in Seattle. <br /><br />Only since leaving the district have I had the time to connect the dots (and deal with PTSD--post traumatic Seattle District--no kidding). <br /><br />Primary class sizes at 28, a surplus of incompetent administrators, superintendents who never wanted to be in the classroom (and therefore have little-to-no respect for those who do) kept me in an information fog.<br /><br />Your point is so very well taken-- keep you in survival mode (and exceeding state averages despite all this mess)and you don't have time to think (much less be an activist). <br /><br />If SEA had any balls and intelligence at the leadership level, 75% of this mess would be history. If the brainpower of Seattle's teachers and parapros could be freed up, Hanauer and company would soon be buying adult diapers.<br /><br />Get the word out for Eric Muhs!<br /><br />--enough already (beyond being concerned about "tone")Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16556939604090743732012-03-21T16:34:06.728-07:002012-03-21T16:34:06.728-07:00The above Michigan story is quite instructive. One...The above Michigan story is quite instructive. One year "just 2" cyber charters. Then the camel gets its nose in the tent and suddenly it's 30 with allowance for more than 30,000 students in each. Almost no public or teacher input. Ludicrous. <br /><br />By the way, Tom Vander Ark, ex-superintendent of Federal Way, ex-Gates Foundation education head, pushed cyber and building-based charters this session in Olympia. He flies around the country pushing them everywhere, probably in Michigan too. Passage of charters, especially online, <a href="http://gettingsmart.com/about/tom-vander-ark/" rel="nofollow">benefits his company</a>. <br /><br />I learned from this blog that his wife helped start Democrats for Education reform here in Washington. And that he reposts Chris Korsmo's columns for LEV on his website. Add him to the names of backroom pushers on the PTA no doubt.<br /><br />My school is lucky enough to have an activist who tracks these relationships like a hawk and keeps us wise. The huge majority of schools are not so lucky. <br /><br />The 'T' in PTA is almost nonexistent which is one reason this nonsense happens. We don't have time for the PTA. We are too busy with bringing kids up to standard and then doing test prep to keep our jobs. <br /><br />Teacher & VoterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18726575106787109542012-03-21T15:04:53.240-07:002012-03-21T15:04:53.240-07:00so Ramona wants charters...
not sure if she's...so Ramona wants charters...<br /><br />not sure if she's thought it through...<br /><br />This is where Michigan parents are at, in relation to charters:<br /><br /><a href="http://capwiz.com/miparentsforschools/callalert/index.tt?alertid=61066641" rel="nofollow">MI Parents For Schools - Cyber Charter School Alert</a><br /><br />House vote near on uncapping cyber charters<br /><br />Stop SB 619 and put kids ahead of profits!<br /><br />Dear Friends,<br /><br />You've heard from us about "cyber" charters before, but you may not know where things stand today. Senate bill 619 would remove nearly all limits on the size of entirely online "cyber" charter schools in Michigan. Fully online K-12 charter schools have only been in operation here for a year and a half, and the jury is still out on their performance. The experience of other states, which have had online charters for longer, is not promising. (Read more here.)<br /><br />On top of that, these schools currently receive the same per-pupil funding as other, physical, public schools, even though their expenses are much lower. The major operators of these schools are private, for-profit, companies whose first priority is to their investors.<br /><br />Why should we turn our children into a business opportunity?<br /><br />Current Michigan law calls for a progress report on the two experimental cyber schools at the end of this year. The report will analyze both their performance and detail their true expenses. This approach is sensible and fiscally prudent. Why toss it all aside?<br /><br />Take action now to put the brakes on this bill! Call your State Representative today!<br /><br />When it emerged from committee, proponents made some changes that they described as compromises: the bill would keep some limits on the number of online charter schools and how many students they can enroll. But guess what? The limit would eventually go up to 30 schools (from the current 2), and each one would be "limited" to about 33,000 students! This is a limit? No, and it's not a compromise, either. Read our coverage of the bill here.<br /><br />Cyber school proponents argue that many families want access to these schools. Perhaps, but it can't be because of their track record, because they don't have one in Michigan and the stories from other states are hair-raising. How, precisely, do you do online kindergarten? Since these cyber charters require "learning coaches" at home for students, who do most of the actual teaching, why should the online company pocket the entire state funding?<br /><br />Sure, online learning is here to stay, and "blended" programs offered by our established local public schools can meet the needs of many students who would have difficulty taking traditional classes. Why pull resources away from our proven, and community-governed, local public schools just to pad the bottom line of the latest fad growth stock?<br /><br />Please contact your State Representative today and ask them to shut down SB619! Let's focus on making sure our local schools have what they need to do right by our children!<br /><br />Steven Norton<br />Executive Director<br />Michigan Parents for SchoolsSahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30935202757016194392012-03-21T14:47:17.254-07:002012-03-21T14:47:17.254-07:00I believe Goldy has a child in SPS and was activel...I believe Goldy has a child in SPS and was actively involved in saving his kid's school from closure a few years back, so he knows of what speaks.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37486072404985994082012-03-21T14:25:10.840-07:002012-03-21T14:25:10.840-07:00mushroom, it's easy to fire PTA. Stop paying ...mushroom, it's easy to fire PTA. Stop paying dues. You already know what to do in terms of running a group, fundraising, etc. You just won't get to send a delegate to their meetings-with-predetermined-outcomes. Big loss.Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65098217612129052322012-03-21T13:33:18.432-07:002012-03-21T13:33:18.432-07:00Its about time, in my mind, that the PTA focused o...Its about time, in my mind, that the PTA focused on what ed deform is doing to children and their teachers, instead of being used as mouth pieces for the deformers...<br /><br />Ramona - why dont you get busy making sure the following isnt happening in Seattle:<br /><br />From a thread on the OPT OUT OF THE STATE TEST: The National Movement FaceBook page:<br /><br />Heartbreaking Letter from a Bronx Teacher on What Excessive Testing Has Done to Her And Her Students<br /><br />Hi Mark<br /><br />I just read your piece entitled, "When Teachers Become Overseers...." and it made me cry. I think of myself as one of those "sensitive, creative and compassionate" teachers that you spoke about. I understand the importance of building relationships with my children to foster personal growth, trust and a desire to learn. Each day I do something to connect with my 8th grade "bubalas". I feed them daily. I conference with them about school work or personal issues. We set social growth goals such as "be kinder to Jonathan". We write thank you notes and go on many school trips. I play catch with them at lunchtime. I've taken them bowling or out for dinner as a reward for their academic efforts. I handwrite notes to them at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It's such a love fest in my room, that, without thinking, the kids often call me "mom". I believe, with all my heart, that it is this nurturing environment that has, in large part, been responsible for my success as a teacher.<br /><br />However, the other day I was anything but a caring, thoughtful teacher (I'm literally crying as I type this). A student of mine had diarrhea and rather than send him home right away, I kept him in class so he could engage in test prep. I moved his seat closer to the door so he could go to the bathroom on an as-needed-basis but I didn't send him to the nurse. I thought to myself, "He cannot afford to be out while we are doing this." "He'll get better." Instead of thinking, "Oh the poor kid." No maternal instincts on that day just a steel eye set on the ELA test. Thank God my para had the good sense to pack him up. She, at least, maintained her humanity.<br />I know you cannot check off a box entitled, "demonstrates love for her students" on an evaluation sheet so perhaps I am still considered a good teacher. But in my mind, I failed that day and it haunts me.<br /><br />Does that incident foreshadow my future? Or will it serve as a warning to remind me of who I do not want to become?<br /><br />Bronx TeacherSahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54885918851836439752012-03-21T13:05:47.787-07:002012-03-21T13:05:47.787-07:00I just posted this on the 'Hack Job' threa...I just posted this on the 'Hack Job' thread about TFA, but it belongs here too. Goldy at The Slog - Stranger Blog- <a href="http://slog.thestranger.com/slog/archives/2012/03/21/teach-for-america-signs-deal-with-nations-largest-for-profit-charter-schools-company" rel="nofollow">has started posting on the link between charter schools and TFA.</a> <br /><br />For the Slog to cover education is kinda funny. But if even The Slog can figure out the concern people have with promoting TFA and/or charters in WA, you'd think the PTA leadership could figure out people's distress too, and not allow themselves to have their name used by other groups ala LEV on these issues.<br /><br />Unless of course the PTA's top leadership quietly WANTS that to happen. In which case there is another, deeper issue.<br /><br />Savvy VoterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-31710328919503317622012-03-21T11:58:52.547-07:002012-03-21T11:58:52.547-07:00Taking on divisive and controversial issue isn'...Taking on divisive and controversial issue isn't a problem for me and has not been for the PTA in its past history. In PTA's early history, it pushed to improve children's health by improving access to health care to reduce infant and childhood mortality, supported child labor laws in the US, supported what is now called the Free and Reduced Lunch program, sided with the US Supreme Court on school prayers, etc. In 1970, the PTA joined with National Congress of Colored Parents and Teachers formerly.<br /><br />So the PTA had an illustrious start and has championed many "controversial" issues in the past. In the last 25 years, it has lost some of that luster and memberships. Perhaps it needs to re-examine why.<br /><br />In the case of charter, the WA PTSA failed to start from the ground up. It did not make the case with its grassroots members. <br /><br />-former PTA memberAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-61431187099261639052012-03-21T11:12:42.901-07:002012-03-21T11:12:42.901-07:00The WEA President and the WEA executive committee ...The WEA President and the WEA executive committee take positions all the time without consulting membership.<br /><br />Support for WA adoption of Common Core State Standards was just one of those unilateral positions.<br /><br />So why should WSPTA be any different?<br /><br />To review CCSS.... The projected 5-year costs by OSPI are around $183 million of which $165 million will come directly from local school district funds.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46577672348427641832012-03-21T10:50:19.282-07:002012-03-21T10:50:19.282-07:00I suspect LEV was successful at getting a few peop...I suspect LEV was successful at getting a few people to infiltrate the WSPTSA. The agenda was then pushed at the Legislative Assembly. It is always easier to pass something like this when many voices aren't heard. Furthermore, the documented provided to the Legislative Assembly was deeply skewed (Did LEV write it?) Does this tactic promote trust? I don't think so. <br /><br />Let's face it, with so many PTAs signing into anti-charter resolutions..the support for charter does not resonate with many PTAs. <br /><br />The voice of a few used and manipulated strategies within the WSPTSA to further this agenda. Sort of like Rodney Tom and his buddies putting charter funding within the budget. I'm disgusted, but appreciate Ramonas attempt to clarify.Disgustednoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76208200304358670822012-03-21T10:42:18.732-07:002012-03-21T10:42:18.732-07:00I hope the WSPTSA considers the division and damag...I hope the WSPTSA considers the division and damage this issue has caused. I'm also hoping the WSPTSA refrains from taking divisive and controversial issues on in the future. <br /><br />The WSPTSA lost a lot of respect, support and goodwill over this one.<br /><br />I won't be joining the PTA until issues of charter schools are taken off of the agenda.Disgusted.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7343177257751335382012-03-21T10:41:16.158-07:002012-03-21T10:41:16.158-07:00I hope the WSPTSA considers the division and damag...I hope the WSPTSA considers the division and damage this issue has caused. I'm also hoping the WSPTSA refrains from taking divisive and controversial issues on in the future. <br /><br />The WSPTSA lost a lot of respect, support and goodwill over this one.<br /><br />I won't be joining the PTA until issues of charter schools are taken off of the agenda.Disgusted.noreply@blogger.com