tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post308903970469192176..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Open Thread FridayMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger53125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86923093594421720392010-11-17T22:38:14.426-08:002010-11-17T22:38:14.426-08:00For Arch and Helen, (anyone else listening?) I hav...For Arch and Helen, (anyone else listening?) I have to say I was surprised, but my reaction to the testimony on both sides is definitely that the Mom sounded a lot more credible. She has clear objections to the text, but moreso on the curriculum with the text. (or lack thereof). She has gotten some reassurances that they would provide some PD so that teachers could teach it with cultural sensitivity, but that just sounds like empty promises. No timeline, no clear response that it would happen. She spoke, her daughter spoke and two Native American educators spoke. One point was that the main character John(?) Savage kills himself at the end and Native American kids commit suicide at 10 times the rate of other kids. <br /><br />Kathleen Vasquez simply sounded unprepared and just terrible. Shot herself in the foot even for admitting most LA teachers are white and not necessarily culturally sensitive. Carr and Smith-Blum both kinda sorta really ticked that we did this LA alignment stuff and we haven't yet done the lesson plans and the PD (which is voluntary! what happened to alignment?). KV read a list of other challenging books (would they get challenged? is there anything to teach?) including The Bluest Eye, Kite Runner, Huck Finn. Someone asked well (I think because they were discussing satire, such as BNW) well are they any books to teach satire with white characters. And KV came up with.... Maus. A satire about the holocaust. Charlie, Mel and I all had jaws hit the floor. Maus satire? <br /><br />Anyway, it ran late, and they asked questions so there was no time for deliberation. But I was definitely impressed with the parent's research and reasoning.Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51385583301382909552010-11-17T17:45:00.853-08:002010-11-17T17:45:00.853-08:00It's not as if the entire book is some racist ...<em>It's not as if the entire book is some racist screed, any more than say Huck Finn or The Little House on the Prairie series.</em><br /><br />If the Little House books are taught at all, it's going to be in grade school, which is a much different environment than high school. I've heard a number of stories about Native American kids in classes where the teacher had the idea that the Little House books were nothing but warm, domestic, lovely books that of course anyone must love -- even if there are characters who say "There's no good Indian but a dead Indian" and the Ingalls children are kept awake in terror at the Indians howling.<br /><br />It's a really different situation from reading Brave New World, which is <em>supposed</em> to be a disturbing book all around -- it's not one that ever gets read to the kiddies as all warm and fuzzy.<br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-34664100273888132382010-11-17T14:35:32.131-08:002010-11-17T14:35:32.131-08:00I thought we lived in one of the most literate cit...I thought we lived in one of the most literate cities in the US...<br /><br />Yeah, it's a slippery slope and I'm disappointed that it's even gotten this far. I'm a big fat Seattle liberal and this strikes even me as political correctness run amok. Of course, I get that it's easier to just give in whenever someone is offended, but it's just the wrong message.<br /><br />If we don't read anything that offends someone, we won't read anything. It's not as if the entire book is some racist screed, any more than say Huck Finn or The Little House on the Prairie series.<br />It's a perfect opportunity to examine the attitudes and influences at the time the books are written. <br /><br />Is she being singled out? I don't know. Perhaps it depends on what other books the class is assigned. Are all of the texts filled with potentially offensive references to Native-Americans? Or are some of the texts potentially offensive to other groups? Is the teacher using the texts to examine and deconstruct stereotypes? Was the girl going to be singled-out to be the expert and represent the Native-American perspective? (If she wasn't before, it'll be hard to avoid now.)<br /><br />If they're doing dystopian societies, it would be a shame to miss out on Brave New World. <br /><br />Here's an interesting <br /><a href="http://www.recombinantrecords.net/docs/2009-05-Amusing-Ourselves-to-Death.html" rel="nofollow">compare/contrast of Huxley/Orwell</a>ArchStantonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746480698492983438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83082519080479968442010-11-17T13:42:32.720-08:002010-11-17T13:42:32.720-08:00"Personally I think that could be an argument..."Personally I think that could be an argument for additional discussion about exactly HOW and WHY such stereotypes can ruin the reading experience of what may otherwise indeed be a great work of literature. That's a perfectly legitimate topic for a high school literature class, and done well it could be very enlightening. "<br /><br />That's exactly what I was thinking, that the whole issue should be part of the curriculum and discussion, instead of simply not teaching the book. We don't know if the teacher tried to incorporate it or whether she simply decided to stop discussing the book further. We don't know how the principal apologized. A simple "We are sorry we read something that offended you" is exactly the wrong message, in my opinion. I suspect is was the apology though, and thus my .Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54270844506857921932010-11-17T13:19:41.389-08:002010-11-17T13:19:41.389-08:00I don't think the _Brave New World_ controvers...I don't think the _Brave New World_ controversy is nearly as simple as it might seem. Sense-Wilson does have a point or two exactly right about offensive stereotypes (not to mention cultural appropriation) being present in the book. <br /><br />Personally I think that could be an argument for additional discussion about exactly HOW and WHY such stereotypes can ruin the reading experience of what may otherwise indeed be a great work of literature. That's a perfectly legitimate topic for a high school literature class, and done well it could be very enlightening. <br /><br />Was Huxley justified in using elements of Pueblo Indian culture in the way he does? To what extent does the science-fiction setting make a difference in how appropriate it might be to postulate changes in their customs? Would that include even inaccuracies due to ignorance, as well as deliberate changes that made sense for his future society? To what extent is it acceptable for viewpoint characters (who are not supposed to be thinking entirely like modern people) to use cliches that mirror those of much older prejudices? <br /><br />Moreover, this is EXACTLY the kind of learning experience that people are supposed to gain from being in diverse schools -- you're SUPPOSED to find out that someone of a different race or culture may have a completely different reading experience from you, and it should be enlightening to find out why. But is the Native American student being unduly singled out, and her feelings sacrificed to some ideal pedagogical experience? That could be, too. It's not an easy, simple "of course it's a great book and she's being silly" situation. <br /><br />Wow, there are commenters on Linda's article who are saying it isn't even about Indians. Way to prove you haven't read the book, people. <br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15338473310724259982010-11-17T11:23:37.706-08:002010-11-17T11:23:37.706-08:00Archie, thanks for the link. I was already plannin...Archie, thanks for the link. I was already planning to attend this appeal this afternoon. I knew the book in question, but not the reasoning for the case.<br /><br />Sigh.Dorothy Nevillehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17108759281089768738noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54943334251025381072010-11-17T10:56:40.179-08:002010-11-17T10:56:40.179-08:00I am posting this in the most recent open thread, ...I am posting this in the most recent open thread, which is the next to last on the main page, so it will probably get buried. And I know that we're all pretty preoccupied with TFA, APP, and CSIPs, but this still seems relevant to the school blog:<br /><br />Hale is banning Brave New World. Well, technically they're removing it from a course, but keeping it in the library. The concerned parent is trying to force it's removal from other SPS reading lists, as well. <br /><br />http://www.mynorthwest.com/category/news_chick_blog/20101117/A-Brave-New-World-controversy/<br /><br />/sheesh! I'd expect this in the bible-belt, but not in Seattle.ArchStantonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746480698492983438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55768208055219213852010-11-14T18:45:40.275-08:002010-11-14T18:45:40.275-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.uxolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595802010492801183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73015045363483270662010-11-14T18:44:45.998-08:002010-11-14T18:44:45.998-08:00I found some notes that say the 10 year cycle for ...I found some notes that say the 10 year cycle for the New School funding ended in August 2010.uxolohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01595802010492801183noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71785031238840783502010-11-14T11:30:07.418-08:002010-11-14T11:30:07.418-08:00EmeraldKity, I have talked about your idea before....EmeraldKity, I have talked about your idea before. I thought some donor could take on an elementary school and promise scholarships for all who graduate high school (whether it's for college or vocational ed). I wish someone would do it.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83477512572450344022010-11-13T09:55:00.467-08:002010-11-13T09:55:00.467-08:00Ms Coxon is certificated. While she was a Teach fo...Ms Coxon is certificated. While she was a Teach for America corps member teaching in a school outside of Seattle for two years she completed the classwork necessary for a traditional teacher certificate and used that certificate to secure her teaching job in Seattle.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70821143908854663932010-11-13T09:40:16.045-08:002010-11-13T09:40:16.045-08:00We have problems with graduation rate-rigor in Sea...We have problems with graduation rate-rigor in Seattle- amirite?<br /><br />What if we took a chunk of the money we spend on studies/etc teamed up with some donors- (hey Bill that means you!)<br />for something like this?<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow"> Say all RBHS grads got free tuition to the UW</a>Jet City momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14804841958585043967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-34851126191048883492010-11-13T09:02:21.791-08:002010-11-13T09:02:21.791-08:001) Is Chrissie Coxon certified or not? The term &...1) Is Chrissie Coxon certified or not? The term "corps members" seems to lump what I call "recruits" with the alums. Which is really combining apples and oranges. Note the board has only seen the oranges.<br /><br />2) Just got to the part of the last board meeting where legal answered TFA case questions. I think the explanation is that guy is from "Litigate for America" with all their fantastic training.Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83228153081866525872010-11-13T05:23:03.139-08:002010-11-13T05:23:03.139-08:00Here's my favorite part of the Partnership for...Here's my favorite part of the Partnership for Learning email:<br /><br />"the turnaround of West Seattle Elementary led by Principal Vicki Sacco and former Teach for America corps member Chrissie Coxon."<br /><br />The use of the word "led" makes it sound like past tense - as if the work were done.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-86934270397457598422010-11-13T01:36:58.299-08:002010-11-13T01:36:58.299-08:00I have to laugh at Gates's double standards. ...I have to laugh at Gates's double standards. Sure, using computers to supplement his kids math education is great, and he's there to help too. But does he mention how he limits his kids time on the computer & various electronic devices? <br /><br />Meanwhile, his Microsoft Empire is producing Call of Duty IV (or whatever) for XBOX, which is promoting it's pre-Christmas release by running a commercial with all sorts of professionally dressed people firing automatic weapons at each other in a town like Falluja. Apparently the message is, "we're all violent killing machines inside, so let's virtually take out our anger by blasting the world to smithereens while spending our free time playing Xbox" - for hours on end. <br /><br />Sure, it's just a game right? Wrong. Recent psychological studies are proving that violent video games predispose and produce violent, aggressive, anti-social behavior, particularly in young men. <br /><br />If "it's all about the kids," why are we addicting an increasingly unhealthy generation of our young to ever more violence and instant gratification? I like playing video games too, but there isn't a sliver of doubt that these games have become so realistic they are affecting our kids emotional states. And gee, which kids are getting their homework done? The ones playing Xbox all day? <br /><br />Combine that with Davis Guggenheim's infamous "we have a shortage of 'skilled workers'" and it ain't too hard to see where this charade is headed. <br /><br />Now go on and lecture me about equity and such. Sure.wseadawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08750439461734046035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75416998408898970102010-11-12T23:29:32.542-08:002010-11-12T23:29:32.542-08:00The link does not seem to work. Try:
http://www.k...The link does not seem to work. Try:<br /><br /><a rel="nofollow">http://www.k.wa.us/Mathematics</a><br /><br />and follow the link on the right to "End-of-course exams" and then Sept. 30 FAQ about the EOC exams.<br /><br />-math momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10707690433378658882010-11-12T23:21:32.106-08:002010-11-12T23:21:32.106-08:00The District staff is issuing blanket denials of c...<i>The District staff is issuing blanket denials of credit to every student that requests it for classes taken last year.</i><br /><br />I am homeschooling my middle schooler in algebra and geometry, in large part due to our concerns about Discovering (and CMP last year). Because she is not taking these classes in SPS classrooms, she will not be eligible for high school credit under current district policy. <br /><br />But with the state's adoption of the new end-of-course exams, it makes no sense to deny credit to students who can show (via passing these exams) that they have mastered the material. See <a rel="nofollow"> "http://www.k12.wa.us/Mathematics/webinar/math_FAQs_for_EOC_exams.pdf</a> for FAQ's about the new math exams.<br /><br />I wrote the board a few weeks ago asking that they update their policy and award credit to middle school students who take algebra and geometry outside of "approved" SPS classrooms (e.g., another district, homeschooling, WAVA) but who pass the respective EOC exams. I emphasized the importance of implementing the policy before the first round of exams this spring.<br /><br />Although it is jaw-dropping that the district is not awarding credit to kids like Charlie's daughter, perhaps the institution of a new policy related to the EOC exams will provide another avenue for such kids to receive the credit they have earned.<br /><br />-math momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33066901189900561532010-11-12T20:34:26.640-08:002010-11-12T20:34:26.640-08:00Yeah, but isn't there professional ethics? Oh...Yeah, but isn't there professional ethics? Oh wait, we're talking lawyers here....mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40754963296719459662010-11-12T19:55:48.964-08:002010-11-12T19:55:48.964-08:00Yes, I don't take the district's legal cou...Yes, I don't take the district's legal counsel's opinion on the district's use of TFA members versus the ruling of the 9th Circuit all that seriously. The district isn't famous for winning major court cases.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5163323592076121122010-11-12T19:44:33.182-08:002010-11-12T19:44:33.182-08:00Thanks for the link to PFL's TFA rah-rah, dism...Thanks for the link to PFL's TFA rah-rah, dismayed teacher.<br /><br />This is funny:<br />"...the Seattle Times ran a fantastic story about the turnaround of West Seattle Elementary led by Principal Vicki Sacco and former Teach for America corps member Chrissie Coxon." (so teacher Coxon LED the turnaround with her principal?!) <br />"...The timing of this story proves auspicious. The Seattle School Board is currently deliberating on whether or not to bring Teach for America (TFA) to the district..." Ha! "Auspicious"! What coincidental timing, the story in the Times and the district's introctory item! "Proved" auspicious my foot. Part of the campaign plan.<br /><br />"...While TFA has never claimed to be the sole solution to the problems facing American education..." Maybe not, they just all chant the same mantra: WE fix the achievement gap! WE believe children can succeed! so they imply that regular old teachers don't...TFA is....special!<br /><br />"...the organization has widened and diversified the teaching pool for districts across the country and provided pathways for extraordinary individuals like Coxon to join the teaching profession."<br /><br />Umm, "widened" the pool? There are thousands of unemployed full certs out there, including many in out city who are recent certs, or are cert teachers on first-year contracts that were riffed last year...And Coxon could have done what every one of those people had to do, which is to get a full cert. She had pathways already; she was merely promised money and a free masters degree (forgiven loans) by TFA to join.<br /> <br />Lastly, this:<br />"...Even the Dean of the University of Washington’s College of Education, Tom Stritikus, has said that programs like TFA 'breed innovation and force us to critically examine our own role in solving the intractable problems of education.'" Let's not forget to mention, shall we, that Mr. Stritikus is a TFA alum, now a dean of Ed at UW, and likely to gain professionally by making such and endorsement. Heck, he might even be offered a seat on the Broad board or the NWEA board. I hear the superintendent vacated her seat on both recently, after she started the push for TFA and after she sold SPS NWEA's MAP test.<br /><br />What a hoot. Who are these Partnership For Learning people again? Let me guess: Are they partly funded by Gates? Lemme check...Well, by Microsoft...and a bunch of other Seattle businesses. And the partners of PFL? Wait for it...<br />"Local Partners<br />Led by Partnership for Learning, the League of Education Voters and Stand for Children, the Excellent Schools Now coalition includes more than 30 Washington education, business and community-based organizations."<br />What?! PFL is partners with LEV, SFC, and ESN?! Who woulda thunk it?<br /><br />Who are these "coalitions"? They're like their horses: SOMEBODY sure trained 'em.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64475904165277634662010-11-12T19:35:41.022-08:002010-11-12T19:35:41.022-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51880778763636971712010-11-12T19:35:03.190-08:002010-11-12T19:35:03.190-08:00Y'know, on third thought, I think we're go...Y'know, on third thought, I think we're good here. Washington state law distinguishes between a conditional certificate and a "full" or regular certificate:<br /><br />WAC 181-79A-231 Agency filings affecting this section <br />Limited certificates. <br /> Notwithstanding other requirements prescribed in this chapter for eligibility for certification in the state of Washington, the following certificates shall be issued under specific circumstances set forth below for limited service:<br /><br /> (1) Conditional certificate.<br /><br /> (a) The purpose of the conditional certificate is to assist local school districts, approved private schools, and educational service districts in meeting the state's educational goals by giving them flexibility in hiring decisions based on shortages or the opportunity to secure the services of unusually talented individuals. The professional educator standards board encourages in all cases the hiring of <b><i>fully certificated individuals</i></b> and understands that districts will employ individuals with conditional certificates only after careful review of all other options. The professional educator standards board asks districts when reviewing such individuals for employment to consider, in particular, previous experience the individual has had working with children.<br /><br /> (b) Conditional certificates are issued upon application by the local school district, approved private school, or educational service district superintendent to persons who meet the age, good moral character, and personal fitness requirements of WAC 181-79A-150 (1) and (2), if one of the following conditions is verified:<br /><br /> (i) The applicant is highly qualified and experienced in the subject matter to be taught and has unusual distinction or exceptional talent which is able to be demonstrated through public records of accomplishments and/or awards; or<br /><br /> (ii) No person with <b><i>regular teacher certification</i></b> in the endorsement area is available as verified by the district or educational service district superintendent or approved private school administrator, or circumstances warrant consideration of issuance of a conditional certificate.<br /><br />The beef in Renee vs. Duncan is that, although California (and Washington) regulations permit consideration of Route 4 conditionally certificated teachers (I use the term loosely) to be considered "highly qualified", NCLB requires "full State certification". WAC 181-79A-231 obviously distinguishes between the two types of certs. So even though Randy Dorn and PSEB may like to say conditionally certificated teachers w/ a bachelors, in an alt cert. training program, and passing West B and West E are "highly qualified", the WAC does not consider them "fully certificated individuals". BAM!mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75714559056604022822010-11-12T19:18:14.464-08:002010-11-12T19:18:14.464-08:00I got a PFL email today about the "wonderful&...I got a PFL email today about the "wonderful" possibility of bringing TFA to Seattle. It includes a promotional video by the Seattle Foundation. I don't know if it has already been posted, but just in case.<br /><br />http://www.partnership4learning.org/node/2881<br /><br />Dismayed TeacherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69127595199915553842010-11-12T17:02:13.050-08:002010-11-12T17:02:13.050-08:00Actually, upon further review it appears Washingto...Actually, upon further review it appears Washington's cert requirement is even WEAKER than California's and Arne's. You don't even have to have completed a teacher prep course to get fully certified and classified as a "high quality" teacher" in Washington. You just need a bachelor's degree, a school district to suck butt and request a conditional cert for you, and pass the West E and the West B.<br /><br />How difficult are these tests?mirmac1https://www.blogger.com/profile/10183460709639638172noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16680708962026022712010-11-12T17:00:12.618-08:002010-11-12T17:00:12.618-08:00Here is today's Times editorial on the map of ...<a href="http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/editorials/2013419859_edit14zones.html" rel="nofollow">Here</a> is today's Times editorial on the map of district scores created by the MOPERS (More Public Education Reform Seekers) and how the Community Center for Education Results, the newest "coalition" in town, is using Geoffrey Canada's Harlem Zone model to fix things up.<br /><br />Putting aside the threat that the superintendent is really gonna go nuts down in the south end, there are some positive implications mentioned in the Times editorial - wrap-around support for students. Since they would actually have to work with individual students to do this (one hopes), it is a positive step away from the school/program/teacher directed "reform" we have seen of late.<br /><br />The editorial is below.<br />NEW report cards on Seattle schools and the district as a whole reveal a mixed bag of improvement and stagnation.<br />Cheering results include 67 percent of Seattle's high-school students now enroll in college within a year of graduation, up from 59 percent three years ago.<br />Schools were ranked on a scale of 1 to 5, based largely on test scores — not just the percentage of students passing tests but the percentage making gains. Only a dozen schools out of 82 received a 5, meaning they had a high percentage of students passing state reading and math tests and showing strong academic improvement.<br />But not a single south-end elementary, middle or high school received better than a 3.<br />The mixed and dismal results ought to sound a clarion call for more robust and targeted efforts.<br />An impatient public understands educational improvements take time but is right to wonder whether ongoing efforts are enough and targeted in the right places. Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson has hinted at stronger action, including replacing principals and staff or closing schools.<br />Encouraging signs come from new efforts by the Community Center for Education Results, a regional project targeting struggling schools in South Seattle and South King County. The center would be the base for an army of community resources, from early learning to local library reading programs.<br />The center would ensure needed services follow students throughout their school years.<br />Many communities are plagued by an unhealthy feeder pattern in which students from low-performing elementary schools move to low-performing middle schools. A cradle-to-college approach for intervention is best at halting the pattern.<br />Inspiration for the new round of efforts comes from the Harlem Children's Zone, the highly touted antipoverty and education program that has proved for some students that classroom and community efforts must go hand in hand.<br />Harlem Zone's leader, Geoffrey Canada, spoke to a crowded ballroom in Seattle recently to argue for educational efforts that go beyond good teachers and curriculum to encompass medical needs and social services.<br />As Canada reminds us: We would not force our own children to learn with a painful cavity or poor eyesight. Time to give every child the help they need to succeed.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.com