tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post3249953224914084394..comments2024-03-27T20:01:11.889-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Times Editorial PerspectiveMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40666660633436406052011-10-28T23:29:59.037-07:002011-10-28T23:29:59.037-07:00Dan, thanks for the data. FWIW, my son scored a 3 ...Dan, thanks for the data. FWIW, my son scored a 3 on his Alg I EOC exam. I wish he scored a 4, but am quite satisfied with his very average 3. <br /><br />He's always been an average student (never tested into Spectrum or APP) and not very motivated either - I always have to push him along. And no formal tutoring, or intervention either.<br /><br />In your chart you compared 4 school districts. Two used Discovering (Seattle and Bethel) and two used Holt (Spokane and Clover Park). What your chart shows is that 12.5 % of the low income kids at my sons school, Hale, scored above standard on the EOC exams, using Discovering, while 15.6% of the low income kids in the Clover Park SD scored above standard using Holt, and 16.1% of low income kids in the Spokane SD scored above standard using Holt. Sorry, but that's just not a big enough difference for me to get excited about Holt (if I'm reading the charts right, and please do correct me if I'm not). <br /><br />flame proofanonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62834306198640589422011-10-28T23:26:16.721-07:002011-10-28T23:26:16.721-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83769541732512711412011-10-28T23:22:18.209-07:002011-10-28T23:22:18.209-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41319534749282614292011-10-28T22:56:39.654-07:002011-10-28T22:56:39.654-07:00Dear Flame Proof,
You are correct that this Board...Dear Flame Proof,<br /><br />You are correct that this Board did not adopt EDM, which was adopted in May 2007. <b>What this Board did do was buy over $300,000 of additional EDM supplemental materials to keep the EDM program going as it had been going.</b><br /><br />Auburn also was using EDM but decided NOT to reorder the supplemental materials... and instead began emphasizing the Auburn Power Standards... The change from when Auburn made that decision is amazing ... see OSPI change in results in Auburn v. SPS <a href="http://www.school-truth.com/Auburn-SPS-Compare.htm" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>.<br /><br />----<br />WSEADWG said:<br /> "Math is the most critical component of my kids' education, and in SPS, it is terrible."<br /><br />That is your opinion.<br />-----<br /><br />It is a lot more than opinion... Check the MATH data. Outside of Middle School ... it is an SPS math calamity especially so for many low-income and/or minority students.<br /><br />Article IX of the State Constitution is likely not being fulfilled in math.... (ample education regardless of race or caste)<br /><br /> and the District is now putting Conditionally Certified teachers into some high-poverty/ high-minority classrooms .. yet failed to conduct a careful review of all options for closing achievement gaps.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28064707512003714512011-10-28T22:05:32.515-07:002011-10-28T22:05:32.515-07:00Dear Flame Proof,
Check the data in comment #12 H...Dear Flame Proof,<br /><br />Check the data in comment #12 <a href="http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?blogID=28765366&postID=3659339975442038249" rel="nofollow">HERE</a>.<br /><br />How are your kids doing on the End of Course Math tests from OSPI? ... Happy your kids are doing well.<br /><br />For Algebra I it was NOT a pretty picture for way too many of Seattle's high school students.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41114267719779683942011-10-28T13:55:25.728-07:002011-10-28T13:55:25.728-07:00WSDWG said " It seems your vote in support of...WSDWG said " It seems your vote in support of Sundquist is actually a vote against McLaren"<br /><br />That is true and accurate. I <br /><br />WSEADWG said "Math is the most critical component of my kids' education, and in SPS, it is terrible."<br /><br />That is your opinion. As far as I'm concerned the Discovering series ( while they wouldn't be my first choice of texts) are far better than the old integrated texts that were used prior to them, so, while not perfect, I see them as a HUGE improvement. My very average children are thriving with Discovering, and doing very well - without tutoring or extra help. I liked CMP in middle school too. I don't like EDM, but I don't believe EDM was this boards doing.<br /><br />flame proofAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40840756209187212002011-10-28T11:51:43.799-07:002011-10-28T11:51:43.799-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51518773617223337592011-10-28T11:13:27.728-07:002011-10-28T11:13:27.728-07:00I had exactly the same thoughts as Charlie and Mel...I had exactly the same thoughts as Charlie and Melissa when I heard that "what grade would you give the district" question. I thought to myself, it's not monolithic, and in my head I divided the district into the schools, and the management.<br /><br />I think the grades for individual schools are all over the map, but on the whole, they deserve credit for trying hard to do well with the limited resources they receive; probably I'd give out something like a B to most of the schools.<br /><br />The administration, however, does far worse, but this is partly because of Earthquake MG-J and subsequent aftershocks. I'm inclined to give them an "incomplete" and suggest that they could raise it to a scant pass (C) by finishing their work. Lots of room for improvement, largely by ceding authority back to the schools where it belongs, and concentrating on the job of the administration: administering.<br /><br />but "B+"? Really? Not on THIS planet. Talk about your grade inflation!Josh Hayeshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17242600011474990770noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54197244948621093132011-10-28T11:00:07.146-07:002011-10-28T11:00:07.146-07:00I don't know how much Lynne Varner values this...I don't know how much Lynne Varner values this dialogue, but I value it enough to create a thread on this blog for the exclusive purpose of continuing it.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28907393283716593852011-10-28T10:21:49.758-07:002011-10-28T10:21:49.758-07:00After early promise, it appears that Ms Varner isn...After early promise, it appears that Ms Varner isn't really going to engage. Pity.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68097595224210113432011-10-28T10:08:09.901-07:002011-10-28T10:08:09.901-07:00Flame Proof: SeattleMom took the words right out ...Flame Proof: SeattleMom took the words right out of my mouth with the Obama/Reverend Wright example.<br /><br />I greatly appreciate your viewpoint and your right to vote for whomever you want. But I'm going to challenge your reasoning. It seems your vote in support of Sundquist is actually a vote against McLaren, due to a tangential relationship or affiliation with a group that often defaults to racism as the cause of all problems. <br /><br />I get where you're coming from. I think those accusations typically stop all communication and progress in its tracks, and I find it largely unproductive to label and insinuate against other groups. Like many others, I like Don and respect his views, even though I don't agree with all of them, and get tired of the "racism" allegations. Then again, I'm not in Don's shoes & neither are you.<br /><br />What bothers me is the suggestion that, due to her membership in a group, Marty shares or endorses the same ideals or views. Gimme a break! By that logic, the Gang of Four share Maria Goodloe-Johnson's views, don't they? They voted in favor of every single one of her initiatives, didn't they? That's a helluva a lot more revealing than being a member of some group? Unless you, er, approved of MGJ's actions I suppose? <br /><br />Judge Marty, up or down, on her record of actions, experience, and accomplishments. If you still say thumbs down, that's fine. <br /><br />I will endorse her because she was dead right, and is, dead right, about Math. Math is the most critical component of my kids' education, and in SPS, it is terrible. Just look at the scores. <br /><br />I also live in West Seattle, which has suffered terribly during Sundquist's tenure. I've been to his meetings. He does not listen. All he does is defend staff and act as apologist in chief for the district. It's very US vs THEM, and he's clearly with THEM. Aside from that, he's a real nice guy. It's a crying shame. <br /><br />Vote however you want, but don't succumb to personal prejudices based on affiliations. I think it best to imagine how Marty will act as a board director, and not focus on what she did a decade ago, while marching in the street alongside a few offensive voices. To do any less is a disservice to yourself. WSDWGAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-74968423303102206912011-10-28T08:57:31.316-07:002011-10-28T08:57:31.316-07:00Oh Lord, here I am putting up a defense for Mr. A...Oh Lord, here I am putting up a defense for Mr. Alexander. He is who he is and his voice is what he has left. There's a lot of anger there for sure, but I understand where the fire is coming from. My hero, Trish Dziko, has stood up to that fire in front of the school board members no less and prevailed. <br /><br />Still this was about relating a relationship of a candidate to what was characterized as a radical group and a firebrand personality, not unlike Obama and his Rev. Wright or Perry and Rev. Jeffress It's all fair in politics I guess. So yeah, I think it was to persuade voters. <br /><br />Seattle momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-12508732244609096632011-10-28T08:45:04.248-07:002011-10-28T08:45:04.248-07:00I am also on the CEASE listserve and email lists. ...I am also on the CEASE listserve and email lists. I was involved with SOS years ago when SPS was threatening to close my daughter's elementary school (full and popular), <br /><br />I live in SE Seattle. Many of my friends with younger children live here too. I care about what's happening south of the ship canal and I want to be informed by all players. <br /><br />I've sat in many a meeting with both Don and Roscoe. They are outspoken characters with a different perspective based on their world view formed when they were younger men. I don't always agree with them, but understand where they are coming from.<br /><br />Personally, I'd like to see Betty Patu get some back-up n the board. I'm definitely voting for Marty.<br /><br />SolvayGirlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49730360714473323942011-10-28T07:23:55.688-07:002011-10-28T07:23:55.688-07:00Way to stand up, flameproof!
Melissa, IMHO it'...Way to stand up, flameproof!<br /><br />Melissa, IMHO it's patronizing (and border-line intimidation) to say something like "calm down" to something as innocuous as "I stated who I'm voting for and why I'm voting for them, and that should be enough for you" It was a reasonable and matter of fact statement.<br /><br />Re Don Alexander - I've never found him to want to do anything but talk - at least in the 5 years I've been seeing him - not taking anything away from his early days. He's been reached out to by the district any number of imes and is not interested.<br /><br />He just wants to stand up at any given meeting (to whom all were invited and much outreach was made), and say "Where are all the people of color?" - without bringing anyone there himself or asking the people he speaks of why they haven't gotten themselves there. Yup, a lot of good reasons for that(discretionary time, transportation, child care), but they're not things Don should hold the district responsible for.<br /><br />Maybe it's a rhetorical question he's asking - but there again - less talk, more doing, Don.mom of 4 in spsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83860399018767941422011-10-28T07:20:29.875-07:002011-10-28T07:20:29.875-07:00Maureen,
I am not flameproof or DAF, but I post un...Maureen,<br />I am not flameproof or DAF, but I post under different sign offs because sometimes I ask questions and comment on behalf of others who cannot, mainly because of their poor English or don't work near a computer to log on or cannot use work PC for personal business. I know it's hard to believe, but I have a friend who does not own a computer and her kids go to the Library 3 x/week to get HW typed and printed. I suspect once the eldest gets older, they will have to bite the bullet, but it is still about money and cost to keep a DSL or cable connection. <br /><br />Seattle momAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55276738762993028432011-10-27T23:17:20.325-07:002011-10-27T23:17:20.325-07:00OK ... time for a revelation
CEASE might largely ...OK ... time for a revelation<br /><br />CEASE might largely be composed of many folks labeled as social progressives.... well I am not a social progressive but I am on the CEASE list server for emails.<br /><br />I've also been to a CEASE meeting and speak to Don Alexander.... I've also been known to speak to Roscoe Bass.<br /><br />There are a number of things I disagree with Don Alexander about. I even disagree with Roscoe on occasion.<br /><br />Dr. Carol Simmons is one of my favorite people yet I disagreed with her on the termination of Caprice Hollins. I think that position needed to go. I failed to see any relationship to making the changes needed to close achievement gaps and her employment.<br /><br />------------------<br />The point of all this rambling is..... I believe that Marty McLaren is not some pinko-commie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbionese_Liberation_Army" rel="nofollow">Symbionese Army</a> radical left over from the Patti Hearst days ... but rather someone who has a pretty good understanding of what is happening in a lot of different quarters and the intelligence to apply that knowledge in decision-making.<br /><br />Like Charlie I see the four incumbents seeking reelection as folks who were rarely transparent and failed at oversight and governance.<br /><br />I confess to having had a beer with Marty at the Pyramid Alehouse and a cup of tea in her kitchen.<br /><br />I also helped her in the HS math adoption appeal that Porter, Mass, and McLaren filed. <br /><br />She has done a lot to resist the SPS madness. We have I suspect some political differences but her trust and transparency slogan is genuine and that is a great deal more than Steve Sundquist has delivered over the last four years.<br /><br />Marty is big on evidence based decision making. The four incumbents are big on Faked transparency.<br /><br />DWE had it 100% correct <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pLvNYAFCVPE" rel="nofollow">HERE.</a>dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64238226102016404082011-10-27T20:37:32.075-07:002011-10-27T20:37:32.075-07:00Guichon said...
@flame proof: On your first post.....<i> Guichon said...<br />@flame proof: On your first post.....Well said, well said!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!</i><br /><br />Are posters in this thread under the impression that <b>flame proof</b> is a new poster? I would guess from her voice that she is the long time poster who changes her alias every week or so (<b>daf</b> recently). I think I understand why she does it, but I wish she would stick with one alias so we could keep her (always informed and often compelling) comments in context.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18444916440000921599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3506569933422612332011-10-27T17:13:59.744-07:002011-10-27T17:13:59.744-07:00flame proof -- your claim about Marty McLaren is i...flame proof -- your claim about Marty McLaren is incorrect. Her brief affiliation with SOS was in 2001-02, nine years ago. Moreover, her efforts there involved constructive community organizing.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64223279467637902182011-10-27T15:57:08.516-07:002011-10-27T15:57:08.516-07:00Hilarious, Charlie. I would probably give them a ...Hilarious, Charlie. I would probably give them a C- myself (too many financial issues - scandals and otherwise).<br /><br />If this district is a B, I'd hate to see the district that Peter would give a D.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-43685870246375022362011-10-27T15:24:52.107-07:002011-10-27T15:24:52.107-07:00I'd give different people in the district diff...I'd give different people in the district different grades.<br /><br />I'd give Dr. Enfield a B-. As I have written, she has done some very good work to change the culture of the district in every department except her own. If she brought the same reform to Teaching and Learning she'd get an A+ and would be promoted to the next grade.<br /><br />I would give Pegi McEvoy an A. I've been very impressed with her work, but even more impressed with her total lack of guile. She has been transparent and responsive.<br /><br />I would give Bob Bouche a Pass. He's strictly an interim and I don't feel entirely comfortable with his hatchet work to intentionally under-fund schools at the start of the year.<br /><br />I'm not sure about Noel Treat. I like him. He seems really sincere and honest. But I don't really know what his job is.<br /><br />I don't want to give Cathy Thompson a grade. I want to kick her out of the class.<br /><br />Directors DeBell, Smith-Blum, and Patu would all get B- as well. It's not their fault, really. Their project needs four people to make it work.<br /><br />Directors Sunquist, Maier, and Martin-Morris should be failed and dropped from the class for refusing to do the work.<br /><br />Director Carr has a D. She has a lot of overdue assignments. If she turns them in she will pass. If she doesn't she will fail.<br /><br />The District as a whole? I'd say a C. It's a solidly passing respectable grade but it won't get you into a four-year college.<br /><br />Marks were taken off for broken promises, poor labor relations, and poor support for students with IEPs. They failed capacity management, budgeting, and Native American program. The score was supported by the work done in the schools. Let's just say that the district is lucky to have such great lab partners.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-81056956866477265392011-10-27T14:40:25.021-07:002011-10-27T14:40:25.021-07:00Flame proof, why would I answer your questions, if...Flame proof, why would I answer your questions, if you won't answer mine? <br /><br />And just because I wouldn't give the district a B+ doesn't mean I think it's all bad. It seems you are trying to put words in my mouth that aren't there (and haven't been there). <br /><br />Still waiting.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62923590244289169022011-10-27T14:23:09.160-07:002011-10-27T14:23:09.160-07:00"I also asked you who said everything the las..."I also asked you who said everything the last four years has been all bad. Who was that again?"<br /><br />Just today you wrote in your thread titled Quick News Updates: "But interestingly, on a KUOW interview today, Peter Maier says he would give the district a "B+" and that parents should be "celebrating" the growth of our district. The grade is laughable and frankly, a little insulting to anyone who knows the history of our district over the last year or so (even taking in the good things). " <br /><br />Could you see how I'd get the idea that you think this district is doing pretty bad? Peter Maier thinks the district is doing well and gives it a B+ and you find that to be insulting to anyone who knows the history of the district. <br /><br />What grade do you give the district Melissa? That might help me understand just how good or bad you think the district is doing.<br /><br />flame proofAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24260170324585296122011-10-27T13:30:53.935-07:002011-10-27T13:30:53.935-07:00Thanks for your voice, flameproof, even if we disa...Thanks for your voice, flameproof, even if we disagree.<br /><br />flammableAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64381954664714222272011-10-27T12:54:00.186-07:002011-10-27T12:54:00.186-07:00Ok, maybe thug was too harsh a word. But honestly,...Ok, maybe thug was too harsh a word. But honestly, I'm not trying to sway anyone. I'm sharing my own view. If you want to support Marty McLaren, a candidate that that belongs to SOS, which frames every position they take around race, and who's leader is escorted out of school board meetings by the police, and who Charlie parted ways with because they took a stand against advanced learning, go ahead. <br /><br />flame proofAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90884128968285711892011-10-27T11:22:51.840-07:002011-10-27T11:22:51.840-07:00Thank you, Seattle mom, for that link.
OompahThank you, Seattle mom, for that link.<br /><br />OompahAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com