tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post3515710944759066714..comments2024-03-29T02:41:52.718-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Interesting Community Meetings with Board MembersMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87091122112434935732009-12-10T11:03:22.839-08:002009-12-10T11:03:22.839-08:00Maureen - Thank you for setting the record straigh...Maureen - Thank you for setting the record straight on TOPS. I need to be more careful about jumping to conclusions and making inferences. I hope that the new principal fully supports the program already in place, and brings new ideas that the community likes and that will strengthen the program.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7227419127191370042009-12-10T11:00:09.570-08:002009-12-10T11:00:09.570-08:00Charlie - would you mind to add the revision date ...Charlie - would you mind to add the revision date for any further policies that you list?<br /><br />You wrote "Policy B61.00 (as revised Aug 1995) requires the superintendent to complete a number of tasks which have been left undone. Among these are "Recommend adoption of new, and revision or elimination of outdated policies." <br /><br />This particular requirement of B61.00 has been fulfilled: See School Board Action Report dated April 6, 2009: Asks Board to approve a resolution for accepting a grant to hire an outside policy consultant to complete a thorough review of entire policy manual.<br /><br />reference: http://www.seattleschools.org/area/board/08-09agendas/040809agenda/policyreport.pdf<br /><br />Charlie - would you like to form an independent committee of parents/teachers who will voluntarily conduct a thorough policy audit, but from the community's perspective? I think such committee would make very different recommendations in many cases than did the outside policy consultant. Seems like such committee would want to see the Policy Audit report (supposed to be out as of Sept 6 2009) for this work. <br /><br />There is no need to get Board approval for such project. I highly doubt they would approve of this. It could be an extremely constructive exercise.<br /><br />Anyone who is interested in this idea, please write or call me: <br /><br />joan@mathascent.org; 206 532 2122<br /><br />Please also write to this strand to express your support or reservations about this idea.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-60019051675715020152009-12-10T10:53:20.957-08:002009-12-10T10:53:20.957-08:00Joan, The old TOPS principal retired, she wasn'...<b>Joan</b>, The old TOPS principal retired, she wasn't removed. And it isn't really clear (to me at least) whether the new principal supports TOPS as an alt school or not, I think she is still in listening mode (which seems appropriate to me given that she has no alt experience). The point is that alt schools should have a voice in the selection of their administrators so as assure the appointment of someone who supports their alt nature--it shouldn't be left up to fate.Maureenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18444916440000921599noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90689719859562266622009-12-10T10:40:49.845-08:002009-12-10T10:40:49.845-08:00Last night was the first Board meeting that I atte...Last night was the first Board meeting that I attended. The fact that the SUp sits with the Directors near the center of the diaz gives the appearance that her power is on par with the Board. A policy revision of Jan 23 2008 added language that says the Sup and the Directors are "partners" in the governance of the District. In agreeing to this revision, the Board shows a willingness to be a weak board. <br /><br />Does anyone know if the Sup has historically sat on the diaz with the Directors? Does this policy pre-date John Stanford?<br /><br />At the Board meeting last night, Sherry Carr told the Sup that folks that will be assigned to Sandpoint want to know how/when they can participate in discussions to decide what the school program will be. Carr said parents expressed interest in expeditionary learning and other approaches (my daughter's school used Exp.Learning). The Sup cautioned that budget considerations really limit what can be done for new programs at viewlands, mcdonald, sandpoint schools (my interpretation: no special programs will be allowed). She said parents will be invited to participate in planning oct or nov next year, when the Design Teams are formed.<br /><br />I predict that the new programs at these schools will be models of what every elementary school is supposed to look like - and that they will look like models of what the CSIP transformation plans for AS#1 and Pathfinder are aiming for. I predict that the new programs will have full-fledged "Instructional Leadership" programs, wherein the principal uses the "Learning Walk" to monitor teacher fidelity to district pacing guides. The Principal at Lowell has already recieved training in the Learning Walk. (pers. commun., Dec 7, 2009).<br /><br />I hope I am wrong in these predictions.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19310129179955641022009-12-10T10:06:39.616-08:002009-12-10T10:06:39.616-08:00Charlie - Thanks for this list, and what additiona...Charlie - Thanks for this list, and what additional information you add later.<br /><br />I am also looking for specific stories/examples of policy violations. The TOPS principal assignment decision announced early this year is a remarkable example of violation of policy. The Sup made a bizarre intrepretation of C54 in this case, to argue that she was not violating the policy. I have a copy of the letter. She removed an effective popular principal, and placed there a person who doesn't appear to be fully supportive of maintaining the integrity of the TOPS program. The principal placement weapon is the easiest way for the Sup to kill a strong alternative program.<br /><br />Another request: As curriculum alignment proceeds (last night, the Sup called it "academic assurance" at the Board mtg; S.Enfield, the CAO, called it the "eye" test at the Garfield curriculum alignment meeting), many popular courses will be axed.<br /><br />Would people send in names of popular courses at your schools, including any that the District has already forced your school to eliminate? For example, at Garfield HS, there is a very popular Marine Biology course for which students can get science credit. After curriculum alignment, this course will not count as a core science credit. Each HS will have little capacity for providing unique courses.<br /><br />Under Core 24, HS students will have 6 credits of core classes every year. 1 credit equals 150 years, meaning a full one-year course. Unless the schools go to 7 periods a day, there appears to be no room for electives. Does anyone know if I understand this correctly?<br /><br />I ask this, because parents at the Garfield community engagement meeting stressed that electives are for some children the hook that keeps them interested in school. The "hook" classes include music (band, orchestra, jazz band, chorus), marine biology, greek/latin,...). Will there be any room in Core 24 for hook classes?<br /><br />I want to put together a profile of what the programs at different schools looked liked BEFORE curriculum alignment, so that we can begin to more fully understand how curriculum alignment will change the personality of our schools. After curriculum alignment, all schools will have the same personality.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-70356586613464938482009-12-09T15:41:20.827-08:002009-12-09T15:41:20.827-08:00Policy C40.00 We are not utilizing a variety of Ed...<b>Policy C40.00</b> We are not utilizing a variety of Educational measurement and assessment processes. We are not using standardized tests to measure the achievement of Seattle students against national norms. There's a procedure for this Policy, but it is completely obsolete (see Policy B61.00 above).<br /><br /><b>Policy C41.00</b> The superintendent has not established specific procedural guidelines for schools to follow in addressing the educational needs of each student not progressing satisfactorily towards standards. In addition, students who have not met or exceeded academic standards are being promoted in violation of this policy.<br /><br /><b>Policy C42.00</b> The superintendent is not making appropriate reviews of academic programs for compliance or efficacy. There's a procedure for this (C42.01) which isn't being followed.<br /><br /><b>Policy C43.00</b> The requirement of fidelity of implementation and the use of a single pedagogy in math instruction violates this policy.<br /><br /><b>Policy C44.00</b> The early and effective interventions required by this policy are not being provided.<br /><br /><b>Policy C45.00</b> There is no annual review of schools and programs as required by this policy. In addition, the distribution of programs is not equitable and the review of program proposals is not comprehensive.<br /><br /><b>Policy C46.00</b> The procedure for reviewing proposals for new programs is not followed.<br /><br /><b>Policy C54.00</b> The superintendent has violated this policy by failing to consult with alternative school communities on hiring decisions. In addition, this policy should exempt alternative schools from curricular alignment.<br /><br /><b>Policy C56.00</b> The District's program placement practice is in violation of this policy.<br /><br /><b>Policy D12.00</b> The district's number and placement of APP sites violates this policy. <i>Special note: The Board voted, on January 29, 2009, to direct the superitendent to review this policy and offer recommendations for revisions. No work was done.</i><br /><br /><b>Policies D44.00, D45.00, and D46.00</b> These policies prohibit social promotion.<br /><br /><b>Policy D47.00</b> Academic opportunities around the district are not equal as required by this policy.<br /><br /><b>Policy E08.00</b> The policies about advisory committees is not followed. The postings aren't made and the superintendent's responses are almost always late.<br /><br /><b>Policy E20.00</b> Communication with the public is less than timely and accurate and the District does NOT stimulate two-way communication.<br /><br /><b>E23.00</b> Customer service does not adequately respond to citizen complaints.<br /><br />I'm tired. I may do more later.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71288055801333948782009-12-09T15:41:15.709-08:002009-12-09T15:41:15.709-08:00I knew that the Board voted to extend the Superint...I knew that the Board voted to extend the Superintendent's three-year contract every year so that it always extends three years out. It was a critical element to her raise last year. They could not award her a raise without changing the terms of her contract. She was already under contract to work the 2008-2009 school year at her original salary. To increase the pay without other contract modifications would constitute a gift to a private person, which would be a violation of the Washington State constitution.<br /><br />As for Policies which the Superintendent has violated, well, find a comfortable chair...<br /><br /><b>Policy B24.00</b> The Superintendent is the secretary of the Board and is required to post the agenda of board meetings at least three days in advance. Board committee meeting agendas are typically late. Board legislative meeting agendas are often altered at the last minute. Public access to Board documents isn't as good as it should be. <b>Policy B42.00</b> also speaks to this.<br /><br /><b>Policy B45.00</b> requires that motions be introduced at one Board meeting and not voted on until the next Board meeting except in emergencies. There have been a number of introduction/action motions which were in no way emergencies, most notably the superintendent's raise.<br /><br /><b>Policy B61.00</b> requires the superintendent to complete a number of tasks which have been left undone. Among these are "Recommend adoption of new, and revision or elimination of outdated policies." The District often takes years to react to changes in state law that impact district policies.<br />"Prepare and present reports on the educational program as required." and "Provide annual report on District programs." There are very few such reports and none of them are annual. "Administer programs of maintenance and operation of school properties." Our buildings are NOT maintained. "Plan and prepare measures to keep the community and the legislature informed." The superintendent does not keep the public informed. "Maintain an accurate inventory of District equipment." A great deal of equipment (and art) has been lost or unaccounted for.<br /><br /><b>Policy C05.00</b> We do not have curriculum summaries and course descriptions.<br /><br /><b>Policy C07.00</b> essentially requires curriculum alignment. We don't have that now, do we?<br /><br /><b>Policy C10.00</b> We do not have the required instructional objectives for every course.<br /><br /><b>Policy C12.00, C13.00, and C14.00</b> The homework policies are not followed.<br /><br /><b>Policy C15.00</b> I suspect that some schools did not get the written waiver required for them to have additional high school graduation requirements.<br /><br /><b>Policy C25.00</b> The use of document cameras may be in violation of U.S. copyright laws and this policy.<br /><br /><b>Policy C32.01</b> I don't think this procedure for handling instructional materials complaints is being followed. Didn't anyone do this for the math textbooks?Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8123527022318566502009-12-09T12:35:42.346-08:002009-12-09T12:35:42.346-08:00Could people send me examples of the Superintenden...Could people send me examples of the Superintendent violating Board Policy, and the Board allowing this? I need these examples for a testimony I am preparing. Please send sufficient detail and links for documentation, if you have it.<br /><br />ThanksJoan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-92410685037973732009-12-09T11:46:38.441-08:002009-12-09T11:46:38.441-08:00One more tidbit from this meeting: Joan asked abo...One more tidbit from this meeting: Joan asked about the extension of MGJ's contract last July. Harium said the deal was a rolling 3 year contract, so in effect they extend it by a year every year. We didn't know this. I don't remember if Melissa was there for this part and if so, Melissa were you surprised? Some other people we talked to subsequently were.Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2961784530334002612009-12-09T10:10:13.062-08:002009-12-09T10:10:13.062-08:00Thanks Chris and Adhoc. It is very helpful to get...Thanks Chris and Adhoc. It is very helpful to get this third perspective. I am glad that Melissa's report about future sup evaluations is confirmed - I for one do not want a repeat of what has happened twice now. I learn from this that I have to be more careful in how I listen, and that maybe I should repeat back to the speaker what I think heard, in order to get confirmation or correction. <br /><br />JoanJoan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76614935659230948292009-12-09T09:51:10.842-08:002009-12-09T09:51:10.842-08:00Joan I appreciate your passion, but there is no ne...Joan I appreciate your passion, but there is no need to continue arguing at this point. You need not prove that you are right and Melissa is wrong. You are both entitled to your own opinions and interpretations of what you heard at the meetings. It's time to let it go now and move on.<br /><br />And thanks to both of you (during this busy holiday season) for taking the time to attend the meetings and report back to the community. We all appreciate it very much!anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88520704349592043092009-12-09T09:48:53.868-08:002009-12-09T09:48:53.868-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03716725891562757052noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10875218581685440392009-12-09T08:54:23.765-08:002009-12-09T08:54:23.765-08:00I mostly agree with Melissa. He did say they woul...I mostly agree with Melissa. He did say they would not again choose to have a Broad person facilitate supt. reviews, which is a much stronger statement that what he made last summer (refused to acknowledge it was a problem at all.) <br /><br />Regarding "strong support" or lack thereof, well, I personally would not capitalize the NOT...I would state his position as regarding the various foundations equal, not organizations to be driven by but worth considering their ideas because some of their ideas might be good.<br /><br />He didn't come out and say this Saturday, but last summer he said, in effect, there was no downside to taking their money, i.e. trust us, they aren't buying influence. This is another case where I don't know if he's being naive or disingenuous. I have a hard time taking that statement as truth. I didn't hear any change to this position saturday. So I would say not that he does or doesn't support the Broad, but that he regards many reform foundations with some interest, some skepticism, and a fairy-tale unshakable belief in the integrity of the board and district leadership. <br /><br />And sorry, I can't remember the woman's name.Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-47865498363098344292009-12-09T03:34:27.284-08:002009-12-09T03:34:27.284-08:00Chris - You were at Harium's coffee hour last ...Chris - You were at Harium's coffee hour last saturday. Did you form a similar impression as Melissa? She wrote: "Harium did NOT express "strong support" for the Broad Foundation." What do you recall about his expressions of support (or lack thereof) for the Broad Foundation?<br /><br />Didn't Melissa leave before I finished my questions for Harium? She may not have heard the entire exchange.<br /><br />In her orignial blog post, Mellissa wrote that Harium said the Board would NOT bring Tom Payzant in for MGJ's future evaulations. Is this what you heard?<br /><br />I wrote that Susan McGinn was at the meeting. I wonder if I misremember her name (was it Stephanie McGinn?) I've lost my notes from the meeting, so can't see if I wrote the name when I first heard it.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13767494925816049322009-12-08T16:50:41.933-08:002009-12-08T16:50:41.933-08:00I wrote This "district's goals and polici...I wrote This "district's goals and policies are aligned with The Broad Foundation's philosophy..." <br /><br />I stated the assertion too mildly. What I should have said is that MGJ actually takes direction and guidance from key personnel employed by the Broad Foundation. <br /><br />Furthermore, my colleagues and I we have heard from former members of the Board that Directors have gone to training seminars conducted by the Broad Foundation. We KNOW for certain that the Broad Foundation has PAID for Directors' trainings. Less compliant directors have called these trainings "mindcontrol workshops."Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51070571363950353412009-12-08T16:37:52.215-08:002009-12-08T16:37:52.215-08:00When I have the time, I will post to this blog the...When I have the time, I will post to this blog the clear evidence that shows that under MGJ, the district's goals and policies are aligned with The Broad Foundation's philosophy as to how large urban school districts should be structured and operated. If people see the evidence and understand it, I don't see how anyone can reject my assertion, unless they are not objective.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1886588381923890272009-12-08T16:34:33.941-08:002009-12-08T16:34:33.941-08:00I think what has happened is that I was inferring ...I think what has happened is that I was inferring something without realizing it. I am sorry Melissa. <br /><br />I have read about Mayoral take over of school districts in other cities, and have seen reports that address this. From this I grew accustomed to equating mayoral control with appointing of directors. I see in the quote provided above that McGinn did not specifically say that he wants to appoint directors, but nor does he explain what he means by "taking over the school district."<br /><br />The reason this concerns me so much is that the Broad Foundation has made very clear that they have the best success advancing their agenda in districts that are subject to mayoral control. The community has the least influence on the direction of the school district in this situation.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-34911121336684370812009-12-08T16:25:07.035-08:002009-12-08T16:25:07.035-08:00Helen - thanks for looking into Broad's backgr...Helen - thanks for looking into Broad's background.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55732517881891263322009-12-08T16:22:11.142-08:002009-12-08T16:22:11.142-08:00Thank you for posting this SPSmom. I interpret tak...Thank you for posting this SPSmom. I interpret taking over the district to mean securing the right to appoint school board directors; it may also include the power to appoint the superintendent. Maybe Melissa's dispute has to do with my interpreting quotes such as this to mean something different from what she takes it to mean.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16468149431043182432009-12-08T16:16:52.152-08:002009-12-08T16:16:52.152-08:00It's not personal. I just don't like pers...It's not personal. I just don't like personal attacks when we are having a basic discussion. It's not helpful and counterproductive especially since the charge here is solutions based on data and fact. And, since it's my name that I sign to everything I write, I'm not going to stand around when I do feel attacked. <br /><br />Taking over the district could entail many things including the Board. However Joan has said, repeatedly, that McGinn said "the Board". I'm just asking when or where he said that.<br /><br />He could do all or some of the following if the Legislature granted him some/all control:<br /><br />-hire a new superintendent and/or be part of the process to hire future superintendents (the Mayor does meet all candidates)<br />- oversee, with the Board, the superintendent<br />- appoint some or all of the Board<br />(some elected, some appointed).<br /><br />My point is when a precise statement is made, I'd like to know the source. If someone does not like the idea of the mayor having any sort of control over the district, that's fine to say. But to attribute to McGinn's statement of waiting to see how things progress and then going to the Legislature (remember, he couldn't do this on his own) and then working out a plan is not the same thing as saying he'd take over the Board. Plain and simple, it isn't.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78916332167027870392009-12-08T15:38:53.583-08:002009-12-08T15:38:53.583-08:00According to http://books.google.com/books?id=u10E...According to http://books.google.com/books?id=u10EAAAAMBAJ&pg=PA107, both Broad's parents came from Lithuania and met in New York. Broad was raised in Detroit.<br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79715144757420016022009-12-08T14:46:23.944-08:002009-12-08T14:46:23.944-08:00Melissa, I hear what you're saying, but if McG...Melissa, I hear what you're saying, but if McGinn says, "I will work to have the city take control of our school system" we can assume this means the Board...The school system is the charge of the Board, and to "take over" the district one would have to eliminate or replace the board...<br /><br />My feeling is that there are some personal feelings flyin' back and forth here that are, perhaps, getting in the way of hearing each other (I've NEVER let my personal feelings get involved in ANYTHING I've posted here! Not ME!)seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71076364636698178132009-12-08T14:37:06.128-08:002009-12-08T14:37:06.128-08:00That says nothing about taking over the Board. Ze...That says nothing about taking over the Board. Zero. A mayor taking over a school district does not preclude an elected school board. <br /><br /> Also, if you say something was said, be prepared to say where you read or heard it.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-46476728407682645492009-12-08T13:41:24.939-08:002009-12-08T13:41:24.939-08:00"For the first two years of my administration..."For the first two years of my administration I will put all of our available resources into helping our schools succeed. We’ll partner with parents. We’ll partner with teachers. We’ll partner with administrators, staff and the community to focus all of the city’s available resources on the success of our students and our schools."<br />Wow! I can't wait!seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72215720524793853442009-12-08T13:34:38.000-08:002009-12-08T13:34:38.000-08:00This quote is taken directly from the Michael McGi...This quote is taken directly from the Michael McGinn for Mayor website:<br /><br />http://mcginnformayor.com/issues/education/<br /><br />"I believe the mayor needs to be held accountable for the success of the school system. And if elected, that’s what I’ll do.<br /><br />For the first two years of my administration I will put all of our available resources into helping our schools succeed. We’ll partner with parents. We’ll partner with teachers. We’ll partner with administrators, staff and the community to focus all of the city’s available resources on the success of our students and our schools.<br /><br />But if that doesn’t help Seattle’s public schools improve, I will work to have the city take control of our school system. Urban schools fail when no one is held accountable. That’s why President Obama’s Education Secretary Arne Duncan believes that mayors should take control of big-city school districts where academic performance is suffering."SPS momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07868844486562389924noreply@blogger.com