tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post3714053985665781105..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Every School a Quality SchoolMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-32863404764000629052010-03-03T10:07:01.020-08:002010-03-03T10:07:01.020-08:00Charlie, yes, that's what management fads are ...Charlie, yes, that's what management fads are for: going on to something else just in time to avoid accountability for the failure of the previous management fad.Patrickhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16260807460417787614noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69662233647569362522010-03-03T09:22:38.882-08:002010-03-03T09:22:38.882-08:00Southmom, last year when a student was assigned to...Southmom, last year when a student was assigned to a NCLB failing school, their family received a letter from the district offering them a transfer to a "passing" school. The letter listed several school choices and the family was asked to rank the schools in order of their preference. Though the district allowed families to list their school preference they made no guarantee of which school the child would actually be assigned to. The child could be assigned to any school on that list. Families had to make sure that every school on the list would be a better fit for their child than the school they were opting out of. <br /><br />To add salt to the wound the district can assign your child to any "passing" school regardless of location, or proximity to your home, as long as they provide transportation.<br /><br />Last year many SE students assigned to AKI wound up assigned to Jane Addams in the far north part of Seattle. Though they received "transportation" it came in the form of a metro bus pass. As you can imagine a metro pass was not acceptable to families in the SE who were asked to send their 11 year old 6th graders on two metro buses (with a transfer downtown) at 7AM to get to school by 8AM, and then do it all over again to get home. <br /><br />Using the NCLB opt out option is a crap shoot. You might win, you might lose. If your OK with that, go for it.<br /><br />Of course you should participate in open enrollment before you rely on the NCLB transfer option. Open enrollment is going on now through March 31st - you can apply for as many schools as you like and rank them in the order of your preference. Assignment letters will go out in May. If you like the school you get, great! If not you can still utilize the NCLB transfer option, as the district doesn't offer that option until mid August (the district has to wait for all WASL scores to be in to determine which schools are passing and which are failing before they can do anything).seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18094170491816965542010-03-03T09:16:32.493-08:002010-03-03T09:16:32.493-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-8364417069126280732010-03-03T09:03:02.534-08:002010-03-03T09:03:02.534-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26544321627274909392010-03-03T07:57:25.448-08:002010-03-03T07:57:25.448-08:00I have a question: my child is mandatorily assigne...I have a question: my child is mandatorily assigned to Aki Kurose. Aki is and has been in step 5 of NCLB for a couple years, and therefore we can request a transfer to another school.<br /><br />So, what is the logic in that? How exactly does that work?southmomhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01511168251318900652noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9443726212480250302010-03-03T06:28:14.002-08:002010-03-03T06:28:14.002-08:00This is just another chapter in the continuing sto...This is just another chapter in the continuing story of talking about accountability without ever having to actually be accountable or take any real action.<br /><br />The District has been spouting that slogan about "Every school a quality school" for years without investing any meaning into it. They have been able to defer meaning by talking about the wonderful future when they will have accountability thanks to a school performance framework and taking almost three years to develop that framework. Now that they are actually expected to deliver the framework - and they pop out something that looks like it was sketched out in an afternoon and not notably different from the mock-up they showed three years ago - you might think that they will have to take some sort of action in pursuit of the slogan. Ha!<br /><br />Only now, when they are called upon to actually take steps, they will defer the action as they struggle for a definition for the slogan. This will be another multi-year delay. The goal here is to continue to defer the deadline for any real action through timelines filled with action plans that have a lot of non-action verbs. They will be developing, defining, planning, continuing, drafting, and writing implementation plans for years before they will ever have to take any actual action.<br /><br />By then, they hope for a change in regime or a change in direction, or a new school reform fad that will allow them to completely drop this effort - long before any real action is due. Barring that, they will simply set the whole project down and quietly walk away from it.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73211490944383973882010-03-03T01:04:15.967-08:002010-03-03T01:04:15.967-08:00I predict that the District will define a QUALITY ...I predict that the District will define a QUALITY school as one that is successful at getting test scores to go up every year, through the means of narrowed, test-centric teaching and learning. <br /><br />This definition would be consistent with the high stakes testing policy that MGJ is asking the board to approve on March 17. She calls it a performance management policy (PMP). <br /><br />When the superintendent makes a proposal to the board, the proposal takes the form of a "School Board Action Report" (SBAR). <br /><br />In the case of this PMP proposal, where SBAR calls for a statement on best practices, the superintendent responds, merely, "N/A." Where the SBAR form asks for information on community engagement, the answer is that there has been none.<br /><br />The best scientific research literature synthesis I have seen on high stakes testing (i.e., the BOTA letter-report) makes VERY CLEAR that the year-over-year-growth in test scores in a district with a HIGH STAKES TESTING policy, proves nothing more than that the scores have grown. <br /><br />In other words, it proves NOTHING whatsoever about whether there has been genuine academically growth.<br /><br />If the community just sits back and lets the district define quality, I GUARANTEE it will NOT be a formula that is going to be genuinely beneficial for children, especially for at-risk students. There are many, many reasons why I say this with such confidence. <br /><br />The Board, the Superintendent, and other District staff must know of the BOTA report, because I have told them about it (I cite the BOTA report in emails to District staff on Feb 22, and Feb 23. I notified the school board of the BOTA letter last fall).<br /><br />The fact the Superintendent does not mention the BOTA report on her PMP proposal on Feb.3 suggests that either staff is unfamiliar with the most relevent peer-reveiwed research on this topic, or is disregarding it. <br /><br />Either way, it makes the District look incompetent or worse. <br /><br />Please write to the board, and urge the Board to reject the PMP proposal, and instead to adopt a policy that prohibits high stakes testing in SPS.<br /><br />Please CC joan@mathascent.org, since to have knowledge of how many such letters go to the board is useful for advocating against the PMP. <br /><br />The following is link to an excellent eight-page article that explains what is "high stakes testing"<br /><br />http://www.fairtest.org/files/root%20&%20branch%20fall%20-%20MN%20testing%20only.pdf.Joan NEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02810050976533673804noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19517638746226923842010-03-02T23:15:45.906-08:002010-03-02T23:15:45.906-08:00Stu said: too bad only the high performing will b...Stu said: too bad only the high performing will benefit.......<br /><br />Don't bet on it. Minimally guided instruction only works well in situations where the participant is highly skilled in what is to be undertaken. It will not benefit anyone near as well as better instructional practices would.<br /><br />Good luck with Calculus because if it is all project based it is likely to be a struggle and little may be learned by most attendees.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87385329554107971842010-03-02T23:08:30.500-08:002010-03-02T23:08:30.500-08:00Arch, very nice on the Pirsig connection to Quali...Arch, very nice on the Pirsig connection to Quality.<br /><br /><i>The Metaphysics of Quality originated with Pirsig's college studies as a chemistry student. However, he dropped out after concluding that <b>the ultimate answers to life were not to be found in science.</b></i><br /><br /><b> Of course NOT, because everyone knows they will be found in MGJ's Performance Management system.</b><br /><br />===============<br />I am #7 on the testimony list speaking on information handling ...<br /><br />I will be wearing a Blue Piece with White Lettering from this Spring's Arch Stanton Collection. Bold yet not over-stated.<br /><br />I express my sincere appreciation to the designer.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16018895835699287662010-03-02T20:38:11.643-08:002010-03-02T20:38:11.643-08:00To bad only high performing students will benefit....<i>To bad only high performing students will benefit.</i><br /><br />Well, to qualify for the money, you don't have to help the kids. You just have to help the building.<br /><br />stuStuhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11769983958729170219noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11365822980689752752010-03-02T20:23:19.420-08:002010-03-02T20:23:19.420-08:00Wow, Every school a quality school.
But nobody kno...<i>Wow, Every school a quality school.<br />But nobody knows what that means?<br />Wow!</i><br /><br />They should talk to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pirsig%27s_metaphysics_of_quality" rel="nofollow">this</a> guyArchStantonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10746480698492983438noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-14678823488659945802010-03-02T14:03:36.812-08:002010-03-02T14:03:36.812-08:00I thought Cleveland would pop up on that list. Th...I thought Cleveland would pop up on that list. This NTN contract is making more sense as it probably somehow helps to qualify the school for the $$$. (Privately operated, tightly controlled maybe?)<br /><br />To bad only high performing students will benefit. Would have rather seen RBHS on the list.ParentofThreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15853045587227159562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68609197661907454942010-03-02T13:42:35.551-08:002010-03-02T13:42:35.551-08:00The three seattle schools have been named.
Clevel...The three seattle schools have been named.<br /><br />Cleveland HS, WS Elem and Hawthorne Elem.<br /><br />Interesting article.<br /><br />http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011233526_seattlelist03m.htmlWest Seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12623200902479638655noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1867036670713292522010-03-02T13:42:18.229-08:002010-03-02T13:42:18.229-08:00Aurora -
The three Seattle schools are Cleveland ...Aurora - <br />The three Seattle schools are Cleveland High and Hawthorne and West Seattle elementaries. <br /><br />http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2011233526_seattlelist03m.htmlh2o girlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12512408535354009657noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-61312567831837637352010-03-02T13:15:47.174-08:002010-03-02T13:15:47.174-08:00WOW, impressive letter. And, for those who follow...WOW, impressive letter. And, for those who followed Ms. O'Sullivan's link [<a href="http://ses4ee.wordpress.com" rel="nofollow">http://ses4ee.wordpress.com</a>] an even more impressive community movement.Grace | Fashion Plantshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00874880027878443221noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10480465022457908962010-03-02T09:27:55.604-08:002010-03-02T09:27:55.604-08:00Always the editor Helen; I like that!Always the editor Helen; I like that!SolvayGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12709893209963350066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54392682443089900732010-03-02T09:23:42.857-08:002010-03-02T09:23:42.857-08:00Y'know, I've always had a beef with the ex...Y'know, I've always had a beef with the expression "quality" as an adjective. It never says WHAT quality. High quality is assumed, right? But it could be low quality ...<br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-71164573044411962412010-03-02T08:34:15.730-08:002010-03-02T08:34:15.730-08:00Tulalip WASL scores:
Grade Level
Reading Math Wr...Tulalip WASL scores:<br /><br />Grade Level<br /><br />Reading Math Writing Science<br />3rd Grade <br />21.2% : 24.2% : XX : XX <br /><br />4th Grade<br />52.8% : 25.0% : 42.4% : XX <br /><br />5th Grade <br />35.5% : 9.1% : XX : 3.1%<br /><br />Check the <a href="http://reportcard.ospi.k12.wa.us/summary.aspx?groupLevel=District&schoolId=2564&reportLevel=School&orgLinkId=2564&yrs=&year=2008-09" rel="nofollow"> Graphs HERE </a><br /><br />I believe Marysville uses Everyday Math ... but may have switched this year.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13077301367959588492010-03-02T08:23:20.348-08:002010-03-02T08:23:20.348-08:00I was an SBE math panelist along with Larry Nyland...I was an SBE math panelist along with Larry Nyland.<br /><br />I have a friend who spent lots of time at Tulalip. The school deserves to be on the list.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7792640997189065252010-03-02T08:07:14.429-08:002010-03-02T08:07:14.429-08:00Anyone know which 3 Seattle schools are on the lis...Anyone know which 3 Seattle schools are on the list? Are they in the SE?<br /><br />--<br />Seattle Times<br /><br />Federal government offers grants to overhaul 'worst' schools<br /><br />By Linda Shaw<br /><br />Seattle Times education reporter<br /><br />Marysville Superintendent Larry Nyland says Tulalip Elementary doesn't deserve to be on a new list of Washington state's lowest-performing schools.<br /><br />In his view, the school progressed tremendously in the past few years — just not in ways that the federal government measures.<br /><br />Still, Nyland intends to apply for a share of $50 million in federal grants available to his school and some four dozen others in Washington that are on that list, including three in Seattle.<br /><br />It's just too much money to pass up, he said.<br /><br />"Although we might have some angst about the process, we ... want to do well by the kids, and the grant can help us do that."<br /><br />The grants are part of a $3.5 billion national effort, announced last summer, to overhaul schools judged to be among the lowest 5 percent in terms of student achievement. On Monday, President Obama announced that he wants to add another $900 million to the program.<br /><br />Schools can receive anywhere from $50,000 to $2 million a year for three years, provided they agree to one of four types of major overhauls, which range from closing the school to introducing a new instructional program and new methods for evaluating and rewarding teachers.<br /><br />The state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction has not yet publicly released the names of the schools on Washington's list, saying it's still awaiting final approval from the feds.<br /><br />In the meantime, eligible districts must apply for a grant by Friday, and the state plans to announce the winners on March 26.<br /><br />While some school districts have publicly acknowledged they have schools on the list, others have not. Seattle will say it has three schools but won't yet confirm which ones.<br /><br />What's known so far: Along with the three Seattle schools and Tulalip Elementary, the list includes two middle schools in the Highline School District (Cascade and Chinook), four middle schools in Tacoma and one in Longview.ARBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07219946488545334090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13806657430278129622010-03-02T08:02:35.002-08:002010-03-02T08:02:35.002-08:00Fionnuala was PTA president back when we started a...Fionnuala was PTA president back when we started at Beacon. She is a delight. Glad to see she is still shaking things up.GreyWatchhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15177134279070087546noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6922857637877141892010-03-02T08:01:57.161-08:002010-03-02T08:01:57.161-08:00Two relevant articles:
http://www.nytimes.com/201...Two relevant articles:<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/28/us/28raleigh.html?ref=education<br /><br />http://www.nytimes.com/2010/03/02/us/02obama.html?ref=us<br /><br />(hope links work)<br /><br />Good letter!ARBhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/07219946488545334090noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-23998981592237940932010-03-02T08:01:10.908-08:002010-03-02T08:01:10.908-08:00Wow, Every school a quality school.
But nobody kno...Wow, Every school a quality school.<br />But nobody knows what that means?<br />Wow!ParentofThreehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15853045587227159562noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88417379142717133412010-03-02T07:48:55.301-08:002010-03-02T07:48:55.301-08:00Thanks for posting this Charlie. I was hoping it w...Thanks for posting this Charlie. I was hoping it would make its way to this blog.SolvayGirlhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12709893209963350066noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-42028436961014289902010-03-02T07:36:18.263-08:002010-03-02T07:36:18.263-08:00This comment has been removed by the author.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.com