tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post6999250854716386309..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: An SPS Teacher who is a TFA Alum SpeaksMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13196807308861118132010-11-03T12:04:24.011-07:002010-11-03T12:04:24.011-07:00The article in the paper stated that TFA hoped tha...The article in the paper stated that TFA hoped that this program would become a part of the district's budget after the donor's funding ended. <br /><br />I have to say that, as I have found in the past, Kay Smith-Blum has read all of my (probably annoying) emails on this subject carefully and gotten back to me on each one (after clearly having done research or gotten answers to my questions somewhere). She also has said she would ask some of my questions at the meeting. Whether or not I end up agreeing with her votes, I think she is the hardest working, most accessible Board member. I think she takes her job seriously.curiousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88871809976700651762010-11-03T12:00:01.697-07:002010-11-03T12:00:01.697-07:00Personally, I'm the kind of guy who would say ...Personally, I'm the kind of guy who would say "Let's do it but gather data on the outcomes and use that data to determine the effectiveness of the effort."<br /><br />The problem with expecting Seattle Public Schools to do that, however, is that they simply don't. The District has exactly zero track record of gathering data to measure the effectiveness of projects. They have never done it and I see no evidence to suggest that they ever will.<br /><br />So to predicate the provisional approval on the expectation that this sort of data gathering and evaluation will occur in the future is a weak foundation.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-73444209965118843192010-11-03T11:54:37.734-07:002010-11-03T11:54:37.734-07:00I'm pretty sure the board will pass it, and I ...I'm pretty sure the board will pass it, and I don't even think it will be a close vote.<br /><br />Do you think we could at least get the board to require that the performance of these candidates is reviewed and published?<br /><br />If the argument is that we are bringing them in to reduce the achievement gap, let's measure that.<br /><br />If the argument is that the TFA cadidates will stay long term at these schools, let's measure that.<br /><br />I'm suspect that after the initial two years, we'll be expected to continue on with TFA and I doubt that Gates is going to fund it indefinitely.<br /><br />We should use these first two years to get some data on the program.Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16540428343439198125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-75638085343861118562010-11-03T11:52:36.380-07:002010-11-03T11:52:36.380-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16540428343439198125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-66575859059208162532010-11-03T11:29:14.315-07:002010-11-03T11:29:14.315-07:00There are some tragic flaws here.
First, the TfA ...There are some tragic flaws here.<br /><br />First, the TfA contract appears to run directly counter to our Strategic Plan to align curriculum and assessment. As it is a program inconsistent with our stated goals, priorities and direction, the District should reject it. Where is that policy on private donations?<br /><br />Second, there is no need to include teachers with alternative certification in Seattle because we have no teacher shortage here.<br /><br />Third, the state law requires the justification of each alternatively certified teacher on an individual basis as someone who has some special skill unavailable among the certified applicants for the position. That simply isn't going to happen.<br /><br />The whole proposal appears DOA.<br /><br />Yet the superintendent has brought it forward and, I suspect, the Board will pass it. Tragic.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-82641580229210012942010-11-03T11:17:27.949-07:002010-11-03T11:17:27.949-07:00Over the last few years, charter schools have cons...Over the last few years, charter schools have consistently hired TFA recruits. It has been a way to get around unions, pay a lower salary and have the recruits focus on test scores.<br /><br />No retraining is needed and these recruits have historically worked longer hours including weekends for lower pay. (Although an argument can be made that our teachers now do that as well but that's another subject.)<br /><br />The test scores are important for charter schools because most states require that charter schools maintain a certain level of student performance to receive state and local funding.<br /><br />It has been a perfect formula for charter franchises like KIPP. TFA and KIPP go hand in hand, figuratively as well as literally.<br /><br />This effort on the part of the supe to bring in TFA is not some isolated, random event. She didn't just wake up one morning and think that hiring TFA recruits is just the ticket to closing the "acheivement gap" in Seattle. An idea that defies logic any way that you look at it.<br /><br />Her agenda is ed reform from merit pay to charter schools. Remember, she was Broad trained and brought in by the Broad and has been supported by the Broad through the board retreats and her first two evaluations.<br /><br />Gates and Broad, the two folks who are funding all things ed reform in Seattle now, want charter schools in our city. It's just that simple. But the ground work has to be laid first. The Seattle Foundation and LEV, both backed by Broad and Gates are on their way to Olympia as we speak calling for charter schools. What do you think the charter lovefest was all about that LEV put on?<br /><br />It's all part of a big picture and that is this notion of ed reform that is sweeping across our nation.<br /><br />It's a formula that has worked in other states where public schools have become privatized and that's what Gates and Broad want here.<br /><br />In California, there are now thousands of TFA recruits that are hired. Why? Because they bought the notion of charter schools big time in that state.<br /><br />Same in New York.<br /><br />This goes beyond us and yet now is here in Seattle.<br /><br />It really has become a battle for Seattle.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26996014868403818132010-11-03T09:37:38.649-07:002010-11-03T09:37:38.649-07:00Seattle Citizen PROFOUNDLY said:
This is also wh...Seattle Citizen PROFOUNDLY said: <br /><br /><i>This is also what the entire reform movement is predicated on: The achievement gap.</i><br /><br />SC: That comment says it all. I think you just unlocked the mystery underlying ed reform. Without the constant threat of Terrorism, the Military Industrial complex could be kept in check. <br /><br />Without a constant and growing Achievement Gap, the raison d'etre of the Ed Reform movement evaporates. <br /><br />It all makes sense now. <br /><br />When in history haven't the haves exploited and misled the have-nots for material and monetary gain? <br /><br />Prostitution may be the world's oldest profession, but exploiting the less powerful to benefit one's own interests precedes man walking upright.wseadawghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08750439461734046035noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-4586341913712984512010-11-03T08:43:50.603-07:002010-11-03T08:43:50.603-07:00People miss the point completely with this entire ...People miss the point completely with this entire reform agenda...<br /><br />Its about completing the process of turning this country into an oligarchy - and owning education is part of that... a handful of very wealthy people have decided they know what is best for this country/economy and they are using their money to make sure they create the world they think they/we need...<br /><br />Melissa points out often that this is supposed to be a democratic country/process, where we, the people get to control life... government of the people by the people for the people and all of that... lovely sentiment by the way...<br /><br />Well, what, in SPS, do we the people get to control for and about our kids?<br /><br />Nothing now that Broad and Gates are playing in the sandbox...<br /><br /><i>"If humanity does not opt for integrity we are through completely. It is absolutely touch and go. Each one of us could make the difference." </i>~R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983), American engineer, author, designer, inventor, and futuristSahilahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11610179287237833742noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-19393198636392978042010-11-03T08:01:03.023-07:002010-11-03T08:01:03.023-07:00It sounds like she is a former Teach for America m...<i>It sounds like she is a former Teach for America member who is now teaching at West Seattle Elementary.<br /><br />Apparently she performed miracles in the Bronx.....</i><br /><br />Quite a record in her Bronx school. Too bad for that school that she didn't stay past her two year commitment.Birdhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16540428343439198125noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-5537319737664839862010-11-02T23:05:55.693-07:002010-11-02T23:05:55.693-07:00Here's one of the speakers signed up for tomor...Here's one of the speakers signed up for tomorrow night's School Board meeting:<br /><br />http://www.king5.com/news/education/What-Makes-a-Good-Teacher-103890574.html<br /><br />It sounds like she is a former Teach for America member who is now teaching at West Seattle Elementary.<br /><br />Apparently she performed miracles in the Bronx.....gavrochehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11336376340965305696noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-88949960422651603182010-11-02T21:53:03.759-07:002010-11-02T21:53:03.759-07:00As a last thought for the night, again, this is OU...As a last thought for the night, again, this is OUR district and we are talking about what is best for it. I told a Board Director today that I don't reject new ideas or ed reform but I want my district to view all of it through the lens of how it helps OUR district (and not hop on some reform train).<br /><br />We have limited resources, we have already made some big changes to our teachers contract, new assessments, curriculum alignment. I'm just not willing to throw everything and the kitchen sink at education. It's not useful and it's not possible.<br /><br />Please keep in mind that for every year that Dr. Goodloe-Johnson has been here, the budget has gone up. Less is going to schools. Something has to give. It looks like it is coming down the Board making a choice between slowing down on the Strategic Plan and spending more in our schools or keeping up the Strategic Plan and sending less to our schools. That IS the choice.<br /><br />Lastly, look, please don't denigrate TFA teachers. Most of them are young people who sincerely believe they are doing good. Or trying to do good in an imperfect world (Some are looking to burnish a resume for sure but most, I think, have good motives.) <br /><br />The criticism needs to be aimed squarely at our district which is NOT following its own processes (and to which the Board should shut this thing down tomorrow night because of it - at least temporarily) AND at the TFA Foundation which has, somewhat like the Alliance, decided they want to be more of a player. Question their motives, their desired outcomes and yes, I believe, their manipulation of some young and idealistic people.<br /><br />At the end, though, this is about children. Not the short-term experience of a new college grad or a foundation trying to muscle its way onto the education stage or an ambitious superintendent.<br /><br />I would caution anyone who says (maybe a little too blithely), "why not try it?" or "I would be find with a TFA teacher" - be careful what you wish for.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11799110350449088342010-11-02T21:34:57.350-07:002010-11-02T21:34:57.350-07:00And Hawk, you write that since TFA people know the...And Hawk, you write that since TFA people know they are going into minority schools, it doesn't make sense for them to be racist.<br /><br />Why not? Plenty of institutionally racist people believe that it is their duty to minister to the "less evolved" or whatever they believe people different than themselves to be.<br /><br />I have a magazine article from 1873, the actual article, where an Episcopal priest is going west to operate a mission school "teaching" American Indians. Here's what he says: "While I will not be able to raise them to our level of civilization, my aim is to make good farmers of them," or words to that effect. He had a good heart, the best intentions, but believed that Native Americans just could NOT rise to his level. But he was gonna make the capable workers...<br /><br />Hmmm....so no TFAers would go the Bronx for two years with feelings like that, eh?<br /><br />Oh speaking of the Bronx, I note that one of the speakers tomorrow is a TFAer who graduated college in 2004, got a masters in 2007, was in TFA, evidently decided two years was quite enough, thank you very much, and is now the senior policy analyst at our own LEV!<br /><br />Guess that commitment to teaching only went so far....seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-27642999647042543802010-11-02T21:21:31.388-07:002010-11-02T21:21:31.388-07:00Hawk, I mean no disrespect to TFA people who, hmm,...Hawk, I mean no disrespect to TFA people who, hmm, USED to basically volunteer to work in schools that had shortages, etc (it's a new ballgame now, they are, in effect, given a job for two years if they pass muster, so it's not as altruistic as it once was, apparently.<br /><br />Any TFAer who chooses to stay in the profession is also free to move to other schools. They're not locked in, they, like "regular" teachers, are mobile. I don't see your point.<br /><br />Your point might be that because they KNOW they will be going into a "tougher" school that might mean they're somehow less racist. I don't buy it.<br /><br />MY point was that regular teachers are currently being demonized as being the cause for the achievement gap, and where that gap is based on the categories of race and ethnicity, this would mean, since everything is the teacher's responsibility, evidently, that teachers are either racist, ignorant of the infinite permutations of culture all around them, or both.<br /><br />By using the achievement gap (categories compared to each other) as THE sole determinent of success; by saying teacher quality is everything; then, if the gap is race or ethnicity, then the reformistas can come in and say, ach, THOSE teachers don't know how to teach THESE children. But TFA can!"<br /><br />Of course it just ain't that simple, and it's blatantly unfair and disrepectful of teachers to make this accusation. Life is way, way more nuanced than that. Yes, everybody can (and is, at some points) racist. Myself included. TFA included. But to suggest, as this current aspect of reform does, that regular teachers are more racist, are less culturally responsive than these wonderful TFA-trained wunderkind...well, that's just ridiculous.<br /><br />This is THE basis for this TFA contract: "Achievement Gap" This presupposes that SPS is opening the door for non-certified people to compete on a level playing field with certified teachers based purely on race (and SES, but these often correlate, and teh schools that reformers target are largely in minority neighborhoods, so the SES is less a factor) The implicit argument is that TFA is better at diminishing the achievement gap, that these TFAers are just better at it. The research doesn't seem to back that up; on race and culture, my guess is that it's a wash: There is variability among ALL teachers or teacher-wannabes.<br /><br />I just think it's disrespectful to call out current teachers as somehow lacking. This is the problem with the reform movement: It sells the idea that it's all the teacher's fault, that outside factors don't matter, therefore we have to change the whole teaching crew. Of course, this means getting these new people in, conveniently part of Broad board member Wendy Kopp's TFA, which OUR Broad board member, the superintendent, likes very much, thank you.seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-30948648077107729102010-11-02T21:02:51.606-07:002010-11-02T21:02:51.606-07:00Perhaps Director Patu might consider the following...Perhaps Director Patu might consider <a href="http://www.ajc.com/opinion/schools-diminishing-expectations-returns-617232.html" rel="nofollow">the following LINK</a>.<br /><br />It appears the current system rewards the experts and the administrators for producing chaos and distractions instead of positive results.<br /><br />The teachers are ordered to follow the Central Admin directives and now Director Patu finds fault with the teachers for not being "the kinds of teacher that is needed".<br /><br />MGJ produced this giant TfA distraction and apparently has continued to confuse some directors about the nature and sources of lack of academic progress in the SPS.<br /><br />At least Director Patu normally votes against violations of state laws unlike the "Four".dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-52251365459454100042010-11-02T20:44:47.635-07:002010-11-02T20:44:47.635-07:00Sorry, you're right Melissa. I removed that po...Sorry, you're right Melissa. I removed that post. Thanks for the reminder.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58981892270179473162010-11-02T20:38:29.343-07:002010-11-02T20:38:29.343-07:00Kids, let's keep it civil. No name calling or...Kids, let's keep it civil. No name calling or sand throwing. Don't make me pull this car over.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12588239576000641336noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83529847103256933432010-11-02T20:30:59.123-07:002010-11-02T20:30:59.123-07:00Oh my, what is Director Patu saying?
"Yes, w...<b>Oh my, what is Director Patu saying?</b><br /><br /><i>"Yes, we don't have teacher shortage but as a director for the SE district, <b>we are not getting the kinds of teacher that is needed </b>to raise high expectation for our children in our districts."</i><br /><br />How can Director Patu determine that this is a teacher problem rather than an instructional materials and pedagogy problem?<br /><br />Since we have direct evidence of the UW making the situation considerably worse in SE schools in regard to math, <b>I find her criticism of teachers horribly misplaced.</b><br /><br />Here once again is<a href="http://mathunderground.blogspot.com/2010/09/uw-professional-development-gone-bad.html" rel="nofollow"> a link to the data </a>that shows the incredible inaccuracy of the Director's analysis that this is a teacher problem.<br /><br />=========<br />SC is correct an apology is needed. Teacher bashing is not acceptable. Where is her logical argument that connects her statement with any valid reasoning?<br /><br />WOW has any Director paid any attention to Charlie's statements about continued lack of effective interventions.dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62901895076695545052010-11-02T20:22:31.081-07:002010-11-02T20:22:31.081-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69687926214913476652010-11-02T20:07:25.642-07:002010-11-02T20:07:25.642-07:00@Hawk -
Sorry to break it to you, but you are the...@Hawk - <br />Sorry to break it to you, but you are the one living in the bubble. I'm glad that your world is where "Where competition reigns and the best man gets the job." (though that makes me wonder where women fit in). I've worked in the "real world" non-profits and for-profit companies, and there is just as much, if not more, nepostism, incompetence and dysfunction there as you might think there is in teaching. The teachers I know are bright, dedicated, capable and just as - no, MORE interested in doing good work than anyone in other sectors.<br /><br />Please stop bashing those who are frustrated by district leadership who refuse to provide curriculum, administrative or even moral support for the work they do.karyn kinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08370286067103785050noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-40316513480392439322010-11-02T20:04:54.087-07:002010-11-02T20:04:54.087-07:00"They must not be racist, nor be ignorant of ..."They must not be racist, nor be ignorant of cultural perspectives, like those dang fully-certified teachers!"<br /><br />Sc, you're hurting your own cause with this statement. TFA recruits teachers with the pre-determined agreement that they will be placed in the most challenging schools across the country. Schools where the majority of students are minority and low income. It doesn't make sense that a TFA teachers, with that understanding, would be a racist. On the other hand, teachers from the traditional schools of ed, have no idea where they will be teaching. As new hires they may be forced to teach in challenging schools for awhile, but they can move on up, as they get seniority (thanks again, teachers union).<br /><br />In my opinion if anyone, they'd be more likely to be racists. Don't ya think?seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-72891042158112249992010-11-02T20:04:49.420-07:002010-11-02T20:04:49.420-07:00Dear Willing to Try etc.,
You said at 5:03...
&q...Dear Willing to Try etc.,<br /><br />You said at 5:03...<br /><br /><i>"Our city has a quite pronounced achievement gap. So far nothing, none of the traditional strategies, have worked to lessen the gap."</i><br /><br />Check the data please ... over the last decade the achievements gaps in reading have shrunk dramatically.<br /><br />I've advocated for strategies known to be effective to be used and the district has rejected these suggestions for improvement at every possible turn. Even going so far as to reject a Superior Court order of remand.<br /><br />Thus far what can be said is the District's preference to use strategies and materials which have repeatedly been shown not to work, do not work in Seattle. Why that validates bringing in TfA is completely beyond the scope of any logic.<br /><br />============<br /><a href="http://mathunderground.blogspot.com/2010/09/uw-professional-development-gone-bad.html" rel="nofollow">Try this</a> for the attempts by the SPS to close the Math Achievement Gaps.<br /><br />These folks just refuse to consider what has been proven to work.<br /><br />Read <i>Visible Learning </i>and <i>Project Follow Through </i>results.<br /><br />The statement you made:<br /><i>"<b>none of the traditional strategies, have worked to lessen the gap"</b></i>. Is completely false. The SPS rejects traditional strategies in favor of unproven "Nonsense".dan dempseyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15536720661510933983noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49393276390620146792010-11-02T19:50:14.321-07:002010-11-02T19:50:14.321-07:00This comment has been removed by the author.seattlehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01231800476411684686noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-50414303877314858702010-11-02T19:40:48.899-07:002010-11-02T19:40:48.899-07:00Warning sign #287 from Betty Patu re: TFA
"i...Warning sign #287 from Betty Patu re: TFA<br /><br />"it was a subject that was really never explained to me until I asked about it a month ago"<br /><br />Her district is one of those most in need of consistent and trackable resources and solutions. The TFA proposal has obviously been floating around for a while yet no one from TFA or its philanthropic backers sat down with her until she had to ASK a month ago? Bad enough that the public isn't invited to these discussions...now it is certain board members too?!?!?!<br /><br />-skeptical-Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-61847983962643035012010-11-02T19:39:12.184-07:002010-11-02T19:39:12.184-07:00Now, the TFA teachers...THEY know how to teach to ...Now, the TFA teachers...THEY know how to teach to minority cultures! This is their "unusual skill"; they've been drilled in it. It says so in the contract and the Action Report!<br /><br />They must not be racist, nor be ignorant of cultural perspectives, like those dang fully-certified teachers!seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15230338334166293692010-11-02T19:35:18.541-07:002010-11-02T19:35:18.541-07:00Maureen, I think that is what they are arguing: In...Maureen, I think that is what they are arguing: In the TFA agreement, the "specific" condition the district cites for conditional cert application is the achievement gap. From the rhetoric, in the community and in both the School Board Action Report and the TFA contract, current certified teachers just can't teach non-white kids. I guess they're racist or woefully ignorant of the myraid cultural backgrounds of their complicated students.<br /><br />This is also what the entire reform movement is predicated on: The achievement gap.<br /><br />What's disheartening is that teachers are being blamed, and if minority children aren't getting the same scores as white kids ("minority" as classified by HSPE, etc) then, in the reformers view, it MUST be that the "teacher quality" issue is really about teachers who are either racist or culturally ignorant. I mean, if a teacher has a bunch of different students in a class, and the "minority" students don't do as well on HSPE that year, but the white kids did just fine, it must be because the teacher is either racist or culturally ignorant: what other reason could there be, in that explanation?<br /><br />It ain't the cultures outside the classroom, nor generational poverty... those teachers just arenm;t "quality" (rising minority students as fast as white students) so they must be racist or out of touch with the myraid cultures in their classroom.<br /><br />If only teachers would stop being racist and teach in as many ways as there are cultures, all children would learn, right?seattle citizenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16724175257161649500noreply@blogger.com