tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post7855994750839805944..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: Tuesday Open ThreadMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger56125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-62605634897961489462015-12-03T16:56:24.635-08:002015-12-03T16:56:24.635-08:00Have you read this article about how early academi...Have you read this article about how early academic learning hinders intellectual development?<br />https://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/freedom-learn/201506/how-early-academic-training-retards-intellectual-developmentJet City momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14804841958585043967noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37394728483675241512015-12-03T09:43:50.780-08:002015-12-03T09:43:50.780-08:00The achievement gap is far more strongly correlate...The achievement gap is far more strongly correlated to family income and the percentage of single parent households in each population segment than it is with<br />anything going on inside of a school. How can we ever be successful at addressing the achievement gap without an open and honest conversation about the role of family in education? Why are schools "held accountable" for something largely beyond their control? <br /><br />All this talk of "lack of cultural competency" and school funding just diverts attention from the real issues. <br /><br />Education Begins At HomeAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-37965657974966158602015-12-02T23:02:27.091-08:002015-12-02T23:02:27.091-08:00To be fair, before McCleary, the state had levy eq...To be fair, before McCleary, the state had levy equalization (and levy cap for some districts) to help fund districts whose tax base is small and poor. It wasn't that those voters weren't willing to raise their property tax, it was because property was worth so very little to begin with. It may be hard to believe living here in Seattle and King county, but a job making $15/ hr is considered a good paying job elsewhere. But the whole red-blue divide plays well politically to stir the zombies to action.<br /><br />reader<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-38904176595872929102015-12-02T21:35:42.494-08:002015-12-02T21:35:42.494-08:00"The district let me know this is just not tr..."The district let me know this is just not true. So please, verify your facts before you post them."<br /><br />It looks like you choose to believe SPS on this, suit yourself.<br /><br />HurrayAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-51214832638743388382015-12-02T21:07:03.566-08:002015-12-02T21:07:03.566-08:00Thanks Melissa. I'm sorry to hear other folks...Thanks Melissa. I'm sorry to hear other folks are experiencing the same thing. Do you have contact info for Leslie Harris? She is our new WS district rep. Already emailed AL and Stephen Martin.West Seattle Parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-59324700050740408402015-12-02T20:11:52.700-08:002015-12-02T20:11:52.700-08:00People you just aren't getting it. The way McC...People you just aren't getting it. The way McCleary is going to be funded is to take money from Seattle and redistribute it to the rest of the state school districts. Our own legislators appear to be in favor of it. Saying again: NOT more money to Seattle. School money leaving Seattle. Oh, and legislature wants to cap what Seattle can spend on certain areas of its school budget. In the name of equity the plan is funneling $$$$$$ to the parts of the state that never vote to give their own tax money to schools.<br /><br />One more time: McCleary funding plan = less money for Seattle. Go ask any Seattle legislator or the SPS Supe to his-her face. Mayor knows it too. <br /><br />McClearySCAMAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77029864341613239712015-12-02T19:47:21.605-08:002015-12-02T19:47:21.605-08:00"I'm so glad that every email and text to..."I'm so glad that every email and text to and from each of the new school board members will be posted online. They're truly holding up the promise of transparency. "<br /><br />The district let me know this is just not true. So please, verify your facts before you post them.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21190507212655498372015-12-02T18:13:08.259-08:002015-12-02T18:13:08.259-08:00WestSeattle parent, please report this to AL AND y...WestSeattle parent, please report this to AL AND your Board director and Stephen Martin, head of AL. This is one of many instances that I have heard of and it needs an IT fix stat.<br /><br />Broken, I am speaking of many cultures - African-American, Native American, HIspanic - we have many students of different cultures on our district. <br /><br />And, I agree - I don't like funding incompetency, either.<br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-18255292528017066162015-12-02T17:35:55.325-08:002015-12-02T17:35:55.325-08:00Is anyone else having challenges with HCC test sch...Is anyone else having challenges with HCC test scheduling? Today I was sent another boys test schedule information instead of my son's. WestSeattle Parentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-13961710506021752312015-12-02T17:26:44.672-08:002015-12-02T17:26:44.672-08:00"lack of cultural competency"
To which ..."lack of cultural competency"<br /><br />To which culture are you referring? <br /><br />"I get enraged.", really?<br /><br />I get enraged when I'm asked to fund incompetency. <br /><br /><br />Broken record Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7084180867160073042015-12-02T16:51:04.974-08:002015-12-02T16:51:04.974-08:00Do I think SPS is adequately funded? No, I don...Do I think SPS is adequately funded? No, I don't. I don't think ANY district in the state is adequately funded. Want to know why the achievement gap isn't moving a lot? I could name two things - one, lack of cultural competency and two, lack of resources to support kids of color who may also be low-income. (Poverty is a huge issue that many in the ed reform movement refuse to acknowledge but it's folly not to.)<br /><br />I think some in senior management have a real disconnect between what they believe will move the needle in SPS and what is happening on the ground in our schools. But they control the purse strings (and various boards have allowed to them to act in that manner) and so much doesn't get done.<br /><br />What is truly appalling is that there are all these "initiatives" that seem to quickly fall by the wayside when there are so many other things - simple, concrete things - that could and should be done.<br /><br />The fact that operationally this district struggles and struggles should tell you something. That part of the district is not under control and that is precisely why we don't get ahead. But yes, the issue of money is just not that it's not being spent in more constructive ways but that there is NOT enough of it.<br /><br />Rob, the district is already going to ask voters for about $1B in Feb. The City is getting about $235M for the Families and Education levy. While I think that we are underfunded, I don't believe in going to the voters of Seattle for more.<br /><br />No, the money must/should come from the state. That is why when I hear Rep. Magendanz say he will hold McCleary hostage until charter schools get their funding, I get enraged.<br /><br />You know there was this phrase used in Brown v Board of Education "all deliberate speed" and that appears to be what is happening in the Legislature. It was wrong for Brown and it's wrong for McCleary.<br /><br />I get that it's an enormous task for the Legislature. The pressure of 131 doesn't help (but they are largely going to ignore it except for K-3.) But solve it they must and kicking the can down the road has only earned them the ire of the Supreme Court.<br /><br />I do not support asking Seattle taxpayers for more. I support the heaviest possible pressure on all our legislators to get this done.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54632250399985650352015-12-02T16:47:24.637-08:002015-12-02T16:47:24.637-08:00Chris S.
Thanks for the great link and the though...Chris S.<br /><br />Thanks for the great link and the thoughts. <br /><br />We do have the B&O tax. What would it take for Seattle to raise it's own B&O tax rate and funnel the proceeds to SPS, I wonder? It is a progressive way to do this.<br /><br />I have a call in with the state department of revenue to see what they say on this matter. <br /><br />If there is no such movement, maybe it would make sense to start one. Say start with a meetup group like "Seattleits who want to raise a billion for SPS" or something a bit more catchy?<br /><br />FURhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685841014713944150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10365112312011288492015-12-02T16:27:04.857-08:002015-12-02T16:27:04.857-08:00I actually do not think any student should have to...I actually do not think any student should have to take the SBAC or the Amplify test to qualify for AL. I have two reasons. <br /><br />One, neither test is made for this reason. (At least SBAC and MAP weren't but I'd be surprised if Amplify is made to be used for this reason.)<br />Two,students are already going to take a test to qualify. It's part of the process.<br /><br />I continue to believe this is just one way to keep those possible high test scores in the fold. As well, if your child's ability to continue in the program is dependent on taking the SBAC or Amplify test EVERY year, then you can could on this being the reason.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-79575196705112074222015-12-02T16:13:19.970-08:002015-12-02T16:13:19.970-08:00Lynn, the language immersion schools have been wor...Lynn, the language immersion schools have been working together to bring more light to the needs of their particular schools. I know that at one school, they are seeing attrition of their upper elem students who leave because they aren't getting enough reading support. Maintaining a cohort is critical to the success of the programs, so they are concerned. They were advised to make sure they are on the radar of all the new and returning board members. GarfieldMomnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-11619461837844389552015-12-02T15:27:56.460-08:002015-12-02T15:27:56.460-08:00Does anyone know why there are four speakers signe...Does anyone know why there are four speakers signed up for tonight who want to address issues related to language immersion schools? What is the issue?Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49409293850377189152015-12-02T14:05:39.823-08:002015-12-02T14:05:39.823-08:00I have heard the idea floated, after the defeat of...I have heard the idea floated, after the defeat of the statewide income tax, of some kind of income tax limited to Seattle or King County. I wouldn't say there is any movement afoot, and careful consideration would need to be given to such an idea. What might be the responses from the legislature and the rest of the state? Would they send even more money to rural counties thinking we don't need it anymore?<br /><br />I have this picture on my wall<br />http://www.thestranger.com/seattle/welfare-state/Content?oid=6686284<br /><br />Obviously, I think it would be better to have a statewide income tax. I view that as a source of many problems. Michael DeBell once said just imagine if we pooled all our PTA donations into an ad campaign for progressive taxation and that has really stuck with me. Of course, our opponents would probably dig deep and outgun us.Chris S.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17016898261120819596noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16508841165686604202015-12-02T13:17:47.875-08:002015-12-02T13:17:47.875-08:00Re Sub and Funding issue thread
Thanks to Sub and...Re Sub and Funding issue thread<br /><br />Thanks to Sub and other folks for your insights and reply's. <br /><br />Dave W. wrote, "Last year Seattle Human Resources Department didn't even bother to respond to the survey sent by OSPI on substitute shortage.<br /><br />I guess a year late is better than nothing." David, this is fascinating. Do you have any other information? Could you point me towards something on this issue you have read?<br /><br />On Funding: Melissa wrote, "Rob, we do have levies that support learning. Problem is, more money than it should goes to administrative programs and not to schools. The district will put up for renewal in Feb. their two levies, Operations (about $750M) and BTA IV (about $440M.) Unfortunately the Board already voted on how to spend the money BUT the good news is that levies are really a pot of money. If enough parents advocated for changes in how the money is spent, the Board could vote to redirect the money." Questions for you.<br /><br />Are you saying that SPS is funded adequately now? Or if they got more money it would be wasted? Please elaborate.<br /><br />Second question, is there any movement afoot in the city to increase funding to schools dramatically (by say 1 billion dollars over 10 years) that you know of? I mean in addition to the Operations and BTA dollars?<br /><br />The city just voted for nearly 1 billion in progressive transportation spending over the next ten years (we could argue about the validity of the adjective I used to describe that levee, but lets at least agree, it was sold that way). Clearly, the voters are ready to sign some big checks right now for progressive causes. I'm just wondering if there is any similar movement afoot right now do something similar for SPS?<br /><br />Thanks,<br /><br />Rob MacDonaldFURhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11685841014713944150noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-36202447965125793862015-12-02T12:52:10.031-08:002015-12-02T12:52:10.031-08:00@ parent, while requiring MAP or SBA scores might ...@ parent, while requiring MAP or SBA scores might not sound unreasonable, it's not clear that that's allowed under state law. Here are a few things in the WAC:<br /><br />WAC 392-170-045 Referral process for highly capable students.<br /><i>Each school district shall establish written procedures for the referral of students to participate in programs for highly capable students. Such procedures shall permit referrals based on data or evidence from teachers, other staff, parents, students, and members of the community. A district's referral procedure for students who are highly capable may include <b>screening procedures to eliminate students who, based on clear, current evidence, do not qualify</b> for eligibility under WAC 392-170-055.</i><br /><br />? - So you can screen people out based on evidence of not meeting the criteria, but can you screen them out for not having specific evidence available one way or the other?<br /><br />WAC 392-170-055 Assessment process for selection as highly capable student.<br /><i>(1) <b>Students nominated for selection as a highly capable student, unless eliminated through screening as provided in WAC 392-170-045, shall be assessed</b> by qualified district personnel;</i><br /><i>(2) Districts shall use multiple objective criteria for identification of students who are among the most highly capable. There is no single prescribed method for identification of students among the most highly capable; and</i><br /><i>(3) Districts shall have a clearly defined and written assessment process.</i><br /><br />? - So if the screening process is only used to eliminate those who don't qualify based on evidence that they don't meet the criteria (and not just based on absence of data either way), then those who are nominated--including by a parent--should not be eliminated from further assessment. That suggests that not having certain scores available for review cannot disqualify you from eligibility.<br /><br />WAC 392-170-060 Nondiscrimination in the use of tests.<br />All tests and other evaluation materials used in the assessment shall have been validated for the specific purpose for which they are used and shall accurately reflect whatever factors the tests purport to measure. <b>If properly validated tests are not available, the professional judgment of the qualified district personnel shall determine eligibility of the student based upon evidence of cognitive ability and/or academic achievement.</b> This professional judgment shall be documented in writing.<br /><br />? - Does this really mean if the <i>tests</i> aren't available, or if the test <i>scores</i> aren't available?<br /><br />HF<br /><br />PS - It looks like they are once again revising the Highly Capable procedures... There's a redline version over on the AL website, for those interested.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-28093765713163457742015-12-02T09:53:33.231-08:002015-12-02T09:53:33.231-08:00Thanks, Lynn. Since it's under "Eligibili...Thanks, Lynn. Since it's under "Eligibility Criteria," I'd assume it's for eligibility decisions, not for continued enrollment. Sounds like if your school doesn't administer MAP, and you intend to apply for AL services, then your child needs to take the SBA. You need one or the other. That doesn't sound unreasonable to me, but schools should notify parents before SBA testing that opting out could impact AL eligibility for those applying in the fall. <br /><br />-parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10198466424628764562015-12-02T09:42:29.324-08:002015-12-02T09:42:29.324-08:00Thanks Lynn.
I also wonder if they are saying tha...Thanks Lynn.<br /><br />I also wonder if they are saying that kids currently in HCC programs will be removed if they opt out of any District testing??? Talk about blackmail!!<br /><br />Momof2Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16733861692442320562015-12-02T09:19:19.185-08:002015-12-02T09:19:19.185-08:00I saw that statement on this
page, both under the...I saw that statement on this <br /><a href="http://sps.ss8.sharpschool.com/cms/One.aspx?portalId=627&pageId=1560872" rel="nofollow">page</a>, both under the chart and at the bottom of the page.Lynnnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-691756778706080062015-12-02T07:36:53.487-08:002015-12-02T07:36:53.487-08:00"District Achievement testing" is differ..."District Achievement testing" is different from "State Achievement testing." I'm not sure of the context of Lynn's post - was it under eligibility testing? I could not find the reference (could you provide a link to the page?). Isn't it just stating you need to go through district achievement testing as part of the eligibility process? You may be able to provide additional testing results as part of an appeal, but you can't sidestep the district testing. <br /><br />The AL website states:<br /><br /><i>IMPORTANT NOTE: Students who became eligible for Advanced Learning Programs after September 2014 retain eligibility throughout their education at Seattle Public Schools. There is NO need to re-test to maintain eligibility.</i><br /><br />and <br /><br /><i><b>Achievement Testing</b> (if needed): Administered in January.<br />Students will be administered an achievement test if they do not have recent achievement results from their school (ERB, ITBS, MAP, SBA, etc).</i><br /><br />I don't think opting out of SBAC or Amplify would change AL status, but clarification from AL would helpful.<br /><br />-parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26032407329899442262015-12-01T22:25:18.433-08:002015-12-01T22:25:18.433-08:00Lynn, I think the Superintendent makes the policy ...Lynn, I think the Superintendent makes the policy on how AL is directed. That said, it would seem that there should be a bigger effort to explain this. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-55111440168785614112015-12-01T21:39:36.746-08:002015-12-01T21:39:36.746-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-52008340157401458652015-12-01T21:36:57.355-08:002015-12-01T21:36:57.355-08:00Here's a new statement from the advanced learn...Here's a new statement from the advanced learning website: Please note: Those who opt out of District achievement testing are also opting out of Advanced Learning eligibility.<br /><br />Funny - they can post that - but if it's not in the official policy or the procedure, I don't believe they can enforce it. I wonder if it applies to students who are already identified as highly capable or advanced learners? It sounds like it does.Lynnnoreply@blogger.com