tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post8164586612947665628..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: On Washington Middle School; Why That School?Melissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger65125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-58219925050390823192019-11-08T21:30:56.816-08:002019-11-08T21:30:56.816-08:00Look, there's the SPS Community page at Facebo...Look, there's the SPS Community page at Facebook if you want to gloat or be unpleasant. Go forth there.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68435949095935287552019-11-08T21:15:10.543-08:002019-11-08T21:15:10.543-08:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-713736558911755202019-11-08T20:59:45.351-08:002019-11-08T20:59:45.351-08:00"basic floor of educational opportunity"...<br /><br />"basic floor of educational opportunity" <br /><br />That is what Geary said should be offered to students by SPS. <br /><br /> Those words are very familiar to special ed parents. They are used all the time to deny services to our students. It refers to a supreme court case decided in 1982 where a family sued a school district for refusing to provide sign-language services to their deaf first grader because her standardized test scores were 70th percentile. The court stated that IDEA only guaranteed 'some' educational benefit which she was getting without the interpreter. Later the 10th district court further defined this as "merely more than de minimus", 'a trivial amount', or a 'basic floor of educational opportunity'.<br /><br /><br />In 2017 the Supreme Court unanimously rejected that standard.They said that "a student offered an educational program providing ‘merely more than de minimis’ progress from year to year can hardly be said to have been offered an education at all". The new standard is to have a goal of one grade level of growth per year" or if that is unreasonable given the child's cirmcustances, at least the growth must be appropriately ambitious and offering the chance to meet challenging objectives. Which is significantly more demanding than 'a basic floor' or 'merely de minimis'<br /><br />Geary absolutely knows this. Juneau knows this. This is a deliberate method of denying services and claiming legal justification for doing so. Even though that legal standard was overturned 2 years ago, which they also know.<br /><br />Whenever you hear 'basic floor of opportunity' you can just remember 6-year-old Amy Rowley sitting through class with no sign language interpreter. That is how it is used on special ed families. And considering that gen ed doesn't have IDEA to protect them, those words would strike fear in me. <br /><br />And remember that the new standard is 'must be appropriately ambitious and offering the chance to meet challenging objectives' otherwise it's not even an education at all according to the supreme court.<br /><br />-sped parent<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-41343241328086981782019-11-08T20:51:18.412-08:002019-11-08T20:51:18.412-08:00Party's Over, I don't like coy answers; wh...Party's Over, I don't like coy answers; what are you talking about?<br /><br />First of all, you will never unsegregate the district (if by that you mean the make-up of each school). <br /><br />And she should give a fair playing field to all students but especially those who need more support.<br /><br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-78083753274299331802019-11-08T20:04:09.022-08:002019-11-08T20:04:09.022-08:00Juneau is attempting to restore educational justic...Juneau is attempting to restore educational justice to a segregated district. <br /><br />She is trying to give a fair playing field to the students for whom she's responsible.<br /><br />You might disagree with her. However, it's not okay to trash her.<br /><br />Enough <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16854344945818122852019-11-08T19:58:07.782-08:002019-11-08T19:58:07.782-08:00Uh, models and outcomes questions ARE the welcome ...Uh, models and outcomes questions ARE the welcome questions, data seeker.<br /><br />Talking about lawsuits, which have come up in this discussion, is playing lawyer.<br /><br />Happy to clarify that for you.<br /><br />Party's Over<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-26005934444688929082019-11-08T19:55:54.261-08:002019-11-08T19:55:54.261-08:00"Staff could have asked TAF to start at a dif..."Staff could have asked TAF to start at a different middle school, or they could have waited until decisions about HCC have been made, or they could start TAF as an option school like they did Cleveland." <br /><br />No kidding, right?<br /><br />You're wrong about the curriculum; TAF has to use district curriculum. But maybe they will apply for and get a waiver.<br /><br />Also to note, TAF will not be a charter school. They are not making money on this, in fact, if you read the BAR, they are putting in something like $350,000. That's real investment. And, the teachers are in SEA, etc.<br /><br />Yes, Juneau and Geary seeming to want to lower the floor to some baseline education standard is weird. Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-63038339965293851792019-11-08T19:45:29.601-08:002019-11-08T19:45:29.601-08:00Actual questions about TAF are welcome. Playing la...<i>Actual questions about TAF are welcome. Playing lawyer in order to keep HC at Washington at all costs..?...</i><br /><br />Only in the SPS world are questions about things like models and outcomes seen as "playing lawyer." Those aren't trick questions designed to trip people up, nor are they unreasonable or irrelevant. <br /><br />Are critical thinking skills now considered un-PC? <br /><br />data seeker<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-76908176736827683482019-11-08T19:44:44.935-08:002019-11-08T19:44:44.935-08:00Well, all types, it will also come with an entire ...Well, all types, it will also come with an entire hands-on supplementation. <br /><br />Again, the same voices who are so fast to criticize TAF are the posters who repeatedly try to keep the ineffective HC model in place at all costs.<br /><br />Dull MomentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-77259845808550900912019-11-08T19:40:18.740-08:002019-11-08T19:40:18.740-08:00Btw, Melissa, ask Trish (the founder of TAF) if he...Btw, Melissa, ask Trish (the founder of TAF) if her program is exclusively for underserved children.<br /><br />If so, why in the world would she be actively working with the district to put TAF at Washington?<br /><br />Party's OverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-90583134264393237512019-11-08T19:36:44.694-08:002019-11-08T19:36:44.694-08:00@HS Parent1, not so fast on this one: "And no...@HS Parent1, not so fast on this one: "And no Amplify science or discovery math. Yay."<br /><br />Trish Dziko said in her board meeting testimony that TAF would use the district's curriculum.<br /><br />all typesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-64279987300250928622019-11-08T19:35:47.326-08:002019-11-08T19:35:47.326-08:00MW: The kids "furthest from accessing high-qu...MW: The kids "furthest from accessing high-quality STEM instruction" are FRL populations! FRL students are disproportionately students of color. <br /><br />Your plan to put TAF with a school with high numbers of Black & Brown students WILL also have a high FRL population.<br /><br />So that is inherent in the discussion.<br /><br />Party's Over<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-33135849276537780292019-11-08T19:18:17.936-08:002019-11-08T19:18:17.936-08:00I watched the board meeting. I feel very sorry fo...I watched the board meeting. I feel very sorry for Trish & the TAF staff. I feel like SPS staff used them to to take the brunt of parent pushback over HCC. <br /><br /> Whether HCC should end or not, TAF seems like a great program and a wonderful opportunity for any middle school in Seattle. I could see it being a great basis for future IB students at one of our IB High Schools. <br /><br />Staff could have asked TAF to start at a different middle school, or they could have waited until decisions about HCC have been made, or they could start TAF as an option school like they did Cleveland. <br /><br />PBL is a good way to engage different kinds of learners in one classroom. And no Amplify science or discovery math. Yay. <br /><br />One thing I found disturbing was the continued talk about HCC must end because it is segregation. I don't see them upset about any other segregation in the district only that one. Also board members & Juneau assuring parents that differentiation is a good solution to meet the needs of all students then also saying that no principals want HCC students in their schools and that SPS should only offer a basic floor of education. Staff knows, or should know, the history of differentiation in SPS classrooms from schools pushing HCC students out, to administrators patrolling the hallways to make sure that every student was doing the exact same math page with EDM.<br /><br />I am curious if TAF doesn't have to use Amplify, they why do other schools have to use it? <br /><br />-HS Parent1<br /><br /><br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-10731498334079586032019-11-08T19:12:32.172-08:002019-11-08T19:12:32.172-08:00Interesting to see people advocate for the loss of...Interesting to see people advocate for the loss of advanced learning in south Seattle. Truenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-21279798215941804382019-11-08T19:09:51.604-08:002019-11-08T19:09:51.604-08:00Why all the concern? Because that's the model ...Why all the concern? Because that's the model that Trish and her team have set up. That's why, years ago, they had after-school STEM...at Aki Kurose.<br /><br />You can believe whatever you want but if the district wants to help the most kids - the kids who furthest from accessing high-quality STEM instruction - they wouldn't be putting it at WMS.<br /><br />And who said anything about F/RL? Not me.<br /><br />As for HCC, it will be gone soon. If you watched the last couple of Board meetings with public testimony, several kids/parents of color asked why the only HCC middle school program in the central/southeast was going to have its model changed, not the schools in the north end?<br /><br />It's a good question.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-1736139845509018272019-11-08T18:23:34.663-08:002019-11-08T18:23:34.663-08:00Correction: QUITE obvious
Party's OverCorrection: QUITE obvious <br /><br />Party's OverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57531694945078152582019-11-08T18:22:08.919-08:002019-11-08T18:22:08.919-08:00My reading comprehension is just fine, MW.
My q...My reading comprehension is just fine, MW. <br /><br />My quote from this morning: "This blog has been on a campaign against TAF at Washington from the start, insidiously abetted by Melissa..."<br /><br />Your direct response to my comment:<br />"Party's Over, just not true. I have supported this from the beginning, told Trish that and the Board knows that."<br /><br />Why all the concern on this blog to have TAF at a school with more "black and brown" students?<br /><br />Just because it was set up in high FRL schools prior does not mean the model is only intended for students living in poverty.<br /><br />That is ludicrous! It's quote obvious that the concern is about protecting the service model for HCC at Washington. This faux concern to "give" TAF to a school with more students of color is a transparent guise to keep HCC at Washington as is.<br /><br />Just be honest. No one is fooled, people.<br /><br />Party's Over<br /> <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57990419594684135182019-11-08T18:06:27.627-08:002019-11-08T18:06:27.627-08:00Juneau isdeceptive. She knew full well that the Ad...Juneau isdeceptive. She knew full well that the Advanced Learning Task force has not made a recommendation. Yet, she has no problem spewing this nonsense:<br /><br />"So, we are trying a new approach. For 17 months, an Advanced Learning Taskforce has been meeting to explore possible solutions to increase diverse representation. Three weeks ago, initial policy recommendations were presented to the School Board. Since then, there’s been confusion about the implications and misinformation about the recommended changes."<br /><br />https://www.seattletimes.com/opinion/seattle-schools-can-undo-legacies-of-racism-by-boosting-all-advanced-learners/?fbclid=IwAR1jrF4wTGkwpFDY2FYh-kIJ4V71BAYIvmjHzkKNQtzNjkCokE9xeVwsa6c<br /><br />Thanks to the person that testified regarding this issue.Deceptive Superintendentnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-9730474489309157712019-11-08T18:06:06.593-08:002019-11-08T18:06:06.593-08:00Party's Over, it's a pity you don't re...Party's Over, it's a pity you don't read. I gave other options but let's go thru the numbers:<br /><br /> BLACK ASIAN WHITE BI-RACIAL NA PACIFIC ISL HISPANIC<br />AKI KUROSE 34% 32% 8% .5% 17%<br /><br />RBHS 45% 26% 2% 9% 2% 14%<br /><br />MADRONA 38% 3% 35.9% 15% 7%<br /><br />WMS 22% 17% 38% 10% 9.6%<br /><br />Let's add those numbers for black/brown kids (leaving out for now Asians and bi-racial children.<br /><br />WMS and Madrona tie at 31.6%. Aki Kurose has 51%. RBHS has 59%.<br /><br />And who has the largest number of white students? WMS<br /><br />Yeah, that's why I think these other buildings would be a better choice for STEMbyTAF.<br /><br /> Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-83893193791209469662019-11-08T17:04:05.321-08:002019-11-08T17:04:05.321-08:00MW: "Party's Over, just not true. I have ...MW: "Party's Over, just not true. I have supported this from the beginning, told Trish that and the Board knows that."<br /><br />MW: "Circling back, I would put TAF 1) where it would serve the most black and brown kids..."<br /><br />so, it sounds like you support TAF at Washington except when you don't.<br /><br />Party's Over Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-15308466768373550572019-11-08T15:46:31.345-08:002019-11-08T15:46:31.345-08:00Bingo. And Trish gets paid to do it. That's wh...Bingo. And Trish gets paid to do it. That's why Mack said cart before the horse. We have no idea what this will look like let's not change anything until we do. She also offered the compromise of placing HCC at Meany. DeWolf pretending he understands things in his district said no way meany would ever take HCC kids. correct me if I'm wrong but isn't the district's plan to send HC kids to Meany. Including this super 1% group and not just me but every damn school in the district. So yeah get used to HCC kids. <br /><br />Simple factors you can't have it both ways. Simple factors you can't teach high school level courses at the same time that you're teaching kids to get prepared for high school. <br /><br />Sun poisoningAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-69197605654290018552019-11-08T15:34:54.458-08:002019-11-08T15:34:54.458-08:00So let me get this straight - TAF is kinda like a ...So let me get this straight - TAF is kinda like a charter school except SPS will provide the building and the staff and the students (and the funding?) for it. <br /><br />trying to understand<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16456143536984783822019-11-08T15:01:20.297-08:002019-11-08T15:01:20.297-08:00Juneau also said she was for all kids. Then she im...Juneau also said she was for all kids. Then she immediately pitted families against each other. That's deceptive. <br /><br />Trish said she only wants WMS. I find that not very accommodating. Why don't you just start a charter school. Oh because you really need the staff. And how did that staff vote go? I heard it was like 4% of staff said yes. <br /><br />The the deal was really dead on arrival Geary gave it some life enough to offer a wedge issue by her amendment. Juneau knew that was completely against procedure and illegal.... But hey they got Hersey to take the vote and make a stand... For an illegal process. Hopefully going forward he will understand his role better. Definitely understand why he would fight for it but it has to be organically possible. TAF and HCC are dimetrically opposed. One is to teach high school classes the other is to get you prepared for high school. <br /><br />Sun poisoningAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54946324502580553752019-11-08T14:39:56.914-08:002019-11-08T14:39:56.914-08:00Reader you are done here and can go find somewhere...Reader you are done here and can go find somewhere else to speak. Your tone is rude and I don't like it.<br /><br />"Where is the epicenter of Black Excellence in SPS? Where better for TAF to bring its gifts to our African American youth?"<br /><br />Well, your question seems to lean to "put TAF in the school most geared for black students and make sure it's a good one." You suggested Washington and Garfield. <br /><br />It's an interesting question - what schools do the best serving black students? Is it South Shore K-8 with their extra $1M a year? Is it Garfield (notwithstanding Juneau's belief that black students there call it "a slave ship")? <br /><br />My impression is that Franklin is doing a good job. <br /><br />Circling back, I would put TAF 1) where it would serve the most black and brown kids, 2)where the community understands the program and is excited for it and 3) where the district will do its fair share to support the program today and in years to come. <br />Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-68172639930912601942019-11-08T14:38:52.030-08:002019-11-08T14:38:52.030-08:00"Juneau is deceptive for sure."
Juneau ..."Juneau is deceptive for sure."<br /><br />Juneau has made herself crystal clear. Read the editorial. Upfront and straightforward as can be.<br /><br />She said Seattle says it's all progressive but, in practice, fights tooth and nail to maintain segregation.<br /><br />Tru DatAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com