tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post8972627784981521769..comments2024-03-28T02:21:17.452-07:00Comments on Seattle Schools Community Forum: District 7 Candidate ForumMelissa Westbrookhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-29933353485777345712019-08-09T11:10:16.016-07:002019-08-09T11:10:16.016-07:00"Our local activist lump all white people in ..."Our local activist lump all white people in to the "white supremacist" basket without even knowing them." <br /><br />Who do you mean by "our local activist?"Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-57793549680820618362019-08-09T10:56:03.908-07:002019-08-09T10:56:03.908-07:00Uhhh, since when is taking notes during a meeting ...Uhhh, since when is taking notes during a meeting a bad thing? It's often helpful for making note of things you might want to look into, additional questions you might have for later, for not falling asleep amid the drivel, etc. To imply that note-taking is a sign of future plagiarism is ridiculous. <br /><br />You know what else I find ridiculous? The belief that there were all these fresh new ideas out there for "stealing" in the first place. Seriously? With all the published responses, all the various school board and committee meetings, all the various SPS-related blogs, etc., most of the ideas and perspectives that came up in this session have come up somewhere else before. It's all out there for anyone to see, and to use in their platform or responses based on their own priorities. <br /><br />Frankly, I probably wouldn't want someone who came up with a bunch of unique ideas and priorities. We have a lot of problems with the basics, so let's focus on those first. <br /><br />Speaking of priorities, did anyone else find it interesting that so many mentioned nutrition, when NPR had just done a piece on nutrition and school not long before? I don't remember that nutrition was a big priority in the written responses, so I wonder where candidates got that idea? But actually, I don't really care if they got it from NPR or from taking notes at a presentation--I like people who can listen and learn. <br /><br />HFAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24482744687024989412019-08-09T10:55:46.087-07:002019-08-09T10:55:46.087-07:00People's hateful comments on Facebook or on Tw...People's hateful comments on Facebook or on Twitter or on blogs will live on forever in digital format and someday I feel whether it's at a job interview or when running for office that these hateful comments which are all wrapped up and disguised as virtuous will popup and bite the originators and supporters.<br /><br />I find all the recent white supremacy talk by white people to be exactly what the movie "Get out" was showing, which is white people trying to be black and speaking for what is best for black people. Our local activist lump all white people in to the "white supremacist" basket without even knowing them. Now I see that many of these white people who are in the shame game want to be in positions where they can shame white students either directly or indirectly through school district policies.<br /> <br />They want to restructure public education around their ideology and claim that any curriculum or program or book that is outside of their ideology is racist and that anyone who doesn't agree with them is a white supremacist. <br /><br />I hope the majority of people will see what is going on and stop it. <br /><br />Is that clear enough?<br /><br />I hope you don't abandon SPS on your blog, because SPS is in real danger.<br /><br />They're watching<br /><br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-54272522223668749752019-08-09T10:14:47.453-07:002019-08-09T10:14:47.453-07:00Interesting that a person can determine an individ...Interesting that a person can determine an individual's demeanor by looking at the back of their head!<br /><br />Anyone that knows Eric knows that he is a thoughtful, kind, analytical and measured man. Blumhagen does his research and will conduct a thorough analysis.Old Timernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-7859582917938318742019-08-09T10:03:20.339-07:002019-08-09T10:03:20.339-07:00I'll add the link now (if I find it) and yes, ...I'll add the link now (if I find it) and yes, I invite one and all to watch it. I stand by my notes. <br /><br />As well, if you know something that you believe expands on a candidate's character or qualifications in a negative manner, I would prefer you send it to me FIRST for vetting. I'm not allowing vague comments. <br /><br />sss.westbrook@gmail.comMelissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-6460998264999587622019-08-09T10:00:38.299-07:002019-08-09T10:00:38.299-07:00Plagiarism, you are throwing out a lot of innuendo...Plagiarism, you are throwing out a lot of innuendo. If you have a reason to believe Blumhagen is not bright, give an example. <br /><br />I, too, watched the candidates in the audience. Muniz was taking notes while Rankin wasn't and so on. Some people might have said, "I can always go watch the video" and decided to just listen. I do not think it a pan on any candidate either way.<br /><br />And I agree, if you support a candidate tell us why, rather than tear down the other candidate. <br /><br />They're watching, I'm deleting as I hate cryptic remarks. If you have something to say, say it.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49756120233291150602019-08-09T09:55:06.273-07:002019-08-09T09:55:06.273-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-67173848676808751662019-08-09T09:18:52.597-07:002019-08-09T09:18:52.597-07:00Plagiarism, you're absolutely right, there was...Plagiarism, you're absolutely right, there was a huge difference in demeanor. Blumhagen was taking notes on what every speaker said and Rankin was texting through most of the first half. I know which one I prefer. <br /><br />PS It's only plagiarism if it's uncredited. If it's credited, it might be more accurately called elevating the voices of people of color.NSPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16045898981200932022019-08-09T07:48:34.284-07:002019-08-09T07:48:34.284-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-49446934595023622262019-08-09T07:38:41.076-07:002019-08-09T07:38:41.076-07:00HP
I am not a Rankin supporter. But I saw a huge d...HP<br />I am not a Rankin supporter. But I saw a huge difference in their demeanor. I was sitting right behind them. Just sayin'<br /><br />PlagiarismAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56850834267999461012019-08-09T07:14:50.232-07:002019-08-09T07:14:50.232-07:00Seriously Plagiarism? Eric Blumhagen has been inv...Seriously Plagiarism? Eric Blumhagen has been involved with SPS for a long time. He doesn't need to copy anyone else's answers. You must be a Rankin supporter. Why can't you build her up without tearing him down?<br /><br />HPAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-56317528725430740652019-08-09T00:23:04.580-07:002019-08-09T00:23:04.580-07:00This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-35082581009558124492019-08-08T19:45:24.940-07:002019-08-08T19:45:24.940-07:00And Blumhagen was desperately taking notes. Expect...And Blumhagen was desperately taking notes. Expect to hear some of last night answers come out of Eric's mouth. No intellectual capital<br /><br />Plagiarism<br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-16099318554949353122019-08-08T19:39:08.645-07:002019-08-08T19:39:08.645-07:00NSP, I thought I saw Muniz but that auditorium is ...NSP, I thought I saw Muniz but that auditorium is somewhat dark.Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24461288285541279052019-08-08T18:21:22.986-07:002019-08-08T18:21:22.986-07:00Candidate Rebeca Muniz was also in the audience.
...Candidate Rebeca Muniz was also in the audience.<br /><br />Juneau spent an awful lot of time texting during the question and answer period. She was in the audience and not on stage, but still...NSPnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-45310509496013010482019-08-08T14:55:49.170-07:002019-08-08T14:55:49.170-07:00Choice, I believe, will equate to closing option s...Choice, I believe, will equate to closing option schools via committee recommendation.Fortune Tellernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-24795853397170688172019-08-08T13:18:21.592-07:002019-08-08T13:18:21.592-07:00All Types, when I said "pivot" on Van Ar...All Types, when I said "pivot" on Van Arcken's answer about AL, I believe she meant if the district took steps to find the kids of color who need AL and didn't see an increase in those populations in AL, then they need to try other measures to get there. <br /><br />Children Matter, here's the good news - most of them can already point to work they are doing directly with the district or indirectly,helping other kids. Several of them are active SPS parents so they still have a vested interest. <br /><br />I would agree that someone who has been working directly with the district is probably the best choice if only because all these new people to the Board will have a learning curve. Knowing the basics of the district is a big help. <br /><br />Ditto on your last paragraph. (It will be interesting to see if DeWolf steps up his community engagement, given he said it would be very important for him if he was on the City Council.)Melissa Westbrookhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17179994245880629080noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-87052296280889357962019-08-08T13:10:37.512-07:002019-08-08T13:10:37.512-07:00Thanks for writing up the responses, Melissa.
My...Thanks for writing up the responses, Melissa. <br /><br />My question is this: all these candidates are interested in serving as an unpaid school board director for 2 years to help the children of district 7. How many of these candidates will vow to help fight for improvements for school children in district 7 and the rest of the state even if they don't get named to the school board? Children will still need better nutrition. Children will still need more inclusion, art/music/languages, better transportation, and emergency preparedness supplies!!! What is stopping these board member candidates from working to achieve these improvements for students NOW and for the next two years even if they don't get chosen? I challenge the candidates to make children's lives better even if they don't win the school board seat.<br /><br />Some of these candidates are and have been working for district 7 children for years. I challenge the board to pick one of them. Those are the candidates most likely to still be doing this (unpaid) work for children next year and the year after.<br /><br />District 7 needs a voice who will show up for meetings, who will read reports, who will apply a racial equity lens, and who will always work to make the district accountable to all the children in its care.<br /><br />Children Matternoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-973217496193057142019-08-08T12:53:25.665-07:002019-08-08T12:53:25.665-07:00Re: Question 4:
Foster pushed back and said the g...Re: Question 4:<br /><br /><i>Foster pushed back and said the goals of the Strategic Plan cannot be aspirational or "we are failing." She called it "a moral document." Hahn also made this point. </i> Of course it's aspirational--they talk about a "world class education." Give me a break.<br /><br /><i>Van Arcken called for transparency on all decisions, otherwise "they don't feel fair." </i> Very much needed. For example, the focus on those "furthest from educational justice" and specifically, African American males, does not sound "fair" to many. The district needs to recognize that, and be more transparent about why that is, and what it means for everyone else--whether outcomes for other groups will also be tracked and presented (presumably yes, but not noted anywhere); whether students working at or above grade level are also still entitled to challenging work and can expect to see growth (also presumably true but not clearly noted); what other groups are included in the presumably overarching category "furthest from educational justice (e.g., SpEd? HC? ELL? FRL?);" and heck, what "educational justice" really even means (e.g., test scores? climate surveys? graduation? other?). <br /><br />all typesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-2880258701512812932019-08-08T12:40:45.758-07:002019-08-08T12:40:45.758-07:00Following up HS Parent, re: Question 6:
Foster sa...Following up HS Parent, re: Question 6:<br /><br /><i>Foster said the district should listen to the AL Taskforce and their recommendations.</i> Yes. <i>She said there should be less dependence on standardized testing.</i> Yes, but then we also need AL and HC services that are designed for students who might not test in as high achieving currently. The services need to be aligned to the populations to be served. <br /><br /><i>Van Arcken explained that she is on the AL Taskforce and that there is no one solution. </i> Absolutely true. Have you read their minutes? They're discussing a lot of challenging issues, and they seem to be very far from being able to propose "a solution" or prototypical model. <i> She also said that if changes are made but don't bring up the diversity of the AL population, then the district should pivot until the population reflects the overall district population. </i> I'm not sure exactly what this means. Pivot how so?<br /><br /><i>Hairston spoke of more cultural competency. </i> Sorry, this isn't going to solve it.<br /><br /><i>Voz said "all students are highly capable and exceptional" and should have rigorous curriculum. She said the district needed to find new ways to get the word out to parents about the program. Hersey also said all students are highly capable.</i> Maybe in their own ways, but the idea that all students are just as capable as any other in any particular academic field is silly. Adults aren't, so why are kids? Are all students exceptional and just as highly capable in, say, basketball? The reality is that individual have strengths, and there is a range of abilities. That doesn't mean we shouldn't work to increase the abilities of those performing at the low end, but there will always be others performing at the high end. That's the nature of human differences. We're not all robots with the same internal technology.<br /><br /><i>Smith seemed to be confused about HCC and AL, saying HCC is not AL. She also said students in the program should be checked when they go to middle school.</i> This confusion exists even within SPS. AL is a separate designation from HC, and HCC services are separate from AL services. However, both are handled under the AL Dept, and district CSIPs and surveys on AL generally conflate the two. It's a mess.<br /><br /><i>Salisbury said he was part of the "AP for All" at Garfield (also wrong because it's Honors for All which is very different than AP). He said that black/brown students are "written off" by third grade and it "cheats our district out of potential." </i> Yes, if he was involved in the still(!)-unevaluated Garfield simplification effort, he should know the appropriate terminology, as well as the likely outcome--which is that many are still not signing up for AP? Also, if the idea that black/brown students are "written off" by third grade is true, how are those students ready for Honors or AP classes in high school if they missed all those years of similarly challenging education? Wouldn't it make a lot more sense to start addressing these issues in earlier grades, like that "detracking" woman from that small, rich district presented about as an example? <br /><br />Also, re: Question 1, while nutrition is important, I seriously doubt it's our most important issue and is going to solve our outcomes problems. It sounds to me like several responders heard that recent NPR story and latched onto that. <br /><br />all typesAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-3994166555019703072019-08-08T11:21:56.156-07:002019-08-08T11:21:56.156-07:00Sorry the district's lack of support of differ...Sorry the district's lack of support of different learners provokes me.<br /><br />What makes me happy reading your report is that it sounds like there are a lot of good candidates who care about district 7 and the children & families they would represent, people who know their community and how district decisions impact them. That to me is the most important quality in a board member.<br /><br />-HS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-28765366.post-65575570313423526872019-08-08T10:38:04.833-07:002019-08-08T10:38:04.833-07:00Where are all these 'respecters of parental ch...Where are all these 'respecters of parental choice' when the district undermines or closes option schools, refuses to move waitlists, & abandons the tiny bit of choice left in the assignment plan?<br /><br />-HS ParentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com