Seattle Schools Community Forum

 From Diane Ravitch :

The district sent out this robocall today about SBAC assessments.  They pack a lot into a short bit. (Yes, they probably used the word "assessments" probably because "testing" has a bad ring to it.) They also say " the state requires assessments ..." when REALLY what they should say is that "the state requires the DISTRICT to give assessments"- not that all students have to take them.  But maybe that's more information than the district wants parents to know.

From a school counselor in Oregon:

From reader Lynn: The Washington Educational Research Association has published a White Paper on Parent/Student refusal to participate and a handy test refusal form . Smarter Balanced website (the test that Washington State students will be taking). FAQs page. I note that on their support for students page ( those with visual, auditory, linguistic, or physical needs), they say this (partial): A set of universal accessibility tools—such as a digital notepad and scratch paper—will be available to all students. Designated supports—like a translated pop-up glossary—will be made available to students for whom a need has been identified by school personnel familiar with each student’s needs and testing resources. Accommodations will be available to students with a documented need noted in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan. These tools include Braille and closed captioning, among others. A digital notepad is going to be available for all students?  ...

From Town Hall : Seattle’s recently-passed universal pre-k measure included a stipulation of standardized testing, but according to NPR’s Anya Kamenetz ( Generation Debt ), today’s schools are sacrificing learning by enacting such regulations. The Test: Why Our Schools are Obsessed with Standardized Testing–But You Don’t Have to Be is her insightful look at the world of standardized testing in the era of No Child Left Behind, increased college expectations, and overachievers. She’ll outline the pressures these tests place on students, their families, and school districts, ultimately offering a wake up call for educators–and parents–to move beyond numbers, and refocus on the child. Kamenetz is the author of several books and NPR’s lead digital education reporter. 7:30PM, Tuesday, January 20, 2015 , Downstairs at Town Hall , 1119 Eighth Avenue, $5

This blog is behind on important national news about several topics in public education today.  (But we've had a lot going on in our district.) To correct that, here's some reading I put aside. Please understand - opting out of testing is your right (and many Supreme Court cases validate that).  Certainly there could be consequences as the district may use testing to gatekeep for some programs.  But consider that our district does not listen to parents in any real way.  (In fact, Director Peaslee has been complaining about the "angry parents" or "angry public" without considering why parents might be upset.) Several things happen when you opt your child out of testing. You certainly will get the attention of the district and your school's principal.  They are very worried you will tell other parents and then more people opt their children out.  It is a direct signal of parent unhappiness. You also help starve the data beast.   Don't like the ...

School Board Retreat tomorrow - agenda .  It's open to the public and at the JSCEE from 10 am to 2 pm. What the heck?  How many times will they discuss governance issues and communication issues?  They have been over this territory so many times and yet every retreat agenda, there it is.   And, that part is for two hours. I do note the addition of the issue of communications "how does the Board interact with the media and how is a spokesperson assigned."   It appears there is a policy but they seem to feel the need to discuss it.  Update: Here's the agenda for the Special Board meeting next Wednesday.  As of now, I know of two topics; approval of negotiation of a contract with Dr. Nyland to be permanent superintendent and approval of a contract for new computers.  This process for the purchase of new computers is way behind schedule and there are no vendors or prices yet available. The new computers will cost between $1.2-1.4M but ...

KING 5 report from last night.  Note Director McLaren's tone - I'm baffled why she's this agitated.  She says something like "how can we let this man go?"  All I can say is that he's retired so where is he going anyway? I am on the Speaker List for tomorrow night (there looks to be about 15 people on the waitlist which surprises me as I thought it would be longer).  I note this message - fairly unusual as the Board office rarely contacts speakers - Thank you for your interest in speaking before the School Board at the  December 3rd  Board meeting.   According to Board Procedure  1430BP , the order of those giving public testimony was determined as follows: those speaking to agenda action items, those speaking to agenda introduction items, and then those speaking to items of general interest. Please note that the “ Action to Select a Permanent Superintendent ” item will be introduced at this meeting and action will be taken at a Specia...