Click here: Vision Thing Too Much For 'Kumbaya' Set
Mr. Otto has had his finger on the pulse of the District for a long time. He has been the voice of question about the HCPS, or is it HCDS, long before it was a hot item.
He needs more backup from his company such as they have done this week. Over the years, it has been difficult to not believe that Mother Trib has provided ostensible support to the "Kumbaya Sets" by not ferreting out to see if there really is a fire when there is smoke all around.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Hillsborough's National Reputation -is it safe?
http://floridaschoolboss.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!1E56463A3B8792CF!471.entry
For anyone who has watched or attended the school board meetings, there is a predictable sequence, based on the agenda. Until recently, there was never any disagreement or challenges to any one. The only sharp abrupt words were to the public speakers. If there was a hint of needing further information, it was asked for almost apologetically. How can a group that large ever pull that off for 20 or 30 years? There has to be something behind the great curtain.
This was today's Tribune editorial:
Bad Behavior On School Board Will Hold Hillsborough Back
The Tampa Tribune
Published: August 30, 2007
"Even the most patient school teacher would not stand for the bad behavior shown by some members of the Hillsborough County School Board.
Temper tantrums and slamming doors. Snide remarks, innuendo and peer pressure.
What is this, a junior high or the governing body of the nation's ninth largest school district?
The board's split became clear in two recent events: Tuesday's disastrous team-building workshop and the schizophrenic evaluation of Superintendent MaryEllen Elia.
In both cases, the majority showed no clue about how to give honest, constructive feedback. And if board members can't agree on where the district stands, how can they agree on where it needs to go?
The board's infighting gives the public little confidence that it can significantly improve outcomes. Given its poor high school graduation rate and the fact that most graduates must take remedial classes to enter a community college, Hillsborough's school board needs a laser-like focus on improving the fundamentals.
Yet a workshop meant to build relationships dissolved within an hour after April Griffin, the newest board member elected in November, said she lacked trust. Griffin had been criticized the previous week for questioning the process of appointing administrators.
Veteran board member Candy Olson said 'we all came in with things we wanted to change' before understanding how the system works.
Funny thing about this board. Senior members like to tell junior members how things work.
Too often, their insight comes with a subtext of 'back off.'
When Jennifer Faliero first joined the board, she, too, complained about roadblocks, lines that couldn't be crossed and a culture that perpetuates the status quo. Yet five years later, she led the charge in telling Griffin to change her style or 'you need to resign.'
Faliero, who has moved out of her district in violation of the law while she grapples with a divorce, was out of line. Elevating an argument to fever pitch does little to help the board help students.
Following the rebuke, Griffin stormed out, slammed the door and never returned. While it's understandable that she'd need a few minutes to compose herself, it was unprofessional to leave the meeting altogether. It raises questions about her ability to deal with adversity - a trait politicians need to succeed in public life.
Faliero and Griffin clearly don't like each other because of past political battles, but it is improper for them to carry this baggage into the boardroom.
While Tuesday was messy, more concerning was the board's wildly divergent evaluation of Elia.
Griffin scored Elia so poorly that you would think she wanted the superintendent fired - though she joined her colleagues in unanimously voting to extend the superintendent's contract.
Meanwhile, Chairman Jack Lamb, member Carolyn Kurdell and Faliero gave the superintendent such over-the-top scores that they must have missed Elia's missteps in changing school boundaries, altering high school teaching schedules, failing to administer performance reviews and selecting leaders for the transportation and purchasing departments.
The evaluation - one of the most important documents the board produces all year - reflects neither Elia's specific accomplishments nor the improvements needed. In his assessment, Lamb hardly completed a sentence. Only Doretha Edgecomb and Olson gave thoughtful, helpful insight.
The community doesn't want board members to act in lockstep. But it does want this board to get about the business of improving public education. To make it happen, members should leave their petty differences on the playground where they belong."
For anyone who has watched or attended the school board meetings, there is a predictable sequence, based on the agenda. Until recently, there was never any disagreement or challenges to any one. The only sharp abrupt words were to the public speakers. If there was a hint of needing further information, it was asked for almost apologetically. How can a group that large ever pull that off for 20 or 30 years? There has to be something behind the great curtain.
This was today's Tribune editorial:
Bad Behavior On School Board Will Hold Hillsborough Back
The Tampa Tribune
Published: August 30, 2007
"Even the most patient school teacher would not stand for the bad behavior shown by some members of the Hillsborough County School Board.
Temper tantrums and slamming doors. Snide remarks, innuendo and peer pressure.
What is this, a junior high or the governing body of the nation's ninth largest school district?
The board's split became clear in two recent events: Tuesday's disastrous team-building workshop and the schizophrenic evaluation of Superintendent MaryEllen Elia.
In both cases, the majority showed no clue about how to give honest, constructive feedback. And if board members can't agree on where the district stands, how can they agree on where it needs to go?
The board's infighting gives the public little confidence that it can significantly improve outcomes. Given its poor high school graduation rate and the fact that most graduates must take remedial classes to enter a community college, Hillsborough's school board needs a laser-like focus on improving the fundamentals.
Yet a workshop meant to build relationships dissolved within an hour after April Griffin, the newest board member elected in November, said she lacked trust. Griffin had been criticized the previous week for questioning the process of appointing administrators.
Veteran board member Candy Olson said 'we all came in with things we wanted to change' before understanding how the system works.
Funny thing about this board. Senior members like to tell junior members how things work.
Too often, their insight comes with a subtext of 'back off.'
When Jennifer Faliero first joined the board, she, too, complained about roadblocks, lines that couldn't be crossed and a culture that perpetuates the status quo. Yet five years later, she led the charge in telling Griffin to change her style or 'you need to resign.'
Faliero, who has moved out of her district in violation of the law while she grapples with a divorce, was out of line. Elevating an argument to fever pitch does little to help the board help students.
Following the rebuke, Griffin stormed out, slammed the door and never returned. While it's understandable that she'd need a few minutes to compose herself, it was unprofessional to leave the meeting altogether. It raises questions about her ability to deal with adversity - a trait politicians need to succeed in public life.
Faliero and Griffin clearly don't like each other because of past political battles, but it is improper for them to carry this baggage into the boardroom.
While Tuesday was messy, more concerning was the board's wildly divergent evaluation of Elia.
Griffin scored Elia so poorly that you would think she wanted the superintendent fired - though she joined her colleagues in unanimously voting to extend the superintendent's contract.
Meanwhile, Chairman Jack Lamb, member Carolyn Kurdell and Faliero gave the superintendent such over-the-top scores that they must have missed Elia's missteps in changing school boundaries, altering high school teaching schedules, failing to administer performance reviews and selecting leaders for the transportation and purchasing departments.
The evaluation - one of the most important documents the board produces all year - reflects neither Elia's specific accomplishments nor the improvements needed. In his assessment, Lamb hardly completed a sentence. Only Doretha Edgecomb and Olson gave thoughtful, helpful insight.
The community doesn't want board members to act in lockstep. But it does want this board to get about the business of improving public education. To make it happen, members should leave their petty differences on the playground where they belong."
Finally -someone has questioned the information
Click here: School Nurses Alarmed Over Shrinking Staff, Rising Needs
If this story is correct, then this is an example of obfuscation by the District, and finally someone has dug a little deeper.
So the question remains - How long will Tanski last in her position? Telling the truth outside the system could have it's effects, only the wrong ones.
List Of Nurses Turns Up 'Placeholders'
Despite the cutbacks, Nelson Luis, who oversees health services, said he is confident children are safe and schools are covered.
"No child's going to go without care," Luis said. "I'm convinced we are doing what we need to be doing - with less people, with cutbacks."
Luis, the district's general director for student support and federal programs, said Monday morning that there is a health professional at every school. On Tuesday morning, he produced a list showing at least one person's name beside each school. Luis said the list was valid as of last week, although subject to change.
The first name The Tampa Tribune checked out was Tanski. The list shows her as the sole health care provider assigned to the South County Career Center.
"I don't even know where that is," Tanski said Tuesday. Her assigned schools are Dowdell Middle and Clair-Mel and Palm River elementary schools, with Summerfield Elementary added this year, she said.
Gallogly said late Wednesday that the list remains "fluid" and is being revised. Tanski's name was listed next to the career center as a "placeholder." There is a nurse at the school, Gallogly said, but she teaches there and is not employed by her department."
If this story is correct, then this is an example of obfuscation by the District, and finally someone has dug a little deeper.
So the question remains - How long will Tanski last in her position? Telling the truth outside the system could have it's effects, only the wrong ones.
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Another view of the HCPS spat
Click here: Team Building Turns Ugly For School Board
From Mother Trib. The most interesting quote to me is when Faliero say's "I am entitled to my opinon". I am trying to get the picture. Griffin voices her opinion, and Faliero says get with the program or resign. So Griffin must be entitled to her opinion, but just leave after you say it.
From Mother Trib. The most interesting quote to me is when Faliero say's "I am entitled to my opinon". I am trying to get the picture. Griffin voices her opinion, and Faliero says get with the program or resign. So Griffin must be entitled to her opinion, but just leave after you say it.
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
HCPS Board Spat
http://blogs.tampabay.com/schools/2007/08/hillsborough--2.html?cid=80895545#comment-80895545
I wasn't there. I don't know what was said nor how it was said. But trouble has been brewing, and now it is at a high simmer. Having watched the last Board meeting and saw and heard what was said, and since I recorded it, I have replayed certain parts so I can see it more clearly, I have a question. There were specific comments made during the meeting and the word "disconnect" was used. At least twice the Superintendent made a point that if any Board member had any questions about issues, they should come to her "first". I assume "second" is speaking about it to the public.
Since that meeting, the information came out about Ms. Faliero not living in her respective area. First the St. Pete Times and then the Tampa Tribune reported it with seemingly different perspectives, even if one just read the headlines. I may have missed what responsibility the local Board has to govern their own regarding this matter, but I haven't seen it.
So today, Ms. Faliero apparently asks/tells? Ms. Griffin to resign.
Now to my question: Had Ms. Griffin or Ms. Valdes taken the same action as Ms. Faliero and moved temporarily and initially denied it to the press, and then asked/told another Board member to resign, would the local administration be more open about sanctioning them?
I wasn't there. I don't know what was said nor how it was said. But trouble has been brewing, and now it is at a high simmer. Having watched the last Board meeting and saw and heard what was said, and since I recorded it, I have replayed certain parts so I can see it more clearly, I have a question. There were specific comments made during the meeting and the word "disconnect" was used. At least twice the Superintendent made a point that if any Board member had any questions about issues, they should come to her "first". I assume "second" is speaking about it to the public.
Since that meeting, the information came out about Ms. Faliero not living in her respective area. First the St. Pete Times and then the Tampa Tribune reported it with seemingly different perspectives, even if one just read the headlines. I may have missed what responsibility the local Board has to govern their own regarding this matter, but I haven't seen it.
So today, Ms. Faliero apparently asks/tells? Ms. Griffin to resign.
Now to my question: Had Ms. Griffin or Ms. Valdes taken the same action as Ms. Faliero and moved temporarily and initially denied it to the press, and then asked/told another Board member to resign, would the local administration be more open about sanctioning them?
Sunday, August 26, 2007
What are Hillsborough's numbers on Teacher Retention?
http://www.nea.org/teachershortage/index.html
Attracting and Keeping Quality Teachers
A historic turnover is taking place in the teaching profession. While student enrollments are rising rapidly, more than a million veteran teachers are nearing retirement. Experts predict that overall we will need more than 2 million new teachers in the next decade.
This teacher recruitment problem, which has reached crisis proportions in some areas, is most acute in urban and rural schools; for high-need subject areas such as special education, math and science, and for teachers of color.
Teacher compensation is a significant deterrent to recruitment. Teachers are still paid less than professions that require comparable education and skills. Teachers still are not valued and respected to the extent of their actual contributions to society.
Keeping teachers in profession is part of the puzzle
But solving the teacher shortage is not strictly a numbers game. Much has been said about the need to bring more young people into the teaching profession. But too little attention has been paid to holding onto the quality teachers already hired—both the beginning teachers as well as the more seasoned ones.
The statistics for turnover among new teachers are startling. Some 20 percent of all new hires leave the classroom within three years. In urban districts, the numbers are worse—close to 50 percent of newcomers flee the profession during their first five years of teaching.
New teachers overwhelmed, don't get enough help
Why do new teachers leave? They say they feel overwhelmed by the expectations and scope of the job. Many say they feel isolated and unsupported in their classrooms, or that expectations are unclear.
In education today, the first-year teacher is typically assigned to the same tasks, in and out of the classroom, as a long-time veteran. Quality mentoring programs for all first-year teachers are vitally important. Mentoring enables them to learn “best practices” from seasoned professionals, and research shows that new teachers who participate in induction programs are nearly twice as likely to stay in the profession as those who don't.
It is unacceptable for teachers to be assigned out-of-field. Such assignments are a disservice to students and teachers alike.
NEA believes all teacher retention efforts must begin with the recognition of the complexity of teaching. And that means we must give teachers the time they need to plan and confer with their colleagues. Provide them with the mentors and professional development they need. Reduce class size so they can devote more time to each student. To meet the growing demand for teachers, first we must do more to keep the good teachers we already have."
Does anyone know the true stats on HCPS (or HCDS) teacher retention?
Attracting and Keeping Quality Teachers
A historic turnover is taking place in the teaching profession. While student enrollments are rising rapidly, more than a million veteran teachers are nearing retirement. Experts predict that overall we will need more than 2 million new teachers in the next decade.
This teacher recruitment problem, which has reached crisis proportions in some areas, is most acute in urban and rural schools; for high-need subject areas such as special education, math and science, and for teachers of color.
Teacher compensation is a significant deterrent to recruitment. Teachers are still paid less than professions that require comparable education and skills. Teachers still are not valued and respected to the extent of their actual contributions to society.
Keeping teachers in profession is part of the puzzle
But solving the teacher shortage is not strictly a numbers game. Much has been said about the need to bring more young people into the teaching profession. But too little attention has been paid to holding onto the quality teachers already hired—both the beginning teachers as well as the more seasoned ones.
The statistics for turnover among new teachers are startling. Some 20 percent of all new hires leave the classroom within three years. In urban districts, the numbers are worse—close to 50 percent of newcomers flee the profession during their first five years of teaching.
New teachers overwhelmed, don't get enough help
Why do new teachers leave? They say they feel overwhelmed by the expectations and scope of the job. Many say they feel isolated and unsupported in their classrooms, or that expectations are unclear.
In education today, the first-year teacher is typically assigned to the same tasks, in and out of the classroom, as a long-time veteran. Quality mentoring programs for all first-year teachers are vitally important. Mentoring enables them to learn “best practices” from seasoned professionals, and research shows that new teachers who participate in induction programs are nearly twice as likely to stay in the profession as those who don't.
It is unacceptable for teachers to be assigned out-of-field. Such assignments are a disservice to students and teachers alike.
NEA believes all teacher retention efforts must begin with the recognition of the complexity of teaching. And that means we must give teachers the time they need to plan and confer with their colleagues. Provide them with the mentors and professional development they need. Reduce class size so they can devote more time to each student. To meet the growing demand for teachers, first we must do more to keep the good teachers we already have."
Does anyone know the true stats on HCPS (or HCDS) teacher retention?
Friday, August 24, 2007
Our Board member under question
http://www.sptimes.com/2007/08/24/Hillsborough/Move_may_violate_stat.shtml
This story does not sit well for those of us who have little faith in the system. This lack of faith was built on many, many many isolated incidents.
How can I believe that my representative who used to live in the "stereotype of your choice of southeast Hillsborough county" and now lives in the "stereotype of your choice of Davis Island" has southeast Hillsborough County at heart. I so much want to believe in the people I vote for.
I might as well have voted for someone that has been entrenched in the status quo of the system and represents the District instead of the people who vote them in.
Lets see, to drive from Davis Island to the ROSSAC building, I would cross through uh, uh, well I would cross over a short bridge in Tampa, and then a couple of blocks, turn right on Kennedy and voila - at work.
Now the whole evaluation comments make sense.
Click here: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/boardagenda/pdfs/BD20070821_264/Attch_20070821_264_E8.01A.pdf
Had this been out in the open, the whole perspective would be different along with the amount of empathy.
Oh me of little faith with just a broad brush to paint with.
This story does not sit well for those of us who have little faith in the system. This lack of faith was built on many, many many isolated incidents.
How can I believe that my representative who used to live in the "stereotype of your choice of southeast Hillsborough county" and now lives in the "stereotype of your choice of Davis Island" has southeast Hillsborough County at heart. I so much want to believe in the people I vote for.
I might as well have voted for someone that has been entrenched in the status quo of the system and represents the District instead of the people who vote them in.
Lets see, to drive from Davis Island to the ROSSAC building, I would cross through uh, uh, well I would cross over a short bridge in Tampa, and then a couple of blocks, turn right on Kennedy and voila - at work.
Now the whole evaluation comments make sense.
Click here: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/boardagenda/pdfs/BD20070821_264/Attch_20070821_264_E8.01A.pdf
Had this been out in the open, the whole perspective would be different along with the amount of empathy.
Oh me of little faith with just a broad brush to paint with.
Thursday, August 23, 2007
As soon as they retire, they are hired back.
Click here: http://www.sdhc.k12.fl.us/boardagenda/pdfs/BD20070821_264/Attch_20070821_264_E8.01D.pdf
Mr. Hamilton I thought just recently retired. He now is associated with the HBEC group in Pensacola.
They are being paid $65,000 to assist the District.
Who say's the District does not know how to hire outside help when they can't do it themselves.
Mr. Hamilton I thought just recently retired. He now is associated with the HBEC group in Pensacola.
They are being paid $65,000 to assist the District.
Who say's the District does not know how to hire outside help when they can't do it themselves.
What is HRMD? How would we know if it is followed
Did anyone catch this one?
At the Board meeting of 8/21/07, after the vote for the principal of Gary Adult school, there was a bit of action on the floor. Ms. Valdes brought up a concern about hiring the right people for the school . Ms. Griffin chimed in with a concern also. There was some bantering back and forth at some point Ms. Edgecomb asserted that they could not have found a better person for the job than the person that was just voted on to be principal.
Both Valdes and Griffin said their concerns were not about the new principal. They alluded to concerns about the hiring process. Then Dan Valdez jumped in to clarify things. He basically said that the HRMD was followed as it always has been.
Ms. Valdes again said that hiring policies and procedures should be followed at all times.
Sooooo, the question is, why would two Board members be concerned about the hiring practices? How does the public know if the District is following the HRMD?
Where is our investigative agency to protect the public, if the Board can not?
At the Board meeting of 8/21/07, after the vote for the principal of Gary Adult school, there was a bit of action on the floor. Ms. Valdes brought up a concern about hiring the right people for the school . Ms. Griffin chimed in with a concern also. There was some bantering back and forth at some point Ms. Edgecomb asserted that they could not have found a better person for the job than the person that was just voted on to be principal.
Both Valdes and Griffin said their concerns were not about the new principal. They alluded to concerns about the hiring process. Then Dan Valdez jumped in to clarify things. He basically said that the HRMD was followed as it always has been.
Ms. Valdes again said that hiring policies and procedures should be followed at all times.
Sooooo, the question is, why would two Board members be concerned about the hiring practices? How does the public know if the District is following the HRMD?
Where is our investigative agency to protect the public, if the Board can not?
Saturday, August 18, 2007
The Law of Large Numbers vs. Isolated Incidents
mClick here: Opinion: Today's Letters: Vouchers can be a tool to aid struggling parents
I assume that since Bill Maxwell is a black man, there is less hue and cry over his opinions.
Click here: Opinion: Vouchers can't help if black parents won't
How did the concept of vouchers ever start?
Was it because parents wanted another alternative because the educational system was not working for them? Was their perception based on personal opinion through personal experience?
Was it because capitalists saw a way to make money? These capitalists proceeded with a propagandized marketing scheme to falsely claim that the public education system was failing so that education money, through the voucher scheme, would end up in their pockets?
What is the truth? Is the public education system doing what it was designed to do? Yes or No?
One thing we do know is that the public education system is a huge bureaucracy. One thing we do know is that the first goal of a bureaucracy is to maintain it's existence. One thing we do know is that bureaucracies deal with large numbers of kids and base decisions on statistics of these large numbers. Bureaucracies could care less about isolated incidents because of the negligible effect it has on what they focus on.
Parents deal with a statistically very small set of kids. They base their decisions on these 'isolated incidents" because that is their job. Their primary responsibility for their children is to "maintain their existence". Parents could care less about the large numbers because they have little meaning for what their child is experiencing right now.
What we are witnessing is the struggle between each of these entities to maintain their existence. They are each fighting for what is most important to them. Since there is a forced relationship between parent and Public School, the business adage that the customer is always right does not play out. Indeed, it has been the mantra of many school personnel that, in regards to who knows best about education be it school or parent, the school personnel are "the experts" and the parent is too ignorant to know what is best for them. This is the same concept that fuels increasing government responsibilities - the ignorant masses do not know what is best for them.
What is not honestly dealt with is that the bureaucracy is fighting for money using education as the article of trade - the parent's are fighting for education using money (vouchers) as the article of trade.
I assume that since Bill Maxwell is a black man, there is less hue and cry over his opinions.
Click here: Opinion: Vouchers can't help if black parents won't
How did the concept of vouchers ever start?
Was it because parents wanted another alternative because the educational system was not working for them? Was their perception based on personal opinion through personal experience?
Was it because capitalists saw a way to make money? These capitalists proceeded with a propagandized marketing scheme to falsely claim that the public education system was failing so that education money, through the voucher scheme, would end up in their pockets?
What is the truth? Is the public education system doing what it was designed to do? Yes or No?
One thing we do know is that the public education system is a huge bureaucracy. One thing we do know is that the first goal of a bureaucracy is to maintain it's existence. One thing we do know is that bureaucracies deal with large numbers of kids and base decisions on statistics of these large numbers. Bureaucracies could care less about isolated incidents because of the negligible effect it has on what they focus on.
Parents deal with a statistically very small set of kids. They base their decisions on these 'isolated incidents" because that is their job. Their primary responsibility for their children is to "maintain their existence". Parents could care less about the large numbers because they have little meaning for what their child is experiencing right now.
What we are witnessing is the struggle between each of these entities to maintain their existence. They are each fighting for what is most important to them. Since there is a forced relationship between parent and Public School, the business adage that the customer is always right does not play out. Indeed, it has been the mantra of many school personnel that, in regards to who knows best about education be it school or parent, the school personnel are "the experts" and the parent is too ignorant to know what is best for them. This is the same concept that fuels increasing government responsibilities - the ignorant masses do not know what is best for them.
What is not honestly dealt with is that the bureaucracy is fighting for money using education as the article of trade - the parent's are fighting for education using money (vouchers) as the article of trade.
Friday, August 17, 2007
Teachers Principals School Board Anthropologist Sociologist
Click here: Northoftampa: North of Tampa: Hormones, transition, peer pressure and more cause discipline problems
If you are short on time, read the above one first.
I am assuming that the decision makers have a background in anthropology and sociology. Both of those disciplines have an understanding of the behavioral influences on populations brought on by overpopulation and mixing of cultures.
I know that law enforcement has been brought in (reactive). Is there any consultation with the above mentioned professionals (proactive) ?
I applaud the District for at least being honest that there is a problem. I encourage the District to look outside themselves to gain insight. Trying hard is an element of success, but must be with done with true analysis of one's efforts. The sincerity of the intent is not a justification for not reaching one's goal.
Click here: Hillsborough: School discipline hits some kids more
Click here: Citytimes: Tampa: Middle school misbehavior gains new attention
Click here: Brandontimes: Brandon: Students on the brink of adolescence all too often at the center of schools' discipline woe
If you are short on time, read the above one first.
I am assuming that the decision makers have a background in anthropology and sociology. Both of those disciplines have an understanding of the behavioral influences on populations brought on by overpopulation and mixing of cultures.
I know that law enforcement has been brought in (reactive). Is there any consultation with the above mentioned professionals (proactive) ?
I applaud the District for at least being honest that there is a problem. I encourage the District to look outside themselves to gain insight. Trying hard is an element of success, but must be with done with true analysis of one's efforts. The sincerity of the intent is not a justification for not reaching one's goal.
Click here: Hillsborough: School discipline hits some kids more
Click here: Citytimes: Tampa: Middle school misbehavior gains new attention
Click here: Brandontimes: Brandon: Students on the brink of adolescence all too often at the center of schools' discipline woe
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
The Training of Coded Language-Another Brush, Another Incident, but keeping out of legal jeopardy
I spoke of the coded language that is taught in IDEA training meetings. I have spoken about obfuscation of the law by those who should know. The following is straight from a publication that is developed by the District for the District.
______________________________________________
http://www1.sdhc.k12.fl.us/~ese.dept/communicators/ESEComm1104.pdf
From : THE EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATOR November-December, 2004 Vol. 4 No. 4
WHAT NOT TO SAY AT IEP MEETINGS !
When parents make requests at IEP meetings there are some things that you shouldn’t say in
response; using these phrases could place the district in legal jeopardy if the parent files for
due process later on:
We can’t do… - We don’t believe…
No student gets more than… It would cost too much to…
It would take too much... We don’t do…
We never do… We only do…
Instead, show you’re listening by asking:
Where did you hear about that ?
Which IEP goals do you see that addressing ?
Do you have data on that ? Can you get us information?
Have we described what we’re doing in the program we’re using ?
________________________________________________________
This speaks volumes to one who understands the game. I don't care who wrote it. But it is pretty clear that the focus is on protecting the system -gate keeping if you will.It also clearly says to "show you are listening by asking...." as to "show you are listening by answering the question or addressing the issue".If one honestly looks at these feigned "listening strategies" it is no wonder that the special education realm is frustrating for all. I continually hear about teacher retention and the teacher shortage in special ed. Dealing with students and parents is a hell of task. But dealing with a system that "shows you are listening" does not work.
______________________________________________
http://www1.sdhc.k12.fl.us/~ese.dept/communicators/ESEComm1104.pdf
From : THE EXCEPTIONAL COMMUNICATOR November-December, 2004 Vol. 4 No. 4
WHAT NOT TO SAY AT IEP MEETINGS !
When parents make requests at IEP meetings there are some things that you shouldn’t say in
response; using these phrases could place the district in legal jeopardy if the parent files for
due process later on:
We can’t do… - We don’t believe…
No student gets more than… It would cost too much to…
It would take too much... We don’t do…
We never do… We only do…
Instead, show you’re listening by asking:
Where did you hear about that ?
Which IEP goals do you see that addressing ?
Do you have data on that ? Can you get us information?
Have we described what we’re doing in the program we’re using ?
________________________________________________________
This speaks volumes to one who understands the game. I don't care who wrote it. But it is pretty clear that the focus is on protecting the system -gate keeping if you will.It also clearly says to "show you are listening by asking...." as to "show you are listening by answering the question or addressing the issue".If one honestly looks at these feigned "listening strategies" it is no wonder that the special education realm is frustrating for all. I continually hear about teacher retention and the teacher shortage in special ed. Dealing with students and parents is a hell of task. But dealing with a system that "shows you are listening" does not work.
How do we know this does not happen here? Oh me of little faith.
Click here: Broward school district ties with tech consultant questioned -- South Florida Sun-Sentinel.com
A long-standing relationship between the Broward school district and its top technology consultant underscores weaknesses in the school system's ethical safeguards, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel has found
"Board members are now asking about the relationships between the school system and vendors. Should former school district employees be allowed to work for vendors they dealt with as government officials? Should high-ranking district officials, including volunteers who sit on advisory boards, be banned from accepting free trips from vendors?"
I guess it is our faith in God -oops - leaders that this kind of stuff doesn't happen in a deep rooted system such as ours. Does the Tribune have investigative reporters similar to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Is there a watchdog group of any kind around here. Not that anyone should be policing the District, but just making sure there weren't any isolated incidents like this.
A long-standing relationship between the Broward school district and its top technology consultant underscores weaknesses in the school system's ethical safeguards, the South Florida Sun-Sentinel has found
"Board members are now asking about the relationships between the school system and vendors. Should former school district employees be allowed to work for vendors they dealt with as government officials? Should high-ranking district officials, including volunteers who sit on advisory boards, be banned from accepting free trips from vendors?"
I guess it is our faith in God -oops - leaders that this kind of stuff doesn't happen in a deep rooted system such as ours. Does the Tribune have investigative reporters similar to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Is there a watchdog group of any kind around here. Not that anyone should be policing the District, but just making sure there weren't any isolated incidents like this.
Wrong for 35 years
Click here: Hillsborough: Your kid's teacher? Connect the dots
"We've been doing it wrong for 30 years," said Debi Veranth, the director of administration tasked with fixing this most unlikely back-to-school bungle.
Several weeks ago, Veranth learned that postal regulations prevented the district from sending such personalized information with its bulk mailing rates.
The policy is nothing new. In fact, she said someone in the school district's mail room recently discovered a notice to this effect. It's dated 1972."
It is 2007 today - my math tells me it is closer to 35 years -but who is counting. Perhaps there is a chink in the cavalier attitude of "that's the way we have always done it so it must be right".
Perhaps there will be more professional standards being kept. I wonder what would have happened if a discontented parent would have pointed it out to them. Or a new teacher. Do you think the system would have taken an honest look at the law and took an honest look at their policies and procedures?
Where are the compliance officers and how much are they being paid?
Meanwhile, parents will be blamed for being too dumb to follow the instructions, as if they have been told the same thing for 35 years and still don't get it.
"We've been doing it wrong for 30 years," said Debi Veranth, the director of administration tasked with fixing this most unlikely back-to-school bungle.
Several weeks ago, Veranth learned that postal regulations prevented the district from sending such personalized information with its bulk mailing rates.
The policy is nothing new. In fact, she said someone in the school district's mail room recently discovered a notice to this effect. It's dated 1972."
It is 2007 today - my math tells me it is closer to 35 years -but who is counting. Perhaps there is a chink in the cavalier attitude of "that's the way we have always done it so it must be right".
Perhaps there will be more professional standards being kept. I wonder what would have happened if a discontented parent would have pointed it out to them. Or a new teacher. Do you think the system would have taken an honest look at the law and took an honest look at their policies and procedures?
Where are the compliance officers and how much are they being paid?
Meanwhile, parents will be blamed for being too dumb to follow the instructions, as if they have been told the same thing for 35 years and still don't get it.
Monday, August 13, 2007
Get Your Fat Ass Off The Bus -But Buy a Pepsi When You Get To School
There have been comments made that walking to school would be a solution to the obesity condition of elementary children. Can we assume that is for their parent's benefit also?
The HCDS is attempting to cut costs. One method they have chosen to accomplish this is to change the current situation in Wimauma Elementary. If you have never been to Wimauma in the last few years, use your best stereotype image of an area that looks predominately like what a migrant worker community would look like. If one wants to do a comparison, drive to Immokalee or Belle Glade. I would be interested to see how many operative vehicles there are for the children and their caregivers. I assume we have heard the pathetic stereotypical stories about how many migrant workers live in a trailer. When I drive through there I see a lot of trucks and vans - but not many family sedans. If I made a prejudiced decision without fact finding, I would assume that the women and children have less access to vehicles, making the assumption again that it would be women walking the children to school.
In the 50's and 60's, the south side and the first two or three blocks to the north of CR 674 was inhabited by white people. Past the third block north was inhabited by black people. The present elementary school was then a 1-12th grade school. When East Bay (what is now Eisenhower)opened somewhere in 1956-57?, then Wimauma became a 1-8th grade school. Somewhere around 1966 or 1967, Wimamua was integrated. Just for history sakes, EBHS played their Varsity Basketball games at Wimauma until the current EB High School was built.
Over the years, the Hispanic population now is predominate where the whites were, including the main corridor. The significance of the corridor is that is where the businesses are located. In a migrant community, where the businesses are is where groups of people congregate. If one looks, these businesses are related to food or work opportunities - either with the on site business or to be picked up to "go to the field".
History lesson over. Back to today. What interests me is that HCDS recently hired a new person to oversee the "transportation problems" that apparently are undisputed. However, the new person, as far as I can tell, is not involved in this issue with Wimauma. So, we basically have the same decision makers that we have had all along. One must earn one's money, and to cut cost for the company is certainly one way to do that.
It has been stated (by the way, I will be glad to provide links for anyone who wants to verify or dispute my references, and please send me the info if I get it wrong) that the state's guidelines recommend no busing within a two mile radius. My understanding is that means the State will not pay the District for any busing the District provides within the two miles. Fair enough. If that is truly the issue, then why don't our school leaders lead with that premise, and stick with it? Sounds good to me - "I don't make the rules - I just enforce them.".
The problem is, as I see it, is that it is not a rule. The District has chosen in the past to provide what is now termed "courtesy busing". I assume this term is to let everyone know they have been getting a free ride out of the kindness of the now not so kind hearts. Once again fair enough. Business is business.
To the fat comments that are not related to the issue. First of all, how far does one look around at their colleagues when discussing how fat some one is? Secondly, how does one take the moral stand on health under one issue, but eschews it under another issue:("We have an obligation to provide healthy food and we have an obligation to teach about healthy diets, but I don't think the schools have the responsibility of being the food police." http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/31/Perspective/Pepsi_high.shtml
The answer has to be money. "...... And I don't think schools should be expected to turn up their noses at ($4 million a year)." http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/31/Perspective/Pepsi_high.shtml
I can not locate a number for how much the County would have saved in cutting the bus service in Wimauma. I wonder if anyone knows.
The HCDS is attempting to cut costs. One method they have chosen to accomplish this is to change the current situation in Wimauma Elementary. If you have never been to Wimauma in the last few years, use your best stereotype image of an area that looks predominately like what a migrant worker community would look like. If one wants to do a comparison, drive to Immokalee or Belle Glade. I would be interested to see how many operative vehicles there are for the children and their caregivers. I assume we have heard the pathetic stereotypical stories about how many migrant workers live in a trailer. When I drive through there I see a lot of trucks and vans - but not many family sedans. If I made a prejudiced decision without fact finding, I would assume that the women and children have less access to vehicles, making the assumption again that it would be women walking the children to school.
In the 50's and 60's, the south side and the first two or three blocks to the north of CR 674 was inhabited by white people. Past the third block north was inhabited by black people. The present elementary school was then a 1-12th grade school. When East Bay (what is now Eisenhower)opened somewhere in 1956-57?, then Wimauma became a 1-8th grade school. Somewhere around 1966 or 1967, Wimamua was integrated. Just for history sakes, EBHS played their Varsity Basketball games at Wimauma until the current EB High School was built.
Over the years, the Hispanic population now is predominate where the whites were, including the main corridor. The significance of the corridor is that is where the businesses are located. In a migrant community, where the businesses are is where groups of people congregate. If one looks, these businesses are related to food or work opportunities - either with the on site business or to be picked up to "go to the field".
History lesson over. Back to today. What interests me is that HCDS recently hired a new person to oversee the "transportation problems" that apparently are undisputed. However, the new person, as far as I can tell, is not involved in this issue with Wimauma. So, we basically have the same decision makers that we have had all along. One must earn one's money, and to cut cost for the company is certainly one way to do that.
It has been stated (by the way, I will be glad to provide links for anyone who wants to verify or dispute my references, and please send me the info if I get it wrong) that the state's guidelines recommend no busing within a two mile radius. My understanding is that means the State will not pay the District for any busing the District provides within the two miles. Fair enough. If that is truly the issue, then why don't our school leaders lead with that premise, and stick with it? Sounds good to me - "I don't make the rules - I just enforce them.".
The problem is, as I see it, is that it is not a rule. The District has chosen in the past to provide what is now termed "courtesy busing". I assume this term is to let everyone know they have been getting a free ride out of the kindness of the now not so kind hearts. Once again fair enough. Business is business.
To the fat comments that are not related to the issue. First of all, how far does one look around at their colleagues when discussing how fat some one is? Secondly, how does one take the moral stand on health under one issue, but eschews it under another issue:("We have an obligation to provide healthy food and we have an obligation to teach about healthy diets, but I don't think the schools have the responsibility of being the food police." http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/31/Perspective/Pepsi_high.shtml
The answer has to be money. "...... And I don't think schools should be expected to turn up their noses at ($4 million a year)." http://www.sptimes.com/2003/08/31/Perspective/Pepsi_high.shtml
I can not locate a number for how much the County would have saved in cutting the bus service in Wimauma. I wonder if anyone knows.
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