Public Education is nothing if it isn't about big money. Bottom line.
Defending this money is a paramount goal. Statistically, the public systems protect each other. They have unlimited resources and expertise in strategies. What seems to never be of concern is that there is more to life than money. But at a $200,000 liability cap for public school systems, that is as insignifant as hiring a consultant.
I write frequently about the abuse of power by public school employees. They are afforded protections that most people don't get.
In this case, the charges against a teacher seem to fit with the physical signs of the kids. Goose egg lumps, busted lips, extracted teeth, and bruises are hard to fabricate.
I am not surprised in the least at how the defense is shaping up. It is the nature of the defense culture for public schools.
Another story is here :
Click here: HeraldTribune.com - News - News stories about Sarasota, Manatee and Charlotte counties in Florida, from the newspa
We have a time line:
"Two aides in Diana O'Neill's class started documenting instances in which they believed she abused students as early as October 2007. But it was three months later -- after more than a dozen instances -- before the police and the state Department of Children and Families were notified"
Some one had concerns, but if it isn't on paper, it didn't happen: "Police records also indicate that O'Neill, 45, had been "talked to" in the past for her behavior with her profoundly disabled students. But there is no record that any concerns were ever reported to the police or the school district to investigate."
We have a kid who has no chance of telling the truth so how could anyone believe anything about her wasn't done by herself:
"Tara, who cannot walk, talk or see, has been in O'Neill's class for eight years.
During that time she often came home with bruises, prompting Hatfield to go to the school and question the teacher. Every time, O'Neill had a different explanation that ranged from other children hitting her to her falling out of her wheelchair, Hatfield said."
A few details by the aides:
"Police identified four of O'Neill's five students as victims. With one child, aides reported that O'Neill parked his wheelchair against a wall and watched as the boy hit his head against it, sarcastically telling him, "Don't hit your head."
Aides also reported that O'Neill had kicked one girl in the legs, hit her in the head with objects, pushed her to the floor and used a "weighted blanket" and a "body sock" -- two therapy tools that restrict movement -- to punish her."
Setting up the need for understanding a unique situation:
"Educators and parents alike complain of little support from the rest of the school system, and even fewer resources. It is a pressure cooker that can pit teachers against parents, or unify them in the face of shared challenges.
Despite efforts to include students with disabilities in the regular school setting, at most schools these small classes stay clustered together, sharing resources and working as teams, creating a tight-knit community.
It is also a place where teachers employ unusual techniques to control their children's behavior and help them develop physically and mentally."
And then we have common place actions:
"For example, the aides reported an episode where O'Neill shoved a cloth into a child's mouth and then pulled it out so hard the child's tooth came out.
But Sloan said this is a common technique used to build the biting reflexes of students with disabilities. In this case, O'Neill accidentally knocked out a baby tooth, Sloan said."
And I wrote previously about how the system will make sure no one speaks out without themselves becoming liable:
"School Superintendent Gary Norris said the district would review not only the allegations against O'Neill, but also how the other employees responded."
And here comes the "defense of professionals":
"These charges were observed by aides who are not sufficiently trained to work with handicapped children," Sloan said. "This woman is completely professional.""
There is the "culture of defense" in a nutshell.
If these aides are lying, our kids will suffer yet another setback.
If these aides can not prove they are telling the truth, our kids will suffer another setback.
Afterall, it is about numbers. The fact that this is an isolated incident eases our anxiety.
Unless it was your kid.
But in that case, you would just be a parent.
Sunday, February 24, 2008
Saturday, February 23, 2008
Maybe It's Just Me
While my local school system is in the public throes of who is really running the show, I get stuck on the meaning of words.
Now that freedom of speech issues have finally reached the point that the HCDS police are called to action, I wonder where has everyone been all of these years.
I will always vividly recall the day at Mann Middle School when I was told by the principal that if I came on campus without checking in to her office first, I would be charged with trespassing.
The fact that I was making a big squawk about my repeated attempts to address issues with my son’s education and the fact that this threat came the day after I wrote a complaint letter gave me reason to believe that the 3 months of previous same actions on my part were now under a different line of scrutiny.
At least I didn’t have the security called on me. Instead, I called the Director of ESE while sitting in the office. I had the number saved because I used it a lot over the years. This may have saved my immediate arrest. It was a gutsy move on my part, because Directors have as much say over what a principal does or does not do as I did. But there is something to say about safety in numbers, and how many people know.
I was not accustom to this type of treatment, or rather, the treatment was getting worse. I did not think the setting was safe for my son. So when I said I was keeping him home until we could have another of those countless meanings, the veiled threat of truancy was thrown out. Knowing the absolute power of the school District, I made sure I obtained a Dr's excuse to protect me.
As the days and weeks played out, since I had become learned in the ways of paper warfare, my documentation along with proof that “they” had changed theirs, probably saved me from the usual bulldozed flattening that most parents end up with.
Taking on the system means that you must have documentation and make sure some one else has a copy of it too.
Yesterday I posted the link to some probable cause affidavits.
One of the sentences struck me as odd, so I revisited it today. On page two, it says that the teacher’s strikes (to the kid who was an “equivalent 11 to 14 month old reference motor skills”) “were often prompted by an incorrect answer to a question, not any disciplinary problem or wrong doing. In that sense, there was no legal justification for her to strike the child.”
And then on page 3, we find: the teacher’s statement of “you gonna kick me, I’m gonna kick you (pg 2),” “implies revenge as a motive and a desire to hurt of cause pain to … rather than any educational purpose.”
I am thankful that the writer was able to determine that there was no educational purpose for the actions the teacher took upon the kid. It must have been a tough legal decision to write that out.
Now that freedom of speech issues have finally reached the point that the HCDS police are called to action, I wonder where has everyone been all of these years.
I will always vividly recall the day at Mann Middle School when I was told by the principal that if I came on campus without checking in to her office first, I would be charged with trespassing.
The fact that I was making a big squawk about my repeated attempts to address issues with my son’s education and the fact that this threat came the day after I wrote a complaint letter gave me reason to believe that the 3 months of previous same actions on my part were now under a different line of scrutiny.
At least I didn’t have the security called on me. Instead, I called the Director of ESE while sitting in the office. I had the number saved because I used it a lot over the years. This may have saved my immediate arrest. It was a gutsy move on my part, because Directors have as much say over what a principal does or does not do as I did. But there is something to say about safety in numbers, and how many people know.
I was not accustom to this type of treatment, or rather, the treatment was getting worse. I did not think the setting was safe for my son. So when I said I was keeping him home until we could have another of those countless meanings, the veiled threat of truancy was thrown out. Knowing the absolute power of the school District, I made sure I obtained a Dr's excuse to protect me.
As the days and weeks played out, since I had become learned in the ways of paper warfare, my documentation along with proof that “they” had changed theirs, probably saved me from the usual bulldozed flattening that most parents end up with.
Taking on the system means that you must have documentation and make sure some one else has a copy of it too.
Yesterday I posted the link to some probable cause affidavits.
One of the sentences struck me as odd, so I revisited it today. On page two, it says that the teacher’s strikes (to the kid who was an “equivalent 11 to 14 month old reference motor skills”) “were often prompted by an incorrect answer to a question, not any disciplinary problem or wrong doing. In that sense, there was no legal justification for her to strike the child.”
And then on page 3, we find: the teacher’s statement of “you gonna kick me, I’m gonna kick you (pg 2),” “implies revenge as a motive and a desire to hurt of cause pain to … rather than any educational purpose.”
I am thankful that the writer was able to determine that there was no educational purpose for the actions the teacher took upon the kid. It must have been a tough legal decision to write that out.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thankfully the Aides finally got the courage
This is not a broad brush attack against teachers.
I will readily agree that this (teacher) is an isolated incident. Obviously, her patterns of behavior towards the kids were not isolated. There was enough of them that some how it overcame what ever barriers the aides had in reporting these events.
I know a lot of people don't believe parents. The principal makes a comment that she doesn't think the aides would make this up. But she likes the teacher and is surprised these events happened. Like being slammed on the head for not answering a question. It's in the reports.
It reminds be of a kid at Randall Middle school who was given 7 felony assualt charges against a school employee. Part of the reason his behavior escalated was he refused to obey an order to stand up. The fact that he had a disabilty to the extent he could not stand up without assistance of some type didn't seem to have much meaning to the authority figures. I never could understand the mindset of an adult who puts themselves in striking range of a kid who can not stand up, other than to prove the adult was the boss.
Sort of that arrogance with ignorance thing. The charges were later dropped, which probably really pissed the teacher off. Upsurped the teacher's authority over noncompliant kids. Tons of CYA paperwork were generated.
On page 16 of the attached link, it states that one parent said there were no other options for her child. I know what it is like to not be heard.
And it didn't happen in my county, so why should I even bring it up.
But I just couldn't help reading the probable cause affidavits
I wonder what the culture of defense is in that county.
I wonder what message the aides will get.
I wonder if they will get accolades for defending the disabled.
I wonder if they will be used as a example that the next time an employee sees something like this, whatever you do, you do not expose the school system.
My comments are not about teachers. My comments are about systems.
I will readily agree that this (teacher) is an isolated incident. Obviously, her patterns of behavior towards the kids were not isolated. There was enough of them that some how it overcame what ever barriers the aides had in reporting these events.
I know a lot of people don't believe parents. The principal makes a comment that she doesn't think the aides would make this up. But she likes the teacher and is surprised these events happened. Like being slammed on the head for not answering a question. It's in the reports.
It reminds be of a kid at Randall Middle school who was given 7 felony assualt charges against a school employee. Part of the reason his behavior escalated was he refused to obey an order to stand up. The fact that he had a disabilty to the extent he could not stand up without assistance of some type didn't seem to have much meaning to the authority figures. I never could understand the mindset of an adult who puts themselves in striking range of a kid who can not stand up, other than to prove the adult was the boss.
Sort of that arrogance with ignorance thing. The charges were later dropped, which probably really pissed the teacher off. Upsurped the teacher's authority over noncompliant kids. Tons of CYA paperwork were generated.
On page 16 of the attached link, it states that one parent said there were no other options for her child. I know what it is like to not be heard.
And it didn't happen in my county, so why should I even bring it up.
But I just couldn't help reading the probable cause affidavits
I wonder what the culture of defense is in that county.
I wonder what message the aides will get.
I wonder if they will get accolades for defending the disabled.
I wonder if they will be used as a example that the next time an employee sees something like this, whatever you do, you do not expose the school system.
My comments are not about teachers. My comments are about systems.
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Token Newspaper Coverage and "Is There Any Doubt" - Part III
Historically, the media has been a watchdog. We should all know that it can be biased.
We should all understand that the key to success is uniformity and promotion of the common goal. Note that I did not say "common good". Hitler had a following for the common goal, but it was not for the common good.
It is times like this that I wish I had labeled my postings so that one could follow my threads of thought. My belief is that historically, the Tampa Tribune has minimized the plight of the HCPS. My belief was so entrenched that I started the adjacent links to compare with the St. Pete Times. While I have not been 100% dedicated to all links, I was surprised to see that they were about equal.
This blip (thank you Eskay Espresso)may be indicative of a "token coverage of the school board meeting". Buried amongst camoflage, the Tribune can claim that they afforded coverage.
There are so many dynamics to this sequence of events that it is difficult to appreciate the significance of what is happening.
As an outspoken parent of a disabled student within the HCDS, I know what it is like to be discounted because of the manner I objected to what was wrong. “Broad brush attacks”, “Isolated Incidents”, “malcontent” and “personal problems” were a constant barrier to my advocacy.
I will admit that how one presents themselves should not override the substance of what one has to say. It is the reason for this title: "From Emotions To Advocacy". I will also admit that it is our human nature to judge the content of the substance by the manner in which it is presented. Poker players deal with this as a matter of the game.
Ms. Lee Drury de Cesare is one whose presentation may, by common protocol, get in the way of her message. However, if one overlooks the pomp and circumstance and maybe what could best be described as grandiloquence, she, by all accords, must speak the truth. Plus, she is out on the front line, time after time, fighting the fight that other's should but don't.
I have cringed at some of the statements she has made. I agree with a large majority of her perceptions, if not all.
I have written frequently about the arrogance and the abuse of power of the local public education system.
Those who are paying attention are watching how this abuse of power, through ignorance, is manifesting itself.
I implore those who care to realize that this is a deep seated mindset of a system. The fact that it is being exposed should not lead to one thinking that it will not be curtailed and strengthened when it becomes necessary.
As far as "Is there Any Doubt", check out my previous posts about retaliation.
We should all understand that the key to success is uniformity and promotion of the common goal. Note that I did not say "common good". Hitler had a following for the common goal, but it was not for the common good.
It is times like this that I wish I had labeled my postings so that one could follow my threads of thought. My belief is that historically, the Tampa Tribune has minimized the plight of the HCPS. My belief was so entrenched that I started the adjacent links to compare with the St. Pete Times. While I have not been 100% dedicated to all links, I was surprised to see that they were about equal.
This blip (thank you Eskay Espresso)may be indicative of a "token coverage of the school board meeting". Buried amongst camoflage, the Tribune can claim that they afforded coverage.
There are so many dynamics to this sequence of events that it is difficult to appreciate the significance of what is happening.
As an outspoken parent of a disabled student within the HCDS, I know what it is like to be discounted because of the manner I objected to what was wrong. “Broad brush attacks”, “Isolated Incidents”, “malcontent” and “personal problems” were a constant barrier to my advocacy.
I will admit that how one presents themselves should not override the substance of what one has to say. It is the reason for this title: "From Emotions To Advocacy". I will also admit that it is our human nature to judge the content of the substance by the manner in which it is presented. Poker players deal with this as a matter of the game.
Ms. Lee Drury de Cesare is one whose presentation may, by common protocol, get in the way of her message. However, if one overlooks the pomp and circumstance and maybe what could best be described as grandiloquence, she, by all accords, must speak the truth. Plus, she is out on the front line, time after time, fighting the fight that other's should but don't.
I have cringed at some of the statements she has made. I agree with a large majority of her perceptions, if not all.
I have written frequently about the arrogance and the abuse of power of the local public education system.
Those who are paying attention are watching how this abuse of power, through ignorance, is manifesting itself.
I implore those who care to realize that this is a deep seated mindset of a system. The fact that it is being exposed should not lead to one thinking that it will not be curtailed and strengthened when it becomes necessary.
As far as "Is there Any Doubt", check out my previous posts about retaliation.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
What Should Have Been A Peaceful Valentine's Night
Collateral damage.
People bitch and moan about an unjust war thousands of miles from here.
What about the unjust war against our own right here.
People bitch and moan about an unjust war thousands of miles from here.
What about the unjust war against our own right here.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Is There Any Doubt, Part II
Is it a sign of the times, or have the disabled always been victimized?
Is it retaliation against the citizens for the way the public servants are treated?
If so, why do they choose to retaliate against the disabled?
Is it a belief that disabilities are a ruse and that disabled people expect too much?
How come the leaders never know about these things, and when they are forced to face the facts, they spin it to try to convince others that it isn't what it seems?
Does the following sound similar to the type of response one gets when they make an inquiry to the HCDS?
"While we tried to get a written report about the incident, the major who runs the Orient Road Jail told us there is no incident report, because as far as they are concerned, they didn't have a problem with, or cause a problem to, an inmate in a wheelchair." Mike Deeson
Click here for visual effect: Hillsborough County Deputy Dumps Man in Wheelchair
Is it retaliation against the citizens for the way the public servants are treated?
If so, why do they choose to retaliate against the disabled?
Is it a belief that disabilities are a ruse and that disabled people expect too much?
How come the leaders never know about these things, and when they are forced to face the facts, they spin it to try to convince others that it isn't what it seems?
Does the following sound similar to the type of response one gets when they make an inquiry to the HCDS?
"While we tried to get a written report about the incident, the major who runs the Orient Road Jail told us there is no incident report, because as far as they are concerned, they didn't have a problem with, or cause a problem to, an inmate in a wheelchair." Mike Deeson
Click here for visual effect: Hillsborough County Deputy Dumps Man in Wheelchair
Is There Any Doubt?
What can speak more for an affirmation that the perception of the HCDS is a bully than being found in a Federal Court of law to have retaliated against a parent.
What started out as a IDEA issue, because of the actions of the District, ended up being a civil rights case under Section 504.
State of Florida
The Division of Administrative Hearings
Special Education Hearing
Recently, there was an event at a zoo where some young men taunted and harrassed a lion. Apparently they did it long enough and effective enough that the lion decided it had had enough. The lion probably gained extra motivation and strength from the physical and mental torment that it had endured. The lion jumped over the wall and caught two of his tormenters. Because of the lion's actions, he was retaliated against and was killed.
The lion should and would be alive today. Who started the actions that led to his condemnation?
Where does HCDS fit in the triangle?
What started out as a IDEA issue, because of the actions of the District, ended up being a civil rights case under Section 504.
State of Florida
The Division of Administrative Hearings
Special Education Hearing
Recently, there was an event at a zoo where some young men taunted and harrassed a lion. Apparently they did it long enough and effective enough that the lion decided it had had enough. The lion probably gained extra motivation and strength from the physical and mental torment that it had endured. The lion jumped over the wall and caught two of his tormenters. Because of the lion's actions, he was retaliated against and was killed.
The lion should and would be alive today. Who started the actions that led to his condemnation?
Where does HCDS fit in the triangle?
Sunday, February 10, 2008
Hey Mister Editor, May I Have A Job?
That's what I'm talking about.
Today in the Tampa Tribune, we have this: All Students, Athletes Included, Are Entitled To School Choice.
It restates what I said here: Footballs, Business Cards, Gavels and Scientific Method and bolsters the need for the District to pay attention to appropriate numbers that I mentioned here: Numbers and Coke Leave One Out of Touch with Reality.
This paragraph drew my attention: "It's interesting to note, however, that while Hillsborough coaches claim to know other coaches who have broken the transfer rules, none has the courage to report the details to the district for investigation. It's hard to have sympathy for coaches and schools unwilling to police themselves."
I was a founding member of the Superintendents ESE Advisory Council. While acting in the capacity as President of same, I was told straight forwardly by a District representative that the District did not need policing. I assume that those who are keenly aware of the difficulties facing all of those involved in ESE issues silently plead for some accountability.
It may be a complete surprise to some that I possess a degree in Sociology. The only time I used it for gainful employment was during my stint with the University of Miami. While I have retired a few times already, it would be fun to be an investigative reporter delving into the networking of the HCDS. Ferreting out how the District runs their business of education would be intriguing. Instead of me being a keyboard mocking critic, I could be a professional gumshoe.
So maybe I should put in a formal job application. I would of course have to become educated in writing. My participles not only dangle, most outright hang themselves. Commas and llamas all seem the same to me. The only ‘grammer’ I have ever known spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking pies.
And I could just imagine the look on the faces of all of those that I used to spend a lot of time with and know that I have seen the truth and don’t buy into their scripted rationalizations, such as “the District is too big for everyone to get the correct information.” I could provide the information for them, but no one is going to tell them what to do, much less how to do it.
Today in the Tampa Tribune, we have this: All Students, Athletes Included, Are Entitled To School Choice.
It restates what I said here: Footballs, Business Cards, Gavels and Scientific Method and bolsters the need for the District to pay attention to appropriate numbers that I mentioned here: Numbers and Coke Leave One Out of Touch with Reality.
This paragraph drew my attention: "It's interesting to note, however, that while Hillsborough coaches claim to know other coaches who have broken the transfer rules, none has the courage to report the details to the district for investigation. It's hard to have sympathy for coaches and schools unwilling to police themselves."
I was a founding member of the Superintendents ESE Advisory Council. While acting in the capacity as President of same, I was told straight forwardly by a District representative that the District did not need policing. I assume that those who are keenly aware of the difficulties facing all of those involved in ESE issues silently plead for some accountability.
It may be a complete surprise to some that I possess a degree in Sociology. The only time I used it for gainful employment was during my stint with the University of Miami. While I have retired a few times already, it would be fun to be an investigative reporter delving into the networking of the HCDS. Ferreting out how the District runs their business of education would be intriguing. Instead of me being a keyboard mocking critic, I could be a professional gumshoe.
So maybe I should put in a formal job application. I would of course have to become educated in writing. My participles not only dangle, most outright hang themselves. Commas and llamas all seem the same to me. The only ‘grammer’ I have ever known spent a lot of time in the kitchen baking pies.
And I could just imagine the look on the faces of all of those that I used to spend a lot of time with and know that I have seen the truth and don’t buy into their scripted rationalizations, such as “the District is too big for everyone to get the correct information.” I could provide the information for them, but no one is going to tell them what to do, much less how to do it.
Saturday, February 9, 2008
Science and Faith
"You came riding in on the sunrise
On a hot west Texas day
With a fancy man in a painted wagon
With some fancy things to say
Looks like you folks need some water
Well water is my game
And for the small price of $100.00
I bet you I could make it rain" - Tanya Tucker
If one does not believe that faith and science are intertwined, I submit that one does not understand human nature.
Creationism and Evolutionism depend on both faith and science to maintain their stance.
In today's news we read this: Tooth Scan Reveals Neanderthal Mobility
How many have faith that this is scientific fact that a 40,0000 year old tooth grew up 12.5 miles from where it was found. That is not a rhetorical question, either.
Because we also have this: Special Cable to THE NEW YORK TIMES December 22, 1913
"LONDON. Dec. 21.–A race of ape-like and speechless man, inhabiting England hundreds of thousands of years ago, when they had for their neighbors the mastodon and other animals now extinct is the missing link in the chain in man's evolution, which leading scientists say they have discovered in what is generally described as "the Sussex skull." To this Dr. Woodward proposes to give the name of "eoanthropus," or "man of dawn."
We can assume that there was faith as well as dissention about this report. For 41 years. Until this: The "Piltdown Man" is a famous hoax
Some people are of the opinion that if money and people are involved, nothing is sacred.
Understanding cause and effect is extremely difficult within the human brain. Shakespeare wrote about it, too. It had to do with chickens at a baseball game. And then there was Chicken Little. I am not sure if Chicken Little was making money off of carbon footprints, but he might have been "in the bread pin, pickin' out dough" (Charlie Daniels).
"Hey Lizzy
Well a man's gotta have a dream
And if you can't walk on the inside with me
I'll meet you in between
Oh come with me Lizzy
And the stars will write your name
And if you still think I'm lying to you
Look yonder there comes the rain"
On a hot west Texas day
With a fancy man in a painted wagon
With some fancy things to say
Looks like you folks need some water
Well water is my game
And for the small price of $100.00
I bet you I could make it rain" - Tanya Tucker
If one does not believe that faith and science are intertwined, I submit that one does not understand human nature.
Creationism and Evolutionism depend on both faith and science to maintain their stance.
In today's news we read this: Tooth Scan Reveals Neanderthal Mobility
How many have faith that this is scientific fact that a 40,0000 year old tooth grew up 12.5 miles from where it was found. That is not a rhetorical question, either.
Because we also have this: Special Cable to THE NEW YORK TIMES December 22, 1913
"LONDON. Dec. 21.–A race of ape-like and speechless man, inhabiting England hundreds of thousands of years ago, when they had for their neighbors the mastodon and other animals now extinct is the missing link in the chain in man's evolution, which leading scientists say they have discovered in what is generally described as "the Sussex skull." To this Dr. Woodward proposes to give the name of "eoanthropus," or "man of dawn."
We can assume that there was faith as well as dissention about this report. For 41 years. Until this: The "Piltdown Man" is a famous hoax
Some people are of the opinion that if money and people are involved, nothing is sacred.
Understanding cause and effect is extremely difficult within the human brain. Shakespeare wrote about it, too. It had to do with chickens at a baseball game. And then there was Chicken Little. I am not sure if Chicken Little was making money off of carbon footprints, but he might have been "in the bread pin, pickin' out dough" (Charlie Daniels).
"Hey Lizzy
Well a man's gotta have a dream
And if you can't walk on the inside with me
I'll meet you in between
Oh come with me Lizzy
And the stars will write your name
And if you still think I'm lying to you
Look yonder there comes the rain"
911, Faith, Education and A Wolf
This morning I hear this news:
Woman Dies In Fire As 911 Malfunctions - Local News Story - WCAU | Philadelphia
The other day, I heard this news: Hay Baler Injures Plant City Man
Regarding the woman, the media reports that the woman was put on hold and there was a 41 second delay. I will assume that upon hearing that the woman was smoking in bed, some will say she had it coming. The fact that she was disabled may also make it easy for some people to rationalize the tragedy. The fact remains that the woman had faith that dialing 911 was her best choice.
Regarding the Plant City man, I was told there was a delay in the first 911 response because the first intake person did not know what a baler was. The call was done by the man whose head was caught in the baler. I imagine in a time of thinking death is going to happen any second, one might not think clearly enough to come up for another word for a piece of equipment that is common knowledge to those who work with it every day, no matter how well trained they are. He is a retired Tampa Fire Rescue Captain. Since the other man was in front of the tractor, he didn't know what had happened for a few seconds. This other man's 911 call instructed the intake person as to the exact, specific rescue equipment needed. I was told that this intake worker did not have faith that the caller was competent to make those decisions, despite being told that this second caller himself was a Tampa Fire Rescue Employee. The second caller was the son of the man caught in the baler. The son was finally able to get to a person that could speak his professional language. In the end, the needed response happened. I have been to see the man that was trapped. He is my brother-in-law. I assume the term farmer will be used as a rationalization for this near tragic event.
There is much discussion within the Florida education system about Evolution and Creationism. I learned a long time ago, when people are arguing either the obvious or something that doesn’t make sense, there is a hidden agenda on at least one side, and maybe both. My best first stab at it, giving up major considerations, is I don't understand why someone wants to mix natural science and social science. One major consideration is defining creationism within the context of science. There is one thing that can be said about Evolutionist and Creationist and that is they both have faith. They have faith that they are right.
My fear is that this ongoing argument is more about attacks and defense of one’s faith than it is about science. As time goes on, the integrity of each sides faith will be weakened or destroyed. Just as the little boy who cried wolf, eventually few will have faith about the systems and people that are involved in this dispute.
""Even when liars tell the truth, they are never believed. The liar will lie once, twice, and then perish when he tells the truth.""
The more 911 callers and 911 operators act in a manner that each side loses faith, the system will fail. The more public education systems and those who interact with it act in a manner that each side loses faith, it will fail. As was astutely pointed out by a board member at a recent board meeting.
Just like all of the other outside factors that effect what goes on inside a classroom, I think the discussion should be more about what is driving the need for the conflict.
Woman Dies In Fire As 911 Malfunctions - Local News Story - WCAU | Philadelphia
The other day, I heard this news: Hay Baler Injures Plant City Man
Regarding the woman, the media reports that the woman was put on hold and there was a 41 second delay. I will assume that upon hearing that the woman was smoking in bed, some will say she had it coming. The fact that she was disabled may also make it easy for some people to rationalize the tragedy. The fact remains that the woman had faith that dialing 911 was her best choice.
Regarding the Plant City man, I was told there was a delay in the first 911 response because the first intake person did not know what a baler was. The call was done by the man whose head was caught in the baler. I imagine in a time of thinking death is going to happen any second, one might not think clearly enough to come up for another word for a piece of equipment that is common knowledge to those who work with it every day, no matter how well trained they are. He is a retired Tampa Fire Rescue Captain. Since the other man was in front of the tractor, he didn't know what had happened for a few seconds. This other man's 911 call instructed the intake person as to the exact, specific rescue equipment needed. I was told that this intake worker did not have faith that the caller was competent to make those decisions, despite being told that this second caller himself was a Tampa Fire Rescue Employee. The second caller was the son of the man caught in the baler. The son was finally able to get to a person that could speak his professional language. In the end, the needed response happened. I have been to see the man that was trapped. He is my brother-in-law. I assume the term farmer will be used as a rationalization for this near tragic event.
There is much discussion within the Florida education system about Evolution and Creationism. I learned a long time ago, when people are arguing either the obvious or something that doesn’t make sense, there is a hidden agenda on at least one side, and maybe both. My best first stab at it, giving up major considerations, is I don't understand why someone wants to mix natural science and social science. One major consideration is defining creationism within the context of science. There is one thing that can be said about Evolutionist and Creationist and that is they both have faith. They have faith that they are right.
My fear is that this ongoing argument is more about attacks and defense of one’s faith than it is about science. As time goes on, the integrity of each sides faith will be weakened or destroyed. Just as the little boy who cried wolf, eventually few will have faith about the systems and people that are involved in this dispute.
""Even when liars tell the truth, they are never believed. The liar will lie once, twice, and then perish when he tells the truth.""
The more 911 callers and 911 operators act in a manner that each side loses faith, the system will fail. The more public education systems and those who interact with it act in a manner that each side loses faith, it will fail. As was astutely pointed out by a board member at a recent board meeting.
Just like all of the other outside factors that effect what goes on inside a classroom, I think the discussion should be more about what is driving the need for the conflict.
Numbers and Coke Leave One Out of Touch with Reality
Listening to a school board meeting can be tasking, waiting to get to the good stuff.
Recently I have written about how the District seems to never know the numbers when asked publicly. One has to assume that they have the numbers, but it depends on who is asking.
I found it interesting that when the discussion of missing laptops came up, no numbers were given. We did hear the ever present positive spin that "it's getting better." Educators, teachers and business people should be curious how "better" is defined. Percentage better? Statistically significant better? Rumor mill finger-in-the-air better? How did someone know "it's getting better" if some numbers were not at least guessed at by someone.
When the discussion about coke machines coming up on the chopping block came up, it reminded me of the below post. It had to do with numbers, also.
Get Your Fat Ass Off The Bus -But Buy a Pepsi When You Get To School
Recently I have written about how the District seems to never know the numbers when asked publicly. One has to assume that they have the numbers, but it depends on who is asking.
I found it interesting that when the discussion of missing laptops came up, no numbers were given. We did hear the ever present positive spin that "it's getting better." Educators, teachers and business people should be curious how "better" is defined. Percentage better? Statistically significant better? Rumor mill finger-in-the-air better? How did someone know "it's getting better" if some numbers were not at least guessed at by someone.
When the discussion about coke machines coming up on the chopping block came up, it reminded me of the below post. It had to do with numbers, also.
Get Your Fat Ass Off The Bus -But Buy a Pepsi When You Get To School
Thursday, February 7, 2008
It's Not What You Say, It's The Fact That You Said It
Once again, time will tell.
A decade or so ago, I was called in to the big office down town a couple of times for things I was saying and doing. I was given some sage advice: It wasn't what I was saying, it was how I was saying it. We country boys know what that means. It took me a few years to realize that sometimes it didn't matter how I said it, it was the fact that I said it.
I know the District wants to be seen as professional. Imagine if you will where the District and a parent are at odds about an issue. The issue is outside of the classroom, in fact it has to do with transportation. So the parent and the District have a meeting. I learned a long time ago a good litmus test to determine the level of problem a parent is becoming is to see how many higher level people come to a meeting, even when the parent doesn't know they are going to be there. Having a union rep there means the parent must be stepping on some toes.
Suppose the District personnel say that what they are doing, or not doing, is based on "District Policy". Suppose the parent asks to see a written copy of the policy. Suppose the District's response is they don't have to provide anything in writing to the parent.
I wasn't there at the meeting today. This could all be another one of those made up dramatic, tearful stories. The fact that this same event happened to me a few times in the past does have some effect on how much credence I give to thinking it really did happen. Again.
Time will tell.
A decade or so ago, I was called in to the big office down town a couple of times for things I was saying and doing. I was given some sage advice: It wasn't what I was saying, it was how I was saying it. We country boys know what that means. It took me a few years to realize that sometimes it didn't matter how I said it, it was the fact that I said it.
I know the District wants to be seen as professional. Imagine if you will where the District and a parent are at odds about an issue. The issue is outside of the classroom, in fact it has to do with transportation. So the parent and the District have a meeting. I learned a long time ago a good litmus test to determine the level of problem a parent is becoming is to see how many higher level people come to a meeting, even when the parent doesn't know they are going to be there. Having a union rep there means the parent must be stepping on some toes.
Suppose the District personnel say that what they are doing, or not doing, is based on "District Policy". Suppose the parent asks to see a written copy of the policy. Suppose the District's response is they don't have to provide anything in writing to the parent.
I wasn't there at the meeting today. This could all be another one of those made up dramatic, tearful stories. The fact that this same event happened to me a few times in the past does have some effect on how much credence I give to thinking it really did happen. Again.
Time will tell.
Footballs, Business Cards, Gavels and Scientific Method
This article in today's Tampa Tribune enlightens us in to the daily struggles that face our public education system of today. These struggles probably have been going on for a while, but now that the stakes are higher, the faltering sense of control may be making the stirred muck more noticeable.
2 Districts Limit Athlete Transfers
I am becoming aware that within the public education system there are a few people who at least take education and teaching as a very serious matter. I imagine this is a reflection of how seriously they took their efforts to obtain a position within a public school system, and they are quick to defend any perceived unfair, and sometimes fair, criticism of the system.
What may be unfair to these real professionals is that there may be a belief by those who are in decision making positions that education and teaching just happens. Attention to processes and mechanisms that will ensure and promote education and teaching may not be a priority.
One who follows along various concerns about our local education system may recall that there have been concerns about teachers, nurses, school bus drivers, contracts, and athlete transfers. Each of these areas has at least two common components of numbers and money.
I will concede that education is not a business, 'cause I don't want to argue anymore. However, it is difficult to understand how education and teaching can be effective as a whole if someone isn't paying attention to how the business of the system is monitored.
Within the article, we find this paragraph:
"District coaches told The Tampa Tribune that shopping for an athletic program is common and increasing. But Hillsborough County officials said they do not know how many athletes in the district are on special assignments to schools outside their assigned boundaries or how many moved into a new boundary to play a sport."
The phrase "they do not know how many" seems to be a common denominator in all of the aforementioned issues. It brings reason to wonder just what numbers they pay attention to. I am sure it isn't Avagadro's.
Using special assignments as an example of how major decisions are made without any science of reasoning is almost laughable, if not so disconcerting. A student who is asking for a special assignment because the school they want to get into has a particular educational setting that they want or need might go far in enhancing the education and teaching purposes of the system. A student who is given a special assignment so they can hang out with "tbf" may in fact have a negative consequence on the education and teaching purposes of the system.
What I don't understand, again from a business perspective, is that there seems to be money and time spent in a decision making process that there appears to be no accountability for. If the one's with the gavel have to take time to confirm a decision made by a group that doesn't know if kids are going to the science lab or the football field, why bother.
PS or update or whatever - It should be of utmost importance to those who are serious about the serious goals of education and teaching, that the above example leans heavily towards a convincing argument that it is "who you know" instead of "how many" and other vital variables that one should know to make an educated decision, whether it be in the best interest of teaching or business. I have seen the rebuke from the dias by some when one questions "those who should know"'s knowledge of "how many", so maybe it truly is the "who".
2 Districts Limit Athlete Transfers
I am becoming aware that within the public education system there are a few people who at least take education and teaching as a very serious matter. I imagine this is a reflection of how seriously they took their efforts to obtain a position within a public school system, and they are quick to defend any perceived unfair, and sometimes fair, criticism of the system.
What may be unfair to these real professionals is that there may be a belief by those who are in decision making positions that education and teaching just happens. Attention to processes and mechanisms that will ensure and promote education and teaching may not be a priority.
One who follows along various concerns about our local education system may recall that there have been concerns about teachers, nurses, school bus drivers, contracts, and athlete transfers. Each of these areas has at least two common components of numbers and money.
I will concede that education is not a business, 'cause I don't want to argue anymore. However, it is difficult to understand how education and teaching can be effective as a whole if someone isn't paying attention to how the business of the system is monitored.
Within the article, we find this paragraph:
"District coaches told The Tampa Tribune that shopping for an athletic program is common and increasing. But Hillsborough County officials said they do not know how many athletes in the district are on special assignments to schools outside their assigned boundaries or how many moved into a new boundary to play a sport."
The phrase "they do not know how many" seems to be a common denominator in all of the aforementioned issues. It brings reason to wonder just what numbers they pay attention to. I am sure it isn't Avagadro's.
Using special assignments as an example of how major decisions are made without any science of reasoning is almost laughable, if not so disconcerting. A student who is asking for a special assignment because the school they want to get into has a particular educational setting that they want or need might go far in enhancing the education and teaching purposes of the system. A student who is given a special assignment so they can hang out with "tbf" may in fact have a negative consequence on the education and teaching purposes of the system.
What I don't understand, again from a business perspective, is that there seems to be money and time spent in a decision making process that there appears to be no accountability for. If the one's with the gavel have to take time to confirm a decision made by a group that doesn't know if kids are going to the science lab or the football field, why bother.
PS or update or whatever - It should be of utmost importance to those who are serious about the serious goals of education and teaching, that the above example leans heavily towards a convincing argument that it is "who you know" instead of "how many" and other vital variables that one should know to make an educated decision, whether it be in the best interest of teaching or business. I have seen the rebuke from the dias by some when one questions "those who should know"'s knowledge of "how many", so maybe it truly is the "who".
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Well Shoot, Maybe Guns and Schools Just Ought To Get Along
Some of us are strung pretty tight and fail to see the humor amidst the pathos. I think I am unwinding as the years get along. After my morning rituals of winding the cat and putting out the clock, making coffee and going to McDonald's because I didn't get breakfast food this week, I settled down to read about the world.
I don't usually burst out laughing but I did when I read this:
US state weighing gun lessons for schoolchildren
What is missing is the slick marketing. No slimy backwoods camouflaged buttering of one's side of the bread here. No sir-ee bob. This guy Billy Wayne Bailey just comes right out and says it straight: "Hunting is an economic and cultural thing". And the state needs money.
I have to think that Mr. Bailey as a kid was probably called "Bee Dubya". All we southern boys know we were given nicknames of initials so our parents would be proud we could spell our name when we went off to the big school. I went to school with A.J., L.B. and C.W.. Girls had it tougher, especially Mary Lou Ellen. I digress.
I am wondering at what point West Virginia is going to address the zero tolerance policy of guns and weapons on a public school site. Maybe the promise of money will just blow that issue to smithereens. Also, why have gun class during P.E. If we are going to make it educationally relevant (and what isn’t), why not have gun class during History or some type of Political Science class? Or maybe during physics. The best hunters I know can tell you the drop per distance ratio of each of the different cartridges they will be using. Elevation and windage are critical variables to understand and must be calculated instantly without a computer.
I once took my shiny, cut-paper-without-slicing sharp XXX Case knife complete with fancy leather sheath to high school. I used it as a prop for my character in Macbeth. That was in the late 60’s. I doubt that would fly today, no matter how engaged in learning a student may be. The only time I took a gun to school was when my first grade teacher told us she was going to teach us how to draw.
I don't usually burst out laughing but I did when I read this:
US state weighing gun lessons for schoolchildren
What is missing is the slick marketing. No slimy backwoods camouflaged buttering of one's side of the bread here. No sir-ee bob. This guy Billy Wayne Bailey just comes right out and says it straight: "Hunting is an economic and cultural thing". And the state needs money.
I have to think that Mr. Bailey as a kid was probably called "Bee Dubya". All we southern boys know we were given nicknames of initials so our parents would be proud we could spell our name when we went off to the big school. I went to school with A.J., L.B. and C.W.. Girls had it tougher, especially Mary Lou Ellen. I digress.
I am wondering at what point West Virginia is going to address the zero tolerance policy of guns and weapons on a public school site. Maybe the promise of money will just blow that issue to smithereens. Also, why have gun class during P.E. If we are going to make it educationally relevant (and what isn’t), why not have gun class during History or some type of Political Science class? Or maybe during physics. The best hunters I know can tell you the drop per distance ratio of each of the different cartridges they will be using. Elevation and windage are critical variables to understand and must be calculated instantly without a computer.
I once took my shiny, cut-paper-without-slicing sharp XXX Case knife complete with fancy leather sheath to high school. I used it as a prop for my character in Macbeth. That was in the late 60’s. I doubt that would fly today, no matter how engaged in learning a student may be. The only time I took a gun to school was when my first grade teacher told us she was going to teach us how to draw.
Saturday, February 2, 2008
At Least They Are Not Bringing In Private Enterprise
More principal, less police
This is one of those times where even when I see both sides of the coin, I can't make heads or tails of it.
What real function is behind a school system bringing in a police force? Is it for education or teaching purposes? Is it for the lessening of liability? Is it some reciprocity of business relations?
It is interesting that the article points out that some principals freely and perhaps eagerly hand over their responsibility to an ouside agency. The actions of the principals and of the police do give a clear message to parents, no matter how irresponsible parents are. It presents a confusing message of who is really in charge in a public school setting. One may assume that the principals and police are not waisting any more resources on engaging the parents, and why should they. Unless maybe the kid is a good athelete.
One thing may be said for sure is that police are not telling the educators what to do and how to do it. So why should they be there?
This is one of those times where even when I see both sides of the coin, I can't make heads or tails of it.
What real function is behind a school system bringing in a police force? Is it for education or teaching purposes? Is it for the lessening of liability? Is it some reciprocity of business relations?
It is interesting that the article points out that some principals freely and perhaps eagerly hand over their responsibility to an ouside agency. The actions of the principals and of the police do give a clear message to parents, no matter how irresponsible parents are. It presents a confusing message of who is really in charge in a public school setting. One may assume that the principals and police are not waisting any more resources on engaging the parents, and why should they. Unless maybe the kid is a good athelete.
One thing may be said for sure is that police are not telling the educators what to do and how to do it. So why should they be there?
Friday, February 1, 2008
Now Parents are in the Business of Something
During the heated debate about who controls who controls what goes on in a classroom under the name of education or teaching, into the mix comes another variable.
In today's Tampa Tribune we see this headline: Teen Athlete Transfers Like 'Free Agency'
The article explores the issue of high school athletes using the school system simply as a means to some type of athletic objective. This objective could be in the form of playing rather than sitting on the bench, playing for a winning team and the accolades that this affords or perhaps the objective is to use the high school system as preparation for the future.
Imagine using a public school system for personal gain or preparation for the future.
And then there is this statement: ""Parents view high school athletics as a business," said Garcia …”.
But they can't own up to it: "Under Florida High School Athletic Association rules, parents must sign an affidavit saying a child is not transferring because of athletic recruitment."
And the coaches are held to a high degree of ethical standards: "Coaches are prohibited from recruiting under FHSAA rules, but some Hillsborough coaches say it happens routinely. None admit to doing it, but all said they know others who do."
Wink, wink. Cough, cough.
It appears to me that there is some kind of business going on in the name of education or teaching, whether it is on the athletic field, the classroom, the magnet school or the ATOSS room. This isn't about kids wanting out of the system. This is about kids wanting into the system.
What is becoming clear is that the issue isn’t whether education, teaching or business is or isn’t happening, but the real issue is who is going to control it. In this obviously intense arena of social concern, who is going to control the athletes?
Is control going to come from the Florida High School Athletic Association, the School Board, the district director who makes recommendations for special assignments along with the two administrators above him, the principal, the coach, the teacher, the parent or the student?
Once everyone agrees who is really in control of this decision, who will stand up and take the responsibility for it? Maybe this statement indicates there is some fear in being responsible: "At the same time, however, Olson suggested that perhaps the district should "go back to giving principals more authority" over student transfers." Am I missing something, or don't most principals spend more time at football games than in classrooms? There goes the fishing trips and fine dining for the district director along with the two administrators above him.
Once someone steps up and takes responsibility for these decisions, which one of the following will ultimately be responsible for what the decision is?
The Florida High School Athletic Association, the School Board, the district director who makes recommendations for special assignments along with the two administrators above him, the principal, the coach, the teacher, the parent or the student?
In today's Tampa Tribune we see this headline: Teen Athlete Transfers Like 'Free Agency'
The article explores the issue of high school athletes using the school system simply as a means to some type of athletic objective. This objective could be in the form of playing rather than sitting on the bench, playing for a winning team and the accolades that this affords or perhaps the objective is to use the high school system as preparation for the future.
Imagine using a public school system for personal gain or preparation for the future.
And then there is this statement: ""Parents view high school athletics as a business," said Garcia …”.
But they can't own up to it: "Under Florida High School Athletic Association rules, parents must sign an affidavit saying a child is not transferring because of athletic recruitment."
And the coaches are held to a high degree of ethical standards: "Coaches are prohibited from recruiting under FHSAA rules, but some Hillsborough coaches say it happens routinely. None admit to doing it, but all said they know others who do."
Wink, wink. Cough, cough.
It appears to me that there is some kind of business going on in the name of education or teaching, whether it is on the athletic field, the classroom, the magnet school or the ATOSS room. This isn't about kids wanting out of the system. This is about kids wanting into the system.
What is becoming clear is that the issue isn’t whether education, teaching or business is or isn’t happening, but the real issue is who is going to control it. In this obviously intense arena of social concern, who is going to control the athletes?
Is control going to come from the Florida High School Athletic Association, the School Board, the district director who makes recommendations for special assignments along with the two administrators above him, the principal, the coach, the teacher, the parent or the student?
Once everyone agrees who is really in control of this decision, who will stand up and take the responsibility for it? Maybe this statement indicates there is some fear in being responsible: "At the same time, however, Olson suggested that perhaps the district should "go back to giving principals more authority" over student transfers." Am I missing something, or don't most principals spend more time at football games than in classrooms? There goes the fishing trips and fine dining for the district director along with the two administrators above him.
Once someone steps up and takes responsibility for these decisions, which one of the following will ultimately be responsible for what the decision is?
The Florida High School Athletic Association, the School Board, the district director who makes recommendations for special assignments along with the two administrators above him, the principal, the coach, the teacher, the parent or the student?
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