I will assume that most of you reading this are looking for the next dirt on Alafia Elementary, if not just the launching pad to The Alafia Blog spot. I will submit at this point that you, be it parent or employee, are being selfish if you don't understand the big picture.
Alafia Elementary is a gigantic dot, but unless those who are concerned connect it with the big picture, we will miss a golden opportunity to bring about positive educational outcomes for our students.
It is the systemic issues that need attention.
Most of the key people who flat out lied to me are gone. It appears that I was not an isolated incident after all.
It is difficult for me as a parent who dealt with years of lies and obfuscation to have empathy for a system that is, in my opinion, more about an image than professional education substance.
I would ask that all concerned expand the below comments to the entire Hillsborough County Public School system. Most communities or families do not have the needed resources to challenge the system.
Keep that in mind - if the system isn't fixed, this will just be another isolated incident, just like the thousands of broad-brushed-malcontents-such-as-I.
Alafia Elementary School: Can Mrs. Smith be taught 'People Skills'?: "Anonymous said...
Ms Smith came to Seffner in an 'untraditional' route. Normally a person is an assistant principal for years and is reviewed and trained to assume the roll of school principal. Ellyn, on the other hand, was 'downtown' a supevisor. She was sent to Seffner where she destroyed a wonderful school. If anyone cared there are MANY current and former Seffner teachers who would be happy to talk to anyone. Ask youeself WHY was she removed from downrown. Who and what does she know that protects her in the school system.
November 30, 2008 3:06 PM
Anonymous said...
The answers to those questions as to why was she pulled from downtown may be the reason why there is no place to put her. Anyone who has any sense (although HCPS don't seem to have much) would know that transferring her to another school isn't an option. If they don't want her downtown, the only other route would be to fire her. Let's see if they have the guts to do it.
November 30, 2008 3:45 PM
Anonymous said...
This woman has consistently proven herself to be a poor leader. There is no 'fixing' her. Read the following article (see link below) on bullying bosses. I bet there are several teachers who could identify many tactics that were used to control both faculty and parents. We need to keep digging too regarding Elia's drive to protect her. There is definitely something shady that lurks behind this relationship.
Academic Leadership The Bullying Boss
November 30, 2008 3:51 PM"
Sunday, November 30, 2008
Friday, November 28, 2008
Who Would Have Ever Thought That A Casting Room Couch And A Gator Pit Would Be Allies
As one who came from the ranks of the trusting public to one who finally saw the twisted, dark side of the system for what it is, I seem to perceive an increased understanding by others who are enlightened.
There are plenty of dots to connect to make the big picture. For those who don't get it, it could be you as an employee or parent who could next be drug into the abyss. My background is wallering around in the muck and the mud of special education issues. I know many people who "changed sides of the tables" - ie: they were employees of the system and then had a kid with disabilities. More than one has come back to me to say they now understood what I am about.
There are two publications today that gained my attention:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: Mr. Smiley, May Cowdung Be Rained on Your Head and May Your Fields Lie Fallow in Perpetuity
Alafia Elementary parents vent to superintendent about principal - St. Petersburg Times:
Keep connecting the dots. Both of these commentary's are backed by resources that are necessary to take the system on. And it is not money.
It is time and intellect.
Both of these sources have the ability to see through the parsing of words and obfuscation of the truth. Both of these sources are destined to come together, and many people may well benefit from their efforts.
While Lee has life experiences that back her intuition, the Gator gang blog site has comments that demonstrate that some of them see the little picture as well as the big picture.
To ask "why" is a great question. To find out "how it happened" is the only way to fix it.
There are plenty of dots to connect to make the big picture. For those who don't get it, it could be you as an employee or parent who could next be drug into the abyss. My background is wallering around in the muck and the mud of special education issues. I know many people who "changed sides of the tables" - ie: they were employees of the system and then had a kid with disabilities. More than one has come back to me to say they now understood what I am about.
There are two publications today that gained my attention:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: Mr. Smiley, May Cowdung Be Rained on Your Head and May Your Fields Lie Fallow in Perpetuity
Alafia Elementary parents vent to superintendent about principal - St. Petersburg Times:
Keep connecting the dots. Both of these commentary's are backed by resources that are necessary to take the system on. And it is not money.
It is time and intellect.
Both of these sources have the ability to see through the parsing of words and obfuscation of the truth. Both of these sources are destined to come together, and many people may well benefit from their efforts.
While Lee has life experiences that back her intuition, the Gator gang blog site has comments that demonstrate that some of them see the little picture as well as the big picture.
To ask "why" is a great question. To find out "how it happened" is the only way to fix it.
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Will The Alafia Elementary Public and Public School Sing Kumbayah Soon?
In yesterday's Tribune, there were two articles written, as best as I can tell. After my recent misread of a post date, I am trying to make sure I am reading the correct dates. Two articles, just like the events playing out at Alafia Elementary, are unusual.
In this article Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
we read comments attributed to Ms. Elia:
I would love to know what "the system" thinks should have been done differently. The true answer to that question would reveal the truth of how the District views it's relationship with the public and it's employees. Would "the system" have put more effort into squashing the beginning of the discontent or would "the system" ameliorated the issues by bringing in supportive resources in the fashion that they are now, only then it would have been seen as pro-active.
Then there is this:
I am curious as to what defines "out of control". I have witnessed "public uprisings" for years, usually around the issue of boundary changes. Countless times, the District goes through the charade of asking for public input, only to end up with what their plan was from the beginning. For some reason, this issue did not go the usual course that the District is accustom to. Usually time takes care of the isolated parents that are complaining and the District continues on, secure with it's power. Something different happened here.
And then there is this:
The full quote is this:
I have been in several contesting situations with "the system" over the years. I have seen what it takes to move them off their position, and "they" don't like to move. It is a hell of a position for one of them to be in when someone "has to fix it".
On to the next article:
The post date of this article just seems like it doesn't fit. It has been six days since the meeting, and most of this is old news. Except for one thing.
On the side of the article are the links to the gator pit.
I must say I am seeing things I thought would never happen. Over the years, I have more than once written and spoke to various members of the local media and asked in many different ways that they perform their duty in ferreting out the truth about our local education agency. As some of you have recently seen, there is usually a world of difference in what you read in the Tribune compared to what you read in the Times about the same event here in HCPS.
The public deserves to know the truth. The school employees deserve to know the truth. I have said previously I don't know what happened at Alafia Elementary, but what we can see is that the usual course of events have changed dramatically.
In this article Alafia Principal, Parents Begin Reconciliation
we read comments attributed to Ms. Elia:
"'We thought we were working on this issue. We obviously weren't doing it the way we needed to be doing it............."
I would love to know what "the system" thinks should have been done differently. The true answer to that question would reveal the truth of how the District views it's relationship with the public and it's employees. Would "the system" have put more effort into squashing the beginning of the discontent or would "the system" ameliorated the issues by bringing in supportive resources in the fashion that they are now, only then it would have been seen as pro-active.
Then there is this:
....""I think part of this got out of control for all of us."
I am curious as to what defines "out of control". I have witnessed "public uprisings" for years, usually around the issue of boundary changes. Countless times, the District goes through the charade of asking for public input, only to end up with what their plan was from the beginning. For some reason, this issue did not go the usual course that the District is accustom to. Usually time takes care of the isolated parents that are complaining and the District continues on, secure with it's power. Something different happened here.
And then there is this:
"She's got to fix it."
The full quote is this:
"I've accepted responsibility, and I've also accepted responsibility for the principal," she said. "She's got to fix it."
I have been in several contesting situations with "the system" over the years. I have seen what it takes to move them off their position, and "they" don't like to move. It is a hell of a position for one of them to be in when someone "has to fix it".
On to the next article:
Parents Complain About Alafia Elementary Principal
The post date of this article just seems like it doesn't fit. It has been six days since the meeting, and most of this is old news. Except for one thing.
On the side of the article are the links to the gator pit.
I must say I am seeing things I thought would never happen. Over the years, I have more than once written and spoke to various members of the local media and asked in many different ways that they perform their duty in ferreting out the truth about our local education agency. As some of you have recently seen, there is usually a world of difference in what you read in the Tribune compared to what you read in the Times about the same event here in HCPS.
The public deserves to know the truth. The school employees deserve to know the truth. I have said previously I don't know what happened at Alafia Elementary, but what we can see is that the usual course of events have changed dramatically.
Writing On The Wall
Happy Thanksgiving.
There is an anon comment on the below link to The Wall about knowing statutes. Perhaps it should be made clear to anyone who wants to obtain accountability from "the system", that it is imperative that you learn the real rules of the game that is being played.
I don't know a thing about teacher contracts, union agreements and don't even know how to spell CTA. There was a time in my life when I couldn't spell IEP, either. However, as circumstances came about, I now know a lot about IDEA, because it was the rule book that I had to play with.
Another bit of advice. I learned the Federal perspective of IDEA first, therefore when I got down to the watered down propaganda of local policy/smolicy, I could tell the difference between dazzle and baffle. Therefore, learn the real rules of the teacher game, and not some pamphlet that may be more myth than true substance.
TheWall: A DISTURBING TREND
And, Happy Thanksgiving.
There is an anon comment on the below link to The Wall about knowing statutes. Perhaps it should be made clear to anyone who wants to obtain accountability from "the system", that it is imperative that you learn the real rules of the game that is being played.
I don't know a thing about teacher contracts, union agreements and don't even know how to spell CTA. There was a time in my life when I couldn't spell IEP, either. However, as circumstances came about, I now know a lot about IDEA, because it was the rule book that I had to play with.
Another bit of advice. I learned the Federal perspective of IDEA first, therefore when I got down to the watered down propaganda of local policy/smolicy, I could tell the difference between dazzle and baffle. Therefore, learn the real rules of the teacher game, and not some pamphlet that may be more myth than true substance.
TheWall: A DISTURBING TREND
And, Happy Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Retaliation Rising In The Ranks
Goader has written an interesting commentary on retaliation in the workplace of the public education system. One part of the puzzle that he is correct about is that the action of retaliation occurs long before the person being retaliated against becomes aware of the true picture. I think it is interesting that parents of children with disabilites have been crying foul for many years.
As a parent of a child with a disability, I am here today because of the acts of retaliation that occurred to my son, my wife, me and school employees of all levels who "sided" with my son. The definition of "sided" would include personal and business relationships and supporting my advocating for an appropriate educational setting for my son in the many different settings he was in from 1990 until he graduated.
I would offer two other underlying reasons for a retaliator to act. One would be when the false image of the system is being attacked. Anyone who dares to speak out about the truth that would wreck the system is assuredly placed on the proverbial chopping block. The other type of retaliation I would identify is when nepotism is being thwarted. Prove me wrong.
It is quite possible that both forms of these types of retaliation have been culturally grown, one being a survival tool and one being born of arrogance.
What may have made the difference in the outcomes for my kid would have been that I followed Lee's advice:
One would have to read the 434 + - posts I have written to grasp the many different things I did to advocate for my son. I had already followed the chain of command and learned that the rungs on that ladder were slippery and some were broken. Early of 1997, I found out that I could purchase a school directory if I went to the second floor of the ROSSAC building. I did so, and I think I paid $6.00 for it. I went through this tome and picked out the names of every division head of a department and every name of someone that had a title associated with special education. In the end there were 169 names and addresses. I wrote a two page letter outlining my concerns about the system, and mailed them off.
Out of the 169 letters, I received two responses. One was an anonymous letter with the address and phone number to the Atlanta Office of Civil Rights. The other was a phone call from a man who wanted to know why I had sent this letter to him. Interestingly, this man and I crossed paths again years later as he had moved up the ladder. The fact that he knew I wasn't just blowing smoke and that I understood more about the game than he did may have worked to my advantage.
Learn the rules, take what they give you and use it to your advantage and be as visible as you can be. It might work.
The Etiology of Workplace Retaliation : EsKay:
"No doubt, the future victim of retaliation did something that the retaliator perceived as threatening to his or her self-esteem."
As a parent of a child with a disability, I am here today because of the acts of retaliation that occurred to my son, my wife, me and school employees of all levels who "sided" with my son. The definition of "sided" would include personal and business relationships and supporting my advocating for an appropriate educational setting for my son in the many different settings he was in from 1990 until he graduated.
I would offer two other underlying reasons for a retaliator to act. One would be when the false image of the system is being attacked. Anyone who dares to speak out about the truth that would wreck the system is assuredly placed on the proverbial chopping block. The other type of retaliation I would identify is when nepotism is being thwarted. Prove me wrong.
It is quite possible that both forms of these types of retaliation have been culturally grown, one being a survival tool and one being born of arrogance.
What may have made the difference in the outcomes for my kid would have been that I followed Lee's advice:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch:
"Hop up and down, complain, bitch, moan, gripe, and boohoo. Keep the spotlight on you. Don't be afraid of looking ridiculous. Ridiculous works. Don’t let the villains get a word in edgewise. lee"
One would have to read the 434 + - posts I have written to grasp the many different things I did to advocate for my son. I had already followed the chain of command and learned that the rungs on that ladder were slippery and some were broken. Early of 1997, I found out that I could purchase a school directory if I went to the second floor of the ROSSAC building. I did so, and I think I paid $6.00 for it. I went through this tome and picked out the names of every division head of a department and every name of someone that had a title associated with special education. In the end there were 169 names and addresses. I wrote a two page letter outlining my concerns about the system, and mailed them off.
Out of the 169 letters, I received two responses. One was an anonymous letter with the address and phone number to the Atlanta Office of Civil Rights. The other was a phone call from a man who wanted to know why I had sent this letter to him. Interestingly, this man and I crossed paths again years later as he had moved up the ladder. The fact that he knew I wasn't just blowing smoke and that I understood more about the game than he did may have worked to my advantage.
Learn the rules, take what they give you and use it to your advantage and be as visible as you can be. It might work.
Monday, November 24, 2008
The Office Of Civil Rights Loves "Group" Complaints
It takes a lot to get the OCR to investigate an individual case. They prefer cases where "classes " of people are effected, or where there is a pattern that is identifiable.
There is a written record of the William Wieser case (Death By Education) and there is a written record of the Doug Erwin case. There is the Birdsall case. They each tell the story of what happens to an HCPS employee when they run afoul of the system.
Those three known cases would be a good base for the start of identifying a group. How many more are out there?
Perhaps there are people who know who these people are, and maybe they would be willing to come forward as a member of a group that was "bit by the hand that feeds them".
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: The Plot Thickens
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: Another Teacher Crucifixion
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: OK: Let's Have Some Ideas
And remember to document, document, document:
PRO on HCPS: Search results for elephant:
"If an elephant came into the IEP meeting, dropped a load right in the middle of the table, no one could ever prove it if it wasn't written in the IEP form or the conference notes. Even when there are teachers, ESE specialists, related service personnel, principals, directors and parents that see the elephant, moved their papers out of the way of the big dump, and smelled the aroma that stunk up the whole room. If it wasn't written, it didn't happen.'"
There is a written record of the William Wieser case (Death By Education) and there is a written record of the Doug Erwin case. There is the Birdsall case. They each tell the story of what happens to an HCPS employee when they run afoul of the system.
Those three known cases would be a good base for the start of identifying a group. How many more are out there?
Perhaps there are people who know who these people are, and maybe they would be willing to come forward as a member of a group that was "bit by the hand that feeds them".
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: The Plot Thickens
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: Another Teacher Crucifixion
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: OK: Let's Have Some Ideas
And remember to document, document, document:
PRO on HCPS: Search results for elephant:
"If an elephant came into the IEP meeting, dropped a load right in the middle of the table, no one could ever prove it if it wasn't written in the IEP form or the conference notes. Even when there are teachers, ESE specialists, related service personnel, principals, directors and parents that see the elephant, moved their papers out of the way of the big dump, and smelled the aroma that stunk up the whole room. If it wasn't written, it didn't happen.'"
Saturday, November 22, 2008
From The Tampa Tribune: Kingswood Teacher Charged With Abusing Student
Kingswood Teacher Charged With Abusing Student
They report you decide, again.
This is an interesting slant provided in this story:
Do we expect to have all of the Kingswood horses and all of the Kingswood men to show up at the next school board meeting, similar to the Alafia Elementary crowd?
The alledged event happened on Wednesday. The actual arrest happened today, three days later.
[correction - I misread the month - it was last month this all went down]
Read the public comments. As with the Alafia Elementary saga, there are comments from apparent parents, apparent teachers and apparent students and apparent ex-students. Unlike the Alafia saga, the ratio of positive vs. negative seems to have an inverse percentage.
One must wonder if the apparent favorable opinion of this particular teacher had some effect on the alledged "minimizing" of the situation by the District.
I don't know much about the inside workings of these things. Perhaps someone can forward this to a Kingswood parent or employee to see if they will share some information, anoymously of course.
Since he was arrested, who pursues this issue - the cops or the District? Does the District do it's own investigation independent of what the cops do?
Was this done to take away from the Alafia debacle? Why would the District not pursue it, but the cops would?
Is this parent seeking gold, and if so, how does that effect how the agencies investigate or not?
So many questions. So little answers. I could make up a few answers, so help guide me in the right direction on this one.
They report you decide, again.
This is an interesting slant provided in this story:
"Treshena Dixon said she reported the situation after the school tried to minimize the situation involving her son, a fifth-grader.
Dixon wrote in an e-mail to The Tampa Tribune that the sheriff's office "seemed reluctant" to arrest the teacher, who "was stating how sorry he was about the situation."
Do we expect to have all of the Kingswood horses and all of the Kingswood men to show up at the next school board meeting, similar to the Alafia Elementary crowd?
The alledged event happened on Wednesday. The actual arrest happened today, three days later.
[correction - I misread the month - it was last month this all went down]
Read the public comments. As with the Alafia Elementary saga, there are comments from apparent parents, apparent teachers and apparent students and apparent ex-students. Unlike the Alafia saga, the ratio of positive vs. negative seems to have an inverse percentage.
One must wonder if the apparent favorable opinion of this particular teacher had some effect on the alledged "minimizing" of the situation by the District.
I don't know much about the inside workings of these things. Perhaps someone can forward this to a Kingswood parent or employee to see if they will share some information, anoymously of course.
Since he was arrested, who pursues this issue - the cops or the District? Does the District do it's own investigation independent of what the cops do?
Was this done to take away from the Alafia debacle? Why would the District not pursue it, but the cops would?
Is this parent seeking gold, and if so, how does that effect how the agencies investigate or not?
So many questions. So little answers. I could make up a few answers, so help guide me in the right direction on this one.
For Everyone That Gripes And Complains About SpEd Kid's Behavior
Motel Special Ed: Dealing with behaviors - Straight from FLDOE
Read with comprehension.
The premise is that under IDEA, public schools are to "teach" behaviors (ie: behavioral intervention plans) when the behavior impedes access to the curriculum of the student or the student's peer's.
So, for all those people who don't understand that disabilities are a reason, not an excuse, and think that non-behaving SpEd kids should just be arrested, that is not how it is supposed to be.
Read the links with comprehension. Read where it says all of this should be before the problem "reach(es) crisis proportions".
Read with comprehension.
The premise is that under IDEA, public schools are to "teach" behaviors (ie: behavioral intervention plans) when the behavior impedes access to the curriculum of the student or the student's peer's.
So, for all those people who don't understand that disabilities are a reason, not an excuse, and think that non-behaving SpEd kids should just be arrested, that is not how it is supposed to be.
Read the links with comprehension. Read where it says all of this should be before the problem "reach(es) crisis proportions".
From The St. Pete Times: Let's not be childish on school holidays - St. Petersburg Times
Let's not be childish on school holidays - St. Petersburg Times
Amazing. I don't make this stuff up. It is there for all to see.
In today's Times:
I just wrote this yesterday:
Blogger: PRO on HCPS - Post a Comment:
"Two of the three were given the Moral Courage Award by Hillsborough County. This is an interesting point because there seems to be a lack of public entity to public entity respect."
This is the point that I laugh when I think about how many meetings I have been to in the last 25 years where a District person says that the District is for "all of the kid's". I think there is a veiled message in that statement. The word "all" is such a double edged sword, especially when you are not in the "all" that is getting what they want.
Amazing. I don't make this stuff up. It is there for all to see.
In today's Times:
"The fracas began years back with tentative talk of days off for other religions (yes, there are others), like a Muslim holiday. But when the School Board moved to sensibly make days off "academic" and not religious, a couple of then-county commissioners went on the conservative TV show The O'Reilly Factor for a national gnashing of teeth. (Bet you could name those commissioners if you tried.)"
I just wrote this yesterday:
Blogger: PRO on HCPS - Post a Comment:
"Two of the three were given the Moral Courage Award by Hillsborough County. This is an interesting point because there seems to be a lack of public entity to public entity respect."
This is the point that I laugh when I think about how many meetings I have been to in the last 25 years where a District person says that the District is for "all of the kid's". I think there is a veiled message in that statement. The word "all" is such a double edged sword, especially when you are not in the "all" that is getting what they want.
Friday, November 21, 2008
District Support When You Need It
In today's Tribune, we have the continuing public posts.
Here is one that sticks out:
Apparently this gator-crawl started last spring. What happened or didn't happen last spring that has allowed the gator eggs to hatch and grow into such a mammoth that would rival the gator that ate New York after it escaped from the sewers?
How come the District resources, which we know there are a lot of, didn't collaborate with the Principal last spring to make gator-egg omelets with a side order of ham?
Was the Principal left to take on the public jabberwock? Why didn't the District stand by the Tumtum tree and when the public came whiffling through the tulgey wood, take out it's vorpal blade and go snicker-snack and leave the public dead?
Last spring was a long time ago to let this issue grow.
Here is one that sticks out:
Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting#comments#comments#comments:
"Posted by ( ILMC ) on 11/21/2008 at 05:12 pm.
I guess we know who momto3 is!The blogspot is completely one-sided. For those of you who say its not are as completely deluded about that as you are many other things. I have posted numerous, valid points without trying to take one side or the other and yet they still don't get posted. It is clear that anyone who is not enraged and hating Mrs. Smith right now rarely gets posted there. The only reason people who believe in Mrs. Smith (who is very committed and intelligent) don't speak out is because we have already been bullied by parents for not joining the bandwagon. How many of us parents were repeatedly approached to sign a petition (even after we said no) and then looked at condescendingly and then bad-mouthed when we chose not to? If we didn't already feel abused, I wonder how many of us would stand up and fight. I guess we're not as hateful of people and don't want to get in battle with the rest of you."
Apparently this gator-crawl started last spring. What happened or didn't happen last spring that has allowed the gator eggs to hatch and grow into such a mammoth that would rival the gator that ate New York after it escaped from the sewers?
How come the District resources, which we know there are a lot of, didn't collaborate with the Principal last spring to make gator-egg omelets with a side order of ham?
Was the Principal left to take on the public jabberwock? Why didn't the District stand by the Tumtum tree and when the public came whiffling through the tulgey wood, take out it's vorpal blade and go snicker-snack and leave the public dead?
Last spring was a long time ago to let this issue grow.
The Gator Gang and The "I Didn't Know" Defense and Holland
I sure hope the Alafia Gator Gang remembers to throw a bone or two to the parents of the kids with disabilities. Every parent is just a conception away from having one of those kids that isn't going to Italy.
With some types of disabilities, you know right out of the chute. With some disabilities, the overwhelming truth comes later in life. Trust me, it is a different world. I will scratch your back if you scratch mine. And for those who don't get it, a disability is a reason, not an excuse.
I was over on the Alafia Blog which seems to be getting a hell of a lot of attention. Here I have been trying to draw attention to the system for over 12 years, and bam, they come along and now it's Alafia this and Alafia that.
Me being the out-of-the-box kind'a guy I am, I thought I would expound on a phrase that I heard was said last night at the Gator Growl - "I didn't know about that".
Looking back, take a look at this Tribune article and you will see this information that was provided by the Tribune:
Complaint Alleges Hillsborough Withheld Services To Students
That sentence resulted in this post of mine:
PRO on HCPS: What Do These People Get Paid To Do?
Following along with the Alafia issues, there are a hell of a lot of people getting paid within the HCPS in the name of "Special Education". Back in the day, I probably knew every one of them, and was on the hiring committee for the first liasons.
If you read the complaint, and see that 47 kids were arrested in one year while attending one of the 7 special education centers the District has, how is it possible that the leader of the schools did not know?
Most parents of disabled kids channel all of their resources into dealing with the kid. They don't have what it takes, and you can see it takes a lot, to deal with a system that doesn't know.
I ask one thing. Read the complaint and grasp the significance of the numbers. Your kid is just a number, too.
With some types of disabilities, you know right out of the chute. With some disabilities, the overwhelming truth comes later in life. Trust me, it is a different world. I will scratch your back if you scratch mine. And for those who don't get it, a disability is a reason, not an excuse.
I was over on the Alafia Blog which seems to be getting a hell of a lot of attention. Here I have been trying to draw attention to the system for over 12 years, and bam, they come along and now it's Alafia this and Alafia that.
Me being the out-of-the-box kind'a guy I am, I thought I would expound on a phrase that I heard was said last night at the Gator Growl - "I didn't know about that".
Looking back, take a look at this Tribune article and you will see this information that was provided by the Tribune:
"Elia said she was surprised when she got notice Monday of the upcoming news conference because she was not aware of the concerns."
Complaint Alleges Hillsborough Withheld Services To Students
That sentence resulted in this post of mine:
PRO on HCPS: What Do These People Get Paid To Do?
Following along with the Alafia issues, there are a hell of a lot of people getting paid within the HCPS in the name of "Special Education". Back in the day, I probably knew every one of them, and was on the hiring committee for the first liasons.
If you read the complaint, and see that 47 kids were arrested in one year while attending one of the 7 special education centers the District has, how is it possible that the leader of the schools did not know?
Most parents of disabled kids channel all of their resources into dealing with the kid. They don't have what it takes, and you can see it takes a lot, to deal with a system that doesn't know.
I ask one thing. Read the complaint and grasp the significance of the numbers. Your kid is just a number, too.
From The Tribune - Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting
Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting:
As always, the public comments add so much meaning (most of the times)
This one got my attention:
"Posted by ( cruzen ) on 11/21/2008 at 07:26 am.
I'm thrilled to know that my tax dollars are being wasted on, 'a 16-member school district assessment team to look into parents' concerns about Smith's leadership skills; Ippolito as Smith's coach/mentor, providing her with leadership training and the people skills she may be lacking; a team of education experts to assess Alafia; and the staff will receive five days of conflict resolution leadership training at Eckerd College, team-building exercises with an opportunity for parents to participate and professional ethics training.Where are the funds coming from to pay for all of this extra training? I don't even have kids in the public school system and my money is going to pay for all of this because parents don't like a principal?!? Just find a new principal and stop wasting taxpayer money."
Like minds think alike. While we all know that a school district has unlimited funds when it comes to defending itself, the public as a whole or as individuals do not.
Maybe that is why we would never see the course of events, playing out since last spring, in schools that don't have the public resources as does Alafia.
As always, the public comments add so much meaning (most of the times)
This one got my attention:
"Posted by ( cruzen ) on 11/21/2008 at 07:26 am.
I'm thrilled to know that my tax dollars are being wasted on, 'a 16-member school district assessment team to look into parents' concerns about Smith's leadership skills; Ippolito as Smith's coach/mentor, providing her with leadership training and the people skills she may be lacking; a team of education experts to assess Alafia; and the staff will receive five days of conflict resolution leadership training at Eckerd College, team-building exercises with an opportunity for parents to participate and professional ethics training.Where are the funds coming from to pay for all of this extra training? I don't even have kids in the public school system and my money is going to pay for all of this because parents don't like a principal?!? Just find a new principal and stop wasting taxpayer money."
Like minds think alike. While we all know that a school district has unlimited funds when it comes to defending itself, the public as a whole or as individuals do not.
Maybe that is why we would never see the course of events, playing out since last spring, in schools that don't have the public resources as does Alafia.
Another Meeting At Alafia Elementary
St. Pete Times Version:
Superintendent gets an earful from Alafia Elementary parents - St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune Version:
Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting
They report, you decide.
Superintendent gets an earful from Alafia Elementary parents - St. Petersburg Times
Tampa Tribune Version:
Parents Level Criticisms At Alafia Principal At Meeting
They report, you decide.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Take a Look over at - Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch:"
Might as well open this up since everyone is so interested in the Alafia Issue.
I will say it again.
Read the book written by an ex-teacher of HCPS - "Death By Education" - William Wieser. - Ex Teacher
Read the Doug Erwin Case. - Ex Administrator
Read the first Whitehead Case. - Ex Parent
One common denominator - retaliation.
Connect the dots.
You may be the next one.
Might as well open this up since everyone is so interested in the Alafia Issue.
I will say it again.
Read the book written by an ex-teacher of HCPS - "Death By Education" - William Wieser. - Ex Teacher
Read the Doug Erwin Case. - Ex Administrator
Read the first Whitehead Case. - Ex Parent
One common denominator - retaliation.
Connect the dots.
You may be the next one.
From The Tribune -2009-10 School Calendar Still In Flux
2009-10 School Calendar Still In Flux
Reading the public comments is fun.
Some are good, some are funny.
It is interesting how the personal preferences of a few differ.
Could you imagine this group being the calendar committee?
Would there be a different outcome?
Reading the public comments is fun.
Some are good, some are funny.
It is interesting how the personal preferences of a few differ.
Could you imagine this group being the calendar committee?
Would there be a different outcome?
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Another Dot
Sticks of Fire: a Tampa blog » Blog Archive » schools moving backwards
The comments on the above link were made almost a year ago. I think at least one of the commenters ended up losing their job. The story about it can be found through searching.
I have written before about the war between public school systems and the public.
This dust up at Alafia is emotionally intense to the ones involved in it. If you take a step back and look at the big picture, what it basically comes down to is power and control and how one perceives what power and control means.
To some, power and control is absolute. There is no middle ground. There is no compromise. Any and all of the entities involved in this dispute, no matter which "side" they are on, that see power and control as absolute will further diminish the efficiency and effectiveness of the local public school system. But it won't matter to them.
Just take a drive around the county and see what there is to see.
The comments on the above link were made almost a year ago. I think at least one of the commenters ended up losing their job. The story about it can be found through searching.
I have written before about the war between public school systems and the public.
This dust up at Alafia is emotionally intense to the ones involved in it. If you take a step back and look at the big picture, what it basically comes down to is power and control and how one perceives what power and control means.
To some, power and control is absolute. There is no middle ground. There is no compromise. Any and all of the entities involved in this dispute, no matter which "side" they are on, that see power and control as absolute will further diminish the efficiency and effectiveness of the local public school system. But it won't matter to them.
Just take a drive around the county and see what there is to see.
Harken Back To This Link - PRO on HCPS: Could This Become A "Mess Up and Move Up" Action or "Put The Parents in Their Place" Mission
Hark - Hark
PRO on HCPS: Could This Become A "Mess Up and Move Up" Action or "Put The Parents in Their Place" Mission:
I have been reading a few of the many public comments being made over on the Alafia Elementary Blog.
If one believes the history that is reported prior to the current situation, perhaps the above sentence may have more truth to it than I originally suspected.
PRO on HCPS: Could This Become A "Mess Up and Move Up" Action or "Put The Parents in Their Place" Mission:
...... "My own humble opinion ..............or she was sent to the school to disenfranchise the parents."
I have been reading a few of the many public comments being made over on the Alafia Elementary Blog.
If one believes the history that is reported prior to the current situation, perhaps the above sentence may have more truth to it than I originally suspected.
Thursday Night At Alafia Elementary
The last time I was involved in one of these kind of public forums that had the kind of lead up that this one has, I noticed that the District brought a lot of their mid level personnel to the meeting. The most vocal members of the public seemed to be targeted by these mid level personnel and the personnel would go to the vocal public people and engage them in conversation. This effectively kept the vocal public people from speaking publicly to the group, since they were getting personalized attention.
Let me know if I am wrong about this one. I sure struck out on my predictions about last night. I thought surely the campus cowboys would have handcuffed someone. The civility of the Board was most interesting.
Let me know if I am wrong about this one. I sure struck out on my predictions about last night. I thought surely the campus cowboys would have handcuffed someone. The civility of the Board was most interesting.
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
High And Dry on The Upcoming Drinking Game
I think I was shut out.
I will say that the public did a great job of presenting the public input in a respectful manner.
Time will tell if the respect is mutual.
Ms. Olson asked the defining question - I will paraphrase to "what went wrong and why the hell wasn't this taken care of a long time ago".
Word to the wise - when it takes years to take care of the problem, you get (ex)parents like me.
Link to High and Dry Prediction:
PRO on HCPS: Upcoming Drinking Game: "A public speaker will be told they are out of order?
The televised and main-stream production will malfunction?
The members of the public that are there to speak about the Alafia Elementary debacle will be told that the Board will not be receiving comments about that at this time, and that another meeting will be scheduled for them to speak at some yet-to-be-determined time?
Someone will actually be hand-cuffed?
No one will talk about the word 'public' in Hillsborough County Public Schools?
At least one Board member will have the temerity to hold their 'Robert's Rules Of Order' book up high while they are calling for a point of order?"
I will say that the public did a great job of presenting the public input in a respectful manner.
Time will tell if the respect is mutual.
Ms. Olson asked the defining question - I will paraphrase to "what went wrong and why the hell wasn't this taken care of a long time ago".
Word to the wise - when it takes years to take care of the problem, you get (ex)parents like me.
Link to High and Dry Prediction:
PRO on HCPS: Upcoming Drinking Game: "A public speaker will be told they are out of order?
The televised and main-stream production will malfunction?
The members of the public that are there to speak about the Alafia Elementary debacle will be told that the Board will not be receiving comments about that at this time, and that another meeting will be scheduled for them to speak at some yet-to-be-determined time?
Someone will actually be hand-cuffed?
No one will talk about the word 'public' in Hillsborough County Public Schools?
At least one Board member will have the temerity to hold their 'Robert's Rules Of Order' book up high while they are calling for a point of order?"
You Just Have To Recognize Griffin As Honest Advocate
Who else would call out the food industry in front of the public.
It is my opinion that the default for the Board is that every thing is coming up roses. It is their job to ferret out the rotten rutabagas and make sure that there is transparency in making things better. For them to continue to hold the curtain behind the great "Oz" is disingenuous.
It is my opinion that the default for the Board is that every thing is coming up roses. It is their job to ferret out the rotten rutabagas and make sure that there is transparency in making things better. For them to continue to hold the curtain behind the great "Oz" is disingenuous.
Wheelchair Parent Get's Immediate Response
Hope it works out for him.
For all of you who wonder why I am such a malcontent, broadbrush attack artist and a known isolated incident by the hundreds, back in the day before I became such a Beavishead, I used to be pretty professional.
I would write a letter to a school person and wait 10 days for an answer. Of course, in the mean time, my kid's life went on.
To make a long story short, in the late 90's, in response to a problem I had outlined that rose to the level of the then Superintendent, I was told by the then Superintendent I would be hearing from my Area Director. It didn't happen. Not only did it not happen, but I had great, documented reason to believe that this particular person did not respect me as a member of the public. I have proof of it.
My training told me to wait 10 business days for a response, and then rise to the next level. This resulted in me going to speak to the Board.
I have tried many times to make a point to the District people who say they care that if the people below them just blow the public off, there is going to be problems.
I just resent that the public is so many times looked at contemptuously by the District.
For all of you who wonder why I am such a malcontent, broadbrush attack artist and a known isolated incident by the hundreds, back in the day before I became such a Beavishead, I used to be pretty professional.
I would write a letter to a school person and wait 10 days for an answer. Of course, in the mean time, my kid's life went on.
To make a long story short, in the late 90's, in response to a problem I had outlined that rose to the level of the then Superintendent, I was told by the then Superintendent I would be hearing from my Area Director. It didn't happen. Not only did it not happen, but I had great, documented reason to believe that this particular person did not respect me as a member of the public. I have proof of it.
My training told me to wait 10 business days for a response, and then rise to the next level. This resulted in me going to speak to the Board.
I have tried many times to make a point to the District people who say they care that if the people below them just blow the public off, there is going to be problems.
I just resent that the public is so many times looked at contemptuously by the District.
Alafia Elementary Debacle - Public Records Request In The Midst of the "Investigation"
Brilliant move - wish I had thought of that.
Did anyone notice the "cringe" of being "outed" by an attorney's request for the public records regarding this debacle?
Absolutely brillant to make the request.
I am beginning to see why the process has been extended.
Did anyone notice the "cringe" of being "outed" by an attorney's request for the public records regarding this debacle?
Absolutely brillant to make the request.
I am beginning to see why the process has been extended.
Around 120 Minutes +- Into The 11/18/08 Board Meeting
This must be the PR Blitz we were promised.
It is about numbers.
Unlike the "Lemon Law" with cars, the system including parents and the student, cannot reopen windows of opportunities that opened and closed.
Kids are like sponges until they are kept out of the water so long that they atrophy.
The main attraction is still to come, maybe.
It is about numbers.
Unlike the "Lemon Law" with cars, the system including parents and the student, cannot reopen windows of opportunities that opened and closed.
Kids are like sponges until they are kept out of the water so long that they atrophy.
The main attraction is still to come, maybe.
Alafia Elementary Counting Down 'Til The Bell
A little over an hour away.
We can envision the suits have their strategy worked out to defuse the situation and maximize damage control through various methods. There may even be a cover charge to enter the ROSSAC (It has been a while since I have been there, maybe they figured that out a long time ago - anything to keep the public out of public display of concern).
We can envision the public having last minute thoughts on actually going to the meeting and speaking those much rehearsed statements. I know. I have been there.
Final bets should be placed soon:
************ ****************** ****************
According to the The Alafia Elementary Blog, The Superintendent was to have met with the teachers early this afternoon. She is to meet with the parents Thursday night. A commenter already has suspicion that tonight's chance to speak will be thwarted, so the PRO has covered above.
Did anyone look up the statistics about how many special ed kids get arrested right here in HCPS every year? You know, the ones that are supposed to be provided specialized education to meet the individual needs of their disabilities and provided a curriculum that is reasonably designed to demonstrate progress.
So, instead of "only" sending the kids off to the juvenile justice system because the parents aren't good parents and the kids don't behave correctly on their own, maybe there would be some meaning "only" found here:
IDEA - Building The Legacy of IDEA 2004:
"Discussion: As with other related services, an LEA only is responsible for providing parent counseling and training if a child's IEP Team determines that it is necessary for the child to receive FAPE. To include this language in the definition of parent counseling and training, moreover, would be unnecessarily duplicative of Sec. 300.17(d), which states that FAPE means special education and related services that are provided in conformity with an IEP that meets the requirements in Sec. Sec. 300.320 through 300.324."
Less than 45 minutes until show time.
We can envision the suits have their strategy worked out to defuse the situation and maximize damage control through various methods. There may even be a cover charge to enter the ROSSAC (It has been a while since I have been there, maybe they figured that out a long time ago - anything to keep the public out of public display of concern).
We can envision the public having last minute thoughts on actually going to the meeting and speaking those much rehearsed statements. I know. I have been there.
Final bets should be placed soon:
PRO on HCPS: Upcoming Drinking Game:
"What do you think the betting odds will be on the following:
A public speaker will be told they are out of order?
The televised and main-stream production will malfunction?
The members of the public that are there to speak about the Alafia Elementary debacle will be told that the Board will not be receiving comments about that at this time, and that another meeting will be scheduled for them to speak at some yet-to-be-determined time?
Someone will actually be hand-cuffed?
No one will talk about the word 'public' in Hillsborough County Public Schools?
At least one Board member will have the temerity to hold their 'Robert's Rules Of Order' book up high while they are calling for a point of order?"
************ ****************** ****************
According to the The Alafia Elementary Blog, The Superintendent was to have met with the teachers early this afternoon. She is to meet with the parents Thursday night. A commenter already has suspicion that tonight's chance to speak will be thwarted, so the PRO has covered above.
Did anyone look up the statistics about how many special ed kids get arrested right here in HCPS every year? You know, the ones that are supposed to be provided specialized education to meet the individual needs of their disabilities and provided a curriculum that is reasonably designed to demonstrate progress.
So, instead of "only" sending the kids off to the juvenile justice system because the parents aren't good parents and the kids don't behave correctly on their own, maybe there would be some meaning "only" found here:
IDEA - Building The Legacy of IDEA 2004:
"Discussion: As with other related services, an LEA only is responsible for providing parent counseling and training if a child's IEP Team determines that it is necessary for the child to receive FAPE. To include this language in the definition of parent counseling and training, moreover, would be unnecessarily duplicative of Sec. 300.17(d), which states that FAPE means special education and related services that are provided in conformity with an IEP that meets the requirements in Sec. Sec. 300.320 through 300.324."
Less than 45 minutes until show time.
Monday, November 17, 2008
Was Alafia Elementary In This Report?
As a pre-board meeting distraction to ease some of the tension, perhaps some of you can explain this to me:
3
Hmmm, take 1881, multiply by 120% and voila - in 2004-2005 there were 2257.2 referrals to the strong arm of the law.
4 The overall percentage of delinquency referrals from Hillsborough County that were school-related was consistent with the statewide average (16%).
5 Although HCPS does not routinely disaggregate school-related referral data by students’
disability status according to the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, the school
district’s exceptional centers for students with disabilities tend to arrest a large number of
students. During the 2004-2005 school year seven exceptional centers were the source of 47
school arrests."
Hmmm, 47 divided by 7 equals 7 whole kids. That would be a unit in each school, wouldn't it?
That is 47 families that send their kids to the education experts only to have the kid sent off to jail.
That is 47 familes that have probably been told what poor parenting skills they have.
That is 47 families that probably don't know what a functional behavioral assessment is nor what a positive behavioral support plan is or any thing at all about the school's requirement to meet compliance with IDEA.
That is a hell of a lot of PR to make up for. But look at the money that is saved in conservation of resources. That can pay for a lot of pomp and circumstance.
Like I asked, see if Alafia Elementary is in the report. Just follow the link:
Motel Special Ed:
3
During fiscal year 2006-2007, Hillsborough County recorded the highest actual number of school related referrals (1,881) which represented a 20% reduction from figures previously reported during the 2004-2005 fiscal year.
Hmmm, take 1881, multiply by 120% and voila - in 2004-2005 there were 2257.2 referrals to the strong arm of the law.
4 The overall percentage of delinquency referrals from Hillsborough County that were school-related was consistent with the statewide average (16%).
5 Although HCPS does not routinely disaggregate school-related referral data by students’
disability status according to the Hillsborough County Public Defender’s Office, the school
district’s exceptional centers for students with disabilities tend to arrest a large number of
students. During the 2004-2005 school year seven exceptional centers were the source of 47
school arrests."
Hmmm, 47 divided by 7 equals 7 whole kids. That would be a unit in each school, wouldn't it?
That is 47 families that send their kids to the education experts only to have the kid sent off to jail.
That is 47 familes that have probably been told what poor parenting skills they have.
That is 47 families that probably don't know what a functional behavioral assessment is nor what a positive behavioral support plan is or any thing at all about the school's requirement to meet compliance with IDEA.
That is a hell of a lot of PR to make up for. But look at the money that is saved in conservation of resources. That can pay for a lot of pomp and circumstance.
Like I asked, see if Alafia Elementary is in the report. Just follow the link:
Motel Special Ed:
Almost 24 Hours Left Before The Public Puts The Public In Public Schools
I would assume both "sides" are getting in high gear. I have been involved with issues with the District before - it always makes for an interesting point when someone asks "who is on the kid's side?".
As always, there are those chomping at the bit because bloggers don't use their name.
Some may be worried they may commit libel or slander while others may be planning to accuse others of libel or slander:
First Amendment to the United States Constitution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Will we see the Delphi Technique in full exposure?:
Using the Delphi Technique to Achieve Consensus -- November 1998 Education Reporter:
Will the trust between all parties involved be driven further apart because it is now about principle and protecting one's power instead of collaboration?
Will those who have authority by virtue of their position as a school board employee abuse that authority through arrogance with ignorance?
Will those public patrons abuse their right to be involved with their child's education?
Will anyone take a serious look at what is happening to the culture of HCPS? Will a District person just come right out and say what many of them believe is that what is wrong with public schools is the public?
Will anyone learn from this debacle or will it be business as usual tomorrow? Will the District simply hunker down and weather the storm because these parents and kids will be gone in time?
Will we see honesty and transparency or will we see posturing and evasiveness?
I myself will have cooked a pig in the ground and have some beer on ice.....
As always, there are those chomping at the bit because bloggers don't use their name.
Talley v. California - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Some may be worried they may commit libel or slander while others may be planning to accuse others of libel or slander:
First Amendment to the United States Constitution - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Will we see the Delphi Technique in full exposure?:
Using the Delphi Technique to Achieve Consensus -- November 1998 Education Reporter:
Participants are encouraged to put their ideas and disagreements on paper, with the results to be compiled later. Who does the compiling? If you ask participants, you typically hear: "Those running the meeting compiled the results." Oh-h! The next question is: "How do you know that what you wrote on your sheet of paper was incorporated into the final outcome?" The typical answer is: "Well, I've wondered about that, because what I wrote doesn't seem to be reflected. I guess my views were in the minority."
That is the crux of the situation. If 50 people write down their ideas individually, to be compiled later into a final outcome, no one knows what anyone else has written. That the final outcome of such a meeting reflects anyone's input at all is highly questionable, and the same holds true when the facilitator records the group's comments on paper. But participants in these types of meetings usually don't question the process.
Why hold such meetings at all if the outcomes are already established? The answer is because it is imperative for the acceptance of the School-to-Work agenda, or the environmental agenda, or whatever the agenda, that ordinary people assume ownership of the preset outcomes. If people believe an idea is theirs, they'll support it. If they believe an idea is being forced on them, they'll resist.
Will the trust between all parties involved be driven further apart because it is now about principle and protecting one's power instead of collaboration?
Will those who have authority by virtue of their position as a school board employee abuse that authority through arrogance with ignorance?
Will those public patrons abuse their right to be involved with their child's education?
Will anyone take a serious look at what is happening to the culture of HCPS? Will a District person just come right out and say what many of them believe is that what is wrong with public schools is the public?
Will anyone learn from this debacle or will it be business as usual tomorrow? Will the District simply hunker down and weather the storm because these parents and kids will be gone in time?
Will we see honesty and transparency or will we see posturing and evasiveness?
I myself will have cooked a pig in the ground and have some beer on ice.....
Sunday, November 16, 2008
An Alafia Elementary Alum Speaks Out
I don't know what to make of my recent interaction with an anon. I haven't heard back from them for a few days. Maybe it was me. I feel like the little sponge in the commercial.
It starts out like this:
Fine so far. I am a wee bit concerned about a kid reading some of the content of my posts. Kids are not my target audience, but the cybernet is free to all in our country so far. I did make a note that the post was posted at 11:32 pm.
The young person continues:
Ok, so now I am thinking about the movie where the guy gets stopped by a police officer and the daughter say's "do you know who this man is"? I am also thinking about how I can grow up.
Next, this young person at least has a vision in mind:
Next, not only does this young person have a vision, but it appears the prerequisite mindset has already formed:
Ouch! How can I tell this young person that I would never want to drive a great teacher or administrator out of the profession, however I have met my share of not so great teachers and administrators that I would have gladly driven them out of town and wear a coat with tails, a top hat and carry a baton while I did it.
Previously on this particular blog post, I had made this comment to another commenter:
True to form of this future educator, this was their comment:
I must say I then felt right at home, just like I used to feel when my kids were in the HCPS system.
Part of my response was this:
I just wonder if this young person ever understood why my middle child doesn't hear a word I say. Neither did some of his (my son's) educators.
You can see the full context in the comments section here:
PRO on HCPS: Alafia Elementary and The Clinton Defense
It starts out like this:
:Anonymous said...
To the special Ed concierge,
Im [sic]not a parent im [sic]a student who went to Alafia."
Fine so far. I am a wee bit concerned about a kid reading some of the content of my posts. Kids are not my target audience, but the cybernet is free to all in our country so far. I did make a note that the post was posted at 11:32 pm.
The young person continues:
"As a former student at Alafia I am totally shocked how these parent [sic]act. That is the problem with parents today, they never let their kid take responsibility for their actions."
"I have one brother who is currently in Alafia and one who left last year. I have never heard anything bad about this principal. If someones [sic]life was in jepordy[sic], i [sic]know this women [sic]would go to the ends of the earth to protect your child. Please grow up!"
Ok, so now I am thinking about the movie where the guy gets stopped by a police officer and the daughter say's "do you know who this man is"? I am also thinking about how I can grow up.
Next, this young person at least has a vision in mind:
"As a student who is currently going to school to be a teacher, im [sic]not looking forward to dealing with parents that don't allow their kids to take some responsibility for their actions."
Next, not only does this young person have a vision, but it appears the prerequisite mindset has already formed:
"It's people like you that drive great teachers and administrators out of the profession."
Ouch! How can I tell this young person that I would never want to drive a great teacher or administrator out of the profession, however I have met my share of not so great teachers and administrators that I would have gladly driven them out of town and wear a coat with tails, a top hat and carry a baton while I did it.
Previously on this particular blog post, I had made this comment to another commenter:
"I will tell you right up front that my middle kid doesn't hear a word I say. What are your thoughts on that one?"
True to form of this future educator, this was their comment:
"To comment on your question,
I find that comment to be utterly ignorant and proves my point!"
I must say I then felt right at home, just like I used to feel when my kids were in the HCPS system.
Part of my response was this:
:To anon 11:32
I appreciate your comments.
My middle child is totally deaf and visually impaired....."
I just wonder if this young person ever understood why my middle child doesn't hear a word I say. Neither did some of his (my son's) educators.
You can see the full context in the comments section here:
PRO on HCPS: Alafia Elementary and The Clinton Defense
When Mocking Makes Mincemeat
Thanks to Thomas Vaughn for the link.
Thomas correctly sees that I have a sense of humor. In reality, most of my friends look at me as if I were a mushroom - you know - a really "fun guy".
This episode of King Of The Hill is based on reality. If you were to read all of my posts labeled "numbers", I think you would see the connection to how our public school system is more about it's image based on numbers that are a variable the system can control and manipulate. The real task of educating has become too overwhelming due to the fact that there are so many variables that the system cannot control.
I will say that one has to watch the complete show to get the complete effect, otherwise the intended meaning is lost.
The ethos of the public education system as seen by "The King Of The Hill":
No Bobby Left Behind
Pee ess: (If you don't get the mushroom joke, close your eyes and say it slowly).
Thomas correctly sees that I have a sense of humor. In reality, most of my friends look at me as if I were a mushroom - you know - a really "fun guy".
This episode of King Of The Hill is based on reality. If you were to read all of my posts labeled "numbers", I think you would see the connection to how our public school system is more about it's image based on numbers that are a variable the system can control and manipulate. The real task of educating has become too overwhelming due to the fact that there are so many variables that the system cannot control.
I will say that one has to watch the complete show to get the complete effect, otherwise the intended meaning is lost.
The ethos of the public education system as seen by "The King Of The Hill":
No Bobby Left Behind
Pee ess: (If you don't get the mushroom joke, close your eyes and say it slowly).
Saturday, November 15, 2008
What wondering minds want to know: School Sues Woman For Criticism On Blog
The inital scare:
School Sues Woman For Criticism On Blog
The Case:
New School of Orlando v. McSween | Citizen Media Law Project
Write down this number: 2007 -CA -014312 -O
Go to this link: Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
click on Orange county
Type in the above numbers in the Case Quick Search
click Get Info
Click Get Details
The end result:
$9.00 - blogger
$250.00 - school
School Sues Woman For Criticism On Blog
The Case:
New School of Orlando v. McSween | Citizen Media Law Project
Write down this number: 2007 -CA -014312 -O
Go to this link: Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida
click on Orange county
Type in the above numbers in the Case Quick Search
click Get Info
Click Get Details
The end result:
$9.00 - blogger
$250.00 - school
What Does Alafia Elementary and GISD have in common?
A couple of nuggets along the way.
This was the first notice of it:
Texas School District Sues Blogger Mom - Switched
This is the result:
gisdwatch.com - GISD Trainwreck
This Galvenston Alliance for Neighborhood Schools is an interesting blog.
I found
This was the first notice of it:
Texas School District Sues Blogger Mom - Switched
This is the result:
gisdwatch.com - GISD Trainwreck
This Galvenston Alliance for Neighborhood Schools is an interesting blog.
I found
this section of itpretty interesting too.
Upcoming Drinking Game
The upcoming HCPS school board meeting ought to be fun. Hope there are plenty of hot wings available for this newest sporting event.
What do you think the betting odds will be on the following:
A public speaker will be told they are out of order?
The televised and main-stream production will malfunction?
The members of the public that are there to speak about the Alafia Elementary debacle will be told that the Board will not be receiving comments about that at this time, and that another meeting will be scheduled for them to speak at some yet-to-be-determined time?
Someone will actually be hand-cuffed?
No one will talk about the word "public" in Hillsborough County Public Schools?
At least one Board member will have the temerity to hold their "Robert's Rules Of Order" book up high while they are calling for a point of order?
I am sure some of you can come up with some more. First round of drinks are on me.
What do you think the betting odds will be on the following:
A public speaker will be told they are out of order?
The televised and main-stream production will malfunction?
The members of the public that are there to speak about the Alafia Elementary debacle will be told that the Board will not be receiving comments about that at this time, and that another meeting will be scheduled for them to speak at some yet-to-be-determined time?
Someone will actually be hand-cuffed?
No one will talk about the word "public" in Hillsborough County Public Schools?
At least one Board member will have the temerity to hold their "Robert's Rules Of Order" book up high while they are calling for a point of order?
I am sure some of you can come up with some more. First round of drinks are on me.
Friday, November 14, 2008
Somewhere There Is An Alafia Elementary Blog Spot
I heard rumors that there is a blog dedicated to Alafia Elementary.
Update - delete this part: (
I don't have a link to it yet.
Has anyone ever read "Death By Education" by William Wieser"?
William Wieser Books (Used, New, Out-of-Print) - Alibris
There are other places it can be found. Amazon.com has a few. I will say that the price has gone up in the last two years. It is written by an ex-teacher of HCPS about HCPS. If you want to better understand the culture of HCPS, it should be a must read.
I have two copies, but they are not for sale. There are still a few active employees that were written about in this ex-teacher's narrative of what happened to him.
Anyway, I keep hearing rumors about a blog about Alafia Elementary.
Update - delete this part: (
I hear it has a lot of comments on it. I also heard it was pretty intense.)
I don't have a link to it yet.
Has anyone ever read "Death By Education" by William Wieser"?
William Wieser Books (Used, New, Out-of-Print) - Alibris
There are other places it can be found. Amazon.com has a few. I will say that the price has gone up in the last two years. It is written by an ex-teacher of HCPS about HCPS. If you want to better understand the culture of HCPS, it should be a must read.
I have two copies, but they are not for sale. There are still a few active employees that were written about in this ex-teacher's narrative of what happened to him.
Anyway, I keep hearing rumors about a blog about Alafia Elementary.
Another Fly In the Ointment
I wrote about the Dallas Schoool District in January of 2008.
Today, Dallas is back in the news again:
Sounds like they need some good PR too.
PRO on HCPS: Oh To Be A Fly On The Wall
Today, Dallas is back in the news again:
Dallas ISD faulted for using fake Social Security numbers | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News:
"Years after being advised by a state agency to stop, the Dallas Independent School District continued to provide foreign citizens with fake Social Security numbers to get them on the payroll quickly."
Sounds like they need some good PR too.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Seeking Order Is Not Bullying#comments - page 2?
Seeking Order Is Not Bullying#comments:
"Posted by ( wheels ) on 11/13/2008 at 01:52 pm.
What about teachers being bullied into signing documents that contain false information? Did the Trib also lay-off all their reporters?"
Oh my, this statement by "wheels" is ripe.
After my IEP meeting of December 16, 1996 (the one that diligent readers of my blogs would understand created the person I am today), I needed help, solace and "retribution'.
I got it.
To make a long story short, I will stick to the point of "signing documents that contain false information".
After I quickly started learning the truth about Special Education Law (IDEA), I realized that most of the information that HCPS gave to parents and their employees was "propaganda". During the months that followed, I started going to IEP meetings with other parents who needed help with their IEP's (imagine that).
One of the many intriguing phenomenons I learned was how many of the IEP's were signed by HCPS employees who were not at the IEP meetings. It was pretty easy to see, especially when the parent had a copy of the original IEP, yet the copy that was given as the "current IEP" had all of the needed signatures.
I think this pattern of behavior stopped for a while, but since those pesky "advocates" have subsided in their IEP attendance, I wonder if that behavior is occuring more.
I have witnessed first hand the falsification of documents, altered documents, fabricated documents and of course "lost documents".
That is why when the District gets slammed, I laugh my ass off.
"Posted by ( wheels ) on 11/13/2008 at 01:52 pm.
What about teachers being bullied into signing documents that contain false information? Did the Trib also lay-off all their reporters?"
Oh my, this statement by "wheels" is ripe.
After my IEP meeting of December 16, 1996 (the one that diligent readers of my blogs would understand created the person I am today), I needed help, solace and "retribution'.
I got it.
To make a long story short, I will stick to the point of "signing documents that contain false information".
After I quickly started learning the truth about Special Education Law (IDEA), I realized that most of the information that HCPS gave to parents and their employees was "propaganda". During the months that followed, I started going to IEP meetings with other parents who needed help with their IEP's (imagine that).
One of the many intriguing phenomenons I learned was how many of the IEP's were signed by HCPS employees who were not at the IEP meetings. It was pretty easy to see, especially when the parent had a copy of the original IEP, yet the copy that was given as the "current IEP" had all of the needed signatures.
I think this pattern of behavior stopped for a while, but since those pesky "advocates" have subsided in their IEP attendance, I wonder if that behavior is occuring more.
I have witnessed first hand the falsification of documents, altered documents, fabricated documents and of course "lost documents".
That is why when the District gets slammed, I laugh my ass off.
Motel Special Ed: We Need a Better Transition Program « The Life That Chose Me
Motel Special Ed: We Need a Better Transition Program « The Life That Chose Me
Before you click on the link above, think about the local parents and their local schools and their relationship to a public institution instituted among men, and the concept of "any form of government (that) becomes destructive to these ends".
"......We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness......."
Now just think about a group of disabled kids who said the same thing.
Before you click on the link above, think about the local parents and their local schools and their relationship to a public institution instituted among men, and the concept of "any form of government (that) becomes destructive to these ends".
"......We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, governments are instituted among men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any form of government becomes destructive to these ends, it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and happiness......."
Now just think about a group of disabled kids who said the same thing.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
The complaint filed by The Advocacy Center for Persons With Disabilities Against Hillsborough County Public Schools
SPLCenter.org: Hillsborough County Special Education
Go to this link.
Click on: Complaint: Hillsborough Complaint.pdf
Read how many incidents there were that allege that HCPS failed to provide related services to these kids over a long period of time.
Read the statistics.
Read the request for remedy, especially the last one. Hillsborough County is supposed to have this in action, as it was the same requested remedy from the first Whitehead trial.
Compliance and professional education is more than a check mark.
If you wonder why there is bad PR for HCPS, just try to get a glimpse of understanding for what this means.
Go to this link.
Click on: Complaint: Hillsborough Complaint.pdf
Read how many incidents there were that allege that HCPS failed to provide related services to these kids over a long period of time.
Read the statistics.
Read the request for remedy, especially the last one. Hillsborough County is supposed to have this in action, as it was the same requested remedy from the first Whitehead trial.
Compliance and professional education is more than a check mark.
If you wonder why there is bad PR for HCPS, just try to get a glimpse of understanding for what this means.
Tuesday, November 11, 2008
Freedom Of Speech Must Be Fought For
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Media Blitz - Truth or Propaganda
At the end of the above link to my previous post, I had written this:
"I am a bit surprised "they" haven't tried to silence the freedom of the press, yet."
Some may paint me as a malcontent, broad brush attack, isolated incident of a parent who was told "no" by the system, but it is interesting what happened today at this link:
Seeking Order Is Not Bullying
This is an interesting sequence in the public comments:
First, there was a comment by bkg4211 that was removed:
Then there was this comment by beerwulf who had a chance to read the removed comment:
This is where we get a chance to see how critical a point it was when the above comment was removed:
And finally, with persistance by someone who sees the big picture, we finally get to see the original post.
**********
I don't have time to find all of the links to all of my posts on all of my blogs regarding my opinions about the abuse of power, the arrogance with ignorance and how image is more important than substance when it comes to the HCPS. However, we are seeing it played out continuously. The public and the media need to understand the importance of what we are seeing.
At the end of the above link to my previous post, I had written this:
"I am a bit surprised "they" haven't tried to silence the freedom of the press, yet."
Some may paint me as a malcontent, broad brush attack, isolated incident of a parent who was told "no" by the system, but it is interesting what happened today at this link:
Seeking Order Is Not Bullying
This is an interesting sequence in the public comments:
First, there was a comment by bkg4211 that was removed:
Posted by ( bkg4211 ) on 11/10/2008 at 03:23 pm.
(This comment was removed by the site staff.)
Then there was this comment by beerwulf who had a chance to read the removed comment:
Posted by ( beerwulf ) on 11/10/2008 at 10:18 pm.
The poster who had his comment removed by the site staff was essentially correct. According to Robert's Rules, there are only a few ways to take the floor back from a member who has it and Ms Faliero didn't do any of these. She is the one who was out of order and should consult Robert's Rules, not the rest of us. Judging from her public pronouncements and her behavior as chair, doing her homework is not something that Ms Faliero is good at. For a School Board member, that irony is obvious.According to Robert's Rules, any motion that shuts off debate requires a two-thirds vote of the assembled membership. In practice, this means that a motion has to be made to take the floor away from the speaker and that motion cannot be made by the chair.
This is where we get a chance to see how critical a point it was when the above comment was removed:
Posted by ( bkg4211 ) on 11/11/2008 at 07:37 am.
It is a sad day when a newspaper removes my post that was a FACT BASED exercise of my first amendment rights. There was no vulgarity, cursing, or any other inappropriate content. My posting was clinical and would have been acceptable in any courtroom.Proof of Jennifers affair with Mark Hart is readily available from the Clerk of Circuit Court. I have a copy. Jens move from her district and her subsequent wild eyed claims and her impromptu scurry back to her district are well documented on this very website as well as the St. Pete Times. So no false claims there.The information on Roberts Rules was straight out of the book, so no inaccuracies there.You should re-instate my posting or provide playing the injured party?Again court documents substantiate her affair and I suspect that this is why you removed the post. If Jen wants to live in the public eye on the public dime then she should exercise a bit more discretion. If she gets caught its fair game.I'm reposting the original so you can see what Trib has decided to suppress. I will continue to repost so long as they remove it.
And finally, with persistance by someone who sees the big picture, we finally get to see the original post.
Posted by ( bkg4211 ) on 11/11/2008 at 07:39 am.
Nice try Jen. The problem is that you cannot rewrite Roberts Rules of Order. As chair you are merely a facilitator. Once the floor is given to a member, there are very specific rules regarding how the floor may be reclaimed from the person holding the floor. You followed none of those rules.A member other than the chair could have called for the Agenda of the Day (Provided Griffin was off agenda, which she was not).Another board member could have called the question... which none did. But only provided the board as a whole agreed that sufficient debate had occured.The floor could be temporarily seized by a point of information, but after the information request is fulfilled the floor is returned to the person who held the floor prior to the point of information.You're a joke Jen.You have violated Florida statute by moving out of your district. You caused a public calamity while residing outside of your district.As attested by Mark Hart in his divorce deposition, while Mark was employed by HCPS you engaged in an affair with him that resulted in the dissolution of his marriage.Finally let us not forget that this is not the first time that you have attacked Griffin.You don't get it. You were elected to oversee Elia and the administration. You were not elected to make friends. You routinely do the ROSSAC bunches bidding from your compromised perch. Every time you fight their battles you are battered and beaten. Why do you continue to blindly follow that which you should be leading? What else does Elia have on you?The only person out of order is/was you. Griffin had the floor. You didn't like her questioning your vaunted authority or attacking your bossom buddies so you did the only thing you know how to do: abused your power. That is out of order. You did not follow Roberts Rules... that is out of order. You threatened to have Griffin removed which you don't have the authority to do to another elected board member... that is out of order. You called on a fellow elected official to resign if she did not execute her job YOUR way... that is out of order. And YOU madame are out of order.You may be proud as an elected official, but this community is embarassed and ashamed by you. You are a bully and worse: a go along to get along rubber stamper. You don't deserve to hold any office.Kiss that seat goodbye Jen. Forces are already aligning against you.
**********
I don't have time to find all of the links to all of my posts on all of my blogs regarding my opinions about the abuse of power, the arrogance with ignorance and how image is more important than substance when it comes to the HCPS. However, we are seeing it played out continuously. The public and the media need to understand the importance of what we are seeing.
"Seeking Order Is Not Bullying" - Someone Needs To Seek Robert's Rules
In today's Tribune:
Seeking Order Is Not Bullying
Eskay pointed how how the culture of our local education system is defined from the top:
Vile, Venom, and Vitriol : EsKay
An astute commentary about the above issue was posted on the Casting Room Couch:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: Some Ghost Writer Assisted Falliera to Look Literate
Interesting enough, I too had to try to learn Robert's Rules of Order when I was on the Superintendent's Advisory Council on Special Education for HCPS. I wonder if they still follow the rules there.
PRO on HCPS: Who is Robert? Where did he Rule?:
Seeking Order Is Not Bullying
Eskay pointed how how the culture of our local education system is defined from the top:
Vile, Venom, and Vitriol : EsKay
An astute commentary about the above issue was posted on the Casting Room Couch:
Lee Drury De Cesare's Casting-Room Couch: Some Ghost Writer Assisted Falliera to Look Literate
Interesting enough, I too had to try to learn Robert's Rules of Order when I was on the Superintendent's Advisory Council on Special Education for HCPS. I wonder if they still follow the rules there.
PRO on HCPS: Who is Robert? Where did he Rule?:
"...... I was more intrigued with the discussion about the Parliamentary issues the Board grappled with. I have had the experience of being on a District Council Board. After the first meeting, I immediately bought a book - 'Robert's Rules of Order'. I had no clue what they were, but I quickly realized there was one member in the group who knew them, and he wielded a lot of influence through the use of the 'rules'. I started reading the book, and kept it with me for the two or less years I was involved.
Which brings me to last night. This is the second recent revelation I have had about the 'non-knowledge' (ignorance always sounds so negative despite the proper use) of the Board as a group to either independently know or collaboratively use 'the rules of the game'."
Monday, November 10, 2008
One More Story About Alafia Elementary
Alafia principal keeps her job for now
Thanks for the tip from anon. Anon says I hit the nail on the head. We will have to wait a while to see if I my prediction on how the parents will feel later.
Low on time resources, so there may be more to this story I haven't seen yet.
Find link below to what the nail was that I hit on the head:
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Response To A Comment About An "Assessment Team" Going To Alafia Elementary:
By the way, this may be the last of any media reports of anything negative about HCPS:
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Media Blitz - Truth or Propaganda
Thanks for the tip from anon. Anon says I hit the nail on the head. We will have to wait a while to see if I my prediction on how the parents will feel later.
Low on time resources, so there may be more to this story I haven't seen yet.
Find link below to what the nail was that I hit on the head:
"Here is my prediction. They will develop a team of district people and targeted parents. They will hold a set number of meetings. The District will be in control of all paperwork regarding the recording of all of the meetings. The first meeting will be to bring out all of the problems. Emotions will be kept in check as this is 'just the information gathering phase, and emotions get in the way of positive outcomes'. The District will take this information and synthesis it into 4 areas. The District will identify the problem areas 'based on information gathered', and bring it back to the group. The group will then be subdivided so that the parents are divided. These sub-groups will hash out the emotional aspects of 'the issues'. The next meeting will be where the District 'brings to the whole group' a breakdown of how the issues were decided upon. There will be a 'discussion' and a 'consensus' will be 'agreed upon' by all. The final outcome will be that the problem was taken care of and 'everyone' is in agreement. It won't be until later on that the parents figure out they were snookered, but the official paperwork and 'official decision that the parents agreed to' will be on record."
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Response To A Comment About An "Assessment Team" Going To Alafia Elementary:
By the way, this may be the last of any media reports of anything negative about HCPS:
Public Education - Politics, Business and Education: Media Blitz - Truth or Propaganda
Connecting Piedmont High, California and Hillsborough, Sodas and Classrooms
Bake Sales Fall Victim to Push for Healthier Foods - NYTimes.com:
"The Piedmont High water polo team falls woefully short of these standards, selling cupcakes, caramel apples and lemon bars off campus in a flagrant act of nutritional disobedience."
School officials certainly have their hams over their hocks when it comes to promoting healthy diets for the kids that provide them a job. Even right here in HCPS, we know that healthy food is high on the list of priorties, almost right up there with money. I just hope I am watching our Board meeting when they find an alternative placement for the kids and employees that are "nutritionally disobediant".
For those who don't remember, there are a couple of links that can bring this perspective back to us in living color.
PRO on HCPS: Get Your Fat Ass Off The Bus -But Buy a Pepsi When You Get To School
I will make it easy for you:
Our board may not be the food police, but does anyone else think that there is a hint of some being the thought police?
"The Piedmont High water polo team falls woefully short of these standards, selling cupcakes, caramel apples and lemon bars off campus in a flagrant act of nutritional disobedience."
School officials certainly have their hams over their hocks when it comes to promoting healthy diets for the kids that provide them a job. Even right here in HCPS, we know that healthy food is high on the list of priorties, almost right up there with money. I just hope I am watching our Board meeting when they find an alternative placement for the kids and employees that are "nutritionally disobediant".
For those who don't remember, there are a couple of links that can bring this perspective back to us in living color.
PRO on HCPS: Get Your Fat Ass Off The Bus -But Buy a Pepsi When You Get To School
I will make it easy for you:
Perspective: Pepsi high:
"I don't know if I'm comfortable with having beverages on a school campus,' said school board member Jennifer Faliero. 'My grandpa Faliero calls it bellywash.' But Faliero ultimately voted in favor of the contract, which passed unanimously.
To be fair, board members have had to stomach a lot in recent months, slashing more than $32-million from the district's annual budget because of funding cuts in the Legislature. Kindergarten aides, school psychologists, guidance counselors and afterschool programs all took hits. Faced with a decision that would actually benefit the district financially, the board jumped at the chance.
'I agree that sodas are not the best thing in the world for you, but we have to find every possible resource to educate our children,' said board member Candy Olson in a recent interview. '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. And I don't think schools should be expected to turn up their noses at ($4 million a year).'"
"As Bookman said, "If Pepsi is willing to put $50-million on the table, it's hard to say no.""
Our board may not be the food police, but does anyone else think that there is a hint of some being the thought police?
Friday, November 7, 2008
Alafia Elementary Staff To Get Report On Principal -Part Two
Alafia Elementary Staff To Get Report On Principal
Read my previous post for part one.
This time I am on a different kick.
Read the public comments.
I have selected a few to bolster my own personal opinion about "the system". I am not about any individual - that was years ago. Now, all I can do is make broad brush attacks against the system and hope enough people get the idea that these are not isolated incidents. (Must be a long-time reader of my blogs to get that point.)
*****************************************************************************************
First and foremost - we should all respect this one:
It does say "public" in Hillsborough County Public Schools.
This is an important sentence: "they have a right to advocate for their children's safety and education."
The important part is how do "the professionals of public education" address this sentence?
As an outsider looking in, it would seem that this campus would have been crawling with outside supports. There would be so many behavior specialists, counselors, social workers, psychologists and liason workers that the parking lot would have been completely filled so the trash talking parents wouldn't even have a place to park and they could be arrested for illegal parking.
Ah, but there is the "other side" that says it is the parents (public) to blame. So when it is the public that is the problem, does the District only send in resources that are routed in "Authority". If it was simply the public to blame, if the District sent in behavior specialists, counselors, social workers, psychologists and liason workers, would the outcome be any differnt?
Read my previous post for part one.
This time I am on a different kick.
Read the public comments.
I have selected a few to bolster my own personal opinion about "the system". I am not about any individual - that was years ago. Now, all I can do is make broad brush attacks against the system and hope enough people get the idea that these are not isolated incidents. (Must be a long-time reader of my blogs to get that point.)
Posted by ( Momto3 ) on 11/07/2008 at 08:54 am.
I don't know about you, but my parents taught me that if I "don't know diddly" about something I should keep quiet.Contrary to your belief, this is a group of involved, motivated, reasonable, and courageous parents who are concerned about the fast-declining culture of a school was once a shining star of the community. They have a right to advocate for their children's safety and education.The parents of Alafia have been patiently waiting for a resolution to this situation for some time. I am sure that everyone in the community is well aware of the kind of people that would be posting vitriolic comments like these in the middle of the night.ANYONE could have maintained an A rating at a "slide and glide" school like Alafia for a few years. Unfortunately, I don't believe there is any way to prevent the children that are just now entering into the system from suffering the consequences of an unreasonable, unfettered administration.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ufbull ) on 11/07/2008 at 12:18 pm.
Both my girls attend this school ... and I have spoken with the principle before . To me , since she doesn't have the backing of her teachers to be a leader ... then she should be replaced .
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( DennyCrane ) on 11/07/2008 at 01:23 pm.
DoodleBugg I guess you didn't read the original article. MOST of the complaints came from teachers, not from parents. It appears this principal is not a good leader when the teachers cause an investigation to happen.I am....Denny Crane
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( Augmented7th ) on 11/07/2008 at 02:06 pm.
Now sent the team to Monroe Middle School, I think the Principal has run off all but one teacher, and it only took 1 school year. She needed to retire some years ago, and it time before the whole has to be closed, due to lack of teachers who will work for her.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( reptaddict ) on 11/07/2008 at 02:45 pm.
School grades can be extremely misleading. School grades are generally a good indicator of the socio-economic status of the students but not necessarily a good indicator of the level of dedication of the faculty and staff. Sometimes, all that glitters is not gold. Sometimes, what is not gold glitters anyway.
Report Inappropriate Comments
Posted by ( ernstruntz ) on 11/07/2008 at 04:07 pm.
DoodleBug You don't know diddly. When you don't know about something it is better to keep your mouth shut than to show your ignorance.Schools need parental and community involvement. That is to whom the school belongs and serves. Smart principals will put these resources to work helping the school be more successful and giving feedback to school leaders so problems can be prevented. And nobody wins when good teachers leave. Sounds like the principal's ego is larger than her leadership skills.
*****************************************************************************************
First and foremost - we should all respect this one:
Posted by ( Momto3 ) on 11/07/2008 at 08:54 am.
I don't know about you, but my parents taught me that if I "don't know diddly" about something I should keep quiet.Contrary to your belief, this is a group of involved, motivated, reasonable, and courageous parents who are concerned about the fast-declining culture of a school was once a shining star of the community. They have a right to advocate for their children's safety and education.The parents of Alafia have been patiently waiting for a resolution to this situation for some time. I am sure that everyone in the community is well aware of the kind of people that would be posting vitriolic comments like these in the middle of the night.ANYONE could have maintained an A rating at a "slide and glide" school like Alafia for a few years. Unfortunately, I don't believe there is any way to prevent the children that are just now entering into the system from suffering the consequences of an unreasonable, unfettered administration.
It does say "public" in Hillsborough County Public Schools.
This is an important sentence: "they have a right to advocate for their children's safety and education."
The important part is how do "the professionals of public education" address this sentence?
As an outsider looking in, it would seem that this campus would have been crawling with outside supports. There would be so many behavior specialists, counselors, social workers, psychologists and liason workers that the parking lot would have been completely filled so the trash talking parents wouldn't even have a place to park and they could be arrested for illegal parking.
Ah, but there is the "other side" that says it is the parents (public) to blame. So when it is the public that is the problem, does the District only send in resources that are routed in "Authority". If it was simply the public to blame, if the District sent in behavior specialists, counselors, social workers, psychologists and liason workers, would the outcome be any differnt?
Alafia Elementary Staff To Get Report On Principal
Alafia Elementary Staff To Get Report On Principal
First things first -- keeping with my long held hypothsis, which I have stated in many different venues since 1997, public exposure is the Achilles heel of the public school education system.
Check out the links on the above link.
I can almost relate to Chris Matthew's "tingle up the leg" when I read this article.
Who is D'Ann Lawrence White?
I am always intrigued when an article about the HCPS is written by someone other than Marilyn Brown. I always wonder if the Tribune keeps Marilyn Brown away from the rough edges of the HCPS, since Marilyn is the one that meets the system face-to-face at board meetings and other "normal-functions".
I am thankful that the Tribune is apparently serving the public about the public education system. If the Tribune can get inside the circled wagons, the public is better served.
I previously made a prediction on this outcome over on my other blog - I wonder if I will be right.
First things first -- keeping with my long held hypothsis, which I have stated in many different venues since 1997, public exposure is the Achilles heel of the public school education system.
Check out the links on the above link.
I can almost relate to Chris Matthew's "tingle up the leg" when I read this article.
Who is D'Ann Lawrence White?
I am always intrigued when an article about the HCPS is written by someone other than Marilyn Brown. I always wonder if the Tribune keeps Marilyn Brown away from the rough edges of the HCPS, since Marilyn is the one that meets the system face-to-face at board meetings and other "normal-functions".
I am thankful that the Tribune is apparently serving the public about the public education system. If the Tribune can get inside the circled wagons, the public is better served.
I previously made a prediction on this outcome over on my other blog - I wonder if I will be right.
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