I hope that everyone had a wonderful summer. I hope that everyone used the opportunity to grow in your profession and recharge your batteries as well. I just love seeing all the excitement as kids head back to school. The wonderful pictures on Facebook and Instagram and the tweets on twitter just make my day. Its one of my favorite times of the year for sure.
The summer also brought some exciting news in the educational world. We saw Oklahoma get out of the PARCC testing and saw Tony Bennett, the Chiefs for Change bigwig not the singer, take a fall as emails came out about favoritism towards donors and charter schools. As the debate on "corporate reform" continues one thing has always struck me as odd. The "corporate reformers" always talk about competing with the world but never really try to emulate any of those countries who have had success. One of those countries that is talked about and emulated by others frequently is Finland. Finland has been at or near the top for years now and was not always there. Finland went through great changes to get there. Recently Finnish President Sauli Niinista had some harsh talk for American Reformers. In an article here Finnish President harsh rebuke. In his rebuke he had this to say "We expected education reformers would do something in response to all they had learned from us but for some reason Americans just don't seem to be learning. Perhaps they have something other than improving public education as their goal." OUCH!!
The sad reality is as we go along we are finding several leaders in this "corporate reform" movement fit this comment. We have seen them favor corporate profits and charters that profit over true meaningful change. Change that actually helps ALL students. In my career as an administrator, that is going on 8 years now, I have not met one person that isn't for accountability and change that leads to progress. I have met many brave ones that have stood up to accountability and change that only leads to corporate profit, segregation along economic lines, and the demoralization of the teaching profession.
As this school year goes along I hope it is one that we can celebrate as the year of the student. One where we all come together for the good of ALL students. One where everyone gets a seat at the table to be involved and listened too. Our country's future depends on it! Hope you have a great year!!
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Oklahoma to change course?
Oklahoma is one of many states who has bought into the "corporate reform" movement in education. In this reform movement you see increased student testing, teacher evaluations tied to testing results, state education departments handing out school grades typically in the form of an A-F grade, increased use of charter, private, and virtual schools, holding back 3rd grade students who fail standardized tests, and passage of tests by high school students to earn their diploma. This reform movement has as its backbone three so called success stories to "prove" its successful. those stories are Texas, Florida, and Washington D.C. public schools. All three have seen these shining lights dimmed in the recent years, months and days.
The Texas plan was the basis for NCLB. It started the testing craze. It took this testing craze and model the basis of NCLB by have standardized results and broke down into subcategories. The hope was to have perfect students by 2014. When that wasn't going to happen the federal government backed off and we switched to Race to the Top. Now Texas is reducing the number of test they give. They even had legislation to not fund the testing companies.
The next big success story was Florida. In 1998 Jeb Bush was elected governor. Bush immediately held back 3rd graders who were not successful on state tests to remediate them in reading. What this did is help Florida's 4th grade NAEP tests look amazing and Jeb was the education governor. Trumpeting his system of holding back 3rd graders, being tough on teachers, and giving out grades. What happened later you ask? Well Florida's ACT scores dropped to below 20 to a 19.5. 54% of Florida's high school graduates had to take remediation classes compared to 40% nationally. Now their teacher evaluation system in shambles and is giving grades to teachers for kids that are not even in their school. Bush has since started a private foundation to push his agenda. Which surprisingly backed by testing companies and other companies who make profit of public funds to school. In the last year his foundation has been seen as one who rights model legislation for states, influences state boards, and fattens the pockets of his backers an partners. Emails have tied him to state department of eds all over the country.
Lastly Washington D.C. Michelle Rhee an undeserving appointee to the head position in Washington D.C. also spoke of all these tough measures. She had an assault on public ed teachers. Put immense pressure on principals to raise test scores and even had them sign papers saying the would achieve certain grades or be fired. Recently we have seen how these changes produced results. Cheating!! Rhee handed out bonus after bonus to successful schools. Only those schools cheated. Or a vast majority did. Teachers and administrators erased scores. The average erasure for a test is just under two times per test. These had as many as 29 and averaged in the high teens. Also test were unsecured in the schools and teachers were allowed to get the test and prep students directly from the test they were taking for up to two weeks. Now here is the shocking part. Rhee found out and did nothing. Instead used it to her advantage. Saying that she was a success and her method worked. Well after just two and half years Rhee quit. Starting a private foundation to spread her "success" where she now garners $50,000 per speech to tell groups that teachers making less than she gets an hour are on a "gravy train".
So my point finally is this. Can Oklahoma finally go a different direction? The models we are trying to follow or being forced to follow haven't showed proven results. Each case has been shown as a failure. Can Oklahoma stop the train and get off and start doing what is best for our kids. Can we get legislators, state department heads, and school officials to sit down and finally do our kids justice. We keep chasing the next reform in some other state. Lets stop and be a beacon, not a lost ship wondering out at sea.
The Texas plan was the basis for NCLB. It started the testing craze. It took this testing craze and model the basis of NCLB by have standardized results and broke down into subcategories. The hope was to have perfect students by 2014. When that wasn't going to happen the federal government backed off and we switched to Race to the Top. Now Texas is reducing the number of test they give. They even had legislation to not fund the testing companies.
The next big success story was Florida. In 1998 Jeb Bush was elected governor. Bush immediately held back 3rd graders who were not successful on state tests to remediate them in reading. What this did is help Florida's 4th grade NAEP tests look amazing and Jeb was the education governor. Trumpeting his system of holding back 3rd graders, being tough on teachers, and giving out grades. What happened later you ask? Well Florida's ACT scores dropped to below 20 to a 19.5. 54% of Florida's high school graduates had to take remediation classes compared to 40% nationally. Now their teacher evaluation system in shambles and is giving grades to teachers for kids that are not even in their school. Bush has since started a private foundation to push his agenda. Which surprisingly backed by testing companies and other companies who make profit of public funds to school. In the last year his foundation has been seen as one who rights model legislation for states, influences state boards, and fattens the pockets of his backers an partners. Emails have tied him to state department of eds all over the country.
Lastly Washington D.C. Michelle Rhee an undeserving appointee to the head position in Washington D.C. also spoke of all these tough measures. She had an assault on public ed teachers. Put immense pressure on principals to raise test scores and even had them sign papers saying the would achieve certain grades or be fired. Recently we have seen how these changes produced results. Cheating!! Rhee handed out bonus after bonus to successful schools. Only those schools cheated. Or a vast majority did. Teachers and administrators erased scores. The average erasure for a test is just under two times per test. These had as many as 29 and averaged in the high teens. Also test were unsecured in the schools and teachers were allowed to get the test and prep students directly from the test they were taking for up to two weeks. Now here is the shocking part. Rhee found out and did nothing. Instead used it to her advantage. Saying that she was a success and her method worked. Well after just two and half years Rhee quit. Starting a private foundation to spread her "success" where she now garners $50,000 per speech to tell groups that teachers making less than she gets an hour are on a "gravy train".
So my point finally is this. Can Oklahoma finally go a different direction? The models we are trying to follow or being forced to follow haven't showed proven results. Each case has been shown as a failure. Can Oklahoma stop the train and get off and start doing what is best for our kids. Can we get legislators, state department heads, and school officials to sit down and finally do our kids justice. We keep chasing the next reform in some other state. Lets stop and be a beacon, not a lost ship wondering out at sea.
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Testing 2013
Well it has been way to long since I posted a blog. In my defense my wife and I took on two precious foster children. Both of them under 3. I had taken sleep for granted, lol. As I write this the testing season of Spring 2013 is upon us. The teachers are anxious and nervous. The students are feeling the same. On a side note I would like to remind everyone that 3rd-8th grade students can get a free breakfast tomorrow morning and participating McDonald's restaurants. It is dine in only so you might have to get up a few minutes early tomorrow.
Testing seems to be on the front burner as that time of year comes around. I read on twitter and other services of a student walk out in New Jersey. I wonder what I would say to my students if they planned that here at Greenville. I know my stance on testing. Would I be willing to let them make that decision and face those consequences or would I try to stop them?
So what would I do? My personal stance on testing is that it is fine as a means to measure students growth. I think there should actually be better testing to truly have a beginning, middle, and ending growth measure. A tool to judge where a student is at, what they have shown mastery of, and what they need remediated in during the year. I don't however like tests being the end all be all. I think students can show mastery in other ways besides tests, even if those test include writing and not just multi-choice. Testing has to only be a tool. Like a drill to a carpenter, it is important but not the only tool that you use to build something. I don't like a student taking a single test and using it to judge a teacher or school. There are anywhere from 150 to 180 days in a school year. Picking one day to judge makes no sense to me in any way.
So back to what would I do? I think I would support them. Let them know the consequences but let them be heard. What avenues do our students have to be heard? Do we care if they feel over tested or that it takes away from other subject areas? Just today I had a student ask me for an art teacher. I want an art teacher too! It breaks my heart that I can't provide that for her and the other students who want that also. Because that is what it should be about, students and what is best for all of them. Not trying to let them all be common.
Testing seems to be on the front burner as that time of year comes around. I read on twitter and other services of a student walk out in New Jersey. I wonder what I would say to my students if they planned that here at Greenville. I know my stance on testing. Would I be willing to let them make that decision and face those consequences or would I try to stop them?
So what would I do? My personal stance on testing is that it is fine as a means to measure students growth. I think there should actually be better testing to truly have a beginning, middle, and ending growth measure. A tool to judge where a student is at, what they have shown mastery of, and what they need remediated in during the year. I don't however like tests being the end all be all. I think students can show mastery in other ways besides tests, even if those test include writing and not just multi-choice. Testing has to only be a tool. Like a drill to a carpenter, it is important but not the only tool that you use to build something. I don't like a student taking a single test and using it to judge a teacher or school. There are anywhere from 150 to 180 days in a school year. Picking one day to judge makes no sense to me in any way.
So back to what would I do? I think I would support them. Let them know the consequences but let them be heard. What avenues do our students have to be heard? Do we care if they feel over tested or that it takes away from other subject areas? Just today I had a student ask me for an art teacher. I want an art teacher too! It breaks my heart that I can't provide that for her and the other students who want that also. Because that is what it should be about, students and what is best for all of them. Not trying to let them all be common.
Monday, March 11, 2013
ORES Day at the Capitol
On this Tuesday March 12th, the Organization of Rural Elementary Schools is hosting a luncheon for state senators and representatives. This fine organization bands together K-6 and K-8 districts. It helps lobby against needless forced consolidation. It also shares the good news that is small rural schools.
Here are some interesting facts about small schools. 11 of the top 20 ACT schools have an enrollment under 500. Graduation rates of districts under 500 schools is higher than those above. Non-instructional costs are $266.69 less per pupil than larger districts. Dependent districts have twice as many transfers in as they do out of district. Over the past ten years, rural elementary schools have seen a 24% increase in enrollment. Small rural districts offer a safe, comfortable, and personal learning environment.
I have nothing against larger schools. I have many friends and respected colleagues at larger schools. They are inventive and passionate. They produce magnificent students as a result. What ORES and other groups try to show is that there is not one setting that is better than another for learning. Larger isn't always better, and neither is smaller always better. When our legislature tries to force top down mandates and laws it stifles our experts. I think this is a key point that needs to be preached. The teacher and the administrators are experts. We have been trained and retrained to know what is best for our students. We grow and learn every day. Small school and large, together working hard each day no matter the circumstances to ensure the success of every student.
For those of you that are members of ORES please be there tomorrow at the Capitol rooms 419A, B, & C. Invite those that represent you and your school. Even invite those that aren't so they can learn about all we have to offer, which just like our larger brethren is amazing compassionate experts.
Here are some interesting facts about small schools. 11 of the top 20 ACT schools have an enrollment under 500. Graduation rates of districts under 500 schools is higher than those above. Non-instructional costs are $266.69 less per pupil than larger districts. Dependent districts have twice as many transfers in as they do out of district. Over the past ten years, rural elementary schools have seen a 24% increase in enrollment. Small rural districts offer a safe, comfortable, and personal learning environment.
I have nothing against larger schools. I have many friends and respected colleagues at larger schools. They are inventive and passionate. They produce magnificent students as a result. What ORES and other groups try to show is that there is not one setting that is better than another for learning. Larger isn't always better, and neither is smaller always better. When our legislature tries to force top down mandates and laws it stifles our experts. I think this is a key point that needs to be preached. The teacher and the administrators are experts. We have been trained and retrained to know what is best for our students. We grow and learn every day. Small school and large, together working hard each day no matter the circumstances to ensure the success of every student.
For those of you that are members of ORES please be there tomorrow at the Capitol rooms 419A, B, & C. Invite those that represent you and your school. Even invite those that aren't so they can learn about all we have to offer, which just like our larger brethren is amazing compassionate experts.
Monday, February 25, 2013
#oklaed benefiting from edcampok
Last night I was lucky enough to benefit from a wonderful twitter chat. In Yukon this weekend was an opportunity for educators and others to get together for edcampok. During those meetings some wonderful people came up with the idea to have a twitter chat. So mark your calendars, set an alarm, and drop everything at 8pm on Sunday nights. Dan Krutka,PhD was moderator for this chat. The moderator will change as each passing goes along.
The twitter chat involved those that commonly use the hastag #oklaed on twitter. The hashtag has become quite popular and has been an excellent way for educators to get together and talk and share ideas to common problems in education. It is also a great way for us to all celebrate each others success. I know I enjoy getting to retweet other schools news as much as I do my own school.
The process is really simple. At 8 o'clock on Sunday nights just get on twitter. Each person that is on just quickly introduces themselves. The moderator will then propose a question to everyone. Each person takes a turn answering the questions. After that is when all the good stuff happens. As people answer we get to engage in amazing conversations about how each person feels on a topic, or how they address issues that might be similar to our own. I enjoyed it so much the hour absolutely flew by for me. It was over an hour later before I knew it.
So much great information came out I don't even know where to begin. Tammy G. Parks created a Google doc contact list so we will be able to share and connect later Contact List Here. Wesley Fryer, Ph. D put up a list of educators that are on twitter list here. There was just so much that came out of the meeting. I really want to encourage anyone that has an interest in Oklahoma Education to join us. You don't have to be a teacher or administrator. We need input from all people. We need parents to join, activists to join, students, legislators, and just anyone who cares about Oklahoma students and wants to make their education the best it can be. The state is filled with so many compassionate people for education. Lets all get together for one hour on Sunday nights and share ideas. Trust me you won't regret it one bit!!
The twitter chat involved those that commonly use the hastag #oklaed on twitter. The hashtag has become quite popular and has been an excellent way for educators to get together and talk and share ideas to common problems in education. It is also a great way for us to all celebrate each others success. I know I enjoy getting to retweet other schools news as much as I do my own school.
The process is really simple. At 8 o'clock on Sunday nights just get on twitter. Each person that is on just quickly introduces themselves. The moderator will then propose a question to everyone. Each person takes a turn answering the questions. After that is when all the good stuff happens. As people answer we get to engage in amazing conversations about how each person feels on a topic, or how they address issues that might be similar to our own. I enjoyed it so much the hour absolutely flew by for me. It was over an hour later before I knew it.
So much great information came out I don't even know where to begin. Tammy G. Parks created a Google doc contact list so we will be able to share and connect later Contact List Here. Wesley Fryer, Ph. D put up a list of educators that are on twitter list here. There was just so much that came out of the meeting. I really want to encourage anyone that has an interest in Oklahoma Education to join us. You don't have to be a teacher or administrator. We need input from all people. We need parents to join, activists to join, students, legislators, and just anyone who cares about Oklahoma students and wants to make their education the best it can be. The state is filled with so many compassionate people for education. Lets all get together for one hour on Sunday nights and share ideas. Trust me you won't regret it one bit!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2013
Parent Trigger Trouble
Yesterday I saw a couple of tweets for links and comments about the upcoming parent trigger legislation. They were positive of course. I am truly hoping this legislation goes nowhere. In its current form it makes no sense if your basis is school choice. I have more than one problem with this legislation.
My first problem is it is not truly choice that it is about. When you have one option for one group that is not choice. If this legislation to truly be about choice then private and charter school parents should have the option to make their schools public if they have D's or F's. By the way these schools fail as well. We obviously don't get private school info but on SDE website one can go to A-F and type in charter to see the charter districts. Well guess what, 30% of their schools have D's or F's. This is compared to 9% for public schools, would be 5.4% if State Board of Ed had used growth formula the Superintendents asked for. So why legislation to turn schools in a system that fails at a greater percentage? Because perhaps its not about choice but the decay of public schools.
My second issue it is goes around an elected body. That's as undemocratic as it gets. I am all for parents having say, I love teacher organizations and parent involvement. We have a system for parents to get involved. We have a democratic process to follow. We need parents and patrons that care about schools on school boards. But that is where the decisions need to be made. You should not be able to get around an elected body. Just so you can divert more money away from public schools.
Another issue I have is the 50% rule. I brought this up during my meeting with Rep. Nelson. How come everything takes 50% passage but bond passage doesn't. He didn't have an answer for me. How come it takes 50% to radically change a school but 60% to build facilities, infrastructure and plan for the future. State questions don't take 60% but they can alter education or take away funds. Officials get elected at 50%. It just makes no sense to me.
Lastly my final issue is, what if that doesn't work. What do the parents do then? As I pointed out charters fail at a higher percentage. Is they a way for parents to transform that school? Can it go back to public? Go private? What happens when they find out its not that it is a public school that's the problem? There has to be measures to address this issue. If not, then it truly is about just chipping away at public schools.
This legislation just doesn't have enough thought. It doesn't because it comes from national "Think Tanks" like ALEC or FEE. Its not about kids, its about corporate reform from big business, financial institutions, and non educators. Please defeat this bill. The kids of Oklahoma need you too!!
Monday, February 4, 2013
Rep. Jason Nelson Meeting
On February 1st in the afternoon I had the pleasure of meeting with Rep. Jason Nelson-okc in his office. We have used twitter several times to have discussion on education. I offered to talk anytime and he took me up on that as he scheduled a meeting. Mr. Nelson and I had never met previously, and we live in very different worlds. I gripe about driving in the city every time I go up their. I like having my option to slowly roll through most 4 ways. But it was a good opportunity for us to exchange thoughts on education in the state of Oklahoma. I wasn't sure what to expect when I arrived at the capitol for sure. For the record I wasn't the one that called in the bomb threat either. What transpired was a good conversation on education.
Mr. Nelson and myself will never agree on all points education. We have different backgrounds. We wont see eye to eye on school choice, parent triggers, or SOS laws. But for our time we we were able to put aside those differences and just talk education. I shared with him my thoughts on A-F, High Stakes testing, technology, funding, etc. He was very gracious in our discussions and asked my opinion. Which I shared openly and we were never terse with each other. I hope that I was a good voice for rural and small schools. We face so very different conditions from large urban or suburban school districts. Mr. Nelson seemed to value my opinions and often jotted down notes on his laptop to either check for information or to just make a note of for further discussion.
Mr. Nelson mentioned two things that I definitely agree on with him. The first was that we need to really look at our funding formula. Do the research and see what it takes to truly fund schools, each kid, each difference that they bring whether that's autism, ELL, or poverty. Look at our funding sources and get them stabilized. He mentioned how he has learned why schools have carryovers, because we never know whats around the next bend. I hope our school leaders and legislative leaders can get together and look what it takes to fund an Oklahoma kid. He mentioned he didn't care about what Texas or Kansas funds we should look at Oklahoma and that is a point I repeatedly make. I often make it with reform too. I don't want to look at Florida I want to take the best of Oklahoma. We are different, unique, and special. I think that should be the same for funding.
The second point he made was discussion. He mentioned a few things he has done to get discussion going on education. We need that. We desperately need for the SDE, legislature, and education stakeholders to be able to sit down and talk education. Not griping through media streams. We need to be able to sit down and listen to what each other is saying and have open and honest talks. I hope it can happen. I hope we can set aside the "I know best" and work together. Our Kids deserve it!!
Mr. Nelson and myself will never agree on all points education. We have different backgrounds. We wont see eye to eye on school choice, parent triggers, or SOS laws. But for our time we we were able to put aside those differences and just talk education. I shared with him my thoughts on A-F, High Stakes testing, technology, funding, etc. He was very gracious in our discussions and asked my opinion. Which I shared openly and we were never terse with each other. I hope that I was a good voice for rural and small schools. We face so very different conditions from large urban or suburban school districts. Mr. Nelson seemed to value my opinions and often jotted down notes on his laptop to either check for information or to just make a note of for further discussion.
Mr. Nelson mentioned two things that I definitely agree on with him. The first was that we need to really look at our funding formula. Do the research and see what it takes to truly fund schools, each kid, each difference that they bring whether that's autism, ELL, or poverty. Look at our funding sources and get them stabilized. He mentioned how he has learned why schools have carryovers, because we never know whats around the next bend. I hope our school leaders and legislative leaders can get together and look what it takes to fund an Oklahoma kid. He mentioned he didn't care about what Texas or Kansas funds we should look at Oklahoma and that is a point I repeatedly make. I often make it with reform too. I don't want to look at Florida I want to take the best of Oklahoma. We are different, unique, and special. I think that should be the same for funding.
The second point he made was discussion. He mentioned a few things he has done to get discussion going on education. We need that. We desperately need for the SDE, legislature, and education stakeholders to be able to sit down and talk education. Not griping through media streams. We need to be able to sit down and listen to what each other is saying and have open and honest talks. I hope it can happen. I hope we can set aside the "I know best" and work together. Our Kids deserve it!!
Thursday, January 24, 2013
New Ok State Ed Bills
Yesterday the announcement of two bills that were filled in Oklahoma Legislature circled the twitter ranks. One pertained to the "parent trigger" and the other to unfunded or underfunded mandates. The parent trigger bill was supposedly bipartisan by having co-authors David Holt R-OKC and Jabar Shumate D-Tulsa. It calls for parents being able to change a school from public to charter if a school has a D or an F for two consecutive years or two out of three years on its state report card.
I am all for parents having a say and having empowerment. I just don't think this is right way to do it. For starters parents have a right to run for school board election, go to those meetings, join and be active in parent groups, and talking face to face with administration and teachers. They also can volunteer if they have the time. A second problem is moving it to a charter. Why? What makes a charter a guarantee of success? When the A-F report cards were issued by percentage of letter grades public schools outperformed charter schools. Meaning a bigger % of public schools got A's than Charter schools. My next problem is, what happens if no change during charter school. Is there a place for the charter to go back to public if it fails? No, there is not. And why? Because basically this is just another attempt at our Republican controlled representatives to get funds to charter schools. Why because business can make money. They can invest on them and charter schools are quite the investment nation wide. My last problem is the use of A-F. After the recent independent study by a panel of experts shot holes all through the validity and reliability of the test I don't think we should use them for a basis of changing a whole school. If and when the grading system is upgraded it might be used for something but not now, not in its current state. On a side note, why is it a good idea for it to take 50% to completely change a school and its make up but 60% to pass a bond to build building, update infrastructure and add technology, etc..
The second bill was one to create an Unfunded Mandate Relief program. This would require the SDE to make a listing of all mandates. It would then have to list out those that are not funded,0% funding, and those that are underfunded, 75%. If a mandate is unfunded or underfunded then a local school board has the option to opt out if you will of that mandate. Man does that put a lot of pressure on the legislature.
I know where I would put my money if I had to bet which one of these has the best chance to pass. I hope that teachers and parents will be very active and stop this onslaught on public schools that is currently going on. It is desperately needed.
I am all for parents having a say and having empowerment. I just don't think this is right way to do it. For starters parents have a right to run for school board election, go to those meetings, join and be active in parent groups, and talking face to face with administration and teachers. They also can volunteer if they have the time. A second problem is moving it to a charter. Why? What makes a charter a guarantee of success? When the A-F report cards were issued by percentage of letter grades public schools outperformed charter schools. Meaning a bigger % of public schools got A's than Charter schools. My next problem is, what happens if no change during charter school. Is there a place for the charter to go back to public if it fails? No, there is not. And why? Because basically this is just another attempt at our Republican controlled representatives to get funds to charter schools. Why because business can make money. They can invest on them and charter schools are quite the investment nation wide. My last problem is the use of A-F. After the recent independent study by a panel of experts shot holes all through the validity and reliability of the test I don't think we should use them for a basis of changing a whole school. If and when the grading system is upgraded it might be used for something but not now, not in its current state. On a side note, why is it a good idea for it to take 50% to completely change a school and its make up but 60% to pass a bond to build building, update infrastructure and add technology, etc..
The second bill was one to create an Unfunded Mandate Relief program. This would require the SDE to make a listing of all mandates. It would then have to list out those that are not funded,0% funding, and those that are underfunded, 75%. If a mandate is unfunded or underfunded then a local school board has the option to opt out if you will of that mandate. Man does that put a lot of pressure on the legislature.
I know where I would put my money if I had to bet which one of these has the best chance to pass. I hope that teachers and parents will be very active and stop this onslaught on public schools that is currently going on. It is desperately needed.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
Daily Disappointment and A-F
The Daily Disappointment or Daily Oklahoman whichever you choose released its take on the study of Oklahoma's A-F report cards. No real big surprise on there stance. Ever since one of the editors spouses got the chief of staff job, the Oklahoman has ripped any and all dissenters of Ms. Barresi and took up her points. Not ever pinning one article contradictory to her side or stances. Which is amazing to say the least and does lend to the credibility of the paper in my eyes. I am all for having a stance and standing by it to think you agree with someone all or time or approve of all their actions is insidious.
The Daily Disappointment tried its best this week to make the independent study by a group of experts to look partial. The paper tried to make it look like CCOSA and OSSBA, the organizations that represent administrators and school board members, did the study. They did this to try to make it not credible. The truth of the matter is these fine groups only asked for the report, it was done and researched by a group of experts. It was then given to Robert Linn, who works at the University of Colorado, not really an Oklahoman homer if you ask me. He wrote a not so nice comment section on Appendix A. In fact he said the state would be well advised to scrap the A to F report cards.
The report card, just as the administrators and parent groups said, contains numerous flaws. It goes against state law and federal mandates. It has sections that have no basis on validity or reliability which is the cornerstone of any measurement. It relies on to many things that are not under the control of schools, also mentioned by Mr. Linn and the research group.
The bottom line is the A-F report cards is a tool to try to prove reform is needed. We saw that in the decision on the growth model, also slammed by the research group. That wouldn't be so bad but the reforms this regime wants are corporate reforms. More high stakes testing so companies like Pearson can sell tests, practice tests, and workbooks. It is killing the education of today and the future of tomorrow. You don't get a better society by focusing all attention on two areas. You get a better society by teaching a well rounded education at the younger ages and then having the diverse fields to educate whatever pathway the students may choose. In those pathways you develop critical thinking and creativity. And it doesn't matter what the Daily Disappointment says!!
The Daily Disappointment tried its best this week to make the independent study by a group of experts to look partial. The paper tried to make it look like CCOSA and OSSBA, the organizations that represent administrators and school board members, did the study. They did this to try to make it not credible. The truth of the matter is these fine groups only asked for the report, it was done and researched by a group of experts. It was then given to Robert Linn, who works at the University of Colorado, not really an Oklahoman homer if you ask me. He wrote a not so nice comment section on Appendix A. In fact he said the state would be well advised to scrap the A to F report cards.
The report card, just as the administrators and parent groups said, contains numerous flaws. It goes against state law and federal mandates. It has sections that have no basis on validity or reliability which is the cornerstone of any measurement. It relies on to many things that are not under the control of schools, also mentioned by Mr. Linn and the research group.
The bottom line is the A-F report cards is a tool to try to prove reform is needed. We saw that in the decision on the growth model, also slammed by the research group. That wouldn't be so bad but the reforms this regime wants are corporate reforms. More high stakes testing so companies like Pearson can sell tests, practice tests, and workbooks. It is killing the education of today and the future of tomorrow. You don't get a better society by focusing all attention on two areas. You get a better society by teaching a well rounded education at the younger ages and then having the diverse fields to educate whatever pathway the students may choose. In those pathways you develop critical thinking and creativity. And it doesn't matter what the Daily Disappointment says!!
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Listening to the Experts
Recently Oklahoma EducationTruths, a great blog on Oklahoma education news, wrote about Oklahoma Legislators not listening to public education officials. I find this to be very true of a lot, not all, of the legislators I hear from. I hope with the release of the study on A-F that it can change.
If u didn't hear the Oklahoma State School Board Association and CCOSA the state school administrative organization asked for a study of the A-F report cards. The study was done by Research departments from OU and OSU. Well come to find out all the things that the school administrators and parent groups that spoke before the State School Board were true!! This report card is not valid, reliable, or a good tool for judging schools. They even went so far as to say it wasn't "meaningless". As it turns out the real truth is school administrators want accountability. They want to have it make sense and be reliable. Hopefully after this study Oklahoma Legislators will see that the experts in the field know what they are talking about on school issues. Hopefully they will start to listen to these experts and not people whose goals are to follow non experts who only care about privatization and profits.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
If u didn't hear the Oklahoma State School Board Association and CCOSA the state school administrative organization asked for a study of the A-F report cards. The study was done by Research departments from OU and OSU. Well come to find out all the things that the school administrators and parent groups that spoke before the State School Board were true!! This report card is not valid, reliable, or a good tool for judging schools. They even went so far as to say it wasn't "meaningless". As it turns out the real truth is school administrators want accountability. They want to have it make sense and be reliable. Hopefully after this study Oklahoma Legislators will see that the experts in the field know what they are talking about on school issues. Hopefully they will start to listen to these experts and not people whose goals are to follow non experts who only care about privatization and profits.
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone
Monday, January 14, 2013
Funding Issues Need Addressed
As the 2013 Legislative season comes upon us there are many important questions to be answered for education. One of the many things that has been said before the session gets underway is that the legislature will look to prove education is important to this GOP lead group. Many educators have wondered quietly and loudly they don't feel important. Since 2010 when the GOP gained sole control of every state office and gained dominate numbers in each chamber of the legislature education has taken many hits. Some of them are financial and some are through mandates and the extra time and energy they require to address. Numerous issues have been raised about funding though.
The Oklahoma Legislature has passed a lot of mandates the last two years and that has been coupled with a reduction in money per pupil. The legislature has also dwindled some funds that go towards education with proposing state questions to limit ad valorem growth or take money out of the ad valorem intangible equation. When I have talked to Representatives and Senators one thing I hear a lot is that our state is not very big, population wise I assume. So I did a quick internet check and saw that by population we rank 28th.List here That even included D.C. and all territories. So it would make sense to me that we would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 28th in spending right? Well we all know that is not true. Not internet search for that one. We know Oklahoma is in the bottom three historically. The per pupil cuts the last couple years did nothing to change that. So its time for the legislature to show us they really do care. Hopefully they will this legislative season. Here is my wish list.
1. Per Pupil increase to pre-recession levels
2. Reduced funding for virtual students (They don't need same money as brick and mortor students)
3. Full fund mandates of RSA, ACE, & TLE
4. Replace funding lost from removal of Integible property from Ad Valorem
5. Increased funds for transportation. (Which hasn't been raised since 1988 I believe)
6. Increased rate for textbooks. (Currently at $57)
7. Increase to building fund rate (Have you seen what it cost to build these days)
I Know I ask a lot but its time to show Oklahoman's we are serious about public education. Fully fund it first. Provide money for what you will hold schools accountable for during the school year. No need to talk about guns, state boards, or anything else until we fund what needs funded. Our Kids and their future are worth it, lets prove that to them!!
The Oklahoma Legislature has passed a lot of mandates the last two years and that has been coupled with a reduction in money per pupil. The legislature has also dwindled some funds that go towards education with proposing state questions to limit ad valorem growth or take money out of the ad valorem intangible equation. When I have talked to Representatives and Senators one thing I hear a lot is that our state is not very big, population wise I assume. So I did a quick internet check and saw that by population we rank 28th.List here That even included D.C. and all territories. So it would make sense to me that we would be somewhere in the neighborhood of 28th in spending right? Well we all know that is not true. Not internet search for that one. We know Oklahoma is in the bottom three historically. The per pupil cuts the last couple years did nothing to change that. So its time for the legislature to show us they really do care. Hopefully they will this legislative season. Here is my wish list.
1. Per Pupil increase to pre-recession levels
2. Reduced funding for virtual students (They don't need same money as brick and mortor students)
3. Full fund mandates of RSA, ACE, & TLE
4. Replace funding lost from removal of Integible property from Ad Valorem
5. Increased funds for transportation. (Which hasn't been raised since 1988 I believe)
6. Increased rate for textbooks. (Currently at $57)
7. Increase to building fund rate (Have you seen what it cost to build these days)
I Know I ask a lot but its time to show Oklahoman's we are serious about public education. Fully fund it first. Provide money for what you will hold schools accountable for during the school year. No need to talk about guns, state boards, or anything else until we fund what needs funded. Our Kids and their future are worth it, lets prove that to them!!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
What really matters
Soon after I publish this blog I will head to a funeral. A good friend of mine passed away from cancer over the weekend. Chad Pierce was his name. Chad is probably the single most nicest person I have ever met. I have never heard anyone say one bad thing about Chad and I have never heard anyone say anything bad about Chad. He is the highest form of a human being that God allows us to obtain. Words could never truly express his footprint on the world he lived in while here on earth. As we have told stories and comforted each other we have heard countless stories of people who Chad has meet maybe only once or for a weekend at a convention and came to the funeral home or to see the family because he impacted them that much. Some like that came as far as 250 miles. Chad returned to our hometown and was no question the biggest Madill Wildcat supporter of all time. So much so that the football players wanted to be at the funeral today.
Chad played trombone in high school and received a scholarship to play at East Central University. Chad was not the best member of either band. Chad did was not our valedictorian. Chad did not score a 36 on ACT. Chad did not get an engineering degree or study rocket science. He was however the best at what matters!! Loving others, being a great son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend. I write all this to say this. All the state rankings that Michelle Rhee, Jeb Bush or any other corporate reformers want to put out or any state letter grade Janet Baressi, Bobby Jindal, or Tony Bennett give out won't ever truly measure the worth of person. Chad is an A+ I don't need a test or a complicated formula to tell me that!!!
RIP Chad Pierce
Madill Class of '93
Chad played trombone in high school and received a scholarship to play at East Central University. Chad was not the best member of either band. Chad did was not our valedictorian. Chad did not score a 36 on ACT. Chad did not get an engineering degree or study rocket science. He was however the best at what matters!! Loving others, being a great son, brother, uncle, colleague, and friend. I write all this to say this. All the state rankings that Michelle Rhee, Jeb Bush or any other corporate reformers want to put out or any state letter grade Janet Baressi, Bobby Jindal, or Tony Bennett give out won't ever truly measure the worth of person. Chad is an A+ I don't need a test or a complicated formula to tell me that!!!
RIP Chad Pierce
Madill Class of '93
Monday, January 7, 2013
Have It Your Way Dude: WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!
Have It Your Way Dude: WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!: We hear a lot from corporate reformers that there must be accountability. That is there argument for high stakes testing. Well I am sorry bu...
WE NEED ACCOUNTABILITY!!!!
We hear a lot from corporate reformers that there must be accountability. That is there argument for high stakes testing. Well I am sorry but I just don't buy that it is the only method of accountability. So lets look at how accountability works without testing.
First off the main issue should be financial accountability. The tax payers should know that the money they are giving is being spent properly. I don't anyone can argue with that measure. Currently schools send in reports and claims to the State Department of Education. They know our personnel, how there paid, and out of what accounts. They track administrative costs. If a district spends over the 8% allotment they have to go before the state school board and explain themselves. The board can waive penalty or enforce it. So financial accountability is there and handled. That is a really good thing.
So that brings us to academic accountability. For years accountability was held at the local level. Where it should rightfully be held. We have a legislature that sets how many credit hours a student had to have to graduate high school. They also set how many and what classes those had to come from. It was a minimum that almost all schools exceeded. The State department has the ability to check online that students are in those proper classes and has the ability to check to make sure the right classes are being offered. Any all laws or regulations passed by our legislature or SDE is checked for compliance. We have state and regional accreditation officers. Yet another form of accountability. Once a student finishes school the local school board signs off saying this group of students has meet those requirements and can graduate. Another form of accountability. An elected one. If you hear our SDE talk that is really important point, especially when it comes to their disagreements with their appointed board.
As you can see there is plenty of accountability of schools. That is not truly what corporate reformers care about, that is just how sell their products. Which we buy at an 18.2 million dollar clip. Which will raise significantly next year. So please stop the accountability nonsense. We have it and have it abundantly.
First off the main issue should be financial accountability. The tax payers should know that the money they are giving is being spent properly. I don't anyone can argue with that measure. Currently schools send in reports and claims to the State Department of Education. They know our personnel, how there paid, and out of what accounts. They track administrative costs. If a district spends over the 8% allotment they have to go before the state school board and explain themselves. The board can waive penalty or enforce it. So financial accountability is there and handled. That is a really good thing.
So that brings us to academic accountability. For years accountability was held at the local level. Where it should rightfully be held. We have a legislature that sets how many credit hours a student had to have to graduate high school. They also set how many and what classes those had to come from. It was a minimum that almost all schools exceeded. The State department has the ability to check online that students are in those proper classes and has the ability to check to make sure the right classes are being offered. Any all laws or regulations passed by our legislature or SDE is checked for compliance. We have state and regional accreditation officers. Yet another form of accountability. Once a student finishes school the local school board signs off saying this group of students has meet those requirements and can graduate. Another form of accountability. An elected one. If you hear our SDE talk that is really important point, especially when it comes to their disagreements with their appointed board.
As you can see there is plenty of accountability of schools. That is not truly what corporate reformers care about, that is just how sell their products. Which we buy at an 18.2 million dollar clip. Which will raise significantly next year. So please stop the accountability nonsense. We have it and have it abundantly.
Sunday, January 6, 2013
Out with the Old in with the New
Well the old blog is going to under go some changes. I had originally decided to blog about my fitness and health adventures. While that is important to me as over the last two years or so I have lost around 30 pounds and went from someone who never exercised to running and doing sprint triathlons, something else has come up. The current trends in education have taken a front seat for me, that doesn't mean I'm putting the weight back on, just that I feel strongly about education. So this blog is changing to an educational blog. My thoughts and opinions, and those of colleagues and friends, will now dominate the blog. I may have a post or two to brag about a new run or adventure but mostly the important topic of education.
I would love for you to follow, share, and comment as we discuss the future of education.
I would love for you to follow, share, and comment as we discuss the future of education.
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