tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post1303268379318731278..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: The April 12th Board MeetingCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41402613158805058932010-04-18T08:48:48.491-04:002010-04-18T08:48:48.491-04:00Isn't the Gateway to College program a Gates p...Isn't the Gateway to College program a Gates project? Maybe there was overlap and the DECA students can combine. I know people who are thrilled with Gateway.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30295025478946136072010-04-18T08:44:49.180-04:002010-04-18T08:44:49.180-04:00It is to bad DCSS didn't get DECA right. This...It is to bad DCSS didn't get DECA right. This is the kind of think that the Gate's Foundation gives lots of money for. I am still unclear what went wrong with DECA, in terms of sustainability, but I suspect that DeKalb, which probably had no credibility with the Gates folks, now has none. <br /><br />Perhaps it should be a qualification of the next superintendent that the system they are coming from has a good track record with foundations like the Gate's foundation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58323385002614318212010-04-18T08:35:49.836-04:002010-04-18T08:35:49.836-04:00Very Clever! Cross Keys would be a perfect site f...Very Clever! Cross Keys would be a perfect site for this kind of campus.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1795781340547297142010-04-17T23:36:05.942-04:002010-04-17T23:36:05.942-04:00I do not know the costs, but Atlanta City Schools ...I do not know the costs, but Atlanta City Schools is taking a stab at the "large physical plant, small school" concept:<br /><br /><i>APS high schools are being reconfigured into two models: small schools and small learning communities. In the small-schools model, one principal will be in charge of each autonomous school on the campus. With small learning communities, one principal runs the school, which is comprised of smaller academies.</i><br /><br /><i>The New Schools at Carver, which opened in August 2005, was the district’s first bold step toward transforming high schools, both structurally and academically. Carver now features four separate schools that focus on specific disciplines: Early College, School of the Arts, School of Health, Sciences & Research, and School of Technology.</i> <br /><br />One advantage is the reduction in cost of operating physical plant - if you have maybe 2500 students in one physical location, it has to cost less than 1000 in one place and 1500 in another.<br /><br />I don't know, but something to chew on - gee, sounds a little bit like the "Brookhaven High School of Math, Science, Technology and Arts", doesn't it?Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-62404618964816941912010-04-17T22:43:00.345-04:002010-04-17T22:43:00.345-04:00What if we had 50% the number of the schools we ha...What if we had 50% the number of the schools we have now but they all had small class sizes, healthy cafeterias, thriving extra-curricular options, necessary instructional programs to support all needs (ELL to Gifted) and pleasant facilities?<br /><br />Renovating our current plant is only doubling down on a bad bet ...Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-82087776552664372562010-04-17T22:08:43.908-04:002010-04-17T22:08:43.908-04:00Me, personally? I hate the idea of big schools. Bu...Me, personally? I hate the idea of big schools. But this is where the real money is if we're going to make it about the money. It's about the money, right? That's what it has come down to ...<br /><br />We are in denial and nary a palm tree or pyramid in sight ...Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22788283584834398862010-04-17T21:48:54.785-04:002010-04-17T21:48:54.785-04:00Ok. What about ROTC? Magnet? Band? Choir? Athletic...Ok. What about ROTC? Magnet? Band? Choir? Athletics? Art? Career Tech? Heck, PE? clubs? Surely these are luxuries, too, right? Buses at high schools?<br /><br />Sorry to be contrary because: a) You could be right, and b) my beef isn't with your particular position.<br /><br />I believe we have to let the teachers tell us what is working or what is a luxury. I haven't heard one teacher at Cross Keys characterize PRC this way (yet).<br /><br />Can't we focus on changing the infrastructure and mode of operations at DCSS rather than armchair quarterback each program?<br /><br />We are re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. We have to consolidate and redraw. We've been in denial about this for at least two decades as far as I can divine. The chickens have come home ...Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39245498357784690152010-04-17T09:21:16.992-04:002010-04-17T09:21:16.992-04:00Parent Resource Centers are a LUXURY when the scho...Parent Resource Centers are a LUXURY when the school budget is in a $100,000,000 deficit!!<br /><br />The smart solution, if we had a smart BOE, would be to fund them with foundation and grant money. AppleCorps in Atlanta is the best example in the state. Our BOE has a duty to set up something similar in DeKalb. We can't expect our property taxes and a penny sales tax to fund every single school system need. And whomever writes grants for DCSS is NOT GETTING THE JOB DONE!<br /><br />Yes, PRC's have value, but they cannot take precedence over the incredibly unproductive Ramona Tyson startegy of increasing class sizes.<br /><br />If we're going to have Parent Resource Centers in DCSS, they better be fully or partially funded by by outside sources.Dan M.noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-5662393021174420352010-04-17T00:26:41.032-04:002010-04-17T00:26:41.032-04:00Oh! And one other thought on the aggregate SAT ave...Oh! And one other thought on the aggregate SAT averages you shared, Anon. During those same years, the number of ELL students of Mexican origin also climbed. I suspect that had an impact on the SAT results, especially for English.<br /><br />Cross Keys is a really, really complicated case and unique in DeKalb - perhaps not useful as an example for DCSS writ large. Don't look for an easy explanation for anything here. It took me about a year of weekly interaction to figure out this reality.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-76701424504409026742010-04-17T00:18:47.113-04:002010-04-17T00:18:47.113-04:00One other thought on graduation rates vs SAT trend...One other thought on graduation rates vs SAT trends ... how about this ... you don't need a SAT to graduate, you need a GHSGT score. I suspect the focus has been on the GHSGT to help kids "move on" rather than on SAT prep which "only" helps them look better to colleges.<br /><br />I don't know but I suspect if we pull the GHSGT data for the same years, they will show a trend upward.<br /><br />We really, really need to take in the whole picture of our public schools before jumping on one data point.Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-29385646533431128462010-04-17T00:12:42.859-04:002010-04-17T00:12:42.859-04:00@anon 10:01pm "Why are SAT scores down from 2...@anon 10:01pm "Why are SAT scores down from 2005-06 if the Cross Keys students are achieving so much more? What does this say about the integrity of the graduation rate in DCSS and in particular Cross Keys?"<br /><br />Well, those are good questions. You have a couple of things in there all at once but here goes ...<br /><br />I am not privy to any special information but it seems to me that the more at risk kids that stay in school, the more likely your average SAT scores are going to dip. Isn't this intuitive?<br /><br />By having a higher retention rate of our freshman through to graduation in recent years, we are by definition testing students that in past years were dropping out of the school and the test scores. While I'm sure many of these kids do just fine, I have to believe that the <b>average</b> SAT among these groups would be lower.<br /><br />How's that? That's all I've got to offer on SAT at CK. I just don't have data.<br /><br />As far as what Cross Keys students are accomplishing, it is an extraordinary thing to witness first person. Every school has standout students and Cross Keys is no different in that regard - why should it be?<br /><br />What is unique about Cross Keys is the diversity and the incredible learning environment created by the students and the faculty. And this, in a facility condemned universally, in a cluster plagued by poverty and other challenges. I have yet to meet a person who, after taking time with the students, has not become a complete zealot for these young people.<br /><br />This school has done much in obscurity and is now getting some long overdue respect and love from the "outside." Am I biased? Hell yes ...Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-17571989386115814062010-04-16T23:56:26.623-04:002010-04-16T23:56:26.623-04:00@anon 2:50pm: "The national report I referenc...@anon 2:50pm: "The national report I referenced (did you read it?) documents and describes, in detail, how libraries are used and who they serve in the digital age."<br /><br />I read it and it reports many wonderful uses for Library Internet resources. Providing web access isn't what the Parent Resource Centers are there for - please don't latch onto one item mentioned and make it a case.<br /><br />The Parent Resource Centers are also training resources. They offer coaching and classes in parenting skills, in how to interact with the public school system, in language, and other areas that support successful student performance by empowering parents who are less than prepared to succeed.<br /><br />Which library offers this? I go to Brookhaven, Chamblee, and the newly renovated one near Toco (very nice!) and haven't seen anything like these resources in DeKalb libraries.<br /><br />"Nothing measurable -- not even usage -- has been reported to justify the expense. "<br /><br />The Parent Resource Centers do report the type of usage data you are talking about on a monthly basis. I'm sure if you really need that data compiled for your use, you can get with a diligent and patient effort.<br /><br />My cursory investigation at my school house makes it pretty obvious to me these are valuable services. If you would like to met me at the school for a follow-up discussion, I suspect the staff would welcome the interest.<br /><br />How valuable is this program? Well, I guess that is why this debate exercise with few facts seems to continue ... some think "a lot value," others think "none at all" but no one has facts.<br /><br />Is to! Ain't! Is! ... Is this really a useful discussion?Kim Gokcehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855554437157990110noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54004755037882006062010-04-16T22:01:52.564-04:002010-04-16T22:01:52.564-04:00@ Kim Gocke
re Cross Keys:
"I can't speak...@ Kim Gocke<br />re Cross Keys:<br />"I can't speak for the macro results but I can tell you that in the past four years, the graduation rate at Cross Keys HS has gone from barely 45% to over 80%. Something is working ...<br />"<br />Graduation rates have gone up, but SAT scores (a nationally normed test) have gone down. Why are SAT scores down from 2005-06 if the Cross Keys students are achieving so much more? What does this say about the integrity of the graduation rate in DCSS and in particular Cross Keys?<br /><br />2005 - 06: Math and Verbal - 895<br />2006 - 07: Math and Verbal - 929<br />2007 - 08: Math and Verbal - 868<br />2008 - 09: Math and Verbal - 852Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-76989089122917279092010-04-16T16:19:43.834-04:002010-04-16T16:19:43.834-04:00@Anon 11:58:
I agree that Bowen must have nerves o...@Anon 11:58:<br />I agree that Bowen must have nerves of steel: ZP's whining; GW 's hungry; JC's clue<br />less; And I'm not even sure how to describe S C-W ???Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-32041698629604077122010-04-16T14:50:32.655-04:002010-04-16T14:50:32.655-04:00@ Anonymous 11:09 AM
I believe we've already d...@ Anonymous 11:09 AM<br /><i>I believe we've already documented that the Parent Resource Centers are far more than just "internet" cafes.</i><br /><br />And your point is?<br /><br />My point is that NOTHING regarding the Parent Resource Centers has been documented. Nothing measurable -- not even usage -- has been reported to justify the expense. <br /><br />The national report I referenced (did you read it?) documents and describes, in detail, how libraries are used and who they serve in the digital age. It appears that DCSS is simply duplicating what is already more widely available and DCSS is not doing it as well. Libraries can go even further in what they offer.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-79326876099126788392010-04-16T14:44:13.898-04:002010-04-16T14:44:13.898-04:00Lewis has been fired. Now let's work on the B...Lewis has been fired. Now let's work on the BoE and we might have a shot at saving DCSS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-32438609265329331272010-04-16T14:29:46.697-04:002010-04-16T14:29:46.697-04:00@ Anonymous 1:48 pm
Walker indeed has deep pocket...@ Anonymous 1:48 pm<br /><br />Walker indeed has deep pockets. While running for DCSS BOE, Walker received substantial campaign contributions from Sembler Company. See AJC article:<br />http://www.ajc.com/business/disputed-brookhaven-project-gets-125389.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1833447781659747662010-04-16T13:51:23.157-04:002010-04-16T13:51:23.157-04:00I found it very interesting that members of the bo...I found it very interesting that members of the board felt so strongly about voicing their personal opinions, when we as teachers, are told not to talk to the press and to express only positive comments about DCSS.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9944382450326627612010-04-16T13:48:48.564-04:002010-04-16T13:48:48.564-04:00If all of GW's meals cost $50, he must have re...If all of GW's meals cost $50, he must have really deep pockets or a huge appetite.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36327937724893475042010-04-16T12:05:09.878-04:002010-04-16T12:05:09.878-04:00@ Anonymous 11:58
The turnout for BOE elections i...@ Anonymous 11:58<br /><br />The turnout for BOE elections is very low. In addition, most BOE contenders do not have very deep financial pockets. Name recognition is what many voters go on. When they go to the voting booth, they often vote for whatever name they recognize.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-84294466367306444282010-04-16T11:58:58.790-04:002010-04-16T11:58:58.790-04:00Watched the broadcast of the Ap 12 Board Meeting l...Watched the broadcast of the Ap 12 Board Meeting last night. Tom Bowen must be a saint to stay so composed...Some of those folks...how on earth are they able to get people to vote for them?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-67829325645146103982010-04-16T11:09:08.867-04:002010-04-16T11:09:08.867-04:00I believe we've already documented that the Pa...I believe we've already documented that the Parent Resource Centers are far more than just "internet" cafes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41350343858503771402010-04-16T10:51:22.533-04:002010-04-16T10:51:22.533-04:00The Parent Resource Centers are the pet project of...The Parent Resource Centers are the pet project of Mindy DiSalvo (salary: $111,835; travel: $3.563). It is the one thing she talks about in terms of her accomplishments at DCSS. She should be able to supply detailed usage statistics. Her e-mail address is: disalvom@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us. She also has a web page: http://fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us/~disalvom/<br />Strangely enough there is nothing there!<br /><br />Meanwhile, you may want to read <i><b>Opportunity for All: How the American Public Benefits from Internet Access at U.S. Libraries</b></i>. http://www.imls.gov/news/2010/032510.shtm <br /><br />This study is based on the first large-scale study of who uses public computers and Internet access in public libraries, the ways library patrons use this free technology service, why they use it, and how it affects their lives. It was conducted by the University of Washington Information School and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. <br /><br />For the full report, go to: http://tascha.washington.edu/usimpact<br /><br />This study contains the kind of information that Mindy DiSalvo should have to justify maintaining the Parent Resource Centers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4136728111422515392010-04-16T07:59:21.498-04:002010-04-16T07:59:21.498-04:00From 2005-2007 we grew admin and support as we dec...From 2005-2007 we grew admin and support as we decreased teachers until they are only 44% of our personnel. All 5 of Ms. Tyson's proposals will reduce them further until they are only 41% of DCSS personnel. At the same time our student achievement dropped. I guess they don't see a correlation. <br /><br />I agree with Kim Gocke. Give the department heads a set figure to reduce expenses - 15% to 20% - they can do it however makes sense for their department, and leave the classroom intact. We'll still have less teachers than we had in 2005 before Lewis came on board, but at least our students will have what they did last year.<br /><br />Ms. Tyson is a notorious micromanager and Dr. Lewis consolidated a tremendous amount of power in the superintendent's office (witness his grip on Title 1 expenditures rather than the money following the students), so DCSS citizens should not look to her to give any leeway to her department heads.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-52442259418753121882010-04-15T23:29:21.441-04:002010-04-15T23:29:21.441-04:00Proposed General Operations budget: $735,312,225. ...Proposed General Operations budget: $735,312,225. Divide by 97,690 students. That's approximately $7527 per student, which takes us back to a level of spending just under what was spent in 2005-2006, and a bit more than in 2004-2005.<br /><br />Simple solution: in each department, cut general operations funding back to its 2004-2005 budget level. Seems to me we had an adequate number of teachers then, especially compared to the number we'd have under the budgets being discussed.Square Pegnoreply@blogger.com