tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post3061208853048901137..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Fall 2009 EOCT results have been released on the DeKalb County websiteCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger123125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-59060767412912906852010-02-23T20:04:06.700-05:002010-02-23T20:04:06.700-05:00@ Anonymous 6:27 pm
Why would you say something li...@ Anonymous 6:27 pm<br />Why would you say something like that? In Names Database, she is listed as a Chamblee HS graduate, 2000.<br /><br />I don't like to see her name listed in this blog though. I really don't think we should list a family member of an employee in this blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30567458768531242382010-02-23T19:58:46.300-05:002010-02-23T19:58:46.300-05:00@ Anonymous 6:27 pm
Well, a poster on the strand...@ Anonymous 6:27 pm <br /><br />Well, a poster on the strand "dekalb to close 4 schools, cut aministrators" says differently:<br /><br />Oh, yes they were. His daughter, Denise, graduated from Chamblee Charter High School with my daughter in the Class of 2000. His son, Matthew, graduated from CCHS about 4 or 5 years later.<br /><br />Why would you say something untrue as if you had the facts? Someone else who doesn't know better might believe you. Kind of dishonest, don't you think?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-45859235019235447022010-02-23T18:45:02.373-05:002010-02-23T18:45:02.373-05:00@ Anonymous 5:30 pm
I'm thinking that apparen...@ Anonymous 5:30 pm<br /><br />I'm thinking that apparently at least one and possibly more high level DeKalb officials didn't think grade changing was so bad. See Channel 2 video at the web address below:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5nlFiNlZ3uo<br /><br />Channel 2 followup:<br />http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=azXiXchsI9A<br /><br />Guess who still has his job - the high ranking school official ($122,195.84 a year)<br /><br />Guess who is no longer with the school system? The teacher<br /><br />Here is the most recent discussed at length on this blog:<br />http://www.wsbtv.com/video/22250810/index.html<br /><br />Of course the teacher is no longer at Redan HS or anywhere in DeKalb.<br /><br />I wonder if DeKalb settled the lawsuit with the MLK teacher. If they did, I'd like to know how much we taxpayers were on the hook for.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20217815099848055782010-02-23T18:27:59.713-05:002010-02-23T18:27:59.713-05:00""Further, the fact that Crawford would ...""Further, the fact that Crawford would pressure teachers and coaches to give his children something they had not earned when he was in a supervisory position over Chamblee Charter High School""<br /><br />NO WAY. His kids were not even at Chamblee Magnet School.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-74558039488447918262010-02-23T17:30:35.055-05:002010-02-23T17:30:35.055-05:00@ Anonymous 3:45 PM
"Yes. "Lobbying for...@ Anonymous 3:45 PM<br /><br /><i>"Yes. "Lobbying for grade" is alive and well in DeKalb County and the Central Office personnel are parents so they are not immune to this."</i><br /><br />Wait. So this makes their behavior understandable? The fact that they are parents makes it okay to lobby for a grade for their child? What are you thinking?<br /><br />It is unacceptable. Period. The fact that they are DCSS Central Office personnel takes it beyond unacceptable to unethical. Further, the fact that Crawford would pressure teachers and coaches to give his children something they had not earned when he was in a supervisory position over Chamblee Charter High School smacks of rank harrassment. Because of his position with DCSS, essentially Crawford was threatening the jobs of CCHS teachers and coaches.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36127819589337572402010-02-23T15:45:34.502-05:002010-02-23T15:45:34.502-05:00Yes. "Lobbying for grade" is alive and ...Yes. "Lobbying for grade" is alive and well in DeKalb County and the Central Office personnel are parents so they are not immune to this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58286105016713218382010-02-23T15:45:01.501-05:002010-02-23T15:45:01.501-05:00Anon. 2:56, you can leave the rude 'tude if yo...Anon. 2:56, you can leave the rude 'tude if you like, I have more than enough of my own thank you. I know no one is trying stop me pulling my children out if I see fit because no one is able to do that. That is my right, along with anyone else who chooses to do so. That comment was primarily made for the Magnet parents to consider.<br /><br />Secondly, (would be the correct way to word it btw) I am already aware that CL & the BOE could care less if my high achiever children stay or go. They could less about the children period in my opinion. <br /><br />Thirdly, I am always real & I don't feel entitled for my children, most of whom are not in a Magnet, only one is. So I am looking at both sides of the coin. I was standing up for the kids in this county before mine were even students in it! Just like I did for Clayton county kids & I have never lived in that county. <br /><br />Lastly, I always consider, am conerned about & fight for all of the children in the county, state & country. I have already stated the BOE & CL should do right by ALL of the children (& the teachers as well) by making sure the budget is fair & shared equally in a budget neutral system & providing "premier" education no matter what school the child is in. <br /><br />There are other Magnet parents who have children in both their neighborhood school & a Magnet school who are fighting several battles at once just like I am. So I'm not speaking as an outsider of either situation. I am what I have always been, an advocate for both, one & all children, without separation or favoritism. What are you trying to be?.....<br /><br />I apologize for the run-on post everyone, but WT*. Let's not be rude to each other. We can all find a reason to be angry...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61790648437744631412010-02-23T15:35:40.593-05:002010-02-23T15:35:40.593-05:00@DunwoodyMom, 7:31 AM
I am not surprised that Cra...@DunwoodyMom, 7:31 AM<br /><br />I am not surprised that Crawford had some concerns about the non-magnet students at Chamblee Charter High School. Both his kids were students at CCHS even though Crawford lives out of the attendance area. His daughter, Denise, was there when Crawford was the Area Executive Director over CCHS. The reports I got from several different, reliable CCHS teachers were that Crawford was frequently at CCHS to "lobby" for grade changes for his kids and for more basketball playing time for his son, Matthew. I did not want to believe it at the time, but now -- knowing what I know -- I am certain the teachers were telling the truth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4672126033080852402010-02-23T14:56:36.782-05:002010-02-23T14:56:36.782-05:00@Anon 2:04 -First, I don't think people are &q...@Anon 2:04 -First, I don't think people are "out to get magnets". The parents that have voiced opposition have simply asked for the playing field to be level. Again, why do you need to deflect attention away from the real issue? - Which is a blatantly unequal distribution of county funds for the education of DCSS children? Special services funded by all for a few - looking like less that 7000 of the nearly 100,000 in the county.<br /><br />Second, I don't think anyone is trying to stop you from pulling your child for a privately managed system. Don't fool yourself into thinking that the superintendent or the board give a hoot about the high achievers departing the county schools. ( 75th percentile for magnets with ITBS eiligbility ). <br /><br />So, come on, be real. Stop with the entitled, keep it or I will leave attitude, Please, consider ALL of the children in the county, don't they ALL deserve the very best we can give them? This cannot happen when we will not objectively look at our system and be truthful about what might have been good for some but is not fair for all.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87226105285994182532010-02-23T14:14:31.903-05:002010-02-23T14:14:31.903-05:00No such charter exists in this area that is geared...No such charter exists in this area that is geared specifically toward the programs that I metnioned. This would be for parents whose children know that they want to be those target programs.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-17729393424585061202010-02-23T14:08:33.082-05:002010-02-23T14:08:33.082-05:00I think that's the concept that founded charte...I think that's the concept that founded charter schools.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-32647347884557211932010-02-23T14:04:04.376-05:002010-02-23T14:04:04.376-05:00Perhaps everyone who is against the Magnet program...Perhaps everyone who is against the Magnet programs would be happiest if we just pulled our students out of the public school altogether, pooled our resources & put them into private arts/math/science/tech schools. Most of us drive them to school everyday now anyway. We could create our own endowments for funding the programs & tuition, like the liberal arts colleges. I know some people in those fields with the funds who would like to help "us" if we do. I would love to have & am willing to pay for my child to be in such a place but none exists here, yet.....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-81774898945732075222010-02-23T13:12:43.998-05:002010-02-23T13:12:43.998-05:00Why turn the magnet issue emotional? The system i...Why turn the magnet issue emotional? The system is not equitable and needs to be eliminated because it will never work,particularly in times of shrinking resources.<br /><br />Each time the well made points come up and parents start to chime in about the lack of equality, the discussion suddenly turns to how we are being "tricked" into squabbling with each other.<br /><br />This is simply not true, parents should be mad as heck that resources to support ALL children are diverted to help a special few who happened to have their number drawn, Then, to make matters worse, more monies are diverted to transport them all over the county. The system is a drain financially and a drain on the quality of local schools. <br /><br />Songcue, other magnet parents, those who have the most to lose yell the loudest. I understand, but don't make it emotional because it is just another area that needs trimming. Simple as that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-73907251767177369742010-02-23T11:49:34.003-05:002010-02-23T11:49:34.003-05:00Anon. 10:55 I totally agree. If the child (& p...Anon. 10:55 I totally agree. If the child (& parent) can't handle the extra load of performance & the B average requirement, they should be exited. The same should apply to athletes. My son played football. They tried that special testing & classwork nonsense when he got lazy junior year. I benched him myself & his grades suddenly went back to A & B's. It was like a miracle. ;0) It's a hardcore approach but education is paramount even if you are talented.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-18353432579389995212010-02-23T10:55:35.782-05:002010-02-23T10:55:35.782-05:00Don't have a kid at DSA, but I gotta say this ...Don't have a kid at DSA, but I gotta say this - the performance credit requirement and the B average requirement make it very demanding for the students and their families. I don't think a kid could make it there without family support. We have said that the magnets need to require families to contribute and they do.<br /><br />The other thing - even bigger in my book: <i>If you don't get the performance credits, and/or you don't keep the B average, you are EXITED. This is not true in the high achiever programs - they make the teachers turn every which way to keep the kids there. Kid didn't study for the test and flunked? No prob, just give a special make up test. Kid blew off the project? No prob, give them a smaller one and help them with it so they can get a good grade.</i><br /><br />Been there on the inside and watched it happen.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-92199723560498286132010-02-23T10:38:16.930-05:002010-02-23T10:38:16.930-05:00Another KUDO for Cross Keys - they are on the hono...Another KUDO for Cross Keys - they are on the honor list for <b>AP ACCESS & SUPPORT SCHOOLS: Schools with 30% of AP test takers that are African-American or Hispanic and at least 30% of all AP exams scoring 3 or higher.</b><br /><br />There are other DCSS schools on the various lists, too, but I for sure needed to point this out.<br /><br />http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2010/02/17/georgia-fares-quite-well-in-ap-exams-and-scores/Dekalbparenthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16376422781260452873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-19245041757329780572010-02-23T09:24:46.027-05:002010-02-23T09:24:46.027-05:00Not intending to get off topic here, but a questio...Not intending to get off topic here, but a question needs to be raised. Why in the world would DSA have a requirement of a B or better?<br /><br />With all the schools of choice in DCSS's portfolio, it seems this one should have no grade requirement at all. There are countless examples, globally and historically of some of the world's most talented artists who couldn't make it academically.<br /><br />Sure an actor in the performing arts may make you memorize lines, but what if you aspire to be a set designer, dancer, singer, or light man instead? <br /><br />Why do you need a B or better to be a good visual artist? Does a B make you better at sculpting clay or painting portraits?<br /><br />Really now. What DCSS has done is put together another elitist exclusionary school under the guise of diversity and choice.<br /><br />Cynical? Yes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46720746513711185072010-02-23T09:02:28.471-05:002010-02-23T09:02:28.471-05:00Themommy @ 7:42 said: "In the budget for this...Themommy @ 7:42 said: "In the budget for this school year, as passed, DSA receives 9 extra Magnet points plus 1 point advanced for programs."<br /><br />Mommy, let's not forget the admission requirement of a B or better average -- One can assume that a bright student population would also bring a higher number of "gifted" students than found in an normal DCSS school. This in itself earns extra funding (teachers) based on the State funding formula which provides extra resources for gifted students. <br /><br />Put those gifted kids back in the home school and the extra funding follows them back.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9833056104551904092010-02-23T08:54:25.071-05:002010-02-23T08:54:25.071-05:00We used to mention it here all the time, but anoth...We used to mention it here all the time, but another way the BOE has faied us is administrative transfers (remember the Lakeside cheerleading booster club/Elaine Boyer mess?).<br /><br />Admin transfers originate from one place and one plce only: The Superintendent's Office. Admin transfers have morphed into a way to grant a favor, personal or political. The BOE has allowed C Lew to dramatically increase the number of AT's from previous sup's. The BOE should make public the full list of AT's (names redacted), with the school and reason why. It's become just one more abuse of power.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42534865367085611202010-02-23T08:51:30.574-05:002010-02-23T08:51:30.574-05:00SongCue, I love the way you stand up for DSA &...SongCue, I love the way you stand up for DSA & I am standing with you! I have always wondered though, why does DSA have 8th graders? Why not put them in DESA? It already has K-7. I think the transition would be easier for the kids if they started the DSA program in the traditional HS freshman year. I also think combining some Magnets would work as well & they could be moved to a central location in the county. I have always liked the idea of combining the K-7 & 8-12 program for DESA & DSA together. Although I don't know how housing them in one place would work...giftedkidsnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14774172970190715892010-02-23T08:34:38.567-05:002010-02-23T08:34:38.567-05:00Good idea, Dunwooody Mom.
Why couldn't you ...Good idea, Dunwooody Mom. <br /><br />Why couldn't you combine Kittredge 4th and 5th with Wadsworth 4th and 5th and put it in central DeKalb where it's more accessible to all students? Couldn't the 6th through 8th magnet high achievers could go to exiting the Middle Schools that serve the 8th grade magnet students now?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-45436274214558413022010-02-23T08:20:23.752-05:002010-02-23T08:20:23.752-05:00BTW - why does DSA include 8th graders?
I have w...<i>BTW - why does DSA include 8th graders? </i><br /><br />I have wondered that myself. Also, if Kittredge would move to 4th and 5th, it could be moved into another facility as well. If the problems at Nancy Creek are as those parents say they are, why not just close the facility? Nancy Creek/Kittredge sits smack in the middle of a neighborhood. Perhaps when the economy recovers a developer would wish to purchase that land?Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-91767019579179489262010-02-23T08:14:34.788-05:002010-02-23T08:14:34.788-05:00"These benefits include access to the best te..."These benefits include access to the best teachers..."<br /><br />Are they admitting they have the best teachers at Chamblee?<br /><br />And, as far as DSA goes, I and many others advocated for merging DSA into Lakeside - following the North Springs model. Lakeside is scheduled to finally get an auditorium built. They already have over 400 students in the music program, and put on some fabulous plays in the "cafetorium". I think you would see those enrollment numbers grow for DSA, SongCue, if it was merged with a school that could benefit both schools exponentially. And one set of administrators could handle it. <br /><br />BTW - why does DSA include 8th graders? Without them, the enrollment at DSA could easily merge into Lakeside (if the administration would quit sending so many random "administrative" transfers). I have figured that Lakeside has somewhere between 400-600 non-resident students in the building. (No application process, no tryout, you just need to ask the right person for a transfer.)Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-72182016329672681492010-02-23T07:42:45.961-05:002010-02-23T07:42:45.961-05:00Songcue
North Springs and Pebblebrook each have o...Songcue<br /><br />North Springs and Pebblebrook each have only one administrator and the arts resources are available to all students in the building. If it works well for those schools, why not DeKalb? I find it hard to believe that across the country, and even within this county, magnet programs are well run within schools and it won't work for DSA?<br /><br />In the budget for this school year, as passed, DSA receives 9 extra Magnet points plus 1 point advanced for programs.<br />Because of the very small size for a high school, I am guessing that DeKalb receives almost no reimbursement from the state for any administrators DSA may have (principal, counselors etc). The state formula is prorated some, but given how much smaller DSA is, I am guessing that very little state money flows in for those rolls.<br /><br />My frustration with DSAs' speakers at the BOE meetings has always been that there was never an iota of graciousness about the extraordinary instructional benefits that students receive there. Instead, parents/advocates acted like it was a huge sacrifice to send your children there because of the facilities.<br /><br />I get that the facility situation has been challenging, but look at what the kids get extra. My children attend a DCSS high school that often struggles to put on one play a year, something that I believe is a integral part of a high school experience. Other DeKalb schools don't have adequate arts teachers and most don't have auditoriums either.themommyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01829171693817032539noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-56276458243067507692010-02-23T07:42:30.540-05:002010-02-23T07:42:30.540-05:00FWIW, the enrollment by grade levels:
http://app3...FWIW, the enrollment by grade levels:<br /><br />http://app3.doe.k12.ga.us/ows-bin/owa/fte_pack_enrollgrade.display_procPaula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.com