tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post5567161660247014945..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: They gave her the raise...Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger120125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-45767444709459467952011-01-29T18:35:21.936-05:002011-01-29T18:35:21.936-05:00I see your point Loreen. I hope you'll contin...I see your point Loreen. I hope you'll continue to send us important information that you find on this subject.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-36080376895161944262011-01-29T17:13:56.252-05:002011-01-29T17:13:56.252-05:00I think that these "high stakes" tests h...I think that these "high stakes" tests have got to go... they aren't helping anyone... we're paying alot of money to "game" the system on things like America's Choice and otherwise. We've got folks like Beasley telling teachers how to teach. We've got kids crammed into classrooms like sardines -- as many as 38 to a classroom (maybe more) -- they are not grouped according to ability -- the teacher is expected to perform miracles with both hands tied behind their backs. You get a guy with a PhD like Blackwood who tries to hold kids to a high standard and accountable and he gets flack from supervisors who don't get what he's doing. Teachers who want to hold kids accountable can't give 0s and can't fail them. Kids arriving in classes below grade level can't be sent back. Teachers are supposed to "differentiate" the curriculum and teach according to the different "modes" of learning while implementing things like America's Choice and somehow prep for the CRCT and meet curruiculum objectives and follow the pacing charts -- even if none of it makes sense to them or their kids and they can't decide what to put on their bulletin boards and then they get creamed when their kids don't pass the CRCT and when the school doesn't meet AYP fast enough (even if the kids are below average intellegence and don't speak english as a first language) and we're surprised that there's cheating? I'm in the camp that's surprised that more haven't been identified and that it's taken this long to catch up.... It's a "duh" for me.... (I'm a parent). It's time to put good, experienced principals and assistant principals in all buldings (not asst. principals who are demoted principals) and let them actually run the buildings and put an expereinced educator in charge of curriculum and school improvement... let the teachers teach or make them get new jobs but untie their handes and remove the nooses (is that the right plural?)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-78990478044503492882011-01-29T16:39:36.678-05:002011-01-29T16:39:36.678-05:00People were caught going into schools after hours ...People were caught going into schools after hours late and on weekends. If this happened, people should not be being paid until they are proven innocent. The testing scandal is more and more serious.<br /><br />http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-finds-teachers-could-820153.html<br /><br /><br />All I can say is that "good" people do "bad" things. Tax payers should not be footing the bill for any more school workers who lye and cheat the system.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-747265748590448492011-01-29T15:08:10.153-05:002011-01-29T15:08:10.153-05:00Hello Cerebration,
Yes, Dr. Flanagan and one tea...Hello Cerebration,<br /><br /><br />Yes, Dr. Flanagan and one teacher from Cedar Grove Middle School were removed. I believe strongly that there are serious reasons to "panic" when multiple schools in your neighborhood (Cedar Grove Elementary was also impacted) are desecrated with a “shoot first, ask questions later” action (submission to DA and PSC for action). We all in the DCSS Community should panic. Lord knows this BOE and the administration do nothing but give us daily reason to panic. Everyone is scrambling to get their voices heard for re-districting, but guess what? They’re going to do what was planned by Dr. Lewis over a year ago. I was at the summary meeting presented to the board and the recommendations did not vary from the previous committee reports. This same flimflam has been used for the Supt. selection process, as well. It was used when they put a “friend/family member” as Principal at CGHS. After meeting with the community, students, staff and parent council they still promoted the person whose name was leaked out a month prior. When our community treats these actions lightly we're playing into their hands. Now North DeKalb is supposed to have a false sense of safety until it's your turn. And that’s coming in the form of "redistricting". Appropriate fiscal management, which includes accountability and credibility should come first, don't you think? Why did the district text these 24 employees of our decision to throw them under the bus in the name of ‘due process’?<br /><br /> <br />I’m not necessarily saying there was NO cheating and that no one should have been referred for further scrutiny. Fact is, I don’t know. But I DO know of Dr. Flanagan and her stellar record at CGMS, her reputed status as “clean up” Principal in S. DeKalb when other leaders fail to bring in results, her AYP track record, her character and her honor. Like others on this blog, I question the timing, the motivation, the incentives, and the sheer gall of this administration. Vindication may come later, but how is it OK to set up people for falling in the first place?Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3306874651129307892011-01-29T11:46:10.783-05:002011-01-29T11:46:10.783-05:00Loreen, I'm not exactly following what you'...Loreen, I'm not exactly following what you're saying. Is Dr. Flanagan one of the people pulled for possible cheating? As far as I know, it's still not reason to panic, as the school system had to pull all who may have knowledge of possible cheating within a school. They will try to sort it out and punish those responsible. Truly, if your principal did nothing wrong, I think she will be reinstated after they figure out who is exactly responsible. <br /><br />That said - there is a big case to be made for keeping very tight security on the actual tests after students take them. If they are not secure and someone messes with them, then I'm afraid the principal will be in some trouble for not protecting the tests. <br /><br />I predict that only a fourth or so of the people pulled will actually be shown to have really done something wrong.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-69101706168440460462011-01-29T11:43:35.006-05:002011-01-29T11:43:35.006-05:00Part 4 Dr. Flanagan
*Students are recognized in va...Part 4 Dr. Flanagan<br />*Students are recognized in various district wide projects: Science, Social Studies, Spelling Bee and others. <br />*Strong student extracurricular activities: Young Men and Women of CGMS.<br />*Exceptional Special Education Department. All challenged students are included within the entire school program and taught the same curriculum with high expectations for achievement.<br />*Accountability - She holds herself, teachers and children accountable for learning,<br />*Parent Support - The open door policy affords parents to share in the overall learning experience. Many parents work in the media center. The annual Reading kickoff creates standing room. Parents present their favorite book and look forward each year. Every PTSA meeting is well attended through parent support.<br />*Instructional Focus - every meeting held at the school, Dr. Flanagan shares knowledge and support relating to teaching and learning. She teaches parents to help their children through learning about CRCT, AYP, Report Cards, Teaching and Learning.<br />*Raised the bar for the school. Students know what they are expected to do. The atmosphere is too exceed standards. Dr. Flanagan has added VALUE to our school and we are truly appreciated.<br />*Data Driven school. Dr. Flanagan leads a team of instructional leaders in the school every Monday morning at 7:30a.m. with current information from schools across the nation, a clear understanding of the importance as she guides the process of analyzing every child;s learning potential. She is a strong instructional leader which she is to be credited and acknowledged for the last 5 years at CGMS. <br />The School maintains high student attendance throughout the school year.<br /><br />Present Project: Dr. Flanagan was in the process of guiding a STEM grant (Science,Technology, Engineering and Math) focus. It was her vision to implement video conferencing where the students and teachers would be able to speak, see other kids and schools in countries such as China and Japan. If you recall, STEM was one of President Obama's strong areas of focus in his State of the Union Address. <br /><br />DCSS Family, This is an example of Dr. Flanagan's visionary leadership and her demonstrated ability to move our students forward. <br />Wake up,know our enemy and let's do something about it!DeKalb CommunityAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-35654964914018744042011-01-29T11:34:52.922-05:002011-01-29T11:34:52.922-05:00Part 3: Dr. Flanagan
Dr. Agnes Flanagan
Profess...Part 3: Dr. Flanagan <br /><br />Dr. Agnes Flanagan<br /><br />Professional, Motivator, Leader, Love for Children, Engaging Speaker, Determined, Dedicated, Always willing to help, Positive Spirit, Smart, First Class and Parent. As a principal of (3 middle schools), she has helped dozens of teachers, clerical staff to advance in their careers. People simply love and respect Dr. Flanagan.<br /><br />Brief History/Accomplishments:<br />Appointed Principal of (2) troubled middle schools in which of one, the school inherited 32 trailers and over 2500 students. Both schools were extremely successful.<br />Appointed Special Assignment as Acting Administrator because of strong leadership skills at an early age of her career. <br />*Nominated Teacher of the Year for two years.<br />During the Minority to Minority (Segregation of buses), appointed to a north school to maintain the war of black and white at Peachtree Middle School. Total success!!<br />Appointed Middle School Coordinator for 9 schools to assist Area Assistant and Principal with the many challenges of middle schools. Totally successful.<br />She was granted the chance to return to her role as principal of CGMS.<br /><br />Cedar Grove Middle School:<br />*Instilled a feeling of pride, dignity, professionalism to the entire school.<br />*implemented technology for students throughout the school with a total of 5 computer labs<br />*hired a strong and skilled teaching staff. Teacher Quality is important to Dr.Flanagan.<br />*created an open door policy for all stakeholders<br />*maintained an instructional schedule that affords all students effective opportunities for learning<br />*Although all DCSS middle schools are afforded a period for Extended Learning Time, Dr. Flanagan is the only principal in DCSS that created her own curriculum for Extended Learning Time - 1st period. Realizing the need for additional support in the areas of Math, Dr. Flanagan wanted to make sure that the school start the day with an emphasis on Math. She created her own curriculum in which all teaches are required to start the day with basic math tools that will help students do better in their math classes. This process has been going on for at least 5 years and the impact of student achievement is profound. It makes a difference and we thank Dr. Flanagan. Other schools have now adopted this procedure under her leadership.<br />*Additionally, she created her own instructional focus for the 8th grade writing test leading the system with a 9+ gain. She mandates that all ELA teachers share in the teaching of the various kinds of writing to make sure that the students are prepared.Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20611476119501253842011-01-29T10:59:19.059-05:002011-01-29T10:59:19.059-05:00Part-Two Dr. Flanagan
*Instructional Focus - every...Part-Two Dr. Flanagan<br />*Instructional Focus - every meeting held at the school, Dr. Flanagan shares knowledge and support relating to teaching and learning. She teaches parents to help their children through learning about CRCT, AYP, Report Cards, Teaching and Learning.<br />*Raised the bar for the school. Students know what they are expected to do. The atmosphere is too exceed standards. Dr. Flanagan has added VALUE to our school and we are truly appreciated.<br />*Data Driven school. Dr. Flanagan leads a team of instructional leaders in the school every Monday morning at 7:30a.m. with current information from schools across the nation, a clear understanding of the importance as she guides the process of analyzing every child;s learning potential. She is a strong instructional leader which she is to be credited and acknowledged for the last 5 years at CGMS.<br />*Host school for many board meetings in which the school models exemplary customer service. This can be witnessed by any and all board members.<br />*Promotes strong attendance. School maintains high student attendance throuhgout the school year.Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25321711124140231782011-01-29T10:49:15.559-05:002011-01-29T10:49:15.559-05:00Business as usual in DeKalb - Black on Black Crime...Business as usual in DeKalb - Black on Black Crime by DeKalb County's predominately Black Board of Education. Tyson was paid $76,000 to irreparably harm successful educators on the Southside, and therefore OUR CHILDREN. What is the school system saying? That there's no way our principals, teachers and children could be successful without cheating? Here are Dr. Flanagans credentials. She's more successful in our local school house than the administration has been. Do we want to see her persecuted? Let's act NOW.<br /><br />Dr. Agnes Flanagan<br /><br />Professional, Motivator, Leader, Love for Children, Engaging Speaker, Determined, Dedicated, Always willing to help, Positive Spirit, Smart, First Class and Parent. As a principal of (3 middle schools), she has helped dozens of teachers, clerical staff to advance in their careers. People simply love and respect Dr. Flanagan.<br /><br />Brief History/Accomplishments:<br />Appointed Principal of (2) troubled middle schools in which of one, the school inherited 32 trailers and over 2500 students. Both schools were extremely successful.<br />Appointed Special Assignment as Acting Administrator because of strong leadership skills at an early age of her career.<br />*Nominated Teacher of the Year for two years.<br />During the Minority to MInority (Segregation of buses), appointed to a north school to maintain the war of black and white at Peachtree Middle School. Total success!!<br />Appointed Middle School Coordinator for 9 schools to assist Area Assistant and Principal with the many challenges of middle schools. Totally successful.<br />She was granted the chance to return to her role as principal of CGMS.<br /><br />Cedar Grove Middle School:<br />*Instilled a feeling of pride, dignity, professionalism to the entire school.<br />*implemented technology for students throughout the school with a total of 5 computer labs<br />*hired a strong and skilled teaching staff. Teacher Quality is important to Dr.Flanagan.<br />*created an open door policy for all stakeholders<br />*maintained an instructional schedule that affords all students effective opportunities for learning<br />*Although all DCSS middle schools are afforded a period for Extended Learning Time, Dr. Flanagan is the only principal in DCSS that created her own curriculum for Extended Learning Time - 1st period. Realizing the need for additional support in the areas of Math, Dr. Flanagan wanted to make sure that the school start the day with an emphasis on Math. She created her own curriculum in which all teaches are required to start the day with basic math tools that will help students do better in their math classes. This process has been going on for at least 5 years and the impact of student achievement is profound. It makes a difference and we thank Dr. Flanagan. Other schools have now adopted this procedure under her leadership.<br />*Additionally, she created her own instructional focus for the 8th grade writing test leading the system with a 9+ gain. She mandates that all ELA teachers share in the teaching of the various kinds of writing to make sure that the students are prepared.<br />*Students are recognized in various districtwide projects: Science, Social Studies, Spelling Bee and others.<br />*Strong student extracurricular activities: Young Men and Women of CGMS.<br />*Exceptional Special Education Department. All challenged students are included within the entire school program and taught the same curriculum with high expectations for achievement.<br />*Accountability - She holds herself, teachers and children accountable for learning,<br />*Parent Support - The open door policy affords parents to share in the overall learning experience. Many parents work in the media center. The annual Reading kickoff creates standing room. Parents present their favorite book and look forward each year. Every PTSA meeting is well attended through parent support.Loreen Booker Brown, Community Activist /CGNA/CLNAnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4851154343641222052011-01-22T17:12:58.345-05:002011-01-22T17:12:58.345-05:00nancy and donna need to convince 3 others to go al...nancy and donna need to convince 3 others to go along with them or need to get a 5 member school board really quickly and one other to go along -- a 2 person minority doesn't get very far.... Pray that they have strength, strong will, and lots and lots of Excedrin to hold out until we can get them into the majority by electing others like them or get the new reduced BOE (write your legislators).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-74534710618633145922011-01-22T16:31:07.841-05:002011-01-22T16:31:07.841-05:00ANYTHING THAT IS WORKING WELL, DCSS BOARD AND FRIE...ANYTHING THAT IS WORKING WELL, DCSS BOARD AND FRIENDS WILL DESTROY ... <br /><br />WHEN ALL AROUND THEM, BUMPING INTO THEM EVERYDAY, ARE THINGS TO FIX, TO CHANGE, TO ELIMINATE. <br /><br />THEY REFUSE TO LOOK AT OUR REALITY. <br /><br />THEIR REALITY IS TO BRING EVERYTHING DOWN TO MEDIOCRE SO THAT DCSS OVERALL DOESN'T LOOK SO BAD. IT'S A SAD FACT.<br /><br />JESTER AND EDLER, PLEASE PLEASE DON'T FALL IN LINE. YOU TWO ARE OUR START, OUR HOPE, FOR A BETTER TOMORROW WHERE EXCELLENCE AND BEST IS VALUED.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87706748916471348302011-01-22T10:15:26.444-05:002011-01-22T10:15:26.444-05:00To the poster who stated that Tyson was only to be...To the poster who stated that Tyson was only to be in the position until Lewis came back you are right. If you remember the Board supported Lewis (who recommended Tyson) til the bitter end. That tells us they have absolutely no idea what is really going on at DCSS. The Board and Tyson was able to sneek in this raise by making 2 bigger issues more important, lower level employees losing jobs and redistricting. Classic slight of hand. I'll distract you with this hand while I am tricking you with the other. The Lewis administration is still running the system. Voters of DeKalb you get what you asked for. More of the same.<br /><br />No sympathy here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-7736495920908362452011-01-21T21:14:36.105-05:002011-01-21T21:14:36.105-05:00@7:21PM
Although I don't think any public sch...@7:21PM<br /><br />Although I don't think any public school superintendent in these United States CAN EVER EVER EVER deserve to make more than the Speaker of House of Representatives, the Majority Leader of the Senate, or the Chief-Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, I respectfully submit this as only one of the MANY reasons why Dr. Crawford Lewis and, much less, Ms. Ramona Tyson did not and do not deserve a raise of any sort:<br /><br />"ATLANTA, Tuesday, October 19, 2010 - Georgia's largest school system has won the nation's top prize in public education, which will provide $1 million in college scholarships for needy students in the district. Gwinnett County Public Schools snagged the Broad Prize for Urban Education, an award the Broad Foundation gives annually to urban districts that show the most gains in student performance and closing minority achievement gaps...."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-32687571752639244422011-01-21T19:35:04.778-05:002011-01-21T19:35:04.778-05:00Anonymous 7:21
What a slap in the face to Wilbank...Anonymous 7:21<br /><br />What a slap in the face to Wilbanks in G county...how dare you compare what we have to him?<br /><br />It's like comparing apples to another kind of apple!<br /><br />Jim Bohica Ben DoverAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-32392209579442475992011-01-21T19:21:45.912-05:002011-01-21T19:21:45.912-05:00I think that she deserves it. She originally turne...I think that she deserves it. She originally turned down his salary when she started. That is probably why they are giving it to her for a after a new superintendent is hired.<br />If you look at the comparables, Wilbanks in Gwinnett makes around $360,000 or so for the same job. I think that that was why Lewis wanted a raise a year ago. Just pondering!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20584820320778949732011-01-20T22:08:18.896-05:002011-01-20T22:08:18.896-05:00No, I think Anon 5:43 is simply tired, as I am as ...No, I think Anon 5:43 is simply tired, as I am as well, of the magnet issue showing up on every topic on this blog. Isn't this about Tyson's raise? Hasn't there been countless blogs on the magnets where comments on them are way more appropriate? This blog is often so ADD... is it that hard to stay on topic? <br />I say this as a total magnet supporter. But really, keep to the topic at hand, please.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-21285592060262551582011-01-20T21:56:11.126-05:002011-01-20T21:56:11.126-05:00@ anon 5:43 can't take the truth about the ma...@ anon 5:43 can't take the truth about the magnets? like it or not, the issue of magnets is part of the big picture - There is a reason that it comes up again and again and it isn't a distraction. The "red herring" excuse only works for so long my friend.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-71663529576203473302011-01-20T20:58:21.570-05:002011-01-20T20:58:21.570-05:00YOu could run the magnets but refuse to grant any ...YOu could run the magnets but refuse to grant any local points ... that would solve that problem but no one is looking into that....Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-71731557401023762802011-01-20T18:52:16.086-05:002011-01-20T18:52:16.086-05:00sheepsheepAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42081169673594605082011-01-20T18:14:09.329-05:002011-01-20T18:14:09.329-05:00Amen Cere!Amen Cere!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-75446481456751842292011-01-20T18:13:43.959-05:002011-01-20T18:13:43.959-05:00PS - if anyone has a copy of the contract, please ...PS - if anyone has a copy of the contract, please share it. It's a matter of public record.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-90707251707566173602011-01-20T18:12:46.059-05:002011-01-20T18:12:46.059-05:00Regardless, Anon 5:10, is it equitable that these ...Regardless, Anon 5:10, is it equitable that these schools garner so many more points than other schools? And then-point to their successful program as something not to be touched? <br /><br />I'm just so puzzled why people can't see this.<br /><br />The entire system needs revamped. All of it. Every single program needs evaluated. We have to squeeze as much as we can from the budget we have. Top down - cuts need to be made. Then bottom up budgeting - start rebuilding an education system that is equitable and works well for everyone.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46822599692247346282011-01-20T17:43:44.094-05:002011-01-20T17:43:44.094-05:00why is the discussion being turned toward magnet s...why is the discussion being turned toward magnet stuff? my guess is it's a ploy to change the subject to something else controversial. let's not forget that someone just recently posted about ramona's contract being even worse than face value. take the magnet talk elsewhere.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-66839851727647184222011-01-20T17:37:55.623-05:002011-01-20T17:37:55.623-05:00well, we all knew that the magnets were a drain on...well, we all knew that the magnets were a drain on resources for local schools, Just did not know the specifics... <br />Thanks Cere for the info - When are people going to get with the push for equal services? That begins with equal allocation of resources for ALL students...Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-61129103612093549122011-01-20T17:10:44.868-05:002011-01-20T17:10:44.868-05:00Cere,
Per my last post on state QBE funding, I for...Cere,<br />Per my last post on state QBE funding, I forgot that the basic formula is: QBE - tax mill rate + equitation <br /><br />or, put this way…<br />QBE = direct and indirect instructional costs paid by the state MINUS x<br /> x = local mill rate (local taxes, up to 20 mill max) + equitation (amount state pays if the county has lower property taxes, i.e., rural counties who don't have revenues equal to more affluent urban counties)<br /><br />QBE includes those FTEs regular students earn + the extra percentage (1.66%?) that gifted or special ed students "earn" on top of that. <br /><br />*Anyway, my point is that "points" aren't strictly "local" funds. Yes, local taxes are part of it, but state funds are probably lion's share of the magnet or Montessori points, etc., a school earns. <br /><br />Can't wait for Emory-Lavista Parent Council meeting Jan. 28 when state reps (including Joe Martin, author of QBE formula) are supposed to elucidate these murky waters…Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com