tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post7737422562782708824..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Perhaps It Isn't Rocket Science ...Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger39125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87549251023563445312010-12-11T12:53:37.149-05:002010-12-11T12:53:37.149-05:00I am sorry. The achievement level has fallen. I m...I am sorry. The achievement level has fallen. I meant the opposite of what I wrote. I am sorry about that.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22255733242005411182010-12-11T12:52:17.311-05:002010-12-11T12:52:17.311-05:00They provide considerable discretion to school hea...They provide considerable discretion to school heads and school faculties in determining how resources are allocated, a factor which the report shows to be closely related to school performance when combined with effective accountability systems. And they provide an environment in which teachers work together to frame what they believe to be good practice, conduct field-based research to confirm or disprove the approaches they develop,and then assess their colleagues by the degree to which they use practices proven effective in their classrooms.<br /><br />This struck home to me as this is exactly what we are required to do in Fulton County in PLC meetings. We must meet as subject area teachers and discuss best practices. We give unit tests to every class of a subject in a school and compare them and see what works best. For instance, in Biology we actually compare whose students do the best and whose students do the worst on tests in a department who teach Biology. Teachers have changed how they teach. They do much more repetitition because students tend not to study in today's society. Teachers have had to change how they teach to meet the needs of the students so achievement occurs. I have watched this happen and some teachers are not willing to change to try to achieve the needs of students so learning can occur. They expect the students and parents to change instead of making changes in the way they teach. These teachers are not being very successful or they are failing many students along the way. Some teachers believe in throwing the information out and then students have to learn the information on their own by studying at home. The problem is that today many students just do not do this so the failure rate appears to have risen and the achievement level has risen.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-60841363334095079772010-12-10T15:56:30.081-05:002010-12-10T15:56:30.081-05:00That's a very good blog that I have referenced...That's a very good blog that I have referenced and linked to many times. In fact, it's listed under our "Favorite Links" on the side panel of the home page.<br /><br />Poverty is an enormous piece of the puzzle. We state on this blog all of the time that the pressure on teachers to "fix" our schools is never going to be effective. So much of what ails our schools are societal issues and until we have partnerships with business, parks, local government, non-profits and judicial entities, we will never bring our schools to the place we want them to be. <br /><br />Teachers cannot save the world. They need everyone's help and support.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-1283394786548365132010-12-10T14:03:18.679-05:002010-12-10T14:03:18.679-05:00What makes a school successful. There's a sim...What makes a school successful. There's a simple answer that the politicians, public and press love to ignore: POVERTY. It's quite easy to see if you look at the PISA scores.<br />Here's a quotation from Stephen Krashen's blog: <br />"data available now tells us that poverty, as usual, had a huge impact on PISA reading test scores for American students. American students in schools with less than 10% of students on free and reduced lunch averaged 551, higher than the overall average of any OECD country. Those in schools with 10 to 25% of students qualifying for free and reduced lunch averaged 527, which was behind only Korea and Finland.<br />In contrast, American students in schools with 75% of more of children in poverty averaged 446, second to last among the 34 OECD countries.<br />This makes sense. Among other things, high poverty means less access to books at school, at home and in the community (e.g Krashen, 2004, The Power of Reading). Less access means less reading, and less reading means lower performance on tests such as the PISA."<br /><br />read more from Krashen at his new blog: http://www.schoolsmatter.info/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9759297499353698672010-12-10T13:55:32.914-05:002010-12-10T13:55:32.914-05:00@10:57 if Beasley knew anything about learning and...@10:57 if Beasley knew anything about learning and instruction. He would turn the Title 1 coaches into reading and math teachers who devoted all of there time to giving small groups of children quality instruction.<br /><br />Beasley is part of the current friends and family problem in DCSS. We need new blood.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85817826397039318792010-12-10T11:17:54.766-05:002010-12-10T11:17:54.766-05:00Is anyone else concerned that since Ms. Tyson beca...Is anyone else concerned that since Ms. Tyson became interim superintendent, BOE meeting notes have ceased to be posted on the DCSS BOE meeting website? DCSS BOE meeting notes are required by law, and they have been posted on the DCSS BOE website since 2003. It takes less than a minute to upload them. The last minutes posted were July 19, 2010 BOE meeting. <br /><br />Where is the transparency Ms. Tyson is talking about? I emailed my BOE members asking why the meeting notes are no longer posted. I would advise you to email your BOE member(s) as well as Ms. Tyson to ask why the meeting notes are no longer posted. Cerebration has a link that sends an email to all BOE members on the front page of DeKalb Watch on the right hand side menu bar - look under The Lottery image - the links are:<br />CLICK HERE to Email the new Superintendent, Ramona Tysona<br />and..<br />CLICK HERE to Email the entire DCSS Board of EducationAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85427973817511789702010-12-10T10:57:46.392-05:002010-12-10T10:57:46.392-05:00@ Cerebration
"Beasley is very familiar with ...@ Cerebration<br />"Beasley is very familiar with these kinds of consults - he participated in one for Johnny Brown in Texas - less than a month later it was announced Beasley was selected by Brown as head of " deputy superintendent for curriculum". "<br /><br />I thought Brown brought Beasley in as a consultant because he wanted to position him for the position of head of Curriculum and Instruction. I have always had a concern about the head of Curriculum and Instruction having only 3 1/2 years of actual teaching experience (Dr. Beasely taught 3 1/2 years as a math teacher in Birmingham) in the mid 90s. He is very far removed from the day to day responsibilities of the classroom and has no idea how much the paperwork and requirements from NCLB are impacting teachers. If Dr. Beasley understood this, he would be streamlining many of the information processes by using technology that actually works, insisting that Central Office personnel and Instructional Coaches restrict paperwork requirements to a minimum, and using software programs that cross reference information. For example, different departments in DCSS ask teachers for the same information over and over and over because they don't cross reference the information and communicate with one another. This is a huge drain on teachers' planning and instructional time. In addition, much of the information they ask teachers for is accessible or should be accessible in the DCSS database, thus precluding the need to take up valuable teaching and planning time. Lastly, Dr. Beasley needs to insist that the Information Technology - e.g. eSis and SchoolNet - work the way it's supposed to work in order to made data analysis productive for teachers. <br /><br />Dr. Beasely simply doesn't have enough classroom experience in this educational environment to understand the critical need of the Central Office personnel to work smarter, harness technology, and offload demands from the classroom teacher.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-15177898589348363332010-12-10T10:49:47.457-05:002010-12-10T10:49:47.457-05:00Why is it the older schools in DeKalb County are t...Why is it the older schools in DeKalb County are the ones that always seem to be left out?<br /><br />So sorry that I missed the first post, but, did you notice all the "newer" schools in the county were the ones with the grants.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-57272502488510270092010-12-10T10:17:19.454-05:002010-12-10T10:17:19.454-05:00Yes, the Peachtree computers are part of a special...Yes, the Peachtree computers are part of a special grant. We discussed this on a recent post:<br /><br /><a href="http://dekalbschoolwatch.blogspot.com/2010/11/technology-2020-vision.html" rel="nofollow">Technology: A 2020 Vision</a><br /><br /><i>Title II-D Enhancing Education Through Technology Cost Center - Each school was awarded about 75 iTouch 8GB, charging stations, mic/headphones, Turning Point Student Response System (like they're using in the charrettes), 7 teacher netbooks (laptops) 15 student netbooks, IAB and Access Point. <br /><br />Columbia HS<br />Miller Grove HS<br />Dunwoody HS<br />Southwest DeKalb HS<br />McNair HS<br /><br />They were also awarded several scholarships for grant-writing seminars from GA Tech and others.<br /><br />In addition, Avondale HS was awarded 64 laptops, carts, projectors, 2 digital cameras, 32 headphones, surge protectors, software, professional development, KSU Learning and money for infrastructure costs.<br /><br />Same for Avondale Middle - only 32 laptops, plus most of the above and 32 desktop computers and 32 TI calculators.<br /><br />Cedar Grove HS - same stuff - 32 laptops, 32 desktops, etc.. 2 digital cameras... <br /><br />Cedar Grove MS - 32 laptops, 32 desktops, TI calculators<br /><br />Dunwoody HS - 32 laptops, high def video, 2 digital cameras, headphones, 32TI Calculators, 32 desktops<br /><br />Chamblee MS - 64 laptops, 32 Ti calculators, headphones, etc... <br /><br />DSA - 64 laptops, high def video, projector, audio, 2 digital cameras, 32 headphones, interactive board, 32 Ti calculators, etc. <br /><br />Peachtree MS - same middle school pkgs... 32 laptops, etc, 32 desktops, etc, 32 TI calculators, 50 professional development packages.</i>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-70063929445418533062010-12-10T10:13:41.223-05:002010-12-10T10:13:41.223-05:00Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if we have b...Actually, I wouldn't be surprised if we have brought in consultants to evaluate teaching and curriculum. I'm not saying it's a bad idea -- as long as we get viable, useful feedback from leaders in a successful school system. <br /><br />Beasley is very familiar with these kinds of consults - he participated in one for Johnny Brown in Texas - less than a month later it was announced Beasley was selected by Brown as head of " deputy superintendent for curriculum". Maybe we'll be getting a new staff member soon too!(?)<br /><br /><a href="http://www.kfdm.com/news/school-16656-audit-principal.html" rel="nofollow">PAISD Under A Microscope During Curriculum Audit</a><br /><br /><a href="http://panews.com/local/x681419785/PAISD-welcomes-two-new-administrators" rel="nofollow">PAISD welcomes two new administrators</a>Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14855484088329343802010-12-10T10:11:58.739-05:002010-12-10T10:11:58.739-05:00Part of the STEM grant Peachtree received.Part of the STEM grant Peachtree received.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20907540486592190972010-12-10T10:09:19.551-05:002010-12-10T10:09:19.551-05:00I don't think the current BOE members want to ...I don't think the current BOE members want to make any changes in the status quo so Edler and Jester will have their hands full. Granted they are only two votes, but boy are they smart when it comes to finances. They will ask the hard questions and take the time to crunch the numbers. It will be more and more difficult to get away with rubber stamping the expenditures that have nothing to do with improving student achievement when you have members asking these questions about fiscal responsibility.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-53328466422128828842010-12-10T10:06:39.250-05:002010-12-10T10:06:39.250-05:00Why is Peachtree Middle getting new computers toda...Why is Peachtree Middle getting new computers today???? The school is only 5 years old. HMS got new computers after 17 years with the old one. Then it was only the the teachers that got them. <br /> Also , HMS only got the computers when parents figured out that the teachers could not eSIS at school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-17666682707347191542010-12-10T10:02:41.380-05:002010-12-10T10:02:41.380-05:00@ anonymous 9:44
"If Title 1 is paying to fl...@ anonymous 9:44<br /><br />"If Title 1 is paying to fly consultants into DCSS, is this better than those thousands being spent on direct instruction in small groups for struggling students."<br /><br />Why pay teachers to instruct those pesky students? Consultants flying in are always a lot more fun. Is this a real question?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-76761593731206797842010-12-10T09:59:51.125-05:002010-12-10T09:59:51.125-05:00"I am from Seattle but I have lived here 10 y..."I am from Seattle but I have lived here 10 years. "<br /><br />LOL. Do you know everyone who comes to Atlanta from Seattle?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3425847681426877622010-12-10T09:44:16.229-05:002010-12-10T09:44:16.229-05:00If Title 1 is paying to fly consultants into DCSS,...If Title 1 is paying to fly consultants into DCSS, is this better than those thousands being spent on direct instruction in small groups for struggling students.<br /><br />There is too much supposition and idle rumors on this site. There is no evidence that anyone was flown in to observe. I am from Seattle but I have lived here 10 years.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-29939474560669831922010-12-10T08:48:46.032-05:002010-12-10T08:48:46.032-05:00That's odd logic. We can't do zero-based b...That's odd logic. We can't do zero-based budgeting because it takes too much staff effort? I'm kind of afraid to ask exactly how much time are staff members spending on the budget as it is now? It's $1.4 BILLION - I hope we have the proper staff in place to keep track of it!<br /><br />ps - Anon - this is, as you say, ridiculous - <br /><br /><i>In fiscal 2009-2010, DCSS spent Title I money on the following lodging and presumably meals:<br /><br />Callaway - $283,000<br />Emory Inn and Conf. Center - $90,000<br />Marriott Evergreen - $72,000 </i><br /><br />Add that to the Hollywood trip and the visits to the Ritz and the Bahamas and we have someone who perceives themselves a rock star. This is public money - not the razzle-dazzle entertainment world...Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-22802260090632575372010-12-10T08:44:49.186-05:002010-12-10T08:44:49.186-05:00I think Dekalb County taxpayers would like to see ...I think Dekalb County taxpayers would like to see zero based budgeting, whatever the cost. Trim the fat in Central Office and use the savings to pay for it. Quite simple, really.........Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-46273680067280669592010-12-10T07:00:48.798-05:002010-12-10T07:00:48.798-05:00Dr. Walker is absolutely right. While I don't...Dr. Walker is absolutely right. While I don't question the qualifications of these women, they represent 2 of the 5 votes needed to approve an expenditure. Being idealistic is great until you have to follow the rules, regulations, and policies that dictate how you do your job.<br /><br />Zero based budgeting is an excellent idea in principle. In order to follow through with that, you must have both the staff resources and time to accomplish this. Who wants to spend more money on staff resources to implement this?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14177151051703653522010-12-10T06:14:37.183-05:002010-12-10T06:14:37.183-05:00Doesn't sound like Elder or Jester have any ch...Doesn't sound like Elder or Jester have any chance to make change in the school system...<br /><br />http://www.championnewspaper.com/news/articles/704newly-elected-school-board-members-set-sights-on-fiscal-responsibility704.html<br /><br />Pay close attention to what Dr. Walker says.One Fed Up Insiderhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14523706925943880604noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-70795594945740773212010-12-10T00:20:50.356-05:002010-12-10T00:20:50.356-05:00Berry needs to go!Berry needs to go!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-51897891302014254372010-12-09T23:02:31.293-05:002010-12-09T23:02:31.293-05:00Why would you be surprised? The $400,000 Hollywoo...Why would you be surprised? The $400,000 Hollywood trip primarily for non-teaching America's Choice came from Title 1 funds - proposed by Dr. Berry.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20658642123264889272010-12-09T23:01:15.913-05:002010-12-09T23:01:15.913-05:00I certainly hope Edler and Jester bring some sense...I certainly hope Edler and Jester bring some sense to DCSS expenditures - particularly to Title 1.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-30902480466382084052010-12-09T22:39:33.590-05:002010-12-09T22:39:33.590-05:00What a shame that Title 1 funds are used for every...What a shame that Title 1 funds are used for everything BUT direct instruction for students. What is Audria Berry and the BOE thinking when proposing and approving using money for entertainment earned by having so many low income students? How in the world did she get to be head of the Office of School Improvement as less and less Title 1 schools make AYP.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-56636476461260000082010-12-09T22:07:06.722-05:002010-12-09T22:07:06.722-05:00I'm a little off-topic, but noticed that folks...I'm a little off-topic, but noticed that folks had been discussing Title I expenditures on training that somehow involves a lot of travel, lodging , and meals. <br /><br />I saw from a flash on the screen from Monday's BOE meeting, when Audria Berry was presenting the agenda item requesting approval of 50K increases for various Title I services, a few budget items from last year that seemed, well, ridiculous. I can't promise that this is perfectly accurate because my eyes only saw the numbers for a moment, but they are plus or minus a few thousand. <br /><br />In fiscal 2009-2010, DCSS spent Title I money on the following lodging and presumably meals:<br /><br />Callaway - $283,000<br />Emory Inn and Conf. Center - $90,000<br />Marriott Evergreen - $72,000 <br /><br />Seriously? We're a county school system, not a nationwide corporate or government entity. Why on earth did DCSS spend close to a half million on LOCAL hotels and catering? And of course, this doesn't touch upon non-DeKalb travel, lodging, and meals.<br /><br />Thank you very much DCSS. You could have spent that money putting support teachers, reading teachers, tutors into classrooms, thereby creating amazing student-teacher ratios where our students most need it. To be charitable and take the self-dealing, self-serving track record out of the picture, DCSS is, for the most part, a modern-day incarnation of the Keystone Kops. Ridiculous.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com