tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post845100674635921117..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: The Board Meeting at Peachtree MS and the BudgetCerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-60038528426943118292010-06-08T19:37:05.583-04:002010-06-08T19:37:05.583-04:00gavirtualshool.org website does NOT WORK PROPERLY....gavirtualshool.org website does NOT WORK PROPERLY.<br />lowell@speakeasy.net<br /><br />error message comes up repeatedlyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25678586838597217172010-03-27T13:00:19.031-04:002010-03-27T13:00:19.031-04:00UPDATE: Here is a link to the press release about...UPDATE: Here is a link to the press release about this event -<br /><br />http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/newsroom/press/pdf/2010-03-26.2010-04-02.Title_I_Conference_Provides_Parent_Resources.pdf<br /><br /><br />"The morning began with keynote speaker Dr.<br />Alduan Tartt, psychologist, motivational speaker<br />and author of The Ring Formula: How to Marry<br />Mr. Right. A dynamic speaker, Dr. Tartt urged<br />parents to be involved in their children’s lives.<br />“We have to get back to doing family because we<br />are losing our kids,” he told the attendees.<br />“Parenting is something you have to figure out,<br />trial by fire. I want to help the parents out by<br />helping them to understand that it is important to<br />go back to doing family: set high expectations,<br />hold our kids accountable, love and praise them<br />so they can get back on honor roll and we can<br />establish our kids as leaders.”"Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-9953624538942946072010-03-07T09:27:18.698-05:002010-03-07T09:27:18.698-05:00Another comment comparing AP at at least one priva...Another comment comparing AP at at least one private school versus public school (DeKalb in particular) -- we were just invoiced for the 2 AP exams our child is taking in May to the tune of $178 ($89 per test) - can't take the test without us pre-paying for it (even after our large tuition payment) -- guess who is paying these test fees in DeKalb? Ever see an invoice for your child -- for those of you who have high school kids in DeKalb who have taken AP classes -- for the test fees? Have they earned enough credit to place out of the class in college (if they are now old enough to have gone through this process)? If so, how much did you save on that college course? Worth $89?<br /><br />Another DeKalb HS story -- I just heard that a teacher gave keys to an out of district kid to the locker room, kid went into the locker room and ransacked locked lockers and stole things and poor mom isn't getting getting anywhere with admin. getting her child's stolen cell phone and other property back or the name of the kid who was given the keys. Kid is in fear of being beaten up if s/he complains too loudly -- mom doesn't know what to do... (this is in one of our "good" schools). PS -- this happened to my kid a few years ago at the same school.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25123546147695783102010-03-06T21:27:11.286-05:002010-03-06T21:27:11.286-05:00My point about objective data to support magnets.....My point about objective data to support magnets.... Nada Nothing that the county does to track sustained gain from all of that county money spent on a small percentage of lottery winners. And the scores, really, is that a surprise ? Magnets are a county created, high test scoring school. Do you think it is so we can all feel premiere? <br />I never had too much of a bone to pick with magnets or montessoris despite the inequities. But, the time has come. How in the world to you get the board to listen to a very simple and obvious fact. DCSS cannot and should not afford specialty programs at the expense of other children, Please, Please, let Ms Tyson and the board know that it is an outrage to raise the number of children in our classrooms while we fund magnet classrooms at 1-18 !Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-44855608396080828222010-03-06T09:08:56.472-05:002010-03-06T09:08:56.472-05:00To the teacher at 7:59 AM who posted the eloquent ...To the teacher at 7:59 AM who posted the eloquent poem - I pray that you sent it to each member of the board. If not, click the link on the home page just above the recent comment on the right hand side and send an email to the entire board. Your comment is very powerful.Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-27696970106472901862010-03-06T08:51:49.216-05:002010-03-06T08:51:49.216-05:00Title 1 is a racket in every school system that qu...Title 1 is a racket in every school system that qualifies for it across the country. It isn't just DeKalb, it is no worse nor no better here.<br /><br />This is a federal entitlement (the free breakfast/lunch part) that the feds are afraid to more closely regulate by requiring proof of income.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54409847859073317422010-03-06T07:59:14.322-05:002010-03-06T07:59:14.322-05:00I long to teach in an environment where there are ...I long to teach in an environment where there are truly no excuses. No excuses for bullying. No excuses for why students are not learning. No excuses for disruptive or violent behavior. No excuses why the ceiling leaks. No excuses period. <br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where the teachers, administrators, and paras are also studying, learning, and practicing the craft of teaching by reading and studying the latest research and figuring out how they can use this knowledge to improve their classroom instruction.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where administrators put the needs of the children they are serving above those to keep a job, realizing that if DeKalb doesn't want quality they don't want or need me.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where parents care more about what their child is learning and not what grades they are earning.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where I have the real materials that I need to do my job and not fancy computers, smart boards, and programs that I do not have to use properly or that my children are not ready to use as they do not know the basics.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where the state standards are the minimum of knowledge a child should learn in that grade level and the not the only thing.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where honesty is the rule and not the exception. The lying on lunch forms, about gas, construction projects, why bullying students stay, why bad teachers stay, is a crime and not only ultimately effects the children, but also the entire integrity of the system and worker morale.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where students with disabilities are helped and given instruction that meets their needs for their disability and allows them to return to the regular education classroom. <br /><br />I long to teach in an environment that realizes that quality instruction trumps giving students months of CRCT practice before the test.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where I look forward to going to work every day, because the building is clean, the ac/heat is going to work, I don't have to worry about mold, or why I am constantly sick and cannot get rid of the illness that I had before Christmas break, got rid of during Christmas break, and had return the first week back after Christmas and continue to have now.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where I am trained by the professional and not a fellow teacher who has had a training lasting several days long that is boiled down to 45 minutes, is unsure of how to present the material to us, and does not fully understand what she is teaching herself because things weren't working right for her when she was training to train us or she wasn't able to get her questions answered because she was trained by someone from the board who was trained by the company.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where teachers teach and treat their students the way they would want their own child to be treated and talked about. <br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where poor teaching, and poor attitude about the children we are serving is not tolerated.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where students know that every day is a fresh day and that no matter what happened before, they are still loved and will be treated with respect.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where I would want to send my own child to that school because I realize that learning is the priority and that he will indeed receive the quality education that he not only deserves, but that I want for him to be able to succeed in the future.<br /><br />I long to teach in an environment where teachers aren't talking about the latest newspaper headline, but the break through that they have made with a difficult child.<br /><br />I love to teach in an environment where students are put first when making a decision.<br /><br />I long to teach.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-25573508106588216232010-03-05T23:43:11.655-05:002010-03-05T23:43:11.655-05:00@The Mommy, Mar 2, 06:58
"Title 1 monies can...@The Mommy, Mar 2, 06:58<br /><br />"Title 1 monies cannot be used to replace what the school district is required to spend. Each year, the Feds audit Title 1 spending and schools. DCSS must be in compliance or the funding is revoked."<br /><br />We may met that criteria--but the Feds aren't asking the right questions.<br />How about--"how is it that DeKalb has so many Title 1 students and schools?"<br />(It's an industry folks, just like prisons)<br /><br />Title 1 is just an incentive for schools to manufacture more Title 1 students in a jurisdiction.<br /><br />It is simple--just two ways of many:<br />(1) recruit people to sign up for free and reduced lunches;<br />(2) Invite people from other counties to fill seats.<br />(3) Help insiders build more apartments aimed at low-income residents--or downgrade market apartments to low-income subsidies.<br /><br />This is the biggest racket DeKalb has going--and its been going for ever.<br /><br />Unfortunately, the DOE doesn't look at this, it will take the FBI and US Justice Dept.<br />(they ain't coming for obvious reasons).Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20646291990255858652010-03-05T23:28:56.444-05:002010-03-05T23:28:56.444-05:00Lets be honest (or awake) about the real benefit o...Lets be honest (or awake) about the real benefit of charters, Monte's, themes.<br /><br />THEY ARE INITIATED TO KEEP PARENTS FROM FLEEING THE PUBLIC schools.<br /><br />Read between the lines from the ladies at Huntley Hills--they are really just saying that more neighborhood kids are staying. That's the value, folks.<br /><br />You want an objective measure--count neighborhood kids "before Monte" and "after Monte". Does it improve scores? It's the fastest and most effective improvement that can be made.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-65525867128074910272010-03-05T22:54:09.088-05:002010-03-05T22:54:09.088-05:00Fact is, DCSS does no real scientific and objectiv...Fact is, DCSS does no real scientific and objective evaluation of any of their programs so it is impossible to know if the programs are improving anything. People were swayed about Montessori by remarks from vocal parents, not by any hard evidence. The program costs $600K, not a small sum, compared to some of the other things that are being cut. DCSS is unwilling to learn by studying successful models in other states. This is why GA is last in education, and will never be able to compare to Maryland, Massachusetts, Illinois, Colorado, etc., etc. <br />Every kids needs to have the opportunity to be challenged to the greatest extent possible. Education in not and should not be "one size fits all."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-52184465376891719172010-03-05T22:42:17.956-05:002010-03-05T22:42:17.956-05:00For objective validation of the students in magnet...For objective validation of the students in magnet programs, take a look at their standardized test scores in their home schools before they were enrolled in the magnet program. Their scores were as high in their home schools as they are in the magnet program.<br /><br />Please take a look at EOCT, SAT scores, AP test scores, number of National Merit Semi Finalists, and college acceptances of gifted and high achieving students in the regular schools in DCSS. You will find them equally impressive.<br /><br />I taught high achievers and gifted for 11 years in DeKalb County in low income, middle income and high income schools. Gifted and high achievers will be gifted and high achievers not matter where they go to school. They're just concentrated in one location in magnet programs. That's the real secret to success in magnet schools.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-68526284838702474812010-03-05T22:32:09.459-05:002010-03-05T22:32:09.459-05:00For objective validation of the success of the mag...For objective validation of the success of the magnet high schools (eg Chamblee HS, SWD HS, IB, even DSA), take a look at EOCT, SAT scores, AP test scores, number of National Merit Semi Finalists, and college acceptances.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-20187926678284871142010-03-05T22:24:01.650-05:002010-03-05T22:24:01.650-05:00Robert Walker, please speak.
Phil 1:3Robert Walker, please speak.<br /><br />Phil 1:3Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-48304119020949338682010-03-05T22:03:32.648-05:002010-03-05T22:03:32.648-05:00@anon 5:02
agree with the need for objective valid...@anon 5:02<br />agree with the need for objective validation for montessoris; however, i was impressed by some of the statements that were made at the meeting earlier this week<br /><br />if they can exist in the dcss structure and it is an equitable distribution of resources, go for it<br /><br />a bigger issue that the board does not have the guts to take on is the magnets. those parents are more vocal than than the montessori parents and the board members are afraid of them - there is your real case for " show me the numbers" as i understand it, they have not done any follow up studies on the magnet children to show that the class ratios, etc make any difference ( just ask the county ) - that is the real violator of inequal distribution of resources<br /><br />i am not trying to pull down their empire, i actually love the concept , i just have an issue that all the qualified students cannot have that level of services and the other students in the county lose resources because of itAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41802500062258248702010-03-05T17:25:25.615-05:002010-03-05T17:25:25.615-05:00NO TAKE HOME CAR'S FOR ANY SCHOOL RESOURCE OFF...NO TAKE HOME CAR'S FOR ANY SCHOOL RESOURCE OFFICERS!!!<br /><br />Actually, the public deserves to see a list of every DCSS employee who has a take home vehicle!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-15799796352447054332010-03-05T17:02:05.732-05:002010-03-05T17:02:05.732-05:00Is Montessori really worth keeping? Let's see...Is Montessori really worth keeping? Let's see the evidence that Montessori leads to improved outcomes.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-44575779892258332392010-03-05T16:57:21.183-05:002010-03-05T16:57:21.183-05:00Regarding increasing classroom pupil teacher ratio...Regarding increasing classroom pupil teacher ratio:<br /><br />If the BOE were really concerned about class sizes and ensuring teachers could provide individual help for struggling students, they would have cut, consolidated and outsourced in every area but the classroom. I think we need a BOE that puts the classroom first.<br /><br />Please email your BOE members and also email our new interim superintendent Ms. Ramona Tyson.<br /><br />Ms. Tyson's email is Ramona_Tyson@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us. I'm sure she would be like to hear comments from DeKalb parents and taxpayers regarding the budget proposalsAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39734111465041771822010-03-05T16:04:35.337-05:002010-03-05T16:04:35.337-05:00Each classroom in the schools get to go to Fernban...Each classroom in the schools get to go to Fernbank one time each semester. If more is available, as a teacher, I am not aware of it. The hands on programs are great. The planetarium needs updating, and isn't as educational as I would prefer. <br /><br />It would be ashame and a great loss if the district gets rid of Fernbank, but budget decisions have to be made. I hope that if they do away with Fernbank, that America's Choice, Esis, and other useless programs go along with it. <br /><br />We cannot save everything and there are things that should go before Fernbank, however Fernbank isn't going to raise our property values or give our kids a better education visiting a couple times a year.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-29553880558410346882010-03-05T14:47:49.416-05:002010-03-05T14:47:49.416-05:00Gee, if we offered a vocational tech school, maybe...Gee, if we offered a vocational tech school, maybe we could supply people for these jobs!! There are a lot of college-educated people going "back to school" to learn a trade - and this is why!Cerebrationhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39941436767507509812010-03-05T14:40:36.201-05:002010-03-05T14:40:36.201-05:00Parents and teachers, please look at this. No wond...Parents and teachers, please look at this. No wonder we can’t get teachers.<br /><br />Position: Mechanic, Air Conditioner/Heat (HVAC)<br />Educational requirement: High school diploma or GED <br />Experience: 3 years<br />Salary: $43,111 to $58,665<br /><br />Position: Teacher, Science, Language Arts, or Social Studies <br />Educational requirement: College degree<br />Experience: 3 years <br /> Salary: $ 42,288 (salary for a teacher with 3 years of experience)<br /> $ 58,248 (salary for a teacher with 20 years of experience)<br /> $ 59,376 (salary for a teacher with 30 years of experience)<br /><br />Below is the job description on PATS for HVAC personnel (DCSS currently has 5 openings):<br />“The Mechanical Maintenance Department is seeking a qualified HVAC Mechanic. The minimum requirements include a High School Diploma or GED equivalent. A minimum of three (3) years experience in HVAC installation and control systems is required. Two (2) years experience in industrial or commercial HVAC is preferred.<br />Position: Mechanic, Air Conditioner/Heat<br />Salary: $43,111.20 to $58,665.60”<br /><br />Chime in teachers and tell us the service you get from HVAC. Their position requires a high school diploma and 3 years experience. Most of you will NEVER make the salary an HVAC employee makes. <br /><br />The BOE wants to cut teacher salaries and teacher positions. Now you know why outsourcing is a great idea. If this doesn’t make you want to write your BOE members, I don’t know what will.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-38140375300626399052010-03-05T11:52:02.914-05:002010-03-05T11:52:02.914-05:00HEY Ramona/Crawford/BOE: Y'all better cut all ...HEY Ramona/Crawford/BOE: Y'all better cut all the fat, waste and bloat out of the Central Office and Ramona's MIS is you have the gall to cut teachers salary by 6.25percent.<br /><br />And you better darn sure cut all administrators by more than 6.25 percent. And it's time to contract out so many things like HVAC, info. systems, etc.<br /><br />What's that noise? Hundreds of veteran DCSS teachers running to update their resumes.<br /><br /><br />http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-teachers-pay-could-349934.html<br /><br />DeKalb teachers' pay could decrease 6.25 percentBy Megan Matteucci <br /><br /><br />The Atlanta Journal-Constitution <br /><br />11:34 a.m. Friday, March 5, 2010 <br /><br />DeKalb County teachers could see their pay decrease as much as 6.25 percent next school year.<br /><br />The school board voted unanimously Friday morning to issue about 8,000 contracts to teachers, principals and other certified staff for next school year with the option of a pay reduction or furlough days. The pay cut is capped at 6.25 percent.<br /><br />DeKalb schools must cut at least $88 million from its budget for next year. The board is scheduled to approve the budget in May, but teacher contracts must be issued before April 15.<br /><br />“This does not bind the board to take any particular action, it just binds the board to leave the door open,” board chairman Tom Bowen said.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42729598479567247502010-03-05T11:42:37.073-05:002010-03-05T11:42:37.073-05:00http://www.eeweek.org/
National Environmental Edu...http://www.eeweek.org/<br /><br />National Environmental Education Week (EE Week) is the largest organized environmental education event in the United States. EE Week increases the educational impact of Earth Day by creating a full week of educational preparation, learning, and activities in K-12 classrooms, nature centers, zoos, museums, and aquariums. By participating in EE Week, you encourage your students to make a difference in their schools, homes, and communities!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-3993840229005164122010-03-05T11:36:15.103-05:002010-03-05T11:36:15.103-05:00Great resource for science teachers, parents and s...Great resource for science teachers, parents and students. They have some great programs:<br /><br />http://eeingeorgia.org/Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-56286941791481992382010-03-05T08:57:51.140-05:002010-03-05T08:57:51.140-05:00I think Ms. Tyson's past record as head of MIS...I think Ms. Tyson's past record as head of MIS and the person who brought the parents and teachers eSIS is working against her. MIS personnel grew to 291 employees costing $24,000,000 in salaries and benefits. This is $82,500 on average per MIS employee - considerably more than teachers. Please ask any teacher the level of service they and their students receive from the technology department.<br /><br />I think Ms. Tyson will know the numbers, and she is certainly well spoken. I don't think she will make any concrete changes that will help ensure we have more teachers in the classroom than admin and support. <br /><br />In fact, I predict Ms. Tyson will recommend DCSS cut teacher positions by not filling them,adding more students to each class, institute furlough days for all, continue with expensive, scripted learning programs such as America's Choice, Springboard, and Instructional Coaches. I think in general she will continue with the policies Dr. Lewis has put in place and has proposed.<br /><br />I hope I'm wrong, but Dr. Lewis didn't pick her as an agent of change. And he did hand pick her. Paul Womack, BOE member, told the AJC that she was recommended by Dr. Lewis. <br /><br />So keep writing your BOE members about not using an increase in the pupil teacher ratio by cutting teaching positions or adding students to the classroom in order to balance the budget. <br /><br />Encourage the BOE to cut, consolidate and outsource on the admin and support side (6,500 employees in admin and support) before they touch our classrooms.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-52951596058375473762010-03-05T08:36:28.873-05:002010-03-05T08:36:28.873-05:00Dr. Lewis is going to regret recommending Ms Tyson...Dr. Lewis is going to regret recommending Ms Tyson to fill in for him, especially when the Board finds she is more competent in doing the job.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com