We really need to focus on the utter failure of our school system to get our schools into AYP passing zone. We are continuing to slip in the standings and continue to produce three times as many high schools that do not make Adequate Yearly Progress (much less - substantial progress) as do, and we continue to only offer transfers to the few "passing schools" still available as a response to these school failures. To date, DeKalb County School System still has not met AYP as a system.
Check out this chart for 2009 available at DCSS's website entitled, DEKALB COUNTY SCHOOLS ADEQUATE YEARLY PROGRESS 2003 - 2009. There, we see that the only high schools that made AYP through 2008 were Chamblee, Clarkston, DECA, DeKalb HS of Technology North, DSA, Druid Hills, Lakeside and Miller Grove. Since this report, the system consolidated the Tech North HS into Cross Keys and we added Arabia, which made AYP and Dunwoody and Tucker have returned to "passing" status. But sadly, Clarkston, Druid Hills and Miller Grove dropped off the list and did not make AYP last year according to the 2010 AYP report available by clicking here.
We are in a mess. Our math program is questionable, many of our schools have not made AYP, we have an interim superintendent, an interim head of SPLOST construction and an interim head of "teaching and learning". The board members continue to "make news", issue apologies and get scolded publicly. Our board cannot agree on an ethics policy for themselves. The Lewis and Pope trials are now scheduled for January, which will certainly bring about much more salacious gossip. Our legal fees are equal to the entire budgets of most school systems. The distractions are numerous and on-going.
I know this seems obvious to all of you but - although we need to be aware of the "outside issues", we need to focus on educating children. Please pressure your board rep to pressure Ms. Tyson to do so, even though her area of expertise is technology. She needs to take the bull by the horns and visit schools, talk with teachers and principals and roll up her sleeves working to improve performance. She needs to take a look at the virtual "army" of instructional leaders who are not working directly with students and place them into classroom or direct student support settings. She needs to toss every available resource into the schoolhouses so that our children do not suffer another year of "Inadequate" progress. If she does not possess the moxie to do this, then we need to push the board to find another interim who will.
394 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 394 of 394Textbooks? Am I the only one hearing there is no extra school house money for hand soap and paper towels? I was a a faculty gathering at a school this week and that was problem numero uno.
Just think, hundreds of children with no hand soap in the bathrooms ... supposedly there has been a cap placed on these items and when they're gone, they're gone. When I hear things like this, I want to drive to MIC with a barrel and empty each bathroom in the entire facility of soap and bring it back to the school.
Hand soap, or the lack thereof, was an issue last year with the swine flu outbreak. Our school, and perhaps the rest of the county schools, had new soap dispensers installed only under the threat of a possible public health emergency. I guess they only bought so many refills.
Where does the money in the budget for these absolute necessities go? Or to whom does it go?
I heard that this was going to happen this year. Each school is allotted so much soap, cleaning supplies, paper towels, toilet paper, trash bags, and things of this sort. Once they are gone they are gone. The amounts that the schools is given/allotted is not enough for schools who are at or exceed capacity.
How can we deny our children of such basics? A clean school? Toilet paper? Soap to wash one's hands?
I am a DCSS teacher. I already buy hand soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and toilet paper for my kids because the custodians do not stock them in our restrooms. I do not know why. Last year, one custodian told me that he would not put paper towels in the bathroom because the kids just played with them. That may be true to some extent, but no soap? No toilet paper? Really??? I only have so much money, and when my budget for school runs out this year, I will be forced to ask my parents (low income) to buy toilet paper. This county is ridiculous.
The Georgia Gang is on at 8:30 am tomorrow.
Eddie Long will be topic numero uno.
Wondering if Jeff Dickerson will disclose that he previously had a big contract with New Birth.
Wonder if Dick Williams will mention that New Birth gets over $120k per year from taxpayers by DCSS via the charter school board.
Wondering if Jeff Dickerson will ever disclose anything. Ethics? How does that dude sleep at night?
"Wondering if Jeff Dickerson will disclose that he previously had a big contract with New Birth.
"
Here's what jeff Dickerson is saying:
"But Jeff Dickerson, president of Dickerson Communications, isn't sold on the strategy thus far.
Lawyers, he said, may understand the presumption of guilt or innocence in the courtroom, but may fall short when it comes to the court of public opinion.
"They start making decisions whether someone should hold a press conference or have radio interview and it can make the situation far worse for their clients," he said. "Eddie Long can win in a court of law and lose in the court of public opinion. His reputation can be permanently damaged and lawyers just don't get it. " He said it would have been good had Long come out earlier and very forcefully. "He needs to mount a public defense.""
I guess he would like another fat contract from Eddie Long.
@Anon 7:42 "I am a DCSS teacher. I already buy hand soap, hand sanitizer, paper towels, and toilet paper for my kids ..."
Whether you are in Cross Keys attendance or not, would you please send me an email at kim AT crosskeysfoundation DOT org? I would like to try to help you get the supplies for your school that the children need without you dipping in your pocket.
Do you have a PTA? Are they aware? That would be the first logical place to cry for help but I realize too many schools do not have a well funded PTA. I'm working on an option for the one elementary school where I saw this problem. 100% not acceptable ...
Just talked with another teacher at another school. Several points to make about the conversations that I've had with 2 es and 1 ms teachers over the past 3 days.
1. None of these teachers have the books and workbooks for all of the courses/materials they are to cover. While textbooks may be left in the classroom, workbooks are what students take home (depending on the course - math, handwriting, etc.) to do the rote work necessary to master material outside of the classroom.
2. These teachers are demoralized. Each of the three indicated that for the first time in their careers (the shortest - 10 years, the longest 23 years) they are working actively to leave the profession - and these are teachers I would want in the classroom with my child.
3. Not only is the math curriculum out of hand, the county is clearly ill-equipped and ill-prepared to lead the way through the mess. Some teachers at some schools are being told to use two different books/approaches (sorry, I'm not versed on the lingo), others are being told to focus on one or the other. The nutshell is that teachers are expected to hodge podge their lessons together by referencing the performance standards on the system site.
As a parent, I've referenced these standards...as an educated parent, I'm confused about what to focus on when working with my child at home. I cannot imagine how someone not "plugged in" could try to help their child at home with the skills they need by using the lingo and direction provided. In asking my own kids teachers what to work on, I've been referred to these sites. It is a miserable experience. Something has to change. The textbook, curriculum issues are things that parents really need to start bringing to bear.
Kim, on the basic supplies issue, I'm simply - speechless.
But, we can, by goodness, afford to hire Dickerson - isn't his job to manage image. Here's an idea, get the work done at the school/student level and there will be no need to manage community perceptions!!! Until then, we need to bombard the media with this information. I don't know how else to get the Board and the administration's attention. Sorry for the long post. I'm frustrated.
I wonder how much money will it take to convert the New Birth Baptist Church campus into a votech high school?
I am asking because there may soon be a short sale of the campus as the news gets worse and worse.
There is probably room for a stadium as well.
I hope the BOE will spent maybe 25 cents on the dollar to acquire it.
I'd vote for bonds. What say you, BOE?
Anon: "Kim, on the basic supplies issue, I'm simply - speechless."
I've now confirmed this is an issue at least a few additional elementary schools in the Chamblee and Cross Keys clusters. Based on what I'm being told, it looks like this is a system-wide reality and each school house is fending as best as they can when they have PTA support.
Ok, many of us here are completely beyond our fill with the failings of our little school district. We are trying to make a difference on a 360 degree basis. If I'm exhausted by it and I'm not a parent, I can only imagine the plight of many parents and teachers in the system.
We're one year minimum from having a kindergarten decision to make and the more I see the more reluctantly I look at our DCSS options.
Here's one very ominous question:
Does anyone know what the headcount day is this year? This is the day when external funding levels are determined. Forget the election, that is a day to get leadership's attention ...
@the mommy @11:32am:
I am one such parent. My high school student has textbooks in only two out of four classes. I asked the teachers at curriculum night. The foreign language teacher said the textbooks exist, they are just old and falling apart, as in literally falling apart. So they would be using photocopies of various things instead. In the other class I was told that students were not issued textbooks for this class, that there were "class sets" of the books that the students use during class time but they do not take them home. My student says they don't actually use those class sets. What is a parent supposed to do? Demand a textbook? What good would it be if it is not being used by the teacher to teach from?
But where did the $7 million go?!!
Say, on the TP issue - does anyone know a Georgia Pacific exec? I'd love to see GP trucks driving school to school delivering free TP! That would be great advertising!!
The soap + supplies issue is nothing new and should now surprise
anyone. Approximately 9 years ago I purchased nearly 200 dollars in soap, dispensers and air sanitizers and worked with the janitor to install the products.
Two days later I was called into the principal's office where I was told in no uncertain terms that my interference in the business of the school was to stop and that my interest in the restrooms bordered on criminal!!
As I was escorted out of the main office, the principal proclaimed, "That is how you handle parents."
5 minutes later I was on the phone with a family friend (attorney) discussing my options and potential liabilty.
I never stepped foot into the schoolhouse again until a changing of the guard and that principal was moved onward or upward. I do know there is a special place in the land of the brimstone and forever hot for this principal!
So don't be surprised by the lack of care, concern, health and hygeine of our facilities. Remember, we have one of the foremost experts in school hygeine issues right here in DeKalb county but his voice has fallen on deaf ears.
Kim, the official count is usually the first week of October.
My child went to a function at a very expensive new high school and commented about how wonderful the bathrooms are. His high school rarely has toilet paper and paper towels.
Kim, while this is disgusting and unacceptable you should also know that some students take rolls of toilet paper and stuff them in the toilets. So some of the blame goes to the students and their parents who did not instill the proper values in their children.
One solution is to change out all the toilet paper dispensers so that they do not use rolls of paper. The newest schools have sheet dispensers that are locked and cannot be tinkered with.
Ramona - you should quit. I mean it. You should quit. Just make a formal, public announcement that you are appalled and disgusted with what you have found out about the "behind the scenes" shenanigans of DCSS and just quit. Force their hand. MAKE them face facts. Go public with what you really know - for the children of DeKalb!! Don't continue to stress yourself out being their puppet! You are being used and manipulated and only you have the power to make it stop.
I know it's a lot of money to give up - but your family doesn't want to end up with a totally stressed-out bonkers mom and wife. Take the highest of all roads! Do it for your own health and your family and mostly - to bring the truth to light for all of the children of DeKalb. I really mean it Ramona.
If your school is missing paper towels, toilet paper, soap, etc., then name names!!! Whether you're a teacher/parent/student, let us know, becuase we'll be letting the BOE know this is intolerable!!!
I've noticed a trend in DCSS. When basic supplies run out, it's always the PTA that is turned to for help. And then, over time, no supplies show up at all and the PTA becomes the permanent supplier. What is it that Dr. Phil says? "You teach people how to treat you."
Of course, this only works in schools with capable/willing PTAs. Our teachers are forced to come to parents hat in hand at the beginning of the year for basic supplies.
What do schools with useless PTAs do?? What do schools with no individual parental support do?
I truly apologize for turning a discussion about academics into a discussion about bathroom supplies but I can't leave it alone. For me, this is emblematic ...
What folks are sharing here is so revealing to me: 1) DCSS needs help in managing discipline (if a kid stuffs a TP roll into the toilet, stop supplying TP is not corrective action), 2) DCSS needs help understanding priorities (when there is supply chain management problem, the PTA is not the vendor to call), 3) DCSS needs help in setting priorities for the school house (spending limitless resources trying to make testing standards, and failing to do so, while there is no soap in the schools' bathrooms?).
When this blog brought to light the need for DCSS to "get back to basics," I assumed we were talking about academics. Turns out, we're talking about just keeping the lights on, books on the selves, paper in copiers, and e coli off our children.
"Parental involvement" should mean a whole lot more than TP drives.
What do schools with useless PTAs do?? What do schools with no individual parental support do?
A few years ago, it was suggested that the principals at schools with wealthier PTAs ask them to pay for something, I think it was mailing home report cards. The same request was not made at all schools. One very vocal PTA president went ballistic and the request was dropped by the administration, but left a very bad taste in many parent's mouth.
Keep in mind that many principals have some say in how they are spending their per pupil dollars. While this may not be the case at the schools being discussed here, my children have been at schools where the principal has made questionable decisions about how to spend that money and then pleads poverty to the PTA.
This is why on every school council agenda there should be an item where the principal reports to the council the status of the per pupil funds and what they are being used for. It is allowed under the state law and frankly if is one of the most valuable discussions school councils can have.
Weren't per pupil dollars part of the budget cuts?
The principals are in charge of the school house. They have a budget for supplies for their school. So, this begs a couple of questions:
1. Has the prinicpal (via the school Admin Assist) requested supplies from the central office?
2. If supplies have been requested and not delivered, why not?
Dresden Elementary is a school that is regularly without toilet paper, soap, and hand towels. The bathrooms are also regularly filthy. New toilets are being installed. But just because they are new, it does not mean that they will come with toilet paper!
Okay, then ask the Dresden principal why there is no toilet paper? Was the school not given their initial allotment? If they have run out already have they requested more from the school system? If they have requested why hasn't DCSS delivered it?
Instead of asking these questions on this blog, as the principal yourself....
Dresden has not had soap or paper towels for at least 2 weeks, maybe longer!
@10:21 am...
I won't ask the principal because I work there and I do not trust her to respond appropriately. I believe that she would take my request for toilet paper as a criticism of herself and retaliate by observing me daily. I have seen her do it to others. I have also been on her bad side, and although I am a good teacher and have nothing to fear from constant observations, it is still not pleasant to be called into the office on a regular basis and be fussed at. As teaching is stressful enough, I see no need to make it more so.
So, in essence, you are more worried about yourself than making sure your students have paper towels and soap? Hmmm.....
Are you afraid of the prinicpal's admin? She is most often the individual in charge of keeping up with all of this.
@10:53
As I buy soap and toilet paper and paper towels for my kids, I resent the implication that I do not care for my kids. I care immensely. Otherwise I would not stay. Otherwise I would not work the hours I work, plan the way I plan, spend the money I spend (leaving me without grocery money until payday of this week), and do all the extra things I do for my kids - the ones from past years and the ones from this year.
However, there are some battles I will fight, and others I will not. My principal's administrator has been told of these problems, and has done NOTHING that I know about. At least, nothing has changed in our building. So, when I have already stuck my neck out and the consequences were exceptionally unpleasant, why would I do it again about toilet paper when I can afford to buy it at least for a few more months??
Why not help us as a school system do something about the problems rather than complain about my not taking this to my principal? If you worked at Dresden, you'd know the atmosphere of intimidation that pervades the place.
Have you sent an emamil to the new internal auditor? If schools are not using or misusing their funds for supplies then he knows to know about it? Is the whistleblower line up and running?
@10:53
Yes, we are afraid! Why would we not be?
1) We have an ex-superintendent who is facing jail time and pretty much all of those who assisted him are still in office.
2) We have area superintendents and principals promoted or promoting on the basis of family affiliations and connections WITHOUT the required competence.
3) We have an incompetent, inept, and ill-intentioned County Schools staff.
Anon 10:53, to whom shall we cry to when this principal begins her progrom? Will you help me secure employment in Cobb County? Will you help me with my car notes?
You as an outsider have a better shot than I do, don't you think?
To the teacher at Dresden:
This blog does have friends at the Palace on Mtn. Industrial.
If there is a list of needs, such as toilet paper and soap TOMORROW, let us know as early as you can.
I will march down to the school and verify these facts before I get the Palace to get you some toilet paper and soap.
Do you think this is the right thing for me to do or will it jeopordize your work status?
Sagamore 7
Sagamore 7 -
Please just come observe. I know that some teachers have sent an email this weekend to Pat Madry, Pat Patterson, Ken Bradshaw, Paul Womack,and Eugene Walker. Hopefully, something will be done. But you're more than welcome to come see all our problems.
I appreciate the concern. The principal will probably call people into her office as she did last year over facebook issues (none of which mentioned the school), but most people will just sigh, cry a few tears, and keep teaching.
Anon 11:46--Your final phrase says a lot. We will, indeed, sigh, cry a few tears, and keep teaching.
It's the classic Catch 22. With 34 kids in many of our classrooms, no textbooks, and so many other hindrances to our success, we teachers do whatever it takes to help our kids acheive.
As we work harder and harder--to the point of exhaustion and disillusionment with our chosen careers--"they" can point to all of the shortcomings and say, "See, it can't be that bad; teachers are able to step up and deal with the situation."
Yes,I have cried quite a few tears since school started.
If no teacher showed to work on Monday at Dresden,
--Would they would be fired?
--Would Dresden parents support them in not showing up?
--Would DCSS send in their fat staff with no meaningful work to teach the kids?
I see why there are no unions in GA.
Regarding Dresden children with a lack of basic hygiene products:
"My principal's administrator has been told of these problems, and has done NOTHING that I know about. At least, nothing has changed in our building."
Well, bloggers, the Dresden principal's administrator who has been told of these problems is Ken Bradshaw (per the DCSS website).
His telephone number is:
678-676-2845
His email is:
KENNETH_BRADSHAW@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us
95% of Dresden elementary students are Economically Disadvantaged yet they still managed to Make AYP last year. 80% are Hispanic.
http://public.doe.k12.ga.us/ReportingFW.aspx?PageReq=103&SchoolId=682&T=1&FY=2007
Many parents probably do not know their way around the system, and many may not even be fluent in English. Maybe this is what happens to children who go to schools where their primary advocates in the system are the teachers who are in actuality low man on the totem pole.
With the extremely high Economically Disadvantaged population at Dresden, many federal funded Title 1 dollars are flowing to DeKalb County based on these students. It seems obscene that Title 1 is funding all those $100,000+ salaries while these teachers and children are left to fend for themselves for the most basic of needs. Third World for the students, First Class for the Office of School Improvement.
I find it sad, horrifying and surprising that this thread which was intended to talk about improving test scores, has revealed that the problems are much deeper - we are sorely lacking in basics such as textbooks, soap and toilet tissue!
Oh my lord.
Bloggers, how about this - we organize a "TP Drive" at Dresden. Stop by the school one day this week and drop of a 12 pack or more of TP in the office. Just put a sticker on it that says, "from friends of DeKalb School Watch blog"! Fill the front office with TP!
@10:53 You have no idea what retaliation teachers who speak up face. NONE! Teachers don't speak up for the reasons this teacher mentioned. Do you really want your child's teacher in tears more so than they already are? Constant observations and not knowing what is going to be picked on or written about you is very stressful. People like this do not care if the teacher is teaching the children, they are simply out to make the teachers who speak out and questions miserable.
The administrators don't care what a principal's tack-its are, if results are gotten. If Dresden made AYP last year, all the complaining anyone does will fall on deaf ears and we can be almost certain that this principal will receive a promotion of some sort in the future.
The teachers as a whole may already face retaliation for what they have posted here on this website and don't know what they will walk into tomorrow.
Before you start bashing the teachers, go to the school and then make up your mind. Don't bash the teachers, they are trying to teach the children and can't do all of the battling. They should be focused on the children and not worried about what is going to happen to them next.
Cere, I love your TP drive idea. I will definitely be dropping off some TP there. Are there any other schools who need TP, I'll stop by there as well.
If Womack and Walker would bother to get into the schools, they might realize that approving all Ms. Tyson's cuts to the classroom and schoolhouse to preserve Central office jobs and salaries has had this effect on students. Walker is up for re-election this year. I hope voters are reading this blog.
Post here when you are going and where you are going. Sounds like a great human interest story.
"
The teachers as a whole may already face retaliation for what they have posted here on this website and don't know what they will walk into tomorrow. "
Please post (anonymously is fine) on this blog if you know of any teacher who has experienced retaliation from any DCSS administrator (Dresden principal and/or Ken Bradshaw or his supervisor Robert Moseley or his supervisor Ramona Tyson) due to pleading for basic hygiene products for their children.
This is the info about Dresden's Principal from their website:
2449 Dresden Drive
Chamblee, GA 30341
Principal: Mrs. Anquinette Guthrie
Asst. Principal - Grades PreK-2: Dr. Charles Osborn
Asst. Principal - Grades 3-5: Mrs. Nancy Heitzenrater
Counselor: Mr. Gerry Fairley
Counselor: Mrs. Lucy Ndonga
Information: 678-676-7200
Office: 678-676-7202
Fax: 678-676-7210
Clinic: 678-676-7207
PTA Voice Mail: 678-676-7236
Not sure who Mr. Bradshaw is, but it sounds like the principal is female and this may be more accurate information.
According to the DCSS website, Ken Bradshaw is the Dresden principal's supervisor:
Go here:
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/superintendent/
Then click on Region Superintendents on the left hand side menu. the Abode file that downloads will show the Areas, their schools and who is over them. The principals in those schools report to the Area Superintendents. The Area Superintendents report to Robert Moseley and Robert Moseley reports to the Superintendent Ramona Tyson.
I believe Ken Bradshaw is Mrs. Guthrie's supervisor.
Sorry, you are correct. My misunderstanding.
Instead of dropping the tp off in the front office and leaving, you should probably request the custodians come and pick it up while you are there so they can stock it directly in their supply closets. I have worked at this school as a substitute (now I have a better understanding of the atmosphere there) and have serious doubts about the principal getting your donation to its intended location. Sad but true IMO.
Dresden BOE reps who appear to not have visited Dresden are Paul Womack and Eugene Walker.
@ Anonymous 1:25
"I have worked at this school as a substitute (now I have a better understanding of the atmosphere there) and have serious doubts about the principal getting your donation to its intended location. "
What on earth would the Dresden principal do with all those rolls of toilet tissue?
Isn't this the school that has the non-teaching reading coach that got certified in Reading in 2008 and was a Reading coach by 2009? Office of School Improvement strikes again.
Anonymous@1:30 I think she would rather throw them away, rather then give her staff the idea that someone is reading and responding to their comments. Again, just my opinion after working in that school on a limited basis.
@ Anonymous 1:51
"I think she would rather throw them away, rather then give her staff the idea that someone is reading and responding to their comments.
Do the children's needs figure at all into her viewpoint?
I work at Dresden and know that's exactly what would happen.
Have the office staff page the custodians. Then see how long it takes them to finish their cigarette to show up in the office. THEN, stick around a little while longer to see what they actually do with the toilet paper.
Oh brother! New plan - (these people won't deter us!)
We will have a blog collection somewhere (often at the Library Coffee house in Brookhaven) and we will collect toilet paper and other classroom supplies. Then we will go to the school and pass out bags of donations to the teachers in person to have on hand in their classrooms.
What else do you need? I know the Latin American group has a drive before school begins, did students get school supplies then? Do you need hand sanitizers? Kleenex? Pencils? Tell us what you need - and we'll do our best to make a delivery!
We can also enlist the people at the YMCA - they are all about helping kids in need...
It is time for the Dekalb Health Department to investigate DCSS toilet paper and soap?
The Fire Marshall seems to have been investigating overcrowding issues.
@1:56 pm -
No, the students' needs do not figure into the Dresden principal's actions; unless of course their needs affect her wants. Otherwise she'd allocate her money differently. No more money sending the former Reading First reading coach to conferences - she'd spend it on the actual students.
Just speaking for myself, I don't have any school supply needs. We are lucky to have the support of St. Pius and my parents did a great job of sending school supplies this year.
Toilet paper and soap in the dispensers are priority. The TP drop-off could be pretty powerful and maybe even eye-opening to our principal and custodians.
@ Cerebration 2:09 pm
Do they need any crayons or colored pencils or other supplies? I have some spare packs. Is there some place we can drop supplies off that will make it to the children? I'm happy to bring liquid soap and toilet paper.
Dresden teachers are extremely thankful for your support. Luckily, St. Pius is extremely generous to the students at the beginning of the year - helping to supply crayons, pencils, paper, etc. We really just need the community to go into our school - and all other schools - and make sure that our kids' basic needs (cleanliness, safety, food) are being taken care of.
I'm not religious - but doesn't the Bible say something about (forgive my paraphrase) when you do something to the least of us, you are doing it for Jesus? All our schools, teachers, administrators, and central office staff should be serving ALL our children as well as we possibly can. No child, regardless of whether his/her parent can be an advocate, should attend school in substandard conditions.
Thank you so much for caring; it makes teaching much easier.
Ok - we'll noodle on this and come up with a plan for a TP drive!
I just read in the AJC that DeKalb Schools get whopping $43,500,000 in Title 1 funds (the Title 1 figures of $30,000,000 on the state website are a bit outdated). No wonder the DCSS Administration and BOE want to keep the decision making for these funds within the Office of School Improvement in the Central office.
Dresden is obviously a Title 1 school since it has 95% of its students classified as Economically Disadvantaged. Why are they having to depend on the charity of St. Pius for supplies? Title 1 is supposed to level the playing field between middle/high income schools and low income schools. Would this school be better off with a non-teaching Reading Coach or adequate supplies for the students? When local school personnel are not involved in the decision making process for funds earmarked for their students, this is what happens.
(source: http://www.ajc.com/news/atlanta/feds-probe-atlanta-schools-633239.html)
The Title 1 dollar have been increased because of all the stimulus dollar, I think.
It is certainly time for our Title 1 spending to come back in line with its original purposes.
I think it is nice that the Pius kids make donations of thinks that can be taken home, like backpacks, school supplies, etc. But the classrooms at Dresden should be well stocked.
Where is the money going?
I agree that the lack of TP is deplorable, but it seems that we are being distracted from our concern--ACADEMICS!
My students' parents already bring sanitizer, tissues, and paper towels for my classroom. Need TP? I will add it to my wish list and issue a roll to students along with their bathroom passes.
Is a TP drive going to show the central office that we are serious? I understand that it would be great to at least solve one problem. But as a teacher, I can address the TP issue. I shouldn't have to, but I can.
On the other hand, I am powerless to address the issues that stand in the way of acheivement. And yes, I have already spoken up until my voice is nothing more than a nagging buzz in my principal's ear.
Let's use our collective energies to impact achievement. Demand those textbooks. Insist that our schools be staffed properly so that class sizes are reduced. Please let's focus on the hard work that only a strong group effort can accomplish.
That amount of Title 1 dollars equates to $448 per student in DCSS - and we know that not all students are Title 1, so certainly it's closer to $600 per student. That's around $18,000 PER CLASSROOM of 30 students!!! That would certainly pay for a reading or math specialist for each grade level at Title 1 schools - or after school tutoring or approximately 18,000 rolls of TP per classroom per year!
Instead, our admin spends the money on MORE ADMIN! And PROGRAMS. And TRIPS TO CALIFORNIA for 200 people, only 40 of whom are teachers!
Where IS the Title 1 money going?
Where did the $7 million for textbooks go?
How much are we spending on attorneys?
We need an audit ASAP.
Gotta ask, how many schools besides Dresden are in this boat but have no one blogging here.
I'd still like to bring it back to academics as well.....books and math????
(NOT that I don't care about tp, I do).
Cerebration,
Which schools have classes of only 30 students? I understand that you are just doing the rough math. But lowering class sizes to 30 is only a dream right now.
Totally agree about bringing the discussion back to academics...TP is an easier problem to solve!
Most ES classes in the lower grades (K-2) are lower than 30 - I believe the high is 24. The upper ES (3-5) in my school has 28-30 as an average. There are occasional Early Intervention Classes that have a smaller class size: 18 students max. Having taught with both larger classes and smaller classes, smaller classes are easier to discipline, grade, plan for, teach, etc. I know what the research says: you have to get down to 15 or so kids before seeing appreciable results. If we could get rid of our instructional coaches by putting them back in the classroom at a teacher's salary, then we'd improve our schools and save money. Seems like a no-brainer!
@ Anonymous 3:07
"Demand those textbooks. Insist that our schools be staffed properly so that class sizes are reduced. Please let's focus on the hard work that only a strong group effort can accomplish. "
I think DCSS citizens feel at least the TP issue is something they can do for schools, and they really are anxious to do something.
Currently, the DCSS administration and the BOE are holding student dollars for textbooks, decent class sizes, etc. hostage. Only by electing a new BOE will this change. The "new" administration is actually the "old" administration minus 2 people out of 1,239 employees. Bloggers need to get involved in the campaigns of aspiring BOE members. If you don't have a BOe member coming up for re-election, don't worry, you can still campaign for or donate to a candidate. After all, his/her decisions will affect your child every day.
The "new" administration is actually the "old" administration minus 2 people out of 1,239 employees!
This should be the rallying call. Clearly these 1,237 employees did not do a good job.
Academically speaking my children can't learn in a rectangular trailer just because there is a sweetheart deal between the contractor and a Dekalb County School old/new administration member.
Anon 3:50
Guideline (not "limit," as there is none) for high school is 34 per class, and most core classes at LHS have 32 or more.
"If we could get rid of our instructional coaches by putting them back in the classroom at a teacher's salary, then we'd improve our schools and save money. Seems like a no-brainer!"
I'll settle for putting them back in the classroom at their current salaries. Just give us some relief!
"If we could get rid of our instructional coaches by putting them back in the classroom at a teacher's salary, then we'd improve our schools and save money."
I would settle for putting them back in the classroom without a salary cut (until the end of the year). Just give us some relief!
"'ll settle for putting them back in the classroom at their current salaries. Just give us some relief!"
They can't hack it in the classroom. That is why they left.
As an LHS teacher, I can tell you that trailer classes are often way over size limit. The instructional AP is telling those teachers that if they don't like it, find an empyy classroom in the building........
Why are you in the trailers if you can " find an empyy classroom in the building"?
You don't make sense.
@7:27. I'm not the original poster, but I think the point is that there is no other classroom in the building, so they have no choice.
Anon 7:27....sorry, I'll use small words for you...For those class periods that are overloaded, and not in compliance with the fire code either, we are encouraged to find a classroom that may be vacant for that period, and float into the building. The trailers are now on the softball field. Many teachers "volunteered" to move to trailers with the "understanding" that classes would fit in the trailers.......this hasn't happened.
..........And there are few vacant classrooms...oh well, we'll just teach in the cafeteria.......
@7:45 & 8:03,
Thank you for clarifying. Can't you just get larger trailers? This is not a 3rd world country, is it?
Are you saying that teachers may have to teach in the open air since they cannot teach inside because there is no room and in trailers because of too many students according to the fire code?
@ 7:46,
There are some classrooms in the building. Has anyone been to LHS and seen how far those trailers are from the building? Imagine trying to fight your way down a narrow, crowded sidewalk (stop by at class change, folks--it's pretty crazy) into the building to teach a class, somehow bringing your needed materials with you, and then fighting your way back 55 minutes later.
Also consider
1) The teacher whose room you are floating into now has no quiet space in which to plan/grade/enter grades. LHS has two computers in the copy room; other than that, there is no place to work. Sure, that teacher can stay in the room while I am teaching, but then I have no computer to use if a student has a question about a grade or if I need to take roll.
2) Sometimes I need art supplies for my lesson or need to issue novels--a bit much to carry in a bag. Graded papers to hand back--more to carry. There are so many times that I simply need to be in one spot to make things work.
3) Yes, some teachers float within the building, but they have carts on which to keep their materials and short distances to travel. They have a chance to stop by their other classrooms if need be to set up a second projector or to drop off materials. When/how can I do that?
4) Teachers were told that if they gave up their rooms in the building, they would have smaller classes, since the trailer capacity is 28.
@8:12--If we can't get textbooks and can't get another teacher (which would resolve the issue of overcrowding), what in the world makes you think we can "just get bigger trailers."
Yes, with regard to some of the things that go on, our school might as well be in a third world country.
@8:12--If we can't get textbooks and can't get another teacher (which would resolve the issue of overcrowding), what in the world makes you think we can "just get bigger trailers."
Yes, with regard to some of the things that go on, our school might as well be in a third world country.
Sorry for the double post. this blog is doing funky things.
It's raining tomorrow and Tuesday, you will need to make arrangements to keep the children's papers dry.
Anon 8:17, this is 7:21 and 8:03 and 8:05........believe me, as someone who floats inside LHS, it isn't easy either. FYI, when you are in another teacher's classroom, it is yours. They have to vacate the computer and leave, unless you say otherwise........
@ Anonymous 7:27
"Why are you in the trailers if you can " find an empyy classroom in the building"?
You don't make sense."
I think the poster indicated that the AP was being facetious. Not that helps students. It indicates they are just numbers.
@8:32, I know--I am simply saying that it's unfair to others besides just the floating teacher. If the library is in use, the teacher whose classroom I am in has no work space.
@8:34, our AP doesn't know what facetious means.
floating? How does a teacher float?
Do you mean that you teach Math 1 during 1st period in a trailer; report from there to a classroom in the building to teach Math 1 during 2nd period and back to the trailer to teach Math 1 3rd period?
The students in 2nd and 3rd periods would receive UNEQUAL instruction. Their classes would be 5 minutes shorter to account for teacher travel and setting up.
That is a SACS issue in the making.
"The students in 2nd and 3rd periods would receive UNEQUAL instruction. Their classes would be 5 minutes shorter to account for teacher travel and setting up."
Longer if it is raining like tomorrow.
Both the students and teachers are being treated like poo-poo here.
We need to call SACS about this.
Anon 8:32....we probably know each other..as someone who has snuck out of the building with my laptop to do schoolwork at Chocolatte coffee house because i can't find a vacant computer....we are crowded. The real question is, why are classes of 23 (gifted, but that should matter) allowed to be in classrooms designed for 36 (and then some)when you have classes of 40 in rooms that can barely hold 28....
meant to say (..........shouldn't matter)
I'm totally confused about all these claims of huge class sizes. There were no teachers laid off, so why are classes so large?
I know in my attendance area ES, which is very overcrowded, the class size is still at 25.
I will say - I am SO PROUD of all of you! This post - on ACADEMICS has 294 comments - surpassing the salacious posting on the escapades of the bishop (269 comments). Way to stay focused people!
Keep in mind that if LHS hadn't been a "receiving" school for AYP and Administrative transfers and "cheaters" (who feel that they are entitled to attend LHS because of x, y or Z, then they probably wouldn't be quite so over crowded.... All of this in a building now due to finally get construction after about 45 years of next to nothing (poorly done HVAC).
Remember, LHS made AYP. We get lots of new local students on top of the AYP transfers, plus we always get a few private school students in the middle of the semester...............it will only get worse as construction progresses.
Teachers were transfered and not replaced in May.
The bad economy has added students and of course LHS was unfortunate to have had making AYP status shoved down its throat which allowed students to transfer in without DCSS adding new teachers in August.
8:48--Yes, that is it exactly.
8:51--start dialing
8:54--watch it, you are going to "out" yourself ;-)
8:56--You are asking the exact same question that we have asked over and over again. The answer: "The county won't let us have more teachers."
Cere...I don't know you, but you rock.
Anon 7:21, 8:03, 8:05 , 8:32, 8:54 & 9:00
So here is the big question--obviously more than one LHS teacher has weighed in here. We are disgusted with the way that a great school is being dragged down by the weight of the DCSS idiocracy.
There is nothing we as teachers can do. Who among you is ready to advocate for us? If you are outraged--and you should be--What can you do for us? Make phone calls? Write letters? Picket? You as parents and taxpayers have the power. Teachers and students have none.
@ Anonymous 8:59
I know of a Gwinnett County student going to LHS because his mom works for MIS. How much of this goes on and overcrowds Lakeside and other DCSS schools?
Do we even get the thousands of state dollars for this student - my understanding is that we don't. That's why APS schools like Sarah Smith and Decatur City Schools charge tuition. 1239 Central Office personnel plus MIS plus Service Center personnel add up to a lot when they are "picking" the schools their children go to.
Cerebration: Is this your blog? I'm the one who keeps bringing up the need to pick 1/2 things and start moving on them - my favs are math and textbooks. Is it possible to start a couple or single space to begin to gather comments and preferably information about these two topics? I'd like to know what books are missing and what schools don't have them. It would be nice to have something "solid" to start calling the administration and board about. I know what is up in at least two classes at my ES, but a broader sweep would be nice.
I think the math issues could capture >300 comments itself. My understanding is that teachers are expected to cobble together lessons (at least in ES) trying to identify what they are supposed to be teaching from the standards posted on-line. Can anyone verify this?
Thanks for this forum!!!
I think we have to be very careful generalizing what is happening at Dresden to all other schools. So far, no one else has identified that this is a problem at their schools that this could be a very ineffective principal. In fact, based on the comments on the blog, I would say that is the case.
Use your school councils people. Ask that items be added to the agenda and demand answers from the principal. That is the first step.
At our school, we have been known to ask the princpal's boss to attend the council meetings as well.
OK, I don't know how these things work...but we need action! What about a petition to revert back to Algebra I, etc in high school and middle school at winter break? Students without internet could receive textbooks, everyone else online access? Fulton asked all their schools to pull every "old" Math textbook from their book closet and report to central office how many they had. Then books were shared between schools to get books to needy schools until the next year when books could be ordered.
Would a petition stand a chance of accomplishing this? I certainly would be willing to get it to the PTA folks and parents in my cluster.
Students actually have a lot of power. An organized protest of some kind would draw a lot of attention quickly.
Are classes really being taught in the cafeteria or are trailer size limits being ignored at Lakeside?
OK, I don't know how these things work...but we need action! What about a petition to revert back to Algebra I, etc in high school and middle school at winter break?
This isn't going to happen. Even Fulton has kept the state's math curriculum for high school because under state law, the end of course test have to count for 15 percent of the student's grade. The students need to be taught the material that is covered on those tests.
Fulton is considering becoming a charter system and I suspect that they will ask to waive the EOCT for math so they can completely dump the state curriculm.
HOWEVER, both candidates for State Superintendent have expressed grave reservations about the math curriculum and in the next few weeks I suspect you will hear much more from them on it.
I would think that changes are imminent.
That would say, I would think changes in the math curriculum will be imminent once January comes and someone new is state superintendent. Bryant's blind support for the math curriculum is why I wouldn't sign his petition to try and get on the ballot.
9:16 you must be new -- welcome! We are nearing 500 posts on this blog and pushing 2,000 "unique visitors" a day - so we've have a lot of chatter and a lot of info. Try using the search bar above the Recent Comments on the side panel, it's pretty good at finding your topics.
This thread is one of our first conversations about textbooks, but math - we've had a lot of talk about that.
Start off with Shayna Steinfeld's wonderful overview and her concerns with the program several months ago -
All about math
And then read our most recent -
Back to Math
Lakeside was a receiving school for 11th grade only. From what I hear there only a handful of NCLB transfers this school year into Lakeside.
The State BOE would never allow Fulton to wave the EOCT.
That is going to be a problem for Fulton. But I believe that with a new state superintendent and maybe a Governor who thinks about education, the math curriculum will see some significant changes.
PSAT math scores were lower last year for the sophomore class, the class that has been in the new math since middle school.
Something has to give.
@9:20 Trailer size limits were being flagrantly ignored--despite teachers' protests--until the fire marshal stepped in. Now teachers are being told "You can float inside if you want to" wink wink. No one wants to float inside, but hey--we were given the option.
What we need is more teachers! What good does it do to ask to repeal the math curriculum change (which I agree was misguided) if your kid is still sitting in a class of 34?
@9:29 We had over 100 transfers, as verified by the county.
Candidates for the BOE - please use and all of this as you and your volunteers speak to voters:
Why do we need new BOE members?
1. All current BOE members paying very little property tax (60% of which goes to schools)
2. BOE and admin family and friends getting high paying non-teaching jobs
3. Overcrowding of schools as admin and support personnel "pick" the schools their children attend
4. Almost all Title 1 funds for Economically Disadvantaged students going for highly paid ($100,000 and up non-teaching personnel and expensive, ineffectual learning programs
5. Tens of millions of school dollars a year spent by MIS for programs and hardware that doesn't work
6. A superintendent charged with taking female school employees to the Bahamas and resorts on DeKalb Schools funds legally meant to be spent for children (and those female employees not even being investigated)
7. The BOE and Ms. Tyson cutting schoolhouse personnel and teacher positions while they increase class sizes as much as they possibly can for children
8. The Deputy Superintendent of Instruction holding no certificate that would allow him to teach in a classroom and having all of 3 1/2 years of classroom teaching experience many years ago
9. A BOE member who accepted thousands in campaign contributions from a company and then wanted to give them a $51,000,000 tax break (60% or $30,000,000+ of which goes to the school system)
http://repjacobs.com/2009/05/27/semblers-big-brookhaven-bailout/
10. An independent audit that showed $15,000,000 in over payments a year to non-teaching personnel in 2004 (what do you think it is now?), ignored by the superintendent and the BOE; the results of which are not for "public" viewing
11. A head of Internal Investigations who didn't investigate any of this and still has his job
Does anyone want to add anything else?
Anon: "So far, no one else has identified that this is a problem at their schools ..."
I know of at least three elementary schools were basic supplies are a problem in Chamblee attendance and Cross Keys attendance. My understanding is that these type of items have been put on "rationing" and when the ration is gone the principals would have to sacrifice instructional money for these supplies - so, I don't think we can blame them.
As No Duh said earlier, in schools with active and funded PTAs they have become the de facto suppliers of key basic materials.
On the subject of "having an impact" on DCSS pace of change ... I mentioned earlier the annual headcount. Threatening an organized "sick out" that day in 2011 would focus some attention. There is a titanic amount of money that goes to DCSS based on the student headcount that day.
Since this is biting our nose to spite our face, I'm not sure of its wisdom. However, if there ever actually is an organized movement of DeKalb parents with specific demands, this is how we would get attention - the money.
We've talked about a "Student Bill of Rights" before on this blog but it has not materialized. If we could get the DCPCs and EPLCs of the world together on this type of effort, I would think that by next summer we could have a compelling agenda to act upon in this fashion.
Money is a language that everyone understands.
re: "Latin American Association supplies drive"
Yes. The LAA does an annual drive very successfully for Woodward ES and did so again last month.
Kim--all great points, but how are my students and I going to get through this year? Why can't someone demand that the area superintendents (or whatever they are called these days) be held accountable for class sizes in the schools that they supervise?
The BOE isn't going to step up; SACS might, but that's a slow moving process.
Why--as parents and/or taxpayers--can't there be an organized phone or mail campaign on this?
Cerebration--What are your thoughts? I know when we were facing the issue of LHS teachers having 6 classes instead of 5, there was a lot of community support (for which we are thankful). Why can't we muster that same kind of support here to get more teachers and relieve overcrowding?
My concern is that several board members will see this as a reason to raise taxes, and not to look at the current system and make changes there.
The problem is NOT the amount of money DCSS is or has to spend, it is the way in which the money is being spent.
I do not think that the current board of education is capable of understanding this point.
There aren't very many homeowners in DeKalb county paying more than Speaks, McChesney and Redovian.
The situation with property taxes in DeKalb is only going to get worse as home values plummet in some parts of S. DeKalb to 50 percent of what they were just a few years ago. Foreclosures and short sales are having a really negative impact on real estate in Dekalb.
Add to this the continuing deep and painful cuts at the state level and the fact that DCSS can't seem to effectively trim/slice/cut its central office staff and their salaries and you have the mess we are in DeKalb today.
But please know that those taxes that Speaks, Redovian and McChesney pay are among the highest in the county.
There are classes in Cobb and N. Fulton with 40 students in them. It is a state wide problem. Our frustration in DeKalb is that we don't believe the money has been spent properly, rather we know that it hasn't been.
First and foremost, we need a new superintendent who will come in and make the badly needed changes at the central office.
Our board did not raise taxes last year. They could have as other systems did. Even in those systems though, class sizes have increased.
While our board elections matter, the state level elections matter as well. What happens at the state house and in the governor's offices has tremendous implications for the teachers and students of DeKalb.
This year the state of GA is only funding something like 165ish days of instruction. Local school systems are self funding the rest. There are systems in GA that are only having that number of days of school because they can't afford to pay any extra.
"The problem is NOT the amount of money DCSS is or has to spend, it is the way in which the money is being spent."
You're right but when the public has no influence on the spending priorities reducing the overall available monies is about the only way I know to force cuts. Getting them to make the right cuts is where the problem has and will lie.
I haven't been able to bring myself to go to a BOE meeting since they moved to the new digs. I'm afraid of the reaction it might inspire in me.
I paid over $6,200 in property tax last year -- well over three times more than when we first bought the house 16 years ago!
Anon 10:07 PM, the admin will insist that they will deal with the over-crowding after the fall FTE count comes in. When it does (and that is very soon - early October) we will publish the results and ask teachers to share their class sizes and schools. If it's still over-crowded, we will push for a fix - ASAP. This happens every year - it's just really poor planning and that "herding cats" syndrome of transfers and late arrivals...
Fulton went back to the old Math last year over winter break. This year they bought new Math textbooks..Algebra I, etc. Their students still take the EOCT (and did better than DeKalb), but they are using Algebra and Geometry books and teaching in the old fashioned way. :)
I guess I don't understand why there can't be a concerted and organized call-in and mail-in that pressures the BOE to cut class sizes WITHOUT a tax increase.
I think if the current BOE are re-elected they will go for a tax increase to preserve the jobs and salaries of the administration (many friends and family) since they will have no reason not to. Might as well force their hand BEFORE the elections.
This BOE needs to understand that voters KNOW how few teachers we have (6,500) and how many admin and support we have (8,500 - 1,239 of which are Central Office employees).
They need to be accountable BEFORE the elections.
I pay around $5,000 a year for my property taxes and I haven't had a child in the system for almost a decade.
@ Anonymous 10:16
This BOE did not cut taxes this past year because there was an election coming up, they knew we are the worst school system in metro Atlanta, they supported a superintendent and second in command that are under indictment, etc.
DCSS citizens cannot look at other school systems. They have their own messes - especially Cobb - except they have more affluent families that hide their problems.
We need to look at the structure of DeKalb which is so bloated with admin and support that our schools are imploding.
If they attempt to raise taxes before an audit, there will be torches and pitchforks at every BOE meeting after. Plus, where is the audit that Clew hid. I do not want to see the AJC article from that meeting either, I want to see the audit! WE PAID FOR IT!
I want to know where the money has been spent! America's Choice... please get rid of this sham. USE THAT MONEY FOR TEXT BOOKS! These overpaid admin leaders at the Palace, USE THAT MONEY FOR THE MORE TEACHERS AND SMALLER CLASSES. All these folks had to know what Pope and Clew were doing. no one said a word. Moseley must go! Thompson, what has she done? Mitchell-Mayfield got her daughter a principals job! Must be great to have a family member working at DCSS, GREAT JOBS PROGRAM.
Francis Edwards, former board member, how does her kids still have jobs at DCSS? Especially her son, Jamal. Ms. Tyson was his direct Supervisor, yet he gets away with not knowing what to do, gets a raise and a promotion and doesn't report to his job for 6 months, yet he keeps his job? Parents at a school had to expose this guy! PARENTS! Not his boss. Ms. Tyson care to explain?
Too many friends and family in a system racked with corrupt employees who will scratch each others backs to keep their jobs.
I'm with Kim, I have not wanted to attend a meeting at the Palace. To have to smell that opulence and walk through those hallways spent with dollars meant for our kids, I really don't know how I would react!
It's time we split this system up. We must take the money away from these folks. I can't believe we are even discussing that we might have to give them more of our money, they've wasted the money we have given them.
Why is it that Government Agencies seem hell bent to take our money, yet the taxpayers and stakeholders have absolutely NO return on investment and no explanations where the money REALLY is going?
A supply list given to parents at my school during registration, Chamblee area...
Kleenex
Paper Towels
Toilet Paper
Hand Sanitizer
Non-Sweet Healthy Snacks
Paper for Copier or printer
hand soap
Plus a whole lot more...
Every year I always have said, shouldn't DCSS provide TP, hand soap and paper Towels? I gladly help our teachers with the rest, the PTA even give our teachers a shopping card of $75 to $100 each.
I understand the plight of Dresden, it's really sad. I'm ready to help! But where is the discipline? If kids are flushing rolls down the toilets, then we need to find a way to control that. We can't just stop providing the kids with the bathroom necessities.
The fact we have to discuss this is disgusting! Where is our leadership? The BOE members all sat on that High Altar, the first day of school and basically said everything was wonderful! We're proud of our staffs and kids who got through the first day of school! YEA! However, we take a real look at the situation and it's appalling! What's up?
Remember that the state has basically given school systems the right to do whatever they want with class sizes, especially in high school.
However, the system does seem to be hiring teachers. The other day there were nearly a dozen high school positions posted, right now there are about 5.
http://www.ajc.com/news/new-curriculum-math-anxiety-532073.html
I was looking for the group that advocates about math at the state level and I found this article. Five of the ten schools in Metro Atlanta with highest percentage of Fs in accelerated Math I were in DeKalb. (Clarkson, Chamblee, Lithonia, Tucker and St. Mountain.)
georgiaparentsformath@gmail.com
They will add you to their distribution list. It is very low key.
Folks, This is an article from the Milton Herald in 2008. Fulton audited Math and in 2009 switched back to the old. We can do this~ Gwinnett and Fulton already have...we can "mirror" their work!
2008-03-20 MILTON HERALD
Fulton to bring back traditional math under pressure
March 24, 2008
FULTON COUNTY -- It's not quite the white flag of surrender, but changes to the math curriculum are headed your way after months of criticism from parents.
Results from the math audit are expected this month, but school administrators are already proposing changes to next year's curriculum based on early findings.
Last month School Superintendent James Wilson outlined a math approach to the Fulton Board of Education that mirrors the Gwinnett School System, and focuses more on a traditional approach to math.
The Fulton School System has been heavily criticized by parents for how it has implemented the new state math standards with its focus on investigation of math concepts instead of directly teaching formulas and equations.
"As a result of the discussions with [our auditors] regarding their preliminary findings, the Curriculum Department would like to propose to the Board a more balanced (hybrid) mathematical approach in delivering the Georgia Performance Standards (GPS)," wrote Wilson.
He recommended the changes be implemented this August for the 2008-2009 school year.
Exactly how this "balanced" approach would be implemented is still up in the air, but would likely align more closely with traditional math, with the current resources and textbooks used more as supplements.
Textbooks now being used in kindergarten through eighth grade have taken the brunt of criticism for their "fuzzy" approach to teaching math. Parents complained of a "language arts" approach to math, with an emphasis on writing sentences and grammar instead of getting the right answers.
Though a final plan is still being formulated, indications are textbooks currently used in middle school – a Connected Math series – will be replaced next year with a more traditional math book.
So, you want to go back to teaching Math the "old" way? The way that didn't work?
Why do you all think Fulton County changed the way they teach Math?
https://portal.fultonschools.org/departments/Instruction/Curriculum/Documents/Curriculum%
Hey guys,I encourage you to call the state DOE and get answers to your questions. I have called twice recently about funding and math and received prompt, thoughtful answers.
Let's get the facts. An increased volume of calls lets them know the public is serious and makes sure we have good info.
BTW, my non-magnet son is getting a great math education at Chamblee High. His teacher put his energy into teaching rather than wringing his hands over the lack of a textbooks that matches the math 1/2/3 standards exactly.
To the LHS teachers who are in over-crowded trailers, you need to go to the teacher reps. on the school council and ask that they put your concerns on the agenda for their next meeting. My understanding was max. trailer size was 26. It is impossible to move about w/ anything more than that. Heck, it's impossible to move around w/ even a few less that that. This is a MAJOR safety issue. If there ever was a real fire in a trailer, it would be crazy trying to vacate all the trailers the way they are packed onto the field.
I know many LHS students' schedules were changed last week to "balance" the classes. I have a friend whose child went from a class size in the mid 30's to a class in the low 20's. As of this weekend her grade still has not followed her into this different teacher's class. The fact that the AP of Instruction put together classes w/ low 20s and others w/ mid to high 30s tells me she's over her head and doesn't know how to due a master schedule. Oh, and by golly don't even think of trying to get your kid out of an AP class....you'll be told, no, can't do that, sorry it messes up the master schedule.
Actually, no child can drop an AP class once they have stepped through the classroom door on Day 1.
"The fact that the AP of Instruction put together classes w/ low 20s and others w/ mid to high 30s tells me she's over her head and doesn't know how to due a master schedule. "
I believe the much maligned eSis System is responsible for the difficulty of balancing master schedules.
@ Anonymous 8:58
"The fact that the AP of Instruction put together classes w/ low 20s and others w/ mid to high 30s tells me she's over her head and doesn't know how to due a master schedule. "
That may be true at your school, but it's not true throughout DCSS.
why don't we put the instructional coaches in the classroom? Mostinstructional coaches are piad out of title I. Depending on your school system's circumstances 10% to 20% of all Tittle I appropriations must be used on staff development. Instructional coaches are a "reserched based best practice for professional development" There is a host of published research on the matter. Should you escew the instructional coach approach the 10 to 20% can not be spent oan teaching staff (by federal law) so it would not go to the classroom but into paying outside trainers. Some principals prefer having the extra bodies in the building-they can legally team teach to help professionally develop their teacher clients. Not saying this always happens, dependes on the coach and the person. However, iff you want to use the money spent on instructional caches for teachers instead, the change has to coem at the federal level. Our schools do need reform but if answer was simple it would already be done.
8:57--The school council is an advisory board to the principal, so bringing the concern to them (which has already happened) does nothing.
And no, our AP does not know how to build a master schedule. Sorry, but I have worked in schools where the job was done well, and the difference is astounding.
@ Anonymous 9:47
I remember when we as schoolhouse personnel were able to get outside trainers to come to our school with Title 1 funds. I was an itinerant teacher at 3 very different schools. It was great. The training was so much more in line with what the children at each school needed and teacher input was constant.
Title 1 teachers working with small groups of struggling students is allowed by Title 1.
Even if there were some Instructional Coach money left over after providing teachers for struggling students, these individuals should be in the classrooms modeling lessons, helping out with students, and arranging their schedules to accommodate the teachers in the classroom. They should be paid on the teacher pay scale.
The Office of School Improvement under Audria Berry has utterly failed to improve our schools. In fact, under her our schools have declined. She needs to be replaced with someone who can make difference for our kids. Why has Ms. Tyson kept her in that position?
Ms. Tyson has kept Audria Berry on staff to most likely avoid a nasty lawsuit. Thus is probably why, Moseley, the Guilroy's, Jamal Edwards, Mitchell-Mayfield, Thompson, Turk and the rest are still around.
I can not think of any other excuse why these folks still have job at DCSS. These folks have run our system into the ground and they actually think they have done a sound job! Disgraceful if you ask me. It's time for change and we must start with the BOE on November 2nd.
ANNOUNCING!
CBS Channel 46 is doing a report tonight at 11 called "Kids In Need" -- highlighting the needs now caused by the budget cuts in all school systems. It seems that Dresden is certainly not alone in the need for TP, soap and other basic supplies. Teachers from all metro areas have been going to "Kids in Need" (a division of Atlanta Food Bank) to get supplies.
Hanna Daniels is doing the the report at 11 tonight and needs parents to interview - she already has teachers who have spoken on camera from Atlanta schools and others. So PTA people - parents - concerned people who would like the taxpayers to hear your voice - please call Hannah ASAP and let her know the story of how the current budget cuts from the state of Georgia have effected the basics in your schoolhouse.
Please don't think "someone else" will call her - YOU need to call her. She will only use a 10-15 second clip of what you have to say - now's your chance!!
Call Hannah - at (404) 617-9277 ASAP!
Many thanks to all of you who spoke up about Dresden. It was amazing how quickly someone from the Central Office got to school this am!
Does that mean they will be at Lakeside tomorrow?
Amazing! A Dresden custodian was cleaning bathrooms and putting out paper towels first thing this morning. Getting ready for visitors?
Cere made a GREAT POINT on another thread regarding section 8 housing and apartment complexes being more numerous on the north end of the county!
I have to give our Hispanic and Asian friends a huge thank you! Just think, North DeKalb have more Section 8 housing and Apartment complexes, yet Cross Keys, Lakeside, Chamblee and Dunwoody High Schools out perform most of the rest. Why? PARENTS!
Our kids attended an Elementary School, which was the most diverse in the county when it was open. The Hispanics and Asian kids had the best attendance of any other group. Matter of fact, it was the Caucasians who had the MOST absences than any other group. The PTA tried for several years to let the Caucasian parents know that taking kids out for ski trips and other travels kept the school from getting the "School of Excellence" Award. The school had the grades but we failed in attendance figures.
The best attending group in the school were the Hispanics, second Asians, third Black and fourth Caucasians. We had Hispanics learning English within two years and making Principals Honor Rolls by the third year of attending. Their parents were always involved in school activities and they realized their participation was crucial in their children's success.
Parents are crucial early on in the education of their children and once you have bought in, it's difficult to ignore it once the kids go on to Middle and High Schools. I honestly think this is why we have been successful up here on the north side of the county.
One more point to the post earlier about Hispanics and Asians being good students. The PTA leadership at the school mentioned above was mostly Caucasian. We stressed to our Minority families that their participation was a must, since we were a pseudo "Theme School" in name only. We practiced what we preached at the PTA meetings. It took hard work for a year or two but once we got them involved they realized how much fun it was for them and their kids to be active in school activities.
I think this might solve some of the issues at Dresden. Minority families are scared of getting involved and might need a little prodding by the active parents. We did it at our school and it worked!
At schools like Dresden in DeKalb, most of the parents who would be involved are not there. They have managed to get transfers or have moved.
Last year, nearly 90 percent of Dresden's students were Hispanic.
There are huge barriers to advocating for your own child let alone a whole school.
So if there are more aparatments and Section 8 housing in the north end of the County and more actual houses owned by folks in the south side of the county, why is that there seems to be a disproportionate number of Title 1 schools on the south side of the county?
Most section 8 housing is actually in S. DeKalb.
As to apartments, it isn't only about the quantity but the price. Most families can't/don't live in high end apartments so 1000 expensive apartments impact enrollment at school far less than 300 low rent apartments.
Here is Cere's post from another thread that refers to Section 8 Housing....
it's true. Most of the people in S DeKalb live in homes, owned by the occupants, especially in Lithonia. We did a report here on the number of apartments complexes feeding into our schools and there are by far many, many more apartments in more North DeKalb. In fact, if I recall, there were around 30-60 complexes feeding into some north area schools compared to 0-5 in south schools. We also have many more Section 8 houses up here.
I hope Cere can provide you with the information regarding Section 8 housing in the north compared to the south. This is what I was referring to.
Let's not make this a north.south issue again. I wanted to make a point that involved parents make a difference in any school. Our kids attended one and it wass great to see how the PTA involved everyone and the result was huge when the Hispanic, Asian and Black parents became more involved. Like I said, it took some prodding and insistence but it finally took hold and worked! We also had a Hispanic principal who was tough but awesome! It didn't hurt that she spoke fluent Spanish too.
Apartments and section 8 housing are not the same thing. Section 8 housing are generally single units owned by investors and are rented through a federal housing voucher.
While this just shows this week's availability, click on Lithonia and then click on Chamblee to compare availability.
http://www.socialserve.com/tenant/index.html?state_id=4080&ch=DKHA
forgot the link
This blog is great! it sure has made a huge difference for Dresden. It's sort of like that story of the guy throwing back starfish because he made a difference to that one. This blog has provided our kids with tp and paper towels - or at least with enough attention from the county to help with the tp and paper towel situation! now, keep up the pressure to improve the academics for all children! they all deserve it!
Yes Please! What can we do to get the same result with Math and textbooks? Offer to bring books to the school? Petition?
If we can get bathroom paper in the schools in just 24 hours, how can we do the same with Math?
Glad to hear Dresden is in better shape with necessities. Let us know if it gets bad again. Any school for that matter.
I wish there was a way that we could fix math as quickly. I hope that teachers and parents continue to support the candidates for school board, as voting the old board out is probably the best that we can do to improve schools right now.
Anyone who gets a response from a BOe member needs to publish his/her question and the BOE member response.
If you emal a question and don't get a response, then copy and paste your question here and then list the BOE member's name that wouldn't give you a response.
In response to a group email from anonymous Dresden teachers to Paul Womack, Ken Bradshaw, Pat Madry, Eugene Walker, and Patricia Patterson...
What follows is a copy of the email, followed by a reply from Paul Womack.
We, as teachers, want to know just what is being done to help Dresden Elementary School. These are all recent comments from the DekalbSchoolWatch blog. We are afraid to speak up - no one has responded to our PAL responses - year in and year out.
Please do something.
(Then there was a cut and pasted list of comments from the blog.)
We love our school, our students, and our parents. We work hard. We have gotten results. And still we are treated as incompetents - teachers are not allowed to treat children as our principal treats us. We have complained in our PALS for several years. No change has occurred.
Please do something.
Dresden Staff
Reply
|
H PAUL WOMACK
to RAMONA, me
show details 3:22 AM (15 hours ago)
(Name of sender removed)
This is the first I have heard of this matter. I have asked Ms. Tyson to
investigate and let me know. The correct proceedure is to report to the
Supt. and she will take corrective action. I am out of the country and
will return later this week and will follow up when I return.
Paul Womack
PS
Thank you for this information
I am very proud of the Dresden teachers.
I am sorry that the situation got to the point it did. I wish you had a stronger parent base to advocate for you.
Dresden is part of the Cross Keys Foundation system. They have a great advocate in Kim Gocke.
@ Anonymous 7:19 pm
Womack and Roberts - cut from the same cloth
"This is the first I have heard of this matter. I have asked Ms. Tyson toinvestigate and let me know. The correct proceedure is to report to theSupt. and she will take corrective action. I am out of the country and will return later this week and will follow up when I return."
Paul Womack sounds just like Zepora Roberts":
From the AJC 4/11/10:
"Board members Zepora Roberts, Sarah Copelin-Wood and Pamela Speaks either refused to comment or didn’t return phone calls. 'I am on vacation. I have thought nothing about it,' said Roberts, the board’s vice chair. 'I just got back from out of the country and I have no thoughts [about the budget]."
(source: http://www.ajc.com/news/dekalb/dekalb-votes-on-budget-450384.html)
Exactly who do you think would have informed Womack of the issues at Dresden. I am not a Womack fan, but give me a break.
Dresden doesn't have any parents that seem to advocate for them, all the parents in the community who might be strong enough to do so have managed to get administrative transfers or other choice options for their children.
There are many schools in DeKalb, who if not for the teachers, would have no one advocating for them.
Regardless of what we think parents should do, most don't do it.
Kim Gocke.
From my understanding, a group of teachers at Dresden sent an email to the principal's boss, and to Womack and Walker.
Come on, now. Womack is really in Italy on a vacation taking pictures of Rome and Italy.
He sent you a answer. Let the man enjoy his vacation. At his age, who knows if he has many more left.
Someone needs to report the fairly new assistant principal at Browns Mills. She is another rude quick made administrator. As a teacher at the same school, she created chaos, belittled co-workers, did what she wanted to do. Then, they turned around and gave her the assistant principal's job. She has abused teachers, and is simply RUDE. Now, as an administrator, the same rules that she didnot adhere to as a classroom teacher, she now wants to write teachers up for the same infractions that she did not follow. Oh, how the tides have turned. Areas superintendents need to really look at her PAL results. They were horrrble! But, again, she of all people is over others. Hard to believe that DCSS would even consider this woman for an administrative job. She didnot think that her daughter was good enough to go to a magnet school in the deep end of south dekalb, but in the sixth grade, she allowed her daughter to go. She should have been embarrased after all of the confusion that she caused and had parents in an uproar due to the location of the school. Now, she is an administrator. Dresden, this assistant principal at Brownsmill has your principal beat when it comes to being dirty to teachers.
@ Anonymous 7:51
"I am very proud of the Dresden teachers.
I am sorry that the situation got to the point it did. I wish you had a stronger parent base to advocate for you."
You're absolutely right. Dresden has 97% Economically Disadvantaged students and yet they still made AYP. Most of the parents do not speak English. These parents love their children, but many have no idea of how to advocate for their kids. They're just trying to work as many hours as they can to put food on the table.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of dollars are flowing to non-teaching coaching personnel:
Principal: $130,000 (salary and benefits)
Assistant Principal K-2: $111,000 (salary and benefits)
Assistant Principal Grades 3-5: $101,000
Title 1 Coach: $78,000 (salary and benefits)
Reading First Coach: $65,000 (salary and benefits)
Psychologist: $98,000 (salary and benefits)
LTSE (Lead Teacher Special Education - does not teach any children): $100,000
$683,000 for 7 employees who do not teach a single student. Divide that by their 851 students and taxpayers are paying over $800 per student per year for these 7 employees who never instruct a single child.
Does anyone understand that if this is what goes on at the schoolhouse level, it's magnified tenfold at the Central office level?
Please feel free to check my figures.
Sources:
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/dresden/
http://www.open.georgia.gov/
I can't imagine that the LTSE and school psychologist are solely assigned to Dresden. Most of those people serve multiple schools.
Every elementary school in DeKalb the size of Dresden has two ass't principals.
"I can't imagine that the LTSE and school psychologist are solely assigned to Dresden. Most of those people serve multiple schools."
Yes. Perhaps the LTSE serves 3 schools - that would be around $33,000 for this non-teaching professional.
Maybe they need to make do with 1 assistant principal. Teachers are getting more responsibilities - why not the administrators?
I'm retired, but I taught at schools with over 650 students and one principal and one AP and this was an adequate arrangement. For example Fernbank ES has 700 students and one assistant principal.
Since we are cutting the personnel who directly instruct students and not giving childen textbook, basic hygiene supplies, maybe we need to look closer at the admin expenditures and trim in that area.
To: Anonymous @ 8:40 PM
I checked your website information. Information not included in the figures--AP for PK-2nd (currently PK-K and Discipline) draws his salary for 10 1/2 months pay scale with his doctorate degree. AP for 3rd-5th (this year API 1st-5th) draws her salary for 10 1/2 months with her masters' degree plus after school tutorials, Saturday School tutorials, and Summer School. She works extremely hard for her base salary and for her extra salaries. She spends extra hours at school and at home. I work at Dresden and we couldn't do it without her. In fact, we wouldn't work tutorials and summer school without her leadership. She makes work a better place. For example this summer, she printed out individualized photos..thoughts for the day, like Marvelous Monday, Wonderful Wednesday. Many of us have kept her photo cards.
She tutors students too. She recently started tutoring a gifted 5th grade student in algebra. Read her PALS! From a Dresden Staff Member
I think that for this blog to have integrity it is important that we stay focused on the big pictures and not get into the micro stuff.
Please let us stop discussing people who aren't public figures. Why is this so hard to do?
That is absolutely not the purpose of this blog.
@ Anonymous 9:09
I'm glad both of your APs are great.
Just as a comparison though Dresden has 815 students with one principal and two APs. Murphey Candler has 948 students with one principal and one AP.
Wow, Anon September 28, 2010 8:40 PM - those are astounding figures!
Anonymous @8:40 PM
"... Divide that by their 851 students and taxpayers are paying over $800 per student per year for these 7 employees who never instruct a single child."
Not accurate...APs, Title I Coach from AIC, LTSE, and School Psychologist all work with students.
To: Anonymous @ 8:40 PM, you have not factored in the needs of the students in listing the positions at that school. Why do you think that unless you are instructing students, you are not bringing value?
I have taught four years at Dresden Elementary. We have made AYP for the last 4 years. We just had an ESOL audit and passed with superior ratings. Many bad things have been said about Dresden and our administrators on this blog. A school doesn't pass AYP and get incredible reports from an ESOL audit because we have bad administrators and bad teachers. Dresden is one of the best schools I have ever taught in my 30 years as a teacher. Are we perfect?
Of course not, but we are a family and families aren't perfect.Our principal, Mrs. Guthrie, just included in our school budget taxi vouchers for our Hispanic mothers to come and volunteer at the school because they don't have transportation. I've never been a school that did that. Mrs. Heitzenrater, one of our APs, spends endless hours making sure that we as teachers have what we need as well as students.
had surgery two weeks into the school year. I missed three weeks of school. All of the administrators phoned me, kept up with me while at home and when I came back Mrs. Guthrie leave early when students leave if you need too. We at Dresden are a family who care about one another and we are blest to have such wonderful caring, leadership at our school. I am happier here and more satisfied than any other school in my teaching experience.
Thank you Dresden teacher.
I believe that this blog is best served on a Macro level, except maybe when discussing facilities.
We really need to be careful when we complain about school level staff.
Thanks for that report, Cynthia! Your love of Dresden is very encouraging!!
Cynthia McGee, you are so blessed to have the Administrators backing you up. I know for a fact that not all teachers are blessed as such. Funny how now there are taxi vouchers for the two moms that volunteer at Dresden. Could this be due to this blog? Just like the soap, tp and pt on Monday morning. Furthermore, I have known teachers who have needed to leave at 2:30 because of a dr.'s appt. and our caring administrator has asked them to fill out an early dismissal form. In other words, so that they could be docked for those 30 or 45 minutes. You see, teachers work 7 to 3 or 7:15 to 3:15. Check the PALS people!
Why has Dekalb removed Columbus Day as a holiday after all these years? Why are we forcing a furlough day on the Friday before the holiday and then requiring employees/staff to work. Why was the changed made without notice after the original calendar was published and distributed during student registration? Why has there been no announcement confirming the school is open during the federal holiday? Why is there no contact email for the Public Relations dept that is supposed to maintain the calendar? Why does no one answer the phone at the PR dept?
Why am I surprised that I am feeling left in the dark?
Well, I'm just glad the Dresden students now have the hygiene products they needed. I've worked in DeKalb schools where I bought the soap and toilet paper. It's disrespectful for students and teachers when this happens. What employees in that giant service army (8,300 service personnel) are responsible for making sure students have the proper supplies to practice good hygiene?
I'm sure the teachers and students at Dresden are glad to have these necessary supplies.
Cynthia McGee, your comments are appreciated.
Still, when a school doesn't have soap, paper towels, toilet paper, etc., the school administration isn't meeting the most basic of needs. Even if it's the responsibility of the Sam Moss Center, the administration needs to be strong enough to make Sam Moss staff provide those most basic of the basic supplies.
Those listed salaries for the AP's, Title 1 coach (what in the heck is a Title 1 coach anyway) and a psychologist are simply too high. Why can't AP's be paid in the 70's and 80's. Why in the heck is any DCSS psychologist making six figures, and more than double the average teacher salary?
This BOE and Central Office administration, under both Lewis and Tyson, simply value administrators and staff over teachers and students needs. It's shameful that we are paying a psychologist (what does that person do for the system in June and July??) six figures at a school that didn't even have soap and toielt paper before being exposed on this blog???
The name of this blog is "What about academics", so many people on here are worried about toliet paper when that should not be the BIG issue here. Yes it frustrating, but it is just a scapegoat to continously discuss the dislikes of the principal of that school. If you had any guts you would march right up to her and ask instead of cowering on the blog. So what if she tries to raise her voice, you have one...use it! If you can type these powerful words, surely you are not afraid of what she says? When you are doing the right thing for children you should always speak up...even if you may have to battle...so what if you know it's right!
To Anon 3:15
It may be hard to believe but some AP's actually have more education than many teachers...shocking isn't it? Why not get paid for your education and the acceptance of more responsibility? I am a teacher, I work hard!!! but AP's are responsible for so much more and are compensated for it, as they should be. Let's stay focussed..."What about academics?"
The ESOL audit at Dresden went well because of the teachers not because of the administrators. Most of the things (AYP) at Dresden go well because of the dedicated teachers.
Interesting faculty meeting at Dresden. We were told DO NOT bring polictics to school. By order of Dekalb County School Board teachers are not ALLOWED to discuss polictics in any form or fashion. After the general faculty meeting our Instructional Coach, Mrs. Simmons, who is in second in command at our school (even though no one knows why) introduces a web-site where a teacher can pick a famous person, call in her lesson on phone and this person will present the lesson. The person she picked was Sarah Palin. We had to sit and listen to Sarah Palin present the lesson. What a subtle way to promote your political positions!!!! We were just told NO TO DO THAT! Boy, does she have connections.
@5:08
Was the lesson written in black magic marker on her palm? How long was the lesson? Two minutes? Was it about teen pregnancy?
@ Anonymous 6:07 am
"Not accurate...APs, Title I Coach from AIC, LTSE, and School Psychologist all work with students. "
That is not what I said. I said:
"$683,000 for 7 employees who DO NOT TEACH a single student. Divide that by their 851 students and taxpayers are paying over $800 per student per year for these 7 employees who NEVER INSTRUCT a single child."
Working with students and being responsible for the instruction and academic progress of students is not the same thing.
If we don't provide some relief for the elementary grade level and middle and high school content area teachers, students are going to be in even worse shape in the very near future. This ever shrinking and increasingly pressured group are totally accountable for student achievement.
"Was it about teen pregnancy? "
Ok, that is funny. LOL
Dr. Beasley sent out one of his bombastic missives recently congratulating himself on the writing test scores. He also justified the ludicrous paperwork required of teachers.
"Indeed, the tedious and complex work is already paying off for our students," wrote the good Doctor.
Unfortunately for Dr. Beasley, the tests were given early this semester, assessing the writing skills students possessed as they entered their junior year, the first academic year under Dr. Beasley's watch.
Dr. Beasley and his "tedious and complex [wth?] work" can take no credit for our great improvement in these scores. The credit goes to the students themselves and their ninth and tenth grade English teachers.
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