tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post6930320196515418706..comments2024-01-08T03:21:35.616-05:00Comments on DeKalb County School Watch: Why not Arabia? Why not the theme schools?Cerebrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11161868015604029471noreply@blogger.comBlogger31125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-43789510286468462042011-02-19T23:19:22.530-05:002011-02-19T23:19:22.530-05:00new birth.new birth.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-14099672123541984092011-02-07T13:28:46.111-05:002011-02-07T13:28:46.111-05:00Anon 7:00. LOL EXACTLY my reaction. And same for...Anon 7:00. LOL EXACTLY my reaction. And same for Anon 11:03.<br /><br />My God, they really do think our turnip truck just turned the corner...No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-72582204365434121402011-02-07T11:03:51.480-05:002011-02-07T11:03:51.480-05:00The auditors E&Y will have a copy of the audit...The auditors E&Y will have a copy of the audit. DCSS only needs to ask for it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-67080940255150432162011-02-07T09:21:49.311-05:002011-02-07T09:21:49.311-05:00If you notice in both the Centralized and Decentra...If you notice in both the Centralized and Decentralized plans, the them program at Bouie is proposed to move to Flat Rock, with Bouie becoming a neighborhood school. This will allow for lessened transport times for many students, and increase the number of students that can be enrolled in that theme.Insidernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-80547964892263412882011-02-07T07:00:53.697-05:002011-02-07T07:00:53.697-05:00The dog ate our audit!!The dog ate our audit!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-85856080511241944452011-02-06T22:59:36.194-05:002011-02-06T22:59:36.194-05:00"Checked the stats. Indeed, Pleasantdale has ..."Checked the stats. Indeed, Pleasantdale has met AYP four years in a row and is designated "distinguished" in improvement. The same designation as Evansdale."<br /><br />Thank you for posting this.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-54028224827076949952011-02-06T22:56:41.294-05:002011-02-06T22:56:41.294-05:00If you have Title I kids in your school, you get f...If you have Title I kids in your school, you get funding. Heads up! Oakcliff already takes a significant number of students from the Pleasantdale attendance area. Then you need to keep in mind that not every low income child is behind academically. Some are very bright and capable.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-62408495993041459362011-02-06T20:59:25.484-05:002011-02-06T20:59:25.484-05:00We need to work to change the way DCSS funds the s...We need to work to change the way DCSS funds the schools -- Fulton (I think I have this right) lets their principals operate their schools as mini-businesses -- they get their dollars per pupil --no points -- dollars -- they don't convert state funds for IEPs and gifted and per pupil into points, they just get good ole dollars. It's harder to play games when the school has x number of kids times y number of dollars. Plus whatever "up ticks" there are for gifted and IEP and anything else. With the point system, DCSS gets to play games and the children get robbed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-49542708798183802202011-02-06T18:08:29.906-05:002011-02-06T18:08:29.906-05:00Why not the theme schools?
The school board is e...Why not the theme schools? <br /><br />The school board is extremely protective of Arabian Mountain. I do not see this changing anytime soon.Ella Smithhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16485840445272819682noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-83966560349051320822011-02-06T17:42:18.428-05:002011-02-06T17:42:18.428-05:00Please understand that as of a few weeks ago Oakcl...Please understand that as of a few weeks ago Oakcliff probably didn't have any empty seats. And this should bother us all.<br /><br />The planning staff has enlarged capacities based on filling every seat in every classroom, leaving little to no room for elementary specials.<br /><br />All the Cross Keys feeder elementary schools are overcrowded. It is probably time to look at adding more seats to Oakcliff but those seats need to be fertilized to relieve overcrowding at all the schools that feed into it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-873858109677303152011-02-06T17:25:44.127-05:002011-02-06T17:25:44.127-05:00Checked the stats. Indeed, Pleasantdale has met A...Checked the stats. Indeed, Pleasantdale has met AYP four years in a row and is designated "distinguished" in improvement. The same designation as Evansdale.No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-59715364055076767262011-02-06T17:13:07.822-05:002011-02-06T17:13:07.822-05:00It is inexcusable that nearby Oakcliff is not bein...It is inexcusable that nearby Oakcliff is not being considered to help relieve overcrowding at Pleasantdale. While Evansdale can and will help relieve its neighboring school's overflow, it clearly doesn't need to be stuffed full when empty seats are equi-distant at Oakcliff.<br /><br />Just one point of clarification for Anon 8:30. Pleasantdale is an OVERCROWDED school. It is not a FAILING school. I believe they have consistently made AYP. But, correct me if I'm wrong.<br /><br />And to note some classy action from Evansdale, if I may...<br /><br />Proving once again that it takes a village, the EES community has already started forming a welcoming committee -- for lack of a better term -- as they prepare to welcome and acclimate the students DCSS is going to send from Pleasantdale. It won't be long before our new students feel right at home. As it should be.No Duhhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14462063673391668451noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-24744596591951357412011-02-06T16:40:18.991-05:002011-02-06T16:40:18.991-05:00I think she meant that they ARE, not that they sho...I think she meant that they ARE, not that they should be. That becomes the issue. As does filling a magnet program with neighborhood kids......there's really no difference. Any specially funded programs should be available to all, not just the kids in the neighborhood or AYP transfers. Fix what's broken, please, DCSS; please see the entire picture.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-78769984754553419422011-02-06T15:56:35.328-05:002011-02-06T15:56:35.328-05:00@Dunwoody Mom 10:14 - Do you mean that AYP transfe...@Dunwoody Mom 10:14 - Do you mean that AYP transfer kids should take magnet spots instead of those who applied but are on waiting lists?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-87867765463347466452011-02-06T14:50:38.077-05:002011-02-06T14:50:38.077-05:00Arabia--once again, think bigger.
While you watch...Arabia--once again, think bigger. <br />While you watch schhool issues--I watch County Zoning issues.<br />There at least 2 large (city-size mixed use proposals already proposed along the South River--and generally speaking the Souht River may be the first time the Dekalb Development Authority (Genie again)has coordintaed with the school system.<br />It's the greatest kept secret for the next 20 years.<br /><br />Seen the water rate increase--great secret--under publicized for a reason--most of the cost is planned upgrade in capacity of thwo wastewater plants (not overflows and corrective spills).<br />All of the capacity is planned South River massives.<br /><br />The school system must keep its empty seats in preparation. Fools tho they are--no kids move into city centers and commercial centers--idiots.<br /><br />BTW--the proposers of the mixed-use projects pulled their applications (because they jumped the gun and got hell for it.)<br />Even Atlanta leaders are in on this--which may explains the Genies and Lewie's membership in the Commerce Club<br /><br />You keep ing improving schools people--leave the regional development and power base watch to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-41520988132607506432011-02-06T14:05:29.219-05:002011-02-06T14:05:29.219-05:00Please don't get me wrong, because I believe t...Please don't get me wrong, because I believe that every school should have what they need.<br /><br />Just so you understand, I have no doubt that there are children at every school that need reading support. However, just like with gifted funding, there is a state funding formula. Based on last years test data, which of course doesn't reflect kindergarten, Evansdale has fewer than 12 students score level 1 on the CRCT in reading.<br /><br />That is how EIP teachers are earned -- the higher percentage of Level 1 students the great the need.<br /><br />I think DCSS should have itinerant teachers that travel to schools with pockets of need.<br /><br />They have done this in the past with ESOL and Discovery. Thinking outside the box seems to be difficult for DCSS.<br /><br />Evansdale could have easily shared a teacher with another school in a similar situation.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-11768296089462091152011-02-06T12:34:00.878-05:002011-02-06T12:34:00.878-05:00Anon 8:58, that's not true.
My son was in E...Anon 8:58, that's not true. <br /><br />My son was in EIP reading and when I found it was being eliminated I spoke with the principal and he told me that they had to decide between eliminating a classroom teacher and the EIP program and that although there were plenty of kids in our school who needed EIP, they needed a kindergarten teacher more because of the number of kindergarteners coming into the school. The EIP teacher became the new K teacher (replacing a K teacher who retired) and all the new K students who tested as qualifying for EIP were placed in her class (or at least that's what I was told). <br /><br />Students beyond kindergarten who need additional help with reading get none unless their parents can afford tutors. And frankly, I think that's a shame.<br /><br />I'm the room mom for my son's class and I can assure there are plenty of students who need the help.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-67221939593653895672011-02-06T11:55:12.638-05:002011-02-06T11:55:12.638-05:00Arabia is a perfect example of why meeting minutes...Arabia is a perfect example of why meeting minutes need to be online.<br /><br />EVERYONE WHO READS THIS BLOG: Please contact your BOE rep. and demand that meeting minutes are posted online again, as they were through last July.<br /><br />I remember when Arabia was presented, adn part of the reason was to releive overcrowding at SWD HS and I believe MLK High.<br /><br />But then it switched.<br /><br />DCSS pulled a Vernon Jones bait and switch. Present one thing to the public, and when no one is looking, change it without noitce or explanation.<br /><br />If anyone can find meeting minutes related to Arabia Mt. HS, please post them here on the blog.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-57019880545673021142011-02-06T11:23:04.443-05:002011-02-06T11:23:04.443-05:00Quick question: Should a "magnet" schoo...Quick question: Should a "magnet" school - or other type - theme, charter, etc - receive any kind of special funding if it is a neighborhood school versus a school for the entire county population.<br /><br />Here is where I'm going with this. Say we have a school with a magnet included in the building. Do a specified number of slots go to the kids zoned into that school? Say, 50%? So, with redistricting, the goal is to fill that school, right, so that it is now at capacity. How does that affect the openness of that magnet program? Does 50% now get reduced? If so, hasn't it essentially been converted to a "neighborhood magnet"? As such, if there is no read ability for people outside this new zone, can we justify additional funding for the "magnet/them/etc" aspect of the school?<br /><br />Is a possible consequence of redistricting the removal of real choice, and the false labeling of a "choice" school - and receipt of special points/funding - now being redirected at specific neighborhood schools? How is this being considered in the redistricting efforts, does anyone know?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-58823845444315416012011-02-06T11:12:59.353-05:002011-02-06T11:12:59.353-05:00Dunwoody Mom is correct. Chamblee Charter HS has ...Dunwoody Mom is correct. Chamblee Charter HS has taken tons of AYP school choice transfer students EVERY year. In fact the county transfers these students to CCHS and prevents students on the charter lottery waitlist from getting in. IMO this is wrong.<br /><br />Of course DSA does not have to take any transfer students. And despite many empty seats at Arabia Mtn for the last two years, no students were placed on its campus.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-39641421924360267692011-02-06T10:58:18.338-05:002011-02-06T10:58:18.338-05:00Charter schools have always taken AYP transfers. ...Charter schools have always taken AYP transfers. Chamblee Charter and Peachtree Middle School have/are receiving AYP transfers. <br /><br />You don't recall the furor at the beginning of this past school year when they were going to overload Chamblee with AYP transfers?Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-86261675006200475072011-02-06T10:51:57.977-05:002011-02-06T10:51:57.977-05:00@ Dunwoody Mom
Maybe DCSS has taken magnet, theme...@ Dunwoody Mom<br /><br />Maybe DCSS has taken magnet, theme and charter schools off the NCLB transfer table, but the federal government has not:<br />"Viable public school choices for NCLB transfers include magnet, charter, virtual, alternative, specialized, and thematic school programs."<br />(source: http://www2.ed.gov/nclb/choice/schools/choicefacts.html)<br /><br />What is Dr. Berry's group doing with the federal money to promote this? Have they even applied for it?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-48471768722054259362011-02-06T10:27:14.629-05:002011-02-06T10:27:14.629-05:00When it came to redistricting every school from ma...When it came to redistricting every school from magnet, theme to specialty school should have been included in the equation. I do not believe that charter conversion schools could have been apart of the equation because of the how charters are written, but if there were eligible for the redistricting, than they should have been on the block as well. <br /><br /><br />I feel that the district is not coming up with the most cost effective plan that they could-typical DCSS. Unless the new superintendent has balls of steal and doesn't care what other people think, do or say and do what is right for all of the children in DCSS. <br /><br />I am so tired of the children being the last to be thought of and the adults taking care of pet projects, family members, and friends.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-4713866371239574602011-02-06T10:14:21.464-05:002011-02-06T10:14:21.464-05:00If we're talking about DCSS conversion charter...If we're talking about DCSS conversion charter schools - they do take AYP transfers.<br /><br />The magnets do not, even though, if a student qualifies, they should imo.Paula Caldarellahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05515215184962897541noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-151096942903989101.post-42360783223315895802011-02-06T09:02:48.150-05:002011-02-06T09:02:48.150-05:00Audria Berry's group in the Office of School I...Audria Berry's group in the Office of School Improvement should be addressing these concerns about NCLB transfers to magnet, charter, and theme schools. Here is Audria Berry's contact information:<br /><br />AUDRIA_BERRY@fc.dekalb.k12.ga.us<br />678-676-0305 (phone)<br />678-676-0304 (fax)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com