My campaign centered on career and technical education. So to hear the people at the top talking about how important they think these programs are excites me.
Read the SP Times article here and tell me what your thoughts are.
Again I say that not every student is college bound and these programs can help keep kids in school. With programs like Excelerator and SpringBoard that are geared towards teaching students college skills we must be even more mindful that we don't forget students who are not college bound. Not every child is able or willing to go to college right out of high school. Some may never go, and some may go later in life. We need to get away from the one size fits all approach.
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Tuesday, March 11, 2008
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13 comments:
April,
The more that is revealed about SpringBoard and the like, the more disturbing it becomes.
Shouldn't we listen to the people who have been doing it? They say SpringBoard isn't sufficient in teaching writing and reading comprehension. Can't it be a tool for uncertified or poor educators rather than for everyone? I have to be honest, I am seriously thinking about leaving this district, and I hold a degree in my content area and am certified in what I teach. People like me feel resentful and slapped in the face. Basically, we are being sent the message, loud and clear, that this “book” can do a better job than we can.
The assignments I saw at that meeting last week were pathetic for an honors class. They called this particular item an "embedded assessment" that takes weeks to lead up to, and I have to say, I have my kids doing three times that in half the time. I know that next year will be a large step down for my honors courses. It will kill me to be mediocre, when I have spent years growing and cultivating my lesson plans, which have proven to be incredibly effective.
Why isn't this type of thing being addressed? Is it because we already took the money? Now there's no going back? The kids will suffer. The good teacher’s will suffer. This makes a safe haven for the bad teachers. Other districts in the nation who use it are saying that they made a mistake. I found too cases of teachers and districts voicing concerns. I also would like to know exactly how this actually fits into our teacher contract. Like many others, I have read it over, and SpringBoard should fit under textbook or supplement. If it is a “textbook” then teachers vote it in or out. If it is supplement, then teachers can choose to use it or not. What will happen to the educator who chooses to work in this district, but cheery picks from SpringBoard the things that are strong? What punishment will be doled out to people who don’t conform entirely? I think all these questions are relevant and should be answered right away. We have a right to know.
Thank you kindly,
Concerned
I have tried to talk to others (I don’t want to give details) that are “important”, when it comes to finding the answers, and they have been VERY degrading and unhelpful. This is why I am writing to you.
Concerned,
I cut and pasted your comment in an email and asked staff to speak to your concerns. Below is the staff response to your questions and comments in ALL CAPS:
The more that is revealed about SpringBoard and the like, the more disturbing it becomes.
Shouldn't we listen to the people who have been doing it? I AM NOT SURE WHO THIS TEACHER IS REFERRING TO BUT WE HAVE TEACHERS USING SPRINGBOARD AT 4 HIGH SCHOOLS WHO ARE VERY HAPPY WITH IT. WHEN WE WENT TO EACH SITE AND ASKED FOR CONCERNS ABOUT THE PROGRAM...WAYS TO MAKE IT BETTER...WE CONSISTENTLY HEARD THAT THE LEARNING SCHEDULE WAS AN ISSUE. TRYING TO DO TOO MUCH IN THE FORM OF SPRINGBOARD ACTIVITIES AND NOT LEAVING FLEXIBILITY IN THE TEACHER'S SCHEDULES.They say SpringBoard isn't sufficient in teaching writing and reading comprehension. THIS IS A POINT, SPRINGBOARD DOES NOT ADDRESS WRITING.THIS WAS HANDLED IN THE CURRENT SCHOOLS BY ADJUSTING THE LEARNING SCHEDULES IN ORDER TO DO A UNIT ON WRITING. AGAIN, POINTING TO THE NEED FOR BEING FLEXIBLE Can't it be a tool for uncertified or poor educators rather than for everyone?THE PREMISE BEHIND SPRINGBOARD IS THAT IT IS A RIGOROUS CURRICULUM FOR ALL STUDENTS, NOT JUST THE LOW END STUDENTS. I have to be honest, I am seriously thinking about leaving this district, and I hold a degree in my content area and am certified in what I teach. People like me feel resentful and slapped in the face. Basically, we are being sent the message, loud and clear, that this “book” can do a better job than we can.SPRINGBOARD BY ITSELF IS NOT THE TEACHER, INSTEAD, THE STRATEGIES USED IN SPRINGBOARD CLASSROOMS ARE BEST PRACTICES USED BY TEACHERS ALL OVER THIS DISTRICT.
The assignments I saw at that meeting last week were pathetic for an honors class. They called this particular item an "embedded assessment" that takes weeks to lead up to, and I have to say, I have my kids doing three times that in half the time.THIS IS WHERE THE FLEXIBILITY OF A LEARNING SCHEDULE COMES INTO PLAY. A SCHEDULE HAS TO BE DONE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF HONORS LEVEL STUDENTS AND ONE HAS TO BE DONE TO MEET THE NEEDS OF REGULAR STUDENTS TOO. I know that next year will be a large step down for my honors courses. It will kill me to be mediocre, when I have spent years growing and cultivating my lesson plans, which have proven to be incredibly effective. NO DOUBT, THE PROGRAM IS RIGOROUS AND HAS BEEN CORRELATED TO COLLEGEBOARD STANDARDS FOR SUCCESS AS WELL AS TO THE FLORIDA STATE STANDARDS (FCAT).
Why isn't this type of thing being addressed? Is it because we already took the money? Now there's no going back? The kids will suffer. The good teacher’s will suffer. This makes a safe haven for the bad teachers. Other districts in the nation who use it are saying that they made a mistake. I found too cases of teachers and districts voicing concerns. I also would like to know exactly how this actually fits into our teacher contract.SINCE THE CURRENTLY ADOPTED TEXTBOOKS ARE STILL USED IN SPRINGBOARD FOR LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATH, THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED A FLEX ADOPTION AND SUPERVISORS ARE SETTING UP FLEX ADOPTION COMMITTEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEACHER CONTRACT. Like many others, I have read it over, and SpringBoard should fit under textbook or supplement. If it is a “textbook” then teachers vote it in or out. If it is supplement, then teachers can choose to use it or not. What will happen to the educator who chooses to work in this district, but cheery picks from SpringBoard the things that are strong? What punishment will be doled out to people who don’t conform entirely? I think all these questions are relevant and should be answered right away. We have a right to know.
I like this question and answer, but what about the final questions about what will happen if a teacher chooses to use only parts of SpringBoard? I would also like some details on what a "flex adoption" is. That isn't mentioned in our contract. Also, wouldn't every teacher have to vote? Not just a particular group. Also, what about the research that proves that this is best? I would like this information or a place where I can go to find it. I hear a lot of statements, but no solid proof to back those positive statements. Thank you.
"SINCE THE CURRENTLY ADOPTED TEXTBOOKS ARE STILL USED IN SPRINGBOARD FOR LANGUAGE ARTS AND MATH, THIS WOULD BE CONSIDERED A FLEX ADOPTION AND SUPERVISORS ARE SETTING UP FLEX ADOPTION COMMITTEES IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEACHER CONTRACT."
What section of the contract addresses "Flex Adoption" and what is meant by, "Supervisors are setting up flex adoption committees in accordance with the teacher contract?"
YAY!!! Quick--let's do the same so even more kids will not get left behind!!!
We've lost innumerable kids because they weren't "college material"--and all aren't!!!
Don't just talk, YELL this at the School Board!!!!
"Westat, is currently conducting an independent three-year longitudinal study comparing SpringBoard and non-SpringBoard classrooms. The preliminary report will be released in late 2007 with the final report planned for 2008."
Straight from the SpringBoard Website. When our district started our pilots the preliminary report was not out. The final report is not out either.
April--
Please, keep pushing to VoTech tp be resurrected! Too many kids are dropping out because they can't handle the "college bound" track. I am an ESE teacher and some of my kids that can't do Math past Geometry (after Algebra in high school)can take apart and reassemble everything from cars to computers! Plumbers and electrician make more than teachers--and we ALL need them. Why aren't upper level high school allowed to take Consumer Math, Practical Math and other career oriented courses part of the day and doing apprenticeships the rest of the time?
Thanks for all you do! We appreciate you!
I went and looked at the website for Springboard, and I have to say it looks like it sacrifices the chance for excellence in favor of six years of test-prep. It has the feel of one of those cookie-cutter housing developments you find in New Tampa that are shiny but have no character.
Exposing SpringBoard:
http://susanohanian.org/show_outrages.html?id=6448
Well, it seems that you/they SB are off to other things. I posted a comment/question about comp time, and other employee issues and have yet to see any response. Don't tell me that you have joined the concensus that the mistreatment of employees by the county's largest employer (SDHC)is a tolerable evil.
Where else can we go? The union (they are a necesssary evil) is NO help and the back draft in deadly.
We are told, if you don't like (injustice) move on. Actually told that. I was previously encouraged by your interest in doing right by employees, but with so many fires, I guess it is every man for himself...except that just hasn't worked. It is a sad, sad, situation. Sadness, becomes anger, and that usually manifests in a lawsuit, and that results in persecution from admin...and the nightmare goes bad from there.
March 18, 2008 4:46 PM,
I'm sorry I have not been as active on my blog recently. I have been very busy and just got back into town last night after being gone for 5 days. My family almost forgot what I look like.
Now I am playing catch up and will get back into the swing of things. I will get answers to questions soon.
I do want to be clear about one thing though...silence does not mean I have lost sight of what I ran for office to change and advocate for or that I am not still fighting for what is right.
Some people disagree, but there is a lot of change that can take place without having to raise cain at every corner. And there are times that I am not in front of my computer for a few days at a time. I try my best, but my schedule gets the best of me some times.
I will get back soon with some answers.
At your service, April
April,
I think it is great what you are doing here. This is the only real chance teachers and the public have to communicate to the board without retaliation. What can teachers do about their discontent with SpringBoard and the 6/7? How can we affect real change? I am one of the teachers leaving this district because of SpringBoard and the 6/7, but I care about the issue nonetheless. I will continue to care when I leave because I DISAGREE with the way things are going in this county. I also have a real problem with the mentality of many of our administrators and their lack of support for their teachers. Now that I see the mess myself, I understand why parents put their children in private school or homeschool. I know I will.
Thank you, April. It takes courage to put yourself out there and stand by what is right. If all the SB members were like you, then the things that are going on right now probably wouldn't exist. I wish they knew what their policies were doing to the people.
April,
This may require a new subject heading on your blog.
I concur with you that the absences were a form of protest. No where in the vision or mission of the SDHC is safety mentioned. Bus drivers are ignored and paid a pittance when they have our children’s lives in their hands. The solutions I’ve read include hiring real-estate agents and college kids. How about more competitive wages? That is, if safety is important? I hope the true message was heard.
Other issues from the week: Student absences. This is all of the work of the SB’s misguided policy with exam exemptions. Any student, with a phone call, was absent with no exam exemption penalty. Why not take the day off and worship shopping, Spring training, the sun, or your God?
Mrs. Olson suggested having double time taken off on certain days. Great idea, but due to Fair Labor laws I look forward to getting double pay for coming to work on those days. You can’t have it both ways. She also questioned the personal day policy. By definition, personal means just that. You don’t have to get prior approval because of the conflict, pressure, intimidation, etc that can often be found in these situations from superiors. The idea of having to get permission for a personal day is absurd if it can be denied. If it is simply a matter if informing and no questions asked, that is anther issue.
Brinson boasted about regular school days and no field days. Please, how can you conduct class with 2 students? Chamberlain had a concert for its 260 students, my guess that’s typical for a Friday. The county reports that 126 more showed up than Chamberlain’s principal’s count. Brinson suggests that now it is the fault of the people scanning the cards. April, do not believe any number the county gives you. They skew exams to fit their agenda and this will be no different. Without doubt, high school attendance was below 20%. Probably closer to 12-15%, overall. I doubt that all of the difference was made up at the lower grades to account to 60% total.
Thanks for all of your effort.
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