tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post2639374718755155807..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: CMS performance pay: Plan is comingUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger48125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-58359057944818516732013-01-29T21:51:25.538-05:002013-01-29T21:51:25.538-05:00Teachers unions hate pay for performance. The unio...Teachers unions hate pay for performance. The unions want a continuation.of tenure and job security that is unheard of in other sectors of the economy. The CMS board of education is dominated by retired union members and the former local union boss herself. Heath knows who writes his pay checks and approves his decisions and there is no way he will let pay for performance happen unless it is mandated at the state level. Sure CMS will continue to pay lip service to this idea as it has for several years now. But it's not going to happen without a state mandate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-17066985279021728642013-01-29T21:48:30.455-05:002013-01-29T21:48:30.455-05:008:43, you are right, it is not on you these days. ...8:43, you are right, it is not on you these days. Our society/federal government has taught these kids not to worry about anything. There is no right or wrong. The only unethical people and immoral people are those that live to some code that naturally enables them to be successful but it is immoral for them to impose that code on you. <br /><br />If you've never followed my posting before, you know one of my favorites is "you can lead a horse to water but you cannot make it drink", and an African proverb "he who is carried on another's back does not appreciate how far off the town is".<br /><br />As for NCLB, while most people want to lay all the heap on GWB and Ron Page, Teddy Kennedy had a heavy hand in it. His parts about subgroup reporting and remediation efforts at failing schools, including closing them, came from him so the Democrats would be on board with passing it. Missourinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-47639865195820711052013-01-29T21:46:09.229-05:002013-01-29T21:46:09.229-05:00On the page about the focus groups (http://www.cms...On the page about the focus groups (http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/News/Pages/Focusgroupswilladdresscompensationdesign.aspx) it talks about "Battelle for Kids". This group sent out a survey to CMS teachers before/over Winter Break. It was about "strategic compensation." The survey questions were very leading. I would suspect that the results from the questions "show" that CMS teachers "support" strategic compensation when they in fact DO NOT. Especially since they haven't been told what it will exactly look like!CMSteachernoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-29581085896017580372013-01-29T21:16:16.065-05:002013-01-29T21:16:16.065-05:00Is NC still going ahead with the plan to rank all ...Is NC still going ahead with the plan to rank all public schools from A - F this year? <br /><br />I'm trying to imagine NC ranking it's public universities from A - F. Or, ranking all NC university education departments from A - F. Maybe NC should rank college education professors from A - F and pay each on a P-f-P scale? Which NC colleges and universities produce the best teachers (public and private)? Which colleges and universities have the highest Praxis 2 exam pass rates? Which NC colleges and universities are the most effective at producing teachers able to close the achievement gap? How will TFA teachers be paid on a P-f-P scale? What happens if a teacher produces remarkable gains one year, is transferred, and isn't as effective the following year at a different school? <br /><br />AliciaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-83427686982461149712013-01-29T21:13:52.460-05:002013-01-29T21:13:52.460-05:00In addition Missouri, I did not mention pay being...In addition Missouri, I did not mention pay being frozen. But, if you want to discuss the issue, how about mentioning the State legislature has violated past and present State law that constructs the teacher pay scale in steps based on years of service and educational attainment. Sure, no one expects a "raise", but we have the right to our steps. I would suggest not painting broad strokes of viewpoints on all of us teachers.Mr. Yamonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-89849695722167059642013-01-29T21:08:58.175-05:002013-01-29T21:08:58.175-05:00Sorry Anonymous about not going to the E. Meck mtg...Sorry Anonymous about not going to the E. Meck mtg., I was working the parking lot from 3:30-8 pm on the two coldest nights of the winter without pay while our school hosted a basketball tourney. As for Missouri, since you seem to know me well with all the "yous" & such, I have one question: are you a teacher or an administrator?Mr. Yamonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-37202453214705106552013-01-29T20:56:36.616-05:002013-01-29T20:56:36.616-05:00As a former CMS teacher, I didn't like having ...As a former CMS teacher, I didn't like having my pay frozen for five years, but I understood the logic considering the economic climate. However, I became frustrated at doing more for the same pay. Since the pay freeze, school days were longer, work days were fewer and the increase in testing took away teaching time. For example, in the private sector, if you're required to receive training on a new product from a vendor, and you no longer get paid for it, you would object to it.<br /><br />All of the reforms being pushed today have no scientific basis. It is "research" produced by think tanks by non-educators financed by a handful of "philanthropists" attempting to cash in on federal education funding. A poster said there are plenty of teachers represented on this blog, but that's all we have; we don't have the power, time and money to compete with Gates and Broad.<br /><br />Regarding NCLB, it required annual testing among other things (not just subgroup reporting). Even though NC already EOGs in place, it created a climate of accountability using poor assessments such as multiple choice tests. NCLB is based on a fraud (google the "Texas Miracle") and should have never been implemented.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-58764096660988285532013-01-29T20:43:08.005-05:002013-01-29T20:43:08.005-05:00Yamo - the first meeting was at East Meck last wee...Yamo - the first meeting was at East Meck last week. Why weren't you there? I was.<br /><br />8:19 - funny thing: if a kid does his/her work then they shouldn't earn a score of zero, should they? Stop enabling those kids and make them work. Yes enabling...I get them in middle school and have to undo the harm you have done in your quest to help.<br /><br />Missouri - be careful talking about which you do not fully understand in reference to teacher teachers organizations. Are school supposed to turn out "educated" students or provide the students with rich opportunities to learn and grow? If the student does not put in the time and effort to be successful that is on me? Yeah okay buddy. Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-30675089496633412332013-01-29T20:19:43.042-05:002013-01-29T20:19:43.042-05:00As a current CMS employee with 13 years of teachin...As a current CMS employee with 13 years of teaching in the classroom, Pay for Performance definitely creates anxiety. However as a teacher in a high poverty/high minority school, I have a better chance of making the performance goals since they are based on student growth. In my opinion, teachers in already high performing schools have the biggest challenge because it is hard to show growth when your scores are already 90% or above. Maybe all the teachers will begin flocking to low performing schools with the feeling of "you can only go up from here!"<br />Secondly, a quick comment on the grading scale. I teach in an elementary school and the grades A-D use a seven point scale 93-100 is an A, 86-92 is a B etc. An F has a 69 point grade scale...any score 0-69 is considered failing. My point of giving nothing below a 50 is based on a student being able to recover. If they make a few mistakes at the beginning of the quarter, a grade of a zero is very hard to recover from as opposed to a 50. They are both considered failing and result in an "F", but a 50 average might motivate a child to work toward a 70. Just my personal opinion working with elementary kids.<br />And finally, a funny story about student surveys. We were a pilot school for them last year. One of the questions was, "Does your teacher push you to do your best?" Almost all of the students replied, "No my teacher would never push me...she is nice to me and wouldn't want to hurt me!" Pushing to a 7 year old is a mean thing no matter how effective the teacher is!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-83389261382023537172013-01-29T20:16:35.125-05:002013-01-29T20:16:35.125-05:007:39, this is where it is all headed. This is why...7:39, this is where it is all headed. This is why many are trying to get her effect on evaluations minimized. They know it is going on. They know who the culprits are. But just like in the days of Affirmative Action, they are untouchable.<br /><br />Ann, as far as safety at these schools are concerned, I am all too well aware of the differences when I worked late hours at several of these in the 1990's and early 2000's and what I see now. I just know what to look for and to be on the defensive for. I'd advise you to watch out a little closer but I am sure the administration knows when you come on campus and usually it is times when meetings that include downtown personnel so security is usually pretty apparent to scare off these lowlifes. Can you imagine what they'd face if a reporter got attacked? Wow! Missourinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-28537182182239226742013-01-29T19:58:27.281-05:002013-01-29T19:58:27.281-05:00Buddy you dont have to worry anymore about firing ...Buddy you dont have to worry anymore about firing me. I just got my CDL and will now DOUBLE my salary driving a truck.<br /><br />Thanks to people like you and my administrator I wont have to waste several more years of my life on disrespected service to my community.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-25977265174364426542013-01-29T19:53:29.327-05:002013-01-29T19:53:29.327-05:00Race biased expert?
I thought we got the "Kl...Race biased expert?<br /><br />I thought we got the "Klan" out of school along time ago. In the 60's the CMS black population was a minority and had inadequate funding.Today they are the majority and the Focus Schools receive 3x the funding. Everything has changed in favor of this race except the RESULTS.<br /><br />Someone have the courage to ask why and stop trying to blame White teachers.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-60007379617351263592013-01-29T19:39:11.651-05:002013-01-29T19:39:11.651-05:00Here's just one example which brings to light ...Here's just one example which brings to light the inherent difficulties with any so-called pay for performance plan: an administrator at my former school routinely issued devastating teacher evaluations to anyone who was not her "sister" or her "girl". Her primary goal, it seemed, was to drive out of the school (if not out of the profession entirely), any teacher who did not share her complexion.<br /><br />At the same time she was doing this, she herself apparently did no other work whatsoever except to lock herself in her office to work on an advanced degree during school hours.<br /><br />Who had the guts to call her out on this? Absolutely no one. Her race effectively insulated her from any consequence, and likely still does. I don't see any "courageous conversations" about race in this woman's future, only her now having the additional boon of a financial instrument with which to batter teachers who happen to be the wrong color.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-48085838702136477902013-01-29T18:52:11.842-05:002013-01-29T18:52:11.842-05:00Feb. 1 teachers wil be able to see their value add...Feb. 1 teachers wil be able to see their value added scores in McRel . The scores are based on any history of testing that teacher may have. 70% from their scores 30% from the schools scores. Staff that does not have scores from state tests will be value added scores based on OVERALL SCHOOL SCORES..... WOW that sounds fair.... What a joke. Standardized tests will be given to kindergarten students YEP A B C OR D to a 6 year old to measure the value of the teacher....... Give any 6 year 4 choices and they get confused let alone a test for content.... What a joke........meanwhile the COMMON CORE standards are grounded in the idea that Multiple choice tests can not be used to measure student knowledge..... WTF?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-18897150629588424992013-01-29T18:40:33.677-05:002013-01-29T18:40:33.677-05:00To the individual stating all CMS teachers are &qu...To the individual stating all CMS teachers are "Worthless". We are so much more than worthless. Doctor, Nurse, Psychiatrist, Mom, Dad, Mediator, oh yeah and a teacher.So worthless you say. You wouldn't last 30 minutes in the classroom without the teacher in their to hold your hand and help you SURVIVE!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-484341307547449382013-01-29T18:35:57.097-05:002013-01-29T18:35:57.097-05:00Missouri, I work uptown and frequently visit "...Missouri, I work uptown and frequently visit "urban" schools. I've never found either setting scary. Not saying bad things can't happen, but I've never had a problem or felt threatened at any school, including those where I attend night meetings.Ann Doss Helmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03511764376105157616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-82599001284322844732013-01-29T18:20:45.886-05:002013-01-29T18:20:45.886-05:00Mr. Yamo, let me address a few of the issues you r...Mr. Yamo, let me address a few of the issues you raise.<br /><br />First, I am glad CMS is NOT holding this meeting uptown or in one of the urban schools. I have attended meetings in these areas and had my kids in some of these schools. I will not venture out to these areas anymore. These areas are not what they used to be even 10 years ago. I went to a set of meetings at Vance HS recently which I thought would be a safer location due to being in Research Park but i was mistaken. Several cars were broken into and several "shady" looking characters were just milling about. <br /><br />Second, as for your pay being frozen, there are two parts to that one. One, I in a private sector job still have my pay frozen and my medical and other costs continue to rise. Additionally, I have ot pay for parking now uptown where once I enjoyed this as a seniority perk. All that has ended in my pocketbook. So why should not teachers and other government employees not have to endure the same thing. But i know, some government officals make sure they are not subject to the ills the rest of us have to suffer. The second part of this comes with your teachers' associations with state government. They are so in the pocket of Democrats, the Democrats can abuse them and get away with it. And as for your environment under Republicans, you are so in the pocket of democrats, you are on the short end of the stick for awhile.<br /><br />Lastly, you say school is not a business. While I somewhat agree with you there, it is supposed to turn out "educated" students. Business leaders still grumble about the shortcomings of CMS graduates. We also saw where 1200 of the 1600 applicants to CPCC 2 years ago were required top take remedial courses before they could earn college credit. You may point to NCLB testing requirements. However you forget that NC started the ABC testing before NCLB came along. NCLB did not require more testing. It just required subgroup reporting, which NC ABC already did and put in a mechanism for failing school remediation. Taxpayers had to pay for extra tutoring for students in certain schools, which CMS never could fill all the available dollar volume, and then if that did not work, students could transfer out to other schools.<br /><br />Public education in the US headed in a death spiral all due in my opinion is the ever increasing federal intervention. Gov Bev sold you teachers out for the all the federal money she could. Remember that. The public refuses to accept the fact the feds do horrible thing for the ethical person. For example, since Gov Bev took the federal loan to pay NC unemployment insurance but now, you can apply for a job, get hired and not report for your first day and draw unemployment insurance. The legal rebuttal employers now face does not allow them to submit evidence that the person is already working somewhere else. <br /><br />Get the feds out of public education. Let some business, education, and civic leaders revamp public education without regards to diversity, you will have something. <br /><br />Missourinoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-50542580288640225042013-01-29T16:43:31.730-05:002013-01-29T16:43:31.730-05:00Teachers do not have collective bargaining in a Ri...Teachers do not have collective bargaining in a Right to Work state such as NC. It would be very interesting however if say half (5,00) called in sick one day.<br /><br />UmmmmmmmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-32454273295802596802013-01-29T16:30:07.659-05:002013-01-29T16:30:07.659-05:00JOKE is RIGHT!
Pay me what you already owe me fir...JOKE is RIGHT!<br /><br />Pay me what you already owe me first:<br /><br />ABC Bonus Money<br />Health Insurance 80/20<br />Dental Insurance<br />Vision Insurance<br />COLA Adjustments (STEPS) / Pension<br /><br />Jeff Wise hit it on the head. It is all about the Federal Race to the Top MONEY! Morrison and the BOE do not care about Teachers and Students. All they care about is getting their greedy paws on this money. All these surveys and tests are smoke and mirrors or the proverbial dog and poney show to justify the top administrator jobs.<br /><br />You wont have to "fire all the teachers". It wont be much longer until most will leave on their own or God forbid, STRIKEAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-50393901007573467932013-01-29T16:28:30.155-05:002013-01-29T16:28:30.155-05:00And yes folks, this public meeting on Thursday is ...And yes folks, this public meeting on Thursday is strategically not centrally-located for CMS' benefit to dissuade high attendance.Mr. Yamonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-28050656253766153652013-01-29T16:22:36.123-05:002013-01-29T16:22:36.123-05:00Jeff, you make me pine for the days when I could h...Jeff, you make me pine for the days when I could have asked Eric Frazier to hold down the home front and gone to Raleigh for a week. I also wish Sunday's legislative preview had included education. What I will do is stay in close touch with the Raleigh N&O crew and Jim Morrill to try to make sure we can keep readers up to date on legislative issues related to education.Ann Doss Helmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03511764376105157616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-2615468336047338662013-01-29T16:20:28.904-05:002013-01-29T16:20:28.904-05:00As a teacher, lifelong Charlottean, and CMS produc...As a teacher, lifelong Charlottean, and CMS product, I am appalled that CMS would continue this path toward pay-for-performance. Regardless of what's said, educating these kids is not a business. Schools are special places. We should not be forcing a business model in a top-down fashion, which then creates a "Catch 22" situation for the teacher and leaves too many gaps for biased evaluations and changing rules. We dedicate our lives to helping children of all backgrounds, even the ones that don't want it or know how to accept it. Do we get to choose our students, or do we get to hold parents accountable for the lack of parenting to prepare them for school? Those are key questions this plan, nor CMS for that matter, care to address.Mr. Yamonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-87722654306948390432013-01-29T15:27:55.829-05:002013-01-29T15:27:55.829-05:00How can any CMS teacher be positive when we have 1...How can any CMS teacher be positive when we have 11 year teachers being paid the salary of a six year teacher. Are Teachers ever going to be made current on rate. It's a joke.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-36570785227699762982013-01-29T14:52:24.136-05:002013-01-29T14:52:24.136-05:00herding cats
The phrase herding cats comes from ...<b>herding cats</b> <br /><br /><i>The phrase herding cats comes from the common saying that something involving coordination of many different groups or people is as difficult as herding cats.</i><br /><br />Anything CMS does is like herding cats. <br />Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-81956225028038690202013-01-29T13:51:47.878-05:002013-01-29T13:51:47.878-05:00Ann, if you are there at these discussions and are...Ann, if you are there at these discussions and are allowed to ask questions, here'e one...many, many former excellent teachers work at CMS in other capacities such as teaching teachers how to do a better job. Does everyone know that most of these people are still paid teachers' wages? So then, how will they get pay for performance since they are no longer in the classroom?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com