tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post3222283517785910971..comments2023-10-23T09:23:22.051-04:00Comments on Your Schools: Mixed results from CMS small schoolsUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger58125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-38185753578120305282012-07-09T20:50:09.194-04:002012-07-09T20:50:09.194-04:003 districts. Sooner the better.3 districts. Sooner the better.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-31492876184479671002012-07-08T08:44:41.861-04:002012-07-08T08:44:41.861-04:00Rev Mike- The whole master schedule in scheduling ...Rev Mike- The whole master schedule in scheduling technique that was used at Indpendence (I know what you mean) year long classes for students that made majority of the lowest performing students ineligible from taking the EOC didn't occur at my school at Olympic. The budget cuts made it impossible. We we're down to 3 teachers per subject with 400 kids. So again their claims were invaild. My claim that people are talking about things they know nothing about STILL claims to be true.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-22491929846468015062012-07-07T14:40:48.066-04:002012-07-07T14:40:48.066-04:00Anonymous July 6, 2012 3:22 PM, the allegation was...Anonymous July 6, 2012 3:22 PM, the allegation was made with regard to how classes are set up in the master schedule. As a significantly involved parent, it is not readily transparent to me how that happens, but it would not surprise me in the least to see CMS administrators gaming the system in the manner alleged. I'm not sure how it is so clear to you from a student's perspective how it absolutely did not occur.Rev. Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11912713608436471464noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-81983282297263150202012-07-06T15:22:20.413-04:002012-07-06T15:22:20.413-04:00I'm Anon 9:30 - Ann - Nothing "fishy"...I'm Anon 9:30 - Ann - Nothing "fishy" went on at Olympic. Hayes made doing your work cool. When our fellow students didn't do their work we the students pointed them into the right direction. So did the teachers. It has always been interesting to me that people in Charlotte like to talk so much about things they have no clue about (Not talking about you Ann as it is your job to start discussions). Take a visit to Olympic next school year to see what it is all about before getting online and judging things. That's why Charlotte and CMS is in the shape it is in nowAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-64521893252683306302012-07-06T07:59:28.757-04:002012-07-06T07:59:28.757-04:00Student populations in different schools require d...Student populations in different schools require different interventions to accelerate the high achievers and lift up the low achievers. The mistake CMS has made is to focus on the middle, mediocrity, that keeps the high achievers from soaring and the low achievers from moving up. Everyone except CMS knows that when you raise the top, all levels will rise with it. With the focus on testing results in a young teacher's preparation, there are going to be fewer teachers who have the skills to do this.<br /><br /> So here's what has to happen with some urgency. Form teacher groups at each school to honestly evaluate themselves, discipline, instructional practices, administrative practices, performance data and the needs of the students. Empower these teachers to reach consensus on and implement a "reform plan" for their school. Most principals have neutered their school leadership teams and faculty advisory committees by not following CMS policy for setting them up or using threat and intimidation to silence them.<br /><br />CMS lost this internal analysis at each school when it opted for a system accreditation process instead of an individual school process. <br /><br />African American TeacherAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-5746450169618249562012-07-06T05:53:43.498-04:002012-07-06T05:53:43.498-04:0010:12 p.m.
CMS Policy is that there are no transf...10:12 p.m.<br /><br />CMS Policy is that there are no transfers excet during the transfer period- LIFT or not.<br /><br />But tell your friend that s/he dodged a bullet since even though your friend may be well intentioned her highly competent skills would not do her any good. She would be seen as a threat.<br /><br />So your friend should count her blessings that she won't have to look for a knife in her back every day she went to work at any school that Sharmel "Denise" Watts has anything to do with and breathe a sigh of relief.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-62089123519721133572012-07-05T22:17:38.797-04:002012-07-05T22:17:38.797-04:0010:12, "obedient" bodies????
Would that...10:12, "obedient" bodies????<br /><br />Would that be because they will artificially create grades and then diplomas to show how successful LIFT is and Denise will be invited to join the Department of Education to suck on more tax dollars?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-16709700874981965782012-07-05T22:15:29.030-04:002012-07-05T22:15:29.030-04:0010:12, I assume your friend was of the correct ski...10:12, I assume your friend was of the correct skin color.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-37732556351626234532012-07-05T22:12:27.975-04:002012-07-05T22:12:27.975-04:00Wiley, L.I.F.T is NO LONGER hiring CMS teachers fo...Wiley, L.I.F.T is NO LONGER hiring CMS teachers for the existing openings. I had an extremely "qualified" friend apply for a recent opening and was turned away because the "internal transfer period was over". Therefore I am wondering how they are going to "find" high quality teachers at this late date? I would conclude that they do not want experienced teachers. They want "obedient" bodies to do what they are told. Free thinkers not welcomed.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-52098884332054956062012-07-05T21:35:12.943-04:002012-07-05T21:35:12.943-04:00Keith,
As in LIFT?
LIFT cannot and will not be r...Keith,<br /><br />As in LIFT?<br /><br />LIFT cannot and will not be replicated. The model is not sustainable.<br /><br />There aren't enough tax dollars to expand the massive undertaking of more layers of social programs, that public education and LIFT have no business being in now as it is.<br /><br />Until we get off the diversity mantra and stop telling these kids they can't learn because of where they live, their skin color and what their household income is, not a damn thing will change.<br /><br />We've already had 40 years of the same thing over and over again. <br /><br />The Observer has run contradictory stories, one about how great TFA "teachers" are by working in high poverty, low performing schools and make no money, yet LIFT will only hire the "best" teachers and pay bonuses to get them to teach in the same type low income, high poverty schools.<br /><br />So which is it? Which scenario is supposed to be the best? TFA or "quality teachers"? How many TFA "teachers" are in LIFT schools?<br /><br />It boils down to what goes on in the home and culture, much of it being generational.<br /><br />Until we, as taxpayers, demand CMS change its approach and stop placating parents, students and special interest groups and demand accountability from parents and students themselves, nothing will change.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-59951400722331912912012-07-05T20:36:09.382-04:002012-07-05T20:36:09.382-04:00Bill, I agree and have communicated and questions ...Bill, I agree and have communicated and questions those exact items. The only push I here is " can the other parts of town organize and get pledges of $55 million"? I say yes that can be done if we can have control of our schools like LIFT does. Did Mr. Hendrick say " oh the donation forsports I am saving can only go to these 5 schools" NO he did not. So LIFT has no answer or any accountability. I gone to a few meetings to learn and I cannot see it. Its a bibb and a bottle noting of substance. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-42283679541395153912012-07-05T20:12:32.646-04:002012-07-05T20:12:32.646-04:00Keith, the bottom 25% will float up with just remo...Keith, the bottom 25% will float up with just removing the 3 to 5% troublemakers. Teachers will be more free to teach, tutor and mentor when they are not frustrated with incompetent administration.<br /><br />Secondly, any small business incubation that goes on will be the nepotist way as Denise helps others of her ilk to the pot of money the foundations are throwing in.<br /><br />Lastly, how are we to believe any number for improvement coming from this crowd? We all have seen all these "silver bullets" promised by educrats only to see them dissolve a few years later with some other new silver bullet.Bill Stevensnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-82329351189442032422012-07-05T18:58:28.508-04:002012-07-05T18:58:28.508-04:00Wiley/Bolyn- I agree with CMS can bring that 25% u...Wiley/Bolyn- I agree with CMS can bring that 25% up in necessary in house ways/programs. I think a trade school is certainly one way. My item on "paying mentors" was a qoute from Project LIFT in that they funded a $175,000 "mentor firm" just last week. I am against them funding business ventures with the program. Its more like a business incubator they way they "throw money" at vendors so far. I would like more to go towards educating children. As both of you know many of CMS schools get mentors such as the 3 of us to come in and speak from time to time for free. (many other business people in he community do this as well) If LIFT can show me a 20% graduation increase in 5 years call me a fool. If the program can not cause alot of RIFT in the community in the process over the next 5 years call me a fool. I wish it success , but I still dont see a accoutabilty measure thats proven. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-266729241399938752012-07-05T18:51:04.949-04:002012-07-05T18:51:04.949-04:00Ann, I got my data on the LIFT/MORRISON/Meeting wi...Ann, I got my data on the LIFT/MORRISON/Meeting with from your link. Divide the number of meetings (total) with the number met with that are linked to LIFT. I think you will agree with me its a HUGE percentage. (to date meetings) Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-33735796885340860822012-07-05T18:33:28.202-04:002012-07-05T18:33:28.202-04:00How many of you realize that North carolina's ...How many of you realize that North carolina's curriculum is designed for all students to be able to enter college? It is really unfair for DPI to believe that every student should be on a college track. Mecklenburg county needs a program for those who just want to learn a trade.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-76089038662869070692012-07-05T18:17:16.010-04:002012-07-05T18:17:16.010-04:00Keith,
So, I tentatively support L.I.F.T for some...Keith,<br /><br />So, I tentatively support L.I.F.T for some of the reasons you mention. I have no idea why CMS didn't keep the L.I.F.T inhouse. Well, I do know the reasons but I'm talking about the ones of why a huge organization would farm-out its most difficult tasks. In the business world that would be a QA nightmare.<br /><br />I believe CMS could have done L.I.F.T and still lowered the budget(minus startup cost). I do see the advantage of not having L.I.F.T being a hot button at board meetings. <br /><br />CMS could not have done Summer School medicine. Technology wasn't a problem. After school and expanded hours isn't a problem, especially with the removal of after school subcontractors. Summer reading is a problem at every school. <br /><br />I'm scheduled to visit a L.I.F.T school mid-July. I'm wondering if it will be like Hawk Ridge? Well, it could be! It should be!<br /><br /><br />Bolyn McClung<br />PinevilleBolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-67762222467167835062012-07-05T18:01:24.142-04:002012-07-05T18:01:24.142-04:00...I also feel if the bottom 25% are challenged an...<b>...I also feel if the bottom 25% are challenged and shown what their future WILL look like if they dont stay with a education plan that may motivate some of them.</b><br /><br />Why use money for mentors?<br /><br />All they have to do is look at their parent(s) and understand where they will be if they don't get an education.<br /><br /><br />...generational. Again, been doing the same thing for over 40 years.Wiley Coyotehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16966764080565903720noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-37048815881945434842012-07-05T18:00:59.806-04:002012-07-05T18:00:59.806-04:00Keith, I haven't seen anything to make me thin...Keith, I haven't seen anything to make me think Morrison would overturn the Project LIFT plan, which not only maintains TFA in those schools but uses private money to expand its presence.<br /><br />I don't think it's accurate to say a majority of his meeting time has been spent with that handful of people/groups, but anyone can check the list and run their own fairness tally: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/superintendent/Pages/MorrisonMeetings.aspxAnn Doss Helmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03511764376105157616noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-19383922632868061782012-07-05T17:48:48.145-04:002012-07-05T17:48:48.145-04:00Bolyn, I dont think any schools in CMS have "...Bolyn, I dont think any schools in CMS have "discards ". I think CMS should take the time to challenge those lower 25% in any regional school. As we could with Honors kids we could isolate the "discards" as well. LIFT has paid a grant to a "mentor firm" I assume to Mentor students in that bottom 25% to motivate them? I also feel if the bottom 25% are challenged and shown what their future WILL look like if they dont stay with a education plan that may motivate some of them. CMS has the resources so this is not a issue. I know back in the 70's/80's schools simply gave you a number of chances then sent you to a isolated slow learners area of the county I grew up in. Let me tell you that you did not want to be in the isolate group. I actually think CMS can rach some kids this way. I also think their are kids that really dont want to be in school so a trade to engage them is necessary. Just some thoughts on the lower 25%. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-3555777098100942232012-07-05T17:32:17.284-04:002012-07-05T17:32:17.284-04:00Keith, you won't get any argument from me abou...Keith, you won't get any argument from me about those opportunities for any honor student. Life shouldn't be without horizons.<br /><br />But my response was to Bill's thoughts about the other 95%. He seemed to be writing about them as discards. My point was that if you draw the line for discards at one school it should be at all schools. An explosive concept.<br /><br />Do you see any similarities between the bottom 25% at L.I.F.T and at Community House? Easy answer. Tough policy decision!<br /><br /><br />Bolyn McClung<br />PinevilleBolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-39651480779694178872012-07-05T17:09:01.831-04:002012-07-05T17:09:01.831-04:00Bolyn 4:04- Their are certainly numerous ideas/opt...Bolyn 4:04- Their are certainly numerous ideas/options CMS should have ready for LIFT Honors students. Surely we have online classroom study with a teacher present with expanded courses? CMS could transport these kids out of the LIFT zone for half a day to a school with a trade or Honors program course? By all means we need to challenge the students who show the aptitude and drive to learn. Districts have been doing this for decades CMS is way behind on alot of this. LIFT zone schools should not be a "harbor for the kids" to just improve by 3-5% in grade point or "just graduate". Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-71836613171691622252012-07-05T16:21:05.331-04:002012-07-05T16:21:05.331-04:00Interesting study. One needs to understand the inn...Interesting study. One needs to understand the inner working of school reform if one is to understand the Olympic experience. <br /><br />The first question in regards to the Olympics is that most of the original staff who set those schools up is gone. I was one of them and know that there are very few originals left. <br /><br />Second, one needs to understand how test scores and scheduling of certain students can influence those scores. The creation of certain courses offered some of the Olympic schools to "hide" those students who the principal knew were not going to pass the EOC tests. That was how Matt Hayes' school did so "well." Sears' school, Renaissance, was the last hold out in creating a schedule that hid those poor students. <br /><br />The other issue was each of these schools inability to adhere to the Coalition of Essential Schools small schools model. While they tried to adhere, none of these schools were able to stick with that. Like a river knows which way it wants to flow, educators always revert back to behaviors that they are used to. <br /><br />Rev. Mike's reporting is very accurate. While he knows some of the testing history, he does not have much knowledge about the emotional history and the early days. The amount of time we spent in discussions, conferences, after school work, etc, was extraordinary. Names like Lester, Hitt, Range, Lawler, Newsom, Hill and others, knew that what was happening was very positive as it related to the climate of the Olympics. Sad to say that it is probably time for a something new to take it to the next level. I don't see that happening. More likely is that they will combine them back into one and they will put a fool like the BIOT principal in charge.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-84130951679877647822012-07-05T16:04:52.096-04:002012-07-05T16:04:52.096-04:00Bill, you’ve opened up a good discussion.
Turn lo...Bill, you’ve opened up a good discussion.<br /><br />Turn loose the teachers on the 3% to 5% superb L.I.F.T students? <br /> <br />I’ll buy your guestimates on the low percentages because the published 2011-12 A/AB honor roll numbers for similar middle schools like Cochrane and McClintock are in the 8% to 23% range. For comparison AG, Robinson and Community House are all north of 50% by the same published reports. <br /><br />So, what are the instructions to the teachers of the students not at the top of the honor rolls in the southern schools? Does CMS cut those children loose? Hardly. I don’t think the logic behind cutting out 95% of L.I.F.T students makes sense for any school.<br /><br />Got any ideas about the services that should be offered the non-superb students at all schools? <br /><br />Bolyn McClung<br />PinevilleBolynMcClunghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/02938579006144446381noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-68367836808102048902012-07-05T15:54:29.956-04:002012-07-05T15:54:29.956-04:00Ann, What has Heath said about TFA teachers in Pro...Ann, What has Heath said about TFA teachers in Project LIFT zone schools? Will their be any allowed? Or should I say Selected? <br />I assume since a majority of his meeting time has been spent with Ms. Watts , Kojo/NAACP , Ericka so far thats top of house. Keith W. HurleyAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4020455191286536580.post-59421248477865368942012-07-05T15:33:32.032-04:002012-07-05T15:33:32.032-04:00Bill, I can't give a definitive answer on that...Bill, I can't give a definitive answer on that, but I saw quite a few different types of settings for students in Reno (some he inherited, some he helped create). What I heard him say several times about charter schools would probably be pretty close to his philosophy on other options: He said he's neither for nor against charters in general; he supports excellent charters and opposes bad ones.Ann Doss Helmshttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03511764376105157616noreply@blogger.com