tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post1538345368253704130..comments2024-02-28T22:24:07.299-08:00Comments on Community Forum for HCC (APP) in Seattle Schools: Open threadAndrew Siegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06830585083467140758noreply@blogger.comBlogger47125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-77930085156671026272011-06-17T07:25:08.386-07:002011-06-17T07:25:08.386-07:00There will be a new Math and Science Program Manag...<i>There will be a new Math and Science Program Manager for next year (A-M is leaving as Math Program Manager), so there is still hope that the discussion is not closed. </i><br /><br />Yes, we're heard this as well. Has her replacement actually been chosen yet? In place yet?<br /><br />I don't think we can wait until fall to get this fixed, it needs to start ASAP.wtmnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-44092092102065235072011-06-16T07:19:33.080-07:002011-06-16T07:19:33.080-07:00There will be a new Math and Science Program Manag...There will be a new Math and Science Program Manager for next year (A-M is leaving as Math Program Manager), so there is still hope that the discussion is not closed. <br /><br />We have child that will most likely want to accelerate beyond the APP pathway come middle school, so it is definitely on our radar.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-24252870906697053642011-06-15T23:20:56.370-07:002011-06-15T23:20:56.370-07:00From what I hear, Ingraham has about 60 or so in t...<i>From what I hear, Ingraham has about 60 or so in the first APP cohort. Amazing considering they only had a few months to put it together.</i><br /><br />Actually, it was about 50 kids. Still impressive.where's the math?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-43308705937828617772011-06-15T23:19:52.350-07:002011-06-15T23:19:52.350-07:00HIMS Parent,
My understanding that math placement...HIMS Parent,<br /><br /><i>My understanding that math placements occur for 6th and 9th grade; but this message seems to indicate all grades. Does anybody know if they are going to change the APP Math Pathway for current 6th and 7th graders? Also, didn't parents get the placements w/ the option to opt up one level? Is that gone? Could there be a change that has not been communicated?</i><br /><br />A bit late on the reply, hope you're still reading.<br /><br />There is no option for APP families to use the "opt-up" Math Placement Contract. The option is available for any student in the city <i>except</i> APP students. You can read the contract itself on the SPS web site, but the key phrase is: "Students may not skip two course levels, and may not opt up beyond Math 8", which was added this year.<br /><br />There is no valid reason for this, so families in this situation should continue to hound the district (Robert Vaughan's office) about this forever and ever until it gets resolved.where's the math?noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-35687078590026145892011-06-11T11:41:38.603-07:002011-06-11T11:41:38.603-07:00Also,
we are hearing from parents at TM that they...Also, <br />we are hearing from parents at TM that they are pretty happy at the school, they don't want to move again (back to Lowell) and disrupt their school and their students and teachers.<br />StephanieStephanie Bowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16064313687961012728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-60716173076011514712011-06-11T11:38:35.977-07:002011-06-11T11:38:35.977-07:00Anonymous,
a north end APP 1-8 does solve certain ...Anonymous,<br />a north end APP 1-8 does solve certain problems, but not others...<br />I wish it were that simple!<br /><br />It is important also to consider also what impacts would that have on TM and WMS? Also factor in ptsa funding and how that impacts our schools, for example, current Lowell ptsa is able to raise much more than the TM ptsa, and this does support core things like library and counselors, teacher support. This equity was something that came up in thinking about the elem/mid school splits before...is something to at least consider as we think about any future changes in the north end. Most parents at that time said they wanted to see a certain degree of equity between APP sites.<br />StephanieStephanie Bowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16064313687961012728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-50098867183457428122011-06-10T09:03:36.871-07:002011-06-10T09:03:36.871-07:00I think we should have a north APP perhaps at WP 1...I think we should have a north APP perhaps at WP 1-8 and a south APP at Lowell... Problem solved!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-48429775350083388082011-06-09T10:58:53.182-07:002011-06-09T10:58:53.182-07:00Lowell overcrowding, things to consider:
--moving ...Lowell overcrowding, things to consider:<br />--moving all of APP out of Lowell (next year, a whopping 446 APP kids assigned to Lowell)...<br />where would they go? Would moving the entire group out and placing them in one building in essence recreate the model that the school board and district wanted to break into smaller pieces and co-house with other programs? 2-3 years ago, the school board was emphatic about not creating a mega-APP elementary school, but is this a different situation and different board today?<br /><br />--we APP parents have often lobbied for an APP 1-8 model over the years, but the issues were where to put them, how would they be co-housed with other programs (which is what many public school parents want. Also, most students themselves want new friends after 5th grade and welcome the broader community offered in comprehensive middle schools.<br /><br />--creating 3 APP elementary locations. Director Kay Smith-Blum has talked about wanting multiple locations for APP elementary, north, south, true central, west seattle. The issues we dealt with 3 years ago were wanting equity between the sites as much as possible and also central locations for ease of teacher collaboration. These will be challenging issues if APP is spread into yet more elementary and/or middle school buildings.<br /><br />--equity...when advocating for your child, do consider the issue of equity between sites. Say all of Lowell is pulled into a new north end site into a mega-APP school, elementary or 1-8...where does that leave TM and WMS? TM raises FAR less in PTSA funds at their school, what would happen to APP in these schools in this scenario?<br /><br />By all means, please advocate for your family and the needs of your child...but I respectfully ask that as parents think about the solutions to overcrowding at Lowell, consider the needs of the whole school and community and also think about the overall health of the APP program in terms of program success, access for kids, and equity between locations--think big picture, both short term and long term.<br /><br />It is A LOT to ask teachers, students, parents to deal with an elementary school of between 700-750 students and the thought of moving or splitting the cohort again...the stresses are and will be extremely high. The district is putting $$ into some renovations this summer to help accommodate the load next year.<br /><br />The APP Advisory Committee is involved, we are gathering information, talking with parents and the District, getting emails, and figuring out how we might advocate for overcrowding solutions at Lowell in the context of the broader APP program. Initially, it was important that the concerns were brought up by the Lowell PTSA and not the APP AC, as these issues impact the whole school, and it is the PTSA that speaks for the whole school community.<br /><br />Timing...the district would likely propose long-term changes in the late Fall 2011, parent input after that, probably a vote by the school board in January 2012...this has been the pattern over the years.<br /><br />Email us directly with your thoughts and ideas...<br />StephanieStephanie Bowerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16064313687961012728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-56730548384302643072011-06-08T13:23:55.533-07:002011-06-08T13:23:55.533-07:00Thanks for the summary, Lowell Parent. Seems like...Thanks for the summary, Lowell Parent. Seems like this will be something people will want to talk about.<br /><br />I lifted your comment to a <a href="http://discussapp.blogspot.com/2011/06/app-ac-meeting-and-future-of-app.html" rel="nofollow">new thread</a> so it could be discussed more easily. Please move discussion of the recent APP AC meeting and what it means for APP over there, thanks.Greg Lindenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09216403000599463072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-87848614888240034782011-06-08T13:09:36.301-07:002011-06-08T13:09:36.301-07:00The biggest surprise to me last night is that Wash...The biggest surprise to me last night is that Washington APP is looking to allow non APP kids into APP science next year. They say they have to because of "scheduling issues." If this really happens, it is the beginning of the end. We were told at the time of the split that APP is a "self-contained" program. I guess it is only if it's convenient. I really appreciated the WA. middle school teacher bringing this up. If they are going to start dismantling the program, parents should be aware.<br /><br />Lowell is going to be over 700 next year and it's going to be unbelievably crowded. I got the distinct impression that next year is the final year for APP at Lowell. Bob Vaughn only said APP #s for Lowell next year. I didn't write down the number, but it was about 450 - just about 2x as many as TM. The split is sure working to bring south end kids into the program!!!!<br /><br />The "school district" doesn't come to these meetings. I have no idea what they think about all this. Those of us involved in the split a few years ago knew that this was coming. Bob Vaughn seems to believe that APP is growing because of map testing highlighting additional kids who should be given the Cogat test. While that may be true, he didn't talk about overcrowding in the NE or the dismantling of Spectrum. I think these are both huge factors in more kids choosing to come to APP north.<br /><br />Lowell parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-13937547814661598442011-06-08T11:55:10.703-07:002011-06-08T11:55:10.703-07:00Have there been current numbers released about enr...Have there been current numbers released about enrollment for next year?<br /><br />What was the district's response to parents' concerns?<br /><br />If someone could provide a somewhat objective rundown of the meeting and what discussions took place, it would be appreciated. Lowell's last PTA meeting (June 14, 1:30 pm) is also supposed to discuss the overcrowding issue.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-44309783638508282772011-06-08T11:49:35.195-07:002011-06-08T11:49:35.195-07:00Thanks! How ugly was it about Lowell and was there...Thanks! How ugly was it about Lowell and was there any earnest discussion about solutions, who was most thrown under the bus and do they really think that bldg will hold 700 kids next yr? <br /><br />Oh and any surprises?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-79676709366940493992011-06-08T11:30:03.766-07:002011-06-08T11:30:03.766-07:00Anon June 8-
I went to the APP AC meeting last ni...Anon June 8-<br /><br />I went to the APP AC meeting last night to hear about Lowell. It was ugly. What do you want to know?<br /><br />Lowell parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-65052542916274766042011-06-08T10:14:08.374-07:002011-06-08T10:14:08.374-07:00Anyone go to the APP AC meeting last night? How di...Anyone go to the APP AC meeting last night? How did it go?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-23356982543917680642011-06-07T17:01:47.483-07:002011-06-07T17:01:47.483-07:00I moved Charlie's comment to a top level post....I moved Charlie's comment to a <a href="http://discussapp.blogspot.com/2011/06/stop-taking-map-tests.html" rel="nofollow">top level post</a>. Please go there to discuss it further.Greg Lindenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09216403000599463072noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-78100358624447049912011-06-07T16:13:45.684-07:002011-06-07T16:13:45.684-07:00Charlie,
Why would boycotting MAP a good thing?...Charlie, <br /><br />Why would boycotting MAP a good thing? Also, since MAP score is part of the qualification for ALO, Spectrum, and APP, would not taking MAP kill all programs? Maybe this is what SPS want us to do. There should be better ways to voice our concerns.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-79271588061776089302011-06-07T15:44:46.909-07:002011-06-07T15:44:46.909-07:00I have advocated test boycotts to the advanced lea...I have advocated test boycotts to the advanced learning community a few times before.<br /><br />Seven years ago my threat of a WASL boycott by Spectrum students drove then-superintendent Raj Manhas to make six specific promises to the Spectrum community. The boycott was broken, but so were all of the promises.<br /><br />About five years ago I proposed opting out of the WASL as a tactic for Spectrum and APP families to evade proposed re-qualification requirements. The District pushed back by threatening to exit any student who didn't test. It got ugly for a little while, but the District blinked first and the re-qualification requirement was dropped.<br /><br />Two years ago I recommended a WASL boycott to APP families that would end only when the District fulfilled the promises they made when splitting the program. The APP Advisory Committee didn't want to take or endorse any direct action and the result has been that the District hasn't done anything to fulfill their promises to APP students and families.<br /><br />Now we see the beginning of the end. One Spectrum program, Lawton, has been killed. Another, Wedgwood, is climbing the steps to the guillotine. There are dead programs littering the field already: North Beach and Wing Luke to name just two. APP has been cut in half and it doesn't take the Amazing Kreskin to figure out that the District is going to split it again. There will be two north-end elementary locations.<br /><br />The time has come for the advanced learning community to step up and take some action to save itself. There is only one action that we can take: <b>boycott the standardized tests</b>. Opt your children out of the MSP and opt them out of the MAP. The kids should not intentionally fail the tests, they just shouldn't take the tests at all.<br /><br />You are entirely within your rights to preclude the testing of your children. It does your child no harm. It does their teacher no harm. It does their school no harm. The only people who are hurt by it are the District administrators who get hit in their pride. These people live on test scores. It is all they care about. It is their currency.<br /><br />And we control it.<br /><br />It is time for us to exercise our power. It is time for us to demand that they fulfill their commitments.<br /><br />Spectrum families at Lawton and Wedgwood should opt their children out of the MAP and the MSP to protest the changes in their programs to to compel the District to fulfill their commitments to the Lawton and Wedgwood communities.<br /><br />All other Spectrum families should opt their children out of the MAP and MSP in solidarity with the Lawton and Wedgwood communities and to compel the District to fulfill their commitments to other Spectrum communities.<br /><br />APP families should opt their children out of the MAP and MSP in solidarity with the Spectrum communities, to save their own program, and to compel the District to fulfill their commitments to the APP community.<br /><br />ALO families should opt their children out of the MAP and MSP in solidarity with the Spectrum communities and to save their own programs and to compel the District to fulfill their commitments to ALO communities.<br /><br />All families should opt their children out of the MAP and MSP in solidarity with the Spectrum communities and to compel the District to fulfill their commitments to all communities.<br /><br />Stop taking the tests. This is your path to recognition and power.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-85399406276075734922011-06-07T12:52:25.188-07:002011-06-07T12:52:25.188-07:00I'm guessing there will be an increase of kids...I'm guessing there will be an increase of kids shifting to APP at Lowell if the District keeps dismantling the Spectrum programs. I have never understood why the District doesn't better support Spectrum and why it caps the number of Spectrum slots. JaneAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-54199078666797272422011-06-07T10:06:34.773-07:002011-06-07T10:06:34.773-07:00Wedgwood is getting rid of Spectrum self-contained...Wedgwood is getting rid of Spectrum self-contained classrooms for 1st grade next year and 2nd and 3rd in 2012-13. 4th -5th will be in 2013-2014. They are going to cluster grouping similar to Lawton. See Save Seattle Schools for more detail.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-9329273272280357402011-06-07T10:02:05.634-07:002011-06-07T10:02:05.634-07:00Read through the SaveSeattleSchools blog on change...Read through the SaveSeattleSchools blog on changes to Wedgwood Spectrum. Self-contained classrooms are being switched to "cluster groupings," which sounds like the description of ALO.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-17467640602455160892011-06-07T09:50:13.894-07:002011-06-07T09:50:13.894-07:00Could you expand on how Spectrum is being "di...Could you expand on how Spectrum is being "dismantled"? (Or point me to another discussion or resource that explains it?) This is the first I've heard about that.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-72522826821529028482011-06-07T09:32:42.850-07:002011-06-07T09:32:42.850-07:00On a lighter note, just for interest: http://www.n...On a lighter note, just for interest: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/07/health/07learn.html?_r=2&ref=global-home<br /><br />"Now, a small group of cognitive scientists is arguing that schools and students could take far more advantage of this same bottom-up ability, called perceptual learning. The brain is a pattern-recognition machine, after all, and when focused properly, it can quickly deepen a person’s grasp of a principle, new studies suggest. Better yet, perceptual knowledge builds automatically: There’s no reason someone with a good eye for fashion or wordplay cannot develop an intuition for classifying rocks or mammals or algebraic equations, given a little interest or motivation."<br /><br />Helen Schinskehschinskehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10316478950862562594noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-79995639257713214942011-06-06T23:19:43.210-07:002011-06-06T23:19:43.210-07:00Prepare for APP to be even more crowded as Spectru...Prepare for APP to be even more crowded as Spectrum is now being systematically dismantled.<br /><br />The AL office is using this as the model for the new advanced learning. <br />http://www.susanwinebrenner.com/handouts.htmlAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-84564243009998677862011-06-06T23:03:54.620-07:002011-06-06T23:03:54.620-07:00Thanks for bringing up the proposed changes to def...Thanks for bringing up the proposed changes to definitions of excused absences. We have regularly taken my son out of school and "caught up" while away or in anticipation of a trip. Frankly, in elementary school - we can teach him as much as he learns in class in half the time. We have family on three continents and we can't afford the cost of flights in peak vacation time so we often leave a few days earlier or later than scheduled breaks. Also, orthodontists are the most frequent doctors appointments ever when you're in the active stage and even an 8.40am appointment leads to being a bit late. I know its inconvenient if a kid is visiting family but I've never felt the need to make up anything and my son continues to do well in APP.Shannonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13865361028544783972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-40865999802163003352011-06-03T20:24:42.564-07:002011-06-03T20:24:42.564-07:00From what I hear, Ingraham has about 60 or so in t...From what I hear, Ingraham has about 60 or so in the first APP cohort. Amazing considering they only had a few months to put it together.<br /><br />APP parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.com