tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post7869080722877192105..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.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-80819237094168291612012-06-19T17:23:00.151-07:002012-06-19T17:23:00.151-07:00The most effective thing parents can do is keep a ...The most effective thing parents can do is keep a log of issues/problems with teachers and report them to Mr Carter via email. It will be difficult for him to ignore repeated concerns about a few specific teachers if they are continually brought to his attention and are in writing. On the other hand, if we just continue to wring our hands and complain to other parents, nothing will change. I think Carter is at least vaguely aware of the problem teachers, but as we all know it is not easy to replace or even suggest changes in behavior to long-standing teachers - the problem teachers at Hamilton have all been there way before Carter arrived, and they are not limited to the APP program. there is strength in numbers - Hamilton parents, including departing 8th grade parents, how about a note to Carter letting him know about the teachers who really need "professional development"? I know a small core of 6th and 7th gr parents who have spoken to Carter about these teachers/issues - now the rest of you need to speak up. We DO have power as parents and it is our responsibility to advocate for our kids.<br />- JanisJanisnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-38079809246858066412012-06-19T13:03:31.321-07:002012-06-19T13:03:31.321-07:00I don't have much faith in the ombudsman as th...I don't have much faith in the ombudsman as the answer, here. In a recent reply to me about an issue of concern at my child's school, he said:<br /><br />"...I do not get involved with employee issues. Human Resources, Education Directors and the Superintendent handle such matters. Thank you for your inquiry."<br /><br />@ Good grief -- If this were a one-time offense by this teacher I might agree with you, but she has engaged in a pattern of questionable behavior towards various kids all year (and last), and is also a very weak instructor to boot. Not sure what she is bringing to the table at HIMS other than grief.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-16663744060342763242012-06-19T10:44:22.816-07:002012-06-19T10:44:22.816-07:00Call the district Ombudsman and file a formal comp...Call the district Ombudsman and file a formal complaint with the district, before the school year is over.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-77429351327166250852012-06-19T10:19:42.478-07:002012-06-19T10:19:42.478-07:00Tired APP parent - do you have any suggestions to ...Tired APP parent - do you have any suggestions to help remove an abusive teacher from the classroom - doesn't seem like anything has worked so far.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-69807885185834251182012-06-19T10:01:23.102-07:002012-06-19T10:01:23.102-07:00So far, following the "chain of administrativ...So far, following the "chain of administrative organization" doesn't seem to have had any effect. It's the end of another year, and a teacher is showing bad judgment yet again. Filing an ethics complaint is unlikely to have any effect because the actions don't fall under the ethics policy. Complaints seem to be explained away - "it was a spoof" or "it was a copy mistake" - so what's a parent to do?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-24538870141423663952012-06-19T09:39:21.579-07:002012-06-19T09:39:21.579-07:00Good grief. Sometimes bad judgement is just bad j...Good grief. Sometimes bad judgement is just bad judgement. Can't we just call it that, and call for building leadership to not condone this sort of action? Must we file ethics complaints?<br /><br />tired Hamilton APP parentAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-33374207564108422372012-06-18T21:05:08.583-07:002012-06-18T21:05:08.583-07:00The Ethics policy is about district employees not ...The Ethics policy is about district employees not using their position for financial gain, or not having some conflict of interest. Wouldn't the action fall under a general complaint of employee misconduct? Policy 4220:<br /><br /><i>Citizens are asked to work through the chain of administrative organization when bringing a complaint forward...in all instances, the Superintendent, or Superintendents's designee, is the final step in this complaint process.</i><br /><br />Ethics Policy:<br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/groups/homepagefiles/cms/1583136/File/Policies/Board/series5000/5251.pdf?sessionid=732e69fa5e2d67f1b42130aa8d76c852Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-7853309150932949932012-06-18T17:32:11.155-07:002012-06-18T17:32:11.155-07:00Anon 4:49
Thank you for going to this effort and ...Anon 4:49<br /><br />Thank you for going to this effort and for updating those of us who read the blog. I hope it serves to make the school better for your child and future students. As an incoming Hamilton parent, I have been hearing story after story of inappropriate teaching, materials and decisions all this year. If the principal is unwilling or unable to deal with these problems, someone else needs to deal with it. I can't believe this stuff has been allowed to go on all year.<br /><br />I hope something comes of this.<br /><br />-concernedAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-38251336664738807422012-06-18T16:49:22.101-07:002012-06-18T16:49:22.101-07:00Regarding the videotaping, we reported this today ...Regarding the videotaping, we reported this today to Ms. Shapiro in person. She wasn't aware of but did speak with Ms. Thurik who claimed it was done as a spoof. She claimed that the kids involved knew it was a joke and it was shown to the other classes as a spoof. Our son, in one of the classes that was shown the video, certainly did not remember her saying it was a spoof at the time. <br /><br />This is still an inappropriate teaching strategy, use of classroom time and resources for all of the children, and demonstrates horrible judgement. <br /><br />We have rescinded our permission for our child to be photographed by the school. <br /><br />I have also filed an ethics complaint with the state at the following site.<br /><br />http://www.seattleschools.org/modules/cms/pages.phtml?sessionid=732e69fa5e2d67f1b42130aa8d76c852&pageid=217956&sessionid=732e69fa5e2d67f1b42130aa8d76c852Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-2404693873839048092012-06-18T14:59:47.311-07:002012-06-18T14:59:47.311-07:00suep, thank you. I wrote them and expressed my opp...suep, thank you. I wrote them and expressed my opposition for the renewal of MAP testing. Misuse of MAP scores to measure students' abilities has to be stopped.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-45232721317030116402012-06-18T13:15:41.536-07:002012-06-18T13:15:41.536-07:00If a student is already in Spectrum, do their spri...If a student is already in Spectrum, do their spring MAP scores need to be 95% to take the Cogat in the fall, or are they still admitted to Cogat testing at 85%? Does anyone know?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-43230592833526278342012-06-18T12:53:39.446-07:002012-06-18T12:53:39.446-07:00Dr. V advised me that "MAP testing is very im...Dr. V advised me that "MAP testing is very important and is a valid, reliable achievement test of reading and math that our district uses, in part, to determine eligibility for APP and Spectrum, as well as the effectiveness of our programs for advanced learners." <br /><br />However, I don't believe it captures each student's true ability in a single testing. I strongly disagree with their decision to use only winter MAP score to evaluate students' math ability and am very disappointed in their rush decision which would affect students' years of education ahead.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-24827736898976843452012-06-18T10:39:06.673-07:002012-06-18T10:39:06.673-07:00From June 13:
Dan told me that he would bring thi...From June 13:<br /><br />Dan told me that he would bring this issue up in a meeting next week and discuss.<br /><br />Does anyone know what this meeting is, when it will take place or who will be there?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-76683670522734698252012-06-17T22:30:57.765-07:002012-06-17T22:30:57.765-07:00Exactly right. What's more, SPS is in fact mis...Exactly right. What's more, SPS is in fact misusing the MAP® test to evaluate teachers -- MAP® was not designed for that purpose, even the vendor, Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), has said so.<br /><br />(See <a href="http://seattleducation2010.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/map-test-manufacturer-warns-map-test-should-not-be-used-to-evaluate-teachers-so-why-is-seattle-public-schools-doing-just-that/" rel="nofollow"><b>MAP test manufacturer warns: MAP test should NOT be used to evaluate teachers. — So why is Seattle Public Schools doing just that?</b></a>)<br /><br />(And: <a href="http://seattleducation2010.wordpress.com/2011/03/04/map-test-manufacturer-warns-map-test-should-not-be-used-to-evaluate-teachers-so-why-is-seattle-public-schools-doing-just-that/" rel="nofollow"><b>15 Reasons Why the Seattle School District Should Shelve the MAP® Test—ASAP</b></a>)<br /><br />The school board is voting on the contract with NWEA at this Weds' school board meeting. If you think the MAP® is an unnecessary, unreliable and costly misuse of student and teacher time and resources, and would rather the money be spent elsewhere, write the school board and tell them not to renew the contract with NWEA. Tell them to cancel the MAP®.<br /><br />michael.debell@seattleschools.org, betty.patu@seattleschools.org, martha.mclaren@seattleschools.org,<br /> sharon.peaslee@seattleschools.org,<br /> harium.martin-morris@seattleschools.org,<br />ksblum@seattleschools.org,<br />sherry.carr@seattleschools.org<br /><br />And remember how Seattle ended up with the test in the first place: Then-Superintendent Goodloe-Johnson was on the board of directors of MAP® test vendor NWEA at the time MAP® was selected, in a no-bid contract. Goodloe-Johnson failed to disclose this conflict of interest to the board, even though such disclosure is required. She was finally cited for this breach of ethics by the WA State auditor and forced to step down from the NWEA board.suep.https://www.blogger.com/profile/17281578510716234624noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-26859494111579764032012-06-17T21:47:13.241-07:002012-06-17T21:47:13.241-07:00(To change topics slightly...) My 1st-grader's...<i>(To change topics slightly...) My 1st-grader's overall math percentile on the MAP fell from 99th (the last two MAP tests) to 93rd this time (Spring 2012). Is this anything to worry about? </i><br /><br />I haven't found MAP to be useful at all. My older kid's scores seem to bounce around randomly and have little bearing on how much the kid has learned in a year.<br /><br />I would think that there might be some anomalies from being on the high end of the test, but my younger kid, who is not in APP, has had even wilder swings, dropping 50 percentage points between this winter and spring.<br /><br />I'm pretty sure the kid didn't get substantially more ignorant. The kid is as stubborn as all get out though, so there might have been a deliberate attempt to throw the test.<br /><br />I pity the teachers who get evaluated based on this garbage.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-1264144841979586322012-06-16T15:46:55.008-07:002012-06-16T15:46:55.008-07:00There is no plan yet for the 8th graders who can t...There is no plan yet for the 8th graders who can take Alg 1 in 6th grade. Dr Vaughan said, since this is the first step (to introduce Alg 1 in 6th grade in all middle school), that question comes next, but since we have time, it is going to be OK. (I personally would like to know what is going to be in 8th grade before I sign my student up).<br />The cohort you are talking about was much smaller, less than 10 students 3 years ago. This year there are more students who qualified to take Alg 1. If it is true, in Hamilton only 27. Again, this number could be even bigger if they count the Spring MAP scores and not the winter ones.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-78038360875986470832012-06-16T10:07:14.014-07:002012-06-16T10:07:14.014-07:00How is WMS handling Algebra I for 6th graders?How is WMS handling Algebra I for 6th graders?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-67532649738487074952012-06-16T09:47:38.446-07:002012-06-16T09:47:38.446-07:00So if they place 6th grade Alg I students with 7th...So if they place 6th grade Alg I students with 7th and 8th grade Alg I students; they will need to place them all with the 8th geometry students the following year. Then they will need Alg II in place at both WMS and HIMS (or wherever NE APP is housed.) the following year.<br /><br />Is this the plan?<br /><br />Remember that a cohort of students ended up with NO math in 8th grade several years ago.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-76997702762132195182012-06-16T09:39:27.345-07:002012-06-16T09:39:27.345-07:00How does the MAP cutoff compare with the days when...How does the MAP cutoff compare with the days when a written test was administered for 6th grade math placement? How was it done previously? With teacher recommendation? I recall some grumbling about the written test as well.<br /><br />If the goal is to place students in a way that they will be successful long term, and not prematurely place students in an accelerated class, what is the best measure (or measures)?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-82317081831749349422012-06-16T07:42:23.017-07:002012-06-16T07:42:23.017-07:00Charlie and ennui,
Especially when that single da...Charlie and ennui,<br /><br />Especially when that single data point is a test that is so poorly administered. My kid totally blew off the math map test. She said when she went back to complete it, she wasn't given scratch paper and didn't ask because she was sick of taking it. So, she just guessed on the remaining questions. Her attitude towards the test is partly my fault; I downplayed its importance (turns out, wrongly so).<br /><br />--oh wellAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-77954072984405000672012-06-15T21:37:58.936-07:002012-06-15T21:37:58.936-07:00Charlie-
I agree 100%. I was researching how the...Charlie-<br /><br />I agree 100%. I was researching how the NWEA says one should use the data from the MAP test and found that the writers of the MAP test specifically say that it should never be used as the only means of assessing whether one should be admitted to a class or program. <br /><br />I do have a major problem with them using the test for this. I guess this is what we should expect in the age of testing - what could a teacher possible know that a single, multiple choice computer test doesn't?<br /><br />-ennuiAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-45894489428057374322012-06-15T21:00:59.530-07:002012-06-15T21:00:59.530-07:00Just to put some of the comments re the Math class...Just to put some of the comments re the Math class video taping in context: my kid was in the "bad" class being taped. She admits the class was being rowdy and that the teacher warned they would be taped. My daughter claims it was no big deal, the kids in the class dont feel "shamed", she actually thought is was kind of funny, and didnt think anyone would be embarassed or teased as a result. I agree this teacher has been consistently unprofessional, no other teacher that I know of would pull something like this. The teachers at Hamilton quality is uneven, but this particular behaviour is not what I would call typical. The bigger issue is that she's apparently an awful teacher - Math is hard enough as it is, so why waste time with stunts like this - she needs to focus on TEACHING, thats what class time should focus on even though her teaching has been rather unproductive. I will be emailing the principal about this so he is aware. He won't know or be able to take action unless he is told. Other parents who are concerned should consider doing so as well. Sigh......Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-48885317476160905242012-06-15T18:08:02.243-07:002012-06-15T18:08:02.243-07:00Regardless of the cutoff score on the MAP test to ...Regardless of the cutoff score on the MAP test to qualify for Algebra in the 6th grade (by the way, what MAP score is required for 7th graders, 8th graders, or 9th graders to take algebra?), it is wrong to use MAP test scores in this way.<br /><br />Is no one else bothered by that? This is a totally inappropriate use of the assessment.Charlie Mashttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17173903762962067277noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-10874044237610606852012-06-15T16:46:26.670-07:002012-06-15T16:46:26.670-07:00Hellion or not, when is public shaming as a discip...Hellion or not, when is public shaming as a disciplinary method ok? <br /><br />Why, after so many complaints, this year and last, do these type of situations keep cropping up? The teacher is the adult in this situation. Her means of handling the situation was not appropriate.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-70917615297506315502012-06-15T16:33:44.692-07:002012-06-15T16:33:44.692-07:00Nobody said I wouldn't want to have a talk wit...Nobody said I wouldn't want to have a talk with my kid (and I have after receiving phone calls home from said teacher). That is the way the disciplinary system should work in my opinion. If you have a problem with my child address it with me as the parent not with his peers or other kids who don't even know him to attempt to solve the problem. Call me, have me come to school, send him to the principal, whatever it is so that you address it with and for my child but don't address my child's behavior with his peers.Tippy Topplehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08813839474814127757noreply@blogger.com