tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-46493386429056864692024-03-16T11:53:19.183-07:00Community Forum for HCC (APP) in Seattle SchoolsAndrew Siegelhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06830585083467140758noreply@blogger.comBlogger512125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-30222273602665408212021-05-28T09:37:00.003-07:002021-05-28T09:37:27.196-07:00Hiatus<p> I'm putting the blog on hiatus unless someone would like to take it over from me.</p>Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-73656477068976798492020-03-13T09:32:00.002-07:002020-03-13T09:32:39.872-07:00COVIDWhat are you planning to do over the next 6 weeks?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-9025755606443845372020-02-03T10:31:00.004-08:002020-02-03T10:31:42.017-08:00Feb '20 Open ThreadHey its open enrollment week and the entire programs future is under attack.<br />
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What's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com39tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-36531081861445601262019-12-03T15:25:00.002-08:002019-12-03T15:25:51.699-08:00December Open ThreadWhat's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-69357198193760571132019-10-07T12:42:00.000-07:002019-10-08T18:51:46.853-07:00October Open Thread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<b>Of Serious importance</b>: the AL office is attempting to dissolve the cohort model i.e the end of standalone 1-5 classrooms and pathways beyond that.</div>
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The next C&I working session will be discussing this matter.</div>
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Links to Slides: <a href="https://www.seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/19-20%20agendas/September%2025/20190925_Agenda_Packet_RevisedPosted20190924.pdf">https://www.seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/19-20%20agendas/September%2025/20190925_Agenda_Packet_RevisedPosted20190924.pdf</a><br />
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What's on your minds?</div>
Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com37tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-81733062849236477852019-09-04T17:01:00.002-07:002019-09-04T17:02:01.366-07:00September '19 Open ThreadSchools back in session. I suspect its going to be a tumultuous year. What's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-74594996607195493342019-07-08T21:20:00.002-07:002019-07-08T21:20:11.444-07:00Summer '19 Open ThreadI'm super busy campaigning (Don't forget to vote this primary) so here's an open thread for the summer.<br />
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What's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-66079309847688888872019-06-04T23:32:00.003-07:002019-06-04T23:32:55.224-07:00June '19 Open ThreadI've been extremely busy but my facebook and website for the School Board campaign are starting to take shape:<br />
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<a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/benfortheboard/issues/?tab=Education">https://www.facebook.com/pg/benfortheboard/</a><br />
Please take a look, like the page and share if you're interested in helping out.<br />
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What's on your minds?<br />
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<br />Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-46229446029157957642019-05-13T09:59:00.002-07:002019-05-13T12:41:32.481-07:00I'm in the Race for School Board District 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I'm still in the process of the getting everything setup. If you're interested in volunteering to help please email me via the contact button. I will have an official website separate from this blog but for I'm not anticipating there will be a big impact on this site other than me putting it on the backburner a bit.<br />
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Our dinner conversation last night was around slogans and the kids feeding me sample questions on where I stand. The idea we came up with was "Consistency, Openness, Excellence". Whether I win or lose I'm looking forward to this experiment in civic democracy.Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-69932905935666457992019-05-02T13:02:00.005-07:002019-05-02T13:02:40.399-07:00May '19 Open ThreadI'm thinking about electability .... What's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-51059448739982645872019-04-30T17:32:00.003-07:002019-04-30T17:32:46.798-07:00Principal Butler Ginolfi resigns at Washington Middle School<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
From: <strong class="gmail_sendername" dir="auto">Emily Butler Ginolfi</strong> <span dir="ltr"><<a href="mailto:eabutlergino@seattleschools.org" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">eabutlergino@seattleschools.<wbr></wbr>org</a>></span><br />Date: Tue, Apr 30, 2019 at 4:15 PM<br />Subject: Update for WMS community<br /></div>
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Dear Washington Community,</div>
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I am writing to let you know that I am resigning as principal of Washington Middle School at the end of the school year. </div>
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I've worked my entire career in urban schools to advance the education of students and engage families disenfranchised by the public-school system. After reviewing the school year, I have come to the realization that my skills and passion are better suited elsewhere.</div>
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I am committed to ensuring a strong close to the school year and a smooth transition for the next WMS leader before my last day on June 30th. I wish only the best for the students, families, and staff of the WMS community.</div>
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District office staff will reach out to the WMS community in the next few weeks and provide additional information about the transition and next school year.</div>
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Sincerely,</div>
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Principal Butler Ginolfi</div>
Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-74233655834720778562019-04-30T11:33:00.001-07:002019-04-30T11:33:19.659-07:00US News and World Report HS Rankings 2019The rankings are out for this year: <a href="https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/washington/rankings">https://www.usnews.com/education/best-high-schools/washington/rankings</a> This should be understood in context of what is being measured:<br />
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Highlights:</div>
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<li>Garfield #7</li>
<li>Roosevelt #11</li>
<li>Ballard #12</li>
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Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-82260356537787588612019-04-03T12:21:00.002-07:002019-04-03T12:21:30.397-07:00April '19 Open Thread"<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">From WCGE: We Need Your Help - Stat</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The deadline for bills to be passed out of the Appropriations Committee in the House is April 9th. So far SSB 5354 has ***not*** been scheduled for a public hearing. The committee plans sessions on April 5, 6 and 8. There is still time!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Please contact committee chairman Rep. Timm Ormsby, even if you have already done so, and urge him to schedule a public hearing and executive session on SSB 5354 before the April 9th deadline. Add a few words about why this bill is important as an equity measure [talking points below].</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><a href="mailto:timm.ormsby@leg.wa.gov" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">timm.ormsby@leg.wa.gov</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Please also send an email to your own House Representatives and ask them to urge Rep. Ormsby to schedule this bill. If you don’t know who they are: </span><a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/&source=gmail&ust=1554403363417000&usg=AFQjCNF0JUF0eFk_hCem4DsrOVEu8-9zBA" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/DistrictFinder/" rel="noreferrer" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">https://app.leg.wa.gov/<wbr></wbr>DistrictFinder/</a><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">[Have friends and family across Washington do this as well.]</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">If this bill does not get out of Appropriations, it is ***dead*** for this session and we have to start all over again next year.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Suggested talking points (use your own words, but keep your message short):</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* This is an important bill to improve equity in state highly capable programs</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* The bill asks for important data disaggregation for better evidence-based decision-making about highly capable programs</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* It calls on OSPI to provide equity-promoting guidelines when diversity goals aren't met</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* It calls for highly capable professional development for principals, counselors, and student teachers – OSPI already has free professional development materials available online</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* OSPI needs more than its current one half-time employee to serve the ENTIRE state with technical support and guidance and to provide data so that legislators and school districts can make evidence-based decisions</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* It requires districts to acknowledge highly capable status from other districts for families that move a lot (military, migrant, etc.).</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* It provides for transportation to highly capable schools, which is an issue especially in rural districts"</span><br />
What's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-89641359064415591692019-03-20T11:12:00.001-07:002019-03-20T11:12:08.315-07:002 State Legislative Advocacy RequestsThe first one via hicapseattle is to call the state legislators about SB 5354:<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Here's a brief description of the bill:</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">SB 5354 - DIGEST Allocates State funding for basic education programs for highly capable students. Requires the funds provided by the State for the State's basic education program for highly capable students to be categorical funded to provide services to highly capable students as determined by a school district. However, school districts must use a portion of the funds to deliver ***professional development***. Requires the funds provided by the State for student transportation to and from school to include transportation to and from programs for highly capable students. Requires each school district to conduct ***universal screenings*** to find students who need further assessment for potential gifted program placement.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blog.hicapseattle.org/2019/03/18/ssb-5354-passes-the-senate-now-to-the-house-action-items/">https://blog.hicapseattle.org/2019/03/18/ssb-5354-passes-the-senate-now-to-the-house-action-items/</a><br />
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The second one from me is to call about lifting the levy lid for Seattle. This one is critical for budgeting next year. If you're upset about losing librarians, or teachers etc. this is your chance to make an impact.<br />
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Here's some more details from WPD:<br />
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<a href="http://paramountduty.org/update-from-olympia-and-call-to-action/">http://paramountduty.org/update-from-olympia-and-call-to-action/</a><br />
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<br />Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-61984853249834171242019-03-05T09:30:00.000-08:002019-03-05T09:30:04.787-08:00March '19 Open ThreadTeaser: I have some news which I'm not quite ready to share. What's on your minds? Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-84556317820317795852019-02-25T11:04:00.000-08:002019-02-25T11:04:00.414-08:00Update on HB1641 (State HiCap reforms)The House Appropriations Committee needs to get email TODAY asking to schedule a hearing in HB1641 by Friday. Please take a moment and email them now emails links here: <a href="https://blog.hicapseattle.org/2019/02/25/e-mail-the-house-appropriations-committee-now-to-ask-for-a-hearing-on-hb1641/?fbclid=IwAR0X6FazkPwEZinCrGe0U_CoVVuJx2ZUb_5YWvfAr24h-DkEShIDQm5yT8E" style="font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Link</a>Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-75512601729643901422019-02-12T17:01:00.000-08:002019-02-15T13:05:07.993-08:00Guest Post: Please Advocate for the next Advanced Learning Supervisor in the district[The following is a guest post from former Board Director Sue Peters. <b>Note: the replacement job has not been posted yet on the SPS site. ]</b><br />
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Head of HCC/AL programs Stephen Martin is retiring from SPS this year. Speak up now to request highly qualified, appropriate replacement</div>
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Dear HCC/Spectrum and AL communities,<br />
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You may be interested to learn that the District’s Supervisor of Highly Capable and Advanced Learning programs, Stephen Martin is retiring from SPS as of 9/1/19, per a recent Personnel Report that was approved by the Board at their Feb 6, 2019 Board meeting: <a href="https://seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/18-19%20agendas/February%206/C02_20190206_Personnel%20Report.pdf">https://seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/18-19%20agendas/February%206/C02_20190206_Personnel%20Report.pdf</a><br />
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I encourage any families in the HCC/Spectrum/AL community who would like to weigh in on the new hire to contact the Board, and Supt Juneau ASAP. It looks like this is being done quite quickly and with no public input.<br />
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Write to them at: <a href="mailto:superintendent@seattleschools.org">superintendent@seattleschools.org</a>; <a href="mailto:spsdirectors@seattleschools.org">spsdirectors@seattleschools.org, dmdebacker@seattleschools.org</a><br />
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The existing job description is here: <a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattleschools/classspecs/750082?keywords=Advanced%20Learning&pagetype=classSpecifications">https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattleschools/classspecs/750082?keywords=Advanced%20Learning&pagetype=classSpecifications</a><br />
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But missing from the listing is any requirement for experience and expertise in gifted education. Instead the focus is primarily on administrative tasks, with one reference to advanced learning. <br />
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To the best of my knowledge, Martin is the only one in the Advanced Learning Department with significant experience in gifted education. Here’s his bio: <a href="https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/advanced_learning/department_information/contact_advanced_learning/stephen_martin_bio">https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/advanced_learning/department_information/contact_advanced_learning/stephen_martin_bio</a> <br />
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I have written to the Board and Supt. Juneau noting this discrepancy and have asked that the district hire a highly qualified replacement with meaningful gifted ed experience. (Letter included below.)<br />
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Regards,<br />
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Sue Peters</div>
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<span style="color: #00000a;"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Request
for highly qualified replacement for retiring supervisor of HCC/AL
Stephen Martin</span></span></span></h3>
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Dear Superintendent Juneau and Board Directors,<br />
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In light of the fact that Stephen Martin, the District’s Supervisor of Highly Capable and Advanced Learning programs, is retiring from SPS as of 9/1/19 (per a recent personnel report: <a href="https://seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/18-19%20agendas/February%206/C02_20190206_Personnel%20Report.pdf">https://seattleschools.org/UserFiles/Servers/Server_543/File/District/Departments/School%20Board/18-19%20agendas/February%206/C02_20190206_Personnel%20Report.pdf</a>), I would like to take this opportunity to urge you to hire a highly qualified, appropriate replacement for him.<br />
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Currently, Mr. Martin is the only member of the Advanced Learning Department staff with significant experience and expertise in gifted education (as his bio demonstrates, included below). So it’s important that his replacement be at least equally as knowledgeable and experienced. <br />
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The candidate should also have a proven commitment to ensuring robust and appropriate programs and services that meet the academic and emotional needs of all gifted and advanced learners throughout the district, and a commitment to outreach to those who have been underrepresented in the programs.<br />
<br />
Yet, the job listing that has been posted by SPS for Mr. Martin’s replacement makes no mention of the terms “gifted education” or “Highly Capable” among the skills, experience and education requirements of the position: <a href="https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattleschools/classspecs/750082?keywords=Advanced%20Learning&pagetype=classSpecifications">https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/seattleschools/classspecs/750082?keywords=Advanced%20Learning&pagetype=classSpecifications</a> (excerpt included below).<br />
<br />
The position as posted doesn’t require teaching experience or familiarity with gifted ed pedagogy, nor is there any mention of experience with twice exceptional students, also a group whose needs must be understood and met by the AL Department. The position doesn't even require an MA in education, just a “closely related field.” <br />
<br />
I hope you can agree that this description does not accurately convey the appropriate requirements for this position. So I ask that it be revised to better and fully reflect the demands of the position and the expectations of families and students of SPS, so the District will be better able to recruit the best candidate for this position.<br />
<br />
The new hire should be someone who:</div>
<ul>
<li>Has a proven track record of relevant and substantial experience working with gifted children.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Has relevant and substantial training in gifted education and programs, including programs for twice exceptional children (<a href="https://nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents/twice-exceptional-students">https://nagc.org/resources-publications/resources-parents/twice-exceptional-students</a>), and those who are gifted in single domains, and understands asynchronous development (<a href="https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/social-emotional-issues/asynchronous-development">https://www.nagc.org/resources-publications/resources/social-emotional-issues/asynchronous-development</a>).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Is committed to genuine efforts to expand diversity in the program, such as expanding and simplifying referrals, investing in teacher and administrator training, and community outreach, rather than through superficial measures such as limiting private appeals (which does little to nothing to increase diverse representation in the program).</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Understands the need for gifted education and recognizes that it is part of basic education, as established by state law.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Is committed to providing meaningful, appropriate curriculum, as prescribed by law.</li>
</ul>
<br />
In sum, I ask that the district hire a highly qualified, talented replacement, quite possibly from outside of SPS, to address the needs of the roughly 4,000 students in SPS identified as Highly Capable, and the over 8,000 students identified as Spectrum or HCC, plus the many advanced learners districtwide <br />
<br />
Lastly, please reach out to the Highly Capable and AL communities for input. And please let me know if I can assist in this process in any way, as a past SPS Board director and member of the SPS APP/HCC community for the last 14 years.<br />
<br />
Thank you for your attention to this matter.<br />
<br />
Sincerely,<br />
<br />
Sue Peters<br />
<br />
SPS & APP/HCC parent since 2005<br />
<br />
SPS Board Director (President & VP), 2013-17<br />
<br />
Founding Member, Parents Across America<br />
<br />
Founding Editor, Seattle Education Blog<br />
<br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<h4>
<b><br /></b><b>BIO: Stephen B. Martin, Supervisor, Highly Capable Services and Advanced Learning Programs</b></h4>
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" 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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><<
Return to Department Contacts</span></a></span></span></div>
Stephen graduated from Bridgewater State College and Boston University, and has done postgraduate work at Florida State University in Gifted Education and the University of Southern California in Educational Policy Planning and Administration. At FSU he studied with Dorothy Sisk, who had served as the Director of the U.S. Office of Gifted and Talented, working with all the state departments in establishing policies and programs for gifted children. Stephen has served as teacher, principal, or gifted coordinator in Massachusetts, the Philippines, Germany, Colorado, and Washington. He is a member of the National Association for Gifted Children (served on the Advocacy Committee with Joseph Renzulli), the Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (board member and twice president), the Northwest Gifted Child Association, and has served on the Washington State Gifted Advisory Committee. Since joining the Advanced Learning office in 2010, Stephen has focused on making opportunities for advanced learners available at all schools, and increasing equitable access for underrepresented students. Working in collaboration with the SPS Department of Technology Services and private consultants, Stephen and his team are upgrading Advanced Learning systems to better serve Seattle families.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/advanced_learning/department_information/contact_advanced_learning/stephen_martin_bio">https://www.seattleschools.org/departments/advanced_learning/department_information/contact_advanced_learning/stephen_martin_bio</a><br />
<br /></div>
<h4>
<br />Excerpt from the current SPS job listing:</h4>
<div>
<br />
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:<br />
<br />
Knowledge of: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Theories and practices of Advanced Learning program education and required services </li>
<li>Aptitude and achievement test measures and their interpretation </li>
<li>Current research, emerging trends for the development of quality programs and the delivery of effective services </li>
<li>Curricula and instructional strategies </li>
<li>Effective methods for budget management and fiscal control</li>
<li>Computer technology for operations management </li>
<li>Practices and principles of supervision; intervention and communication strategies with parents/guardians. </li>
</ul>
<br />
Skills in: <br />
<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Budget preparation; fiscal control </li>
<li>Demonstrating instructional methods </li>
<li>Effective communication (listening, writing, speaking); providing timely response </li>
<li>Prioritizing and meeting critical timelines </li>
<li>Preparing district, state, and federal reports </li>
<li>Facilitating group meetings </li>
<li>Computer technology </li>
<li>Data collection and analysis </li>
<li>Problem solving and decision-making </li>
<li>Public relations </li>
<li>Evaluating the effectiveness of assigned programs </li>
</ul>
<br />
Ability to: <br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Provide leadership and direction </li>
<li>Work effectively and professionally with department staff, central office staff, principals, teachers, parents, and outside agencies </li>
<li>Effectively represent the district before the public </li>
<li>Monitor and track compliance data </li>
<li>Coordinate multiple activities simultaneously </li>
<li>Supervise assigned staff </li>
<li>Work effectively in a multicultural community </li>
<li>Minimum Qualifications</li>
</ul>
<br />
EDUCATION:<br />
<br />
Master's degree in education or closely related field.<br />
<br />
YEARS OF RELEVANT EXPERIENCE:<br />
<br />
Three (3) years of teaching experience, including two (2) years of program management or administrative experience in an urban environment.Three (3) years of teaching experience, including two (2) years of program management or administrative experience in an urban environment.<br />
<br />
CERTIFICATES & LICENSES:<br />
<br />
-Valid Washington State Teaching Certificate or evidence of ability to obtain a Washington State Certificate before starting in this job.<br />
<br />
-A valid driver' license or evidence of equivalent mobility.<br />
<br />
PREFERRED:<br />
<br />
Administrative Credentials. <br />
<br />
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</style>Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com34tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-30849862006529788012019-02-04T12:04:00.004-08:002019-02-27T07:40:55.361-08:00Feb '19 Open Thread <div>
Open enrollment has started: <a href="https://www.seattleschools.org/admissions/registration/school_choice">https://www.seattleschools.org/admissions/registration/school_choice</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Note for those commenting on the online learning policy changes: </b><br />
<b>"</b><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">FYI, BAR Policies Nos. 2024 and 2420 have been pulled tomorrow’s Leg. Mtg. By Supt. Juneau and myself to be referred to the C and I Committee for more discussion, community engagement and potential unintended consequences.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Thank you for your input and conversations - stay tuned.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Leslie Harris</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Director, District 6, President</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">leslie.harris@seattleschools.org</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #202020; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">"</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
Registration for UW Robinson Center summer programs opens today:</div>
<a href="https://robinsoncenter.uw.edu/programs/summer/">https://robinsoncenter.uw.edu/programs/summer/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Ingraham IB Information night has been rescheduled to Tue 2/12 at 7PM in the auditorium.</b><br />
<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: "open sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; font-stretch: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 2em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><a href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5354&Initiative=false&Year=2019" style="border-bottom-style: dotted; border-width: 0px 0px 1px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #f56a6a; cursor: pointer; font: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; transition: all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s, all 0.2s ease-in-out 0s; vertical-align: baseline;">Senate Bill 5</a><span style="color: red;">354</span></span><span style="color: #7f888f;">-2019, a multi-issue hicap education bill, needs your help to advance. </span><span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d4449; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Please forward this message to friends and family in other Washington districts.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #7f888f; font-family: "Open Sans", sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; line-height: inherit; margin-bottom: 2em; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Among other things, SB 5354 requires ALL counselors and principals to get at least 2 hours of in-service professional development and student teachers to get pre-service training. The bill is getting a hearing tomorrow (Wednesday, February 6), but the <span style="border: 0px; box-sizing: inherit; color: #3d4449; font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-style: inherit; font-variant: inherit; font-weight: 600; line-height: inherit; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">Senate Education Committee needs to get a LOT more e-mail asking them “to bring the bill to executive session and to vote a Do Pass recommendation.”</span> Please contact them today. Committee e-mails are below—click on a link for a predrafted message:</div>
</blockquote>
More details here: <a href="https://blog.hicapseattle.org/2019/02/05/e-mail-needed-to-support-sb-5354-2019">https://blog.hicapseattle.org/2019/02/05/e-mail-needed-to-support-sb-5354-2019</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
What's on your minds?<br />
<br /></div>
Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com36tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-80296805132243897182019-02-02T21:09:00.000-08:002019-02-02T22:09:21.356-08:00Washington Students Letter to their Principal<div class="c7" style="font-size: 11pt; line-height: 1.15; padding-bottom: 0pt; padding-top: 0pt;">
[<b>The following group student letter was forwarded to me to be publicly published]</b></div>
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<span class="c4" style="font-family: "times new roman";">WMS Students<br />1/30/2019</span><span class="c6" style="font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline;"> </span></div>
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<span class="c9" style="font-family: "lobster"; font-size: 36pt;"> A Declaration of Representation </span><span class="c4" style="font-family: "times new roman";"><br /></span><span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Dear Ms. Butler Ginolfi and the Washington Middle School Administration, </span><span class="c2" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /> In our 8th Grade history classes this year, we have spent a lot of time learning about the U.S. Revolution and the beginning of the country we live in today. Unfortunately, we are not able to continue those important and historical discussions with many of our same classmates, peers in other classes and programs, and even in most cases our teachers, but we have learned a lot about how much power matters in a system. This kind of situation not only happens in our history classes, but is now reflected throughout the school. If we are going to make a school where everyone learns and is cared about, we need to start having more student voice in decisions, because when different groups of people are involved, just like it should have been in the American colonies, everything works out better for the whole.<br />Below are different students’ voices and opinions on what needs to change in our school. We don’t expect you to do everything we say or even change the way you run our school, but we do ask you to acknowledge our voices and hopefully take our opinions into consideration when you are making changes that affect us.</span></div>
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<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Teaching Changes</span><span class="c3" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> One of the changes that have been put into play was changing what teachers teach, not just what classes the students are in. I had a history teacher that has been teaching Social Studies for a very long time and I know that she was very passionate about it. A lot of the students have been disappointed to find that a teacher they loved will not be teaching them anymore, myself included. She was an amazing teacher and I have learned so much from her this year. I understand that the school wants every student to get a chance to experience different teachers’ classes, but by completely changing the schedules, the students who were in those classes can’t enjoy them anymore. Even though we all deserve the best education possible, the worst thing to do is to interrupt any of these learning experiences. Instead of switching students and teachers around so that every student is better served, why can’t we make sure that every teacher is able to benefit every student?</span><span class="c0" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /></span></div>
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<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Racial Biases</span><span class="c2" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /> Another problem is that bias against students because of the race or program they associate with. It is unfair and needs to change. If we had more students involved in decision making, we could change the way different students are treated. Just taking the time to listen and create platforms for students to speak out could change the whole school dynamic. Communication is so important, but it isn’t a one-way street.<br />One student says, “Students are treated differently because of their skin. As a black student, it sucks that people like me get in trouble and are being suspected of things that other people aren’t.”</span></div>
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<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Scheduling Implications</span><span class="c3" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> Another issue is that new schedules impact the projects we work on in school. For example, many students were supposed to have the opportunity to work on science fair projects in class since they were started so late. Now students in science fair groups are mainly in different classes and they don’t know if they will be able to finish the project on time. Book clubs were also created in some Language Arts classes so now students will not have a way to continue discussions and meet with their groups in class, these issues were also not made clear with teachers before Tuesday,<br />One thing that really bothers me is not being able to have collaborative discussions with students from other programs. As an HCC 8th Grader, it had been a helpful experience to share out and have discussions with students in other programs in history, a result of great structured classes by the 2 old 8th grade US History teachers. But now, we don’t have the opportunity to do so as our classes are split among 4-5 teachers and we are unable to collaborate due to the fact we are across the school from another. Blended History used to be something I really looked forward to, and now it seems like a far reach to have any inter-program discussions at all.</span><span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Periods, Periods, and more Periods </span><span class="c3" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> This year the passing periods have also been changed. Last year we had 5 minutes and the schedule and times were easy to memorize, but now we have to remember exactly when class ends and when it starts and it is really confusing. This is in addition to us having to memorize a completely new schedule in the middle of the year.<br />Also, four minutes is not enough time to get to our classes especially if we need to use the bathroom. I know that as a girl, it can be very inconvenient to have your period because of the bathroom limitations. It’s stressful to have to deal with your period when there’s no time to use the restroom due to the fact that we don’t want to be tardy. Girls can’t plan their periods, sometimes they start during class or passing periods. Girls can’t always wait until a class is over to take care of it. It is very difficult to get from one side of the school to the other and use the bathroom in the middle of it, in four minutes. It’s also very hard to wait until lunch because that is the only time during the day we have time to ourselves to go freely. Passes are not easy to get but it’s also not easy to go outside of class time. In addition to the passing period problem, we are not allowed to go to the bathroom the first or last 10 minutes of class. This is completely unfair because you never know if someone is having an emergency. This goes back to girls getting their periods as well, sometimes going to the bathroom is necessary. It shouldn’t be a shameful thing or a thing to get in trouble for. Even worse are the hall sweeps. If you have a late bus, you had to go to the bathroom, or you’re just late because of traffic and you get caught in the halls, you still get punished even though you were never disrupting any classes.</span><span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Lunches</span><span class="c3" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt;"><br /> This connects to another problem. This year we have to be escorted to the gym or the library during lunch. It’s not like we are going to cause chaos; most of us just want to have some fun during lunch. It’s unfair that we are expected to get to our classes in four minutes but aren’t able to roam freely in the halls during lunch.<br />We should have our lunch back ( 1, 2, 3, lunches) even though some of the lunch tables are empty, because now that there are only 2 lunches and the lunchroom going to get crowded. Students will want their own table with their own space and friends to hang out which excludes the individual or small groups of students, and even to get a lunch there is going to be a much longer time.</span><span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Responsibility</span><span class="c2" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /> We could make this better by letting the students have responsibility, be treated like high school students, and be given high responsibility especially since we are close to going to high school and we should be prepared for the future. We should be given high expectations as students here at Washington Middle School, and also be given opportunities like having noticeable input on school decisions<br /> </span></div>
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<span class="c5" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700;">Music</span><span class="c2" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /> As a student that goes to Washington, I find that the music program is an important thing that the school has to offer. Without the music program, there’s not much left of our school’s amazing history except our old building. To show you how important the music program is to the students, I decided to ask around, and here are the responses I’ve gathered.<br />Our first response is from a student in Intermediate Orchestra: “The music program makes me feel like I can learn stuff and have opportunities because we grow each day.”<br />A student in Senior Choir says “I would say [the music program] makes me feel included and it makes me feel like I am a part of something special.”<br />A student in Senior Band said: “Music class gives me a time of day I can really be excited about, it’s frustrating that people get taken out of these classes and aren’t able to practice material in class like other students.”<br /> This next student is in Senior Choir as well: “I love the music program because it gives a chance for me to express myself in a different way and I get to meet new people who I might not be in classes with normally. The music program is also great because the teachers care about us and they want us to learn and do well.” This student was taken out of Senior choir and put into a lower level, Junior Choir. Another student who I had Junior choir with had been taken out abruptly. They asked to not be named and said:<br />“It brightens my day and honestly it gives me a break so I can get back to focusing on academics after. It's the perfect way to get concentration back.”<br /> To end this off, the last opinion I'll give is mine, (Senior Choir) “I think that choir, and music in general, gives me a chance to express myself and feel like I’m welcomed. I've met so many people I’d never thought to talk to through choir. I find that it's easier for me to be myself and have fun but also learn a lot about my voice.”<br /> To have music classes be disrupted has been very disappointing to many students who enjoy what they have previously taken, and that needs to change.</span></div>
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<span class="c2" style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 12pt; vertical-align: baseline;"><br /> In addition to these changes that are being made, we can’t ignore that in the letters the principal has given us, they show no apology for not communicating to students and families, no regard for raised opinions by the community, and they often blame other sources for problems that have cost us time being educated and much more. She even got the address of our school wrong; it is the address of the school she previously worked at. She also mentions that the changes being made happen often in secondary school, but secondary school is high school and not middle school. We need to be treated like the school we are, and we need our principal to set an example of how to act in these situations, because believe it or not we are all still learning. We understand this is all part of her own principles and values, and understand how hard of a job she has with little state funding, but we think everyone should be able to have a voice in the decisions being made at our school, no matter how much the impact.<br /><br /> We care about what happens now and in the future. Hopefully, our administration does too. Just like in Colonial America, the power belongs to one group of people. But if we want to be the school that fixes inequities, first we need to fix one of the biggest inequities by giving everyone a voice. We hope that you listen to our concerns and take all these suggestions into consideration, and even if you do not, know that we, the students want our school to be the best it can be, for everyone. Everyone wants to have every school year be amazing and in order for that to happen, you have to listen to us and our opinions. Thank you for reading.</span></div>
Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-55680808090474821182019-01-30T19:41:00.002-08:002019-01-30T19:41:53.664-08:00More Disappointing actions at Washington Middle School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There is apparently another round of unannounced scheduling chaos and a protest planned around it.</div>
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<br />Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-52307903830279432792019-01-29T12:26:00.000-08:002019-01-30T19:42:21.885-08:00Choosing a High SchoolOpen enrollment starting to get closer. So its time for the annual High school choice thread. <br />
Ask all your questions here.Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com74tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-6484125199532380562019-01-24T18:40:00.000-08:002019-01-24T18:40:08.618-08:00Last Day to Contact Legislators about HCC Bill SB-5354<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We are glad to share the tremendous news that in addition to the Seattle Public Schools Highly Capable Services Advisory Committee we now have a new advocacy group - HiCap Seattle. Please read about this group and about the pending legislation requiring your action by tomorrow, Friday - January 24th. </span><br />
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Robert Njegovan</div>
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HiCap Seattle is a parent group forming in Seattle to build city-wide community among HC/2e families, perform outreach to underserved communities, create safe spaces to share information about HC/2e parenting and education (whether in public, private, or homeschool), and advocate for best practices in equitable identification and service delivery in SPS. We’ll have information about HiCap Seattle and other topics available if interested. We are always looking for volunteers, so contact or join us here: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.facebook.com/groups/hicapseattle/&source=gmail&ust=1548470311470000&usg=AFQjCNGo2hlOaEeQFeO6lqmlCStcyRmESA" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/hicapseattle/" rel="noreferrer" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.<wbr></wbr>com/groups/hicapseattle/</a></div>
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Dear <span class="m_-7443816982622959660gmail-il">HiCap</span> Seattle Community,</div>
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<b style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span class="m_-7443816982622959660gmail-il">Hicap</span> equity bill update:</b><br />
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Please <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/&source=gmail&ust=1548470311470000&usg=AFQjCNGNhUQqM1HNywyPikvX9ksHjTKdYg" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">contact your state senator</a> BY FRIDAY asking them to support the bipartisan senate bill <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%2520Bills/5354.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1548470311470000&usg=AFQjCNFUFwJOrH3jJF2e8nKURB6Y_tixpA" href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5354.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">SB 5354-2019/2020</a>. A companion house bill is forthcoming, and we will send out an update on it when it drops. (Si usted necesita la ayuda en traducciones, por favor póngase en contacto con Erik, y haremos arreglos para ayudarle.)</div>
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This senate <i>bill</i> includes provisions that will address certain <b>key equity-related issues </b>in all of the state's <span class="m_-7443816982622959660gmail-il">hicap</span> programs, not just in Seattle, but it needs to get a hearing to advance in the legislature. This bill does not address all equity-related reforms, but it is our starting point this session, and it is crucial for the bill to advance. Please spread the word. We've included some talking points in the attached document -- but also write about the specific issues that are important to you. Sincere discussion of your family's experiences can be highly effective, but try to keep the length on the short side (under about 500 words).</div>
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Current full text of bill: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%2520Bills/5354.pdf&source=gmail&ust=1548470311470000&usg=AFQjCNFUFwJOrH3jJF2e8nKURB6Y_tixpA" href="http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/Bills/Senate%20Bills/5354.pdf" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">http://lawfilesext.leg.<wbr></wbr>wa.gov/biennium/2019-20/Pdf/<wbr></wbr>Bills/Senate%20Bills/5354.pdf</a></div>
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Find your state senator: <a data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/&source=gmail&ust=1548470311470000&usg=AFQjCNGNhUQqM1HNywyPikvX9ksHjTKdYg" href="https://app.leg.wa.gov/districtfinder/" style="color: #1155cc;" target="_blank">https://app.leg.wa.<wbr></wbr>gov/districtfinder/</a></div>
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Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-25522462496109239472019-01-24T13:53:00.004-08:002019-01-24T13:53:47.161-08:00West Seattle HS AL Meeting<h3>
Advanced Learning Parent Information Night-WSHS</h3>
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<br />West Seattle High School(WSHS) will be hosting a meeting on<b> February 12th, 7pm-8pm</b>, in the WSHS Library to share and discuss the upcoming transition of the Seattle Public School’s Highly Capable Cohort(HCC) into West Seattle High School. This will include the overall District and WSHS vision for High School HCC/Advanced Learning programming and changes associated with providing equitable access to advanced coursework while preparing all students for future success. The agenda will include a presentation and time for questions and answers. In order to provide as much information as possible and to focus on what is relevant to you, please use the following form to ask questions you would like answered at the meeting. </div>
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<a href="https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WNEx1HRgMkiHg1Hqb23SJ3Ioxu0LAOBBm8TMulg55xxUNTFPQjI3VzZVVkNHVU4wWEVQVjNST0xWRy4u&fbclid=IwAR0CHda8aEUvoj6eOBN6TiA-zraYhVLQt09KO749N2khy-jqHZXdOwPqXkA">https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=WNEx1HRgMkiHg1Hqb23SJ3Ioxu0LAOBBm8TMulg55xxUNTFPQjI3VzZVVkNHVU4wWEVQVjNST0xWRy4u&fbclid=IwAR0CHda8aEUvoj6eOBN6TiA-zraYhVLQt09KO749N2khy-jqHZXdOwPqXkA</a></div>
Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-12578559104791970312019-01-17T11:19:00.001-08:002019-01-17T11:19:10.698-08:002019-2020 Budget WoesIn the midst of the HS discussions I was chatting privately with a teacher about science pathways and he mentioned everything is in flux due to the pending budget cuts/reduction in staff for next year. This comes on top of news that the district is proposing cutting back librarians at all the middle and high schools to 1/2 time. On top of that, because of my participation in the JAMS BLT I'm also seeing the cutbacks effects directly at the school.<br />
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The point of these separate observations is that advanced learning rise and falls with the district as a whole and we're really at a crisis point. This is the time to get activity lobbying at the district and state level to fix the funding situation. If something does not change, the quality of education is not going to be the same next year and going forward.<br />
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<br />Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4649338642905686469.post-57394868046007390172019-01-16T13:02:00.000-08:002019-01-17T11:19:50.820-08:00January '19 Open ThreadHappy New Year Everyone. What's on your minds?Benjamin Leishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10974191081762367425noreply@blogger.com84