Article on a girl taking a knife to school . It follows on the story of bullying. She took the knife to school because she had been bullied so long, physically and mentally. She just wanted to "show the knife" so they would leave her alone.
Bullying continues to be a growing issue. The bullying takes on many forms now. Often disregarded by teachers and administration. If the victim does something, then only the victim is punished.
This needs to change.
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Monday, October 25, 2010
Westerly RI Teachers Annual Evaluations
I'm not sure yet what I think of this article in the Westerly Sun on new educator evaluations.
The Westerly School District will join most of the rest of the state in utilizing the RI Department
of Education model to annually evaluate educators. This will include Teachers as well as support personnel, principals and superintendents.
Westerly School District had actually already started putting together their own evaluation program. This included paying $10,000 to a consultant. Had they not joined the state program, they risked losing funding with "Race to the Top".
It concerns me that eventually 51% will be linked to "testing and/or student performance". Doesn't this pressure teachers more than ever in regards to testing?
I'll need to study what the actual plan is through the state before I can come up with what I really think. Thankfully it doesn't affect my family.
The Westerly School District will join most of the rest of the state in utilizing the RI Department
of Education model to annually evaluate educators. This will include Teachers as well as support personnel, principals and superintendents.
Westerly School District had actually already started putting together their own evaluation program. This included paying $10,000 to a consultant. Had they not joined the state program, they risked losing funding with "Race to the Top".
It concerns me that eventually 51% will be linked to "testing and/or student performance". Doesn't this pressure teachers more than ever in regards to testing?
I'll need to study what the actual plan is through the state before I can come up with what I really think. Thankfully it doesn't affect my family.
Friday, October 22, 2010
Teachers in RI that can't speak English?
I recently was reading an article in the Providence Journal , stating that Teachers may soon have pass an English competency exam prior to being certified. There is currently no test for this as a teacher tests and becomes a certified teacher. Massachusetts began requiring this in 2002.
Evidently there could be a number of public school staff that are not able to speak, read, and/or write English enough to be teaching in a classroom. Some say that these teachers should of already proved their competency by the classes and tests they have to take in order to become a certified teacher. Evidently some have "slipped through the cracks" as evidenced by this article.
This remind me of a Teacher Assistant that my daughter had at the age of 5. My daughter at the time was "non-verbal" or very close to it. She would echo what you spoke. Her aide had broken english. Sometimes I had to strain to understand her. The first thing I thought is why would assign a teacher assistant that didn't have clear english speaking when her biggest challenge was speech?
You can read the full article by clicking on "Providence Journal" above.
Evidently there could be a number of public school staff that are not able to speak, read, and/or write English enough to be teaching in a classroom. Some say that these teachers should of already proved their competency by the classes and tests they have to take in order to become a certified teacher. Evidently some have "slipped through the cracks" as evidenced by this article.
This remind me of a Teacher Assistant that my daughter had at the age of 5. My daughter at the time was "non-verbal" or very close to it. She would echo what you spoke. Her aide had broken english. Sometimes I had to strain to understand her. The first thing I thought is why would assign a teacher assistant that didn't have clear english speaking when her biggest challenge was speech?
You can read the full article by clicking on "Providence Journal" above.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
RI - Students entering college unprepared?
I read an article today about students entering the local community college. It stated that 60% of the students entering are not ready for the college. The college is Community College of RI (CCRI). I found this interesting because I heard that CCRI classes were not as hard as the Universities and that many students who have low grades actually attend CCRI to prepare to get into a University.
This pretty much backs up what I believe. Our public schools are failing our children. Children are graduating high school not prepared for college.
The article quoted the RI Commissioner of Education. She stated that people often remind her that not all students want to go to college. A fact she acknowledges as true. She goes on to say that there are two important points to make. One - We need more college educated adults in RI, so that number needs to go up. Two - Even if they choose not to go to college, they need the level of skills to be successful in life. The skills they need to be successful in life, they also need to be successful in the work world.
The RI Commissioner of Education said, "Some districts in our state don't have access to curriculum that is aligned to state standards. She goes on to say that some districts DO have access to the curriculum but don't always use it.
I find the above quite alarming that either some districts don't have access to the curriculum aligned to the state standards in addition to the fact the ones that do don't use it? I keep wondering why is this happening?!
I agree with another comment the Commissioner of Education makes and that is that it all builds from the very first day of elementary school. Every part of our system has to be making sure students are progressing along the way.
I urge all parents to be sure their children are having the mastery. Read those state standards. If your children are not proficient question someone!
This pretty much backs up what I believe. Our public schools are failing our children. Children are graduating high school not prepared for college.
The article quoted the RI Commissioner of Education. She stated that people often remind her that not all students want to go to college. A fact she acknowledges as true. She goes on to say that there are two important points to make. One - We need more college educated adults in RI, so that number needs to go up. Two - Even if they choose not to go to college, they need the level of skills to be successful in life. The skills they need to be successful in life, they also need to be successful in the work world.
The RI Commissioner of Education said, "Some districts in our state don't have access to curriculum that is aligned to state standards. She goes on to say that some districts DO have access to the curriculum but don't always use it.
I find the above quite alarming that either some districts don't have access to the curriculum aligned to the state standards in addition to the fact the ones that do don't use it? I keep wondering why is this happening?!
I agree with another comment the Commissioner of Education makes and that is that it all builds from the very first day of elementary school. Every part of our system has to be making sure students are progressing along the way.
I urge all parents to be sure their children are having the mastery. Read those state standards. If your children are not proficient question someone!
RI - money following students to another district
Clean Slate says RI should let students switch districts |
A group backing a coalition of more than 80 General Assembly
candidates released a proposal Thursday that would build on
Rhode Island's new school funding formula by allowing students
to opt out of their local schools and attend schools in other districts.
candidates released a proposal Thursday that would build on
Rhode Island's new school funding formula by allowing students
to opt out of their local schools and attend schools in other districts.
Aiming to help students in struggling or failing schools, the
proposal calls for the public money that pays for a student's core
instructional needs to follow the student to his or her new district,
proposal calls for the public money that pays for a student's core
instructional needs to follow the student to his or her new district,
thus providing an incentive for districts to accept new students.
Read the full article at
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
My experience in Westerly RI - Public School
I've encountered a number of incidents first-hand that happened this school year in Westerly RI .
It really showed me the true nature of some of our "staff" in our schools. I'm sure that there is much more. The people we trust our kids with , don't always deserve that trust. On the other hand there are many exceptional staff members.
1. Lack of consistency
Altering an Autistic child's schedule at will because it's easier. Including having a trained Autism Teacher Assistant manning a back door during the morning drop off instead of being the aide for the child she is assigned? After advocating for my daughter and not accepting less they finally left her routine and support as it was in the first place. What a terrible waste of everyone's time.
2. Bullying? Lack of proper support. Staff unaware of incidents or turning that blind eye.
A situation where the "reaction" was seen, but not the "incident ".
Incident where they only saw the "victim" stand up for herself. I again, advocated and asked 3 different staff members if they saw what happened. NONE saw. Lack of proper support or staff doing their job correctly.
They did state they would "watch better" .
3. Speech Pathologist use to consult 10 minutes after a speech session so I could follow up in our home(this has been going on for 3 years) All of a sudden one day she tells me that she can no longer do that due to her "work load". Another note of BS to add into the long list.
4. Not enough staff in specials t support IEP students.(Art, Music, PE and Library)
One teacher's assistant to 4 students, 2 of which need a hand on them most of the time or constant direction. Advocating for right support. The excuse I am given is that there is not enough staff and having 1 aide instead of 2 is the only way they can get a "break".
5. Lack of communication to parents
No home to school book. No verbal communication other than "it went well". OK I think this is great!
Then upon conversations with my daughter hear the things that she says happened.I ask the staff when she tells me something and they get defensive. I'm not accusing them. I ask, did this happen? Or she said this? I always get "Oh, no -- we never do THAT". She can't fabricate stories yet. I sit on "X" lap, means that literally that is how she is. Oh no we never do THAT.
6. Bullying? Staff member?
Incident -- My daughter "passed gas" in class. A student loudly stated that "you are gross". (normal for a child). I was never told of incident. I only found out because that same child stated loudly in the hall to me that "Kiera is so gross". Upon discussion with my daughter, and asking what the aide did, she stated that the aide said, "You are gross. You are disgusting." Kiera cried about this for 2 days saying "Miss K said I am so disgusting"
Inappropriate response by the aide. No one used it as a teaching moment. We wonder why bullying goes on? It was encouraged in this case by the staff. Evidently the classroom teacher did nothing to help.
7. COMMUNICATION/SPEECH
I request staff / share with staff that in group setting we use hand signs and it works well and keeps any frustration or tears or anxiety to 5%. This in turn means she is able to absorb what is being taught. The picture exchange makes her get frustrated or cry. They agree. In fact they reply in writing 3 times that hand signs are being used. The result when I finally observe(see next observation) is they are NOT using the hand-signs.
8. Lack of Proper Supports - Observation
I observe daughter's morning meeting piece. No aide support other than to say 3 commands.
Using pictures and words -- no hand signs. Daughter totally ignored for first 5 minutes and left on her own. I observe her confusion what to do. Her (supposed) aide is off with another child. This is not proper support. I plan to advocate and express concern.
9. REQUEST MEETING
I request 10 minute meeting to address a few concerns with Special Educator/Case worker. Her reply is she is unable to meet with me in a 7-day period. Her reasoning is because of all the things she has to do with her classroom. I know that she could easily find 10 minutes if she wanted to (she has in past years and this is very out of character for her) Another parent shared that she said she can't meet with her because she has to get home to her infant. I reply and copy director that it is unacceptable to deny a meeting. I also respond that my child will not attend until I meet with Director(which is schedule in a week). I also make it clear that it is unacceptable and possibly illegal.
10. Child hit by staff member?
My child articulated clearly that "Miss K hit me" Then she said, "she do this" and demostrated her hand being squeezed and twisted. Something easily done anywhere without anyone seeing. I have no proof other than her words. At this point happy she is out of the school. ( I am already an approved home schooler)
11. SPEECH while waiting for a meeting.
I decide to keep the speech sessions; 1:1 because speech is our main issue.
I receive an email that night from the principal asking me to meet with her while child is in speech. I agree because I am curious and am hopeful concerns will be heard.
12. MEETING with Principal (A. Faubert) of State Street School
Principal had emailed me and asked if I would meet with her while my daughter attended her 30-minute speech session. I agreed out of curiosity. Maybe she wanted to hear my concerns?
Principal did NOT even ask about my concerns but spent 10 minutes chastising me. She stated with that she didn't have contact info (which the school does). I ensure at the beginning of every year this is in place.
For three years I have not signed in while I bring my child to class because the administrative staff of the school said it was unneccessary. That was the first point the principal made, which I was fine with if she needed that to feel like she was in control. She made two flippant comments that I smiled through.
Next, she wanted any emails to staff go through her. Evidently she didn't like my paper trail from various staff on the same issue that proved I had my facts. About this time I stopped her and told her to save her breath. I was withdrawing my child anyways. Smile, thank her leave.
13. MEETING - SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Prior to meeting had decided I am withdrawing my daughter from all school; including services. I shared all the incidents with the special education director, some of which she was aware of from being copied on emails. The Special Ed Director offered another school or program. I shared that I can't after everything that happened. I did say I would think about it and she and I left the door open. I signed withdrawal papers. I put LACK OF APPROPRIATE SUPPORTS as the reason.
This is why the system is falling apart. However, for us, they didn't get away with it.
I haven't filed formal complaints yet!
It really showed me the true nature of some of our "staff" in our schools. I'm sure that there is much more. The people we trust our kids with , don't always deserve that trust. On the other hand there are many exceptional staff members.
1. Lack of consistency
Altering an Autistic child's schedule at will because it's easier. Including having a trained Autism Teacher Assistant manning a back door during the morning drop off instead of being the aide for the child she is assigned? After advocating for my daughter and not accepting less they finally left her routine and support as it was in the first place. What a terrible waste of everyone's time.
2. Bullying? Lack of proper support. Staff unaware of incidents or turning that blind eye.
A situation where the "reaction" was seen, but not the "incident ".
Incident where they only saw the "victim" stand up for herself. I again, advocated and asked 3 different staff members if they saw what happened. NONE saw. Lack of proper support or staff doing their job correctly.
They did state they would "watch better" .
3. Speech Pathologist use to consult 10 minutes after a speech session so I could follow up in our home(this has been going on for 3 years) All of a sudden one day she tells me that she can no longer do that due to her "work load". Another note of BS to add into the long list.
4. Not enough staff in specials t support IEP students.(Art, Music, PE and Library)
One teacher's assistant to 4 students, 2 of which need a hand on them most of the time or constant direction. Advocating for right support. The excuse I am given is that there is not enough staff and having 1 aide instead of 2 is the only way they can get a "break".
5. Lack of communication to parents
No home to school book. No verbal communication other than "it went well". OK I think this is great!
Then upon conversations with my daughter hear the things that she says happened.I ask the staff when she tells me something and they get defensive. I'm not accusing them. I ask, did this happen? Or she said this? I always get "Oh, no -- we never do THAT". She can't fabricate stories yet. I sit on "X" lap, means that literally that is how she is. Oh no we never do THAT.
6. Bullying? Staff member?
Incident -- My daughter "passed gas" in class. A student loudly stated that "you are gross". (normal for a child). I was never told of incident. I only found out because that same child stated loudly in the hall to me that "Kiera is so gross". Upon discussion with my daughter, and asking what the aide did, she stated that the aide said, "You are gross. You are disgusting." Kiera cried about this for 2 days saying "Miss K said I am so disgusting"
Inappropriate response by the aide. No one used it as a teaching moment. We wonder why bullying goes on? It was encouraged in this case by the staff. Evidently the classroom teacher did nothing to help.
7. COMMUNICATION/SPEECH
I request staff / share with staff that in group setting we use hand signs and it works well and keeps any frustration or tears or anxiety to 5%. This in turn means she is able to absorb what is being taught. The picture exchange makes her get frustrated or cry. They agree. In fact they reply in writing 3 times that hand signs are being used. The result when I finally observe(see next observation) is they are NOT using the hand-signs.
8. Lack of Proper Supports - Observation
I observe daughter's morning meeting piece. No aide support other than to say 3 commands.
Using pictures and words -- no hand signs. Daughter totally ignored for first 5 minutes and left on her own. I observe her confusion what to do. Her (supposed) aide is off with another child. This is not proper support. I plan to advocate and express concern.
9. REQUEST MEETING
I request 10 minute meeting to address a few concerns with Special Educator/Case worker. Her reply is she is unable to meet with me in a 7-day period. Her reasoning is because of all the things she has to do with her classroom. I know that she could easily find 10 minutes if she wanted to (she has in past years and this is very out of character for her) Another parent shared that she said she can't meet with her because she has to get home to her infant. I reply and copy director that it is unacceptable to deny a meeting. I also respond that my child will not attend until I meet with Director(which is schedule in a week). I also make it clear that it is unacceptable and possibly illegal.
10. Child hit by staff member?
My child articulated clearly that "Miss K hit me" Then she said, "she do this" and demostrated her hand being squeezed and twisted. Something easily done anywhere without anyone seeing. I have no proof other than her words. At this point happy she is out of the school. ( I am already an approved home schooler)
11. SPEECH while waiting for a meeting.
I decide to keep the speech sessions; 1:1 because speech is our main issue.
I receive an email that night from the principal asking me to meet with her while child is in speech. I agree because I am curious and am hopeful concerns will be heard.
12. MEETING with Principal (A. Faubert) of State Street School
Principal had emailed me and asked if I would meet with her while my daughter attended her 30-minute speech session. I agreed out of curiosity. Maybe she wanted to hear my concerns?
Principal did NOT even ask about my concerns but spent 10 minutes chastising me. She stated with that she didn't have contact info (which the school does). I ensure at the beginning of every year this is in place.
For three years I have not signed in while I bring my child to class because the administrative staff of the school said it was unneccessary. That was the first point the principal made, which I was fine with if she needed that to feel like she was in control. She made two flippant comments that I smiled through.
Next, she wanted any emails to staff go through her. Evidently she didn't like my paper trail from various staff on the same issue that proved I had my facts. About this time I stopped her and told her to save her breath. I was withdrawing my child anyways. Smile, thank her leave.
13. MEETING - SPECIAL EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Prior to meeting had decided I am withdrawing my daughter from all school; including services. I shared all the incidents with the special education director, some of which she was aware of from being copied on emails. The Special Ed Director offered another school or program. I shared that I can't after everything that happened. I did say I would think about it and she and I left the door open. I signed withdrawal papers. I put LACK OF APPROPRIATE SUPPORTS as the reason.
This is why the system is falling apart. However, for us, they didn't get away with it.
I haven't filed formal complaints yet!
Free Online Learning through RI Department of Education
Doing some continued research on education in our state, I found that there is some online free coursework. It ranges from lesson plans and videos to materials and courses for self study.
You can find the full list http://www.ride.ri.gov/instruction/curriculum/rhodeisland/resources/onlinelearning.aspx. This is called Open Course Ware. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) first initiated open courseware in 1999. Other institutes have followed. You will find lecture notes, videos, practice sets and other course materials at the college level.
Hope this information helps someone. I know as a home education family this is of interest to us for the future.
You can find the full list http://www.ride.ri.gov/instruction/curriculum/rhodeisland/resources/onlinelearning.aspx. This is called Open Course Ware. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) first initiated open courseware in 1999. Other institutes have followed. You will find lecture notes, videos, practice sets and other course materials at the college level.
Hope this information helps someone. I know as a home education family this is of interest to us for the future.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Homework -- how much is too much?
How much is too much? How much is too little?
Recently, I have heard from many parents who have children in public or private schools about their frustration with homework that their children are assigned. The quantity of the work and sometime the "busy work" they see coming home.
We home school and so "homework" isn't really a topic in this house. We learn all the time, everywhere. We also have a lot of time as a family. We practice independent study skills, reading, math facts, spelling and vocabulary day and/or night.
Children in elementary grades in Westerly, RI go to school from 8:45 to 3:15. Many children who ride the bus are not home till 4pm, if not later (due to busing issues, but that's a different post). This, in my opinion, doesn't leave a lot of time for family time. Yet the school committee recommends a third-grade student have 40 to 50 minutes of homework per night, according to one third-grade teacher. The National Education Association endorses the "10-minute rule" - 10 minutes of homework per grade. This would mean a 3rd grader should have no more than 30 minutes of homework per night.
There is a lot of research on this topic; none of which is conclusive. There are convincing points for homework, but how much? I think children in elementary school need free time as well as families. Research supports this line of thinking. What is the overall benefit of homework versus what they lose. Lets not forget the homework wars, the confusion and the anxiety.
I think we need to stop and think quality over quantity. There will be times where homework is needed, but not every night and not in the quantity we are seeing.
Thoughts to ponder.
Welcome
I am happy to welcome you to my blog about education!
I will be blogging about education in general as well as the public education system in my town, Westerly Rhode Island. Much will also be about special education because that is an interest of mine
I have served on our Local Advisory Committee as both a member and as Secretary. I have attended many state-wide networking meetings for special education, school committee meetings, and workshops. I continue to advocate both within and outside of the public education system.
Much of my content may be my thoughts, experiences, and beliefs. Just as much will be factual stories, articles, issues in public education. Some may even be articles and information about home education. I welcome all comments openly.
I encourage you to follow my blog. Please take a seat over the days, weeks, months and/or years as I share factual stories and analyze issues in education.
I will be blogging about education in general as well as the public education system in my town, Westerly Rhode Island. Much will also be about special education because that is an interest of mine
I have served on our Local Advisory Committee as both a member and as Secretary. I have attended many state-wide networking meetings for special education, school committee meetings, and workshops. I continue to advocate both within and outside of the public education system.
Much of my content may be my thoughts, experiences, and beliefs. Just as much will be factual stories, articles, issues in public education. Some may even be articles and information about home education. I welcome all comments openly.
I encourage you to follow my blog. Please take a seat over the days, weeks, months and/or years as I share factual stories and analyze issues in education.
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