Schools Count Corp.

CPS Hearing on Fuller

2012-02-02T06:45:00.006-06:00

Last evening some fifty people gathered at CPS Headquarters in Chicago for a hearing regarding the status of Fuller Elementary School. The CPS has a recommendation on the table to make Fuller a 'turnaround' school to be run by AUSL.

You'll remember, a 'turnaround' is a situation where the entire staff is let go and a new one is put in place. AUSL would put the staff in place and 'train' them.

CPS made a couple of statements regarding the failure of Fuller, over the past four years, to raise its ISAT scores in addition to remaining on probation. Additionally, CPS stated its claim to the fact that they tried to rectify various shortcomings. Following these presentations the AUSL personnel made it pitch to turn around Fuller.

After roughly 45 minutes nearly one dozen people stepped forward to defend the new direction of Fuller under Principal Carrmilla Young. Ms. Young has been on the job less than one year!! As most people noted, Ms. Young, and the school, should be given a better chance of continuing to improve the school.

From those within schools to those in the neighborhood to those who work in areas outside Fuller, the sentiment was the same; Ms. Young and the staff have already made marked progress in its academics and school culture in just a few months. I had the pleasure to speak on behalf of Schools Count Corp and to recommend that Fuller remain in the hands of Ms. Young.

A non-partisan attorney ran the meeting and heard from all sides for two hours. It is up to the attorney to come back to CEO Jean-Claude Brizard, and the School Board, with a recommendation to leave Fuller alone or to go ahead with CPS plans to make it a 'turnaround.'

No matter where one stands on the spectrum of leaving Fuller alone or making it a turnaround, it is hard to argue with the internal progress being made by everyone at the school this year. Great learning is taking place and the children are being attended to in terrific manner. I know this for a fact...I have been in the classrooms at Fuller. Amazing stuff!!

I have been in literally 100 schools since this charity started and few of them stack up to Fuller in terms of the progress they are making on many fronts. From my vantage point, this is a 'no brainer,' Fuller has already turned the corner and does not need to be made a 'turnaround.'

Dick

Supporting Fuller Elementary

2012-02-01T09:04:00.004-06:00

Hi Everyone,
Below is a copy of a letter I sent to all the members of the CPS Board of Education in support of Fuller Elementary School. I thought you might be interested in what we are doing to support the school. I will be sure to let you know of any communication, or CPS action, with regard to what the Board decides to do with Fuller.

Thanks, Dick

Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Richard Flesher, President of the charity, Schools Count Corp. Our charity has been involved in assisting public schools in New Orleans, LA; Joplin, MO; Galveston, TX; Darbonne, Haiti; Cedar Rapids, IA and twenty eight Chicago Public Schools. Over the past two years our agency has brought tens of thousands of dollars worth of school supplies to those students most in need in the CPS system.

I am writing to you as a person who has assisted Fuller Elementary School and has an intimate knowledge of the school, the principal, the students and the staff. Over the past year I have made it a point to visit a number of classrooms at Fuller. I can report to you that the student body, over the past year, has made remarkable progress in many respects. The hallways are calm and quiet, the staff is working effectively, students are attentive and eager to learn, and Ms. Young has transformed the school into one with high expectations. It is a remarkable ‘about face’ from the 2010-2011 school year to the current one.

I believe if each of you were to visit the Fuller Elementary classrooms you would be stunned at the level of success I have alluded to in the previous paragraph. In fact, Ms. Young has already ‘turned around’ the school in significant ways. As you approach your task on earmarking schools to close or ‘turnaround,’ for the next school year, I would strongly encourage you to get into the classrooms at Fuller before you take any action. It will surely make your decision a more informed one. Many thanks for your consideration.

Sincerely,

Richard Flesher
President, Schools Count Corp., NFP

West Pullman - More Success!

2012-01-31T06:42:00.004-06:00

It is my hope that some of our avid blog followers are seeing a developing picture among a good portion of the schools we serve in the CPS system. A trend in upward growth is quite evident, a harbinger of better days ahead for the children.

West Pullman Elementary is but another success story. The average percent, schoolwide, of children meeting or exceeding state standards on the ISAT test in 2010was 58%. 2011 revealed that 64.7% of the students had met or exceeded the state standards. A nice jump.

Though other schools in the city may have achieved greater growth, few schools have suffered as much as West Pullman when it comes to dealing with some tough times on the southside. The fact remains...West Pullman is improving, the students are showing growth, and everyone concerned is 'pulling their weight.'

As such, the school is most deserving of any help that we can continue to render and that's just what we'll do going forward.

Keep up the great work!
Dick

Lavizzo Elementary Marches On

2012-01-30T07:56:00.003-06:00

As I periodically do, I am posting the change in ISAT scores on another one of the Chicago Public Schools we are fortunate enough to work with each fall. As is the case with many of the schools we serve, Lavizzo Elementary's ISAT scores showed great improvement from 2010 to 2011.

The combined percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards, in 2010, was 32.2%. Things changed drastically in 2011 as 63.1% of the Lavizzo student body either met or exceeded state standards.

This is wonderful growth!! Kudo's should go out to everyone in the Lavizzo community; the students, teachers, parents, support staff, administration, aides and tutors. I am probably missing some key individuals, who supported this exciting upward trend, so I apologize if I did not name you.

As the crusade to add charters and turnarounds seems to continue, unabated, there is clear evidence that a good portion of the neighborhood schools are getting the job accomplished on a daily basis.

Keep up the great work Lavizzo!!
Dick

'Don't Obsess on Selective Enrollment'

2012-01-29T10:15:00.003-06:00

These are the words from today's Chicago Tribune article in which CPS Chief Jean-Claude Brizard emphasized that the best school options come from improving neighborhood campuses. Said Brizard, "I think as a community we're a bit too obsessed with selective enrollment."

These comments were made at the New Schools Expo at Soldier Field on Saturday, January 28th. He added, "What we have to do, folks, is create great schools for kids, no matter where they are."

I'm not always in agreement with Mr. Brizard but, on this issue, there is common ground. Many neighborhoods lack security; job, social, safety, etc. Another form of security can be maintained by keeping students in schools that are working hard and helping kids progress. Notice, I said nothing about test scores.

Whenever children, and their parents, can find peace of mind, a decent education and other forms of stability, withing their communities, then everyone will be all the better for it.

Shipping children around the city to selective schools, closing neighborhood schools that are doing a credible job, and tearing down pillars of crumbling communities is not the answer. On this topic, Mr. Brizard has it right. People 'shouldn't obsess about selective enrollment.'

Thanks,
Dick

Too Much at Stake

2012-01-28T06:55:00.006-06:00

One of the efffects of promoting charter schools has been the resulting competetion for students. This may or may not have been an intended consequence of creating such schools but it is a fact. I'll put on my less cynical mask and say that it wasn't intended.

This is a sad story. Pitting schools against one another. Schools aren't free enterprise entities though I know some people reckon it ought to be that way. A seven year old is entitled to a decent and comprehensive education and it should take place as a matter of fact in our society.

We have gone centuries believing in and adhering to the fact that a public education is inherent in the American Experiment. There is no other way to put it and there is no reason to alter the march in that direction.

Lots of people tout 'American Esceptionalism' and if that is indeed the case then the mainstay of reaching such a lofty goal is to have a single, focused goal of providing the best possible public education .

We don't need competing interests and factions doing the above. We need to pull together and find a way, as we have for decades, to satisfy the 'commons.' There is too much at stake to do otherwise.

Thanks,
Dick

Just Another Day in the Life of a Teacher

2012-01-27T07:16:00.006-06:00

I have written past stories regarding the onslaught of 'reforms' put in place by various government agencies. At the same time, I have commented on the amount of time, effort, and thought it takes for the classroom teacher to implement such reforms as; 504 plans, various levels of curriculum (and delivery) for students in the same class, online assignments, and IEP's.

I came across an example with an IEP, just the other day, that underscores the huge commitment made by teachers that goes virtually unnoticed by the general population. And, while going unnoticed, it allows critics of teachers and schools to continue the barrage of criticism against public education.

Here's what I came in contact with...A teacher filled me in on a student with an IEP who has it written in his plan, among a number of accommodations, that if he goes below a certain score then the teacher has to meet before and/or after school to go over the incorrect answers. The teacher has to go over all the material that this young man got wrong and he will keep meeting with the teacher until he gets the material correct. Once that takes place then the score will be raised.

Let me be clear I have worked with students with IEP's for a long period of time and I very much enjoyed my relationship with them just as I did with other students. So I want it to be known that we are to help students who have IEP's.

A teacher literally could have to meet with this one person numerous times (and has) per week outside of the classroom. But that's not the whole story. That's just not reasonable given the other duties of a teacher, the time that needs to be spent with up to 130 other students who might need one to one assistance, and the fact that many teachers have lots of IEP students.

Too often, those that develop such 'reforms' just don't understand, or care to, just how difficult it is to meet everyone's expectations and mandates. Really, when will this whirlwind of demands, many not very reasonable, end?

Like I said, it's 'just another day in the life of a teacher.' The fact is, it doesn't have to be this way.

Thanks,
Dick

Fat Tuesday Fundraiser!

2012-01-26T09:31:00.007-06:00

2012 promises to be an eventful year for the schools we serve and what better way to kick off our fundraising than to put on a Fat Tuesday Fundraiser!! Our Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Concert is just around the corner and you'll want to get in on the fun at this wonderful jazz concert.

The Hinsdale Central High School Jazz Ensembles will put you in the mood by playing a variety of favorites on Tuesday, February 21st. As in the past, Hinsdale Central will host the event in the student cafeteria commencing at 7:30 pm.

Aside from the night club atmosphere and great jazz, the HC Music Parents Association will provide all sorts of refreshments for our patrons. Quite nice of them indeed!

Admission to the event is $5 per person or $10 for the entire family. A nice deal! By the way, anyone wishing to donate an instrument, in good playing condition, will be provided with FREE admission and Schools Count Corp will provide a charitable tax deduction receipt for the donated instrument. Just bring the instrument to the concert and I will be pleased to accept it.

The instruments will be given to Chalmers Elementary School in Chicago. They have a music teacher but NO instruments!! Our charity will help the school collect instruments so that they can have a band program.

What better way to shake the winter blues away than to partake in a night of jazz, all the while by helping Chalmers get their program up and running.

Looking forward to seeing you!!

Many thanks,
Dick

And the Role of the Teacher...

2012-01-25T08:10:00.005-06:00

As I was pondering the implementation of a longer school day at CPS next year, it dawned on me that adding 90 to 140 minutes to the existing day is quite significant.
Then the question hit me...what role did the teachers play, or not, in determining what specific curriculum will be implemented?

I am not talking about how the CPS Teacher's Union weighed in on the matter though I am not discounting their importance. I am sure there are many thoughtful people within the CPS hierarchy who have their heads on straight and can be of great assistance in this matter.

But here's the critical point...the people in the trenches, day in and day out, know the needs of the children. The teachers know the strength and weaknesses of the kids and, as such, must be part of the process.

If teachers aren't consulted then we have lost an important element that should be part of the process. Another reason to consult with teachers is this...they are the ones who have to deliver the additional subject matter. Curriculum should be added to the lengthened day that teachers can effectively deliver to the students.

When teachers are an integral part of the process, and buy into it, then the chances improve that the lengthened school day will produce great results.

Dick

Part II - CPS Lengthened Day

2012-01-24T06:35:00.003-06:00

The longer school day going into effect next year is likely to provide many benefits to the children in the Chicago Public Schools. I'm certain that the added instruction will prove to be beneficial.

Let's hope that the driving force for a longer school day isn't raising test scores. To some, this may be the best way to track progress but that doesn't equate to receiving a well rounded education!

The extra 90 to 140 minutes could well be spent by providing students with art and music instruction. Right now the students within the CPS system receive minimal time in these courses. The point is this...if the vast majority of the expanded school day is used to augment reading and math then the whole child's development will be denied.

The benefits of a well rounded curriculum are well known. If such an education is appropriate for the vast majority of communities in America, with the proper resources, then they are necessary for the students of the Chicago Public Schools.

Dick

Details of Longer CPS School Day

2012-01-23T08:22:00.011-06:00

As promised, according to this morning's Chicago Sun-Times article, the Chicago Public School students will see their day lengthened by anywhere from 90 to 140 minutes next year.

As mentioned on other occasions, I am in favor of a longer school day. I am sure the students will benefit from having additional classroom instruction time. No doubt about it.

The pluses could be huge and notice, please, that I said that the benefits 'could be' significant. No, I am not be skeptical at the outset; rather, raising some serious points that haven't been fully answered.

For one, the day is being lengthened for 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Additional instruction time likely means more class periods and that will necessitate additional teachers. Little mention was made in the Trib's article about a real commitment to hiring more teachers.

Ninety to one hundred and forty minutes added to the school day will require teachers to put in much more time at school. The question needs to be raised, what compensation will be provided to the teachers? I can't fathom anyone realistically expecting teachers to put in the extra time pro bono.

Here's another concern. Though an additional 54 minutes will be added to the elementary school instructional day and 46 minutes to the high school day, what will use will be made of the remaining period of time? How will that additional time be used? If it's not used wisely then simply adding minutes to the day will prove to be useless.

Finally, one more factor needs to be part of this process. All parties need to make sure that school officials, building staff, teachers, parents and students buy into the lengthening of the day. If this doesn't take place then all of the plans, no matter how well intended will fail.

Let's hope for the best!
Dick

What School Reform Should Look Like

2012-01-22T16:57:00.008-06:00

Plenty of programs, laws, and policies have been initiated in recent years in the name of school reform. From NCLB to charter schools to state testing to turnarounds to school closings, plenty has taken place over the past couple of decades.

I have great doubts about the effectivenss of most of these because I believe the essence of school reform, from its inception, is misguided. By that, I am referring to the meaning of school reform.

The idea of school reform should have one simple parameter...what can be done to best serve the learner. Notice I didn't say what can be done to raise test scores.

Closing one school and opening another, in and of itself, doesn't necessarily address the idea of best serving the learner. Does a charter necessarily meet the criteria I've suggested? Not really. Firing an entire staff, and replacing them, doesn't necessarily get the job done either.

You want school reform? Here's what it looks like...

a) Provide excellent teachers
b) Get the resources needed to the students and teachers
c) Strive for improvement
d) Put good leadership in each school building
e) Set high expectations
f) Don't worry about test scores
g) Maintain stability within the school
h) government agencies, and others, have to address neighborhood poverty rather than shuttering school buildings
i) Provide a comprehensive education that doesn't merely focus on one or two subjects
j) Engage students, believe in them, convince them that education will make a difference.

Thanks,
Dick

More Success!

2012-01-21T14:09:00.007-06:00

Curtis Elementary is another one of the CPS schools which we are pleased to assist. Talk about a school on the rise...WOW!!

Check out these ISAT scores! The composite scores of all students, taking the ISAT, looks like this: The reading score was 36.7 in 2010 and jumped to 80.4 in 2011. An incredible amount of progress. The same goes for math. The score in 2010 was 49.1 and in 2011 it jettisoned to 80.4!

Just another example of students, staff and parents getting the job done. We find success stories like Curtis all the time. Too bad this good news rarely cracks the daily media.

We are proud to help Curtis and we'll continue to do so going forward.

Thanks for your assistance!
Dick

Diane Ravitch on Education

2012-01-20T09:31:00.003-06:00

Take it from an expert, we are allowing those who know little about education and reform to dictate classroom policy. According to Diane Ravitch the time has come to let the pro's reform education and to get governors, the Dept. of Education and the President out of the way.

Ravtich commented in the Dec. 2011/Jan. 2012 issue of Educational Leadership that "testing is a very flawed instrument and we are basing our kids future on it." Her argument is a strong and profound one in that it calls into question what students will take out of constant standardized testing during the K-12 years.

Ms. Ravtich goes on to pose a thoughtful statement and question regarding the real goal of education. If the "aim of education is to get the right answer then what does that do to creativity, to imagination and the ability to find answers to solve problems?"

I'll help answer the question. Students will learn that getting the 'right answer' is all that counts. Getting answers correct is but one facet of educating today's youth. Going through life, however, will prove a great deal more difficult than getting the 'right anwser.'

The time has come to shelve the heavy dependence upon standardized testing as the 'cureall' reform to improve learning, teacher effectiveness and more. Perhaps this discussion will finally lead the general public to understand that education has always been about much more than testing.

Dick

It's A Cold One

2012-01-19T07:10:00.003-06:00

As I sit comfortably in Starbucks, on this very chilly morning, my thoughts turn to the homeless and how they deal with this cold. The cold is but one more obstacle that many Chicago children, particularly those who are homeless, have to deal with year in and year out.

There are a staggering 1.35 million homeless youth in the United States, many of those (43%) who are age 6, or under, are living with homeless parents.

Here in Illinois, 25,000 youth are homeless and at least 11,000 of them live in the city of Chicago. Can you imagine what it is like to be in their shoes? How on earth, if they make it to school (which many do!), do they function in the classroom?

This is one of the many reasons Schools Count Corp. recently delivered hundreds of coats to the kids. It is a worthwhile endeavor we will continue next year.

When I hear people harp about the quality of school or the lack thereof I am reminded of such obstacles as homelessness and the cold. I am also reminded of the fact that many of these environmental and societal issues are outside of the control of the children.

I am puzzled by those who complain about low inner city test scores or some of the other struggles that children face who confront the effects of poverty. The cold and homeless are but symptoms of such poverty and the kids don't have the 'boot straps' to tackle such problems.

As long as the schools work hard to assist the children and as long as the students work to the best of their abilities then we'll do our part to help them get an education. Cold, poverty, homelessness and more should not stop us from helping these people.

Thanks,
Dick

Not So Fast!

2012-01-17T07:27:00.004-06:00

For those of you who follow our blog and the happenings in the Chicago Public School system the article below renders a thoughtful judgement against closing schools and making others turnarounds unless CPS garners more information. Spearheaded by Rep. Cynthia Soto, there is a movement afoot, on different fronts, to better examine the closures and turnarounds.

By Noreen S. Ahmed-Ullah, Chicago Tribune

A state legislative task force created to address community concerns over Chicago's efforts to shut down or completely overhaul underperforming schools is calling for a moratorium on school closings and "turnarounds."

"This is a new (CPS) administration," said state Rep. Cynthia Soto, D-Chicago, who plans to introduce a bill calling for the ban when the General Assembly returns later this month. "They really have to get to know these communities before they start to take school actions. Some of the schools they've proposed are performing and should not be targeted."

Soto, the task force co-chairwoman, called for a moratorium three years ago and the legislature established the task force, which last year crafted the state law that now holds CPS subject to more rigorous guidelines concerning how officials decide actions like school closings and staff replacement.

The task force will be reporting back to state officials on CPS' compliance with the new law this year. In a resolution passed this week, task force members said CPS' guidelines for determining school closings and turnarounds remain unclear.

In November CPS announced its plans to close seven schools this year and picked another 10 for turnaround, a process by which all staff are fired, new people are hired and millions of dollars worth of programs are poured into the new school in a bid to raise test scores.

But since those announcements, community groups have pointed to the fact that Casals Elementary, a Humboldt Park school in Soto's district, is slated for turnaround even though other schools have lower test scores. More than 61 percent of Casals' students met state standards, which is almost 12 percentage points below the district average but still higher than other schools that are not being closed.

The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization said the greater Bronzeville region has seen 15 schools closed and one high school turnaround in 12 years, but still another two schools in the area were proposed for closing and two more for turnaround this year.

CPS objects to a ban on closings and turnarounds.

MLK on Education

2012-01-16T09:05:00.004-06:00

Many students have the day off as it is Martin Luther King Day. Though everyone realizes Dr. King was a civil rights leader, many may not realize the extent to which Dr. King cared about the issue of education. Following is a quote from Dr. King that I thought was worth sharing with you.

Said Dr. King...

"At this point, I often wonder whether or not education is fulfilling its purpose. A great majority of the so-called educated people do not think logically and scientifically. Even the press, the classroom, the platform, and the pulpit in many instances do not give us objective and unbiased truths. To save man from the morass of propaganda, in my opinion, is one of the chief aims of education. Education must enable one to sift and weigh evidence, to discern the true from the false, the real from the unreal, and the facts from the fiction.

Schools Count Corp will do all we can to enhance the above of condition, no matter the school, city or country.

Many thanks,
Dick

Haiti - 2 years Later

2012-01-14T09:23:00.006-06:00

Barely a whisper was heard this past week marking the 2nd anniversary of the January 12, 2010 earthquake which literally ripped apart much of Haiti. Yes, there was mention of it at PBS and the Guardian but not much in the mainstream American media.

Lots of promises were made to come to the aid of the Haitians. $4.5 billion was committed to the country but, scarcely two years later, just 53% of the assistance has made its way to the country. A sad statistic but true statistic. Just two countries have fully followed through, namely Japan and Finland.

The ongoing tragedy has taken a huge toll. Not only did 300,000 Haitians perish in the quake but the after-effects continue to be devastating. Clean water, a lack of jobs, poor sanitation, cholera and homelessness are but a few of the problems. Oxfam states that at least 500,000 are still homeless. Yes, the tent cities remain.

On the education front, at least 653 have been repaired and another 612 rebuilt. That's promising but many children aren't attending school who were doing so prior to the quake. The earhtquake destroyed or damaged at least 4,000 schools. Much work remains to be done on this front.

As many of you know Kids4Good and Global Hope joined forces with Schools Count to rebuild IMN in Darbonne, Haiti. IMN is doing quite well...enrollment is up, a kitchen depot is in place and there is access to clean water.

Rarely do I have a wish but I do have one with regard to education in Haiti. My wish is that some philanthropic organization or foundation would donate $40,000 to build a high school in Darbonne. If that would come to fruition, I would see to it that the high school got built!!!!!!!!

All the best to our Haitian friends!
Dick

Good News from Pickard!!

2012-01-13T13:42:00.006-06:00

There is more good news to report from one of the Chicago Public Schools which Schools Count Corp. assists each year. Today we will examine the ISAT scores of Pickard Elementary, a school of nearly 700 students.

The jump in ISAT scores in reading and math is quite noticeable!! In 2010 the percent of students meeting or exceeding state standards in math was 73.7%. By 2011 that percentage rose to 81.7%, an increase of 10.8% percent...quite nice!!

The gains in reading were even more prominent! In 2010 59.3% of the students met or exceeded the state mandate. By 2011, 81.7% of the children met or exceeded the state-set goal. This is meteoric rise of 37.7%!!

It's great to see that the entire Pickard Elementary school family is doing so well. It's is just one of many reasons why we enjoy working with this westside school. Keep up the good work!!

Dick

Chalmers on the Move!

2012-01-12T07:08:00.006-06:00

Chalmers Elementary is on the upswing! Though the school has had some rough years, such is not the case recently. With some hard work, new administration and renewed efforts to excel on the part of the students and teachers, Chalmers has revealed some nice gains in the last couple of years.

The ISAT scores from 2010 to 2011 indicate such growth. Overall, the school-wide reading scores, went from 42.5% of the students either meeting or exceeding state standards in 2010 to 57% doing so in 2011. That's a 11.2% jump!

In terms of math, 46.9% of students met or exceeded the state standard in 2010 while 54.9% did so in 2011. Again, a double growth rate, this time 10.4%.

It takes many individuals and groups to make such outstanding gains. The students, parents, school staff and more have all pitched in to make this happen. No doubt, AmericaSCORES has done much to make the above improvements come to fruition in their afterschool program.

However you examine it, the students are getting the job done over the past couple of years. This is but one more indicator of believing in the staff and children and it gives our charity another reason (we really did need another one!) to continue our partnership with Chalmers.

This success story is another in a long line of those which never finds its way into the press. The general line often talks about the failure of public schools within the inner city. My experience, thus far, at Chalmers, is that it is becoming a much more positive school.

All the more reason to keep helping them!

Thanks,
Dick

Some happy folks at Chalmers

2012-01-11T09:22:00.007-06:00

As sometimes happens, Harry Bull, a teaching colleague/golf partner/friend, made the trek to Chicago yesterday to deliver coats to the Chalmers children. Harry had some observations that give you a sense of the dedication of the Chalmers people.

On the ride home, after delivering the coats, Harry was effusive in his praise for the personnel in Chalmers. Said Harry, "these people really care about the kids. It is obvious that they are proud of them and take great pride in the progress being made by the students." He went on to say, "to a person, they are truly thankful for the coats."

It doesn't matter the school or neighborhood, the reaction is the same at every school; the staff and children are working hard, the administration demonstrates a real concern for the children and they are proud of any and all accomplishments.

All of these positive comments have a common theme. The teachers and administrators realize that the possibilities exist for the students to better themselves and that with some assistance brighter days are ahead.

As long as the teachers, parents and students are willing to give it their all, then it makes sense for us to stand with them and we will.

Thanks for your help,
Dick

Students Constantly Shuffled Around

2012-01-10T06:50:00.007-06:00

Just take a look at yesterday's Chicago Tribune front page article on the history of CPS schools in the Bronzeville neighborhood and you'll see why Fuller Elementary is slated to be a 'turnaround' (all staff members are replaced) next year. I have some startling news for you...the shuttering of schools and the constant movement of students by CPS, over the years, is the real culprit.

There are many students currently attending Fuller who have seen the hallways of other schools prior to going to Fuller. Commencing in 1999 students, within Bronzeville, have gone from Einstein (closed down) to Donoghue (later closing) to Doolittle (it also followed the same closing pattern) and on to Fuller.

Instability is not a variable that works in the favor or students nor will it be beneficial to any school that sees such wild fluctuations from one year to the next.

Children, and their families, aren't game pieces to be moved around in order to win some game (what the CPS thinks it is). These are people who need to get accustomed to and acquainted with the school, the staff, their neighborhood and classmates.

Though Fuller will remain open next year, having a 100% staff turnover is somewhat akin to the students being sent off to another school. How would you like it if your elementary school child was moved to three different schools and, by the way, you had no real say in the matter. And these people have no say.

I have a solution for those who are making Fuller a 'turnaround.' Go visit the school and attend some classes and you'll witness a principal and staff that don't need to be 'turned around.'

Dick

Commentary on 'Race to the Top'

2012-01-09T06:42:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I reported on some of the states lack of progress with respect to their follow through with regard to their use of $4 billion in 'Race to the Top' funding.

I believe there is an inherent flaw in any program that is a 'race.' Education isn't a 'race' and never has been. Education is a long term endeavor. This 'race' label has all the trappings of states trying to 'out do' one another merely to garner the funds. If that is the case, that's shameful!

The idea of a 'race' is that there is/are winner(s) and loser(s). it's quite conceivable that the 'losers' are as deserving, perhaps even more so, than the 'winners.' I'm sure the marketing and sales approach of the states that received 'Race to the Top' monies outperformed the states who were left wanting.

I know of schools here in Illinois that don't have the very basic student and teacher materials. There are schools, who want to wash the clothing of their students, in need of washing machines and dryers. If such needs don't qualify for help then I don't know what qualifies. Perhaps I don't want to know!

Dick

Race to the Top or Not

2012-01-08T18:37:00.003-06:00

The Sunday edititon of the Chicago Tribune carried a significant editorial regarding the Department of Education's 'Race to the Top.' Sadly, according to the report, most of the states have not come close to meeting the performance expectations.

What does that mean? It means that the $4 billion awarded to the various states is not being put to good use. Why? Well, there are all sorts of reasons. In Rhode Island, a municipal bankruptcy in one community and a change in school and political leaders in another have stalled plans to turn around failing schools.

Florida failed to meet its overly optimistic target dates to hire contractors to create student data systems. Hawaii, another winner of 'Race to the Top' funds wants to delay most major elements of its plan.

All this means that the extensive funds aren't getting the job done.

The very idea of a 'Race to the Top' likely got many states to make HUGE promises in order to be selected as recipients of the funds. I don't like the idea of states competing for funds by seeing who can come up with the most daring manner of collecting the money.

From my vantage point, need, and need alone, is the reason for providing funds to various schools. Right now it appears as though the 'Race to the Top' might not actually deliver.

Dick

Expanding our Role in Chicago

2012-01-06T07:53:00.005-06:00

This morning I am pleased to announce some new partnerships with portions of the Chicago Public Schools, AmericaSCORES and the Harvey Elementary School District. We are pleased to be able to serve more children in 2012!

Not only will we continue to aid the 28 schools we assisted in August of 2011 but we will work with some new schools on the west side of the city within the North Lawndale neighborhood. Going forward we will embark on partnerships with Pope Elementary, Johnson Elementary, Gregory Elementary and Chalmers.

Aside from providing desperately needed student and teacher supplies we will work with AmericaSCORES. AmericaSCORES is an after-school program in North Lawndale. They have a great literacy program and provide soccer to the children. I am certain we can help facilitate these initiatives.

We have already commenced our work with Harvey schools. Within the past month, Schools Count has provided over 100 coats to the students. We'll make our first delivery of student supplies to the kids in early August 2012. There are some wonderful people, we've already met, in the various Harvey neighborhoods.

In sum, we will be assisting over 40 Chicagoland schools this year. There is just one reason we can undertake such work...YOU, our generous donors and volunteers!

Many thanks!
Dick

A Message from Haiti

2012-01-04T08:09:00.005-06:00

Yesterday I received this note from Maxandre Bien Aime the Principal at IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti. Those of you who follow our blog know that we have helped Maxandre and the students since the Jan 2010 earthquake. I thought you would enjoy hearing from Maxandre.

hello friends,

It 's one of the best tradition to wish happy holidays, Happy New year to people. I d like to choose the best words to thank you all of you for your support last year. I'd like to share you a great smile for your help. I'd like share with you a MESI.

All of my students, staff, and parents would like to share you the best in this year, Happy new year, God bless you.

2012, october we will celebrate our 10 years to try to provide a good education to my people. it's a big dream we have faith we ll atend this goal. This year at IMN school its a special for us. I invite all of you at the celebration. Celebration the effort to do something....

By the way, I want to thank you without your donation we dont arrive where we are today. Your help was very important for us. We have more challenges this year, so we ll continue to have hope, hope lespwa. One day the construction will complete, we ll find teacher salaries, more materials, training for our staff....

we get hope.
Happy new year,
We love all of you.

peace, peace and hope
Maxandre

Pardon for my english

Teaching Then and Today

2012-01-03T07:49:00.003-06:00

As I am drinking coffee this morning and thinking of issues to comment on for today's blog it suddenly dawned on me that one of the hot button issues of today deals with teacher competence/evaluations. The issue is worth commenting on for a number of reasons but one stands out above all.

In my view, the quality of teaching (teacher competence) today has never been better!

As I reflect upon my own education from the 1950's through 2000 and consider the people I taught with during that era and measure that against the quality of teaching I have witnessed in Hinsdale, Chicago, New Orleans, Galveston and other areas impacted by the work of Schools Count Corp, I can say that the services delivered today are much improved over that from years ago.

Yeah, I know what everyone is saying about teachers, test scores and the like. Lots of people complaining. That, in and of itself, is one of the problems. Today, unlike in the past, people can be 'cable news experts' on education.

Don't delude yourself, for one minute, into thinking that your child is being shortchanged. Today, much more so than in the past, teachers have to deal with a plethora of concerns; emotional-social issues, inclusion, IEP's, 504 plans, the delivery of multiple curriculums within a class period and more.

The days of telling a child to take out his/her book, read it, and keep quiet are over. 'Stand and deliver' has been replaced with a higher quality teacher and we are all the better for it.

Dick

Fuller Elementary - Some nice results!

2012-01-02T11:04:00.009-06:00

Over the next few weeks I will publish some of the ISAT scores for a number of the schools we work with in the city of Chicago. As you well know, for those of you who follow my blog, I am not a big fan of ISAT given the fact that education is represented by other more valuable and important concerns beyond testing.

Fuller Elementary is slated to be a turnaround school in the 2012-13 school year. In simple terms, this means that everyone on staff is being let go, replaced by an entirely new team.

Let me share some test scores with you that show progress being made at Fuller, indicating that the current principal, Ms. Young (and her staff) should be kept!!

Year 8th math 8th reading 4th reading 4th math 4th science

2010 39.4% 60.6% 23.3% 33.3% 13.3%
2011 50% 43.8% 24% 68% 16%

The percentages indicated show the percent of students at Fuller who meet state ISAT standards. Yes, some of the scores are low. But if you take a closer look at the results you will see that there was improvement in four of the five scores from 2010 to 2011. In my view, this is progress!!

I have been to Fuller Elementary, on a number of occasions, and can attest to the high quality of instruction taking place. The bottom line is this...the principal and staff are doing a terrific job and need to be kept in place in the coming years. It takes awhile to turn things around and that's what I see as taking place at Fuller.

For our part, we will continue to assist the students, staff and families of the school.

Dick

2012 - Forging Forward

2012-01-01T10:01:00.003-06:00

Yes, too many children are going without the proper food, education, housing, and clothing. The number seems to grow by leaps and bounds, whether because of natural disasters, poverty or sheer neglect.

As 2011 has rolled into 2012, I am reminded that our mission is to serve students and to help them along the way. The mission remains, as always, to be devoted to the world's children by providing the resources that have the power to lift the spirit and unlock the vast potential of the human mind.

The reasons behind young people not having the resources to be successful in school are of concern but, they cannot stop us from doing what is right and just. Despite all the controversy that seems to whirl around schools and school reform and the various constituents who take specific stand on certain issues, one thing remains clear...the need our support.

So, as we embark on another year of 'unlocking the vast potential of the human mind,' we do so mindful of the good that is done each time a pencil is put in the hands of a child, each day they have paper and folders on their desk and each time we can keep a student warm by providing a winter coat.

2012 will be another year of making sure we do our part to bring something positive to lives of those who yearn for a better day.

I'm looking forward to working with one and all in the year ahead!

Many thanks,
Dick

Test Tampering - An Ugly Mess

2011-12-30T11:17:00.005-06:00

Test tampering is, and has been, a problem for some time. After nearly ten years of the federal No Child Left Behind legislation, the drive to improve math and reading scores has witnessed a fair amount of suspicious changes in tests. Those changes, in a number of cities, almost always reveals much higher scores.

From Connecticut to Washington, DC to Atlanta, GA, the proliferation of reports regarding erasures, cheating, tampering, and the like has grown. The December 30th USA Today reported on a number of investigations in these areas regarding some suspicious test score results in 2011.

Let me be clear, I won't for a minute excuse those who have engaged in any form of test tampering. It's wrong on many levels.

Sadly, this might be expected. Why? Well, on the one hand there is immense pressure to show growth in state reading and math scores so that a school, districts, and the various states meet the targets set by NCLB. A second reason why this behavior exists has to do with tying teacher evaluations/pay to test scores. The scenario goes like this...higher scores mean a higher evaluation and greater pay.

Aside from my obvious disapproval of the conduct of anyone engaged in cheating, I have another perspective about this cheating on state administered tests. Why on earth are we tying test scores to teacher performance?! Will anyone ever get it through their thick skulls that a test result is but a minor part of ones education and has so darn little to do with meaningful student learning and teacher performance.

It is time for those of us in the field who understand education, students, and quality teaching to step up and say ENOUGH!!! Great teachers, who are at the top of the profession perform in this manner not because of the dollars or any other such tangible reward.

Teacher excellence is based on the love of the subject matter, their care for the students, seeing the significance of their endeavor, helping people grow, providing guidance, and the like. Tying state mandated test results to pay is antithetical to such excellence.

Get student test scores results the heck out of teacher evaluations!!!

Thanks,
Dick

A Reflection on the Coat Drive

2011-12-27T08:28:00.004-06:00

Now that we have delivered some 320 coats, plus plenty of gloves and mittens, to roughly twelve Harvey and Chicago Public Schools, it is obvious that there is a need to continue the program in the fall of 2012. The great news is that the program will be in place again next year.

It is apparent that providing supplies, at the start of the school year, remains a primary and critical need that we will continue to address in the coming year. However, as we continue to assess the needs of the various schools, and the community at large, it is clear that an ongoing effort needs to made to address a whole array of concerns that have much to do with learning.

Whether it is supplies, food, clothing, or other needs, we will do the best we can to bring the type of aid that supplements and augments the learning process. It's not simply a matter of dollars and cents or a one-time delivery of supplies.

The solution to poverty, low achievement among some students, years of unemployment and other concerns is not found in a simple solution. I won't kid anyone, there is blatant neglect here and there are many that need to be held responsible.

All we can do as a charity is to do our part to assist children, often through no fault of their own, make the best of a tough situation. And along the way, there are, and will be, many success stories.

The coat drive is just one of the great successes!!!

Many thanks,
Dick

Happy Holidays

2011-12-26T07:14:00.005-06:00

Like many kind hearted people, at this time of the year, joy was brought to the Wilkins family courtesy of the O'Donnell's and Cronin's. The photo reveals a smiling Mrs. Wilkins, flanked by Maria and her daughter Riley.

Perhaps nothing spells out the kindness, decency and goodness of people than the spirit of unconditional and selfless giving. Providing some meals and Christmas gifts, with no strings attached, no gimmicks, all while avoiding praise says it all.

Many of you have provided the same care and concern for others throughout 2011 and for that I am truly grateful. There have been many hundreds of 'miracle' days during the past year just like the one the Wilkins have just experienced.

As in the past, Schools Count Corp, with its many volunteers and donors, will endeavor to provide days of happiness to the many students and families throughout Chicago and other regions of the country.

Many thanks,
Dick

Good Samaritans

2011-12-19T12:33:00.005-06:00

A few days ago I posted a blog that mentioned a family of fourteen children living with their grandmother, in part, due to the grandmother having lost her husband and one of her daughters.

A couple of friends made contact with me and have decided to do something about it. The two individuals and families want to remain nameless...which I will respect. However, their good deeds will not go unnoticed.

Both individuals already do much for Schools Count (and likely other charitable organizations) so their willingness to help this family is all the more noteworthy. One individual is providing $500.00 worth of Jewel gift cards. What an incredible sum, what an act of kindness. The second family is buying Christmas gifts for all fourteen children. Simply incredible. These are truly good Samaritans.

All of these gifts will be given to the family this Wednesday, Dec. 21st. These two families have just done much to make the year, and season, a brighter one! I'll be sure to post some photos on Thursday.

To each of you, thank you for your gifts and acts of kindness throughout the year.

Dick

Tough Times

2011-12-16T06:35:00.003-06:00

Some sobering news came out yesterday from the 2010 census. The data reveals a growing and rather grim picture when it comes to Americans living in poverty. Nearly 1 in 2 families (48% of them) have fallen into poverty or their shrinking wages classify them as low income.

This trend is likely to continue or worsen as many states and municipalities have cut back on their safety nets programs.

Think of it, 48% of all American families are classified as living in 'poverty' or are 'low income.' It is a sad scenario for sure. No doubt many of these people don't have decent housing, the proper food, access to excellent health care and the like.

Relative to the children of these families, no doubt, many don't have the proper clothing, nutrition or school supplies to be successful in the classroom.

Those of you who follow my blog know exactly where I am going with this. These school children of the poverty and low income families need our help. With 146,000,000 people falling into one of these two categories, the challenge is daunting. And yes, it is clear we can't help but a miniscule portion of this group.

However, every child we do assist has that much better chance of gaining a decent edcuation and an opportunity to better their lot in life. Thanks for being a part of this journey and your willingness to help stamp out the horror of poverty for young people.

Dick

Anger at CPS Board Meeting

2011-12-15T08:07:00.007-06:00

This morning's Chicago Sun Times carried an article entitled 'School Scuffle' which, in part, is what took place at the Wednesday CPS School Board Meeting. Not only did people show up at the board meeting to vent their frustration but, nearly 300 protesters were outside board headquarters on Tuesday night.

People are upset with school closings, the implementation of turnarounds (firing an entire building staff and replacing them with new personnel), the creation of twelve new charter schools and other issues.

Such was the chaos that the board meeting was moved to a closed session as protesters did not allow the open meeting to proceed.

Adourthus McDowell, a Public School parent and member of the Kenwood-Oakland Community Organization had this to say; "Children have died, literally and spiritually, as a result of your policies."

The policies Mr. McDowell was referring to deals with school shakeups that forced children to walk longer distances, often through dangerous areas. The protesters also lamented school closings and replacing neighborhood schools with selective-enrollment or charter schools which have destabilized a good number of the poor minority areas.

Of course, no mention was made of the root causes of the so called failing schools nor did anyone bother to come up with solutions to the poverty, crime and unemployment that hamper the ability of children to succeed in school.

One can agree or disagree with the actions of the protesters, however, everyone should realize that the concerns of the protesters are real.

The fight goes on...

Dick

Heart Warming Story

2011-12-14T07:56:00.002-06:00

Supporters of Schools Count,

I have a brief story to share with you that was conveyed to me this morning while delivering some 40 to 45 winter coats to the Harvey, IL. school district.

Over the past several days we have delivered over 300 winter coats to 7 Chicago Public Schools. Yesterday, after making our final deliveries in Chicago, I had a conversation with Ms. Bolton at the Harvey Central Office regarding the need for winter wear. She said they would be thrilled with the donation.

When I arrived in Harvey this morning, Ms. Bolton told me a story of one family who has a need for the coats. A Mom, within the Harvey school district, called Ms. Bolton inquiring about the availability of any coats. This lady mentioned that one of her daughters recently passed away and that she now is taking care of the grandchildren. The lady has also recently lost her husband. Aside from these two deaths, the lady has another daughter living with her and she has her own children. The bottom line is that there is a great deal of need in this household of 14 children, who attend Harvey schools, all of them needing coats. Ms. Bolton was so excited to see us as we pulled up with the coats, knowing full well that she can call this lady and tell her that all 14 children will receive winter coats today.

I just want all of you to know that your coat donations, fundraising, monetary contributions, volunteer work and other efforts throughout this past year have made it possible for a family to stay warm this winter and to experience the joy of the season and the good that you have done on their behalf. To the extent that I can, I wanted to share this story of sadness, on the one hand, with that of jubilation on the other.

In a sense, it seems as if this story encapsulates much of the good that you have done for so many thousands of people in 2011. Thank you!

Be well
and Happy Holidays,
Dick

A Note of Thanks from Pickard

2011-12-13T06:29:00.005-06:00

Yesterday we delivered another 80 - 90 coats to two schools, Pickard Elementary and King Elementary. These are two near westside CPS schools which we have assisted with supplies for the past two years. When I got home I was pleased to be in receipt of this email from Ms. Ratajczak at Pickard. Obviously, I want to share it with you so you get a sense of how appreciative they are for all that we do for the children.

Dear Richard,

Thank you, for the winter coats, we received them this Monday morning from your organization. The LSC parents are very grateful for your donation. This gift will help many of our families. You continue to be a great source of help and hope to our school.
Thanks again for your help,

Elaine Ratajczak, LSC Secretary

Over 300 Coats and Going Strong!!

2011-12-12T06:38:00.010-06:00

The photo is a shot of Ms. Williams, at Alex Haley Elementary, thanking me (and all of our terrific donors) for the many coats we brought the children. I can tell each of you that the expression on Ms. Williams face was duplicated at every school that received coats. Whether it was a principal, a secretary, students or parents, the reaction was the same...they were simply THRILLED!!

Okay, it is early Monday morning, the coats are still coming in and we are off to deliver more warm clothing to the students at Pickard Elementary and King. I know they are looking forward to seeing us. Put the coats on the backs of the children is our way of continuing to help students achieve in the classroom.

Thanks again!
Dick

Fuller Coat Delivery

2011-12-11T14:13:00.016-06:00

Just thought I would pass along a few photos of our delivery of coats to Fuller Elementary. Aside from the kids showing off their coats and backpacks, in the last photo, you can see that they are hard at work in the classroom. Everyone was in a joyous mood with broad smiles.

Thanks for making this day happen!!! Dick

The Coats Keep on Coming In

2011-12-10T15:22:00.004-06:00

Well, our Dec. 2nd deadline for collecting winter coats has come and gone and, still, the coats keep on coming in!! That is truly a wonderful tale of the Christmas spirit.

A good friend of mine, and a former colleague, Harrison Bull, has his whole family involved in collecting warm winter wear. His wife, Carol, has encouraged some of her friends to donate coats to our cause. And then there is his granddaughter, Clare, who has worked with her Mom, Julie, to amass another 20 coats.

All in all, we have collected another 45 to 50 coats over the past two days, enough to make a delivery to a couple more CPS schools who could use the help. We will be delivering the coats to Pickard Elementary and King Elementary on Monday, Dec. 12th.

This is the second consecutive year that Schools Count Corp has run a 'Winter Wear' drive for the Chicago Public School students. It is a tradition we will continue to sponsor in the years to come.

The desire of our charity is to help students, and their families, in a variety of ways that positively impact their overall lives as well as their performance in the classroom. We see the two as inseparable aspects of improving their lot in life.

Again, thanks to one all for being a part of this initiative!
Dick

Central Students Step Up

2011-12-09T08:06:00.005-06:00

A good number of people who typically volunteer and donate to our charity have, likewise, pitched in and supported our ongoing 'Winter Wear' drive. We have already delivered over 250 coats to deserving CPS schools. More will follow in the coming days.

One is never to young to join in on the spirit of aiding a cause and people in need. Such is the case with two young students at Hinsdale Central High School. Both Will Schneider, a senior, and Allison Gelman, a sophomore have helped us collect coats.

Allison collected five full bags of coats while Will collected three big bags. I met these two individuals while speaking to the HC Habitat for Humanity meeting in early November. Since that time, both individuals made contact with me and offered to help with the coat collection.

Both individuals found their own way to collect coats. Allison generated her large contribution by turning to the congregants at her Temple while Will worked his family, friends, and the surrounding neighborhood for donations.

They came through in a big way. That's no surprise for these two individuals. Both are active at Central. Will is an active member of Habitat for Humanity and is a member of the varsity lacrosse team. Allision is involved in a number of groups who assist others. She is a member of Clubs that Care and is heavily involved in Peer Leadership. Allision is also a member of the lacrosse team at Central.

Kudo's to Will and Allison for stepping up and finding a way to help Schools Count Crop keep students warm as the cold of winter sets in.

Many thanks!
Dick

Smiles All the Way Around

2011-12-08T07:51:00.003-06:00

Mrs. Williams, a secretary at Alex Haley Elementary bound from her desk to the other side of the counter in what seemed like two steps! I wasn't really counting the steps because all I could notice was her broad smile as she greeted us and then gave us a HUGE bear hug.

Such was our day yesterday as Harry Bull and Ed Bulak joined me as we delivered well over 250 coats to five schools.

To say there was jubilation when we opened the boxes of coats, gloves, hats and mittens is not hyperbole. The principals, children, and office staff were thrilled to receive the winter wear. The cold is setting in and the children need to be kept warm.

One school that we delivered to said that they had a list of 89 students who have no coat. Fortunately, we brought them 60 coats and I am certain we can provide them with another 30 coats next week.

One of the interesting features of working with CPS is that when they receive needed resources, of any type, they let you know the extent of their appreciation. I love the fact that they are willing to wear their heartfelt emotions on their sleeves.

Each stop was much the same; handshakes, hugs, and smiles. In the final analysis, each of us was left with the same smile that greeted us at each school.

As soon as I get the photos, I will be sure to post them.

Many thanks for helping to make this day happen!
Dick

Well over 250 Coats bound for CPS

2011-12-06T16:29:00.003-06:00

The response to our 'Winter Wear' drive has been terrific. To date we have in excess of 250 winter coats, many of them brand new!! We are heading to five schools tomorrow...Fuller Elementary, Haley Elementary Songhai Elementary, Curtis Elementary, and West Pullman Elementary.

Plenty of people have stepped to the fore to aid our clothing drive either with cash funds or donated coats, gloves, scarves and/or hats. Plenty of students and families will be happy to receive the warm clothing.

Aside from the coats, I had one contributor who bought fifty, yes fifty, brand new backpacks for a couple of these schools. To say the least, this is truly an amazing donation.

The outpouring of support has simply been; well, fairly overwhelming. We still have coats coming in, so many so that I will be able to deliver coats to King Elementary and Pickard Elementary on Thursday.

I'll be sure to post some photos of our trip to the city in the next couple of days.

Thanks for your support,
Dick

Charter Performance

2011-12-04T12:14:00.007-06:00

Yesterday's Chicago Tribune carried an article entitled 'Charter schools get tougher scrutiny.' Why would they receive tougher scrutiny? Because, for the first time ever, the state released detailed performance data for the city charters and the news isn't necessarily stellar.

According the article, 'many schools (charters) from even the most prominent charter networks struggle to close the achievement gap for low income students.'

Mind you, not a single charter is slated for closing next year even though some of the charters performed almost as badly on state exams as those schools scheduled for closing. It isn't easy for CPS to close charters for a variety of reasons.

CPS Chief Jean-Claude Brizard has acknowledged the fact that a couple of charters are struggling. A day after the charter school data was released by the state, Brizard announced that CPS had begun the revocation process for two charters.

I digress however!!! My main point is this, whether a school is a charter public school or a tradtional neighborhood public school, where income is low, poverty is high, crime is rampant, jobs are tough to find and the mechanisms outside the building are nearly absent in terms of helping students, it will be a tough job to lift students up.

Helping students who are struggling in neighborhoods that are struggling is a monumental task and if the school in such an area is a charter, that doesn't mean that its students will instantly get a better education.

All hands will be needed within schools, families and communities to help children move forward. That is a fact.

Thanks,
Dick

Fuller Elementary - Some Sad News

2011-12-02T07:15:00.004-06:00

One of the schools that Schools Count Corp has worked with in the CPS system is Fuller Elementary. It was revealed two days ago that Fuller is one of ten elementary schools that is slated to be a 'turnaround.'

It's important to note that 'turnarounds' typically find 100% of the administrative and teaching staff let go while an entire new team comes into the school when a new school year commences. That background is important to understand relative to what is taking place at these ten schools.

Let me say, at the outset, that Fuller has room for improvement. No one knows that better than the new principal, Ms. Carrmilla Young. And that fact alone makes this a sad story.

Sad because I know Ms. Young and what she is all about. She gets to school early in the morning, is often in the office at 6:00 pm, has high standards and cares deeply about the children. By the way, these are but a few of her amazing qualities that she brings to bear.

There are plenty of reasons why children struggle. You can come up with literally dozens and dozens of situations and issues that lead to a school doing poorly. I will tell you this, and some officials in CPS may not, Ms. Young is not the reason for the lack of progress and being named as a turnaround school.

I mentioned that Ms. Young is in her first year as Principal of Fuller. Let me pose a question. Do you think it is feasible and realistic for the two hundred children, in less than one year, to have their academic lives (which have been problematic for years!!) turned around in dramatic manner in less than a year? No chance.

I will look into this situation in greater detail and get back to you with news of Fuller, Ms. Young, and what the 'turnaround' situation looks like going forward.

It's a travesty if Ms. Young loses her job at Fuller!

Dick

Surge in Meals for School Children

2011-12-01T09:34:00.002-06:00

Everyone agrees that school children need decent meals while at school, and at home, to give them a better chance for success. An alarming article appeared in the Nov. 30th New York Times (front page) discussing the huge upward trend of more students needing, and qualifying for, government sponsored food provided through the schools.

The article divulged the fact that subsidized lunches rose to 21 million last school year, up from 18 million in 2006-07. Yes, inner cities were hard hit relative to more students receiving food. But the spike in those seeking assistance didn't hit these traditional areas.

As the economy has hit a rough patch, lots of middle class families have turned to the subsidized lunch program for help. In Rochester, New York, home to many engineers and technicians who have lost their jobs, a good number of families have turned to the school to ask for help relative to providing their children with free lunches.

Since 2006-07, the Department of Agriculture reports that ALL 50 states have shown increases in the number of students who participate in the free lunch program. Maybe that's not surprising given the growth in overall population. However, the growth rate of those need food assistance has skyrocketed in many of these states. The USDA reports that 'eleven states had 4-year increases of 25% or more in meal programs.

All of this points back to arguments I have made in the past concerning jobs, schooling, poverty and the opportunity for student success. If jobs and careers aren't available, the cycle of poverty, crime and student dropping out of school continues unabated.

It is hard enough to get a decent shot at the 'American Dream' but, going without a decent education and the proper nutrition just tarnishes the chance of making the dream come true.

I, for one, applaud having food programs in schools. It is a wise use of federal monies. I have been in many schools where students received subsidized food and I can't ever recall seeing the food wasted!

Dick

Virtual Schools - Um, No Thanks!

2011-11-30T06:52:00.004-06:00

With a good number of government bodies tightening their belts, a number of school districts are turning to virtual schools to offer online course work. Those who are proponents of such an education point to the fact that it literally opens up the world to its users aside from the fact that it is a cheaper form of education.

I am sure some students will make great use of online courses. However, for the vast majority of children I see virtual education has having many damaging deficiencies.

There is much about the current delivery system of education in which students must attend school, rather than staying home to be educated, that should not be lost. In and of itself, the mere fact that there is a schedule where young people have to get up at a certain time, catch a bus, and run through a structured day offers a certain degree of discipline that is needed and will likely be lost if students stay at home for their studies.

One of the biggest drawbacks to virtual education (staying home) is the fact that face to face contact with teachers is all but lost. Students always have questions about the material and need clarification. That one to one contact has always been critical when it comes to learning. Looking at a keyboard and screen just won't cut it relative to interaction.

School is also a socialization process and virtual education wipes this out for all practical purposes. People may not think this is a vital part of ones education but it truly is an important one. We all have to learn to deal with different people in different situations and school attends to that need. Where will online courses offer that positive socialization process.

By the way, to those who are supporters of virtual education, the vast majority of teachers and schools are already making great use of computers in the education of children. It's not like the valuable uses of the computer are being ignored at present time, quite the contrary.

People may want to see reform take place in education but virtual education is not one that I see as having positive results compared to the negatives that would flow from not attending traditional schools.

Dick

Income Equality and Education

2011-11-29T07:43:00.004-06:00

NPR radio carried a thought provoking segment this morning dealing with income equality (aka, inequality) in the nation and the role of education relative to mitigating against such inequality.

Both Matthew Yglesias, a Slate.com reporter on economics, and Tyler Cowen, an economist at George Mason, both agreed that the super rich are getting richer and the poor are lagging behind.

What I found to be of interest in the report was the fact that these economists brought up the issue of education. Each felt that, though there is a growing income disparity, the real issue is the fact that some people are not afforded the same opportunity to move up the ladder income-wise.

Cowen reported that parents who attend a very good school (college) and, in turn, see their children receive a great university education are afforded the best opportunities to be upwardly mobile. Sadly, those parent, and their children, who attend poor schools and receive a poor education aren't able to be upwardly mobile.

The above isn't the only reason for a lack of upward mobility and an accompanying inability to share in the wealth of the nation but it is a most critical one according to Cowen and Yglesias. Other factors include macro economic issues, affordable housing and demographics.

But the bottom line is this...The better an education one receives, the better the chances of improving ones lot when it comes to realizing the 'American Dream;' that is, being upwardly mobile.

As you can see, the work our charity engages in helps students receive a better education. In turn, hopefully, students will realize such benefits and improve their chances at being upwardly mobile.

Thanks for being a part of this important process!
Dick

Maggie Daley - A Stalwart

2011-11-28T11:23:00.007-06:00

A number of you who normally read this blog typically read something regarding my rants against harm being done to public schools. You might also come across some of our good works accomplished on behalf of children in need. At other times I ask you to participate in some of efforts to help students.

But today, today, I want to take a moment to point out the good that former Chicago First Lady, Maggie Daley, did on behalf of school children within the city of Chicago. Twenty years ago, Maggie started the After School Matters program which enables teens, in after school activities, particularly the arts,to acquire the skills to better themselves in schools, work, college and beyond. Today there are some 20,000 participants in this program.

Twenty years ago this lady saw the need to do something to aid education, to work to overcome poverty, to end homelessness and to make school a better place to be. Her work was done to make life better for all concerned. To say that she dedicated her life, in large part, to educating the city's youth is not an overstatement. She cared deeply about the children of Chicago. It is our hope, at Schools Count Corp., to carry on in Maggie's name.

Today's blog, then, is a testament to her enduring qualities. May she rest in peace.

Dick

Helping IMN with Food

2011-11-25T16:27:00.002-06:00

Within the past couple of days Schools Count Corp has been involved in discussions with Global Hope and Haiti Partners with regard to the fact that IMN School in Haiti, which we helped to rebuild in 2010, has some serious problems with regard to providing food to its students.

The bottom line is this...the World Food Program can provide food to the students but Maxandre and IMN have to have the proper logistics to preserve and prepare the food. Up to this point in time, IMN has not been able to meet these requirements.

I am happy to announce that Global Hope and Schools Count Corp are providing the funds to fully meet the cost of installing a food depot at IMN which will meet the specs set forth by the WFP. As soon as the proper equipment is purchased and installed, I will be sure to provide you with photos and an update on the work that was undertaken to complete this project.

Alas, the children will be able to have a healthy level of food nutrition as they attend IMN for the remainder of the school year. Certainly, great Thanksgiving Holiday news!!

Many thanks,
Dick

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-23T06:57:00.003-06:00

Dear Friends of Schools Count Corp.,

At Thanksgiving, and always, we are grateful for your efforts to aid Schools Count Corp and, most importantly, the children we serve throughout the Chicagoland area and other regions of the country. Whether making a monetary donation, establishing a fundraiser, devoting your time to package and deliver supplies, collecting coats and school supplies, or aiding us in a variety of other ways, please know that your support is greatly appreciated.

I am most appreciative and thankful for the fact that you put your trust into the work of our charity. Beyond my admiration for all that you continue to do, I want you to know that the children and families who benefit from your generosity are ever grateful for your support. Because of you, they indeed have much to be thankful for at this time of the year.

On behalf of myself, and our Board of Directors, allow me to wish you a joyous Thansgiving Holiday.

All the best,
Dick

2012 - Just Around the Corner!

2011-11-22T07:42:00.006-06:00

As the holidays approach the Schools Count Corp Board of Directors has already begun to make plans to assist those in need going forward. We have plenty of exciting events planned for 2012. There are plenty of opportunities to be a working volunteer in addition to taking part in some exciting fundraisers. Here's a partial calendar for the year ahead.

Tuesday, February 21st. Our Fifth Annual Mardi Gras Concert put on by the Jazz Ensembles at Hinsdale Central High School. The student cafeteria will be rocking and rolling starting at 7:30 pm. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Friday, March 16th. Hinsdale Central's FCCLA will sponsor a Bowl A Thon at Willowbrook Lanes commencing at 3:30. Three games of fun along with prizes and refreshments. Get out your bowling ball, loosen up the arm and get ready for a great time!

March, 2012. Our Annual 'Donor Drive'

Friday, May 25th - June 8th. Our Fourth Annual 'Go Green' collection of gently used school supplies from area schools. I can always use a few helping hands to load the truck!

Monday, August 6th. Loading trucks with school supplies. 9:00 am to noon at 20048 S. Kohlwood Dr., Mokena, IL. A great time is had by all and we'll provide you with lunch!

Tuesday, August 7th - 8th. Deliver supplies to Chicago area schools.

Sunday, September 16th. Fifth Annual KICK event at Hinsdale Central H.S.

More events are certain to be added including some work with Joplin, Missouri schools and IMN in Haiti.

Thanks,
Dick

120 Coats and Counting!!

2011-11-21T07:25:00.004-06:00

As of Monday, November 21st, the count of winter coats and gloves continues to soar! We have already collected some 120 winter coats and over 100 pairs of gloves and mittens which are bound for four elementary schools in Chicago.

Thanks to those of your who have made donations and those still in the process of collecting these needed items.

Remember, there's still plenty of time to collect all types of winter wear! Check your closets, ask your neighbors, and see if other family members can help out. Every coat and each pair of gloves makes a difference.

Our 'Winter Wear' kudos go out to:

Milena Alexandrova
The Amicus Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Bhargava
Carol and Harry Bull
Barb and Alan Cole
Annette DeAngelis
Joyce Fleming
Dick Flesher and Dawn Oler
Chris and Michele Freiler
Allison Gelman
Marie and Tim Higgins
Hinsdale Central High School's boys soccer team and parents
Hinsdale Central High School's girls volleyball team and parents
Jim and Joanne Kowalczyk
Barb Loebig
Marge and Earl McMahon
Liz Meersman
Sally Ortiz
Will Schneider
Ann and Pat Scott
Schools Count Corp.
Danielle Trezek

Thank you one and all!
Dick

Grading of CPS Teachers

2011-11-19T14:18:00.003-06:00

The Saturday, November 19th issue of the Chicago Tribune carried a fairly concise article regarding the impact that student performance would have in arriving at an evaluation of CPS teachers.

It is possible that by next year, 2012-13, up to 25% of a teacher's evaluation will be based on the academic success, or lack thereof, of students. According to the Tribune 'The teacher and principal assessments are required under the Illinois Performance Evaluation Reform Act' which passed the state legislature in 2010.

Senate Bill 7 essentially makes teacher performance, not seniority, the focal point relative to job security. Up to the point in time, within CPS, seniority had more of an impact relative to a teacher and/or principal retaining their posiition.

The key point going forward concerns the issue of the extent to which student achievement counts toward teacher and principal assessment. This sounds pretty simple but, as I've mentioned in past blogs, student achievement is affected by many issues outside of the school environment.

The CPS braintrust and the Chicago Teachers Union will have to sit down and 'negotiate how large the student growth proportion would count in a teacher's evaluation.' That's as it should be!

From my vantage point, I hope that many factors are looked at, aside from student achievement, when assessing the quality of the teacher. The whole idea of evaluating a teacher is to help them improve their performance. Let's hope the whole idea of using student achievement doesn't simply get rid of teachers.

Dick

Dec. 1st is just around the Corner

2011-11-18T07:42:00.004-06:00

With the first deadline approaching, in less than two weeks, many Chicago Public School educators, parents and officials are busy with assessing information on possible school closings for the 2012-13 school year.

It is a nervous time of year for students, parents, teachers, school personnel and other community leaders. No one wants to see a neighborhood school close. As some communities lose population, jobs, and other societal institutions, the last thing a community needs is to see its local school close its doors.

The initial list of CPS school closings is set for Thursday, December 1st. Make no mistake about it, schools will be closed.

Over recent years, the process at arriving at which schools will be closed has caused a good deal of uproar. This year is not likely to be much different.

Officials at CPS have indicated that school closings will be based upon academic performance. In the past, school closings have been partially based on this factor but underattendance at buildings has also weighed heavily on which schools will have their doors shuttered.

Right now 42% of the schools in the CPS system have low academic performance and poor attendance. Obviously, one can't close 42% of the schools. Sadly, 72 schools in the system have five consecutive years of low academic performance and poor attendance. These schools seem among the more likely to be consdiered for closure.

I want to add a cautionary note. Failing schools, on their own merits, aren't solely responsible for that status. Many of you who have followed my blog realize the fact that the larger community, if it is in peril, has much to do with the relative success, or lack thereof, of the school.

As State of Illinois Representative Cynthia Soto, of Chicago, puts it, "rather than close the failing schools, CPS needs to provide a full blast of resources and focus efforts on improving those programs." I completely agree with this assessment. Unless, and until, all efforts are spent to make a 'failing' school succeed, its doors shouldn't be shut.

Thanks,
Dick

Update on New Orleans Schools

2011-11-17T07:36:00.006-06:00

Though Hurricane Katrina lashed New Orleans over six years ago, much is taking place in the city with respect to schools that invites our attention. As many of you know, Schools Count Corp has brought aid to the public schools for six years. During that time we have witnessed many great accomplishments, much of it do to the students, teachers, educational leaders and the parents.

The State of Louisiana Test Scores (I don't want to get hung up on these but that is about the only measure out there) reflected through LEAP show most neighborhood schools making significant yearly progress. That is the good news.

Sadly, there are some poor practices, on the macro educational level, particularly at RSD, that continue to haunt day-to-day schooling.

RSD officials continue to threaten traditional neighborhood public schools with taking them over and making them charters, no matter that they are functioning quite well. The number of neighborhood schools continues to dwindle and, in turn, the remaining ones are overcrowded in total and with regard to the number of students in each classroom.

The shrinking number of neighborhood schools, who are bursting at the seams, often have to turn away students due to the fact that there is no room. What happens is this: A family with a first grader, fourth grader and fifth grader may well have to send each of the three children to three separate schools (as opposed to just one facility) in different parts of the city. Talk about nonsense!!

Too often, these neighborhood schools also lack the resources needed to give kids a chance to succeed. Typically, resources are available to the school but the families, individually, are without the resources and supplies needed to be successful.

These are but a few of the continuing problems that continue to fall upon the shoulders of teachers, children and their parents. In spite of all of these obstacles, the fight to succeed goes on.

As you may know, Paul Vallas is no longer heading the RSD. He is now an advisor to the Chilean and Haitian governments on education...really!!

Thanks for all of your support of our NOLA initiatives!
Dick

Coats, Gloves and Mittens Abound!

2011-11-16T07:03:00.007-06:00

We are well on our way to supplying plenty of winter coats and other warm wear to a number of children in four Chicago Public Schools. All of the donated coats, gloves, mittens and scarves will go to Fuller Elementary, Songhai Elementary, West Pullman Elementary, and Curtis Elementary.

There is still plenty of time to check your closets and ask your friends and neighbors to pitch in and help us in our annual 'Winter Wear' drive. Why not walk around the neighborhood and scour up some coats and other warm clothing?! I think you would be surprised to see how many people would be willing to help you.

I can certainly pick up the clothing if you aren't able to drop it off. Simply contact me at rich219@comcast.net and we can arrange for a time for me to pick up the coats and other winter clothing. If you live in the Hinsdale, Darien, Willowbrook, Oak Brook, Clarendon Hills area, you can drop off your donation at Hinsdale Central High School. The items should be taken to Dawn Oler in Room 116A.

Please accept my thanks for helping the students of the CPS schools.

Dick

Update on Joplin

2011-11-15T06:59:00.006-06:00

Just wanted to update you on some of the events taking place in Joplin, Missouri. As you know we were able to send these schools a pretty significant amount of student supplies early in the school year.

Around 50% of the 7500 homes damaged, or totally destroyed in the May 22nd tornadoes, are currently being repaired or rebuilt. This past weekend the Habitat for Humanity organization finished up the 'Ten for Joplin' program. So some good progress can be reported on that front.

Speaking of rebuilding, there are six Joplin schools that are totally destroyed and still sitting in that condition. Bids have been accepted to start the demolition of the building. It is suppose to take a mere 60 days to complete the project once it commences on each school.

By 2014 six new schools should be built and ready to house the students.

Within the past couple of days Barry Manilow made good on a promise to help the music programs of the schools. He donated $300,000 worth of instruments to the Joplin School District. Quite a remarkable act!

The nearly 7,000 students who are back in school are doing about as well as possible though no one can really determine the extent to which such psychological issues as trauma, sadness, and depression exists. It's not merely a matter of losing a school or home. Remember, six students and one teacher lost their lives in the tornadoes. Beyond that tragedy, the students have plenty of friends and neighbors who suffered greatly at the hand of Mother Nature.

By the way, Schools Count Corp will return to Joplin to assist students and teachers in 2012.

Thanks,
Dick

My Perspective on Teacher Pensions

2011-11-14T06:56:00.005-06:00

Much has been said about teacher pensions relative to its affect on state budgets. Some people complain that the state funding of teacher pension plans 'drains' or leaves too large of an unfunded liability. In terms of the unfunded element to pensions, it is largely due to the states borrowing from it and not repaying. Part of it is simply due to the fact that the state, over the years, has failed to pay its promised amount into the fund.

These same folks go on to say that teacher pensions should be cut or educators should pay more into the system. Some even call for the plans for the funds to be given to the teachers and they can create their own plan. The bottom line is this, states don't want to fund teacher and other public employee pensions. Simple as that.

Maintaining state pension plans is a must. In Illinois, for example, the Illinois State Constitution prohibits lawmakers from dropping public pensions. We need to keep pensions because, as in most states, teachers will not draw on Social Security. In other words, without the state pension, teachers would have NO retirement funds!

The current state of our pension plan is very positive. We have more money coming in than is paid out to retirees; the result, a net gain in funds each year. Why tinker with a plan that works?!

Does something need to be done with pensions? In my view, yes; otherwise, many states will be in even worse shape than they are now. Given the states poor management of teacher pensions, I don't want the legislators to act on their own.

The solution, as is always the best case scenario, is to let the various pension funds, educators and legislators work out the optimum solution through collective bargaining. State legislators acting on their own is not the way to tackle this problem.

Thanks,
Dick

Already at 100 Coats!!

2011-11-13T12:10:00.007-06:00

As of Sunday, November 13th, lucky 13th at that, we have already collected some 100 winter coats which are bound for four elementary schools in Chicago.

Thanks to those of your who have made donations and those still in the process of collecting these needed items.

Our 'Winter Wear' kudos go out to:

The Amicus Foundation
Mr. and Mrs. Bhargava
Carol and Harry Bull
Barb and Alan Cole
Annette DeAngelis
Joyce Fleming
Dick Flesher and Dawn Oler
Allison Gelman
Hinsdale Central High School's boys soccer team and parents
Hinsdale Central High School's girls volleyball team and parents
Jim and Joanne Kowalczyk
Barb Loebig
Marge and Earl McMahon
Liz Meersman
Sally Ortiz
Will Schneider
Ann and Pat Scott
Schools Count Corp.
Danielle Trezek

Thank you one and all!
Dick

Teaching Yesterday and Today

2011-11-12T07:41:00.004-06:00

After nearly 40 years of teaching full time and then substitute teaching I can see, at least in the suburbs where I taught, a massive shift in the demands of the teaching profession. These movements, whether positive or negative, have added the workload of teachers.

In the past, a teacher merely mentioned an assignment or put it on the chalkboard. Parent contacts were few and far between, there was no email to respond to and a single curriculum sufficed.

Not so today. Teachers verbally tell the students the assigned work and then they have to take the time to put it on a computer program such as sharepoint. Today, teachers literally can spend ALL of their preparation time returning the dozens of daily phone calls and emails that didn't exist in the past.

I know there are teachers, due to Special Education and Inclusion, that have three different lesson plans for the same class during the same period. Talk about spending lots of additional hours preparing for class!!

The above just scratches the surface relative to the demands placed upon teachers in the 21st century. Though I retired a few years ago, I can tell you this, I don't see how teachers (and students for that matter) keep up with the mountain of demands and the frenetic pace of the day. I don't think its healthy for anyone.

By the way, for those who think teachers make plenty of money, being a great teacher today with such job requirements, is just nonsense. The vast majority of teachers in America in 2011 make far too little for all the good they do for their students.

Dick

We don't need Homogeneity in Teaching!

2011-11-11T06:54:00.007-06:00

One of the beautiful aspects of teaching is that each teacher brings his/her own personality to the classroom. Some are more serious than others, some more humorous than not, and some are simply more creative and reactive.

While some in the public sector may complain about the above while invoking that one teacher is tougher than another or that such and such a teacher didn't cover a certain unit while another one did, we all need to understand the fundamental point that everyone is different.

And those differences are refreshing! Who wants to have seven consecutive classes, per day, where there is a monotony of teacher interactions with students and the system of lesson delivery is exactly the same? Not me and, more importantly, not the kids.

Let me pose this...don't you think it is possible that seven different teachers, each with a different style, different goals, different personalities, and more can get students to learn? You bet they can!!!!

Having different teachers, with different backgrounds, offering different styles of teaching and learning is one of the most attractive aspects of public education. I, for one, don't want the teaching profession to be one that stresses the need for homogeneity.

One of the other attractive aspects of having differences within the school, pertaining to the teachers, is that the students have to engage in the lifelong lesson of learning how to get along, or not, with other people who are - as we all are - different than we are.

Yep, I am all for non cookie cutter schools and teachers!

Thanks,
Dick

Longer CPS school day and Physical Education

2011-11-10T08:03:00.005-06:00

Commencing in the 2012-13 school year CPS elementary schools will have a longer school day. That's long overdo and welcome! Now the question becomes, what to do with the added minutes.

As reported by the Chicago Sun Times a good deal of the discussion, between the interested parties, on lengthening the school day, involves adding Physical Education to the curriculum. Right now 'few, if any, CPS elementary schools have daily PE, even though CPS has no official waiver from the state.'

Beyond the absence of PE from the elementary school curriculum, high school students, at the most, get one year of physical education. Currently the CPS system has a state granted waiver for roughly 36,000 of the 42,000 11th and 12th graders.

In my mind, this is a health nightmare. Why, because too many CPS children have very real problems with 'obesity, diabetes and early-onset hypertension' according to Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis.'

Sadly, these health issues are very real. Also, when the cost of getting rid of the waivers and putting Physical Education in the longer school day comes up then people tend to get nervous. Some educators estimate the cost of bringing PE to all students to be $20,000,000. Given the shortfall in the current budget, adding on this cost is likely to cool off the desire to add the benefits of PE to a longer school day.

Sad indeed, sad for the kids who really need the exercise.

Dick

One Week and over 50 Coats!!

2011-11-09T08:18:00.004-06:00

We are just one week in our 'Winter Wear' coat drive and we've already had some sizeable donations. Plenty of ski hats, gloves and mittens, in addition to some fifty coats, have made their way to us.

Thanks to those of your who have made donations and those still in the process of collecting these needed items.

Our 'Winter Wear' kudos go out to:

The Amicus Foundation
Carol and Harry Bull
Barb and Alan Cole
Annette DeAngelis
Allison Gelman
Hinsdale Central High School's boys soccer team and parents
Hinsdale Central High School's girls volleyball team and parents
Barb Loebig
Sally Ortiz
Will Schneider
Danielle Trezek

Thank you one and all!
Dick

Teacher Pensions and Collective Bargaining

2011-11-08T07:51:00.003-06:00

Sadly, there's plenty of venom out there concerning teacher contracts, pay, pensions and collecting bargaining. Allow me, prior to making mention of contracts and pensions, to make the point that collective bargaining, done in good faith by both parties, is critical to solving these problems and concerns.

Collecting bargaining allows give and take by both sides. Done in a serious, respectful and trusting manner serves the best interests of everyone involved. Any locality, state or federal agency that thinks doing away with collective bargaining is anything but ill-conceived will one day lament its demise.

Having said the above, any measure that largely, and that is key, largely guts any pension will hurt everyone concerned. After all, people on pensions spend the money they receive thereby aiding the economy. Gutting the pensions of public employees will simply prolong and protract a downward economic spiral.

In sense, drastically cutting pensions is akin to not renewing unemployment benefits with respect to the fact that those without the funds will do little to sustain business activity.

I receive a Teacher Retirement System (TRS) pension. Can reasonable reforms be made? In fact, I believe they can! Currently, I pay no IL State income tax on my pension. Having a state income tax levied on my Illinois income seems reasonable and I would gladly pay it. Some people would fight this but it is a way to add to the state coffers without really harming my pension.

But, as I said at the outset, making this change must take place through collective bargaining. Decent people who have the best interest of ALL in mind can get the job done.

Dick

Coat Drive

2011-11-07T06:35:00.003-06:00

Our annual 'Winter Wear' drive is well underway this fall. We are very excited to help the children at four schools; Fuller Elementary, Songhai Elementary, West Pullman Elementary, and Curtis Elementary.

We have found that, aside from bringing the children school supplies, when the kids have the proper clothing (winter and school uniforms) it enables them to continue to attend classes. As I have mentioned in previous blogs, the factors outside of the school environment have a huge impact on their learning.

When food, clothing and other forms of support are available, principals report a higher level of engagement by students in the schoolwork.

So why not be a part of our 'Winter Wear' effort. We are looking for the following for boys and girls, ages 4 - 14; winter coats, boots, mittens, gloves, hats and scarves. If you are donating used items please be sure they are clean and in the type of condition that you would accept if you were to receive these gifts.

We will be collecting these items through Monday, December 5th. By donating to this initiative you will be bringing a smile to the faces of many during the upcoming holidays.

Contact me at rich219@comcast.net and we will make arrangements for either a dropoff in Hinsdale or I will pick up the items.

Many thanks,
Dick

American Education - Part II

2011-11-04T08:02:00.002-05:00

Jonathan Dearman was known as a terrific teacher at San Francisco's Leadership High School. That's according to the students, staff, parents and administration at the the seven year old charter. When other teachers could barely get the kids going, Mr. Dearman inspired the students to do the impossible.

Mr. Dearman no longer teaches!!

Why you ask? He couldn't make ends meet, he was away from the family for too long and - believe it or not - he wasn't as effective as he wanted to be. Imagine that from a top flight educator.

One can say that teachers are paid about right, they receive what they deserve (given the mythical statement that 'they have summers off') or something of that nature. The fact of the matter is this...the 3,000,000 teachers in the United States make an average of $44,367 per year. No, that's not a starting salary, that's the average.

Do you suppose that the average lawyer, doctor, or government official has $44,367 as their 'average' pay?

Here's the deal. It isn't just that the average pay is $44,367 it's the fact that the great teachers like Mr. Dearman work 60 plus hours per week, deal with all sorts of kids with social/emotional needs literally every moment of the day and find that the demands of the profession are growing by the second.

Let me say this, school reform, in part, may want to tie a teachers pay to test scores but there are bigger issues that need to be tackled such as keeping great teachers like Mr. Dearman.

Dick

American Teacher - A Documentary

2011-11-03T07:40:00.005-05:00

Last night I had the good fortune to view a newly released film, American Teacher, which documents the lives of a number of teachers in different parts of America. The film tackles some of the myths about short workdays and endless summer vacations. The stories told also look at the social and emotional toll that the profession takes on its teachers.

Relative to the myth of short workdays, there is no denying that most school children aren't in classes for eight or nine hours however, the same cannot be said of kids instructors. The film followed teachers who arrived at school at 6:30 or 7:00 am until they left at 5:00 or 5:30 pm. Hardly, a short work day. The film went on to discuss the many evening and weekend hours devoted to schoolwork.

Depending on family matters and the pay that teachers receive, a good many of America's teachers aren't on endless summer vacations. The film illustrated that many teachers take on second jobs in order to make ends meet.

Today's teachers often face classrooms of students who enter the building with a number of issues which impacts their ability to concentrate and learn. The film made clear that handling literally hundreds of social and emotional student issues is paramount to successful teaching.

In the coming days, I will share some additional facts and insights from the film and book, Teachers Have It Easy. Don't let the title of the book fool you, nothing could be further from the truth!

Many thanks,
Dick

No Child Left Behind?

2011-11-02T11:41:00.003-05:00

Today's Chicago Sun Times (page 26) carried an article titled 'Long Way to go to achieve No Child Left Behind goal.' The nation's report card (NAEP) reported that fourth and eighth graders scored their best ever on the math test while making progress in reading.

The article pointed out that 'just a little more than one-third of the students were proficient or higher in reading. In math, 40% of the fourth graders and 35% of the eighth graders had reached that level.'

Don't get me wrong, I love to see the growth of students in these areas. But I tire of the end game being one of testing and testing in these two areas alone.

What is needed is comprehensive growth in all academic endeavors offered by schools. Why is it that special emphasis is place on math and reading, often to the exclusion of other subject areas? Every content area should be afforded the best curriculum and teachers possible.

Young people need as much exposure to the arts, literature, history, physical education, civics, nutrition, health, shop courses, the sciences and more as they do in reading and mathematics.

It is time for all of us to say enough to the benchmark of success, or the lack thereof, being enshrined in math and reading scores.

Thanks,
Dick

Update on Haiti

2011-11-01T16:53:00.008-05:00

It has been some time since I have provided our bloggers with an update on the situation in Haiti. Excuse me for not having touched base sooner. At any rate, here is some of the latest news from the island.

Yes, it's true, Paul Vallas is a consultant to the Haitian Ministry of Education. I have no idea about his latitude of power but I find it hard to believe that his impact will be significant due to the skepticism most schools and localities have towards this federal government agency.

Just what money Mr. Vallas has at his disposal is just one of many questions that will determine the degree to which he is able to bring his power to bear. As we all know, most of the schools are private and have operated largely out of view of the federal goverment.

At IMN Maxandre Bien Aime reports that all five of the 6th graders were successful in passing the state exam and four of the students who entered the official exam for public high school passed and are now able to attend public high school. As these five students move on, I will keep you apprised of their progress.

IMN has 180 students this year, up 50 over last year. It is clear that the staff are doing some wonderful things for the children

There are still at least 600,000 Haitian living in tents at this point in time. As few as 50,000 to 60,000 Haitians have been resettled following the January 2010 earthquake. To say the least, progress has been slow in terms of developing decent housing for the quake survivors and the homeless.

Tempers seem to short on another front. Some Haitians harbor ill feelings toward the U.N. peacekeeping mission that has been in Haiti since 2004, when a violent rebellion of former soldiers toppled then President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

The U.N. force has been blamed for introducing a cholera outbreak, and several Uruguayan sailors from one of its battalions face accusations of sexually abusing an 18-year-old Haitian man.

The IMN story is certainly a success! On many other fronts, the Haitian population is living in absolute misery.

Dick

Reaching High!

2011-10-31T08:22:00.004-05:00

You bet collecting 1000 winter coats and gloves/mittens is a pretty daunting goal. It just so happens, though, that the prospect of a child walking to and from school this coming frigid winter will be far more challenging if that student doesn't have the proper warm clothing.

The goal of Schools Count Corp is to help children learn and in doing so we look at providing an array of resources that meet that end. Whether it is school uniforms, daily student supplies or winter wear, we are there to help kids.

Please consider being a part of our CPS 'Winter Wear' Drive. You can donate clean winter coats and/or gloves, purchase a new jacket or donate the funds to SCC and we, in turn, will purchase the clothing.

I can say that I never attended school without the proper attire, necessary supplies or the proper food. I am glad that my folks could provide these for me. Today, however, there are parents without the funds to help their children with these essentials and that is truly a travesty.

I appreciate your being a part of this effort to collect winter coats and gloves.

Many thanks,
Dick

Winter Coat Drive

2011-10-29T08:05:00.005-05:00

Crisp nights and cool days are at hand as autumn is once again upon us. Of course, that means snow, some howling winds, and bitter cold won't be far behind. Doesn't sound all that enticing does it?

Well, for children who attend classes everyday that means they have to wait at the bus stop in frigid temperatures or they have to slog through the snow, slush and ice on their way to school.

Plenty of these Chicago Public School students could use our help. We are starting our annual SCC Winter Coat Drive to make sure these kids stay warm during the upcoming winter. Aside from aiding the students with supplies, as we did in August, our winter coat drive is yet another way of helping the children get to class and stay engaged in their studies.

Our aim is to collect 1000 coats and gloves (or mittens) by Friday, December 2nd. That will give us time to sort and box up the clothes for delivery during the week of Dec. 7 - Dec. 11.

We would love to have your participation in this effort. Simply donate a clean 'used' coat (or purchase a new one, if so desire) or gloves which are appropriate for ages 4 -14. We need both boys and girls wear. If you wish to make a monetary donation (tax deductible) you can certainly go in that direction. I will then take the funds and puchase coats and gloves.

Once the purchase is made you can contact me so that we can arrange to have items picked up or dropped off at our mutual convenience. Kindly email me at rich219@comcast.net or call me at (630)863-6035 and we'll work out the details.

Thanks for being a part of this important initiative!
Dick

A Wonderful Evening

2011-10-28T08:47:00.003-05:00

Last night sixty of our many donors and volunteers came together to celebrate the wonderful works of our charity. To be clear, none of our work in Joplin, Chicago, Haiti or New Orleans would take place without them.

There were a number of highlights to the evening; a wonderful meal prepared by the Hinsdale Central H. S. Chef and Restaurant class, an update on initiatives in the various schools, and an inspiring message from Fuller Elementary School Principal Ms. Carrmilla Young.

Ms. Young had a number of important messages concerning the education of the Fuller children.

One of the more illuminating comments that Carrmilla conveyed to the assembly of SCC donors and volunteers was the idea that education can't take place at Fuller until the personal issues and problems, faced by children, are dealt with by the staff. And Ms. Young made it clear that she and her staff are there to help their students deal with such concerns.

Another point made by Ms. Young dealt with the idea that no matter what problems may exist, and regardless of any past failures, a new day is dawning. At the same time, those failures will be replaced by a willingness to shed the cloak of failure.

Those in attendance left the dinner with an appreciation of the efforts of Ms. Young and voiced their support of our ongoing efforts to assist her, the staff, and students of Fuller.

It was great to get together with one and all last night. Thanks for attending the event!!

Dick

The Fight Continues

2011-10-27T07:40:00.004-05:00

Now that our delivery of supplies to NOLA, CPS, and Joplin schools has taken place, what should we do or be thinking about with regard to aiding these schools in the future? Should we even consider helping them in the years ahead? After all, aren't they better off now than prior to our help? Some might even recommend 'shutting down' for a bit.

There certainly is merit in 'catching our breath' and 'recharging our batteries.' I won't argue this point but I want to mention one condition that needs to be addressed and kept in mind; the needs of the children (and their families) don't have the luxury of such a respite. The challenges they face are daunting and they exist on a day-to-day basis.

I am reaching out to each of you to ask you to consider the above scenario in the hope that you will find a way to engage in an activity, of your choosing, that will help improve the educational and living-condition situation faced by the Chicago Public School students we serve.

Please know that I am most appreciative of your support and your willingness to engage in support of activities that promote the 'common good.'

Sincerely,
Dick

More Education Cuts on the Horizon?

2011-10-25T13:30:00.004-05:00

Friends, I thought you might find this article, written by Kimberly Hefling of the Associated Press, to be stimulating. Thanks, Dick

LANCASTER, Pa. — Educators are bracing for a tough reality: As difficult as budget cuts have been on schools, more tough times are likely ahead.

Even in a best-case scenario that assumes strong economic growth next year, it won't be until 2013 or later when districts see budget levels return to pre-recession levels, said Daniel Domenech, executive director of the American Association of School Administrators in Arlington, Va. That means more cuts and layoffs are likely ahead.

"The worst part is that it's not over," Domenech said.

Already, an estimated 294,000 jobs in the education sector have been lost since 2008, including those in higher education.

The cuts are felt from Keller, Texas, where the district moved to a pay-for-ride transportation system rather than cut busing altogether, to Georgia, where 20 days were shaved off the calendar for pre-kindergarten classes. In California, a survey found that nearly half of all districts last year cut or reduced art, drama and music programs. Nationally, 120 districts — primarily in rural areas — have gone to a four-day school week to save on transportation and utility costs, according to the National Conference of State Legislators. Others are implementing fees to play sports, cutting field trips and ending after-school programs.

Districts have little choice but to put off buying textbooks and technology and training teachers, said Rob Monson, a principal in Parkston, S.D., who is president of the National Association of Elementary School Principals.

On a recent day at Abraham Lincoln Middle School in Lancaster, teenage girls in ponytails and boys in long athletic shorts dashed across the gym, pausing their game of indoor tennis to motion "Y-M-C-A" with their arms as the Village People's song blares from the loudspeaker. It's a scene happening less frequently these days. Budget cuts and teacher layoffs have forced the school to cut some P.E. classes, reduce library hours and eliminate small literacy classes for struggling readers and Spanish for sixth- and seventh-graders.

Principal Josh Keene says he's worried — not just about offering electives next year, but whether class sizes in core subjects will jump from around 25 to 35 or 40. His district received $6 million less from the state this year, which meant six staff positions in his school were cut. Even if state funding remains the same next year, the district expects to have from $5 million to $7 million less because of increased pension obligations and other expenses.

"I'm scared to death. As we continue to look at fewer and fewer non-classroom positions that are there, at some point it's going to impact core classroom positions and that's a very, very scary thing," said Keene.

Recognizing the reality districts face, President Barack Obama included $30 billion in his $447 billion jobs creation package to save teachers' jobs. The Senate rejected the jobs package as well as a separate measure focused on saving the jobs of teachers and emergency responders. Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell has said the plan resembles "bailouts" that haven't proven to work and only perpetuate economic problems.

Not everyone sees all doom and gloom in schools' budget woes. Some say many districts haven't wisely spent tax dollars or didn't adequately prepare for the end of the $100 billion in federal stimulus dollars for schools. And that while the number of students per teacher in America dropped from 22.3 in 1970 to 15.3 in 2008, according to the National Center For Education Statistics, they say the reduction hasn't made a noticeable difference.

Karen Hawley Miles, executive director of Education Resource Strategies, a nonprofit based in Watertown, Mass., that helps urban districts develop ways to more effectively use resources, encourages districts to use this time to make changes they have been reluctant to do. They include strategically raising class sizes to refocus on teacher quality and changing teacher compensation to be more tied to performance, she said.

"In tough days when it's incredibly urgent, sometimes these conversations can take place in a different frame. We see districts really thinking about how they can really do things differently and really focus in on their priorities," she said.

In Pennsylvania, at the urging of Gov. Tom Corbett, the legislature slashed public-education spending by roughly $900 million, or more than 10 percent, to avoid a state budget deficit for the year that began July 1 without raising taxes.

Seemingly overnight, thousands of education jobs in the state were lost. A survey of school districts by the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators and the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials found that leading into this school year, 44 percent reduced elective course offerings and 70 percent increased class sizes. More than 30 districts said they either reduced or eliminated full-day kindergarten or pre-K programs.

The cuts hit many of the poorer districts harder because they are more reliant on state dollars.

In York, Pa., about a 30-minute drive from Lancaster, full-day kindergarten was saved when administrators and teachers agreed to a pay freeze. But art, music, and physical education teachers in elementary schools were eliminated, forcing classroom teachers to incorporate the electives in their classroom teaching, said Kim Schwarz, 45, a teacher and president of the York City Education Association. High school class sizes now are in the upper 30s, she said.

Schwarz said the changes are tough for kids who really shine in art or physical education and it's been hard on the morale of teachers.

"The district has scrimped and pulled and did everything they could to find additional funds ... and I think the teachers are doing an absolutely phenomenal job of educating the students and giving them the attention that they need given the circumstances, which just adds more to the stress and the level of exhaustion that we're all feeling," Schwarz said.

At Keene's school in Lancaster, about 60 percent of the students are Latino and 80 percent are considered low income. Many are sent home on Friday nights with donated groceries and recipes for cooking them. Among the staff members cut was someone who did home visits to follow up on children who weren't attending class. The school was able to continue an after-school program only after a non-profit agreed to run it.

Keene said he wants his children to have a full life, and he thinks music, art and physical education are part of that. He just hopes those classes will be offered in the future.

"You know the old adage sometimes you need to work smarter, not harder? We're frankly at a point where we just need to work harder and more hours, and with the reductions in staff, that's what needs to happen because otherwise, kids are going to suffer, and that's unacceptable," Keene said.

What We Ought to Expect

2011-10-22T18:48:00.003-05:00

What do we really want our teachers to do that will ultimately make a difference in the lives of our young people? Notice I didn't say what will make them prosperous nor do I make any mention of an occupation. Likewise, I don't think it serves students well simply to be fully prepped for various exams.

No, I'm advocating for something far more reaching.

From my vantage point I want teachers to engage students. I want a teacher who can pass along his/her thirst for knowledge in the hope that his/her students will do the same. I want a teacher who is committed to listening.

I long for teachers who pour their heart and soul into teaching...who literally bare all that they stand for.

I want teachers who are truthful, full of candor and who act according to the principles of decency and act in the name of the common good. I want to see a teacher live by his/her word.

My guess is that if a teacher stands for the above, students - no matter their location, grade, race, gender, age - will be all the better for it.

Thanks,
Dick

Teachers Make..

2011-10-21T14:28:00.004-05:00

Lots of talk out there these days about what teachers and administrators make in yearly wages or pensions. Let me offer another thought on what teachers make.

Teachers make...

...each day an exciting and rewarding experience

...students learn and excel when no one else seems to be able to do it

...sense of the world

...students dream of what they can be someday

...young people realize their potential

...countless opportunities for growth

...it happen

...it possible to do the improbable

...students squirm in order to learn

...things happen far beyond any amount of money they make

Just some of my thoughts on what teachers make!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks,
Dick

Make Your Voice Known

2011-10-17T07:29:00.003-05:00

Too often, a number of skeptics of public education or those who are in the midst of pointing out some of the difficulties of teaching in the 21st century outweigh those who really know that students are receiving a great education.

It falls upon those of us, known as the silent majority, to make our voices heard. We don't need to assail our critics; rather, let your friends and the teachers of your children know that they are doing a great job.

We expect our public schools to bring out the best in our children, that's to be expected. Why not jot a note to a teacher to thank them for the effort and thought they put into their work? If you see that your son/daughter is faring well, let that school know you are grateful for the care and consideration shown them.

Do you have a coach or activity sponsor who brings out the best in your child? Why not send them an email thanking them for all that they do. Perhaps you see your son/daughter making progress. Part of that success is likely to be attributable to their teacher.

I think far more comes of acting in a positive and proactive fashion than simply complaining and griping about someone. Why not take the time and make the effort to support good teachers? I think it serves everyone's interests.

Thanks,
Dick

Teacher Merit

2011-10-14T10:40:00.004-05:00

Over the past couple of days I have shared some thoughts with you regarding Vince Santo, an elective course instructor, who may very well have half of his evaluation subject to the FL test scores (FCAT) of students who he doesn't even instruct.

The issue deals with merit pay and the fact that merit pay is being tied to the FCAT results. This is sadly an emerging trend.

Merit. Well, for some people a person's merit, or should I say worth, is being tied to test scores. This nonsense has to stop! A person's merit (worth) should not be tied to test results. Education is not piece rate work and it never has been. Teaching and learning is not some cut rate type of endeavor.

Piece rate work has its place in any economic system but it isn't appropriate for all types of occupations. Besides, dangling money in front of someone, in most careers, has proven to be a poor work incentive!

A teacher's merit should not be tied to or equated to merit pay. Merit ought to be more closely aligned to other teaching/teacher factors such as; the ability of the teacher to adapt, the instructor's knowledge base, developing a compatibility between teacher and learner, teaching style, knowledge of adolescence, work ethic, effort and more.

Any decent administrator will see the above elements as far more revealing of a teacher's merit than tying standardized scores to their evaluation. It is time to get away from test results being a panacea or the key to school reform.

Dick

Are You Kidding!!

2011-10-13T07:24:00.004-05:00

The article I posted yesterday from the Orlando Sentinel concerning the evaluation, based partly on merit, of Florida teachers who teach non-core courses is a fascinating yet convoluted scenario.

Here is a teacher, Vince Santo, who as a performing arts instructor, and FLorida officials will base half of his evauation on merit. Okay, I have a problem with the whole merit pay but that is another issue. Get this, Florida and his school, want to base his degree of 'merit,' or lack thereof, based on how students perform in math and reading, classes he doesn't even teach! Like I said, you have to be kidding.

It makes absolutely no sense to base ones evaluation of a teacher on the performance of students in courses that you don't even teach. How on earth is a Music, Drama, or Art teacher suppose to impact student performance on the FCAT tests with regard to math and reading? Quite simply they can't!

The performing arts are by their nature 'performance' oriented and subjecting students and, in turn, teachers to so some sort of standardized testing is absurd, simply absurd.

When will the 'powers that be,' who come up with these merit pay concoctions, get in through their heads that excellence in teaching and learning isn't merely a product of testing?

School reform will start to take place when educators get rid of the foolishness of an over-dependence on standardized testing and the idea that merit or worth of a teach is based on test results.

You want a good teacher? All you have to do is look to the many thousands out there who engage students, are bright, work their tails off, are prepared, and look to treat students in a respectful manner.

Thanks,
Dick

A Rather Interesting Story

2011-10-12T19:45:00.004-05:00

The following story appeared in the Orlando (FL) Sentinel newspaper today. I thought you might like to read it as it deals with merit pay. I'll weigh in on this in tomorrow's blog.

A 15-hour workday is not uncommon for Vince Santo when he's directing the busy East Ridge High School theater program. Sets must be painted, parents enlisted, brightly colored costumes pieced together and acting skills honed.

But at the end of the year, Santo's own performance will be measured in a way much different from the one used to evaluate him in the past.

Because of Florida's controversial new teacher merit-pay law, nearly half of Santo's evaluation will be based not on how well his theater students can act, but how they perform in reading and math on their Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test.

"There has to be a better way to show how effective we are," Santo said.

School districts are working on that — in the form of student tests that would be tailored to disciplines such as theater, art and physical education. But until educators come up with those measuring sticks, thousands of teachers such as Santo will be judged this year on student FCAT scores in core courses, even though they don't teach those classes.

A Chinese-language teacher, for instance, will be evaluated on how her students read in English on their FCAT. And because the test doesn't start until third grade, first-grade teachers could be judged on how well third-graders perform on the FCAT.

The new focus on linking student-test results to teacher performance has school districts rallying to create standardized tests for every class in the coming years and paying for it with federal money. Districts are boosting staff with Race to the Top grant money and mustering teams of test-builders and data analysts.

Lake County Schools and other districts even hired psychometricians, test-creation specialists.

"We're going to have to build from the ground up on these assessments," said Heather Wright, the psychometrician for Lake County Schools.

For Wright and others, finding a way to evaluate a teacher's impact in core subjects such as civics and geometry will be challenging enough. But the job will become much harder — and more clouded — when trying to come up with a fair evaluation system for those teaching theater, music or art.

Across Florida, school districts are using more than $20 million in federal Race to the Top grants to create student tests that could be used to grade teachers in these noncore subjects. They have until 2014 to do so.

In Polk County, administrators are working on ways to create standardized tests for performing-arts subjects. The goal is to objectively measure students' performance and creativity.

"In the past, these had been assessed in some manner — you either like it or you don't like it — and so you have to have something that's less subjective," said Beth Cummings, senior music coordinator for the district.

Thanks to technology, some approaches to measuring progress might be a little easier, at least in music. Cummings said one approach the team might use is a software program that measures pitch and how accurately a student plays musical notes on page.

"That's a measurable thing," Cummings said.

In some Florida counties, standardized fine-arts tests are nothing new. In Hillsborough County, where the tests have been used for decades, students are graded on factors such as identifying major beats in pop music or determining whether an actor is dominating a scene.

But many fine-arts teachers worry the focus on testing will drain the creativity from their subjects.

"My biggest fear is we create nothing but test-takers — and creativity is gone out the window — because that's what everything's going to be based on," said Mike Cahill, Orange County Classroom Teachers Association president.

Santo, meanwhile, is encouraging other drama teachers to get involved in the process that could eventually impact the outcome of their professional evaluations. His biggest fear is the new testing push won't encourage students to learn performance.

"Anybody can memorize and write something down on a piece of paper," he said. "But can they get up and do it?"

ericarodriguez@tribune.com or 352-455-8046

Chili Dinner - Oct. 14th

2011-10-07T07:05:00.005-05:00

It's that time of the year...Friday night football, cool temperatures, and chili! And it also just so happens that all of this is taking place while Habitat for Humanity, at Hinsdale Central, teams up with Schools Count Corp for one of our biggest fundraisers of the year.

Our 5th annual Chili Dinner will take place on Friday, October 14th in the Hinsdale Central H.S. student cafeteria from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm. Tickets, whether purchased ahead of time, or at the door are $5. That's an amazing price considering you get all the chili you can eat plus a dessert and beverage. By the way, did I mention that there are all sort of toppings for the chili? Well, there are!

All of the profits from the chili dinner will benefit two organizations, the HC Habitat for Humanity Club and Schools Count Corp. The Habitat member will use their funds for their 2012 building trip to West Virginia while Schools Count will use their portion of the proceeds to buy school supplies for students in the Chicago Public Schools.

Why not avoid cooking after a long week of work and school? Get the whole family together and come on out to support these great organizations! Once you finish your delicious meal you just might want to head out to the football field to watch the Red Devils take on Downers Grove North.

Hope to see you on the 14th!

Thanks,
Dick

Let There Be No Doubt

2011-10-06T06:36:00.005-05:00

Wisconsin Governor Walker and the state legislature have cut the state's education budget by $1.6 billion over the next two years. That's right!!! That amounts to over $600 less funding per child per year.

So why the draconian cuts? The state does have a debt problem for certain. But cutting education by that total is simply hard to fathom. There has to be more to it. Well, there is!

Look at it another way. If you are having a debt problem and you can fund charter schools for less money than the traditional public school why not marry the two together. The debt crisis makes it easier, for those who propose such a venture, to justify funding schools at a lesser amount of money while creating charters. How convenient.

Let's not kid ourselves, you are going to find more local and state governments following this lead. In an age of cost cutting, education is going to be one of the first to be on the chopping block.

How foolish!! The very people who say we need to be more competitive in the new global economy are willing to sacrifice the very means, education, of how we become more adept in such a world. Pretty short sighted.

Here are some other issues to think about. If more charters are created and teachers are paid less (which is typically the case) then when those charter teachers retire, state retirement systems will pay them less of a pension than the traditional public school teacher. How very sneaky and sinister.

If charters need more funds for such things as expansion, while not getting additional public funds, they will have to obtain the funds on their own. Just another example of how government agencies can turn a blind eye toward public education. Let there be no doubt that many local and state governments are willing to make major cuts to the education of our children.

The above is happening all around us and we need to not only be aware of the situation but we need to voice our disapproval.

Thanks,
Dick

The Larger Issue of Charters

2011-10-05T07:29:00.004-05:00

If you are curious about the growth and direction of charter schools within the city of Chicago I can give you some data on their proliferation. According to an Oct. 4, 2011 Chicago Tribune article fully 12% of all CPS students attend a charter. That's a significant number.

The thrust of the article dealt with an examination of the financial footing of charters. The Civic Foundation, here in Chicago, reported that some charters fared better than others. One of the problems in terms of reporting on charter finances is the fact that different accounting methods are used by the various charters. The result is akin to comparing different brands of apples to one another.

What I found most intriguing, and I see as the larger issue, is the situation regarding the amount of money that charters have at their disposal. The Civic Foundation reported on the low operational amounts of money that charters have available to spend on each pupil. According to the study, "Charters receive around $7300.00 per pupil from the state, about half as much as neighborhood schools in CPS."

The point is that most charters are clamoring for more funds. That makes sense. Finally, towards the end of the article it was stated that "some large charter networks are able to overcome these financial hurdles with private fundraising."

And there, in a nutshell, is the problem. It's not that these charters are doing something wrong by fundraising. If local and state governments can see that the charters are going out and raising money, on their own, why would the government agencies want to provide more funding? The answer is that governments will be quite willing to allow them to do so while keeping low the amount of funds provided by the public sector.

As I've said before, in other blog postings, too many government agencies are ignoring their responsibilities of providing for the 'common good.' This is just another way of moving towards the privatization of public education.

Dick

What are We to Make of This?

2011-10-04T06:42:00.004-05:00

There is a disturbing trend in America to sell off services or other government run obligations to private enterprise. You name it and authorities at various levels are getting rid of it. The reasons are plenty but the main one is funding.

Tollways, highways, parking meters, schools and more are being sold off or simply taken over by the private sector. I don't know enough about most services but I do know a good deal about the education sector being let go by various local government agencies. Most of this action involves the creation of charter schools.

It's true that charter schools use public funding though most get a lesser amount than the true public school in the same district, county or state.

As true public schools are becoming charters, for all practical purposes, the charters are pretty much on their own in terms of their operation. This allows them more autonomy while government agencies are able to free themselves of various commitments, financial and otherwise.

Remember, if a charter needs more funding they cannot go to the taxpayers and ask for a referendum. And if this situation exists well, don't count on the local or state government to come to the rescue. It just isn't going to happen.

I won't get into the merits, or lack thereof, of charters right now. My point is that government agencies, at all levels, have always looked at educating the nation's youth as one of their primary responsibilities and rightfully so. To disavow themselves of this commitment is a travesty and one that we ought not allow.

Dick

Here's What Teachers Tell Me

2011-10-03T08:18:00.008-05:00

Stories abound in newspapers, film documentaries, educational periodicals, television programs and the like concerning student achievement, school reform, and/or the perceived failure of schools.

The range of information carried through these various sources varies from truth to partial truth to out and out fiction. The result is often confusing and too often lead many to jump to conclusions about the quality of schools, teachers and instruction.

Many teachers tell me about their daily teaching, giving me a sense of some activities and events which are either harmful to their instruction, out of their control, and limits their effectiveness with their students.

What follows are some inhibitors to teaching and learning:

'Too many disruptions in the school day'

'We have to make all kinds of curriculum adjustments in our instruction because we have so many inclusion and educational service students, often to the detriment of the other students'

'Way too many late starts'

'It takes more than an hour just to respond to my emails each day. It leaves too little time to grade or lesson plan'

'With so many different learners, there are times when I have to have three different lessons for the same class'

'There are too many AP classes and the students face too much pressure'

'Too few five day weeks and that makes it difficult to develop a rhythm'

'There still is too much teaching to the test (state testing)'

The above are real struggles that often impede or impair the work of teachers. These teachers state that fewer of these impediments would increase the likelihood of improved classroom performance. I'm certain that if administrators would hear these concerns then improvements would result.

Thanks,
Dick

This Shouldn't Come as a Surprise

2011-09-30T06:59:00.005-05:00

Today's issue of the Chicago Sun Times carries a piece about the lack of progess in the reading scores of the elementary schools. The report, put out by the University of Chicago's Consortium on Chicago School Research, says that the scores have remained relatively stagnant for the past twenty years. I am sure many in the public are horrified with this report.

This comes as no surprise to me. I have often commented, through this blog, that what students learn in school is largely affected by conditions outside of school and many of those conditions have deteriorated over the past twenty years.

Given neighborhood safety, the proliferation of gangs in too many areas, familial concerns, poverty, and the like, it might be a miracle that reading and math scores have held their own during this era. I'm dead serious about this! Before we throw stones at the schools, teachers and children we need to get real and consider what it would be like for US to grow up in such an environment.

To improve the performance of students in reading and math, along with other course work - which shouldn't be forgotten - in such an environment will take much longer than twenty years. It will take as long as it takes to make the streets safe, get rid of the gangs, provide decent paying jobs, and to have well established and strong family relations.

Thanks,
Dick

The Thoughts of One Principal

2011-09-27T09:37:00.003-05:00

The Monday, September 26th edition of the New York Times carried an interesting piece entitled 'The Secrets of a Principal Who Makes Things Work.' There are a good number of Ms. Getz's ideas (she works in a tough part of NYC) that, in my view, have much merit. I want to share them with you.

"A good principal has been a teacher"

"A good principal feels at home in a cafeteria filled with 800 children eating rubbery scrambled eggs for breakfast"

"A good principal has her own style"

"A good principal protects her teachers from the nonsense"

"A good principal sets her own standards high"

"A good principal works with union leaders to carry out her education agenda, and if she can't, takes them on"

"A good principal knows teachers are only part of what make a school run"

"A good principal takes money out of her pocket for the school"

"A good principal loves and trusts the public schools where she works"

"A good principal worries in private, ignores the surreal and finds a way to get things done"

"A good principal has a To Do list several feet long"

"A good principal leads by example"

Many good qualities in the above and its clear that the relationship between the principal and his/her teachers is a critical one relative to the success of students.

Dick

Mark it on your Calendar!!

2011-09-23T09:53:00.003-05:00

Let's get together with like minded and supportive people of education! I can think of no better way to the celebrate that successes of all of the work, time, energy and goodwill of our donors and volunteers than saying 'thank you' at our October 27th 'Donor Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.'

It's a great meal, with a terrific program, a wonderful guest in Principal Carmilla Young (Fuller Elementary in Chicago) and the food is free!! To be a part of the festive evening simply email me at rich219@comcast.net.

We only do this every other year so make it a point to come out to share in the wonderful experiences that comprise the work of Schools Count. You'll enjoy hearing from one of the recipients of the great work of our charity.

Looking forward to seeing you!
Dick

Another Way to Look at It

2011-09-22T08:47:00.003-05:00

There are critics out there who think that public education has gone the way of the Titanic. Such people accuse teachers of wrongdoing, unions of harming the educational process, and bureacrats of protecting the system.

I have never claimed that some poor teachers are out there or that some bureaucratic practices are sometimes out of touch with what goes on in the classroom.

But let's take another look at public education from a different vantage point. Let's examine how students have been affected by their teachers. Who hasn't had inspiring teachers? Plenty of us have had such individuals. Who hasn't had a teacher who we have gone to with some serious issue or problem, school related or not? It happens frequently. And who among us can claim a teacher or two as a role model? My guess is that there are plenty of individuals who can answer in the affirmative.

Though some reforms need to take place, there is plenty of evidence to suggest that the vast majority of public school educators continue to inspire, will be there when needed and will act as a positive role model.

I for one, continue to see positive things taking place in public education.

Dick

KICK is still 'kickin' it In!

2011-09-21T07:02:00.007-05:00

Plenty of players from the various Hinsdale Central High School boys soccer squads took part in the KICK event this past Sunday. To each of you, and your parents, please accept my thanks for being a part of such an important event relative to helping young people who are your age who often go without the school supplies we often take for granted.

We also had a number of local Business Sponsors who stepped up and contributed in a significant way. Thanks goes out to Clarendon Hills Bank and Hinsdale Bank, SVM/Fuel Incentive Products, Inc., Silbrico Corporation, Sports Clip, Kramer's Foods, Domino's Pizza, Soccer 2000, Daily Scoop, Campus Colors, and Meatheads.

A number of Soccer Family Sponsors also provided sizeable support to the KICK effort. They include the following families; Andrews, Basalone, Bergevin, Cheever, Enders, Floersch, Gesior, Gutman, Krohn, McGowen, Meyer, Oleferchik, Parsons, Pranger, Proussaloglou, Reavis, Scott, and Williams.

As of the is morning the grand total of $5800.00 has been raised in the name of children-in-need.

I realize that each and every person has a choice of what they can do with their funds but I want everyone to know that I am heartened by your choice of assisting our charity through your generosity. You have surely put a smile on the face of many children!

Many thanks,
Dick

KICK Works Wonders!

2011-09-20T06:25:00.005-05:00

This past Sunday the Hinsdale Central High School boys varsity soccer team was to hold its soccer-tennis KICK (Kick It in for Chicago Kids) event. Well, mother nature decided not to cooperate and the heavens opened up and doused the tennis courts with a good bit of rain. That canceled the fun part of the day...playing!

Due to the conditions we went indoors and passed out the KICK t-shirts (they look absolutely great) and enjoyed some pizza and gatorade. Ann Scott and I thanked everyone for coming and related some stories of thanks told to us by the children who have received school supplies courtesy of KICK.

Despite the miserable conditions, KICK turned out to be a monumental success. Altogether, with corporate sponsors, family backing, KICK registration fees and donated gift certificates $5,600.00 was raised...truly an amazing amount of money!

I want to thank seniors Mitch Reavis, Will Meyer and Andrew Scott (varsity players) for coordinating the event. Their leadership is certainly appreciated. Thanks also goes out to every single parent, player and company who supported the event and, in turn, are helping those in need obtain the resources they desperately need in order to be successful in their studies.

Thanks to one and all,
Dick

Thank You's - 2011

2011-09-19T06:33:00.003-05:00

I am always trying to figure out ways to convey the gratefulness of the recipients of school supplies to our donors and volunteers. It's not always easy to find a way to pass along the heartfelt thanks of those, particularly people hundreds of miles away, who have benefitted from your kindness.

Fortunately, last week I received some 60 letters from students in New Orleans expressing their gratitude for your assistance. The letters of thanks from a few 4th and 5th graders at Fannie Williams Elementary School are to the right of this note. Simply click on the image and it will enlarge to the point where you will be able to read it.

If you are like me, after reading the notes, it is pretty obvious that the kids are extremely thankful for the donation of supplies. Of course none of this would be possible without your time, effort, and funds.

Enjoy!!
Dick

Some Randomness!!

2011-09-17T13:31:00.004-05:00

#1 I continue to be perplexed by this scenario. Our population, number of school age students, are all on the rise in this country yet we are getting larger class sizes in many areas while teachers are being cut. Makes no sense to me.

#2 Why do we continue to assess student success largely based on test scores? What happened to improvement, work ethic, attendance and the like?

#3 A fantastic teacher is still the primary means of delivering a great education. Can you imagine if your son or daughter was taught purely by a computer without the face-to-face interaction? I can...it would be disaster!!

#4 I hope schools, and the public-at-large, don't lose sight of the fact that vocational training needs to be an important element in the educational process. Not everyone wants to attend college.

#5 I find it appalling when I hear people say that young people, who come from high crime areas with great poverty, simply 'need to pick themselves up by the bootstraps.' Here's the big problem with that statement...they aren't provided the proverbial bootstraps!!! (resources, support, community backing, jobs, etc.)

Thanks for following my blog,
Dick

The Challenge of Non Profits

2011-09-16T14:25:00.004-05:00

I had a lengthy phone conversation with a good friend of mine who embraces volunteerism and the idea of aiding others in need. She is a woman of deep conviction and great passion. I have always found her willing to embrace new adventures, seeking ways to help those who go without, and finding ways to bring others to join in various causes.

My friend confided in me that she will have to give up some of her work in running a non-profit. She also mentioned that finding someone to take over for her is simply not panning out. We also talked about the fact that many people have lots going on in their lives and sometimes these folks aren't able to help as much as they did in the past.

On the one hand, this was a sad phone call but, on the other, I do understand her need to step aside.

Giving of ones time, mental effort, money and a certain amount of freedom can certainly be very consuming when it comes to doing volunteer while, at the same time, raising a family, working, and attending to other pressing concerns. In short, running a charity is a big responsibility.

I have long respected the work of this individual and I understand her dilemma. I simply want to congratulate her on all that she has done for so many people over such a long period of time. I know her willing to be of comfort to others will not end just because she has to step back.

I also want people who read this blog to know that I truly appreciate all that they do in the name of true charity. Your countless acts of kindness are appreciated.

One other observation seems to be clear to me. As long as we keep many people involved in our work so that no one person shoulders too much of the burden, we are all the better for it.

Thanks so much,
Dick

Poverty on the Rise in America

2011-09-14T06:35:00.004-05:00

One may wonder just what the rising poverty rate has to do with the work of Schools Count Corp. A rising number of people who live in poverty means that there are fewer dollars to purchase everything, including items for a child's education.

Nationally, 15.1% of all Americans live in poverty, a staggering 46.2 million of our fellow citizens. This is the highest number of people living in dire straits since 1959 according to the Census Bureau.

Since 2007, the median income in this country has declined by 6.4%. In Illinois, last year, the median income fell a whopping 5.5%, from $53,743 to $50,761. There are simply too few dollars to spend on health insurance, food, and other essentials, including school related resources .

Can you imagine living under these conditions? By the way, the poverty rate is defined as a family of four having an income of $22,314 or less. Yes, your calculations are right...one out of six Americans lives in poverty! This is a stark reminder of the critical need for our work to continue.

No wonder people can't afford proper health care, insurance, decent shelter, and quality food. I believe that Schools Count Corp is doing the right thing by assisting children who live in impoverished areas.

Thanks for helping the students who most need it.

Dick

Aid to Barton Elementary

2011-09-13T06:51:00.004-05:00

Yesterday we made the trek to Clara Barton Elementary in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood with all sorts of school supplies. You name it and we brought it! Asst. Principal Ms. Higgenbotham was delighted that we could make it.

It turns out that we got the supplies to Barton just in time for a community 'Back to School' event this coming Friday, Sept. 16th. I will do my best to make the 2 pm to 6 pm festivities.

Though 96% of the children receive aid, due to poverty, in the form of meals, I got the sense that the surrounding neighborhood is doing plenty to revive itself. Lawns and homes were neat. The streets were clean and it was apparent, from all the posted signs, that the citizens are doing their best to keep the children safe and in school.

It seems to me as though these folks are doing their very best in many respects and it is reflected both in the school and neighborhood. My point is this...plenty of places in Chicago are working hard to create a better environment for their families, Auburn Gresham being one of them.

Thanks,
Dick

Time to Honor our Donors and Volunteers!

2011-09-11T13:40:00.004-05:00

Dear Donors and Volunteers,

Never before has Schools Count Corp. been able to help so many students in so many locations. Because of your efforts we have been able to serve twelve New Orleans schools, twenty-six Chicago Public Schools, one Indiana school, seven tornado ravaged schools in Joplin as well as supplying some desperately needed funds to IMN School in Darbonne, Haiti.

Your generous monetary contributions and many efforts in various volunteer endeavors have been instrumental in aiding so many schools, teachers, students and families. Because of your terrific work, on behalf of others, I want to extend an invitation to you to attend our ‘Donor Volunteer Appreciation Dinner’ on Thursday, October 27, 2011. The dinner and program will take place in the Hinsdale Central High School student cafeteria. Doors will open at 6:00 pm and dinner will be served at 6:30.

Aside from seeing friends and meeting like minded people who are kind enough to serve a cause, the evening will also be quite special in that I will share some information and photos regarding a portion of our work during the past year. We’ll also hear from Ms. Carmilla Young, a most dynamic and energetic principal from Fuller Elementary School in Chicago. I’m sure you’ll find Ms. Young’s message both hopeful and uplifting.

Please join us for what will surely be a wonderful meal (with vegetarian choices) and a special program. Feel free to invite your spouse, neighbors, other family members and/or friends. Kindly email me at rich219@comcast.net to give me the names of the people who will be attending the dinner. I’d appreciate getting all the reservations no later than Friday, Oct. 21st.

Kindly note that the meal is free and we will not be soliciting for funds this evening. This is a night to say ‘thank you.’

I look forward to seeing you and sharing in the accomplishments of our charity. I want each of you to know that I am most grateful for all that you have done for Schools Count Corp. and the children we serve.

Sincerely,
Dick Flesher

Here's a Testimonial from CPS!

2011-09-07T12:37:00.003-05:00

Supporters of SCC, What follows is a brief email I received, within the past hour, which describes the gratefulness of one Mom at a CPS school. It is a testiment to all that you do for our charity and the students we serve.

Hello Mr. Flesher,

As always, we are greatly appreciate your continuous support. We were able to service our students this year beyond the norm. This would not have been possible without your support. This year we enrolled a family of five in the Banneker. The young mother was placed in housing in the Englewood Neighborhood by a local shelter. We were able to assist this family with school supplies. This young mother was overtaken emotionally. She told us, words could not describe her gratitude. This is just one of the many testimonies we have received from our Banneker's families.

Unfortunately, Banneker is having our Family and Fun Night at Banneker on October 27,2011. It will be a celebration of the seasons, students, families and talent. Please let us know how we can be of support.

Regards,
Theresa Ann Lee
Assistant Principal
Benjamin Banneker School
773-535-3020 Main Office
773-535-3272 Fax

'Can't We All Just Get Along'

2011-09-06T13:43:00.005-05:00

A good number of years ago that quote, 'Can't We All Just Get Along,' was sounded in the aftermath of the 1992 Los Angeles riots. The riots came about due to the acquittals of police officers who beat Rodney King. It was clear from video footage that King had been severely beaten.

I reference this term relative to the current situation regarding the desire of the CPS administration lengthening the day and school year while most within the various schools have yet to fully weigh in on the issue. True, the Chicago Teachers Union President has voiced her disapproval but the vast majority of teachers haven't really made their voice known.

My point is simply this: almost everyone realizes that more instruction time needs to be added to the calendar for the sake of the children. Understanding this point ought to make it farily easy to proceed. Well, I guess it isn't so easy after all.

It is time that the adults stopped acting like children and got their collective acts together in order to come to an agreement on how best to add quality time to the school day.

Unless both groups decide to 'get along,' the kids and their education will be left in the wake of petty arguments.

Dick