The Observation Deck

If anyone would like to discuss or debate school related issues I'm over here. Have at it.

I suspect that we are in for another stealth campaign. Whose interest does that serve?

I'm happy to see you run Bill! Now if we could only get rid of my councilperson.

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"When I dare to be powerful -- to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid." - Audre Lorde

Thanks Sharon.

The schools need to consider expanding the school day by 90 minutes for the elementary grades.

http://www.myfoxchicago.com/dpp/news/ed ... n-20110823

From the article:

"The priorities outlined in a CPS longer day will include:


•Spend more time on core academic subjects including math, science and social studies.
•Provide opportunities for students to work on literacy skills in all subject areas.
•Broaden enrichment opportunities including physical education, art, music, and library time.
•Give students an adequate mid-day lunch and recess period so that they can recharge.
•Provide students with interventions and supports to help improve skills in math, science and core subjects.
•Additional time for teachers to collaborate in groups to develop strong learning environments for their schools."

I would also add that a longer school day with staggered start times would also serve the needs of working parents. Parents would save time and money, students would have structured time for help with homework or other issues.

I suppose this is one of the things that is so frustrating about the whole educational process. A simple idea like adding time for a decent lunch or recess and additional study time becomes a real battle.

Here is an interesting item:

http://lakewood-oh.patch.com/articles/l ... of-nations

At the risk of upsetting some people:

If various organizations are bringing refugees to Lakewood Schools who don't speak English and those organizations don't offer adequate support for those students and Lakewood Schools are held responsible for the performance of those students and Lakewood gets no additional funding for that task and if a district cannot get an excellent rating unless each sub group meets AYP will Lakewood ever again receive an excellent rating and what affect will that have on:

Keeping residents who pay taxes?
Attracting residents who pay taxes?
Maintaining property values to provide the tax base to pay for the schools?

Don't ask it upsets people.

People don’t like to think, if one thinks, one must reach conclusions. Conclusions are not always pleasant. - Helen Keller


So Bill, why do YOU think the schools are in crisis?


.

_________________
Jim O'Bryan
Lakewood Resident

"The very act of observing disturbs the system."
Werner Heisenberg

"If anything I've said seems useful to you, I'm glad.
If not, don't worry. Just forget about it."
His Holiness The Dalai Lama

What's "the crisis point"?

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All views expressed in this forum are my own, and do not represent the views of Lakewood High School or Lakewood City Schools. I use this forum as a means to engage in conversation as an educator, and to learn from the community.

It depends on your point of reference. I’ll be talking about the crisis point as it relates to the interests of the students, parents and citizens of Lakewood.

As a parent with students in the district, and as a citizen, what's the crisis point?

_________________
All views expressed in this forum are my own, and do not represent the views of Lakewood High School or Lakewood City Schools. I use this forum as a means to engage in conversation as an educator, and to learn from the community.

If I may offer my own observations:
1.
Several months ago, while at work, I had a young man come up to me and ask me what time it was. I pointed to the analog clock on the wall. He told me he couldn't read it. When I asked how old he was, he told me he was 18.
I'm sorry, but I learned how to read an analog clock in probably 1st or 2nd grade.

2.
When I was in 12th grade, I was required to take Government and Politics. My teacher was...easily distracted into talking about things other than classwork, like her personal life. I remember one specific time when we went several days without actually having "instruction." My classmates would actually plan it out before she showed up in the classroom..."Let's ask her if she met any cute guys at the gym, that should get her talking."
The only thing I remember actually learning in that class was the political spectrum (radical on the far left, reactionary on the far right) and we were taught that by a substitute.

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And? What's the crisis?

So Roy met a kid who lives in a digital world and had A bad teacher once. Ok. I could counter that with any two random good experiences. But what's the crisis point that our schools are at, Bill? I'd reallly like an answer from Bill about the crisis that he sees. I would like specifics that are informed by what is actually happening in Lakewood's classrooms. If we're going to insinuate a crisis, let's examine it in light of teaching and learning in Lakewood schools. Otherwise, the insinuation feels more manipulative than informative.

_________________
All views expressed in this forum are my own, and do not represent the views of Lakewood High School or Lakewood City Schools. I use this forum as a means to engage in conversation as an educator, and to learn from the community.

I was unable to attend the forum last night. So I'll ask for the fourth time as a citizen and parent. With all the talk of transparency and openness, I'm hoping to maybe finally get a response.

_________________
All views expressed in this forum are my own, and do not represent the views of Lakewood High School or Lakewood City Schools. I use this forum as a means to engage in conversation as an educator, and to learn from the community.