The election of new officers won't be the only thing that the school board does on Tuesday.
The board is scheduled to introduce a new policy on professional learning communities that will coincide with the weekly early dismissals that will start in July. Board members say they realize they still need to persuade parents that there is a valid reason for dismissing classes an hour early each Wednesday.
“It needs to be made clear to parents that work takes place those days," said school board member Lori Millberg at a committee meeting last week. "That teachers aren’t taking off to go to the doctor or to the beach. We know they’re not but we want parents to be sure of that too.”
Board members reiterated to administrators the need to post online the agendas of the weekly PLC meetings so that parents can see what teachers will be doing each Wednesday.
There are also a number of logistical issues that need to be worked out.
For instance, no student activities should occur on Wednesdays unless approved by the principal due to an extenuating circumstance. One problem with that restriction is that Wednesdays are big athletic days for middle schools.
Chief Academic Officer Donna Hargens told board members that any weekday would have been a problem because of all the after-school activities.
But Hargens said that Bobby Guthrie, senior administrator for athletics, is working with middle schools to work around the situation. One thing she said schools are coming up with is to hold study halls for the athletes until their coaches are ready to work with them.
The district is also changing things so that no off-campus meetings or sessions requiring school-based staff will be held Wednesdays. David Holdzkom, assistant superintendent for evaluation and research, said they're learning to use teleconferencing for meetings.
Another concern being addressed is one raised by Millberg about when teachers would report to school now. Teachers would report in 30 minutes before first bell, which is 10 minutes earlier than when students would arrive under the new bell schedules.
The board is rushing to get a PLC policy in place before too much longer. After introduction Tuesday, the board could give final adoption on July 21, two weeks after the start of year-round schools.
Board member said they wanted to have a policy they could point parents to when they raised questions about the early dismissals.
Click here for the PLC handout from last week's committee meeting. Expect some changes when it's presented tomorrow.
Comments
What a waste
Fri, 08/21/2009 - 05:23 — drezepellinWhat a waste of resources but I guess it needed to be done.
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Few select their teachers
Mon, 08/03/2009 - 18:17 — jamescookFew select their teachers from the top third of their college graduates, whereas the U.S. selects its teachers from the bottom third of graduates. This is one of the big challenges for the U.S. education system: What are you going to do over the next 15 to 20 years to recruit ever better people into teaching? Top Online Casinos
When asked Any plans to
Wed, 07/29/2009 - 15:38 — BrentttWhen asked Any plans to travel the world? Ricky said - "Well right now I am going to try an establish myself in Miami. I do have plans on visiting Costa Rica before the Millenium. I guess that the people in Costa Rica are gifted. 13,000 web directories
When asked Any plans to
Wed, 07/29/2009 - 15:37 — BrentttWhen asked Any plans to travel the world? Ricky said - "Well right now I am going to try an establish myself in Miami. I do have plans on visiting Costa Rica before the Millenium. I guess that the people in Costa Rica are gifted. 13,000 web directories
Apart from rethinking the
Thu, 07/23/2009 - 14:49 — MarkRichardsApart from rethinking the basics, it is also equally important to have some fully qualified trainers / teaches in the campus. Also some regular recreation programs would make them refreshed. Sales Training Perth
As I am a computer teacher,
Fri, 07/17/2009 - 22:42 — rachelopAs I am a computer teacher, I would like to give few tips on that.
After using a computer, please remember to do the following steps:
• Make sure you quit all applications you have opened (especially Internet
Explorer) and logout of Foolproof prior to leaving the computer.
• When in doubt, just restart the computer (Go to File and slide to Restart).
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There is lot of superb ideas
Sat, 07/11/2009 - 13:59 — robertsmithrsThere is lot of superb ideas taken this year. The best amongst is to post online the agendas of the weekly PLC meetings. By this step the parents can see what teachers will be doing every week. blackjack strategy
I believe just bringing in
Fri, 07/10/2009 - 13:40 — brianandrewsI believe just bringing in new policy on professional learning communities that will coincide with the weekly early dismissals. There are also a number of logistical issues that need to be worked out. Hope they will touch it too. Pittsburgh Penguins
It is well said that “The
Mon, 07/06/2009 - 14:17 — TwisterTIt is well said that “The election of new officers won't be the only thing that the school board does on Tuesday.” Of course the new policy on professional learning will bring in some dramatic changes. Wait with your fingers crossed. CD Labels
Study Hall?
Wed, 06/17/2009 - 21:20 — kirtlThe article suggest a study hall for middle school athletes until their coaches get out of the Wed. PLC meetings. Exactly who is going to supervise the study hall if all of the teachers are required to be in a PLC meeting? I'd suggest using administrators, central office personnel, politicians and school board members, and/or uninvolved parents. Maybe they could be bussed in!.
OT - be careful of the early release days!
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 09:48 — gunfamA mistake in the length of state-permitted short days means students at two elementary schools must stay in school till July 31, or the district will lose $7 million in state funds.
By Seema Mehta
June 16, 2009
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-summer16-2009jun16,0,2614495.story?track=rss
Wow. Let's hope Wake has
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 10:57 — CaryMomof4Wow. Let's hope Wake has all their ducks in a row on their weekly early release plan. I'd hate to see how they would try to make up 34 days on the YR calendar - that's 8 months of Saturdays.
Those ducks will drown!
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 13:19 — g88ky07Next item up for bids coming to an FYR school near you, or not near you, 6 day school weeks all year long!
But, you get out early on Wednesdays!
...
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 08:13 — SideburnsYet you label those parents forced into MYR as whiners? I'm beginning to think you just like to talk.
Meanwhile, you are lobbying to cherry-pick your child's teacher? So, while everyone else is busy "whining" -- you covertly take care of yourself. Nice.
Sideburns, I'd like to buy
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 09:10 — dryeraseuserSideburns, I'd like to buy you lunch for that remark. I think you hit the nail on the head there!!!
Don't worry dryeraseuser ,
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 05:17 — amedinaohDon't worry dryeraseuser , shank must be one of those helicopter parents that is joked about.
Yes, you are probably right
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 09:09 — dryeraseuserYes, you are probably right amedinaoh, I can sniff a helicopter parent a mile away. Thanks for that new term "helicopter parent" never heard of it put in those words before.
Definitely not a teacher!
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 10:50 — shank56Definitely not a teacher!
Shank, bless your
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 13:48 — dryeraseuserShank,
bless your heart! I have been a teacher for the past 19 years. 11 or my 19 here in the WCPSS. I'm not sure why it matters what grade i teach, or what all I do at my school. HOWEVER you might be one of those "leeches" from central office trying to narrow the field, and figure out who I am. I'd never give you that pleasure! As I said in a different post, if you need to think that I am not a teacher, then so be it, I am not going to make you believe anything different. SEE..I allow others to speak freely and not try to attack them and make them the bad person. Maybe one day, you will do the same.
Do you have grade level
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 14:27 — shank56Do you have grade level meetings at your school ? And does your grade chair meet with other grade chairs and your principal to plan for the school? And does your school field a School Improvememt Team that works to better the entire school?
Nothing attacking about these questions. You still avoid the answers. You brought up your hatred of PLCs and called it another burden. So are the professional activities above a burden too?
You said:
"I applaud the ones that are eager for PLC's...then they should be the ones doing this...not dragging the rest of us through the mud for their own personal agenda."
What evil personal agenda are teachers after - who collaberate and work to improve and enhance their skills and also the educational performance of their students? There is no merit pay for them.
Yes to each and every one
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 14:51 — dryeraseuserYes to each and every one of your questions. EVERY school in the system has each and everyone of those things in the schools.
PLC is a dictated set of items that we ONLY discuss. The past 2 years it has been mainly focused on MATH. We have ideas to improve, but we are constantly redirected by admin. to arrange things the way the county wants. There are too many to list here, and personally I am on vacation...OOPS..I have given you another clue, I am on traditional calendar!!! So that narrows your search a little more.
The only good in this is that we will not have our regular planning time soaked up by the meeting.
It is just more of the same without making parents responsible for the education of the children. I am referring to the ones that do nothing.
I understand how the "outside" would look at this since you are not on the inside like me and have the ability to see things how they really are. If you support it...great, but in all due respect, respect me and the other educators that are up to their eyeballs in meetings and useless paperwork that takes away from the education of your child and every other child in the system.
This will be gone in 4 or 5 years...mark my word, just like ole Del will be....we can always have faith and hope!! along with the current board of ed.!
Urgh! Post agenda online?
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 16:47 — amedinaohUrgh! Post agenda online? Are you nuts? Do other companies post their agendas online to "prove" they are doing what they are supposed to be doing?
The Board of Ed, the Wake
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 19:02 — shank56The Board of Ed, the Wake County Commission, the Raleigh City Council all post their agendas under the NC Open Meetings law. (State Board of Ed, too)
School Improvement Teams are supposed to operate under the NC Open Meetings law too, just as the public bodies above- and it should not be a problem to post or procure the agenda or the minutes.
Why do you have a problem with this? Do you not think teachers are professionals who should operate under the same state guidelines?
IMO, attendance also should be kept and reflected in the minutes as in most open meetings. Any opposition to this means someone has something to hide.
waste of time
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 16:32 — momsateacherI don't know why Del Burns is so enchanted with PLC's - all I know is that I'd rather be teaching my students than sitting in a meeting talking about how to teach my students! AAARRRRGGGGHHHH - Del at the top is the worst thing that I've seen in my 21 years in the system.
Just how much...
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 23:03 — SDR256How much of a pay cut do you think he should take?
$312,790 County Superintendent Del Burns' salary
(compare with $135,854 for the Governor of North Carolina)
Waste of time and money
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 14:32 — rjmikellWhat is really amazing is that there is no discussion of what teachers will be doing with this additional hour - where's the structure, how will results be measured, what is the review process? I would love to work at the school board...you just come up with policies and never have to worry about if anything postive ever comes from them!
On-line description
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 15:55 — Bob_SconceHere . . .
http://www.sedl.org/change/issues/issues61.html
I distrust anything that's come out of the education ivory tower in the last 20 years or so, largely because it often takes about that long before we discover whether something works or not. If you try a new way of teaching math, for example, you may not know that it didn't work until all your graduates start failing college math. Unfortunately, the administration here seems to be in love with that same ivory tower and, as a result, Wake County ends up being a testbed for lots of experiments.
In this case, however, I don't see much harm, at least personally. We Sconces aren't particularly impacted by whether our kids come home early on Wednesday. At worst, these PLCs are just a waste of time. At best, they might actually improve education in Wake County. Considering the district's other experiments, this one is relatively innocuous.
OH, how I wish that the N&O
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 14:08 — dryeraseuserOH, how I wish that the N&O would do some deep inside investigation on the board of WCPSS and its so called "leadership". This is a perfect example of their "fly-by-the-night" ideas that wasn't clearly put out in the public eye and certainly no discussions with parents and teachers about the pros and cons with this idea. I am deeply concerned with all of this. I, like many of my fellow educators, do not support or wish to have these Wednesdays for the "Dell dictatorship of PLC" meetings. This is just another waste of time, one more burden placed upon the teachers and parents; who as usual have to juggle and handle the "ill-thought" agenda of Dell and the WCPSS board!
I respect "teacher leaders"
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 16:54 — shank56DRYERASEUSER- what grade do you teach??
As a parent who has been actively involved in PTA and on my schools Leadership/ School Improvement Teams, I have been aware of PLC's for several years and the positive effect they can have on our kids' education and for the school as a whole.
Those staff members in my school who have been active teacher leaders and engaged in the PLC process are excited about the opportunity to have these meetings embedded during the school day. These are the teachers whom I lobby administartors to teach my kids, who are high performing.
In my experience, those staff members who are not excited about PLC's are often the "older" teachers, the usual whiners , those who cut staff meetings or have others sign them in, and/or those who do not want to examine the results of their own student assessments and scores- much less sit and discuss with others how they can improve. These teachers are not and do not want to be "team players."
I choose the teacher leaders for my kids.
The "older" ones like
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 19:42 — dryeraseuserThe "older" ones like myself...and watch who you call "older"!!! I am far from old. I have been around the block a few times and can smell something bad a mile away.
I guess being a "non-team player" and "non-leader" of my school, which I gladly wear the crown of, have parents requesting me each and every year! This does not matter to me. The only thing that matters to me is the endless, mountain of paperwork and meetings that wastes our time each and every year...as we rework and reproduce the same ole thing year after year.
YOU...are a prime example of why the "young ones" buy into things because they dont' want to be seen as an individual that can think for themselves. I will play the "game" for a few more, until PLC is thrown out the door as with all the other mindless useless things that WCPSS brings to the table...shall I bring up "Trailblazers". I told many that this was going to be out the door when readoption come again...and well...it did!
I applaud the ones that are eager for PLC's...then they should be the ones doign this...not dragging the rest of us through the mud for their own personal agenda.
requested
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 02:12 — klanders65Are you requested every year because you've been there a long time and get to teach the advanced or gifted kids and the elite request that their kids get to be in elite classes?
My understanding of PLCs is that teachers collaborate to understand what they grade on. A year ago the Teacher of the Year wrote a beautiful essay about how before PLCs he had no idea that the other elementary school teachers in his grade were not teaching the content, and that they graded entirely differently than he did. And they all taught things the kids liked and ignored core curriculum. They learned these things in PLCs.
Teachers never have a chance to talk to each other. Each teacher can be a king or god. If the goal is to actually teach kids, then PLCs are a good thing. Teachers are so isolated and can do anything they want.
Parents always requested me also because I taught the advanced classes.
And no one ever talked to me about what I was doing whether good or bad. I had to read journals. I didn't have any common planning times with teacher who taught what I taught.
So you are an elementary
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 20:32 — shank56So you are an elementary teacher?
Do you have grade level meetings at your school ? And does your grade chair meet with other grade chairs and your principal to plan for the school? And does your school field a School Improvememt Team that works to better the entire school?
Looks like you have your own personal agenda -- to avoid anyone looking to make you accountable.
Again---What grade do you teach??
Why are you trying to be
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 21:00 — dryeraseuserWhy are you trying to be the "bully" here. I have no peronal agenda. I have nothing that I need to prove to you. I should be asking...who are you??? However I could careless. I am sharing information with the public, which by chance have the same concerns that I have. I am a threat to people like you! :-)
careless troll
Mon, 06/22/2009 - 02:18 — klanders65I hope you are not an English or reading teacher.
Don't bother
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 21:10 — supportwcpssshank. Dryer is a troll (impossible that their is a troll on their side) who has never answered a pointed question about their supposed profession.
They take the 5th everytime you ask a detailed school question. Look the other way - no teacher in our midst.
Yeh... real "bullying"
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 04:50 — shank56Yeh... real "bullying" questions there! LOL
Obviously not a teacher.
That's right shank and
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 09:12 — dryeraseuserThat's right shank and supporter....keep telling yourselves that!
Have a great Tuesday!
Saving it up
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 06:16 — Dadof3Well, dryeraseuser, if you want to see shank at his "best" masquerade here as a high school student. Then he'll take the gloves off.
Relatedly, have you seen all those Iranian whiners in the news? Why can't they get with the program, and work with the mullahs? What a waste of Iranian taxpayers money.
It sounds like the newbies
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 19:47 — g88ky07are the kool-aid drinkers then! You just haven't had enough kool-aid in all your years,that's all.
Sounds like just another massive waste of teachers time and ours!
"I choose the teacher
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 19:09 — Apexter"I choose the teacher leaders for my kids."
You get to choose? How are you managing to game the system? Lots of us don't even get to choose to keep our kids on the same calendar or a school within a 15 mile bus ride from our homes.
Nope..never get to actually
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 20:23 — shank56Nope..never get to actually choose. But when given the chance to profile or lobby for the type of teacher my kids needed, I indicated a need for those who are into technology, differentiation, and data driven instruction. I did not care for teachers who were still spitting out the same worksheets culled on mimeograph machine eons ago- or who shunned technology. We do live in a high tech society.
PS: I am my childs advocate- and I have done and will do what I need to do to make sure he/she gets the best possible for him/her. It's not "gaming" the system. It's called being a parent. And YOU can be a parent too- whether in person or on the phone or by e-mail.
"It's called being a
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 18:34 — Apexter"It's called being a parent. And YOU can be a parent too- whether in person or on the phone or by e-mail. "
I'm sorry --- are you implying that I am not being an adequate parent for my children?
I have been a parent volunteer for years, serving on PTA boards, as a PTA officer, on a Board Advisory Council, and on a Board Committee, as well as other education advocacy groups and task forces.
As a general rule, I have avoided direct personal advocacy such as "Give my child Teacher X!", as I don't think that is a fair way to do things. As you mentioned, I did once submit a profile request. I also advocated to the counselors and principals at both my elementary school and middle school to try to assign the small number of kids moving from our traditional elementary school to our Opt-out traditional middle school to the same team. I also made numerous requests to both schools to inform the 5th graders moving up from our school to the opt-out middle school with information about the date and time of open houses at the middle school. (Since the number of students affected was so small, both schools were letting them fall through the cracks, and not receive the introduction to their upcoming middle school that other children were receiving.)
I feel it is more ethical to advocate for the entire group of children than trying to pull strings to get something special for your own child. Since I was more plugged in to the system than most other parents, I was more aware of what our kids were not being given, and I wanted to make sure that all our kids had the same opportunities that were being afforded to the other children in the school.
direct advocacy
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 21:53 — Bob_Sconce"Fairness" doesn't even enter into it for me -- there are plenty of parents advocating for their kids; why shouldn't my kids have that advantage as well? There are a handful of teachers at my kids' school who have the reputation of just being abysmal and I'm going to do everything in my power to keep them as far away from the Sconce children as possible. You know it's bad when other teachers tell you who to avoid.
Hopefully, the district's principals will use the economic crisis to can most of those horrible teachers. I'm not holding my breath, though -- teaching is an occupation that seems to value seniority over quality.
Exactly. The few bad
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 22:21 — momof2goodboysExactly. The few bad teachers at our school just seem immune. The ones who happen to be on the wrong type of contract are the ones that got let go. Not the ones that SHOULD have been let go!!!!!!!!! So unfair.
Excellent post Apexter!!
Tue, 06/16/2009 - 21:16 — dryeraseuserExcellent post Apexter!!
Question
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 10:32 — uncertainI feel for the teachers in this as well...my post made it seem strictly from a parent stand point.
My question is this though...as state employees teachers are required to take 10 hours off (flex time) and I know it can't be done on times when the students are in class. Can that flex time be taken during those hours?
Also, my understanding is that all state employees are looking at a 6 week furlough next fiscal year but I haven't heard what state employees are getting in return besides a swift kick in the patootey. How are teachers supposed to make that up as well?
Johnston County schools close for furlough
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 13:06 — FalcHere's how Johnston County schools handled it:
http://www.wral.com/news/news_briefs/story/5358272/
The PLC time and early
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 11:28 — KeungHui (author)The PLC time and early release days are not supposed to be used by teachers for the 10 hours of flexible furlough times. Principals shouldn't be approving those requests.
furlough time?
Wed, 06/17/2009 - 21:13 — kirtlWhat time does that leave then?
What a waste!
Mon, 06/15/2009 - 10:28 — uncertainI agree the teachers did not ask for this and this seems to be just another example of the BOARD imposing rules that disrupt FAMILIES and the PARENTS but they don't have to worry about that....NONE OF THEM HAVE KIDS IN THE SCHOOL SYSTEM!!!
I really hope that the new board members coming in actually LISTEN to the concerns we as parents have. Hopefully they have the same concerns and are actually affected by the changes they make as Board Member.
The last 4 years has been a nightmare dealing with those arrogant, self-centered people that call themselves the Board.