The 22 former Wake County school board members who gathered together today were officially diplomatic about the changes being made by the new board majority, but it was clear they were personally unhappy with what's happening.
The former members talked about wanting "to ensure an equal opportunity for a sound basic education for every child in Wake County Public Schools." It was clear from their two-page statement that they feel "equal opportunity" is based on keeping the school district's longstanding busing for diversity efforts.
"For over 30 years, the Wake County Public School System has been a model for school districts around the nation," according to the statement read at today's press conference. "Because research consistently shows that challenges to success for all students in high poverty and racially isolated schools are greater, we have worked hard to prevent the creation of such schools."
At the end of the statement, they offered their services to work with the current board "to help ensure the worthy goal that each child in Wake County receives the equal opportunity and quality education he or she deserves." You may have a dispute between new and old board members about what that "equal opportunity" means.
Many of these same former board members who came today had signed a joint letter shortly before the October election endorsing school board candidates who supported the diversity policy.
Since then, several of these former members have joined groups such as the Great Schools in Wake Coalition and have spoken out publicly against the changes being made by the new board majority.
As noted in today's online article by Thomas Goldsmith, the diplomacy wore off after the statement was read.
"I think it's been shocking to us, the rapidity with which things went downhill," said former member Jeff York, who served from 2001 to 2003.
York was defeated by Ron Margiotta in 2003 for the Southwest Wake seat.
UPDATE
Click here for an article in the Independent that lists the statement read by the former school board members..
Comments
Where Has This 'Model' Been Implemented?
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 17:59 — JanisTangoFor over 30 years, the Wake County Public School System has been a model for school districts around the nation," according to the statement read at today's press conference.
What other school districts have implemented the same model or a model similar to WCPSS?
At least 69 other school
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 13:30 — askmisterbrownAt least 69 other school systems nationwide have followed Wake's lead in adopting assignment policies considering socioeconomic status. See Richard Kahlenberg's article "Turnaround Schools" in last November's Century Foundation Newsletter.
In 2009, at least three other systems adopted such policies: Kalamazoo, Michigan, Amherst, Mass., and Champaign, Ill. See Education Research Report, Dec 31, 2009.
Champaign offers a
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 14:48 — jenmanChampaign offers a controlled choice model and had been under a 'Consent Decree'. One thing noted was making sure that the AA community had access to nearby schools. it involved a fight over closing 2 older schools in the predominately AA area of town.
The choice model was seen as elimating or greatly reducing the need for forced busing. The forumla was something like 82/18 with 82% of the seats going to people living near the school and the other 18% going to those outside the immediate area. They have 2 magnet elem schools from what I could tell.
The choice model was also credited with being able to ensure that students would stay at the same school for all grades--no reassignments. It also removed the need to draw assignment boundaries with each change in housing patterns.
Another interesting thing to keep in mind is that Champaign and Urbana are sister cities but each have their own school district. Is there any school system that has done the SES thing on the same level as WCPSS? Forced assignments and cherry picking 'nodes' to be moved with little regard to feeder patterns?
Thank You Jenman...
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 17:02 — JanisTangoI was talking to people last week that moved here last year from out of state. They made the comment that they have been all over the country and have never seen anything like the turmoil we have here in WCPSS. I've always had that opinion based on all the places I have lived.
I doubt there is another
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 09:30 — user12345I doubt there is another schools system that has grown as fast and as big as Wake or added as many schools ... I doubt that we will see growth like that again.
Even when I was a staunch
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 17:24 — jenmanEven when I was a staunch diversity polilcy supporter, when I would tell family and friends about our system they all thought it was NUTS. And that was with me extolling the virtues of the system and none of the negatives.
Agreed. If we are such a
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 19:30 — CaryCurmudgeonAgreed. If we are such a model for the rest of the country to follow, how come there is no research data to show how effective our forced-busing model was? Lots of people tout "generally-accepted" studies from other parts of the country, often from another millenium.
I also note that these 22 people collectively failed to achieve their own objective. Some of the earlier-serving board members must be aghast that one-third of Wake schools have been allowed to go over the 40% F&R threshhold. Today, we have 57 schools over 40% F&R. If that number goes to 60 schools, does educational armaggedon occur? If it goes to 70? What is the magic number?
There IS Research...
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 20:17 — chaboard...from right here in NC, right here in this decade showing that the fundamental principle behind the diversity policy is true. The Southworth paper looking at over 60,000 kids in NC over a five year period clearly and unequivocably shows a clear and strong negative link between individual student achievement and attendance of a high poverty school. (I also note that you yourself said in a thread last week that you believe that principle is true.)
What we do NOT have any research data showing is:
a) any reason to think Tedesco's social engineering will improve anything and
b) the assumed ineffectiveness of our diversity policy.
And let's be honest and clear - at this point the only people who can authorize research on data here in Wake County are the members of the new board. Who despite running on the failure of the old board to authorize a sdtudy have themselves shown absolutely NO interest in commissioning a study of any sort. Hypocritical liars - all five of them.
Chadboard, You have never
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 09:22 — shearertwChadboard, You have never produced the "Southworth paper" to show that it is anything other than a graduate student's dissertation project performed under the instruction of the heavily biased UNCC professor who still thinks we should be busing kids based on the color of their skin.
I don't doubt that this paper exist, I just want the opportunity to see it and evaluate it in is proper context. What journal was it published in?
Who were all the author's? Year it was published, etc. Do you have a link to this paper?
I agree that social
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 21:47 — HJ2ss2I agree that social engineering will not improve anything but , from experience with the "at risk" population, I have no evidence that the diversity policy worked. In fact, it did nothing to improve circumstances for this population and often provided them (the bused students) with negative consequences.
There is research regarding what does work but Wake County is unwilling to explore this option. New ideas are unpopular. Employees are expected to do as they are told. (Even when what they are told is contrary to best practice). If this is the message given to employees, what our the children learning....certainly not "problem solving skills".
I tell my students every day
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 10:55 — willynillyI tell my students every day that "the people 'out there' don't think you can do it." I took a job at a VERY diverse school last year. In 2007 the science EOG scores for the school was 34% pass. Last year, same population, 65% of my students passed. Now we can say research shows low ses, high F&R kids don't do well. Then we stop......has anyone ever asked why? Here is my guess........research DOES show that children will rise (OR FALL) based on our expectations. Remember hearing the story about the teachers given students and told the students were AG or low performing. Unknown to the teachers the students were not in their correct "group."
My expectations are never lowered. My problem in education is that I like to questtion the research. Then I "get into trouble." I was recently shown a "philosophy" in which no student is ever given and F or a D. Hey, guess what, "research" shows that the grades at this school rise......DUH. However, go to the state report card for these schools were the standardized test scores can be found and, well, you can guess.
Feel good philosophies are no match for strong encouragement and hard work.
The school sysrtem needs
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:29 — HJ2ss2The school sysrtem needs more teachers like you. Be careful with your "curiosity and questioning". They don't like when employees question polciies, decisions.....etc. I was forced to resign after not doing what I was told. Even though years of experience and best practice supported my ideas.
Thanks....and I experienced
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:53 — willynillyThanks....and I experienced what you experienced. However, my principal lied in writing and the WCPSS have played delay tactics so that now, almost 6 years later, the WCPSS says they can't do anything because it has been too long LOL. Never mind the fact that I have continued to write, email and call for help. And then.....the new board gets in. My grandfather always said good things come to those who wait.
I said research specifically
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 20:31 — CaryCurmudgeonI said research specifically from Wake County. After all, we are being touted as the model school system in NC (I certainly don't think that the NC statewide school system is held up as a model of anything except maybe mediocrity). We are one of the 20 largest school systems in the US, so sample size shouldn't be a problem.
To my knowledge, none of the board members (including the four in the minority) have suggested that a forced-busing effectiveness study be done.
WCPSS a Model?
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 19:06 — BourbonStThat "WCPSS has been a model for school districts around the nation" is an absurd statement. However, it's not a surprise that the narcissistic individuals who ruined the WCPSS over the past thirty years would try to continue to participate in its destruction. I, too, would like to see the brazen former school board members provide legitimate info showing the many school districts around the country that have implemented the same or model similar to WCPSS. There is none, at least not one of comparable size, and despite Meeker's utterance to the contrary, Wake County is NOT just one community; there are many, as well there should be!
I Agree!
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 19:22 — JanisTangoI agree! That's why I'm asking the question...what other school districts are following our model of 'success'! <that's sarcasm BTW>
Research and reality
Mon, 04/26/2010 - 17:00 — HJ2ss2Research may show that "challenges to success for all children in high poverty and racially isolated schools are greater" but research also shows that busing is not the answer to improving the academic performance of "at risk" students and strongly suggests that improving instructional method is the model that improves performance. I am also not aware of any research that shows that busing in Wake County has improved the academic functioning of the students bused.
What is the real issue? Obviously not student performance.
"improving instructional
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 11:55 — jeannie84"improving instructional method is the model that improves performance."
Exactly! The BOE majority and its supporters continue to distract us away from finding the true reason for the decline in graduation rates/student achievement. And to claim that the former board members supported mediocrity for 30 years is bunk! It is only recently that student performance has declined and that was due to WCPSS's struggle with dramatic growth from 2004 on. We need to keep what is working and fix what isn't. Creating high poverty schools will only make things worse, not better.
It is not necessary to
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:04 — willynillyIt is not necessary to imporve instruction if you just juggle the numbers and the WCPSS is great at "smoke and mirrors." A few years back they took one middle school (Daniels if memory serves) and bussed a good number of those students (with their higher tests scores) to another middle school. Obviously this contributed to a better set of scores for the other school (cannot remember which school they were bussed to).
Along with this apply some warm and fuzzy "philosophies" with no substance at all and you get stagnant.
If you take a look at the average ages of many teachers in different schools I think you will find at least one indicator of student performance. If you are in your second career and do not "need" this job then you are more apt to focuse on what is important, teaching. If you are 23 or 24 and singkle and you "NEED" this job then you do what you are told. My educated guess, in schools where you have a higher number of veteran teachers.....you will see higher scores.
Busing DOES improve school
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 11:35 — willynillyBusing DOES improve school scores and that is a fact. If you take half the kids from Daniels Middle School and bus them into a lower performing school then those test scores will, in fact, rise. If you perform "research" and conveniently leave out the fact that, although still somewhat high, Daniels scores will drop then you have seen a rise in scores. THAT is the extent of much of "educational research."
Sorry, but Wake County
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 11:41 — CaryCurmudgeonSorry, but Wake County achievement data does not support your hypothesis. If you think there is supporting data, please share it.
Actually this was done a few
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 11:57 — willynillyActually this was done a few years ago....Any Daniels parents here from 5 years ago? BTW, it's an ass-in-9 way to raise scores. I was just being ascerbic.
High Poverty School
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:04 — HereWeGoHi, Since you are a teacher would you teach in a school that was 80% F&R?
Where a teacher teachs is an
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:45 — DrActualFactualWhere a teacher teachs is an employment choice and a workplace condition for WCPSS. The hiring and placement of the employee should not define the distribution of the product (education) to the student or where the student is assigned. These are separate issues. Students should not be used as an enhancement to workplace conditions or be viewed as a detriment to workplace conditions.
Hmmmmmm....I wonder what
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:54 — willynillyHmmmmmm....I wonder what Esco would say. He was "punished" by being placed in a certain school.
Should a teacher view
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 13:21 — DrActualFactualShould a teacher view teaching at any randomly assigned school as a "punishment?" If every school was poor would they choose not to teach? The Esco situation doesn't reflect the normal operation of the system.
Actually, from my own
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 13:57 — willynillyActually, from my own experience, this is a mirror as to how the WCPSS handles any situation that it deems necessary to "frame" in its favor. I'll defer to the other post in this strand. If you have any disdain or disagreement with a principal in the WCPSS they can do many things to get rid of you:
*Go to a super paranoid female teacher and tell her that so and so said this and that.
*Said teacher will twist and turn things to point the light back on that teacher who said nothing about her to begin with.
*This will be enough to allow the principal (or the asst principal if the principal is out for, say, elective knee surgery or something)
*The "accused" teacher gets suspended with pay and told not to contact anyone within the WCPSS including parents and students.
*The WCPSS investigator calls teachers with whom "the accused" has worked. He tries to put words in their mouths (ok, so I didn't actually hear that, the teacher who called me told me that he tried to put words in her mouth)
*The WCPSS attorney tells the accused attorney....hey, you know, we will be willing to drop the whole thing if you just go away. Hmmmm, if it's that serious why allow that?
*When it's all over and the accused does not have enough "evidence" against him to substantiate the charges he gets reinstated and....LOL....sent BACK to the same school that made these charges to begin with.
*The WCPSS agrees to discontinue its "investigation"
*The principal makes further allegations and puts it in writing. It is proven that he was lying and the accused has the letters and emails placed in his file to offer proof.
*When the accused asks that this mess be removed from his file a former HR director and former Superintendent removes LOL ONLY the letters and emails that prove the principal was a liar.
*Over a 6 year period this accused asked the WCPSS to look into this. He even asked the principal at one point for an explanation to the lie and the principal refused to address it. The HR director ignored calls and emails. The former super sent a letter that said the emails and letters proving the principal a liar would be removed.
Now that the new board is here, and since the WCPSS is still playing its game, I feel confident that this guy will find an ear now.
BTW, as I have done so often, I'll meet with anyone and show them the proof.
Consistency is a
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 15:47 — HJ2ss2Consistency is a strength.
After reading your information it is apparent that Wake County is" consistent" in it's handling of employees they feel pose a threat to them. It just amazes me......that so many employees in the system are afraid. Sometimes reminds me of a third world country complete with "secret police, dictators and spies". I would be interested in sharing notes.
Bottom line is that this all filters down to the students. Programs that could make a difference are ignored. "At risk" students are not provided the tools they need to succeed. They continue their "busing for diversity" policy because it makes them look like they are addressing a problem. It's high profile.
Smoke and mirrors I heard those words a lot when I worked there.
I hope this makes it to you
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 08:16 — willynillyI hope this makes it to you since this strand is off the main board. If you would like to exchange notes I'd be happy to do so. If you contact Keung and let him know he can email me and we can exchange emails.
Can happen anywhere
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 15:46 — FrabjousWillynilly - I don't mean to discount your personal situation. I remember your previous posts.
However, this type of employee treatment can happen anywhere-even in the private sector. People put up with the treatment until they can find another job - if they are able to find another job.
I certainly agree that this
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 08:14 — willynillyI certainly agree that this happens in many places. However, unacceptable treatement is still unacceptable. I feel fortunate in that my situation actually has a paper trail I can use with a board that will probably listen better than I felt the previous board would. Naturally I will continue to post here and keep everyone updated that have been so kind and listened.
Teaching is only punishment
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 13:35 — user12345Teaching is only punishment when you are in a hostile work environment with little intellectual stimulation or administration support ... pretty much like any job ... teaching in a poor school is only punishing if you have students who do not want to learn, parents who feel entitled, no opportunity to grow in your career or expand your mind, and are being yanked around by the BOE or administration. There are many poor schools that can compensate by having excellent principals, supportive parents, encouraging co-workers, and opportunities to grown and learn. If a teacher is constantly harassed by lazy students with no parental oversight and is forced to only teach remedial classes all day long, only higher pay will compensate for that kind of fatigue but only for a short time until burn out. Having a diverse student body gives a teacher an opportunity to occasionally focus in on those students who truly want to be there and want to learn, to teach advanced classes that challenge them and ultimately feel the reward teachers feel when a student “gets it”.
When I first arrived in Wake
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 14:09 — willynillyWhen I first arrived in Wake County I was teamed with a math teacher who was the best with whom I ever worked. She never tired and was a great etacher. The school was very diverse, low SES, the works. The scores in that school rose dramatically because of the teachers there. That same math teacher taught in that school her first year and then retired there 25 years later.
There are so many misconceptions about what goes on in classrooms. I found that I was only understanding the ins and outs after 5 years. I am now completing my 13th year and find that most "facts" concerning F&R, low SES, etc are just not true. I know what the numbers say, but with a good team of teachers....the reulsts will show.
We all know it can happen
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 16:21 — user12345We all know it can happen but no one wants to pay to make it happen ... as far as the "team" goes ... the TA was layed off ....
Do you teach any remedial / academic classes?
Yes....and I do.
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 12:05 — willynillyYes....and I do.