Get Schooled

By Michelle

November 29, 2006 10:12 AM | Link to this

Special drink coasters? Do those really exist?

By jim d

November 29, 2006 10:23 AM | Link to this

PLEASE tell me this isn’t the new direction of this blog.

C’mon Bridget jump in and really get your feet wet.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 10:29 AM | Link to this

“The other paper” carried an article today about the GCPS (Alvin) asking for anonymity from state and federal laws governing schools. NOW THERE’S A SUBJECT! Now that’s REALITY!

By jim d

November 29, 2006 10:38 AM | Link to this

OK, my bad. Laura did an article on it too, y’all didn’t get scooped again.

http://www.ajc.com/gwinnett/content/metro/gwinnett/stories/2006/11/28/1129gwxissuesonline.html

But Let’s talk about it.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 10:55 AM | Link to this

Here’s a few comments from Alvin.

“Gwinnett Schools Superintendent J. Alvin Wilbanks said his school system has made accountability a priority for years.”

Now there’s a real play on words. Everyone except management has become accountable. Management even refuses to comment on serious mis-management accusations being leveled by the previous CFO of the school system.

“The school system, he said, would like the flexibility to govern itself rather than be forced to comply with state mandates.”

Well most certainly it would. Alvin resents being accountable to anyone.

“If the state wants to issue new mandates, Wilbanks asked that the state consider funding the mandates.”

Finally we can agree on—- something— anyway.

By teach overseas

November 29, 2006 11:06 AM | Link to this

BORING!!!

Give us something to fight about please!

By Nja

November 29, 2006 11:23 AM | Link to this

Well Bridget did ask for suggestions. Did anyone provide any? If you haven’t, don’t complain.

I would like to discuss two things that are going on at my particular school. I wanted to know if any of you encounter this sort of thing at your school.

1- No student can receive anything less than a grade of a 65 (f) even if their true grade is a 20. BUT if they attend the after school program they can receive anywhere between 5 & 8 additional grade points. Therefore, a student can do nothing in class all day (they are going to get a 65 anyway) but attend the afterschool program, where they do some but not much academic work and still pass your class.

2- Students are sent to the alternative school for 45 days. When they return they are allowed to enter their correct grade. For example. We had a student who was a 6th grade repeater. He went to the hearing board and was given 45 days at the alternative school. When he returned they allowed him to go to the 7th grade. Is it me or is this rewarding negative behavior?

By jim d

November 29, 2006 11:27 AM | Link to this

Yo TOS,

I’ll argue with you on just about any topic you want, today. I’m in one of “those moods”

By Rod Smith

November 29, 2006 11:30 AM | Link to this

A front page story for the Gwinnett Daily Post. 44,000 Visits to the following Website:

http://www.gcps.blogspot.com/

No research, qustions asked or story by The AJC?

Curious.

By b. white

November 29, 2006 11:34 AM | Link to this

I’m sorry but I agree with the majority on this one. Let’s look at realistic issues in our schools. We all know tv never exemplifies reality.

By bwhit

November 29, 2006 11:37 AM | Link to this

Reality tv! Too many current real problems.

By Bridget Gutierrez

November 29, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

I must say I’m a little surprised at some of the reaction to my post today. I thought it would be a good jumping-off point to discuss some things you’ve seen in schools that disturbed you or to talk about some things you’ve witnessed that have inspired you. Go figure.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 11:42 AM | Link to this

Yeah ain’t it a shame? Instead of leaving them behind they move them up and out without an education. But hey the schools are able to meet NCLB requirements! Who cares if the kids won’t be able to count change? Burger King doesn’t test our friends from south of the border for this and probably won’t be testing any of their other applicants in simple math.

By sandra mungin

November 29, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

Too many schools allow students to do whatever, wear whatever, behave however,without any REAL discipline. Too many parents do the same. I always beleived that originally, PARENTS AND TEACHERS were to work together for the good of the students. Parents also get away with improper behavior by acting like idiots when the school tries to disciple their children. You never hear from the (parents) until trouble happens and then it s in a negative way. It appears that parents need schooling too. Schools cannot teach EVERYTHING. All involved must realise that the REAL world is NOt going to conform to what you want; students will have to adapt to what the world, the workplace and society demands. Character should be established at home.

By Amy

November 29, 2006 11:43 AM | Link to this

As far as being reality for one school. I’ve never seen the show but frat guys running around naked, believe it or not was a reality at my school. It was called the running of the bulls. They would just go streaking across campus. We had take back the night as well, but as far as special coasters go, I’ve never heard of those, but date-rape drugs are real. It happened to one of my college roommates. Turns out her boyfriend drugged her. TV shows want to create drama, so they exaggerate things. Sure, these things can happen at schools but not everyday and not all at once.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 11:45 AM | Link to this

Makes you wonder doesn’t it Rob?

The silence of the media as well as the school system sure raises some questions.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 11:47 AM | Link to this

Bridg,

It’s not you—-it’s us. We’re substance junkies.

By JustMe

November 29, 2006 11:49 AM | Link to this

Bridgett-

Most people on this blog are more concerned with k-12 schools than with college. It sounds like your tv show is about college life.

Most are also concerned with discussing ways to improve our schools (through more spending, better ways to spend, better teaching, better diciplined students, parental involvement, improved administration, etc.).

I suggest for you to do what Patti did - go spend time at local schools and observe classrooms, observe admistrators doing their job, observe hallways during class change, and so on. You need some true and current experiences, IMHO.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 12:01 PM | Link to this

Bridget,

Do most folks mispell your name?

By ETACUDE

November 29, 2006 12:08 PM | Link to this

Hey Bridget,

If you took out the section about Veronica Mars and just wrote about real life situations in our schools, I think the response would have been better. I understand where you were headed and would like to say that kids mimic what they see on TV, while at school.

Also, the workplace is changing - so kids will not ALWAYS have to adjust to what the workforce demands. Do you know how many “CHANGE” meetings, I have set in, where they would prefer to move into 2030, in the year 2007. They are looking for fresh ideas to bring into the workplace and those KIDS are going to be the people who change the workplace. Now that’s Reality.

Here’s a real life school situation. My 6th grader has a crush on a little boy in her class and wants to buy him a $35 birthday present. My first thought was, that’s cute - then I began to wonder if she was crazy. I work too hard for my money to buy presents for someone she won’t remember in 15 years.

By Rob Smith

November 29, 2006 12:09 PM | Link to this

Do we have an unbiased Media in Atlanta, I do not think so? Not to mention the Gwinnett County School Board has had some serious questions concerning lack of oversight on their behalf, no public statement or comment issued by them as well!

So much for being responsive to the people who elected you to represent them. Have they properly represented the citizens of Gwinnett County?

A separate issue.

By MrLiberty

November 29, 2006 12:12 PM | Link to this

You ask “How much of this reflects reality, and how much of what does go on in schools do we never even hear about?”

First, lets not actually pretend that anyone actually cares what goes on in schools. If they did, they certainly wouldnt be send their kids off to them 8+ hours a day to be raised by other people. And what would it matter anyway? There’s not a damn thing you can do about what’s going on in schools. They have taken your money, you have given them your children, and now you have the right to remain silent.

If you want to be the one that actually raises them, then homeschool your children. If you want them to just raise themselves based on the input of government employees and other kids whose parent don’t really care, then just ship them off to the local government indoctrination center.

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 12:13 PM | Link to this

I was afraid you were being a little condescending in your initial message to the Get Schooled bloggers (skip the “y’all” please) and now you come up with this utterly ridiculous blog topic. Have you actually BEEN inside a school in the metro-Atlanta area? As for suggesting blog topics, I see plenty on here today that are far more stimulating and appropriate than whether a silly tv show reflects the reality of school life. Many of us sent topics to Patti before she left, so I know there has to be a list around there somewhere, Bridget. How about looking for that list, closing your eyes, and just picking a topic, any topic, that actually has to do with education in the real world?

By jim d

November 29, 2006 12:24 PM | Link to this

Rob, what did you really expect from the school system? Alvin holds himself above the law and always has. Well at least for the 7 or so years I’ve been watching him.

He likes to refer to taxpayers as share holders. Personally, I think he needs to answer some hard questions regarding his administrations fiscal accountability to shareholders.

I know it will never happen, but we can certainly hope—and if it’s not forth comming we can always replace his bosses.

By Janis Ian

November 29, 2006 12:28 PM | Link to this

Perhaps your next blog could be a puff piece about some banal DeKalb County happening. You’re up on those topics, for sure! I have no doubt that some administrator has done something worthy, like, had a bag lunch at an elementary school and called it Health and Fitness Day for the New Century.

By Rob Smiith

November 29, 2006 12:37 PM | Link to this

Jim: I would like to Invite you to The Coronation of Emperor Alvin I, next Monday. I hope the AJC sends reporters to cover this?

Rob

By Ernest

November 29, 2006 12:40 PM | Link to this

Bridget, something that should get a LOT of commments would to discuss DeKalb’s upcoming plans for redistricting. It will involve school consolidations (possibly some closures), moving programs, along with redrawing some lines. Many chose where to live based on the nearby schools. Though necessary from time to time, redistricting impacts families and communities in different ways.

But hey, usually anything DeKalb brings out many posters….

By Ashleigh

November 29, 2006 12:41 PM | Link to this

Here’s good reality for you. I went to a small town high school (I graduated in 2004). There was absolutely nothing to do, so most of the kids did drugs, did a lot of overdosing, got drunk and drove around. My graduating class consisted of hacking into the school’s server, accessing teacher computer and getting answers to tests and quizzes. I’ve had a few of my friends die in the past 6 years from overdosing and/or making stupid decisions (and one I’ve known since I was in preschool). I also remember a flasher going around and exposing himself to the younger people waiting for the bus in the morning. That’s freakin’ reality, buddy.

So in all reality, high school drama consists of drugs, booze and sex.

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 12:44 PM | Link to this

Janis Ian, I don’t know if this banal enough … but a group of Lakeside High School (in DeKalb) parents recently formed something called the “Lakeside Foundation” to fund school improvements. This is separate from the PTA. From what I’ve been told, every member of its board is white. It even includes a former DeKalb BOE member. The school prides itself on ethnic diversity. What role will this “foundation” play in the school? Should parents be forming an outside funding group? Will such a group give some parents more say than others in the school?

By jim d

November 29, 2006 12:55 PM | Link to this

Thanks Rob, will a band be playing Horst Wessel Lied, marchers in jack boots saluting while shouting Ave Caesar! Morituri te salutant?

By Janis Ian

November 29, 2006 12:59 PM | Link to this

Hey, Taxpayer, I’ve heard that there has been some sort of group like that at Lakeside for years. Supposedly, every year, they give some thousand dollar “gift” to particular teachers for having done particularly good jobs, according to the people/person who doles out the thousands. Now, that’s banal!

My opinion as to your question would be another question. Wouldn’t you rather a local group have the input rather than a group from afar? Such, it would seem, would allow for greater banality.

My best…

By HS Teacher Too

November 29, 2006 1:04 PM | Link to this

Wow, everyone. I can understand wanting to talk about other issues, but there were plenty of days when Patti’s suggestions fell flat as well. I can’t believe how ugly everyone is being to Bridget. We’re supposed to be adults!

By jim d

November 29, 2006 1:08 PM | Link to this

Bridget,

Here are a few topics, if you dare.

Why the largest school system in the state (which by the way is not Dekalb) has the least number of Board members, 5 when much smaller systems have up to 9?

Why said Majority/Minority school systems board is made up of no minority board members?

One might even ask why one of the most technologically advanced school systems, one that owns their own 24 hr. TV station, doesn’t tape and publicly broadcast their Board meetings, when smaller systems do?

By Ernest

November 29, 2006 1:09 PM | Link to this

Taxpayer, that got my attention! I think I may have heard of that group. FWIW, the color of its members isn’t as important as it could be a reflection of the immediate community. If it is set up to fund ‘school improvements’ as you suggest, would that be taken into consideration for possible SPLOST allocations for that school? IMO, that’s where it would get interesting. Does equity apply to ones disposable income?

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 1:10 PM | Link to this

Yes, Lakeside is home of the secret $1,000 bonus checks given to its most “special” teachers. As for the new Lakeside Foundation, most of the parents at the school, I am told, heard nothing about its formation and were not invited to participate in it or join. What does that mean? I’m all for involvement and support, but what about undue influence? Why have a separate group from the PTA? What’s the purpose?

By jim d

November 29, 2006 1:11 PM | Link to this

HS teacher,

As well as is she. I hope she takes the criticism in the spirit that most of us mean it.

By The Gift

November 29, 2006 1:12 PM | Link to this

OFFICIAL GET SCHOOLED TAKEOVER: (Bridget please make this a topic)

Public Education vs. Government Schools – Who’s Responsible for Teaching Our Children?

The report card for our nation’s schools is in, and it doesn’t look good.

In response to the studies, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-MA), who is expected to chair the Senate Education committee, has promised to seek more resources for education. Way to think outside of the box, Teddy! The problem, of course, is not lack of resources, but how those resources are spent. The Los Angeles Unified School District, for example, constantly cries poverty — begging alms “for the children” — and yet had the genius to spend $1 billion (yes, you read that correctly) to build two new schools, one of which sits on a toxic waste dump. This, while many classrooms make use of outdated text books.

Frugality is only part of the problem, however. We have also drastically changed the answer we give to the education question. To whit: Whose responsibility is it to educate children?

Far too many of us respond that this is the job of government, state or federal. That answer is incorrect. The responsibility of educating children belongs to parents. Public schools are merely a tool to fulfill that responsibility. The difference in how we answer the education question is the difference between public dollars made available to parents for the purposes of educating their children and government schools, manned with government employees, filled with government curriculum, at the mercy of government bureaucracy.

This is not a slam against public schooling. I was a product of public schools, as were my parents and my wife. All of our children presently attend public schools. My high school graduating class sent students to schools like Morehouse College, Georgia Tech, Emory, UGA, Georgia Perimter College, Harvard, Stanford, and the various military academies. That class produced doctors, lawyers, social workers, scientists, financial analysts, accountants, businessmen, teachers, janitors and housewives — in short, productive members of society.

And there was nothing unique about my school. The same story was replicated in high schools across the city, in every corner of this nation and across the decades. The public school system has produced generations of citizen leaders and been the doorway for millions of immigrants into full participation in American society and a share of the American dream. Something must be right with the public schools.

Making more public dollars available for irresponsible bureaucrats to waste has done very little to improve the performance of failing schools.

Government is a very poor substitute for a parent, which is why public education works while government schools continue to fail.

By Ernest

November 29, 2006 1:22 PM | Link to this

Hey JimD, what would you think about us swapping the names of our counties/school systems? I guarantee there will be an investigative reporting team out there before you could say SPLOST. Can you tell I get a little sensitive about the media’s seemingly infatuation with DeKalb?

By jim d

November 29, 2006 1:28 PM | Link to this

Can you tell I’m a bit sensitive over the apparent lack of oversite in the Gwinnett system by the media? Oh, ya, and by our DA as well.

By Janis Ian

November 29, 2006 1:31 PM | Link to this

Oh, Ernest, I can just feel your power! Ooh! And a sensitive side! Ooh! Investigate any system other than DeKalb! Ooh! Ernest! The power! The power!

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 1:34 PM | Link to this

Ernest, you raise an excellent point: if private funding groups are paying for improvements in a public school, why should the county pay for them? What happens when the funding from the private group runs out? And who decides what projects within a school will get money from the private funding group? It all sounds elitist and dangerous to me. A private funding group that only includes certain members from a certain community does not sound appropriate for a public school. And again, why not just work through the PTA, which is open to everyone? Has anyone else had experience with these private funding groups?

By GaNative

November 29, 2006 1:45 PM | Link to this

Jim D, why would you need more board members to fuss and fight among themselves? Sure Dekalb has more than 5, but they are nothing but figure heads like relatives of past board members or school oficials, etc. It’s a JOKE.

Taxpayer, I thought the Lakeside Foundation was set up to reward teachers that did an outstanding job of educating students. I never knew they were funding school improvements.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 1:49 PM | Link to this

Duh yes,taxpayer.

Just why should we tell someone else how or where to spend their money? As Americans we should be applauding these folks for giving to the children, regardless of where they decide to do so. It harms me not if someone wishes to give to those that already have.

GET OVER IT!!

By jim d

November 29, 2006 2:01 PM | Link to this

Dear Ga. Native,

Ever attend a BOE meeting in Gwinnett when there was a descenting vote? In 7 years I can honestly say I’ve seen 1, while it has been rumored there were actually 2.

By Ernest

November 29, 2006 2:07 PM | Link to this

Janis, don’t get me wrong, there are definitely things going on in DeKalb that the public should have greater awareness of. I’ve heard some comment that because several key people in the media live in DeKalb, it brings greater attention. I’m a big advocate for greater transparency and believe when we begin broadcasting school board meetings, it will open many eyes in the county. I do question whether a few of the stories run this past year rise to the level of ‘outrage’ one would see in other counties. The mention of some of the concerns from the Gwinnettians on the blog regarding their school system was insightful. I’m sure other metro counties have similar concerns. Balance in reporting is all I am seeking.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 2:18 PM | Link to this

I attempted to post this one awhile ago. Either it got lost in cyberspace or someone didn’t like it. So I’ll try again.

Several years ago GCPS created a web page dedicated to correct or clarify media stories about the school system, provide a context when one is lacking, point out errors in fact and editorializing, and also applaud news stories that are especially well done.

You can see it here.

http://www.gwinnett.k12.ga.us/gcps-mainweb01.nsf/pages/FortheRecord0~News

Ironically they failed to correct or comment on a story recently in one of the papers regarding accusations of improprieties within upper management of the school system. Personally, having read some of the previous comments or corrections they have placed on that web page, I can’t help but wonder why the silence now?

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 2:23 PM | Link to this

The Lakeside Foundation was formed only a month or so ago. That business with the thousand-dollar checks has been going on for years.

And duh, Jim, did you even read all of my post? When private individuals start funding public school projects, the county has an excellent excuse for withdrawing its funding. Again, WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE PRIVATE GROUP STOPS FUNDING THE PROJECTS? I also don’t think a private special interest group should have a say in what gets done in a public school anyway. If you want that in your school or system, Jimmy Boy, then YOU can have the Lakeside Foundation.

By Old Physics Teacher

November 29, 2006 2:32 PM | Link to this

Nja,

Yeah, I understand and sympathize. We had a “graduation coach” at our school present that same type of idea. Fortunately our entire faculty rejected his … I’m trying to think of a word that means “stupid insanity.”

In today’s paper a law professor presents the concept of a “child whisperer” to promote the idea of making it illegal for a parent to use corporal punishment. Apparently the whole world is on the verge of making no one responsible for anything…except teachers!

By jim d

November 29, 2006 2:43 PM | Link to this

Yes I did. And I still disagree.

While the school I’ve been involved with has recieved private funding from donors wishing for a particular project to proceed and from Boy Scouts doing Eagle Projects, I’ve not seen reduced funding from the county BOE. To the contrary I think they really have to work at spending well over a billion dollars a year.

Now answer this for me. Who would you have deciding if money given freely would be taken for the benefit of those they preferred? Would you trust those same people to decide if the funding you give your church should be re-distributed?

I consider people that would complain about someone giving to someone they personally feel shouldn’t get it are truly the danger. Not just to our schools and our children, but to our way of life.

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 2:55 PM | Link to this

Jim, I just recall that old saw about the Golden Rule: Those who have the gold make the rules. It seems that private funding foundations are attempting to circumvent the organization that already represents the school, the PTA. And how wonderful that the BOE in Gwinnett won’t cut tax monies to a school getting private funding! That DOES happen in DeKalb. I have seen it happen. Private funding exists to promote self-interests, and it sets a very bad precedent. Private funding belongs in private schools. But I am flattered that you might think I’m dangerous …

By jim d

November 29, 2006 3:18 PM | Link to this

“Those who have the gold make the rules.”

I don’t think so. An ex Gwinnett County cop and still a friend explained it better this way “the man with the gun makes the rules” Hard to argue with that logic.

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 3:39 PM | Link to this

Have to give you that one, Jim. Gun beats gold hands down (up?) every time.

By jim d

November 29, 2006 4:15 PM | Link to this

WTG Bridget,

You made it through the day and did your job well. You actually got more posts on this blog topic than Patti got on many of hers.

Have a great evening, relax with a cold beverage, tell a close friend what butt-heads we are and then come on back tomorrow for more fun and games. God bless and keep you, Dear.

By Taxpayer

November 29, 2006 4:31 PM | Link to this

Yes, we are buttheads, and jim d. is our king!

By Ernest

November 29, 2006 4:46 PM | Link to this

And hopefully in all our normal digressions from the topic, you got several ideas for future blogs. Welcome to the Get Schooled community!

By Bridget Gutierrez

November 29, 2006 5:00 PM | Link to this

Thanks, guys. See you tomorrow!

By Janine

November 29, 2006 5:04 PM | Link to this

Taxpayer@12:44 [ I just got home ] There are similar groups [to the one you mention at Lakeside] throughout North Dekalb. That’s why the issue of unequal funding for north and south Dekalb came up years ago. However, it was found that the county actually provides the same funding ….it’s the parents fund raising that makes the resources of the schools unequal. Parent groups purchase everything from extra computers to secretaries. Many give all teachers hundreds of dollars at the beginning of the year to buy supplies. The most obvious of those groups are the athletic Booster clubs that give winning [and even losing] coaches cruises for end of season gifts. But there are others that go by various names.

By Janine

November 29, 2006 5:07 PM | Link to this

Oh…and don’t forget that Partners in Education program in Dekalb .,…probaly other counties, too… There are certainly unequal benefits there, depending on the generosity of the partner. Coca Cola as a partner provides more perqs than K mart….and on and on…

By Janine

November 29, 2006 5:09 PM | Link to this

OOps….that would be PROBABLY…or have we discontinued the spelling police???

By Joy in teaching

November 29, 2006 5:32 PM | Link to this

Something happened at our school today that will never be heard about in the news or probably reported in an AYP report. Basically, a student told a teacher that she was going to “blow a hole in the back” of that teacher’s head.

The teacher didn’t hear her say it. Two other students heard it and were frightened enough to report it to the teacher and to a counselor.

The result? The offender got 2 days of in school suspension and will be back in that class on Monday. I found this all out when I passed her room this afternoon and saw her with her head down on her desk in tears. She was visibly shaken and very, very upset. Of course I counseled her to call PAGE/GAE/MACE/her attorney, 11-alive, etc. Apparently, the school walls majically convert the making terroristic threats from a felony to a mere frown in this era of public education.

By Jeff

November 29, 2006 5:53 PM | Link to this

Nja:

Been working all day… this was NOT a day I had a spare second!

Anyways:

1) Eh, that CRAP (trying the keep the words nice!) happens everywhere. At my current school, we aren’t allowed to give less than a 60. At my last school, we were not allowed to give anything between 65 and 70. (If a grade fell between there, we were forced to pass them. Easy way around that: “Lose” assignments….)

All:

So I spoke witht he Super today. It actually was very pleasant, and restored my belief in my system… at least for the moment. However, he also told me to come to him with any concerns I may have, so it could actually work out. (I may be having a long conversation with him about that nothing less than 60 policy soon. I’ll probably get shot down, but I’m easy to please: As long as I think you’re listening and at least considering what I’m saying, I can handle being overridden.)

By Lynn

November 29, 2006 6:19 PM | Link to this

Bridget: I watch Veronica Mars, and I think the portrayal of the college party scene is actually pretty true to life, based on my experience. Especially the stuff about the Greek system and rushing.

Everyone else here apparently wants to talk about grade schoolers, but I thought your point was mainly about what goes on at colleges that doesn’t always get media attention. The Duke lacrosse scandal was just the tip of the iceberg, but I don’t think parents really want to know what their kids are up to in college. Everyone wants to pretend their kids are sitting in their dorm rooms studyihng.

By HS Teacher Too

November 29, 2006 6:24 PM | Link to this

Jim D — I agree… just felt like it might have all been a little harsh. In the end today’s blog was one of the more interesting ones, though, and people were civil. :)

Joy in Teaching — unfortunately, it’s too believable. Those are the kinds of things my husband would push me to press my own charges on, and the school system would … well, they’d do whatever they could to make me quit, without saying so.

That teacher will definitely be in my thoughts and conversations tonight!

(And what liability if the kid comes back and makes good on his promise? Would there be ANY legal accountability on the part of the school system? I don’t know the answer to this.)

By Jeff

November 29, 2006 6:29 PM | Link to this

Joy:

All TOO believable. I’ve learned to NEVER turn my back on a student, because nothing is done to them, even when they ATTACK a teacher…

(The kid that cut me a couple of weeks ago was FINALLY called to the office over it today… and was back in my class within the hour….)

By OldSchool

November 29, 2006 6:52 PM | Link to this

Couple of weeks ago, a teacher caught 2 students smoking weed on campus. They got a couple of days after school detention because they were skipping class. That’s it. I guess to avoid real punishment for breaking the law (weed IS still illegal…right?) just be sure you either play football or are friends with a football player.

By jim d

November 30, 2006 8:15 AM | Link to this

Joy,

Here’s where the problem with discipline truly is.

“Head on her desk, in tears?”

No sympathy here! Outrage? YES!

What ever happened to indignant outrage? Why have teachers willingly given up their legal rights to press charges? What the hells wrong with some of you folks?

Here a student clearly committed a felony by making a terroristic threat and the teacher is crying? Gimme a friggin break! Have the little butthole arrested. Some of you would rather risk your life than risk losing a loser job. Are you crazy?

Yeah, Yeah, I know. It’s dedication and caring for the kids and all that crap. Not wanting to rock the NCLB boat because you’ve been intimidated by your employer to just set by and let them deal with legal issues that they have no education or legal training to deal with, (they’re educators for crying out loud) all just to keep a stinking job.

Get real folks, we’re talking about your life and your kids growing up without one of their parents.

Crezca algunos testículos and do what you must to protect your family ——- and quit crying.

By meme

November 30, 2006 9:11 AM | Link to this

Jim, I totally agree. You don’t have to wait for the school system to have the student arrested. Actually, we had a 6th grader threaten a teacher (again the students heard it and reported it) and the teachers were told that they didn’t need to know who was threatened. Was the student arrested? No, she was sent to the GIVE center.

By HS Teacher Too

November 30, 2006 9:34 AM | Link to this

Jim — it’s not necessarily that the teacher gave up her rights, although I can see your frustration with her if she had, 100%.

But there is a very (exceedingly) strong “influence,” at least in Gwinnett, to “warn” teachers of the consequences of bypassing the school’s own system. On ANY issue, nevermind something that might, god-forbid, make the papers.

In this case it doesn’t mean the teacher wouldn’t go out on her own. But truly, she might find herself with a schedule from hell or some other “punishment,” and her tears may have been from the frustration of the system as such. Or maybe just from the experience of the day. That being said, knowing me, I might have cried as well at the end of the day. But I would have talked to my husband at some point, and no doubt WE would have called the police. (Then we would have needed to line up a good employment atty because you know the school would try to mess with me for defending my rights! Gwinnett seems to forget that teachers’ rights are not suspended when they enter the schools.)

In our house though, we don’t play. But we’re also in a position to not “need” my job, per se, and to fight like hell if the school or the system toyed with it. You’re in Gwinnett. You know how they work. Bully, intimidate, manipulate the rules, and when all else fails, try to yank your teaching license for some nonsense.

But does anyone out there know the answer to what liability the school would have if the kid came back and assaulted (or worse) the teacher?

By jim d

November 30, 2006 12:21 PM | Link to this

A teacher fired for following the law?

Even in a Gwinnett court that would never hold up.

By HS Teacher Too

November 30, 2006 3:41 PM | Link to this

Oh Jim D — you know better. The teacher wouldn’t be fired, necessarily, and if they were it certainly wouldn’t be for following the law. There’d be another excuse made up and fluffed up. OR the teacher would be made to be miserable in all sorts of subtle ways, until they quit.

Anyway, no need to go ‘round in circles. I was simply trying to say there might have been more to the picture of that teacher’s tears than simply giving up.

By Joy in teaching

November 30, 2006 5:16 PM | Link to this

Oh, Jim….you really don’t know how bad school administrators can make a situation for a teacher at a school, do you? If a teacher does ANYTHING that makes the administration look bad or calls attention to a problem, they automatically get the big red target plastered on their back. Meaning, that teacher will be dropped in on unexpectedly more than other teachers, have every remark questioned, loose office referrals, etc. Is this professional behaviour by the administration? Nope. But every single teacher on this blog who has taught at least 3 years can name at least one person at their school who was made so doggoned miserable because they were standing up for their rights that they eventually resigned from their job. It has NOTHING to do with not having the guts to stand up for themselves and EVERYTHING to do with vindictive administrators.

By the way…the teacher at my school talked with her PAGE attorney today who has set up a meeting with the administration for tomorrow. Her PAGE attorney has been documenting everything and has advised that if something isn’t done about the threat on her life that she file a restraining order against the child by the end of the school day tomorrow until this situation is handled in an acceptable manner.

By jim d

December 1, 2006 8:31 AM | Link to this

Joy,

Aren’t there laws regarding Bullying at school? or does that just apply to students?

I higly recomend this read for all teachers. It may help them understand what they’re dealing with.

Bully in sight: How to predict, resist, challenge and combat workplace bullying by Tim Field

Remember folks. Change can truly only begin with you. One person at a time. As long as you cave in to these type of tactics you will continue to enable those that apply them. Like I said earlier in a post—Crezca algunos testículos

By Jeff

December 1, 2006 9:47 AM | Link to this

Joy:

You mean Monday, right? Or did you mean to post that yesterday?

Let us know how it turns out…