Get Schooled

By Jana

April 10, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Wasn’t this a blog topic two weeks ago?

By HS Teacher Too

April 10, 2008 9:41 AM | Link to this

I don’t know if this would work, but I do have an idea based on my limited knowledge of homeschooling.

First, let me say that my impression is that this accreditation problem is really most significant for imminently-college-bound high schoolers. It is still important for lower-grade children who may need to transfer if their parents move, of course, but the issue we keep hearing about is how these high schoolers will be able to earn the HOPE.

So the problem is how to get these students “accreditation” when homeschooling and private schooling are not viable options. And let’s be honest, parents can’t simply decide to “move,” and be able to move quickly in this market.

As I understand it, homeschoolers often get together and attend “lessons” in subjects in which their parents don’t feel qualified to teach. For example, just the other day someone posted about either a science or math upper-level class for homeschoolers.

If that’s the case, and homeschoolers are allowed to get third-party help, would it be possible for parents to say that they are homeschooling their children, but then to send them to Clayton County schools for “outside” content? The parents could make the argument that the schools are providing the supplemental instruction, but the primary instruction is being done at home. To that end, parents possibly may choose to send their students for half days at school, to get, say, math and science instruction. Or they could send their students for the entire school day if they want.

But if this logic holds, the parents will be able to say that their children were homeschooled, assuming that parents DO in fact follow the homeschooling requirements as far as reporting, etc. If this works, it allows the families in question to bypass the accreditation issue.

I don’t know if this works. There are likely 10,000,000 holes in this idea. But it was worth throwing it out there.

By thomas

April 10, 2008 9:43 AM | Link to this

Jana, this is the exact same thought I had as well.

Whew- The AJC is going to beat this dead horse and beat this dead horse. Leave it alone please!!!!! Nobody outside of Clayton County really cares any more. And reality is that for the most part, life in school hasn’t (and ISN’T going to) changed much anyway.

By GeezGuys

April 10, 2008 10:31 AM | Link to this

Leave it alone?!? I live outside Clayton County, and I darn well care if Clayton’s parents dump their children into a system which uses MY tax dollars. Yes, the topic is old. If there had been some resolution, we wouldn’t be reading about the topic, would we? Y’all should be glad the AJC is doing it’s job for a change, and not shoveling more tripe about Brittany or other celebrity of the moment.

By yesiamworried

April 10, 2008 10:38 AM | Link to this

I would guess that well over 1/2 of students in Clayton live in rental properties. (Laura, why don’t you try and find out?) In those cases, these parents have a choice— don’t renew their lease and move. There are rental properties at different price points all over Metro Atlanta. Let’s see if these parents can get their acts together to help their children.

I am guessing though, that most of these parents won’t make the effort needed to move. They will sit and complain (if they even know what is going on) and won’t want to leave the comfort level of their neighborhood.

Sad.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

April 10, 2008 11:03 AM | Link to this

Here’s an option that hasn’t been considered because it didn’t meet the political goals of the majority voting bloc on the board (which is comprised entirely of GAE members by the way, so I’m not sure how MACE is “the problem” on the school board.)

Seek alternative, objective accreditation. Even the outsiders who came here to interview called the SACS report “political” and “a sham”. Elgart’s own people were so concerned about Ericka Davis’s constant presence at the SACS office they warned fellow board members as to what was to come. And what came was a hatchet job that has now blown up in Elgart’s, Davis’s, Sonny’s and everybody else’s faces.

Mind you, alternative accreditation won’t fix the systemic dysfunction. It would just stop the brouhaha so that the system can address the one issue that would have the single greatest impact: restoring the discipline, and implementing policies that support the teacher maintaining the integrity of the learning environment with consistent consequences.

What’s the bigger of the two problems facing the classroom teacher; the antics of the school board, or 3,000+ documented fights with little or no support for consistent consequences?

Doesn’t take a $2 million dollar superintendent to address that; just one with some backbone.

By Lee

April 10, 2008 12:28 PM | Link to this

Count me in with the group that says “I don’t give a rip about Clayton anymore.”

Clayton voters elected these numbskulls to the BOE and they proceeded to tear the school system apart. Deal with it Clayton. It is not the responsibility of neighboring counties to bail your sorry a* out of a jam - they have enough problems of their own.

Hey Laura, why don’t we talk about those eight idiots down in Florida who ganged up on that girl. That ought to generate some intesting comments.

By luvs2teach

April 10, 2008 12:51 PM | Link to this

Lee - I’m with you - much better topic.

Parents - wake up and smell the coffee - this IS what some of your kids and their friends are into. Those of you who thought the movie Thirteen was unrealistic need to wake up.

And now we have a study that shows kids with TVs in their bedrooms don’t do as well in school, and have poor exercise and eating habits. Really? I could’ve told you that based on empirical evidence alone.

Talk to your kids. Find out what they are doing. Know their friends.

By Attn: Clayton Parents

April 10, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this

Overheard at WalMart: “Clean up on Aisle 2: Ericka Davis just sh-t herself!” The Secretary of State just released their report that Norreese Haynes (as he’s maintained all along) is a legal resident of his district.

This means the voters get to decide who represents them. Not Ericka Davis. Not Eldrin “Pappy” Bell. The voters.

You still happy you threw the ENTIRE system under the bus by going to SACS Ericka? If you aren’t happy now, imagine how happy you’ll be when you have to testify about the land deal under oath.

By jim d

April 10, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

Lee,

Don’t know if this is any consolation but all eight will be tried as adults according to an article in TBO

By Lee

April 10, 2008 4:25 PM | Link to this

Jim D, I saw that and agree that they should be tried as adults.

I think you and I are close to the same age. Going to school in the 60’s and 70’s, I, like many my age, had my (small) share of schoolyard fights, both as a participant and an observer. I can honestly say one thing though, I have NEVER observed two or more ganging up on an individual. That is what is most troubling to me about this kind of stuff - whether it be the Jena 6, the Mill Creek fight, or this latest, sorry episode.

In this assault, when I saw the victim trying to exit the front door and one of the assailants block her and put her hand on the door, I’m thinking, “Man, you just elevated this to big time.”

Thank goodness the perpetrators were stupid enough to videotape it for the jury.

By luvs2teach

April 10, 2008 5:02 PM | Link to this

Lee and jim d - I’m glad they are trying them as adults - the part that made me most want to vomit? The reports that they were laughing and joking about not getting to go to the beach for Spring Break. Ugh.

Well, they wanted publicity. They wanted to be (in)famous. I guess you have to be careful what you wish for because you just may get it.

By JustMe

April 10, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

The only students that this should really impact are next year’s seniors. They will graduate under a school system without accreditation. This is bad for them, yes.

However, after a year and a half, certainly the Clayton County citizens and BOE can get their act together and become accredited. By that time, the next crop of seniors should be fine.

If I were a parent in Clayton County with elementary school children, I would not over react. However, I would become very involved to ensure that the problems are quickly resolved.

By shadowwolf

April 10, 2008 9:28 PM | Link to this

Concerned parent aka Dead Poet You taking the easy way lately - cut and paste your comments to all the blogs . Not much imagination. Nice to see you still have a one track mind.

By JustMe

April 10, 2008 9:34 PM | Link to this

Lee, jd, and others….

What about the topic of what happened in Baltimore? A teacher was beaten up by a HS student - and this was video taped. On the videotape, it shows the teacher on the floor with the student sitting on her swinging away at her head. The teacher is simply trying to protect herself. The other students were reported to be cheering on the student to continue the beating.

Why did the student attack the teacher? Because she asked the student to turn down the radio. Turn down the radio! Can you imagine? A teacher wanting students to hear a lesson!?!?! What was a radio doing in school to begin with?

What does the administration say about this? CNN reported that the principal claimed that the teacher started it. The principal said that the teacher should have just ignored the student and walked away? ARE YOU KIDDING? And some of you wonder why teachers have trouble with their classroom management - it is because teachers get absolutely no support from administrators like this!!!

What is to happen to the student? The principal said that the student may get a reprimand. May? Reprimand?

What is to happen to the teacher? The principal said that the teacher will get suspended while under investigation.

Just too funny (and very sad).

For those of you that think that teachers are over paid, or that the job is just to collect a pay check, I challenge you to go to Baltimore and teach for one year. Then, come back and share what you think.

By C.R.H.

April 10, 2008 10:21 PM | Link to this

I saw the video of the teacher being attacked…she should persue charges against those students involved, including the idiot with the cell phone recording the attack and the students who cheered. She filed a grievance with the teacher’s union; hell she should file a lawsuit indicating the school has intentionally provided a hostile environment where her physical safety is in jeopardy. Name the school board, the system, the principal, the student (if 18) and her sorry a**ed parents in a nice fat lawsuit. I would love to see a teacher win a multimillion $$$ judgement against schools and parents!!!

By Lee

April 10, 2008 10:45 PM | Link to this

Justme, according to this news report, the police were unaware of the attack until the news crew began questioning them about it.

To me, that is almost as disturbing as the attack. 911 should have been notified immediately.

Once again though, ya gotta love the stupids who record the event for the prosecution.

By unda cova brutha

April 10, 2008 11:31 PM | Link to this

Clayton students choices are bevoming fewer by the day. Not only has Gov Sonny Perdue missing in action as to his responsibilities to our students but now Karen Handel has chimed in too - “you are on your own - don’t expect ant help from the state level”. But you can bet your a$$ if this was North Fulton or Forsyth they would be falling over themselves to do something. We know the differences.

By jim d

April 11, 2008 5:29 AM | Link to this

Jm,

I saw the clip and have read the article. Hey, throw the kid out—never to return (for starters). This kinda crap has got to stop and until an example is made out of a few of these kids, it will only get worse.

Btw, since we are speaking of current events, Any thoughts on L.A. special-ed teacher jailed in child porn case? Or the Ex-Walton County teacher indicted for child porn ring? Or the English teacher at Foxborough High School arrested on charges of possessing child pornography? Or how about the teacher that was indicted Wednesday on 26 counts of sexually exploiting children after an investigation found the former Walton County public school teacher’s computer held thousands of still and video images of children.

By jim d

April 11, 2008 7:40 AM | Link to this

Here’s a plan

By Ernest

April 11, 2008 9:27 AM | Link to this

JimD:

Interesting link you provided. I would add that collaboration is needed with the GA Department of Labor to ensure we are creating the kind of workforce that businesses are seeking.

All:

IMO, Clayco’s situation should remain on everyones radar. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, there could be dire economic consequences for the metro region if we allow them to lose accreditation. I submit that some would be able to weather that storm however a majority of folks will be negatively impacted by this.

By Jeff

April 11, 2008 10:16 AM | Link to this

Mark Elgart is a cry baby. His ego was rightfully bruised by Lois Baines-Hunter, and this entire SACS episode in Clayton County is about his bruised ego. He is exacting a heavy punishment on Clayton County, despite what it does to the children. All of his “I care for thy children” pronouncements are phoney baloney. In fact, Mark Elgart himself is a phoney, a hypocrite, and a fake. His so-called “investigation” was one-sided, biased, and totally skewed. I agree with Norreese Haynes who said from the very beginning that Mark Elgart’s SACS Report was “a sham and a farce.” I wonder what Mark Elgart, Ericka Davis, and Eldrin Bell think now that the State of Georgia has given its definitive disposition about Norreese Haynes’s residence? The State says that Norreese Haynes never gave up his residence and domicile in District 8. Nike. For who turned tail and ran, I just call them “Weak Aliekas.”

By luvs2teach

April 11, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this

jim d - also in current events - the Marine who killed his pregnant colleague…the cop who raped the woman he pulled over…parents who abuse and kill their children…doctors who are little more than drug peddlers…

There are sickos and criminals in every walk of life. You can’t indict an entire profession or class of people because of a few bad apples (who would’ve probably found a way to engage in their criminal behavior no matter what profession they chose).

By jim d

April 11, 2008 11:44 AM | Link to this

L2T,

Exactly!! Glad you picked up on my inuendo.

Yeah,there are bad kids, there are also bad folks teaching, bad folks parenting and as you said bad in every walk of life. I was just curious as to JM’s thoughts on the fact that so many teachers are now being popped for the stuff they have on their computers? It concerns me that this type of thing seems to be a growing epidemic.

By luvs2teach

April 11, 2008 12:11 PM | Link to this

jim d - I don’t think it’s an epidemic, sadly, I just think that a) the “information age” has its dark side - availability is so much easier (and cheaper than a ticket to Thailand or starting your own FLDS parish)and b) the information age makes it easier for us to find out about stuff happening. Something has to fill up the 24 hour a day news channels - especially if it’s a slow week for Brittney or Paris or Lindsey.

Plus…our population is growing - it makes sense that the weirdos are increasing, too, lol.

BTW - liked the article you linked - seems like something I’ve been talking about for awhile, now.

By jim d

April 11, 2008 12:47 PM | Link to this

Well that and the fact that people have computer access to their wildest fantasies.

By luvs2teach

April 11, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

jim d - that’s what I meant when I said “the dark side of the information age” - ugh, it makes my skin crawl if I think about it too much.

By JustMe

April 11, 2008 8:48 PM | Link to this

jd - Incidences by teachers across the Country are sensationalized in the national media. Yes, the teachers involved did wrong. But, my point is that the number of incidences by the students are far, far greater and are swept under the rug by the school administration and also by the media.

This leads the general public (and this seems to include you) to believe that all teachers are evil, bad people - which is not the case at all. The percentage of those incidences by teachers is extremely small compared to the number of teachers across the Country - I would estimate less than 1%.

By jim d

April 12, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this

“all teachers are evil, bad people”

I’ve never said that.

“Incidences by teachers across the Country are sensationalized in the national media.”

It’s not that anyone is really singling out teachers dear, sex crimes in this country have become real front page, even to the point of sex offenders having to register where any member of the public can locate them. A sex offender is a sex offender regardless of their occupation, teaching is no exception and rightfully so.

As for the fact that teaching is one if not the largest occupations in this country I personally find a 1% incident rate unacceptable. especially since we all know that only a vary small percentage of incidents ever get reported.

Let me say in defense of some of these alleged sex offenders that I(being of a libertarian mindset) feel that an adult has every right to view whatever they wish. However since there are laws regarding child porn that law enforcement should go after those exploiting children for profit and are producing it rather than those viewing it. Web sites that provide this type of immoral “entertainment” should and easily could be shut down. But hey, thats JMHO.