Get Schooled

By gwinnett educator

December 12, 2008 9:09 AM | Link to this

foolishness! I dont understand why so many schools have never heard of this. I was the first to spread the word in my school and we went out on an emailing binge (to teachers we know in other schools). I dont trust it.

By Michael

December 12, 2008 9:14 AM | Link to this

It is INCREDIBLE that we would even consider this. Why pass laws for some and not others???

By jim d

December 12, 2008 9:24 AM | Link to this

gwinnett educator,

After reading Napoalvins comments I’m more convinced than ever that he is not stating any truth, that it is simply more spin.

If one thinks for even one moment that he is going to relinguish one iota of control over individual schools—I’v a bridge I’d like to sell them. This is a man that admittidly lied on mandated government reports. Why in heavens name people continue to beieve anything he says is totally out of the realm of comprehension. The man has no principles. A principled leader does not lie steal or cheat, nor tolerate those that do. IMHO, the man has no business leading our schools.

By catlady

December 12, 2008 11:37 AM | Link to this

It looks like most of the changes are predicated on even more responsibilities for the teacher, and less on the students and parents. Also, I wonder how much more work would be put on the backs of the central office staff? Will they give up their lunch times to get more work out of them?

By cc

December 12, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

remember, if you kid goes to public school that makes you a socialist. and socialism is a liberal thing, so that also makes you a liberal. now just how many republicans do think are going to pull their kids out of public school? oh yeah, that’s different when they do it, do as i say, not as i do, that’s also the christian motto, by the way.

By demwit

December 12, 2008 11:51 AM | Link to this

Since Gwinnett’s school leaders are doing such a great job at educating our children I say why not! Let them excel outside the state mandates!!

Oh wait….

By Vince

December 12, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this

As a principal in a neighboring school district I must admit that Gwinnett is always head of the curve in terms of innovation.

The rest of us in metro Atlanta marvel at how Gwinnett has kept such high test scores in light of enormous demographic changes in its student emrollment.

I read the proposals and I like them. I’m glad Gwinnett has the courage to even ask.

By jim d

December 12, 2008 12:19 PM | Link to this

“The rest of us in metro Atlanta marvel at how Gwinnett has kept such high test scores in light of enormous demographic changes in its student emrollment.”

Vince, Ever smelled books cooking?

By Parent

December 12, 2008 12:33 PM | Link to this

Vince -

“courage to ask ?”.

IMHO this thing has been evolving and was engineered over the past several years. Trace the history of IE2. GCPS likely wouldn’t be asking if they didn’t already feel sure of the answer. It will take some high level and courageous people at the State DOE and Office of Accountability to pull back the reins.

I am sure many are scratching their head right about now, wondering if the community will sustain and escalate the issue or just fade away into the darkness….

By V for Vendetta

December 12, 2008 12:38 PM | Link to this

Vince:

Demographic change has nothing to do with it. The high tests scores stem from the same demographics and the same students as they always have. True, the averages remain high as well, but I, as Jim D already asserted, believe that it has more to do with doctored results than actual achievement. Wilbanks’s elimination of technical level classes, not to mention his apparent belief that all children are college material, is tearing Gwinnett apart from the inside out. The schools are overrun with (unreported) discipline problems—if people knew HALF of what happens at some of Gwinnett’s “good” schools, they would mess themselves.

The point is, don’t be a number-cruncher, Vince. Take a gander at what is happening down in the trenches. I’ll give you a hint: it ain’t pretty. The ineptitude, ignorance, and insanity of the system will be brought to light in the near future. The Titanic was very pretty before it sank.

My biggest gripe is with the people of Gwinnett themselves. How much longer can they let an egomaniacal A55HOLE run their school system. Does education have to die before people wake up? Does acreditation have to be lost before those living in the district see where they’ve gone wrong?

Wait, I already know the answer to that.

By jim d

December 12, 2008 1:08 PM | Link to this

Was it mentioned in this article that Alvin actually a hand in drafting the legislation that he now hopes to take advantage of?

Wake up and smell the coffee folks!

By Grumpy

December 12, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

Anyone who thinks that this initiative is being done for the good of Gwinnett’s school children, needs to see a psychiatrist. This is simply and primarily an attempt to save $$$ at the expense of teachers, parents and, last but not least, the kids. By the time this program gets run down your throats, you’ll have teachers pushed out the door and less costly para pros replacing them. Elementary classroom size will grow to the sizes familiar in high school lecture halls. Individual attention to students will all but disappear. Subjects which cannot be “measured,” such as Art and Music, will be discontinued. Congratulations!!!! Those of you who have wanted schools to be run like a business will get what you asked for. Unfortunately, the kids who have to suffer through it will be far less educated than they otgherwise could have been.

And by the way, if you’re a Gwinnett County taxpayer and voter, be sure to let the members of this idiot school board you elected know you’ve had enough of them and Mr. Wilibanks. They’ve done a fantastic job of running Gwinnett County Public Schools into a ditch because they can’t stand up and tell the taxpayer that good education does cost more than the pennys thrown at it. Wilibanks needs to pull the hook and retire, and go do educational consulting in Guam, and the school board members need to be voted out of office for even considering a proposal like this, let alone letting Wilibanks run rough-shod over them to get this done.

This shows better than anything else why Georgia’s educational system routinely remains at the bottom of the list nationally.

By Does Alvin have "Vince" in his back pocket?

December 12, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this

jim D stole my thunder. Time for “Vince” to expose himself for who he is. This quote is straight from the AJC.

“Oddly enough, HB 1209 is being strongly supported by Superintendant Alvin Wilbanks and the Gwinnett County Board of Education”

Obviously this is part of some plan that has absouletely nothing to do with the best interests of students. If it did, you would directly involve those who will work directly with them; not alienate them with backroom deals in an atmosphere of secrecy, fear, and mistrust.

So “Vince” what’s your real story? Alvin had the “courage” to ask for something, based on legislation he himself had a hand in drafting. And you really want us to believe you are an impartial observer?

By Reality

December 12, 2008 1:57 PM | Link to this

How can I sum up my opinion in one word….SAD!!!!!! As a parent of a Gwinnett County students, I am very upset with this plan. Furthermore, if this is about student achievement, why wasn’t parents notified. Gwinnett sends home newsletters begging for money, and everything else but never to inform us that they are cheating our children out of an education. I would personally like to ask the School Board and Mr. Wilbanks a few questions? 1.) How can video images teach my honor students’ children Physics, Chemistry, and Pre-Calculas? Also, why would I pay good money as a homeowner for a college school drop out to replace certified teachers? Oh I forgot….it is really not about the students. It is about Alvin making $435,000 a year salary. By the way, that’s not all, he does get a $3500 a month for a cost of living allotment. Don’t believe me…look GCPS Boad meeting minutes from March, 2008. As soon as they go thru with this crazy plan, I will be one of the thousand parents at the State Department of Georgia filing my lawsuit. Reason: Failure to provide a free appropriate education!!!!!

By jim d

December 12, 2008 2:06 PM | Link to this

Ah yes the ignorance of the voting public!

We again find dis-satisfaction with actions taken immediately after an election by elected officials. Why does this always happen? Simply because they know how fickle and forgetting voters are. They know far too well that we will never remember this two or four years from now!

I find it rather disheartening that we seem to get the government we deserve. Which in turn gives us the schools we deserve.

By What will GAE do?

December 12, 2008 2:17 PM | Link to this

Yes the Gwinnett Association of Educators has already voiced concerns. But are they muted concerns or vocal concerns?

If you’re a teacher member of the Gwinnett Association of Educators, you have to remember your association is made up of teachers, who will bear the brunt of this, and administrators, who just like Alvin, will benefit.

Are they really going to bat for you, or are they just paying lip service to going to bat for you?

It’s a legitimate question, and you’d be wise to get a legitimate answer before counting on thier support.

Interestingly enough, there has been no word on this from the state head of GAE. Is that perhaps because he himself is an administrator?

By gwinnett educator

December 12, 2008 2:21 PM | Link to this

reality…the teachers weren’t notified. I found the information in this blog. When I went back to work spreading the word after Thanksgiving break..many did not believe me at first. I told a friend, who happens to be a very involved h.s. parent, and she began to spread the word. While subbing at another middle school yesterday, she shared the info with teachers there that STILL had not heard of what was going on. Imagine that..the day of the meeting and teachers were still in the dark.

By V for Vendetta

December 12, 2008 2:25 PM | Link to this

If people really cared about education, and had the stones to do something about it, they would call for Wilbanks’s resignation.

Allow me to throw my hat into the ring for the position.

By jim d

December 12, 2008 2:34 PM | Link to this

gwinnett educator,

“Teachers unaware of what is happening In GCPS.”

unfortunately this hasn’t changed much over the years. I’ve had more than a few tell me “it’s just a passing fad, when people get fed up change will occur without me ever having to be involved”.

While I do find this type of apathy disturbing I really can’t blame them because they are 100% correct.

By Curious

December 12, 2008 2:35 PM | Link to this

Gwinnett Educator,

Are you by chance of member of the Gwinnett County Association of Educators? If so, are you concerned that they aren’t going to do anything more than offer token opposition, given that they are comprised of teachers and administrators?

One would think with an issue of this importance, GCAE would feature it on their website, but there is no information on the website to be found on what is single biggest issue in Gwinnett at this time.

Are GCAE teachers being taken for a ride by their own association on this, or is it too quick to jump the gun on making that assumption?

By jim d

December 12, 2008 2:38 PM | Link to this

V,

Go for it!! So have you started shopping for a home up at Château Élan? I understand there are a few bargains available.

By gwinnett educator

December 12, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

jim d, you are so correct. I have been reading this blog for yrs and have always shared information with my colleagues. I have always pointed them to this place to just “check it out”. Now, I have had so many people come up and say..”if you hadnt told me…I wouldnt have known”. I told them there is so much going on that we dont have a clue ABOUT!

And then, the apathy..sigh..I mean really. I have become so frustrated in recent days just speaking with a few people.

Curious..No I am not a member. This is my 2nd yr teaching in Gwinnett after doing 9.5 yrs in Dekalb. I was a memember in Dekalb, but I feel that it was a total waste of my money paying into that every month. Although I am not a member, I do feel that the members are being taking for a ride..(just my opinion only)

Ive gotten to the point where I trust NO ONE in the world of education and the pen pushers who come up with such foolishness.

By jim d

December 12, 2008 3:56 PM | Link to this

gwinnett educator

Yeah, Well, while i do tend at times to say things here just to make people THINK I’m not usually too far off the mark on what is happening inside. And then SOME people feel I’m bashing teachers in general. Funny thing is that I’ve half a dozen family members in education. :)

By jim d

December 12, 2008 4:33 PM | Link to this

Bottom line on this question is simply this.

If the state mandates are so wrong, why not just eliminate them for everyone rather than making for a waiver for a few?

By catlady

December 12, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

Here is a question for my fellow educators, especially the ones from Gwinnett: this has been in the AJC for a week or 10 days at least, so how come you don’t know anything about it? Don’t you read the paper?

But besides that, of course the teachers and other stakeholders should have been told officially about this proposal! In fact, they should have been part of the design team! That they were not says VOLUMES about the administration. Guess they were afraid of what teachers (the ones where the rubber hits the road) would have said. The teachers might have had time to get as worked up as they did when the Governor was trying to make the COLAs for the retired “possible” instead of mandatory! Goodness knows GCPS does not want an outcry; it makes a “done deal” more difficult!

Disfunctional as my county school system is, I would not teach in Gwinnett.

The folks of Gwinnett are being treated in a way earily similar to those in Clayton, don’t you think? You get what you put up with!

By catlady

December 12, 2008 4:54 PM | Link to this

jim, dear. The state mandates are not necessarily WRONG. They are just INCONVENIENT for those wanting more power, more money, etc.

By jim d

December 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Cat,

Glad you got the point :)

By Grumpy

December 12, 2008 5:35 PM | Link to this

Here they go again. Blame the GAE; blame teachers; blame everyone else except those who deserve to be blamed: the so-called administrative leadership of GCPS. That’s who needs to be blamed for another hair-brained proposal that takes little into consideration than saving $$$. Unless parents, taxpayers and voters in Gwinnett County get up on their hind legs and tell them “NO,” they’ll continue to treat the education of children as another experiment in running schools like a Fortune 500 company. This may be too deep for some of you fiscal conservatives, but some of mankind’s truest educational masters like Socrates, Plato and Aristotle would be shocked by educational endeavors which do not try to educate and develop the entire child and prepare him or her for citizenship. Instead, we turn our kids into little test-takers and don’t concern ourselves with whether or not they can think, or can learn, or have basic skills to get through life, and to view education as a personal, lifetime initiative. Educated and learned children become good citizens. Where’s Wilibanks’s plan for accomplishing that?

By elected supers

December 12, 2008 8:32 PM | Link to this

I think it is time for elected superintendents. Things like this would not be going on if the superintendents’ jobs were on the line.

By S

December 12, 2008 11:00 PM | Link to this

The BOE has got to be the most arrogant group of people in Gwinnett County. Starting a “public hearing” by saying “This is not a question and answer period” and refusing to answer the public’s questions is completely wrong. As teachers and stakeholders, we have a right to know what is going with our jobs and children’s education. All they had to do was explain what they meant in some of their requests to the state and some of our fears may have been put to rest. Instead, they acted as Wilbanks’ puppets again. I think it is convenient that all this came to fruition AFTER the election. None of them would have been re-elected had we known this ahead of time.

By Not blaming teachers Grumpy

December 12, 2008 11:34 PM | Link to this

Not blaming teachers at all for this miscariage Grumpy; but asking if GAE is really advocating for its teacher members, or is siding with Alvin at the behest of Gwinnett administrators in GAE.

The Gwinnett County Association of Educators claims to be opposed, but it’s telling to note that, on the single biggest issue that affects teachers in Gwinnett, not a single word is mention of this proposal on the website.

So Grumpy is GCAE really opposing this, and advocating for their teachers as they claim, or have they been co-opted by Alvin and Gwinnett administrators who are also GAE members.

It’s a legit question, one teacher members of GCAE would do well to get an answer to.

By Larry

December 13, 2008 5:27 AM | Link to this

Why this came as a surprise to some of you is easy to explain. You don’t bother to go to public BOE meetings. You don’t even take the time to read the meeting summaries posted every month on the GCPS web page. Since the criticisms here concern the law and not specific GCPS plans, the legislative process obviously eludes you as well.

This has been openly discussed at public BOE meetings since August and other public forums most of this year. Evidently, all but two of you ignore what happens right in front of you and get your information from a blog written by anonymous posters most of whom are equally clueless. Incredible.

Jimd, I put the 50 grand I owe you in a shoe box. I’ll have Alvin announce its exact location at the next board meeting, just to keep it a secret.

By clyde

December 13, 2008 7:24 AM | Link to this

It’s now time for all good teachers,the ones that still retain their pride,to exit Gwinnet and go where you’ll be appreciated.Life for the teachers that stay in Gwinnet is going to deteriorate exponentially.I’ve worked for companies that try to save money by cutting back staff and shifting the burden to the ones that remain.I never works well.

By gwinnett educator

December 13, 2008 8:17 AM | Link to this

catlady, to answer your question regarding reading the paper and doing something about it..as I state previously..apathy. If it isnt that, its that good ol..”psshh..they arent going to do that..they cant” (sigh)

I am an information junkie. I read the blog topics, click on links, send articles, etc. Its just that so MANY do not care. I didnt see people becoming upset until…GASP…”THEY ARE GOING TO TAKE AWAY MY DUTY FREE LUNCH???” or about the class size & salary points.

Now, what are we going to do about it?? Who knows? Not sure enough of us are even concerned. Ive spent yrs reading up on Dekalb (since I spent 9.5 yrs there) and since I have been in Gwinnett, I spend my time reading up and surfing for info in regards to them.

For some people ignorance is truly bliss,

By jim d

December 13, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

better idea Larry,

Let’s get together and spend it on cold beverages

By Jim

December 13, 2008 1:22 PM | Link to this

As I former Gwinnett educator of longstanding (and I left on good terms), I can say this much: If this idea is consistent with the GCPS where I worked,then the proposed exemption from state regulation is in no way meant to liberate teachers to do their jobs better. Rather it is to liberate ISC bureaucrats to micromanage their way rather than the state’s way.

By Mad as HECK

December 13, 2008 5:18 PM | Link to this

There are a lot of truths being spoken in this blog. Gwinnett county BOE wants to keep the schools clean and beautiful. This means sweeping everything under the rug. Gwinnett schools are more concerned with apperances than how they treat their teachers. They didn’t tell us of this plan because they didn’t care what teachers had to say. The BOE has no clue what its like in the trenches because those who cannot teach work at the board office! At the ISC they have nice flat screen T.V’S in the hallways. Yet we cannot make copies at school and have to go out and pay for our own copies. Gwinnett county schools are as corrupt as ENRON! Principals that run the school are the croonies. They aren’t any different than the people on the school board. If you do not conform to the ideas of this school system it will be like the Salem witch trials, but instead of burning you at the stake they will make sure you never get a job teaching again and make your teaching experience heck. Schools have TAC teams where they meet with J.Alvin Wilbanks once a month. They meet and bring with them concerns and questions. He has yet to answer a single question. His top responses are either we cannot do that or we will look into it and nothing changes. I wonder if Mr. Wilbanks will be back at work on Friday January 2nd. The rest of Georgia schools have their teachers reporting on the fifth. I wouldn’t notice if I lost my lunch time because by the time I drop my kids off in the cafeteria I have 15min to eat and pick them up. I wonder how long of a lunch break they get at the ISC. or how much time Mr. Wilbanks gets for his lunch. Parents do not support the teachers and the principals in Gwinnett bow down to their every whim. I have never seen Mr. Wilbanks at our school. What is his job exactly? Oh yeah he has area superintendents doing his work and he makes the big bucks. Why does he make so much money have a car, a shower at the ISC and we make nothing. In fact I know more teachers with master’s degrees working an extra job! He doesn’t care about us he’s much like the Grinch with a heart two sizes too small. Hey Mr. Wilbanks come sit with me and let’s have a lesson on how everything that was built to be grand and built with greed has fallen! HELLOOO Rome, GM, our banking systems. You need a slice of humble pie. Come teach for a day. You wouldn’t make it an hour because you have zero people skills. This school system thinks they are a corporation. Corporations do not care about the little people you know us teachers the ones taking a lot of BS from the board, our principlas and parents! I am a teacher in this county and I coudn’t wait to remove my child from this school system. A middle school teacher told a teacher friend of mine that teachers don’t have time to care and thats because of the unrealistic expectations of this school system. They expect kindergarten students to write stories with a beginning, middle, end and to revise papers when they cannot even hold a pencil and identify their letters and sounds. People looking in from the outside come work for this system and see how quickly your mind changes. This school system really isn’t so great like they proclaim to be.

By TW

December 13, 2008 8:10 PM | Link to this

If it’s the teachers, how come the schools in the midst of the big houses are pretty good?

By gwinnett parent

December 14, 2008 10:04 AM | Link to this

Looks like school officials may have the opportunity to vote on this Wednesday - in a specially called for vote by the board of education. Watch your board members vote, and then regret the vote you cast in November.

By CobbMom

December 14, 2008 10:55 AM | Link to this

I read the proposals and it seems to me that they’re essentially asking for changes that a magnet program might request. I think the groups that they’re trying to help most indeed need the help the most. They spelled out clearly why they are requesting the change and what areas they need to have the freedom to make the change. What is not at all clear to me is what they’ll do if the request is granted. For example, if they are looking for the freedom to change class size, I assume it’s because they need to shift some of the kids around who don’t need help into larger classes, so that they can better address those who are struggling. As the mom of two students - one who would fall into the category of needing extra help and one who would not, I am not certain whether this idea would work once the details are hammered out. If I were a Gwinnett resident, I’d be asking specifically for a lot more information about how this is really going to work.

By Counting the Days

December 14, 2008 12:30 PM | Link to this

This is the death of teaching. I’m so glad that I’m almost finished and wont have to go through this.

All you Fulton teachers, beware. Dr. Loe came from Gwinnett, and I bet she’ll be next in line with this stuff.

Teaching is now officially dead. I would not recommend this field to anyone.

By catlady

December 14, 2008 2:22 PM | Link to this

For example, if they are looking for the freedom to change class size, I assume it’s because they need to shift some of the kids around who don’t need help into larger classes, so that they can better address those who are struggling.

If they are wanting to enlarge class size, you can BET it is not to “shift some of the kids around who don’t need help”. What a sheltered life you must lead!

It is all about the power to shift MONEY around. Money that should be going for the education of children will get shifted into administration or transportation. Forget the kids! They are a “hinderance” from us getting our “work” done, says the central office.

Can’t wait till tomorrow when we discuss how the AJC uncovered evidence of incredible gains in CRCT scores in some of our schools. (Incredible: lacking credibility). The AJC uncovered it. Not the state DOE, which once again, is well behind the curve. What exactly do their analysts do there? They DON’T seem to monitor retention rates (based on CRCT failures). They DON’T seem to do much to check test validity (see the SS exam last spring). They DON’T check to see if there are any test scores that are out of the range of belief. All these are basic quality control checks. Another sign of massive incompetence.

By mg

December 14, 2008 3:02 PM | Link to this

What is so bad about allowing a teacher the opportunity to use the restroom? As an elementary school teacher I spend my entire day with 18 students. From the moment they enter my classroom to the moment they leave, I am there for them. I work like a dog. Roughly 3 out of 5 of my planning periods are already taken away each week to hold “meetings.” The time I have on my lunch break is the only time I have all day to correct homework, call parents, check school e-mail, and use the restroom. And now Gwinnett County wants to take away that. Shame on them!

By Lee

December 14, 2008 3:25 PM | Link to this

Cat, yeah, that was an interesting story about the extraordinary CRCT scores.

Rule of thumb, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Just think about the kind of stuff that we could uncover if school systems put their checkbook register out there, the way Jim D wants….

MG and Mad as Heck, when is the last time you saw a group of 40-50 teachers before a school board voicing the concerns that you just made? Until you do, expect the same old, same old.

By phyllis

December 14, 2008 4:18 PM | Link to this

I am a teacher in Gwinnett and we were told about this at a faculty meeting Thursday morning. We were also asked to write down any questions we had and to hand them in to our principal so they could be passed to Wilbanks before the Board meeting “because he doesn’t like surprises”. So, in short, we are like mushrooms, kept in the dark and fed sh*t. Which school system in the Metro area isn’t as messed up as Gwinnett?? I am looking to relocate.

By Larry

December 14, 2008 5:40 PM | Link to this

CobbMom, you are very much up to date with the situation; the draft proposal addresses only specific areas for student improvement. The reason details of how to achieve these improvements appears unclear, is because they don’t exist at this point in the process.

IE2 legislation required all school systems to publicly announce their decision to either opt out of IE2 or proceed under the legally defined procedure to tentatively pursue its options. As I recall, these announcements were issued this past spring, but Laura (who looks very nice today) would know when this happened.

The next step for school systems not opting out of IE2 was to define measurable goals for improvement. The result of this six month process (in Gwinnett) is the draft document you read.

The intent of the recent legally mandated public hearing was to solicit ideas on how to achieve the proposed goals under IE2 guidelines. You have probably noticed our legislature grossly overestimated public awareness. As evidenced by this thread, the public was stone unaware any of this happened, which precludes forming a valid opinion let alone a useful idea. Nevertheless, the process will continue.

Also, please understand any IE2 contract agreement is specific to a school, not the entire school system. The valid issue of class size you raised, may not be relevant to school your children attend. The school’s principal would probably be the best source for accurate information.

By Mad as HECK

December 14, 2008 5:49 PM | Link to this

Lee i agree with you but like I say they will make your life a living heck if you go in front of the board. I can understand where MG is coming from. I do not get lunch I use that time for the same exact thing. They take our planning time 3 or 5 days a week for meetings. Heaven forbid a teacher should get a bathroom break. Teaching is dead. I signed up to teach but in gwinnett all they care about is testing, benchmarks, and lots of paperwork. My admin. has dirty knees from bowing down to our parents. They don’t listen especially Mr. Wilbanks. He has yet to answer a TAC question. I believe in my heart just by the way we are treated this school system doesn’t care about their teachers. It shows in so many ways. J. Alvin makes more than the President of the US. He has no business running a school especially since he has zero elementary expereience. He needs to be vomited on a few times, deal with bloody noses and loose teeth and try to teach! I too am looking to leave this county before I give up on my dream. Are there any school systems that are not corrupt?

By Dondee

December 14, 2008 6:02 PM | Link to this

I hear you, Mad as Heck…..Testing, Benchmarks, CQI…and for the kids who really need help RTI, a process that seemingly takes forever to get help to those who really need it……

By Is it me?

December 14, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

Is it me, or like Vince earlier in this thread, does Larry sound like someone Alvin has in his backpocket?

By Sportsfan

December 14, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

ROTFLMAO! Larry in Alvin’s back pocket? Yeah, right, maybe if hel* freezes over! Believe me, Larry and Jim D are dead on. Alvin and the chipmunks do nothing that will benefit a teacher nor student. There are more problems in Gwinnett schools that any of you imagine. They are handled “inside” the school giving false reports and showing low numbers. If not reported to central office it does not get reported to federal level. Glad I have one year left of this foolish school system and I pray that my oldest child who is attending college to become a teacher does not choose Gwinnett as a place to work. Jim and Larry I know this lady who rides a broom and she would love to meet you for that drink! Think we can get the gang together?

By catlady

December 14, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

RTI is like applying for disability. They know if they wait you out you will give up and go away (or die, or retire. And the kid will drop out). Unfortunately, the child and his needs do not go away quickly.

When will someone sue my county because their child did not get services in anything remotely near a timely manner? And when will the parents of the non-handicapped sue the school because of the disruption the handicapped child brought to the classroom before the child was identified and given the help he needs? IF he is given the help he needs.

I have been told we have “too many” sp ed kids—we are filled up and there will be no more teachers or parapros hired. Only kids with IEPs already written from other places will be honored this year as new admits to the program. No one will be newly staffed in.

Really puts us in a quandry because THEY KEEP COMING!

By Sportsfan

December 14, 2008 9:36 PM | Link to this

Catlady,

I can tell you Alvin’s stance on special ed…his quote

“Special education is an albatross around the neck of the public school system.”

That was several years ago and the parents of Gwinnett continue to bury their head in the sand as to what we have for school board representation and a superintendent. I noticed Carol Boyce told the crowd that the meeting was not a question and answer session. There are never question and answer sessions with this crew. The public ask questions while the chipmunks and Alvin look at one another, stare down at their hands, doodle on a writing pad, look up and around the room while glaring at everyone, etc…..Gwinnett may be the largest school system in the state but they are no where near close to being “world class” as they claim in their motto.

By Mad as HECK

December 14, 2008 9:46 PM | Link to this

The whole SST process is bogus. Currently in my room I have a child that is the equiv. of a three year old in behavior and academics. We have been in school a good while with a lot of documentation. My Ap has had me and this child jumping through rings of fire. We have tried ten different things and nothing is working.This child hurts the entire class because of the constant disruptions. Admin fault you for the child’s behavior. They will let this child go to the next grade level and start the SST process again. This time the xcuse will be, well this child is older lets try new things and the child will not get help for the same reasons mentioned above. This child will end up dropping out because he will fall through the cracks. They want these kids to be perfect cookie cutouts. Because of this Gwinnett is failing the students. Well, they don’t really see them as students what was I thinking they see them as a number. It’s pretty sad if you think about how teachers go to schools where there is rumored to be a nice principal and we hold our breath when we wonder who the new principal will be when the old principal is out the door. The admin. see bad classroom management as the reason people leave but in actuality it’s them who cause us to leave. Can you imagine whats going to happen when they have free reign, some are bad enough with state mandates. Principals are so far removed from the classroom. I have a principal that when I see her coming down the hall I go another way because of the icey wind that blows when she walks by. Hey Gwinnett BoE and Admin why don’t you pratice what you preach. Character Education!

By Mad as HECK

December 14, 2008 9:51 PM | Link to this

Hey Catlady you are telling the truth!

World Class greedy self centered A55’s

By dondee

December 14, 2008 10:09 PM | Link to this

Hey Heck,

Maybe we have the same principal….sounds like what we do at our school…. : )

As far as your situation with your student….It stinks for all involved, the child and the other students, as well as you. It seems that our professional opinions should count for something. Ten interventions? When is enough enough? Are they going to begin testing at some point? Oh wait, you’re right, it will continue on to the next year and next teacher. What a waste!…I had a student with 6 months of documented behavior issues and was told near the end of school all my information was worthless because of something I was not told to hold on to and had never done with any other previous SST. This made all of my efforts null and void. Was I angry? Never so mad at anything so ridiculous in my life. My anecdotal notes and hours of observation on this child were for nothing. And who is the one who suffered the most? You better believe that I will keep every little bit of anything if I’m ever able to have an SST this year. But at this rate, I’m not getting anywhere fast, even with a student that is far below grade level. Maybe next year.

By Amazed

December 15, 2008 7:02 AM | Link to this

This plan is absoulutely ridiculous!!! It is amazing that it was drafted without input from the parents and teachers. The Gwinnett Mafia rules again. This is another one of their “bills” the Board will pass with Alvin and the Gang. Yes, this is sad. When the heck is Alvin leaving? Nothing will change until he leaves and the voters will elect some new Board Members that have sense. How in the world will this wonderful plan close the achievement gap for minority students when you are increasing the class size to possibly 25 plus. Unbelievable!!!! Gwinnett is the least innovative school in the Metro Area. You can’t touch Dekalb’s Magnet Schools. Why isn’t that Gwinnett shies away from Quality??? People will eventually realize to not believe the Hype about Gwinnett. It is not as good as it appears to be. The new plan will make the students and teachers suffer. Our poor students and teachers. I know they are looking for attrition of the teachers, but unfortunately the great ones will be the ones to go to Fulton and other areas. Make a plan to eliminate jobs in the Central Office and cut their ridiculous 120,000 salaries. Why does a Central Office Secretary make more than a school secretary hmmmm… Who is more valuable? Is the priority and business really teaching and learning? This plan definitely isn’t world-class, Alvin!

By Vince

December 15, 2008 12:04 PM | Link to this

Gosh! I never thought anyone would think Alvin Wilbanks is a friend of mine. I’ve never met him, or even spoken to him. As I stated, I am an administrator in another county. I have had 5 children in Gwinnett schools and have been very impressed with their teachers and with school leadership.

So it from the viewpoint of someone who is a parent, a school principal and a former teacher of 20 years when I say that I admire Alvin Wilbanks and GCPS. They really do quite a remarkable job. I think some people in Gwinnett, perhaps less schooled in education, may take the innovation for granted.

By jim d

December 15, 2008 12:25 PM | Link to this

Vince,

Know what I think? I admire Napoalvin’s ability to spin stuff in order to get people to buy in. Don’t like it—but admire his moxey and abillity to get away with it.

By jim d

December 15, 2008 12:44 PM | Link to this

Vince,

on the other hand I’ve been around long enough to hear comments that I don’t care much for, such as;

“Those people”

“SPED is an albatross”

“Do they have any black people in Idaho? They don’t have many”

Who called a teachers honesty with parents a “poor justification of your ethical breach,” when he publicly questioned test items without correct answers.

By jim d

December 15, 2008 2:11 PM | Link to this

UPDATE

The Gwinnett County Board of Education must vote on the proposed partnership contract before it is submitted to the state. The next opportunity for this to be done will be this week, during a special-called meeting on Wednesday to address legislative priorities.

By Vince

December 16, 2008 10:29 AM | Link to this

Jim… Regarding those comments:

SPED is an albatross. That is not to say children with special needs are an albatross. When NCLB insists that children with special needs perform at grade level…or else!…Its becomes an albatross. It is also a funding and staffing nightmare. Have you ever tried to find a teacher with specialized certification?

Regarding the “Idaho” remark…It was in response to “A gap exists everywhere in discipline referrals between minorities and Caucasians…except Idaho.” Wilbanks was merely pointing out the reason for the statistical anamoly. The mere mention of race is not a faux pas.

The teacher did commit an ethical breach regardless of the reason. If I tell a parent about an HR situation with a teacher then I have committed a breach…even if it was with good intentions.

I think you are overlooking a gem of a superintendent. I see his worth and I don’t even work for him.

By jim d

December 16, 2008 11:53 AM | Link to this

Vince,

Perhaps you should try. You might find it an eye opener..

By Jennifer

December 16, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

Vince, I agree with all of your perspectives in your latest comment except the “gem of a superintendent.” What you are, if I may say so, is just as bamboozled as everyone else OUTSIDE of Gwinnett County.

Alvin Wilbanks can make lots of things look good on paper, and in some cases he has been wrongly criticized. But underlying the shiny exterior it’s not all what it’s cracked up to be, and Gwinnett is going somewhere in a handbasket quite quickly, from the inside looking out.