Get Schooled

By jim d

December 31, 2008 8:45 AM | Link to this

08 same ol same ol,

09 we can hope teachers will unify to bring meaningful change. See links provided.

December 31, 2008 7:52 AM

on previous blog

By Ernest

December 31, 2008 9:17 AM | Link to this

I think the Clayton County situation was the biggest education story for 2008. I believe the state of the economy and its impact on education will be the biggest story in 2009. If you look around the country, school districts are laying off employees due to budgetary constraints and dwindling property tax revenues. As with any organization, labor costs make up the largest part of any budget. Staff reductions that do not impact the classroom will be the obvious thing to consider. How one defines what impacts the classroom will be interesting.

I believe it will come to a head this year with consideration given for increasing class sizes. Unless citizens agree to tax increases, we will also see step increases slow or not be given, as was done in DeKalb this school year. Everyone should pay close attention to property assessments this year along with funding recommendations that come out of the general assembly. It should be an interesting session this year.

By Lee

December 31, 2008 9:50 AM | Link to this

Ernest pretty much nailed this one.

Clayton is a perfect example of what can happen when the taxpayers do not pay attention to the activities of their elected officials.

The current state of the economy, while painful, will hopefully bring about some needed changes in the way our public schools spend our hard earned tax money. Unfunded mandates, construction of “Taj Mahal” schools and central offices, building new schools and simultaneously shutting down old schools, multi-million dollar football stadiums while the students are packed into sardine can trailers, etc, etc. Maybe this economic downturn will force our schools to get back to basics.

Time will tell.

By jim d

December 31, 2008 10:03 AM | Link to this

Ernest,

Perhaps locally it was CCPS. However on a global scale I’d say the award goes to Educational Testing Service for the mess they created in the UK.

By Ernest

December 31, 2008 10:43 AM | Link to this

To add to Lee’s post, hopefully the state of the economy will force more citizens to become engaged in understanding how the budget is put together. This combined with demands for greater transparency (putting check registers on the web for JimD for example) could result in more efficiencies. One thing we must acknowledge is that ‘customer service’ may suffer in this effort. We all can agree there is some ‘fat’ in our school systems but I question whether citizens ‘really’ want an extremely lean organization. How will citizens react when they speak to an automated attendant rather than a person while attempting to resolve a problem?

It will also be interesting to see how teachers react to a possible slow down in wages and benefits. Being both taxpayers and employees makes for an interesting dilemma if they were to support a tax increase. Any salary increase could be offset by a tax increase and also create ill will with other citizens in the state.

Schools cannot run at a deficit. By law, they must set aside a portion of their budget for reserves to ensure they can meet payroll during the summer months. We’ve heard stories of some school systems already dipping into their reserves thus possibly putting summer payrolls at risk. It is going to be interesting to see how this all turns out.

By Tony

December 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

In 08 for Georgia, the Clayton County accreditation and school board fiasco was the big story. Nationally, the evaluation report for Reading First has been the big story. This was one of the prime components of NCLB’s efforts to improve reading, yet the net effect has been nil. The real benefactors from this program were the publishers of the materials and the required tests that had to be purchased with the grants given to schools.

For 09, the economy will have a deep impact on education. Following the track record of our current governor, there will be attempts to divert basic funding from QBE to other programs. In short, schools which are already underfunded will be cut even further. Even athletic programs may suffer cuts this year.

By jim d

December 31, 2008 10:50 AM | Link to this

Ernest,

Thanks for the plug on transparency check ledger thing. (still a good idea if I may say so myself)

By catlady

December 31, 2008 12:08 PM | Link to this

Nationally, the graft and corruption and ineptitude of NCLB (and Reading First) would be the top story. It is the Halliburton of education.

Statewide, while the CCPS mess is pretty important, I think the failure of the state DOE to adequately do its job and lack of accountability for the DOE would be the top story. Witness: not only the mismatch between the GPS and CRCT, but also the general lack of validity (construct, predictive, and otherwise) of the CRCT, the lack of followup by the DOE in the gateway grades to compare CRCt failure rates with retention rates, and the failure of the DOE to adequately monitor suspicicous “miracle” improvement in CRCT scores after 18 days is, I fear, just the tip of the iceberg. That the NEWSPAPER is doing a better job of providing basic research is incredible! Long term, these failures impact more students than the loss of accreditation for CCPS.

A secondary top story is the unwillingness of our state legislators to “call the hand” on the austerity cuts the systems have had during flush times, and these same legislators’ willingness to provide private school vouchers for sp ed kids and tax writeoffs for those donating to private school scholarships.

Georgia suffers from a lack of leadership at many levels. But we can always go fish!

By Rusty

December 31, 2008 12:12 PM | Link to this

While their diplomas will be worthless,the North Clayton students will still get to go African tribal dancing for Obama and isn’t that what’s really important?

By happy2teach

December 31, 2008 12:18 PM | Link to this

How about we choose to focus on the fact that thousands of children got a great education from professionals that truly care about their success?

So much harm is done when people only focus on the negative. Yeah, of course there are negative stories, but why must we emphasize the negative all of the time. It gets ridiculous…

By Jewels

December 31, 2008 12:26 PM | Link to this

I moved this past summer so my kids had to attend a new school and so far it has been a nightmare. We went from a school that made AYP every year to a school that has yet to make it. The way they are teaching math now is confusing to me. My 3rd grader is learning what my 5th grader is learning. So far the teachers seem broken just like the CCPS system. I don’t see where anyone is being encourage expect for Dr. Thompson. And I think if he wasn’t receiving that paycheck he wouldn’t be encouraged either. I have never experienced this kinda of laid back, do nothing attitude from people who don’t understand that we are going to lose our kids if we don’t fight for them. So I am throwing up the white flag and saving up my nickels and dimes for Private school.

By catlady

December 31, 2008 12:35 PM | Link to this

Great idea, Happy. Let’s make a list of the POSITIVE education news. (Of course, I expect there to be positive education news. It’s like medical news. You EXPECT the positive. That’s why the negative is so disturbing.)

By Former Atlanta Public School TEACHER

December 31, 2008 12:43 PM | Link to this

Speaking of CRCT scores, I think the entire Atlanta Public School District should be looked at with regards to their CRCT scores. I have worked at a few schools within A.P.S where teachers are encouraged to cheat on the CRCT so that they can get their bonus for meeting their “targets”. I would like for some outside agency to test these kids and let the REAL test scores emerge. I’m sure a lot of tax payers would be in for the shock of their lives.

By gwatl

December 31, 2008 12:46 PM | Link to this

The question has to be: When will the good citizens of Georgia start electing smart leaders to school boards, and get a State School Superintendent who has a proven track record in business, goal setting and goal achievement? Is it not time to quit bowing to teacher’s unions and start focusing on students and their achievement? WHAT HAVE THOSE UNIONS PRODUCED FOR THIS NATION????

By faye

December 31, 2008 1:05 PM | Link to this

I am employed at a award winning middle school in the “burbs” . Our school always meets and/or exceeds CRCT projection goals. Our administration should bottle it and sell to every other school system in the state. They are the most organized, consistent, professional, and performance-driven group of leaders in education! They take time to interview and hire other professionals to “teach” and provide endless support to new hires and veterans alike. They discipline policies are in place and are fair and consistent. Unruly students are out of the class room and quickly learn comply or goodbye! Our school has undergone tremendous demographic changes but continues to excel. Our parents are supportive, our teachers are highly qualified, our administration is by far superior to all! We love our school and it shows.

By John

December 31, 2008 1:25 PM | Link to this

Gotta love that thug leadership! They so such a great job in Clayton. I remember back when it was mostly white and safe. Let the blacks move in and they screw it up. Kinda like the Buckhead night life. I read more great things today about the thugs:

Charles Barkley arrested, Andre Rison arrested, DMX pleads guilty, Jena 6 member shoots himself, police seek bank robber in DeKalb, etc.

Does it ever end? I wish the NAACP would listen to Bill Cosby and focus on all of the problems blacks cause instead of the other crap they worry about. Can’t wait to see Obama screw up the country even more.

By Dora

December 31, 2008 1:27 PM | Link to this

After all is said and done,locally as well as nationally,we’re struggling against racism,class-ism,and human degradation.There are those that collogue to pogrom an identified,minority majority controlled county,turning it into an economic-political helot camp,using the media they control,scheming and laboring to maintain bondsman while wagging their finger ,saying ah ha,the proof they’re not of our society!,as they lay their snares and traps, economically and politically.Fill up your schools with illegal immigrants,and spend more of your tax dollars on their needs than they do your children needs.Do you remember the days of slavery?,our forefathers and mothers were made there slaves ,they now import illegals,giving the jobs we’ve struggle to create,after struggling and suffering for better wages for mothers and fathers of the community. We been mislead in 08,by the greedy and the gangsters.We’ll get the same results unless there’s a change=revolution!

By almh

December 31, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this

faye, Where do you teach?

By catlady

December 31, 2008 2:18 PM | Link to this

faye, could we have your students, parents, administrators, and teachers? We’ll bid against anyone else……We also need your CO and school board,s ince they are obviously doing something right.

By Michael

December 31, 2008 2:28 PM | Link to this

Did anyone get fired for the debacle on the CRCTs? No, and I think that is a shame. This is one Republican who will not be supporting Kathy Cox’s reelection.

By Why even ask?

December 31, 2008 2:47 PM | Link to this

Why does Laura even ask, as when people post bona fide questions Laura never responds to them, or for that matter follows it up with any reporting?

By mike

December 31, 2008 2:58 PM | Link to this

Thats ok Rusty and John when we have people with your mindset and with the governor setting himself to be richer from that fish pond he is building next to his property why do we need education in this state. Always good to blame the illness of society on someone else, generally it is the blacks. Isn’t it amazing that the white man has been in control but yet it is always some else’s fault. I guess if you take all the elected officials both local and national along with the CEO’s of all companies and Fall Street the problems would still be placed on the have nots. My daughter went to public school here in the ATL and she just got her Masters in Physics. Soon to start a PhD in the same. Instead of b*** and blaming others why dont you do something positive in this community.

By Corey

December 31, 2008 3:16 PM | Link to this

John, your logic suggests that Bush screwed up the country because he’s white. Think about it.

By tiffany

December 31, 2008 5:11 PM | Link to this

To Mrs Jewel, I agree with you about some of your concerns. I think superintendents make too much money along with all of the people who works at the county office. Teachers, on the other hand, brings home 2500.00-3000.00 a month in the public schools. You get what you pay for. 3000.00 is what a teacher makes with a master (5 years of college paid out of their pockets)and 9-13 years of experiences. Do you actually think that a teacher would give his/her all with all of the problems these schools are facing along with misbehaving students,low morale,and very little money? The cost of living is steady going up,but teachers’ salaries are about the same. If you want your child to prepare for such a global world,you need to work with your child at home. A teacher will have your child for one year,but we as parents will have them for the rest of our lives! I hate it,but that is the way it is. My friends are teachers (three of them). They said that they wish they could have major in something else. Sad!!!!!!!!!!

By Renee

December 31, 2008 6:17 PM | Link to this

REFORM, REFORM, REFORM. I hope that is what we have in store for 2009 for our public schools. Get rid of incompetent leaders at the administrative level, school level, and in the classroom.

By Ted

December 31, 2008 8:00 PM | Link to this

Clayton schools and Clayton County (as in the sheriff’s dept) is a prime example of what happens when primarity African-Americans run the show… look out USA..

By gwinnett educator

December 31, 2008 10:19 PM | Link to this

Ted..QUICK..make a run for it! (sarcasm INDEED)

By Bree

January 1, 2009 8:55 AM | Link to this

First of all, to those of you making comments about Obama messing our country up, well, you are not being patriotic are you? So be a patriot and support the upcoming President. Second, if teachers would get paid more money, administrators could afford to only bring in the best. If you pay peanuts, all you’ll get is monkeys to do a job. I have a Master’s degree and have been teaching for five years and I only bring in 3000 a month. Now I know people who majored in Business or Public Relations who are making 6 and 7K a month with a Bachelor’s degree and they sit behind a computer all day long. That isn’t fair. Teachers need better pay. And as far as Clayton, that whole county has been infested by gangs and poverty, so of course the riff raff is going to run over into the schools. The new superintendent won’t help at all. Clayton County is a disaster area.

By KAREN

January 1, 2009 8:56 AM | Link to this

So, I guess Bush, the governor of Ilinois, the CEO’s GM, Chrysler, Ford and other companies asking for a bailout are black. What is even stranger is when blacks ask for help its them being lazy and unable to handle their money but, with others they create a new name and say its a bailout. So John when you read the paper do the math!

By James

January 1, 2009 9:57 AM | Link to this

Morris Brown is in trouble over water. It really shouldn’t be a problem because black men don’t flush toilets or wash their hands. If you don’t believe it, just go into a locker room with them.

By Michael'sMom

January 1, 2009 10:16 AM | Link to this

Wow… we sure are off the subject! It is time to come together in this County and not continue to back bite! Clayton County WILL turn-around. Lets’ work on it together…. it will happen. Happy New Year everyone!

By Nikki

January 1, 2009 11:14 AM | Link to this

Clayton was the first system in the county to lose its accreditation in nearly 40 years? …demanded to know so many of the math scores were so low? An educational story would be that the AJC hired a proofreader.

By Old School Al

January 1, 2009 12:31 PM | Link to this

CCPS — Let’s remember it was the board, not the schools, that created the loss of accreditation. Gov. Perdue didn’t see the need to intervene until AFTER the accreditation was lost and he realized the potential economic impact. He could have called for resignations/recalls much earlier.

ClayCo Sheriff Hill — People saw it coming before he even won, but so many felt ANYTHING was better than Tuggle.

ClayCo a disaster area — Thank Billy Payne and the Olympic Committee for running people out of ATL the old ClayCo administration for allowing others to turn the county into a breeding ground for slumlords, etc.

CRCT Scores? Georgia has a great curriculum on paper. It should take 12 years to roll it out, but no politician is going to endorse something that they won’t be in office to take credit for. When you take a 12 year program and condense it to a 5-6 year program, you will have 3rd graders learning the same thing as 5th graders.

Obama taking the country down? Despite the fact that Obama is an African-American Man, he will NOT bring the country down. He will, in fact, bring the country back to a balanced budget, a respected international reputation, and a solid economic footing. In case you all haven’t noticed, the man is brilliant, and knows how to filter the information that he is fed and use only what is necessary. Things will get worse before they improve, but you can rest assured that the path to recovery is already being cleared — and it is not through bailouts or handouts, just fiscal responsibility.

By Cohen

January 1, 2009 1:35 PM | Link to this

“Gotta love that thug leadership! They so such a great job in Clayton. I remember back when it was mostly white and safe. Let the blacks move in and they screw it up. Kinda like the Buckhead night life.”

Let’s be clear about what you are really saying. When the neighbood is mostly white, then the neighborhood is “safe”. Do you live on a planet where your house is the only one in the “neighborhood”?

Your comment is simply what we would expect from someone who is unable to think coherently and want everyone to know his ability. Let’s hope you are not feeding this garbage to your kids.

By shevelsheshe

January 1, 2009 4:00 PM | Link to this

Clayton County, like most of the South, is a mess. Crime is rampant. Many in the black community do not want to work; they want to steal other’s stuff. Most of the black men will eventually be killed off. Then crime will decrease greatly. The blacks down here mess up everything they touch. I see why all of this is being said about Obama. Hopefully, because he is educated and from the North, he will do a better job running the country than the black people in GA!

By Darrell

January 1, 2009 4:53 PM | Link to this

Faye - “Unruly students are out of the class room and quickly learn to comply or goodbye.” You can’t be teaching in a public school, and if so, it must not be subject to inclusion.

By Dave

January 1, 2009 5:14 PM | Link to this

Is it true that Palin’s daughter and her boy friend are products of the CCPS?

By Tony

January 1, 2009 6:10 PM | Link to this

Darrell - as principal of a public school, I can assure you that some of us are more than willing to set high behavior standards and enforce them. We are willing to support the teachers in the quest to teach their students. We are committed to providing a safe learning environment. All students are expected to make appropriate choices or face appropriate action.

If special ed students are so disruptive in an inclusion class, then their IEP needs to be adjusted. They are not successful in that setting. Inclusion is not for every student.

By gwinnett educator

January 1, 2009 8:12 PM | Link to this

Tony, I’ve followed your comments for a while now. I must say, it would be a PLEASURE to work with an adminstrator such as yourself. Your faculty/staff are a very lucky group of people.

Happy New Year to everyone!

By sav teach

January 1, 2009 11:44 PM | Link to this

The “biggest” story was Clayton. The “most important story” was the CRCT. The “most under-reported” story, the fact that the standards are still broke and the test has not been fixed. The most important educational story NOT reported, the continued lack of support for education in this state by all levels of government, by parents, and administrators and the general poor working conditions of teachers that have not been addressed. If the economy wasn’t in such bad shape you would see a LOT of teachers leaving the state this year. However, in all recessions, the one profession that makes out the best is teaching.