The Echo

If you didn't read the Gov's byline in Sunday's News Journal, you may want to check it out ... maybe. Depends how much propaganda you can stomach. 

I know a couple other Delaware bloggers have already run with it - Kilroy, Transparent Christina.  Even with their great evaluations, I have one bone to pick about the piece. Here goes:

The Gov writes:

Together, we are raising expectations around what it means to be proficient in core subjects like reading and math; measuring students against their own progress instead of against a snapshot of the class that came before them; and helping lead the nation in the adoption of Common Core Standards so a Delaware diploma can be recognized in any state as a symbol of achievement.

If we inflict the truth on this statement, it would read like this:

Together, I, Gov. Markell, and the Delaware Department of ,who bow to my every whim and whimper, have decreased academic expectations.  With the new DCAS, individual students must perform better because the test is harder in order to achieve their same scores as under the old DSTP.   However, together, we duped my appointed State Board of Education in agreeing to allow the DOE to drop the proficiency rate - so culmulatively-speaking fewer actual students had score at the assigned profiency rate in order for a school to be ranked Superior or Commendable. With these changes, I have rendered the Delaware Diploma system useless. 
While the DOE embarks on the implementation of common core standards, which admittedly are an over-stretch of federal intrustion (and have been interpretted by many to be flat out illegal), it's important to note that potential employers of this generation will have wade through data, coached and manipulated, to find real value in the diploma itself.  If a school's reputation is known to be Superior and a student comes to an employer bearing a diploma from a reputable school, one might assume that the student actually mastered the common core standards and therefore would be a logical and attractive employee.  But, if that same school achieved the Superior or Commendable rating based squarely on "growth" that diploma may simply be useless as it is not a marker of profiency, but an indicator of growth. 

All the font in red - That's my critical evaluation of the Gov's latest kool-aide. 

This one goes out to Jack:

Thought Partner

The role of a Thought Partner is to think with the client in a way that makes the process of thinking explicit and allows the client to see the implications of the thinking process on his or her goals, actions and conditions for performance. It is not the role of the Thought Partner to be more informed, more correct, more logical or more incisive than the client. It is the role of the Thought Partner to attend to the conditions of the dialogue in a way that enables the client to think more clearly and effectively toward his or her goals.

The critical faculties for being a great Thought Partner are listening without criticism, reflecting a client's thinking back to him accurately and without judgment and sharing insights emerging from the dialogue with no emotional attachment to being viewed as right or brilliant or any other favorable or unfavorable assessment. The Thought Partner is more than a parrot, in that he or she must think the thoughts of the client and then reflect them back, not merely repeat the words. Neither is the Thought Partner merely a foil for the client's thinking.  http://www.thoughtpartner.net/index.php?/archives/3-What-is-a-Thought-Partner.html

For a much better Translation of "Thought Partner," go HERE.

substantial performance (compliance) legal definition

noun

A doctrine in equity that if a good faith attempt was made to perform the requirements of a contract, but failed to exactly meet the specifics, and if the essential aim of the contract has been met, the agreement will still be considered as having been completed. Minimal damages for the impreciseness may be permitted by the court. See also performance.

Webster's New World Law Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Hoboken, New Jersey.

Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc. http://law.yourdictionary.com/substantial-performance-compliance

Middletown High locked down after girl found with three knives.

And to think, our Governor wanted to replace our SROs with rookie cops.  Thank goodness that never happened!

http://www.colbertnation.com/the-colbert-report-videos/398531/september-29-2011/colbert-super-pac---trevor-potter---stephen-s-shell-corporation?xrs=share_copy

Police Charge Teacher, Three Students

I get a myriad of email through my inbox.  To date, I have more than 1400.  Every once in a while, one sparks my interest.  This particular one may even spark the interest of Paul Herdman and Rodel's Vision Network.

This came through earlier this week:

A Delaware Charter School has raised an issue of Charter Law - specifically violations of Title 14, Chapter 5, 506 (c.3).  This clause states that families enrolling their student in a charter school for the first time must sign a one-time one year contract committing them to keep their child at said charter school for the full year.  The request to DOE was about enforcement capabilities as some parents and students signed the contract and then withdrew their students and enrolled them in the traditional public schools. The traditional public schools appear complacent to violate the law as they did not stop the enrollment from occurring.

While I have to admit that I don't quite get the law itself, I wasn't around when it was written.  My guess is that it was to stem students from committing to several schools and then waiting for the last minute to decide which school to go to - which makes it difficult for schools/districts to hire teaching staff and purchase materials within budget.

Here's the response to the query:

From: Cruce Daniel

To: XXXX
Cc: XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX, XXXX,
Sent: Wed, Sep 28, 2011
Subject: RE: Charter student contracts

Thank you for raising your concerns regarding this issue After reviewing the issue with our internal team, it has been determined that students not in attendance at your school during the last 10 days of September do not qualify for inclusion in the September 30th unit count.

I would like to illuminate several points below germane to this issue:

The first year agreement letter, signed by parents per 14 Del.C. §506 (c) (3), is a written confirmation between the charter school and the parent. This written confirmation, or violation of this written confirmation, is exclusively between the charter school and the parent.
State funding is based on where a student is enrolled and attending during the last 10 days of school in September.

Students not in attendance during the last 10 days of school in September cannot be included in a district or charter school unit count as outlined in 14 DE Admin.Code 701 Unit Count 2.1.

DDOE addresses all regulations and requirements for the inclusion and exclusion of students in the September 30th unit count in our Unit Count training sessions.

o These training sessions require representation from all districts and charter schools.

The summary document and multiple other related resources are available in the Unit Count PLUS program under Help & Documentation.

We understand the concerns this issue raises at your school and appreciate the opportunity to reiterate the above clarifications. As stated previously, we want to ensure the success of all schools while also ensuring that unit count regulations are specifically followed. Inherent in this effort is the intent that parents have the information they need to make informed decisions about their child's education.
Respectfully-

Dan

------------------------------------

Here's my admittedly under-educated take:

1) Directing the conversation to the Sept. 30th unit count is a diversion tactic.  Deflect from the real issue.

2) The Real Issue:  DOE chooses which laws to enforce.  DOE via RTTT claims to be pro-charter.  However, DOE, and vicariously, the Governor are not willing to enforce Charter law and regulation.  What DOE says and what DOE does are two very different things.  And this is just another indication that DOE is NOT pro-charter, despite 'sclaims otherwise.  DOE is pro-business.  My predication is that the movement of charters in Delaware will go down like this : instead of home grown localized charters, outside Charter Management Organizations are poised to enter the Delaware market, either through take over as seen at Moyer or via Innovative Schools which seems to have a monopoly on the Charter School economy in Delaware. You name the service you need, Innovative has it.  One-stop-shopping.  Wonder how many sole-source contracts Innovative has gotten over the last two-three years?

Yeah, so I'm a conspiracy theorist.  At the end of the day, the law's the LAW.  DOE should enforce it and that enforcement capability occurs on the receiving end - those districts that take kids despite signed contracts when good cause does not exist.  Why should the Charter school be punished for plannnig according to committments via loss of funds on Sept. 30th and why should a district benefit from the violation of state law?   Maybe DOE needs to look at withholding funding for any student in violation of the 1 year contract provision.  Districts must adhere to the law.  Despite the lure of funding, they need to set the example for parents who are trying to game the system.  They need to work in partnership with Charters to ensure choice is not corrupted. 

If districts don't set a good example for students when parents are playing the system, who will?

Maybe Paul Herdmann and Vision will step up to the plate and actually advocate for the charters they claim to support.  DOE has no mind to listen to me.  But, they might be compelled to enforce the law if the power-brokers at Vision are up in arms.

"While today's proposal has a strong and proper focus on the lowest-achieving 5 percent of schools in a state, there is not sufficient attention on the schools that struggle to consistently meet the academic needs of students with disabilities and other at-risk students," said Laura Kaloi, of the NCLD. "Millions of students with disabilities in these schools also need the benefit of school-wide instructional reform..."  - National Center on Learning Disabilities

http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/speced/2011/09/disability_groups_react_to_oba.html

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/09/20/colorado-high-school-fight-club-video_n_971978.html?icid=maing-grid7%7Cmaing9%7Cdl12%7Csec3_lnk2%7C97391

That's the first lesson I learned in 9th grade physical science.  It was the theory I applied (for extra credit) to the Magic Johnson HIV controversy.  My science teacher was a bit of a neanderthal man - short, curved, with a gruff body builder's physique and a die-hard sports enthusiast.  He had a small role in the movie My Blue Heaven.  He considered it his gateway Hollywood prominence.  He lasted only one year as a teacher and his 15 minutes of fame where just that - by 10th grade he was nobody.

This weekend Delaware lost one of their own - a tremendously wonderful police officer who died protecting Delawareans. 

For every action there is an equal but opposite reaction. 

Tom Capano was found dead in his cell this afternoon. 

An angel has gone to heaven.  A murderer is on his way to hell.

I am not totally callous and cold-hearted.  My heart mourns for Tom Capano's children in the same way it mourned for Anne Marie Fahey's family. 

I was 17 when Anne Marie disappeared.  I know exactly where I was when I first heard about it. As a young journalist in college, I followed her story.  Because Delaware is so small, I had a distant connection to the man who bought Jerry's boat, sans anchor.  I knew why the police were searching Cherry Island - for Capano's couch believed to have been disposed of in a dumpster on a family construction site - even when law enforcement managed to keep the documents sealed from the press.  The NJ fought to get access to those warrants.

My new husband and I took turns reading the Ann Rule book "And Never Let Her Go" on our honeymoon to California in 1999. This past Friday, the same day that one of our finest had his life stolen, one of the Verizon channels in the 121-140 block aired its Anne Marie Fahey documentary again.

The NJ is reporting that Capano's death appears to have been of natural causes.  It's heart-wrenching that Ann Marie wasn't granted the same peace in passing.

See, I'm not all that bad.  I'm just willing to put in writing what many in Delaware are feeling.  Justice for Anne Marie. Finally.

Partnership Zone  Thoughts  -

If Focus Area 4 - Flexible Operating Conditions - is a stipulation of both Tranformation and Turnaround (two of the four models) could the CSD BOE install a new "body" to oversee the governance of its two newest PZ schools?  A REQUIREMENT of both of these PZ models is to "Adopt a new governance structure."  Should Christina use this oportunity to return control to the neighborhoods from which the students that attend these schools are drawn?  Could CSD develop a governing structure that places direct leadership into the hands of the City residents and thereby establishes a foundation that ensures these schools are truly "community" schools within their urban settings? 

Is PZ the pathway to establishing something akin to a city district -a concept that a strong cohort of urban elected officials and community organizers is already behind?  They've approached Gov. Markell and contacted the Northern New Castle County School Boards requesting their ideas receive fair review.  They've marched in Wilmington and been highlighted in stories in the News Journal. 

The real question - Is Delaware ready to think innovatively?  And is Christina ready to lead?  Nothing about Race to the Top is certain. There is no data to show the models work.  In fact, I believe RTTT is the greatest education fallacy of our time - but, if this is the mechanism that allows my constituents to take the reigns of at least some of their schools in a new, creative, innovative manner; perhaps it's the route for which we should all be advocating... Maybe it's time to install a governing body that falls within Christina's domain but allows for greater autonomy - in a manner similar to the way that Charter School Boards act with autonomy in leading their schools with respect to their authorizers, such as the case with many of the charters located in the Red Clay School District. In my proposed version, Christina would continue to provide the administrative guidance and back office support - but the unpaid governing body at these two PZ schools would establish the mission and policies that relect their values and make the operating decisions that ensure the success of their schools.

Of course, you might just say - Why don't you Charter those schools then?  Chartering may require (the jury's out) invoking those certain provisions of the law that are time and process consuming.  PZ regulations require that districts submit plans within 90 days for approval.  Considering that no Public School in Delaware has ever gone through the conversion process, a 90 day window will likely not suffice to complete the requirements of the conversion law.

Well, readers, what are your thoughts, and Kilroy, I expect to hear from you!

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/homepage-feature/item/26180-philly-school-district-will-foot-entire-905000-bill-for-ackerman-buyout
Philly schools will foot entire $905,000 bill for Ackerman buyout
September 7, 2011
By Dave Davies

The School District of Philadelphia has paid former Superintendent Arlene Ackerman a $905,000 separation payment entirely with tax dollars.

The district late Wednesday also announced its decision not to pursue legal action against Ackerman for her public criticisms of a school district official.

Under the separation agreement negotiated with Ackerman, she was to refrain from any public comments that would injure the reputation of other schools officials. However, Ackerman sharply criticized district chief financial officer Michael Masch, and officials were considering a legal action to void or reduce her separation payment.

In a statement, the School Reform Commission, which governs the district, said while it disagrees with Ackerman's assertions, it believes its efforts are better spent on teaching kids than going to court. The statement also said most of the private donors who'd pledged $405,000 toward Ackerman's separation payment backed out after a public controversy over the use of anonymous donations. Instead, the entire $905,000 payment will come from the beleaguered school district.

http://www.wgmd.com/?p=34164&cpage=1#comment-70294

Outrage in Cape Henlopen over new bus routes caused by Jack's 10% transportation push off to the local districts.  And who was the board member who called the WGMD and asked them not to report on the issue? (listen to the end)

Thanks, Jack.  Your commitment to education leaves me speechless.

Supersized Buyouts for School Chiefs Scrutinized


Wow!  What a read! PA/Oregon/Texas.  with legislative attempts in Oregon to change Superintendent contracts.  And, you can't beat the special office for the non-renewed superintendent who wasn't terminiated.  Wow!

Charles Kimball Skinner

Charles Kimball Skinner, D.D.S., age 75, of Newark, DE, died on Sunday, September 4, 2011, at Christiana Hospital from respiratory failure.

Born in Wilmington, DE, on September 13, 1935, Charles was the son of the late Dr. Glenn Seymour Skinner and Dr. Pauline Kimball Skinner.

He graduated from Newark High School in 1953, where he was valedictorian of his class, and from the University of Delaware in 1957, with distinction and honors in chemistry.

A graduate of Temple University School of Dentistry, Class of 1961, Charles became a member of Omicron Kappa Upsilon Honorary Dental Fraternity and John A. Kolmer Honorary Medical Society. After dental school, he served as a captain in the US Air Force until 1963, when he established his private practice in Newark, lasting for 43 years until his retirement. He was a member of the American Dental Association, Delaware State Dental Society, Academy of Operative Dentistry, Academy of Gold Foil Operators, Fellow of the Royal Society of Health, Sons of the American Revolution, and National Society Americans of Royal Descent.

Perhaps his greatest achievement and pride was editing the legislative bill to create Delaware's educational program for autistic children, one of the first and most comprehensive in the United States. Charles also spent many years advocating for equal living and employment opportunities for the disabled at the state and federal level. Some of his writings were even included in the Federal Register.

Charles is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Helen Cochran Skinner; children, Charles K. Skinner Jr. of New Castle, Daniel Skinner of Annapolis, MD, and Julie Skinner of Eagle River, AZ; brother, Dr. Glenn Skinner Jr. and wife, Barbara, of Sunnyside, WA; sister-in-law, Margaret Cochran of Newark, DE; grandchildren, Katherine Skinner and Genevieve Skinner; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Marcelle Baker, sister-in-law, Janet Lee, and brother-in-law, John Cochran.

Services will be held privately at London Grove Friends Burial Ground in Kennett Square, PA.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Delaware Foundation for Autistic Citizens, Inc., 711 Nottingham Road, Newark, DE 19711.

SPICER-MULLIKIN FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY
To sign guest book, visit
spicermullikin.com
302-328-2213

What it means to opt out of The Test!

Back to School Guide: Reclaiming Your Child’s Education (1/2)
By Kerri Provost, August 31, 2011 2:53 pm

In March of 2011, the mother of a straight-A Hartford student called up the principal to say that her daughter, Caridad¹, “will not be taking the test.”

The test, in this case, happened to be the Connecticut Mastery Test (CMT), which is administered to all students in grades 3-8, every year. About one week is dedicated to the actual test (seven hours in all), though the level of preparation varies from school-to-school, with some assigning test prep homework all year round. Caridad, who was in the seventh grade when she opted out, attends one of the schools that puts less emphasis than others on the standardized state tests...

http://www.realhartford.org/2011/08/31/back-to-school-guide-reclaiming-your-childs-education-12/

Make's me wish I had learned an instrument as a child...

Dear Anonymous,


I am sorry if my writings sound mean. My comparison is not directed at schools, but at the department that changed the ratings system and essentially rendered it useless.

Children are my passion, providing access to clear, comprehendable data is part and parcel to that passion.

The new system invalidates the historical data. The untrained eye will look at school profiles and see a superior school and actually think that school is superior when in fact it may be one of the 40ish who fails to meet the federal minimums.

The designers of this altered system had one obvious motive in mind when they implemented it - Make DCAS and RTTT look like they are working to ensure voter buy-in. The public is being scammed and if they don't live and die education they won't realize it.

It's shameful.

As for my schools - I am proud of each and every one for their achievements. But, my desire for these schools and teachers is to internally celebrate this moment in time and then use that affirmation to propel them into a new school year and return to the mission at hand - teaching children, not the test, but to be life long achievers of all of their goals.

The benchmark will rise by about 1/3 next year. Approx. 1/3 more children must achieve profiency for our schools to maintain their ratings. While the natural reaction is that this a moment to savor, we cannot be satisfied, knowing that the bar was lowered by a department that is supposed to be dedicated to achievement.