Dr. Cindy Fischer spoke at the Uplands Residential Association meeting Thursday night, November 12. She had been invited by Uplands resident Jennifer Brady to talk about the Peoria Charter School Initiative. Her presentation was similar to the one given at the Civic Center, except that there were no representatives of the Chicago Math and Science Academy (CMSA) in attendance.
According to Dr. Fischer’s presentation, the charter school as proposed would have roughly the same demographics as the rest of District 150. Their plan is to recruit students from all parts of District 150, including the most impoverished areas. They’re committed to maintaining diversity. This was interesting to me because the district has long maintained that poverty is a root cause of low achievement. So I wondered why, given the same demographic makeup, the charter school promised to deliver such high performance. Dr. Fischer explained that the charter school would get better results because of the “best practices” that would be implemented and various other components of their program, such as a longer school day, higher teacher accountability, etc.
That all sounds great, but why isn’t District 150 doing that already? Dr. Fischer is not an outsider to District 150. She was in central administration. In fact, she was an Associate Superintendent. She was in a position of major influence. So, why didn’t she implement these “best practices” and other components when she was there? Are the practices only legal for charter schools to implement? Was she unable to enact changes because of resistance from others? Or did she only learn about these practices after retiring from the district?
I asked her those questions Thursday night. She explained that, in her position as Associate Superintendent, she wasn’t over curriculum and instruction for middle and high schools. She was over “everything else” — things like early childhood education, safety, etc. So she in fact wasn’t in a position to implement the kinds of reforms being discussed.
She also said that when she first came to the central administration building, she was ready to go in and make changes, but found that it wasn’t as easy as she thought it would be to make reforms. She said District 150 is “like a big ship,” and “before you can turn a big ship, you have to slow it down.” In keeping with that metaphor, she explained that she spent most of her time just trying to “slow down the ship” so reforms could be made.
Finally, Dr. Fischer explained that the proposed “best practices” are easier to implement in a charter school because you are “starting from scratch.” Since you’re building a new school from the ground up, you don’t have to change an existing culture. You can establish the kind of learning and working culture you want from the outset.
I have to say, Dr. Fischer was a very impressive speaker. My question didn’t rattle her at all. She didn’t sound or appear defensive in answering it, but spoke as professionally and engagingly as she had the rest of the evening. She also expertly avoided saying anything negative about District 150 teachers, union, administrative staff, etc., even as she spoke about the district’s low achievement scores. The board of directors made an excellent decision in appointing her the public face of the Peoria Charter School Initiative.
C.J., your questions are excellent. I’m not sure that the ship metaphor does it for me. Obviously, the ship hasn’t slowed down much–it appears to be going full speed ahead in the wrong direction. Did she mention the name of the ship? Was it the Titanic? 🙂 I recommend reading the book “Restructuring Our Schools” by Patrick Dolan–I just started reading it. Jeff Adkins-Dutro recommended it to me and there are about 50 copies of the book circulating in 150-several people from 150, including Durflinger (I think) recently met the author. He uses some metaphors of his own to describe the system.
Ship metaphor , #150 like the SS Minnow?
CJ you really need to quit asking these “common sense” questions, because the majority are not interested in the honest answers.
Your points are a great representation of the message of the District Watch Group. No one is against Charter schools per se. But why would the principles of the Charter School concept not be made available to all students?
When Paul Vallas spoke last Spring at Weaver Ridge one of his salient points was that sometimes you have to de-construct a school district in order to reform it. Most would agree that District 150 has reached that point. If Peoria’s most respected educators (Dr. Fischer?) are aware that D150 is hopelessly drifting, why would the efforts underway not be focused on the bigger picture as opposed to throwing in the towel on the greater good and pursuing this little side project that will help only a small percentage of Peoria families.
The Charter School proponents say that Peoria must offer “choice” to bring families back into neighborhoods. However, the only “choice” offered under the charter school proposal is that families may choose to attempt to be accepted into the MSA. There are no guarantees, and no family will move back into the area given only a promise to attend the MSA. So for it to truly attract middle class families, back door deals will have to made.
Here’s a question. Once a student is in the MSA, I assume they have earned the right to continue in the same school until graduation. But do their siblings then have an advantage for enrollment? Where would that leave a family then that would be new to the district?
Let’s deconstruct the monster that is D150, and start rebuilding it from the ground up. This will require leaders and Legislators with a brain and a backbone. Yes, feelings will be hurt and people will lose their jobs – but the consequences of not feeling the pain now will be far more dire if we don’t.
If the proposed charter school accepted out of district students, we would apply…even if it meant paying tuition.
If students are selected by lottery, how can Dr. Fischer state with such certainty what the demographic makeup of the Charter School will be?
I wish these retired people would just go away. Please. Don’t be fooled, she was a part of the “negative” culture during her few years in central office.
Dr. Fischer made a similar presentation to the West Bluff Council. This was the same evening that I presented why closing a high school would be detrimental to our neighborhoods. She said that closing schools would actually be better for us in the long run because then the MSA would be even more successful. Wish there would have been more people at that meeting, but, alas, it was not meant to be.
I wouldn’t trust much of what she says, as she was never one to stand up and offer different suggestions for change. She just followed Hinton’s suggestions. She was too close to retirement to rock the boat and now she still tows the D150 corporate lines.
Diane said “No one (District Watch Group) is against charter schools per se.” Right – the teacher’s union (key members of the District Watch Group) isn’t against charter schools per se?!?!
Using Paul Vallas as your example to deconstruct the district – sure, but you do know how he tries to do that? with CHARTER SCHOOLS.
“as opposed to throwing in the towel on the greater good and pursuing this little side project that will help only a small percentage of Peoria families.” Yep – you nailed the charter school proponents key points – they say give me a charter school for my precious few and screw the rest. NO ONE is saying that. But I guess if you believe most people think that way, you probably think similar sentiments are shared by those who live in the Kellar/Lindberg/Richwoods district (screw the rest, just keep my schools “good”)- Is that a fair representation of you and your neighbors, Diane?
Sure, let’s deconstruct the monster that is D150 – but many people feel you have to do this one step at a time and we need something more than “tough on discipline” and “administrators supporting teachers”. You say it also needs leaders with a brain and backbone and people will lose jobs – well, ironically with that statement you did sum up what many charter school proponents feel is necessary.
Of course, the beauty of this charter school plan is that it will cost LESS than what is being spent on the average student today. So really, what is there to fear in CHOICE?
This may be hard to believe, but there are many children south of War Memorial who are hard working students, who have a brain, a drive to succeed, caring parents and a right to education. Sorry the plan to start educating these children doesn’t gel with the game plan you all would like to see – but the District has got to start some where. What’s wrong with starting with those who are at the greatest disadvantage?
Well said Jon. Thank you.
D150 does not need all these “choice” schools. D150 needs a strong leader. Something Hinton and co. have failed miserably at. Get rid of the rhetoric, make a feasible plan and STICK TO IT. Stop putting band aids on this ship…..it needs to go to drydock and be rewelded…….
Emerge–that is my point. Some may have missed it–I do want the students below War Memorial to have good schools. That is the point of all my arguments. I am not convinced yet that the Charter School will draw from those students–but I could be wrong. And even if it does, the inner city schools (the kids that aren’t chosen for the charter school) can’t continue to go on as is. I don’t think there is much point in arguing for or against the charter school–I believe it will happen. Also, as to the District Watch group, isn’t it to our credit that there are those in the group who are pro charter school and those who are against it? Emerge, I don’t think your characterization of Diane is at all correct–I don’t know her neighbors. Diane and I definitely disagree about Vallas (but there is much that we do agree on)–and it is true he did some or most of his charter schools with Edison, I believe. That’s the other piece of the charter school puzzle that hasn’t been revealed yet–what company is going to run it: the one that runs the Chicago school or Edison?
The one-step at a time theory is the kind of plan that Dolan speaks out against. He advocates doing what Diane suggests–that everything from top to bottom has to change. The problem isn’t with just 150–many districts have the same problems and make the same bad decisions. Did you notice that Fischer believes the charter school will succeed because it will make teachers more accountable? I agree that teachers have to be held accountable–but are they the only stakeholders in the system that resist change? Those who implement the plans simply must be included in the decision-making process. Will the administrators and board of the charter school be people who have never taught? Also, I didn’t see any evidence that Fischer had better ideas for 150–she certainly didn’t express them outloud so as to get the publlic on her side–job security may have gotten in the way. And isn’t that amazing that administrators who have no tenure would be concerned about job security–so much so that they go with the flow? Yet they don’t think teachers should be concerned about job security
Frustrated: I’m not clear what you meant by your statement. The lottery system isn’t a choice–it’s mandated. If Fischer wants to be sure that a diverse population is chosen, plans will have to be made to encourage a diverse population to apply–definitely including those from poorer areas.
Diane asked: “Once a student is in the MSA […] do their siblings then have an advantage for enrollment?”
That question was asked Thursday night, and Fischer said the board of directors had discussed that and decided that, yes, siblings would have an advantage so as to keep family members together. This information is also disclosed on the PCSI website under Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ).
Frustrated asked: “If students are selected by lottery, how can Dr. Fischer state with such certainty what the demographic makeup of the Charter School will be?”
That question was also asked. Students are only selected by lottery if the number of applicants outnumber available seats. Otherwise, everyone who applies is accepted. So it boils down to recruitment. Fischer was adamant that they were going to recruit from all parts of District 150.
Does anyone know when 150 will make the final choice as to whether or not to accept this group’s plan for a charter school? I gather that the group isn’t all that sure–hency the recent visits to neighborhood groups. Perhaps the groups chosen for visits is significant in and of itself. Have any groups of south side parents been called together to hear about the plans?
I cannot understand how many people are so closed minded when it comes to education. Call it a charter school or a choice school…..it is still public education that ALL children in the USA are entitled to. That said, I can only believe that this is another round about way that D150 is getting around “restructuring” because of NCLB. This charter school is just another veiled attempt to separate the haves from the have nots(discipline problems too). For example: parents will have to sign an agreement stating they will do this and that for their child to remain a student in the MSA. Now, we have a single parent working perhaps 3 part-time jobs and cannot (without penalty from her employer that she cannot afford) get time off to be at the school or spend 2 hours each night doing homework with her child (that is my educational reality). That child then falls behind and ends up having to leave the MSA. Get real people, this is just a bait and switch, within 5 years it will not be nearly as diverse and Dr. Fischer claims. Watch and see, every NEW family that moves into Peoria will be given PRIORITY at MSA…..Sorry, I’m a realist not an idealist. D150 needs to fix lots of things before they dive into a charter school.
Sharon said “That’s the other piece of the charter school puzzle that hasn’t been revealed yet–what company is going to run it: the one that runs the Chicago school or Edison?”
Yes, it has been revealed. It is Concept Schools, the same group that runs the Chicago Math and Science Academy charter and many other charter schools. All of that information and much more is on the Peoria charter school website that CJ referenced, as well as the District website. You might want to look at the 90 page application sent by the charter group to D150, as well as the budget, FAQs, etc.
Jon, I am not a teacher and don’t speak for them.
Jon, actions speak louder than words. I hope what you say is true but I see no evidence of it. Have any of the Charter School proponents shown an interest in stopping the violence that is taking place against our teachers as has been reported right here by Jeff Dutro and many other teachers if you care to listen? Have any of the Charter School proponents ever recommended the removal of any unnecessary, incompetent or dishonest administrators? Did any of the Charter School proponents lift ONE FINGER to help families fight the outrageous plan last year to shorten the school day, when everyone clearly knew it was ridiculous? Did any of the Charter School proponents utter a word of objection as Ken Hinton closed Blaine Sumner to “save money” and then turned it in to posh admin offices? Have any of the Charter School proponents offered one word of caution to the district that efforts must be made to remove violent and disruptive students from the classroom? If any of this has happened, by all means please enlighten us.
In fact, the only thing we have seen from the Charter school proponents is a recommendation through their sacrificial lamb – Roberta Parks – to close and consolidate our schools, move half of the East and West Bluffs to the already troubled Manual High School and increase class sizes. Where is the “choice” for these families other than you can a. like it or b. leave it?
If we are to continue this conversation Jon we must agree that I will not question what is in your heart if you don’t question what is in mine.
She was part of the top three in administration ! So no one talked to each other ? No wonder it is failing! Nice salary though ! Over safety ? How many shootings did they have! All ideas she said SHOULD BE IN PLACE NOW , she had to be exposed to those facts /ideas to get a Phd . Naturally she would not bad mouth teachers , does not want to get in a running battle with them at this time. Nor accept any BLAME .
What will her position be if Charter School is Ok?
i would like to suggest that no former employee of #150 be in administration, or any area school be hired. No one gets to go back to Public TROUGH ! They had their chance.
“Jon we must agree that I will not question what is in your heart if you don’t question what is in mine.” Thanks, Diane, that was my point for saying as much – that, as a supporter of the charter school, I am disappointed that you think I say “screw the rest”. Also, that “actions speak louder than words”. There are a lot more charter school proponents than Cynthia Fischer or Roberta Parks.
OK, but I noticed you didn’t answer any of my above questions. Also, for purposes of discussion, let’s say we define “Peoria Charter School Proponents” as, in addition to yourself if you aren’t already, the individuals listed on this list:
http://www.peoriacharterschools.org/content/organization
Jon, I assume no contracts have been signed with the Concept Company–doesn’t 150 have to say “yes” first? Nothing is for sure until someone signs on the dotted line. I do know that if 150 says “no,” the PCSI has recourse with the state–I just don’t know how long that process would take. However, I don’t believe 150 will vote “no.”
My educated guess regarding the population of students that will infact “make it” into the MSA are going to be well-behaved students whose parents will/can advocate for them, therefore, if I were a Woodruff teacher being displaced by the closing (if it happens), I would put in to teach at the Charter School, if for no other reason than to get away from the ENORMOUS discipline problems that plague D150…
Jon: “You might want to look at the 90 page application sent by the charter group to D150, as well as the budget, FAQs, etc.”
Is that the document in which I found so many errors on the first 40+ pages–If so, I did take a really good look at it–for days. Is it the document that states that students will be hanging on bulletin boards (with the famous scientists)?
Charter schools do work. These non-traditional models often serve as a proving ground for innovation. “Those who say it can’t be done should get out of the way of those who are doing it.”
Jon, Emerge – well said.
Need a teacher said:
“My educated guess regarding the population of students that will infact “make it” into the MSA are going to be well-behaved students whose parents will/can advocate for them….”
And what is wrong with that? As Emerge points out, this population of students includes families from all walks of life.
C.J. – thanks for the answer to my question. I would have know that had I thought of the language of the statute.
I have another — Did Dr. Fischer discuss what support systems and/or criteria for success will be used. Though all students are welcome to come, I have to believe only those conforming to the academic and conduct requirements will be allowed to remain.
Nothing at all is wrong with that. In fact, ALL children who want to learn deserve a positive learning environment and not just the lucky lotto winners to the MSA. We are all arguing for the same things… it’s just that in my opinion the Charter proponents seek these standards for a select group of students and others (like myself and Sharon) seek them for all.
Did I suggest otherwise somewhere? Because for the record I do not disagree with that statement – yet you both seem to suggest that I do.
Again, the parent that is working 3 part-time jobs, leaving their children home alone (because of finances) and unable to advocate for his/her child because they are literally trying to keep from either being evicted or having power shut off. Many people have to choose survival first, helping children succeed in school second. This does not mean they don’t want the best for their children, it is simply a survival mechanism inflicted on them by the values of this society. (If you are at work, it is very difficult to police who your children hang with)
Diane, I thought I did answer your questions – at least as well as you did. (leaders and Legislators with a brain and a backbone – we agree). I don’t claim to know how to fix all of an inner-city public school district’s ills – but I do think it takes more than one approach. And defining the proponents of the charter school merely as those listed on the website? Really? Isn’t that like defining Republicans or Democrats as only those who hold office, or something akin to that? (How about defining people who want to improve D150 ONLY as those who are part of the District Watch Group?) Of course, you continue to tell me (in your last comment) that, as a Charter proponent, I seek only higher standards for a select few. That’s fine – but so much for your call that “we must agree that I will not question what is in your heart if you don’t question what is in mine.”
Sharon, the application (again, listed on both the District website and charter school website) is not the same document as the proposal that you previously reviewed. The application was submitted a few weeks ago and it contains additional information. As for contracts, I would assume that there is a contract with the charter operator that has conditional provisions (e.g. if the District approves). Also, if D150 does not approve – based on past history in this state, it will be very difficult for the charter group to go forward (well maybe not as difficult as the recent past – given the Race for the Top and Duncan’s favorable position towards charter schools – but difficult nonetheless, IMO)
Every parent thinks their child is the mostest and bestest. The fact remains that in Illinois and especially this area, strong students are far more under served than their struggling counterparts. The vast majority of students are more than adequately served in traditional classrooms. While I don’t have a “dog in the fight” I can attest that charter schools help to raise the bar for a whole district. I find it terribly ironic that there are such vocal critics of a school district who seem wholly opposed to any positive progress. Why not give a charter school a chance….after all, if it fails, it’ll give a whole lot of folks just one more reason to blame a school district for an entire communities demise.
Rix: does Manual High School come to mind? That “program” has turned into the district money pit, hundreds of thousands of dollars thrown into——the unknown. There you have a brand spanking new program, yet children and teachers want OUT of there. D150 needs to mow their front yard before they offer to mow the neighbors yard. Oh, and I also have no dog in this fight.
Manual enrollment? Funny, it was 588 before reorganization, and then 640 the first year (high school only) after re-org and if Sharon Crews FOIA numbers from this Fall hold up, it will appear to increase again this year. Sure, there are some people who don’t like the Manual program, and obviously some who do – thus one of the reasons for multiple approaches. The “neighbor’s yard”? Who is the “neighbor” of whom you speak?
Jon, Here were my questions, none of which have been answered.
1. Have any of the Charter School proponents shown an interest in stopping the violence that is taking place against our teachers as has been reported right here by Jeff Dutro and many other teachers if you care to listen?
2. Have any of the Charter School proponents ever recommended the removal of any unnecessary, incompetent or dishonest administrators?
3. Did any of the Charter School proponents lift ONE FINGER to help families fight the outrageous plan last year to shorten the school day, when everyone clearly knew it was ridiculous?
4. Did any of the Charter School proponents utter a word of objection as Ken Hinton closed Blaine Sumner to “save money” and then turned it in to posh admin offices?
5. Have any of the Charter School proponents offered one word of caution to the district that efforts must be made to remove violent and disruptive students from the classroom?
I have since thought of more but these are the ones that initially came to mind.
They are not rhetorical. I think they need to be answered because they go directly to your assertion that the Charter Group cares about the needs of the entire district. I’m not questioning what is in your heart, I am questioning the facts. If in fact your group has taken a position on these issues, there are a whole bunch of people who would be dying to hear about it.
I qualified that as “for purposes of discussion”. Of course it is not a complete list, but rather a representative sample, or “control group” if you will.
One can’t advocate for innovation unless they rail against inadequacy?
Yes, Diane.
I am a charter school proponent:
1. I have an interest in stopping violence at schools
2. I recommend that incompetent administrators (and teachers) be removed
3. I told my elected board official that I thought the shortened school day was foolish (even if it may have been well intended)
4. Yep, I think the Blaine Sumner offices was a waste of money and told board officials the same thing.
5. Again, I’ve talked to elected board officials about alternative schools and other ways to address the problem of which you speak.
My group take a stand? Heck, I don’t even know that many of them. What is your group’s (District Watch Group) position on charter schools? Sharon said some are for and some are against, so it doesn’t sound like your group has an official “stance”. Why do you keep making this an US vs THEM issue? (I use “your group” loosely – am I part of the group if I go to a meeting? – Aren’t all welcome?)
Thank you for answering my questions. Are you on the MSA advisory committee? I’ll understand if you don’t want to answer.
Re: District Watch position on Charter Schools. As far as I know, there is no defined position. Some are very much against, some are for, and some are still undecided. I would put myself in the last group. I understand the Vallas rationale for Charter Schools but would like to see the resources vested in improving the district culture first.
Well it kind of is, isn’t it? Although I’m open to alternate suggestions 😉
No, I am not on the advisory committee – when I say US vs THEM, I mean that you are trying to define US and THEM – as well as tell us how you believe THEY think – You are asking for THEIR stances on certain issues important to YOU. (even though a group you belong to has yet to take a stance on certain issues). Admittedly, I responded with my own descriptions about part of the make-up of the Watch Group – and you didn’t seem to like it either.
I would rather talk about FOR or AGAINST.
I had the good fortune to attend a wonderful workshop a couple weeks ago. The gentleman who presents re-stated a truism that is 100% relevant in every school district, classroom, and “watch group” meeting….If your only tool is a hammer, all your problems are nails.
Well this conversation is going nowhere so I’ll quit. Hopefully others reading this will understand what I’m saying, which in my mind is clear as mud.
Jon–I don’t think you can use Manual enrollment figures as a guide to the school’s success or failure. However, I did just FOIA information about the current 9th grade–I know that last year (through a FOIA) very few from out of the Manual area opted in. I have asked for this year’s figures–who opted in and who opted out. I believe that a certain number of the 52 increase asked for waivers–I am not sure they were able to get them. Some kids wanted out of Manual but they would not have had any grades for the classes offered at the regular high schools. Manual has reduced all year classes to semester classes. The kids who wanted out in October had not been taking English (maybe not even math or science) because they were scheduled for those classes 2nd semester. Most (almost all) Manual students are there because they live in the Manual area–not because Manual is a “choice” school.
Last year the 9th grade enrollment was capped at 150 (even though for the previous 5 years there had been from 190 to 200 freshmen). Last year the Manual area students who showed up late (having not applied at all) were sent to Peoria High and Woodruff. It is my understanding that those 14 to 20 students were sent back to Manual as sophomores. This year the cap was not 150–so, of course, enrollment was higher.
I know that there are students (and their parents) who like Manual. Kids who previously were getting Ds and Fs and are now getting As and Bs. The Johns Hopkins program (according to Dr. Kherat) is geared for students who read at 6th & 6th grade level–at now at that level they are getting high grades. However, the enriched students are very, very unhappy. Jon, you are numbers person–but there are stories behind the numbers–and the stories are as significant as the numbers.
DistrictWatch is a group that formed to fight the 45 minute loss of time proposal at the primary level. Even Terry had been content to stay out of 150 business before that issue brought us all back on the scene. Our group doesn’t have a “membership.” Different people show up for different issues. Mostly we just want a voice. My primary focus in the group is Manual and high school issues (because I am not well-informed about primary and middle school issues). We’ve all grown to enjoy each others’ company. For example, before the group, I didn’t know Diane. I knew Elaine Hopkins because she was the PJS 150 reporter. But this group has given me a chance to really appreciate what a fine person she is. One of my former students comes to meetings regularly–he isn’t a teacher, but was a 150 employee–so I’m enjoying getting to know him as an adult. We just can’t be pigeon-holed and we aren’t going to take a completely united stand on any issue–but we agree often enough.
Jon: See below–the 588 figure was the first year (2007-2008) of restructuring which was lower than the last year (2006-2007) of the “old” Manual–633.
2006-2007 633
2007- 2008 588
2008-2009 786 (from Illinois Report Card
My FOIAd information Manual’s current enrollment (middle of October) is:
9th 222
10th 159
11th 180
12th 134 Total 695 for the high school only
7th 37
8th 75 Total including 7th & 8th = 807
Enrollment is up this year. However, remember that 2006-07 doesn’t include a 7th and 8th grade. Where did you get the 640 figure?
RIX–Nails hold things together, don’t they? 🙂 A hammer doesn’t have to be a tool of destruction–actually, it wasn’t designed for hitting people over the head–it has a very positive purpose. You remember that song “If I had a hammer”–to hammer out justice, freedom.
Sharon, I appreciate what you say about the District Watch Group – I would hope that you (and Diane 🙂 ) feel that the Charter Group has a similarly diverse group of people who also want to improve the district but can’t be pigeon-holed to take a completely united stand on any issue, either (nor am I really asking for the District Watch’s opinion on charters – I said so only as an example to counter Diane’s opinion that the Charter group should be addressing the topics she feels are relevant).
As for the numbers,
The first year of Manual’s re-org was 2008/09, correct? (http://www.pjstar.com/news/x2032091853/Making-their-voices-heard)
The enrollment figures reported on the report cards are from the FALL. So the 588 is that last class before re-org. For the first year of re-org – 2008/09, the total enrollment for Manual is 788, but you subtract out the 7th and 8th grades to get to 640. See the attached for detail:
http://iirc.niu.edu/School.aspx?source=About_Students&source2=Enrollments&schoolID=480721500250023&level=S
So again, as to high school only, 588 before re-org, then 640 then 695 (per your FOIA)
I could be wrong, but I think the years are written thus:
So on the school report card, isn’t 2006-07 listed as 2007 and 2007-08 is listed as 2008, and 2008-2009 is listed as 2009. The NCLB test isn’t taken until spring–so the next numbers will be for 2010 (this school year). So the first year of Manual Talent Development High School was 2007-08 (588 enrollment); last year was 2008-09; and no tests have been taken for 2009-10 (the current year). My Richwoods freshman just received her AYP scores for last year at Washington Gifted. (2008-09).
Joh, there’s a good chance that I have lost my mind–I shouldn’t work with numbers at all–but certainly not at 10 p.m. This is only Manual’s second year (I was thinking 3rd)–so you are right 2007-08 would have been the old Manual. New Manual started 2008-09.
Ooops – now I see you understand what I’m saying, so I’ll edit this:
Sharon – look at the “definition of terms for the 2008/09 school report cards” on the attached link: (I’ve found it very helpful to truly understand the numbers in the school report cards)
http://www.isbe.state.il.us/research/htmls/report_card.htm
Now the real question is what does the increased enrollment tell you? (I understand your point about limiting enrollment, but that would affect the 2nd year after re-org – it wouldn’t explain the increase the 1st year after re-org). I think it is an indicator of success – one of many indicators that can show success or failure. It tells me that people are likely choosing the school in greater numbers than before re-org. Again, not proof that Manual is a success yet – but a positive sign.
How does Manual relate to charter schools? Like a charter, it is one of many different approaches to improving the District – it’s not for everyone, but many seem to like it.
Sorry if you really want to drop this, but…. 🙂
Diane said, “I understand the Vallas rationale for Charter Schools but would like to see the resources vested in improving the district culture first.”
You do realize that the financial resources used for the charter are 90% of the current per pupil cost? So, in a way, the financial resources for the charter (those that could otherwise be spent to change the culture) are less than zero. Further, the administration (as well as teachers) for the charter will be the responsibility of the charter – no one needed on Wisconsin Ave for this school. So, in a way, the people resources from the District are zero. Sure, the Board has to first take the time to consider the charter, but assuming they vote yes, there is arguably very little oversight necessary – the results will largely speak for themselves (Will enough students join? What will school report card scores look like? Will there be disciplinary problems at the school, etc.?)
One of the many benefits of a charter school is that it operates largely independently – they are typically decentralized – what happens within the school is what matters most. Many teachers at charter schools find that they have a greater say in the matters affecting the school in such a decentralized environment. Again, not for everyone, but hopefully able to have a choice.
Am I the only one who thinks Ms. Crews should have her on blog? She’s got lots of insight, that’s all good. But the average blog reader…c’mon. Mr. Peoria Chronicle curbed another commenter for ‘hijacking’ posts….
I truly hope that Manual does have success. My only question is, what will it cost? Will we ever be given accurate information about just how much money it is costing to operate Manual? Will the new guy be honest and tell us? I know one Manual teacher who has openly talked about “making extra cash” by going through some sort of training before school begins each year. He has said all of their teachers do this. How much does this cost? Do all schools do this? Will a charter school cost extra money?