If you don’t read Emerge Peoria, you don’t know the latest news on the Charter School Initiative (they’ve chosen a principal, but are keeping it hush-hush), and you probably haven’t gotten a peek inside a classroom at Trewyn (warning: it’s disturbing). You should check them out.
I guess this video has made the rounds–I know that I received it several days ago and was thinking about putting it on the blogs. My first question, of course, was “Where are the teachers?” But someone on Emerge’s blog did mention that this is only 1 minute long. Teachers are asked to be in hallways during passing time. I know that I started locking my door whenever I had a reason to leave the hallway during passing time because unsupervised classrooms can result in sll sorts of destructive behavior. It is almost impossible to watch the hall and a classroom at the same time–which teachers are asked to do. Behavior in halls requires teacher action to stop the behaviors, to try to identify the students involved (which isn’t as easy as you might think), etc.–teachers can easily be distracted from standing right at their doors. More than likely, the teacher, not the students, will be questioned about these events. There are so many places in a school where events such as these take place–hallways, cafeterias, etc. Kids know how to find the places that are not supervised–and there aren’t enough people to supervise all areas.
This is shocking and sad. Not the fault of teachers, IMO.
Many inept principals in D150 are the educational leaders of our schools and people WONDER why our community draws the criticism it does…
“not a teacher”: Whose fault is it, IYO?
I don’t know who is at fault for lack of adult supervision in this video–it may not be anybody’s. I hope that Trewyn is busy trying to figure out who should have been where when this video was taken. However, what most of you don’t understand is that kids behave this way in hallways and unsupervised areas and then come into classrooms. Do you all believe that they suddenly settle down once they enter a classroom? And do you believe that administrators at these schools support teachers who report these disruptive behaviors? There are rules about cell phone use in the building–do you believe any of these students will be in trouble for misuse of cell phones and/or their behaviors? This isn’t grade school where students move in a straight line from one room to another–always accompanied by an adult. Wait until next year at PHS when students are standing at doors waiting for “traveling” teachers to arrive. I know that behaviors such as those on this video can go on in classrooms between classes while teachers are in the hallways trying to stop similar behaviors in the halls. Teachers are expected to watch the halls and their own classrooms at the same time–an impossible task. I hope someone can clarify why the teacher was not in this classroom. Admittedly, there are teachers who “allow” these behaviors–maybe not encourage or sanction them; they just give up–especially between classes. Sometimes trying to halt these hyped-up behaviors is a very difficult task. Sometimes subs don’t show up on time. There are any number of reasons why students are left unsupervised–and they shouldn’t be. Maybe this day there were unusual circumstances and students took advantage or maybe this happens all the time–either are possibilities. I just would like to know why this particular classroom was unsupervised before I form any judgments about teacher accountability. Let us not forget that there was a time (not that long ago) that young people at Manual and Trewyn–who came from the same backgrounds as those currently enrolled–did enter unsupervised classrooms and sat respectfully waiting for the teacher to come in from the hallway. No teacher should count on that today–but the fact remains that these students know that their behaviors are not acceptable, but–through experience–they know that nothing will be done about the behaviors. Teachers know that, also.
If you have ever taught in an inner city school, this is not shocking at all. I am not saying it is ok nor do you see it in every classroom. I think it can change when good principals are in place and they retain good teachers. There also needs to be a good staff in central office principals and teachers can count on for support. You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out dist. 150 has not focused on discipline they way they should. It’s been hit and miss but not focused on. I think we should do a city-wide good character program and model it in our schools.
Board policy about cell phones: 5. Students are permitted to have in their possession cellular telephones, personal digital assistants and other wireless electronic devices. All such devices shall be kept off and out of sight during the regular school day while in the school building, riding the school bus, or while attending any class or school activity outside of the school building unless, (a) the supervising teacher grants permission; (b) use of the device is provided in a student’s I.E.P.; (c) specific written permission is given by the building principal; or (d) it is needed in an emergency that threatens the safety of the students, staff or other individuals. Violation of this policy will subject students to normal disciplinary measures and/or confiscation of the device.
We don’t know if or how the teacher should be held accountable, but there certainly is no question about the disobedience of the student who was using his/her cell phone. A speaker at Monday night’s BOE meeting told the board that cell phones at Manual are a problem and asked that the board do something about the problem–the speaker is a Manual tutor and came to support Manual administrators. The BOE has done something in writing–which means that the principals should feel free to follow the policy.
I probably can’t give you a good answer as to who is at fault for the behavior in the video. My point of view is that my kids would not behave that way if left unsupervised in a classroom for an entire day, regardless of who was in charge. They still paddled kids when I was in middle school and I lived in fear of being blamed and punished for something I didn’t do. That environment probably did more to stifle learning and less to “make buildings safe”. Maybe this video captures just how badly we need an alternative program (IMO).
I was very glad to see the days of paddling end. When I arrived at Roosevelt in 1962, I soon learned that some teachers relied heavily on the paddle. My own 7th graders told me that I wouldn’t make it as a teacher if I didn’t learn to paddle. They made a deal with me. They would make a paddle for me in shop class and would let me practice for a week–then I was on my own. They did make the paddle and I just fooled around pretending to practice on them–never did use it as a form of punishment. However, I will always remember that these 7th graders actually wanted me to succeed and cared enough to try in their own way to help that process. Again, I would really like to know more about this video and the circumstances surrounding it.
Sorry to return but I just took the time to watch some of the other videos on this site. When the students are sitting around the desk–is the person at the teacher’s desk a student or a teacher or some other adult in charge–looks a bit old to be a student. Check out the After School videos–they shed some light on how students walk in the middle of the street and interfere with traffic. Also, it is unclear if the “real” fights are in Peoria or elsewhere, but I had to stop watching–the fight reminded of very similar fights that I witnessed at Manual; they always scare me to death.
Not sure what you mean about other videos (I didn’t know there was more than one). Maybe I haven’t seen the one being discussed. The video I saw showed students taking chairs down from tables or desks. This gave the impression it was homeroom and chairs were still on tables from the day before (for sweeping). I think it was called “kickin it” on youtube. I didn’t see any fights, but the video was very dark. Is that the video you saw?
Go to: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0hgXj8whzZY
To the side is another video called Actin a fool in clas–that’s the one with a student or adult (can’t tell) sitting at a desk–it may or may not be Trewyn–can’t tell. I just kept clicking on videos and ran into all sorts of bad behavior–I couldn’t tell if the rest are in Peoria. I know some are in a mall–not Peoria’s.
Isn’t your character who you are when you think no one is watching? Would an adult in the room have made that much difference to those kids?
Sharon,
I know it is difficult to see, but the teacher is in the room during the taping of this video. Several classrooms have been similar all year. Teachers have gone to board members, superintendent, Demkee, and the union, but nothing has happened. Hedy has been wonderful, but she can’t do more than she has already done.
Last board meeting a Trewyn teacher spoke and said the problem at Trewyn is a “group of teachers”, that is not true. Several teachers have complained, but nothing is done about the lack of leadership that students and teachers are subjected to daily.
I want to thank you for your continued support at the board meetings. I only wish they would understand what we face on a daily basis.
Thank you again,
150 Blogger
150 blogger–I haven’t been able to spot a teacher–the “camera” is moving too fast. However, I do think people will continue to ask questions about this event. Was it during class–did the students suddenly take control (which isn’t too hard for me to believe)? What action did the teacher take and what was the response from administrators? For starters, I would like to know if the student was punished for a very clear violation of board policy about cell phone usage. I think it should be very obvious that not too many teachers were upset by Karen’s comments two meetings ago when she listed the complaints about discipline at Trewyn If so, many more would have turned out to complain. I was bewildered as to why the two representatives from Trewyn (a teacher and a parent) read from the letter sent to Karen and Jeff by Charlie Warr (Trewyn’s administrative assistant) who was sitting in the audience.
Why didn’t he come to the podium himself? The letter was a list of “good” things that happen at Trewyn–none of which mitigate or refute the fact that there are serious discipline problems at the school. I am always bewildered as to why anybody chooses to defend the bad behaviors of the young people that take away learning time away from the majority. These defenders never seem to consider the harm done to the majority of students. The only real defense offered by the teacher is that these things go on at other schools, so why focus on Trewyn and Manual. I do have some confidence that airing these complaints may lead to some action. Yes, Hedy is doing a good job! I hope all of you heard the letter read by Marc Porch–wriiten by inmates in the class Hedy teaches. Mark is a Manual grad who is also concerned about the discpline problems in 150 schools. He and some of his friends are currently taking an interest in the discipline problems in 150 schools, especially in the southend. They are impressive young men who give me reason to hope that the future could be as good as the past for Manual.
Sharon,
Thank you for responding so quickly, clearly you care about the current state of District 150 schools.
It was at the end of the day when this video was taped. Look closely at the end of the video. The teacher is wearing a black and white shirt with black pants. This is how this class (and others) have been all year. Until District 150 hires principals that are qualified, the state of this district will never improve.
150 Blogger
150 blogger–I’m curious about such “events.” First of all, someone on the blog suggested that at the end of the day, students are expected to put the chairs on the tables, so the custodians can clean. That would be the first change I would make if I were an administrator. If students are asked to stay in their seats until the bell rings, they would not have the opportunity to be up and around so that this videoed event could occur. I know what happens when all students stand up in a classroom–chaos. Why would the rules invite such an opportunity for students already known for disruptive behavior? I thought teachers were told to teach from bell to bell–this practice of putting chairs on tables certainly ends the day too soon. It’s these stupid little things that can so easily be fixed–but I am curious to know if administrators actually tell teachers to “let the kids loose” like this at the end of the day in every classroom. Also, when students get out of hand and break the rules about cell phones during this time, what happens when teachers report the behaviors–or have they just given up reporting the behaviors. I guess my own suggestion–time consuming though it is–do not give up the reports; then it is the administrators who are at fault for ignoring the reports.
150blogger–In this second video, is this Trewyn and is this the teacher at the desk or a student?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7svVK_iwOs&NR=1
Sharon, the second video is not Trewyn, it could be; that is what we are subjected to on a daily basis with one-on-ones and many other support staff. This is why so many (not just a small group) of teachers have called the union, daily!
In support of the teacher in the first video, she has asked for help many times, but the current administration refuses to deal with behaviors that should not be taking place in any school setting.
It does look like the end of the day because students are putting chairs on tables. Yes, teachers are suppose to teach bell to bell. The teacher in question has had a very difficult time the entire year in regards to discipline as well as many others. I know for a fact that students have been using cell phones all year during class time. Teachers write referrals, but the students are sent right back to class with conference checked for consequences. The current administration refuses to deal with student behaviors at Trewyn, it is as simple as that. Veteran teachers have given many suggestions that have worked in the past, but they refuse to listen.
Thank you, again,
150blogger
So, 150blogger, are the other teachers, staff, and parents that are saying it is a “small number” just liars? Why is part of what you seek personal monetary compensation for yourself? You would have some level of credibility if you were honestly seeking a solution, instead of being coached on how to line your wallet at the expense of students and we who actually pay taxes to Dist. 150.
frustrated taxpayer: No one has stated what the teachers plan to do with any compensation they might receive–it would be my hope that they would do something other than pocket it. In cases such as these, I doubt that a lawyer would take the case if monetary compensation were not part of the lawsuit. I just sent the following comments to board members: With regard to the Trewyn video seen on You-Tube, I believe all of us have wondered where the teacher was and why he/she allowed all this to happen and whether or not it happens often or if this were a one-time event. I certainly wondered if the student filming the event with a cell phone was written up at the time of the event because he/she was obviously violating board policy with regard to cell phone usage.
In speaking to retired teachers at today’s monthly retired teacher luncheon, I learned something that may or may not shed some light on this event. Someone on one of the blogs had mentioned that this event took place at the end of the day when students were putting the chairs on the tables—evidently something that occurs every day. The retired teachers told me that this has been common practice in classroom that have tables and chairs rather than desks—at least, at Glen Oak in the past and obviously at Trewyn now. Is this the teachers’ idea or have they been instructed to give the custodians this help. Obviously, in classrooms with desks, custodians are required to move the desks around themselves in order to sweep, etc.
Given today’s climate in some many schools, I believe such a practice may well be the cause of discipline problems for all of the following reasons:
1 – First of all, teachers are told to teach from bell to bell. This “event” certainly destroys the last several minutes of learning time.
2 – Common sense (and experience) says that asking all students to stand up and hold a chair up in the air is going to lead to problems.
3 – Students are already hyped because it’s the end of the day, already ready to bolt, etc. This practice of “helping the custodians” certainly invites exactly what we’ve seen in the video.
4 – Obviously, a teacher should not allow this behavior. However, I have several observations and/or questions about the teacher’s role in this “event.” First of all, trying to stop an activity that soon involves almost all students at the end of the day is very difficult to get under control. Does this kind of behavior occur regularly in more than one classroom at the end of the day? If a teacher were to write referrals on this behavior (encouraged by this request for everyone to stand up and move chairs around), would the administrators follow through on consequences, etc. Is the policy about cell phone usage followed? (I doubt it; at least, that’s what I’ve heard and the Manual speaker last Monday indicated that the policy is not enforced at Manual).
I’m sure the custodians appreciate this “help,” but given today’s classroom environment, I think it might be a good idea to stop this practice district wide—if it, indeed, is common practice. Young people find enough opportunities to “go crazy,” but adults shouldn’t play into their hands to this extent.
Sharon – you spend countless hours watching and critiquing this and you don’t watch a positive teacher initiated video I sent you because you would rather expose children to WWE???? I remember some post- assembly classes of yours that were equally out of hand – back in ’77! Must have been “somebodies fault”, but not yours. Point 2 refutes my desire to advance “service-based learning”. While doing the custodians job should not be the intent, our students would be well-served to learn to give a “helping hand”. But then, that outlook requires an ability to create a positive thought.
Sorry to troll or hijack, but does anyone know if the Richwoods girls’ basketball game is on the radio or being blogged by PJStar? Thanks.
Jim–I watched every minute of Jerry’s video. Now what do you want me to do about it? You’re the one with the authority to institute such a program in 150’s schools. I have never said that there weren’t moments in my classroom where chaos erupted–there were plenty (and one of the reasons why I haven’t been ready to blame the teacher for the event at Trewyn). That would be “somebody’s fault”–I always considered it my responsibility to try to bring such events under control, but I certainly wasn’t successful all the time–and have never made the claim. I don’t recall the specific one about which you seem to have a clear memory–what role did you play in the event? 🙂 In those days, I had a bit more cooperation from administrators, also. Teachers in District 150 have grown much too used to such events–all in a day’s work. The general public, however, is astounded by these events. My comments to the board just now were just a suggestion. Trewyn is already an embattled school–and I was offering a very positive suggestion–now isn’t the time for a whole class to “help” the custodian if this kind of behavior results. Maybe you could pay a couple of kids a dollar to stay after school and put the chairs on the table–to pay back what I gave you for brushing the snow off my car. 🙂 Also, maybe you’d better reread my posts; I don’t think I’ve been overly critical of this particular event–I am the one who has continually asked for more clarification. As a matter of fact, I had the link to this video a few days before someone else sent it to Emerge. I hadn’t made up my mind as to whether or not to make it public–I needed some more information. Jim, you truly do amaze me and sometimes amuse me. Your tirades always leave me dumbfounded.
We can always count on Jim Stowell for encouragement….NOT. I wonder how he would act if he had to PICK on someone his own age. Get off the bully pulpit Jim. If it’s too hot in the KITCHEN (D150 BoE), then feel free to GET OUT. When was the last time you “dropped in” on one of these schools?
There is news on WMBD and WEEK that D150 is investigating three incidents (one is a video taken by cellphone). These issues are being looked into.
Jim, in your rant, why didn’t you express outrage that board policy with regard to cell phone use by students isn’t being followed? That is the one very clear violation exposed by this video. At Monday’s board meeting, the Manual tutor asked the board to look into the abuse of this policy at Manual. I found that request to be baffling since I believe that the board should expect building principals to see to it that board policy is followed.
Durflinger made it very clear it was the teacher’s fault for the class being out of control. I mostly agree with this, but I know when I was that age if the teacher left the room, we continued with our work and were mature enough (and frightened enough) not to leave our seats. If we didn’t get it at school, then we got it at home. Yes, there are usually one or two students that cause trouble, but I don’t remember an entire classroom participating. Are there repercussions for these children’s actions? Are parents being called? Are these kids having any privileges taken away at school?
Behavior in 150 has been out of control for years. Central office and the BoE just ignore it. I have high hopes that Dr. Lathan will have a plan for behavior so we can make academic gains for all kids. Since Hinton came in as sup the culture in 150 has gone down the tubes. His fear and intimidation tactics along with him playing favorites, ruined the morale among administrators and teachers. We all need to recover from that and start fresh in the name of the kids.
First of all, everyone has jumped to all kinds of conclusions about this video, the students, and the teacher. For sure, the student was violating the cell phone policy. For sure, the language and gestures seen in the video do not belong anywhere in a school–and the teacher is not, in any way, to blame for that language, etc. In general, most “outsiders” are probably shocked by this video and may even read into it more than is actually going on. None of it shocks, surprises, or even offends me–at one time or another this crazy behavior has been happening in 150 classrooms for a long time–especially, for brief moments, etc. I have to point out that there is nothing in the video that indicates the students are disobeying any orders to cease and desist–no direct indication of disobedience or disrespect. If you are shocked by this video, you would truly be chagrined by the truly disrepectful behaviors exhibited by some students who show open defiance to teachers and worse yet if videos would capture some of the fights (and the language) that happen in 150 schools. I believe (don’t know for sure but seems to be a logical conclusion), it is what I have stated before–kids were asked to “help” the custodian and as kids will do took advantage of the situation. However, many reports indicate that students all too frequently take advantage of opportunities to disrupt class. I have been in situations when the majority of a class–not just one or two students–decide to take over a situation. Whereas these “events” at one time just happened now and then when kids were hyped for one reason or another, reports seem to indicate that these events occur far too often and that the tone set by administrators (who, don’t kid yourselves, do not encourage teachers to clamp down on these behaviors)create an environment where students know that they are not going to get into any trouble. The big change that occurred toward the end of my career was that kids have become experts in involving a whole class in disruptions. Before, teachers could quell a situation involving one or even two or three. I don’t think any of you have any idea of the difficulty a teacher faces when trying to stop these events. How do any of you think you would go about reporting this to administrators–are you going to write referrals on every kid? What makes you think the administrators would deal with the reports in any effective way? It just doesn’t happen.
Frustrated taxpayer, I am also a frustrated taxpayer. I am not part of the law suit, but if I was treated as badly as the three teacher’s seeking compensation; I would be part as well.
I have worked with these teachers for 10+ years. I happen to know all three teachers are outstanding and do care deeply for the students. It is because of the love for students and Trewyn that it has come to this. Trewyn used to be an outstanding middle school. A school that was conducive for learning and students had respect for authority. I cannot fathom how anyone could support the current administration. If you truly care about students and learning I can’t help but feel you would have a VERY DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE!
It is about a positive change that is needed at Trewyn and many other schools within the district. The news is a disheartening piece of information.
150bloggrt
So the video link was sent by a teacher? Perhaps there should be some reprimand for that.
Now I wish I had sent it because, as a retiree, a reprimand would be fairly meaningless. Whoever sent it (and I don’t know who did) probably did not believe that a teacher would be blamed for the student behaviors. As far as I know, the teacher was following somebody’s orders to have students put chairs on tables at the end of the day. First of all, in my experience some students often complain when asked to do what they consider to be a custodian’s job. When I asked students to pick up papers off the floor (that they had thrown on the floor), I frequently heard comments about that’s why there are custodians. If you look at the video, there are still chairs that have not been put in place. Obviously, when the bell rang, the chairs were probably still on the floor. I said it once; I’ll say it again. In today’s climate, a teacher’s control is only as good as the support he/she gets from administrators. At the last board meeting, two Trewyn representatives (a teacher and a parent) read directly from a letter written by Trewyn’s administrative assistant–a letter that did not acknowledge the problems that we all know exist at Trewyn–but rather dismissed the problems by listing all the irrelevant “good” things that happen at Trewyn. Of course, it was written before the video. Also, I will continue to say that in this particular instance, class is not being disrupted. Class evidently ended (as it probably does every day) when these “custodial” duties begin. That is not to say that classes aren’t often disrupted by similar behaviors–but there is no proof of that in this video.
blame the students, blame the parents, blame the teacher… blame blam bla bla bla
The system is broken. It isn’t just the education system,it is our whole socio/economic system. These kids (as any family counselor will tell you) are only acting out the dysfunctional society that they were born into.
Look at Washington, look at Wall Street, look at our city and county governments, look at our state government. Look at Dancing With The Stars or I’m A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here, The Olympics, talk radio, music videos, advertising… it is all screwed up. I posted a story about The Bachelor and Uchitel (One of Tiger’s whores)having NETWORK time to sell themselves as legitimate roll models.
Why should these kids give a crap about anything? Billy Joel in his iconic We Didn’t Start The Fire, said: We didn’t light it, but we tried to fight it… these kids are just doing what they CAN do in a system that has condemned them to being 2nd class citizens for the rest of their lives.
Don’t worry, sooner or later they will give up and get a job and begin complaining about the system, and pointing fingers of blame at everyone else, too.
What are you saying Charlie – blame “the Man”?
No. Blame ourselves for allowing this to get this messed up. For accepting what these administrators and bureaucrats have told us and promised us.
Blame ourselves for not questioning the crap fed us everyday by the media… news, weather and sports… for God’s sake, SPORTS? Why not news, weather and TV shows? Our news consists of 30 seconds on the radio, followed by 5 minutes of commercials and 15 minutes of uneducated opinions passed off as facts, interrupted by another 10 minutes of commercials. ON TV it isn’t much better, local news is about 5 minutes out of a 30 minute program. We know more about The Bachelor and Dancing With The Stars than we do about The Health Care Bill, Afghanistan, The recent Supreme Court decision or the financial institution bailouts. Heck, I bet 70% of Americans couldn’t find Chile on a map, and 1/2 don’t even know what continent it is on.
We are an ignorant, uninformed (and uniform) and APATHETIC people. As long as we got McDonald’s and AFHV, man we got it made.
Emerge if the link was sent by a teacher why should there be a reprimand for that? Do teachers have less rights than anyone else? Trying to understand…
Question to emerge – it appeared in the video that there was no adult attempting to gain order in the room. If it was the last few minutes of school, then I understand some chatter and moving about but . . . this was more than that. It was chaotic, chairs being flung around, very poor language being used. It seems to me a bit of a setup. Let’s show the world how out of control Trewyn is. And if that setup was perpetrated by a teacher that allowed the situation to fester in order to produce and release a video tape to damn his or her employer, than I think that employee has some explaining to do. Don’t tell me there was no other way to communicate. A lawsuit has now been filed. If a teacher contacted a Board member at this juncture, I think they would be heard.
Wow, Frustrated, that’s some theory–truly absurd. It sure backfired on that teacher if that is the case. So do you think she paid the student to film the event, stage the event, and put it on YouTube? Do you know if she is or isn’t one of the teachers that filed the lawsuit? Why did she wait two months (it was filmed in December) to put the video to put her plan in motion? (I personally know that someone just stumbled on this thing quite by accident on YouTube, and it was sent to me a day or two before someone else sent it to the blogs–while I was still debating whether or not I wanted to post the link). There was an adult standing at the door–I finally spotted her today when someone else showed me how to pause the video. My own theory is that the teacher was guarding the door to be sure that kids didn’t try to bolt before the bell rings. Frankly, if, indeed, students are asked every day to put the chairs on tables (probably not a teacher’s idea of a good time!), my guess is the teacher is quite used to this out of control end-of-the-day behavior brought on by asking them to stand up, move around, and pick up chairs. I know that even by 2005 I had discovered that it was just not wise to give some students to have visiting time because conversations just end up with the use of bad language and conversations that don’t belong in school. This kind of language is not at all unusual for students–and if you think that administrators want to hear about it and deal with it, you are so wrong. What you hear and see on this video is certainly not shocking to me. I certainly would never have given students permission to stand up and move around before the bell rings–anyone who suggests that kind of activity is asking for trouble (and I believe that administrators tell teachers do get this custodial job done before students leave). While I personally would not have tolerated this behavior–because I would have been afraid that it would escalate into something far worse–I can understand a teacher just hoping that the bell would ring soon. Just keep in mind this activity (putting chairs on tables) is probably not the teacher’s idea. And, I’ll give you this much–there is a possibility that there are teachers that wouldn’t consider this to be any big deal–you have no idea how much you can learn to tolerate when that’s the only choice administrators give you because they won’t support to enforce policies.
So Sharon, I have to wonder then if Charlie is not correct — the “system” is truly flawed. Middle school children, practically young adults, cannot be asked to place their chairs on the table and get their stuff together to depart for the day without such an eruption. And then, you tell me that you never were able to allow any freedom in your high school classroom “to stand up and move around.” Wow!!
I am beginning to believe Emerge’s recent post regarding “miseducation” of inner city students is spot on. As you know, it is my position that a one-size fits all education plan followed by an everybody is going to colleg mantra, first delivered by Bush, and now perpetuated by Obama,fails to acknowledge the reality of matters in society, but . . . I believe at a minimum, EVERYONE, needs to learn self-control and respect for others in order to function in society.
First of all,I should mention what Terry Knapp has mentioned often at board meetings. Many of the problems at Trewyn have been created because the district has closed schools and moved students from closed schools into Trewyn enmasse. I believe Whittier is also now experiencing these problems because of the Tyng students who have moved in. We will soon witness what will result with the closing of Woodruff. Secondly, I have found myself defending a teacher that I don’t even know. I don’t know how she runs her classroom, so my assumptions about her classroom may not be at all correct. I’m just saying that I know how these situations can get out of control for the minute or two that this video was filmed. None of us know what happened earlier and what happened after the camera was turned off.
What would you have done in this situation? Do you believe that you would have the sort of control that would have guaranteed that a student wouldn’t suddenly start filming and creating an “event”? I don’t know if the system is flawed–probably so. However, how young people are raised has changed. I believe I learned self-control–how to sit quietly for an hour–when my parents took me to church at a little church next door to our house on Sanger Street in the southside of Peoria. I still remember my dad taking me out and paddling me. It has been my contention for some time that this sort of training is no longer a part the lives of many children because they don’t go to church or any place else where silence is required. Even the poorest of children went to church and learned this kind of respect.
Also, with regard to profane language, we all know that those restrictions are gone. Kids listen to music with profane lyrics and language, so when they pick up a mike or record a video, etc., why would you expect them not to use the language they hear daily? As to moving around the room, I was specifically referring to this end of the day activity when kids are already hyped to get out of school. Trying to explain this environment to you or the public, in general, makes teachers sound foolish, restrictive, etc. You just have to have the experience to understand–and maybe all of the critics could do it better–so I need to hear from the teachers who do this successfully (and I do know some who do, but I think they have administrative support). I have the advantage of having taught in both eras–and can see how different the end of my career was compared to the beginning.
So far Charlie only tells us that the current system is wrong. I just can’t envision the changes he advocates–I don’t know that he has ever explained exactly what school would be like under “his” system and how his system would change the behaviors of these young people. You seem to forget what I say over and over–that the administration does not have these expectations of young people; therefore, teachers aren’t encouraged and supported to do things that would teach these young people to socialize appropriately, etc. Of course, middle school is a bit late.
During my career I can recall many spontaneous events that occurred in my classroom–events that would have given a very wrong impression of what generally happened in my class (fights, emotional outbursts, all manner of disruptions). None of them ever scared me–somehow I generally got them under control. However, toward the end of my career–the last three years–there were a few times when I was genuinely frightened. I can only imagine the plight of some of the younger teachers–who didn’t have my history and experience. I have heard some of the stories that young teachers at Manual are telling–and the reasons why they have left.
If you can’t envision the plan I have try reading about alternative and open schools… they exist everywhere. Try climbing out of the box that you spent 40 years in and see ask the kids what they need. Ask them what they want. No one in the education system or government has probably ever asked them.
It is their future. We need to quit trying to force them into our past.
Liberty without learning is always in peril; learning without liberty is always in vain.
– John F. Kennedy
“Try climbing out of the box you spent 40 years in…” Charlie–why are you so angry? It seems that after you enter the conversation, things shut down pretty fast. I don’t know many Peorians who care more about our public schools than Sharon. Her insight (43 years worth) is invaluable. I guess I’m sticking my neck out here–go ahead and take a swipe.
Why am I angry. Good question. I am working in a system that everyone wants to “fix”. Everyone admits that it is failing. Everyone admits that it is wasteful. Everyone admits that it is top heavy. Everyone admits that it is a waste of people’s talents, people’s energy, money and people.
Yet, NO ONE wants to start over. They just come up with band aids to slow the collapse of the system… like bailing out the banks… the school system is too big to fail. No! I say No! Our children’s future is too big to fail. That is who we should bail out. We need to teach them to dream their own dreams. to build their own future, not force them to live in our oppressive, self centered, toxic past.
The students I get don’t give a rat’s ass about learning. They come into class figuring out how little they have to do to pass the class so they can get their credit so they can get their diploma so they get a job so they pay their bills so they spend whatever time they have on weekends or after they retire to enjoy living…
And within 3 weeks I have they asking me how they can learn more about this or that. They are actively engaging themselves in the discussions. They are investigating unassigned articles and videos and discussions on Blackboard. They are truly sorry when they miss class or did get an assignment in as soon as they would like… and I don’t grade any of their assignments. I don’t grade their attendance or class participation. I tell them the first day that they will get either an A or a B in this class no matter how well they do… as long as they do what they can.
Why am I angry. My wife volunteers to run an after school program at Trewyn. The kids are OUT OF CONTROL. They come and go and are not accountable to anyone. For the first couple sessions, the school didn’t even have an adult (security, another teacher, janitor… anyone!) around in case of an emergency to help this volunteer. THEY DON”T CARE!
It wasn’t until she threatened to stop doing it that an aid was assigned to help.
Why am I angry. For what they get from the State and how little they actually spend on these kids, that money could be used by private teachers , tutors one on one with these kids. THINK ABOUT IT. For $11,000 per student… you could give a teacher 4 students (instead of 24) and they would get the attention they need. That teacher would $44,000 a year. TAX FREE. Why tax free? Because what they are doing is more important than any church, any corporation, and social service or government agency.
But if we educated our students to be free thinking, free living, FREE PEOPLE, who would Walmart hire? Who would sweep the floor or empty the trash cans at Caterpillar? Who would offer you fries with your burger?
Why am I angry? Because I am barking at the moon. And the 300 – 400 students a year that I encourage to get excited about their own learning… not my teaching… aren’t a drop in the bucket.
Thanks Frustrated – that’s pretty much exactly what I would say. The teacher could have sent the link to the BOE and met with them if he/she was so concerned. No, it appears that the objective was to make the Trewyn system look as bad as the teachers who are suing the District wants it to look.
By the way – I raised this issue on my blog. I will not continue to come here to have the discussion. If you have a question for me – put it there.
Emerge and Frustrated, We have all learned that the only way to get the board and administration’s attention is to go to the media. The board and administration (previous one) knew all about the problems at Trewyn and did absolutely nothing. Now maybe there will be some attempt to find out what is really going on.
The Charter School is now taking applications. How can we ensure all Trewyn students apply NOW so they can get in?
strong 1:
Several ways: I suggest you print out applications go down to the Trewyn neighborhood and go door to door and assist people with the applications; or you could sponsor an informational coffee, print up flyers and go down to Trewyn and pass them out, when the parents show up you can help them with the applications; or you could probably get permission from the District to set up a table in the school and work with parents to fill out applications. You can start that any of these things NOW.
Frustrated: Setting the record straight–the teacher whose class produced the video is definitely not one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit; and, as a teacher who just came to Trewyn this year, she would not be likely to “help” the lawsuit in the way you suggested or in any way at all–in fact, the video could definitely hurt her. I hope you can understand and have some compassion for a teacher thrown into this kind of environment with little support from administrators. Talk about baptism by fire!