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NEW POST:
Today's PG
Keystone exams delayed until 2019
January 20, 2016 2:30 PM
By Mary Niederberger and Janice Crompton / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
“School officials are breathing a sigh of relief at the state Legislature’s approval of a two-year delay in requiring students to pass the Keystone exams in order to graduate.”
As PPS searches for an new Superintendent, this article is worth reviewing for one reason and that is to answer the question: Is PPS preparing our students with the basic minimum competency skills to be successful in college or careers?
The answer is a resounding “NO” for the majority of its 25,000 students!
PPS district has ranked among PA’s 30 lowest-achieving schools for the last 10 years. Mark Roosevelt became the PPS Superintendent in 2005.
Although Keystone’s and PSSA have been re-configured over the past five year, these tests are the 90% of the same “basic skills” in Reading and Math that Pennsylvania has had in place since 1998.
These are SCHOOL Assessments (PSSA & Keystone) are given ONE time EACH YEAR in Elementary (K-8) and ONE time ONLY in Secondary (8-12) to determine the degree to which schools are preparing students with minimum competency skills.
When students cannot score as “proficient” on these assessments, the SCHOOLS have not met the criteria for which schools exist. A school’s responsibility is to educate its students, all of the students who attend.
PPS has declined in meeting this basic responsibility in the majority of its schools over the last ten years. In fact, more than 7,000 African American students have NOT been prepared by our schools to meet even the minimum “BASIC” skills. PPS is NOT serving/educating in an egregiously devastating manner the needs of its students.
A new Superintendent must have a plan to move PPS students out of lowest 10% in the state of PA. Our children are bright, even brilliant, in every way except for the “academics” that our schools exist to provide!
(POSTPONING teaching and assessing the basic minimum competency skills until 2019 is not a solution!)
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57 comments:
Note for clarity:
The 7,000 AA students in PPS who did NOT meet the basic, minimum competency skill were for ONE year, the 2013-14 school year, NOT over a ten-year period. The 'new' Superintendent must KNOW how to put in place a plan that brings these students up to, at least, par in ONE year. It can and has been done given that these students are "bright, even brilliant" and can learn anything that is appropriately and engagingly taught.
Here's a novel idea. Let the teachers teach, stop the RISE inquisition, get rid of all the dead wood (ITL IIs, clinical instructors) and get the Admin off of their fat butts and into the halls where they belong and lead by example!
Bravo 5:49! These measures DID work before--
We need to acknowledge that PPS is not unique in this problem of an opportunity gab between our white students and our black and brown students, between our middle class students and our poor students. If the fix was as easy as getting a new superintendent or willing students and/or teachers to simply do better, the job would be done by now. It's simply not as easy as the original poster makes it sound. It would help if as a society we helped alleviate poverty first. Much of the struggles seen in urban schools -- high absenteeism, poor hygiene, mental health issues, abuse, drug use, violence -- are tied to the poverty in which our kids are being raised. The schools in high-poverty areas have much, much more to deal with than schools in wealthier parts of the country. And urban schools are historically underfunded, making it impossible to adequately help all students all the time.
It's just not as simple as the original poster implies.
Whatever happened to "The Whole Child, Whole Community Master Plan" launched in December 2013 by PPS ?
Not appropriate or engaging enough ?
To10:38 - Why do we have to keep excusing away the truth? Why can't the right person create "opportunities" that fill the gap?
If we choose a Superintendent who is competent and committed, PPS schools will be haven for all of the students who seem "impossible" to those who come ill-equipped the for Pittsburgh's Superintendent position.
If we choose a Superintendent who is competent and committed, PPS schools will be haven for all of the students who are "impossible" to those who come ill-equipped the for Pittsburgh's Superintendent position.
continuing on from where 4:02 left off.
Or were the individuals behind Whole Child not committed or competent?
Or was it that they didn't have the 'right' person?
Or was it that they didn't know how to put it in place?
Or could it be that they just didn't 'KNOW'?
Be careful not to excuse away the truth 4:14.
You got it 5;20. All of your "OR"s hit the mark.
Consider that schools create their own environment, independent of the community. The "truth" is that they can, without the excuses, create places where students find their "genius"---places where that genius is developed in positive and productive ways.
If we know what a "whole child" can be, then it is incumbent that we create those places for children rather than blame the "community" as an "excuse" for the schools' failure to educate.
To 4:14
Not making excuses. It's just a fact that turning around urban education is no easy endeavor and there's not a city the size of Pittsburgh or larger who has been successful in any broad terms. Sure, some special programs in some special schools sometimes show promising results, but there hasn't been a city our size or larger -- or even somewhat smaller -- with the same conditions of race and poverty and opportunity gaps that has been successful at making ALL students "proficient" in reading or math or closing the opportunity gap.
Not a single urban school district.
Not one.
What I do believe an excellent superintendent can bring to this district is leadership to make conditions at school better for students. Smaller class sizes. 35 kids In a class gives a teacher so little time to connect well with students, to find out what they really need beyond the surface.
Health services -- including mental health -- in all schools, all the time. Full time nurses.
Full time librarians and robust libraries.
Exposure to more than just double periods of math and reading -- which have NOT been successful at significantly raising test scores but has been successful at killing enthusiasm among many kids in these subjects -- and bring back middle and high school home ec, shop classes, and expanded music, art, and foreign languages. Make the schools engaging and enjoyable and safe and nurturing.
To try and create an environment independent of the community is illusory.
We are joined together, we are one whole.
It is an interconnected whole. The very idea of separation is the barrier.
Have you tried 5:50? Touch the spider's web anywhere and the whole web starts shaking, trembling;the whole vibrates.
Students find their "genius" , as you call it, when they are fused with the whole.
"Whole Child, Whole Community" had potential, but control and implementation of the plan was "Whole PPS Central Office".
Children and Community, even when given a voice, have been shut out of the process. The process is under total control of Central Office Administrators.
'Whole Child, Whole Community" is a stack of papers with empty words. "Appropriate and engaging words" do not constitute a "pathway" to reality in PPS.
The eradication of poverty seems very far off the radar of our society so it would make the most sense for public school systems to impact the lives of students especially those who are disadvantaged as effectively and as dramatically as possible while they are within their walls and under their guidance between 7:30 and 3:30 from K thru 12 (and some even say K-14).
Don't underestimate the tenacity and perseverance of many of these young people to make something of themselves when equipped and supported by an educational system that makes an informed effort to meet the needs of it's student population - even if the odds of home/community seem to be against them.
Also, don't discount the stories of those young people who have risen above and beyond their impoverished beginnings and achieved success in many areas. These stories can and will continue to be written given the right direction and the right leadership in our public school systems and our government leadership.
Terrific post, 11:58.
The current justification for schools not being able to educate urban children are "poverty" or the "absence of opportunity".
"Equipped and supported" by an informed educational system, as you have clearly articulated, we can meet the needs of the 'urban' student population in PPS and lead them to positive and productive outcomes..
The alternative avenues, when undertaken, swiftly bring success despite the odds!
Thank you 11:58 for your words of wisdom.
Wonder why our suoerintendent and the many, many superintendents of failing districts around the country are not taking these avenues to swift success.
Questioner, if we answered your "Wonder why" you would swiftly delete it! The answer to most non-white and/or "informed" is obvious!
So why is it that African Anerican superintendents of struggling districts throughout the country are not taking these sure fire paths to success?
The tenacity and perseverance of many of these young people can be directly sourced to their poverty and lack of opportunity.
Many students find their "genius" because of such harsh beginnings.
And of course that's a truth that lacks excuses.
Short and simply--"white power" and "racism" and "ignorance" about the sure=fire ways to success!
Think about it---PPS still meets regularly and systematically with Broad, Gates and other foundations that are "paying" the way to supposed improvement in PPS and other such districts nationwide. These monied sources are most definitely "white power"! Case closed?
The case is not closed- school boards have the power to refuse the foundations. Most struggling school districts are majority African Anerican and can or do (as in Pittsburgh) elect a majority African American directors. Most likely the problem is not recalcitrant superintendents or school boards (of any race).
Hey what about this revelation that a superintendent can't make a decision without approval from the school board. So who ends up being the recalcitrant now.
So in Pittsburgh for example it would be impossible to convince 5 board members to approve surefire avenues for success? Or could it be that the evidence isn't all that compelling?
So...if what you say is true 3:13...what impact would Dr. Wayne Walters as Superintendent of PPS have on the balance of "white power"?
Case still closed?
The evidence is more than compelling! In fact, it makes all the sense in the world particularly if you believe in EQUITY and define it without 'exclusionary" conditions!_____common sense, understood by any rational and open-minded individual!
However, what would happen to all of those employment opportunities now funded by Broad/Gates/Foundations, ad nauseum?
Money is the root of most evils---and certainly impacts profoundly, PPS and other such school districts. Follow the money?
The influence of money is surely a problem, and people of all races can be swayed by its power.
Dr. Walters, by all evidence, has a mind of his own and acts consistently in the best interest of the Obama students who are his primary responsibility. Independent thinking, building relationships with students, community, and others have demonstrated his ability to work effectively, with purpose, toward a collective goal---despite interference from Central Office.
Dr. Walters knows the PPS District, this city, productive educational practice and has diverse constituents willing to follow and support his wise and reflective leadership. PPS does NOT need money from Broad/Gates/Fdns ("white-power") to successfully educate PPS students, even the most under-served and disenfranchised. Lessons learned are proliferous!
Successful experience in the form of primary responsibility for typical urban feeder schools (ie not a magnet) would be a huge plus for a candidate. In fact it should probably be a baseline requirement.
Questioner, you seem to be advocating for an elementary principal. The principal at Faison, which would meet the criteria for bringing an urban school to success, has not had the time to do that, nor the experience/expertise necessary for a Superintendency. Same is true for the principals at Weil or Miller or Manchester! Care to name your candidate from a Pittsburgh school who meets the criteria?
4:16
In the final analysis____it is all about Leadership and not white power.
There may or may not be appropriate candidates from Pittsburgh schools- training through programs like PELA has apparently not gone as well as hoped, very possibly resulting in a shortage in qualified candidates from PPS. The Board is of course not limited to choosing a current employee.
Remember, whomever fits your bill as a next supt.the candidate must hold a Letter of Eligibility to be considered, PPS born/bred/trained or not.
Dr. Walters would have to sever ties with Broad/Gates/Fdns. What makes you think he would/could make that move?
Lord, please don't let Wayne Walters become superintendent. He's a divisive leader at best. He alienates many good teachers, encourages "cliques" of teachers who are either "in" or "out" at his will. From a parent perspective, maybe he seems okay -- although I know plenty that don't care for him -- but to lead district teachers, he'd be horrible.
The primary Broad/Gates "ties", trainees, and grads are Linda Lane and Donna Micheaux. Others have already moved on from PPS.
Seems like most posters here would prefer a stranger whose only credentials and recommendations are on paper, so it will take several years before we learn whether or not they have the skills needed to provide an adequate education for Pittsburgh's students.
Good luck!
This poster, like 9:57, simply prefers NOT Wayne Walters.
10:19
I think posters here are tossing around ideas about who would be a good fit for superintendent of PPS. Many prefer an insider while others are wanting someone with a fresh outlook. Either way, that person needs to be able to produce credentials that reflect legitimate educational training and at least some experience as an asst supt, if not a bona fide supt, with a worthwhile track record of working in an urban setting. Otherwise, all you'll getting another Mark Roosevelt!
To 3:42 - Think about it. Elected Board members who are without an educational background or degree may not be able to recognize the true meaning of "compelling."
One didn't need an educational background or degree to recognize the leadership, integrity, credibility and respect that embodied Dr. Helen Faison. She would walk into a room and you would feel her presence.
Do I think there is an African American educator currently in PPS that could come close to filling her shoes?
I think not.
Dr. Faison's humility graced her presence. It was her finest asset.
To your point 3:07 , Dr. Faison was a leader and teacher long before she had papers of
eligibility.
Credentials and degrees have their place but those qualities that make for great leadership are felt. It is their nature.
And to add, Dr. Faison's expert leadership and her true and compassionate understanding of what teachers and students were in need of in a public school setting may have gone UNTAPPED if she hadn't taken the initiative to obtain the necessary credentials that allowed her to step beyond the classroom into a district leadership position and leave the legacy of greatness that she did. She was truly a blessing!!
Yes. Dr. Faison's legacy sets the bar high in our search for the next Superintendent.
As it should.
If there's a Helen Faison out there in Timbuktu Iowa....let's bring her in.
To hell with a Pennsylvania learning curve.
Educators who came up under Dr. Helen Faison with similar values, knowledge, experience, true commitment to Pittsburgh's students have been excised from the district as 'the enemy'. So "sad.
Who are the Board members capable of identifying and trusting people who came up in Pittsburgh (not Timbuktu) quality educators who have carried Pittsburgh's children in their hearts over a lifetime? Who are the educators who can think independently, who have built relationships with the Pittsburgh community, who can draw together a TEAM of similar people who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the children in PPS?
Is there any possibility that the Pittsburgh community can make this happen? This is the opportunity! Will we let it pass us by in search of a 'glittering" candidate in search of self-aggrandizement?
Yes, we need, desperately, the Dr. Helen Faison model for Superintendent!
Yes, 10:08, when Dr. Faison was Superintendent, she pulled PPS principals into key positions at Central Office. She knew the work of those Pittsburgh educators who had demonstrated exceptional qualities in their PPS careers. The CO Leaders that she chose had Pittsburgh roots and commitment to this city's families and children. Dr. Faison identified the best of the best here in Pittsburgh! Further, there was no need for zillions of outside consultants. She chose people who were successful because they had experience and skills and knew what to do to educate Pittsburgh's kids!
Can we do that again?
http://triblive.com/mobile/8763924-96/faison-pittsburgh-education
Note Mark Brentley's opening comment
Haven't you found some previous self aggrandizement exibited within our own, 10:08?
Former Pgh Superintendent Dick Wallace was an outside candidate & non-Pennsylvanian who knew how to empower this district and place PPS on the map as a national model for how to do things right by students and teachers. He even conceptualized standardized testing well before the PSSA was created.
Get over the native son compulsion and support the best one for the job. Not everyone who may apply from the outside for Pgh Supt job has a hidden agenda!
Must we always pull out one phrase with the intent to discredit the entire content? Spin it any way you like, but_________
Can we not seek what is good, what is legitimate, what as a whole will define what we need to see in a Superintendent?
None of us is without flaw. We learn, we grow from the mistakes we make. What have we learned from the mistakes we have endured due to generally-speaking bad choices? What have we learned from our hometown educators in PPS and Central Office?
Internal accountability is always more effective than external accountability!
11:49 - We most assuredly trust that the Board will not choose a "hidden agenda" candidate.
10:08 and 10:46 ( one and the same? )
Your comments are so polarizing that you end up alienating the very people you seek to inspire to " rise up forthwith!"
Dr. Helen Faison never spoke in such condescending,know it all, demeaning manner as you do of the men and women who occupy CO.
She saw potential in everyone and in her own quietness led all those around her to aspire to excellence.
And they did.
12:49 - You are so right about Dr. Faison! So, are the posters at 10:08 and 10:46. So, are all of those who are testifying at the public hearings. They are speaking out about what they want to see in the next Superintendent.
Hopefully, 12:49, you are not interpreting all of the comments as "demeaning" or "condescending" remarks toward the men and women who occupy CO.
All of CO aspires to excellence past, present and future. All of Pittsburgh wants to see the "potential" of educators, parents, community, and most of all students fulfilled.
Let us work toward that goal!
A great deal of misinformation within this thread, but that should never surprise anyone.
It's funny to me that there are those who believe that somehow, Linda Lane was a grand superintendent. On the contrary, much like her predecessor, here was an individual who was clueless about the needs of urban students, urban teachers, urban school based administrators. To the point, during her tenure she merely extended the policies of the worst superintendent in the history of PPS.
Meanwhile, I'm not sure Wayne Walters ever expressed an interest in the position, but I can tell you that he would have the interests of Pittsburgh's children first and foremost. Period. I can tell you that he would hold his teaching staff to be professional and accountable only (the comment about encouraging cliques within his teaching staff is laughable) and I can tell you that no matter his background, Broad or IB, he is an intelligent man who would do what he needed to push the district ahead.
I'm kind of doubtful that he would go for the job, but to see what amounts to a character assassination here on Pure Reform is troubling. No administrator is going to please every teacher or parent, but above all, the man is fair to all. He has the best interests of his students and staff at heart in all of his decisions.
That's something we have not seen in the superintendent's chair for some time in this city
Thanks for your astute comments, 4:31. Many of us can tell you examples of Dr. Walters based on highly positive personal and professional interactions. He has always demonstrated insight, intellect, knowledge, communication skills and building effective interpersonal relationships with good people!
I've been searching and searching....where in these posts did anyone proclaim Linda Lane a grand superintendent? Dr. Wallace, yes. Dr. Faison, yes. Not sure where/how you read these comments.
Apologies. That comment was made after reading numerous threads here.
Thanks to 5:51 I am in complete agreement.
No need to provide content in these threads and then ascribe agreement, astuteness and/or wisdom as comment to your own content.
Ouch!
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