tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post5898169635439744260..comments2023-08-24T05:24:51.011-04:00Comments on PURE Reform: IB discussionQuestionerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-8902082159867169362011-04-20T18:58:50.096-04:002011-04-20T18:58:50.096-04:00Well, another way of looking at it is that current...Well, another way of looking at it is that currently we are not providing ways to excel for students who do like to learn, whose interests are academic, whose "special needs" are to be pushed and challenged. <br /><br />It's always a push/pull, but the truth is that not everyone needs to be great at all academic pursuits. They need to be literate, they need to be able to analyze an argument and learn how to research things they hear on the news, they need enough math ability to meet their financial needs. <br /><br />Everyone needs to know where to go to get more education when they need it. <br /><br />But what good is it having kids spend 6, 8, 10 or 13 years being bored, thinking learning is boring, thinking they know a whole lot just because they learn a little quicker -- when in fact they could be learning so much more. <br /><br />We're creating lack of motivation and apathy among the people who could be our intellectual engine of the future when we don't give them opportunities for small, focused groups, accelerated learning, etc. that we do for kids that learn more slowly. (Note -- no one is saying that learning slower means not learning, no one is saying that the kid who moons around the room in 3rd grade paying no attention and getting in trouble is never going to be able to be challenged, etc.)Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-80466271001321577352011-04-20T18:38:37.130-04:002011-04-20T18:38:37.130-04:00What ever happened to the right to education for a...<i>What ever happened to the right to education for all, provided by educators who are prepared to be "excellent" for all children?</i><br /><br />When did that ever happen? As sad as it is it never has nationally. Now it will be worse due to slashed funding.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-61203377102570152242011-04-19T02:45:56.001-04:002011-04-19T02:45:56.001-04:00Whoa! The thinking here is outrageous! On second...Whoa! The thinking here is outrageous! On second thought, perhaps is precisely represents the MR regime. Public (free) schools for the elite among us. Schools that do not have to teach ALL kids, only those who feel they deserve a "private" school population.<br /><br />What ever happened to the right to education for all, provided by educators who are prepared to be "excellent" for all children?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-18115505176220749262011-04-19T00:38:36.023-04:002011-04-19T00:38:36.023-04:00"I would disagree with the last two posters s...<i>"I would disagree with the last two posters somewhat. First, unless your child has his heart set on pursuing science, I'd say the district did you a favor"</i><br /><br />I thought I made it clear that he favors science and math. <br /><br />Why did the district do us a favor?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-72181178961507828222011-04-18T22:16:35.926-04:002011-04-18T22:16:35.926-04:00"Which group is bigger, the one of folks inte..."Which group is bigger, the one of folks interested in keeping the kids away from "bad" kids or the group interested in keeping kids dedicated to getting a good education"<br /><br />Are these things mutually exclusive? I know plenty of parents who choose the "better" schools over their neighborhood schools because of disruptive kids/kids who seem uninterested in learning at those schools. The flavor/theme of the school is less important to them than the fact that there are going to be more kids there paying attention, doing homework, having parents who are upset with the child over a call home, etc. <br /><br />I think the district realizes that someone who has applied for a specialty school is more likely to keep looking for an alternative, hence the letter. It also shows which schools are in more demand.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-14770398932804043302011-04-18T21:33:47.357-04:002011-04-18T21:33:47.357-04:00Anonymous 1:14, that the letter encouraged you to ...<i>Anonymous 1:14, that the letter encouraged you to consider Obama threw me for a loop. That suggests that you are only interested in getting your kid into a "better" school regardless of feeder pattern or area of interest. Which group is bigger, the one of folks interested in keeping the kids away from "bad" kids or the group interested in keeping kids dedicated to getting a good education</i><br /><br />I am confused... The district sent a letter suggesting it with the rejection letter regarding Sci-Tech. I did not contact them.<br /><br />Chill out.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-38181915051720324362011-04-18T17:41:42.088-04:002011-04-18T17:41:42.088-04:00We would really need to have the cost comparison d...We would really need to have the cost comparison described above, then throw in other factors like esthetics, proximity to universities and the main library, central location, etc. if the results are at all close. Since Reizenstein is the most marketable it is difficult to see how Reiz would be the most economical choice overall.<br /><br />By carefully restricting membership on the facilities committee, the district ensured that the facilities consultant would not be asked to do this type of analysis. Instead, the consultants determined (based mainly on existing surveys) how much it would cost to make existing buildings "like new" without considering missing or inadequate features like auditoriums and gyms. Another totally illogical approach.Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-43102168357495410332011-04-18T17:32:18.016-04:002011-04-18T17:32:18.016-04:00The building was not sold and is not for sale.The building was not sold and is not for sale.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-8723897432585347572011-04-18T17:23:50.096-04:002011-04-18T17:23:50.096-04:00OK, Questioner, you were around for the Schenley d...OK, Questioner, you were around for the Schenley debacle. What's your gut feeling about this? I'll throw that out to any other parent or teacher who saw that building sold under strange circumstances. Any ideas?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-36006906597873480952011-04-18T17:23:36.601-04:002011-04-18T17:23:36.601-04:00If anyone has any doubt as to where the IB program...If anyone has any doubt as to where the IB program should be, just take a drive past Schenley during the next few days. This is what a high school looks like- and enjoy the stunning display of blossoms that are in bloom.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-55898960882353489642011-04-18T12:34:07.478-04:002011-04-18T12:34:07.478-04:00So it's round and round- stay at Reiz, but it ...So it's round and round- stay at Reiz, but it needs roof and interior repairs as well as an auditorium and more gym space; go to Peabody, but it does not have enough parking or outdoor facilities, and the building and/or incidents and immediate surroundings are likely to deter some; or return to Schenley, where some work should be done but at nowhere near the cost tossed around by MR. <br /><br />A summary of what needs to be done to make each option acceptable for at least 20 - 30 years and at what cost should be drawn up. Costs should take into account reduced debt service andexpected school tax revenue if Reizenstein is freed up for sale.Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-21001622150541074382011-04-18T12:24:37.692-04:002011-04-18T12:24:37.692-04:00With what money?! There's not going to be any...With what money?! There's not going to be any big improvements anywhere for at least 5 years. At least. If ever.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-13113136282270165702011-04-18T12:18:49.338-04:002011-04-18T12:18:49.338-04:00And they should add a second gym while they're...And they should add a second gym while they're at it!Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-2617527522050438422011-04-18T12:14:10.263-04:002011-04-18T12:14:10.263-04:00New auditorium and other facility needs could be p...New auditorium and other facility needs could be put onto an addition at Reizenstein,Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-78736159954685324392011-04-18T12:11:25.357-04:002011-04-18T12:11:25.357-04:00Letters from PPS bout APcourses also went to Junio...Letters from PPS bout APcourses also went to Juniors at the IB program this year. That made no sense. PPS sends out some goofy letters to different populations. To me, no big deal. I'd rather see more than less and ignore some that does not apply or appeal to my kids and family.Mark Rauterkushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17157914569686528007noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-58678642281037726782011-04-18T10:58:08.877-04:002011-04-18T10:58:08.877-04:00And as such, Questioner, I cannot see how this mov...And as such, Questioner, I cannot see how this move will be made unless....unless....that building has already been promised or sold.<br />Parents who have experience with the old Schenley building know all about how that works.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-57869370208625477612011-04-18T10:54:53.204-04:002011-04-18T10:54:53.204-04:00Hasn't the district said that as part of budge...Hasn't the district said that as part of budget measures, there will not be improvements at Peabody?Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-49167236126179377022011-04-18T10:49:51.415-04:002011-04-18T10:49:51.415-04:00I would disagree with the last two posters somewha...I would disagree with the last two posters somewhat. First, unless your child has his heart set on pursuing science, I'd say the district did you a favor. Second, a great deal depends on the program, no? CAPA did well for years in Homewood. To make a blanket statement as you have is folly. Yes, I think reizenstein offers more of a campus setting for IB and I am not sure about dreary Peabody, which, from what I hear needs some remediation inside. But it's what goes on inside the school that counts. <br />Sorry, but I disagree.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-20573960619594414492011-04-18T08:28:39.416-04:002011-04-18T08:28:39.416-04:00Honestly would have to say that IB does not have a...Honestly would have to say that IB does not have a prayer of surviving at Peabody.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-62604183242252119222011-04-18T07:52:21.904-04:002011-04-18T07:52:21.904-04:00Anonymous 1:14, that the letter encouraged you to ...Anonymous 1:14, that the letter encouraged you to consider Obama threw me for a loop. That suggests that you are only interested in getting your kid into a "better" school regardless of feeder pattern or area of interest. Which group is bigger, the one of folks interested in keeping the kids away from "bad" kids or the group interested in keeping kids dedicated to getting a good education?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-85365820859965013992011-04-18T01:14:22.258-04:002011-04-18T01:14:22.258-04:00My son did not get into Sci-Tech for 6th grade, we...My son did not get into Sci-Tech for 6th grade, we got a letter from the district encouraging us to apply to Obama.<br /><br />Last time I checked IB focus vs. Science, technology do not concentrate on the same interests or strengths of a child.<br /><br />It was a bit insulting for the district to assume we thought our kids interests were unimportant. They see it as slots not filled. My son is in gifted, however that is pure IQ decided by PPS. (which I hate) He would struggle with IB, yet exceed at Sci Tech.<br /><br />They have zero interest in keeping gifted kids, disadvantaged kids, minority kids, or any demographic beyond Colfax, and a few other choice schoos & to a lesser extent Alderdice engaged or in school. <br /><br />I have nothing against Colfax, more power to you! If a family asks me where they should live within the city of Pittsburgh, I usually suggest Colfax/Alderdice pattern.<br />They keep chipping away.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-31272130054403755452011-04-18T00:48:55.364-04:002011-04-18T00:48:55.364-04:00The PPS website shows spaces open in 9 and 10 but ...The PPS website shows spaces open in 9 and 10 but does not show how many spaces:<br /><br />http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/1431105115023673/blank/browse.asp?a=383&BMDRN=2000&BCOB=0&c=62410&1431105115023673Nav=|&NodeID=5979<br /><br />One reason may be that for 9 and 10 students need to not only have a 2.5 GPA but be proficient in reading AND math. Is that a new requirement?Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-88173286645726060692011-04-18T00:40:09.085-04:002011-04-18T00:40:09.085-04:00How's enrollment for Obama next year? Weren&#...How's enrollment for Obama next year? Weren't there problems with numbers for 9th grade next year? If it's a 6-12, why are students there in middle school then leaving after eighth?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-9025015431093301702011-04-16T20:33:03.832-04:002011-04-16T20:33:03.832-04:00Feel free to give specifics for a separate thread ...Feel free to give specifics for a separate thread since this thread is focusing on ib schenley obama reiz.Questionerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04349071186140766778noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-49258804305307213.post-82557882637839802412011-04-16T20:23:13.443-04:002011-04-16T20:23:13.443-04:00There is no shortage of "shafts" for kid...There is no shortage of "shafts" for kids across the district. Some have been getting the "shaft" for many years, in many ways, for many reasons!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com