PURE Reform

Oliver and Perry merger "worries everyone but the district"

2012-02-02T19:46:00.002-05:00

On another post (actually a post relevant to the topic) Anonymous wrote:

"NEW TOPIC-
http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/pittsburgh/on-north-side-a-proposed-high-school-merger-worries-everyone-except-the-school-district/Content?oid=1487474

On North Side, a proposed high school merger worries everyone except the school district

" while Lane admits "I am not pleased or proud of the Westinghouse transition," she adds "there is also a record of being able to do [school transitions] well."
Yes, but that record wasnt YOURS! It was during a time when the meetings of faculties of the two schools met and discussed STUDENTS and FAMILIES and how to best bring people together- none of this happened during "right-sizing" (one transitional night wasnt exactly enough! and we all know it didnt happen for Westinghouse. This district spent time getting people together for these transitions. But, oh , yes, you dont want to hear about what worked."

Antioch free tuition

2012-01-30T16:09:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"$106,000 College Education For Free? Antioch College Waiving Tuition For Students Enrolling In Next 3 Years

Article: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/01/29/antioch-college-free-tuition_n_1239065.html "

Changes to CAS/ collapsing levels part II

2012-01-28T08:56:00.002-05:00

Continuing the original "Changes to CAS" post Anonymous wrote:

"Here's some enlightenment for you: so this year, mainstream English classes became "PSP" amid a flurry of double-speak as to exactly why. Interesting to note that the PFT contract states that MAINSTREAM English class sizes may not exceed 30. It says NOTHING about PSP, which, according to Union leadership, opens the door for those classes to be an AVERAGE of 35, plus or minus 4. Smart move for the administration; they slipped it right past us. Welcome to the new "state of the union".

As to the CAS fiasco, research proves that gifted students learn differently. They need to be challenged on a differentiated level based on the nature of their "giftedness". That is next to impossible when class sizes are growing exponentially. For now, CAS is the new PSP, while PSP is the new mainstream, and mainstream? Why, they just don't exist as that would mean that some are simply not "Promise-Ready". And we can't have that now, can we?"

What's behind the cuts

2012-01-28T00:07:00.002-05:00

From the PG, a letter headed "Weakening schools":

"Sadly, while the public school district has had to reduce its budget for next year by $11.1 million, or 2.1 percent, Dilworth faces a budget cut for next year of nearly 15 percent."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12027/1206247-110.stm#ixzz1kj6Xp4AZ

- Budget problems are based on cuts in state funding of education, but as this letter illustrates the reduction in money from the state only partially explains PPS's financial crunch. There would have been serious problems state cuts or not.

The other side of what happened at Westinghouse

2012-01-27T20:20:00.002-05:00

Another view that has been making the rounds:

"A History of Lack of Support at Westinghouse

As someone who has worked very closely with the Westinghouse community and staff, I thought it very appropriate at this time to voice my concern for the lack of support that the board administration has given the school leadership team at Westinghouse over the last several years. The central office administration continues to use the media to give the appearance to the community that the principals’ lack of leadership is the sole reason that the transformation of Westinghouse was not successful. Those of us who are a part of the school community know that is clearly not the case. In a survey given to the parents prior to Abbott and McNeil being placed on leave, only 6% of the parents surveyed felt that the school leadership was poor. The overwhelming majority of both parents and staff that were surveyed understood that the school leadership was working diligently to establish a culture of learning that was quite different than what the students had experienced previously. It is a shame that the board administration not only showed a lack of support for the change that was being instituted at Westinghouse, but placed additional barriers in the principals’ and teachers’ way. It makes us wonder why they would do this. If the administration did not support the change into a single gender school, why allow the principals to open the school as such.

And we all continue to read about the school being unorganized. How much did the district administration contribute to the lack of organization within the school, when construction that was critical to the effective opening of the school was delayed for more than two months? During a time that the use of the school is critical for the effective opening of the school year, the entire staff was unable to have access to classrooms. Four schools were being closed, classrooms moved, materials shipped to a new location. How many additional custodians were sent to support the major changes that were taking place? How is it that all of the necessary books and materials from Peabody High School were delivered to Westinghouse two school days prior to when students would arrive? This was an entire cafeteria full of items that would need to be sorted and distributed. Where was the board administrative team when the staff worked diligently to have these materials in their classrooms and establish a welcoming learning environment for the opening day of school? Who is being held accountable for opening the school earlier than all other high schools, when construction continued to delay the staff from being able to have access to the school?

In preparing for the students, the principals understood the importance of emphasizing academic and behavioral expectations from the start of school. As a community school, the school leadership team requested the opportunity to focus on expectations for the classroom, halls, assemblies, and overall school wide performance. This was to be the focus of the first four weeks of school. Students would receive the necessary guidance in transitioning into the new school. Unfortunately, the assistant superintendent for high schools, Christiana Otuwa, would not allow the principals to have a major focus on these areas. Although the students were coming from many different schools and neighborhoods, the school was supposed to begin like any other school. We see now that student behavior and expectations continues to be a major issue at Westinghouse. When given the opportunity to allow students to see that the entire community supports the change that they are a part of, once again the initiatives of the principals were not supported.

At Westinghouse, there is a level of disorganization that surpasses the authority and responsibility of the principal. On numerous occasions the principals of the Academy at Westinghouse were told that the new scheduling software could handle a trimester calendar. If the system was unable to handle the unique structure of scheduling that was being developed, why would the board administration continue to emphasize a trimester calendar? It was a technology issue that created the inability to have students scheduled properly. Up until the day before school, Principal Abbott was told that the scheduling in Pinnacle was correct. Christiana Otuwa arrived at Westinghouse the second day of school, knowing that the Pinnacle software was not correct and pressured Principal Abbott to print the schedules that were in Pinnacle. Why would Principal Abbott not be allowed to use a hand scheduling method that other schools were using? Schools that did not have a trimester schedule were experiencing the same problems and these schools opened for students more than a week after Westinghouse. Christiana Otuwa showed little regard for the students who would be more frustrated as a result of receiving schedules that were unreadable. The principals should have been allowed by their supervisor to schedule in the manner that would work for the school.

There has been a clear pattern of disregard on the board administration’s part as it relates to the support that has been requested by the principals at Westinghouse. How is it that every year Westinghouse continues to receive a large percent of the displaced teachers from throughout the district? Teachers are placed at Westinghouse that have no desire to work at the school, while those that want to make a difference within the community are assigned elsewhere. In July of 2010 Principal McNeil brought it to the attention of his supervisors that over 40% of the teachers at Westinghouse were coming from displacements. His continued communication regarding this situation that was not equitable was not given the attention that was necessary. Students at Westinghouse should have been afforded the opportunity to be taught by the district’s best teachers, not constantly receiving new teachers that lack the skill set and experience to teach the students in our community. Yet, the principal continued to follow protocol and support the reform agenda that was being proposed by the board administration, hoping that the board leadership would hold true to the promise of hiring staff for the school that would be required to go through an intense hiring process.

But what was the incentive for an effective teacher to come to The Academy at Westinghouse? While the district was promoting the Teacher Academies at Brashear and King as career ladder positions for teachers with monetary incentives, who was busy recruiting teachers for the most important task of creating change for the students of the East End? After all, it was only the closure and consolidation of four low performing schools. The principals were being asked to do this while remaining committed to all the responsibilities of other principals as well. So the principals not only had to advocate for the school and recruit teachers, but initially students had to sign up to attend the school as well. And who was out in the community meeting with parents and families and the community in order to recruit students? It was the principals again who were charged with ensuring that students signed up to attend the school. Yet, given the outright lack of district support, more than 500 parents chose to send their children to the Academy at Westinghouse. They desired to send their children to a Westinghouse that would be designed different, hoping that the district would hold true to their promises. So the principals communicated to parents and students that they would receive qualified teachers who would present an approach to learning that was different than what they were currently receiving. So did the district hold true to this promise? The answer is an unequivocal No.

Out of the 50 teachers at Westinghouse, 21 were placed there without going through the rigorous observation and interview process conducted by the principals. How is it that the district can say that they were committed to making the new school work for the students at Westinghouse when the district continues to display a lack of effort in hiring and assigning teachers to the school? After Derrick Lopez left the district, who was the board administrator who was committed to the work of this transformation? Who would have brought this issue up in executive meetings with all of the attention that was being given to the Teacher Academies? Again, the school leadership and staff were left alone to deal with the results of these poor decisions. The school leadership would have to tell teachers, who were assigned to a school that they did not choose, that the school was designed in a manner that would require them to work additional hours each day. Also, these teachers were asked to report to the school three weeks prior to the opening of the school for training. But somehow, the teachers and school leadership came together for the benefit of the students and 50 – 60% of the staff regularly attended the summer training.

So when the school year began, many people were under the impression that the teachers who were at Westinghouse wanted to be there and were the top candidates. What has not been addressed by the district administration throughout all of the communication with the media is the fact that the principals were told by assistant superintendent, Christiana Otuwa, to place 17 teachers on Employee Improvement Plans. How could the principals, who had personal relationships with parents and students, and had promised the best teachers, now say that 35% of the staff is performing at an unsatisfactory level? Were these same teachers unsatisfactory at their previous schools? Why would these unsatisfactory teachers be placed at Westinghouse, the new school with the greatest need of support? Christiana Otuwa and the board administration did not care about the school climate that would be created by such a directive as this. Placing 17 teachers on an improvement plan in a newly designed and consolidated school would have negatively impacted the entire school community. Teachers were already being required to perform tasks that were new and take leadership roles within the school community. These teachers were putting forth effort to meet the goals being set by the board and school administration. There has not been any principal in the district that was required to address teacher evaluations in such a manner as the principals at Westinghouse. Otuwa’s directive to place these staff members on improvement plans was unacceptable. Were these teachers on plans at their previous school? I applaud McNeil for standing up to a supervisor that attempts to bully people into doing what she wants.

Curriculum implementation has also been a topic of concern, but as I recall the district was to hire a curriculum coordinator for the school. Of course this did not happen as it should have. The district administration chose to hire a project manager rather than someone that could help with the necessary curriculum support. The project manager, that the principals were not permitted to supervise, reported directly to Christiana Otuwa. Why is it that the leaders that are in the school each day, were not able to assign important tasks to the people that were hired by the board administration to perform those responsibilities?

But was there to be a different curriculum anyway? The students were given additional time in the classroom. The emphasis on a different curriculum was not a priority. A theme of leadership was being infused into the curriculum throughout the school. This is another plot to distract us from the true issue at hand, which is the lack of support and true effort that the school district made to ensure that Westinghouse was a success this school year. Many of us communicated that the school should grow by a grade each year like other schools that were new in the district. There is no other school that serves similar students that was approved to open in the manner as Westinghouse Academy.

We are constantly reading reports that the school is better now, but how can that be when the amount of citations issued to students has drastically increased. Teachers are afraid to voice their concerns for fear of losing their jobs or being an eventual target. The district implied that the principals were the issue, so it must be better now. The current school administration that was placed at Westinghouse has been given a new level of support. But what has happened is a decrease in the expectations for students. The school was designed in a manner that required young men and young women to understand the importance of dress. On the first days of school, community members called the school constantly to thank the leadership for the change that was visible in the community. Young men and women were dressed in a uniform that identified them as a student involved in a special movement within their community. Students are no longer required to wear the same uniform dress. Why did we lower the expectation? The students were previously required to submit all electronics/cell phones at the door, prior to entering the school. This is no longer taking place and students have reverted back to having phones and music out as before. Implementing change takes a commitment and focus. I only wish our students had been given a chance to adjust to the higher expectations that were being established.

It seems that everyone that was closely connected to the process of transforming Westinghouse has moved on to other positions outside of the district except Principal McNeil. Principal McNeil has received satisfactory performance evaluations and qualified for the principal incentive bonuses both years as Principal of Westinghouse High School, and as recent as October 2011. He received an evaluation from Otuwa in August that was satisfactory. He was then placed on an improvement plan in October 2011 and placed on leave less than four weeks later. Did he even get the opportunity to work towards improvement as suggested? Principal McNeil even questioned the sincerity of his supervisor to support his improvement after she stated in her first meeting to discuss the plan that she was looking to rate principals out. It appears that his job performance is now being questioned to the point that he may no longer hold any administrative position in the district. This is a shame and I am hoping that the school board will correct the negligent actions of the administration that supervises Principal McNeil."

Now it's adults doing the hitting?

2012-01-27T17:28:00.002-05:00

Incident at Weil, from WPXI:

http://www.wpxi.com/news/news/local/parents-teachers-aide-hill-district-school-hit-son/nHJgK/

Teachers receiving unsatisfactory ratings

2012-01-27T17:25:00.002-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"I WOULD LIKE to start a new post asking information regarding the WHYS 6 tenured teachers received Unsatisfactory ratings at Midterm this month 2012. My son’s teacher directed me to the PFT WEB SITE. Please post so we can discuss. This is so sad for teachers. As a parent I am on the teachers’ side.

Please ADM ALLOW THIS TOPIC.

Is this related to RISE.

THANKS"

This would increase enrollment

2012-01-26T11:53:00.002-05:00

President Obama calls for every state to require students to stay in school until age 18:

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/education/obama-wades-into-issue-of-raising-dropout-age.html?_r=1

From the article:

"Several economists, over two decades, have found that higher dropout ages improve not only graduation rates but entrance to higher education and career outcomes."

"The Teacher Salary Project"

2012-01-24T23:22:00.002-05:00

Link to information about a film, not yet showing in the Pgh area:

http://www.theteachersalaryproject.org/about.php

Public notice of Fadzen hearing

2012-01-24T23:16:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"New post:

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE BOARD OF PUBLIC EDUCATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT OF PITTSBURGH SHALL CONDUCT

A PUBLIC HEARING
REGARDING THE
EMPLOYMENT OF
ROBERT S. FADZEN

NOTICE is hereby given that, pursuant to the provisions of Section 514 of the Public School Code, the Board of Public Education of the School District of Pittsburgh, PA will hold a public hearing regarding the employment of Robert S. Fadzen beginning Wednesday, January 25, 2012, at 9:00 a.m. and, if necessary, continuing on January 26, 2012, January 31, 2012 and February 1, 2012. It will be held in Conference Room A, First Floor of the Board of Public Education, Administration Building, 341 South Bellefield Avenue, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213.
No public comments will be received."

New Pittsburgh Courier article on Oliver and Arsenal mergers

2012-01-24T15:28:00.001-05:00

http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6321:oliver-arsenal-prepare-for-mergers&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

New Pittsburgh Courier article on PPS achievement levels

2012-01-24T15:26:00.004-05:00

http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6320:report-pps-achievement-lowest-in-area&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

Pittsburgh Courier article on PPS achievement levels

2012-01-24T15:26:00.001-05:00

"Yinzercation"

2012-01-24T08:51:00.002-05:00

Link to site devoted to restoring funding for public education:

http://yinzercation.wordpress.com/

Two steps- 1) We need funding but 2) We need to spend wisely (see posts re: heavy funding on consultants, marketing, administration, poorly thought out moves, etc).

How we got where we are Part XXXVII (October 2009 cont'd)

2012-01-22T16:08:00.002-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

How we got where we are, part 37, October 2009, continued...

October 21, 2009: Mathematica Research receives yet another contract. Yes, that Mathematica, the firm that Paul Gill, the former PPS Chief Operations Officer and Broad Superintendent's Academy graduate (certificated in seven weekends!) that stayed less than one year, would see his son Brian leave the RAND Corporation for.

Randall Taylor exposes how the curriculum-industrial complex operated during the Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration: “I would just hope that as the Board goes forward, that we just won't, as this one here passes through, not remembering a little bit of history. That the person who originally had worked -- who had worked with Mathematica, was I believe -- I forget his name, but it was either Brian Gill, or that was his son, Mr. Gill worked for the RAND Corporation, and you remember they -- Mr. Brentley, that they put forward the graduation rate that we argued very much about, you know, that report, and questioned its accuracy, and the like.”

“And then I believe Mr. Gill left here, and went to Mathematica Corporation, and then immediately I believe he received a contract for or Mathematica received a contract for $130,000, to do work around evaluating our math programs, and he came and gave a one -- I think a one meeting report, that all of our math programs were all about the same, everyone is good.”

“And then now, you know, we see another major contract with this company, and the District had never worked with Mathematica before. So I am not saying again that anything is, you know, wrong, or amiss here, but what I am saying is that relationships develop among people in the educational industry, and each one takes care of, you know, the other. They leave positions, you go with this company, you know, and sometimes again these things aren't in the best interest of the District. I am not saying that at all about this contract, I am not saying anything is wrong, or anything is in a state of amiss, but I am just saying you have to be aware that these things happen, and try to think back at some history, and maybe try to look at who is on these Board of Directors, and who is on these things, because again Pittsburgh isn't immune to that educational industry, and the people involved.”

“It is a big, multibillion dollar industry in this country, and there is many times when these groups come through, we have no need for them, they come through, they do a study and report that nobody ever uses, and they have walked away with 200, 300, half a million dollars.”

“And so I was just saying, on this one, this is obviously somebody again that we have had a relationship with in the past, it was again strange that he leaves to go to another company, and boom, there is a contract, almost immediately, at his new position. So, I'm only saying that I think the Board should -- should again watch these contracts, watch who is involved, watch where they are going, and try to remember a little bit of history.”

How we got where we are Part XXXVI (October 2009 cont'd)

2012-01-22T16:07:00.002-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

NEW POST [this one meeting is in three parts]

How we got where we are, part 36, October 2009, continued...

October 21, 2009: Evidencing Mark Roosevelt's long-term commitment to Pittsburgh – he would announce his departure not even a year later and frankly would spend much of the next year looking for his next job – the Board approves a five-year extension for the Superintendent.

Very interesting features of the contract include the provision that “for each year of completed service as Superintendent, the District will continue to pay the cost of a life insurance policy as designated by Superintendent in an annual amount equal to $28,650, with such payment commencing in the first August following Superintendent's separating from service with the District....and continuing in each August thereafter based on two (2) years of payments for each year of completed service as Superintendent under this Contract and under any prior agreements between the District and Superintendent ("deferred life insurance payments").

Roosevelt's new contract with a starting salary of $225,000 per year was quite sympathetic to his cash flow needs, requiring that “in addition to other payments provided for in this Contract, within twenty-one (21) days following the execution of this Contract by all parties, the District shall pay the Superintendent in cash $16,150, less applicable employee withholding taxes.”

The District further “shall pay the legal costs incurred by Superintendent in connection
with negotiation of this Contract by paying such legal costs as Superintendent incurs such costs, which will not be subject to tax withholding, consistent with applicable law. The District also shall pay in cash to Superintendent, on or before December 31,2009, an amount equal to twenty percent (20%) of the total amount of such legal costs, which amount will be subject to tax withholding, consistent with applicable law.”

Mr. Brentley objects that the Board only received the contract 48 hours before the meeting. As to the alleged threat that others will hire Roosevelt, Brentley responds: “I have yet to see one e-mail, letter, fax, from any organization, or school district that has expressed an interest in pulling Mark Roosevelt.” Mr. Brentley, you really have no idea just how correct you were. Roosevelt launched a thousand job seeking inquiries in his time at PPS, only to learn that the only suitor was a closed college that would open with 35 students.

Ira Weiss, clearly grateful for the amount of business Roosevelt created for him, responds: “I would only comment that the Board has expressed a desire to add stability to the governance of the District through a commitment of five years.”

Brentley, obviously angry that PPS' aggregate statewide ranking did not move at all during Roosevelt's tenure, argues that “I would like some accountability in my community, and there is nothing here, there is no measurables, where we can tie in to making and holding this administration accountable.”

In order to skirt the law on Superintendent's contracts, Weiss has Roosevelt first resign then have the Board approve the five year agreement, steps that seem to only both Brentley and Taylor.

To be continued. Yes, this meeting is THAT good.

How we got where we are Part XXXV (October 2009)

2012-01-22T16:03:00.000-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"How we got where we are, part 35, October 2009

October 21, 2009: Seemingly oblivious to the fiscal warnings delivered loud and clear in public at least since April 2008, the Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration recommends that the Board “enter into a contract with Gallup Consulting to utilize their online assessment tool, Teacherlnsight. Galllup's research-based selection and development tool, supported through over 30 years of teacher research, would support our district to find more teachers who drive student engagement and achievement.”

Much like the PELA program before it, anyone with even a moderate working knowledge of econometrics can only scratch their head in wonder as PPS gears up to hire more teachers when the trajectory of declining enrollment coupled with flat/declining local, state and federal resources would suggest the need to plan for a smooth landing, capturing as much value from naturally occurring retirements and resignations so that biblical layoffs at one time would not be necessary.

Printing its own newspaper remained a PPS priority, as the Board authorized “its proper officers to renew the contract with Grant Communications Consulting Group to continue working with Communications and Marketing to produce two issues for publication in the Spring and Fall of 2010. Services provided include writing, photography, layout and design as well as coordination of printing and mailing. Development of story ideas and editorial approval of all newsletter content are the responsibility of the Division of Communications and Marketing. Grant Communications Consulting Group has worked with the Division of Communications and Marketing since 2007 to produce The Pittsburgh Educator.

And yet no school year could be started without all students receiving a glossy picture of Superintendent Mark Roosevelt. The Board agrees and renews “the contract with Blanc Printing Company for printing, assembly, design, editing and pre-production and mailing services for the 2010 - 11 welcome back-to-school materials” at a cost not to exceed $202,993.

Fresh off of two already Board approved trips in October 2009 – and clearly quite concerned that perhaps she was spending too much time in schools – Dr. Lane seeks Board approval for another professional development trip to participate in the Developing Teachers colloquium in October 2009 and again in early November at the Strategic Management of Human Capital Conferences. Perhaps this is a sign that we should take her seriously as Superintendent when she says she hasn’t been part of the review conversation of any particular Board action item; it may well be that she was on the road at taxpayers' expense.

The internal financial statements again warn that “Significant efforts must be made to reduce operating costs.”

To be continued. This meeting is just warming up."

Agenda review on TV at 3:00 today

2012-01-22T14:25:00.001-05:00

Should be on at 3:00 on city cable channels.

Trib update on Fazden

2012-01-21T00:35:00.000-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"Trib.update on Fadzen

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/s_777751.html"

Incident at Pgh Greenfield

2012-01-20T23:53:00.003-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12020/1204924-100.stm

PPS/ legal services

2012-01-19T10:39:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"What does PPS pay Weiss each year? PPS "outsources" many "jobs" to other law firms. The tax assessment issue that resulted in delaying the new values a year, was handled by an outside law firm. How much do we pay law firms each year? I'll bet it is alot."

Update on PSSA cheating inquiry

2012-01-18T00:51:00.002-05:00

From the Tribune:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/cityregion/s_777083.html

A+ Schools/ new Board Chair

2012-01-17T20:00:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"Educational leadership consultant Judy Johnston has been named chair of the board of A+ Schools, a local public education advocacy organization

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12017/1204090-100.stm#ixzz1jlZOWQ4C "

Article critiquing changes in public education

2012-01-16T11:27:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

http://www.commondreams.org/view/2011/04/11

Published on Monday, April 11, 2011 by TruthDig.com

Why the United States Is Destroying Its Education System

by Chris Hedges

Changes to CAS/ collapsing levels

2012-01-16T09:33:00.005-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12016/1203817-53.stm

The article describes the change as phasing out dual tracks (PSP and mainstream) leaving just CAS and PSP. Whatever the tracks are called, a more accurate description would be that the CAS/ PSP/ mainstream tracks are being changed to two levels, an regular level that blends mainstream and PSP students and an honors level that blends CAS and PSP students.

A change that the article for some reason fails to mention is that CAS classes will not be limited to 20 students. Instead of just looking the other way when classes exceed 20 students, PPS has come up with the justification that the regulations merely limit gifted classes to "20 gifted students"- meaning that the district can add to the 20 students identified as gifted. So, according to PPS, a class of 21 gifted students would not be permitted, but a class of 20 gifted students and 10 students not identified as gifted is fine. The overall goal for HS class size is 30 students.

How we got where we are Part XXXIV (September 2009)

2012-01-15T20:15:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"How we got where we are, part 34, September 2009

September 29, 2009: The Board approves “the Bureau of Technical Education Approved Program Evaluation Correction Plan and Status Update for 2008-2009 for the district and t he nine high schools with CTE programs to be submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education as required by Chapter 339.”

2.5 years later, we still have no comprehensive plan for services and frankly significantly lag in quality and quantity compared to the suburban cooperative AVTS ventures. All PPS students and parents are reminded that the school code may permit you to attend one of those half-day programs at PPS' expense if they have an offering not available to you in Pittsburgh.

The Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration declares the Accelerated Learning Academies such a smashing success that the Board authorizes an amendment to the America's Choice contract to increase the amount by $100,000.

The Board authorizes Deputy Superintendent Linda Lane to spend three days in Baltimore at the Summit for Courageous Conversations and yet another two days days in Charleston for New Teachers for New Schools, both in the month of October.

Clearly not heeding the fiscal warnings, Human Resources is “reorganized” to include both a Chief of Performance Management and a Chief of Talent Management. All told in the September minutes there are 12 positions opened, but only 10 closed. When you add the director and manager positions opened in August, that's a 40 percent increase in management in roughly 30 days. The exponential expansion of human resources described here during Jody Spolar's reign does not even include the contract with The New Teacher's Project (a Gates' funded, anti-union outfit), nor the already existing positions not touched by this reorganization.

Not to be outdone, the Research office joins the central office expansion parade, with the creation of a “Project Coordinator, Measures.” A Director of Communications and Marketing is also hired.

All in the same month that the internal financial statements, swimming against the riptide of Roosevelt everyday math, remind the Superintendent and Board that “the delay in adoption of the State budget leaves our cash, equity and revenue positions lower than they should be”, although not yet in a position of cash flow borrowing because of the prudent reserves in place at the time. Once again the Board/Gates crowd is warned that “significant efforts must be made to reduce operating costs.”

Mark Brentley gives a scorching critique of Mark Roosevelt's goals: “I think clearly what we see here is just these are real general terms...where are the measurables? We are getting ready to put our teachers through a very, very serious programming of checking, and monitoring, and measuring their progress. Where are they for the Superintendent?...our children are short changed, because we have nothing we can really hold onto....you should know by now it is awfully uncomfortable to disagree with this administration....getting some of these measurable things in there would have been next to impossible, because that's just the path that's already been put before us. I am disappointed on behalf of our students, disappointed on behalf of our parents, who are looking for this Board, and this administration, to really help....the masses of students in this District need some serious direction, some serious leadership, and something the parents can say, "Well, we can monitor you with, we know how to follow you, and check your progress as we go forward."....with these kinds of goals, almost anybody can obtain...very, very, very general terms, that nowhere, no how, can move it forward. So automatically, you know, someone automatically, at the end of the year or so, will give the appearance that they have met all of the goals....totally disappointed on behalf of those children who really need some real direction, and some real help in this School District.” "

How we got where we are Part XXXIII (August 2009)

2012-01-15T16:11:00.003-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"How we got where we are, part 33, August 2009

August 26, 2009: the Board enters into a contract with the Council of the Great City Schools “to execute a comprehensive audit of all existing programs for students with exceptionalities. This audit would encompass the impact of special education programs on the District's pre-school through age 21 students with disabilities. Audit challenges will include: a comprehensive look at the overall efficiency and effectiveness of special education service delivery, design and implementation of all programs as well as a critical look at programmatic and department expenditures. Special attention will be given to the overall organizational structure....total cost shall not exceed $40,000.”

At least one member of the CGCS study team was pretty amused by the grand celebration of PPS adequate yearly progress, because 1) AYP requires two years of making the standard; 2) she quite clearly knew that it was a combination of confidence intervals and future growth models contrasted with a prior year of pretty poor performance that equaled the “making progress” designation. Not surprisingly, her stinging critique of our public relations focus would not make the final report.

That being said, it is interesting that nowhere in the report does it suggest that the District should staff the Executive Director of Student Services position with a candidate that has absolutely no administrative certification to supervise special education. Who needs certification when you have Broad connections, eh?

Fresh off of the $257,670 contract awarded in July 2009, the Board authorizes a contract “with Focus on Results to provide 96 days of training and consulting to 19 K-5 principals and their leadership teams around The Seven Areas of Focus - A Strategic Framework for Whole School Improvement. Through Year 2 of this initiative, principals and their teams will refine the skills and strategies they need to lead effective, results driven efforts at whole school reform. Two consultants will meet monthly for 8 months with principals and their leadership teams. These meetings will consist of professional development training in content and process and school visits between and among the 19 schools to see implementation of the seven areas of focus. The consultants will make school visits to provide additional support as the teams work with classroom teachers on the school's instructional focus. The consultants will also plan and debrief with the K-5 assistant superintendent. In between visits, the consultants will provide distance coaching, planning, preparation, coordination and collaboration with principals. The operating period shall be from September 1,2009 to July 31, 2010. The rate of payment shall be $2,300 per day/$650 planning per day plus travel, total cost shall not exceed $230,350.”

It does beg the question, if we paid nearly $500,000 to Focus on Results to perform the essential duties of the Assistant Superintendents, exactly what did we need the Assistant Superintendents for, let alone why they were in the mix for bonuses when PPS was paying twice for the service.

Central office expansion continues in dramatic fashion, with the Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration recommending that the Board open the following positions: Executive Director, Office of Teacher Effectiveness; Director, Employee Evaluation; Manager, Employee Evaluation. Amazing action, given that the Gates grant application and award mandates dramatic reductions in teaching staff to pay for the program.

The internal financial statements once again warn the Superintendent and Board that “Significant efforts must be made to reduce operating costs.”

Randall Taylor connects the dots: “I will abstain on this item [addendum to open new positions listed above] that I raised in our executive session. There are some concerns about two major hirings, that I am concerned about the source of funding, which is general fund. I encourage the administration to seek alternatives.” "

Fadzen hearing

2012-01-14T20:38:00.002-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"Is the Fadzen hearing open to the public?"

Some HS students attend Apprentice Career Day at IUP

2012-01-13T20:55:00.002-05:00

From the Tribune:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/leadertimes/news/s_776477.html

Any chance PPS sent students, or has a system even been set up to inform students about this type of opportunity so they can go on their own?

Superintendent performance review from October

2012-01-10T07:37:00.002-05:00

Article just now reporting that the Board announced in October that the Superintendent had met performance goals not spelled out in the article, but at the same time stating that "The Tribune-Review determined that Lane fell short in her oversight of changes at Westinghouse High School, where she replaced two co-principals after telling the board about organizational and disciplinary problems at the school".

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_775800.html

So the article seems to be saying that the Board announced all goals were met but the Tribune has determined that one of the goals was not met.

Achievement gap

2012-01-08T16:02:00.002-05:00

On another post (involving administration of majority AA schools) Anonymous wrote the following, which applies to majority AA and non-majority AA schools and so will be a new post:

10:26:

What is the difference between the achievement of African American students in majority White schools as compared to majority Black schools?

Whether there is a majority or minority the results are not very different.

The NON-proficiency rates at Langley and Perry for Black students in Math is 70% to 80% not proficient, right? Is that “doing pretty well” ?

Look at the achievement for Black students in any and all schools. There is no equity or excellence for Black students. A predominantly “white” curriculum across disciplines, in conjunction with a predominantly “white” faculty does not allow Black students to see themselves as successful in the school or in the world.

Do you not think that this situation might be an advantage to White students?

A different bus incident

2012-01-06T20:27:00.003-05:00

http://www.wpxi.com/news/30152708/detail.html

"Flipped classrooms"

2012-01-06T08:21:00.002-05:00

PG article about area teachers (not PPS) trying the Khan method of having students watch the lecture portion of classes at home and work on problems in class with the assistance of the teacher:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12005/1201265-57-0.stm?cmpid=MOSTEMAILEDBOX

This way students can watch the explanations of lessons as many times as they need to, so that those who need repetition receive it and those who don't can go on to other work. The article describes the kind of thoughtful exploration of new approaches that would be much more welcome than constant opening and closing and reconfiguration of schools and programs.

New fraud hotline for tips about public schools

2012-01-05T16:30:00.002-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12005/1201570-100.stm

The hotline is aimed at obtaining tips about "spending irregularities, corruption in the contract and bidding process, theft and embezzlement of district funds, and bribery, kickbacks or other forms of illegal collusion with outside vendors" by schools.

Close call

2012-01-04T11:37:00.002-05:00

From wpxi:

http://www.wpxi.com/news/30131882/detail.html

Good work by the school bus driver, but it is important for the reason a bus erupted in flames to be determined. Are inspections thorough enough?

Trips sponsored by education publisher

2012-01-02T12:07:00.000-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"NEW POST:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12002/1200825-298.stm

New Questions About Trips Sponsored by Education Publisher
Monday, January 02, 2012
By MICHAEL WINERIP, The New York Times

Keep in mind that “Pearson, the nation's largest educational publisher” which is being investigated here, now owns America’s Choice, Inc. which it purchased last year.

As we in Pittsburgh know well, America’s Choice is the program that Roosevelt brought hereto be used by PPS for the ALAs (Accelerated Learning Academies).

Is this one more thing to keep an eye on?

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/12002/1200825-298.stm#ixzz1iIviTuZA "

Westinghouse parents reflect on pros, cons

2012-01-01T23:27:00.000-05:00

From the Pittsburgh Courier:

http://newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=6169:westinghouse-parents-reflect-on-pros-cons&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

Truly incredible.

Roosevelt hiring

2011-12-31T10:53:00.001-05:00

On another post Bulldog Forever wrote:

"1. You give Mr. Isler far, far too little credit for the current state of affairs. Do not forget that for nearly Mark Roosevelt's entire tenure Bill drove MR home after each and every board/committee meeting.

When MR was floundering at getting a job at a school district for a time much longer than it took him to complete the rigorous 7 weekend - weekend, not months, not years - Broad Superintendent's academy, it was the John Kerry/Teresa Heinz camp that pushed Bill Isler very directly to lead the test of the Board to hire Roosevelt.

By some great act of coincidence, the Fred Rogers Center at St. Vincent College receives a very very very sizable foundation donation that completes it's capital campaign and literally the house the Isler built is, well, built.

Tit for tat here folks, follow the private money in this."

Change to elementary hoops policy

2011-12-28T00:49:00.001-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11361/1199509-298.stm

Race to the Top Money

2011-12-23T10:20:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"NEW POST:
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/education/s_773436.html

Pennsylvania just received 41.3 million of Race to the Top money. Hmmm? PPS received more than that from Gates. It seems as thought the intent for the money is teacher evaluation. How much would you bet that they use the "Pittsburgh model."

Too bad those who know a little about education are not in a position or do not have the time to go beyond the P.R. when making decisions about effective programs."

Teacher age discrimination suits can be expensive

2011-12-21T12:05:00.001-05:00

From the Tribune:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_773067.html

Teachers offered buyouts

2011-12-21T06:17:00.000-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11355/1198265-53.stm

Westinghouse update

2011-12-19T09:04:00.001-05:00

From the Tribune:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_772703.html

The main culprit

2011-12-18T09:29:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11352/1197401-109-0.stm?cmpid=newspanel

From today's P-G:

Don't blame teachers for the racial achievement gap - blame poverty."

Survey given to teachers

2011-12-17T15:55:00.003-05:00

At the agenda review a $137k "teaching and learning" survey given to teachers is also discussed. One question raised was how this survey differs from the previous in house surveys. The response was that it "organizes it into constructs" and then a quick offer to provide more information (sigh of relief that the questioning was over).

Summer Dreamers

2011-12-15T21:21:00.002-05:00

Based on the agenda review, it sounds like what is happening is that all kids who are not proficient and who want to attend Dreamers will be placed in a lottery. The program will be in 3 locations only, Milliones, King and Carmalt, and it will supercede the longstanding successful program at Lincoln. If by some chance there is some space left kids who are proficient might be allowed to attend.

CTE being shuffled around

2011-12-15T20:39:00.003-05:00

This week's agenda review has a great deal of discussion of confusing information, shuffling around CTE again. The approach seems very patchwork.

Survey given to students

2011-12-15T08:44:00.000-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"Hello,
I was hoping somebody could enlighten me about the survey my kids took earlier this week. I plan to ask questions at my PSCC meetings but one won't even be held until 2012. Does anyone know what this cost us?"

Certain sports at some schools may join WPIAL

2011-12-14T09:13:00.001-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11348/1196669-363.stm

"Feeling that a district has become a testing lab for wealthy outsiders"

2011-12-12T21:01:00.002-05:00

Critics complain of "[unilateral imposition of] a controversial agenda — replacing principals, opening new schools, placing charter schools inside district buildings — dreamed up by outsiders and consultants who do not understand the needs of their children, and that there is not enough opportunity for input by parents and community-based advocates....'There are so many new things happening, it’s like the idea is just throw it all against a wall and see what sticks.'”

- NYT article about complaints against state control of Newark public schools:

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/12/education/newark-school-district-in-debate-over-state-control.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1

How we got where we are Part XXXII (July 2009)

2011-12-11T19:39:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

NEW POST

How we got where we are, part 32, July 2009

July 27, 2009: Central office expansion continues as the Board “accepts a grant award from the Fund for Excellence in Pittsburgh Public Schools for $841 ,773. Renewal support is awarded from the Fund for Excellence in the amount of $841,773 over 16 months for costs associated with the Office of Strategic Initiatives: The High School Plan for Excellence. Specifically, funding is awarded to support salary costs associated with the Office of Strategic Initiatives (OSI).”

It was a summer of giving, as the Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration recommends “an agreement to renew a contract with Dr. Judy Johnston to provide training, support, consultation and recommendations to Assistant Superintendents and up to 20 principals in support of the principal-evaluation program. This work will require direct work with assistant superintendents and principals in the form of one-on-one instructional coaching, school and classroom visits, interaction with the Teaching and Learning teams, and the gathering of evidence for performance standards. Services to be provided between August 1st, 2009 through July 31 st, 2010. This support will be provided to meet district proficiency standards as identified on the leadership evaluation rubric. This work is in conjunction with the principal
evaluation project. Total cost not to exceed $107,750.00 for up to 90 days of work in the district.”

Yes, you did the math correctly. At well over $1,000 per day Johnston's compensation was greater than the Superintendent's.

Patricia Kennedy, Executive Director of Communications, resigns, lasting less than one year under the iron rule of the Chief of Staff.

The Board votes to add a K-12 Gifted & Talented Coordinator, a luxury we did not have at 30,000 students.

Focus on Results also finds PPS to be a day at the beach, with the Board approving a contract “to provide 84 days of training and consulting to 5 secondary principals and their leadership teams” with an operating period from August 1, 2009 to July 31,2010. The rate of payment which includes consulting $2,300 per day, planning $650 per day, books and materials $1,000 and travel shall not exceed $257,670.”

The Board, except for Mark Brentley and Randall Taylor oblivious to the repeated warnings in writing that the trajectory of administrative costs and program expansion would jeopardize the district's solid financial footing, reward Superintendent Roosevelt with a raise.

Mr. Brentley's commentary is scorching: “During these tough times -- remember just this month we passed a very, very high increase within the communication and marketing. In some areas it's selective on who determines and who gets what.....It's been extremely difficult to get the superintendent to focus on equity....I raised concerns over the years about the program, the community educational partnership program. It's a problem. I had asked for this administration to address it....we cannot get caught up into the slick media campaigns....we found out in some cases recommendations that are made in terms of who gets what principalship has been or may be influenced by some former board members and some folks within the foundation community....We've watched as changes will be made, and Mr. Taylor and I would be left out often. And so yes, it's great you have the majority here, but what good is it for the district?...the fact of the matter is that I am still an elected official here. I still have a responsibility to the constituents who put me here, and regardless of the negative things that continue to happen, we know that this -- this community and this district is still a district in crisis....When asked about we're losing we're losing so many students, well, [Roosevelt] said well, we're managing decline. If we're managing decline, and if enrollment is constantly going down, why are salaries constantly going up?...at some point somebody's got to begin to ask some questions.”

Review of "Teaching America"

2011-12-09T15:42:00.002-05:00

A new book about civics education, reviewed by the WSJ:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052970203802204577066682141742196.html?mod=googlenews_wsj

Civics education is an area that has been improving in PPS in recent years. Maybe, eventually, there will be an effect on PPS itself.

Does PPS discourage reporting of employee crimes to police?

2011-12-09T02:30:00.001-05:00

From WPXI:

http://www.wpxi.com/news/29955212/detail.html

Board passes budget

2011-12-08T09:31:00.001-05:00

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11342/1195440-53-2.stm

It's strange that the article did not report what the vote on the budget was (ie, number for, against and abstaining).

Obama admin issues guidelines to promote diversity

2011-12-08T06:29:00.000-05:00

From the NYT:

“Diverse learning environments promote development of analytical skills, dismantle stereotypes and prepare students to succeed in an increasingly interconnected world,” Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr. said in a statement.

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/03/education/us-urges-campus-creativity-to-gain-diversity.html?_r=1

PPS seeking a director to "Design Westinghouse"

2011-12-03T11:39:00.000-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

New posting for "director, design Westinghouse!"
http://www.pps.k12.pa.us/143110127104380/lib/
143110127104380/Director_School_Design-12012011.pdf

Consultants eat up Pittsburgh schools' gift

2011-12-01T06:11:00.000-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

Consultants eat up Pittsburgh schools' gift

“Two years after Pittsburgh Public Schools received $40 million from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to increase teachers' effectiveness, the district has spent or allocated nearly a third of it on consultants and contractors, mainly from outside the state.
Administrators told board members that they need consultants to perform specialized work outside the expertise of district personnel.”
Can anyone document improved achievement or benefits for students as a result of the more than 13 MILLION reportedly spent here?

How was the remaining 37 MILLION spent? With what results for students, specifically?

Read more: Consultants eat up Pittsburgh schools' gift - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/education/s_769818.html#ixzz1fHIz3Zsa

Courier article about school closings, etc.

2011-11-30T14:12:00.002-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

Another NEW POST:

Also please check today’s Pittsburgh Courier . . Board closes 7 schools

"On Nov. 22, the Pittsburgh Public School District Board of Directors approved a slew of plans aimed at reducing the district’s projected 2012 budget deficit of $21.7 million. Among them were the elimination of single-gendered classes at the Academy at Westinghouse and the sale of two school buil..."

“The ACLU wasn’t worried about Homewood until we put single gendered classes there. They were fine with letting those kids suffer for years and years and years,” Shealey said. “I actually heard that since the change in administration people are more confident with the school.”

http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.phpoption=com_content&view=article&id=5953:board-closes-7-schools&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

Editorial about Westinghouse

2011-11-30T14:12:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

Please check out today’s PG Editorial Page:
Beyond sugar and spice: Real school reform doesn’t rest on gender stereotypes by Susan Frietsche and Sara Rose.

http://m.post-gazette.com/opinion/perspectives/beyond-sugar-and-spice-1193362
From the eid

"Westinghouse needs to change, and innovation and improvement can't stop just because this one aspect of the reform program at Westinghouse has failed the test.

The children have had enough false promises. Fortunately, the focus can now return to real reform ---"

Concerning the actions of PPS, not only does the whole scenario at Westinghouse get curiouser and curiouser, but more and more disingenuous, egregious, and unconscionable as it pertains to the education of Westinghouse students.

Perhaps WAA can find out what the PPS agenda really is at Westinghouse. What are the plans? Is PPS turning it over to the Homewood Children's Village?

Dear Heaven, help us find a viable solution for these students, poste haste!!! (PPS and HCV do not have the where-with-all to provide a solution.)

NY principals revolt

2011-11-28T15:31:00.001-05:00

On another post West End Mom wrote:

Looks elsewhere some educators are standing tall, dare I say "rising":

"Angry" New York Principals Protesting RTTT Teacher Evaluations.
Characterizing principal "revolts" as exceedingly rare, the New York Times (11/28, Winerip, Subscription Publication) reports that "President Obama and his signature education program, Race to the Top, along with John B. King Jr., the New York State commissioner of education, deserve credit for spurring what is believed to be the first principals' revolt in history. As of last night, 658 principals around the state had signed a letter - 488 of them from Long Island, where the insurrection began - protesting the use of students' test scores to evaluate teachers' and principals' performance." The Times describes the principals' opposition to the concept and implementation of the evaluations, adding, "It is hard to overstate how angry the principals who signed are."

Citations as way to maintain order

2011-11-25T12:50:00.002-05:00

This week's televised public hearing included an attempt by Mark Brentley to discuss citations being issued at one of the district schools. He held up a stack of citations from the local magistrate issued to students for disorderly conduct. Even though he was not mentioning any student names the discussion was quickly squelched and his microphone cut off. The question is, are citations an acceptable way to deal with discipline problems? Are they an effective way to deal with discipline problems? If PPS is paying for CEP, why are students being cited rather than referred to CEP?

Westinghouse article in City Paper

2011-11-23T20:08:00.000-05:00

Link:

http://www.pittsburghcitypaper.ws/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A103401

Superintendent's performance priorities

2011-11-23T01:51:00.002-05:00

From the PG:

"the board Tuesday night adopted the "performance priorities" of Superintendent Linda Lane, which include the "restart" of Pittsburgh Westinghouse in Homewood in 2012-13. Westinghouse reopened this fall as a 6-12 school offering single-gender classes, but, after a disorganized start and threatened legal action from the American Civil Liberties Union, the board Wednesday agreed to discontinue the single-gender classes by February.

Ms. Lane also is charged with developing a plan by April to decrease racial disparities in the district....

Ms. Lane's performance goals also include improving support for principals, ensuring the budget that provides enough money for a reserve, continuing programs aimed at improving teacher quality, showing progress on state tests, working on high school reform and re-evaluating and refining the career and technology education plan."

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11327/1192006-298.stm#ixzz1eVbux7jO

Board votes as expected

2011-11-23T00:19:00.000-05:00

From the Tribune:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_768705.html

Site based budgeting

2011-11-22T21:32:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

address anon 3:18 and all
About budget cuts- maybe new topic-
Since we have had "site based" management by principals, they have the ability to decide which subjects your children have- particularly in the elementary schools. I have never been seen as a defender of this board BUT- 9 schools had NO librarians. For some areas- Lincoln/ Lemington comes to mind-- that means that a student will not SEE a librarian until they start high school. Sure one day a week is wrong- but so is no access in 9 schools to library resources guided by a librarian. Other districts do not decide that some schools get this, and some dont. Another inequity-- book budgets- site based brought us principals deciding how much money goeds to new books in the library. Some got thousands a year; some as low as 25.00. Schools are different, and they have different numbers of students, staff etc. But, there should be a base throughout the district, both as far as staff and a basic book collection. Principals shouldnt be able to decide that wow, scores are low- no art or music for here. It is just equity that is necessary for a public school system.

Feeder pattern changes

2011-11-21T11:16:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

School feeder changes create complications
Monday, November 21, 2011 - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

BEWARE! BE INFORMED!

Read more: http://www.postgazette.com/pg/11325/1191484-53-0.stm#ixzz1eM4XTUe5

Comment by Cate Reed:
"Ultimately, the two schools are a lot closer together than ideally we would like them to be. We can't move a building."

REALLY?!

I wonder how many parents are aware of the changes; or will the realization dawn only when children are again switched to other schools.

Too late! The time to coalesce, to testify, to voice your opinions is now, today at the public hearing.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11325/1191484-53-0.stm#ixzz1eM4LSisw

Football championship

2011-11-18T13:11:00.001-05:00

On another post Mark Rauterkus wrote:

"New post....

Saturday, 1 pm, football championship game. South Side Cupples Stadium

Allderdice vs USO (UPrep, SciTech, Obama)

Plenty of good seats still available at the gate.
City League Championship Football Game, Allderdice vs. USO.

Saturday's PPS / City League Championship football game, 1 pm at Cupples on South Side, has a special pre game tailgate for All the grads and alumni of Uprep, SciTech and Pgh Obama. Every one of them already have advanced tickets. It was nice of the Dice coaches to chip in and cover the cost of beverages for the tailgate for these grads. It is a closed party, but look for them on the bridge and behind their parked flying carpets.

Schenley and Allderdice grads, do not go to the above mentioned party. Yinz do get to go to the game, of course. Be there. Cheer."

2012 PPS Budget has large operating deficit

2011-11-16T18:15:00.002-05:00

From the PG, a $21.7M operating deficit is to cme out of the fund balance:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11320/1190432-100.stm

The PPS fund balance will then be at $42M according to the article. That would be enough to cover a $21M deficit for each of the 2 years remaining on the superintendent's contract, but would leave major problems for the next superintendent. It will be interesting to see if our school board raises any concerns about a budget with such a large deficit.

A Plus Schools Report to the Community

2011-11-15T23:35:00.001-05:00

Link:

http://www.aplusschools.org/eq_reports_11.shtml

Former Westinghouse coach under investigation

2011-11-15T18:14:00.000-05:00

From WPXI:

http://www.wpxi.com/news/29777936/detail.html

"Weiss said days after receiving the complaints he forwarded them to the school police, but never heard back from them on the outcome of the investigation.

Jennings reported that sources inside of the school district said police were ordered by then superintendent Mark Roosevelt to turn the investigation over to the district's human relations department."

- Huh?

Superintendent/ health condition

2011-11-15T18:12:00.003-05:00

Tribune is reporting that Dr. Lane has a "manageable health condition" not affecting her ability to lead the district:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_767444.html

Cuts at CAPA proposed

2011-11-14T01:51:00.001-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11318/1189827-298-4.stm

"Graduate Pittsburgh" initiative

2011-11-10T09:48:00.002-05:00

On another thread Mark Rauterkus wrote:

Today's (Thur) event at Hozana House @ dropouts.

http://www.urbanmediatoday.com/Taking-Action-to-Address-the-Local-High-School-Dropout-Crisis/

Brentley requests Superintendent's resignation

2011-11-09T13:35:00.000-05:00

From the New Courier:

http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5759:brentley-asks-lane-to-resign-school-board-faces-tough-choices&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

Approach college carefully

2011-11-09T10:03:00.003-05:00

Courier article about advice from the former director of NEED:

“Only about 28 percent of the African-American males who enter college are college ready... I really support college, if you know the career you’re going into and that a job is going to be there"

but

"more students should be looking into the benefits of career and technical education as a means of finding employment more quickly and without the burden of college loan debt."

http://www.newpittsburghcourieronline.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=5654:reid-cautions-students-against-college&catid=38:metro&Itemid=27

How we got where we are Part XXXI (June 2009)

2011-11-08T23:26:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"How we got where we are, part 31, June 2009

June 24, 2009: With enrollment continuing to decline, the Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration was determined to not let something as simple as supply and demand for school administrators stand in the way of the venture philanthropist agenda for the PELA pipeline.

The Board enters “into a contract with the Coro Center for Civic Leadership as part of year 3 of Pittsburgh's Emerging Leadership Academy...Coro is dedicated to providing unique, experience-based programming to cohort 3 in order to enhance the PELA residents' team building and facilitating capabilities, as well as to further develop their role as cultural builders and community leaders (collective results).”

Who can stop at just one PELA contract?

The Board also enters into a contract with Dr. Judy Johnston “as part of year 3 of Pittsburgh's Emerging Leadership Academy....to provide up to 50 days of training for Pittsburgh's
Emerging Leadership Academy Cohort 3 2009-2010. Dr. Johnston will provide no less than 50 days of onsite supervision, evaluation and training to the PELA residents from July 2009 through June 2010. Dr. Johnston will work with PELA residents on program competencies at their assigned school specifically around effective teacher observation and conferring skills, learning walk protocol, and effective and coherent professional development. Dr. Johnson will confer monthly with Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert and the Lead Principal, Kellie Abbott on PELA resident needs to inform the professional development training component of the program. Dr. Johnston will be supervised by PELA program director Dr. Jerri Lynn Lippert. Dr. Johnston has been selected as a trainer due to her expertise in learning theory and curriculum, successful national urban principal training through the Institute for Learning, and demonstrated expertise in training Pittsburgh principals through the Leadership Academy. Through Year 1 and 2 PELA program evaluations, Dr. Johnston's work is invaluable to the development of instructional leadership.”

But why stop there?

The Board enters “into a contract with International Center for Leadership in Education as part of year 3 of Pittsburgh's Emerging Leadership Academy....to provide training to the emerging leaders in Cohort 3 2009-2010 of Pittsburgh's Emerging Leadership Academy....Managing change at the building level is one of the most crucial, and challenging, aspects of school administration. Building administrators must be prepared to serve as instructional leaders while creating a culture focused on preparing students for the world in which they will live and work.”

Clearly sensing an urgent need to create more school administrators at the same time the Facilities study's demographic data was making clear that we would have fewer children to educate in fewer schools, Mr. Roosevelt also recommends a $165,540 contract for PELA with the Duquesne University School of Education, with the agenda item proclaiming that “The partnership between DU and PELA will yield a true academy for aspiring school leaders driven by research on real problems in urban schools and developing urban school leaders who are research practitioners.”

And yet with large, no-bid professional services contracts to be handed out, what month would be complete without the Institute for Learning? For $541,000, the Board authorizes “a contract with Institute for Learning...to support a fourth and final year of support to complete the development of a rigorous core curriculum.”

Pay for Performance takes a step forward with the Board approving the School Administrator Evaluation Rubric and corresponding Achievement Bonus Formula.

The financial statements again warn that “Significant efforts must be made to reduce operating costs.”

Both Mr. Brentley and Mr. Taylor take note, voicing strong concerns over the PELA program, given the array of already available, experienced and certificated professionals in the district."

Congratulations Regina, Congratulations Mark

2011-11-08T21:58:00.001-05:00

Strong effort by Lisa with many important points raised.

Conflict at U Prep

2011-11-08T11:19:00.002-05:00

From a reliable source there was a large fight at U Prep last week involving girls from the Hill v. girls from E Liberty. Is enough being done to adress neighborhood conflicts?

Up to 300 teacher positions may be cut

2011-11-08T01:46:00.000-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11312/1188305-53.stm

District committee recommends rejecting Schenley bid; makes recommendations on other bids

2011-11-08T01:39:00.002-05:00

From the PG:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11312/1188317-53.stm?cmpid=relatedarticle

The article refers to a "district committee" and an "evaluation team". Is this the committee that Ira Weiss's office asked some individuals to join in late September? Was the formation of this committee ever announced and if not, why not?

Eliminating single gender

2011-11-07T18:48:00.004-05:00

Word is that single gender will be eliminated at Westinghouse in February. Legal action by the ACLU and Women's Law Project is part of the reason. Also contributing most likely was that the arrangement was not very popular and was not working out as hoped. Probably also made scheduling more difficult.

Principal bonuses

2011-11-07T10:00:00.001-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"The Sky Is falling! Bonuses anyone? Over 1/3 million forked over last week alone. This is how PPS rolls...
http://m.post-gazette.com/news/education/67-
city-school-principals-
awarded-bonuses-1188089?p=0"

High portion of students lacking basic skills

2011-11-06T14:38:00.002-05:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

Let’s cite additional evidence (a PSSA skill). Today’s PG under”Business” not “Education.” Let’s hope Eleanor Chute and ‘others’ here take note. Please read the entire article. This is only an excerpt to make the point:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11310/1187592-28-0.stm

“Unfortunately, a high school diploma in the Pittsburgh region doesn't necessarily mean that a student has the basic skills employers expect from a high school education. Pennsylvania State System of School Assessment test scores for 2011 show that more than 37 percent of our 11th-graders can't do math properly, and 26 percent can't read adequately. That means that southwestern Pennsylvania schools are sending more than 9,000 young people into the workforce every year without the minimum skills they need to get a job, much less go to college.
It's not just the high schools that are failing. The problem starts all the way back in elementary school. Nearly 30 percent of the fifth-graders in the region can't read at grade level, and more than 20 percent aren't proficient in math.
No business could survive if one-third of its products were defective, and our region can't be competitive in the global marketplace if one-third of our workforce lacks basic skills.
If you think the state tests may be too tough, think again. The National Assessment of Education Progress has found that Pennsylvania's standard for "proficiency" is only equivalent to what NAEP calls "basic" skills. Under the NAEP standard for proficiency, fewer than 50 percent of the elementary school students in our region would be considered proficient in either reading or math.
You might think that your own local school district is doing well because it proudly told the community it is meeting state standards for "adequate yearly progress," or "AYP." But a school can be classified as making "adequate yearly progress" even if one-third of its students are not proficient in math and one-fourth are not proficient in reading.”

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11310/1187592-28-0.stm#ixzz1cxIEJvyH

Perhaps this is worthy of a new POST>

"Westinghouse a study in disorganization"

2011-11-05T17:27:00.001-04:00

From the PG:

http://m.post-gazette.com/local/neighborhoods-city/westinghouse-high-a-study-in-disorganization-1187818?p=0

Parent engagement positions

2011-11-05T11:51:00.002-04:00

Word is that PPS will close parent engagement positions and give a teacher a stipend to work 44 minutes per week to hold PSCC meetings.

High number of adminstrators in PPS

2011-11-05T10:30:00.001-04:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"New post:
The Trib. has an article today about declining enrollment and the glut of administrators in PPS.
The two Westinghouse principals put on PAID leave are PELA grads."

Letter to editor re: Mark Brentley often challenging admin

2011-11-04T11:30:00.002-04:00

From the PG "Be thankful for Brentley":

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11308/1187300-110.stm

What's up with Sci Tech enrollment?

2011-11-04T00:13:00.002-04:00

As of October 1 enrollment in Sci Tech grade 11 (so far the school has grades 6-11) was 71 students. This is significantly below the 100 student enrollment for this grade when Sci Tech opened. Since new students are not accepted beyond grade 10, and some students will most likely move or change schools, the number graduating will most likely be lower than 71.

Board president Hazuda/ taxes

2011-11-03T18:20:00.000-04:00

On another post Cindy wrote:

"http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11307/1187164-298-0.stm

Board Pres. Hazuda defends her evasion of school tax payments and destruction of the school district by accusing city teacher Lisa Jones of being a "disgruntled employee" because of "drastic changes". WOW.

Hazuda also complains yet again about her income. Hazuda would not have her cushy job at Biotronics if she wasn't the puppet she has become.

Isn't it odd that Hazuda got a job with UPMC as soon as she was elected to the school board. Then she voted to protect UPMC from potential future taxes. Hazuda now works for Biotronics which seems to almost exclusively contract with UPMC. She is a "contract specialist". (and still can't pay her taxes in a timely manner.)"

Westinghouse administration

2011-11-03T18:17:00.001-04:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"new post please--- Wstinghouse change of admin? Any comments or info?

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/breaking/s_765368.html"

How we got where we are Part XXX (May 2009)

2011-10-30T13:35:00.001-04:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"How we got where we are, part 30, May 2009

May 27, 2009: The Board approves a $132,000 contract “with Focus on Results to coordinate the training and development of the Superintendent's Cabinet on building a high performance culture to support the realization of the District's goals. This work is part of a District-wide plan to develop Human Capital at all levels. The Superintendent's Cabinet engages in training, receives critical feedback and engages in activities to increase team work performance. In
addition to this work, FOR works with the administrative team providing coaching, conducting school visits, increasing the inter-rater reliability of the principal evaluation process, facilitating the retreat goal setting for the year and following up with the staff on progress toward goal attainment and the relationship with school achievement results.”

Nobody seems to notice that the scope of work frankly is exactly the task of a commissioned officer per the PA school code (superintendents, assistant superintendents).

The Board approves a contract with Mary Ann Brown "To do an audit of the District web site conducted by the design firm of Mizrahi Design Associates, Inc. earlier this year, who recommended significant changes to the site in order to support audience needs and make the site easier to use....Services to be provided by Ms. Brown include, but are not limited to, developing copy for additional pages required by the new site structure and editing existing pages to conform to site standards.”

Good heavens, consultants auditing the work of consultants.

The Board authorizes “(1) student tutor, Franco Colaizzi to work with children during the nineteen (19) days of summer school at Pittsburgh Phillips K-5. The student tutors will support struggling students in reading and math instruction during the three (3) hour morning session and will support the work done in partnership with CitiParks, Mercy Behavioral Health, The Brashear Association, R.I.F. Pittsburgh and Riverset Credit Union during the three (3) hour afternoon session.”

Enough said.

Central Office explansion continues as the Board hires Lauren Meehan as “Program Coordinator, Stimulus Funds Utilization, Office of Strategic Initiatives.” Anita Ravi, fresh off of her connections with the Institute for Learning, is hired as the Social Studies Curriculum Coordinator.

This really is a trademark of the Roosevelt/Lane/Fischetti/Weiss administration, with every new task not replacing some other, less important task for an existing employee, rather creating an opportunity to hire another Central Office true believer.

The financial statements again warn that “Significant efforts must be made to reduce operating costs.” Mr. Brentley again seems to get it, noting that “I'm concerned about the administration's spending.”

Randall Taylor objects to the continuation of the Focus on Results contract: “The other one I wanted to ask about is No. 27, Focus on Results....Didn't we have a similar contact....it's difficult for me, and I hope that, Mr. Roosevelt, you know what contract I'm referring to that we did have someone who was supposed to come in and they are supposed to look at various departments. I mean, did we not have some group that was also playing a similar role as far as...”

At which point, Mark Roosevelt, either oblivious that FOR was doing work that is his or truly showing that he didn't care, cuts Taylor off: “This is the group that has been operating in this capacity for us....it represents a continuation of that work, so I'm sorry. I don't know exactly what you're referring to, but I think you're referring to Focus on Results who have been playing this role with us for a number of years now.” "

Pittsburgh would be affected if voucher bill passes

2011-10-30T08:52:00.002-04:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

Notice that Pittsburgh is among the six “worst-performing schools districts” in the state who will be eligible for vouchers under the new bill.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — "The state Senate could vote as early as Wednesday on a bill that is designed to meet Gov. Tom Corbett's desire to overhaul Pennsylvania's public schools by helping thousands more of those students afford private and parochial school tuition with taxpayer help and making it easier to open charter schools."

“Under the new bill, vouchers would be limited to children in the worst-performing school districts, but income limits would be higher. “

“The bill likely would make thousands of public school children, primarily from Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, Reading, Chester and Allentown, eligible for a taxpayer-paid voucher that would help them pay for the tuition to a private or parochial school that chooses to participate in the program.”

Read more: Pa. Senate could vote tomorrow on education plan - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/education/s_763751.html#ixzz1cGaN8r60"

Superintendent refuses pay raise

2011-10-29T09:33:00.001-04:00

From the Tribune:

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_764495.html

Tribune article on school board candidates

2011-10-29T09:02:00.001-04:00

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/election/s_764458.html

Special ed student to teacher ratio

2011-10-28T17:13:00.000-04:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"Can you please start this as a new topic?
Can someone please explain the districts plan to change the special education teacher to student ratio? From what I understand the district wants the union to open there contract and increase their caseload to 25, if they refuse the district will make the ratio 50:1."

Board meeting not broadcast this week

2011-10-28T10:05:00.003-04:00

The weeks when the Board meeting are not broadcast are often the meetings people may be most interested in seeing. For example, Wednesday's meeting came right after a heavily attended public hearing, and included the vote for a raise for the superintendent.

Clayton student arrested for stabbing teacher

2011-10-27T15:32:00.001-04:00

http://www.wpxi.com/news/29605251/detail.html

PPS enrollment total and by school

2011-10-27T14:04:00.001-04:00

Link to PG chart:

http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/pdf/201110/20111027pgh_school_enrollment.pdf?cmpid=relatedarticle

Action United alert on vouchers

2011-10-26T10:49:00.000-04:00

From Action United:

"URGENT UPDATE

TUITION VOUCHER HEADING TO FLOOR VOTE

MORE ACTION NEEDED
THIS MORNING SB 1 WAS VOTED OUT OF COMMITTEE AND IS HEADING TO A FLOOR VOTE

WHAT IS HAPPENING…
A fast committee vote this morning has sent SB 1 to the whole Senate for a vote. It could come as early as today or tomorrow.
CALL YOUR SENATOR NOW AND TELL HIM TO VOTE NO!

This bill is a bait and switch for poor people.

Sure, it SOUNDS good, but it WONT give most of us real school choice, it will just take money out of our schools without any promise of a better education for our kids.

Time is tight! CALL IMMEDIATELY!

Call your Senator and urge them to oppose Senate Bill 1.

FIND YOUR SENATOR HERE

If it passes the Senate it will go to the House. Find your State Representative here and give them a call too.

TALKING POINTS
Vouchers are a budget, education, accountability and constitutional issue.
COST:

As PA School funding is slashed, how can we take even more money from public schools least able to afford it and give it to private schools?
And, with the state budget in such dire condition, how can we justify transferring state revenues from public into private entities?
Any voucher bill will cost taxpayers and school districts millions in funding that neither have available, while, at the same time, districts across the state, especially those with students who will be eligible to receive vouchers, are making deep cuts into instructional programs for students.
EDUCATION IMPROVEMENT:

Since only a small percentage of eligible students would use the vouchers to attend a private school, what happens to the overwhelming majority of students who continue to attend underfunded, under performing schools?
These bills do nothing to improve educational opportunities for the students who remain in these schools. In fact, these bills harm their educational opportunities because the schools will have fewer resources with which to provide educational services to the students.
ACADEMIC ACCOUNTABILITY:

How will private schools be held accountable for use of public funds?
Will these schools be required to administer the state assessments?
Since schools accepting voucher students would not have to administer the same assessments as administered in public schools, parents would not be able to compare the performance of their public school to that of the private school.
To make well informed decisions, parents need comparable data. Private schools accepting voucher students should be required to administer the same state assessments as administered to public schools.
FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY:

Will the money provided through vouchers be audited? Taxpayer dollars should be spent transparently and those spending that money should be held accountable. No Voucher bill so far has required any independent annual audit of how private schools spend public money.
CONSTITUTIONALITY:

The Pennsylvania Constitution is clear that funds appropriated for use by public schools shall NOT be used for the support of any sectarian school, even if funds appropriated from the Commonwealth’s General Fund budget and provided to parents in the form of a voucher were based on the amount that the student’s resident school district would have received from the Commonwealth had the student continued to attend public school. While some may argue that PHEAA provides funds to students to attend a sectarian college or university, the Constitutional provision addresses public schools (K-12), not colleges and universities.
PLEASE MAKE YOUR CALLS TODAY!"

School district in Oregon turns down grant for performance pay experiment

2011-10-25T23:31:00.001-04:00

On another post Anonymous wrote:

"A school district with integrity:

Oregon City School District walks away from $2.54 million grant for performance pay

http://www.oregonlive.com/oregon-city/index.ssf/2011/10/oregon_city_school_district_wa.html"