This is the blog section of the PURE Reform website. Please leave your thoughts and comments here.
PURE Reform has created this blog as a forum for parents, teachers and community members to share information and voice concerns regrading the reform process in the Pittsburgh Public Schools. Although we would like to foster constructive dialogue, PURE Reform does not edit content. The views expressed by bloggers in this forum are not necessarily views held by PURE Reform.
To comment on an existing topic, go to the line at the bottom of the post for that topic that begins "Posted by..." That line will list "1 comment," "2 comments," etc. Click on "comments," then leave your comment in the box provided. To post as Anonymous, no registration is required, OR you can choose an identity.
To suggest a new topic, go to this month's post labeled "Start a New Post" and add your comment (as described above) about the new suggested topic. PURE Reform will use these comments to start new posts.
Posters on this blog are no longer anonymous when the code to prove you are not a robot is exactly the same every time you post.
It is safe to assume that every poster is not getting the exact same code which would render the code without use or purpose.
So, if every time any one person posts the code is identical, it is clear that that code is connected to an identity, the identity of the person who is emailing a comment.
The code for this post and all posts for the last several weeks by this individual poster is Photo Sphere---without fail or variation.
Most people connected to PPS do not want to be identified since the consequences could destroy their careers. Just saying . . . .
If you are not understanding this-- try posting, anonymously, several times on any of these topics.
Really, no clue what you are talking about. Moderators of this blog do not know the identities of anonymous posters. Now BLOGSPOT may be able to determine the email address (but not necessarily the identity) of anonymous posts just like Google or Facebook could probably determine the email of someone visiting their websites, but Blogspot probably doesn't care... and if you use an email address that does not include your name, it would be necessary to not only have Blogspot divulge the email address but then google, hotmail or whoever to give information to lead to the identity of whoever established that email address. If you are not a terrorist or someone hacking credit card numbers you probably do not need to worry.
Anonymous with the "Please prove you're not a robot" problem.
I get a different image every time I try to comment -- usually numbers only, but sometimes both letters and numbers and more rarely just letters.
If you are getting the same thing every time, it would seem that the problem is on your end? Are you using a personal device or a work computer?
If I were a district employee, I would never use a district computer or network to post. Not because of the blogger site, but because of the district. Just like at my job, I would never use my laptop or the internet at the job to do anything I wouldn't want anyone I work with to see.
I don't expect that they are reading along, or scanning what websites I go to, but the point is that they could.
And now I'll try to post this with my code which is 3716 and that's all!
This thread shows how invisible poor Black children are in Pittsburgh today. Who gives a damn that this school is a massive failure. Who cares that the name Univesity Prep is a blantant deception to parents and the community(see Pittsburgh Promise participation rate).
The ALAs failed, but at least the District quietly killed any further reference to them. But, in this case how does a massive failure go on for 6 years?! Why has no one proposed to change anything? Who has spoken out on behalf of these children and families?? The most dangerous words for a failing school is we have a new program. Year 1- Planning Year 2- Let run the plan Year 3- Lets work out the kinks Year 4- Uh-huh Year 5- Take the signs down and hope everyone forgets. See ALAs
Thank you Mr. Taylor--the whole "university" thing was another group letting kids down and now one speaks up. Closing Schenley was a travesty, and abandoning the students should have been illegal-- as well as obviously immoral.NO ONE wants to admit that prior to all the "fixin'" our schools were way better. Also they dont want to admit that if you create top-notch schools students will cross neighborhoods to go to them-- look at Montessori when it was in Homewood East Hills when it wss in East Hills CAPA when it was in Homewood and CAPA middle when it was in Rodgers Schenley Milliones when it was Tech magnet Our students black and white will pursue excellence-- and if they arent pursuing it-- it isnt excellent!
It's been amazing to me the power the "reformers" here have had to make kids (and problems) invisible. The PR machine churns out happy stories to the PG and the PG never crosses them. If you asked the average city resident who hasn't had kids in the schools in the last decade, they'd say how much better the schools are now. THAT's how powerful the invisibility has been.
8:13 said "Closing Schenley was a travesty, and abandoning the students should have been illegal-- as well as obviously immoral.NO ONE wants to admit that prior to all the "fixin'" our schools were way better. Also they dont want to admit that if you create top-notch schools students will cross neighborhoods to go to them"
Yup. And no one was saying that the schools were perfect before 2006 and the beginning of the reforms. Everyone knew there were things that could be better, programs that could be improved, but there was also far less lying. Far less saying one thing and doing another. And teachers and principals were allowed to shape their schools in a way that would get them fired for not following the scripts and protocols now.
Agreed! Currently there is a lot of talk about putting students first, but pre 2005 there was much more of a sense that students were ACTUALLY put first.
Reply to 9:03, my code has been photo sphere many times. It is actually photo sphere right now to post this. It is not unique or linked to you. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
The school is a failure because of the neighborhood not the school! It is that simple! The kids there do not want to learn! They fight constantly with each other in groups! They say the F@@@ word constantly!You hear black and white. Come on now. The facts are the facts. Why is University Preparatory a failure and Allderdice is doing well? I am a teacher and I have worked at University Preparatory and the kids are out of control! They are brought up to respect no one and that they are owed in life! Look at the crime in the Hill District and you want good test scores. The problems are not from the district!It is because our middle class kids left because their parents wanted them to be in a safe environment. The district does not invest in University Preparatory because most of the kids do not want to learn and are out of control. Please quit making excuses!
At University Preparatory when I worked there they had groups come in and say that they need to help the black young men. What if someone came in there and said we are here just to help our white men then a white person must be prejudice right?. What if white people opened a all white school like their is all black schools oh ya white people are prejudice once again. Kids being prejudice is another problem. White kids feel uncomfortable in schools mostly black because the groups are for black young men. So the white kids leave.
9:02 - You embarass all teachers when you express such venom for students. Clearly, you were not able to motivate or enlighten; but that does not mean that there are not those teachers who can inspire nad touch lives in ways that build character and knowledge.
University Prep needs adults who communicate a 'can do" mission and goal!
Teachers who cannot transform 'kids' need to find another profession!
You do realize that those UPrep kids are the same kids who used to go to Schenley.
At Schenley, the scores for black kids were FAR higher than they are at UPrep. They were higher than for the black kids at Allderdice. Same neighborhood, same influences, better results. Difference is the "reform" that happened. Schenley was a school that attracted good teachers and staff. UPrep struggles to keep teachers. UPrep has had to change and change again to implement every new scheme someone hatches at the Board.
The administration was warned of everything that has come to pass at UPrep. The lack of any real commitment from Pitt, the failure of just using hype and PR rather than looking at what has worked in the past in the city, the belief that it would attract a population that was at least 20% white and thus not be a segregated school...all of those things and more were easy to predict.
However, the last poster x two posts has managed to lay the blame on the students, rather than where it belongs. Mark Roosevelt, Linda Lane, (and Broad and Gates) and all the assistants, interns, and supervisors at Bellefield who hatched these plans and wouldn't listen to anyone else DO deserve all the blame. Too bad no one is pointing that out.
In last year's documentary about Schenley (http://vimeo.com/69475814 ), the most Superintendent Lane could manage to say about Schenley was that "it was a school where a lot of people got a good education." Sadly, the same cannot be said about University Prep.
Why are black kids score so much lower than the white kids at every single school? Maybe the schools are not the problem? Its poverty, crime, their parents, lack, lack, lack.
The reason for the disparity is "RACISM" pure and simple. Many studies have been done but just think about it for a minute.
Public schools including PPS are structure around an White (European) model of education. This includes theory and practice with philosophic, psychologic, and educational foundations that are designed by and for White students of European descent.
At Milliones U-Prep how many teachers or administration (with the exception of the principal) are African-American? One, two, or less? The behavior model and academic model are both European focused to the detriment of other cultures. The dominant American mind-set prevails in our schools.
Where do students see African American role-models who are respected and revered for their contributors to the domains of literature, math, science, history, arts, etc.?
Poverty has little to do with education. All children can learn when their education is of interest to those who 'run' schools.
Poverty has a lot to do with the learning. What is the percentage of white and black in prisons in Pittsburgh. Its facts. This is not prejudice! I am an AA woman. Every AA child can sit in a class and learn. They can go to any school just need their own transportation. Excuses!
Well when white groups go into PPS just to help white kids do not be offended! When White people only open white colleges do not be offended! Come on now its being prejudice!!!!! White kids are not killing one another! The jails are full of what ethnic groups? Its facts! Cultures need to work together! What are the poverty neighborhoods meaning the least educated? Once again it is a fact!
Although African Americans make up only 27 percent of Pittsburgh’s population, more than 80 percent of city homicide victims were black. The problems come from the community not the school!
That is great that the AA scored higher at Carrick High. I do not believe the AA attending Carrick are in a school out of control because of the students and parents nor do I think they are from a poverty area as bad as the Hill District! It makes a huge difference! I want the superintendents to try and teach a class at University Preparatory. Come on it will be a blast!
comment before wrote this. Public schools including PPS are structure around an White (European) model of education. This includes theory and practice with philosophic, psycho logic, and educational foundations that are designed by and for White students of European descent. So are you saying the European model is too hard for African American students? Not all white people are European that statement made me chuckle. You do know that Principal Hardy hires the white teachers? Are you saying black teachers are not smart because Europeans are? Come on!!!!!!!!!!! Please. I thought you would want white European teachers teaching since it is structure around an White (European) model of education. MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
I AM SO TIRED OF HEARING THIS BLACK AND WHITE CRAP! ITS A BUNCH OF CRAPS! AFRICAN PEOPLE SOLD THEIR OWN PEOPLE TO DISGUSTING WEALTHY WHITE SOUTHERNS! NO ONE CAPTURED ANYONE AND HOW LONG IS THIS WHITE AND BLACK EXCUSES GOING TO HAPPEN! BLAME THE AFRICAN AMERICAN BLACK MAN FOR THE PROBLEMS NOT WHITE PEOPLE! THIS IS ALL AN EXCUSE! HELP ONE ANOTHER QUIT POINTING THE FINGER AT THE WRONG PEOPLE! SAYING THAT THE PPS USE EUROPEAN LEARNING AND THE BLACK STUDENTS CAN NOT LEARN IT OR FROM WHITS IS A TERRIBLE STATEMENT TOWARD AA KIDS!
From previous poster "Public schools including PPS are structure around an White (European) model of education. This includes theory and practice with philosophic, psychologic, and educational foundations that are designed by and for White students of European descent."
I went to a mostly white high school, with the largest minority groups being from India, then Asian countries. This is the make up of many suburban schools. The Indian and Asian children consistently outperformed the Caucasian children. This was almost 20 years ago and still holds true today. Many of the children's parents were not born in America and were not native English speakers. Why do these children thrive and outperform the white children you allege the curriculum is designed for and centered around?? The children who peform best in any learning environment are the ones whose parents place a high value on education.
University Prep needs adults who communicate a 'can do" mission and goal!
Teachers who cannot transform 'kids' need to find another profession!
The staff does communicate a 'can do' mission and goal! They do not want to do and act like out of control community! Find another profession? No these kids need to not act like animals!
Take a good look at Perry and Oliver combining. DO you really think that the good parents are going to put their kids back into that environment for long? No they will move out of the city! You pay high taxes and 8 percent of your taxes to live in a city where the school system is failing and not listening to the cries for help! Look how much money a tax payer has to pay for Clayton and then they do not reform the kids! The kids love it there because the classes are small and they don't have to do work! Another waste! So they put the unreformed kids back into the schools! These staff members are saints!
The total lack of appreciation for young people who are struggling against all odds in schools where the adults express such disregard is astonishing and depressing--is there no one out there who has the ability to give kids what they need to realize their potential-- does no one believe that poor kids, black kids have potential--what is the responsibility of adults in schools--is to add to that "struggle"? --it sure seems that way--but let's see if anyone rises to transforming the situations of those young people who struggle--or is that up to someone, anyone else-- anyone taking bets on what the response here will be?
It's one person expressing disregard. It's certainly not most people who post here (why would they if they've checked out?) or most of the people who work in the schools.
I agree that one person with those attitudes is too many in a school, but to say that there aren't any caring, committed does a huge disservice to the majority of PPS teachers and staff who are in there trying to do the right thing and make things better.
Some one wrote does no one believe that poor kids, black kids have potential--what is the responsibility of adults in schools--is to add to that "struggle"? --it sure seems that way--but let's see if anyone rises to transforming the situations of those young people who struggle--or is that up to someone, anyone else-- anyone taking bets on what the response here will be?
No one said that black children do not have potential! First of all Teachers jobs are to teach not babysit and correct students with their discipline issues to the point where they do not get the chance to teach! The parents need to go to rehab or ethics class maybe? The staff in these schools are not babysitters! They are being stressed out and harassed by the poverty kids thank you! The schools are here to teach! Period! The parents raise the kids! In class you learn! In the halls you walk to class! In the lunchroom you eat! Well that is what is suppose to happen! I have been a teacher for 27 years. I have developed depression, anxiety and stress from these kids!
The middle class neighborhood kids are a pleasure to teach but when you teach the kids from the Hill, Homewood, Manchester, Northview, and a few other areas. The kids are out of control and only come to school to stay out of court.
It's a shame that there are a couple bleeding heart writers here who would take the comments of numerous disillusioned, unappreciated teachers here and play the race card. How convenient. As a three decades teacher who has worked in this district's "worst" schools, let me say it clearly: get off of it. Quit blaming teachers for the simple fact that on one hand, most of our kids in PPS ARE black and many if not most kids who are at schools like UPrep either have absentee parents or parents who just don't care. And that is why the child does poorly in school, if he or she even stays in school. Your act is getting a bit old here, and it's becoming laughable. "Racist" and "uncaring" teachers aren't the problem and have never been the problem in PPS. Apathetic parents who were happy to have kids but never cared much for raising those kids ARE the problem, and always have been. Even though we are currently handing grades to kids of all colors through the ridiculously poor curricula and a 50% grading policy, it's STILL not enough for you. At what point do you look in the mirror and identify the problem as being yourself? At what point do you get off the couch, put down the bon bons and start being proactive? At what point do you as an adult come to the realization that perhaps all of the teachers have been right about your child's laziness and that your defense mechanism of pointing the finger has only guaranteed your kid a lifetime of flipping hamburgers? Get off of it, already. You couldn't carry my briefcase...and the kids would tell you that. Kids of all colors. An that UPrep has a "principal" that knew all of this and yet STILL wished to blame teachers for the shortcomings of students tells you all you need to know about PPS administration. They're not much different than pseudo parents, at the end of the day.
You know what? In Chicago, it was the teachers and their union that got on it and got the message out there about bad conditions and bad curriculum and bad decisions from their administration.
There is only so much you can expect parents who ARE concerned to do. They can testify at the Board or write to their board member and they can vote with their feet and move. That's really it.
You, the teachers, could DEMAND that your union stand up and shout the truth about what reform has done to the PPS. How far things have fallen since the Broad/Gates influence began.
And guess what? In Chicago getting the word out seems to be working:
"Asked about Emanuel's handling of public schools, 65 percent disapproved, 26 percent approved and 10 percent had no opinion. The latest findings show a shift of 5 percentage points toward disapproval from a Tribune poll in May 2013 — just before a vote by the school board to shut nearly 50 public schools.
Among parents of children in Chicago Public Schools — about one-fifth of those taking part in the survey — nearly 4 out of 5 disapproved of the mayor's handling of public education while only 19 percent approved. But even those without children in the public schools disapproved at a 62 percent rate, while only 27 percent approved."
chicagotribune.com/news/ct-rahm-emanuel-education-met-20140814-story.html#page=1 (you can sign up to be registered for free)
Your comments about Chicago are appropriate and well taken. You could have aded Tacoma to the conversation. In both regards, you are talking about a teachers union with a sense of resolve. You are talking about groups that have no problem with using the tools at their disposal, despite media and public sentiment. We don't have that type of leadership In Pittsburgh anymore. And in terms of rank and file, that ship has also sailed. Those types of teachers---the people who were here when I came into teaching---have retired, and have been replaced by teachers who are either apathetic, fearful or duplicitous. One third of our union won't vote for election positions. More than that would rather stand in place during contract votes, as we have not had a raise that is better than cost of living for three consecutive contracts. Your point is well taken and most assuredly, we are our own worst enemies.
As for parents, again, I understand your point. Here's the fly in your ointment: the Promise. I have spoken to countless parents---and have seen many hear write--that the only reason they stay in PPS is Promise money.
It covers all of the ugliness. It makes people swallow hard.
And I can understand that.
As teachers, we have watched as integrity has been derailed in order to maintain this facade. The Promise is good PR, plain and simple. In a time of spiraling education costs, it is a beacon of hope for families. I understand.
But foundation heads understand, too. The Promise has provided administration with the impetus to place virtually everyone on the pathway. It has meant watering grading and even worse, working with a scripted curriculum that fails our students in terms of providing them what they need to succeed in college, and in life.
Media, foundation heads, it doesn't matter. The Promise--a good program for students who truly should be on the path--has clouded all of the ills of PPS. It has provided local media with the idea that everything which emanates from administration must be gospel. It is printed almost verbatim from press releases, and any idea that runs counter to administration is looked upon as contrary to the wonderful direction the district is going in.
Never mind the bad test scores. Never mind the questions about curriculum Never mind a horrible grade policy
Lets lend credence to Bill Gates. It must be the fault of teachers.
Chicago is a wonderful example of how a union can pull together and fight for its students. First and foremost, we lack a union with such gumption. It cowers in fear of media backlash and simply refuses to stage a strike or walk out, instead looking out for its own best PR in saying we haven't done such a thing since the early 1970's. How asinine.
While rank and file has been emasculated by its own union, targeted by Bill Gates, brow beaten by local media and harangued by a few parents with axes to grind, it is NOT the problem in schools like UPrep or any other PPS. There's good and bad in any profession, but the overwhelming majority of teachers in this district are dedicated individuals who are extremely unappreciated. Walk a mile in their shoes....if you dare.
8:29 - No one said that all teachers are like those posting here so negatively. You are right that many teachers are caring, responsive, creative, and intellectually astute enough to teach and motivate students to realize the God-given talents and potential that they demonstrate (often in unacceptable ways) but nevertheless revealing the 'gifts' that each and everyone possesses.
It is the responsibility to teach EVERY child who comes to school and enters a classroom. If you cannot do that in some schools in the Hill, Homewood, or any other place, you need to find a place where you can be successful using the limited skills that you have acquired.
The level of reasoning and responsibility and resourcefulness and rigor can and will be raised to meet the needs of the children in the classroom, if teachers have competence and commitment to meet the challenges that students present.
8:29, so it is your opinion that the teacher bears the sole responsibility and that lack of parental support is acceptable correct? Why do you think schools in the Hill, Homewood, etc......can't keep staff. You say caring teachers exist yet they obviously don't choose to stay or go to these schools. I'll tell you why because it does take teachers, students and parents working together. Without that you have nothing!
Once again, you seek to play the shell game with readers here. Sorry, it's not flying:
"It is the responsibility to teach EVERY child who comes to school and enters a classroom. If you cannot do that in some schools in the Hill, Homewood, or any other place, you need to find a place where you can be successful using the limited skills that you have acquired."
Well stated. In three decades of teaching, I have not known ONE teacher who did not embrace this charge. Not one. Being the rational writer and individual you are, you would agree that is conversely the responsibility of every parent to raise a child in a way that will place him or her on the track to a better life in a physical, social, emotional and psychological sense and in line with this, it is a given that any worthwhile parent will provide his or her student with the understanding that education and positive concern for academics will provide the path to a better life and with it, will provide the resources necessary so the child can succeed along this path.
Right?
I can also then say this: in three decades of teaching, the vast majority of students who DID NOT CARE to succeed in a classroom hailed from households that had little to no parental guidance or support. We are talking hundreds of students here.
My job has been to inspire these students and make up for what is not taking place in the home. This is the role of all educators. Every teacher knows this. In many regards, I have been successful in turning kids around. In many, I have not and have come to understand that the pull of negative forces outside of the classroom is too great for any third party to contend with.
This transcends race, and this transcends economics, but it is part and parcel the reason why living in poverty is a continuous cycle. Apathy breeds more apathy. Lack of education and failing to place value on education pervades the home, influences the child...and gets passed down.
"The level of reasoning and responsibility and resourcefulness and rigor can and will be raised to meet the needs of the children in the classroom, if teachers have competence and commitment to meet the challenges that students present."
Wrong. 100% wrong, in so many ways. If you want uninspired, undisciplined children to move in with each and every teacher---perhaps we can raise the children for you properly. Give what we are, this is impossible. Inspiration and motivation begin at home. Without it, the process is an uphill climb. And your comments about resourcefulness notwithstanding, this is a district with a horrible, scripted curriculum in each subject area. Teachers get the nod and wink that says sure, you can stray off course and do as you like toward the overall goals of a given unit but if and when you are observed doing this, you will pay dearly.
I have noticed in the past that your way of debating is to make blanket pronouncements that not only target the teaching community but also speak to some belief that there is a racist element among teachers in their ways of imparting knowledge and wisdom. Again, having been at many of this district's "worst" schools over a long career, such a commentary is so ridiculously hallucinogenic that it barely deserves a response.
Yet in this time of targeting teachers, it unfortunately has an ignorant audience. The point remains that good education begins at home. While is politically correct to target educators these days and taboo to even begin to have the citizenry look in the mirror to assess blame, nothing will change until responsible, caring adults realize that truly, they themselves are the problem.
It is not easy to work in this school with kids that are out of control. Parents you can not talk to. One Administrator that is weak and lets the kids run the school. The other Administrator is so moody and has multiple personalities! The kids have nothing in common with the social worker. The staff is stressed. The bus drivers are stressed. Their is no team work. The gossip is ridiculous.
My kids have graduated. We have talked about parent and teacher responsibility here on this blog. At what age can we have that courageous conversation with a kid where they can be told that they have the responsibility for their own work and grades and future? 9th grade seems fair. I have seen the happiness and excitement in a teacher's eyes when he has seen effort from a kid who had little drive.
You said that you never met one Teacher that did not embrace kids? Liar! I have seen teachers call kids stupid! This was not about teachers! This was about the district having too many meetings and no action.
The facts are-- sometimes-- more often in some schools-- kids- act out/ perform/ go off etc. The reason doesnt matter-- outside of school, in own head-- doesnt matter. REality is teacher then has to make decision-- help the disturbed student in some way or continue the script== show much go on! The teacher cares about a;; the kids. But in giving the student demanding attention the attention he/she needs-- you are deciding to "not care" about the rest. If you go on with the script as the chairs fly-- the students lose respect because you have "done nothing"-- even if you've called home every day that week-- to the class you are doing nothing. If you choose to have the student removed- you risk both principal retaliation and the student returning-- again giving the students the perceptive that nothing was done. If you at your job were interrupted by a disturbed individual-- not once but daily-- what would you do?`
8:10 speaks the truth about the students' perceptions. It does fall on the teachers' shoulders if a student's behavior is kicked upstairs and no improvement occurs. hopefully now that the students have had input to the code of conduct they will all go to school ready to learn
Teachers are to teach! Not discipline 30 kids in a classroom! These kids should know how to act!This is not an Elementary school! Teachers teach nothing more! With 30 kids with many with disabilities come in now!
The administration is weak, immature, arrogant, and unpredictable. There is rumor that the principal has interviewed for a position in Virginia. His wife and children have already relocated there for her new job. The board needs to put in a strong principal with some real experience who is invested in the school and the kids.
Bullies lead by fear. Bullies do not respect women and view them as objects. Bullies have little to no relational intelligence. Bully leadership is not sustainable.
Very apropos for the current administration at Uprep.
Bullies get no loyalty from their staff. Staff morale is low, the staff will never go the extra mile for this type of leader. The leader loses his respect. A bully is vicious and vindictive in private and charming in front of witnesses. Only the current target sees both sides. (Jekyll and Hyde) Does this sound like YOUR principal. This is going on each and every day in our schools. Dont be too quick to place blame on the teachers.
To whom ever wrote > Very apropos for the current administration at Uprep.
Bullies get no loyalty from their staff. Staff morale is low, the staff will never go the extra mile for this type of leader. The leader loses his respect. A bully is vicious and vindictive in private and charming in front of witnesses. Only the current target sees both sides. (Jekyll and Hyde) Does this sound like YOUR principal. This is going on each and every day in our schools. Dont be too quick to place blame on the teachers.
I could not agree with you more. (Jekyll and Hyde) is the truth and yes he is a bully. An Administrator will smile and be so friendly when someone in charge comes into the school! He talks to staff like @@@@! A lot of people truly hate coming to work at UPREP!
51 comments:
Somehow, despite the disappointing results, administrators have still managed to collect healthy raises and bonuses. Where is the accountability?
Posters on this blog are no longer anonymous when the code to prove you are not a robot is exactly the same every time you post.
It is safe to assume that every poster is not getting the exact same code which would render the code without use or purpose.
So, if every time any one person posts the code is identical, it is clear that that code is connected to an identity, the identity of the person who is emailing a comment.
The code for this post and all posts for the last several weeks by this individual poster is Photo Sphere---without fail or variation.
Most people connected to PPS do not want to be identified since the consequences could destroy their careers. Just saying . . . .
If you are not understanding this-- try posting, anonymously, several times on any of these topics.
Really, no clue what you are talking about. Moderators of this blog do not know the identities of anonymous posters. Now BLOGSPOT may be able to determine the email address (but not necessarily the identity) of anonymous posts just like Google or Facebook could probably determine the email of someone visiting their websites, but Blogspot probably doesn't care... and if you use an email address that does not include your name, it would be necessary to not only have Blogspot divulge the email address but then google, hotmail or whoever to give information to lead to the identity of whoever established that email address. If you are not a terrorist or someone hacking credit card numbers you probably do not need to worry.
The explanation was pretty clear, Questioner. Why couldn't you get the "idea" about what was "talked" about? Did you try it? Hmmmmm????
Sorry but there is no way for moderators to access email information never mind identities of those who created the email addresses.
Anonymous with the "Please prove you're not a robot" problem.
I get a different image every time I try to comment -- usually numbers only, but sometimes both letters and numbers and more rarely just letters.
If you are getting the same thing every time, it would seem that the problem is on your end? Are you using a personal device or a work computer?
If I were a district employee, I would never use a district computer or network to post. Not because of the blogger site, but because of the district. Just like at my job, I would never use my laptop or the internet at the job to do anything I wouldn't want anyone I work with to see.
I don't expect that they are reading along, or scanning what websites I go to, but the point is that they could.
And now I'll try to post this with my code which is 3716 and that's all!
Now, I'll do it again -- and look, this time it's 234, though it did have all letter when it first came up, but then switched.
Actually, this time I hit the circle arrow and now my code is 2488.
Time to buy that back-to-school tin foil hat.
This thread shows how invisible poor Black children are in Pittsburgh today. Who gives a damn that this school is a massive failure. Who cares that the name Univesity Prep is a blantant deception to parents and the community(see Pittsburgh Promise participation rate).
The ALAs failed, but at least the District quietly killed any further reference to them. But, in this case how does a massive failure go on for 6 years?! Why has no one proposed to change anything? Who has spoken out on behalf of these children and families??
The most dangerous words for a failing school is we have a new program.
Year 1- Planning
Year 2- Let run the plan
Year 3- Lets work out the kinks
Year 4- Uh-huh
Year 5- Take the signs down and hope everyone forgets.
See ALAs
Invisible.
Thank you Mr. Taylor--the whole "university" thing was another group letting kids down and now one speaks up. Closing Schenley was a travesty, and abandoning the students should have been illegal-- as well as obviously immoral.NO ONE wants to admit that prior to all the "fixin'" our schools were way better. Also they dont want to admit that if you create top-notch schools students will cross neighborhoods to go to them--
look at Montessori when it was in Homewood
East Hills when it wss in East Hills
CAPA when it was in Homewood and CAPA middle when it was in Rodgers
Schenley
Milliones when it was Tech magnet
Our students black and white will pursue excellence-- and if they arent pursuing it-- it isnt excellent!
It's been amazing to me the power the "reformers" here have had to make kids (and problems) invisible. The PR machine churns out happy stories to the PG and the PG never crosses them. If you asked the average city resident who hasn't had kids in the schools in the last decade, they'd say how much better the schools are now. THAT's how powerful the invisibility has been.
8:13 said "Closing Schenley was a travesty, and abandoning the students should have been illegal-- as well as obviously immoral.NO ONE wants to admit that prior to all the "fixin'" our schools were way better. Also they dont want to admit that if you create top-notch schools students will cross neighborhoods to go to them"
Yup. And no one was saying that the schools were perfect before 2006 and the beginning of the reforms. Everyone knew there were things that could be better, programs that could be improved, but there was also far less lying. Far less saying one thing and doing another. And teachers and principals were allowed to shape their schools in a way that would get them fired for not following the scripts and protocols now.
Agreed! Currently there is a lot of talk about putting students first, but pre 2005 there was much more of a sense that students were ACTUALLY put first.
Reply to 9:03, my code has been photo sphere many times. It is actually photo sphere right now to post this. It is not unique or linked to you. I don't think you have anything to worry about.
It is interesting now to look back at earlier PPS news releases about U Prep- see p 1 and 18 of this link, it sure sounded good!
F]
Achieving excellence - Pittsburgh Public Schools
www.pps.k12.pa.us/site/handlers/filedownload.ashx?...10...
The school is a failure because of the neighborhood not the school! It is that simple! The kids there do not want to learn! They fight constantly with each other in groups! They say the F@@@ word constantly!You hear black and white. Come on now. The facts are the facts. Why is University Preparatory a failure and Allderdice is doing well? I am a teacher and I have worked at University Preparatory and the kids are out of control! They are brought up to respect no one and that they are owed in life! Look at the crime in the Hill District and you want good test scores. The problems are not from the district!It is because our middle class kids left because their parents wanted them to be in a safe environment. The district does not invest in University Preparatory because most of the kids do not want to learn and are out of control. Please quit making excuses!
At University Preparatory when I worked there they had groups come in and say that they need to help the black young men. What if someone came in there and said we are here just to help our white men then a white person must be prejudice right?. What if white people opened a all white school like their is all black schools oh ya white people are prejudice once again. Kids being prejudice is another problem. White kids feel uncomfortable in schools mostly black because the groups are for black young men. So the white kids leave.
9:02 - You embarass all teachers when you express such venom for students. Clearly, you were not able to motivate or enlighten; but that does not mean that there are not those teachers who can inspire nad touch lives in ways that build character and knowledge.
University Prep needs adults who communicate a 'can do" mission and goal!
Teachers who cannot transform 'kids' need to find another profession!
You do realize that those UPrep kids are the same kids who used to go to Schenley.
At Schenley, the scores for black kids were FAR higher than they are at UPrep. They were higher than for the black kids at Allderdice. Same neighborhood, same influences, better results. Difference is the "reform" that happened. Schenley was a school that attracted good teachers and staff. UPrep struggles to keep teachers. UPrep has had to change and change again to implement every new scheme someone hatches at the Board.
The administration was warned of everything that has come to pass at UPrep. The lack of any real commitment from Pitt, the failure of just using hype and PR rather than looking at what has worked in the past in the city, the belief that it would attract a population that was at least 20% white and thus not be a segregated school...all of those things and more were easy to predict.
However, the last poster x two posts has managed to lay the blame on the students, rather than where it belongs. Mark Roosevelt, Linda Lane, (and Broad and Gates) and all the assistants, interns, and supervisors at Bellefield who hatched these plans and wouldn't listen to anyone else DO deserve all the blame. Too bad no one is pointing that out.
In last year's documentary about Schenley (http://vimeo.com/69475814 ), the most Superintendent Lane could manage to say about Schenley was that "it was a school where a lot of people got a good education." Sadly, the same cannot be said about University Prep.
Why are black kids score so much lower than the white kids at every single school? Maybe the schools are not the problem? Its poverty, crime, their parents, lack, lack, lack.
No that's not true, at some schools last year (Carrick?) AA scores were higher.
The reason for the disparity is "RACISM" pure and simple. Many studies have been done but just think about it for a minute.
Public schools including PPS are structure around an White (European) model of education. This includes theory and practice with philosophic, psychologic, and educational foundations that are designed by and for White students of European descent.
At Milliones U-Prep how many teachers or administration (with the exception of the principal) are African-American? One, two, or less? The behavior model and academic model are both European focused to the detriment of other cultures. The dominant American mind-set prevails in our schools.
Where do students see African American role-models who are respected and revered for their contributors to the domains of literature, math, science, history, arts, etc.?
Poverty has little to do with education. All children can learn when their education is of interest to those who 'run' schools.
Comment before this one. What are you talking about??? What white kids???
Poverty has a lot to do with the learning. What is the percentage of white and black in prisons in Pittsburgh. Its facts. This is not prejudice! I am an AA woman. Every AA child can sit in a class and learn. They can go to any school just need their own transportation. Excuses!
Well when white groups go into PPS just to help white kids do not be offended! When White people only open white colleges do not be offended! Come on now its being prejudice!!!!! White kids are not killing one another! The jails are full of what ethnic groups? Its facts! Cultures need to work together! What are the poverty neighborhoods meaning the least educated? Once again it is a fact!
Hello the white kids are LEAVING? You tell me why??????????? No thinker...
Although African Americans make up only 27 percent of Pittsburgh’s population,
more than 80 percent of city homicide victims were black. The problems come from the community not the school!
That is great that the AA scored higher at Carrick High. I do not believe the AA attending Carrick are in a school out of control because of the students and parents nor do I think they are from a poverty area as bad as the Hill District! It makes a huge difference! I want the superintendents to try and teach a class at University Preparatory. Come on it will be a blast!
comment before wrote this. Public schools including PPS are structure around an White (European) model of education. This includes theory and practice with philosophic, psycho logic, and educational foundations that are designed by and for White students of European descent. So are you saying the European model is too hard for African American students? Not all white people are European that statement made me chuckle. You do know that Principal Hardy hires the white teachers? Are you saying black teachers are not smart because Europeans are? Come on!!!!!!!!!!! Please. I thought you would want white European teachers teaching since it is structure around an White (European) model of education. MAKE UP YOUR MIND!
I AM SO TIRED OF HEARING THIS BLACK AND WHITE CRAP! ITS A BUNCH OF CRAPS! AFRICAN PEOPLE SOLD THEIR OWN PEOPLE TO DISGUSTING WEALTHY WHITE SOUTHERNS! NO ONE CAPTURED ANYONE AND HOW LONG IS THIS WHITE AND BLACK EXCUSES GOING TO HAPPEN! BLAME THE AFRICAN AMERICAN BLACK MAN FOR THE PROBLEMS NOT WHITE PEOPLE! THIS IS ALL AN EXCUSE! HELP ONE ANOTHER QUIT POINTING THE FINGER AT THE WRONG PEOPLE! SAYING THAT THE PPS USE EUROPEAN LEARNING AND THE BLACK STUDENTS CAN NOT LEARN IT OR FROM WHITS IS A TERRIBLE STATEMENT TOWARD AA KIDS!
From previous poster
"Public schools including PPS are structure around an White (European) model of education. This includes theory and practice with philosophic, psychologic, and educational foundations that are designed by and for White students of European descent."
I went to a mostly white high school, with the largest minority groups being from India, then Asian countries. This is the make up of many suburban schools. The Indian and Asian children consistently outperformed the Caucasian children.
This was almost 20 years ago and still holds true today. Many of the children's parents were not born in America and were not native English speakers. Why do these children thrive and outperform the white children you allege the curriculum is designed for and centered around?? The children who peform best in any learning environment are the ones whose parents place a high value on education.
Some one wrote this earlier.
University Prep needs adults who communicate a 'can do" mission and goal!
Teachers who cannot transform 'kids' need to find another profession!
The staff does communicate a 'can do' mission and goal! They do not want to do and act like out of control community! Find another profession? No these kids need to not act like animals!
Take a good look at Perry and Oliver combining. DO you really think that the good parents are going to put their kids back into that environment for long? No they will move out of the city! You pay high taxes and 8 percent of your taxes to live in a city where the school system is failing and not listening to the cries for help! Look how much money a tax payer has to pay for Clayton and then they do not reform the kids! The kids love it there because the classes are small and they don't have to do work! Another waste! So they put the unreformed kids back into the schools! These staff members are saints!
The total lack of appreciation for young people who are struggling against all odds in schools where the adults express such disregard is astonishing and depressing--is there no one out there who has the ability to give kids what they need to realize their potential-- does no one believe that poor kids, black kids have potential--what is the responsibility of adults in schools--is to add to that "struggle"? --it sure seems that way--but let's see if anyone rises to transforming the situations of those young people who struggle--or is that up to someone, anyone else-- anyone taking bets on what the response here will be?
It's one person expressing disregard. It's certainly not most people who post here (why would they if they've checked out?) or most of the people who work in the schools.
I agree that one person with those attitudes is too many in a school, but to say that there aren't any caring, committed does a huge disservice to the majority of PPS teachers and staff who are in there trying to do the right thing and make things better.
Some one wrote does no one believe that poor kids, black kids have potential--what is the responsibility of adults in schools--is to add to that "struggle"? --it sure seems that way--but let's see if anyone rises to transforming the situations of those young people who struggle--or is that up to someone, anyone else-- anyone taking bets on what the response here will be?
No one said that black children do not have potential! First of all Teachers jobs are to teach not babysit and correct students with their discipline issues to the point where they do not get the chance to teach! The parents need to go to rehab or ethics class maybe? The staff in these schools are not babysitters! They are being stressed out and harassed by the poverty kids thank you! The schools are here to teach! Period! The parents raise the kids! In class you learn! In the halls you walk to class! In the lunchroom you eat! Well that is what is suppose to happen! I have been a teacher for 27 years. I have developed depression, anxiety and stress from these kids!
The middle class neighborhood kids are a pleasure to teach but when you teach the kids from the Hill, Homewood, Manchester, Northview, and a few other areas. The kids are out of control and only come to school to stay out of court.
Very few want to learn!
It's a shame that there are a couple bleeding heart writers here who would take the comments of numerous disillusioned, unappreciated teachers here and play the race card. How convenient.
As a three decades teacher who has worked in this district's "worst" schools, let me say it clearly: get off of it. Quit blaming teachers for the simple fact that on one hand, most of our kids in PPS ARE black and many if not most kids who are at schools like UPrep either have absentee parents or parents who just don't care.
And that is why the child does poorly in school, if he or she even stays in school.
Your act is getting a bit old here, and it's becoming laughable.
"Racist" and "uncaring" teachers aren't the problem and have never been the problem in PPS. Apathetic parents who were happy to have kids but never cared much for raising those kids ARE the problem, and always have been.
Even though we are currently handing grades to kids of all colors through the ridiculously poor curricula and a 50% grading policy, it's STILL not enough for you.
At what point do you look in the mirror and identify the problem as being yourself? At what point do you get off the couch, put down the bon bons and start being proactive? At what point do you as an adult come to the realization that perhaps all of the teachers have been right about your child's laziness and that your defense mechanism of pointing the finger has only guaranteed your kid a lifetime of flipping hamburgers?
Get off of it, already. You couldn't carry my briefcase...and the kids would tell you that. Kids of all colors.
An that UPrep has a "principal" that knew all of this and yet STILL wished to blame teachers for the shortcomings of students tells you all you need to know about PPS administration. They're not much different than pseudo parents, at the end of the day.
You know what? In Chicago, it was the teachers and their union that got on it and got the message out there about bad conditions and bad curriculum and bad decisions from their administration.
There is only so much you can expect parents who ARE concerned to do. They can testify at the Board or write to their board member and they can vote with their feet and move. That's really it.
You, the teachers, could DEMAND that your union stand up and shout the truth about what reform has done to the PPS. How far things have fallen since the Broad/Gates influence began.
And guess what? In Chicago getting the word out seems to be working:
"Asked about Emanuel's handling of public schools, 65 percent disapproved, 26 percent approved and 10 percent had no opinion. The latest findings show a shift of 5 percentage points toward disapproval from a Tribune poll in May 2013 — just before a vote by the school board to shut nearly 50 public schools.
Among parents of children in Chicago Public Schools — about one-fifth of those taking part in the survey — nearly 4 out of 5 disapproved of the mayor's handling of public education while only 19 percent approved. But even those without children in the public schools disapproved at a 62 percent rate, while only 27 percent approved."
chicagotribune.com/news/ct-rahm-emanuel-education-met-20140814-story.html#page=1 (you can sign up to be registered for free)
Your comments about Chicago are appropriate and well taken. You could have aded Tacoma to the conversation. In both regards, you are talking about a teachers union with a sense of resolve. You are talking about groups that have no problem with using the tools at their disposal, despite media and public sentiment.
We don't have that type of leadership In Pittsburgh anymore. And in terms of rank and file, that ship has also sailed. Those types of teachers---the people who were here when I came into teaching---have retired, and have been replaced by teachers who are either apathetic, fearful or duplicitous.
One third of our union won't vote for election positions. More than that would rather stand in place during contract votes, as we have not had a raise that is better than cost of living for three consecutive contracts.
Your point is well taken and most assuredly, we are our own worst enemies.
As for parents, again, I understand your point. Here's the fly in your ointment: the Promise. I have spoken to countless parents---and have seen many hear write--that the only reason they stay in PPS is Promise money.
It covers all of the ugliness. It makes people swallow hard.
And I can understand that.
As teachers, we have watched as integrity has been derailed in order to maintain this facade. The Promise is good PR, plain and simple. In a time of spiraling education costs, it is a beacon of hope for families. I understand.
But foundation heads understand, too. The Promise has provided administration with the impetus to place virtually everyone on the pathway. It has meant watering grading and even worse, working with a scripted curriculum that fails our students in terms of providing them what they need to succeed in college, and in life.
Media, foundation heads, it doesn't matter. The Promise--a good program for students who truly should be on the path--has clouded all of the ills of PPS. It has provided local media with the idea that everything which emanates from administration must be gospel. It is printed almost verbatim from press releases, and any idea that runs counter to administration is looked upon as contrary to the wonderful direction the district is going in.
Never mind the bad test scores.
Never mind the questions about curriculum
Never mind a horrible grade policy
Lets lend credence to Bill Gates. It must be the fault of teachers.
Chicago is a wonderful example of how a union can pull together and fight for its students. First and foremost, we lack a union with such gumption. It cowers in fear of media backlash and simply refuses to stage a strike or walk out, instead looking out for its own best PR in saying we haven't done such a thing since the early 1970's. How asinine.
While rank and file has been emasculated by its own union, targeted by Bill Gates, brow beaten by local media and harangued by a few parents with axes to grind, it is NOT the problem in schools like UPrep or any other PPS. There's good and bad in any profession, but the overwhelming majority of teachers in this district are dedicated individuals who are extremely unappreciated. Walk a mile in their shoes....if you dare.
8:29 - No one said that all teachers are like those posting here so negatively. You are right that many teachers are caring, responsive, creative, and intellectually astute enough to teach and motivate students to realize the God-given talents and potential that they demonstrate (often in unacceptable ways) but nevertheless revealing the 'gifts' that each and everyone possesses.
It is the responsibility to teach EVERY child who comes to school and enters a classroom. If you cannot do that in some schools in the Hill, Homewood, or any other place, you need to find a place where you can be successful using the limited skills that you have acquired.
The level of reasoning and responsibility and resourcefulness and rigor can and will be raised to meet the needs of the children in the classroom, if teachers have competence and commitment to meet the challenges that students present.
8:29, so it is your opinion that the teacher bears the sole responsibility and that lack of parental support is acceptable correct? Why do you think schools in the Hill, Homewood, etc......can't keep staff. You say caring teachers exist yet they obviously don't choose to stay or go to these schools. I'll tell you why because it does take teachers, students and parents working together. Without that you have nothing!
Once again, you seek to play the shell game with readers here. Sorry, it's not flying:
"It is the responsibility to teach EVERY child who comes to school and enters a classroom. If you cannot do that in some schools in the Hill, Homewood, or any other place, you need to find a place where you can be successful using the limited skills that you have acquired."
Well stated. In three decades of teaching, I have not known ONE teacher who did not embrace this charge. Not one. Being the rational writer and individual you are, you would agree that is conversely the responsibility of every parent to raise a child in a way that will place him or her on the track to a better life in a physical, social, emotional and psychological sense and in line with this, it is a given that any worthwhile parent will provide his or her student with the understanding that education and positive concern for academics will provide the path to a better life and with it, will provide the resources necessary so the child can succeed along this path.
Right?
I can also then say this: in three decades of teaching, the vast majority of students who DID NOT CARE to succeed in a classroom hailed from households that had little to no parental guidance or support. We are talking hundreds of students here.
My job has been to inspire these students and make up for what is not taking place in the home. This is the role of all educators. Every teacher knows this. In many regards, I have been successful in turning kids around. In many, I have not and have come to understand that the pull of negative forces outside of the classroom is too great for any third party to contend with.
This transcends race, and this transcends economics, but it is part and parcel the reason why living in poverty is a continuous cycle. Apathy breeds more apathy. Lack of education and failing to place value on education pervades the home, influences the child...and gets passed down.
"The level of reasoning and responsibility and resourcefulness and rigor can and will be raised to meet the needs of the children in the classroom, if teachers have competence and commitment to meet the challenges that students present."
Wrong. 100% wrong, in so many ways. If you want uninspired, undisciplined children to move in with each and every teacher---perhaps we can raise the children for you properly. Give what we are, this is impossible. Inspiration and motivation begin at home. Without it, the process is an uphill climb. And your comments about resourcefulness notwithstanding, this is a district with a horrible, scripted curriculum in each subject area. Teachers get the nod and wink that says sure, you can stray off course and do as you like toward the overall goals of a given unit but if and when you are observed doing this, you will pay dearly.
I have noticed in the past that your way of debating is to make blanket pronouncements that not only target the teaching community but also speak to some belief that there is a racist element among teachers in their ways of imparting knowledge and wisdom. Again, having been at many of this district's "worst" schools over a long career, such a commentary is so ridiculously hallucinogenic that it barely deserves a response.
Yet in this time of targeting teachers, it unfortunately has an ignorant audience.
The point remains that good education begins at home. While is politically correct to target educators these days and taboo to even begin to have the citizenry look in the mirror to assess blame, nothing will change until responsible, caring adults realize that truly, they themselves are the problem.
It is not easy to work in this school with kids that are out of control. Parents you can not talk to. One Administrator that is weak and lets the kids run the school. The other Administrator is so moody and has multiple personalities! The kids have nothing in common with the social worker. The staff is stressed. The bus drivers are stressed. Their is no team work. The gossip is ridiculous.
My kids have graduated. We have talked about parent and teacher responsibility here on this blog. At what age can we have that courageous conversation with a kid where they can be told that they have the responsibility for their own work and grades and future? 9th grade seems fair. I have seen the happiness and excitement in a teacher's eyes when he has seen effort from a kid who had little drive.
You said that you never met one Teacher that did not embrace kids? Liar! I have seen teachers call kids stupid! This was not about teachers! This was about the district having too many meetings and no action.
The facts are-- sometimes-- more often in some schools-- kids- act out/ perform/ go off etc. The reason doesnt matter-- outside of school, in own head-- doesnt matter. REality is teacher then has to make decision-- help the disturbed student in some way or continue the script== show much go on! The teacher cares about a;; the kids. But in giving the student demanding attention the attention he/she needs-- you are deciding to "not care" about the rest. If you go on with the script as the chairs fly-- the students lose respect because you have "done nothing"-- even if you've called home every day that week-- to the class you are doing nothing. If you choose to have the student removed- you risk both principal retaliation and the student returning-- again giving the students the perceptive that nothing was done.
If you at your job were interrupted by a disturbed individual-- not once but daily-- what would you do?`
8:10 speaks the truth about the students' perceptions. It does fall on the teachers' shoulders if a student's behavior is kicked upstairs and no improvement occurs. hopefully now that the students have had input to the code of conduct they will all go to school ready to learn
Teachers are to teach! Not discipline 30 kids in a classroom! These kids should know how to act!This is not an Elementary school! Teachers teach nothing more! With 30 kids with many with disabilities come in now!
The administration is weak, immature, arrogant, and unpredictable. There is rumor that the principal has interviewed for a position in Virginia. His wife and children have already relocated there for her new job. The board needs to put in a strong principal with some real experience who is invested in the school and the kids.
Bullies lead by fear.
Bullies do not respect women and view them as objects.
Bullies have little to no relational intelligence.
Bully leadership is not sustainable.
Very apropos for the current administration at Uprep.
Bullies get no loyalty from their staff.
Staff morale is low, the staff will never go the extra mile for this type of leader.
The leader loses his respect.
A bully is vicious and vindictive in private and charming in front of witnesses. Only the current target sees both sides. (Jekyll and Hyde)
Does this sound like YOUR principal.
This is going on each and every day in our schools. Dont be too quick to place blame on the teachers.
To whom ever wrote >
Very apropos for the current administration at Uprep.
Bullies get no loyalty from their staff.
Staff morale is low, the staff will never go the extra mile for this type of leader.
The leader loses his respect.
A bully is vicious and vindictive in private and charming in front of witnesses. Only the current target sees both sides. (Jekyll and Hyde)
Does this sound like YOUR principal.
This is going on each and every day in our schools. Dont be too quick to place blame on the teachers.
I could not agree with you more. (Jekyll and Hyde) is the truth and yes he is a bully. An Administrator will smile and be so friendly when someone in charge comes into the school! He talks to staff like @@@@! A lot of people truly hate coming to work at UPREP!
Post a Comment