Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "A Question on the Asst. Superintendent":
Would an education degree from any Ivy League school prepare a Curriculum Superintendent for the mess they inherited in coming to this district?
Four elementary schools with their own "patterns" (term used by the superintendent) despite an organization of chair people for each subject area and a district wide curriculum position which is now your new job. Revolving door administrators including several new principals. Parents up at arms over poor results, lack of curriculum and inequitable materials. Add a wonderful back-to-school welcome from the PCT - You Tubes, "contract now" buttons and funereal uniforms, picket signs on back-to-school-night and other antics putting parent/teacher relations to the test and you've got a reason for someone to self-medicate or at least kick themselves for ever leaving their last job. The ideal candidate for this job needed a combat medal and Nobel Peace Prize on their resume.
When teachers backed out of supporting the PTA by not playing in the POB Middle School Wizards basketball game, the curriculum superintendent put on a pair of sweats and sneakers and let herself be chased around a basketball court for the sake of fundraising for the kids. Being a good sport and volunteering when needed tells me more about her than a resume with degrees from the top ed schools would. I'm not saying that playing in a basketball game means that a person is qualified to be a superintendent of curriculum. But given the circumstances, it shows heart. She was willing to get “in the game” literally. It shows common sense of caring enough to make a good impression on parents that are currently disappointed by actions of educators in the district. It gives me the impression that she'll stick around for a while and go the extra mile to make things better here. That's enough of a start for the first quarter.
And as far as track records go, let’s look at some recent curriculum-related accomplishments in her past district – Sachem. She worked with the teacher’s union to implement trimester report cards for elementary students and they thanked her in their June 2009 newsletter. NY State Ed recognized Sachem with a grant in 2009 for using data-based decision making for literacy for students with disabilities. Scores of “4” were raised on 5th grade social studies assessment with targeted instruction, using a 10 week plan with literacy coaches modeling reading strategies to all 5th grade students and teachers in 12 elementary schools.
I'm a self-admitted pain-in-the-@&# parent. I'm the first to question and be skeptical of any and all educational practices and administrators. I doubt candidates were knocking down our doors to work here. There is no litmus test to determine that anyone that applied for this job was indeed "smarter." But selling someone short when they haven't had a chance to make an impact and basing that negative opinion on their personal educational choices without checking any facts is wrong. Recognizing the importance of communication via report cards and working cooperatively with the teacher’s union, using data-based programs for literacy, and getting 12 elementary schools on the same page for a state assessment seem like pretty good credentials to me. The curriculum superintendent got the job based on real qualifications and she has real-world experience that will help her successfully take on the challenges here.
Ed's note: Well Said. Her track record speaks for itself; we can only hope she can untangle this mess we have made too, and bring back the brilliance POB was once known for.
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This post is for parents' of seniors
ReplyDeleteSenior parents were complaining that their children were not going to receive letters of recommendations for their college applications. Why aren't these parents making positive statements now that their children did receive them?? Why so quiet now? You voice your negative opinions. Why not thank a teacher who writes these letters on their own time???
This town is amazing :( It is sad to see that my pupils have such role models in their own homes. Children learn what they reap.
Remember, if we display a cheerful spirit, we convey that these tasks are vital to a happy household, that a family works together to accomplish these tasks, and that family members are to serve one another with a kind and cheerful spirit. the same could be said about a community. It is so sad to see that the community has such hatred for its' teachers and the children see and feel this. Think again before you speak. If you have nothing nice to say (or type), then don't! The teachers are still working and doing their jobs. I can only forsee disharmony until negotiations start!
So you finally did your job and you want a pat on the back? That's why people are fed up with the attitudes of teachers like this! Ya know what? Do your job or put in your resignation if you have it so bad.
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