a more recent JFK grad has left a new comment on your post "Put the Blame Where it Should Be":
I attended POBJFK within the past ten years and had my personal share of good teachers, and awful ones. I battled for years with some teachers, and spent hours talking and learning from others. What good I came away with from JFK, was truly great. I learned Leaves of Grass from M. Rosenfeld himself.
However, I experienced many days in a classroom with educators who were far too young, or perhaps immature, or under-qualified to manage a classroom. I sat in the exact exams that my aunt had taken 30 years earlier when she went to JFK. I had teachers who forced projects upon us with short notice and little relevance to coursework.
The performance of a teacher should be the concern of the entire faculty, administrators AND teachers. I want the best education whatever institution I attend has to offer, but sometimes the best is not good enough. Step it up, or back down. Understand that it's not necessarily a personal attack, but the desire for reassurance of the best possible education.
At the end of the day, the top priority should always be the students. Tenure places the well being of a teacher above that of a student, and in a very permanent position that can be detrimental to a students education. Perhaps instead of a lifetime job offer, we should give them 5 year contracts like they do on the NY Yankees...
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Board of ED: We are Not Cooling Off.
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Accept Smaller Raises__Yeah PTA__Step Up a...":
"...Tempers seem to be cooling off"
Not in MY house that's for sure!
If the Board of Ed thinks that, they better get the wax out of their ears. Parents are talking about this all over town, very few are satisfied with teacher's behaviors or the board's. Many think the union has pushed to far and want the board to take the offer back completely.
If anything, this Newsday article will raise the buzz and the temperature. I heard the press was at the last meeting, I hope they come again.
"...Tempers seem to be cooling off"
Not in MY house that's for sure!
If the Board of Ed thinks that, they better get the wax out of their ears. Parents are talking about this all over town, very few are satisfied with teacher's behaviors or the board's. Many think the union has pushed to far and want the board to take the offer back completely.
If anything, this Newsday article will raise the buzz and the temperature. I heard the press was at the last meeting, I hope they come again.
New Formula for Salaries
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teacher Accept Smaller Raises__Yeah PTA__Step Up a...":
Most people work approximately 230 days out of the year not counting being out sick for 8 hours a day which equates to 1840 hours. Teachers work approximately 180 days a year not counting being out sick for 6.5 hours a day which equates to 1170 hours a year. Plus you need to add in the staff meetings once a week that run about 1-2 hours long as well as open house for 2-3 hours and parent teacher conferences for 6 hours a year. So now you are at approximately 1240 hours a year, and don’t forget all the work, shopping for school supplies and phone calls to parents which all takes place after working hours. For argument sake lets add on 5 hours a week times 40 weeks for 200 more hours. Now they work 1440 hours a year. So they work 400 hours less a year than the average worker but when they are at work they are responsible for 20 plus children for those 6 ½ hours. Here is a new formula I think is fair to use to calculate their salaries.
Number of kids (23) x 6 ½ hours for 180 days at a low end babysitter rate of $10 per hour = $269,100 a year. High end babysitter $14 per hour = $376,740. So now they should be complaining that they are grossly underpaid!!!!!!!! The only way to get out of the economical mess is to educate the future of this country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not a teacher just someone who understands reality.
Most people work approximately 230 days out of the year not counting being out sick for 8 hours a day which equates to 1840 hours. Teachers work approximately 180 days a year not counting being out sick for 6.5 hours a day which equates to 1170 hours a year. Plus you need to add in the staff meetings once a week that run about 1-2 hours long as well as open house for 2-3 hours and parent teacher conferences for 6 hours a year. So now you are at approximately 1240 hours a year, and don’t forget all the work, shopping for school supplies and phone calls to parents which all takes place after working hours. For argument sake lets add on 5 hours a week times 40 weeks for 200 more hours. Now they work 1440 hours a year. So they work 400 hours less a year than the average worker but when they are at work they are responsible for 20 plus children for those 6 ½ hours. Here is a new formula I think is fair to use to calculate their salaries.
Number of kids (23) x 6 ½ hours for 180 days at a low end babysitter rate of $10 per hour = $269,100 a year. High end babysitter $14 per hour = $376,740. So now they should be complaining that they are grossly underpaid!!!!!!!! The only way to get out of the economical mess is to educate the future of this country!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Not a teacher just someone who understands reality.
Teacher Accept Smaller Raises__Yeah PTA__Step Up and Talk
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To the Editor, From the Editor":
Article in today's Newsday:
Economy forces some LI teachers to accept smaller raises
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/7.915505?view=article&totalComments=15
includes how other districts came to agreements (including Syosset give backs of fewer sick days and paying a higher share of health insurance) and how there has been a "flare up" between parents and teachers in Plainview but district officials say "tempers are cooling off."
The teachers have certainly "flared up" - or exercised their freedom of speech rights - depending on whose talking but parents have remained quite civil trying to salvage the year, smiling at back-to-school night and parent/teacher conferences, supporting PTA and classroom events, airing their comments at Board of Ed meetings and often including positive statements about good experiences they had with the schools in the past.
The article mentions KCenter PTA doing an after-school Thanksgiving party since teachers didn't do their regular class room holiday celebrations.
How was that in keeping with the supertendent's letter in October telling teachers to do whatever they have done in year's past?
Bravo to the PTA for putting the kids first and maintaining a tradition in an out-of-the-box way. A big thumbs down to teachers who eliminated a classroom experience from our littlest and most vulnerable students.
Someone needs to talk about this at the Board meeting this coming Monday.
Article in today's Newsday:
Economy forces some LI teachers to accept smaller raises
http://www.newsday.com/long-island/nassau/7.915505?view=article&totalComments=15
includes how other districts came to agreements (including Syosset give backs of fewer sick days and paying a higher share of health insurance) and how there has been a "flare up" between parents and teachers in Plainview but district officials say "tempers are cooling off."
The teachers have certainly "flared up" - or exercised their freedom of speech rights - depending on whose talking but parents have remained quite civil trying to salvage the year, smiling at back-to-school night and parent/teacher conferences, supporting PTA and classroom events, airing their comments at Board of Ed meetings and often including positive statements about good experiences they had with the schools in the past.
The article mentions KCenter PTA doing an after-school Thanksgiving party since teachers didn't do their regular class room holiday celebrations.
How was that in keeping with the supertendent's letter in October telling teachers to do whatever they have done in year's past?
Bravo to the PTA for putting the kids first and maintaining a tradition in an out-of-the-box way. A big thumbs down to teachers who eliminated a classroom experience from our littlest and most vulnerable students.
Someone needs to talk about this at the Board meeting this coming Monday.
There is a Seat For Everyone!
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "The Next Board Meeting....":
see you there-save me a seat!
see you there-save me a seat!
Even After the Settlement, This Topic Will Not Die
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "To the Editor, From the Editor":
Why wouldn't the blog post information pertaining to a major conversation on the blog - teacher salaries? Both parents and teachers are blogging about them. The information is from a neutral source - Newsday. It's helpful that you point out that the info is 5 years old but that doesn't mean it's not useful. I'm not sure how a link to a chart of information is inflammatory.
The union opened up a can of worms when they put the negotiations in the public eye. Union actions have gotten the attention of the community and the community has responded. The popularity of this blog, the attendance at Board meetings, emails have been flying around town since September with all sorts of things including the link for SeeThrough NY to get actual current teacher salaries. So long as the union is keeping a high profile about negotiations, the topic will continue to be of high interest. Even after a settlement this topic will continue to be referenced. Actions speak louder and inflame more than outdated charts of salaries.
Why wouldn't the blog post information pertaining to a major conversation on the blog - teacher salaries? Both parents and teachers are blogging about them. The information is from a neutral source - Newsday. It's helpful that you point out that the info is 5 years old but that doesn't mean it's not useful. I'm not sure how a link to a chart of information is inflammatory.
The union opened up a can of worms when they put the negotiations in the public eye. Union actions have gotten the attention of the community and the community has responded. The popularity of this blog, the attendance at Board meetings, emails have been flying around town since September with all sorts of things including the link for SeeThrough NY to get actual current teacher salaries. So long as the union is keeping a high profile about negotiations, the topic will continue to be of high interest. Even after a settlement this topic will continue to be referenced. Actions speak louder and inflame more than outdated charts of salaries.
Protected by Tenure
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Put the Blame Where it Should Be":
The top administrator - the superintendent - couldn't get teachers to re-invite the parents back in for Halloween parties - he had less than a 50% success rate since his letter was ignored by the KCenter, Stratford and Pasadena staff. We all know who didn't follow the directive and there hasn't been anything done - because the teachers are protected by tenure!
The top administrator - the superintendent - couldn't get teachers to re-invite the parents back in for Halloween parties - he had less than a 50% success rate since his letter was ignored by the KCenter, Stratford and Pasadena staff. We all know who didn't follow the directive and there hasn't been anything done - because the teachers are protected by tenure!
Monday, November 30, 2009
Put the Blame Where it Should Be
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Tenure Can There Be Change?":
Then blame the administrators for not doing their jobs, not the teachers
Then blame the administrators for not doing their jobs, not the teachers
To the Editor, From the Editor
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Teach Every Child, Then I'll Support the Union":
to the editor,I left a post recently regarding the fact that the information that you posted under "teacher Pay-Average and Median", asking you why you posted information that was almost 5 years. strange that you didn't post my question! maybe it's because you are seeking to twist peoples opinion. I also asked you why you would post something in the upper left of the blog which stated the opinoins different from yours are not worthy of being taken seriously.that sounds a little self serving.
Ed's note: To the writer above: The scores are from 2008. The teachers salaries compiled are Newsday's most recent.(Perhaps you should drop them a corrective missive as well!).You can find a link that had been at the top of the page for several weeks in the, "Links You Should See" section;
http://www.seethroughny.net/Payrolls/StatePayroll/tabid/69/Default.aspx?BRANCHID=6 which lists all current teacher salaries for NY State. You are welcome to do research and send correcting information in the future instead of whining and pointing fingers.
The content of this blog is almost 99% submissions at this time, and are posted both as comments and as posts. There are very few submissions that are trashed. If you feel I am not presenting your opinion or one that is slanted you are entitled to be wrong. (it is MY BLOG after all)- and feel free to create your own blog at www.blogger.com.
The upper left hand corner's post I believe was intended to quell such posts as yours. It clearly does not say anything about anyone else's opinions it merely states that people who do not appreciate the fact that I started and continue to maintain this are not worth being taken seriously. Based on comments received from teachers as well as taxpayers (including Mr. Rosenfeld, of the PCT) very few have objected to a slant or bias and have used this site frequently to post their opinions.
This is not a pissing match, I will no longer post or respond to: challenges to the site, bias, adolescent complaints about spelling, or grammar. I will not post anything that is offensive or obscene. I will no longer post anything that says, "I challenge you to print this," or it's ilk. This is not a pissing match.
To those who are concerned that all this free talk is effecting the value of your property, you are right, in the long run it will improve your values. Ignoring problems will only exacerbate them, much like a leaky roof. Do you think raising taxes and not improving schools will raise the value of your property? Until a year or so ago the board,administrators and the teacher's union went virtually unchecked by parents and taxpayers alike and that is how we got into this mess.
I welcome the wide range of ideas, opinions and information intended to resolve ongoing issues for the betterment of our schools and our community. I will continue to post as many submissions as I see fit. I will not address these challenges again.
-A special thanks to those who attend board meetings, it is important to show up, voice your opinions and make a difference, this blog can only go so far.
to the editor,I left a post recently regarding the fact that the information that you posted under "teacher Pay-Average and Median", asking you why you posted information that was almost 5 years. strange that you didn't post my question! maybe it's because you are seeking to twist peoples opinion. I also asked you why you would post something in the upper left of the blog which stated the opinoins different from yours are not worthy of being taken seriously.that sounds a little self serving.
Ed's note: To the writer above: The scores are from 2008. The teachers salaries compiled are Newsday's most recent.(Perhaps you should drop them a corrective missive as well!).You can find a link that had been at the top of the page for several weeks in the, "Links You Should See" section;
http://www.seethroughny.net/Payrolls/StatePayroll/tabid/69/Default.aspx?BRANCHID=6 which lists all current teacher salaries for NY State. You are welcome to do research and send correcting information in the future instead of whining and pointing fingers.
The content of this blog is almost 99% submissions at this time, and are posted both as comments and as posts. There are very few submissions that are trashed. If you feel I am not presenting your opinion or one that is slanted you are entitled to be wrong. (it is MY BLOG after all)- and feel free to create your own blog at www.blogger.com.
The upper left hand corner's post I believe was intended to quell such posts as yours. It clearly does not say anything about anyone else's opinions it merely states that people who do not appreciate the fact that I started and continue to maintain this are not worth being taken seriously. Based on comments received from teachers as well as taxpayers (including Mr. Rosenfeld, of the PCT) very few have objected to a slant or bias and have used this site frequently to post their opinions.
This is not a pissing match, I will no longer post or respond to: challenges to the site, bias, adolescent complaints about spelling, or grammar. I will not post anything that is offensive or obscene. I will no longer post anything that says, "I challenge you to print this," or it's ilk. This is not a pissing match.
To those who are concerned that all this free talk is effecting the value of your property, you are right, in the long run it will improve your values. Ignoring problems will only exacerbate them, much like a leaky roof. Do you think raising taxes and not improving schools will raise the value of your property? Until a year or so ago the board,administrators and the teacher's union went virtually unchecked by parents and taxpayers alike and that is how we got into this mess.
I welcome the wide range of ideas, opinions and information intended to resolve ongoing issues for the betterment of our schools and our community. I will continue to post as many submissions as I see fit. I will not address these challenges again.
-A special thanks to those who attend board meetings, it is important to show up, voice your opinions and make a difference, this blog can only go so far.
Sunday, November 29, 2009
Teacher Work Slow Down?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Their Job is to Teach, Regardless":
I've been hearing that some teachers are assigning less projects this year. Grading takes time - less projects, less to grade so this fits in with the "do less since we don't have a contract." Since teachers all assign different things there is no easy way for the district to figure this out unless they had a way to compare year to year for each particular teacher but I don't think they track what each teacher does.
Any thoughts on this?
I've been hearing that some teachers are assigning less projects this year. Grading takes time - less projects, less to grade so this fits in with the "do less since we don't have a contract." Since teachers all assign different things there is no easy way for the district to figure this out unless they had a way to compare year to year for each particular teacher but I don't think they track what each teacher does.
Any thoughts on this?
The Next Board Meeting....
There is no Board Meeting this week.
The next POB Board of Ed meeting is on December 7th
The next POB Board of Ed meeting is on December 7th
The Mud is Flying
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Everyone Should Just Play Nice":
Mud is slinging all over this blog - from all directions. Hopefully the true problems will rise to the top and get resolved. Until then, happy Thanksgiving, to all. Parents, teachers, union, non union, BOE, and even administrators.
Mud is slinging all over this blog - from all directions. Hopefully the true problems will rise to the top and get resolved. Until then, happy Thanksgiving, to all. Parents, teachers, union, non union, BOE, and even administrators.
Tenure Can There Be Change?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Tenure, There Must Be a Better Way":
The only answer is to get rid of the tenure system. The only job in the country that gives tenure is the United States Supreme Court. Are teachers that high and almighty that they deserve tenure ? No. Like any profession or job there are bad teachers in our district. If a teacher gets enough complaints then the administrators just move the teachers around from school to school
The only answer is to get rid of the tenure system. The only job in the country that gives tenure is the United States Supreme Court. Are teachers that high and almighty that they deserve tenure ? No. Like any profession or job there are bad teachers in our district. If a teacher gets enough complaints then the administrators just move the teachers around from school to school
Union Free?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Why not a Union Free District?":
There are 124 school districts on Long Island. NONE are union free.
There are 124 school districts on Long Island. NONE are union free.
Their Job is to Teach, Regardless
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Set the Example, Then Ask for Money":
No where did anyone say that we in Plainview wanted to be like Syosset or Jericho. Envy is a horrible thing to carry. The bottom line is regardless of the academics, teachers are over compensated. The demand more money for what? doing what they are paid to do. They do not work on commission. Their job is to teach our children to the best of their ability not teach them so much and then demand more money. Maybe the reason our children do not score as well is not the teachers fault, but the administrators and the board who set the curriculum, goals , and agenda for our schools.
No where did anyone say that we in Plainview wanted to be like Syosset or Jericho. Envy is a horrible thing to carry. The bottom line is regardless of the academics, teachers are over compensated. The demand more money for what? doing what they are paid to do. They do not work on commission. Their job is to teach our children to the best of their ability not teach them so much and then demand more money. Maybe the reason our children do not score as well is not the teachers fault, but the administrators and the board who set the curriculum, goals , and agenda for our schools.
Why not a Union Free District?
Anonymous has left a new comment on your post "Take it Or Leave it.":
Why can't Plainview be a union free district, then they are not bound to a union contract? This is reponse to the 1st comment. I'm not saying that should happen. Some say Plainview's schools aren't good, I disagree. Can it be improved, yes, but overall our children do recieve a good education.
I do think the board should negotiate at this point but with the goal to improve education in Plainview. Its not good for the anyone in the community for this to continue. Possibly, lengthen the school day, provide after school help for elementary grades and definitely make an enforced, districtwide curriculum. Old Bethpage and Parkway performed very well on the ELA and Math assessment. I know Strafford Road has the self-contained classes. Can those students bring the scores down that much? Are more students in Parkway and O.B. being tutored? Or is it the teaching or the curriculum? I the board should be looking at what is being done differently and make changes accordingly.
Why can't Plainview be a union free district, then they are not bound to a union contract? This is reponse to the 1st comment. I'm not saying that should happen. Some say Plainview's schools aren't good, I disagree. Can it be improved, yes, but overall our children do recieve a good education.
I do think the board should negotiate at this point but with the goal to improve education in Plainview. Its not good for the anyone in the community for this to continue. Possibly, lengthen the school day, provide after school help for elementary grades and definitely make an enforced, districtwide curriculum. Old Bethpage and Parkway performed very well on the ELA and Math assessment. I know Strafford Road has the self-contained classes. Can those students bring the scores down that much? Are more students in Parkway and O.B. being tutored? Or is it the teaching or the curriculum? I the board should be looking at what is being done differently and make changes accordingly.
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