Two Former New Orleans Charter Principals Exploited SPED Students for Money, Among Other Issues | deutsch29

Two Former New Orleans Charter Principals Exploited SPED Students for Money, Among Other Issues | deutsch29:

Two Former New Orleans Charter Principals Exploited SPED Students for Money, Among Other Issues

The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) does not systematically and regularly audit its state-run schools. No entity does. In fact, the only way for an audit to happen is via whistleblowing– for some irregularity to be brought (often) first to public attention– and then the state or the Recovery School District (RSD) might step into action.

But not until fraud has already been perpetrated.

LDOE and RSD are fine with this tipster-induced means of “accountability.”

Those who drool to emulate New Orleans’ RSD ought to dry their chins and take note.

Below is the story of a New Orleans charter school, ReNew SciTech Academy, and how two principals, Tim Hearin and Alex Perez– who abruptly resigned in May 2015– cheated on tests and inflated special education funding so that their school would get more state funding, a better school grade, and impress an outside funder.

(For readers wanting more, see nola.com writer Danielle Dreilinger’s excellent account.)

On January 29, 2016, LDOE sent this 88-page report to ReNew Board Chair Brian Weimer. Here is how the report begins:

Dear Mr. Weimer,

This letter represents a Notice of Breach of the Charter School Performance Compact for failure to comply with several Special Education critical indicators as outlined below and committed violations related to state testing procedures.

On June 1st, 2015, the Louisiana Department of Education (LDE) was made aware that SciTech Academy’s Head of School and the Principal had resigned 

Two Former New Orleans Charter Principals Exploited SPED Students for Money, Among Other Issues | deutsch29:

 

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/30/15

CORPORATE ED REFORM

Sacramento City Unified wants to cut benefits in exchange for higher raises | The Sacramento Bee

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In a first, New York’s state ed commissioner will attend charter rally | Chalkbeat

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When Test Scores Are Meaningless Why Subject Your Child to the Test? Missouri Education Watchdog

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Assigning Letter Grades to Schools? The Danger of a Single Performance Indicator – The Progressive Educator

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The Sub-Prime Education Crisis Part 2: It’s All About The Bubble - Badass Teachers Association

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Who is Dr. Marzano? – Save Maine Schools

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Unions Can’t Just Be About What We’re Allowed to Do: Social Justice Unionism | gadflyonthewallblog

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A Poisonous Approach to Governing | Common Dreams | Breaking News & Views for the Progressive Community

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An Epic Battle for Public Education: A Front Line View | LucidWitness.com

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CURMUDGUCATION: CCSS: Safe and Secure

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New York City Rejects Federal Findings That Many Elementary Schools Defy Disabilities Law - The New York Times

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Portland Public Schools shortchanges low-income students in classes and class time: Editorial Agenda 2016 | OregonLive.com

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NYC Educator: Eva Doesn't Need No Stinking Rules

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Kludge: A Metaphor for Technology Use in Schools | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

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The Retroactive Lowering of the GED Cut Score | deutsch29

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Michael J. Kennedy, Lawyer for Underdogs and Pariahs, Dies at 78 - The New York Times

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Detroit Teachers Explain Why They’re ‘Sicking-Out’ - Yahoo News

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Alfie Kohn: ‘Hand’s not raised? Too bad. I’m calling on you anyway’ - The Washington Post

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Buffalo teachers union rejects School Board’s offer of 10 percent raise - City & Region - The Buffalo News

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Should Charter Schools Be Held to Desegregation Standards? | The Range Tucson Weekly

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Teach for America director out-raises union leader

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‘What passes for acceptable school choice rhetoric is frightening’ - The Washington Post

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YESTERDAY

TBFURMAN: This Is How You Talk About The Gulen-Linked Charters

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by mike simpson / 22h hide  //  save

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/29/15

CORPORATE ED REFORMBlack Michigan lawmakers demand that Rick Snyder fire Detroit school system appointeeBlack Michigan lawmakers demand that Rick Snyder fire Detroit school system appointee: Black Michigan lawmakers demand that Rick Snyder fire Detroit school system appointeeThe Michigan legislative black caucus voted on Friday to ask Governor Rick Snyder to fire Darnell Earley, the controversial

by mike simpson / 23h