10-26-13 Wait What?

Wait What?:

            

And meanwhile, Capital Prep’s Steve Perry missed 19% of school days so far this year

According to records on file with the Hartford Board of Education, Capital Prep Principal Steve Perry, who describes himself as “America’s most trusted educator,” missed 15 school days or 19 percent of the work schedule so far this school year. According to the City of Hartford school administrator’s contract, school principals working on the extended-year, […]The post And meanwhile, Capital Prep’

14 by jonpelto / 16h 

Breaking News: Hartford’s Clark School Targeted for closure, will be handed over to Achievement First, Inc.

In true corporate education reformer fashion, Hartford’s out-going superintendent of schools is announcing that she will attempt to rush through a proposal to close the John C. Clark, Jr. Elementary & Middle School and hand the facility over to Achievement First, Inc. to run. Clark School administrators and the Clark School Governance Council were only […]The post Breaking News: Hartford’s Cla

22 by jonpelto / 17h 

And speaking of Bridgeport, Former Judge Carmen Lopez’s letter on the upcoming election

As Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch undoubtedly likes to remind Governor Malloy, without Bridgeport, Malloy would have lost the 2010 gubernatorial election. Since then, Finch and Malloy have taken a beating in Bridgeport. Malloy and Finch conspired to have the state of Connecticut take over the Bridgeport schools.  The move was deemed illegal by the Connecticut […]The post And speaking of Bridgeport, F

12 by jonpelto / 22h 

Bridgeport (and Connecticut) has a right to expect better

An editorial in today’s Connecticut Post reminds readers that “Bridgeport residents — and the city’s reputation — are taking it on the chin these days through the inexplicably cavalier behavior of officials they elected to represent them.” The sad fact that is that it is not only Bridgeport residents who being forced to watch the […]The post Bridgeport (and Connecticut) has a right to expect bette

8 by jonpelto / 23h 

OCT 24

Two key questions about Connecticut’s Comprehensive Education Plan Advisory Committee

Two key questions about Connecticut’s Comprehensive Education Plan Advisory Committee Jonathan Pelto and Wendy Lecker   Connecticut’s Comprehensive Education Plan Advisory Committee is one of the most important citizen advisory groups in the state. Connecticut State Statue 10-4 (C) states that the Connecticut State Board of Education “shall prepare every five years a five-year comprehensive […]The

11 by jonpelto / 2d 

Governor Dannel Malloy just doesn’t get it…

Last April, Governor Malloy attended the “the star-studded White House Correspondent’s Dinner.” His ticket and travel expenses were picked up by People Magazine. The trip sparked a lot controversy including blog posts here at Wait, What? (Dannel’s Spring Break 2013 – The White House Correspondent’s Dinner April, 27 2013 and Wait, What? Malloy Reimburses People […]The post Governor Dannel Malloy ju

9 by jonpelto / 2d 

OCT 23

Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor gets an “A” for stacking the deck

Pryor packs Connecticut’s Comprehensive Education Plan Advisory Committee with charter school and corporate reform advocates. As mandated by Connecticut General Statutes Section 10-4(c), every five years the Connecticut State Board of Education must develop a new five-year Comprehensive Plan for Elementary, Secondary, Vocational, Career and Adult Education in Connecticut. Upon adoption by the Stat

20 by jonpelto / 2d 

Kenneth Moales Jr. arrested…

According to a story published in today’s Connecticut Post, Rev. Kenneth Moales Jr., who serves as Mayor Bill Finch’s campaign treasurer and Chairman of the Bridgeport Board of Education, turned himself in to State Police Troop G on outstanding arrest warrant on Monday night. As quoted in the Connecticut Post, Connecticut State Police spokesperson, Lt. J. Paul Vance […]The post Kenneth Moales Jr.

13 by jonpelto / 2d 

OCT 22

Kishimoto signals intent to give Steve Perry a 2nd Hartford school

Despite their consistent failure to educate its fair share of non-English speaking students, students who go home to households in which English isn’t the primary language and students who need special education services, thanks to the majority on the Hartford Board of Education, Achievement First, Inc. is already moving forward with plans to “open” a […]The post Kishimoto signals intent to give S

6 by jonpelto / 3d 

Bridgeport’s Kenneth H. Moales Jr. served with arrest warrant

At some point yesterday, following the publication of a Wait, What? blog post on the topic, the Connecticut State Police caught up with Reverend Kenneth Moales, Jr. long enough to serve him with an outstanding arrest warrant. The warrant for Moales’ arrest had been issued on September 11, 2013 but had gone un-served for more […]The post Bridgeport’s Kenneth H. Moales Jr. served with arrest warrant

12 by jonpelto / 3d 

The man with no teaching experience calls himself “America’s Most Trusted Educator.”

Connecticut law requires that all public school teachers must hold proper teaching certification in order to be educators. Yet Steve Perry, the principal of Hartford’s Capital Preparatory Academy promotes himself as “America’s most trusted educator.”  In fact, he often starts his speeches and tweets by saying, “As an educator…” But Steve Perry has NO TEACHING […]The post The man with no teaching e

43 by jonpelto / 3d 

OCT 21

Major court victory in the fight against racial profiling in Connecticut

As we’ve seen over the past few years, Connecticut’s record is an ugly one when it comes to the existence of racial profiling. As noted in a Wait, What? column this past summer entitled “America’s Most Un-American Tradition: Racial Profiling,” Connecticut’s political leaders get failing grades for stepping up to confront the very real presence […]The post Major court victory in the fight against r

61 by jonpelto / 4d 

Kenneth H. Moales… You are wanted by the Connecticut State Police

As Kenneth H. Moales knows, there is an outstanding warrant for his arrest. Some people can’t seem to grasp the concept that in a nation of laws, the law applies to everyone. Kenneth Moales Jr. may be Mayor Bill Finch’s campaign treasurer.  He may be Chairman of the Bridgeport Board of Education (for a few […]The post Kenneth H. Moales… You are wanted by the Connecticut State Police (Literally) ap

23 by jonpelto / 4d 

Can you give Wait,What? a helping hand?

Wait,What? Needs Your Help - And a number of readers have already stepped forward. The generous financial support of readers, along with limited advertising revenue, is the only financial support that Wait, What? receives. Please consider making a donation today by going to https://fundly.com/wait-what-needs-your-help-october-2013   With your continued help Wait, What? will continue its work […]Th

1 by jonpelto / 5d 

OCT 20

Wendy Lecker – “Common Core using children as guinea pigs”

Jeb Bush, Michelle Rhee, Barak Obama, Arne Duncan and the entire Corporate Education Reform Industry is busy selling the American people on the notion that without the full and complete adoption of the Common Core Standards, Common Core Curriculum and Common Core Testing Scheme, America’s best days are behind us. Jeb Bush Defends Common Core […]The post Wendy Lecker – “Common Core using children a

52 by jonpelto / 5d 

The Blogger EduShyster’s Article: “Steve Perry Talks to White People”

If you’ve read  yesterday’s post, “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!” (aka the Steve Perry story) and reviewed the other Wait, What? blog posts on Hartford, Connecticut’s Capital Prep Principal, Steve Perry, you have a pretty good sense of how this self-righteous, holier than thou, bully handles himself. But perhaps the best portrayal […]The post The Blogger EduShyster’s Article: “St

18 by jonpelto / 5d 

OCT 19

“Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”

In 1900, L. Frank Baum (1856–1919) introduced the world to Oscar Zoroaster Phadrig Isaac Norman Henkel Emmannuel Ambroise Diggs.  Known henceforth as the Wizard of Oz.   The wizard’s name coming from the initials of his first two forenames. As the book reaches it crescendo, Dorothy’s little dog Toto pulls back the curtain to reveal that […]The post “Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!”

6 by jonpelto / 6d 

Wait,What? Needs Your Help

Wait,What? Needs Your Help To Donate please go to:  https://fundly.com/wait-what-needs-your-help-october-2013 Dear Friends, Wait, What? needs your help. The generous financial support of readers, along with limited advertising revenue, is the only financial support that Wait, What? receives. Previous donations came in from across the state and throughout the nation.  The contributions, ranging fro

3 by jonpelto / 6d 

10-26-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum:

Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle School District Archives

Did you know the district has an extensive archive (complete with a trained archivist)?  They do and it's a valuable resource.  They have all manner of memorabilia - bound volumes of School Board minutes, uniforms, yearbooks, letters to the School Board, newspaper clippings - you name it. Archivist Aaren Purcell would be more than glad to look at what any school, group or individual has to offer t

by Melissa Westbrook / 1h 

Mann Building - Not Closed

I'm thinking it was a lot of smoke and mirrors on the part of BOTH the "tenants" and the district, these so-called negotiations.  Because that building is wide open, being used in multiple areas, has advertised activities and classes and well, just doesn't look like a building that is shut down in preparation for being renovated.   I checked and I took photos.  Not closed by any stretch

by Melissa Westbrook / 11h 

Washington State Charter School Update

It appears that the Washington Charter Commission must have gotten a flurry of submissions because the final count is 28 letters of intent to apply to become a charter school.(I spoke to Spokane School district - the only school district authorizer in the state - and they received three letters of intent.  They say they have one unused building in their district currently so that may be up for gra

by Melissa Westbrook / 15h 

Friday Open Thread

Friday, foggy Friday - be careful.  There has already been a major accident on I-5 South.October enrollment numbers released.We now have the adjusted October 1 enrollment data.Enrollment grew by 1,146 students over last year, for a total enrollment of 51,010(181 lower than projected).Changes since last year:- 913 more K-5 students than last year, including:   -1035 more students in grades 1-5   -1

by Melissa Westbrook / 20h 

OCT 24

Seattle Council PTSA Steps into Growth Boundaries Discussion

Quite the throwdown from the Seattle Council PTSA and good for them for stepping up (albeit a bit late).  It will be interesting to see the response from the district.  I note that this letter is not at their website so thank you to one of our great readers who forwarded it to me.  (Color emphasis mine.)October 23, 2013Dear PTA Presidents & Leaders,Attached is a copy of the formal letter sent

21 by Melissa Westbrook / 1d 

West Seattle Blog's Advanced Learning Discussion

If you live in West Seattle and have thoughts on Advanced Learning in that area of the district, weigh in here.

by Melissa Westbrook / 1d 

Oh Times, How You Make Us Smile

It's true - when I want a smile or even a guffaw about Washington state public education, I go to the Times.  I can always be assured of some odd omission of facts, brevity of context or just a nudge to the ed reform side. And that's just their reporting.  Better to say little to nothing about their editorial writing which is generally shallow and uninformed. But now comes their Education Lab Blog

by Melissa Westbrook / 1d 

Parent Trigger? Not So Much

Wear Red for Ed shared Susan Smith's photo.FLORIDAfrom Susan Smith Last Night Jeb Bush's foundation and Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst group hosted a showing of the pro-parent trigger propaganda movie "We the Parents" in Jacksonville. Apparently, these are the Florida parents who support parent trigger.From Fund Education Now!, the story of the parenttrigger law in Florida in 2012:We are

by Melissa Westbrook / 1d 

OCT 23

Your Kid Going to Roosevelt in the Next 3-5 Years?

It's going to be a very tough time in the neighborhood.  There is no way it will not possibly affect Roosevelt and its community.I just attended a community meeting at Roosevelt High School about the building of the light rail station that will be directly west of the school.First, as a resident, it is definitely NOT going to be fun.  In fact, despite promises about mitigation, I (and many at the

by Melissa Westbrook / 2d 

OCT 22

Do You Want the Mayor to Take Control of Seattle Schools?

As some of you may have heard, there was polling done on the upcoming elections by Strategies 360.  They state:  None of the firm's clients paid for the survey, and Strategies 360 is supporting neither client.   (Yes, but someone thought up those questions and I can guarantee it wasn't all Strategies 360.) The poll was 400 likely voters, 78% white, skewed to the north and highly educated.  Ninetee

by Melissa Westbrook / 3d 

Washington State Charter School Letters of Intent Filed

The deadline for letters of intent to file a charter school proposal in Washington State was 5 p.m. today.  Checking the Charter Commission website, I count 15 but Seattle Weekly is reporting 24 (I suspect SW called and asked and that the Charter Commission just doesn't have all of them up yet).Those 24 do NOT include whatever letters of intent that Spokane School District received as it is the on

by Melissa Westbrook / 3d 

Tuesday Open Thread

For your calendar, SPED PTSA General Meeting on Monday, October 28th from 7-9 pm at JSCEE. Tracy Libros will be coming to answer questions about boundaries and SPED.  There will be an update on C-CAP as well.What's on your mind?

by Melissa Westbrook / 3d 

Owners of MLK, Jr. Building Cited in State Audit

The Times is reporting that First A.M.E. Church operated a daycare at Seattle Central Community College - rent-free - for 16 years.  (Yes, I know - how is that possible?)  The daycare was allowed to do this by a program at SCCC called Seattle Vocational Institute whose students' children were to have first-in enrollment.  The daycare ran from Sep. 1997 to June 2013.From the Times:First A.M.E., whi

by Melissa Westbrook / 3d 

OCT 21

New School Shooting - This Time in Nevada, Two Dead

From CNN:A student opening fire with a handgun he took from his parents. Screaming students running for cover. A teacher, trying to help, shot dead. Two students wounded.As authorities investigated, details were still trickling out hours after a deadly shooting Monday at a Nevada middle school.An official used one word to describe the scene at Sparks Middle School: chaos.The shooter used a handgun

by Melissa Westbrook / 4d 

Odds and Ends

Called "Rich Blocks, Poor Blocks", a very interesting map of income/rent across the U.S.  Zeroing down to Seattle, you can clearly see the delineation of income in our city.You may have heard that there is work going on around the city for new low-power FM stations for different regions.  One might be coming out of Ballard High via science teacher, Eric Muhs,  (a la the mighty C89.5FM at

by Melissa Westbrook / 4d 

The Board is Afraid of Advanced Learning

Have you noticed that just about any time Melissa or I write something about APP or Spectrum or advanced learning in almost any way two things happen: the thread gets about a hundred comments and the comments get nasty.Have you noticed that school board candidates - like all other politicians - prefer to speak in vague platitudes and evade any discussion of specifics? It's a funny thing, but in th

by Charlie Mas / 5d 

OCT 20

UW Event on Student Testing

Also next week on Tuesday, October 29th at Kane Hall on the UW campus at 7:00 pm- 9 pm Accountability at a Crossroads: Using Student Test Scores to Evaluate Teacher EffectivenessA panel of leading educators at the forefront of testing and teacher evaluation will share their differing perspectives on the questions:Is this a sound/effective policy? What is to be achieved, if anything, in holding tea

8 by Melissa Westbrook / 5d 

Jane Addams K-8 BEX Committee Petition

The Jane Addams K-8 BEX committee has set up an online petition to ask the Board to reject the interim plan.  They don't have an alternative plan but would like to find common ground for the communities in their region. They aren't saying (clearly, they can't) that they won't accept the interim move to John Marshall but that they don't like this particular plan. 

by Melissa Westbrook / 5d 

Seattle School Board Races: Views from Candidates and Others

Here's a link to the SE Chamber of Commerce event in early October.  Note: the lighting was harsh and does not flatter either candidate.  The video is also a little low. The first question seems to have gotten cut off - it was something to the effect of how many SE schools each candidate has visited.Also, the City Inside/Out show had a panel interview about Seattle schools and the races.  The pane

by Melissa Westbrook / 5d 

Seattle Schools This Week

Wednesday, October 23Work Session: Strategic Plan Performance Measures from 4-5:30 p.m.  No agenda available.Work Session:Distribution Services from 5:30-6:30 p.m. (hard stop at 6:30 pm as they have an Executive Session at 6:30 p.m.)  AgendaThursday, October 24thRoad Map to College event from 3-6 pm at Chief Sealth Int'l High SchoolDistrict IV School Board candidate forum at Lawton at 6:45 p.m., f

by Melissa Westbrook / 5d 

OCT 19

Local/State Education News Updates

Two Special Education stories of note.First, the Times reports that the State will accept SPS's Special Ed plan with a few extra conditions.  The concern seems to be that the staffing plan seems more worried about teachers's needs than meeting student needs.  The State also wants the district to spend more federal dollars on consultants to help to shape/improve services. Also, the AP is reporting

by Melissa Westbrook / 6d mark as read  //  save

Saturday Director Community Meetings

I attended Director Martin-Morris' this morning and yes, it was all growth boundaries.  It was an interesting discussion because it was so specific in some cases (and rightly so - you look at the maps and the lines and have to wonder) and broader in others.  I was pleasantly surprised at some of what Director Martin-Morris said (and his tone).  Unfortunately, I can't recap right (no time) but I wi

by Melissa Westbrook / 6d