[regional_school] Re: Update
- From: Dan Drmacich <dandrmacich@xxxxxxxxx>
- To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
- Date: Sun, 17 Jan 2010 13:34:01 -0800 (PST)
Ellen, Great questions! If teens & their interests & needs were really central
to the question of, "What makes a good school?" the entire paridigm of learning
would shift, because those in charge would be holding themselves accountable to
the needs & interests of students rather than politicians. Ed. leaders would be
forced to address the issue of what kind of student learning goals, curriculum,
pedegogy & accountability/assessmet system would best meet the needs &
interests of kids. If they were serious about addressing kids' needs &
interests, the education system would move toward one that would be
individualized & personalized. Now wouldn't that be exciting?
Dan
--- On Fri, 1/15/10, Ellen Weber <eweber1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: Ellen Weber <eweber1@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [regional_school] Re: Update
To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Friday, January 15, 2010, 3:16 PM
Interesting insights Dan, Brad, Bill and all,
We speak often of "democracy," yet we see it evidenced only when an entire
group shares decision making in ways that all related groups speak and feel
heard on key issues. For this to happen in the Rochester schools, a skilled
facilitator is needed, to ensure all voices are engaged at the core, and the
"people's" wisdom constitutes the better part of any decisions made. Do we
support that role?
Democracy and facilitation are not part of any need for control, (mayoral or
otherwise) but are connected to the keen ability to bring opposing leadership
views together for the good of students, parents and faculty. When
discussions cling to focus of adult control, we miss the more urgent issues of
learning and assessment, and teens' genuine prosperity at school. Would you
agree that is what is needed to improve Rochester schools?
Likely the 14 or 15 year youth cares less about "control" even though adults
continually battle it out, while teens are bored in classes that lack an
approach to draw in their capabilities, and help connect them to career
fields for their learning benefits. Recently I addressed a superintendent's
group on secondary school renewal, and listened to leaders discuss similar
issues for over one hour - without mention of the word student or learner.
Would the mayoral takeover be central to discussions, if teens and their
interests and futures were more at the center. What do you think? Ellen
Ellen Weber (PhD)
Director - MITA International Brain Based Center
PO Box 347, Pittsford, NY 14534
eBook: MITA in the Classroom and Beyond - at
http://mitaleadership.com/buyonline.html
MITA Brain Leaders and learners blog: www.Brainleadersandlearners.com
MITA Brain Based Center Web Site at www.mitaleadership.com
----- Original Message -----
From: Dan Drmacich
To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Friday, January 15, 2010 2:10 PM
Subject: [regional_school] Re: Update
Democracy does not always assure the best solution to a problem. However, it
does assure more ownership & involvement in decisions & as a result more desire
to enthusiastically participate in the future. Isn't that what we'd like to see
with kids, parents & staff in the Regional School? I also wonder whether or not
this new top-down model will influence the direction of schools & classrooms to
become even more un-democratic.
Dan
--- On Fri, 1/15/10, Brad Cherin <bcher14620@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
From: Brad Cherin <bcher14620@xxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [regional_school] Re: Update
To: regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Date: Friday, January 15, 2010, 8:15 AM
Hi Bill,
I am going through the process to discern the value of mayoral control.
In what ways is an elected school board versus an elected mayor more or less a
democracy? I could make the argument that in a crisis type situation
leadership with one head is more effective than leadership with 7 heads.
I would appreciate your thoughts.
Brad Cherin
--- On Thu, 1/14/10, William Cala <wcala9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
> From: William Cala <wcala9@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Subject: [regional_school] Update
> To: "regional" <regional_school@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date: Thursday, January 14, 2010, 8:07 PM
> #yiv1543396136 p
> {margin:0;}We are nearly
> complete with the first phase of planning for the Regional
> School. I have one last meeting with one of the
> planning teams next week. After that I will be
> planning a general meeting to discuss our progress. It
> is my intent to have committee chairs update us on the fine
> work that has been done by all Curriculum, Advisory, Social
> Justice and Discipline committees.
>
> There are a number of areas that will now need to be
> addressed: teacher selection, union representation,
> governance, transportation and others. We will
> aggressively tackle these areas this winter.
>
> On a related topic, I have been following the issue of
> mayoral control with great attention and serious
> concern. The Regional Academy is a school built on the
> pillars of social justice, civil rights and participatory
> democracy. Mayoral control is the antithisis of these
> important principles. Over the past year I have
> reached out to the mayor without response. This past
> week I have sought advice from friends whose
> opinions and guidance I respect. I have written a
> substantial essay on this topic and I have been debating
> whether or not to make it public. My major conceern is
> that the legislation for the Regional School would be
> stalled or killed as a result of speaking in opposition to
> mayoral control (The same bill drafters of the Regional
> Academy appear to be the principal parties who will draft
> the bill for mayoral control).
>
> The speed at which the movement for mayoral control
> appears to be heading toward Albany has created an urgency
> to respond. After much soul-searching and careful
> thought I do not feel that I can permit this assault on
> democracy without putting up a fight.
>
> We are creating a school whose major role is to produce
> good citizens who will forward not thwart democracy.
> To remain silent is not an option for me. Silence is
> democracy's most strident enemy. As a result, this
> evening I have decided to fight. I have sent my essay
> to City Newspaper. You can read it at:
> http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/news/articles/2010/01/COMMENTARY-Mayoral-control-doesnt-work-and-is-wrong/
>
>
> I will also be on Bob Smith's 1370 Connection on
> January 29th @ 1 p.m. and will be speaking before City
> Council on Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.
>
> If you agree that the urban poor of the City of
> Rochester should not be disenfranchised by losing the right
> to vote for school board members (as it is city residents
> cannot vote for their budget, a right suburban residents
> enjoy) I ask that you speak out and let your voices be
> heard.
>
> Another excellent analysis of the mayoral control crisis
> in Rochester is at: http://www.smugtownbeacon.com/news.php?viewStory=430
>
> Thanks for understanding.
>
> Bill
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