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The Reckless Reorganization of District 79
Ohanian Comment: Read this account of how a mayor-controlled school district, with the complicity of the union, treats students in the most need of support--and their teachers. This is the model Arne Duncan is determined to spread to the rest of the country, and we have plenty of evidence that the teachers unions will roll over and play dead while it happens. They don't want to jeopardize their place at the corporate-politico table.
Here's why I care so much about GED classes: After teaching in New York City, I moved to New Jersey and took charge of a GED program in the Neighborhood Youth Corp. After researching the test and who passed the test, I figured out that if students tested out on a 10th grade level, I could get them ready for the GED test in six weeks. So we set up two classes: GED prep and a more basic reading class. One student whose test results measured 8th grade told me I had to let her in my GED class. The mother of two young children, she had a trainee position which would result in a civil service job if and only if she had that GED certificate. She said, "You have to let me in. My life and the lives of my children depend on it. It's our future."
And she made me a promise, "You have never seen anyone work the way I will work if you let me into your class."
Of course I threw out the rules I'd established and let her in> And she worked hard. And she passed the GED test by one point.
This imprinted my entire teaching career:
1) A GED is critical and every effort must be made to help students earn one.
2) No matter how much data supports your rules, you have to make exceptions.
I think GED classes are more important than AP courses.
By Rosalind Panepento
Dear Colleagues,
As many of you know, I was the ASHS chapter leader at the time of the 2007 "reckless reorganization" of District 79, and the closing of our schools. I have been reflecting on our unique situation: we were some of the first to suffer the chaos of school closings, resulting in hundreds of students education interrupted, and hundreds of our colleagues ending up as ATRs. Now that the Board of Ed is closing 19 more schools, I think our particular struggle is more relevant than ever. I invite you to read this "retrospective" and welcome your comments. . . .
Go to the url below for the rest of the story os how strong mayor control of school closings works. This has become the Arne Duncan model, and you could be next.
— Rosalind Panepento
Education Notes Online
2010-02-19
http://ednotesonline.blogspot.com/2010/02/reckless-reorganization-of-district-79.html
INDEX OF OUTRAGES
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