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Monday, December 21, 2009
Hiatus
As such, I too will be spending time with my family -- as they gather from far and wide. I am looking forward to it and want them to see and enjoy Riverside. My plan would be to suspend posting of blogs until Monday, January 4th -- with the possible exception of something that might come up that would need specific attention.
Have a great hiatus and enjoy your family and friends.
Best regards,
Rick
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Race to the Top ...of?
Yesterday, our Board met and determined that we were NOT going to apply for the Race To The Top (RTTT) funds -- under the current circumstances. Our meeting was also reported in the press this morning.
We have notified the State of our intent not to apply at this time, but do remain curious as to the RTTT opportunities. In explanation of our rationale for our position at this time we provided a number of concerns that are unaddressed in RTTT and therefore prohibit our involvement.
- There is not clarity with the Legislative action or intent regarding this matter.
- We are unsure of what exactly the “top” is in this context.
- As we have reviewed the documents and listened to the conference calls regarding RTTT, there is a lack of clarity as to what the goal is and what the obligations are for RUSD.
- Given the current budgetary crisis and the direct actions that we have taken to reduce both administration and staff, we are unsure that we have the organizational capacity to achieve the unspecified goals and assurances that might be involved in a RTTT application.
While we can concur that we can always work to reform and improve schools and the experience for students and parent, however we are unsure that this is the correct solution for us at this time. Possibly one of our Board members said it best when he stated that we are trying to “race to the top” but are doing so while “blindfolded” -- in the case of RTTT.
What is your opinion on RTTT?
Friday, December 18, 2009
Paper is GOOD!!
CK-12 is a non-profit corporation that is providing "digital" textbooks for students ...and their offer is to provide the access for "free." What amazes me is not the digitization of text -- certainly many others have done that. CK-12 provides a "3D" textbook that far surpasses any tradition (paper) textbook that I have seen and many learning options of students. This is a powerful textbook -- even if it is not paper. If you look at it you can see that the teacher can actually modify (improve) the text as well as it can be "updated" quickly for all concerned (we don't need the "new edition")
Nokia presents some interesting ideas about how we are once again making a transition into a new, much different era than before. They call it "the fourth screen." If you are really interested in stretching your mind you can check out the Boston Globe article on preschoolers and iPhone use -- including the video. Me thinks the world has changed before my eyes!!
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Tool or Distraction?
Recently I read two very interesting and competing news articles from two very different places. One of the articles took the more traditional approach of resolving school distractions, etc with the confiscation of student cell phones. The other article was highlighting the productive, if not unique, use of student cell phones as a tool for learning in the classroom.
At the collegiate level there is at least one university that issue these types of devices to all their incoming freshman -- with the notion that it will facilitate learning at their university.
I suspect, given not too much time, we will see more and more creative uses of these devices in the classrooms of schools across the nation. What is your speculation regarding the use of mobile devices and web 2.0 tools in America's classrooms?
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
So how much IS $37 million
With 92% of our budget going to personnel costs -- that would equate to $34 million in personnel reductions -- if this were to be done proportionally. Looked at another way -- and this is HUGE -- with the $9 million in reductions (from last Monday night) ...if we were to lay off ALL of our valuable classified employees districtwide (we are NOT suggesting this) -- THEN we would be at $37 million. But how would we operate without these and other valuable, critical employees? In similar regard, if we released ALL of of our management/administrative employees, we would be less than 60% of the way to $37 million (we are NOT suggesting this either). The point is, the issue we are facing is HUGE and we are going to have to think differently as to potential resolutions.
We continue to utilize our Budget Advisory Process to review and determine the budget reductions that make the greatest sense (in an insane budget world). It should be noted that the $37 million figure is based on NO more changes from the state. I continue to encourage you to call your local legislators and ask for them to resolve this issue.
Monday, December 14, 2009
Why?
- the local Measure B bond funds,
- state construction bond funds,
- etc.
Friday, December 11, 2009
Sacramento
- your name and community
- your concern about educational funding AND its impact on your schools and children
- they (those in Sacramento) need to fix the problem (that is why we voted and sent them there)
It is not only important to call -- but keep calling. They need to know they have a friend in Riverside.
On a related note, we "hear" that there is a "plan" in Sacramento to avoid telling us the "bad news" in January (with the Governor's budget) -- but to hold it off until May. BAD idea, that leaves us NO time to respond and plan before our balanced budget is required to be submitted. We would hope that whatever the news is, it would be communicated in January when we still have time to develop a workable plan.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
It's Time to Think DIFFERENTLY?
We can try to keep doing what we have ALWAYS done or we can begin to "think differently." Well what exactly is "thinking differently" -- it's a real stretch issue!! As an example -- and I am NOT necessarily advocating this solution -- what if we PAID students for performance? You say that's crazy and possibly it is -- but that is exactly what they have done in New York City. There is another program ("Earning by Learning") in Dallas, TX where students are paid for each book that they read. What if we paid our employees based on performance and then bonuses for enhanced value-added contributions? On the other hand, there are other views on this issue.
Again I am not suggesting any of these pay/incentive programs -- BUT in what way will we create different solutions in Riverside? -- HOW will we think differently and create better solutions?
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Light amidst the dark
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
A Time of Great Sadness
- We took another $2.6 million in Tier III flexibility -- that means $2.6 million in program reductions at schools. These were reductions that were recommended last year by our Budget Advisory Committee -- but did not implement at the time.
- We eliminated the class size reduction (CSR) program from the 3rd grade. That means class sizes will be at 30:1 in our 3rd grade classrooms. This action is based on the fact that Sacramento removed that code section and funding that allowed our 3rd grade CSR.
- We essentially eliminated K-2 CSR, which will take our primary classrooms from 24 to 1 to 30:1.
Monday, December 7, 2009
So the Budget Improvements Start
So what does that mean to us? Using just our current numbers before the LAO’s numbers “kick in” we have to come up with $37 million in savings/budget improvements for the 2010-11 school year. Last year, to provide some perspective, we were looking for about $25 million to close the gap. Further, as of tonight we are filing a “qualified” interim financial report with our Riverside County Office of Education. Also, as of tonight, we will begin the actual budget changes in preparation for next year. While NONE of us like the task ahead, we must make these moves in a timely manner to “balance the budget” and to attempt to move us back into a “positive” financial certification with RCOE.
All should know that while we are and will do everything in our power to reduce the impact on our students – schools will NOT be the same in this coming year. PLEASE don’t forget to call or write or email or communicate with our local legislators. That is the ONLY way out -- other than impacts on every aspect of our operation.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
In times of trial -- our COMMUNITY rises to the occasion
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
World Class according to some
Well, recently we had some reporters (Tatsuhito Iida and Angela Perone) visit from Yomiuri Shimbun (読売新聞,). Yomiuri Shinbun, is Japan’s largest newspaper and reported to be the largest newspaper in the world (with a circulation in excess of 14 million), visited Mici Orona’s honors biology class (at Arlington HS) to watch students using the Intelligent Papers textbook readers as part of our digital textbook pilot program. It seems that we are unique in our implementation of digital textbooks. How did they find out about us? The reporters found us when they did an Internet search for California school districts using this digital technology. We currently have 25 teachers and more than 1,200 students across the district now benefiting from the resources available through the Governor’s Free Digital Textbook Initiative. We hope to expand that list soon.
Tatsuhito and Angela shared that the Japanese population is highly interested in bringing such technology to their students as well. It is exciting to see this kind of validation that we in RUSD are, indeed a world class school district!
Coincidentally, there is another article also regarding digital text in Riverside found at the Educated Guess blog found at the enclosed hyperlink.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Budget impacts begin to take effect in schools and classrooms
Unlike last year’s budget reconciliation, there is NO stimulus to bail us out and salvage the situation. The amount we have to resolve is larger this year than last year. Further, we have attempted about all the “tricks” and “gimmicks” that we know. What we have left are classrooms and BASIC educational programs. This year we have no option other than to impact where 92% of our budget resides – employees. Each one of those employees fills a critical role in our current education system. I can see no way to avoid the further regression of “class size reduction” and utilization of Tier III flexibility with state categorical funds.
This is certainly NOT consistent with my philosophy or prior practice – but we are left with no choice.
Monday, November 30, 2009
Welcome back
Next we were off to the Arlington HS playoff game at Ramona Stadium. Great game played well by both teams – culminating in a double overtime finish. Ultimately Norco HS won the game. However, great credit goes to Coach McCarthy and the Arlington Lions as they played extraordinarily well and at some point overtimes have to end – though not as we had hoped.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Have a great holiday!
As this is the week when all of our schools are out and on vacation (starting with last Friday), I will not be posting any blog items during this week. We will take up our discussion next week. Enjoy the holiday, family, and don't forget to give thanks for our blessings.
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Gubernatorial Candidate #2 in the Series
Poizner clearly makes public education a central part of his plan though he has a long history with charter schools. He advocates for a return of educational decisions from Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to local communities and school boards. Specific to his plan seems to be the consolidation of small school districts and schools (an old strategy) and elimination of categorical funding in favor of core funding. Further his advocacy is for elimination of positions that are not directly connected to the classroom. As a former statewide advocate for charters, he suggests that we should give all schools and districts the liberties of charter flexibility and then hold ALL accountable for the results.
The Chamber is focused now on completing this series and hosting Jerry Brown as the 3rd candidate in this race. It is certainly interesting and informative to have these candidates in Riverside and speak directly to us and our issues.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
And HOW short are we?
Regardless of January's resolution, all of this will obviously impact the budget for the 10-11 year and our spring budget planning.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
How can we have a budget if we don't have money?
The LAO (Legislative Analyst's Office) should be releasing their November report this week on state finance. The report has typically been very good and very helpful as it is non-partisan and essentially non-political. The LAO report typically tells all of us the genuine status of the state budget. We will see.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Change in the Air?
It was interesting Sunday morning to see a very interesting trio of politicians (i.e., Education Secretary Arne Duncan, out-spoken Republican and former House Speaker Newt Gingrich, and out-spoken Democrat Rev. Al Sharpton ) gather to discuss public education on Meet the Press. If you wish to watch the portion directly related to this discussion it begins at 19:25 in the approximate 45 minute tape. Part of their description of the issue includes statements like: "results problem in public education" and "huge achievement gap." Their promise of solution seems centered around the one-time funding of Race To The Top.
While I don't necessarily agree with their conclusions, it is an interesting and thought-provoking piece. I do agree that it will take all of us to do the right thing for our children and students in this 21st century. Ultimately, this is about who we (the adults) are as a community, as a state, and as a nation.
I do hope that you enjoy and consider the tape and the discussion beyond the TV program.
Friday, November 13, 2009
Green is Good?
In an era when there are lots of questions being raised in various media outlets about the "health" of school cafeteria meals, we can be sure that our staff and students are getting nothing but the best and developing lifelong habits of a health lifestyle. Thanks to ALL of our staff that work together to make this program work in our elementary schools.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Why athletic facilities?
While there may be LOTS of answers and responses to those questions including the inclusion of our performing arts groups in and on those same facilities -- possibly Dr. Douglas Reeves (national speaker) at the RCOE Education Summit had the best answer! His contention and data indicates that WHEN students are involved in extra-curricular activities (not just athletics) there is a positive association with student academic performance (as measured by their Grade Point Average). As you can see from the graph below, when a student has no (zero) extra-curricular involvement they do not do well academically (GPA = 1.9). However, as the involvement goes up to 3-4 activities we begin to max out on the GPA effect (i.e., 3.5 GPA). Past that point, it becomes questionable if there is much positive effect. Overall there seems to be clear message that providing extra-curricular activities, in fact, IS supporting the academic performance of schools!
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Veterans Day
At the same time, we have JROTC groups at 4 of our high schools. These groups are comprised of typically 100 or more of our students that are engaged in a wide variety of learning activities including investigating a career in the military. We are proud of the work that they do and the service that they are pursuing. We were honored in our November 2nd Board meeting when they presented the colors and led us in the salute to the flag.
Please take time to reflect on the contribution of veterans and current military personnel as you go through your day.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sacramento is still here but the money is gone!
- Though everyone agrees that flexibility has saved jobs -- Will we continue to have flexibility and will the flexibility be extended so that we don't have problems with our "Interim Reporting" to the county?
- Instructional Materials Fund flexibility has assisted all districts and allowed for good instructional decisions of local school boards, but will the State Board of Education usurp that authority and if so what is the legal basis of such a decision?
- What will be the form and notification of additional deferrals from the state -- that postpones the payments that are owed to local school districts by the state?
- Is there any relief for districts on the "mandated cost" money that is owed -- or is there an alternative resolution to this long-standing issue?
- Will the state resolve its structural budget problems or ...kick the can down the road to another time and another Legislature?
- AND a variety of other issues.
Friday, November 6, 2009
Important Input
The survey can be found at: http://survey.riversideca.gov/default.aspx. Please help our community to consider its future.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
More Congratulations!!
We were able to join a cadre of teacher leaders from RCTA this morning along with our School Board President, Kathy Allavie -- in congratulating Amber and sharing the news with her students and the Chemawa Middle School community. Amber will now move on to the National Teacher of the Year process. We think she wins that recognition as well. Congratulations Amber!! Congratulations Riverside.
California Distinguished Schools
The elementary schools that are eligible this year, according to state criteria, are: Benjamin Franklin, Mark Twain, and Woodcrest. We congratulate those schools for their accomplishment and will assist in any manner we can as they progress in this process. Thank you to the staff of each of these schools. It is my opinion that when they get recognized, the fact is, that at the same time other teachers and schools are contributing to that success -- as we are a team. We should all feel proud. The other point I would make is that while we continue to be in state budgetary crisis, we have GREAT teachers, principals, and staff members in this District -- on a daily basis they make a difference in the lives of our students. Congratulations and thank you!!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Congratulations
Congratulations to Kathy Allavie and Dr. Chuck Beaty on their successful election to the office of School Board Member last night. I am looking forward to 4 more great years with them engaged in the very important work of this District. Special thanks also to the two challengers Chris Lorenz and Mark Swartz for their courage and work in running in this campaign.
My congratulations also to Ron Loveridge for his successful election for a 5th term as Riverside's Mayor. I have enjoyed working with Mayor Loveridge and appreciate his leadership. I look forward to that continued relationship for the collective benefit of our Riverside community.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Election Today
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
What IF ...every student had a laptop?
Clearly, the next question is how would we utilize such a powerful deployment of technology to enhance the learning of students? What I find even more intriguing is the idea of students using their cell phones as technology devices in the 21st century classroom -- which is also being explored.
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
We have a NEW address, but we aren't moving
Over time we would hope to expand our redirect to an actual renaming of our website using the new domain name (www.RUSDLink.org). Obviously, that has not happened yet, and it will take some work to accomplish that. When that happens (months from now) the website will no longer be the redirect but will in fact be the actual website. In any case, wanted you to be the first to know! Try the new address by clicking on it and then bookmark the new web address.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Budget promises or hopes?
As a related matter, there was a good article in the last Time magazine regarding California. Similar to the point I made at the end of the blog on 10/16, the article points to the economic strength and recovery of California. Meanwhile, the article also points to the continuing crisis of the budget and governance in the state. There is a difference between the two, and while things truly are getting better for the economy, many of us are caught in the issues, problems, and dilemmas of the continuing budget issue -- which will not be solved easily.
Friday, October 23, 2009
I Know it's October but Budget Time is upon us
I appreciate the leadership of Mike Fine and the willingness of this important group of stakeholders to help us solve the budget dilemmas that we face given the state economic situation and the decisions that are being made in Sacramento. We would continue to remind ALL that we need to call and communicate with our Sacramento representatives and hold them accountable for the results.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Time for Reform?
The LA Times article had an interesting juxtaposition with a recent Friedman article (also this week) that makes a case that economic recovery MUST include educational recovery. While anyone might reasonable take issue with parts or the whole of either article, it does seem clear that as an educational system we need to take stock of where we are and more importantly where we are going. There would be many of us that would defend the efforts in schools and districts that have brought us to this point, while at the same time advocate that it is now time to undertake fundamental reform of the system.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Connected in a Digital World
Monday, October 19, 2009
Thank you to Target Corp and their helpers!!
Friday, October 16, 2009
The BUDGET continues!!
While there continues to be evidence of economic recovery nationally and to some degree in California, that does not necessarily resolve the structural budget problems and dilemma of the state budget. There should be a clear separation in the minds of all between the health of the economy -- and the health of the California budget. While the economic slide ends and improves -- it has little to do with the budget circumstance that we are engaged with in Sacramento.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Science in Riverside
STEP 10 exposes students to great science experiences and the positive aspiration, "What kind of scientist do you want to be?". I saw flight simulators -- for students to actually fly -- how cool is that? I also was able to go into the science show which was "crazy cool" and involved:
- several Airzukas that blew 12+" perfect smoke rings across the room,
- cooking hot dogs with electricity, and of course
- the pickle light bulb.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Student "engagement"
This particular activity has been previously provided at North HS. The activity is and has been facilitated by the Eastside Think Tank along with support and facilitation from the Riverside Policy Department. Though this kind of activity can be a bit anxiety producing (as you never know what people will say), it promises to provide long-lasting improvement for the student experience at Poly HS. Kudos to all.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
JROTC
There is an emphasis on academic preparation and preparedness as well as the normal military topics that one would expect. Based on the flexibility of the PE waiver, there are 400 minutes (or more) of physical activity being guaranteed every 2 weeks along with supporting PE curriculum regarding health and nutrition. The JROTC is a great program that is assisting our students and our country. We should be pleased and thankful for this fine option for our students.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
English Language Learners
What I found most interesting was the fact that of our 8,095 EL students 82% of them were born in the U.S. (and probably Riverside). Obviously, those same students began school with us in Kindergarten and the 1st grade. I would hope that we can extend the gift these students have with capacity in English. It is a tremendous asset to them individually and our economic community to be bilingual, bicultural, and biliterate in a global economic society.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Innovation is HERE!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
The Cost of What IF…
While there is essentially little or no expense at this time, even in the long-term we are likely to have MUCH reduced costs with this option. I believe that everyone wins with this digital option.
Monday, October 5, 2009
What IF... Becomes now
The overall idea is that we in education need to begin to adapt to the needs of students (the future) rather than asking the students and parents to adapt to our schools (the past). It will be interesting to see this digital textbook initiative evolve.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
City of Arts and Innovation
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Riverside College & Career Fair
It was great to have representation from Historically Black Colleges, which speaks to the issue that we have struggled with state/nation-wide. Many of our students (i.e., "students of color" or "minority" students) have been greatly underrepresented both at HS graduation time and when it comes to matriculation into college or post-secondary opportunities. Attached is just one representation of that data with the SAT scores by ethnicity. As we move forward we need more events like the College/Career Fair to engage our students, as well as more support and engagement every day with our students to ensure their success.
Friday, October 2, 2009
The Race is On!
- Creation of Jobs and streamline regulations that thwart that effort.
- Reduction of Governmental Spending and the State workforce.
- Improvement of K-12 Public Education.
- Institute an A-F grading system for schools that provides information to parents regarding the quality of their student's school. She provides Florida as an example where this has been successfully implemented.
- We should have more charter schools. Her contention is that charters are more successful and that we currently have a cap on the number of schools possible.
- We should move authority and accountability for schools back from Sacramento to local school districts and communities.
- a clear, simple accountability system that could be communicated to the public,
- provide for choice of schools within our era of choice, and
- move back to local control
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
What IF...
In Radical Equations, Robert Moses argues for a number of things, but most compelling is the essential nature of Algebra in our global, “knowledge-based” society. Algebra (along with science and beyond Algebra mathematics) is as essential in our “knowledge-based” economy as literacy was in the manufacturing era. For students to have access to our economy, they must be competent in Algebra, as well as its math and science successors. The other interesting observation is that failure of public education to step up to this challenge clearly sets up and sustains a class system where there are “haves” and “have-nots.”
So do we begin to emphasize Algebra and its kin in the next 10 years, like we have emphasized literacy in the past 10 years?
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Time to be INVOLVED
Thank you Chamber and I will see you all there tomorrow night.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Measure B
Thursday, September 24, 2009
The "community" makes the Difference
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
What IF...
As we think about the same "divide," we are continually looking for new solutions that are both cost-effective and workable. We think we are now at a price point with "netBook" computers that will provide our students (and even families) with a relatively low-cost alternative to computing and the digital world and at the same time give them Internet access via the Smart Riverside wireless system. There are other strategies, but overall we are working on closing this significant gap -- it is imperative to our deployment of digital texts but more importantly it is the health and well-being of our community.
Monday, September 21, 2009
Sacramento vs. Riverside at the Helm?
Friday, September 18, 2009
Tell Me ONE More Time, Why Do We Have Sports?
So I am back from the Ramona vs. Jurupa Valley football game this evening. A great game with an excited crowd. Ramona prevailed with a score of 47 to 7 -- way to go Rams! That's great, but then there is the story behind the story -- the story that rarely gets told. Athletics ultimately is not about winning (which I really like the winning part), but about the growth, development, and teamwork of the young men and women involved.
In this case, the football team took it upon themselves to invite special guests (Life Skills Academy) to their game and then played hard for them. You can check out the article on the Ramona HS website. More importantly, there are lots of excited football players, and Life Skills students tonight with the "win" at Ramona. What more could we ever ask from our coaches and athletes than what they delivered today? Great job to the total Ramona community.
What IF...
More information about the specifics of the digital texts and how they are aligned to state curriculum standards, etc. can be found at the CLRN website. At that same website, there are links to the actual textbooks for the high school math/science classes. No matter how good and how many -- we should be clear that teachers are still the key to the facilitation of student learning.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
What IF...
- Disrupting Class by Clayton Christensen (Disruptive Innovations)
- Here Comes Everybody by Clay Shirkey (Organizing without Organizations)
- The World is Flat by Thomas Friedman (Loss of Borders)
While this is not the definitive set of book topics, I do think it would be interesting. It might be equally interesting to know the three that you would use to triangulate between!?! Finally, it is of limited value if we do not discuss our practice and system within that triangulation discussion. In any case, change like this always involves LOTS of discussion.
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
Race to the Top -- October 1st??
The federal program has received press in a number of places including Time magazine. Arne Duncan, Sec. of Ed has suggested, "Is California going to lead the race to the top, or are you going to lead the retreat?" The essential requirements that California would have to meet to qualify for the Race to the Top funding would include two things:
- Linking student achievement to evaluations of educators
- Addressing the performance needs of the lowest-achieving 5% of the schools in the state
Other issues that seem to be "on the plate" both at the state and federal levels and have some linkage to Race to the Top, include such items as:
- Open enrollment options (statewide) for parents that have students in low-performing schools
- Possible reconstitution of individual schools and districts that don't appear to be performing well
- Raising the "cap" on the number of charter schools allowed
- Sharing of data between educational agencies
- Adoption of national curriculum standards (rather than state)
These are obviously all public policy issues that have "far-reaching" effects. October 1st seems awfully close to have a reasonable debate on these matters -- for the potential of one-time federal funds. Stay tuned!!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
The Importance of our REEF Organization
Last year with RUSD employees, we raised $17,000 in RUSD contributions to support this significant cause. We are a “community” in RUSD and we are a “community” within Riverside – and we care about each other and have a collective interest in our students. Economically, things are tough for all – whether you are in schools, private business, etc. My approach to REEF and ultimately the benefit for our students is that we need participation of everyone not necessarily large gifts (though those are certainly welcome. As an example, we have approximately 5,000 permanent employees in RUSD. If ALL of us were to each contribute $1 per month – we would raise over $60,000 for this important effort (compared to $17,000 last year). How much more could we do if we just had everyone in Riverside contribute their $1? I would ask for your participation and the encouragement of all of your friends/neighbors in this effort that will directly support our students and programs. It only takes participation to make a BIG difference. You can find contribution information on our website at: http://www.riversideschoolsrule.org/
Saturday, September 12, 2009
Fritts does it again
Friday, September 11, 2009
By Name and By Need
Knowing "the need" for each student is the next challenge. We often have data and information to support that effort, but it requires diligence, curiosity, and careful listening on the part of the educator. In fact, sometimes we need to "get beyond" the data to fully understand the need of the student. Our RUSD staff is daily in pursuit of these challenges.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Algebra II???
One issue is abundantly clear with lots of evidence over time -- If we fail to assist our RUSD students in acquiring the competencies of Algebra, they will be limited in our high school curriculum and more importantly they will be limited in both their collegiate and career choices.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Algebra
We have a GREAT staff that is focused on helping every student succeed in Algebra. Even today, we have a group of teachers in our building actively engaging this important topic. Watch our performance grow in this important area of the curriculum.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
My Apologies
I will commit to do better in the future.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Race to the Buck
It is also clear that California's solution and compromise with CTA will be to make the minor adjustments to the law (to qualify for Race to the Top) with a clear mandate that local school districts don't really have to change anything -- they can negotiate all of those issues with their local CTA chapter (which is pretty much where we are already). In fact, SPI O'Connell has already stated that there is no prohibition of using data in evaluations (which seems to be the key element of this debate) and has cited Long Beach as the example.
I am fundamentally FOR reform of our system to better address the needs of ALL of our students in all of our communities. I am NOT for legalese that qualifies us for ONE-time funding (Race to the Top) and only stalls and exacerbates our current state systemic issues, which I think was Sec of Ed Arne Duncan's point.