Can U.S. Students Compete Globally?

We are opening this discussion up to U.S. students because what we are experiencing in Norwalk is not just about the Norwalk curriculum. We need to look at the national picture to understand the problem. The researchers ranked the U.S. 32nd out of 65 nations participating in the PISA exam for math proficiency and 17th out of 65 for reading proficiency. (Harvard's Program on Education Policy & Governance, 8/11.) The United States spends approximately 50% more per pupil than the average per pupil expenditure in Western Europe and 40% more than Japan. What is the problem? Is it the curriculum? Are we wasting our time discussing curriculum when there are much more serious problems that are not being discussed? I ask you all to think about this. Is it really about the curriculum? Why are our children not testing well?

Board vs. Central Office

Is the Board holding Central Office hostage over Core Curriculum? The State Department of Education told us we were making good progress. Why change course now? How could a superintendent allow a Board of Education committee to dictate curriculum? Did anyone ask about the cost of this drastic change? Is this curriculum being dictated to Central Office or is there any choice here? Is the Lighthouse training given by the State Department having an effect? These questions need to be answered and answered now.

Best of the Best

We can't give out bonuses to staff members who deserve it, but we can award them the first annual 'Norwalk Speaks - Best staff Awards.' Let's hear it for staff members in the Norwalk Public Schools who deserve to be recognized. Tell us who you want to honor and why. The definition of staff includes anyone working for the Norwalk Public School System. Bravo, in advance, for those outstanding people who deserve this recognition.

3.5%

The Finance Director announced a 3.5% increase for the Board of Education. Time to cut the budget....again. Comments?

Is Norwalk Sinking?

We have a weak superintendent and a 5/4 Board of Education. Lyons has stepped up to the plate. Unfortunately his 1990s curriculum ideas are not realistic for Norwalk. They conflict with the State's wishes. So why is the Board allowing him to lead? Would any of our past superintendents have allowed this to happen? Is the role of an elected Board of Education out of date? The State Department of Education has been training the Board, but they don't seem to be learning. Lyons pushes on. What is going to happen? When, if ever, will the superintendent come forward? She is not a rookie anymore. Is she even working on the budget? What of the future for our students? Is Norwalk sinking to the bottom of the ocean?

Cutting the Budget, Your Input

I've been asked to post about how everyone would feel about cutting the budget by eliminating teachers. I'll open it up even further. What cuts would you suggest and why? Please speak to positions, not individual people. If you are asking to cut teachers, tell us whether you are talking about classroom teachers or others. If you mention central office positions, tell us why the position is unnecessary, not the person. In this way, we will have credibility with the Board.

Open Forum

Every once in a while I think it's a good idea to have an open topic. It's your forum. All topics are welcome .........budget, Board of Ed, superintendent, curriculum, schools, even a topic on whether an open topic is a good idea. Just start writing....