To Common Core......OR NOT?

From The Hour: Cafero is not the first Connecticut politician to raise concerns about the Common Core. Earlier this month state Senate Minority Leader and gubernatorial hopeful John McKinney, R-28, called for Pryor's resignation over the Common Core and educator evaluation plans.

In late January, Gov. Dannel Malloy and the General Assembly's Democratic leadership said a work group would be convened to discuss Common Core implementation and would solicit input from educators.

Nationally, the debate has spilled over from more Republican-leaning states into more liberal ones. Opposition to the Common Core is mounting in New York, where in January, the New York State Union of Teachers withdrew its support for the Common Core "as implemented and interpreted by New York State" in a unanimous vote of no confidence from the union's board in Albany.

Common Core or not? At least Connecticut is asking teachers what they think. What do you think? What do you think about how our Board is implementing it? 

Teachers, how do you feel? Parents?

Interesting Questions Around the City

Many questions have been floating in the air in Norwalk. Rather than let the rumors grow roots, I thought this might be a good place to find out what is rumor only and what is factual. If you know, please separate fact from fiction. Here are the questions being circulated:


(1) It appears that there are many consultants in the public school system making decisions. Why are we paying Manny Rivera a large salary if he is not capable of making these decisions on his own?

(2) Manny Rivera continues to work in his consultant capacity per his contract. Are any of the consultants hired by Norwalk a part of his firm?

(3) The newly hired Human Resource person is being paid $155,000 with an opportunity to work an additional 11 days. So what does that make the real salary of this new hire?

(4) Did the Board interview the new HR hire?

(5) Why is Mike Lyons always on Nancy on Norwalk? Does he answer Board members questions there? Is it his role to answer questions in the media or should Manny Rivera be answering these questions?

Yes, those are questions many people have asked. Do you have answers, or will these questions continue to be heard at dinners and around town?

Back to You

Back to your comments......

Thoughts for an Open Discussion

What is it that influences how a child does academically? Yes, there have been the nature vs. nurture argument. Research points to a lack of vocabulary development before three years old. Then there's the argument of 'Most never leave poverty who were born into poverty.' Have we done an injustice to our students by trying to push everyone academically instead of teaching a trade? What do you think about the lack of parent sacrifice these days to create a better future for the next generation? Germany sacrificed and now they lead the European nations. What does sacrifice mean to you?  Money? Time spent with children? Time educating children to give them a heads up in school? Are we failing our children? Let's explore what it is that is missing.

Six Month Mark

What has been accomplished in six months? That is how long the new superintendent has been here. The budget is a given. Anyone want to share?

Your turn

Budget was presented last night. Apples have been very quiet, but then they control the Board so they don't need to be vocal. Are S. Harris and a former Board member (and Apple ) BFF now or is SH learning how to vote the Apple way through the former Board member? Will the new superintendent's budget go through with the requested % increase or will further cuts be required? These are some of the topics in question around the city. You can certainly bring up your own topics.....your turn!

2014 What Will YOU Do to Help Education in Norwalk?

How about a New Year's resolution that is worthwhile keeping? Let's improve education from the crib through school years. What will you resolve to do? Read aloud to your child at least three nights a week? Help your child more often with homework? Discuss current events at the dinner table? Introduce a vocabulary word a day and make a game out of using that word during the week? Business owners, will you provide books for schools? Books in restaurants for children to read? (Place your advertisement or business card in the book). Mentor a child? (this is a long term commitment). Will you ask your school how you can help?  Teachers, what will you resolve to do better? Board of Ed members? Let's create ideas and share them. Commit to your resolutions and we can change test scores and education! It's up to you!