Where are those people who wanted to discuss topics other than Apples? Every time I give you an opportunity, there are no takers! What does that say about you?
Perhaps it says something about the attitude of dismissive intolerance that has pervaded this blog, with the tone being set from the top. How many people are eager to give dissenting opinions if, in so doing, they are labeled as "Apples" and then discounted, insulted and ridiculed?
Have many high school parents used the parent portal? I was shocked that some of my children have very few grades on their assignments. Who is monitoring the teachers?
Good question. I think the first question that needs to be answered is were all the teachers trained to use the blog. Secondly, were teachers included in understanding the expectations for posting grades. Thirdly, when are they supposed to post the grades. As it is, they have to correct and grade student work on their own time. Fourthly, who is responsible for monitoring that the teachers (or whoever) is responsible for posting the grades does so. I would imagine that it is very time consuming for all concerned. Perhaps it is a great idea, but maybe not well thought out?
Interested to see the 3 year budget plan this week. Hopefully Dr. Rivera, has planned for teacher raises and other cost increase. If it was me, I would create 3 different budgets: A: teachers receive a 0% increase, (not going to happen no union in history have every received 2 back to back 0's), B: a modest raise of 2.5 fair and similar to the firemen and police officers... C: 3.5% to show the teachers they a valued and respected and attempt to make peace after several difficult years.
I guess there are always places in the budget to cut spending. The main question is, will he be able to come in without asking for more money? Of course this is his first year in Norwalk, so the city usually grants a new superintendent some leeway. Maybe this budget won't be so bad.
What is going on with the K-5 Language Arts Curriculum? We were promised one in December, or so I thought. I heard the BoE curriculum meeting was canceled. Norwalk doesn't have a K-5 curriculum aligned with the core curriculum, is my understanding. What is everyone waiting for?
The Parent Portal is terrible. Some of my child's teachers used it but most did not. I don't think it will ever be current. I would rather the teachers spend more time teaching and less time with meetings downtown and gadgets(that have nothing to do with teaching). Writing and math you need a pencil and some paper ....why not focus on that. Spend money on differentiated teaching in the classroom with a supporting curriculum and professional development.
I'm guessing, but does the success in each school depend on the leadership of the building and if the leadership is making it a priority? My kid is in middle school (i won't say where due to the constant negative energy on this blog), but I've found all but one teacher (Foreign language) posting up to date assignments and grades. Parents have complained for years about the lack of communication and here is a tool that provides some and let's use it and improve on it.
I'm a parent and I am using it. From what I have heard, every district in the state has one. Doubtful,it cost any money - or more than a few days work from someone in IT.
Where are those people who wanted to discuss topics other than Apples? Every time I give you an opportunity, there are no takers! What does that say about you?
ReplyDeletePerhaps it says something about the attitude of dismissive intolerance that has pervaded this blog, with the tone being set from the top. How many people are eager to give dissenting opinions if, in so doing, they are labeled as "Apples" and then discounted, insulted and ridiculed?
DeleteHave many high school parents used the parent portal?
ReplyDeleteI was shocked that some of my children have very few grades on their assignments.
Who is monitoring the teachers?
Good question. I think the first question that needs to be answered is were all the teachers trained to use the blog. Secondly, were teachers included in understanding the expectations for posting grades. Thirdly, when are they supposed to post the grades. As it is, they have to correct and grade student work on their own time. Fourthly, who is responsible for monitoring that the teachers (or whoever) is responsible for posting the grades does so. I would imagine that it is very time consuming for all concerned. Perhaps it is a great idea, but maybe not well thought out?
DeleteInterested to see the 3 year budget plan this week. Hopefully Dr. Rivera, has planned for teacher raises and other cost increase. If it was me, I would create 3 different budgets: A: teachers receive a 0% increase, (not going to happen no union in history have every received 2 back to back 0's), B: a modest raise of 2.5 fair and similar to the firemen and police officers... C: 3.5% to show the teachers they a valued and respected and attempt to make peace after several difficult years.
ReplyDeleteLOOK NO APPLE BASHING HERE!!!
I guess there are always places in the budget to cut spending. The main question is, will he be able to come in without asking for more money? Of course this is his first year in Norwalk, so the city usually grants a new superintendent some leeway. Maybe this budget won't be so bad.
DeleteWhat is going on with the K-5 Language Arts Curriculum? We were promised one in December, or so I thought. I heard the BoE curriculum meeting was canceled. Norwalk doesn't have a K-5 curriculum aligned with the core curriculum, is my understanding. What is everyone waiting for?
ReplyDeleteThe Parent Portal is terrible. Some of my child's teachers used it but most did not. I don't think it will ever be current. I would rather the teachers spend more time teaching and less time with meetings downtown and gadgets(that have nothing to do with teaching). Writing and math you need a pencil and some paper ....why not focus on that. Spend money on differentiated teaching in the classroom with a supporting curriculum and professional development.
ReplyDeleteNow that you mention it, I agree. The Portal is a gadget that makes a big splash in the newspaper, sounds good, but in the end is only a gadget.
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone know what the gadget cost the City? Is this money well spent?
ReplyDeleteI'm guessing, but does the success in each school depend on the leadership of the building and if the leadership is making it a priority? My kid is in middle school (i won't say where due to the constant negative energy on this blog), but I've found all but one teacher (Foreign language) posting up to date assignments and grades. Parents have complained for years about the lack of communication and here is a tool that provides some and let's use it and improve on it.
ReplyDeleteI would like to see how many parents are really accessing the parent portal. Is it cost effective?
ReplyDeleteI'm a parent and I am using it. From what I have heard, every district in the state has one. Doubtful,it cost any money - or more than a few days work from someone in IT.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing that.
Delete