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Post by Dissapointed on Mar 25, 2013 21:28:12 GMT -5
Apologies go out to all the parapros for the comments made at the board meeting today. When defending the decision to cut parapros in favor of additional teachers: "We are making a decision to choose quality over quantity." Really doesnt require much explanation. Probably by casually observing the pay differences between parapros and teachers, many would maybe come to the realization that a teacher making an average of 60k might be three times more effective in the classroom than a parapro making 20k. This would suggest a comparison of apples to apples is taking place, when we know this isn't the case. The jobs are totally different. The supports provided are completely different. In many ways parapros are of equal importance to teachers and in many ways even more important. To suggest replacing parapros for fewer teachers is a good move implies that parapros are cheaper, less expensive alternatives to the "real deal" which is way off center. Such a shame. Additionally... "We are striving to do the best for the kids - not be the biggest employer in Valley View." This was condescending on so many levels, implying that the people who POURED THEIR HEARTS OUT in front of the board in defense of parapros were appealing simply to keep adults in their jobs collecting paychecks. by nature, this comment implies that we naturally don't do what's best for the kids. This meeting was so depressing. Thanks to all who spoke on our behalf. Unfortunately, Dr. Trembles had a hard time getting out a very unsatisfactory response to the valid concerns of the staff, but he did get it out eventually. No intention of changing the decision. This sucks. It's so frustrating to see data spinning BS when we do have the luxury of all these resources and their application, which is the true reason for the lackluster results, is ignored completely. And the parapros who work hard in SPITE of inconsistent and unsatisfactory direction from "leaders" are left to twist in the wind. It was nice that there was a packed house. But, really, it should have been more packed in there. Don't forget about the elections over spring break.  |
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Post by germanicus on Mar 26, 2013 20:03:14 GMT -5
I, too, feel bad about what occurred to the parapros. It was troubling to hear from Dr. Mitchem and Mr. Gougsis express to this extremely dedicated personnel. Essentially, you outta here and good luck.
Mr. Gougis comment wouldn't be so glib if it was his job on the line. (Please forward to Gougis)
Dr. Mitchem (and please some troll forward this because it needs to be asked) does your analogy apply to all the new administrators hired? I see quantity but 27 yr old Math Core Leaders doesn't speak to quality.
Nor does having brother-in-laws here, brothers there, wives here and Cousin Johnny there..
I for one am saying we need quality administrators since Mitchem says the blame is on admin.
Germanicus
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Post by germanicus on Mar 26, 2013 20:05:34 GMT -5
It's no act of bravery and certainly no controversial act to fire people but reward one's self with 65K and place family on the payroll....
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Post by para on Mar 26, 2013 23:37:52 GMT -5
Germanicus you are right. VV does not have a leader. They have an incompetent a hole whose primary concern is spinning numbers to justify his schemes and cover up his incompetence.
Theres no accountability on any level of administration. If the good doctor could see out beyond his own behind (cause his head is lodged in there), he would see there is no procedure in place for paras.
Here's some stupid ass data. zero. Go analyze that
Thats exactly how much training you give paraprofessionals before sending them into a classroom. Ask a para professional how much training they receive on how to support students in the classroom. What procedures are in place that paras need to follow? What are you measuring in their day to day jobs? Nothing, because they have been provided zero direction from the district. Zero. there's your data you incompetent loser.
Lt's blame our staff fir the inconsistent direction this embarrassment of senior administration has provided two years running. Its the staffs fault that he gets rich at the expense of.the kids he pretends to serve and the support they need
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Post by germanicus on Mar 28, 2013 19:36:19 GMT -5
Dear Local 604 AFT:
Thoughts on Monday's Board Meeting 3-25-13
If ever a display of just how far the Board is from where we are was abundantly made clear in a couple of comments that were degrading and demonstrating a genuine lack of concern for both the educational process, our students, and us as working professionals.
Statement 1: "We are going for quality over quantity"---Dr. Mitchem.
Is it quality when the Board awards one of it's own a 65K bonus for getting credentials they should have already had?
Is it quality hiring core leaders, such as a 27 yr old Math Core Leader who has advocated positions to the Special Education Department personnel that directly violate the Student's IEP?
Is that quality when this District could be sued in Federal Court over such actions. The Superintendent's own words say we haven't been in compliance with federal mandates concerning SPED,"for as long as I can remember" or something to that effect.
Is that quality loading up on admin but unloading critical aides? Mere promises that they will have 1st Priority to fill those teaching position is not sincere. Why? The District will hire a first year rather than pay more for the more experience WITH OUR KIDS.
Is it quality having an High School English Core Leader that does not know who Chaucer is? Most people reading probably don't know who Chaucer is. He is considered to be the father of English Literature. Any English major would be able to tell who he is!
A comparison to science would be like not knowing who Isaac Newton was or not knowing who Walter Payton was to the Bears . Unless this core leader is there only fire people, which she has been a part of, that's only quality I can see that the Core Leader brings.
Is it quality having two building administrators being under 3 lawsuits for violating the Human Rights Act as well as Federal Statues? Is that the quality we are talking?
I'm no saint, I don't pretend to be a perfect teacher but the feedback I receive from my students and as well as the grades reflects a caring and concern that I am meeting their needs. I'll stack that up any day against evaluators who have no idea nor care about special education or the plight of those students.
In fact, a building administrator at RHS says he doesn't care to know about SPED and tells them to use their the professional judgement only to fire them for exercising their professional judgement. Again is this quality?
Please tell me what the "quality" of teaching kids the Common Core with students who have a lower the 70 IQ. It's not that they can't learn, it's how they learn or the rate they learn. One cannot build a stone building with wood. That is not to say they can't learn or our expectations should not be high. It's an acknowledgement of facts not excuses.
I ask those who expounded the mantra of "No excuses" would they fly in an airplane with parts that can only work with the patience and diligence need for the plane to perform? Would they fly in an airplane were there is only one single way mandated from on the high to fix an aircraft?
Statement 2: Mr. Gougis stated that "we are not the largest employer for Valley View". While that maybe true, I don't think Mr. Gougis would be so cavalier if it was his job on the line. That was an amazing lack of sensitivity on his part and also a reflection of the attitude towards teaching in general, which is we are nothing but the expendable hired help.
We all know of a hitlist. In fact, a building principal told his staff he couldn't just fire people, good people, for no reason other than they being veteran staff members or gotten on someone's bad side. This list was also rumored to have become part of a lawsuit between the District and a Valley View employee.
Once again, is that quality? Gutting veteran staff members who either/or have experience, advanced degrees or health-care costs.
Is that quality? I don't know but it's sure as hell is not ethical or legal for that matter. Is this the type of quality that the Board speaks? The quality that translates into values which are then passed onto our children.
One has to openly wonder what exactly is meant by "quality". I know as a result of this, that I will be retaliated against. I have been before and still continue to be. But I could not in good conscience let this go for the sake of the kids and us as professionals...
A final thought, we hear all the time, the data says or suggests. I would challenge our board to cite what they are referring too BEFORE or AT the board meeting. Having studied data, I can assure you that for every data saying something is good. There is a corresponding bad data set that says don't do it.
Respectfully,
Germanicus
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