RAS Testing Myths Forum Update

I attended the myths forum tonight and have mixed feelings regarding it. The presentation was made by 2 RAS personnel that are experts in the area of testing and analysis. They did a good job of:

• defining acronyms and the different tests
• explaining the general history of the "accountability" movement
• listening and responding to questions
• describing the real flaws of NCLB (ie includes Spec ed and non-English speaking students)
• reviewing district "avg" performance against state and national stats
• explaining the differences and gaps by demographics

The down sides from my viewpoint:

• spent significant time explaining flaws of current accountability systems (ie government set too aggressive of targets)
• used too many generalities (ie possibly apples & oranges)
• little if any discussion of specific plans to close gaps
• somewhat misleading or unclear graphs (ie partial y axis made differences look more significant than they are, using todays performance std distribution to estimate future performance non-proficiency rates{instead of explaining that std dist curve is supposed to shift as more kids become proficient}, etc)
• did not detail "one school" as a case study (ie explain myths in detail and how they misled)

In summary, it was a good general learning experience with some marketing / political spin. Most importantly, it reminded me that "we need to look at the details"... Not just the headlines... (ie especially with AYP results) Both sides can find their message in the data, so be an informed citizen and look for yourselves...

MN Report Cards and Data

Cafferty on Education

Love him or hate him, he does make some good points....

Cafferty on Education

Not sure if Marines are the right answer... However it is worth some discussion... Thoughts ?

Remember: Exposing Standardized Testing Myths will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. March 31 at Rockford Road Library, 6401 42nd Ave. N., Crystal. It is the second in a series of forums hosted by Robbinsdale Area Schools’ Legislative Action Coalition (LAC).

RDale - The Emperor's New Clothes

Once in an MBA course, the instructor made a point that Engineers were the worst at marketing themselves and their value to the company. They typically bury their head in their work with the assumption that the great results will speak for themselves, and then Managers will notice and reward them for this... The Instructor noted that this was unrealistic and wrong !!!

The reality is that there needs to be a balance between work/performance and self marketing if you want to get ahead in your career. (unless you get really lucky) Employees can market and make connections by joining teams, volunteering for company events, joining company leagues, writing articles for a company newsletter, interviewing Mgrs about their typical day, eating in the lunchroom, etc.

With this in mind, I appreciate the RAS efforts to explain how they are succeeding. It is a valid and worthwhile activity.

RDale Info Session for Realtors
Forum Exposes Standardized Test Myths

My concern is that they may be a bit out of touch.(ie see themselves wearing beautiful clothes) The continual drum beating of "choice is most important" and "ignore those No Child Left Behind results" may actually turn citizens off that want "test results" and a "good solid common curriculum(s)" across all the district schools.

Only time will tell if the cloth is real or imaginary. Thoughts?

Note: There is no guarantee that common curriculum(s) across all the schools would improve district results. However, it would save money from logistics, administration, materials, transportation, etc and this could be used in the classrooms. As long as the district did not lose more funding by kids transferring out of RAS to pursue their "choice".

Rdale Schools Divestiture Plan

This looks like a good document overall, however I find point 8 interesting.

RAS Divestiture Plan

I assume this is the "how to avoid storming clause". I agree it is legally necessary just in case something or someone goes really really wrong. However, I would be interested in seeing the ground rules for the team, and what would justify firing a volunteer or the whole team. Since storming, disagreement, collaboration and consensus building is the key reason for having a team... (ie if 20 people think the same and have the same opinions... Why do we need 19 of them?)

Also, will the recommendation be created by consensus, popular vote, "Committee Chair" summary, other...

It is worth noting that this is an Advisory Committee with only the authority to recommend, so it will be exciting to see how well their opinions are honored by the Board and Administration.

A friend asked if I would sign up for the committee because it would be a good fit. I told him that it is highly unlikely because I think my views on increasing RAS performance by promoting school competition are too far out of synch with RAS management. (ie it is likely I would get fired...)

Any volunteers or comments ???

Team Development - What is Success?

One of the biggest challenges I face as a team lead is getting the Team's Sponsor and Team Members to agree up front to a common SMART charter. (link) Ironically, this is by far the most important factor in leading a successful team or project. Simply said, how do you proceed or succeed if you do not know what success is ???

Some reasons why people are resistant?

• "We" all "know" what the project or team goal is... Why waste time documenting it ?
• "We" need to fix the "whole" problem no matter our funding, resources, timeline, etc... How many resources are required is irrelevant ?
• "We" need to fix the "whole" problem with this project or team. Besides we all share a common vision for this project, process, system, etc. Why waste time developing and documenting MGPP's? (link)
• "We" will work it as fast as we can... Why waste time creating schedules and milestones ?

Based on experience with hundreds of projects and teams. Take the time and effort to create a SMART charter and plan. (and MGPP when applicable). The reasons why:

• Only by writing this down clearly and specifically can you ensure everybody shares a common vision. Because "we" can not read minds and everyone enters the team with unique histories, attitudes, goals, interpretations, etc.
• Team morale is crushed and momentum stalls when the reality of having too few resources, too big of a scope, too long of a timeline, etc becomes apparent. People like to be part of a successful team and dislike things that drag on.
• Sponsor support and engagement is critical to maintaining team energy, they must be engaged. People want to feel someone is interested in what they are doing and they appreciate someone who helps remove road blocks.
• Teams need intermediate goals or milestones to provide urgency and to ensure they are on schedule. Without these problems would not be identified until it was too late to resolve them.

Did I miss anything?

STOP Banning of NEW Schools

Check these out and act quickly, unless you wish to limit school competition and choice for our Minnesota students !!!

FD Stop the New Schools BAN
Speed Non-Compete

Wage Freezes and The Economy

My company like many others has reduced employee head count, instituted wage freezes and forewarned of lower compensation in 2009. (ie small to no expected bonus) The management has made these very difficult decisions in order to ensure that the company will still be in business and employing people after this economic down turn. As it has been for 100+ years...

Another reason this makes sense is that employee compensation should conform to the laws of supply and demand. As more workers become unemployed during this wide spread downturn, wages and costs should drop due to the larger available labor pool. Which in turn allows the companies to improve profitability, start growing, and start hiring again...

With this in mind: How does this apply to the Public sector?

Should Federal, State and Local government employees get raises this year even though the majority of companies and citizens are not? Of course, holding Teacher and Administrator pay stable during this downturn will be a key issue within the RAS community after just passing a referendum.... Or at the State level as cuts are made due to the deficit....

My thought is raises should be stopped if the employees are correctly compensated per the market. However raises should continue if the employee compensation lags the market. Now how do we decide the correct wage for Principals, Teachers, Legislators, Park workers, DOT employees, etc? Since Unions, laws, seniority and other complicating factors prevent true capability based competition for the positions.

Team Development - Volunteer and Assigned

As I observe the "volunteer" teams at work, I remember how fortunate I am that my team members are "assigned" by someone to help accomplish the goal. This is based on their talents, knowledge, relation to the goal, etc. I lead ~12 project teams per year with ~6 going at any one time. They typically range in size from 6 to 12 members.

I am thankful because the "assigned" team members are trained regarding team stages, tools, roles, responsibilities, etc. Also, though they have unique ideas and motivations, overall the goal is fairly clear and common. Finally, they are familiar with the company culture and can not run at the first sign of "storming". Even with all this going for us, it is difficult to get teams all the way to the "performing" stage before the project is completed. (ie we execute in the prior stages)

"Performing" is when Productivity, Creativity, Enjoyment, etc really increase. Thus it is the goal of most great team leads... The energy of it empowers and thrills us...

With this in mind, I think it would help volunteers to study up on Team Development and Execution. (see below) Many people join teams with no idea what to expect and become frustrated by the process, execution, progress, direction, behavior other team members, etc. By understanding best practices you will learn that many of the difficulties are normal and required.

Form, Storm, Norm, Perform (Wikipedia)
Team Training (NY)

More Later. Thoughts ?

Cliques and Prejudice - not just for kids ...

After years of listening to people comment regarding "that school - insert name here" being:

• BAD
• GOOD
• TROUBLED
• STUCK UP
• INCREDIBLE
• DANGEROUS
• ETC

I have to wonder where all these folks are getting their information.

As I have said before, I am a huge believer that you will almost always "find what you are looking for"...(? Truth ?) For example, you can scare your self terribly if you are a parent who is looking at sending your first sweet child to Middle School, and you talk only to others in the same situation. (ie watch out for the huge size, thefts, fights, tough teachers, etc !!!!) So do yourself a HUGE FAVOR:

• talk to kids that attend the school (they don't carry all the preconceived ideas of good and bad)
• tour the school during the school day or volunteer in their library stacking books
• talk to various parents at the new school (ie don't judge the school by "that one annoying person you met"... would you like them judging your school that way?)
• talk to parents outside of your own clique or comfort zone. (ie if they think like you, act like you and talk to the same people... is their information and opinion going to help your perspective???)
• talk to a few teachers (these are the people that you and your kids will spend the most time with !!! not the Principal !!!)
• consciously challenge your prejudices as you observe (ie your school had 30 kids/grade, all Caucasian and they used no slang ... so what !!! Now what factors really matter when it comes to your choice of schools... )

The reality is we are in a diverse school district, and this comes with pros and cons. However since we all live in this area and many of us come from this area: the parents, teachers and kids have more in common than you may initially think. So take advantage of the RAS offers to tour and attend open houses. This is how you can best make an informed choice.

Open Houses
Tour Invite

Exposing Standardized Testing Myths ...

Forum Exposing Standardized Testing Myths

Though the title does not fill me with confidence, this is one meeting you should not miss. Given the importance that we put on State generated Report Cards, AYP, NCLB and test scores, I believe it is the duty of every citizen to understand what they mean.

Now why am I skeptical ? I am worried that it may be spun as an excuse session. (ie the scores are wrong, we are doing great) However, I'll be there hoping to learn facts and gain understanding. I hope you join me.

Thoughts?

Blogger equals Complainer ?

So I was told twice in 2 weeks that:

Blogs are just for folks who want to COMPLAIN

I can see how this perception is supported by some postings. (even a few of mine...) However, I see blogs as a simple and convenient way to share information and support "safe" dialogue for folks who care about a topic. (and to get their voice heard by hundreds of people, not just a few)

I may not get to the point of agreeing with the other blog commenters, however I do learn knowledge and perspectives from them. And learning is almost always a good thing...

Along with the new RAS E News systems, I thinks RAS should host a RAS Community Blog. Then the parents and other citizens could see the incoming concerns and praise, along with the District's answer. With the email system I have a nagging feeling we will only see questions and answers that the Admin and Board deem acceptable to answer, possibly not a healthy cross section of the Parent's and Citizen's thoughts. Only time will tell.

Otherwise, I think the email system is a great addition to the RAS communicator offering.

So, are the bloggers out to complain or promote dialogue?
Thoughts or improvement ideas?
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My Personal Favorite Sign of Spring

It was a very nice evening for a ride... (Link)

RAS News and Comment

First, the ZLE PTO meeting is at 6:30 PM on Tuesday. All parents and teachers are welcome and encouraged to attend !!! (even if you are not a PTO member) They are really nice people who are working hard to improve our school for our kids, please take this 'no commitment required" chance to get to know them and learn what they do... {link to my thoughts for ZLE 2009/2010}

Second, the 281 administration and board seems to be turning down free money and limiting educational choice in our community. See my comments in Speed's "What's happening with Pilgrim Lane Elementary" Please note Christine's hint at possibly needing PLE as a Kindergarten, seems Wold's assessment may be off a bit. (get a refund?) Also, see the Notes from the Working meeting. And as always, please drop the board an email if you support or disagree with this action. mailto:school_board@rdale.k12.mn.us

Thirdly, mark your calendar to meet the Superintendent candidates. (more info)

Finally, here is a link to the latest school transition letter. Please note the intra-district transfers are going to be a problem and all schools are doing great verbiage. Not sure if this will convince the doubting parents. The upside is the open invitation to set up a personal tour, which is a great improvement and should be taken advantage of. (ie give the schools a chance, see with your own eyes) Also, don't forget to signup for RAS E news updates at rdale.org. (E news)

Thoughts ?

Conservatives Answer the Call ?

I started this posting as a challenge to my fellow conservatives to "pry open their wallets" and be responsible. My belief was that:

• if you want to cut the government safety nets, you had better be there to catch the bodies...
• Conservatives are too tight to actually be giving...
• Liberals care and talk so much... So they must give a lot...
• the religious Christian conservative had best be giving 10% of their gains back to non-profits/community, or God will have a toasty spot waiting for them...

Well then I came across this article. Conservatives have Answered Obama's Call

It seems I had better start my preaching with the Liberals... Does this article make sense to you? Why or why not?

By they way, if you did not know. I am a Republican and a Lutheran who between dollars and volunteering has worked his way slowly up to giving almost 10%/yr back to the community... The volunteering portion is primarily thanks to my incredible wife's activities. (more on that in a future post)

Also, we still have a long way to go since it looks like people typically give less than 4% (other Giving Stats)

Public Education: A Three Legged Stool

R-Five (Speed) left a great comment regarding what will the district do with the extra money, if "Parents" start providing equipment ? I guess my answer has to do with a "3 legged stool" and relative levels of "Excellence".

The 3 legs of School Excellence are:

• Parent involvement and support
• Administration and teaching priorities, planning and execution
• Public involvement and support

From my viewpoint the Public is doing a pretty good job of supporting the financial aspects of the RAS schools. Sure it took some work, however the Federal, State and Community citizens are spending a lot of money on our schools/kids. Maybe not enough to make them incredible, however certainly enough to make them good solid schools that can provide a solid core and advanced curriculum. An area for continued improvement is volunteering as mentors/tutors for kids that a struggling...

The Board, Administration, Teachers and other employees are taking on the challenge of reducing fixed costs by closing schools and dealing with ever increasing expectations. There are still many productivity gains that can be made by holding personnel accountable and improving our focus on the core programs/deliverables. However RAS is definitely heading in the right direction.

The majority of parents however seem to have lost their way. I am not sure if it is all the 2 income families, folks lacking a sense of parental responsibility, the overloaded schedules, the need to "keep up with the Jones's", or what... However, financial giving and volunteering seems to be headed the wrong direction. My guess is:

• less than 10% volunteer outside their child's site
• less than 3% volunteer more than 40 hrs/yr
• less than .5% volunteer more than 100 hrs/yr
• less than 20% give 90% of the PTO's funding
• average donation = ~$50/child/yr

Unless the parents step up more, their school's will at best be "Good". (ie wobbly stool) Also, why should the public keep supporting the schools if the parents don't think it is important enough to make it a priority?

Time for a Video (Totally improper politically incorrect video that applies to many of us - even myself at times... Thanks to Freedom Dogs for the link) With this in mind, how do us men, women, black, white, liberal, conservative, Democrat, Republican, etc stop waiting for someone to fix our communities and schools !!! So let the Public funds support the things to make the school's very good. And I hope the parent's money and volunteering can make them GREAT !!!

As always, all thoughts welcome ...