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Post by Chris_Wendt on Feb 10, 2014 7:08:39 GMT -5
Black & White: "The Board of Regents, which has set education policy since the 1780s, faces a history-making test this week as it decides whether to slow or revamp the state's pursuit of Common Core testing, teacher evaluations and other initiatives that have sparked heated debate and political repercussions."
-Newsday article (link) The Regents own study group is due to report back on what actions, if any, they might propose to counter the the firestorm of public and political criticism ignited by their disastrous roll-out of the Common Core Assessments last spring. As if the existing Common Core controversy is not enough heat for the Regents, there is another, concomitant issue brewing, wherein the "executive director of the State Committee on Open Government, has informed opponents seeking to attend Regents work-group sessions that the state's Open Meetings law requires such sessions to be public." But then, "Lawyers in the state Department of Education have countered that the work group is entitled to meet privately because its work is strictly advisory". One way to look at that last piece, if you are a Regent, is to consider that the public is already really pissed-off at us (Regents), so what's a little more fuel on the fire? I mean, when we're right, we're right! Right? Oh boy! Chris Wendt |
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Post by Chris_Wendt on Feb 10, 2014 15:03:50 GMT -5
Apparently the Regents were ready for action this morning, adopting all 19 of the recommendations of their own study group to revise the Common Core standards implementation somewhat. Here are the salient points adopted today: - Delaying for 7 years, until 2022, a high school graduation requirement for higher grades on tougher Regents exams based on the Common Core Curriculum
- Allowing teachers to appeal "Ineffective" job ratings issued in the 2012-13 and 2013-14 school years (only), due to insufficient teacher preparation in the Common Core Curriculum
- 17 Other recommendations NOT specified in the Newsday report (link)
The two specific recommendations do not appear to address the complaints of most parents or of the Teachers Union and their allied legislators. It remains to be seen what action, if any, the State Legislature will take concerning the Common Core and concerning re-electing the 4 Regents whose terms expire this year, in response to today's action. The Governor has convened his own study group on the Common Core. Stay tuned. That's all I've got for now. Chris Wendt |
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Post by rr on Feb 10, 2014 16:17:59 GMT -5
I'm not exactly sure how I feel about this news, I definitely need to do a bit more research but I feel like the changes that were made are probably for the best but I also feel it's opened the door for more criticism. Similar to how our BOE issued their 'resolution against high stakes testing' and legitimized the opt-out movement I feel like the delay legitimizes the movement to abolish the Common Core and all the good that teachers are seeing. I don't have a Newsday membership but their Opinion pieces are always free and I thought this was an interesting one, posted today: www.newsday.com/opinion/oped/opinion-stop-the-politics-and-adopt-the-common-core-1.7013345This issue has become too polarizing and it's become an opportunity for politicians to gain support from a bunch of people complaining. Well, I guess we'll see where this all goes and what the delay means for our kids soon enough. I guess we'll just have to wait a few more years for real accountability to take hold and some small portion of children and their parents will be forced to deal with teachers that no longer make the mark but there is no action for that group. We'll just have to keep on going off the assumption that every teacher out there is in it for the kids, great at their job, still motivated to do their best and make sure that every kid is learning, engaged and preparing them for the next step. Pass the trash on to the next group... We there still be a bunch of opt-out meetings and rallies? Because I honestly cannot stand reading anymore misinformation and rhetoric. I can't stand going to BOE meetings and hearing people complain about their specific experience and don't want to hear about the d**n test anymore, I don't want flyers on my car and I don't want to read about tee-shirts that our kids should wear in support of opting out. I'm done, tapped out - the test is no longer "high-stakes" (for the time being) - everyone feel better now? Teachers stave off the inevitable, parents can rest easy that their child won't be stressed for whatever reason they were feeling stress about a test and politicians can publicize their big win against the Common Core, they saved our children....vote for them. |
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Post by rr on Feb 10, 2014 16:49:31 GMT -5
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