This monster continues to show up in almost every e-mail I get. I would like to hear about your experiences with it. What's good about it? What's bad? What is the best way to deal with it? This program is a huge expense to the district and should be analyzed item by item in terms of cost.
Below is a post I received from an anonymous contributor. It makes some excellent points about relying on the very capable teachers we have in our district. However, it worries me that teachers are too scared to post their names. Is anyone actually sending these great ideas to administration? Fear not. I will make sure they are presented orally to the board at the next meeting, without names attached, of course.
"As for Balanced Literacy, keep it...but let our LEAD teachers do the training of new teachers..why keep lining the pocketbooks of these Colette people....we should be trained enough to educate our own people...no out of town trips (except HEB camp and NJROTC) because ROTC HAS no one else to compete with locally on their level.....turn off the lights on these smart boards..quit showing movies on them...the bulbs to replace them cost $400. If we need or want to show a movie for good choice, then we should utilize our auditorium for a one time use of the movie.....stop ordering new textbooks...if we are NOT going to use them, stop ordering them.....get rid of C-Scope....costs too much..we have quality teachers and quality curriculum...let's put it to good use. NO more fancy cookies and drinks at all meetings .....we are on a tight budget...everything should be done to tighten our belts before teachers are cut from their sick days, paychecks, or let go....I know several people who would LOVE to be the one to call for substitutes each morning...utilize them and stop using Kelly Services.....make sure we have good support for enforcing truancy. It is very hard to get anyone to make a home visit after kids are continually absent...."
Please continue to send me your ideas either by posting them as comments or by contacting by e-mail.
I have worked with CSCOPE since 2006, I hated it from the beginning and still do. It is a waste of money and a waste of quality teacher input. At this point no one has the courage to stop it because most districts are too proud to admit that it was and is a mistake, most teachers do not want to be seen as non-team players and be left out. Someone needs to re-evaluate how education in Texas is failing everyone.
ReplyDeleteYour sentiments have been expressed across the state by teachers from all levels and all subject areas. I see that as a sign.
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