On Friday, I met with Senator Ken LaValle in his Selden office. After several attempts and scheduling conflicts, this was our first meeting. Senator LaValle is a senior member of the New York State Senate, and Chairman of the Senate Higher Education Committee. Though he was previously a teacher for 4th and 5th grade, and an Elementary Principal, Senator La Valle's expertise in education legislation at this point is clearly Post-Secondary Education.
After my initial introduction and a brief explanation of my concerns (essentially the same as in my previous meetings with Assemblyman Englebright and Congressman Bishop), Senator LaValle asked me if I had ever heard of the Truth in Testing Law. Senator LaValle wrote the legislation back in 1979, and it took effect in New York State in 1980. He gave me a brief explanation of the law, and the reason it was written. The Senator said that there are always concerns about biases in exams such as the SAT's and ACT's as well as MCAT's and LSAT's. This law requires the test writing company to share with the test taker the questions they answered incorrectly, along with the correct answer. This allows for students to learn from their mistakes and for others to see if there were cultural, gender, or economic biases at all. That was my first clue that we were not on the same page. While I appreciate the Truth in Testing Law, and I am sure it has been helpful to students for many years, my concerns lie in the standardized tests our younger children are taking annually which are causing undue stress. I have many, many concerns about Education today, but in order to be effective at sparking change, I must pick my battles. The SAT's and test like them are not my current battle.
The Senator did agree with me on many fronts: all children do not learn the same, nor do they test the same. Not every child will be as successful as the next. The pressure on our Administrators, teachers and most importantly students is absurd. He does believe the pendulum will begin to swing back away from testing. I told him I've been waiting for years to see that start to happen, and I can't sit and wait anymore.
The Senator told me that he believes the Federal Government has no business in education, as it is written in every state's constitution that the State is charged with providing Education. He also said that the funding New York State gets from the Federal government is approximately 6% of the Education budget in the State. And I can tell you that the funding the Comsewogue School District gets from New York State is barely 28% of our budget... so we are faced with an overwhelming amount of underfunding all around.
Senator LaValle said the reason for the testing frenzy is simple. It boils down to this: We spend a fortune on education, what do we get for that money? So in an effort to figure that out, we begin testing, and more testing, which by the way costs a lot of money also! He also told me that the Board of Regents is responsible for the current Education policy in New York State, which I am well aware of. I told the Senator that I had sent letters to the Long Island Regent, Roger Tilles on the issues of testing and unfunded mandates, and got no response. Senator LaValle said he will make a point to have Regent Tilles get in touch with me. I will be following up on that promise weekly.
I told Senator LaValle that I have never been a fighter. I just didn't have it in me. But this is a fight I can't back down from. I am in this for my own children, and everyone else's. I told him I wasn't going away, and as long as it takes, I'll be calling him and all of my other representatives. Then he told me a brief story he used to share when he taught law as a college professor: Once there was a Mom, who stopped Wal-Mart. One woman who said, not in my neighborhood, not in my hometown. And this one Mom managed to stop one of the largest, wealthiest companies in America. She didn't back down.They never built in her area.
So now I make a promise to all of you. It will be a long, uphill battle to change to direction of our Education system. But I will not back down. I will keep calling, writing, visiting, until the people in power realize this Mom means business. I will not stop this fight until our children can get a well rounded, quality education, and be recognized as individuals with varying abilities, strengths and weaknesses. We can't pretend children are widgets we are building on a factory line. We owe it to them, and to our own future to see that these flawed education policies change. Not in another decade or two- NOW.
Showing posts with label Tim Bishop. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tim Bishop. Show all posts
Saturday, May 7, 2011
The Federal Perspective
On April 29, I had the pleasure of meeting with Congressman Tim Bishop in his Patchogue office. Congressman Bishop is not only the Representative of our 1st Congressional District, but he is a member of the House Education and the Workforce Committee. The meeting was enlightening for me, and allowed me to have some hope that our Federal Government at least recognizes the problems surrounding our current Education Policies, particularly the result of No Child Left Behind. Congressman Bishop is a wealth of knowledge in many areas, and was able to address my concerns.
Initially I spoke about what I have witnessed in my own children since the initial years of the standardized testing policies. While my oldest daughter only took the ELA exam in 4th and 8th grade, we have seen exams piled on year after year, which has added significant stress and pressure on my younger children. I shared with him the brochure I used at the screening for Race to Nowhere which was full of information for everyone who attended.
Congressman Bishop began by explaining that there is certainly change on the horizon, although we don't know for sure when it will arrive. He told me that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) had actually expired on September 30, 2007. ESEA is the education legislation that was created in 1965. In 2002, it was updated, and coined No Child Left Behind (NCLB). We all know where that led us. So, our representatives are no longer calling it NCLB, but they reauthorized it "until a new law is written." The problem with that is that instead of working on improving the policy, we are stuck with a bad law.
According to Congressman Bishop, while for very different reasons, both the Republican and Democratic committee members are interested in backing away from the current model of NCLB. They are looking to move away from Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and toward a model of graduating students from High School "College and Career Ready". While the Republican members see it as an issue of too much Government involvement, the Democrats see flawed Education Policy. Either perspective leads to a better place: less standardized testing, less punitive measures for schools having difficulty reaching AYP. There is much to be worked out, and no set date for a start. What will eventually happen is that the Federal Government will give more local control over education and testing policy. Local control in our case would be New York State. I have many concerns about that, as New York State, and our Board of Regents in particular, have continued to add more mandated testing on top of the Federal requirements for years.
When I asked Congressman Bishop what I can do to help move the measure along and get the public involved, he said that we should start to get figures from the Education Committees in June or July for the next budget cycle. It will be important to note where funding has been decreased or increased to see where the priorities of Chaiman Kline and the Majority lie. That will give us a greater sense of their direction and goals moving forward, and give us an opportunity to speak up as caring parents and education advocates to move them in the right direction.
The following link has interesting information about the Obama Administration's goals and priorities regarding Education Policy: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/14/president-obama-calls-congress-fix-no-child-left-behind-start-next-schoo
Initially I spoke about what I have witnessed in my own children since the initial years of the standardized testing policies. While my oldest daughter only took the ELA exam in 4th and 8th grade, we have seen exams piled on year after year, which has added significant stress and pressure on my younger children. I shared with him the brochure I used at the screening for Race to Nowhere which was full of information for everyone who attended.
Congressman Bishop began by explaining that there is certainly change on the horizon, although we don't know for sure when it will arrive. He told me that the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) had actually expired on September 30, 2007. ESEA is the education legislation that was created in 1965. In 2002, it was updated, and coined No Child Left Behind (NCLB). We all know where that led us. So, our representatives are no longer calling it NCLB, but they reauthorized it "until a new law is written." The problem with that is that instead of working on improving the policy, we are stuck with a bad law.
According to Congressman Bishop, while for very different reasons, both the Republican and Democratic committee members are interested in backing away from the current model of NCLB. They are looking to move away from Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), and toward a model of graduating students from High School "College and Career Ready". While the Republican members see it as an issue of too much Government involvement, the Democrats see flawed Education Policy. Either perspective leads to a better place: less standardized testing, less punitive measures for schools having difficulty reaching AYP. There is much to be worked out, and no set date for a start. What will eventually happen is that the Federal Government will give more local control over education and testing policy. Local control in our case would be New York State. I have many concerns about that, as New York State, and our Board of Regents in particular, have continued to add more mandated testing on top of the Federal requirements for years.
When I asked Congressman Bishop what I can do to help move the measure along and get the public involved, he said that we should start to get figures from the Education Committees in June or July for the next budget cycle. It will be important to note where funding has been decreased or increased to see where the priorities of Chaiman Kline and the Majority lie. That will give us a greater sense of their direction and goals moving forward, and give us an opportunity to speak up as caring parents and education advocates to move them in the right direction.
The following link has interesting information about the Obama Administration's goals and priorities regarding Education Policy: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2011/03/14/president-obama-calls-congress-fix-no-child-left-behind-start-next-schoo
Saturday, April 16, 2011
Advocacy in Action
A few weeks ago, I held a screening of the education documentary Race to Nowhere at Terryville Elementary School. When our teacher's union, PJSTA, held a screening back in January I had attended with my 14 year old daughter. I was distraught and energized at the same time. I knew that I needed to host my own screening, and take on the role of Education Advocate. As a result, over the next three weeks I will be meeting individually with Congressman Tim Bishop, Assemblyman Steve Englebright and Senator Ken LaValle to express my concerns about the direction of public education, and enlist their help to begin a public conversation about our priorities in education.
The film Race to Nowhere showed with unmistakable clarity issues I have seen in my own home for years. It articulated my concerns about an education system focused on getting ahead at all costs. The film talked about the undeniable pressure students and teachers are facing, and how standardized testing plays a role in that pressure. Most people are familiar with the New York State ELA exams. At first I likened them to the CTBS tests I remember taking as a child. But the more I learned about the exams, and the more exams were being piled on, I recognized a serious problem. What began as an exam for only 4th and 8th grade students is now a testing phenomenon with no end in sight. Children in grades 3 - 8 will be taking the ELA exam in just a few weeks. And one week later, they will take the NYS Math Exam as well. At the end of this post I will list all of the standardized tests given to our students through out the year by grade. There is even talk of new standardized tests in New York State for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, although that has not been finalized by the State Education Department yet.
The primary focus of our State and Federal Education Departments is on standardized testing. New York State was awarded just over $700 Million from the Federal Government for it's Race to the Top Initiative. Half of that funding is being used to develop a teacher evaluation system that will be in large part based on student's standardized testing scores. Just glancing at the situation, one could say it's an opportunity for accountability. However, if you look more closely, it becomes obvious that this system will only force teachers to teach to the test. Teachers are already having to take away instructional time to teach "test prep" for weeks leading up to the exams. The results of the exams are used to rank school districts, individual schools, teachers and children. The pressure on everyone involved is tremendous.
While teachers are expected to differentiate instruction to allow for all students' learning styles to be addressed during class, these exams assume all children think, work, and learn the same way. It's a one size fits all approach to evaluating children. And often, the scores do not reflect the child's actual ability. Special Education students in 5th grade who may function intellectually at a 2nd grade level are expected to take the same exam as their peers in Regular Ed classes. It is unfair to these students, their teachers, and the school who may not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on those students' performance on the exam. Not to mention that the exams are written by the companies that make our textbooks. So every time they change a test, they get to write (and sell us) new books to align to the new test. There are individuals and companies getting VERY rich with the standardized testing craze.
I believe that every parent has a responsibility to advocate for their children, every teacher and administrator shares that responsibility for their students. Members of Boards of Education have an even greater responsibility as elected representatives of the community to use the BOE platform to engage the public and policy makers in conversation about these issues. There are several steps to be taken:
1. Educate the public (parents, teachers, community members) about standardized testing, it's purpose and effect
2.Give actionable information in the form of petitions, letter writing campaigns- make it easier for interested people to get involved in the conversation and advocacy
3. Connect with policy makers locally, as well as in Albany, and Washington, DC so they are aware of valid concerns
4. Follow up over and over until there is movement in the right direction.
I have already begun the advocacy journey. I wrote the letters posted on Comsewogue's website to be sent to our elected representatives. I will use my upcoming meetings to let them hear stories about my own children's experience with these exams, to demonstrate that change is necessary. I am not sure what to expect to be honest. I do know it will be an uphill battle all along the way, but I can't sit back and wait for someone else to advocate- that is my job as a parent, and hopefully, as a member of the Board of Education.
NEW YORK STATE TESTING SCHEDULE:
GRADE 3:
ELA: May 3-6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 4:
ELA: May 3-6, Math: May 11 - 13, Science performance: May 31 - June 3, Science written: June 6
GRADE 5:
ELA: May 3- 6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 6:
ELA: May 3 - 6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 7:
ELA: May 3 - 6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 8:
ELA: May 3 -6, Math May 11 -13, Science performance: May 31 - June 3, Science written: June 6
The film Race to Nowhere showed with unmistakable clarity issues I have seen in my own home for years. It articulated my concerns about an education system focused on getting ahead at all costs. The film talked about the undeniable pressure students and teachers are facing, and how standardized testing plays a role in that pressure. Most people are familiar with the New York State ELA exams. At first I likened them to the CTBS tests I remember taking as a child. But the more I learned about the exams, and the more exams were being piled on, I recognized a serious problem. What began as an exam for only 4th and 8th grade students is now a testing phenomenon with no end in sight. Children in grades 3 - 8 will be taking the ELA exam in just a few weeks. And one week later, they will take the NYS Math Exam as well. At the end of this post I will list all of the standardized tests given to our students through out the year by grade. There is even talk of new standardized tests in New York State for students in Kindergarten through 2nd grade, although that has not been finalized by the State Education Department yet.
The primary focus of our State and Federal Education Departments is on standardized testing. New York State was awarded just over $700 Million from the Federal Government for it's Race to the Top Initiative. Half of that funding is being used to develop a teacher evaluation system that will be in large part based on student's standardized testing scores. Just glancing at the situation, one could say it's an opportunity for accountability. However, if you look more closely, it becomes obvious that this system will only force teachers to teach to the test. Teachers are already having to take away instructional time to teach "test prep" for weeks leading up to the exams. The results of the exams are used to rank school districts, individual schools, teachers and children. The pressure on everyone involved is tremendous.
While teachers are expected to differentiate instruction to allow for all students' learning styles to be addressed during class, these exams assume all children think, work, and learn the same way. It's a one size fits all approach to evaluating children. And often, the scores do not reflect the child's actual ability. Special Education students in 5th grade who may function intellectually at a 2nd grade level are expected to take the same exam as their peers in Regular Ed classes. It is unfair to these students, their teachers, and the school who may not meet Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) based on those students' performance on the exam. Not to mention that the exams are written by the companies that make our textbooks. So every time they change a test, they get to write (and sell us) new books to align to the new test. There are individuals and companies getting VERY rich with the standardized testing craze.
I believe that every parent has a responsibility to advocate for their children, every teacher and administrator shares that responsibility for their students. Members of Boards of Education have an even greater responsibility as elected representatives of the community to use the BOE platform to engage the public and policy makers in conversation about these issues. There are several steps to be taken:
1. Educate the public (parents, teachers, community members) about standardized testing, it's purpose and effect
2.Give actionable information in the form of petitions, letter writing campaigns- make it easier for interested people to get involved in the conversation and advocacy
3. Connect with policy makers locally, as well as in Albany, and Washington, DC so they are aware of valid concerns
4. Follow up over and over until there is movement in the right direction.
I have already begun the advocacy journey. I wrote the letters posted on Comsewogue's website to be sent to our elected representatives. I will use my upcoming meetings to let them hear stories about my own children's experience with these exams, to demonstrate that change is necessary. I am not sure what to expect to be honest. I do know it will be an uphill battle all along the way, but I can't sit back and wait for someone else to advocate- that is my job as a parent, and hopefully, as a member of the Board of Education.
NEW YORK STATE TESTING SCHEDULE:
GRADE 3:
ELA: May 3-6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 4:
ELA: May 3-6, Math: May 11 - 13, Science performance: May 31 - June 3, Science written: June 6
GRADE 5:
ELA: May 3- 6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 6:
ELA: May 3 - 6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 7:
ELA: May 3 - 6, Math: May 11 - 13
GRADE 8:
ELA: May 3 -6, Math May 11 -13, Science performance: May 31 - June 3, Science written: June 6
Monday, April 11, 2011
A New Ally for Comsewogue
My name is Alexandra Gordon, and I hope to represent the residents of the Comsewogue School District as a Trustee on the Board of Education. I have been a resident of Port Jefferson Station for over 12 years. My husband Mike and I have four children attending Comsewogue Schools. Our oldest girls are at the High School, and our son and youngest daughter attend Terryville Elementary School. I have spent countless hours in volunteer positions within the school district, and I believe that it is time to take on a more active role in shaping the future of the Comsewogue School District. I am confident that I will be an asset to the Board in the difficult times ahead. I feel so strongly about taking on the role of a Trustee that I am willing to leave the job I love. I have been a kindergarten inclusion aide at Terryville for three years, and it has been tremendously rewarding. Knowing that I could not continue in that position made the decision to run difficult. However, being a member of the Board of Education will give me an opportunity to help students and families on a larger scale than the one kindergarten class I love.
Most of my recent years have been spent in volunteer positions dealing with education and our community. I am the Fiscal Officer for the Comsewogue Public Library, and a member of Congressman Tim Bishop's Long Island Education Advisory Board. I am nearing the end of my second year as PTA President at Terryville, a position I held previously four years ago as well. Being actively involved in the PTA over the years, I have had the opportunity to run many programs and events from Kindergarten Round Up to Star Search. But the events that have been most significant to me have been those that focus on enhancing our children's education, and advocacy efforts on behalf of our children. I have run letter writing campaigns every year asking our Legislators to maintain fair funding of our schools. I was on the committee that began our Summer Reading Program, and am a member of the Legislative Advocacy Committee since its inception in 2008.
I recently held a screening at Terryville of the education documentary Race to Nowhere, followed by a panel discussion of teachers, parents and students. The film enabled us to start a conversation about the difficulties our children are facing in education today, and what we as the people who care about them can do to help. If you haven't seen the film, I strongly encourage you to find a local screening at www.racetonowhere.com and be informed.
The road ahead of us is long and difficult in the area of Public Education, but I believe that with a Board of Education focused on communication and our children as our main priorities, Comsewogue will come out of challenging times stronger than ever. I hope you will join me throughout the campaign to learn more about me and my beliefs.
Most of my recent years have been spent in volunteer positions dealing with education and our community. I am the Fiscal Officer for the Comsewogue Public Library, and a member of Congressman Tim Bishop's Long Island Education Advisory Board. I am nearing the end of my second year as PTA President at Terryville, a position I held previously four years ago as well. Being actively involved in the PTA over the years, I have had the opportunity to run many programs and events from Kindergarten Round Up to Star Search. But the events that have been most significant to me have been those that focus on enhancing our children's education, and advocacy efforts on behalf of our children. I have run letter writing campaigns every year asking our Legislators to maintain fair funding of our schools. I was on the committee that began our Summer Reading Program, and am a member of the Legislative Advocacy Committee since its inception in 2008.
I recently held a screening at Terryville of the education documentary Race to Nowhere, followed by a panel discussion of teachers, parents and students. The film enabled us to start a conversation about the difficulties our children are facing in education today, and what we as the people who care about them can do to help. If you haven't seen the film, I strongly encourage you to find a local screening at www.racetonowhere.com and be informed.
The road ahead of us is long and difficult in the area of Public Education, but I believe that with a Board of Education focused on communication and our children as our main priorities, Comsewogue will come out of challenging times stronger than ever. I hope you will join me throughout the campaign to learn more about me and my beliefs.
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