Howard University MS Charter school is imploding

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents are mad because the principal is trying to mainstream curriculum? Marion Barry may have made history but he was a corrupt opportunist who positioned himself as a champion of building the black middle class to benefit himself. He should have been a champion of educating to one's greatest potential. I would be concerned with how Marion Barry is being presented to a roomful of kids.

Besides, the media wasn't contacted by the school and/or administrators so it's just a tabloid one sided version of whatever the truth may be.

1. What is it about DC that attracts such idiot/ego-tripping, power-playing school administrators?

2. I think parents are more pissed that the administrator is a maniacal ego-trip who's a micromanager to the point of running off teachers in droves. Good parents realize high teacher turnover is bad for their children's educational experience. What must their learning experience be like with several new teachers in one school year and subs in between?

I really think it's less about what's being taught. They're just throwing their support behind the wronged teachers.

3. That principal needs to go ASAP! And all of a DC (public & charters ) need training on what true school leadership means.

All of what you said may be true but the linked article states that the teachers were supposedly fired because a standard curriculum had been adopted and they were teaching outside that curriculum. It sounds more like a case of insubordination that anything else.

That was not given as the reason for firing. That was the ASSUMED reason for one of the problems between Crazy Lady and her teachers.

And I don't think those teachers had an entire Marion Barry unit. They may have thrown in a few things Crazy Eyes didn't like. Given that she is clearly a power tripper who doesn't lead well, I can just imagine her trying to micromanage every aspect of their lesson with no flexibility or room for creativity.

According to the article, these were not the only teacher turnovers this year but perhaps the most dramatic.

High teacher turnover is a sign of poor leadership and a failing school.

You don't see high turnover in good schools.

These parents are right to be concerned.

You also don't see high turnover in schools where teachers are running it.

This makes no sense. You must not be in education-or have kids in school.

I've never seen a 'teacher run' school. Ever.

Nice try Ms. B. Show em who's boss!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This is what I heard

The principle has been on a mission to make the school more like a Montgomery county school. She wants to cut out some of the cultural elements some teachers were teaching to make the school more attractive to a certain demographic.

She told the teachers not to do lessons on Kawanza and Marion Berry. She started doing class observations to make sure the teachers were complying. One teacher was observed 8 times over the course of 10 days.

The 3 teachers saw the writing on the wall and gave their 2 week notice. She went into a very popular teachers class and told him he was fired and needed to leave.

This is where it gets bizzare, the students started banging on the windows and desks in protest shouting that she was trying to whitewash them so she calls the police who escort the teacher out. I don't understand why she just didn't wait until the end of the day to fire him.

Sorry for the typos on phone

Observing a teacher 8 times over 10 days is harassment.

[Anonymous]

Teachers wanting to quit just because they aren't supposed to spend a ton of time on topics like Marion Barry or Kwanzaa is weird.

But even so, it really sounds like this was grossly mishandled by the principal.

No doubt there is a lot more to the story that we aren't hearing here.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Teachers wanting to quit just because they aren't supposed to spend a ton of time on topics like Marion Barry or Kwanzaa is weird.

But even so, it really sounds like this was grossly mishandled by the principal.

No doubt there is a lot more to the story that we aren't hearing here.

I'm sure it has more to do with the principal being petty and unprofessional.

She did not like those teachers and decided to target them. She needed to justify her pettiness and find a reason for doing so. What?! Did I catch them teaching something I don't like? That's it! I'll harass and ride them, saying it's because they're not sticking to curriculum. In reality I'm power tripping.

What? They're resigning? No ma'am. I wanted to be the one to exert my authority and fire them. How dare they beat me to the punch. I'll show them!

Whatever the story, the principal is an example of poor leadership.

[Anonymous]

I guess it has never happened in this particular school but it happens ... more so in charters. Usually in highly regarded schools, First come the complaints from multiple sources, then the person disappears quietly, only to be replaced by someone else right away. I have heard of several teachers who were let go because of insubordination by not giving the data person all the daily warm-ups, quizzes, and tests in advance in a particularly popular school. It was not because they were not well prepared. It was because of discrepancies they saw between certain students' classroom work (quite mediocre) and tests (always perfect). However, the parents received a letter saying the particular teacher had to leave because of personal reasons.
I will have people say this is nonsense ... but it absolutely is not ...

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents are mad because the principal is trying to mainstream curriculum? Marion Barry may have made history but he was a corrupt opportunist who positioned himself as a champion of building the black middle class to benefit himself. He should have been a champion of educating to one's greatest potential. I would be concerned with how Marion Barry is being presented to a roomful of kids.

Besides, the media wasn't contacted by the school and/or administrators so it's just a tabloid one sided version of whatever the truth may be.

1. What is it about DC that attracts such idiot/ego-tripping, power-playing school administrators?

2. I think parents are more pissed that the administrator is a maniacal ego-trip who's a micromanager to the point of running off teachers in droves. Good parents realize high teacher turnover is bad for their children's educational experience. What must their learning experience be like with several new teachers in one school year and subs in between?

I really think it's less about what's being taught. They're just throwing their support behind the wronged teachers.

3. That principal needs to go ASAP! And all of a DC (public & charters ) need training on what true school leadership means.

All of what you said may be true but the linked article states that the teachers were supposedly fired because a standard curriculum had been adopted and they were teaching outside that curriculum. It sounds more like a case of insubordination that anything else.

That was not given as the reason for firing. That was the ASSUMED reason for one of the problems between Crazy Lady and her teachers.

And I don't think those teachers had an entire Marion Barry unit. They may have thrown in a few things Crazy Eyes didn't like. Given that she is clearly a power tripper who doesn't lead well, I can just imagine her trying to micromanage every aspect of their lesson with no flexibility or room for creativity.

According to the article, these were not the only teacher turnovers this year but perhaps the most dramatic.

High teacher turnover is a sign of poor leadership and a failing school.

You don't see high turnover in good schools.

These parents are right to be concerned.

You also don't see high turnover in schools where teachers are running it.

This makes no sense. You must not be in education-or have kids in school.

I've never seen a 'teacher run' school. Ever.

Nice try Ms. B. Show em who's boss!

Indeed I do have children in school with a principal who proudly affirmed to be a "teacher's principal." My comment was not meant to be taken literally, as in the teachers have set-up shop in the principal's office. The drama about Pete Cahill alluded to an LBGT mafia that is running Wilson, certainly with some teacher's that were probably associated with it, whether or not it's real or not. A bad principal can be a number of things including bad at leadership, a micromanager, or completely hands off. But to say that there is no possibility that an environment exists where the teaching staff is heavily involved in the operations of a school just seems a bit naive. Personally, I think bad school leadership over many decades is more responsible for the state of our education system than anything else. I will say that I am 100% not associated with Howard Middle School but I am really glad this story has been posted.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents are mad because the principal is trying to mainstream curriculum? Marion Barry may have made history but he was a corrupt opportunist who positioned himself as a champion of building the black middle class to benefit himself. He should have been a champion of educating to one's greatest potential. I would be concerned with how Marion Barry is being presented to a roomful of kids.

Besides, the media wasn't contacted by the school and/or administrators so it's just a tabloid one sided version of whatever the truth may be.

1. What is it about DC that attracts such idiot/ego-tripping, power-playing school administrators?

2. I think parents are more pissed that the administrator is a maniacal ego-trip who's a micromanager to the point of running off teachers in droves. Good parents realize high teacher turnover is bad for their children's educational experience. What must their learning experience be like with several new teachers in one school year and subs in between?

I really think it's less about what's being taught. They're just throwing their support behind the wronged teachers.

3. That principal needs to go ASAP! And all of a DC (public & charters ) need training on what true school leadership means.

All of what you said may be true but the linked article states that the teachers were supposedly fired because a standard curriculum had been adopted and they were teaching outside that curriculum. It sounds more like a case of insubordination that anything else.

That was not given as the reason for firing. That was the ASSUMED reason for one of the problems between Crazy Lady and her teachers.

And I don't think those teachers had an entire Marion Barry unit. They may have thrown in a few things Crazy Eyes didn't like. Given that she is clearly a power tripper who doesn't lead well, I can just imagine her trying to micromanage every aspect of their lesson with no flexibility or room for creativity.

According to the article, these were not the only teacher turnovers this year but perhaps the most dramatic.

High teacher turnover is a sign of poor leadership and a failing school.

You don't see high turnover in good schools.

These parents are right to be concerned.

You also don't see high turnover in schools where teachers are running it.

This makes no sense. You must not be in education-or have kids in school.

I've never seen a 'teacher run' school. Ever.

Nice try Ms. B. Show em who's boss!

Indeed I do have children in school with a principal who proudly affirmed to be a "teacher's principal." My comment was not meant to be taken literally, as in the teachers have set-up shop in the principal's office. The drama about Pete Cahill alluded to an LBGT mafia that is running Wilson, certainly with some teacher's that were probably associated with it, whether or not it's real or not. A bad principal can be a number of things including bad at leadership, a micromanager, or completely hands off. But to say that there is no possibility that an environment exists where the teaching staff is heavily involved in the operations of a school just seems a bit naive. Personally, I think bad school leadership over many decades is more responsible for the state of our education system than anything else. I will say that I am 100% not associated with Howard Middle School but I am really glad this story has been posted.

I agree that poor leadership plays a huge hand in a school's success or failure.

But as an educator for several decades, I can assure you 'teacher run' schools do not exist. Furthermore, huge teacher turnover is ALWAYS indicative of poor, inept leadership. A teacher mafia cannot cause teachers to leave in droves. A good principal would have that clique in check. Furthermore, teachers are limited in their ability to impact other teachers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I guess it has never happened in this particular school but it happens ... more so in charters. Usually in highly regarded schools, First come the complaints from multiple sources, then the person disappears quietly, only to be replaced by someone else right away. I have heard of several teachers who were let go because of insubordination by not giving the data person all the daily warm-ups, quizzes, and tests in advance in a particularly popular school. It was not because they were not well prepared. It was because of discrepancies they saw between certain students' classroom work (quite mediocre) and tests (always perfect). However, the parents received a letter saying the particular teacher had to leave because of personal reasons.
I will have people say this is nonsense ... but it absolutely is not ...

I believe you. I hope you are a parent. Knowing the 'education miracle' scams that are being played out in this city makes you a better consumer.
I struggle with who is more at fault, the teachers who comply with the scam, the admin that give the marching orders, or the parents who demand this type of nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents are mad because the principal is trying to mainstream curriculum? Marion Barry may have made history but he was a corrupt opportunist who positioned himself as a champion of building the black middle class to benefit himself. He should have been a champion of educating to one's greatest potential. I would be concerned with how Marion Barry is being presented to a roomful of kids.

Besides, the media wasn't contacted by the school and/or administrators so it's just a tabloid one sided version of whatever the truth may be.

You are an idiot. Marion Barry did a tremendous amount of good for the African-American community in Washington, DC, despite some of his personal shortcomings. He championed educating one's greatest potential by opening opportunities for African-American to achieve middle class status. In so doing, there are a lot of African-American students who had the opportunity to attend some of Washington, DC's finest private school, and subsequently enter colleges and universities around the country. Through his Summer Youth Employment Program, generations of African-American youth received professional work experience that they may not otherwise have had. By no means does Marion Barry the poster child for political opportunism. There are political opportunist from various state, local and federal governments around this country. Edwin Meese, Dan Rostenkowski, Newt Gingrich, Robert Torricelli, Randy Cunningham, Tom Delay, Ted Stevens, James Traficant and the list goes on and on. However, since you're probably from Indiana, Ohio, or some other state, you feel the need to disparage and discount the positive impact Barry had on Washington, DC because you are completely clueless and an idiot.

The only things that Barry "did" were crack and cocaine and the numerous cheap bimbos he associated with. RIP and good riddance!

You are a racist idiot who obviously never watched the FBI video. Barry was a serious alcoholic and was not an alter boy. I won't name other prominent whites who fit your description. Not responding to the other poster who generally trashed all the DC gov't employees black, white and asian, and displayed what an idiot he/she is. What rock do these rodents and insects crawl out from under.

[Anonymous]

^^ May they RIP

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents are mad because the principal is trying to mainstream curriculum? Marion Barry may have made history but he was a corrupt opportunist who positioned himself as a champion of building the black middle class to benefit himself. He should have been a champion of educating to one's greatest potential. I would be concerned with how Marion Barry is being presented to a roomful of kids.

Besides, the media wasn't contacted by the school and/or administrators so it's just a tabloid one sided version of whatever the truth may be.

1. What is it about DC that attracts such idiot/ego-tripping, power-playing school administrators?

2. I think parents are more pissed that the administrator is a maniacal ego-trip who's a micromanager to the point of running off teachers in droves. Good parents realize high teacher turnover is bad for their children's educational experience. What must their learning experience be like with several new teachers in one school year and subs in between?

I really think it's less about what's being taught. They're just throwing their support behind the wronged teachers.

3. That principal needs to go ASAP! And all of a DC (public & charters ) need training on what true school leadership means.

All of what you said may be true but the linked article states that the teachers were supposedly fired because a standard curriculum had been adopted and they were teaching outside that curriculum. It sounds more like a case of insubordination that anything else.

That was not given as the reason for firing. That was the ASSUMED reason for one of the problems between Crazy Lady and her teachers.

And I don't think those teachers had an entire Marion Barry unit. They may have thrown in a few things Crazy Eyes didn't like. Given that she is clearly a power tripper who doesn't lead well, I can just imagine her trying to micromanage every aspect of their lesson with no flexibility or room for creativity.

According to the article, these were not the only teacher turnovers this year but perhaps the most dramatic.

High teacher turnover is a sign of poor leadership and a failing school.

You don't see high turnover in good schools.

These parents are right to be concerned.

You also don't see high turnover in schools where teachers are running it.

This makes no sense. You must not be in education-or have kids in school.

I've never seen a 'teacher run' school. Ever.

Nice try Ms. B. Show em who's boss!

Indeed I do have children in school with a principal who proudly affirmed to be a "teacher's principal." My comment was not meant to be taken literally, as in the teachers have set-up shop in the principal's office. The drama about Pete Cahill alluded to an LBGT mafia that is running Wilson, certainly with some teacher's that were probably associated with it, whether or not it's real or not. A bad principal can be a number of things including bad at leadership, a micromanager, or completely hands off. But to say that there is no possibility that an environment exists where the teaching staff is heavily involved in the operations of a school just seems a bit naive. Personally, I think bad school leadership over many decades is more responsible for the state of our education system than anything else. I will say that I am 100% not associated with Howard Middle School but I am really glad this story has been posted.

I agree that poor leadership plays a huge hand in a school's success or failure.

But as an educator for several decades, I can assure you 'teacher run' schools do not exist. Furthermore, huge teacher turnover is ALWAYS indicative of poor, inept leadership. A teacher mafia cannot cause teachers to leave in droves. A good principal would have that clique in check. Furthermore, teachers are limited in their ability to impact other teachers.

Thank you for your comments. Thank you for being a teacher.

[Anonymous]

Student-organized protest today.

Check out #ms2protest on Twitter.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Parents are mad because the principal is trying to mainstream curriculum? Marion Barry may have made history but he was a corrupt opportunist who positioned himself as a champion of building the black middle class to benefit himself. He should have been a champion of educating to one's greatest potential. I would be concerned with how Marion Barry is being presented to a roomful of kids.

Besides, the media wasn't contacted by the school and/or administrators so it's just a tabloid one sided version of whatever the truth may be.

You are an idiot. Marion Barry did a tremendous amount of good for the African-American community in Washington, DC, despite some of his personal shortcomings. He championed educating one's greatest potential by opening opportunities for African-American to achieve middle class status. In so doing, there are a lot of African-American students who had the opportunity to attend some of Washington, DC's finest private school, and subsequently enter colleges and universities around the country. Through his Summer Youth Employment Program, generations of African-American youth received professional work experience that they may not otherwise have had. By no means does Marion Barry the poster child for political opportunism. There are political opportunist from various state, local and federal governments around this country. Edwin Meese, Dan Rostenkowski, Newt Gingrich, Robert Torricelli, Randy Cunningham, Tom Delay, Ted Stevens, James Traficant and the list goes on and on. However, since you're probably from Indiana, Ohio, or some other state, you feel the need to disparage and discount the positive impact Barry had on Washington, DC because you are completely clueless and an idiot.

The only things that Barry "did" were crack and cocaine and the numerous cheap bimbos he associated with. RIP and good riddance!

You are a racist idiot who obviously never watched the FBI video. Barry was a serious alcoholic and was not an alter boy. I won't name other prominent whites who fit your description. Not responding to the other poster who generally trashed all the DC gov't employees black, white and asian, and displayed what an idiot he/she is. What rock do these rodents and insects crawl out from under.

I watche'd the FBI video many times and was deliriously happy over Barry's arrest and incarceration. However, my boeuf that Barry was the worst thing ever to happen to DC is not racism. Check your hostility.

[Anonymous]

PP here -- That's "belief" (although many DC resident had a major "boeuf" with the mayor for life").

[Anonymous]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/local/wp/2015/02/02/naacp-investigates-teacher-departures-at-howard-university-middle-school/

NAACP is investigating