DCPS Proposes changes to the school calendar - too many days off!

[Anonymous]

What I don't get is we complain about how horrible DCPS is and when they actually try to implement something to help teachers we complain. How will it ever get better?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is we complain about how horrible DCPS is and when they actually try to implement something to help teachers we complain. How will it ever get better?

A good place to start would be looking at what some of the best run charter schools are doing and imitating that. Since the charter schools are doing a better job of educating the most socio-economically disadvantaged students, it would appear there are a few working models out there from which DCPS could learn. Hopefully Rhee & Co. are not too arrogant to ignore the successes they could be learning from.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What I don't get is we complain about how horrible DCPS is and when they actually try to implement something to help teachers we complain. How will it ever get better?

A good place to start would be looking at what some of the best run charter schools are doing and imitating that. Since the charter schools are doing a better job of educating the most socio-economically disadvantaged students, it would appear there are a few working models out there from which DCPS could learn. Hopefully Rhee & Co. are not too arrogant to ignore the successes they could be learning from.

Thank you for this post. If you are interested in charters, visit the FOCUS website for information on current initiatives, threats and how to contact our very own councilmembers. If Mayor Fenty has his way with increased OSSE micromanaging of charters (dictating how they implement education) and facilities cuts, soon this independent voice and example will not be there. Charters are not the only solution to education in this city. Supporters of charters also support public and independent schools. However, the city has had 50 years to get its public schools in gear. Instead of working to undercut charters that are now a viable option after years of neglect, the city should work to make its schools even more attractive. The 'education mayor' and his much-touted chancellor should be able to rise to the occasion, without being distracted by a soft target like charters. Perhaps one day, there will be the possibility for interesting child -centered partnerships, should they be allowed to flourish. Let's all work together here, for all the children in this city.

[Anonymous]

Charters do lots of teacher development. Also of interest: The administrative staffing. DCPS schools seems understaffed at the administrative level. (In schools, not "downtown.")

[Anonymous]

Teachers do need more time to do all the things parents expect us to do, unless parents want us to grade papers and plan while the kids are in the classroom, or pay us to work 12 hour days. However, the proposed calendar is a bastardized good idea. Good charter schools and some elementary schools in nearby states give one half day every week for teachers to do our job effectively without requiring us to neglect our husbands, children, health, lives, etc. While that may be too much (although it would probably prevent teachers from quitting), all the proposed days off just extends the school year and nobody wants that. Rhee needs to stop pulling ideas out of her...uh out of a hat and look at what works in surrounding counties.