What’s going on at Travilah ES?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To those who have valid concerns, I encourage you to try to work with the system.

The county has provided data on scores and turnover. Spending time trying to get alternative facts by looking through old school newsletters is not productive.

Having a meeting or sending a letter directly to the principal shows an interest in collaboration. Sending a letter above her head does not.

Parents sharing their positive experiences in a town hall does not invalidate concerns from other parents. It is important that all perspectives are heard, correct?

My point is, I have worked in complex systems for my entire career, and I have yet to see this type of approach work. Making it personal as if one person/principal holds all the power and responsibility is, again, not productive. Getting some skin in the game to work toward improvement - alongside the administration, rather than behind group chats and online forums - is how systems improve.

Thank you. I have had the same experience you have and agree. Am also an attorney and find this kind of public vilification to be unproductive in the run. And acting like anyone who has had a positive experience with the principal is lying is unfair - people can have multiple different perspectives on the exact same situation. I see it all of the time.

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Positive individual stories are indeed valuable and appreciated. However, our primary concerns remain unaddressed. We are specifically worried about the retention of good teachers, as many have left. Additionally, we are concerned about the decline in test scores and whether there is an actionable plan to address this issue.

Just like in any position in the world, if performance declines and the individual is unaware or lacks a plan to improve, it becomes problematic. We are questioning if the principal is aware of these issues and has a concrete plan to improve the situation.

This seems disingenuous. Of course she's aware staff have left and that the test scores were lower than the norm. You cannot make staff stay in a particular position. Often times staff leave if the new guard has different rules in place and/or they don't have the influence they previously had. People will walk and then you replace them. It's not the principal's job to run after people who no longer want to be there anymore for whatever reason. I feel like most of these posts are probably coming from disgruntled teachers who left and who now see an opportunity to be spiteful and petty. I mean who else would know where the principal's car is ALL of the time or whether she is physically in the office or not? Only staff would know that. Good Lord - good riddance.

If the principal is aware of the situation, what has she done to improve it? You're right, we can't force staff to stay in a particular position. However, consider this: if someone is happy in their current role, would they leave unless it was for a promotion? A turnover rate of over 18% (which is not accurate) is significant and indicates that teachers are leaving for another school because they are not happy here.

It's not her job to chase after people who don't want to stay, but it is her responsibility to create an environment where staff feel valued and want to stay. Why are these teachers choosing to leave for another school? What has been done to address the concerns? These are the questions that need answers.

I don't believe these posts are from disgruntled former teachers. Most parents and teachers are genuinely want the best for our children. Trying to drive a wedge between concerned parents and hardworking teachers is counterproductive. We all want what's best for our students, and that includes having a stable, experienced, and satisfied teaching staff. Let's focus on finding solutions rather than dismissing valid concerns.

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To those who have valid concerns, I encourage you to try to work with the system.

The county has provided data on scores and turnover. Spending time trying to get alternative facts by looking through old school newsletters is not productive.

Having a meeting or sending a letter directly to the principal shows an interest in collaboration. Sending a letter above her head does not.

Parents sharing their positive experiences in a town hall does not invalidate concerns from other parents. It is important that all perspectives are heard, correct?

My point is, I have worked in complex systems for my entire career, and I have yet to see this type of approach work. Making it personal as if one person/principal holds all the power and responsibility is, again, not productive. Getting some skin in the game to work toward improvement - alongside the administration, rather than behind group chats and online forums - is how systems improve.

Thank you. I have had the same experience you have and agree. Am also an attorney and find this kind of public vilification to be unproductive in the run. And acting like anyone who has had a positive experience with the principal is lying is unfair - people can have multiple different perspectives on the exact same situation. I see it all of the time.

Thank you for sharing your perspective. Positive individual stories are indeed valuable and appreciated. However, our primary concerns remain unaddressed. We are specifically worried about the retention of good teachers, as many have left. Additionally, we are concerned about the decline in test scores and whether there is an actionable plan to address this issue.

Just like in any position in the world, if performance declines and the individual is unaware or lacks a plan to improve, it becomes problematic. We are questioning if the principal is aware of these issues and has a concrete plan to improve the situation.

This seems disingenuous. Of course she's aware staff have left and that the test scores were lower than the norm. You cannot make staff stay in a particular position. Often times staff leave if the new guard has different rules in place and/or they don't have the influence they previously had. People will walk and then you replace them. It's not the principal's job to run after people who no longer want to be there anymore for whatever reason. I feel like most of these posts are probably coming from disgruntled teachers who left and who now see an opportunity to be spiteful and petty. I mean who else would know where the principal's car is ALL of the time or whether she is physically in the office or not? Only staff would know that. Good Lord - good riddance.

There is a nastiness with some of the posters who defend the principal that doesn't sit right with me.

[Anonymous]

On the test scores , the principal should provide an actionable plan. Raise the scores by X is not a plan. A plan delineates actions that will be taken to achieve the outcome.

As the student body scored in the 90s and then dropped to the upper 40s, look at what specifically changed. There can be some really low hanging fruit.

1. Time and accommodations. Were students allowed the entire time to complete the test? Or did the test start late because the classroom was not settled? Were kids with time accommodations not given those because there wasn’t enough staff? Were students encouraged to finish early and told they could play games if they finished early?

2. Expectations, there is a line between creating anxiety that the test is too important and conveying it has no importance. A good teacher can convey the right level of expectation.

3. Preparation, there are ample practice tests. The outcomes shouldn’t be a surprise. Students do need familiarity with the format to do their best. Were parents informed of the kids performance on the practice tests? Prep is not just giving them a practice test and sitting at your desk. Small things like learning how to preview and read a question thoroughly before answering is often a new skill for students. Prep needs to be engaging and about learning the material not just clicking buttons.

4. Material. Look at the outcomes and patterns. Do the deficiencies line up or cluster? Are they predominantly in areas that were not covered or do they show more basic deficiencies?

5. Are parents being engaged? The teacher should know by parent teacher conferences where a kid is deficient. Tell the parent!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What happened at travilah es? 3 of my kids graduated there. Just visited the school for my nephew’s graduation and wondering where the teachers went? Don’t know any of them. 🧐

Really? You've never seen staff turnover? I wish the annoying, "Oh my gosh, I visited the school and noticed they painted the doorbell" posts would just give it up. You sound dumb. Yes, things have changed since you left the school. I've heard first hand of so many schools having lots of staff changes. It happens. And usually when one or two people leave, others start to leave as well, especially when there is a new supervisor/principal. It's like the parents posting have never worked a day in their life.

“You should dumb” - what a sophisticated response!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:To those who have valid concerns, I encourage you to try to work with the system.

The county has provided data on scores and turnover. Spending time trying to get alternative facts by looking through old school newsletters is not productive.

Having a meeting or sending a letter directly to the principal shows an interest in collaboration. Sending a letter above her head does not.

Parents sharing their positive experiences in a town hall does not invalidate concerns from other parents. It is important that all perspectives are heard, correct?

My point is, I have worked in complex systems for my entire career, and I have yet to see this type of approach work. Making it personal as if one person/principal holds all the power and responsibility is, again, not productive. Getting some skin in the game to work toward improvement - alongside the administration, rather than behind group chats and online forums - is how systems improve.

If the principal is not being responsive to parents, they absolutely should be asking to meet with the Director in OSSWB overseeing the principal to document the problems and discuss solutions. That is the only way change will happen. And they should also file an official complaint against the principal using this form: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/pdf/270-8.pdf

MCPS schools are little fiefdoms. Principals will do as they wish until parents pull in central office to hold them accountable. But it takes more than one meeting — it will require parents to organize and continually push to effect change.

Best of luck to the Travilah parents. It sounds like the school needs a LOT o an help.

[Anonymous]

LOL, these are the people who bought at Toll Brothers Mt. Prospect, control freaks

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To those who have valid concerns, I encourage you to try to work with the system.

The county has provided data on scores and turnover. Spending time trying to get alternative facts by looking through old school newsletters is not productive.

Having a meeting or sending a letter directly to the principal shows an interest in collaboration. Sending a letter above her head does not.

Parents sharing their positive experiences in a town hall does not invalidate concerns from other parents. It is important that all perspectives are heard, correct?

My point is, I have worked in complex systems for my entire career, and I have yet to see this type of approach work. Making it personal as if one person/principal holds all the power and responsibility is, again, not productive. Getting some skin in the game to work toward improvement - alongside the administration, rather than behind group chats and online forums - is how systems improve.

If the principal is not being responsive to parents, they absolutely should be asking to meet with the Director in OSSWB overseeing the principal to document the problems and discuss solutions. That is the only way change will happen. And they should also file an official complaint against the principal using this form: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/pdf/270-8.pdf

MCPS schools are little fiefdoms. Principals will do as they wish until parents pull in central office to hold them accountable. But it takes more than one meeting — it will require parents to organize and continually push to effect change.

Best of luck to the Travilah parents. It sounds like the school needs a LOT o an help.

Thank you!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To those who have valid concerns, I encourage you to try to work with the system.

The county has provided data on scores and turnover. Spending time trying to get alternative facts by looking through old school newsletters is not productive.

Having a meeting or sending a letter directly to the principal shows an interest in collaboration. Sending a letter above her head does not.

Parents sharing their positive experiences in a town hall does not invalidate concerns from other parents. It is important that all perspectives are heard, correct?

My point is, I have worked in complex systems for my entire career, and I have yet to see this type of approach work. Making it personal as if one person/principal holds all the power and responsibility is, again, not productive. Getting some skin in the game to work toward improvement - alongside the administration, rather than behind group chats and online forums - is how systems improve.

If the principal is not being responsive to parents, they absolutely should be asking to meet with the Director in OSSWB overseeing the principal to document the problems and discuss solutions. That is the only way change will happen. And they should also file an official complaint against the principal using this form: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/pdf/270-8.pdf

MCPS schools are little fiefdoms. Principals will do as they wish until parents pull in central office to hold them accountable. But it takes more than one meeting — it will require parents to organize and continually push to effect change.

Best of luck to the Travilah parents. It sounds like the school needs a LOT o an help.

+1
The meeting just held with parents should not be a one and done and if things don’t improve, the associate superintendent should be involved (David Adams for now, as he is acting until July 1).
+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:To those who have valid concerns, I encourage you to try to work with the system.

The county has provided data on scores and turnover. Spending time trying to get alternative facts by looking through old school newsletters is not productive.

Having a meeting or sending a letter directly to the principal shows an interest in collaboration. Sending a letter above her head does not.

Parents sharing their positive experiences in a town hall does not invalidate concerns from other parents. It is important that all perspectives are heard, correct?

My point is, I have worked in complex systems for my entire career, and I have yet to see this type of approach work. Making it personal as if one person/principal holds all the power and responsibility is, again, not productive. Getting some skin in the game to work toward improvement - alongside the administration, rather than behind group chats and online forums - is how systems improve.

If the principal is not being responsive to parents, they absolutely should be asking to meet with the Director in OSSWB overseeing the principal to document the problems and discuss solutions. That is the only way change will happen. And they should also file an official complaint against the principal using this form: https://ww2.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/forms/pdf/270-8.pdf

MCPS schools are little fiefdoms. Principals will do as they wish until parents pull in central office to hold them accountable. But it takes more than one meeting — it will require parents to organize and continually push to effect change.

Best of luck to the Travilah parents. It sounds like the school needs a LOT o an help.

+1
The meeting just held with parents should not be a one and done and if things don’t improve, the associate superintendent should be involved (David Adams for now, as he is acting until July 1).
+1

100%

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LOL, these are the people who bought at Toll Brothers Mt. Prospect, control freaks

Let's avoid pointing fingers; while we may have different opinions, we all share the common goal of wanting the best for our kids.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:On the test scores , the principal should provide an actionable plan. Raise the scores by X is not a plan. A plan delineates actions that will be taken to achieve the outcome.

As the student body scored in the 90s and then dropped to the upper 40s, look at what specifically changed. There can be some really low hanging fruit.

1. Time and accommodations. Were students allowed the entire time to complete the test? Or did the test start late because the classroom was not settled? Were kids with time accommodations not given those because there wasn’t enough staff? Were students encouraged to finish early and told they could play games if they finished early?

2. Expectations, there is a line between creating anxiety that the test is too important and conveying it has no importance. A good teacher can convey the right level of expectation.

3. Preparation, there are ample practice tests. The outcomes shouldn’t be a surprise. Students do need familiarity with the format to do their best. Were parents informed of the kids performance on the practice tests? Prep is not just giving them a practice test and sitting at your desk. Small things like learning how to preview and read a question thoroughly before answering is often a new skill for students. Prep needs to be engaging and about learning the material not just clicking buttons.

4. Material. Look at the outcomes and patterns. Do the deficiencies line up or cluster? Are they predominantly in areas that were not covered or do they show more basic deficiencies?

5. Are parents being engaged? The teacher should know by parent teacher conferences where a kid is deficient. Tell the parent!

Are you advocating teaching to the test?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:On the test scores , the principal should provide an actionable plan. Raise the scores by X is not a plan. A plan delineates actions that will be taken to achieve the outcome.

As the student body scored in the 90s and then dropped to the upper 40s, look at what specifically changed. There can be some really low hanging fruit.

1. Time and accommodations. Were students allowed the entire time to complete the test? Or did the test start late because the classroom was not settled? Were kids with time accommodations not given those because there wasn’t enough staff? Were students encouraged to finish early and told they could play games if they finished early?

2. Expectations, there is a line between creating anxiety that the test is too important and conveying it has no importance. A good teacher can convey the right level of expectation.

3. Preparation, there are ample practice tests. The outcomes shouldn’t be a surprise. Students do need familiarity with the format to do their best. Were parents informed of the kids performance on the practice tests? Prep is not just giving them a practice test and sitting at your desk. Small things like learning how to preview and read a question thoroughly before answering is often a new skill for students. Prep needs to be engaging and about learning the material not just clicking buttons.

4. Material. Look at the outcomes and patterns. Do the deficiencies line up or cluster? Are they predominantly in areas that were not covered or do they show more basic deficiencies?

5. Are parents being engaged? The teacher should know by parent teacher conferences where a kid is deficient. Tell the parent!

Are you advocating teaching to the test?

+1

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:LOL, these are the people who bought at Toll Brothers Mt. Prospect, control freaks

#facts - cold, soulless houses, in the middle of nowhere with no trees

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOL, these are the people who bought at Toll Brothers Mt. Prospect, control freaks

#facts - cold, soulless houses, in the middle of nowhere with no trees

All you are trying to do is distract us from the issues. It’s not going to work. Sorry🤡

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:LOL, these are the people who bought at Toll Brothers Mt. Prospect, control freaks

#facts - cold, soulless houses, in the middle of nowhere with no trees

All you are trying to do is distract us from the issues. It’s not going to work. Sorry🤡

Well done!