Kaya Leaving; John Davis in as interim

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:^You're describing one face of DCPS, not the entire system. At the other end of the spectrum, fast-gentrifying schools are getting their pick of teachers. They're even starting to poach them from top privates with PTA dollars (e.g. the wonderful Brent science teacher was poached from Sidwell). It doesn't really matter who's chancellor in such schools - the ship is sailed by uber educated parents who are going nowhere, at least not before middle school.

Wouldn't be the first Sidwell to DCPS teacher, or private to DCPS, but I would hesitate to draw conclusions based on individual hires. You have no idea about their motivation, or even their abilities necessarily. Good schools do attract good teachers, but there are good teachers at under performing schools. I almost respect them more because their taking on a challenge and really trying to make a difference for children who need more help.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the point of the topic, I hope Kaya's departure will put an end to the nonsense that goes on in DC. Central Office is very much aware of the very real problems in the schools. They simply choose to pretend and play games to look good. Which wouldn't be so bad if they were putting their game face on for the public but still working hard to improve the schools and culture behind the scenes. NOPE! As long as they can manipulate data to look good in front of the camera, that's all they're worried about. Sad! In the meantime, the kids in DC are getting screwed.

I guess I just don't see how Kaya's departure is going to help with the issue of the central office. Do you REALLY think that Bowser is going to hire someone who is willing (and has a mandate) to shake up the central office more than has already been done? No way. Honestly, I am more worried about backsliding.

I agree that there's not likely to be too much of a difference. Kaya is being replaced by someone she's trained to carry on her initiatives. Kinda like Kaya replacing Rhee only to carry on her initiatives. She simply did it in a nicer way. Impact and all the other "blame the teacher" rhetoric is all Rhee.

So if Bowser keeps Davis, it will likely be much of the same. Unless Davis is a person of integrity who is serious about improving schools for all kids. There's always the possibility he's been playing nice with Kaya, doing what he could without rocking the boat but secretly wishing he could do more. On the other hand, Bowser did say she's not married to the idea of bringing in someone who will carry on Kaya's ways (I'm paraphrasing). So she may be planning to take things in a different direction. She may very well want to put an end to all of the foolishness and game playing so that the schools at all grade levels will be palatable to ALL parents.

And I don't think Central Office needs too much of a shakeup. But the system as a whole has got to become serious about EDUCATING kids.

If Bowser was so in love with Kaya's ways, she'd keep her on (if it was Bowser's idea to get rid of her) or do whatever it takes to get her to change her mind about leaving (if it was Kaya's idea). I think Bowser's ready for the BS to end as well.

I don't think Rhee/Henderson has been a total flop. They were able to get a lot done (because of the mayoral control which gave them the latitude to do so...the school board was another hot corrupt mess that kept DCPS down for so long) and they did some good. Now they need someone to come in and clean up the bad they've done.

[Anonymous]

Not from what I have seen but if you say so. Also, VA doesn't use CCSS so they can get away with "fake teaching" much easier than teachers from other places, including DCPS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And the VA teachers that I have have seen transfer to DCPS can't hack it. One transferred to a JKML for year then packed up and moved back to VA. Another got a low IMPACT score and likely went back to VA with her tail between her legs, and another is just clueless and expects her colleagues to do her work for her. There you go...at least 3 and there are more.

I think it's been determined that few people can hack the violence, dysfunction and straight out scamming that takes place in DC schools. And the turnover rate--which begins in Sept and continues through the spring--indicates that TONS of teachers from ALL OVER end up leaving. What's telling is that they return to VA, clearly because it's a much better system to work in. I don't disagree that teachers go into DCPS from VA schools. I simply argue that it's not because they are soooooo attracted by the bonus. If that was the case, they'd stick it out and play the game to get the $. Most would rather teach, are used to teaching and prefer that over nonsense.

[Anonymous]

You don't understand (product of the VA school system?) They don't have a choice if they are being IMPACTed out within their first and second year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And the VA teachers that I have have seen transfer to DCPS can't hack it. One transferred to a JKML for year then packed up and moved back to VA. Another got a low IMPACT score and likely went back to VA with her tail between her legs, and another is just clueless and expects her colleagues to do her work for her. There you go...at least 3 and there are more.

I think it's been determined that few people can hack the violence, dysfunction and straight out scamming that takes place in DC schools. And the turnover rate--which begins in Sept and continues through the spring--indicates that TONS of teachers from ALL OVER end up leaving. What's telling is that they return to VA, clearly because it's a much better system to work in. I don't disagree that teachers go into DCPS from VA schools. I simply argue that it's not because they are soooooo attracted by the bonus. If that was the case, they'd stick it out and play the game to get the $. Most would rather teach, are used to teaching and prefer that over nonsense.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the point of the topic, I hope Kaya's departure will put an end to the nonsense that goes on in DC. Central Office is very much aware of the very real problems in the schools. They simply choose to pretend and play games to look good. Which wouldn't be so bad if they were putting their game face on for the public but still working hard to improve the schools and culture behind the scenes. NOPE! As long as they can manipulate data to look good in front of the camera, that's all they're worried about. Sad! In the meantime, the kids in DC are getting screwed.

But, this is nothing new. Same game, different players.

[Anonymous]

Not true. Check the salary scales of MoCo and VA compared to DCPS. They also don't talk all of your years but DC takes more than the surrounding areas. Fact.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? Do you bother to read the bios of new teachers? DCPS is still recruiting teachers and principals from as far away as Chicago because of the salary. VA and MD salaries don't come close to what DCPS pays. Check the pay scales for yourself.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: The VA wash ups are the laziest teachers I have every encountered.

Anonymous wrote:2:12, do you work in DCPS?

I mean this with respect, but if the answer is no then please stop using words like stunned. Those of us who are in the trenches are not stunned. This is our day in and day out.

The entire point of LEAP is to take it out of central office and stop the bonus payouts. That is why no one cares about the details of the program. Once those two goals are met- the program is a success.

And I agree- the bonus is a scam. I am getting the bonus, again this year and I still think its a scam. I would love for it leave so they bonus chasers (Fairfax and MoCo teacher wash ups) will go back home and let the real DC teachers do the job.

I find it extremely hard to believe teachers are leaving VA schools to go into DC for bonuses. For one, VA doesn't have the turnover DC does. 2. The talk of bonuses is no lure when compared to the dysfunction. DCPS does not look like a promise land from VA. Most teachers who go from VA to DC do so b/c they want to make a difference for those it will matter to. VA kids, for the most part, have supportive families and attend functional schools. They will be fine regardless of who teaches them. VA teachers generally go into DC to help those in need. I know o

1. DC schools pay more than the surrounding areas. There's no argument there. BUT....the salary is not enough to keep people in the dysfunction. Check the turnover rates.

2. Depending on how long you've been teaching, you'll actually make more staying in VA and MD because DC does not accept all of your years o teaching. Only 9. A 15 year teacher from MD discovered she was making less than she would have if she'd remained in MD schools.

3. DC is recruiting teachers and principals from as far away as Chicago because no one in the surrounding area wants the jobs. They know what DCPS is really like. Those new principals are in for a RUDE awakening. DC's local pool of educators has dried up. People are coming in, leaving, sharing the horror stories with other people.

[Anonymous]

I think people who work for DCPS ARE serious about educating kids. However there is only so much that one can do when you are being told what to do by politicians and business people rather than educators. Teachers who try to put the kids first have hell to pay. Meanwhile, those who are content to play the game and "look busy" get the accolades. A change needs to come to DCPS and soon.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Back to the point of the topic, I hope Kaya's departure will put an end to the nonsense that goes on in DC. Central Office is very much aware of the very real problems in the schools. They simply choose to pretend and play games to look good. Which wouldn't be so bad if they were putting their game face on for the public but still working hard to improve the schools and culture behind the scenes. NOPE! As long as they can manipulate data to look good in front of the camera, that's all they're worried about. Sad! In the meantime, the kids in DC are getting screwed.

I guess I just don't see how Kaya's departure is going to help with the issue of the central office. Do you REALLY think that Bowser is going to hire someone who is willing (and has a mandate) to shake up the central office more than has already been done? No way. Honestly, I am more worried about backsliding.

I agree that there's not likely to be too much of a difference. Kaya is being replaced by someone she's trained to carry on her initiatives. Kinda like Kaya replacing Rhee only to carry on her initiatives. She simply did it in a nicer way. Impact and all the other "blame the teacher" rhetoric is all Rhee.

So if Bowser keeps Davis, it will likely be much of the same. Unless Davis is a person of integrity who is serious about improving schools for all kids. There's always the possibility he's been playing nice with Kaya, doing what he could without rocking the boat but secretly wishing he could do more. On the other hand, Bowser did say she's not married to the idea of bringing in someone who will carry on Kaya's ways (I'm paraphrasing). So she may be planning to take things in a different direction. She may very well want to put an end to all of the foolishness and game playing so that the schools at all grade levels will be palatable to ALL parents.

And I don't think Central Office needs too much of a shakeup. But the system as a whole has got to become serious about EDUCATING kids.

If Bowser was so in love with Kaya's ways, she'd keep her on (if it was Bowser's idea to get rid of her) or do whatever it takes to get her to change her mind about leaving (if it was Kaya's idea). I think Bowser's ready for the BS to end as well.

I don't think Rhee/Henderson has been a total flop. They were able to get a lot done (because of the mayoral control which gave them the latitude to do so...the school board was another hot corrupt mess that kept DCPS down for so long) and they did some good. Now they need someone to come in and clean up the bad they've done.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not from what I have seen but if you say so. Also, VA doesn't use CCSS so they can get away with "fake teaching" much easier than teachers from other places, including DCPS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And the VA teachers that I have have seen transfer to DCPS can't hack it. One transferred to a JKML for year then packed up and moved back to VA. Another got a low IMPACT score and likely went back to VA with her tail between her legs, and another is just clueless and expects her colleagues to do her work for her. There you go...at least 3 and there are more.

I think it's been determined that few people can hack the violence, dysfunction and straight out scamming that takes place in DC schools. And the turnover rate--which begins in Sept and continues through the spring--indicates that TONS of teachers from ALL OVER end up leaving. What's telling is that they return to VA, clearly because it's a much better system to work in. I don't disagree that teachers go into DCPS from VA schools. I simply argue that it's not because they are soooooo attracted by the bonus. If that was the case, they'd stick it out and play the game to get the $. Most would rather teach, are used to teaching and prefer that over nonsense.

You do realize that VA & every other state has educational standards, don't you. Frankly they're all the same. They're just not called Common Core. And pls stop trying to put down VA teachers and schools. No one would argue that DC has VA schools beat. You almost sound jealous. Were you unable to get a job in a VA school? Your dislike of VA teachers makes no sense. VA schools surpass those in MD & DC. It has not one charter. Yet no one complains. The public schools are great there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:You don't understand (product of the VA school system?) They don't have a choice if they are being IMPACTed out within their first and second year.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And the VA teachers that I have have seen transfer to DCPS can't hack it. One transferred to a JKML for year then packed up and moved back to VA. Another got a low IMPACT score and likely went back to VA with her tail between her legs, and another is just clueless and expects her colleagues to do her work for her. There you go...at least 3 and there are more.

I think it's been determined that few people can hack the violence, dysfunction and straight out scamming that takes place in DC schools. And the turnover rate--which begins in Sept and continues through the spring--indicates that TONS of teachers from ALL OVER end up leaving. What's telling is that they return to VA, clearly because it's a much better system to work in. I don't disagree that teachers go into DCPS from VA schools. I simply argue that it's not because they are soooooo attracted by the bonus. If that was the case, they'd stick it out and play the game to get the $. Most would rather teach, are used to teaching and prefer that over nonsense.

I do get that they were Impacted out. But most people know that doesn't mean they're bad teachers. You have to be good to teach in VA. They don't need to manipulate eval data over there to get rid of someone they don't like. But they WILL get rid of the person by documenting their screw ups. And I'm sure they're thrilled to be back in Va.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Back to the point of the topic, I hope Kaya's departure will put an end to the nonsense that goes on in DC. Central Office is very much aware of the very real problems in the schools. They simply choose to pretend and play games to look good. Which wouldn't be so bad if they were putting their game face on for the public but still working hard to improve the schools and culture behind the scenes. NOPE! As long as they can manipulate data to look good in front of the camera, that's all they're worried about. Sad! In the meantime, the kids in DC are getting screwed.

+10,0000

[Anonymous]

A. Not speaking of ALL VA teachers. Mentioned the few that are examples since someone seemed to believe they didn't exist.
B. Why is it OK to bash DCPS teachers but as soon as VA teachers get pulled in then we put our hands up and say ho-ho now hold up there?
C. They standard in VA are not the same. They really aren't.
D. Jealous? Hardly. I don't even like passing through VA.
E. No charters? So. Charters are also part of the problem.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not from what I have seen but if you say so. Also, VA doesn't use CCSS so they can get away with "fake teaching" much easier than teachers from other places, including DCPS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And the VA teachers that I have have seen transfer to DCPS can't hack it. One transferred to a JKML for year then packed up and moved back to VA. Another got a low IMPACT score and likely went back to VA with her tail between her legs, and another is just clueless and expects her colleagues to do her work for her. There you go...at least 3 and there are more.

I think it's been determined that few people can hack the violence, dysfunction and straight out scamming that takes place in DC schools. And the turnover rate--which begins in Sept and continues through the spring--indicates that TONS of teachers from ALL OVER end up leaving. What's telling is that they return to VA, clearly because it's a much better system to work in. I don't disagree that teachers go into DCPS from VA schools. I simply argue that it's not because they are soooooo attracted by the bonus. If that was the case, they'd stick it out and play the game to get the $. Most would rather teach, are used to teaching and prefer that over nonsense.

You do realize that VA & every other state has educational standards, don't you. Frankly they're all the same. They're just not called Common Core. And pls stop trying to put down VA teachers and schools. No one would argue that DC has VA schools beat. You almost sound jealous. Were you unable to get a job in a VA school? Your dislike of VA teachers makes no sense. VA schools surpass those in MD & DC. It has not one charter. Yet no one complains. The public schools are great there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:A. Not speaking of ALL VA teachers. Mentioned the few that are examples since someone seemed to believe they didn't exist.
B. Why is it OK to bash DCPS teachers but as soon as VA teachers get pulled in then we put our hands up and say ho-ho now hold up there?
C. They standard in VA are not the same. They really aren't.
D. Jealous? Hardly. I don't even like passing through VA.
E. No charters? So. Charters are also part of the problem.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Not from what I have seen but if you say so. Also, VA doesn't use CCSS so they can get away with "fake teaching" much easier than teachers from other places, including DCPS.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:And the VA teachers that I have have seen transfer to DCPS can't hack it. One transferred to a JKML for year then packed up and moved back to VA. Another got a low IMPACT score and likely went back to VA with her tail between her legs, and another is just clueless and expects her colleagues to do her work for her. There you go...at least 3 and there are more.

I think it's been determined that few people can hack the violence, dysfunction and straight out scamming that takes place in DC schools. And the turnover rate--which begins in Sept and continues through the spring--indicates that TONS of teachers from ALL OVER end up leaving. What's telling is that they return to VA, clearly because it's a much better system to work in. I don't disagree that teachers go into DCPS from VA schools. I simply argue that it's not because they are soooooo attracted by the bonus. If that was the case, they'd stick it out and play the game to get the $. Most would rather teach, are used to teaching and prefer that over nonsense.

You do realize that VA & every other state has educational standards, don't you. Frankly they're all the same. They're just not called Common Core. And pls stop trying to put down VA teachers and schools. No one would argue that DC has VA schools beat. You almost sound jealous. Were you unable to get a job in a VA school? Your dislike of VA teachers makes no sense. VA schools surpass those in MD & DC. It has not one charter. Yet no one complains. The public schools are great there.

Just STOP IT! You sound like a kid. A not so intelligent one at that.

1. No one bashes DC teachers. The SYSTEM? YES. Teachers? No. Most posts denounce how teachers are blamed for issues beyond their control.
2. Educational standards are just that. No matter what they're called. Having taught in several states, I can tell you they're the same. In fact, that's what Common Core Standards are--a common set of educational expectations for students. It's not a more rigorous set of standards. Whether you live in Alaska or Alabama, call them "Common Core" or "Our State's Standards", kindergarteners are expected to be able to recite their alphabet and count to 10 by the end of the year (just an example, I have no idea what grade K is expected to learn)
3. No charters and no cry for charters or bemoaning the fact the public schools are too bad to send your kids to==a darned good school system. DC cannot touch VA schools or its teachers. It's apples and oranges so no one even bothers to make the comparison. Your attempt to denigrate VA teachers as somehow being less than or worse is just WEIRD. Did your boyfriend dump you for a VA teacher or something???

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Not true. Check the salary scales of MoCo and VA compared to DCPS. They also don't talk all of your years but DC takes more than the surrounding areas. Fact.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Seriously? Do you bother to read the bios of new teachers? DCPS is still recruiting teachers and principals from as far away as Chicago because of the salary. VA and MD salaries don't come close to what DCPS pays. Check the pay scales for yourself.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote: The VA wash ups are the laziest teachers I have every encountered.

Anonymous wrote:2:12, do you work in DCPS?

I mean this with respect, but if the answer is no then please stop using words like stunned. Those of us who are in the trenches are not stunned. This is our day in and day out.

The entire point of LEAP is to take it out of central office and stop the bonus payouts. That is why no one cares about the details of the program. Once those two goals are met- the program is a success.

And I agree- the bonus is a scam. I am getting the bonus, again this year and I still think its a scam. I would love for it leave so they bonus chasers (Fairfax and MoCo teacher wash ups) will go back home and let the real DC teachers do the job.

I find it extremely hard to believe teachers are leaving VA schools to go into DC for bonuses. For one, VA doesn't have the turnover DC does. 2. The talk of bonuses is no lure when compared to the dysfunction. DCPS does not look like a promise land from VA. Most teachers who go from VA to DC do so b/c they want to make a difference for those it will matter to. VA kids, for the most part, have supportive families and attend functional schools. They will be fine regardless of who teaches them. VA teachers generally go into DC to help those in need. I know o

1. DC schools pay more than the surrounding areas. There's no argument there. BUT....the salary is not enough to keep people in the dysfunction. Check the turnover rates.

2. Depending on how long you've been teaching, you'll actually make more staying in VA and MD because DC does not accept all of your years o teaching. Only 9. A 15 year teacher from MD discovered she was making less than she would have if she'd remained in MD schools.

3. DC is recruiting teachers and principals from as far away as Chicago because no one in the surrounding area wants the jobs. They know what DCPS is really like. Those new principals are in for a RUDE awakening. DC's local pool of educators has dried up. People are coming in, leaving, sharing the horror stories with other people.

Other systems don't take all years but Fairfax takes 15 while DC accepts 9. A teacher who left DC and went into Fx found she was making a heck of a lot more $---for a whole lot less stress.

Stop being ridiculous. You seem as though you haven't lived.

[Anonymous]

The original focus of this thread was on the departure of Henderson. Any thoughts on replacements that are not limited to the DMV?

[Anonymous]

I don't think any replacement will do anything about Capitol Hill middle schools. It seems pretty clear that Bowser hates the Hill and Allen won't do anything to rock the boat.