BOE candidate, Esther Wells

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Well then, Esther Wells is most definitely the candidate for you. I’ll be voting for her and I agree with much of what you wrote.

But why? Do you really think she, or for that matter any of the other candidates, would be able to solve those issues?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Well then, Esther Wells is most definitely the candidate for you. I’ll be voting for her and I agree with much of what you wrote.

But why? Do you really think she, or for that matter any of the other candidates, would be able to solve those issues?

I'm hoping she takes office and demands accountability for MCPS funding. For example, if MCPS can't account for why they spent $780K of covid money on bocce ball, or over 2M on Kids museum and how many kids actually attended the program; that she picks up the phone and has the Maryland IG to look into it? I'm hoping the corruption will stop this year, and if the legacy board and McKnight are unapologetic and fail to resign, that they are held fully accountable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Well then, Esther Wells is most definitely the candidate for you. I’ll be voting for her and I agree with much of what you wrote.

But why? Do you really think she, or for that matter any of the other candidates, would be able to solve those issues?

I'm hoping she takes office and demands accountability for MCPS funding. For example, if MCPS can't account for why they spent $780K of covid money on bocce ball, or over 2M on Kids museum and how many kids actually attended the program; that she picks up the phone and has the Maryland IG to look into it? I'm hoping the corruption will stop this year, and if the legacy board and McKnight are unapologetic and fail to resign, that they are held fully accountable.

Link? Where does it say MCPS is spending $780k on bocce ball?

And what makes you think she’ll bring transparency when she can’t even be transparent about what organization she leads?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Well then, Esther Wells is most definitely the candidate for you. I’ll be voting for her and I agree with much of what you wrote.

But why? Do you really think she, or for that matter any of the other candidates, would be able to solve those issues?

I'm hoping she takes office and demands accountability for MCPS funding. For example, if MCPS can't account for why they spent $780K of covid money on bocce ball, or over 2M on Kids museum and how many kids actually attended the program; that she picks up the phone and has the Maryland IG to look into it? I'm hoping the corruption will stop this year, and if the legacy board and McKnight are unapologetic and fail to resign, that they are held fully accountable.

Link? Where does it say MCPS is spending $780k on bocce ball?

And what makes you think she’ll bring transparency when she can’t even be transparent about what organization she leads?

It's posted on the other thread. https://www.dcurbanmom.com/jforum/posts/list/75/1053950.page Search "bocce" and you have to add them all up - it's scattered in multiple places.

The board member has to know when they're being hoodwinked (smart enough to read a document like this and know to add up the numbers). Can any of the other candidates do that? Certainly no one currently on the board (since they approved it). The choice is either her or?? It's a lesser of evils problem.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Oh, I know and I'm so grateful the BOE got rid of 2.0. Also, despite the time in DL during the deadly pandemic that took the lives of so many I was also grateful for their leadership. My kids continued to work hard during the time at home and I feel their doing great.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Well then, Esther Wells is most definitely the candidate for you. I’ll be voting for her and I agree with much of what you wrote.

But why? Do you really think she, or for that matter any of the other candidates, would be able to solve those issues?

I don't and the PP is comment tells me nothing about this candidate.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Well, then Esther Wells isn’t your candidate. She has zero experience in education.

NP. Well the candidates with experience in education are doing an awful job.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:My personal views are more conservative than most of DCUM, but whether a candidate is liberal of conservative is practically irrelevant to me for the BOE. I want the board of education to focus on education.

Curriculum 2.0 was a dismal failure, which was confirmed by the curriculum audit MCPS paid for. I think the rollout of the new curriculum was disrupted by COVID and I don’t know what the current status is. Moreover, I would assume any curriculum would be an improvement, but I’ve found very little info on the new curriculum, although I’ve started hearing things on DCUM, that there may be problems with the new one as well - especially in Reading. I’d like to know the candidates views on curriculum across all subjects and grades.

The grading system (often checking assignments for completion rather than grading for correctness, graded assignments having a minimum grade of 50% if attempted, retests, and the abolition of finals) only deprive the child and their parents of necessary feedback.

The heterogeneous grouping favored by MCPS only deprives students at all levels from getting instruction focused at their level. I am not advocating tracking. I don’t think children’s opportunities to learn should ever be restricted. However, flexible ability grouping means that each student is taught at their level, with the intention of moving them up when possible. Here’s a description of how it has been successfully implemented in MCPS in the past.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/03/AR2007110301167.html?sid=ST2007110301386

Where are our children academically after all the COVID disruptions? I think most teachers do a fantastic job trying to get our kids where they need to be, but COVID is a lot to overcome. Do we need extra interventions, and if so, what should they be? Free summer school? more teachers for certain subjects (reading, math) or populations (very young students, ESOL, special needs, etc.)? expanded tutoring?

The primary function of the school is to give our students the academic background they require to thrive. I think academics should be our primary focus as voters when evaluating BOE candidates.

Oh, I know and I'm so grateful the BOE got rid of 2.0. Also, despite the time in DL during the deadly pandemic that took the lives of so many I was also grateful for their leadership. My kids continued to work hard during the time at home and I feel their doing great.

It's not just about your kid...you realize this right? Julie, you should just give it a rest.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, I don’t believe in god but now we are discriminating against candidates because they are too religious? Christian isn’t a dirty word. Sheesh progressives are anything but.

Liberals are very bigoted. We are just bigoted against different groups than conservatives are.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I don’t believe in god but now we are discriminating against candidates because they are too religious? Christian isn’t a dirty word. Sheesh progressives are anything but.

Liberals are very bigoted. We are just bigoted against different groups than conservatives are.

I'm not against religion but an not going to vote for someone who believes in magical fairytales. We need a candidate with a firm grip on reality.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have seen her post comments on local pages. She believes CRT is being taught in elementary schools, is concerned about kids being taught pronouns, and doesn't want schools to be better funded because she doesn't want to pay higher taxes to give schools proper funding.

Kids are taught pronouns as part of grammar education.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I don't mind Fryar at all.

Heck, in a pinch I could vote for Dawn just to keep the CO honest.

Not keen on ultra conservatives, but the fact Wells can audit the MCPS books is appealing to me.

The smear campaign here against Fryar Dawn Wells just convinces me how afraid status quo is of having their rocks flipped.

Nope. I don't support the current BOE. However, that's not going to convince me to ever vote for a nutjob like Dawn. Maybe do some research before just assuming things. People like you (not doing any research) are how we get into messes with candidates.

I mean she has the unwavering support of the worst of the worst, Bethany Mandel… that is all you need to know about Dawn and her “slate mates.”

Bethany homeschools her kids because she can't afford Jewish private school. So I don't know why she is so obsessed with school board elections

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also, I don’t believe in god but now we are discriminating against candidates because they are too religious? Christian isn’t a dirty word. Sheesh progressives are anything but.

I think it's shady to brag about working for a million dollar nonprofit but not say it's a church with a history of bigotry.

I would not vote for candidates who think CRT is being taught in schools or have zero experience in education. Fryar's idea of education is to have kids read Dog man books and make a cartoon about it.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I don’t believe in god but now we are discriminating against candidates because they are too religious? Christian isn’t a dirty word. Sheesh progressives are anything but.

Liberals are very bigoted. We are just bigoted against different groups than conservatives are.

I'm not against religion but an not going to vote for someone who believes in magical fairytales. We need a candidate with a firm grip on reality.

In other words, you’ll only vote for atheists. Not Buddhist, Muslims, Jews, Christians, Hindus.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Also, I don’t believe in god but now we are discriminating against candidates because they are too religious? Christian isn’t a dirty word. Sheesh progressives are anything but.

Liberals are very bigoted. We are just bigoted against different groups than conservatives are.

I'm not against religion but an not going to vote for someone who believes in magical fairytales. We need a candidate with a firm grip on reality.

Oh wow. That rules out pretty much every candidate associated with any religion. Jews have their own fairy tales. Hindus are masters at magical fairy tales. Muslims also. Guess you voted against that Catholic Biden?