Around the Horn Friday (err…Saturday): Freddie to the Rescue Edition
Well this week we saw another Republican joker enter the fray. At least he did it on Leno, where jokes are acceptable. Turns out his given name is really Freddie. I Freddie Thompson do solemnly swear… Nice. Nancy and Dana both call him out. Frank Knotts can’t be happier.
On the local scene I think I should wade into the murky waters that are DMA/DSEA. Kilroy has been bleating about it all week. MOT Newbie MOTSmitty Rsmitty over at FSP has been bitching too. I have a few links to DMA and was a member of DSEA for a while. The question revolves around how to tax people for charter schools. I find it amusing that we are having this debate here in Delaware while in New York, conservatives are crying that an Arab school is a Madrassa. Suffice to say, I am not in the Smitty/Kilroy camp on this issue.
Next week is the vaunted report on the surge. Nancy has a post about the events of Sept 15th. Kavips has coverage of the report and its implications. Tommywonk rounds out the skeptics side with coverage of how the White House has been muting the importance of the report. The bloggers on the right have been mostly silent on the issue.
Speaking of Tommywonk, Tom has an excellent post about Jack Markell and the deal between DNREC and NRG.
Mat Marshall has taken some time out of his studies to blast the DMCA and Comcast.
Dana is on a “Republican Pentagon” kick and covers two big botch jobs this week.
I was intrigued by the post “that’s all I know about shrimp” and the geopolitical ramifications of the Chinese love of shrimp. Oh, and it makes me think of Bubba.
Hube takes issue with national services proposals by Democratic candidates. I particularly like how he lumps Obama in with Edwards and Dodd, saying that they all are compulsory, while even his description of the Obama program says no such thing…
Over at DWA, Mike is still under-employed so he is sponsoring a caption contest to amuse/deprecate himself.
Ryan Mc has a review of the CNN special “God’s Warriors.” Good stuff.
Mike Mahaffie has a follow-up post on the lighthouse that was up for sale in the middle of the Delaware Bay. I thought it was a bargain at 40K, but at 200K, not so much.
Duffy thinks that it is OK to compare Osama bin Laden to DKos, HuffPo, and DelawareLiberal readers/commenters. Where is my handy-dandy Bush-Hitler reference guide?
Over at Gazizza, Paul Smith has a great clip of McCain joking with some students.
Into Good an Evil is making a comeback with two posts this week. My head is spinning from this one.
Jokers to the Right has a hero/hack that I finally agree with.
Well back to my weekend. KarmicJay suggests going to the Newark Film Festival. I’m gonna try. But for now, I’m going back to making chili outside in my Dutch Oven, cowboy style.
Speaking of cowboys, the one appointed President has gotten at least 71,302 Iraqi civilians and 3,760 American soldiers killed in his little cattle drive for freedom. Giddie up!
Tags: Around the Horn, Blogosphere, Delaware
in God’s frame of reference, there are no spacelike or timelike separations, as it were. So in his frame of reference, maybe the universe is really, really tiny and no older than it was at the Big Bang. – Mynynmynnym.
In other words, maybe we live in a giant clover and God is Horton. Once in a while Horton/God hears a Who.
Sorry, liberalgeek, you don’t even understand the charter school issue if you think it’s about “how to tax people for public schools.” I hope you do some homework before forming your opinion.
You neglected to read the opening line of my post that says “Or, engage in politically correct ‘service,'” geek. Y’know, it was the FIRST LINE of the post. Obama’s proposal matches this description.
But hey, at least you got right that it was me that actually wrote it, this time, and not Felix. That’s a first.
To add what Mascitti says, do some READING first, as well as homework. Sheesh.
What conservatives are complaining about in the DMA controversy is that the Administration refuses to let the taxpayer get a better value for their money. That is what it is about. If we do it DMA’s way we pay less for the building by having a lower interest rate. This has been done for other intitutions which weren’t even fully tax funded. It is a game being played which is part of the larger war against choice in education being waged by the administration and special interests.
Dam Jason you need to go to the Ritalin SR (Slow Release)
What Mr. Anderson is saying, in an overly polite way, is that the DSEA doesn’t want charters participating in a program THAT PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS CAN! When I challenged Barbara Grogg about this yesterday, her only answer was to keep reiterating her talking points. Suffice it to say, Geek, that you’re going to have to come up with a better explanation that you have so far as to why, suffice to say, you’re on the wrong side of this issue.
Sorry Al. I am not convinced that this is really what we should be doing for charter schools. Perhaps it is, but unless there are real rules it opens a flood gate for every other quasi-public and potentially private school to get whatever they want.
Suppose that DMA wanted the money so that they could build a space telescope. Shall we give them a no interest loan for this? If it were Glasgow, Christiana, Concord or Mt. Pleasant, the public gets a veto.
I am not saying that DMA shouldn’t get it, but I’m certain that there isn’t a set of rules in place to deal with the potential abuses.
The Building was purchased by the guy that started the school. Now he wants out and wants the board to get the building. Fine. Did he not see this as a potential issue when he started the school?
ugh, some of the most painful radio ever was having to listen to that woman yesterday.
No brains or at least no willingness to employ them, while, as Al said, she was just doing her job But she didn’t do her union any service by her chokingly disingenuous stance.
And the evidence of the shilling of administrative mouthpieces for this union’s hypocracy should make no one vote for Carney unless he bucks this unanimity for inequality.
Since when should we not be aiding a military academy in this way? It is a time of war or is that just an abstract concept to people in Dover.
Nancy, please don’t try to bring the Goddamned war into this already annoying clusterf#$* of an argument. Are those 14 year olds (in the Navy ROTC) going to Iraq? I sure as hell hope not.
Well, Geek, you obviously don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about, do you? It costs the state NOTHING. They already give such loans to PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS. Are you stupid, or do you just pretend to be so you can post here?
Who the hell told you it was an interest-free loan? How stupid are you, exactly, that you can’t read perfectly clear news stories?
Welcome to the world of DE Liberal, Al! 😉
For Christ sake Liberalgeek Kilroy ain’t even that fucking stupid! You have a college education and Kilroy only has a fucking GED!
First, Kilroy, you must have bought the GED.
Second, I am not unwilling to provide support to DMA, but I have serious concerns about the discrepancies between Charters and public schools.
A building project in a public school requires a referendum for approval. I hate this process. It pits young parents against old people that live in a $300,000 house with an assessed value of $30,000. They are literally voting down referenda that will cost them a few dollars a year.
Each and every one of these capital expenditures are open for public criticism, debate and mockery.
Now throw the charters into it. Kilroy isn’t a big fan of charters in general, but he likes DMA. Fine. But now we have a mechanism that can give charters access to funding not available to another public school. I am not OK with that. I am opposed to charters getting preferential treatment. There have been some crappy charter schools out there.
How about this: For the next Red Clay referendum, DMA’s funding gets on the ballot? Perhaps that isn’t possible, but it seems like a much more just process.
Here’s a better one, let’s abandon the districts altogether from a funding standpoint. All capital, operating and personnel costs are borne statewide, for all schools. We give the same funding for a kid in Greenville as we do in Blades. Deal?
And finally, Al. I have listened to your show a few times and asking if I am stupid is really quite funny. It is typical of your in-depth questioning and fractured reasoning. Oh, and you don’t have to post replies to your own replies. Brilliant.
First, Kilroy, you must have bought the GED.
Actually I took it in Texas and it was free! Good comeback!
“Second, I am not unwilling to provide support to DMA, but I have serious concerns about the discrepancies between Charters and public schools”
In deed there are pros and cons! The big bitch is the admission process that seems to vary and Charter School of Wilmington always is the main target. We can hold DMA hostage to all the bullshit that is wrong. The union and the legislators need to address these issues and address them. However it seems that the DSEA can gather enough substantiation of the admission concerns.
“They are literally voting down referenda that will cost them a few dollars a year.”
Not always because they are pissed at the school district. Money is tight and we all feel the pinch! Personally , I feel the state should fund public education 100% and let the school board and administration focus on students academics. Let the state deal with all the union contract bullshit!
“But now we have a mechanism that can give charters access to funding not available to another public school.”
Traditional public schools have the means to call for capital referendums, charters don’t.
However, the conduit bond is not state tax dollars or is backed up by state funding. It’s a commercial loan at reduced interest and some tax free exemptions for non-profit organization. Zero state tax dollars are involved and I believe the state actually collects certain fees associated with the issuance of the bond, So DMA is not “getting” anymore money as they are trying to unitize a benefit for non-profit organization to save money and be able to purchase the building.
“How about this: For the next Red Clay referendum, DMA’s funding gets on the ballot? Perhaps that isn’t possible, but it seems like a much more just process”
Against the law see Title 14 of the Delaware Code.
“Here’s a better one, let’s abandon the districts altogether from a funding standpoint. All capital, operating and personnel costs are borne statewide, for all schools.”
Dam right , shit your using that college degree mommy and daddy paid for ! (relax just a joke)
“It is typical of your in-depth questioning and fractured reasoning. Oh, and you don’t have to post replies to your own replies. Brilliant.”
Dud, I try to answer all those who have question / comments in a timely fashion. Did I miss you comment?
Look if we all step back a look what we all are doing its goes beyond the concern that DSEA used it political might to manipulate a process that went before the proper financial review committee and was voted 8 to 1 in favor of DMA. The DSEA ran the agenda and go busted red handed doing their power play. They were wrong!
The issues just spark the entire charter school debate and I am sorry to say that is overshadowing you rational thinking or did you support DSEA’s political power play?
The reason I am not 100% sold on the charter school experiment is, admission discrepancies. It’s seems that charter schools don’t have minorities and Special Ed students in proportion equaling that of traditional public schools. We have charter schools that are predominately minorities and some will jump in and say yes and they are separate but equal.
The true test for the charter concept that would be fair across the board is to convert and existing public school lock, stock and barrel into a charter schools. There is provision noted in Title 14 that if a traditional public staff and parents votes by more than 50% to convert that traditional public the law says so be it.
Just an objective comment here, whatever happened to separation of church and state? Why is it a religious based school can get a conduit bond and a pubic charter school or even a traditional public school can’t?
Sorry Mr. Geek for calling you out but it was effective enough to get you to expand on your thoughts and feels. Excuse my 120 IQ
Kilroy, as a 148 IQ, I’ll forgive you. Please also note that my venom was directed only at Al. I see your points and I think we both agree that the rules are screwy. Where we differ is what should have been done here with DMA (specifically, what rules should be followed when there are no rules).
DMA should have honestly thought ahead and seen this coming (probably the state should have also).
I should also say I am no fan of Judy Cherry. I worked for her once and she is very willing to pull the trigger when a superior gives her the go-ahead.
Kilroy, your posts have certainly been informative on the subject, although we have some disagreements, we see some of the same broken parts.
But Al… Screw you.
the conduit bond is not state tax dollars or is backed up by state funding. It’s a commercial loan at reduced interest and some tax free exemptions for non-profit organization.
Where does DMA get the revenue to repay this loan?
It comes out of their budget. So I guess the trade-off is that instead of paying huge overhead for a bloated bureaucracy, their overhead goes to WSFS. 😉
“Kilroy, as a 148 IQ, I’ll forgive you. Please also note that my venom was directed only at Al.”
Think about I came at you with a comment that was offensive but yet pissed you off enough to open up and share you thought process.
Al is a pussy cat and its all in the game of psychology as who controls whose buttons and dam Al is a master!
For me my grammar sucks to the max but give me data I suck it down. Sadly to say though some may think I am stupid, I am self educated. One of my favorite books growing up was the Wall Street Journal and the best recession proof stock is Tobacco and alcohol. I taught my kid not to smoke but to encourage his friend to smoke Philip-Morris products to help pay for his college.
“ Kilroy, your posts have certainly been informative on the subject, although we have some disagreements, we see some of the same broken parts.”
That is where it’s at and we’ve taken a simple issue of abuse of power by DESA who is only concern with self preservation and maintain the political edge to be a dominating force within the political process and used to a vehicle to debate the entire charter school issue. Also at no fault of their own charter school “children” are once again victimized by the adults who screwed up education in the first place. I fought hard against the f’ing 3 tiered diplomas label student like cattle and elements of DSTP that were nothing more than a social whipping post beating children for the failure of adults including parents.
Those who know the behind issues associated with former Delaware Secretary of Education Iris Metts and former DOE Director of Assessment Dr. John Tanner godfather of DSTP, know the political bullshit that caused the real political conflict associate with Delaware public schools. Like I commented to Hube , why do we need teachers with advance degrees teaching 6 graders collecting more pay than a 6 grade teacher with a bachelor’s degree which should be sufficient enough to teach the grade level curriculum proficiently.
We can go way beyond the charter school debate right into the university pumping out new young teacher ill-equipped to deal with psychosocial dynamics of students that stagnates their ability to achieve. Are the students not learning or are we not effective in teaching today’s sorry to say fucked up kids.
When Al was bashing away at Grogg like F Lee Bailey he was trying to keep he focused and not allow her to play bullshit mental games. The bottom-line is on this particularly of the conduit bond she and DSEA miscalculated public opinion and taught the general public couldn’t comprehend the political maneuvers. I’ll walk into the lions den at the next Red Clay School board meeting true to my world and grab that microphone and tell DSEA what I think of them! Do remember and I am not being sarcastic, teachers and elected officials are public servants and I for one will not be the servant to those that are to serve. I am the public in public schools
“Where does DMA get the revenue to repay this loan?”
You know where through the allotment given to them by the taxpayers and corporate donation, also fundraising. Before you respond please read Title 14 Chapter 5 of the Delaware code.
They are currently paying $600,000.00 a year for rent with the same money as all other charter school do. Are you suggest give them the money but don’t use it for rent?
Just think they get the bond buy the building and save they taxpayers $120,000.00 a year
Let’s see 30 year bond x 120 a year = 4.6 million dollar saving not factoring in an average of 5% rent increase a year. Gee wow more money to pay teachers, heat, electric, books. Just think no charter school capital referendum asking the taxpayers for more money than what they are getting. These charter schools are running more financially efficient that traditional public schools.
Now back to the core issues, DSEA pulled a political power play and Minner was in on it. Gee, if it was a federal issues dealing with school funding and George Bush’s bowed to the NEA causing loss of money to Delaware public schools Jason would be yelling fire. DSEA was wrong !
“So I guess the trade-off is that instead of paying huge overhead for a bloated bureaucracy, their overhead goes to WSFS”
So I guess the trade-off is instead of DSEA getting fucked, DMA public school students get fucked!
It’s late and I’m still pissed at Al (screw you Al) but I’m starting to feel better.
I’ll address your sixth grade teacher question a little differently than Hube. Teachers want to cast themselves as in the same league as doctors and lawyers. I have a B.S. in Elementary Ed. and I sat through undergrad classes where that was pushed. As I looked around, I didn’t see many doctors or lawyers, but that is for another post.
Given that context, it is just like your doctor or lawyer. Would you want to go to a doctor that got his last bit of education in 1978? Probably not. There is a great deal of progress that has been made in how the body works and how it responds to chemicals, etc.
Would you want your kid to have a teacher that took their last class in 1978? No, you want the teacher that started teaching in 1978 and has been taking classes to learn how to be a better teacher or to become a subject matter expert (esp. for high school teachers). Masters+15 is a convenient method of identifying those teachers and rewarding them appropriately.
Sure there are people gaming the system, but that really is the exception. I know a number of teachers with advanced degrees and almost all of them are fantastic teachers and have kept abreast of what they need to know. The State of New York requires all teachers to have a masters by some point in their career (5 or 10 years, I think).
You dumb fuck. You still don’t understand the issue, Mr. 148 IQ. Go back and read the stories, and when you have some minimal understanding try again. I’ll give you some hints:
1) Charters don’t get to raise your taxes; only school districts do. Charters get only the tax money that the state attaches to each child. That is, if a child attends a charter, the $8,000 or so in state funding that would go to a regular school district goes to the charter school instead. This is why traditional schools hate charters — the money goes out the door with the kid.
Please realize that under this program, the state gives the charter NOTHING but a chance to pay back a lower interest rate on bonds it issues. The state grants this — at no cost to the state — to all sorts of 501-Cs, including parochial schools. The state does not guarantee this bond. The state does not underwrite this bond.
Still unexplained by the DSEA: Why it’s OK for a parochial school to get this deal, but not charters. Also unexplained by the DSEA: How opposing this helps children. Of course, it doesn’t; it helps union teachers, not students, because that’s what the DSEA cares about first and foremost.
Oh, and BTW, the charter has to pay ALL its costs with that $8K; traditional schools pay only their operating costs. But Barbara Grogg thinks it’s unfair because charter school boards get to BEG CORPORATIONS FOR MONEY! Wow, such a deal we give them!
You know what, it’s late, and I’ve done enough of your homework for you, Mr. 148 IQ who’s too cowardly to sign his name. Something to keep in mind there, too, Mr. Brainiac: A 4-year-old can have a 148 IQ, too, simply by answering questions a 6-year-old can answer. So whoopdee do for you; you sure do impress yourself easily.
Screw me? How would you ever figure out how to do it, considering you’re such a pathetically defensive fucktard? Instead of your snappy patter, howsabout doing a little research?
Kilroy, who owns the building now? What will the debt maintenance be annually for the building after they buy it (or rather WSFS buys it and lets them use it pending the repayment of the bond).
“As ones level of confidence and self esteem develops, one may actively invite others to comment on one’s blind spots. A teacher may seek feedback from students on the quality of a particular lecture, with the desire of improving the presentation. Active listening skills are helpful in this endeavor. On the other hand, we all have defenses, protecting the parts of ourselves that we feel vulnerable. Remember, the blind quadrant contains behavior, feelings and motivations not accessible to the person, but which others can see. Feelings of inadequacy, incompetence, impotence, unworthiness, rejection, guilt, dependency, ambivalence for loved ones, needs to control and manipulate, are all difficult to face, and yet can be seen by others. To forcibly reveal what another wishes not to see, is “psychological rape,” and can be traumatic. Fortunately, nature has provided us with a variety of defense mechanisms to cope with such events, such as denial, ignoring, rationalizing, etc.”
Johari Window
People put you egos in check and let remember we are talking about children aka students would benefit form their schools saving money.
Sorry Mr.Geek my 120 doesn’t qualify me for such advance thinking so I has to quote Dr, Johari
Jeeeeeeeez Al. Is there a backstory (beyond the DMA) we should know about? You are in rare form these days.
Al, you ignorant slut.
I love how you make this so freakin simple. It isn’t.
If you would like my name, it is available from many sources, one being google. Would you like the address for google or do you have “people” for that sort of work?
Yes, the money walks out the door, but the requirements that the traditional public schools have to pay do not diminish. There are still requirements that need administration, by statute. How about Special Education, Al? Are those kids getting into Cab? How about Newark Charter?
So we are taking some of the better students out of the public schools and putting them in schools that have less overhead. What are we leaving? Well, we are certainly leaving a number of students that are in school only because it is compulsory. Those kids don’t get to stay in the charters, if they get in at all.
So the children that need the most support and attention have less money to get it. It is like the health care issue. Health care wouldn’t be a problem if it weren’t for the freakin’ sick people.
And please tell me why this is a shock to DMA or the rest of the charters. If they are smart, well-reasoned entrepreneurs, why didn’t they see this coming and get it resolved before they opened the doors?
I am amused that you consider me “pathetically defensive” since you are the one that went off when I make a passing reference to the issue in a 17 paragraph post. You seem to have gotten more belligerent as the keg got lighter. Talk about onanism.
Sorry Mr.Geek my 120 doesn’t qualify me for such advance thinking so I has to quote Dr, Johari
I don’t think Al will understand it, anyway.
“What will the debt maintenance be annually for the building after they buy it (or rather WSFS buys it and lets them use it pending the repayment of the bond).”
I know Not sure but I know but I know via the Conduit Bond there are certain Federal taxes waived as part of the bond structure.
I am sure the building itself would have a lien on it until the bond is satisfied.
FYI the big guy at WSFS is on the Rodel Vision 2015 board and Jack Markell recently stepped down of a committee. DSEA knows the Markell connection with Vision 2015.
DSEA has a seat at the table however they did not fully endorse Vision 2015.
“ We believe that, as union representatives, we need to be there, shaping and driving the results.
Until the final agreements, when we can see how Vision 2015 will be put into motion, we are withholding judgement.”
There is some deep seeded politics going on !
DSEA
“addition, the Minner Administration also withstood extremely strong support from the state’s corporate business community for the bond issue, notably from the Delaware State Chamber of Commerce, as well as the rumored 2008 Republican candidate for Governor, Alan Levin (former ceo of Happy Harry’s drugstore chain), and the Rodel Foundation”
Notice the reference to Rodel and keep in mind Jack Markell is tighter than a bugs ass with Rodel and I must assume the big guy at WSFS are good drinking buddies.
The shit is deep and is beyond DSEA beliefs the Conduit Bond is a backdoor tax as they use a s their buzz word.
DSEA
“It also has been reported to DSEA that the Delaware Business Roundtable intends to place a full-page advertisement in the News Journal, to the tune of $15,000, in this Sunday’s edition (September 9) in support of the Delaware Military Academy bond application”
The shit is going to get deep and I predict Grogg is history with DSEA. She got in over her head and doesn’t give a dam about DMA or their students.
I have issues with charter school admission practices and they need to be address and we can let this issue be the retaliation for all our dislikes about charter schools. Shit, everybody claims public schools are screwed up and called for an alternative. Now is not the time to tear down charter schools that could only come when public schools are reformed especially financing and financial control. Union are good but DSEA went ultra political on this one and got busted.
I’ll put odds on DSEA endorsing Carney and that put odds on a Republican win. Shit who want the Minner cronies staying in power.
“I don’t think Al will understand it, anyway.”
It was for Jason ! Is he Bi-polar? LOL
Jason is alright and does expose his weak spots.
But, somebody needs to tell him to give it up on Bush because Bush is out of office for life soon.
Jason, Castle is keeping his seat warm for Copeland. Biden is keeping his seat warm for Beau. Remember how smooth the Castle / Carper swap went? Didn’t you find it strange Copeland didn’t run for governor as predicited.
Jason have you figured out who was the front man for Red Clay and Norman Oliver?
Bedtime for Kilroy I am shit without my 5 hours sleep
“the $8,000 or so in state funding that would go to a regular school district goes to the charter school instead”
Al who get’s the local taxpayer’s share of operational expense? The state’s share is based on unit count and the local share is derived by the overall taxes collected without unit count being a factor. Does the local school distrcit captialize on the short fall? It is possible Red Clay finanically benifts from charter schools. What’s the motivation for Red Clay to charter schools.
Be nice I only have an IQ of 120 !
Hope to see you at the Red Clay School Board Meeting on the 19th. I’ll be the guy in the kevlar suit
So would it be OK for a regular non-charter school to issue a conduit bond on the basis that it would lower costs?
Suppose an elementary school wanted to install a new heating plant and all new windows. Can they just skip referendum and issue a conduit bond on the grounds that “It will pay for itself?”
Miles,
Don’t be a fucktard.
(just kidding)
Thanks for the hint. Sayonara.
But seriously folks. That is a good question. I hope you get a response.
I’ll address your sixth grade teacher question a little differently than Hube
The problem with the dr./lawyer analogy here is that too much of “updated” educational theory/methods is utter bullshit. The law constantly grows, as does medical technology. Check out uncomfortable facts about ed. research here.
If you sat through ed. classes, geek, you HAVE to know what I referring to.
I agree, Hube. But I do not concede the point entirely. There are certainly aspects of a masters or doctoral program that really do benefit the children. The only question is how much?
People
We are going to be in Iraq for at least ten more years – probably ad infinitum.
The Navy? Army or marines perhaps, but I would suspect that the Navy will be largely out of it unless we attack Iran…. oh crap.
Read Kavips coverage of the Chinese Navy.
I think you train these kids up and they’ll be ready for whatever the country calls them for.
What is horrid is that this fight is on the backs of supplimental forces and supplimental cash.
Draft up if you must fight to win and
pony up the taxes if you don’t want to further destroy the American economy with this foreign debt that now funds it.
Agreed, geek. But the answer to “how much” — to me, at least — is “not much.” College ed. classes need to make some major changes in their courses to become relevant to what actually transpires in the classroom. IMO, classroom management is woefully underserved by ed. classes, and many pedagogical aspects ignore classroom reality, like failing to note that class sizes in schools are too often way higher than what the university thinks.
yeah, I see your point. I took classes that were specific to autism eduction, and were quite pertinent. I also know a number high school teachers that have gone for advanced social studies or science.
Of course, most tracks are designed to lead to admin eventually…
“So would it be OK for a regular non-charter school to issue a conduit bond on the basis that it would lower costs?”
Private schools and religious base schools do so why not public schools!
Hello ! Red Clay does have active construction bond on the books. Don’t you people read the data that has been made available via the Capital Improvement Program? Look at the breakdown of the property tax formula under Debt Service = 0.1703
“The true test for the charter concept that would be fair across the board is to convert and existing public school lock, stock and barrel into a charter schools. There is provision noted in Title 14 that if a traditional public staff and parents votes by more than 50% to convert that traditional public the law says so be it. ”
Absolutely!
Or, LG could start a charter school that specializes in developmentally handicapped children. THAT would be a good thing. Talk about support? Oh, man I think it would rain cash on that project.
Could it be done? Could something good come of this degenerating thread?
“I agree, Hube. But I do not concede the point entirely. There are certainly aspects of a masters or doctoral program that really do benefit the children. The only question is how much?”
Continuing education is a must for all teachers but I question the level of so called “new teaching methods.” It quite obvious with the advancement of technology particularly hate to say it television, the exposure to the many positive influences of television such has the History Chanel and NOVA only to name two of many. Our children if willing are much more advance then those of us growing up in the 60’ and 70’s. I’ll put odds on if you told today’s student’s during a nuclear attack just duck and cover to save yourself , I think you would hear a loud “fuck you.” Any teachers out there give it a try! LOL
“The problem with the dr./lawyer analogy here is that too much of “updated” educational theory/methods is utter bullshit. The law constantly grows, as does medical technology.’
I agree! As far as education, it’s the proven teaching methods that we need. The concerns with DSTP re: narrowing the scope of education is real but the real harm goes to teachers who are individuals that bring uniqueness to teaching throw their own creativity. You have teachers out there who area bit corny that might come dressed up as George Washington and give his farewell speech in character. I am not a teacher and I don’t speak for teachers however, through my observation teaching seems to be driven by a passion and those who posses a high level of passion out perform. There is a high level of teacher frustration and I hate to say it politics are a big part of that frustration. It’s pretty bad when teachers (no this is a good thing for DSEA) has to ask for legislation to prevent principals from changing grade to appease the parent.
Hube correct me if I am wrong, teaches must get recertification every so often and must take college courses and / or participation in various training session.
I just think that there is a point that and it must be six grade in my mind that advance degree beyond a bachelor’s in subject matter is irrelevant to teaching that 6th grade curriculum. It quite evident that there are issues in the middle schools and yes 6th grade is the first level of middle school. But what the hell is going on at 8th grade is the deficiencies academics supported by the data a teaching problem or the inability of the education system to incorporate programs deal with adolescent behaviors that interfere with the learning process.
Sorry folks for rambling, my boring ass job at work do not feed my mind as the job is too task orientated.
The issues with DMA a the bond railroaded by DSEA has us debating education and avoiding the real topic did DSEA pull a political power play on the Minner administration for the sake of self preservation? “Many” issues with public schools and charter schools needs to be dealt with and the most negative influential of education is politics of self interest groups! DSEA offer many benefits and supports to it’s members but just like own concerns with career politicians, I feel DSEA is being negatively impact by leadership that has been empowered too long. Yes is deed she was elected however, does her longevity bring along a personal power base that will keep her there?
As you can see one by one each public school district has it problems. Brandywine wants to close some schools for the sake of financial solvency. Were at a crossroad in education that will have major impact on labor at the local level and I for one think the mother ship DSEA is too controlling and should not embark on such controversial stunts as they did that will have major backlash on Red Clay Teachers given DMA is a Red Clay school with students of Red Clay taxpayers attending.
Geek I know where you are coming from but peal away all the other issues and tell me yes or no, do you approve of the political tactics of DSEA and do you honestly think their aggressiveness in force Minner to overrule a by-partisan committee who vote 8 to 1 in favor of DMA was in the interest of the community. You straight up response from me will be, thank you. But I can speak for other in the peanut gallery.
Got to go time to put the yeast in the wine ! Or is that wine to be or not to be ! We’ll know in a few months.
Hube correct me if I am wrong, teaches must get recertification every so often and must take college courses and / or participation in various training session.
Every five years teachers must get at least 90 clock hours of training. College courses are but one option towards those hours.
“Every five years teachers must get at least 90 clock hours of training. College courses are but one option towards those hours.”
I thought is was much more than 90 hours. ! 90 hours isn’t too back for 5 years. I assume some of the in-service days provide some of those requirements.
How is DPAS II working out ?