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^NEVER? Voters thought Finnerty would be the change agent? He seems to just enjoy spouting the jargon he knows. He speaks and.....NOTHING helpful comes out....
Larry has no clue... I have classes averaging 27-28... mixed abilities, levels, languages... I teach an elective course. I got no help from a SPED consult, and when I ask for one, the SPED office says they are already spread too thin, they can't assist. I differentiate as much as possible, only because I've had course work in differentiated instruction- but others have not. I am not multi lingual and cannot assist the ESL students who speak on average 3 different languages, not including English in my class. My Department doesn't have money to update materials I need for teaching, and the one computer in my classroom is older than I am. How Larry Finnerty can say a "good teacher" can do this isn't enough. We have a great deal of "good teachers", who are doing a great job with what they're given. But those aren't the only issues going on. Braga and his contingents were right in saying it is frustrating to be in a class with students who don't want to be there. Imagine being the teacher who can really do nothing about it, and has to make the best with what we've got. It's no wonder we lose great teachers to other districts all the time... wake up School Committee and City Council and start funding our future! This is not the Union's fault, it is pure politics and economics... All the Union is doing is making sure it is an even playing field for all teachers- a mutually agreed upon playing field. So again, if you want to point fingers, remember to look at those pointing back at yourself. (SC & CC).
In recent days, the NBEA Blog has become the fodder for much criticism. In my opinion, much of this is undeserved.
The Blog allows people to express their opinions about the school system, its personalities, and what is happening in our city. It gives a voice to people that otherwise do not command the attention of political leaders and the media. The anonymity of most posts only serves to enrich the Blog. Forcing everyone to sign their names would only serve to stifle the free exchange of ideas. That is an essential ingredient to ensure the health and vitality of our Republic.
Anonymous postings and/or the use of pseudonyms is a rich part of our nation’s history. A young Benjamin Franklin published letters under the name “Silence Dogood.” Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay wrote essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution as “Publius.” These essays are known collectively as The Federalist Papers.
I prefer to think of the blog as a marketplace for ideas, similar to a retail store. There are some ideas/products that you buy into. Others you cast aside. People don’t castigate WBSM because they disagree with a particular caller. In other words, you can disagree with the message. Shooting the messenger is counterproductive.
Democracy isn’t always pretty. There is debate, discussion, and even sometimes a little name calling. I don’t agree with everything I read here, but I will always defend the right to express your views.
Once someone or a group of people publish a report and publish it publically, the person or group should be prepare to accept positive as well as negative criticism. If one or a group can shovel it out, one or the group should be able to take it when it returns in negative feedback.
Remember, the First Amendment "Freedom of Speech" applies to positives as well as negatives!
The New Bedford Public Schools are doing many positive things for our students. Graduates are still being accepted in prestigious colleges and universities. Why all the negative bashing of our school system?
It is one thing to make a constructive comment on the report, but it is another thing to make mindless, juvenile fodder against this committee. To throw verbal stones at these students without any basis for it is absolutely disgusting. These kids are doing more for this school system than the elected officials and administrators, they should be commended for their valiant efforts. Give them the respect to make a constructive argument on the report rather than just calling them silly names. It just goes to show who the real kids in this city are. Complete disgrace.
There are many great things that happen in NBPS everyday. Many teachers ans staff go above and beyond for students. There only reward is student achievement. But does that mean everything is perfect the way it is? Or is there room for improvement?
Thank you Larry pointing out and challenging the statement about made regarding the NBEA contact referencing principals. Having correct information is of the utmost importance!
Attendance. As far as the attendance policy, the school department has one which has been in place for a few decades, parents are aware or should be aware of it that is if they actually read the materials being sent home. The schools need to strictly enforce what is already set in place.
Discipline. Once again, everything is set in place by the school department from cutting class, walking out of class, being disruptive, cutting detention, inappropriate language, fighting, etc. If the student does the crime, the student should pay the time. No more of this wheeling and dealing crap. Full implementation for the offenses, no ifs, ands, or buts about it! Once the student and their parent realize that this will not be tolerated, things should begin to improve.
Some People forget or pretend to forget that this is an open blog and anyone can post to it. It would not surprise me if the negative over the top comments are written by the same people who claim to be so offend. As someone said earlier, If you are so offended, why are you here? My friends, don't be blind to what the roundtable is doing to you. In the words of Governor Walker it's "divide and conquer".
Silly me, I though the students were well supported during the meeting. Didn't members of the school committee and others give the students the respect they deserved for their initiative? Maybe the reporter was somewhat fabricating, stirring the pot as they do so very well.
I only wish that I had been able to attend that school committee meeting. It sounds like people are beginning to speak up and apeak out, regardless of where they stand. This is good democratic debating, and it should continue! It has been sorely lacking in recent years in this district.
It's takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in and sign your name to it at the end of the day. That report was an impressive piece of work and it was work that those students did not have to do. They did it because they care and they would like to affect positive change in their school. I for one am proud of them. Regardless of their beliefs, they are starting out in the world as engaged, participating members of society, which is far more than most can claim about themselves. I don't support the UIA or The Education Roundtable and I don't think they support us; they support their own agendas. Nor do I understand any claims that these students are affiliated with them, as the report outlines improvements specific to NBHS, not suggestions to open an innovation school as a potential solution which is what I have become acquainted with as those above mentioned organizations' intentions. I may not agree with everything that was stated in that report and a couple of the issues discussed are currently being addressed or have plans in the works like adopting some aspects of the Brockton Model such as literacy, scheduling etc. Things would move faster if we had the funding and building autonomy but that's a discussion for another day. Ultimately that report had a lot of accurate data and those students are absolutely right about some things. We do have a long way to go but suggestions like a technology upgrade at the high school are not only reasonable and realistic but they are downright necessary! I served with Justin Braga on the NBHS School Council and Oliver Pires and Danielle Lopez were both former students of mine. They are all awesome kids and I am very proud of them as well as the others for having more guts than most of the adults in this district. And that I'll sign my name to. -Celeste Costa
Please read the following. It lists Justin Braga as a member of the Education Roundtable: http://www.cfsema.org/about-us/what-we-do/new-bedford-education-roundtable
Yes, there were some worthwhile suggestions in the report. However, Justin and his colleagues distorted provisions in our contract. One young lady even said that none of her middle school classes were engaging. Phooey! That particular student had to work very hard to maintain an A average in all of her classes. There's nothing like a little revisionist history.
What a shame that Justin is upset with the negative comments on this blog! He is not a child but a young adult with the power to vote in this upcoming Presidential election that is if he has registered. Let not forget that fact. He will be going to college in September, and as we all know will have to stand on his own two feet—no one to pick up the pieces or defend him.
A little less than a year ago Justin was very critical of Tom Clark for not participating in a School Committee debate. He even wrote an editorial regarding this issue. Remember Tom had spent a year in Afghanistan on military duty and had been home for a short period of time prior to this debate. Perhaps Tom had other commitments with his wife and family that night; however, Justin proceeded to write and publish his editorial. What goes around comes around.
Get use to it Justin. When you put yourself in the public eye, not everyone will agree with you.
Actually, to the comment before this. The students also stated that school committee debate also sent emails inviting Tom to attend the debate. All of the other candidates showed up or answered except for him. He didn't answer the emails sent out. Would it kill a guy to respond to an invitation saying he was busy? Get your facts straight.
Wow. Justin is on a board and once wrote a critical letter. Then no standards of behavior or just plain good manners are needed. Let the insults commence!!!!!
20 comments:
Wise beyond his years!
When was the last time Larry was in a classroom, designing lessons from advanced to sped. in one room of 28???
^NEVER? Voters thought Finnerty would be the change agent? He seems to just enjoy spouting the jargon he knows. He speaks and.....NOTHING helpful comes out....
I actually thought Larry was very good last night. He was the only school committee person who pointed out errors in the report.
Larry has no clue... I have classes averaging 27-28... mixed abilities, levels, languages... I teach an elective course. I got no help from a SPED consult, and when I ask for one, the SPED office says they are already spread too thin, they can't assist. I differentiate as much as possible, only because I've had course work in differentiated instruction- but others have not. I am not multi lingual and cannot assist the ESL students who speak on average 3 different languages, not including English in my class. My Department doesn't have money to update materials I need for teaching, and the one computer in my classroom is older than I am. How Larry Finnerty can say a "good teacher" can do this isn't enough. We have a great deal of "good teachers", who are doing a great job with what they're given. But those aren't the only issues going on. Braga and his contingents were right in saying it is frustrating to be in a class with students who don't want to be there. Imagine being the teacher who can really do nothing about it, and has to make the best with what we've got. It's no wonder we lose great teachers to other districts all the time... wake up School Committee and City Council and start funding our future! This is not the Union's fault, it is pure politics and economics... All the Union is doing is making sure it is an even playing field for all teachers- a mutually agreed upon playing field. So again, if you want to point fingers, remember to look at those pointing back at yourself. (SC & CC).
In recent days, the NBEA Blog has become the fodder for much criticism. In my opinion, much of this is undeserved.
The Blog allows people to express their opinions about the school system, its personalities, and what is happening in our city. It gives a voice to people that otherwise do not command the attention of political leaders and the media. The anonymity of most posts only serves to enrich the Blog. Forcing everyone to sign their names would only serve to stifle the free exchange of ideas. That is an essential ingredient to ensure the health and vitality of our Republic.
Anonymous postings and/or the use of pseudonyms is a rich part of our nation’s history. A young Benjamin Franklin published letters under the name “Silence Dogood.” Alexander Hamilton, James Madison and John Jay wrote essays promoting the ratification of the U.S. Constitution as “Publius.” These essays are known collectively as The Federalist Papers.
I prefer to think of the blog as a marketplace for ideas, similar to a retail store. There are some ideas/products that you buy into. Others you cast aside. People don’t castigate WBSM because they disagree with a particular caller. In other words, you can disagree with the message. Shooting the messenger is counterproductive.
Democracy isn’t always pretty. There is debate, discussion, and even sometimes a little name calling. I don’t agree with everything I read here, but I will always defend the right to express your views.
New Bedford Teacher
Once someone or a group of people publish a report and publish it publically, the person or group should be prepare to accept positive as well as negative criticism. If one or a group can shovel it out, one or the group should be able to take it when it returns in negative feedback.
Remember, the First Amendment "Freedom of Speech" applies to positives as well as negatives!
The New Bedford Public Schools are doing many positive things for our students. Graduates are still being accepted in prestigious colleges and universities. Why all the negative bashing of our school system?
It is one thing to make a constructive comment on the report, but it is another thing to make mindless, juvenile fodder against this committee. To throw verbal stones at these students without any basis for it is absolutely disgusting. These kids are doing more for this school system than the elected officials and administrators, they should be commended for their valiant efforts. Give them the respect to make a constructive argument on the report rather than just calling them silly names. It just goes to show who the real kids in this city are. Complete disgrace.
There are many great things that happen in NBPS everyday. Many teachers ans staff go above and beyond for students. There only reward is student achievement. But does that mean everything is perfect the way it is? Or is there room for improvement?
Sarah Dury
You are correct, you do have a First Amendment right to embarrass yourself and the Association and hand a strategic victory to its opponents.
Thank you Larry pointing out and challenging the statement about made regarding the NBEA contact referencing principals. Having correct information is of the utmost importance!
Attendance. As far as the attendance policy, the school department has one which has been in place for a few decades, parents are aware or should be aware of it that is if they actually read the materials being sent home. The schools need to strictly enforce what is already set in place.
Discipline. Once again, everything is set in place by the school department from cutting class, walking out of class, being disruptive, cutting detention, inappropriate language, fighting, etc. If the student does the crime, the student should pay the time. No more of this wheeling and dealing crap. Full implementation for the offenses, no ifs, ands, or buts about it! Once the student and their parent realize that this will not be tolerated, things should begin to improve.
Some People forget or pretend to forget that this is an open blog and anyone can post to it. It would not surprise me if the negative over the top comments are written by the same people who claim to be so offend. As someone said earlier, If you are so offended, why are you here? My friends, don't be blind to what the roundtable is doing to you. In the words of Governor Walker it's "divide and conquer".
Larry is a good man.
Silly me, I though the students were well supported during the meeting. Didn't members of the school committee and others give the students the respect they deserved for their initiative? Maybe the reporter was somewhat fabricating, stirring the pot as they do so very well.
I only wish that I had been able to attend that school committee meeting. It sounds like people are beginning to speak up and apeak out, regardless of where they stand. This is good democratic debating, and it should continue! It has been sorely lacking in recent years in this district.
It's takes a lot to stand up for what you believe in and sign your name to it at the end of the day. That report was an impressive piece of work and it was work that those students did not have to do. They did it because they care and they would like to affect positive change in their school. I for one am proud of them. Regardless of their beliefs, they are starting out in the world as engaged, participating members of society, which is far more than most can claim about themselves. I don't support the UIA or The Education Roundtable and I don't think they support us; they support their own agendas. Nor do I understand any claims that these students are affiliated with them, as the report outlines improvements specific to NBHS, not suggestions to open an innovation school as a potential solution which is what I have become acquainted with as those above mentioned organizations' intentions. I may not agree with everything that was stated in that report and a couple of the issues discussed are currently being addressed or have plans in the works like adopting some aspects of the Brockton Model such as literacy, scheduling etc. Things would move faster if we had the funding and building autonomy but that's a discussion for another day. Ultimately that report had a lot of accurate data and those students are absolutely right about some things. We do have a long way to go but suggestions like a technology upgrade at the high school are not only reasonable and realistic but they are downright necessary! I served with Justin Braga on the NBHS School Council and Oliver Pires and Danielle Lopez were both former students of mine. They are all awesome kids and I am very proud of them as well as the others for having more guts than most of the adults in this district. And that I'll sign my name to. -Celeste Costa
Ms. Costa:
Please read the following. It lists Justin Braga as a member of the Education Roundtable:
http://www.cfsema.org/about-us/what-we-do/new-bedford-education-roundtable
Yes, there were some worthwhile suggestions in the report. However, Justin and his colleagues distorted provisions in our contract. One young lady even said that none of her middle school classes were engaging. Phooey! That particular student had to work very hard to maintain an A average in all of her classes. There's nothing like a little revisionist history.
What a shame that Justin is upset with the negative comments on this blog! He is not a child but a young adult with the power to vote in this upcoming Presidential election that is if he has registered. Let not forget that fact. He will be going to college in September, and as we all know will have to stand on his own two feet—no one to pick up the pieces or defend him.
A little less than a year ago Justin was very critical of Tom Clark for not participating in a School Committee debate. He even wrote an editorial regarding this issue. Remember Tom had spent a year in Afghanistan on military duty and had been home for a short period of time prior to this debate. Perhaps Tom had other commitments with his wife and family that night; however, Justin proceeded to write and publish his editorial. What goes around comes around.
Get use to it Justin. When you put yourself in the public eye, not everyone will agree with you.
Actually, to the comment before this. The students also stated that school committee debate also sent emails inviting Tom to attend the debate. All of the other candidates showed up or answered except for him. He didn't answer the emails sent out. Would it kill a guy to respond to an invitation saying he was busy? Get your facts straight.
Wow. Justin is on a board and once wrote a critical letter. Then no standards of behavior or just plain good manners are needed. Let the insults commence!!!!!
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