"As a chemistry teacher in high school, I have watched the standards and testing increase while the breadth of the subjects narrows because we teach only what is on the test. Our school district has not even taught science in elementary schools for years because it is not tested. The more No-Child-Left-Behind intruded into the school system, the less of a priority depth of understanding became. We need to get these "reformers" who have never has a class of 38 students out of education.
Furthermore, our students do not understand that education is a valuable commodity. If you want better schools, make education priority one at the dinner table.
Art Aronsen
Vacaville, California"
Parents who've wagered their immortal souls on Junior's chances of winning a football scholarship need to pay special attention to that last paragraph.
20 comments:
Have I a right to my opinion?
I've read the papers, watched the school committee, listened to the radio, done some reading and research, spoken to friends and neighbors, questioned friends children and my own, and have come to form my own opinion. My opinion is, these reformers (durkin), have and are using the guise of reform to cloak their true intentions. The wizard (durkin) magically took the level 3 high school and with a wave of the DESE wand transformed it into the level four high school; winning for herself the title of great and powerful wizard. Now behind the curtain she continues to manipulate with fright, fear, diminution, and promises. This is of course is only my opinion as a taxpayer; however, when the dog bites and the curtain falls, the wizard shall be exposed. Perhaps this wicked one has a house over her head waiting to fall on her. Sadly, once all of those who know where the bodies are buried are done away with, and the collective memory erased, it could be too late. I'm sure all of her new hires, replacing but not duplicating the displaced and disenfranchised yet talented staff have a different opinion than mine.
“It is only prudent never to place complete confidence in that by which we have even once been deceived.”
― René Descartes
I think Pia should have a few big family dinners at the top of the Regency. Every NBPS family could be invited. A few each week!
Bravo to the author of the previous comment. I believe Durkin will soon turn to the middle schools next. One of the principals has already declared he is leaving and going elsewhere, the other is on "loan" to the district since she is retired. I think Durkin will aim her eye to label a middle school level 4 and then displace those folks as well. We are all doomed. Thank you members of the school committee. If I can get a job elsewhere I would love to replace one of you!!!!!
Just so I'm clear: sports scholarships are bad but we must push the dream world of arts over ELA?
The Elephant submits that the "new hires" are perfectly aware of the circumstances that led to their employment and will have little if any long term loyalty to the New Bedford school system, the community of New Bedford, or the students under their charge. Most will patiently check off the days until their student loans are forgiven before seeking greener...and no doubt safer pastures.
Pia Durkin, a.k.a. The Dark Wizard enjoys a distinct advantage in this conflict; America's self destructive duplicitousness. America's future as a military and economic power is dependent upon technological innovation yet Americans take a perverse pleasure in ostracizing and often brutalizing adolescents who actually take an early interest in studying science and mathematics. The Pia Durkins of America have the overwhelming weight of sheer public stupidity on their side...and they know it.
"It is the greatest art of the devil to convince us that he does not exist."
--Charles Baudelaire
Is anyone curious as to how Pia enticed new hires to a district in distress? What did she promise them? What lies did she tell? How will she retain them as the truth emerges and the heat is turned up?
Piadoes not live at the Regentcy , she does not live in New Bedford. Why is she allowed to live in Westport when she is a NB administrator? it used to be required. When did that rule change?
I'll tell you one dinner a NBPS employee should not be at----the Global Gala. I saw a pic with a Parker staff member there.
Say it ain't so. A member at the Gala. Let's man the barricades
http://m.tickld.com/x/hilarious-letter-written-by-angry-
From Parker how awful....
Free country. Grow up
She lives in New Bedford. It's a residential clause in her contract.
That school takes money away from our kids who go without already..I guess the Parker person doesn't need to worry since Parker has their own jackpot...
Who cares where Pia lives. It is only temporary.
She may have a residential clause but she is not abiding by it. She does not spend her nights in NB.
A Job Fair ? So we paid dues for protection of our promises and that led us to a state takeover .... Why were we never informed of the options for a Level 4 status ? Do you job union reps .......
To the previous blogger ... There are several accepted definitions of the word union. 1. an organization of workers formed to protect the rights of its members and 2. The act of uniting two things together. For any union, including the NBEA, to function successfully members must subscribe to both definitions. Yes, we paid dues but not solely for the privilege of protection by a governing body. We paid for the security of being able to come together and organize for a common cause. Sadly, members of the NBEA have been bullied into subscribing to the first, singular definition of the word ... A union is only as strong as it's members. I refuse to believe the battle has been lost and call upon my colleagues to continue to challenge the status quo. The alternative is to aid in the job fair designed to replace all of us.
Absolutely....the union reps have no more information about the options for a level 4 status than is available to other teachers or the public at large. We found out as you found out. Unfortunately, the demonstration at the job fair that was supposed to happen was called off. I would have been there, even though it would have meant taking time off from my part time job. People are so afraid for their jobs, even those who are not coming back to the high school have the "carrot" of possibility of "bumping" someone. That's what happens when you work in fascist regime that calls itself a school department.
There WAS a demo planned? I never heard about it.
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