Results of the 2006 ISTEP testing will be available at 10am from the state. I posted of this already this morning on the Take Back Perry Schools site.
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Another wonderful performance from Perry Township. Just another reason to keep Dr. Williams!
I really didn’t like the way the board made this decision to get rid of him. But now that Dr. Williams is gone, why the big hullabaloo to get him back? Perry schools are failing.
PM student,
Since you are only a naive (high school?) student that is not responsible for having to pay property taxes and support a family nor experienced enough to competently evaluate this situation, I will educate you about the “big hullabaloo” regarding this issue. First off, there is a matter of proper professional and ethical conduct and this board’s lack of either. When you make decisions such as this that impact a community and the amount of increased taxes they will have to pay it had better be justly supported with facts based on poor performance or misconduct. Misconduct is alledged but unsupported by any bonafide facts. The length of time that has passed without disclosure of said facts directly reflects that they do not truly exist. Perception is reality. As I personally reviewed the ISTEP scores for the state I concluded that the system is broken statewide when comparing scores. I do note that there appears to be a trend of slow progress over the last several years. I still stand by what is an easy to prove fact that parents impact a students grades more so than any teacher, school or administrator. That’s a tough pill to swallow for many people but I will challenge them to prove me wrong. If Perry schools are failing then blame each student that chooses not to make the effort(or even care) as well as their parents for caring even less about their children’s education. Few teachers are to blame and if I’m not mistaken, Dr. Williams does not teach in the classrooms. In the army we have a saying “Lead by Example”. This is a good philosophy to carry into your everyday life. This is certainly an example that this board needs to adopt.
You can take the ad hominem approach against me as much as you want. I don’t mind. The fact that I am a student should not change your view of my opinion. Disagree with me for the opinion I share, not for the status I hold.
I really don’t like what the school board did - find a copy of my letter to the editor about the matter in a recent issue of the Perry Meridian FOCUS and you’ll see exactly where I stand. Yes, the board executed a poorly timed, ill-communuicated decision. However, save for spiting the board, the stalwart rampage supports a man who leads a failing school district. Are there solid reasons for the impetus of such degree?
I agree wholeheartedly that the parents are the first to blame. Teachers less so. Administrators have a minuscule role in a child’s education. Yet to play the parent card assumes ignorance; every school district in the nation could say likewise. That argument washes against every student in the world.
Thus, there must be other reasons that Perry scores lower on the ISTEP and post-secondary entrance exams. The face of Perry, as with every school district, is the superintendent. Just as in sports, when the team begins to lose, the first person to blame is the coach. Is he entirely at fault? No. Could he be innocent of the team’s losing ways? Certainly. But he must take the shellacking for the team; usually, this results in his dismissal. In the same manner, Dr. Williams might be at no fault for the poor educational scores, yet he is still responsible.
Most concerned citizens tend to assume this board’s decision at face value. These unmentionable, watery excuses for his dismissal should sound alarms in the mind. There just might be an aggregation of faults just underneath this veiled guise.
Always remember - protest long enough that you are right, and you will most certainly be wrong.
In a previous post, SFC Brett Naum states that parents are the sole cause of the high drop out rate in Perry Township and he alludes to that theory a second time.
I would suggest that the issue is larger than simply saying the parents are the singular cause. I would suggest that it is a combination of personal, legislative and philosophical causes.
My child dropped out of high school (Southport) at the first moment our legal and educational system allowed. He did not have my support or blessing. Maybe the laws should be changed to prevent this.
Personally, as his father, I accept my share of the responsibility. I failed to impart to him the importance of a general education for competition in the workplace and for his own self esteem.
At the same time, however, the school system should also accept their portion of the responsibility.
Although I do not applaud the manner in which the board removed Dr. Williams as I believe he did have the best interest of the students at heart, I do applaud their concern about how the school system is operating and how our tax dollars are spent when there is such a high drop out rate and stagnant test scores.
I entrusted Perry Township to educate my child. After all, I’m forced to work 8-10 hours a day to make a living so I can pay my property taxes to help keep the school system open, in addition to providing my child and family with food, shelter, clothing, medical coverage, entertainment and other stuff that sucks my discretionary dollars out of my wallet. I apologize but I am unable devote the necessary hours to properly educate my child myself. I do want I can.
I ask, are not the people working as teachers and administrators the professionals? Don’t they have the credentials, the education, the passion, the knowledge to make certain that all our children are properly educated? Is not the excessive drop out rate and stagnant test scores an indication of their collective job performance?
Why did they not engage my child in the manner that he needed? Why did they not adjust their teaching styles, the curriculum, the extra-circular activities to accommodate his personality or his desires?
Aside from the personal and at-home issues regarding the drop out rate and test scores, I do support the teachers and administrators as they have a difficult job with too many limiting legal and philosophical restraints. Yet, I believe that they could, within those restraints, engage and motivate the students that are at risk and thus reduce the drop out rate. Maybe there should be a philosophical shift in the way our children are taught in the public school systems, including Perry Township.
I can not present a sure-fire solution to this issue as I’m not an expert on child education. I trust the school system to do this as they are the experts. I don’t believe that the solution is as simple as placing the blame solely on the parents.
Furthermore, if the school board is to blame, as SFC Brett Naum suggests, then the start of a solution would be to take the township in a new direction, as the current way things are done is not producing the desired results. Certainly disagree with their methods, but at least they recognize the issue and are doing something about it.
SFC Brett Naum-
Thanks for your input!! That’s a terrific point that you made! I agree that it is the parent input or lack of input that is the greatest factor in whether a child is successful in school or not! It is SOOO much easier for a parent who feels like a failure to point the finger at Dr. Williams and blame him for their child’s problems. Of course we all know that when they point their finger at Dr. Williams, they’ve got three pointed right back at themselves!!
In addition, I’d like to add that Susan Adams spoke very negatively about Rosa Parks Edison Elementary and their prior I-Step scores. Of course since the school is new, the first couple of years do not reflect RPE, but the education that the children received at their previous elementary. I do hope that Susan is aware how well Rosa Parks did this year!! The fifth grade class scored higher than any other MSDPT elementary!! Mrs. Tatum’s class had 100% passing rate!! The third grade class, which began their education with Edison schooling, did fantastic!!
Way to go Rosa Parks Edison students!!
Another interesting stat from these results is the trend between Perry and Southport. In the middle school level, Southport and PM scores are relatively the same (Southport has a slight edge). By 10th grade, PM scores significantly higher than Southport.
These results are confirmed by previous years’ testing. Much to the chagrin of the Southport Journal, it seems this stat is more and more a proven fact rather than fiction. What happens in the early high school years at Southport?
I know this has nothing to do with Dr. Williams, but it contributes to the alarming ISTEP scores from Perry Township…
I started into this subject thinking that there would possibly be facts about the ISTEP scores, but this is what i find. I am very appreciative of this site for all of the information. Also I find the replys very interesting, but it seems some of these replys are aimed not only at commented opinions, but aimed at other’s status. Replying on opinions that others have is one thing, but going at one another is totally different. This seems rediculous to me that civil people would act in this manner. Pointlessly attacking each other does not in any way help this problem. I hope that we are able to act like adults. This is a problem and a solution will come, but until then, try to respect each other.
to Dave Oswalt:
I understand your frustration but I want to answer some of your questions.
“I ask, are not the people working as teachers and administrators the professionals? Don’t they have the credentials, the education, the passion, the knowledge to make certain that all our children are properly educated? Is not the excessive drop out rate and stagnant test scores an indication of their collective job performance?”
first of all how many children do you have? Ever try to teach more than 20 at once? Ever try to deal with 20 different backgrounds and personalities? Ever try to teach?
No, I’m not a teacher. Yes, they should have the training. No, they can not do it all for you. I believe that an person that wants to be a teacher must be passionate about their profession. I know I couldn’t do it. How to make an impact on kids that don’t want to learn? Don’t blame the teacher. Most of them are doing more for our kids than anyone else. I applaud them. Theya re underpaid and overworked. Ever see how many are there on weekends and late nights They are underappreciated and they continue to do a great job anyway.
As for parent involvement, it is not the only answer. But, you say you don’t have time. I work 8 hours a day myself and I know what my child is doing in school. I still know his teachers on a first name basis. I make time. Everyone, me included, needs to shoulder some of the responsibility for the education of the children.
Dave,
I noticed that on your personal blog that you said:
“A comment posted by a SFC Brett Naum stated that the parents are the sole reason for the child’s success or failure in school. He stated this in the context that the school board, the teachers or the administrator (Williams) are not responsible for the failure.”
This is a distortion of what I actually said. Carefully reread both of my posts regarding this. What you will find is that I have placed the MAJORITY of blame on the parents as they (quote) “IMPACT” their children’s education more than anyone else. You can make excuses about having to work long hours all day long as a reason for not getting more involved. MOST people work those hours. I am an Active Duty soldier that works long hours and many times is away. I still place priority in my children and their education by being involved. A phone call or email to the teacher is usually sufficient for communication. IF the teacher fails to communicate then it’s time for the face-to-face to discuss MY expectations. I don’t except excuses. They accomplish nothing.
For one, the two HS don’t use the same model for teaching. One uses block scheduling and the other doesn’t. There are other differences but I won’t go into them.
The two schools, IMO, are and have been treated differently for a very long time.
Wait until we have to re-district and see where the lines are drawn.
Thank you Anthony for supporting what the teachers do for the students in our township, or in ANY school system. We not only have to try to individualize our instruction for 20 students in order for them to master the Indiana Standards, but we also have to figure out the best way to reach each student based on their situations at home. We have to be teachers as well as parents to these children during our seven or more hours with them each day. Getting a student to succeed in school (and in life) is a committment that must be made by the three parties involved…the parent, the teacher, AND the student. If one or more of these parties fails to do his part, the student will be the one to suffer. If our drop out rate was even one student a year, this is one student too many. We all have to take the time to work together to reach the students and let them know the importance of education. ISTEP scores, SAT scores, or any standardized test scores show what the student remembers about what was taught. But are these scores totally accurate? No. The student may not be feeling well the day of the test, have test anxiety, or just decide to blow it off. We, as teachers, have a curriculum that must be taught to match the
Indiana Academic Standards. We teach to the best of our ability making adaptations and accomodations for each student’s learning style. We chose this profession to help children learn. That is what we do. ISTEP scores, that are not ‘perfect’, are out of our control, once we have taught and assessed the students on the material. These scores and the drop out rate of high school students is not the fault of Dr. Williams or the school system. Everyone must take responsibility for the education of our children. Parents are the first educators of their children. Parents, and I am one as well, need to BE parents and stop letting their children make all the rules. Children need guidance at any age. That is OUR job as parents and as educators. That is the only way to help our children succeed.
To echo the statements of Ms. Casey, and in response to PM Student’s comments, I find that the pass/did not pass rate on the ISTEP is a much more complicated issue that whether or not something within the township is broken. We only spend 7 hours a day (that’s including lunch/recess) 180 days out of the year with these children. While we are an integral part of a child’s development, the scope of our abilities is limited.
Before continuing with the rest of my comments I’d like to say that comparing a coach to a superintendent is a rather poor analogy. A coach works one-on-one with the players on a daily basis. A superintendent, on the other hand, oversees the education of, in our case, 14,000 students. Holding one man responsible for the lack of success of so many is asanine.
On to the point of my reply. The lack of achievement within our township, and any other for that fact, should be blamed on a myriad of factors, most of which are beyond the control of the school system. This is not to say that we, as teachers, should not attempt to give every student with whom we come in contact the tools necessary to be successful. We should, and we do. I don’t know a single teacher that finds it acceptable to have even one student fail. In fact, most of us go out of our way to support and guide each and every student.
Last week, as I reviewed ISTEP data of my class, our school, and the township as a whole, I had mixed emotions. On one hand, the students are making progress, but on the other hand there are still some failing to achieve. I have to say, I hate the fact that these tests judge a student’s ability on a few tests over a handful of days, but our government has chosen to proceed in this manner, so I do my best.
One fact most do not know is that in our state we do not compare “apples to apples.” Instead, our achievement is based on the scores of students at that same grade level the previous year. For instance, our grade level three years ago had no fewer than 8 special education students. Last year, there was only one. We also had a group of students that came from more affluent homes, there was more parental involvement, and there were fewer “outside issues.” When we received our scores, they looked amazing with a 14% increase over the year before. Once we looked across grade levels, we found that our students had a gain of 4%. While this is still outstanding (the national average for yearly increase is 1.4%), it was not as it seemed at first glance.
Then, conversely, look at this year. We have a much different group of students. There are more students with limited English abilities, more students with special needs, and another group from a lower socioeconomic background (which has been found to be the number one predicting factor of a child’s success in school). Our pass rate dropped by 16% according to the state guidelines, but this particular group of students actually had a 4% higher pass rate than last year. My point is, progress is being made, but by state standards it does not appear to be so.
Did you also know that all students are scored exactly the same without taking into consideration factors such as learning disabilities or mental handicaps, yet we are expected to continue to pass the students on to the next grade level when we know they have not mastered the skills for that year? The entire system is flawed.
I also go back and look through the demographics of Perry Township for the last 15 years. We have gone from 7 Limited English Students in 1991-92, to 664 last year. The per capita income of the area has not kept up with the average increase within the state. In the 1997-98 school year, only 32% of our students received some sort of financial assistance. Last year, it was 50%. Again, how can one man, or even the school system as a whole, be blamed for a lack of achievement when so many other things come into play.
While looking at all of the data (and noticing the same score trends in the past several years among surrounding school corporations), a fact I read the other day came back to me. This generation of teenagers has a shorter life expectancy than their parents. This is the first time in recorded history that this has been the case. Doesn’t this point to a problem with society as a whole, rather than one organization or another? I have four students that come to class without their homework everyday. I have called parents, given them detention, allowed them time to do the work in class, and rewarded them on the rare occasioun that the work is done. At what point do the parents step up and help me out? I know that I am not alone in this battle to teach responsibility.
I guess my point to these ramblings was that basing your opinion of a school corporation on the way students score on a test that is marginal at best is flawed.
What are the disrict wide strategies to help the parents feel comfortable in the schools? Research shows that most parents that don’t get involved in their child’s education did not have a good experience at school themselves. What district wide strategies are impelemented in the schools to support the teachers in their endeavors to educate all children? What is the administration doing to support the teacher’s? What plan is in place to help the 664 limited English students mainstream into the classrooms without feeling excluded? Does anyone in the district do home visits? Bravo in accommodating the students who don’t get their homework done at home. As you know, this is the first step in making a difference. These students are getting the job done - maybe not exactly the way you had planned, but the bottom line is, they are getting it done. You are planting the seed that homework is important - that education is important. You may never see the fruits of your labor, but the teacher that has these students next year will see the progress. These questions that I ask should have answers, but if they don’t, the administration needs to get together and discuss these issues. I am looking for solutions to help the children in our community improve and be successful in school so that they can become productive citizens as adults.
To “A Question”…
In regards to your question regarding home visits….the answer is “yes”. For instance, my son’s teacher drives to the northern district for 2 students’ conferences with their parents. It is an hour from her own home, but she makes the trip NOT because she is required, but because she truly cares and loves her students. She knows that it is the only way a conference will take place. She’s not the only teacher at my son’s school who does this, either.
In regards to your question about the ESL students…I know that the schools make an effort to help the Non-English speaking students by providing ESL teachers and tutors. My son’s school also promotes education about different cultures and studies diversity in depth. For instance, they studied about Ramadan, Kwanza, Diwali, Chinese New Year, etc. just before winter break. Hispanic students are encouraged to bring things and discuss their culture, foods, and celebrations, etc. While it is still not perfect, I’m willing to bet that it’s much better than what my German and Irish ancestors encountered when they came to America.
My husband volunteers at our son’s school one day and week, and I volunteer at least one, if not 2,3,or 4 days a week. I help the teacher with menial tasks so that she can devote HER time to teaching the kids. I also help other teachers when needed. I actually rarely do much with my own son while I’m there, but he loves seeing me and knowing that I’m there taking an interest in his school and his friends. My husband and I tutor students who are struggling in math, reading, and writing. It has been an incredible joy over the past 3 years as we have witnessed amazing improvements!! One of the little girls was thrilled to tell me about the jump in her IStep scores!! It is SUCH a joy to help the students. We are greeted with hugs each time we arrive at the school, and the kids know that we truly care about them. As I work with the children, I sometimes think about how I may be the only adult who sits and works with them besides their teacher. I realize that for whatever reasons, their parents may not be involved in their learning process.
I truly believe that if more parents could donate a little of their time in the schools, it may help make a difference. I, too, am looking for solutions. I urge ANYONE who has even ONE hour a week to devote to the school to please get involved. You will make a WORLD of difference in the lives of these children!! (and yes…I have teenagers. Don’t believe them when they act like you parents embarrass them! They really DO want you there!) :0)
Lastly, I believe that yanking our superintendent from his position without adequate proof of any wrongdoing is ROBBING our children of tax dollars that are designated for their education. WASTING money on attorney fees and audits is SENSELESS!! If what Dr. Williams had done was SOOOOO bad that he must be removed from his position just MONTHS after renewing his contract and giving him a raise,…then it would be big enough that there would be NO need for a lengthy, costly investigation!! The writing should clearly be on the wall, and it should be straight forward. Regardless of whether or not people like him, according to the school board, he received high marks on his evaluation. Unless he raped or beat a child, it is idiotic to place him on leave just months after renewing his contract. The individuals that claim they are “sick and tired of putting up with his abuse and threats” should never have voted to renew his contract in the first place. If this is how the individuals felt “for the past two years”, then they acted irresponsibly by voting in favor of renewal. These individuals either need to come forward with their dreadful news, or drop it and bring back Dr. Williams!
Merry Christmas!
I will attempt to answer your questions with my limited knowledge of what is done in other schools. I know that we have put into place many strategies, many of which I believe are district wide.
“What are the district wide strategies to help the parents feel comfortable in the schools?” In our school, as well as any other Perry Township School I’ve had the opportunity to visit (which is most), parents are always welcome. There is an open door policy. I have parents visit my classroom unannounced on a regular basis. There are multiple “nights” of one type or another to get the parents in the schools to become more familiar with the staff and curriculum. Most of the schools have gone to some sort of student lead learning conferences at least once during the year at report card time. There is always the good old PTA. There are tons of activities and attempts for the township to get the parents involved, unfortunately, many don’t take advantage of them.
“What district wide strategies are implemented in the schools to support the teachers in their endeavors to educate all children?” The biggest strategy that has been put into place in the last few years is the Benchmark Assessments. These monthly computerized tests allow the teachers to get comprehensive reports on what strengths and weaknesses each student has. We are required to review the results, and determine which skills need more work. They are designed to mirror Indiana State Standards. I find this one of the most effective tools I have at my disposal. I am not reteaching skills that my students have mastered. There are times I feel my students have not completely grasped a concept, yet when it comes time to be tested on Benchmarks, they have a better understanding than I thought. I am able to focus my efforts in a more efficient manner. There is also peer coaching. It was a concept that was once only part of the Edison design, but was later adopted by the entire township. In spite of being met by some initial resistance, most teachers have found it to be a great tool, whether they have been teaching two years, or twenty-two. There is always room for growth.
“What district wide strategies are implemented in the schools to support the teachers in their endeavors to educate all children?” Anyone who regularly reads the PEA meeting minutes, realizes that there is always a dialogue between the union reps and the administration about the amount of work we teachers have before us. Every time we have a concern about the number of reports, time it takes to accomplish various tasks, etc., the administration has been willing to discuss the issue and help come to a solution. I don’t feel that there are any specific district wide strategies considering all of the schools function in such different manners.
“What plan is in place to help the 664 limited English students mainstream into the classrooms without feeling excluded? Does anyone in the district do home visits?” This is not my area of expertise, by any stretch, but I do know the accommodations that have been made for students in my class. There is an ELL designated person to help the teacher on many fronts, whether it be to translate a document, make a phone call to a parent about a concern, or sit down and translate a discussion about any issues either the teacher or the parent might have. I am required to fill out a report for each ELL student quarterly which describes their progress, what accommodations I am making, and any skills I feel they are struggling to learn. If I have a question as to what accommodations need to be made, my requests have been answered. I know that I have done home visits on a few occasions, but none have been to homes of my ESL students, as none of them have required it. I do know that our Home School Advisor accompanied by the ELL person has made visits with teachers to address concerns.
“Bravo in accommodating the students who don’t get their homework done at home.” Thank you very much. It becomes difficult at times to remember that our accommodations do benefit our students because we don’t always see them. Unfortunately, many parents don’t appreciate our efforts either. We appear to be a nuisance, or a nagging voice in the background asking them to add one more task to their ever over-flowing plate. As a parent, I know there are times I feel as if there is no way I’ll have time to sit down and do another math problem with my children, but ultimately, they are my children and my responsibility. If I don’t know and do what is best for them, then who will?
Thank you for allowing me to share my passion for my profession. Obviously, I have strong opinions about it.
Re: Parent, teacher, SHS grad
First, I’d like to say I very much appreciate the education I’ve received from Perry Meridian. For the most part, the teachers are exemplary role models (Kevin Walsh might be an exception). I do not want to be knocking on teachers - I feel they deserve the millions that athletes and entertainers make (if the world was perfect and all…). I also preface any point I make with the fact that I can’t assume a position of false authority; I never attended a Perry Township elementary or middle school (I was homeschooled. I’m equally appreciative of that education).
The coach analogy is “asinine (sic!)”? What about President Bush? He’s responsible for 300,000,000, yet he lands the blame for the troubles in Iraq. Is he solely responsible? Of course not. Should he take all the blame? It seems that way. No matter whether you lead 15 athletes, 14,000 students, or 300,000,000 people; the head must assume responsibility for his organization’s performance. I hold to that analogy when it comes to Dr. Williams’ performance.
When it comes to a child’s education, the parent’s role is astounding. In PT, the socioeconomic background might be the main reason ISTEP scores continue to flat line. The township needs to adapt to these evolving demographics to improve these scores. We can’t assume the parents are the lone fault in the equation - this problem spans the nation. Problematic parents exist in Wayne township, Ft. Wayne, Washington and the world at whole.
Further, in this whole matter, I am most disgusted by the wasted time on this issue. Whether it’s the fault of the board or the insistent opposition, this issue has overshadowed and enveloped opportunities to improve PT education. New Tech HS? Nope - we’re too busy dealing with Dr. Williams? An in-depth study on the new ISTEP scores? Eh, probably hasn’t crossed the board’s mind. $300,000 for a buyout? Board doesn’t mind. Attorney fees? Everyone gets the point. We are wasting time worrying about a superintendent: we are making this township look as backward as the state in which it resides.
Thank you, “Parent, Teacher, SHS Grad!” Thank you to the Beans for starting this site to open the lines of communication. I am also a parent and teacher in Perry. I am excited to read many of the blogs on this site. I think in the long run, it will get community and parents more involved in ways that will help our children succeed. The positive comments concerning how hard teachers are working gives me a “shot of Adrenalin.”
Students at the middle and high school levels need their parents and parent involvement more than ever. I have seen and am concerned about the social economic change I have seen with the students I have taught over the last 20 years. I too have felt that I was “bothering” some parents with my calls to try to get them to come in for a conference. These are the students I pray for the most. I feel that drugs, alcohol, and joblessness have played major rules in why some parents behave this way. We need more positive mentors in our schools and after school time. To be directly involved with students within our schools it usually requires a police back-ground check for obvious reasons. If you have the desire, we could sure use your help! Our counselors are greatly over-worked and often only can put a “band-aide” on emotional issues.
If you can’t volunteer in the schools, then please give financially to ogranizations like REACH for Youth, who counsels Perry students on a sliding scale fee; Big Brothers and Sisters; or, become foster parents, volunteer for Scouts or sports organizations or at local churches. If the community does not become involved more, then the drugs and alcohol will affect the next generation too.
Mr. Oswalt: I am sorry that your son opted out. The Indiana legislature changed the law within the last year that students must now be at least 18 before making the decision to drop-out. Please encourage your son to go back or work for his GED. Central Nine offers a good GED program. I have seen students who have concerned, hard-working parents drop-out too. Once these kids realize that “life without a diploma is not always greener,” then hopefully they will go back.
I stated some basic differences between Southport and Perry and nobody wanted to comment on thise even though they asked for it.
Perhaps Dr. Williams has contributed to the differences, I don’t know. However, on this support williams website nobody wanted to talk about those differences.
Of those replying to this site, I would be interested to know what side of the township you reside. I would bet, hands down, most have children in the system on Perry’s side. Don’t respond if you are a grad or had kids that went to a Perry school, I am talking now, where do your kids go to school?
Let’s see who will answer.
I haven’t commented on your question because honestly I’m ignorant of the differences between PMHS and SHS and how things are run differently between the two. I do reside just blocks from PMHS and have a 1st grader currently, so it will be awhile before we’re in the high school. You can bet that I’ll be at least or more involved in every school my son steps foot in between now and then though. Part of that involvement includes being involved at the township level, so I’m interested in hearing what others may have to say about this topic as well.
To Even More Confused:
I am on the SHS side of the twp and am an SHS grad. It has been my impression that all of the elementary schools offer slightly different teaching models. So your comments didn’t really cause much concern to me. What were you trying to convey?
My children are not in HS yet - so I will admit to not being familiar with many of the issues concerning SHS and PMHS.
“Even More Confused:” I work on the Southport side and my children attend the Perry side, and I have many cousins who attend on both sides. I have lived in and worked in the township for 20 years. I don’t think the two high schools are treated differently from the upper administration level as you propose. Both high schools have tried block scheduling with Dr. Williams’s approval. Southport staff decided that they did not like it and went back to a traditional schedule. Perry’s staff liked it. Dr. Williams has allowed the two staffs to have this type of input when deciding such things for their buildings.
I have been on committees with excellent teachers from both buildings. Again, you can’t just look at teachers as the cause of students not performing. Just like you can not compare the ISTEP results of the different elementary schools to see where the “best” teachers are! Winchester Elementary has some excellent teachers! Winchester has a great revolving door population due to having many apartments near there.
I don’t have the statistics in front of me, but I would also guess that the Southport side gets more students moving in from IPS since they are closer to the city limits. I know I have seen more IPS students enrolling at my school over the past few years. I would also guess that the Southport side might have more grandparents trying to raise their grandchildren since the houses are older and it is land-locked where as Perry’s is growing leaps and bounds with younger families. The social economic factors of the populations of the two schools need to also be taken into account as well.
Open up the comment on the following IndyStar site… http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2006612260319
Even more confused: I live on SHS side of Perry. I have 2 children that have graduated from SHS. They both are graduates of IU and doing very well in their chosen profession. I have 3 other children that are not in HS yet. I’ve been very pleased with the education all 5 of my children have and are receiving.
To Even More Confused….
I grew up on the Southport side but now live on the Perry side. I did not buy this house so that we could live in Perry district,…I just like my house. I have nieces at Southport. I also have a sister-in-law working at SMS. My daughter had several friends at Southport and BEGGED to transfer to SHS after being brutally physically assaulted by a nortern district student at PMHS. She was denied.
I am aware that PMHS has block scheduling and SHS does not. Frankly, I’m not a big fan of block scheduling. Secondly, I realize that PMHS has a larger enrollment than SHS. I actually prefer a smaller school.
It seems obvious that you feel one school is favored over another. You stated that both school are different and treated differently. As a parent, I realize that each of my children are different, and I treat them as individuals. It doesn’t mean I love any one more than another. The same may be true for the schools. I don’t know…just a thought.
I regret that you feel no one cared about your opinions. Honestly, I didn’t understand part of what you said. I’m a little embarrassed to admit that I come from an older generation and do not understand what “IMO” stands for. I cannot speak for anyone else, but I am interested in hearing what you have to say. Please expand upon the differences you want to discuss.
One thing I will add is that my nieces are very happy at SHS, and their parents are supportive of Dr. Williams, as well. They are trying to get the TBPS signs in their yards and plan to get them at the next board meeting. So….to answer your question,…not everyone supporting Dr. Williams comes from the Perry side.
Happy New Year! :0)
Kelly
Dear “Even More Confused”
Yes, you seem to be quite confused. Do you really want each high school in MSD Perry to be a clone of the other? Why should each high school not reflect the diversity that is contained in the administration, faculty, students and families of each school? Is your opinion based solely on episodic and anecdotal information or can you reference some empirical data to back up your assumptions?
Frankly, it seems that you are feeding into stereotypes that are not healthy for our community. The racial makeup of each high school is comparable. The free and reduced lunch percentage at each high school is comparable. The ACT composite scores at each high school are comparable. Additionally, the percent of students receiving honors diplomas at each of MSD Perry Township’s high schools is comparable. Are you suggesting that this is evidence that we need to forcibly bus students from one side of the township to the other? Are you suggesting that we change the attendance boundary for each high school to one that divides the township North and South? Other than throwing out red herrings, what are you suggesting?
Yes, there are differences in how each high school operates; however, I would state that these differences are a result of involving students, faculty, families and building administration in making decisions (e.g. block scheduling) and not the result of some master plan to impoverish and mis-educate half of this township’s students. To imply this is to degrade the quality and professionalism of the faculty of Southport High School, a school that has some of the finest teachers in the state of Indiana (One recently won a Milken Educator Award). Please provide some facts to back your accusations that Southport High School somehow provides a lower quality education that Perry Meridian High School and please avoid innuendo. It does not serve your argument well.
To Even More Confused,
I have children that attend the Southport side in spite of the fact that I live on the Perry side. I chose to have them there, and am happy with my choice.
As for the block/traditional scheduling, I’m not completely familiar with the situation and understand the difference to be a choice that was made by that school.
For everyone else, another thought came to mind today when having a conversation with my sister who is also a teacher in Perry Township. I would venture to say that the state’s requirement to pass the GQE in order to graduate caused a decrease in the graduation rate. I’m sure many students have graduated in the past who would not qualify had they been required to “test out.” Many people simply have issues with tests, especially high stakes tests, due to anxiety and such. I would be interested to see the statistics concerning that.
In case you missed it, there was a very informative article in today’s Indy Star about the high correlation between poverty and lower high school graduation rates. It also mentioned that schools that have more students moving in and out also tend to have lower rates as well, especially with the new state formula being used. Attached is the website where you can read this article.
http://www.indystar.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2007701030423
You guys are good at putting words in my mouth. I never stated anything to remotely insinuate the education is any better or worse at one school or the other.
I stated one difference. I did not go into other differences. I referenced treatment of the two schools and those differences. It has been my observation over the years that differences exist. Those differences range from small issues to large issues. I cannot help you see the differences, nor will I subject myself to more ridicule just because I have a different opinion than most on this board.
I have said I am neither for nor against Dr. Williams. I don’t really care for the process we are going through but I don’t know anything other than what people in the public, like this board, are saying.
One last time for the record; I have never said one school’s education was better. Even if I did, I would not declare publicly that I thought this school or that school was so much better than all the rest. That would not be good for the Township as well. It certainly wasn’t good for the Township when all the Edison parents spoke and stated how you “can just tell an Edison child from all the rest, they are different.” I could not believe the hour or so of non-stop babble of how great Edison was and certainly when compared to “regular” elementary schools were far superior and the kids that go there are somehow better.
I think everyone is about to go insane.
I read with interest a Letter to the Editor from Norman Clampitt in the January 3 issue of The Spotlight. Mr. Clampitt is apparently not up on checking statistics before writing about them. As a former teacher, I would think that he would check his information to ensure that it was correct. Anyone can go to the Indiana Department of Education website and check the graduation rates. http://www. ideanet.doe.state.in.us Mr. Clampitt stated that Perry Township’s graduation rate is 54%, yet the Indiana Department of Education’s information says that the SHS rate is 75.2% and the PMHS rate is 73.8%. Mr. Clampitt also said that the Indiana Chamber of Commerce awarded Franklin Township Schools their “Best Buy” award and, quoting Mr. Clampitt, “Perry Township was not comparable”. In checking the DOE website, it appears that Franklin Township’s graduation rate is 70.8%. Mr. Clampitt says that the purpose of the school board is “to educate all our children”. It’s MY opinion that students are taught and led by their teachers. The ONLY purpose of a school board is to make school policies. These four women are micro-managing to the fullest - if the Indiana School Boards Association needs an example of a dysfunctional and controlling board, they only need look as far as Perry Township.
Honestly, instead of putting so much effort into picking and choosing comments people make on this site, twisting them to support your own view of the situation, try spending that time with your children. Everyone has a choice- the choice to choose the profession to teach 30 individual children that the district tries to make all the same and remove their individuality; the choice to find a ‘better’ disctrict; the choice to meet with the teachers and administrators to tell them what they can and cannot do with your children; the choice to take a day off from work and shadow your children at school. How many of us parents have done any of these? Very few- we send our children off to spend 7 hours a day with people we don’t bother meeting and let them make impressions on our children to fit the mold they have decided by their own opinions to be how OUR children should be instead of educating them. I have been a verbal parent, and I know that I am not liked at my child’s school. But I don’t care. This is my child and the teachers get paid to teach, not to raise my child, not to disrespect my child, not to take away her rights. I do become annoyed by teachers who complain about the volume of students they have in their classes to support their inability to perform their job- and state this to the children. I am annoyed by adminstation that believe they are the powers that be in our households. I have my opinion, and it differs from most, but like all before me- I have the right to it. I also know that God’s last name isn’t Williams.
Dear Perry Parent,
My wife and I are very active in our child’s education, we send at least one email each week to each of his teachers, have frequently left voicemails for teachers when appropriate, on occasion called teachers at their homes, receive weekly correspondence from most of his teachers on a regular basis, attend every parent conference, have attended school with our son, frequently meet with teachers at school to discuss our son’s progress; however, I believe we are very well liked by his teachers, his Guidance Counselor and administration.
Being active in your child’s education does not necessitate alienating the professionals that are serving our children. I am not accusing you of meaning this. I am simply stating my opinion based on my experience working with the high quality faculty at PMHS.
I happen to be very satisfied with the education my son is receiving in MSD Perry Township and I am impressed with the quality, professionalism and compassion of the teachers that are serving him. I have the option of moving to many other communities that are closer to where I work. I have no desire to move until my son graduates from Perry Meridian High School.
By the way God’s name does not end with Walsh, Thompson, Adams, Alexander or even Taylor and ISTEP scores will not determine our place in the afterlife either (Please note that I am making an attempt at getting back on topic). Statewide high stakes tests (such as ISTEP in Indiana) are not a good indicator of how well a school district educates children anymore than they are an indication of how much a parent is involved in their child’s education. As a parent I am less concerned with how many of my child’s schoolmates pass ISTEP than I am concerned with how much his individual scores improved from the previous year.
School districts that are experiencing an increase in enrollment, an increase in the free and reduced lunch count, as well as, an increase in ESL (English as a Second Language) population are struggling to keep up with the expectations of NCLB (No Child Left Behind). MSD Perry is no exception to this; however, other districts that are going through these same issues would love to have our faculty, our union, our administrators and especially our parents (Please note that I did not state that they would love to have our school board – this point is debatable right now).
Ever heard the old saying, “You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar”? I have made it a point to always be present in my children’s schools, to know their educators, and for them to know me and my children. As a result, I’ve made some of the BEST friends I have with my children’s former teachers. I believe it has been easier on my children because their teachers look forward to me coming in and helping, and it gives me more opportunity to share positive dialogue and collaboratively help my children reach educational goals. Because I am supportive of my children’s teachers, my children greatly respect them and gladly obey the rules that were put in place for the safety and good of all the students.
And there’s a difference between showing support of an individual who was unfairly treated…. and “worshipping” someone! Last time I checked, no one in these posts has referred to Dr. Williams as “God” other than those who do not support him.