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Friday, June 15, 2007

a step in the right direction

from Eclectic Educator:

From MyCommunity: Ridgewood

TERC Parents

I want to emphasize in this blog that comments made by the board regarding the unfortunate and disappointing incident of Dr. Brooks resignation and my quote in the NY times article published today are in no way directed towards any parent that respectfully voiced their opinions, either at board meetings, via email or by phone.

Most parents like Mrs Elizabeth Gnall, Mrs. Joan O’Keefe, Mrs. Sarah Kate Maskin and Mrs. Linda Moran have been always respectful and insightful in voicing their opinions and we will make every attempt to address their concerns in the near future. Please respect their right to publicly voice their concerns.

The board needs to move forward to address the issue of hiring a interim superintendent by June 30. In addition, with the help of an independent facilitator find the best way to address the parents concerns about the math program.
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6 comments:

  1. SteveHJune 15, 2007 at 10:42 AM

    " ...and we will make every attempt to address their concerns in the near future."

    i.e. Come up with excuses.


    "In addition, with the help of an independent facilitator find the best way to address the parents concerns about the math program."

    Can anyone say Delphi Technique?

    Wary? Yes. Cynical? That too.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LynnGJune 15, 2007 at 12:06 PM

    I'd want to know, who picks the independent facilitator?

    ReplyDelete
  3. Catherine JohnsonJune 15, 2007 at 1:57 PM

    Irvington is hiring a whole firm.

    NY City Public Agenda, I think.

    The whole community is going to be involved in a "conversation."

    That might be OK; I don't know.

    The problem is the assumption that One Way will have to be chosen and imposed (I mean implemented) on everyone.

    I'm not willing to have my kid constructivized no matter what the majority wants.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Catherine JohnsonJune 15, 2007 at 1:57 PM

    This is why we have the expression: TYRRANY OF THE MAJORITY

    ReplyDelete
  5. SteveHJune 15, 2007 at 6:55 PM

    "TYRRANY OF THE MAJORITY"

    The facilitator approach implies that there is or has to be one solution. Balance. The "conversation" will be on a general level, but the school will decide the details. Don't let this happen.

    The only real solution is choice; two math curricula. If this really can't be done, then the "conversation" should be about details. Have parents vote on curriculum A, B, or C.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Catherine JohnsonJune 17, 2007 at 6:24 AM

    Excellent advice.

    Actually, that was already my plan.

    I plan to state, CONSTANTLY, that choice needs to happen.

    ReplyDelete