Middletown Forum : Resetting The Bar

Middletown Forum : Resetting The Bar http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ This is an XML content feed of; Middletown Forum : School Achievements : Resetting The Bar Mon, 05 Oct 2026 21:45:47 +0000 Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:44:29 +0000 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Web Wiz Forums 10.12 360 www.middletownusa.com/forum/RSS_post_feed.asp?TID=4426 Middletown Forum http://middletownusa.com/images/blog-logo.jpg http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/ Resetting The Bar : For what its worth, I think this... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32243&title=resetting-the-bar#32243 Author: Middletown News
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 4:44pm

For what its worth, I think this new school board and admin are doing a good job working with what they are dealt yearly. From both the moms and dads to the state.]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 16:44:29 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32243&title=resetting-the-bar#32243 Resetting The Bar : Spider, have you been to the high... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32237&title=resetting-the-bar#32237 Author: Marcia Andrew
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 3:58pm

Spider, have you been to the high school this year? there is a new principal and new procedures in place. Much calmer environment. Also, curious whether you have been in any other public high schools during school hours? What you find appalling may just be "kids these days." When I am at MHS, I see kids wearing sloppy clothes that I would not let my own kids wear to school, but I do not see unruly or dangerous behavior in the halls.

Bill, my 3 kids attend MHS. They are "good kids" who don't get into trouble and wear clothes that even Spider would find acceptable. They don't feel like they have to "swim upstream against a wave of low-class miscreants and outlaws in order to get to these classes." They actually like the diversity amongst their friends. They may be poor and some of their parents failed to teach them manners, but its a little harsh to label the majority of them as miscreants and outlaws, or as "low-class," whatever you mean by that.

Marcia Andrew

]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 15:58:40 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32237&title=resetting-the-bar#32237 Resetting The Bar : ....and the Super wonders why... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32223&title=resetting-the-bar#32223 Author: Bill
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 12:03pm

....and the Super wonders why students start fleeing after elementary. Yes, we know there is some good programming at MHS and opportunities that may not be available at some schools. But what good is it if you have to swim upstream against a wave of low-class miscreants and outlaws in order to get to these classes?]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 12:03:23 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32223&title=resetting-the-bar#32223 Resetting The Bar : seems likr the middietown school... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32220&title=resetting-the-bar#32220 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 10:32am

seems likr the middietown school system is moving in the right direction finally.

our new super observed the situation, and along with staff has designed a plan to move us forward at a much faster pace that we have experiencwd prior.

The elementary level schools that I have visited seemed very-well organized, and the young students seem to accept/follow the staff in an impressive manner. To me--the tough issue seems to be re-gainng discipline, order ans standards in the middle schools and mhs.

Have not been in the middle schools, but have family there--the stories are not good. I do get in to mhs occasionally over the last few years. Facility seems in great shape. Been in there in the morning--lunchtime--and after classes.

The students' attitude, social skills, dress and behavior are for the most part appalling. The "good kids" that are presentable , mannerly and disciplined suffer because of the image made by students wo make a terrible impression on visitors.

Dress code needs to be seriously improved.

Hallroom behavior needs to be strictly monitored.

cellphones, texting and mp3s need to be off and restricted during classroom time.

I would have serious thoughts as to whether I would send children to the upper grades within the system.

I believe that great educational opportunity is there for those who work towards that part of the hs experience, however I don't like the overalldemeanor of what is currently acceptable/tolerated behavior.

jmo

]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:32:27 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32220&title=resetting-the-bar#32220 Resetting The Bar : Over the past years I have read... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32219&title=resetting-the-bar#32219 Author: Vivian Moon
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 10:26am

Over the past years I have read thousands of articles about No Child Let Behind but we never seem to have a discussion about the other end of this spectrum. What has been happening to the 1% of the student population with a high IQ? What percentage of the educational budget is being spent on these students? What happens to these students if their parents can’t afford to remove them from dumb-down public schools to send them to private schools?
We need to give each child a laptop and do more on-line learning so each student can learn at their own pace. This would also allow us to have a 12 month school year.

]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 10:26:49 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32219&title=resetting-the-bar#32219 Resetting The Bar : Looks as if the teachers will... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32218&title=resetting-the-bar#32218 Author: VietVet
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 12 2012 at 6:45am

Looks as if the teachers will receive a new method of evaluation...

Today's Journal....

Initiative will change teacher evaluations
Middletown part of the prototype for new evaluation system

With increased public interest in school accountability, area school districts are trying to come up with ways to adjust their teacher evaluation plans to keep up with changing state laws.

But there’s a growing sentiment among state and federal legislators, school administrators and the general public that a simple up or down rating isn’t sufficient, especially with a growing sentiment that teachers, like workers in the private sector, should have some if not all of their pay based on how good a job they’re doing.

IMAGINE THAT. AN EVALUATION BASED ON CONTRIBUTIONS AND MERIT. BEEN THAT WAY IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR FOR DECADES.

When a Middletown teacher is up for an evaluation, an administrator will have at least three formal observations of 20 to 40 minutes in length to go along with 3-to-5-minute unscheduled walkthroughs.

Teachers also are observed in how they interact with parents and students, with the entire process — which is capped off with a final evaluation — revolving around “goal setting,” Rasmussen said.

THAT'S GREAT RASMUSSEN. BUT WHO EVALUATES THE ADMINISTRATOR WHO DOES THE EVALUATIONS OF THE TEACHERS AND HOW ARE THE ADMINISTRATORS QUALIFIED TO DO THE EVALUATIONS IN THE FIRST PLACE? WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ADMINISTRATOR DISLIKES THE TEACHER? IMO, PERHAPS WE NEED AN EX-CEO FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR RUNNING THE SCHOOLS, NOT ONE WHO HAS BEEN TRAINED IN THE EDUCATIONAL FIELD. TOO MUCH BIAS IN HAVING SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENTS RUNNING THE SHOW. HAVING A PERSON FROM THE PRIVATE SECTOR WOULD ELIMINATE THE "ARTISTS FROM JUDGING THEIR OWN PAINTINGS" AND MAY ADD A DIFFERENT APPROACH TO HOW THE SCHOOLS ARE SET UP, ALLOWING FOR THE EDUCATIONAL DIRECTION/EMPHASIS/COMMUNITY TO BE TIED MORE CLOSELY WITH THE WORKING WORLD. RIGHT NOW, THERE APPEARS TO BE A GAP BETWEEN HOW THE SCHOOLS ARE RUN AND THE END PRODUCT NEEDED FROM THEM BY THE WORKING WORLD. JMO]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 06:45:04 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32218&title=resetting-the-bar#32218 Resetting The Bar : hey sickofit---While out cleaning... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32123&title=resetting-the-bar#32123 Author: spiderjohn
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 04 2012 at 6:01pm

hey sickofit---

While out cleaning up my property today, I found a copy of the MAA American Mathematics Competition's 63rd annual American Mathematics Contest 12 A from 2/7/12

I was pretty good at math in my youth, however this test is mostly beyond me.

If I post my answers, could you(or someone else) give me my score?

]]> Sun, 04 Mar 2012 18:01:18 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32123&title=resetting-the-bar#32123 Resetting The Bar : sickofthebull wrote:While sitting... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32121&title=resetting-the-bar#32121 Author: VietVet
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 04 2012 at 4:14pm

sickofthebull wrote:

While sitting here thinking about your last post, I realized I failed to respond to the calculus issue you had. You stated you "didn't know where to start". Imagine that for an 8, 9 or 10 (or older) year old who can't read and comprehend simple sight words. Have you ever even looked at the tests these students take? I am not saying they are extremely difficult, but for a struggling child I can only imagine what it must be like inside their heads trying to make head or tails of them. We set them up for failure every single year and it just plain...I will just say it...SUCKS...

Now that you have identified the problems, is there any support from the teachers to confront the administration and all head to Columbus with your plight? Have you tried getting other districts to join you as it would appear you all have the same problem? Or, has that already been tried and they won't listen to you? Do you need more people in the community to come to the schools to help teach reading? If so, was the suggestions well-received by the school admin and board?]]> Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:14:43 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32121&title=resetting-the-bar#32121 Resetting The Bar : sickofthebull.... "As for... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32120&title=resetting-the-bar#32120 Author: VietVet
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 04 2012 at 4:10pm

sickofthebull....

"As for the free speech remark, as an EDUCATED woman I tend to hold my opinions to myself until I have my facts straight and have the entire picture".

AN "EDUCATED WOMAN" HUH? CONGRATULATIONS, MOST OF US ARE TO SOME DEGREE OR OTHER. THIS STATEMENT INDICATES SOME EGOTISM IN YOUR ATTITUDE. RELAX, THERE ARE MANY PEOPLE WHO ARE EDUCATED LADY. YOUR POINT IS?

"Expecting attacks does not make me defensive but realistic about what happens on this forum whenever ANYONE comes on and doesn't agree with you".

NEVER ASKED ANYONE TO AGREE WITH ME. THAT'S THEIR CHOICE. JUST OFFERING MY OPINIONS ON DIFFERENT SUBJECTS THAT AFFECT MY HOMETOWN, THAT'S ALL. THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, PAST VERSUS PRESENT, HAPPENS TO BE ONE OF THOSE SUBJECTS.

"I fail to understand a man who, in post after post, complains about the number of section 8 housing in this city, yet doesn't quite get the connection to achievement (or lack thereof) in the schools with these children"

IN MY POSTS, CONCERNING SECTION 8, YOU WILL ALSO FIND THAT I HAVE BLAMED THE CITY LEADERS FOR THE SECTION 8 SATURATION AND THE EFFECT IT HAS HAD ON THE SCHOOL DISTRICT. I HAVE MADE POSTS ELUDING TO THE FACT THAT SECTION 8 HAS BEEN A TRAVESTY FOR THE CITY IN MANY WAYS INCLUDING THE SCHOOLS INABILITY TO COMBAT WHAT SECTION 8 ENCOMPASSES. I HAVE BEEN A DEFENDER OF THE SCHOOLS WITH SECTION 8 BUT I HAVE ALSO BEEN A CRITIC OF THE SCHOOLS BECAUSE THE DISTRICT HAS BEEN TOO SLOW TO REACT TO VARIOUS CHANGES THROWN AT THEM. ALSO CRITICAL OF THE DECADES IT HAS TAKEN TO SUCCEED IN IMPROVING THE INDICATOR NUMBERS (SHOULDN'T TAKE A DECADE TO GET TO 10 OUT OF 23 (or 26)) AND PROFICIENCY SCORES. THE SCORES WERE LOW BEFORE THE SECTION 8 SCOURGE AND THEY REMAIN LOW AFTER SECTION 8. I'M LOOKING FOR MEASURABLE IMPROVEMENT, NOT BABY STEPS IN OVER DECADES.

"You act like it is a possibility for a district to go to Excellent in just one year, which tells me you have no idea how the system really works".

EXCELLENT IN ONE YEAR? HELL, I'D BE HAPPY WITH SATISFACTORY IN THE NEXT TEN YEARS. THE MIDD. SCHOOLS HAVE BEEN LOCKED IN CONTINUAL IMP. FOR YEARS WITH YEARS IN ACADEMIC WATCH. THE SCHOOL RATING SYSTEM HAS BEEN AROUND FOR WHAT, MORE THAN A DECADE? MOST ALL OTHER DISTRICTS HAVE DONE BETTER THAN THAT. EVEN HAMILTON, SIMILAR TO MIDDLETOWN IN POVERTY AND SECTION 8, IS DOING BETTER. WHY?

"I have said it before and I will say it again, if you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem. You, VietVet, are not helping and I truly believe you don't really want to".

HOW WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO HELP? KEEP IN MIND I HAVE A LIMITED SCHEDULE. I GO TO WORK AT 5AM AND COME HOME AT 4:30PM. JUMP OUT OF THE CAR, WHICH MY SON TAKES TO WORK IN HAMILTON UNTIL 2AM, IMMEDIATELY START CAREGIVING MY WIFE WITH A STROKE UNTIL SLEEP TIME AT 9:30PM. THEN JUMP BACK IN AT 5AM AND DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN. I AM AVAILABLE AFTER 4:30PM ON TUES, WEDS AND ALL DAY SUNDAY WHEN MY SON CAN WATCH HER. THAT'S MY AVAILABLE TIME. COULD I HELP YOU THEN?

]]> Sun, 04 Mar 2012 16:10:21 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32120&title=resetting-the-bar#32120 Resetting The Bar : While sitting here thinking about... http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32119&title=resetting-the-bar#32119 Author: sickofthebull
Subject: 4426
Posted: Mar 04 2012 at 3:43pm

While sitting here thinking about your last post, I realized I failed to respond to the calculus issue you had. You stated you "didn't know where to start". Imagine that for an 8, 9 or 10 (or older) year old who can't read and comprehend simple sight words. Have you ever even looked at the tests these students take? I am not saying they are extremely difficult, but for a struggling child I can only imagine what it must be like inside their heads trying to make head or tails of them. We set them up for failure every single year and it just plain...I will just say it...SUCKS... ]]> Sun, 04 Mar 2012 15:43:43 +0000 http://www.middletownusa.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=4426&PID=32119&title=resetting-the-bar#32119