DBP
Here’s some encouraging news about Seattle Schools trying to reform themselves. Better late than never, right?
Seven Seattle schools are applying to become Seattle Public Schools’ first “creative approach” schools which, similar to charter schools in other states, will be allowed significant flexibility to pursue innovative approaches to learning.
The seven schools are: Cleveland High, Denny International Middle School, Hawthorne Elementary, Nova High, Queen Anne Elementary, Thornton Creek Elementary and the Seattle World School.
If chosen, the schools can receive waivers from district or union policies.
Some of the seven schools already have innovative programs, but want to add to them. Others want to try new approaches.
[…]
All the proposals must not add costs to the school district, and 80 percent of the staff had to agree to submit an application.
http://blogs.seattletimes.com/today/2012/10/7-seattle-schools-apply-to-use-creative-approach/
If these schools can get waivers from union policies on disciplining or removing underperforming teachers, this may lead to some significant improvement. Absent that, however, meaningful change may be tough.
NF indicated above that he doesn’t agree with holding teachers accountable. When I recounted my own experience with a local elementary-school teacher who couldn’t spell, he replied: “You get what you pay for.” –So to his mind, I guess the only way you can get teachers who can spell is to pay all teachers more than what they’re currently making.
I disagree with that. I think we can and should have standards, regardless of where we fall on the income and benefits scale. And among those standards would be this: You’ve gotta be able to spell. Otherwise, you can’t teach elementary school.
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I’ll check back with Denny in a year or so to see how the “creative approach” is working for them.