Respectfully submitted by Lawrence E. Rafferty-(Rafflaw)-Guest Blogger
We often hear the term “school reform” used often by politicians of all stripes. Chicago’s politicians are no different when it comes to talking about and taking action on so-called school reform. Recently, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel, who is a big fan of the charter school program and a former investment banker, decided that the best way to “reform” Chicago Public Schools was to close 49 schools and terminate 550 teachers and another 300 school staff employees!
“On June 14, the Chicago Public Schools sent layoff notices to 850 school employees, including 550 teachers. The layoffs will hit hardest at those teachers working in African-American and Latino communities. These are the communities that were targeted in the system’s recent decision to close 49 schools – the largest single school closure in US history.” Truth-out What is interesting to me is that while Mayor Emanuel has hammered the Chicago Public School teachers union and Chicago Public schools, he has made sure that Charter schools will be a big player in the City of Chicago.
“Emanuel, a former Congressman and investment banker, has become a darling of the US education reform lobby by implementing its demands for privatizing the public education system through establishing charter schools – privately owned, for-profit schools that receive public financing – by attacking the CTU, and most recently, by pushing forward the huge school closure.
The number of charter schools – which receive public money while being freed of many work and collective-bargaining rules – has doubled in Chicago since 2005, according to the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools. There are now about 100 of them in the city. The Emanuel administration has called for 60 new charter schools by 2017. ” Truth-Out
While no one will argue that the Chicago Public Schools do not need improvements, why is it that politicians insist that educating our children should be done by for-profit corporations? Mayor Emanuel is actually continuing a “reform” program first initiated by Mayor Richard Daley and now Education Secretary, Arne Duncan.
“Daley began the privatization of the school system by closing so-called “underperforming” schools, mostly in black and Latino neighborhoods, and firing large numbers of teachers. Between 2001 and last year, the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) district closed about 100 schools. Arne Duncan, the CEO of CPS during many of those years, was appointed Secretary of Education by President Barack Obama, who himself rose out of the Chicago political system.” Truth-Out
Is it just a coincidence that most of the schools closed by the last two Mayoral administration’s were in black and Latino neighborhoods? Are the charter schools a way of attacking the Chicago Teachers Union? The problems that the CTU and Mayor Emanuel had during the last strike were well documented. The Teachers Union now has 550 fewer members and there may be more terminations to come. Round 1 to Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Why are charter schools the latest rage in the education arena? Why would alderman and mayors around the country be sold on the idea of for profit education, paid for by taxpayer money? What facts did the Emanuel administration use to make its claim that Chicago needed to engage in the largest single school closure in history?
“Critics accused the board of using false and misleading claims to justify the closures. They say 46,000 students, not 30,000, will be affected. The board claims public schools had lost 145,000 students. In reality, enrollment had declined by 75,000, and 47,000 of those students had gone to charter schools, making the real figure 28,000. Most of Chicago’s student losses occurred 30-40 years ago at the height of deindustrialization. The school district claimed what it said was a $1 billion deficit made closures necessary, but in fact, since students don’t disappear and other schools will require more funding, there will be no cost savings from the closures.” Truth-Out
If I understand the numbers correctly, the Mayor may have used bogus numbers to make his claim that public schools needed to be closed en mass while Charter schools are increasing in number. Could the lower average teacher salaries at charter schools be part of the reason Emanuel and other politicians are fawning over the alleged promise of charter schools?
At least one study provided numbers that seems to claim that charter school’s promise of improvement is all wet. Especially when you compare apples to apples. “Research on charter schools paints a mixed picture. A number of recent national studies have reached the same conclusion: charter schools do not, on average, show greater levels of student achievement, typically measured by standardized test scores, than public schools, and may even perform worse.
The Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO) at Stanford University found in a 2009 report that 17% of charter schools outperformed their public school equivalents, while 37% of charter schools performed worse than regular local schools, and the rest were about the same. A 2010 study by Mathematica Policy Research found that, on average, charter middle schools that held lotteries were neither more nor less successful than regular middle schools in improving student achievement, behavior, or school progress. Among the charter schools considered in the study, more had statistically significant negative effects on student achievement than statistically significant positive effects. These findings are echoed in a number of other studies.” Education Justice
If for profit charter schools are not performing better than public schools why would politicians be in favor of them? The best answer I have to that question is to repeat the statement made by the infamous “Deep Throat” of Watergate fame. “Follow the Money”!
Mayor Emanuel, have you no shame?
Additional References: Edudemic.com; Washington Post;
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Call it a hobby, nick.
“I won’t have to remind you of what can happen.” Why do you “have to remind me.” Is it a compulsion over which you are powerless? Is that your employment? Is it a personal mission? A spiritual one? Since it must have happened close to a hundred times it seems obsessively compulsive. There are behavior modification programs that have some degree success. Obviously, your singular plan to date has been an abject failure. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again expecting a different result. Good night to all. Blackhawks are Stanley Cup Champs! Bruins played them tough, just not tough enough. It was nice to see 2 of the original 6 in the finals. If it went 7, I was going to try and get tix for game 7 to take my son. One of the few Colombian NHL fans in the world.
And good point about a diversified customer base, too. All your eggs in one basket can lead to scrambled eggs.
Bron,
Autonomy can be part of that, but some don’t do well in self-governing situations. I’m all for autonomy for people who can work that way. In fact, I was talking about that with a friend the other day. He’s been starting a business out of his home and he’s finding it hard to work at this point now that certain projects that lent themselves to isolation are coming to an end. Without those hyper-focused projects, too much isolation and not having a discrete place to relax is wearing on him. But instead of folding, he’s going to get office space so he’s got a discrete home and discrete work area. Even in autonomy, sometimes the solution is structure. If people can impose that upon themselves, then they’ll be successful in an autonomous work environment be it at home or an office or a workshop. If not? They’re usually better off with someone else giving them a structured environment. Not everyone is suited to be a Chief, they’re happier as warriors.
If you’re tired of the word “banned” then start complying with the civility rule, nick, and I won’t have to remind you of what can happen if you refuse to comply with it.
Refusal to follow it can get you banned, cast out, deported, discarded, discharged, dislodged, dismissed, dispelled, driven away, ejected, eliminated, eradicated, evicted, excluded, excommunicated, exiled, expatriated, expulsed, extradited, gotten rid of, isolated, ostracized, ousted, outlawed, proscribed, relegated, removed, rusticated, sequestered, shaken off, or shut out.
I got others too, but they all mean the same thing.
“What’s in a name? that which we call a rose
By any other name would smell as sweet;”
Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Sc. II, by William Shakespeare
Gene H:
you are right on that. If you give people freedom to do their work, they will be happy. I should say autonomy.
nick:
that isnt only the problem with blue collar people, I knew an engineer once who had 2 clients and had 10-12 people working for him. Whoops, they both went belly up.
Go wide and go deep. You need clients from many industries and a few of each. If more than 20% of your business is coming from one source, you better go find some more business.
AY, I’m tiring of the word “banned.” My wife, who just published her first novel, Taken For Granted, available on Amazon, was meticulous about not using the same words over and over again. In the interest of mere sanity I suggest , excluded, forbidden, proscribed, interdicted and prohibited be used instead of the incredibly lame “banned.” You are direct and cordial. And..when someone is gone for awhile you always welcome them back. You’ve done that w/ me a couple times and I find it encouraging and positive.
nicke:
when you get your Quixote group together here is a recommendation for your theme song:
Bron, Ct. is famous for tool and die shops, from small shops to large ones. Colt firearms hired some of the best Tool and Die operators, among them my Uncle Nick. My buddies who became tool and die makers were the “greasers” w/ real smarts. A couple also had entrepreneurial abilities and opened their own shops. The problem w/ that was they would sometimes become dependent on a large customer. It that customer moved, went out of biz, or just got a better deal then the small shop owner was just left holding their own dick. I learned from that when I started my own biz. Although a professional agency I am blue collar to my bone and never became too dependent on one law firm, insurance co., corp.. govt. agency. etc.
Bron,
You’re right about that. College isn’t for everyone and we do have a shortage of skilled tradesmen. However, part of the problem with colleges is misdirection, misapplication and a fundamental lack of understanding of the job markets related to certain majors. Take something like art history for example. It’s basically a requisite to be a museum curator. But how many art history majors go on to be museum curators? 1 in 1500? 1 in 3000? There aren’t that many curator positions open at any one time. Or maybe they are studying art history simply because they like the subject. If you’re going to do that, I agree, be autodidactic and teach yourself or maybe take a couple of courses without completing the degree just for fun.
The skilled trades though are all honorable honest professions. I’ve never understood the stigma that they have with some. We need welders and plumbers and machinists to make society run just as much as we need doctors, lawyers and professors.
And I think too many kids are brought up thinking money is the primary goal in life. Be good at what you do and enjoy what you do and the money will come. But you can’t buy job satisfaction.
nick:
I dont know, I have read some stuff that leads me to believe that Putin is more free market than Obama.
Robinh is right about this country going to the dogs and right about fascism.
But wrong about some other things. For example some ivy league schools will pay full tuition to anyone who can get in. But everybody isnt ivy league material and I dont think everyone is made for college. I dont understand why people think college is some great doorway to prosperity. I know welders and plumberes who make more than most family practice doctors.
And if you can operate the machines in a tool and die shop? The sky is nearly the limit.
I have read stories where many manufacturing companies have to teach people rudimentary math and english skills before they can hire them. And these arent inner city children.
People should learn a trade and get educated by reading the great thinkers of history. Then go to college if you are so inclined.
I wish I would never have gone, I never had a problem making money until I got a college degree. Most of the guys I know who are wealthy, hire college boys to do their work for them. Those guys are plumbers and welders and contractors. College boys are a dime a dozen, a good welder, carpenter or electrician is hard to find.
Nick,
History is anything of the past by definition…. If you’re asking if there’s animosity…. Not from me… I’m direct to the point and rarely mince words or play games…. I usually stand up for the underdog..and… Try and be cordial….
The way I see it… You’re the target…. Maybe your own doing…maybe not….
history /ˈhɪst(ə)ri/, n.,
2: the whole series of past events connected with a particular person or thing
All of the long time posters at this blog have history with one another.
robinh,
Thank you for your concern, however, if nick gets banned it will be based entirely upon his consistent refusal to follow the blog’s civility policy. I know exactly what I’m doing as does Mike. There are methods behind our madness too. 😀 It has been stated that the only person who can ban is the Prof and he will only ban for a very limited set of offenses. Any decision he makes will be based on the contents of nick’s postings as they relate to the rules.
If someone wants to blame me? I don’t care.
AY, I’ve been told there is some history between you and Gene. It appears there is “history” between Gene and a number of people. All I can say is I wish this obsession w/ Gene and Mark would end. I have little doubt this stupid male posturing keeps many women from posting and we DESPERATELY need their perspective for balance. I really am trying to be a good boy. But I may have to prepare myself for coming to terms w/ “I’m bbbbbad, bbbbbbad, bad to the bone.” I’m not making fun of stutterers, just for the record.
Elaine, I understand you have much more important commitments to family. But good to hear from you. I was dubbed an “ass kisser” yesterday so I’ll just leave it @ that.
Still avoiding the question of which part was a lie, I see. Or answering Darren’s question about your recruitment post. Evasion is only an effective tactic if the one you are avoiding isn’t relentless.
Really, if you think being reminded of the rules is psychological torture, nick? Then maybe you should just follow the rules and avoid the torture. It’s that whole “action/consequence” thingy.
Im gonna stick my 3 1/2 cents in here since im not a regular in the sense of posting but i have been here for a number of years and have read all of your blogs and comments. to Mr Gene H and Mr Mike S i propose you put up an imaginary ignore button for certain individuals because there is a reason for them constantly flouting the rules and coming after you both in the 3rd,4th and 5th person and that is attention. not only attention but the minute that individual gets banned by Mr Turley the blame will be placed on both of you on all other blogs.
there is a method to the madness my mother used to say. ” its alright to talk yourself but when you begin to answer yourself its time to seek help” that individual does what he does to get your attention and get you both to respond. he knows exactly what he is doing as does anyone else who has been around for a good length of time and realizes that. ive been around for a good 5+ years again not always able to comment but i definitely read it or have it read to me blogs and all comments. once you begin to ignore them they will have to move on eventually but for right now since your responding they will continue to flout the rules with the hopes of blaming you should they finally get banned
Bron, I had an Uncle Lawrence. He was a sweet guy. This was back in the 1960’s. He would say the same things over, and over and over and over and over and over, etc. again. My dad thought he had been recruited by the Soviets to practice psychological torture. You don’t think Putin’s people got to Gene do you?
The newly-sanctioned voucher system will intensify class and social distinctions. The top schools will be reserved for the wealthiest layers of society who can pay to send their children to elite private schools and academies. Next below on the totem pole will be the private and for-profit schools for middle-class and working class children, whose parents will have to work longer hours and go further into debt to scrape together thousands of dollars to pay tuition costs. At the very bottom will be the public schools, left for the poorest and most disadvantaged working class students. Unable to do little to help working class youth develop learning skills, the role of these schools will be little more than training lower-class students for low-paying jobs.
Beginning at the time of the American revolution, part of the genius of the nation has been the right to public education, based on the idea that all children, regardless of economic or social status, race, religion or ethnic background, be guaranteed government-paid, quality education. Founding fathers such as Jefferson favored the establishment of government-funded “free schools” in opposition to the aristocratic system in Europe, where education was limited to the wealthiest layers of society and largely overseen by the Church.
“Teachers, their unions under attack, are becoming as replaceable as minimum-wage employees at Burger King. We spurn real teachers–those with the capacity to inspire children to think, those who help the young discover their gifts and potential–and replace them with instructors who teach to narrow, standardized tests. These instructors obey. They teach children to obey. And that is the point.”
Chris Hedges, Why the United States Is Destroying Its Education System, truthdig.org, 4/10/2011
https://www.commondreams.org/headline/2013/01/07-4
http://www.hermes-press.com/education_index.htm
ALL TOLD IN THE DESTRUCTION OF AMERICAN EDUCATION… NONE OF IT IS FOR THE BENEFIT OF OUR CHILDREN AND NEVER REALLY WAY.. WISH I KNEW THEN WHAT I KNOW NOW!!!!