from JK
When I have a question about what my children are doing in school I contact their teacher(s). I’ve not had to take any steps beyond that so far, as I’ve found that the teachers in Woodstock have responded to the questions I’ve asked. If I were not satisfied, contacting a building administrator would be my next step. If my questions/concerns were still not addressed to my satisfaction, I would next contact Dr. Baran, and, if necessary, the BOE.
This forum is a great place to exchange ideas and make arguments (in the scholarly sense) about policies and procedures. In the end, it’s just a bunch of people who toss ideas around. I appreciate the fact that Kevin posts here regardless of whether I agree with him. But he should not be expected to make any sort of policy statements – the BOE Chair is responsible for BOE statements and explanation of policies, and Dr. Baran is responsible for WPS public statements and explanation of policies.
I’m pretty confident that Kevin does not need me, or anyone else to stick up for him – but it would be inappropriate for him, when “backed into a corner” to explain BOE policies, curriculum, or any other official position. Again, that is the role of the BOE Chair and/or the superintendent.
It is wholly appropriate for parents and taxpayers to inquire about the WPS curriculum. This is not the place to get answers.
As for evaluating student achievement in art, music, dance, and other areas besides “the three R’s”, it can, should, and is being done. Just as we can measure student achievement in math, science, reading, writing, or whatever subject, we can evaluate student achievement in the arts. As an example, we can assess a student’s ability to add fractions with different denominators. We can also assess a student’s ability to play a scale on an instrument, to draw a 3-dimensional figure, or to sing a musical phrase in tune.
We can also expect students to identify behaviors that would cause another student to feel bullied, uncomfortable, or upset. The idea of character development as a curricular subject is fairly new. I suspect that many school districts are struggling to make effective programs to address school atmosphere, and I also believe that there are some very effective programs out there. Questioning is fair, and necessary. Just make sure you a re questioning the right people and are listening to answers, and are part of the solution. It’s very easy to be an “innocent questioner”. Schools depend on parents not just questioning and asserting opinions. There is a difference between asking questions in order to find out information in order to be a part of the educational system and asking loaded questions.
Thanks JK,
Thank you, this is exactly correct. I come here to answer general questions but as my disclaimer states I do not and cannot act in any official capacity here. What I can convey is the content of board meetings and the history as I know it. The best answer for implementation questions for particular programs is always the superintendent’s office or your child’s teacher for individual concerns. If you have a policy concern that you want addressed by the board you best recourse is to write a letter to the board as a whole. I cannot speak for them, I am only one vote of nine. Even the chair has to be careful when speaking in an official capacity that he is sure he is representing the will of the majority of the board.
The best I can ever do as far as “official action” is pass along people’s concerns to the superintendent or the board chair to possibly take up as an agenda item. I think most people recognize that but it never hurts to reiterate that fact.
Having said that, I do take what most people say here (such as Newcomer and even A Tax despite my grousing about his abrasive persona) as serious feedback but I never leave here half cocked. At the end of the day how things are decided is with mutual conversation and discussion with fellow board members in open meetings. Public feedback is always welcome as a factor in decision making but it is never the only factor.
Thanks,
Kevin
This post represents my personal opinions and in no way should be considered an official act of the BoE or that I am speaking on behalf of the BoE in any way.