Education Reformers Alert

[Rocketman]

Agreed, Ron.  The idea of school choice had somehow never occured to many of my college students, even those with their own children.  But once they wrapped their minds around it, they sure liked the idea...

[CNHT]

Just cautioning, once again, that I worked in that kind of system for 35 years, and it did not really offer any 'choice' at all. It was an illusion.

It's up to parents to demand that it really does offer them choice I suppose, if they want it to work.

I'm sure Kate will know the difference if and when it's instituted, as to whether it was a scam or not.

I mean they have this system in Belgium -- one of the most socialist countries there is.
Where do you think our own socialist-leaning system got the idea? Europeans.

I've been the victim of enough educaiton scams that apparently I'm cynical of these things until I see what they are really like, which isn't a bad thing I suppose.

[Rosie the Riveter]

Ah, the illusion of choice...

Which peanut in the bag should I eat first...

Is that a real choice?

We soon found out it wasn't. Real choice would mean NOT gov't education.

Well, if there's even a little choice, it can mean that if a family draws the peanut that looks and smells especially like a little peanut-shaped turd, they don't necessarily have to eat it.

I think Rosie is thinking of the kids who might be "less screwed" if West became a school of choice.  And because she does the things she does, she actually has credibility with parents, the schools, and the media.  I say great work, Rosie!  If I was a kid in Manchester schools, I would be praying for this increment of reform.

Thank you for that post, Rocketman. It is very challenging to work on such a small step, but you are right -- I am going for "less screwed" -- I know the end result that I am working towards and that does keep me going.

[Rosie the Riveter]

Well, if there's even a little choice, it can mean that if a family draws the peanut that looks and smells especially like a little peanut-shaped turd, they don't necessarily have to eat it.

I think Rosie is thinking of the kids who might be "less screwed" if West became a school of choice.  And because she does the things she does, she actually has credibility with parents, the schools, and the media.  I say great work, Rosie!  If I was a kid in Manchester schools, I would be praying for this increment of reform.

I also think that parents getting used to actually having a choice can help in the long run.

Exactly -- that is where I feel like I am going with this -- Once parents and students have choices it will be very difficult to take them away -- Imagine -- They might want more choices 

[Rosie the Riveter]

Just cautioning, once again, that I worked in that kind of system for 35 years, and it did not really offer any 'choice' at all. It was an illusion.

It's up to parents to demand that it really does offer them choice I suppose, if they want it to work.

I'm sure Kate will know the difference if and when it's instituted, as to whether it was a scam or not.

I mean they have this system in Belgium -- one of the most socialist countries there is.
Where do you think our own socialist-leaning system got the idea? Europeans.

I've been the victim of enough educaiton scams that apparently I'm cynical of these things until I see what they are really like, which isn't a bad thing I suppose.

No need to caution, Jane -- I understand the system and it's inherent problems very well now. For some reason that makes me want to work on it with even more passion and diligence.

[Rosie the Riveter]

Just an update -- I am making my fourth speech on this issue on Monday night @ the School Board meeting. A bunch of city parents have joined me in strategizing, speaking out and demanding choice and I'm having a great time working on this issue.

[Quantrill]

EXCELLENT!

+1 for action!

[Rosie the Riveter]

and they took an unscheduled vote last night in favor of magnets and school choice.

[error]

and they took an unscheduled vote last night in favor of magnets and school choice. My job is done for now -- and I won...this tiny victory.

Thanks for the support.

Kate

Woohoo!!

[Rosie the Riveter]

A resounding no for redistricting city schools

By MARK HAYWARD
New Hampshire Union Leader
14 hours, 44 minutes ago

MANCHESTER ? West High School will be the future home for academies and magnet schools, a majority of school board members decided last night, rejecting out-of-hand any suggestion of redistricting or grade reconfigurations.

A West High proposal adopted by the school board also called for not redistricting Hooksett students, who some had eyed as a way to fill up West High, given the three-year phase-out of Bedford students that begins this September.

Also last night, members approved an extensive plan designed to address the "district in need of improvement" designation. They voted in a before-school care program in five elementary schools. And former Mayor Robert Baines will get his name on the West High auditorium.

With the magnet school vote, district officials said the school board no longer needs to meet with the Future of West High committee. The committee was expected to lay out three options for West next week.

Rather, Superintendent Mike Ludwell said he will have a timeline ready by May 14 for the conversion of West to a host for magnet schools.

Ludwell had initially favored a magnet school for West, but the Future of West High committee endorsed redistricting and grade reconfiguration. That created a firestorm, and several school board members last night said redistricting was out of consideration.

"It's a waste of time to sit here and listen to (a plan for) redistricting," said Kathleen Kelley, an at-large school board member.

[Rosie the Riveter]

--  "firestorm" 

You could call me that 

[error]

--  "firestorm" 

You could call me that 

One of these days I'll actually be awake and able to watch these firestorms in person.

[ny2nh]

You're definitely a firestorm!!

See you tonite -