The Delusions Within Campbell Brown's Mind

Everyone's favorite ed deformer, Campbell Brown is back in the Daily News today sharing her thoughts on the op-ed pages. This time she is attempting a new tact, claiming she is not attacking teachers at all but rather tenure. Yeah, sure. Let's have a looksee.

Campbell blabbers; The tenacious New York parents who are challenging the state in court have one goal in mind: ensuring that all of our public school children have good teachers.

No, not true. This is about two things. Control and publicity. Campbell has seen one too many Hilary Swank movies, and NYC Parents Union and their leader Mona Davids flies in which ever direction the wind blows. Throw enough money at Mona and she will drop the suit like a hot potato.

As for Mona's Minion, Sam Pirozzolo, if he was so interested in the plight of children why then, as a commenter in this blog post wrote of Sam; 

Wasn't it in 2007 that Sam joined the CEC? What did he do in those seven years to help get incompetent teachers out of schools. (People who work in schools know that thousands without the required skills leave each year.)

I understand that Sam was at the forefront of the DOE mob trying to lynch Francisco Portelos, but the issue there was never competence. We should look at Sam's record on the CEC to determine if tenure or teacher competence was ever an issue, or if this lawsuit is just another stunt to keep his political hopes alive.

 As for Campbell saying that public school children should have good teachers, one wonders what became of her and hers that used to claim that all children deserve great teachers? See, Campbell and her ilk can't make up their minds.

They know that research confirms the single greatest in-school factor in a child’s academic success is a good teacher.

Now we're into the greatest factor "in-house" is just a good teacher? Seems to us here at SBSB that not too long ago Campbell and her ilk were once claiming that the greatest influence in a child's education is a great teacher. What gives? 

So when opponents claim this lawsuit is an attack on teachers and their rights, that argument is more than disingenuous.

No, it is not disingenuous. It's true. Like the calls for divestment in Israel is an afront to Jews and Israeli's, to the far right attacking all Muslims, Campbell and her ilk are attacking teachers. Yet, Campbell and Mona, we are sure, will claim that the recent recent Hobby Lobby Supreme Court decision and Rush Limbaugh's birth control spiels are an attack on all women, right (Just for the record, none of us here at SBSB support the Supreme Court decision nor Rush Limbaugh's comments)?

Under New York law, schools must decide after just three years whether teachers are granted tenure — a supreme level of job protection that can amount to permanent employment.

Three years is an eternity. In fact, cops and firefighters in NYC are off probation after 18 months. And please stop saying permanent employment. There is no such thing. I have spoken with friend who work for NYPD, FDNY, DSNY, and it is just as difficult to terminate one of them.

State law makes it nearly impossible to dismiss teachers who have been identified as ineffective.

The system works if there is true incompetence. The system is abused by administrators who lie and cheat. Is it not up to the employer to make sure there is a paper trail. Yet, we are still awaiting Campbell to explain what is ineffective. In fact in a tweet to me the other day, a deformer said that one of the qualities of an ineffective teacher is a teacher that "leaves when the school day ends." Really?

And in times of layoffs, the teachers who get priority to keep their jobs are those with seniority, regardless of how well they teach.

Same with cops, firefighters, sanitation workers, parks employees, etc... Sorry but the is the fairest method. It makes sure there is no favoritism or politics. 

Put together, those three provisions hurt our ability to ensure that every child in the state has an effective teacher. Yes, there are other important steps to improve strong teacher quality and equity, including better starting salaries and higher pay for teachers in the most in-demand fields.

So, throwing money at teachers and all will be fine? What about respect, ending the harassment, smaller class size, materials, a real curriculum? Why isn't Campbell asking and advocating for these? 

But what has driven parents into action is a system of laws that knowingly undermines success.

A few parents. Parents that are part of a cult of personality and parents that are manipulated. 

So let us dispense with the absurd: Seeking good teachers for all does not mean you are somehow going after teachers. It means you are working to end laws that are not in the interests of children.

Tenure does protect children. It gives teachers the ability to advocate and speak out for what is right for the children.

Has Campbell bothered to read Arthur Goldstein's Daily News column the other day? Or what about in 2008-2009 when I kept reporting to OSI that the AP at PS 154, Derrick Townsend was physically abusing students? OSI did nothing, I wrote about the absurdities going on at the time. Or when I went on FOX5 to report the abuses? I never would have been able to do what I did, nor what Arthur does and countless like him, if there was not tenure.

In fact, some of those who feel strongest about removing incompetent teachers are other teachers themselves.

Who? Which teachers? Educators 4 Excellence?

The lawsuit is not intended to erode any teacher’s right to due process. And it will not.

Oh yes it is.

For starters, all teachers, with or without tenure, have a baseline of due process rights.

Yes, we will agree to that to a point. The problem is, teaching is an art, teachers are artisans. What one might see as ineffective teaching, another might see as good teaching.

One student, or one parent might think that Mr X is the best teacher ever while another student and parent might think Mr X is horrible.

I love Jackson Pollack. My wife, an artist detests his work. Who is right?

...the goal here is only to make sure that system actually makes sense, without undercutting our kids’ constitutional rights.

But going after a teacher's Constitutional rights, that's OK? See, Campbell wants teachers that are accused of sexual and physical abuse to NOT be afforded any Constitutional rights. Even if they are found not guilty, or penalized without being terminated, she wants the "verdict" to be overturned by the chancellor. How then is that due process?

One more thing. Maybe I am missing something, and if I am wrong will admit it, but where in the New York State Constitution does it give any credence to what Mona, Sam, and Campbell or attempting to do?

The nation’s top school official, Education Secretary Arne Duncan, has summed it up well: Tenure itself is not the issue.

Whew! Arne is mentioned, then this must be a good idea!

Job protections for effective teachers are vital to keep teachers from being fired for random or political reasons.

Where? Does Campbell mean this, which RiShawn Biddle was so good to share with me.

@SoBronxSchool @HowardMaffucci @NYCParentsUnion @SPirozzolo @hamletgarcia17 Here we go. http://t.co/Zd3UD74gCk #edreform
— RiShawn Biddle (@dropoutnation) July 19, 2014

What RiShawn and Campbell fail to realize, as well as Minion Sam Pirozollo and his handler Moan Davids fail to realize is who exactly is and is not covered by the above. Read on; 

The disciplinary procedures described below are those set forth in statute. The contracts negotiated between State employee unions and the Governor's Office of Employee Relations have substituted "Contract Disciplinary Procedures" for these provisions. Thus, the following information applies mainly to Managerial/ Confidential employees and persons not in a negotiating unit or subject to the Taylor Law. 

 

How can so many people just be so clueless and so in love with their thoughts inside their heads?  

 

The parents behind the New York case are fighting for effective teachers. No one should undermine them by misrepresenting their motivations.

No, the parents of New York are being used as pawns by Campbell Brown, Sam Pirozzolo, and Mona Davids. Hey, it's a triumvirate. A triumvirate is a group of 3, like...Robbie, Chip, and Ernie? Nope. Athos, Porthos and Aramis? No. Patty, Maxene, and Laverne? Nope, not them. Ah, Moe, Larry, and Curly.
Campbell Brown, Mona Davids, and Sam Pirozzolo are undermining the parents of New York State. They, and only them, are using parents and students by giving them false promises, false hope, and it is them that are creating the problem. Veraga is such a weak case that is almost a certainty to be overturned. 

 

Just remember where Mona got her bread buttered. Remember that Sam Pirozzolo did nothing, absolutely nothing to improve District 31 or advocate for students at MS 31. And not only does Campbell Brown have this innate fantasy of teaching is, but she has stayed silent as thousands of children in Iraq have been maimed and killed due to decisions her husband, Dan Senor, was involved in. If she is so for the kids, where was she for the children of Iraq?

 

John King of Comedy Befouls the Ideals of Martin Luther King

Today is Martin Luther King Day. I was only 4 years old when he was assassinated and have no memory of him at all. But I do know one thing. He was a transformative figure for this country.

King is in the same echelon as Lincoln, Washington, Jefferson, FDR, Jefferson, Madison. He dared to think outside the box and took on the establishment and did what was right even though it was unpopular to those is power.

So how is MLK Day celebrated? By Commissioner of Education John King being as blatantly incorrect about King's legacy and what he would have wanted as the Tea Baggers are as blatantly incorrect about the Founding Fathers and Ronald Reagan.

John King of Comedy today shared with all in today's Daily News how a just found recording of MLK giving a speech to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address is tied into today's efforts to transform public schools. I truly do not see the connection.

His comedieness blabbers; true equality of opportunity remains elusive — in no small part because we as a country have not yet found a way to provide all of our children with an education that prepares them for success in college and careers.

Yet, we are reverting back to separate but equal forms of education in this country. Your boss, Governor Andy has cut education spending in the state, capped property taxes, yet charter schools are raking in millions upon millions from wealthy "do gooder" benefactors and flaunt their advantages in co-located schools. 

Schools are being closed left and right with no true formula to decided whether or not they are failing. Left to the whim of mayors and politicians, closing schools tears at the fabric of communities pitting neighbors against neighbors for the crumbs that are left over.

King of Comedy spews forth; As a teacher and principal, I was driven each day by the conviction that while we cannot ignore and indeed must address the challenges posed by economic hardship, inadequate access to healthcare, housing and the like, the single best tool we have to advance opportunity is education.

OK, King of Comedy taught for what, three years? Was a charter school principal/founder? So when and where did he not have to be concerned about having students who were not with him that were only in school because both they and their parents were enthusiastic about education? The deck was stacked. What percentage of ELL's and Special Ed. students did he have? Discipline problems? How many students was King of Comedy involved in counseling out? 

As for that education is the best opportunity for students to advance in this world, yeah that is a very good point. But it can't be done in a vacuum. Would it not be a bummer as a child if you lived in dilapidated housing, lacked preventative medical care, did not eat a proper diet, had diabetes, had asthma, lived in a home in which parents did not care for you? Remember, not making excuses here, but laying out facts. 

Inadequate health care, housing, economic hardships contribute to poor educational experiences. Just like a batter, who can't hit a ball unless his feet, legs, and hips go into the swing.

And the essence of education comes down to the interaction between teacher and student and the rigor and richness of the work in which they are engaged.

Essence? See, I can't take this seriously. Who is King of Comedy, General Ripper? Too weird. But the interaction between the teacher and the student is what makes education? In what way? Oh, the rigor and the richness. 

But what is rigor? Seems the only rigor the students are receiving in New York State is rigor mortis. Richness? You mean like a well rounded liberal arts college education? How is this possible when all that is concentrated on in school is the Math and ELA exams? What about the arts? What about social studies? Science? Health? Physical Education? Just having some gosh darn fun?

The efforts of the Board of Regents to implement new college- and career-ready standards

What is college ready and which colleges are we getting them ready for? Same with career ready? Explain, someone, anyone, what career ready means. At what ages is this decided?

to improve the training, evaluation and support of teachers and principals are about exactly that.

ROTAFLMAO!! Yeah, sure. 

 

 The new Common Core standards are different from past standards efforts because they were explicitly backwardassed-engineered 

Fixed.

They were developed by asking primary and secondary educators, higher education faculty and business leaders: What are the skills students must have to succeed in college and in the 21st century economy?

To paraphrase Rodney Dangerfield from the movie, "Easy Money," where were the regular guy or gal teachers involved in this endeavor? Name the names and organizations involved and who had the most to benefit?

A skilled educator, for example, could build a fascinating lesson from the newly discovered audio recording of King’s speech. Why did he deviate from the written text in certain places? Why did he emphasize some words and phrases over others? How does this speech compare with his Letter from Birmingham Jail or his “I Have a Dream” speech?

To build a lesson on this we need Common Core, to waste all this money on Common Core? Wouldn't a few good PD sessions do the same? In fact at what age does King of Comedy anticipate such fascination?

At a recent community forum in Brooklyn on the Common Core, parents described to me their experiences graduating from high school thinking they were prepared, then arriving on a college campus only to be told that they had to take numerous remedial classes. With great urgency and conviction, each of these parents explained that they wanted something better for their child.

This has absolutely nothing to do whether or not Common Core is implemented. It has so much to do with the parents, the curriculum in the school, and being challenged.

One thing I have noticed throughout my years teaching, and especially since my son has been in school is that what is taught in NYC is fare behind here in the suburbs? My theory? It's not the teacher's faults. It's the ridiculous curriculum they are given. The city wishes to dumb down everything. 

The Common Core offers a path to the precise reading, writing and thinking skills that will help propel their children and children across the state to success.

 

Prove it! Bill Gates said this was an experiment and would have no idea if it works for ten years.

Yet some now want us to delay, or even abandon, our efforts to raise standards.

Give the people what they want. The parents of New York State and the local school districts know what is best for our children. Not the King of Comedy, not Washington DC, not Bill Gates, but the parents, educators, and communities know what is best. The people have been speaking and the King of Comedy is ignoring. 

 

Career and college ready is bogus. What kind of careers? I keep hearing that we have to keep up with China and India. That over 2 billion people! The vast majority of them make $5 a day, if that. They have no safety regulations, are not allowed to collectively bargain, their countries are run by oligarchs. Hey, wait, maybe that is the sum game of Common Core. To keep the vast majority ignorant and just barely out of reach of being successful so that they will toil for the elite of this country.

If it isn't then we are still being forced to be all the same. I graduated at 18. I had a great education in high school offered to me in high school, I just chose not to take advantage of it. I played musical colleges, WCC, Mercy, WCC, SUNY-Alfred, Corning Community College, and finally SUNY- Purchase. I was and still am smarter than the top tier of students in my high school. Being book smart and being able to write great does not make you smart. Some of the brightest people I know if dropped in the middle of the woods with nothing would be able to get out or start a fire. They would start crying in 45 minutes. Common Core can't teach that. 

As far as being career ready, again that needs explanation. In 1st grade I wanted to be an astronaut. My son in 1st grade wanted to sell ice cream. Now he wants to play Major League Baseball. He's a left-handed hitting catcher. Should he now forgo academics and just concentrate on baseball?

Hey, hey, hey ...
Give the people what they want

House of Cards

John Deacon's house of cards just might be starting to fall. This is inevitable. Anytime you create something and at its root are lies, subterfuge, duplicity, when you create your own reality, the foundation will eventually start showing cracks and it will all crumble. It is starting to happen. Look what happened to Nixon.

The first salvo has been fired. Our district rep and the safety rep from the Bronx UFT came in on Thursday. The district rep, Mrs Claus truly understands the contract and when she fights for you goes all out. Unfortunately, and we as a chapter feel that at times, she picks and chooses her battles. On the other hand the safety rep, Lara Croft has a take no prisoners mentality, believes that the proverbial foot should be pressed on the proverbial neck and you don't let up until you get what you want. That there are no gray areas. Mrs Claus feels this way to most of the time, but when things get as desperate as they have at my school there is no time for talking, only time for action.

Which brings us to this coming Monday. There is a grievance hearing at DOE offices on Chambers St. This is concerning the lack of the SAVE room, which according to New York State education law and chancellor's regulation A-443 we MUST have. This is not open to interpretation. So why does John Deacon not settle this? It, at least it should be, open and shut. Whatever John Deacon says it will be a lie. My prediction: It is settled before a ruling. They don't want to leave a messy trail of a precedent. But if we win, this will be in my estimation, just the beginning. And this is not a victory for the teachers, this will be a victory for the children. The children will start coming first in the school. Because right now the children aren't. The only people being taken care of is the administration of the school. They are looking only to bolster their egos, their self esteem, to justify their own meaningless existence. They do not care one iota about the children in my school.

The only people in that school who care, who truly give of themselves and want to make a difference are the teachers of my school. They are all very good teachers. But we are getting tired of being pissed on, of being treated like chattel, of seeing people in positions of authority that not only don't have the skills to be in their positions, but don't lead, or earn our respect.

But we need to stick together as a chapter. John Deacon has tried to divide and conquer the chapter. We need to hold steadfast, to look out for one another, to keep the foot pressed on the throat. Too often we get teachers who are afraid, which I understand, because they do not have tenure. But when you stand up for yourself not only can you look at yourself in the mirror, but the bully will back down. Not to get mushy here, but I believe that if your motives are pure, that if you are on the side of right that God will always look out and take care of you. OK, end the sappy background music.

Keep filing the grievances, file all paperwork that we must, keep your feet firmly planted in the ground. The squeaky wheel always gets oiled. Or as they say in Brooklyn, "erled". Funny, huh?

Bomb Threat Update!

There has been slew of inquiries as any resolution in The Case of the Mad Bomber. Before I go on I wish to clear up any perceived ambiguities. Even though the Mad Bomber did not officially maker a threat of using a bomb, his words; "I want to blow up the school" do convey the wish and the use of using a bomb in the blowing up of the school. So no matter how you slice it, it is still a bomb threat.

He was outside yesterday and today for lunch. No penalty, no foul. No phone call home, no call to the local precinct, no call to the DOE, no call for Chinese takeout, nothing. I am somewhat curious as to why such a piss poor response is taken. Surely, there is a slight disturbance in the Mad Bomber that some kind of preventative measures, at the very minimum, should be taken. But perhaps I speak in haste. I should not put the proverbial cart before the proverbial horse. Could it be the Mad Bomber learned his lesson and swore off ever again making bomb threats?

Not! Yeah, the Mad Bomber and Alfred E Neuman this morning, before school, opened their mouths about how they wish to blow up the school. Now mind you this is unconfirmed at press time, but the crack team here at SBSB are working the phones and their sources to bring to you, our readers the facts and facts only. But as Mr Spock once said, "rumor has its basis in fact."

I guess it really does not matter anymore what the students do or say. There are no consequences anymore especially since John Deacon issued an edict that there must be two witnesses per DOE rules for a student to dealt with in a disciplinary manner. Where exactly might I find those rules? I think John Deacon must have this mixed up with treason. In the Constitution Article 3, section 3 clearly states:

Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort. No Person shall be convicted of Treason unless on the Testimony of two Witnesses to the same overt Act, or on Confession in open Court.

By the way, that is how Aaron Burr avoided getting convicted for treason in 1807.

As I see it John Deacon interprets chancellor's regs and state law to John Deacon's own liking, and mistakes DOE law for the United States Constitution. I am so confused. What is next, rallying the black shirts from the balcony?

Now I understand the daily martial music in the morning.

Time For The Exposing

Get your minds out of the gutter. Sickos. Think exposing only means one thing. Well keep it to your mind. The exposing I meant was it is time to reveal all those cryptic little doo-dads I have been leaving at the end of each post for a week or so. But let's review.

What do J D Salinger, Andy Kaufman, Thomas Pynchon, Brian Wilson, Prudence, Doris Day, and Bill Waterson all have in common? Anyone figure it out? They are all famous recluses. Yes, even Andy Kaufman. I don't care what is said I still believe he is alive and well and having a great laugh. Does this make be mentally unfit?

But you may ponder to yourself, what does this mean to me. Why references to recluses, and eccentric recluses at that. The reason is............

That basically what our principal is. A recluse. A John Deacon (recluse bassist of Queen). Hiding out in the principal cave delegating powers to know nothing Numb Nuts. Fiddling as the school falls apart. Hoping beyond hope that if problems are not dealt with they will go away. John Deacon has failed elsewhere and now our school, a school of wonderful teachers, wonderful students, wonderful parents is being flushed down the toilet into a cesspool reeking of incompetence created by John Deacon. A student clearly states that he wishes to blow up the school? Should 911 be called, NYPD come in? NO! We need to help the student feel better, give him self esteem. He can't go outside for two weeks. F*** that!

John Deacon thinks John Deacon is above state law, chancellor's regulations and what is best for the students. And those that enable John Deacon, and those that blindly follow John Deacon are nothing but drones who have drank the Kool-Aid and are just as complicit in short changing the students. But Tweed doesn't care. Because Tweed doesn't believe in Children First.

Sorry Piggy. It'll get better.

What Will It Take?

Today Frank assaulted a boy in the yard. The boy, to no one's surprise, is much younger and smaller than Frank. Apparently another boy, Alfred E Neuman was giving the boy the business, just teasing and horseplay when Frank decided to get involved. Frank punched the boy several times, threw the boy up against the fence and attempted to throw him over the fence. There are plenty of witnesses. All ducks lined up for the hammer to come down Pretty rough, eh? I mean say you are that boy's parents would you not be concerned that a student like Frank doesn't face any serious repercussions?

And he won't! Mom was actually called and mom did say she is coming in tomorrow. I highly doubt that she will, and if she does it will be the same old song and dance. "I don't know what to do with him." Too bad. Send him up to Four Winds in Katonah, take some parenting classes, or go back in time and get spayed. Want to know the worse part of this? It was all so easily preventable.

The permissiveness in the school is like the Twilight Zone. Remember that episode with Bill Mumy, "It's a Good Life?" We don't want to piss off little Anthony. God forbid we might hurt Anthony's feelings.

As mentioned previously it is official school policy that no students are to be disciplined, other than calling home, for any and all behavior issues. Any misbehavior in the yard during lunch, that includes fighting, is not to be dealt with taking the students privileges away. Oh no! It is their social time. Can't do that.

What about the students who go to school for one reason and one reason only? To learn. Do they not have a right of freedom from fear? Or serious injury? I know I talk about discipline, but don't get me wrong. I don't want to see the school turned into a Gulag. But this lack of discipline is all for the wrong reasons. To cover asses. Simple as that. So nothing shows up, if you know what I mean, nudge, nudge. Again where is the Children First theory coming into play? They think that if they avoid the problems the problem will go away. What will it take to get the heads out of the sand?

A student to get seriously injured. Or a teacher. Unfortunately it will happen.

Hey Andy, are you goofing on Elvis? Hey baby, are we losing touch?

Dang why me being so cryptic?

In due time.

Open To Interpretation

On Wednesday when we had our illegal after school professional development in vis a vis the subversion of certain chancellor's regulations and state laws, I politely reminded Numb Nuts which regs and laws are specifically being violated. Numb Nuts blabbered back to me in his best party line, memorized, rhetoric way that the school is not in any way breaking any rules. I then reminded him that yet again he is incorrect, politely, and explained that I have more than once read the relevant regs and laws. I guess it was at this point that the hamster in the wheel started running faster because he came up with a most brilliant response.

"We have decided ourselves how to interpret chancellor's regulations and state law."

Great answer. This coming from someone who has, for lack of a better word, sworn to serve to for the betterment of children comes up with this line? And it is just not him, remember he is just parroting the party line of the politburo. Is this acceptable? Who decides which regs and laws are open to interpretation? I had always assumed it was God. But now the politburo get to pick and choose which regs and laws they have to follow? Aren't we right now in this country upset with W. and The Dick who have decided when and how to use to the Constitution for their own means? Great, now their ethics and morals have trickled down.

Starting Tuesday I choose to pick and choose which regs and laws I choose to follow. I shall arrive late, and leave when I decide. Lunch will be two hours along with the requisite two martinis in the teacher's lounge. Shaken, not stirred of course. I can, and any teacher should be able, to do anything we want!! Better yet, why not teach the students that if there is a law or anything they don't agree with, that they can decide to interpret that law or better yet not follow it at all.

This school is so Kafkaesque.


Where is Brian Wilson?

Oh the cryptic stuff again.

Stay tuned.

I Did Something Bad Today

I don't know who to turn to with this burden I have. A priest perhaps. But would he understand? I don't know my Hail Marys very well and not in the mood to do any pennence. I think that is how it is spelled. If I have to do some confessing I can be in the booth for hours and hours. Even days. But I guess I won't go to a priest.

Maybe the local barkeep would suffice. Bartenders are good people to talk to when you wish to unburden yourself. They sit there behind the bar with the apron up to their armpits and spit polish shot glasses while they listen. Sheldon Leonard was helpful to Jimmy Stewart. But I would have to keep buying drinks as I unburden myself and I don't think the local barkeep is into buybacks. Besides I see how Moe treats Barney and Homer.

I guess I should unburden myself in, in the nether reaches of cyber world. I hope whomever is reading this will not judge me to harshly. Please don't. It was just a mistake and I promise I will never ever do it again. I promise! Pinky swear too! You ready?

I put the students interests ahead of my own today. I know it was wrong. What is worse is that I had a conversation with an AP that the students were not being properly serviced, and it was not beneficial to the education process. I mentioned what was being done was in violation of state education law and the chancellor's regulations. The AP got mad at me. He huffed and he puffed and told me to mind my business and not to ever quote state education law and chancellor's regulations ever again.

I won't.








Psych!

Breaking The Rules

Two days into the new school year I have witnessed breaking, if not bending, state education law and several chancellor's regulations. What would happen if a teacher has this same flippancy towards the law?