Leaked! The EIA Grading Policy Committee List
Submitted by Allen Gwinn on Sun, 08/24/2008 - 17:09.
A week ago, the stories about the new grading policy dominated the media. On Tuesday, it was learned that the District formed a committee charged with drafting the new policy.
The following people, according to the District, drafted the controversial policy.
Click here to view the list.
Grading Regulations: For the Record
Alliance/AFT was asked to appoint three teachers to the EAI Regulation Committee. We did so. One of the three was David Lee.
An email sent by David Lee, Townview teacher, informed the District that he did not wish his name to be included on any final materials. Below is part of the message he wrote to Dallas ISD:
"I was only able to attend two of the EAI Regulation Committee meetings
and I do not agree with the final policy in its entirety. I also feel
that my contributions had no impact on the final document. With that in
mind, I would be grateful if you could ensure that my name is not
included on any materials referencing the composition of the committee.
Thank you for your assistance in this matter." David Lee
Rena Honea was not appointed by Alliance/AFT to serve on the committee.
Lastly, the final regulations did not go back through the consultation process, as it should have. It went from the committee to being “finalized.”
Bottom line-
The grading regulation was determined by a committee that was heavily influenced by administration, not classroom teachers. If the committee composition had been in reverse with a majority of classroom teachers, the outcome would have been very different.
Aimee Bolender
Alliance/AFT
August 25, 2008
Big Surprise
I see a lot of "Executive Directors" and "Counselors" and "Academic Coordinator" and "Principal" all of who aren't in a classroom and god only knows how long since they have actually stepped foot in a classroom.
Not to mention the fact that some of the principals that they picked aren't the brightest lights on the Christmas tree as it is.
NO SURPRISE
I'll say it again...DISD has no logic. I know of Principals and Associate Principals in schools, NOT qualified for the titles they serve. Makes perfect sense to go outside the box and ask everyone but teachers how to best solve a problem, they themselves face everyday. Would you go to a plumber if your house needed rewiring? DISD would and they could make you believe they were the best ones for the job, too !
Just admit it Coach... The District's too big and you can't handle it. School just started and already making everyone mad. Here we go, another LONG Board Meeting. How many surprises will there be this year?
Claiming ownership
Someone on the DMN blog last week noticed that the original briefing of the changes didn't state who was on the committee.
You have to ask why.
Ask why comments weren't solicited, ask why the trustees didn't know in advance, ask why the teachers weren't told until the last minute.
Even Dallas Achieves! Lists their members, and you know what? You guys should look at their membership. Notice all the "usual suspects," the status quo that is represented on a group that supposedly wants to change DISD.
The List
There's a possibility that some on the list didn't know they were on it. It has also been reported that many (if not most) on the list never attended a meeting.
Unaware of the list?
Wait a minute. Are you saying that the DISD would create a committee with people on it that don't go to the meetings? Unheard of! Never! No way, dude!
Where was this reported?
However, there are always sign in sheets for these meetings. That could also be requested. If many did not attend, then was it really a valid grouping to make such a major change for all of DISD?
Since most of the changes made were supposed to address the dropout problem that begins in 9th grade, but all the controversial portions were later to be said to be only for "2-5th grade," you have to go back and ask again: Why was this done?
Maybe this thing exemplifies to the public how things are done in DISD. Maybe this explains a lot.
Still, I am waiting to hear how AFT acted like they were kept out of the loop when they were so much in the middle of it. THAT is how the teachers get represented?
Also, two teachers from the same high school, Townview, one that probably has the LOWEST drop out rate? Does that make sense at all?
The List
Hmm...must be someone new to the District who typed it up the list...Townview spelled Town View, not once but twice!