KnowledgeWorks, the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) and the push for competency based learning

Seattle Education

How can I have a problem with competency based learning? This is a question I get asked quite a lot these days.

To be fair, critics of my stance usually take the time to patiently explain in the comment section how my concerns miss the point – competency based learning doesn’t have to be done online or on an electronic device; it’s all about students showing mastery.

Let me lay out my concerns.

I think the term competency based learning has multiple meanings, based on the goals of those who are using the phrase.

It’s a clever strategy to introduce an idea the public would reject outright – like students spending their time on computers rather than being taught by human teachers – and wrapping it in a concept the public does value.

Who doesn’t like the idea of students showing mastery of material in an independent, self-paced manner?

Dick…

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Delaware Senate Bill 75 Would Put The Hammer On Pimps Who Use Craigslist And Backpage For Human Sex Trafficking

Delaware Senator Bryant Richardson and State Reps Helene Keeley and Mike Ramone brought forth legislation today that could curtail many activities with human sex trafficking in Delaware.  In a sense, it could severely limit the ability of pimps to use websites such as Craigslist or Backpage to pimp out their victims.  Senate Bill 75 would strengthen Delaware code by including key words such as “advertising”, “patronizing”, and “soliciting”.  This is going after those kind of websites.  This language is already written into federal law so it is adding to what should have already been in Delaware state code.

I’m very happy to see our legislators jumping on these common sense laws to protect children and even adults who are sucked into these crimes of humanity!  For far too long, these pimps have used websites to lure johns into prostitution with people who are truly victims of the worst abuses humanity has to offer.  By adding this wording, an alleged pimp could be prosecuted for using those websites in their despicable crimes.

 

Delaware Auditor Report For Certain Eyes Only On School District Tax Rates For FY 2015 & 2016 Raises Questions

The Delaware Auditor of Accounts office released a report today on School District Tax Rates for the past two school years, Fiscal Years 2015 and 2016.  It shows many school districts receiving more in taxes than they were allowed based on the tax warrants.  While these were not huge amounts in many cases, a few districts raised red flags in my book.

But why is the tuition tax not included in this report?  Why is their no inspection by the Auditor’s office to make sure those funds are allocated where they are supposed to and not elsewhere?  This report is lacking in many details.  While it caught a few things, it is not enough.  Under Delaware state code, the Auditor’s office is failing in their fiduciary duty to perform what is required by the law.  You can blame that on funding and staffing issues for the Auditor of Accounts office but if Delaware State Code indicates a state office must perform a duty necessary to adhere to state law, the General Assembly MUST fund that office so they are able to carry out those duties.  Since they haven’t been, the General Assembly has been derelict in their duty.

What kills me is the end of the report:

This information is intended solely for the information and use of DOE and the management of the school districts.  It is not intended to be, and should not be, used by anyone other than these specified parties.  However, under 29 Del. C. 10002(1), this report is a public record and its distribution is not limited.  This report, as required by statute, was provided to the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Controller General, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Office of Management and Budget.

So how many reports are out there that the public has not seen?  I have a feeling it is quite a lot.  I smell a FOIA coming because I want to see ALL the reports that are considered public but are not listed on the Delaware Auditor of Accounts website…

Updated, 3:13pm: This is listed on the auditor’s website, but after State Rep. Earl Jaques admission that he has seen annual audits performed by the Auditor’s office for each district, I have to believe there are a ton of reports the public never sees.  Why all the secrecy?

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Delaware Teacher Of The Year Sandra Denney Hall Has An Important Message!

Sandra Denney Hall was selected as the Delaware Teacher of the Year last fall.  Today, she has an important message regarding Teacher Appreciation Week.

I hope all teachers can share something positive – a picture or video – about teaching tomorrow on #TeachLikeMe Day tomorrow, Tuesday, May 2nd! Be sure to include the hashtag #TeachLikeMe on your page!

Teach Like Me is a movement that started in Oklahoma and is now spreading through the nation. The purpose is to redefine perceptions of the educator profession by lifting up and supporting all teachers! So show your love of teaching in Delaware by sharing a picture or video tomorrow!
#TeachLikeMe

So go ahead Delaware citizens, educators, students and parents!  Share what you love about our teachers!

Last Chance For School Board Candidates To Submit Surveys

This is a final plea to all Delaware School Board candidates to get their surveys into me by midnight tonight.  Many of you are involved in a race for a board seat.  Many of your opponents already submitted their surveys.  Many of you won’t have an opportunity to reach a large part of your district by not submitting a survey.  Many teachers vote in school board elections.  Many teachers read Exceptional Delaware.  Many school board elections can have very close votes.  Do you want to prevent yourself from tipping the scales in your favor?  Get your surveys in by midnight tonight please!  You can email it to me at kevino3670@yahoo.com by midnight tonight.  The post should go up by tomorrow.  Coming back after the fact with your survey after seeing the other candidates answers will not result in my publishing your survey!  Thank you!

And yes, I would love for EVERY candidate to submit their survey.  Especially you HC!

Delaware DOE Releases Detailed School Assault Report

Last year, the Delaware 148th  General Assembly passed Senate Bill 207 with House Amendment #1.  The amendment required the Delaware Department of Education to compile a more detailed report on student on student assaults that resulted in a misdemeanor charge.  The DOE finished that report yesterday for the 2016-2017 school year.  Some of these are very vicious fights.

SECRETARY OF EDUCATION DR. SUSAN BUNTING COVER LETTER

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SENATE BILL 207 w/HOUSE AMENDMENT #1 FINAL REPORT

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