 |
 |
|
|
 |
|
October 2009
Categories
|
September 2009Sensing summer was on its last legs, I headed for the hills last weekend before they became cloaked in white. I aimed high -- specifically 12,276 feet high, the elevation of Washington's second-tallest peak, Mount Adams. Under overcast skies, classes started today at the University of Washington for the fall quarter. I'm told the projected enrollment for freshmen is down slightly this year at just under 5,300 first year students. That is mainly by design; the university accepted fewer applications this year in an attempt to help manage the bottom line amid budget cuts totaling more than $70 million. ...President Barack Obama had some interesting things to say this weekend regarding the importance of parental involvement in our education system. Rather than paraphrase, I've included an excerpt from his speech to the Congressional Black Caucus: ...The way students are assigned in the Seattle School district has been a hotly contested debate for decades. Unlike many districts, Seattle currently has what is called an "open enrollment" policy. That is, parents at every grade level have a choice in what school their child attends no matter where it is in the district. Some like it, some don't. ...In today's transient society it isn't uncommon for children to change schools at least once in their academic career. Experts say there are a variety of reasons that can pose a challenge to a child's academic success... and not just because the child has to make new friends, get used to a new environment or adapt to a new teacher's expectations. Additionally, they may face completely new curriculums and different scholastic standards. ...When I first heard that the Seattle School District was considering the possibility of lowering the standards to obtain a diploma I was livid. Last night the Seattle School Board heard a proposal from Superintendent Maria Goodloe-Johnson recommending that a "D" average be good enough to earn a diploma. I couldn't believe it. What were administrators thinking? Then I looked beyond the headline and did some digging. ...This week the Seattle School District is opening the doors on two new "International" schools. Denny Middle School and Concord Elementary are going global. ...60 miles is a long way. This is my second year doing it, and I don't know why it surprised me again when the tears came at the finish line. I mean "Niagra Falls tears" that you think will never end. They were happy tears. I felt so much support from other people at the finish line. I just want to curl my aching muscles in a corner somewhere, but these walkers finish -- and then get back out on the road to cheer the rest of us to the finish lin... 43 miles down. It feels crazy to walk that far. But if that's true -- I'm surrounded by 2,000 certifiably crazy people, passionate for a cure for breast cancer. ...The first day is done -- and my feet feel exactly like they've been dragged across 21 miles of pavement. Only two days and 39 miles to go. I'm not normally a fan of governmental committees. I find they tend to do a lot of studying and not much decision making. Still, I'm hoping a group that has begun work to address the achievement gap in our state will actually come up with a solution to the problem. ...
Like most kids, my daughter hates doing her homework. Hates it. Loves school, hates homework. Tuesday, she came home from school anxious to get started on it. Given that this attitude is a departure from her usual attitude toward schoolwork - I decided to ask why. |
