I’m not meaning to be cryptic nor do I want to lead anyone to think the worst so I should stop all rumors right now: I. am. not. pregnant. Nope. NO WAY. As if I wanted my body re-stretched out and wonder if my liver is now taking residence up somewhere in the vicinity of my kneecap. I’m happy with the way things have landed after that last ten pounder, thankssomuch.
When districts that fall under the No Child Left Behind act don’t meet their AYP after five consecutive years, the school district has the option to restructure the district. That means that administrators can be displaced, moved, and, though I have never seen it happen, fired.
We’re in year 5.
I just got my first administrative job in the fall.
Day Two doesn’t look good. I’m thinking I’m not the only one with a new ulcer.
At least it’s not a baby.
January 24, 2008 @ 6:40 am | Filed under Education, Everyday Mundane | Permalink |
Cynthia Samuels Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 7:41 am
In the first place, you just got there so I can’t imagine you’d be considered a co-conspirator of note.
In the second place you are so committed and gifted that ANYone who knows ANYthing would keep you around.
In the third place, these things happen. I’ve been through more threatened layoffs etc etc in my working life… they are just things to ride our. Tough but, as they say, “nothing personal.”
Feel the love comin’ at you my sweet….
dawn Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 7:50 am
AYP–I am happy that i don’t have the pressures of that any more. Over the big river to the west of you, we have had two districts taken over by our state because of failure to meet AYP and other issues and lose accreditation. In those districts it was most often the administrators that had been in charge (head principals and superintendents, etc). I know how unsettling this time can be–I hope your job will be left alone as you do an amazing job. I’ll be thinking about you. Hold fast to what you believe in–it has gotten you where you are….
Love ya,
dawn
Heather B. Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 2:24 pm
You mentioned AYP and my heart did a little pitter patter. Have we discussed my feelings on AYP? And on SES? And growth models?? Have we?? Because that’s mighty entertaining let me tell you.
The schools that usually don’t meet AYP here are downstate and further upstate, like close to Canada. We have something called Contract For Excellence which usually restructures and gives more Title I funding but rarely fires. What most schools struggling to meet AYP usually need is the increased funding in order to reduce class size. The other issue is how testing is done in your LEA which I’m assuming means adding ELL students and Special Ed students right into the mix without proper evaluation which then leads to lower test scores as a cohort and then failure to make AYP. I’d be interested to know the details of how your school operates and why it continues to not make AYP. Also what teacher retention is like.
(Look at that! I DO know about something other than wine! Holy shit!)
(Can you tell that I’m education policy obsessed?? Am I that transparent.)
(MISS YOU!)
Tricia Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 3:46 pm
Well that sucks!
Elizabeth Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 4:03 pm
*Deep, calming breath*
You are valued.
You are loved.
YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
*Exhale*
*hugs*
Mrs RW Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 5:25 pm
My stomach is still churning. I work for a big hospital and we just went through a 3-part bloodbath. Every two weeks the day before payday we all hold our breath, so I know how you’re feeling (a little bit, anyway). I haven’t had a raise in 2 years but I’ve kept my mouth shut since I still had a job. My workday seems 24 hours long and I’m doing everything that I can to make sure my department keeps producing because I have 4 people under me who also like to eat regularly.
I hope you hear something soon. It’s the “not knowing” and uncertainty that’s the worst, at least for me.
On the bright side: I’ve lost 20 pounds. Stress does that to me.
Ask Wifey Said,
January 24, 2008 @ 6:36 pm
Yikes! Positive thinking would probably be good right about now. And, you’re right, I love mine dearly, but at least it’s not a baby - smiles!
Daisy Said,
January 26, 2008 @ 7:17 am
Feel free to vent my way any time you need a virtual shoulder. I hope the district Powers That Be recognize your value to the students and to their own AYP. Wishing you luck and cursing badly written legislation….
Making A Difference. Making Mistakes. | flawed but authentic Said,
February 18, 2008 @ 7:59 pm
[...] was malicious when he spewed venom toward me by stating that he was glad our district was going to the Restructuring Phase and that the superintendent knew what he was doing because I, in his view, wasn’t qualified [...]
Mocha Momma » Mr. Nasty Said,
February 18, 2008 @ 8:01 pm
[...] was malicious when he spewed venom toward me by stating that he was glad our district was going to the Restructuring Phase and that the superintendent knew what he was doing because I, in his view, wasn’t qualified [...]