LV Middle School - NJAsk scores lowThe NJAsk scores were low enough to put them on the State's watch list for No Child Left Behind! Math especially was low. Is the Everyday Math and Connected Math really working as the administration has touted in years past? They always pointed to the NJAsk scores as proof! I had attended the BOE meeting at the end of last year when the numbers were presented and this time they dismissed the low scores.
They introduced MAP tests for another look at how our students are doing, but there has not been any presentation to the BOE on how our students did on a Nationaly normed test! Why? The parent advisory committee wanted such a test, we got it, but besides knowing how our own children did on the test, it would nice to see the results by grade and by school (elementary). Wasn't that the purpose of the test?
I am brand new to the forum and wanted to create some awareness out there regarding our schools and what is going on.  
I was also there at the board meeting when they spoke about the results and it sure was funny how quickly the middle school results were gone over. And yes, there wasn't much concern expressed and of course there were no questions (but I could be wrong) asked by the BOE members. I would also like to clear some things up when it comes to the parent committees - only recommendations were allowed to be made but when it came down to the final decisions well, I'm sure you know how that one goes. It's funny how in the board meeting it's always "the recommendations of the parent committees". However, I do know that from their end that they are using the MAP test as a way to see how the students are doing. Hopefully, they take the middle school students scores and see that something is not working. I do believe that they would be willing to show the results by schools and grade if there is enough interest but I still think that all of this once again needs to be brought to the forefront. The BOE needs to be held accountable for the low test scores! We have been sold a bill of goods on the Everyday and Connected math programs. Your child IS NOT being taught the fundamental skills they need to learn to get into HS! The reason the test scores are low is because the students do not finish all of the work books designated for that school year. EM and CM, DOES NOT teach the fundamentals of math, parents have been cut out of the process--it is a bad program that has been rejected by many schools.
WMCHS is currently teaching remedial math classes called Algebra 1. There are no EM and CM programs for HS! There is help, check out Jill Galdstone's website NJ coalition for world Class Math, http://njworldclassmath.webs.com/
As parents we need to band together and demand that the BOE raise math standards to the Singapore levels in our K-8 schools district. We can make a difference in our children's education. Be careful what you ask for.
Washington Twp is no different than any other district in NJ.
If you want a change or proven improvement, 2 things need to happen:
1) The district will hire a consultant (generally a coworker or former associate of the school system) to conduct a feasibility study (good work if you can get it).
2) Upon acceptance of the recommendation of the feasibility study (along with the requisite "recommendations of the parent committees"), a new administrative position will be created with a salary well into the six-figure range.
Additionally, don't forget that when voice your frustration by voting down the school budget , the administration is absolutely unaffected. They have great salaries and benefits, and prove their own worth to you because, if reducing money is a requirement, it will always be a teacher or your kids favorite program that gets the ax. I have yet to see a school advisory panel recommend that maybe we don't need so many administrators and support staff.
But then again, it is "for the children".
Enjoy your taxes! They are. For the money the boe members make and the teachers make, the kids in this town should all have above par grades and test scores. maybe thay all should all take a pay cut and start paying into there owne health care like the rest of us have to do.if all the members of the NJEA were told this was going to become a true reality for them, the test scores would more than likely go up, and maybe our taxes would go down Cut it out Steve Carter, with enrollment down 251 students from 2004 the time has come for the BOE to make some tough decisions and reduce spending levels. We are currently spending ten million dollars more to educate 251 less students.
When the budget fails the Township committee will cut it down to size. The BOE is spoon fed lie after lie after lie by Leslie Schwarz. Hiring another six figure administrator IS NOT an option.
Getting rid of EM & CM will save the taxpayer money. The new Superintendent, Jeff Mohre comes from a district ( Oradel ) where their budget was constantly cut. The Oradel BOE is dissolving, Mohre's job is going away, Bergen county is getting smart they are consolidating BOE administrations--some we need to do here in LV. I want to know when everyone is going to show up to the BOE meetings and start voicing their opinions. It seems that most have given up and that it is the same people at every meeting. We have to band together and have numbers if we would like to see a change. I am so disappointed with the process that we have seen between the administrators and the BOE. Isn't the BOE supposed to be a checks and balance to the administrators? Instead it has become a closed door clique where you are not allowed to voice your opinions. And when you do you are curtly dismissed - trust me I've been there. Jules Mom of 5, there is no leader ship at the BOE. What happened to you is typical of the response you get when you challenge the BOE. The only way the BOE will listen is to get a large group of parents to go to a meeting and voice our concerns. I want to start a group of parents who want to improve math standards.
We can start by voting down the budget, and not pulling the lever for the Daily, Koop, and Rec. They will still get elected, they are unopposed. Let's send them a message by driving down their numbers. Please contact me if you are interested in taking action.
I have a new website with school news, www.wtschools.net
Your opinion is important, let your voice be heard.
Today I spoke to John Winsted about the low NJASk test scores and he gave me this website, http://education.state.nj.us/rc/rc09 The Map scores are not on the website.
Make sure you check out, http://njworldclassmath.webs.com/
Other parents across the state are fed up with EM & CM and are doing something about it.
Thank you Tom Lotito thomaslotito@verizon.net Hi Tom.
I don't know if you have had any experience working with John Winstead or not but myself and a few others were on a parent committee - invited by the administration - about a year and a half ago. When we first started working with John he seemed to have a good voice of reason but it seemed to change as the process went on (probably pressure put on him by the admin). I am curious as to what you think about what he said to you regarding the NJASK scores and what he is trying to prove by going to this website. I always feel that they are trying to defend themselves instead of taking responsibility for things that have not worked. Instead they should be looking at different options. But what Long Valley elected resident wants to admit that they made a mistake? But first and foremost, the decisions that they make are made by the BOE and administration without any input from the public. We are all highly educated members of this society and it has ultimately come down to politics and egos. I am so disappointed as I know many other people are as well - especially those who moved here for the "wonderful education system". And as for working with principals, literacy instructors, administrators and BOE members - well you can forget any kind of compromise or welcoming of ideas. I have seen them shoot down so many ideas without even giving them a thought and leaving the person who brought it up embarrassed and not ever wanting to ever say anything again - thus the lack of numbers at the BOE meetings.
As for the Math, please don't get me going. I have a son who should be a few grades ahead in math but has not been allowed ANY acceleration nor has it been allowed to ever be spoken about. Something has to be done before they get into high school. But once again, we the taxpayers, had no say when Everyday Math was being considered - and then bought without our knowledge. I am all for getting together a group of parents to bring the serious issue of our Math program upfront but I'm sure you're aware that there was a Parent Committe formed by the Administration this past year as well. Ultimately, it came down to Communication, Differntiated Learning (where?), Assessments, some traditional math and Professional Development and a Math Master Teacher (??). I am not saying the committee did not do a good job but I think their hands were tied as were ours.
I know that the BOE members will remain the same (when is someone going to run that will win and someone who will stand up to them????) but there has to be a way to repress them. And yes, this will have to be done through numbers. I was asking my friend how we could get together a group of people to begin the process. Unfortunately, I do not have the resources of people. However, I will do anything else that needs to be done to make a meeting happen. This MUST be done. Please let me know how and I am in 100%. I have been saying this for over a year now. This small group of BOE members and the administration must be changed and stood up to. I am not an overt voice but I feel a democratic voice where I will stand up for what I believe in and I will say what I need to say - especially when it comes to my children. I have had it and you bet I will be voting NO!!! at the election. Can't wait for tonight and the Budget Proposal!! Thanks for the passion. Whether I agree with everything you say or not, I am with you all the way on this one. Please let's get a group together for this cause as well before it is too late.
P.S. I wrote a letter this morning to Dr. Mohr explaining more thoughts and feelings on all of these issues. We'll see what happen :). Julesmomof 5, I hear everything you are saying, and you are 100% right about the BOE members. Other parents have expressed similar concerns, they are frustrated and don't know what to do. Let's start an e-mail chain newsletter. I have two other parents interested in putting together a group. Drop me an e-mail and I will share my plans on how we can get started.
Thank you Tom Lotito thomaslotito@verizon.net. Have you considered going to the Morris County Executive Superintendent?
I know of a problem in another town and she got involved and gave the Superintendent of that town some feedback on what needs to change. This was part of the QSAC process - is Long Valley due for QSAC in 2010-11? Definitely use that process to effect change. Good luck!'
PS FYI we considered a move to LV but ruled it out because of the curriculum controversy there. I believe they just went through QSAC...what kind of information should we be looking or asking for from the results etc. ? Leave a Reply
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