NOW Counselor's Musings

MATRIX: Spring Rollover & other goodies...

2012-12-06T21:06:00.002-08:00

1. SPRING ROLLOVER PACKETS

2. SURVEY

3. CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

4. TEACHER LED CHANGES

5. CAREER DAY - APRIL 5

6. COLLEGE FAIR - APRIL 24

7. MASTER PROGRAM INSTITUTE

1. SPRING ROLLOVER PACKETS

Your Spring Rollover Packet will be delivered to you by tomorrow for you to pass out in your advisory. Please distribute them tomorrow in advisory.

Included in the Spring Rollover Packet are:

The tentative Spring Schedules - Although schedules have been rolled-over, they are tentative mainly for juniors and seniors (I have to double-check all their credits to make sure they have all their right courses)
Career Day Survey
Schedule Change Request Forms

They will receive an updated course schedule (if they had changes) on the first of school when we return.

2. SURVEY

Ms. Chang and Ms. Yan would like to survey interest around the career speakers students would like to come at a tentatively planned Career Day. Please survey your students during advisory. Thank you very much.

3. CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

I have included Change of Schedules Request in your packet. Please note that I will not honor any request that does not have the approval of the teacher they are requesting changes for. SO... please do us all a favor and try not to approve any schedule changes that is absolutely unnecessary.

4. TEACHER LED CHANGES

If there is a huge sweeping change that you need to make in terms of your classes, please contact our administrators for any sweeping changes. Huge sweeping changes might include:

moving all SpEds into one class or vice-versa
moving all ELs into one class or vice-versa
moving an entire period into another period

For smaller changes that doesn't involve a large intensive change, please see me.

5. CAREER DAY - APRIL 5

We are planning on hosting our first ever secondary career fair for April 5. The counseling team consisting of Ms. Chang, Ms. Yan, City Year, the Fulfillment Fund and myself is planning a day where students can meet and greet different speakers from different career field. I will send a separate e-mail regarding Career Day.

6. COLLEGE FAIR - APRIL 24

We have tentatively set a date for our second annual College Fair on April 24, not to be confused with the student-led college fair that 11th grade team just led.

7. MASTER PROGRAM INSTITUTE

Please note that begin Wednesday, January 17, I not will be on campus for 10 consecutive Wednesdays to attend the Master Program Institute. While I already serve the functions of an APSCS (the Assistant Principal in charge of the Master Schedule), I have never really been trained to run it. Over the years, I have watched and observed how my previous APSCSs have done it and followed their leads. As a part of the MPI program, I have to concurrently run our Master Schedule as well so Fall Master Scheduling will begin on January.

It's time to make it official! And to get myself out of the RIF list.

"Winter always turns to Spring..."

2012-11-01T21:03:00.003-07:00

"Winter always turns to Spring..."

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TIMELINE

NEEDS

CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

MATRIX REVOLUTION

AQUINO'S SPRING

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TIMELINE

As we begin to go into the ending parts of the Fall Semester, it is time to look towards the Spring Semester and looking to making sure we transition into the Spring Semester in as smooth a fashion as possible. Here is my proposed timeline for the rollover master schedule.

Pre-thanksgiving: Counselor prepares the Course Directory and Master Schedule in the Student Information System

Administrators inform counselor of any vast staff changes.

Post-thanksgiving: Teachers make student switches by grade level
December (Week 1): Students receive their Spring Schedules and change requests are done in the first week.
December (Week 2): Final changes are made
January (Week 1): Students return and met in advisory first to get copies of their schedules.

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NEEDS

Before I invest a huge amount of time in rolling-over the Spring Master Schedule, I will meet with our administrators to make sure that a Spring Staff Roster is finalized. Given that we rolled-over early last year and unfortunately had some changes in our staff roster, I will wait until given the final staff roster. It is my hopes however that we can rollover our master schedule within my proposed timeline.

When such a change is completed, I will then be able to create the Spring Schedule and begin the rollover.

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CH-CH-CH-CHANGES

After given the green-light to begin the Spring Rollover, I will need all the grade levels to make changes in their student's schedules.

After teacher changes are made, I will give students their new schedules and request for schedule changes.

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MATRIX REVOLUTION

Looking beyond the spring, we need to begin to look at how we want to create the Fall 2013-14 Master schedule.

Because of the number of 8th grade students possibly moving to the 9th grade, it is possible that we might have 3 sections of each class in each grade level.

This would of course mean that might have to grow in staff.

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AQUINO'S SPRING

Please note that for 10 weeks in the Spring, I will (with our administrator's blessing) be joining the Master Schedule Institute to officially learn how to create a Master Schedule.

This will mean that for 10 weeks, I would not be present on campus.

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MATRIX: What's the 411?

2012-05-08T21:48:00.004-07:00

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1. CRYSTAL BALLS AND TAROT CARDS: THE DISTRICT'S FUTURE PLANS

2. +1: OUR NEW LOCAL DISTRICTS

3. SUMMER SCHOOL: WHAT'S THE HAPS?

4. SS04: THE SCHEDULING MADNESS HAS BEGUN

5. MIDDLE SCHOOL REPORT

6. HIGH SCHOOL REPORT

7. WAITING ON MATH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE

8. ELECTIVES & PE
9. THANK YOUS

10. WHAT'S NEXT?

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1. CRYSTAL BALLS AND TAROT CARDS: THE DISTRICT'S FUTURE PLANS

After going to all the district meetings with counselors and APs, there are some major shake-ups with our district's requirements.

The district is looking to lower its credits requirements from 230 to 170/180ish.

The district is planning to raise the high school course requirements to the A-G Requirements which means 3 years of Math and 2 years of Foreign Language for the Class of 2016 and following.

The district is planning to get rid of "Ds" for high school for the class of 2017 and above. Should we start a year earlier and get rid of Ds altogether? As a pilot school, we can. That's something to discuss as a group.

Because the amount of credits (G: College Preparatory Elective = 10 credits) are going to be dropped, the amount of electives needed will drop.

The Common Core Standards is looking to be adopted in the next few years obseleting the CSTs. I was in a professional development with Jeanne Fauci and the Linked Learning team from the LA Small Schools and she reported that a new Common Core Assessment which is closer to what our practice is as a small school. There will actually be writing in the new Common Core Assessment.

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2. +1: OUR NEW LOCAL DISTRICTS

Local District 4 will longer exist next year. We are scheduled to be a part of "Local District +1," which is scheduled to be the district for "options" school like pilots, charters, and magnets.

I'm not sure how I feel about us being in this +1 Local District as we are lumped in with the charters. However, that might only change the public's perception of pilot schools, it would not change our own mission and vision and our burgeoning practices.

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3. SUMMER SCHOOL: WHAT'S THE HAPS?

From the word on the mandatory meetings that I have gone to, here is the happening for summer school:

This is the last summer school EVER... apparently...

It is only available for credit recovery or make-up of Ds for A-G purposes

It is only available for current 10th graders (class of 2014) and above

Students can only make-up 1 class

Non-graduating seniors are to be prioritized

We only have 15 spots. Over 50 students have turned in summer school applications... All will not be able to get in to summer school...

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4. SS04: THE SCHEDULING MADNESS HAS BEGUN

The tedious task of inputting all 500+ students have begun. While the middle school students are not that hard to schedule, it becomes increasing difficult for high school students.

In order to course request enrollment data in the next PD, I will need to push and make sure that I am able to put in schedule requests into SS04.

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5. MIDDLE SCHOOL

For the most part, 7th and 8th graders have been scheduled. Because of the overwhelming amount of 7th and 8th graders (approximately 170+), the electives are super impacted.

I have not scheduled any incoming 6th graders. I am waiting for the feeders from 6th grade NOW and other elementary schools, in order to schedule the students. Mr. Ortiz will be helping me get datas from elementary. I have already e-mail Michelle Hernandez, my counseling coordinator to provide me with the "other" elementary feeder database. From what I have received from Mr. Ortiz, we are scheduled to receive the following:

95 6th graders
12 of the 95 students are special day self-contained students (SLD)
4 of the 95 students are resource students (RSP)
37 of the 95 students are classified as ELD
3 of the 37 ELD students are classified as Level 1 or 2
The majority of the 37 ELD students are classified as LEvel 3, 4, and 5. Many are ready to be reclassified.
26 of the 95 students scored BB or FBB in the 2011 ELA CSTs. This does not include the SPED SLDs.
26 of the 95 students scored BB or FBB in the 2011 Math CSTves. This does not include the SPED SLDs.

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6. HIGH SCHOOL

For high school, it will take longer to schedule them because of all the different electives, math levels and foreign language that I have to review. I will literally have to review all students and check what they need versus what they chose.

I am scheduled to finish as much as possible by the week's end. Here are something's that I will need:

I need the 8th Grade Culmination Team to meet and look at which 8th graders with Culminate to the 9th Grade.
I need Foreign Language to look over the selection data and look at the 9th graders students who did not choose anything and to place them into a Foreign Language.

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7. WAITING ON MATH AND FOREIGN LANGUAGE

I am waiting on the following data from Math:

Intervention List for future 7th and 8th graders.

Students ready for Algebra 1 for future 7th and 8th graders

Intervention List for incoming 9th graders

End-of-the Year Exam Results for Algebra 1 and for Geometry. We have 3 8th graders in Algebra 1, 1 7th graders in Algebra and 1 8th grader in Geometry.

I need Foreign Language to look over the selection data and look at the 9th graders students who did not choose anything and to place them into a Foreign Language.

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8. ELECTIVES & PE

Because of the increase of students in Middle School for next year, we will need a total of 6 sections of Middle School Electives (170+ / 30 students = 6 sections). So far, we have 1 section of Art, 1 Section of Digital Imaging, 1 Section of Drama, and 1 Section of Math Lab. It looks like we will need more.
Because of the increase of students in Middle School for next year, we might need another section of PE. Middle School (280+ / 55 students = 5 large sections or 6 smaller sections) and High School (unknown until we get our feeder data)

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9. THANK YOUS

Thank you Ms. Chang for helping me with the Senior Survey.
Thank you Ms. Chang for helping me with scheduling Foreign Language
Thank you Ms. Alvarado for helping me alphabetize and notate students requesting honors classes.
Thank you Mr. Ortiz for getting me 6th grade data.

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10. WHAT'S NEXT?

We will be reviewing course selection data on Monday and this will help us determine, how many sections of what will be needed and then departments can begin to finalize teaching assignments. Also, our administrators will have data to see what new staff if any will need to be hired.

LOWERING STANDARDS?: My thoughts... And then some...

2012-04-19T23:04:00.001-07:00

I was met by some staff members yesterday who alerted me to the LA Times article that the district is planning to lower it standards by lowering the number of credits needed to graduate from 230 to 170 credits. From what I read, the LA Times focused on the credit minutia of the proposal and didn't focus on what else was being proposed which sounds like it would be even harder to get a diploma. The times didn't get it all right... figures...

:-/

I researched more into the proposed plan. From what I read, the requirements might become even more stricter and more aligned to A-Gs.
1) The district's passing grade is already a D. The times was flat out wrong on this one. The district's proposal instead plans to eliminate Ds because they are not accepted by the CSUs and UCs. Something which NOW Academy's Mr. Deligencia and the Math department has already adopted.
2) The district plans to raise the minimum Math years From two years to three years making Algebra 2 a mandatory class something we already aim to program students into.
3) The district plans to add 2 years of Foreign Langauge as a requirement rather than being an "elective" for LAUSD. Currently, Foreign Language is not a district requirement but it is an A-G requirement.
4) The district wants to do away with Applied Technology and Health out of the requirements. Hhmmmm... I son't know how I feel about this.
5) The district wants to lower the 70 unit elective to 10 college preparatory elective.
6) The district wants to lower the number of credits required from 230 to 180 so that students can focus on passing the core-classes.
7) PE and the extra year of social studies remain because they are state requirements.

===MY THOUGHTS===
If these new curricular standards are adopted, this will definitely change our schools' master schedule even more which we are already hard at work. why can't the district ever put a policy out that isn't at the end of a school year.

It sounds like the district wants to align its requirements to the A-G requirements which is indeed raising the requirements which sounds reasonably like it is raising the standards. I'm not quite sure about Lowering the number of credits though.

If we do adopt these standards, I wonder if it will create a "gentrification effect" of sorts in which a number of students would be pushed off into the adults school's 170 diploma track. While I am all for the tougher requirements, I really won't if this will mean that LAUSD will become more college-elitist rather than college-preparatory.

I wonder if by doing this, Adult Ed will also raise its standards to align to the new District proposal. As it stands right now, Adult Ed has a diploma track that allows its students to graduate with 170 credits. Will this force students to be tracked into either adult Ed or regular school even further. Is this new rigor simply going to split Los Angeles' students to the haves and have-nots.

I also wonder if this change is not somehow monetarily tied. Less credits means leass classes needed means less teachers means saving money. Hmmm... Yes, I'm jaded as to how altruistic the district is really being... This talk has gone on for years, but with the budget crisis, this seems the most convenient time to implement this new requirement. This will save them a lot of money.

While I support raising standards, I wish the conversation would instead turn to meaningful standards, adopting curricular practices that are relevant, enriching and actualizing for our students. It's not just about outcomes, it's about processes. It's about the journey and not just funneling our students to college. The high school experience does matter. It's not just a stepping stone to college.

I wish that the district would have more relevant requirement than just the A-Gs. What if they had diversity or social justice requirement much like the UCs have on their campuses, a college/career requirement, an outdoor education requirement, an internship requirement, a project-based requirement, and an exhibition requirement. I wish that the conversation would turn more into holistic, inquiry-based and integrative curriculum instead of just changing the requirements to match the A-Gs (which, yes, I support).

I should start a school... anyone interested?

LA Times

http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-lausd-college-20120418,0,1437173.story

CBS Article

http://losangeles.cbslocal.com/2012/04/18/lausd-looks-to-raise-the-bar-for-graduating-seniors/

Daily News

http://www.dailynews.com/education/ci_20420056/lausd-plan-calls-raising-graduation-standards

InvestmentWatchBlog

http://investmentwatchblog.com/la-schools-may-lower-graduation-standards-to-curb-dropouts/#.T5Dy2BB5mSM

MATRIX: Course Selection Sheets Ready

2012-04-18T08:41:00.000-07:00

Course Selection Sheets will be placed in your boxes by tomorrow along with instructions and a PowerPoint Presentation to help guide the High School Students with course selection.

Please collect by Monday.

MATRIX: Fit and Polish... wrapping up the semester switch...

2012-02-09T15:15:00.000-08:00

1. LOCKED IN SCHEDULE
2. RETROACTIVE HONORS CREDIT
3. LOOKING AHEAD
4. LAST DAY TO CHANGE CLASSES
5. APPRECIATIONS
6. DATA IS COMING!
7. COLLEGE CLASSES GOOD TO GO
8. WE'RE DOING PRETTY GOOD

===1. LOCKED IN SCHEDULE===
Some teachers have raised concerns regarding why I had to change certain schedules from 1 period to the next. Please know that it is deliberate and that I am not having the students period-shop.

For example, particular students who have Trigonometry, Spanish Speakers 3, Physics and the like are all locked into a schedule. That is the case for a lot of students across grade levels. I know that some classes may become inbalanced where a teacher has 20 in period and 25 in another. I understand the ideal is 23 in eacher class but let's keep it in perspective that some teachers have close to 40 in their classes. I have to balance their class so that may mean imbalancing your classes by a few students. Some teachers have to have multi-level rosters in their classes and they have acquiesed in order to ensure that student schedules were not disrupted.

I wish I didn't have to change the whole master but unfortunately we lost 2 teachers and that impacted everyone's scheudle in some way.

===2. RETROACTIVE HONORS CREDIT===
I will be putting a couple of forms in teacher's boxes regarding Honors credits.

I want to make sure that the students receiving honors are in the right placement as well as students who shouldn't be receiving honors credit be in the right placement.

In addition, I want to give you guys the opportunity to retroactively give students honors credits or to not give them honors credit if they didn't fulfill some project they were supposed to do for honors credit.

===3. LOOKING AHEAD - MASTERING A NEW SCHEDULE===
So... now that we are slowing down with schedule changes, let's be proactive and look ahead to creating a master schedule. Here are things that need to be done in order to make a master schedule by the end of the semester:
1. Have students choose classes for the Fall by end of first week in March.
2. Teachers fill out preference sheets
3. Counselor and a team create a tentative master schedule
4. Teachers see the new master schedule
5. We start plugging in as a collective where teachers are needed and can shine

===4. LAST DAY TO CHANGE CLASSES===
Please note that the last day for students to request changes is Friday, February 10, 2012.

Of course, teachers will still be able to recommend schedule changes for students.

===5. APPRECIATIONS
Thank you to Ms. Nunez (our parent liaison) and Ms. Grissom for regulating the front office space on Monday. That really helped out with the drop-ins and ensuring that as much students as possible were following protocols.

Thank you everyone who has wished me Happy National School Counselor's Week!

Thank you to my new TA, Norman Sevilla and Yesenia Ramos, who are very quick and efficient. When I asked them to do something, they were very much on-task.

===6. DATA IS COMING!===
When the grading period closes, please be on the lookout for the following data.

All grades: Report Cards, Honors Roll Data
8th Grade: Copies of Culmination Letter
9th: LAUSD Requirement and College Application Transcripts
10th: LASUD Requirement and College Application Transcripts
11th: Personalized Credit Appraisal, LAUSD Requirements and College Application Transcripts
12th: Copy of Senior Letter, Personal Credit Appraisal, LAUSD Requirements and College Application Transcripts

===7. COLLEGE CLASSES GOOD TO GO===

Huzzah!!! Both college classes are good to go. The Community Orchestra class is off to a great start with 56 enrollees. We have 11 out of our allotted 7 spaces. LAHSA came through with a whopping 20 students as they should because they are a performing arts high school. IT more than made up for the high school that did not recruit. All but 1 of our students showed up! :-(

The Music Appreciation class filled up with a whopping 43 students. We had 15 out of our allotted 7 spots filled. And all of our student showed for the class.

WAY TO GO NOW STUDENTS!!!

===8. WE'RE DOING PRETTY GOOD===
So... I'm talking to the other schools and I think that in comparison, we are in a much better state than some of the other schools.

We had our rollover earlier than some other schools who had easy rollover and some of the other schools are inundated with changes while we are stabilizing changes.

I think this is due to the team who came out to help with the scheduling. Thank you very much again to Velia, Kim, Sookyoung and Chuck.

TECHNOLOGY: What does it mean to be a technology school?

2012-02-09T15:00:00.000-08:00

When I think of a technology school, I like to think we as a "technology school" is really defined not by the way we deliver curriculum or the way our students express gained knowledge through technology. I like to think that we are more a school that sees technology through the "Critical Studies" lens. When I think back at how The School of The Future delivers curriculum, I like to think that is the direction we are headed eventually as a "technology." As we talk about the direction of our school as being technology-driven, we often talk only about using technology but sometimes I think media literacy and critical studies about technology is not discussed.

CONSUMING TECHNOLOGY

I think that it is very important to gain the knowledge needed to use emerging technology such as PowerPoint, Google Docs, Web Design, Film Production and the like, but is that what makes us a technology school. Does the use of technology make us a "technology school." Is having a computer in every classroom define us as a "technology" school. For me, that is only an appetizer to being a "technology school." After all, you can make the most beautiful PowerPoint presentation and still say nothing.

versus

TECHNOLOGY AS A MEDIUM

It's a natural step that when you learn to use technology, you would use it to express one's thoughts and create new and innovative way to express ideas. But does the delivery of ideas through new medium really define us as a "technology." If a student critically expressed themselves in "old media" such as skits, poster boards and the like, would that not be equally valid? I'm not sold that ethnology just means emerging new media. I think technology is also about the old school technology that worked. I understand that as we send students to the workforce, they need "new media" skills in order to function in college and in the working world. Let's face it, computer knowledge is truly a must in the 21st Century.

versus

CRITIQUING TECHNOLOGY

I think a lens that we often don't discuss when we talk about technology is the "Critical Studies" aspect. I think that a part of being a "technology" school is to help students critically look at how they consume technology, how technology plays a part in their world, how they shape the direction of technology and how they can use technology to further the goals of social justice and environmental stewardship. I don't think it is enough to simple consume technology or express oneself through emerging technologies, I think as a "technology" school, we have to help students understand technology from a critical standpoint.

To learn more about the School of the Future, check out their website:

http://www.sof.edu/

MATRIX: The Finish Line In The Horizon...

2012-01-31T14:37:00.000-08:00

1. I CAN SEE THE HORIZON

2. MY DEADLINE

3. DON'T TRUST ISIS

4. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE

5. PROTOCOLS FOR SWITCHING COURSES

6. SCHEDULING IS EXHAUSTING
7. GRATITUDES AND APPRECIATIONS

===1. I CAN SEE THE HORIZON==================

I am almost done scheduling, I am doubling checking as much as I can in terms of making sure that students have the classes that they need.

There are a few students left who have a few holes in their schedules and I am trying to figure it out with Dr. Flores.

===2. MY DEADLINE==========================

My deadline is to start printing the schedules tomorrow and to have them in your boxes at the end of tomorrow to be given out at period 6 on Thursday. That way, they have a day to mull over their schedules.

===3. DON'T TRUST ISIS=======================

Please do not trust the rosters on ISIS to be up-to-date. Sometimes it takes a while for changes in SIS to rollover to ISIS. What you may be seeing as a 46 student roster on ISIS may be 23 in SIS on my side. ISIS usually takes about a day to roll-over so what you may seeing is already out-of-date.

I will get you all rosters on along with the student's schedules.

===4. THANK YOU FOR YOUR PATIENCE=========

Thank you for being patient on what is a very difficult situation for all of us.

===5. PROTOCOLS FOR SWITCHING COURSES====

Please note that we are going to using the same protocols for switching schedules. I would like you to approve the schedule as much as possible by signing off on their switch.

Please note however that for some electives, I may put them in there for graduation purposes. If they need the class to graduate, I am more inclined to let them switch.

There really is no switch necessary for Grades 6, 7, and 8.

===6. SCHEDULING IS EXHAUSTING=============

It has been an exhausting endeavor to have to do this work all over again in less time. However, I just spoke to Kathy Torres upstairs and they have not rolled over any of their classes yet. That's an easier task and they are starting to just now roll it over.

===7. GRATITUDES AND APPRECIATIONS========

Thank you to these individuals who came out to help this weekend.

Ms. Valle: for creating you roster folders nice and neat on Saturday.

Ms. Yang: for recreating, updating, printing and photocopying all the change forms on Saturday.

Dr. Flores: for scheduling students into their honors classes on Saturday.

and a big special thank you to

Ms. Harada: for balancing classes while I schedule, for telling me it will be okay when I freaked out, for getting nourishment to keep the work going and basically spending the weekend with me on Saturday and Sunday.

PBL: Main Course or Dessert Projects

2012-01-27T04:30:00.000-08:00

In the discussion about Project-Based Learning (Inquiry-Based Learning) on Monday, one thing I wanted to note was the difference between "dessert style" projects and "main course" projects.

Dessert Style Projects are projects that comes after the learning of a concept. The students would gain the skills through rudimentary instruction such as lecture, tests, homework, etc. Then the instructors would do a project as almost an afterthought to the experience.

Main Course Style Projects are driven by an essential (driving) question. The essential question drives the entire project which provides and overall learning experience for students. The project is introduced at the beginning of the unit and uses an over-arching project as the culmination of a student's overall learning experience. Along the way, they discover tools that help them in synthesizing solutions to the problem posed by the essential question.

MATRIX: Re-mastering a Master Schedule

2012-01-25T21:14:00.000-08:00

1) REFLECTION AND GRATITUDE
2) REMASTERING THE MASTERED SCHEDULE
3) PATIENCE
4) MATH MUSICAL CHAIRS
5) SO… WHERE'S MY NEW SCHEDULE?
6) SEQUESTERING
7) MID-YEAR CHANGES
8) CALLING FOR HELP!!!

===1) REFLECTION AND GRATITUDE

As I write this Matrix Journal, it is hard not to pause and take the time to just reflect on the terrible loss of staff that we will be facing. And before it is too late and before things are left unsaid and we get buried underneath all the minutia of the upcoming changes, I want to say how sad I am that we are losing Mr. Aghevli and Ms. Grissom as part of our NOW family. Both teachers have brought a vibrancy that our students gravitate towards and will deeply miss. Mr. Aghevli will be missed by his seniors and I miss miss working with him to get our students to fulfill their service learning projects and to graduate. Ms. Grissom brought a vibrancy to Math that was vacant with in our previous year and it is a loss for our students. Most of all, I will miss them as people regardless of whether we didn't really get to know each other or whether we always agreed or not. Thank you so much for everything.

Thank you to Ms. Harada who has been most helpful in helping me man Peer Tutoring after school. It has been a great start albeit stressful in the midst of all the upcoming changes.

Thank you to Ms. Vickers, who when I turned for help regarding a student, came through and talked with the student. I specially want to thank you because you are swamped as we all are but you didn't refuse to help me out. It is in this tough times that I miss the work that you, me and Ms. Palencia has last year. Thank you always.

===2) REMASTERING THE MASTERED SCHEDULE

As you know, I was at the point of having already completely rolled over the Fall schedule into the Spring schedule and at this point, I should be completely done with the Master Schedule and done with scheduling period. In fact I was done. Unfortunately, with the loss of 2 staff members, there are going to be changes in the Spring Master Schedule and surprisingly almost everyone is left unscathed. We are facing the same dilemma that we faced last year, with the Math changes and the Spanish collapse.

This time, around the changes are happening in the following areas:

The collapse of all 9th grade sections from 4 sections to 3 which includes the collapse of 4 Algebra 1B to 3 and 2 Algebra 1B2s to 1 and the collapse of New Media to 1 section.
The collapse of Geometry from 3 sections to 2.
The collapse of a 9th grade advisory from 5 advisories to 4.
The collapse of 4 sections to 3 sections.
The movement around of certain classes as teachers assume English 7 and Algebra Readiness.

Almost everyone is affected in some way and surprisingly the 6th grade cohort was the saving grade as a simple change there saved 10th grade, and 11th grade from a complete rewrite. Tentative changes that are have been made are the following:

6th Grade - Periods 2 and 3 have been switched. No student will be with another teacher, no one is moving anywhere. Classes at period 3 will switch over to 2 and vice-versa. This switch includes P.E. This period switch was the savior of the other grade levels. I was reluctant to have done but after seeing how it prevented changes of periods in 7th, 8th, 10th and 11th, I felt I had to do it so that the changes in schedule wasn't a complete rewrite.
7th Grade - Harada and Aceves will switch periods. Students should stay with their teachers and their cohort. As of now, Ms. Talleda will assume English 7.
8th Grade - No change other that Mr. Benavides will assume Algebra Readiness. Someone will assume Ms. Vicker's advisory.
9th Grade - 1 cohort from English 9, Algebra 1, Health/Env. Sci and 1 New Media will be spread out among the 3 sections. Ms. Yang will be assuming Algebra 1. There will be a change in advisory.
10 Grade - No change of periods in the Core classes (English, World History and Biology) but changes in Math and in Spanish and Korean will mean changes of schedules for students. This will affect P.E. as well.
11th Grade - No change of periods in English, Chemistry, and U.S. History but changes in Math and in Spanish and Korean will mean changes of schedules for students.
12th Grade - Mr. Mize and Ms. Talleda will switch period 1 and 2 to accommodate Ms. Talleda's assuming of English 7. This will result in schedule changes for students. Someone will assume Mr. Aghevli's advisory.

===3) PATIENCE

Right now, I have gone through about 6 different Master Schedules since last week looking at different scenarios if certain things were to happen. (At one point, I was even making a Master Schedule based on what would happen if we had lost another teacher.)

Right now, there is a tentative Master. I am perusing through to make sure that there are no conflicts. I am perusing to make that if a student had Spanish 1 and Algebra 2, they would still be able to take it.

===4) MATH MUSICAL CHAIRS

The Math department and I met this morning to go over collapsing of some sections and who would assume Grissom's sections. As per the decision of the Math Department in the 01.25.2012, the following changes were made to the Math teaching schedule:

Mr. Benavides - 2 Geometry, 2 Algebra Readiness (previously 2 Algebra 1B, 2 Algebra 2B)
Ms. Yang - 3 Algebra 1 (previously 3 Geometry)
Mr. Wu - 2 Algebra 2, 1 Algebra 1B2

===5) SO… WHERE'S MY NEW SCHEDULE?

Because of the new changes that were decided during this morning's Math meeting, I had to come up with a new Master for what it seems like the 6th or 7th time. I have not begin to reflect these changes into SIS and will begin to undo all my work from November and break in order to accommodate this new Master Schedule tomorrow.

So... I will be coming in this weekend to continue working on scheduling and to try and make sure that I get schedules to your boxes by Monday morning. Yes, it will mean long hours and sacrificing my weekend.

By Friday, you should see your rosters on ISIS completely disappear. And then on Saturday, see your classes start getting rearranged. And rearranged some more and then some more.

So, when can you see the matrix? I am waiting for Chuck and Brenda to speak to a few more people and then I will release the Matrix in full glory.

===6) SEQUESTERING

Please note that I would like to be left alone these next two days if not the next two weeks. I am about to take the work of 2 months and dismantle it to reassemble it again. If I am to get you guys rosters and schedule, please help me out and ensure that I am left alone to do this daunting task.

Please try to send students going to the restroom to Ms. Lucy downstairs. I cannot deal with bathroom breaks in the middle of re-scheduling.

===7) MID-YEAR CHANGES

Please hold off on mid-semester changes. In fact, if possible, dissuade students from changing. If they are in a year-long class (if it has a B section), have them remain there. If they are in an elective, please dissuade them from moving so that their schedules int heir core-classes don't go any more topsy-turvy. With the loss of 2 teachers, I want to make sure that there is as little movement in periods as possible.

Mid-year changes are tough because someone else has to take them.

===8) CALLING FOR HELP

I will be in this weekend and if anyone would like to come in and help, i would be much appreciative. I could use help in photocopying class-change request forms, making roster folders (like the ones I gave you in the summer), organizing schedules, etc.

MATRIX: Spring Schedule is ready...

2012-01-04T19:12:00.001-08:00

1. SPRING 2012 ROSTERS
2. CH-CH-CHANGES: MID-YEAR SWITCHES, ONE-SEMESTER COURSES, SPORT PLAYERS, AND THAT STUDENT
3. HARADA AND GRISSOM
4. LOOKING AHEAD TO FALL 2012
5. WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING MATRIX?
6. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS
7. COLLEGE APPLICATION FEES: HELP!

===1. SPRING 2012 ROSTERS===

Having spent a day at work to day, I was able to accomplish a lot! Before we left for break, I made sure to finish an expect copy of the fall Matrix for Spring. It is a very tedious and very complex job that normally APSCSs oversee and a rollover is a process that requires meticulousness, Anyways, I finished it before we left, I started working on re-numbering courses and all of that back in November because I know the college applications would take a lot of my energy.

Today, I went to work and just knocked everything out. I was able to transfer every student's schedule from Fall semester to Spring. I went in at 8AM and got the last one down at 5PM. The custodian was pretty nice because he told me to leave at 4PM and he let me stay another hour.

SO… tomorrow, when you look in your ISIS, you should have rosters for Spring 2012.

2. CH-CH-CHANGES: MID-YEAR SWITCHES, ONE-SEMESTER COURSES, SPORT PLAYERS, AND THAT STUDENT

When it comes to changes, we have to keep in mind: "When someone is enjoying a small class, someone else is enjoying a large class."

As we transition to Spring, my goal is to have as little change as possible. In a small school, changes having trickling effects as we learn last year.

Last year, we decided to have students who failed Algebra 1A to take it over and changed around the configurations of Spanish. It was a move that have trickling effect on just about everyone. Unfortunately, because our matrix is so rigid, it drove number balance crazy and it drove others to take on more students than they could. And it was a head-ache for me because I literally had to redo the entire matrix schedule all over again.

One semester classes are also a pain in the butt for small schools because of the effect they have on everyone else. When students are done with a one-semester class, they get shuffled off to other teachers which means their classes get switched or someone else's classes get bigger because of it. We have 1 this year but those students in that class will have to be rescheduled, which means that there will be some reshuffling in the 11th and 12th grade because of it. Teachers that will be affected by the 1-semester course will be Talleda's English classes, Alexander's Elective courses (which is way beyond capacity right now), possibly Wu's Film Production, Schlatter's Journalism and possibly Waid's HS Drama (which is also up to capacity).

Sport Players, because athletes do get credit for playing sports, some athletes may be done with PE. If they are in PE and opt out of it, switches will be made which will drive up someone else's numbers.

There's always those couple of students that does nothing in classes. I want them out on my classes next semester. Where would I put them? Mr. Alexander, Mr. Waid, are already overflowing.

===3. HARADA AND GRISSOM===

Ms. Harada, Ms. Grissom would like to switch her Period 1 class with her period 6, it means it will affect you too. I will leave that up to you two.

Switches like this one work. It involves only Harada. No one's numbers get big and they both teach the same students.

===4. LOOKING AHEAD TO FALL 2012===

As Spring comes around, we look towards the Fall. Let's keep in mind what happened last year. We started the process SO late! We have to do better this year. In fact, on that whole-secondary meeting, we were promised and assured that we would have some type of Matrix before the end of Spring Break. Mr. Deligencia noted it.

In moving forward to Fall, I urge everyone to keep these things in mind:
Is our master schedule working to allow us all to be a t our best? Have we repeated an LA High or Belmont schedule?
How is our three main focus (social justice, environmental stewardship and technology) integrated to the master schedule?
What are some innovative master schedules we can look at? When a team went to the CES Fall Forum last year, we saw some great ideas from Master schedules. Why have we not talked about them?
How do we alleviate one class from getting too many students while another class enjoys small numbers.
What kind of electives do we want to offer? Should they fall under the three main focuses?
What is our program of instruction for grade levels. 9th grade is one where students do not receive the same program.
How can we have a master schedule that would allow us to do work like exhibitions for projects?

===5. WHY DO YOU KEEP SAYING MATRIX?===

I used to teach elementary and it just stuck. When I say Matrix, I mean Master Schedule. Although a Master Schedule is far more complicated than an elementary matrix.

===6. LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATIONS===

If you haven't already done so, please do your letters of recommendations for students that you've said yes to.

===7. COLLEGE APPLICATION FEES: HELP!===

We have a few students who are applying to private colleges that need help paying for application fees. They need help. If I could I would. There are four seniors that can get in to these schools that said they are not applying because they can't afford the fees.

MATRIX: Winter always turns into Spring

2011-11-29T19:32:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

After a long hiatus, the Matrix Journal is back!

1. Winter always turns into Spring
2. Timeline
3. The process
4. Ch-ch-ch-changes
5. Looking Ahead
6. Don't let students get you sick
===============================

===1. Winter always turns to Spring===
As cycles come and go, we know that winter always turns into spring. Such is the rhythm of life and of schools. As we go into January, there will be some hard work that will have to be done in order to get ready for the coming semester.

As we go into holiday, let's take the time to reflect on the year: the adventures and misadventures we might have had and how we forward into the new year. What lessons did we learn from this year as we forge ahead into 2012?

===2. Timeline===================
December - Master Scheduling for Spring
January - Class changes are made
February - Semester shift

===3. The process================
December
a. CL31: Build Spring Course List into CL31
b. CL01: Build CL01 Master Schedule using data from CL31
c: CL10: Create relationships between course numbers in Fall CL01 and Spring CL01
d: CL10 & CL11: Transfer Fall data into Spring

January
a. Print schedules
b. Course changes are taken
c. CL04: Course changes are made in CL04

February
d. Semester switch begins

===4. Ch-ch-ch-changes============
Because we are not having Algebra 1A this Spring, there should not be the massive changes that we saw last year. Course lists should relatively remain the same except for the New Media/Perez/Folsoi transfers.

If we do end up having to make a plan like having an Algebra 2A or collapsing sections of Spanish courses, it could and will more than likely have the system-wide domino effect had last year. For a small school, little changes really impact everyone else's schedule.

If you feel that there has to be some major changes in your class, like taking out a huge portion in your class for whatever systemic reason, please make sure to alert an administrator. Changes that will affect the entire master schedule should be addressed to an administrator.

===5. Reflections=================
When we met into May of last year, a commitment was made that we would have our a tentative Master Schedule set by May. In order for that to occur, we must be vigilant and diligent to the task of creating a master schedule. In order to do so, I think that following will need to happen if we are not to repeat last year late into the game.
- January: Departments meet in order to flush out what classes will be needed in the next year.
- February: Departments and administrative staff meet in order to discuss who will teach what.
- Early March: Counselor put out "Fall Semester - Course Survey"
- Late March: Counselor present SS15 (Tentative Student Course Counts)
- Early April: Counselor works with a committee to create a master schedule
- Late April: Counselor and committee present tentative master schedule options to entire staff

===6. Don't let students get you sick===
I was at the computer lab working with students on their college applications yesterday. A young lady was coughing up a storm and I was sitting next to her. I should have told her not to cough on me but I didn't want to make her feel uncomfortable. I eventually did tell her but now I am starting to feel the muscle soreness in my shoulders that usually come from a flu.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Focus Shift...

2011-09-02T21:19:00.000-07:00

Hello all,

In addition to the Matrix Journal E-mails, you will now find past Matrix Journals on my brand spanking new NOW Academy Counselor's Blog: http://nowcounselor.blogspot.com/

====================================
1. YOUR MASTER SCHEDULE FOLDER
2. A SHIFT IN FOCUS
3. THE COLLEGE BOUND READER
4. COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE NIGHT
5. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR SENIORS
6. FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ORDERED
7. FALL INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PLANNING
8. THANK YOUS
9. COUNSELOR'S BLOG

===1. YOUR MASTER SCHEDULE FOLDER===
I have prepared a folder for you which includes your rosters, schedules for the students, maps, bell schedules, change of schedule request forms, etc. Please come by my office on Tuesday to get your personalized folder.

===2. A SHIFT IN FOCUS===
My hopes is refocus for the next two weeks will now move from scheduling to developing and implementing a college-counseling center, college-applications, etc.

I have just received two requests for secondary school report forms from students eager to apply to schools that use the Common App. Secondary School Report Forms take time to generate as it requires me to write letters of recommendations, evaluate students and prepare transcripts for students.

For those who have worked in college-counseling or high school, the college application process is an intensive process that includes applications, secondary school reporting, and many others.

===3. THE COLLEGE BOUND READER===
I am working on A COLLEGE BOUND READER for students (specifically for the 11th and 12th grade) compiling important information for students. I hope to have it ready by September 12 as a resource for students and to you. My goal in the next year is to establish A COLLEGE BOUND READER FOR 9th & 10th grade advisories as well.

===4. COLLEGE KNOWLEDGE NIGHT===
I would like to establish College Knowledge Night for our Seniors on Thursday, September 29th from 6PM to 8PM.

October 1 is when the University of California and California State University opens its online applications for students.

===5. COLLEGE CLASSES FOR SENIORS===
We have two college classes on our campus this coming fall: Psychology and Jazz Band. We have 10 spots for Psychology and 7 spots for Jazz band. We have 13 students signed up for Psychology and 3 spots for Jazz Band. Please encourage 4 more seniors for are musically enclined to sign up for the Jazz Band.

===6. FEE WAIVERS FOR SAT, ACT AND COLLEGE APPLICATIONS ORDERED===
On September 1, I ordered the minimum fee waivers for SAT (50), ACT (100) and COLLEGE APPLICATIONS (100) along with 150 SAT Flyers, 150 ACT Flyers, and 300 SAT Practice Books, and 300 ACT Practice Books.

Hopefully, the 9th, 10th, and 11th grade advisories will use this as materials for advisories.

===7. FALL INDIVIDUAL GRADUATION PLANNING (IGP)===
After all the scheduling brouhaha subsides, I will begin to focus on IGPs starting with the seniors, then juniors, then 8th graders.

===8. THANK YOUS===
Thank you to Ms. Harada who was indispensable in scheduling advisories, in putting together all the folders, etc.

===9. COUNSELOR'S BLOG===
I have established a NOW Academy Counselor's Blog and you will be able to find all previous MATRIX JOURNALS and some of my thoughts on the blog: http://nowcounselor.blogspot.com/

Don't forget to subscribe to be kept in the loop at all times.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Rename - worth it?

2011-08-30T21:40:00.000-07:00

1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES :-0
2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE!

===1. RENUMBERING ADVISORY/CLASSES===
So, I am here at work debating with myself about renumbering advisory. I wish we would have renumbered them before I started to input students. Because students are now in classes, SIS won't let me take them out without removing them first and them putting them back in. With all the things, I need to do, I wonder if this is even worth it. It's not hard, it just take forever to do. I would like to see friends and family at some point. I also would like to start calling colleges to come send a representative to our school. When do I also focus on the things that need to be done with the seniors. :-(

===2. DONE, BUT NOT DONE===
I just finished the Seniors. I have to go back and balance numbers tomorrow however.

I also finished the ELLs. I tried my very best to cohort them but because they are all over the place in terms of their Math classes, it was very difficult to cohort. As expected, they unbalanced the numbers in classes. I wish that we would have figured out the EL situation sooner so that I would have built a Master Schedule with them in mind.

MATRIX JOURNAL: They turned the alarm on me. :-O

2011-08-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL
3. NEXT STEPS
4. HELP WANTED

===1. THEY TURNED THE ALARM ON ME===
I guess the custodians didn't know I was here working until I hear them make an announcement they were turning on the alarm. I kept walky-talking them saying to wait and I was packing up they didn't answer so I hauled my ass out of the building.

===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT UNSUCCESSFUL===
So even after moving around classes, the 10th classes are near to impossible to balance. I was able to finish most of it but the balancing needs work. I moved Geometry, Korean and Spanish everywhere and once two sections would be balanced, the other sections would be unbalanced. And when you move something else, another thing becomes unbalanced. It isn't like like 6-9th where the only difference is an elective. There is way too many pairing of classes, Algebra 1A-Spanish 1, then Algebra 1B1- Spanish 1A, then Geometry-Korean... It's really badly. At one point, everyone ended up in a 75 person PE class. I was able to balance that down to 50 by moving a Geometry but it's been really hard. I will look at it again to see the best way, but my attentions will now turn to the 11th & 12th graders.

===3. NEXT STEPS===
I will now turn my attention to 11th and 12th grade.

I will go back to 10th where I can do some balancing .

===4. HELP WANTED===
I will need help in the following so I can focus on scheduling.
- Printing of schedules
- Printing change of schedule forms
- Printing of rosters
- Inputting advisories into SIS

Thank you.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Reboot 10th grade

2011-08-26T21:44:00.000-07:00

1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT
2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT

===1. SCARY CAMPUS AT NIGHT===

It's about 8:32 and I just walked out of our very scary hallway. The lights kept flickering on and off. What the heck was I thinking staying this late? Aaaaahhhh.

===2. 10TH GRADE REBOOT===
I almost got through the 10th grade. When I got through it, there was so much imbalance because of the Math and Foreign language. They made it so that the numbers for English, PE, World History and Bio were extremely out of balance. So, I moved Korean, Spanish, and Geometry around to see how that'll help but it didn't solve anything. So, I took all the 10th graders our and is starting over tomorrow. If it still is not working out, please help! I have to get to the 11tth graders and 12th graders eventually. I really wish we had Columbia Scheduler. Uuuuggghhh!

Oh goodie, I'm the last car here. At least the lights are on in the parking lot.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Scheduling underway.

2011-08-22T21:27:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE
2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS
3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE
4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION
5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY
6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET
7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW
8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU

===1. SCHEDULING HAS REACHED 10TH GRADE===
I have now completely scheduled grades 7, 8, and 9. I scheduled the 10th graders in their Foreign Language or SPED courses and that will unfortunately be one of the ones that will dictate their schedule. The other one is their Math course.

I will continue in scheduling students throughout the week. I will probably opt out of one of the PDs in order to continue scheduling.

===2. SIXTH GRADE DATABASE NOW IN SIS===
Lucy and Phyllis have confirmed that the sixth graders from NOW Academy are in SIS. I can now begin to schedule them. But they should be an easy group to schedule.

===3. ISIS IS INCOMPLETE===
Edwin alerted me that students are now showing up on ISIS. Please note that ISIS is incomplete as I am currently scheduling. It updates everyday.

===4. HELP WANTED: ADVISORY CREATION===
Amy has helped me split up last year's 6th graders, 7th graders and 8th graders into advisories. I need help in splitting up last year's 9th, 10th, and 11th graders into the Junior Institute Advisories (9th/10th) and Senior Institute Advisories (11th/12th). You guys know the students best and I would like your input in making sure that even and balanced advisories are created.

Why are we changing advisories you may ask? As you know, last year, we were an incomplete school with no 12th graders. We now have 12th graders. I also did not know any of these students and let SIS's random course generator create the advisories.

This year, we can be deliberate. We can create advisory group that are balanced, not only in gender but in ethnicity, skill level and maturity.

===5. PBL WORKSHOP SUMMARY===
The Project Based Learning Workshop was received well today and most found the activity in the morning helpful and the time generating curriculum maps helpful.

I am glad that people found the gallery sort helpful. The gallery sort can be done in many ways and I actually learned it from the Urban Academy of New York which is a member of the Coalition of Essential Schools. Thank you Amy for helping me run the workshop today.

===6. PBL WEBPAGE ON NOWACADEMY.NET===
Please note the "all-new, all-different" PBL Webpage on www.nowacademy.net. You will find it under Policies >> under Project-Based Learning.

You will find many tools on there, including the Curriculum Map Word Document, Videos, Links to examples of curriculum maps, links to BIE and Educare, our Habits of Heart and Mind Rubrics, etc.

===7. PBL PROJECT SHOWCASE TOMORROW===
As an outcome to the two days of work, we are showcasing 1 unit from our curriculum maps. We are sharing our essential (driving/guiding) questions, skills/Habits, assessments, and projects along with it.

===8. MATH, WE MISSED YOU===
To our Math peeps, we missed you. We printed out curriculum maps, etc. for you all so that you can use it in how you form your curriculum's projects, etc. I gave all the examples of curriculum maps form the School of the Future to Velia Valle.

We missed you. We have all began to collaborate amongst ourselves and began planning interdisciplinary projects. I hope that somewhere down the line, we will be able to converge and plan with you all.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Bubble, bubble, toil but no trouble...

2011-08-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Hello!!! Here are some great update:

1) Master Schedule Mastered
2) New Student Orientation
3) Senior's Day
4) 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling
5) Thank yous
6) See on Monday!!!

===1) Master Schedule Mastered===
With the help of Victoria Vickers, we we're able to check the Master Schedule and make significant corrections, revisions, and checking. Our goal in our job was really twofold: making sure student needs were being met and to honor as much of teachers needs as possible. As you know from my previous journal, it was impossible for the 7th grade teachers to teach 8th grade based on the needs of the students. Only 9th, 10th and 6th were able to get a primarily complete grade set because of the population numbers.

Nick visited today and lent a hand. Vicki, Nick and I were able to zoom through checking that all teachers have periods 1 through 7, days on the right periods, and a boat load of other tedious administrative SIS necessities. Thank you Nick and Vicki!

===2. New Student Orientation===
A New Student Orientation has been scheduled for Saturday, August 27th. This is a great opportunity for us to welcome our 9th and 6th graders to our NOW family.

===3. Senior's Day===
We will be hosting a Senior's Day on September 1, 2011 to talk about tthe upcoming year, deadlines, service learning, portfolios and all that good stuff.

===4. 7th & 8th Grade - Done Scheduling===
I finished the 7th and 8th grade scheduling today. Finished all core easily because of the way that PE and Elective no longer affect the core classes. And The numbers were evenly balanced through out. Even numbers. Oh, and they are completely cohorted, so English-Social Studies can do a humanities program if they like and they team teach. Math-Science can do some great cross-curricular projects.

Tomorrow, I will finish 9th which should turn out similar to 7&8th grade.

And yes! We found our other Social Justice 9 teacher. I'm not sure if I can divulge just yet but thank you!

===4. Thank Yous===
As some of you know, it has not been a restful or easy summer for me. However, it could have been a lot worst. I have been able to see the goodness in people and people have come through as friends. In my Buddhist practice, struggles are meant for me to show my Buddha-nature. Come what may, I am determined to turn this poison (LAUSD RIF) into medicine. I am optimistic that the RIF will eventually be rescinded but I will be wiser in the year to come.

Thank yous to these individuals:
- Nick: thank you for the help in the beginning of summer and today
- Vicki: Just when I was starting to loose it, you came through
- Maricar & Kimberly: Thank you providing a welcoming ear when I was having my days of dark clouds over my head.
- Yolanda & Xavier: Thank you for letting me come and work with the 8th graders during Bridge. I hope that they found it fruitful.
- Chuck: Thank you for inviting me to come guest lecture at UCLA. It will definitely go into my resume as a highlight. I could actually get used to that. Why don't I have an administrative credential? And thank for letting me sit in with Jeanne Faucci. I have used her materials since the June Jordan days and it was great finally meeting her in person.
- Brenda: Not sure what, but thank you! I'm not sure what but thank for a lot of things. I hope that you are finding The Buddha in Your Mirror enlightening.
- Sonia: Thank for the help in finding the mysterious missing 6th graders.

===6. See You Monday!!!===
I'll see you all on Monday for PD. Back is still sore but spirits are high.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Day off failed...

2011-08-15T21:47:00.000-07:00

As I was reading the feedback on the Tentative Matrix I sent out, I began to have anxiety about it and so I recruited the wonderful Ms. Vickers and went to work on my day off today.

1. CHECKING THE REVISED MATRIX
2. UCOP COURSE LIST UPDATE
3. SCHEDULING STUDENTS
4. LAUSD COUNSELING TALENT POOL :-(
5. RIF ACHES AND PAINS

===1. CHECKING THE REVISED MATRIX===
Vicki and I checked every grade level today and Grades 6 through 9 are really just perfect. They have a wonderful flow about them. And the criticism that everyone had about PE and the electives controlling the Master Schedule is not there.

Where Vickers and I saw "diceyness" in 10th grade is with Math and with Foreign Language. Because the 10th grades are all over the map in the Math Level they are in: Algebra 1A, Algebra 1B1, Geometry and Algebra 2A. Coupled with all the levels of Spanish and Korean, 10th grade can't be helped in that there may not be as much mobility in there. Basically, for 10th grade, Foreign Language and Math dictates where students get placed.

11th grade is similar, but now you throw in a myriad of electives in there.

12th grade is actually fine in that their core-classes Principles of American Democracy and English is in the morning. Since all HS VPA Electives, Upper Level Math, Upper Level Foreign Language, Upper Level Science, and Upper Level English Elective are after nutrition they will be fine. :-D

I'm awaiting a few things from DR. Flores and then we should a final Master Schedule.

===2. UCOP COURSE LIST UPDATE===
We have not been added to the UCOP Doorways website just yet even we have sent all proper documentation. I did however send our UCOP Course List to Michelle Hernandez, who will input it for our school.

===3. SCHEDULING STUDENTS===
Vicki and I will go in tomorrow, yes on our days off, and input them into SIS. Once we get the master schedule into SIS, we are ready to plug students in on Wednesday when we come back.

===4. LAUSD COUNSELING TALENT POOL :-(===
So, after meeting with Vicki, I decided to visit my old colleagues at Hamilton. Their two youngest and their best counselors are giving up on LAUSD. One just decided not to take any offers from the school to return in a sub capacity and the other has decided that this year would be her last with LAUSD. Meanwhile, all that they will be left with are the "experienced" counselors who didn't do jack$h!t when I was there. Something has to change when LAUSD's best and brightest are leaving the district. My union UTLA has never really served the interest of counselors and UTLA continues to tell us down and thereby let down students. Even though I don't work at Hamilton anymore, my sister and I graduated from there and I hate to see the school get saddled with bad counselors.

===5. RIF ACHES AND PAINS===
If you are RIF'd and still working for the district as a sub, one if the things you don't count on is getting sick. My back started to hurt again which is probably a return from the back injury I suffered back in December. I tried to make an appointment with Kaiser but I guess I no longer have insurance. Sigh! I wish we had a better healthcare system.

MATRIX JOURNAL: Working on the weekend...

2011-08-13T21:48:00.000-07:00

Dear friends, colleagues, and co-workers,

Please do not be offended by this journal entry. It truly is just a journal entry and I just want to have as honest disclosure without damning anyone. If it does offend, I apologize in advance and know that I have respect for all of you whether you see me as a friend, a professional colleague or just a co-worker. Here goes a wall of text.

1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX
2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?
3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?
4. IT'S BEEN A TOUGH SUMMER.
5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?

===1. THE TENTATIVE MATRIX===

Please keep in mind that the Matrix I sent you is a tentative Matrix. I actually sent it to you guys by mistake. I meant for "six" to check it and look it over but I accidentally sent it to everyone. It turns out to be a good mistake as both Jeff and Sookyoung caught two errors that I didn't catch.

I have resolved the errors by moving some classes, adding a Geometry class and so forth. I will be relooking at it to make sure that there is glance that there is enough classes to put them in.

===2. WAIT, WHY CAN'T A TEACHER TEACH 7TH AND 8TH GRADE?===

Some have asked why the 7th grade teacher cannot also be the 8th grade teacher. Unfortunately, I am balancing the needs of everyone with the students in mind first.

A) STUDENT NEEDS:
Students should have classes in every period. Having the the 7th grade teachers teach 8th grade leaves a hole in 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedule. They either will not have a PE class or Elective. And yes, they need PE or Elective. And no, it is not okay to just leave students with a hole in their schedules.

B) TEACHER FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR:
B1) One of the concerns raised last year was that students could not move classes because of being locked in to a schedule because of either foreign language, PE or Elective. One of the solutions this year was to put P.E., and Electives (and Foreign Language) all together in two periods (three in 10th) so that there would be mobility in the Core-classes.
B2) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to balance numbers much more easily.
B3) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we would be able to split up students who might not work well together.
B4) By taking Foreign Language, PE, and Electives out of the equation, we could core or cohort grades 6 through 9. Grades 10 through 12 is a bit harder because of all the different electives offered.
B5) Teachers asked if P.E. classes could be put in the afternoon. Yes. I did just that plus I need to put them there too because seniors need either Foreign Language or Electives in the later after noon.

C) OUR SCHEDULE IS A PUZZLE THAT CAN ONLY FIT A CERTAIN WAY:
We don't have the luxury that a big comprehensive high school has which is to offer a myriad of classes such that every single period has every single class imaginable. We just don't have that design. There is only so many ways you can piece this puzzle together. I have gone over countless times how to build a matrix that will accommodate everyone's wants and I have not been able to make a round square.

D) BUT THE OTHER SCHOOLS WERE ABLE TO DO IT?
I don't know how many in each grade level they have and what exactly their program looks like so I don't know what to say to that than "wow, I am envious.". They haven't been around all summer for me to look at their matrix so I really cannot give you an answer as to how they did it. If you get ahold of their matrix, please forward it to me. I'd like to know exactly what their numbers are and exactly how they did it. If you are able to piece together the matrix in a way that doesn't mess up 1/3rd of the 7th graders schedules and doesn't mess up other departments, please let me know.

I'm probably just not that smart as those counselors and administrators. I can accept that.

E) 6TH GRADE COMPLETELY SEPARATE:
The 6th grade teachers have noted safety issues last year having 6th, 7th and 8th all in the same PE. Upon talking with Ms. Folsoi, Ms. Garcia and Ms. Parker, all agreed that it would be best to separate the 6th grades from 7th/8th graders for PE which means that there is a limited amount of PE for middle school but it works out great for the entire Core-Class team anyways.

===3. WHAT'S THE HOLD UP? WHY DON'T WE HAVE OUR ROSTERS YET?===

Some things I do not have control over. I do not have control over other middle schools not switching over 8th grade final grades into their permanent records. So, I am basically guessing as to what 9th grade students need in terms of Math and other things.

I am not entirely sure who the new teachers are that are joining staff. Some things are beyond me.

I don't even have our our NOW Academy 6th graders on our rosters. Our own students. I have other students from other schools, and yes they are coming again with no records, but not our own students.

I don't know what elective the incoming 9th graders will have as we have not had orientation yet. I do like that LAHSA was able to have their new student orientation before school was out. I hope we can do so.

There are some "hanging" sections of classes that I am unsure who will be teaching them. I am awaiting word from Dr. Flores on what the final verdict is going to be. If those "hanging" sections are removed, it'll impact the 9th grade in which I am unsure how we will give classes to 9th graders as certain teachers are slated to teach other courses. For example, if we remove 2 Sections of Social Justice from 9th Grade, Mr. Wu will be unable to fill those missing sections in as he is already teaching Algebra 1B1. So either way, we have 2 hanging sections.

Also, I'm at home. As much as I am trying not to work at home (and failing at it), I don't have everything. I don't take home copies of who signed up for what. And I don't memorize them either.

===4. IT'S BEEN A HARD SUMMER===

I also need some sort of break. I have been calling middle schools, Local District 4, The University of California, relooking at all the students (for Foreign Language, Math and Science), trying to ensure that we get The Fulfillment Fund on board, sitting on interviews, trying to outreach to colleges, and working with the summer bridge program. I am taking 6 days off and will be back on the 17th. (Although, I am secretly going in on Monday so seek advise regarding the Matrix.)

It's not easy developing a matrix. I appreciate Mr. Deligencia (unsolicited by the way) for coming in because he saw how truly how impossible it was to put 7th and 8th grade together. Well, it is possible but at the detriment of 1/3rd of the 7th graders. I also appreciate Ms. Zapata for coming because she was able to give me concrete solutions for Foreign Language.

Please, when we come back to school, do not yell at me. I had that happen last year in the first week and it does not feel good to be treated that way. I, like you, am doing my best with whatever support I have. I do not have it out for you. I am not intentionally trying to mess you up.

I will have roughly around 500 students. That is going to be double that amount that I should have (as noted by my governing body's standards) and I will try my best to serve them all but please have patience with me. This is the first year that I am scheduling this many students. The highest I have ever had is 300+ students at Hamilton. And that is with the support of an APSCS, a separate College Counselor, a separate Career Counselor, a Pupil Student Attendance, a Drop-out Prevention counselor, and a School Psychologist. And I had the entire Fulfillment Fund Program helping out.

I'm not trying to play a victim, it is what it is.

===5. WHAT DO I TELL STUDENTS?===

Tell them, we are vacation, we are working on the schedules, we are hiring new teachers, or just tell them you do not know. They will know eventually. At Hamilton and at Westchester, students were not privy to their schedules until like a few days before school started. Even then, there will be changes.

I know that New Student Orientation is on the 27th. Maybe we can also set a day for existing students to get their schedules. I don't know.

Your friend, colleague or co-worker,

MATRIX JOURNAL : Working on the weekend...

2011-08-13T21:29:00.000-07:00

MATRIX JOURNAL: Progress, Setbacks and Roadblocks

2011-08-08T21:31:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

It's been a while since I've sent a Matrix Journal. This will be a long wall of text, so please feel free to read at your particular section.

0. PROJECTED NUMBERS
1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE
2. MATH
3. SOCIAL STUDIES
4. SCIENCE
5. ENGLISH
6. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS
7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
8. ELD
9. SIXTH GRADE
10. SPED
11. THE MATRIX AS IT STANDS
12. BALANCING ACT
13. THE FULFILLMENT FUND
14. UPDATE ON ME

===0. PROJECTED NUMBERS============
Although I was able to get the incoming students from other schools, we can expected more students to come in unless we truly hold to the cap that we are told to have. We current have roughly 90 9th graders and we expect to have another 30 student to put us at 120. Our cap is 110 but based on last year, we will likely have 10 over. :-?

===1. FOREIGN LANGUAGE==============
Thank you Leyla for coming in and helping me sort out the Foreign Language issue. We had to examine every student who came signed up for Spanish and we were able to create manageable numbers for all Spanish sections. Korean remains as 2 sections.

===2. MATH===========================
Well, this one has been such a hard series of courses to really get a grasp. With no records from the Middle Schools, it has been very difficult to know what the real numbers are and I am afraid that because of Math, we will see a scrambling of classes even if we create a matrix. As it stands right now, this is what we have.
- Math 6 = 4 sections
- Math 7 = 3 Sections (cannot be 8th grade teacher)
- Math 8 = 2 sections (cannot be 7th grade teacher)
- Algebra 1A = 4 sections (3 8th graders, 79 9th graders, 22 10 graders, 4 11th graders) - this will fluctuate based on the grades we get from the middle schools
- Algebra 1B1 = 2 sections (40 10th graders, 4 11th graders, and 1 senior)
- Math Intervention = 1 Section (consists of students who have Below Basic and Far Below Basic who are not in SPED. I have removed Below Basic students who have done well in Math)
- Geometry = 3 sections (6 9th graders, 26 10th graders, 30 11th graders and 6 12th graders) - this will fluctuate based on the grades we get from the middle school
- Algebra 2 = 2 sections (1 9th grader, 21 10th graders, 15 11th graders, 22 seniors)
- Trigonometry/Math Analysis = 1 section (3 10th graders, 15 11th graders, 15 12th graders)
- Upper Mathematics = 1 section (3 11th graders, 5 12th graders) - might go higher as we decide whether this will become Calculus or Statistics or Discreet Math
- Total Courses = 23 sections

Valle = 5 sections of Math
Wu = 2 sections of Math, 2 sections New Media, 1section Film Production
Yang = 3 sections of Math, 2 Sections of Korean
Teacher X = 5 sections of Math
Teacher Y = 4 sections of Math, 1 Physics
Teacher 6A = 2 Sections Math, 2 Sections Sci 1 Section SJ
Teacher 6B = 2 Sections Math, 2 Sections Sci, 1 Section SJ
Total Sections = 23 sections

===3. SOCIAL STUDIES==================
This one is not solved yet. The problem is the same problem as with the other courses. The World History 7 and US History 8 cannot be the same person. We also have 1 section of Social Justice unaccounted for.
- Ancient Civ 6 = 4 sections (Garcia and Folsoi)
- World History 7 = 3 sections (cannot also be the 8th grade US History teacher)
- US History 8 = 2 Sections (cannot also be the 7th grade World History teacher)
- 2 Sections of Social Justice (1 section accounted for)
- 4 Sections of World History
- 3 Sections of US History
- 2 Sections of Government
- Total = 20 sections

Garcia = 2 And Civ
Folsoi = 2 And Civ
Perez = 5 Hx
Link = 5 Hx
Teacher A = 5 Hx
Total = 19 sections (short 1)

===4. SCIENCE=========================
The problem here is the same problem as Social Studies. NOT Enough sections
- Science 6 = 4 Sections
- Science 7 = 3 Sections (cannot be 8th grade teacher)
- Science 8 = 2 Sections (cannot be 7th grade teacher)
- Science 9 = 4 Sections
- Biology = 4 Sections
- Chemistry = 3 Sections
- Physics = 1 Physics
- Total = 21 Sections

Teacher 6A = 2 Sections
Teacher 6B = 2 Sections
Teacher S = 5 Sections
Harada = 5 Sections
Bagorio = 5 Sections
Teacher Y = 1 Section of Physics
Total = 20 Sections (short 1)

===5. ENGLISH==========================
Thank you Nick for arranging with Johan on what needed to be done and for e-mailing the English department on the problem at hand. The problem that the English 8 teacher cannot also the English 7 teacher and the switch between Johan and Nick made a huge difference.
- 4 sections of English 6
- 3 sections of English 7
- 2 Sections of English 8
- 4 Sections of English 9
- 4 Sections of English 10
- 3 Section of English 11
- 2 Sections of English 12
- Total = 22 Sections

Garcia/Folsoi = English 6 x 4
Aghevli = English 7 x 3, English 9 x 1, and Science Fiction
Deligencia = English 11 x 3, English 8 x 2
Talleda = English 12 x 2, 3 ESL courses
Schlatter = English 10 x 4, Journalism x 1
Waid = 3 English 9 x 3, 1 Drama MS x 1, 1 Drama HS x 1
Total = 22 Sections

===6. VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS========
Unfortunately, these numbers will fluctuate based on the numbers from Math and Foreign Language.
Alexander = 2 MS Art, 1 MS Dig Media, 1 HS Art, 1 HS Dig Media
Wu = 1 Film Prod
Waid = 1HS Drama, 1 MS Drama

===7. PHYSICAL EDUCATION==============
The needs of other colleagues has been to place 6th grade separately from 7th and 8th and for 9th grade or 10th grade to be in the afternoon period. We can only accommodate 2 out of 3 of these requests because Edwin unable to teach in the afternoon.
Morning Periods: 6th Grade x 2 = Parker, 7th/8th Grade x 2 = Lopez
Middle Periods: 9th Grade x 2 = Lopez, 10th Grade x 1 = Parker
Afternoon Periods: 10th Grade x 2 = Parker

===8. ELD=============================
I don't know exactly who is teaching which section. I don't really have an update on this one unfortunately.

===9. SIXTH GRADE=====================
You guys are fine for now. Stay tuned.

===10. SPED===========================
All students who need an Academic Literacy Course has been given one and here is the numbers as they stand
MS SDC = 6 students + incoming NOW Academy SPED. I'm not sure why they haven't been uploaded to our SIS data. Students from others schools have been. :-/
HS SDC = 17 students (since the number is over 15, Yolanda told me that if that number holds for 2 months, they will assign an extra TA)
MS RSP = 9 students + incoming NOW Academy SPED
HS RSP = 16 students

===11. THE MATRIX AS IT STANDS=========
I am not able to finish the matrix as certain conflicts serve as blockage. And not knowing who exactly is on staff and who is teaching those two hanging classes is quite frustrating.

===12. BALANCING CLASSES=============
By putting Foreign Language, Visual & Performing Arts in with Physical Education, it has made balancing courses in Middle School okay. It is when we factor in Math that starts to mess with the numbers in High School. Math is going to the determinator of which student goes in what class this year it seems. People will be cohorted by what Math classes the are in.

===13. THE FULFILLMENT FUND===========
We have secured our partnership with The Fulfillment Fund. Our partnership will begin with the incoming 9th grade class fro the upcoming year and will expand tot he other grade in three years. Furthermore, we are on their list for Mentoring services with Middle School in two years. It is a start but that leaves the 12th grade class without support from the Fulfillment Fund. It will mean that I am going to have to do college counseling for the 12th graders too.

===14. UPDATE ON ME====================
I'm still RIF'd. I'm subbing for my position. It's simply a waiting game for me and I wasn't prepared for the financial stress it has presented. Even though I am burnt I am actually looking forward to working again so that I can be back on a somewhat manageable financial situation. If only I had gone on my gut around my RIF situation, I probably would not be in this situation or at the very least prepare for it. Well, what can I do but to simply look at it as a challenge in which I can manifest my buddha-nature.

MATRIX JOURNAL: The roadblock after next...

2011-08-04T21:49:00.000-07:00

With Leyla coming in last week to help figure out what to do with the Spanish classes, the blockage in the 10th grade was finally freed up. So, we have a Master Schedule for Grades 6 through 10. And not only is it a a Master Schedule, it is a schedule that is "mastered" meaning the core classes are freed from the electives and P.E. to a greater degree than what we had last year. Grades 6 through 9 are pitch perfect. Grades 10 is somewhat less free because of the language but there is mobility in that students are funneled into 2 or 3 cohorts.

MATRIX JOURNAL: The Lost Day

2011-07-26T21:50:00.000-07:00

I forgot to send this out yesterday.
So, I came in extra early at 8:30am yesterday in order to join an interview and observe a lesson. The guy flakes and I was so annoyed.

Anyways, after that, I went over all the Spanish requests and grades again to make sure that I had placed all students properly and surprisingly some new numbers come up. I started to go over all the seniors to make sure that they had the classes that they needed to graduate. I'll e-mail the new numbers separately.

Then, Ricardo and Eric come into my office and the rest of the afternoon was spent looking over GPA, senior rankings, Latin honors, weighted and unweighted GPA. Then Ms. Harada comes and we started to look at Science specifically and found that we need 1 more section.

The afternoon was spent planning with Yolanda on Senior Institute Advisory plans. A lot of good stuff happened with differentiation between Juniors and Seniors. Next step is to begin to synthesize a binder that would create the advisory curriculum. Some great stuff around service learning was flushed out. It wasn't just some meaningless task of having to perform community service but one that included research, creating baseline, an action plan, reflection and a report back to the overall community. It looks rich! I'll email that initial plan separately.

MATRIX JOURNAL: The Blue Screen of Death and I need a break!

2011-07-21T21:52:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone!

Wow, do I need a break!?! The blue screen of death (SIS) is starting to get to me. I know it's just tedious repetitive work but looking over student schedules is so nuanced that a few grade changes here and there will change the entire matrix make-up.

First, I was able to make all the course adjustments accounting for the final grades for Biology, Chemistry, Spanish (all levels), Korean (all levels), Algebra 1, Algebra 2, Geometry, Trig.

On Tuesday, I will be looking at every single senior's transcripts to make sure that they have the right classes plugged in. I will also be looking at 8th grade Math grades to see who needs the Math Intervention courses. I will also be checking all the ESL students to make sure that they all have correct schedules.

Be prepared for changes in numbers. And be prepared for more changes when they come back from summer school with credits.

Second, I have not heard from Michelle Hernandez and because of this, I have no records from our incoming FEEDER schools. I called Local District 4 to make a plea for help but all I am getting is voicemail. I am not sure how to service these incoming students.

I planned with Yolanda and Javier some workshops for the 8th grade bridge around high school credits and the A-G requirements and it should give the students an idea of how important the high school classes are going to be.

Got to to see Kim today and she is an amazing friend for listening to me verbally puke out frustrations. Thanks girl!

Well, I have tomorrow and Monday off so I will work on all this some more on Tuesday.

Some interesting news, I will be guest lecturing at UCLA's Principal Leadership Program on Matrix creation and the ASCA national model and standards next week. Woohoo! I get to hobnob with professors! That is my ultimate professional goal: professorship!

Also! I am inviting everyone to the Soka Gakkai International's Southeast Asian Festival. It's free! I will be performing (and choreographing) Pandanggo sa Ilaw at Oasiwas and I will be playing with a San Diego kulintang (Philippine gamelan) ensemble. If you need tickets, please let me know ASAP as it will be packed.