SOUTH BRONX SCHOOL

Alexander Nazaryan Signed, Sealed and PWNED!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 11:14:30 PST

For those who listened to my Internet radio show this pass Tuesday night, thank you for putting up with all the glitches. My erstwhile co-host, The Frustrated Teacher, seems to have the same telephony capabilities that Oliver Douglas put up for so many years in Hooterville.

However, TFT's mind is as sharp as a razor blade slicing up some home made salt water taffy. TFT and myself welcomed self-important New York Daily News "journalist" Alexander Nazaryan and the author behind the sychophantic op-ed column in The Daily News of January 15, 2012 in which Alexander railed against the current evaluation system and supports the mess that Uncle Mike and Governor Andy which to implement.

This all started on January 15 in when I engaged with Alex on Twitter (which using my Twitter name you can find a blow by blow account). When I came back from hiatus I thought that having Alex as a guest and debating the points we both made would be a wonderful idea. Little did I know, and TFT as well, that I would be dealing with someone that chooses facts from make believe, has no foundation in which to base his beliefs, and just like our favorite toy when we were young we just pull a string on the Alexander Nazaryan doll and it just spews out what its master wants us to hear.

One of the points that Alex made in his column was that the evaluation system today does not allow for any feedback from principals besides an S and that a principal can only observe a teacher through a formal observation.

Nothing can be further from the truth. In fact, and this was a point that we brought up Tuesday night and in my tweeting that indeed, a principal can walk into your classroom anytime and informally observe you and write you up, critique, praise you, for those informal observations. Case in point, Francis Blake. Francis had many informal observations used against him in his 3020a hearing several years ago. I had an informal observation once and it was suggested that I use more open ended questions. A principal, or an assistant principal if they do their job properly can and will use the formal observation to not only be aware of what you are doing in the class but use it to help you improve and hone your teaching skills.

But Alex would have none of this (Alex appears about 17 minutes into the show). Alex says that the administrators "need the tools." By what that means, I have no idea. I brought up that the inexperience of today's administrator leaves them hamstrung to be able to recognize good practices. Alex vehemently disagreed. Alex says that they need good tools, especially involving data.

That threw TFT for a loop. Mention data to TFT and he blows a gasket. TFT asked Alex what admins they lack right now, Alex's response was TEST SCORES!! Alex said that they are important because scores can be used to evaluate a teacher then said the magic three words that popped a vein in TFT's skull, VALUE ADDED ASSESSMENT!

Listen to how Alex gave the dictionary definition to VAA. Alex couldn't even understand how one high stakes test can be used to judge a teacher and not even care nor understand that so many factors can go into a child's success or failure in such high stakes testing. Alex failed to realize that professional, in which we are trained for can make these determinations. Perhaps by writing a progress a report. Alex said if it is a good test then it works to which he admitted "we are working to such a test." Alex believes that even though these tests are no perfected, that "no test is ever perfect, but an opinion of a teacher will be less perfect." And that, "an opinion is more subjective than a test."

This statement clearly shows someone that is unable and unwilling to think for himself. But, and this is a big but, as we brought up to Alex, doctors OPINIONS are trusted, why aren't teachers opinions trusted? "Doctors" said Alex, "run tests" Guess what Alex, SO DO TEACHERS!!!!

Alex really wanted to wrap this up quick, but I got one last question in that was submitted by a reader;

...what exactly he would look for in a teacher who teaches students with learning disabilities who come from one or a combination of the following: poverty, are apathetic towards learning, are English second learners who have parents who do not speak English, do no homework, do not study are educationally neglected at home, are addicted to video games, go to sleep at 2 in the morning, don't know they have an IEP, cut class or enter into high school a minimum of five years behind in writing and reading.

Alex Nazaryan showed us all through the magic of Internet radio just down his nose he looks at the world. Alex blabbered, "I would probably try to have a better attitude about the kids I teach. It sounds like you are fairly negative in your assessment of these kids." Alex refused to answer how he would work with a kid like this. Alex would not deal with reality. He was appalled that I would characterize kids in that way.

Alex Nazaryan comes from an elite world of university snobbery in which one his trained in only numbers and nothing else. Yes, Alex did teach for 5 years and his NYSED records show that he had a license for three years, but in his article he fails to name the middle school he taught at in Flatbush and how long he was there, but he does mention that he taught at Brooklyn Latin School. A school in which students must take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test. How much ELL's and Special ed. students did Alex have to deal with there? I am curious as to the school he taught at in Flatbush.

Alex is a fake, a fraud, a scheister. Rumor has it he taught only to source material for a book he plans on writing. I do give him credit for appearing on the show and jumping into the fire as most other deformers will not. But like all the other deformers when they have to deal with media that is not owned by the Murdoch's and are made to not only state their true positions on education but to back up said positions with clear cut hard facts they make the sound that Ralph Kramden made whenever he got caught by Alice, "hahmana, hamahna, hahmana!"

Alex, we here at SBSB will be keeping an eye on your written tripe and challenge you to be honest and forthcoming in any future writing you do on education. You can start by naming that middle school in Flatbush.

Next Mind of a Bronx Teacher Internet Radio Show

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 08:06:32 PST

http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bronx-teacher/2012/01/25/the-mind-of-a-bronx-teacher
Yes, after a long hiatus The Mind of a Bronx Teacher Internet radio show returns this coming Tuesday night, January 24, 2012 at 9 PM EDT. On the first show back we welcome New York Daily News journalist Alexander Nazaryan. This past Sunday, Alex wrote a op-ed piece in which he supports tougher evaluations for teachers. http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/teacher-evaluation-faking-success-york-city-school-system-fooling-kids-article-1.1006336
A fun Twitter discussion with Alex (@alexnazaryan) ensued later Sunday afternoon with Alex and he has graciously agreed to appear Tuesday night.
For those that have forgotten, the call in # is (213) 943-3735

South Bronx School Gives Governor Cuomo Some Ultimatums

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 18:11:14 PST

Thank you paid Koch brother's spokesman and current New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for doing the bidding of the evil twins, amongst others, and giving the UFT a 30 day ultimatum that demands we kow tow to Uncle Mike and sign the agreement for the new evaluation system. That's real nice Andy. As a 6 year old does when he doesn't get his way, Governor Andy is taking his balls and not let anyone play with them until he gets what he wants. Worse, is threatening to withhold money shows that he is now akin to some Bond super-villain.

But we have come up with out own list of ultimatums here that we feel are more urgent than some unworkable evaluation system that is not going to be used to help teachers, but rather weed teachers out and ultimately make teaching into a transient profession much like the fry chef at McDonald's.

We here at SBSB give Governor Andy a 30 day ultimatum to address the lack of support we face every day in the schools. If not, we here at SBSB will ceremoniously give Governor Andy a virtual wedgie.

Governor Andy has a 30 day ultimatum to demand of Uncle Mike and Sock Puppet Walcott an end to the ATR system and place these teachers in positions full time in schools. If not carried out, the governor's mansion will be TP'd post haste.

Governor Andy has a 30 day ultimatum to explain to Sock Puppet Walcott that it is improper for a principal to discuss with his female staff members feats that the above mentioned principal's penis is capable of. If not carried out in 30 days, we will write a blog post about tricks Sandra Lee's hoo-ha is capable of.

Governor Andy has a 30 day ultimatum to disclose all donors, such as the Koch Brothers, Brighter Choice, etc... If not adhered to we will disclose what we know of Madeline, the pool table and the Governor's Mansion in the mid-80's.

Governor Andy has a 30 day ultimatum to find his center, consult with Dad, and stop being a dick and to allow learning to happen in the schools of New York State. If this does not happen within the time frame demanded we guarantee that we will lose a generation of children.

Governor Andy has a 30 day ultimatum to stop this Freudian shortcoming show with Uncle Mike to see who has the bigger, well you know. If not ceased within the allotted 30 days we will expose both of them.

Governor Andy has 30 days to listen to the principals in the trenches that signed the petition against this absurd evaluation crud. If this demand is not met, Governor Andy will have the blood of a teacher that will eventually commit suicide on his conscience.

And lastly, Governor Andy has 30 days to grow some balls, use his critical thinking skills and to be a leader, not some street whore. If this does not happen, Governor Andy will always be though of a someone's little bitch.

I voted third party in 2010 in the New York Gubernatorial election. It was not a wasted vote.

Thoughts About Stuart Schmelz And Sycophantic Assistant Principals

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:59:28 PST

As those regular readers of this blog remember, Stu Schmelz, an assistant principal at IS 162 in the Bronx passed away suddenly last May. Tribute was paid to Stu, twice, on these pages after his untimely passing. We here at SBSB and those that worked with Stu know that he got jacked big time and know that in due time the truth will come out in full.

A lot of truth landed on the desks at the SBSB newsroom of what transpired at IS 162 prior to his passing. At press time we can't reveal too much other than the dirty dealing that was perpetrated upon him was beyond reprehensible. Not only was Stu thrown under the bus, but the bus backed up and ran over him again and again.

Stu was caught up in the world of people having obscene, carnal relations with ghosts and dogs, sycophantic machinations brought on by the de facto leader of the Mole People, chronic disappearances for football and gallivanting with a passport, and literally picking up doody. But for now, what we know will need to remain only referred to cryptically and must remain vague.

Stu was one of a kind in this business. His word was his bond. What you saw with Stu was what you got. You could trust Stu. You could count on him. Unfortunately, education, in particular the NYC DOE has become a world in which the incompetent, sycophantic, unqualified are rewarded, while those who are competent, independent thinkers, qualified are slowly fucked and made to suffer.

Yes, there has been lots of news lately of principals without any morals. Principal Penis, and newly added to the list, Principal Liza Cruz Diaz of PS 31 in the Bronx. But what of those that we call assistant principals? There are much more of them than principals, and with more and more schools being added, there seems to be a high demand for them.

Back when I started teaching in the 90's all AP's it seemed were teachers who had paid their dues through years and years of teaching. Now, all one needs to become an assistant principal is a check book, some college that offers an administrative degree, a compliant friend, and the ability, to cleanse on a daily basis, a principal's colon. Oh, and let's not forget what a joke the C-30 process is. Why others are interviewed when it has already been predetermined who the AP will be I have never understood.

There are too many AP's out there that just take up space and for lack of a better explanation are nothing more than a principal's Himmler. They do the evil bidding of their principal and will move mountains to blame someone else for their own Freudian shortcomings. Assistant principal's such as these are manipulative, bereft of any and all empathy, sympathy, or basic understanding of the human race. In fact, one can wonder if such AP's as these are of the human race.

Fortunately, there is something known as Karma. Karma will always rear its head for such AP's and will, to paraphrase John Lennon, gonna bring them down. Well not actually Karma, but their own manipulation, machinations, inclinations, and general low sense of themselves will catch up with such AP's.

Rally Against Bronxdale Principal John Chase Jr 1/10/2012

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:50:35 PST

We here at SBSB have been right on top of the the "Objects My Penis Loves" scandal at Bronxdale High School in the Bronx. We also provided commentary when the DOE gave Bronxdale High principal John Chase Jr, a slap on his pen..., er we meant hand when it found that yes, he was guilty of guilty of violating Chancellor's Regulations A-830 regarding sexual harassment and allowed to stay on as principal in lieu of the outrage of female staffers and the danger to the inanimate objects of Bronxdale High.

We would also like to take the time to commend NYC Councilman James Vacca for going to bat for the teachers at Bronxdale. Councilman Vacca is outraged that Chase has been allowed to continue on at Bronxdale even while being found guilty of one charge, and two other charges pending.

So in light of this, we here at SBSB would like to announce a rally in support of the community at Bronxdale High and against the perversions of Principal John Chase Jr.

When: January 10 @ 3 30 PM until dark

Where: Columbus Campus; 925 Astor Ave. - Bronx 10469

Speakers; Councilman Jimmy Vacca, the office of State Senator Jeff Klein, several U.F.T. chapter leaders from the campus, and the office of Assemblywoman Naomi Rivera.

Other groups; the N.O.W. Network (National Organization of Women) and local community groups, and The Bronx U.F.T.

Media; A lot will be there

Governor Cuomo Announces A New Education Committee

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 17:26:23 PST

We here at SBSB wish to take the time and congratulate Governor Cuomo on his call in tomorrow's state of the state address tomorrow night in calling for an education committee to look at education across the state. This is an idea we here at SBSB have mulled over in the past.

Wait, hang on here. A member of the crack team is informing me that Gov. Cuomo's planned ed. committee is not all peaches and cream. Hank is informing me as I write this that the education committee will be staffed by those outside of education. Hmmmm. In light of recent events we here at SBSB wish to withdraw our congratulations and instead flip our collective middle fingers at Gov Cuomo for this asinine idea.

But more news is coming across the SBSB newsroom. Crack team member Shlomo has been working the phones with contacts in Albany and has just had the names of the outsiders faxed to us that will sit on the committee determining the best path for education in the Empire State. Job well done, Shlomo!

The list:

Georgina Bloomberg Her equestrian skills will bring a certain panache and class to the committee.

Jesus, the janitor at The Food Network Originally it was planned that Gov. Cuomo's main squeeze, Sandra Lee was to be on the committee. But she believes in having someone else do the hard work for you so what better way than having Jesus doing it for her.

Father O'Brien Priest at the Church of St John and Mary in Chappaqua and the priest who happened to look the other way with his right palm extended when Andrew Cuomo got divorced, er, his marriage annulled from Kerry Kennedy.

Glen Moreno Chairman of Pearson and what better way to say Thank You! for lavishing contracts upon, and receiving donations from?

Spalding Koch Bill Koch's 19 year old grandson. He is a spoiled rotten kid, but needs something to do with his time. Anyway, Gov Cuomo owes the Koch brothers big time.

Cee Lo Green The committee needs some street cred. Also, Cee Lo feels that he needs to look like he cares.

Wendi Murdoch What is an important education committee without a Murdoch? Besides, it gives her something to do as the Ciallis takes effect on Rupert.

And two more spots need to be filled. At press time we don't have the names but we do know one member will be from Western New York to show that Gov Cuomo cares about that part of the state, and the other member will be a rich, rich person with homes in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, and Hampton Bays. This member has children that are currently educated privately in an exclusive boarding school.

Thank you Governor Cuomo! You certainly made my choice voting 3rd party in 2010 look better and better everyday.

Whitney Tilson Thinks He's In The Army

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sun, 01 Jan 2012 20:39:17 PST

Imagine much to my surprise as I am eating breakfast this morning at Denny's on Wolf Rd in Albany this morning as I open up my email and come across the depraved and confused mind of Whitney Tilson's ramblings. What a way to start off a new year. Hopefully, 2012 we'll hear less and less of Whitney as he becomes more and more exposed for what he is, racist, condescending, patronizing, self-absorbed, and not intelligent. Oh, and I have forgotten, Happy New Year!

Whitney really came up with a humdinger of an idea his email today;

One important analogy is the U.S. military, which I think has a lot of lessons for our schools – both are enormously large, sprawling bureaucracies, but one is, by far, the best in the world, while the other is, at best, middle of the pack. And the U.S. military wasn't always this way – after Vietnam, it was a broken, demoralized institution, just like our schools today. How did it turn itself around? What are the lessons we can apply to our schools? If someone reading this wants to research this and write up something on it, I'll fund it!

Debunking this blabbering is like child's play. It is not fair and it is too easy. To make it a challenge I should find a one cell life form that just might have a 1% chance in not being able to simply state the fallacy of Whitney.

The irony of Whitney using the military is laughable. This coming from someone who if he ever did join the service would be immediately fragged by his troops (look, I'm not stupid, no way Whitney goes in as an enlisted man) the first night in country. Him also lauding the military is ironic considering how some liberal family member of his snagged his way out of the draft and Vietnam and instead "served" in the Peace Corps. This family member should have at least had some backbone like Muhammad Ali, or been a conscientious objector. Not a little pansy that runs to the Peace Corps.

But one can see how Whitney's military analogy is correct, at least in his mind.

KIPP is run like a boot camp somewhat. All students conform to a a proscribed behavior delivered in a drill instructor manner. Students use cadences in the classroom, sit with backs straight, heads held high, and walk in lock step with one another in silence through the halls. If students can't cut muster they are quietly encouraged to leave, or just told to. The same method as in boot camp or Office Candidate School. Anyone recall An Officer and a Gentleman and the DOR( Drop on Request)?

Students in KIPP, and let us not forget other thoughts of education, ***COUGH*** Success Academy schools, ***COUGH*** in which students as young as Kindergartners are forced to assume punitive drills to correct non-conforming behavior.

Now, I am too young to remember much of Vietnam. I was in 3rd grade when the war ended. But do recall wearing a POW bracelet during all of 3rd grade. But I think I am more school on history than Whitney.

The reason Vietnam was such a mess was not because of the military, but the same reason education is screwed up now. Politicians and the outsiders. The generals should run the military and education should be run by teachers. Now there is an analogy.

But as Whitney's ilk likes to say, just throwing money at a problem is no solution. If we use Whitney's analogy about the military one of the things that got us out of our post-Vietnam funk was the lavish spending of the Reagan administration on the military. See, money can solve problems.

But what really got us out of that funk was Desert Storm, which the politicians steered clear of. It was not until the last ten years, especially from 2001-2009, in which the politicians needed to make up for the Freudian shortcomings and fucked up the military again.

But think, is it possible, even probable, that a graduate of the Naval Academy would command a aircraft carrier let alone a ship? NO WAY! Yet in Whitney's mind a young one from an elite college (and I'll take Annapolis over any Ivy League school) that just graduate and had 50 hours of training is good enough to be a teacher. Yes Whitney, let's use that military analogy.

But let's fast forward to the cold war. I recall reading that even though the Soviets had vast military superiority, that the US and its allies would win the battles and the war. Why? Because the Soviet military drilled their troops in a rote style, that there was no use for individualism. Not the US military, in which the troops were taught to think for themselves on the bsattlefield, or as the Marines likes to say, "Improvise, adapt, overcome." Think we are teaching students this with all this test prep? NO!!! Yeppers, let's use the military as an analogy!

What about these school leaders and central administrators that always demean teachers? Do they follow the military principle that the grunts are the backbone of the service? I don't think so. Ask any admiral, general, colonel, major, etc... You find the brass the men go through a horde of gunfire for are the officers that respect their men, work with the ones that need improvement, and leave the ones that can do it alone. They eat, shit, shower, and don't ask the men of anything that they won't do themselves. And more importantly, not counting Abu Grahib, and other dumb ass stuff the last ten years, take responsibility for their actions. Give me a boss like Gunny Highway! Yep, there is another military analogy that can be used at the DOE.

Hey, I, and other like minded smart people always say that as teachers each day is different, each child is different, therefore since we as teachers can not control what comes into our classroom we should not be judged for matters that are not in our hands. Same as the military. They leave base to go on patrol the troops have no idea if they will come back alive. Hell, when they leave home and kiss the wife good-bye they have no idea if that is the last kiss ever. See, teachers and the military can't control outside forces. Yes, you guessed it. Another good use of a military analogy in education.

I wish to thank Whitney Tilson for sharing his thought on this first day of 2012. Again, he shows what happens when one does not think before putting fingers to keypad. And also what happens when one is so full of himself.

A Teacher At PS 51 In The Bronx Fights Back

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 19:44:09 PST

Today quite disconcerting news came across the SBSB newsroom desk. Nancy Tomassi, a teacher at PS 51 in the Bronx has filed a lawsuit against the DOE alleging that the former building that housed PS 51 led to her unborn child being diagnosed with anencephaly which resulted in her ending her pregnancy.

The crack team at SBSB and myself would like to first take this time to show how support and sympathy to Nancy, her husband Mike, and their entire families in this time of sadness and need. This must be an extremely difficult time for them to not only to find the strength to bring civil action against the city, but furthermore, to do so publicly by sharing with their world their plight, shows just how grounded both Nancy and Mike are. I and the crack team wish to pass along our condolences, thoughts, and most importantly our support at any time it is needed to both Nancy and Mike.

The loss of a child, whether born or unborn must be a feeling that is not only unfathomable, but heart wrenching to parents. Sadly, the idiocrats at Tweed and anyone associated with the NYC DOE are unable to share these feelings.

To know that since January 2011 that a school is infected with a known carcinogen, trichloroethylene, which has been known to cause birth defects and inform all those who worked in the school, should not only be considered irresponsible and unethical but borderline criminal.

Who is responsible for this? Who needs to pay? Let's not even look back to the yutz who decided that a former light factory, with all the chemicals that are involved in the making of, was a good place to place a school. Who was in charge since the discovery was made in January that this school was toxic?

Did Cathie Black who was chancellor of the NYC DOE at the time of discovery of toxins notified? One would assume that if toxins were to be discovered in a school that this should land on the chancellor's desk. Was Uncle Mike, the man that has given a longer life to millions of New Yorkers notified in January? If so, did he abscond on his fiduciary duties as the ultimate guardian of the children of NYC for he felt that little boys and girls of color, and teachers as well, are expendable? Did Dennis Walcott, the current chancellor know anything when he assumed the throne of chancellor? Surely, when Walcott said, “I am the chancellor, and I will take full responsibility for this,” his words should be taken literally and be named in the lawsuit.

But, who is ultimately most responsible for a school building? The principal. To paraphrase former senator Howard Baker, "what did Principal Paul Smith know and when did he know it?" This is a question that should be asked. This is a question that should be asked of Principal Smith during a deposition, under oath, on the witness stand under penalty of perjury.

Whomever tested the school surely did not walk into the school incognito. Why, if the school were to be tested would a principal be left out of the inner circle of knowledge? When someone, especially toxic testers (?) walk into a school, wouldn't the first person they report to be the principal? If so, WHY DID PRINCIPAL PAUL SMITH NOT IMMEDIATELY NOTIFY PARENTS AND STAFF? Are we to believe that Principal Smith was completely out of the loop in a major undertaking at his school? We call on Principal Smith to make public and to the Tomassi's the sign in books in the office and call upon DOE School Safety to make public the sign in books at the security desk.

Like a ship's captain a principal is the one ultimately responsible for their school. That is why we not only encourage the Tomassi's and their attorneys to utilize discovery to find out once of for all what Principal Smith knew and when he knew it, but if through discovery it is found that if Principal Smith is even 1% culpable that he is not only named a defendant but that like a good and well trained UK prime minister (see Howard Macmillan) that he do the honorable thing and resign immediately.

I know that the Tomassi's will not only find support, warmth, and empathy here on these pages, but in the hearts and mind of every teacher in New York City that sees what Uncle Mike has allowed a once great school system to become.

Teachers Of Los Angeles It's Time To Party With Educators 4 Excellence!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Wed, 28 Dec 2011 18:39:30 PST

Hello teachers of Los Angeles! Do you ever get tired from the same old boring Friday nights? Are you looking for something to do other than attend another boring Clippers or Kings game? Well, look no more. We here at SBSB have a most exciting suggestion for a Friday night in the history of mankind.

As many of you out there in the City of Angels are aware, or not aware, a new Aryan youth group, Educators4Excellence has pitched a tent within your fair city. Seems that E4E has failed here in New York and like the Corleone family has been run off in the attempt to influence, and certainly degrade, education at the LAUSD. What does this have to do with you?

Well, at the behest of E4E, and its co-founders and co-executive directors Little Evan Stone and Princess Sydney Morris in conjunction with their newly recruited de facto Los Angeles leader, Ama Nyamekye (who comes to LA by way of NYC) the crack team wishes to invite you to E4E welcome kegger on Friday, January 20, 2012 at the United Way of Greater Los Angeles. Actually it is a dinner, with guest speaker your leader, Superintendent John Deasy. Rumor has it that preppy casual is the dress code.

How you may ask does one get their name on the exclusive guest list? Simple. Go to this link and sign up. If you have any issues with giving you name, be sure to check the official SBSB list of pseudonym's that one can sign up with. Once you are signed up to E4E, and of course sign the loyalty oath, not only will you be able to sign up for this gala event, but will be able to view all upcoming E4E events.

But not to worry. E4E is so full of themselves and their righteousness they will not even notice that there are moles at the event. Best of all the food and alcohol will be flowing and you will be able to drink and eat on E4E's dime. In fact, a little birdie has shared with the crack team that there is a strong possibility of a mic night! Oooh.

So sign up early and often and have fun.

ATR's!!! Look Upon Little Evan Stone And Be Led!

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 22:41:30 PST

I read Chaz's latest blog posting this afternoon with a heavy heart. It seems that jolly old St Nick is not immune from the pratfalls of the long arms of the ATR (Absent Teacher Reserve) system. We here at SBSB feel for Santa on this last night of Hanukkah 5772 and pledge our support to the man in the red suit and hope he finds a permanent position.

We also feel for Chaz as well. I have spoken with Chaz many a time and have had him on as a guest on the radio show. Chaz should be in a school and classroom permanently. He is a wonderful person and a smart man. Perhaps if I had Chaz as a science teacher in high school I would have done better.

We also read, with a heavy heart a fairly new yet thought provoking blog, NYC ATR. In this blog the trials and tribulations of every day teachers who for no fault of their own are thrown to the proverbial wolves and left better out of sight and out of mind.

But in both blogs a common thread runs through. The lack an official voice granted by the UFT to the ATR teachers. The UFT poohs-poohs the ATR's concerns, Tweed treats the ATR's as some form of pox infected creature that lives beneath the auditorium stage. No one listens, or cares, about the ATR's. What can be done?

During tonight's game of dreidel myself and the crack team formulated an answer to what ails the ATR's. The answer was so obvious we were shocked we did not think of it sooner. Now mind you, the solution is somewhat controversial and out of the box, but it is guaranteed to work.

Look to Little Evan Stone of Educators 4 Excellence and thee shall be set free! Yes, I am not kidding here. What? You ask how can I and the crack team suggest the ATR's look to Little Evan to lead them from wondering the desert? It's all very simple. Little Evan and E4E advocate on their website;

"Educators 4 Excellence works to ensure that the voices of classroom teachers are included in the decisions that affect our profession and our students."

Surely, this statement must include the ATR's that are toiling about New York City? Does E4E only advocate for teachers that are under 30 years of age, graduated from elite colleges, and have rich mommies and daddies? Isn't E4E inclusive of all NYC teachers?

To every ATR reading this it is time you contact Little Evan and let him show just how much he thinks he cares about you. Contact him through FB (which an email address is located), or this email, or this email, or you can Tweet him! Oh, you can also write Little Evan c/o Educators4Excellence, 333 W. 39th St. Suite 703 New York NY 10018, or call him at the office, (212) 279-8510. Let Evan now how much you agree with that E4E is an organization that wishes to give a voice to EVERY teacher!

But remember ATR's, give no quarter. Stand firm. Don't let Little Evan change what you want. You will not be working for him however, you ATR's will have Little Evan do your bidding.

But there is one downside to all this. It could be that mission statement and what Little Evan believes in is all a crock of shit. In that case, Little Evan will just confirm what everyone knows he already is.

Oh, just a disclamer. This post was a wee bit on the sarcastic side.

E4E's Laura Klein Of IS 217 Bronx Mocks Student In Foster Care

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 17:45:52 PST

I keep going and keep coming back to an article that was written by Educators 4 Excellence drone Laura Klein which appeared on December 19. Her article, "'No Excuses' Is Not Just for Teachers" though written to encourage us as teachers to encourage our students not to use excuses for their mistakes, is yet another left-handed swipe at teachers by the notorious Borg Collective which is E4E and which Laura Klein surely is just another mindless, interconnected drone.

Again it is beyond laughable that a Jewish American Princess that attended Northwestern is one to lecture about pulling one's bootstraps up to cure all ills that affect students. Plus on top of that to seemingly lecture to teachers, and the public as well, the obvious continues the condescending, patronizing, self-importance of anyone associated with E4E.

Not only that, but Laura Klein is from a school, I.S. 217, Rafael Hernandez School of Performing Arts in the Bronx, which seems to be not doing well. What with only 13% at a 3 or 4 in reading, and Leadership Academy Seth Litt leading it into the toilet, one must wonder what Laura Klein has contributed to the impending train wreck and it's C rating.

In her first statement; It’s our job to teach them no matter what. We are often the adults that children see with the most consistency and frequency, and we are responsible for their educations, in the broadest sense of that word. But to truly help them be successful, we ourselves have to embody the “no excuses” attitude.

This seems to be written by Captain Obvious. But of course the condensation needs to be thrown in with the statement, 'we ourselves have to embody the “no excuses” attitude.' Yes, teachers will bitch, moan, and kvetch about their students. But at the end of the day we do the right things. Just because we bitch, moan, and kvetch does not mean we give up. We all do the same regarding our family members, it is a natural human way to let off steam.

Klein goes on; Students don’t complete an assignment, and we give them a second chance. A parent comes to school, upset to hear that his or her child is failing math, and we say, time and again, “they can make up the work.” A test is failed and we provide a chance to retake it, or do test corrections for extra credit.

Funny how E4E never bites the Uncle Mike hand that enables it. The above statement can very well be an indictment against credit recovery and the pressure that high school principals feel in producing outstanding graduation rates. Guess what Laura? You and your ilk would have much more credibility if instead of attacking teachers, education, and the union instead E4E channels itself towards those with power that have screwed up the system. Just look at the last month or so of principals being accused in jacking the credit recovery system. Where is the E4E outrage?

There’s a girl in my class with atrocious handwriting. “Illegible” is a gentle word to describe her work. We joke about it, and tease her, and ask her to take her time and write carefully.

“Maybe if I had a mother who had taught me that, I would have better handwriting!” she exclaims. She has been in and out of foster care for years. She has an explanation for her bad handwriting — but when does it become an excuse that inhibits her ability to communicate for the rest of her life?

This is an example? Big deal. My 8th grade English teacher called my handwriting spastic. It still is. However, jeez Laura, the girl has been in and out of foster care. How would you feel as a teenager if you were being shuttled from one family to another? You don't think this affects the student? Or should she just ignore this fact and pull herself up by her bootstraps? Of course Laura you must be thinking that you are the Great White Hope that she feels she must model herself after.

I was going to quote more from this frivolous article of self importance but now that I think about it, another thought has creeped into my ADD mind.

Two things. One is not ironic, or sad, that these twentysomething TFA's come into the South Bronx and with their arrogance and ignorance think they and they alone have all the answers? What is the truth is that 99% of them have been feeding from the silver trough of their self importance for so long that they feel only someone as elite a person that join's TFA and has gone to an elite school knows what is best for the brown boys and girls of the ghetto. But in reality, there self importance comes back to bite them in the ass and they soon get their comeuppance from the students and reality. This is not to say that all TFA's are like this. There are many TFA teachers that I know of who keep their mouths shut and their ears open. But the ilk associated with the collective mind speak of E4E are particularly appalling and smug in smelling their own farts.

But I just keep coming back to Laura Klein belittling a student that gets passed around in the foster care system the same way a pack of Newports gets passed around a prison yard.

I put it to you Laura, renounce any and all trusts, allowances, etc... that you receive from your your elite world. Go shopping for clothes on Fordham Rd, shop for groceries at Associated, live in a rat infested apartment. You look down from that perch and just think that you are better than what you are forced to deal with everyday.

We here at SBSB feel badly that you feel that you must mock those that are in foster care and wish to play the world's smallest violin in deference to your horrible work conditions. Perhaps you will feel more comfortable in a white, less transient community of students or students that have easy access to bootstraps.

We wish you well Laura Klein. Perhaps in your next career, lawyer, lawyer, or lawyer you can associate yourself with those that are more like you.

A Very South Bronx School Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sat, 24 Dec 2011 15:59:24 PST

Was wishing to blog about something tonight, but unfortunately have a touch of writer's block. However, I would like to share some videos that reflect upon spirit of Christmas with all the loyal readers of SBSB. As usual with this blog the selected videos are sure to offend some. Happy Chanukah, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!

Mr. Hankey, the Christmas Poo
Get More: SOUTH
PARK more...

Red Sleigh Down
Get More: SOUTH
PARK more...

Mr. Hankey's Christmas Classics
Get More: SOUTH
PARK more...

Venting In A Dramatic Monologue Sort Of Way

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 18:17:38 PST

I am getting sick and tired of teacher bashing. I am sick and tired of blaming the teachers. I am sick and tired of the deformers.

Imagine what it is like to come to work every day and be hit by the equivalent of a 2X4 in the face every day. Imagine what it must be like to come to work when the night before your spouse left you, your child said they hate you, your parent is dying. A teacher has no choice but to shove it all away the minute 8 30 comes and turn that frown upside down in some demented smile while knowing that they are not allowed to be human.

I am getting fed up with hearing that every student deserves a great teacher when it is statistically impossible to have every teacher great. What is wrong with pretty darn fu**ing good?

Want to keep blaming teachers? Guess what ed deformers? Teachers do not choose the boneheaded, incoherent curriculum that has been heaped upon the children of New York City. It is the higher ups in the CSD's, Tweed, the dudes at McGraw Hill with the envelopes of Knicks tickets, cash, and prizes.

Hey, what about those kids who like at MS 203 in the Bronx that do not do anything in class? Why aren't these students reprimanded? Why aren't the parents called and told that it is about fu**king time they start acting like parents and ensure it themselves that their children get educated?

Let's not forget the 20 something and 30 something useless Leadership Academy principals who have never been in education. And this doesn't mean the,"Oh look at me, I got my administrative license after 5 years and am now an AP because my mother's best friend hired me" wastes. These types have nothing better to do than to harass any teacher that is over 35, shows independent thought, and is past step 8b on the salary scale. As one SBSB groupie shared with me, "if a teacher is being harassed and therefore so concerned with this harassment, does this not take away from his or hers ability to properly teach?" Think about it.

Hey, here is a good one. Why are there so many failing schools? It's because those schools are set up to fail. Yeah, the dirty little secret of Tweed is, "Fu** The Students," because what is more important is all the hedge funders, charter systems, and the $$$$ that can be used to complete the makeover of education into a has and will never have system.

The PEP members, that is of course except ((((HAWT)))) Manhattan rep Patrick Sullivan and his borough crew (think about it, Patrick Sullivan is like Fonzie) don't give one rat's ass about the students, the families, the schools, the teachers, and education in this city. How dare they sit there looking down on the people of NYC? How dare they accept whatever favors they receive from Uncle Mike. Just wish to know how do these people sleep at night.

Testing is now going to be a total of 4 hours? This is maddening. How can we expect a 9 year old to have that kind of attention span? How can we expect a 9 year old to love to learn, to love to come to school? To not come down with serious anxiety problems?

What other professional job will allow someone with only 50 hours of training be allowed to have the responsibility of so much in their hands? Will anyone hire a doctor, lawyer, rabbi, or priest with similar training?

I am sick of every ATR I have seen being over the age of 40 and having to worry day in and day our about whether or not this will be their last day earning a paycheck.

The time for teachers to rise is now. The time for the families and the students to rise is now. Our schools, our lives, the educational process must be removed from those that are involved and planning in the destruction of American education. It is not too late. It can never be too late. But it must be done.

A Bronx Student Thanks Mayor Bloomberg For The Education He Has Received

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 20:12:02 PST

The crack team would like to welcome a guest blogger tonight, a student in the NYC DOE by the name of Throckmorton. Throckmorton plans to share with us how much Uncle Mike has done for his education. So without further adieu, please welcome Throcky.

Hi, I would like to thank Bronx Teacher and the crack team here at SBSB for allowing me to share with the SBSB readership the wonderful things Uncle Mike has done for my education. Without Uncle Mike's policies I would not be where I am now.

It all started in Kindergarten for me. I was born the first week of December so already I am somewhat behind the 8 ball. Most of the kids in my class were several months older than me and at that age a gap like that makes a big difference in learning styles. Also, my parents were fighting a lot. Seemed that whenever my dad had too much too drink, which was like every night, he would shove my mom's head into a wall.

Anyway, I withdrew and with no support at home I was really behind. I remember meeting with my mom and my principal. I was told I was being left back. I was so upset I cried. But I recall the principal telling my mom that if students were to be left back it should be wither in grades K or 1. Anything other than being held back in those grades was just a waste of time and just for political means.

I eventually got over it and looked forward to K all over again. Unfortunately the teacher we had, who I really loved and had been making progress with me all of the sudden went away. Yeah, just like one day she did not show up. I found out later she was sent to this place called the Rubber Room because she farted in a non-prescribed official NYC DOE manner. We went through 3 more teachers until March when it was decided to just split the class up and send us all into already overcrowded situations. I became lost and alone and I regressed, but darn if I wasn't promoted to 1st grade.

The first day of 1st grade I was so excited. I had a man teacher. His name was Chad Pennyworth and this was his first teaching job ever! He told us how smart he was because he went to a college named Harvard. He didn't even call us students! We were scholars. Even our tables had weird names. Let me see if I could remember. Oh yeah. The table names were Greenwich, Scarsdale, Bronxville, Upper Saddle River, and Roslyn. We were told to call the cafeteria the dinning hall, and the gym was the physical arts centre. We really felt important.

We really didn't get to do much in 1st grade. We had 3 students that took almost all of Mr Pennyworth's time. These kids, Moe, Larry, and Shemp threw chairs, overturned desks, hit other students. Mr Pennyworth did not know what to do. When he turned to administration to help him, nothing happened. Funny, when the other old teacher's came to help him he always said, "That is not in my TFA manual."

I went into 2nd grade and I had this old woman teacher. She must have been 90 years old! But I learned so much in the short amount of time that she was my teacher. The last day we ever saw her was October 5. After that, no one knew. Only now did I find out she was sent to that Rubber Room place again because she bought a house plant for the school. Again, we went through 3 or 4 teachers before the class was split up and I felt anger at being attached to a teacher yet again and having her taken away from me.

Third grade was going to be scary. From day 1 I was told that if I fail the test I will be held back again. That if that happened my parents, my grandparents would hate me. I dreaded that test coming up. But guess what? Mr Pennyworth was my teacher again. He told us the first day this was his last year as a teacher. He got accepted at some NBA program at Stanford Connecticut. But this time our tables were named Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Columbia, and Dartmouth.

We had the same kids in the class that caused all these commotion as in first grade. Moe, Larry, and Shemp got bigger and scarier. I almost got hit by a chair. Nothing was ever done. Also, we didn't any science or social studies until April. All we did was study for the test.

Sadly, my mother got pregnant my my father's best friend. He flew into a rage in front of me and beat my mother so hard she wound up in Bronx-Lebnon Hospital for two months. My father was arrested and had a vacation at an island named Rikers for a long time. I missed my father and mother so much. But I got to stay with my Tia. She was 67 years old at the time, had bad diabetes, and didn't speak any English. She never left the apartment. She had my cousin take me to school. More on him later.

Anyway, the test came and I threw up the night before all the tests and peed myself the morning of the tests. There was a crazy question on the test about poloponies. What is a poloponie? I was so sad I got 1's on the math and ELA. The day my mother came out of the hospital I was told I would have to go to summer school.

Summer school sucked. I was so angry being there. If only they knew about the problems I had in 3rd grade someone would have come in and saved me. I was in an old building that was built in 1904. My class was on the top floor and it was hot and there was no air conditioning. I hated it. I hated the teacher. I hated everyone. I wanted to leave but I knew I couldn't. I took the tests again and I got 1's. I had to do 3rd grade again.

I was planning on buckling down in 3rd grade. I knew if I had an old lady teacher I could do good. But that September we had 15 new teachers and a new principal who told us he was 25 years old. All the old ones suddenly either died or vanished.

My mother tried to get me into resource room, or SETTS, or meeting with a guidance counselor. But the new principal in a meeting with her and his 6 new AP's explained that there was no money for these positions. I remember looking at the new gold plated sink in his office as he said these words.

I managed to get a 2 on the math and ELA and the same the following year in 4th grade. Yeah, I fooled them. I am at a 2nd grade reading level. I started to get in more trouble in 3rd and 4th. I was suspended a couple of times. I left a deuce in the urinal once, and another time I told the principal to fuck off. But, hey I was hanging out with my buddies. School I learned was not for me, nor did these big shots truly care about me.

So here I am in finally in the 5th grade. I just turned 12 while everyone else in my class is 10 years old. My mother has been trying to get me some support services at school, but she is told there is no money. We finally have a guidance counselor, but I only see her once a month because she has so many students, not scholars, to service. I feel so ashamed that I am starting to shave and my friends in my grade aren't. But I have other friends.

Remember my cousin? He runs with a gang. I hang out with them a lot. Sometimes until midnight. Yeah, midnight even on school nights. What's the big deal? My mother is watching the baby all the time, my father is in jail. School sucks. The teachers that I liked leave, the teachers that say I am a scholar can't teach me and talk to me like I am a wimp. The principal just wants to take care of his cronies.

Last week some rich white guy came to talk to the 5th grade. He said we can be rich like him if we just put our minds to it and pull ourselves up by our bootstraps. Yeah, now I know what I am doing wrong.

I just want to be a kid. I want someone to let me explore, to let me learn on my own, to give me the boundaries I want so bad.

Thank you Mayor Bloomberg. Your education policies have made me feel like a failure at the age of 12.

Little Evan Stone Is 99% Road Apples

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sat, 10 Dec 2011 14:33:21 PST

Did you know that Little Evan Stone of Educators 4 Excellence is amongst the 99%? Yes, that is a fact. We here at SBSB couldn't believe it ourselves when we were sent the link to Little Evan's Google+ page last week. The photo was very grainy and since the crack team and myself believe in objective bloggerism, we had to wait for all the facts to come in before we decided to have a go. Wait, that is not the truth. The truth is we it took us about a minute to confirm that Little Evan's profile photo on Google+ was truly him at Zuccotti Park, and about a week of laughing our asses off, and the cleaning of the subsequent mess we made, to share with the loyal readers this joke.

Since Little Evan in all probability will delete the photo of him supporting OWS, we feel that screen shots will best explain. Here is Little Evan at OWS (click to enlarge);

Now just in case there is any doubt observe the buildings behind both of Little Evan's shoulders. We would like to thank the programmers of Google Street View for their cooperation. The crack team has ascertained that Evan is standing on Liberty St towards the corner with Trinity Pl. (again, click to enlarge);

Why share this? The first thing that was discussed was not the hypocrisy of Little Evan ingratiating himself with those at OWS, but rather what the photo in his profile is telling everyone.

This is just another case of Little Evan Stone having to be the center of attention. Little Evan could have posted a generic photo of OWS, but noooooooooooooo. It had to be a photo of him, a photo of him "being down" with those at Zuccotti Park. Keep in mind this is a young man that has lived life through a silver prism. A young man that attended one of the most elite (we will not give away personal information here) high schools in Pasadena CA.

A high school that is so elite, it sucks in children that refuse to attend the public schools of Pasadena for there are one too many children of color in the Pasadena school district and that is predominantly white.

A high school that is so elite, the average class size in the upper, or high school is 17 students. In fact, why isn't E4E sharing with us lower class people a white paper on class size?

A high school that is so elite its primary purpose at one time was to funnel students into Cal Tech.

A high school that is so elite that the tuition is $24K a year.

Little Evan has lived an elitist life. From his day's of dressing for the evening meal, to commanding his wet nurse, to his days at Yale in which he played an elitist sport, soccer. Yes, soccer, as personified by the white, rich elites is an easy and elitist sport to play. Why not baseball? Probably to afraid to get hit by a rising fastball coming at him at 90 MPH. Football? Too many people of color for sure.

For Little Evan to think that he has anything in common with those at Zuccotti Park or those in the Occupy movement is pathetic. The only thing he has in common is that they and he both need to realize that he is the enemy, the 1%, part of the problem. But Little Evan will never realize that as long as he wishes to be the attention whore, the "me too" person that he is.

Little Evan is nothing more than a $3 bill. Both lack values. Both are not real.

An Inane Soliloquy Of Venting

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:34:38 PST

I am thisclose to being fed up with teaching. With education. With the NYC DOE.

I'm tired of hearing the rhetoric of "students first" or children first." It's all bullshit. The more one claims its about the students, the less it is.

This "passing the buck," shit ain't working either. The only people out there who do not pass the buck are the teachers. Everyone else, administrators, parents, superintendents, short mayors with several Freudian complexes, chancellors, Tweedies, politicians, school shrinks, hedge fund managers, when are they going to see what we see? When will their eyes be pried open to not only look in the mirror, but to look around at the true reality?

How can a teacher teach, a child be educated, when in a classroom bursting at the seams has over 30 students with at least 3 major behavioral problems? I'm not talking wise asses, I am talking students that when they don't get their way have serious outbursts that turn violent. Throwing chairs, flipping over desks, and attacking other students. And believe it or not this happens every day.

Hell, let's get away from the violent ones to the at least 5 more who disrupt by being more than wise asses. Those that come to school and see school as a six hour social hour. These students are rude, lie, do not do any work. They will tell you to go fuck yourself just as easily as they manipulate their parents into believing that they are the persecuted in school.

These students are degrading the educational process for all. But what is done? Nothing. Nada. Bupkus. No one wants to take responsibility for these students. Even the parents of the students who are affected do not rise up and head to an administrator en masse and demand that these students be removed from the learning environment.

Even when the school support team gets off its collective asses 99% of the time they come in with their liberal agenda and poo-poo the teacher even when hundreds of pages of anecdotals contradict their own liberal leanings.

Administrators that just pass the buck, they don't wish to make the hard decisions. And even when these administrators do decide to make the hard decisions they are shot down in the suspension hearings because there is some old fart former principal on F status who wishes to inject his liberal philosophy on a school.

What about these parents? To get a parent to come in is like pulling teeth. Gosh darn it, it is your child, your progeny, you must be there and come in when you are asked to. You are not under any circumstances your child's friend. You are your child's parent. Start acting like it. I promise you that the student who will talk to a teacher like that teacher is a nothing or say to a teacher to go "fuck themselves" is getting it right from that parent's mouth.

Teach your child to take responsibility. Teach your child to have values. Stop letting your child go to sleep at 11 PM after watching inappropriate television. Stop taking your child to R rated movies. Set boundaries.

Yes, I know poverty is tough and it can be pretty shitty out there. But I see awesome support systems out there. They need to be taken advantage of. I also know that while we look at poverty as a culprit in what is ailing students in the inner city with their education there is something much worse.

What is it? It is the pervasive values and culture that is out there. Gosh, I sound like an old fart saying this, but there is a value and cultural system out there that education has a tough time competing with at times.

We live in a culture that has over the last 20 years has rewarded and allowed to become celebrities criminals, stupid people, and liars. In my opinion it all started with Joey Buttafuco. Oh yeah, and anything on the FOX Network.

I walk into the bodega at lunch time and I hear rap being played by the Yemini gentleman with mother******, c***, bit**, etc... Kids at 8 years of age hear this. They want to emulate it. Students in 4th and 5th grade are so pulled to the street, the colors and the easy bling, the easy money, and the easy sense of camaraderie.

These kids need so much more than just testing, testing, testing, staying late and coming to school on weekends. They need to learn how to think of others, think of a team. I could go into my son's classroom and ask for a show of hands of how many kids play some type of organized team sports. Every hand but one or two will be raised. In almost any school in the South Bronx maybe one or two hands, if that many, will be raised.

It is so sad what has become of education in NYC. No one gives a hoot except the teachers. Everyone else, all they care is about looking good and covering their asses. It is time for education and teaching to return. It is time for students to be allowed to be students and let them be free from students and their parents who do not wish to learn. It is time for students to learn as children learn, by exploring, by being inquisitive, by being themselves. It is time to limit class size to no more than 14-17 students per class.

The students are being harmed exponentially. Is there anyone out there in a position of power other than the teachers that gives a damn?

Teachers Of Los Angeles, Introducing Education4Excellence's Princess Sydney Morris

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:56:31 PST

Hello teachers and educators of Los Angeles. This past Saturday, December 3, Little Evan Stone, co-founder and co-chief executive officer was profiled in these pages. Tonight in the promise to share all we know here at SBSB about Educators4Excellence with our Los Angeles brethren we would like to introduce the Left Coast to the other brain behind E4E, the other co-founder, the other co- chief executive officer, Princess Sydney Morris. Of course any teacher can go to the E4E bio of Princess Sydney and read her bio, but we here at SBSB believe that one should at the very least not embellish their accomplishments and stay away from cliches.

The first embellishment of Sydney's bio lies in the first ten words; A native New Yorker and a product of New York public schools,

Yes, Princess Sydney is a native New Yorker and was a product of New York public schools. The crack team will give her the benefit of the doubt that she is not fibbing in claiming she is from New York. Of course we know being a New Yorker can mean from New York State. What we do take issue with is claiming to be a product of the "New York public schools." This is implying that Princess Sydney came through the rough and tumble world of the New York City Public Schools when nothing could be further from the truth. If one went to Yonkers Public School would one claim that they are a product of the Yonkers schools or the New York schools?

No, Princess Sydney is a product of one of the whitest, richest school districts in Westchester County, New York. Princess Sydney wishes for all to see that she is, "down," when in reality she is not. This Los Angeles teachers is something, the lies, the twisting of the words, that you must face when dealing with E4E.

The bio goes on to share; Sydney joined Teach For America as a teacher in the Bronx, NY where she taught second and third grade at PS 86.

Yes, Princess Sydney was a teacher at PS 86 in the Bronx. But what kind of teacher? Hmmm, let's read about it. Here is a little more truth about what Princess Sydney wants and how her and Little Evan Stone operate.

But, enough of this. Princess Sydney decided to become a teacher because; "I knew my students would teach me more than I ever thought possible."

Wow! Reaching into the teacher book of cliches. So mommy and daddy spent all this money for you at Tulane and all you thought about was that your students would teach you things? We here would have accepted to not be drafted and go to Vietnam as not only acceptable, but truthful as well. But, I recall a professor of mine in college sharing with me that many become teachers because they felt they were not educated correctly. Of course that answer would have been acceptable.

Princess Sydney's favorite thing about E4E (of course it all returns to E4E); having the opportunity to talk to the thoughtful, passionate, dedicated teachers that are part of this work and hear their insightful ideas about how to improve our schools.

Yes, the passionate, thoughtful, dedicated teachers that are under 28 years of age and clueless.Of course a loyalty oath anointing Princess Sydney and Little Evan Stone as your lords and overseers, but what's the biggie?

One of Sydney's most memorable students; .....was already a teacher the day I watched her helping the other kids at her table master 2-digit multiplication.

So she is a teacher already? Maybe she just has a big heart? Maybe she likes to help. Another cliche. Jeez!

These inauthentic bios in which accompany Little Evan Stone and Princess Sydney are truly written to show them in the best artificial light imaginable. There is no real there. There is no there in their reality. Only these politically correct responses.

But, this is what is awaiting you in Los Angeles. Be sure to sign up and keep track of E4E. E4E failed in New York City, they must fail in Los Angeles.

Los Angeles Teachers Please Welcome Little Evan Stone Of Educators4Excellence

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 13:13:30 PST

Hey Los Angeles teachers! Since Educators4Excellence has now slimed its way into the workings of the Los Angeles public schools, we here at SBSB feel it is time to learn more about your new overseers. Today we will learn more about E4E co-founder and co- executive officer Little Evan Stone.

Evan offers a fascinating biography on his E4E biography, but we'll get to that in a moment. But first, let's examine Little Evan's bio from when he was a panelist at the Yale School of Management Education Leadership Conference from March of 2011.

Of course the bio starts off with the continued fabrication that E4E is an independent voice in education;

a dynamic non-profit organization that provides an independent voice for educators in the policy debate surrounding education reform.

Wait, but more embellishment on the greatness of Evan is coming! As of now, December 3, 2011 E4E is claiming over 3,200 members. But in his Yale panelist bio it is claimed that in March, 2011 E4E;

......has quickly grown to represent over 1,000 educators who desire a system that prioritizes the needs of students.

Hmmm. Is someone cooking the books? But wait!! Hold on! Here comes the biggest story ever told!

For three years Evan was a 6th grade classroom teacher where he demonstrated excellence with dramatic student gains.

HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I guess Little Evan believes in the Michelle Rhee method of making one look better than they are. Which seems to contradict what he told out mole here (10th paragraph), as well as here. We here at SBSB are quite befuddled. As mentioned in yesterday's posting Little Evan promised to release his test scores once the new website is up. We here at SBSB call on Little Evan to man up and release is test scores as promised and to prove the dramatic gains.

Little Evan seems as well to be biting the proverbial hand that feeds him when it is claimed;

He also focused his academics on the achievement gap by writing his thesis on how “No Child Left Behind” was negatively impacting local school funding in New Haven.

Bashing the NCLB? The bible of the deformers? We here at SBSB are hard on the case attemtping to locate his thesis from Yale. But enough of Little Evan's fabricated, if not embellished bio from Yale. Shall we look at his E4E bio?

it seems that Evan did not begin his teaching career in 2007 as he has stated. It began much earlier;

as a coach - running the VIP soccer team for children with special needs and coaching both a boys and girls AYSO team while in high school.

In light of Little Evan's admission I to would like to change the start of my teaching to career to 1975. That year I was in 5th grade and I assisted my father in coaching my younger brother's Little League team. I kept score. Also, in 1979, when I was 15, I was a Camper in Leadership Training at YMCA Camp Sloane in Lakeville, CT. So technically I have been teaching 36 years.

Evan became a teacher because.....

a quality education is a gift that can never be taken away.

Wow! Did he reach into the book of teacher cliches to come away with that? Impressive.

Evan's finest moment as a teacher came when a student upon Jerry Spinelli's "Loser" exclaimed;

“This book is not about a loser – it is about a winner.”

Fascinating! If this kid did not have Little Evan as a teacher, this kid never would have said that. What is even more amazing is that Little Evan is amazed at a 6th grader is able to come up with an answer like that.

But last but not least, Evan reaches back into the cliche bag to blabber about his vision for education;
a prestigious, respected teaching profession that drives positive student outcomes.

Yes, only Little Evan wishes this. Only Little Even is doing everything to destroy this vision. As the Vichy government collaborated with Berlin, E4E, Little Evan, et. al are nothing more than Collaborationists in league not with Berlin, but those in Washington DC, Los Angeles and New York City.

Los Angeles teachers, be wary, be careful of E4E and Little Evan Stone. He will say or do anything to push further the policies of his puppet masters.

The SBSB Tour of the New Educators4Excellence Website

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Fri, 02 Dec 2011 20:03:05 PST

The crack team would like to congratulate Educators4Excellence on the introduction of their new website. Good luck E4E and may the force not be with you.This coincides with E4E's announcement that they have now infiltrated Los Angeles, an announcement that we here at SBSB scooped the entire world with on October 5, 2011.

On March 16 in a blog post, I wrote of how I had spoke with Little Evan to invite him on the radio show (which is returning after the 1st of the year). Little Evan informed me that that not only is E4E in the process of upgrading its website but one it does, Little Evan said that he would finally post the scores of his students (9th paragraph). Apparently from looking around this website, Little Evan did not keep his word.

So what is new about this website? First, all must re-register. Yes, Heywood Jablowme, Mike Hunt, Seymour Butz, and any of those sock puppets that were used to register with E4E in the past will not be able to get to the innards (more on that later) of the website. Our advice? Register early and often.

Now, you ask yourself, what are these innards of the website that are in question? The innards are a message board/forum, and even more fun only those registered will be able to see E4E events.

There is the multimedia page in which one can see videos of testimonials of E4E sycophants, but even better. One can see photographs of E4E members hard at work contemplating education's future. Notice how in these photos that no one seems over 30 years of age. That is except E4E groupie and hanger on Barbara Gsovski.

Wait, there is more! There are links to chapters, news, and issues. But most fun, most revealing is we finally get to see beyond Little Evan and Princess Sydney and see who else is running E4E.

The hilarity starts when we are told the mythic beginnings atop the mountain of E4E. However, it fails to mention how E4E has been financed from the get go. Why no mention of Gates Foundation money which was laundered through Education Reform Now/Joe Williams? Surely, Little Evan and Princess Sydney believe in accountability?

One line does make us roll on the floor and laugh our fucking asses off. E4E claims;

In just one year, we have grown into a national movement of teachers leading the charge to change our education system.

They have got to be joking. What have they succeeded in in NYC? What legislation they have championed has passed? What positive changes to NYC education have they spearheaded? Nothing and nothing. Like the Moe Green telling Michael Corleone that the Corleone family is being chased out of New York to Las Vegas, E4E is being chased out of NYC to Los Angeles. National Movement? The only movement E4E can claim is when Princess Sydney has her laxative laden weekly bowel movement.

We all knew that Little Evan and Princess Sydney were Führer and Fräu of E4E, but did you know that they spawned others working at E4E? There are a total of 6 Gruppenführer's underneath and serving Little Evan and Princess Sydney who all happen to be under the age of 30. We look forward to disseminating their lack of skills in the coming weeks with great glee.

Teachers of Los Angeles, meet E4E at the gates. They must and can be stopped and made irrelevant. I leave with these words from Robert Skeels, a true do gooder, a true friend, a true activist, and author of the Solidaridad blog;

Yet another fringe-right, astroturf "teacher" group springs up in Los Angeles. No surprise that they tout "research" from the highly discredited NCTQ and other right-wing think tanks, and advocate for VAM/AGT, culling experienced teachers, kiss up pay, elimination of due process, etc. The establishment of the Los Angeles faction is praised by none other than Bircher Elise Buik of the United Way.

While some of my New York contacts might be overstating how dangerous this group is, my take is that they are one more reactionary Broad/Gates element to keep an eye on like all the other vile trojan horses like NewTLA, Teach +, New Teacher Project, etc.

They must be stopped. Seek out Robert Skeels for support!

Did Bronxdale High School's John Chase Jr Try To Relieve His Guilt?

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:20:21 PST

On November 18, the amazing powers that John Chase Jr, principal of Bronxdale High School were analyzed. Not only is he able to contort his wee wee into the strangest inanimate objects, how he prefers inanimate objects to human flesh, but amazingly whilst under investigation for sharing said information concerning his hoo ha, is still in place at Bronxdale High. We congratulated him, somewhat sarcastically, on his ability to not be removed and the possibility of being rewarded sometime in the future for his indiscretions.

An interesting comment was left on November 22 at 10:01 PM by Anonymous;

Is it possible that this adult male was merely joking with his adult peers??? Many people do make JOKES with other adults that have nothing to do with the job they hold. Once again people over react and point fingers. At no time do I read that this man had any inappropriate contact or discussion with children and yet some wingnut calls him a predator. Notice, too, that a post from a Bronx teacher may be a teacher who has been disciplined in some way by the principal and is now getting "revenge". Don't read too much into a few stupid remarks.

The crack team and myself thought it a bit odd. It did not seem as much of a defense of Principal Chase's behavior as much as it seemed as an excuse of his behavior. A rationalization if you will. But the following evening, November 23 at 10:39 PM by another Anonymous left this comment which more or less confirmed our original thinking;

Thanks for that comment, Mr. Chase...next time remember those teachers aren't your friends, they're your subordinates. Keep your pecker in your pants.

Now, we have no proof who left the first comment. The crack team does agree with the commenter that is would be beneficial for Principal Chase to do all he can to keep his pecker in his pants. However, the original comment does seem a wee bit strange.

A comical bent on this excuse left by the commenter would be from the 1982 movie Diner. Boogie (Mickey Rourke) bets his friends that he can get Carol Heathrow to grab is ding dong. Boggie's tallywhacker somehow wound up in the box of popcorn they were sharing at the movies. Boogie's excuse to Carol Heathrow after she reached into the popcorn box and found quite a surprise was classic.

So to was this excuse. Either way, if this commenter was Principal Chase or not, but it would give reason to some confirmation of the unfortunate actions taken by Principal Chase. More so, this person fails to see the inappropriateness in the comments that Principal Chase allegedly made.

As a principal and a leader of a school building with the vast majority of his subordinates female, one can see that how wrong making comments like this are, even if they were said in jest. Comments like the ones Principal Chase allegedly made should not be made, especially to people you do not have the type of relationship to make those type of comments.

But worse, it just skeeves us up here at SBSB that these type of comments, places he would stick his manhood, were made in a school. Only a narcissist would make these comments to females and only a narcissist would not see anything wrong with the comments, or where the comments were made.

We here at SBSB call on The Commissioner of Special Investigations (Condon's office), to examine Principal Chase's home computer and/or any other device that he owns that his connected to the Internet and settle once and for all whether or not he was the commenter of November 22. If he was, the comment that was left seems like an admission of guilt.

Little Evan Stone And Princess Sydney Morris Are Do-Gooders (Thank God!)

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 12:07:46 PST

Let's try this. Rat-tat-tat-tat-tat (sound of teletype)rat-tat-tat-tat....From the newsroom of Educators4Excllence, breaking news!!!!

E4E, Little Evan Stone, and Princess Sydney Morris have been featured on thedogooder.com as a couple of gosh diddly darn do gooders! Yes, in an article entitled, "Educators 4 Excellence: An Independent Voice for Teachers" (notice the major typo when you see the article) written and attributed to no one, this puff piece shows just how how wonderful and flawed the whole E4E cult truly is.

Sadly the same old propaganda is used; Two years ago, Sydney Morris and Evan Stone were both teaching at a traditional district elementary school in the North Bronx. Morris taught 2^nd and 3^rd grade classrooms and Stone taught 5^th graders. Both teachers reveled in their careers and were extremely passionate about their profession. However, they came to realize much of the control and responsibility they were granted within the classroom was lost outside of its four walls. Morris recalls the pair feeling they had zero say on the policy level.

Oh joy, the reveled in their careers. They are so set apart from the rest of the 80,000+ educators in NYC. But...... What's this? They seemed to realize that they couldn't control policy? They had zero to say?

Why not join the school leadership team? This is a quite effective, and some would say better way, to effect change, policy at the school level. But I guess being children of privilege they don't expect to roll up their sleeves and work their way to the top. One would assume that like a country club in which you getting voting rights immediately, they expected the same from the UFT and Tweed. But then again, the more cynical person will see that they paid kvetchers doing the bidding of Gates, Broad, et. al.

Sydney blabbers; “Policy decisions were made at the 30,000 foot level without any input from classroom teachers,” Morris says. “We didn’t have a say in the decisions that affected our students. We realized the need to bridge the gap between the people that create policy and the people who implement it.”

See above, Re: school leadership team

Morris and Stone co-founded the teacher-led nonprofit organization, Educators 4 Excellence in spring 2010 while they were both still teaching

Yes, they did, and with a nice $250K of gelt from Democrats For Education Reform which laundered it for the Gates Foundation. Why don't Little Evan or Princess Sydney ever mention this?

The organization started with 16 teachers and has grown in less than two years to include 3,200 teachers.

Oh please. Where is this number, 3,200 derived from? They barely have enough people at their shin dings to qualify for a minyan. I would say a good number of those 3,200 signed up to watch a train wreck.

Morris’ passion for teaching transferred into a new calling: to give teachers a voice so students can ultimately succeed.

So why didn't her students succeed?

The nonprofit provides informed access to timely and relevant information about teaching and education policy.

Why is a non-profit needed for this? Timely and relevant information can be found on, and I bite my tongue as I say this, Gotham Schools. Oh, but then Little Evan and Princess Sydney won't be getting any attention.

“We believe in the importance of bringing teachers together to network because it can be a very isolating profession,” explains Morris. “We give them the chance to come together with like-minded policy makers across the city through a series of events and panel discussions where teachers can share their ideas.”

Yes, thank you for getting teachers together, but if one were to look in the back of the UFT paper one would notice that the UFT sponsors trips to outlet malls, Broadway shows, and putt-putt golf.

But, E4E's events and panel discussions are so tightly controlled. Just how neutral are these events?

To become a member of Educators 4 Excellence, teachers must sign the nonprofit’s declaration. The declaration supports a commitment to excellence by elevating teaching as a profession in order to drive better outcomes for students.

OH VEY!!!!! Yes, one must sign a declaration supporting E4E's convoluted truths, but so did Germans have to sign onto the plans of the National Socialist party.

To put their methods into action, Educators 4 Excellence forms teacher-led policy teams. Groups of 15 teachers delve into one specific issue in education and look at research, surveys, other states and districts to devise an outline of what they would like to see in terms of education policy reform.

Yes, each teacher with an average of of about 26 and with 2.5 years experience are attempting to decide, with the nefarious backing of Uncle Mike and Sock Puppet Walcott, the fate of thousands of teachers.

Educators 4 Excellence focuses on how to create a system for teacher evaluations that fairly and equitably evaluates teachers, while also placing an emphasis on supporting them to improve.

Translated: Educators4Excellence focuses on the directions of billionaires ensconced in their billionaire homes holding the purse string as well as the puppet strings.

This is another fraudulent piece written by God knows whom. E4E, Little Evan, and Princess Sydney still refuse to come clean in where they get their money from and who really calls the shots.

Want to claim to be grassroots? Want to join a true grassroots movement? Look at GEM. Independent voice and no billionaires. In fact don't forget to see the GEM produced The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman movie, December 8th at the Emily Dickinson School, 735 West End Ave in Manhattan.

One more thing, some say I might harp on E4E just a tad much. But if we let our guard down with this group they will become dangerous. They are bullies and frauds. The only way to defeat them is to continue to keep the heat on, to continue to expose what they are. Think about it.

Technology In Education Is Not For The Mega Mind Of Jeb Bush

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:49:00 PST

It's easy to bash the Bush family. Yes, that Bush family. Poppy, W, and especially Jeb. It easy, but I find it necessary. However, I will keep my wrath from Poppy and W, and instead target Jeb? Why Jeb? It seems lately that Jeb has decided to come to the forefront of the education deformer debate and put him self front and center. We all know the smoke and mirrors that Jeb used to show that he was the "education governor," but in reality, Jeb and his policies were failures.

So it is with great wonder and befuddlement why anyone would take anything by Jeb Bush seriously. Jeb Bush feels he has a mega mind. So would then anyone who takes him seriously be a groupie? A Megamind if you will.

It came across to us here in the SBSB newsroom that the Megamind groupie does have a bit of a man crush on Jeb Bush. The crack team at SBSB came across a paper, or rather an article that was credited to Jeb Bush which was passed around like the holy grail. "Giving Every Student a Digital Learning Experience," which was published this past January in Education Next, which by the way is one of the official mouthpieces of the deform movement, shows the ignorance the former Florida governor possess and the idiocy of anyone, think the Megamind groupie, who thinks Jeb Bush is a person to be quoted.

Jeb Bush starts by blabbering; Today, you’d be hard pressed to find a challenging, high-wage job that doesn’t require a basic understanding of technology. Nearly everyone in our 21st century workforce – doctors, librarians, mechanics, and teachers to name a few – uses and interacts with varying degrees of technology on a daily basis.

Yes, that must have been quite a stretch for Jeb to think that or say that, or probably, tell his speechwriter to throw that line in, but it is true.

To get those challenging, high-wage jobs, today’s students are going to need college courses, vocational certification, or job training, many of which will be offered virtually.

But, he shows us his true colors here. He shows that he is now beholden to the Tom Vander Ark's of the world in which technology is not just another tool for the teacher and the classroom, but rather a replacement for the teacher and the classroom. Curious as to why Megamind didn't see this one.

Schools must equip students with the knowledge and skills they will need for future success, and today that means using a technology-inclusive education.

Curious, hmmmm. "Schools must equip?" A "technology inclusive" education? These seem like code for less teachers, less salaries, more money in the hands of the consultants and the software people.

See kids get technology today. My son, bless his heart, at the age of 8 showed me how to use the DVR. My son, at the age of 5 knew to go to ESPN.com to find out the sports scores. He knows Youtube, he knows it all. The vast, vast majority of young students (I am going with young because by high school kids these days seem to be able to do anything) understand how to use technology. What they don't yet know is, aside from word processing and research, is how to incorporate those tools that are ALREADY OUT THERE AND FREE into their education.

Yet less than 10 percent of our nation’s students are benefiting from digital learning.

Translated: Less than 10 percent of the nation's students are not benefiting from consultant's latest cure all which will cost millions of dollars in no bid contracts.

Thankfully, state leaders are recognizing the power of digital learning and the impact it has on students’ future success.

Thank God for Tom Vander Ark and others like him for their knee pads they bring to every golf course they go to with a legislator. Look, state leaders don't care about the education of students. They just care about what they can get out of it for themselves.

Michigan and Alabama were the first states to require an online learning experience in order to graduate high school...... This year, Florida passed an online course requirement.

Learning experience, Gracie? I can share a learning experience I know of in Florida. A student took phys. ed. online. He was at home, and the computer told him to do 20 jumping jacks, run around the block a few times. When done, just click completed. Can you imagine the abuse????

This reminds me of when I took drivers ed. at Maria Regina High School in 1980. The final exam was being passed around like Whitney Tilson would if and when he goes to prison. The instructor was reading the paper and we were passing the exam around to get the correct answers. Jeb, where is the accountability for students? Where is the give and take, the social skills, the discussions that students need to not only learn, but to become well rounded human beings? I guess Jeb doesn't care as long as the coffers of his cronies are enriched.

Equipping every student with a personalized digital learning experience is a must in today’s digitally-driven society. Digital learning can customize education with high expectations and ensure that all students graduate from high school with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college and careers.

What is this digital learning experience? I mean everything now is an experience. Going to dinner is now a "dinner experience", giving birth is now a "birthing experience", blogging is now a "blogging experience."

Customizing education? Does that mean we give the students spinners and spoilers? Maybe a little flame paint job? Education is not Bergdoff's in Palm Beach where you have your own private shopper to customize your "shopping experience."

High expectations only come about through technology? No! High expectations are there to begin with as a teacher. In fact, this customizing of the "educational technological experience," is if anything dumbing down education and lowering expectations. In fact I will go so far as saying that expectations are actually being lowered to assure that each student is regarded as the same mindless drone. Nothing more than a cog in the continued manipulation of those that claim they are for students first.

Technology is a tool. It is like a book, or a piece of chalk, or even a pencil. It is part of the learning process, part of the classroom experience (pardon the pun) it is not a means unto itself.

Project based learning in the opinion of myself and the crack team does concur will lead the students to a full smorgasbord of learning pleasures. Even in the days before computers there was nothing better than project based learning.

In the summer of 1976 my parents sent me to a sleep away re-education enhancement school/camp. I recall that for one week we researched the Mormon church. It's history, it's beginnings, etc...We gave what would be considered now a rudimentary presentation. But ever since then, I have had a fascination with the Mormon's. Not to be the point of converting, but to a point where I can hold my own in a conversation with those on mission.

Why must we pay monies for what is already out there for free? Give me a computer (only Apple), a good internet connection and MS Office and wonders can be accomplished. Hell, give me an iPad, or even an iPhone, which unfortunately, can't be bought on NYC FAMIS, and wonders can be accomplished.

Students will be eager to finally wish to write, and write well if they could produce their own blogs, or websites. Students will learn how to filter out information using the Internet. Students can work on their presentations skills and verbal skills with podcasting. Students can learn how to edit stories, videos through iMovie. Artists can be birthed through the use of basic Photoshop, or Illustrator. Books, can be read, and students be more eager to read because the books on electronic and thus more stimulating. And I know I am leaving a lot out, but I am meeting a friend I haven;t seen since 1977. So another time OK?

Why this re-inventing of the wheel when the wheel that is being used as either not been tried out or has never been flat? It's because the ignorant, the few, the Tom Vander Arks do not care for the boys and girl of color, but only the presidents on green.

Why anyone who wishes to be taken seriously as a educator would use this Jeb Bush article as an example of how to use technology in education is beside the crack team.

Anthony Krinsky Can Only Blame Unions

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Wed, 23 Nov 2011 14:20:10 PST

On November 11 I wrote a defense of Mona Davids related to the stunning fact free story written by intrepid New York Post reporter Carl Campanile on November 10.

The next day I get an email from Anthony Krinsky, author of the Edobserver blog telling me I had just been made famous by him. Wow, I said to myself, how did this happen? Krinsky wrote a post debunking what I had written as well as the tenets of Mona's organization New York City Parents Union. As I was reading this I was quite curious as to how the 5-10 people that read Krinsky's blog will assist me in creating fame and was perplexed that Krinsky blames everything on the teacher's unions.

In response to one of the most important matters in education today, and #1 on the chart for NYC Parents Union is class size. Krinsky wrote; Smaller class sizes is their hall-mark achievement. This policy is singularly responsible for doubling education spending and teacher union membership, without budging the needle on student achievement even 1%. Common sense, research, and the staffing policies of the best charter schools make it clear that spending more money per teacher on better teachers, is far more effective than putting more mediocre teachers in a school building.

So, you believe that this is some plot to keep teachers in their jobs and to increase the membership of unions? There are many studies I can cite to show that reducing class size is the best way to go, but there is much anecdotal evidence nationwide to prove it. But you do contradict yourself. You decry spending more and more money yet you want teachers to be paid more. Do you really believe that teachers go into teaching for the money?

You mention student achievement not going up one percent, well who do you think makes the decision on which curriculum teachers must use?

And please don't think charters are the giant balm that they are. Only 20% of charters do as well if not better than neighborhood schools. Plus in charters you have much less students with IEP's, ELL's, and behavior problems than you do in a traditional public school. These students are the ones that benefit the most from smaller class size.

On more teaching, less testing Krisnky shares; No teacher accountability for performance.

Tests should be used to assess students needs, not to evaluate teachers. Their are too many variables in children and their lives for even a Noble prize scientist to use as a control. How shall we evaluate police officers? Firefighter? Please share.

Expand Pre Kindergarten and Early Intervention Programs. Krinsky got me laughing; True meaning: Create more union jobs.

Geez, wanting children to have access to education at such a young age is appalling, eh? Reaching out to students that have disabilities that can be corrected or reduced so their education is not more expensive in the long run I guess is just plain wrong.

Krinsky's take on Qualified and Experienced Educators and Educational Leaders; Make sure that super-capable and enthusiastic Teach For America candidates cannot be placed (every year, 90% of applicants -- over 35,000 teachers are NOT placed annually) so that under-achieving, union-brainwashed teacher ed-school grads can keep all the jobs for themselves.

Super capable? What makes a TFA'er super capable? Did you know that TFA candidates go through 50 hours of training in August? That is 2 hours a day, 10 hours a week, for five weeks. Would you this amount of training acceptable for your doctor? For police officer? For a psychiatrist? For your auto mechanic? Surely not. Besides, please share a link with us that confirms that 35,000 teachers each year are not placed.

Anthony, you are wonderful at pointing out all that what you believe is wrong. You keep on blaming the unions, but have you ever read any contracts? You claimed on my radio show that the UFT contract is over 400 pages long. You were off by 200.

What is your solution? What is it you are doing right now other than kvetching on your blog? If you feel so strongly about this why not teach. Show us all how it is done and how easy you think it is. Many will be looking to hear your take.

Anthony Krinsky Fractures Reality

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Mon, 21 Nov 2011 17:31:39 PST

A new name is out there amongst the deformers, Harvard grad Anthony Krinsky. I had Anthony on my radio show (which will return after the 1st of the year) back on August 23. He was a gracious guest and a good sport.

The name Anthony Krinsky might sound familiar to some. He has a blog and a website, StopUTLA. Anthony also appears to be a disciple of Ben Austin out there in Los Angeles and presumably is head over heels with Michelle Rhee.

You also might have read of Krinsky in Whitney Tilson's blog. Whitney seems to have a big man crush on Krinsky. I mean who wouldn't. But Whitney likes to quote Krisnky from time to time.

The last week or so Krinsky and I have had a tit for tat, back and forth email exchange with stayed pretty friendly yet quite opinionated. I do wish to credit him for being quite the mensch in inquiring about the status of my wife and I thank him for that. But one thing gnawed at me. I missed asking him a question when he was on my radio show.

If you listen to the recording of that evening at about 44:50 in Krinsky shares with me how in 1994 he as an Americorps member was volunteering in West Philadelphia High School. He shared this with me in response to be asking what he has done for the "cause."Never mind that he called the students "hooligans," but he was quite proud of his involvement.

On the show Krinsky said that he took students who couldn't even read a ruler and taught them to add and subtract fractions during the homeroom period over, I would guess, several weeks. I say several weeks because in his email Krinsky claimed 15 hours of work. This is what confuses me. Maybe things have changed, but when I was in high school homeroom was no longer than 20 minutes and we were basically just there for attendance, the morning announcements and any business that needed to be taken care of. Where was the time to educate these students into adding and subtracting fractions?

On the radio show I asked Krinsky if there was anyway to verify that this took place. Now I had forgotten that I had asked him this question and asked him last week to verify his service. Last week Krinsky shared with me that the organization he was with is known as WEPIC, or as he later said which the acronym stands for, West Philadelphia Partnership, and that either a Blain Stoddard or Krinsky's WEPIC manager Mike Connelly should be contacted for verification. The crack team has spent numerous man hours scouring the ends of the earth and have been unable to find entities known as WEPIC, The West Philadelphia Project, or even Blain Stoddard or Mike Connelly.

But in listening to the recording of the show tonight, when asked if there was anyway to verify Krinsky's involvement with West Philadelphia, Krinsky flat out said, "No." Strange isn't? Even stranger is Krinsky also sharing with me that he was forced to leave WPHS by the union for doing too good a job.

What else is strange is that Krinsky claims that he was with Americorps during this time at WPHS in 1993-1994 school year. However, according to the Americorps website, President Clinton did not sign the Americorps bill until September 1993 and the first class of 20,000 Americorps members does not start serving in its 1,000 communities until September of 1994. This totally contradicts Krinsky's timeline.

We here at SBSB have many answers for Anthony Krinsky. How did you assess that these students learned how to add and subtract fractions? Did the students retain this information? Was teaching of this task done in isolation? Were simple fractions, common denominator used, or were these mixed fractions? Was this done with any visuals? What were the math levels of these students? How many students exactly did you teach? Was it whole class or in a group setting? And even more curious, why would Krinsky leave this remarkable feat off his LinkedIn page?

We here at SBSB look forward to hearing about Anthony Krinsky's version of reality. We welcome him to respond in the comments box and look forward to all 5 readers of his blog to respond as well.

Bronxdale High School's John Chase Jr Discusses His Tallywhacker

noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) — Sat, 19 Nov 2011 19:57:57 PST

We here at SBSB wish to commend Principal John Chase Jr., of Bronxdale High School for having the know how to assure that he keeps his job in perpetuity as principal at Bronxdale High school.


Bronxdale High School Phys. Ed. Teacher Beulah Balbricker

How did he do this you may ask yourself. Simple. Principal Chase learned the super secret, never discussed method to being principal for life. Commit a criminal, unethical, or vile act and presto! The NYC DOE will look the other way and absolve you of any responsibility. In fact, I am sure that as of this posting the DOE is contemplating rewarding Principal Chase with a promotion and/or certificate of appreciation.

What criminal, unethical, or vile act did Principal Chase commit? According to yesterday's New York Post Principal Chase has no qualms about talking about his penis and the places and inanimate objects that he enjoys sticking it. One would assume that rather than an inanimate object, Principal Chase would have preferred sticking it with a real life breathing person. However, we here at SBSB don't wish to judge one's own fetishes. We are cool with all types of fetishes here, rather we take umbrage at Principal Chase not only having the temerity to share to what, and not to whom, he likes to insert his penis, but also that whilst under investigation he has not been removed from his position.

It has been reported by The New York Post that Principal Chase has stuck his penis in a copying machine because it has a "hole that gives a great b*** j**." This was said to a staffer whose jaw is still on the floor.

Principal Chase also took a page out of the 1982 movie Porky's and allegedly celebrated;

a hole in the wall left behind by phone repairmen because he said it meant he could shove his member into it whenever he wanted.

At press time, Bronxdale phys ed. teacher Beulah Balbricker is currently searching for that penis and has enlisted the help of a police sketch artist.

But the question begs. What is Principal Chase still in the building? What would have happened to him if he was a teacher? We all know. Uncle Mike and Sock Puppet Walcott would waste no time in not only holding a press conference denouncing the behavior of this teacher, but would try and convict the teacher in the press. There would be cries of tougher standards for teachers, tougher vetting of teachers, and the ubiquitous whining that teachers are scum of the earth, that teachers can't be trusted, and that we need to do away with tenure. But, we are just merely peons that higher ups need to blame for their misgivings and Freudian physical shortcomings.

Principal Chase has learned to game the system. He knows as an administrator he has carte blanche to do whatever he pleases, whenever he pleases, with whatever inanimate object he wishes to.

We here at SBSB want to wish Principal Chase and whatever inanimate object that becomes Mrs Chase a long and happy life. The future Mrs Chase will rest comfortably knowing that Principal Chase can not and will not lose his job.