ABOUT THE BLOG
The Issue – Limited Public Input/Involvement
Local efforts to express support for principles supporting things like neighborhood schools, smaller class size, smaller school buildings, etc. – are usually hindered by:
* rules boxing public input into 3 minutes in front of a non-responsive school board,
* public surveys that avoid important issues, and
* little opportunity for community discussion of important issues.
A Solution – Find a Means to Communicate (i.e., this blog)
Through this blog folks can find a place where information and research can be shared and issues important to the education of children discussed. This blog will allow:
* the sharing of ideas, articles and research impacting education,
* discussion on issues facing students and families in Ames,
* share the experiences you and your children have had, and
* update folks on what is happening in schools and the community.
The Hope – Providing Benefit to Students, Families and the Community
I’m hoping this blog will provide a means through which information, research and discussion can be shared that will benefit children. Engaging parents and community members in conversation about education is important to the welfare of students and the community as a whole.
ABOUT THE BLOG COORDINATOR – Philosophy
As a parent of children at the elementary, MS &HS level I have experienced first hand the excellent education provided by teachers and staff in the Ames school district. As a past teacher, a professional, and an analyst I am often amazed at the workings of the Ames Community School District and its School Board.
As a former classroom teacher, I believe the human dynamic is at the core of learning. Students of all ages learn by taking in knowledge expressed or demonstrated by others (whether it is classmates, teachers, friends, neighbors or others).
As a citizen I believe both the ‘industrializing’ of education of the past decades and more a recent focus on monetary issues as a driver for educational decisions in public education has moved us away from the human aspect of education. There are many in Ames who feel the same way.
ABOUT THE BLOG COORDINATOR – Personal
My wife and I have three daughters: 7, 12 & 17.
My areas of experience and expertise include: strategic planning, performance planning, performance measurement, survey development & analysis, group & process facilitation and data analysis. I have taught research methodology to graduate students at Iowa State University.
I completed my Ph.D. in Education at ISU in 2000. My beginning emphasis was in Educational Administration but later shifted to research and evaluation.
Prior to moving to Ames I taught HS Math (everything from Practical Math to AP Calculus) and served on curriculum and school improvement committees.
I earned my B.S. and M.S. in Mathematics at the University of Iowa, where I also earned my teaching certificate.
Thanks for setting this up. It will be nice to have a central place that includes research-based resources and encourages a diversity of opinions.
Comment by Witherspoon — February 12, 2009 @ 2:35 pm |
Keep it up! It is a sad thing that in such a highly educated community that the community would tolerate a board so self-insulated from public input. I know many parents that are concerned about the direction of ACSD but lack any means to do anything about it between the business of parenting and the futile mechanisms for public input (3 minute monologues that might as well be to a brick wall, and community conversations soliciting input for decisions/directions the board has already decided.). You may be the only one with the determination to meeting after meeting bring the issues before the board, but you are far from alone in this community.
Comment by Z — February 12, 2009 @ 3:33 pm |
I am wondering if anyone has any idea how many years the superintendent has been in Ames and how many more years she may be staying? Is she planning a retirement soon or will the board be offering a new 3 year contract in the next few weeks? Thanks and thanks for sharing this info . . .
Comment by Mandy — April 26, 2009 @ 7:00 pm |
Mandy,
Unless things have changed recently, the superintendent’s contract is a ‘rolling’ 3-year contract. So each year the board determines whether to extend a 3-year contract with the superintendent. Should they choose not to add a year (as was done with the previous superintendent), it would be an indication the board has issues with the superintendent.
That has not happened with the current superintendent. Given no indication of problems between the two, I expect the board will extend the contract again – business as usual. Anyone else hear differently?
Thanks for the question! We really appreciate and support community involvement!!
Dr. P
Comment by amesces — April 27, 2009 @ 8:30 am |
Dr. Dave,
Thank you very much for setting this up. I have gotten some very good information from your blog. Where are you currently working or is this blog your passion right now?
Becky
Comment by Becky — May 19, 2009 @ 10:33 am |
Becky,
I’m glad we’ve been able to provide good information. That was one of the goals for starting it in the first place.
At this point the blog is a hobby I hope will raise awareness and interest in education. Professionaly I am an analyst where I deal with data and information. I have also had the pleasure of teaching research classes to grad students. Tie to that having been a classroom teacher (HS math) and a parent of three kids (1st, 6th & senior), I spent a lot of time over the past years trying to figure out what drives educational decisions.
A friend of mine suggested blogging. I’ve been at it about 3-4 months. More folks have been following along as time goes on. My hope is that the blog can become a place where folks can come to learn, ask questions and discuss educational issues. The more minds we have involved the better!
Dave
Comment by amesces — May 19, 2009 @ 11:56 am |
Thanks for answering my question. Please keep up the great work!
Comment by Becky — July 13, 2009 @ 2:12 pm |