Merry Christmas -- A Time of Reflection

Reflecting on this past year has been the most difficult I’ve had in over a decade. Our family has stretched and grown WAYYY outside of our comfort zone. I admit the blessings have been abundant.  Triumph comes from trials and this year we have endured quite a few. We certainly have a very different perspective these days, and perspective would definitely be our family word of the year if I could choose just one. First, to no surprise we moved, our biggest one yet! (and dare I say this, probably the last). We bought 5 acres of land nestled in the trees, close to town, but yet still worthy of deer hunting. It’s been a long difficult journey to get this far but entirely worth every bit of effort.

Here is what we learned this past year individually and as a family:

How to grieve when you lose a father (Justin’s dad passed away suddenly in April) talk about tough times, how to lobby your legislators (without money) or at least try,  how much time, effort, miles and gas it takes to travel back and forth to the Oklahoma State Capitol, more education research and info than anybody would ever want to know in a lifetime (and if you have school aged children or grandchildren you should absolutely be paying attention VERY CLOSELY to common core & the high-stakes testing!!! Great websites to follow include: www.unitedoptout.com, www.truthinamericaneducation.com, or www.dianeravitch.com)

We also learned how NOT to sell a home, how to write a blog, how empowering it is to not have TV or Facebook, how to demand parental rights and read/write Senate bills and through God’s grace and a pure miracle -- 3 of the most important actually passed. We learned how to shut off our cell phones for extended periods of time in order to enjoy time on the porch and most important how to embrace a new perspective on everything that is truly important.  It’s been a challenge doing everything society tells you not to do. It’s amazing what He has done in our family this year, each trial perfectly placed to remind us of the greatest joy and peace which can never be fulfilled here on earth. Standing up for something, being the ONLY ones, beaten down and bruised is the hardest thing we have ever done as a family. But if we don’t stand for something we will fall for anything, and I pray each person that reads this letter will dig in and ask yourself, what do you truly believe in? Do you believe the TV, the newspaper, your friend, Facebook, your neighbor, the politicians? Do you believe the Bible? Have you ever truly given the Bible a chance? Do you believe in Heaven? Do you believe in Hell? Then what do you believe? What legacy are you planning to leave for your children or your grandchildren? Is America still the land of the free and the home of the brave if everybody is too afraid to stand up for it? Aren’t America and your freedom worth standing up for regardless of the price? How about Jesus?

I choose faith. I choose guts. I choose to believe God is real, I choose heaven over hell. I choose to share my story and have faith that you will read it. I choose to stand up for what I believe in no matter what the cost…didn’t Jesus do that for you, for me, for us? I choose to be a shepherd NOT a sheep. I choose to take God’s judgment to heart as opposed to the judgment of this world. I choose to fight for America, an entire future generation, and for our freedom. I choose to believe Christmas LOVE was born in a manger NOT a mansion, I believe in angels, the 10 commandments, and that He died on that cross. I believe we are all too distracted, too afraid to offend or be offended, too scared to stand up, and too busy to care. Too ashamed to speak the truth and too willing to compromise. I choose to believe we are going through the motions. No matter what you believe this Christmas season I pray you ask yourself what declares truth and belief in the first place. What is the difference between belief and faith anyway?

And now for the lighthearted stuff, the two gifts that truly test every bit of our patience as parents and the 2 main reasons why we choose to fight in the first place.

Logan’s future occupation will most likely be some sort of vacuum repairman considering the numerous amount of Lego’s, air soft pellets, and bb’s which our vacuum consumes regularly. If not, he may possibly be inclined to become a professional sports officiator (referee), he loves sports and competition. But he’s also 10 now and can call the shots! Mr. Big Shot…he understands when and how to demand an instant replay and he certainly knows the entire rule book backwards and forwards (know-it-all), most important he really knows how to bend them into his favor through gray areas (or is that a lawyer?), anyhow, he usually does his best to enforce the strictest flags and penalties on his sister until the league owner has to step in and issue all parties fines and punishments.

When Kendall grows up she will most likely become a Laundromat owner because she is known to change clothes a half a dozen times per day and is the official laundry queen of the house.  Speaking of queen, she may become some sort of host for daily talk show because this girl can T-A-L-K, chat, blog, text, ask, answer, mingle, and socialize with the best of the best.  Definitely a future talk show star! Even her teacher agrees, every single one…she steals the show for most talkative. She could quite possibly also become an artist due to her ingenious abilities to magically create admirable artwork with…..cereal boxes, toilet paper rolls, other miscellaneous trash, and those bright colored loom rubber bands. Her bedroom is very Duck Dynastyish, and every American Girl doll’s dream made with duct tape EVERYTHING!

I hope you take Christmas time to stop and soak up the very “small” yet HUGE things that we all take for granted. Go to church, light a candle, say a prayer, smell the air, make a wish on a star, use the OFF button, STOP everything, don’t pin it like it or post it, just simply enjoy the moments…………they are fleeting. May God tug at your heart strings and may you choose to take action in 2015. It’s time to take back the very principles America was founded on.

In God We Trust




 

With All Due Respect Sir!

I continually hear about the issue with funding in Public Schools, but use your imagination just for one minute to explore the idea of how much $$$ would be available if we were not paying testing vendors MILLIONS/BILLIONS for excessive and unnecessary high-stakes testing.

Now also imagine how much learning can be accomplished if test-prep gets thrown out the window?!

Imagine the child that does not get removed from class or specials SEVERAL times to take another test?!

Imagine the child that can learn and explore, taking their time and NOT feel rushed or anxious. On the other hand, now imagine that same exact child that must complete as many as possible in less than 2 minutes or you FAIL?!

Is funding what creates learning? Can we ONLY teach the "whole child" with "enough" money?

Please Sir, I beg you as a taxpaying citizen (which I learned....by the way taxpayer money makes up 78% of a public school's budget) to allow my child and their learning be a PRIORITY not more funding and certainly not your bogus A-F grade based on test scores.

My child is 8, she can not grasp abstract concepts like algebra or probability, her brain is not developed to do so. Her prefrontal cortex isn't even developed yet!!! Inferencing, complex informational text and ZILLIONS of benchmark assessments are NOT what makes her wheels spin and lights go off! Pounding her harder doesn't either. In fact, she shuts down. She certainly doesn't have enough life experience to form an argumentative opinion because that constitutes concrete knowledge and information first. She already turned her brain completely off 3 weeks ago as soon as she FAILED with a 60% that introductory assignment of associative/commutative properties and algebraic expressions. She hasn't even masted double or triple digit subtraction yet. Her mind is spinning trying to keep up with learning fractions, divisions, multiplication, algebra, probability, and triple digit subtraction all in the same day!!! School is EVERYTHING to my child, she's a natural learner and she wants to master skills and understand concepts desperately. She is a pleaser and a perfectionist.

http://www.projectlearnet.org/tutorials/concrete_vs_abstract_thinking.html

But don't worry.....please continue down this common core trail...I'd hate for you to lose your NCLB waiver or an additional $400,000 or whatever in additional federal funding.

Don't mind me I'll continue to pick my children up and dry their tears of frustration and confusion, we'll spend two hours on these idiotic CC math problems that should take and can be solved in 10 seconds or less, and I will continue to overcompensate and assure my child they will be just fine even though they got the highest F-AILING grade (2 out of 25) correct on the 4th grade microbiology, human physiology, or world geography test because I'd hate for your district to lose out on all that additional bribe money!!! Who needs college and career when your just praying your child can make it through 4th grade?! SERIOUSLY!!

Forget the human beings being abused and tortured, the teachers losing hair, sleep and begging for mercy attempting to teach this garbage.

Because I can assure you EVERY teacher could easily teach students important life lessons and ALL of the basics of reading, writing and arithmetic with something as simple as table salt, crayons/markers, paper, pencils and a cookie sheet.

With ALL due respect Sir, .............FUNDING is not the issue!!!

Why The Best Teachers DON'T Give Tests!!!

As a parent it is certainly a daily challenge to recognize true genuine education and valuable learning. It becomes an even bigger challenge when you as a parent become awakened to the policies, unfunded mandates, and BILLION dollar profit empires wreaking havoc on public schools everywhere. I am a believer in public education because I am a product of one. I was molded and shaped by MANY amazing teachers, principals, coaches and even peers. It’s different nowadays; call me old-fashioned but a traditional clear cut education…a free and appropriate public education EVERY child deserves is hard to come by especially without a fight, without being THAT parent, the “non-conformist.”

Here’s my point. I would LOVE to ask every teacher out there ONE question!

From day 1 when that child walks through your door to the very last day of school, what 3-5 things do you want every student to know/learn and take away from your class?   Basically, what is your purpose for teaching? What are the most important things each child should walk away with, what are the priorities?

I would guarantee beyond a shadow of a doubt TEST SCORE is not found ANYWHERE in the top 3-5. So why is practically every teacher all across our nation spending the majority of the entire academic year (180 days) teaching test prep? How much valuable time is being wasted on simply passing a test, aka choosing the correct answer? The BILLION dollar empires (lobby groups and corporate reformers FOR PROFIT) are stealing every teacher’s most valuable gift and they don’t even realize it!!

Basically schools and classrooms everywhere are painting the drywall, and hanging pictures on the wall but the foundation has not been poured yet! WHY? Why are children not mastering the basics and why has testing trumped the real purpose for teaching and learning in the first place? Do you know how much profit is made in the testing industry alone? Standardized (high-stakes) testing is a $350-$450 BILLION dollar industry!!!

Schools are no longer centered on the students, teachers are not being trained to teach but to facilitate, and the education reform system has been established to generate profit.

The article below explains in great detail WHY THE BEST TEACHERS DON’T GIVE TESTS!!!

m.huffpost.com/us/entry/6077466?utm_hp_ref=tw

And here is a great article about the timeline of corporate education reform, but I certainly wouldn’t recommend reading it because being awake means your child’s education becomes a bigger challenge and who really wants to be THAT parent?!

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/08/02/private-firms-eyeing-prof_n_1732856.html

Is "RIGOR" appropriate for education?

Trying to hold on and pray daily for patience and understanding because it breaks my heart to watch "RIGOR" rob my children (ALL CHILDREN) from the ability to have pure joy for learning and learn by making mistakes!

Look up the definition of "rigor" below and then ask yourself is this the best expectation for children that are LEARNING????

http://www.merriam-webster.com/

So many articles so much research that makes you go HMMMMMM........so why do we continue???

http://www.workers.org/articles/2014/06/17/profit-tech-corporations-gain-common-core-testing/

Bill Gates speech on National Education Reform explaining how standards, curriculum and testing are a PACKAGE deal lining up PROFIT with students as "customers" AKA PROFIT
www.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=xtTK_6VKpf4

Parent approaches her schoolboard about common core
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wZEGijN_8R0

http://betrayed-whyeducationisfailing.blogspot.com/2014/09/reframing-common-core-battle-for-our.html?m=1

Child Psychologist Review of Common Core:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tSQlJE6VuA

Student, Ethan Young, explains politics behind Common Core in 5 minutes:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tryugGYqnfs

Editorial from a Colorado Literacy Coach:
http://www.pegwithpen.com/2014/09/i-refuse-to-administer-parcc.html


And finally, common core has become "toxic" in our state so we are now referring to it as "College & Career" or "Rigor +" --- now how can this be what's best for our children???? You do the math....

Dear Teacher

I am not a teacher, I am not an administrator, not a former teacher and have never received any training or certification in teaching.

I've never studied RTI's, analyzed child brain psychology or psychometric data in order to understand why brain functions take place or how each child learns and why. I can not measure or catalog even the best or worst moments of the teaching spectrum from the child that struggles, to the child that soars and is bored. Although, I happen to have both of those in different subjects.

I know and understand the concepts of having a joy for learning and engaging. I have done it my entire life and am still learning new things EVERY single day. I have completed many homework assignments, read MANY textbooks, novels & stories, written hundreds of essays, a thesis, graduated with honors, stayed up late cramming for tests, studied hard & slacked off, worn school colors and uniforms with pride, aced exams and bombed them, been excited and celebrated over A's and also punished and disciplined for C's, D's and even a few F's.

Most proudly now, I am a mother of two who adore their teachers with all their hearts. I patiently wait everyday to pick up my kiddos eagerly anticipating and inspired to hear their stories of what you have taught them. I cherish my talkative child that discusses every detail absorbing school days like a sponge, EVERY last drop...the good, the bad, and the ugly. My other child I dig and prod and pry attempting to open the clam shell of knowledge that is still being analyzed and internalized. Every child a special gift uniquely made by God. And teaching is more than standards.

I am undeniably protective.

And it is because of my protection - and lack of teaching qualities - that makes me far more qualified to talk about your legacy than any education reformer, testing analyst, computer evaluation, legislator, Washington DC consultant, Value Added Measure, and/or your personal effectiveness of student growth as a quality teacher.

I am certainly more than qualified because I am a mom and nobody knows their child better than, Mom.

I completely and wholeheartedly know what legacy truly stands for and how teachers create a legacy on a daily basis.

Legacy is what gets handed down, it's the values and morals shared which matter. It is more importantly the very specific item each young child yearns for in mentors and teachers in order to help them find their way. It's what they will fall back on when life's challenges occur and during the trials.
You can't hand down test scores, honor roll awards, statistics, or achievements.

You hand down the example of work ethic, leadership, creativity, ingenuity, moral lessons, courage to admit your mistakes, the ability to say your sorry, take time to give a hug when someone is having a really hard day, dry a tear from the child who's father was just deployed, save a snack for the student who's single parent was just recently laid-off, and say NO....again, to the child that is always testing your patience. You are a teacher. You stand for humility, grace, persistence, and LOVE. That legacy is what matters, and not a single one of those can ever be tarnished, even if your student scores an F on that test, on any test -- because you are making a difference.

It matters that you care, that you are professional and patient, kind and loving even on the toughest of days.

It matters that you continue to encourage and reward not ever giving up. It matters that you tie shoes, wipe noses, give high-five's, treasure box treats, parent notes, papers to re-do, tough grades, recess duty (to keep order in the chaos), bus duty, classroom jobs, weekly newsletters, a band-aid, great job stickers or a cute little blue stamp that says nice job/way to go.  You are the voice instilled in a youth that reassures them it's ok to fall down, just get back up, and you are there to pick them up and dust them off. You keep fighting, meticulously reminding the same kid for the 100th time every single day. You set the boundaries and you ignite the spark.

You make phone calls home, grade papers, stay late for parent teacher conferences, spend money you don't have, prepare lesson plans at nights and on the weekend.

I pray you do not take any stock in what those test scores or A-F school grades say about you. What you build on a daily basis, the foundation of legacy and character you are leaving behind does not go unrecognized. This mom of two, wants to be there beside you, volunteering along the way to help you make extra copies, put together craft projects, laminate, cut, fold, tear, staple, sort, etc. You are far more than effective...you are invaluable. A teachers legacy has never been more important or stronger than what I see being built and established at Catalayah. 

In a time of darkness and evil, I see you doing the best you can with what you have been given. Federal mandates tie your hands behind your back, but I pray daily you continue to shine your light brightly because I know there are hundreds, even thousands of students that have come before us and more that will follow behind us. I know there are BILLION dollar testing vendors, software programs, textbook companies and private investment firms looming...just waiting to put out your fire.

Whether or not any student scores proficient, your accomplishments are nothing short of remarkable. So the next time you are in the midst of a lockdown drill, or sitting in the professional development meeting listening to another conundrum about value added measures attempting to automate, industrialize, or computerize your profession please know it's your character that sets you apart.

And that's a legacy that matters.

Thank you for all that you do!!!


It's also the reason why we choose to opt-out from any high or low stakes testing because teachers matter NOT test scores!

Thank you AGAIN Mr. Rob Miller for your insight....

So grateful for Jenks Middle School Principal, Rob Miller, for always being brave and courageous.  He is a brave soldier willing to speak truth about what is transpiring behind closed doors.

Please follow his blog and get the insight here:

http://viewfromtheedge.net


And another great blog I happened to read, don't miss this DAD on a mission's summer discovery here relative to "higher standards" and common core:


http://norinrad10.wordpress.com/2014/07/21/expectations/


P.S. Can somebody, anybody PLEASE define "higher standards"??????????????

Common Core 101....History Behind It!! PART 2

 More Common Core Math Problems for 1st & 2nd Graders....

Again, if they can screw up math, just imagine what is being taught through reading...pay close attention to what assignments are being brought home. Request to have your children/grandchildren bring home their textbooks and read through them using a fine tooth comb.

Please click on the link below and listen to Senator Josh Brecheen as he debates common core on the Senate Floor....A MUST WATCH, I apologize in advance....it is very hard to hear, due to it being recorded from the Gallery. (you might need to rewind and replay as needed)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbBTzgc-PI4

Common Core 101...the history behind it!! PART 1

This is a 3rd grade math problem based on common core "reasoning" and abstract thinking for 8 & 9 year olds. I have many new followers following my blog, and they continue to ask me, what is common core? I have never even heard of it...what't the big deal? Why should I be concerned about it?

So here is an attempt at giving you a brief run down about common core. Common Core is a complicated beast...this is a Part 1 of a series it will take me in order to break it down and explain it as simple as possible! Get your "thinking hat" on...

1. Race To The Top (RTTT) Federal Grants were given in exchange for "national education standards" which were voted on and adopted before they were written. A long time teacher and educator details Race To The Top in his blog here:
 http://truthinamericaneducation.com/race-to-the-top/

The US Department of Education RTTT info is here:
http://www2.ed.gov/programs/racetothetop/executive-summary.pdf

2. No Child Left Behind Waivers were also used as incentive for the Elementary Secondary Education Act which was also adopted (ESEA) you can find all the twisted and complex information about this Federal Law and Mandate here:

http://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/obama-administration-sets-high-bar-flexibility-no-child-left-behind-order-advanc


2. In Oklahoma specifically, Common Core was adopted in 2010 via Senate Bill 2033 titled "Teacher Incentive Pay" and only had a couple specific paragraphs pertaining to the standards and the TLE (Teacher Leader Evaluation) system concretes a teacher "teaching to the test". SB 2033 drastically failed the first time (36 YES, and 60 No votes) and then was presented again the same exact day with an emergency and passed (75 YES and 25 NO votes). Legislators were very skeptical and did not understand the bill...many admit it now, saying they regret ever voting for it...biggest mistake.

Please read Senate Bill 2033 (the archive is tough to find and does not have a link) but you can find it through an advanced bill search on the www.ok.gov website under the 2010 Regular Session, type SB 2033 into the search bar. I have copy and pasted it below...

BILL SUMMARY

2^nd Session of the 52^nd Legislature

                                                                        Bill No.:                                                     SB 2033

                                                                        Version:                    Conference Committee Sub

                                                                        Author:                                          Speaker Benge

                                                                        Date:                                                        5/24/2010

                                                                        Impact:                FY-11 and thereafter: $10,000

                                                                                                                  Annually; $200,000 for

                                                                                                                         Training by FY-14

Bill Summary

Research Analyst:          Dawn Marks

The conference committee substitute for Senate Bill 2033 restores the title and authorizes school districts to establish incentive pay programs for teachers and leaders. Teacher and leader performance shall be measured using the Oklahoma Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System, established in the measure and success in improving school, grade level or subject area performance. Awards shall be based upon achieving certain ratings within the system and grade level, subject area or school level performance success.

Districts may develop additional performance pay plans to provide incentives for teachers and administrators in critical shortage areas, low-performing schools or hard-to staff districts.

Incentive pay awards shall not be part of any employee’s continuing contract and awards will be excluded from the process for calculating retirement benefits. Incentives shall not amount to more than 50 percent of a teacher’s salary. The state Board of education must approve or reject plans within 60 days of submission.

Boards of education must adopt the Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System by the 2013-14 school year. The system will have a five-tiered rating system, annual evaluations, remediation plans for teachers rated as ineffective, quantitative and qualitative assessment components and an evidence-based qualitative assessment tool. For teachers in grades and subjects for which there are no state-mandated testing measures, an assessment using objective measures of teacher effectiveness including student performance on unit or end-of-year tests shall be used. The measure defines when a teacher shall obtain career status, in three to four years, according to the evaluation system and outlines when teachers and administrators may be dismissed according to the rating system. It also requires districts to dismiss a principal who receives an ineffective rating for two consecutive school years.

A teacher shall receive compensation for 63 days after the filing of the petition for the trial de novo. If the district seeks an extension to the process without the consent of the teacher, the teacher shall continue to receive compensation if the trial continues past 63 days but shall not if the teacher requests extension without the consent of the district. If the district, without the consent of the teacher, asks for an extension beyond the 63 days, and the judge rules the teacher should be reinstated, the teacher shall receive back pay.

Districts shall use the evaluation system as the primary means for determining retention or reassignment of teachers and administrators during reductions in force.

The State Board of Education shall adopt the K-12 Common Core State Standards by August 1, 2010.

A school identified by the State Board of Education as one of the persistently lowest-achieving schools in the state shall adopt one of four intervention models that include staffing changes, converting the school to a charter school or closing the school.

The measure also creates the 19-member Oklahoma Race to the Top Commission to oversee development and implementation of the evaluation system and monitor the flow of federal Race to the Top program funds.

Fiscal Summary

Fiscal Analyst:               Nicole Barnes

The Conference Committee Sub for SB 2033 contains numerous provisions related to incentive pay plans, teacher and leader evaluations, the Due Process Act, curricular alignment, and the Race to the Top Commission.  Regarding incentive pay plans, the measure authorizes salary schedules that reflect new evaluation ratings, increases the maximum incentive pay amount from 20% to 50% of a teacher’s regular salary, and authorizes certain new incentive pay plans. The measure also requires the State Board of Education to adopt a new statewide system of teacher evaluation known as the Oklahoma Teacher and Leader Effectiveness Evaluation System (TLE), including new evaluation components, evaluation frequency, remediation plans, school leader assessments, and system oversight.  The measure also creates the Oklahoma Race to the Top Commission, states the Commission’s purpose, and provides for members’ travel reimbursement.  Furthermore, SB 2033 contains provisions related to the nonreemployment of certain school teachers and leaders, and modifies conditions under which trails de novo take place.  Finally, the measure requires the State Board of Education to adopt revisions by August 1, 2010, to English, Language Arts and Mathematics curricula to align with K-12 Common Core Standards.

Fiscal Analysis

The FY-11 impact relates to travel reimbursement for Commission members and will depend on frequency of meetings and distances traveled, but is estimated to be less than $10,000 annually.  There is no immediate impact associated with the remainder of the measure, as the new statewide system of evaluation can be developed by the State Board of Education with support from the Race to the Top Commission, development of new teacher assessments for subjects and grades that are not currently being tested are not mandatory (they can use existing data), evaluation system training for new personnel is not required until the system is in place at the local level, employment provisions are based on local decisions, and the State Board of Education was already planning on examining state curricular alignment with Common Core Standards. 

School districts may implement the new evaluation system by FY-13, but are not required to until FY-14; therefore the $200,000 estimate for training would be applied in those out years.  The State Board of Education, in conjunction with the Commission, may utilize other sources of funding aside from the state’s to implement the measure’s provisions.

TRICKY LITTLE RASCALS --- Schools R 4 Learning NOT 4 PROFIT!!!

To Be Continued in Part 2 with more fun and exciting information to put inside your "thinking hat!"

And This Fat Lady Sings

This is customer service nowadays and it is also what it feels like when you call the Capitol and attempt to voice constituent concerns with legislators, Governors and policy directors -- DEAF EARS!!  Even those "good" politicians (which there are not very many) compromise when push comes to shove and or get overruled by the Chamber of Commerce and BIG $$$ Lobby Groups. Another great reminder why I have always dreaded politics!!

These past 8 months I have met some BRAVE souls, stepped way outside my comfort zone, became a GIANT target, endured more slander than in High School, saw some heroic efforts by a few Godly politicians, witnessed grown men weep over poor political decisions, saw recognized leaders get up and walk out refusing to vote for unjustice, truly understood the meaning of "money is the root to all evil", been disappointed to be a republican, cried the ugly cry in front of MANY people (at the Capitol, school, even at the grocery store) and yet, have also been encouraged and inspired by some of the most genuine and virtuous people I've ever come in contact with.

The 2014 legislative session and school year has come to an end. Summer is here, most people have moved on and forgotten what was painful for some to endure. We did not necessarily accomplish what we came for, the fat lady sang and we move on. Did we truly win repeal? No!!! Did we lose? NO WAY!! God sees every heart, God sees all the focused efforts, God convicts those that need conviction and He will water and fertilize the MANY seeds that have been planted. Virtue remains virtue, and evil eventually will be judged by Him in His timing.

Until then I rejoice in knowing that He is in control of EVERY situation, I re-focus my efforts on leaning on Him preserving my own family and their needs and I exercise ALOT to remove these extra 2 inches I gained while trying to fight the good fight!

THIS FAT LADY is hitting the road with my music, my quiet moments, and MANY more prayers!!!

And just for the record, especially those of you that have children going into 3rd grade...demand a portfolio be maintained starting on day 1 in August....because once testing was complete we signed the Good Cause Exemption Form which allowed my 3rd grader's portfolio to be used as proof to move onto 4th grade because we opted him out of ALL state testing!! We will do the same for both our children for the remainder of their school years...every teacher and every child is more than a test score. I feel accomplished, I just saved our school district approximately $120! Now imagine how much funding we could save next year if all 9,500 students opted out!!

9,500 X $120 = $1,140,000!!!!!!!! How many teachers, assistant's and extra reading specialists could we hire with that amount of money?

And if we did not renew the NWEA adaptive MAP testing contract that would give us an additional $84,000!!!!

WOW, and there are more testing companies and vendors than this, in fact, there are 4 vendors next school year. Saying goodbye to common core would save us MILLIONS!!!! KEEP PRAYING

Teachers should be valued!! Watch this one teachers' inspiring story: Jesse's Journey!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c_vKxvNysnU

"Schools should be student centered"  Do you have what it takes? Where is your BRAVERY? Most important, if you care...PLEASE SHARE!! Dig into your gut, find your grit, and overcome...Oklahoma children, a nation of children, are at stake.

Benchmarks, Assessments, Tests, MORE TESTS and DATA -- DATA -- DATA!!

Coming to work regularly and on time, dressing appropriately and showing respect for company property are obvious employer expectations, no matter what industry you choose your career in.

Nevertheless, employer surveys across the nation reveal businesses are having trouble filling entry-level positions with applicants who possess these characteristics, not to mention the other “soft skills” such as the ability to work through conflict, cope with change, use basic math and read and understand written information.

“Believe it or not, these soft skill components we’re talking about — integrity, punctuality, individual responsibility, ingenuity — those are skills that are unfortunately not focused on in our traditional education model,” Daugherty said.

How does any given report of data or a single test accurately dictate these types of "soft skills" which are absolutely necessary in EVERY industry?


However, I sat through a 2 hour school board meeting last night listening to the madness of how data somehow proves a students worth and success based on a MAP test called the NWEA!! A teachers worth is most certainly a reflection of a students test score which defines what they have learned and what their potential is or isn't! SERIOUSLY?! Principals and teacher alike LOVE the NWEA chart and diagrams because it shows what the students progress is! According to what? Because Microsoft and Bill Gates said so, because it looks pretty and neat on that piece of paper? Because we paid $84,000 it MUST work, essentially $13/per student makes it reliable and therefore factual and truthful.

Have you taken an actual NWEA sample test, the adaptive model? Have you seen how kids figure out ways to manipulate the system, it is student directed on a computer, as you know. Did you know ALL DATA can be scewed? Where does this data go? Have you seen how subjective these NWEA questions are? How well do you as an adult answer subjective multiple choice questions? How well does a 5 year old do on a self directed computer aptitude test? Did you know there are multiple variables that can mess up the data? What mood was that child in that day? What happened that morning? What they ate or didn't eat for breakfast? What kind of dispute they got into with their friends or family just before sitting down to take that computerized benchmark? Whether or not they got a good nights sleep? Whether or not they are sad becuase their grandfather passed away 3 weeks ago and their mind is still on the funeral? LIFE HAPPENS, children are children, teachers truly know each child and a computer does not EVER see the whole entire picture!! Why are we relying solely on data to tell us what a child is worth? Because it's easy, because it looks good, because we have bought into the $84,000 model of propoganda and attended a seminar that told us it's the best thing since sliced bread? When did we accept the mindset of students as a number, students as profit, students as HUMAN CAPITAL and what that data sheet tells us?

Just because my daughter reads fluently off the charts does not determine if she is a model reader! Did you know she usually can't remember hardly anything she just read? She's too busy reading it as fast as she can, sounds good, is smooth and concise yet she barely remembers bits and pieces, however, she blows these benchmark tests out of the water!!! Every night I read with her and she is typically confused and we have to go back and slow down and REALLY read the words to learn and understand not just READ!!

My son on the other hand, he is very slow, very analytical, NEVER does well on these fluency tests or benchmarks, he takes his time, is choppy, very intuitive to every aspect and angle when he reads. He has progressed and gotten better at taking these ridiculous tests mainly because he figured out how to manipulate the system, don't answer the questions right to start so the questions don't continue to get harder! Too smart for his own good and a huge disservice to the data model! Nobody catches on, he slides through, tells me during chit chat at night and I understand he has already analyzed the system. He says, "I'm very good at it anyways, so I might as well not put forth my best effort. Nobody REALLY pays attention." As a mom he's absolutely right, it just gets filed away somewhere as "proof" and it's not really that great of an indicator, just another dumb report, so seriously who really gives a whoot?

Well I do, as a mother and a taxpaying citizen that sees these students stereotyped and/or labeled based on their test scores which both of my two children are proof that they are NOT valid or accurate! Why would we continue to spend $84,000 on this type of program? Here are 10 reasons why every principal and teacher should be asking more questions and digging into this nationalized NWEA benchmark testing...and where is the FUNDING going to come from? Why not just pay our well deserving teachers more? $12-$13 per student?

10 Reasons Why Our District Should Not Renew the NWEA MAP Testing

1. More lost class time and lost opportunity for learning. Students again on a computer taking yet another test. We only get 180 days as it is, why waste valuable class time and teaching opportunities?

2. It's EXPENSIVE and costly!! It is a licensed product with ongoing costs and that take more $$$ away from the classroom. Funding is already an issue.

3. This test is often misused to evaluate teachers. Data and graphs essentially replace the teacher, as if you as a teacher have no input and/or value. Teachers are being told that their students' MAP test scores are a reflection of their teaching and often does not even align with what they have taught or are teaching.

4. Excessive. MORE TESTING! This test given 2-3 times per year can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 1 hour and is additional testing.

5. MAP tests narrow the curriculum. If a teacher only feels pressure to raise test scores, long-term what ends up happening is the teacher dilutes and distorts teaching the whole child and instead "teaches to the test."

6. The data is inappropriate and unreliable especially for K-2 students. How can a 5, 6 or 7 year old be expected to self-guide their way through their own adaptive test on a computer when they are still learning and mastering letter sounds and reading? To test on a computer you would have to assume the child is a mastered reader first?! What happens when they get to a word they don't know, can't comprehend or can't sound out? FAIL, FAIL, FAIL --- that's why we call it learning and struggling is not necessarily failing but according to standardization it is. Why label a struggling child that is still quite capable of learning? Maybe it hasn't clicked for him/her yet, these tests deflate rather than inflate or encourage.

7.  MAP does not take into consideration ELL or ESL students.

8. MAP is very limited when it comes to Advanced or Accelerated students. There is a quick ceiling that a students hits on these tests. How can it measure significant growth in children that are already at the ceiling, and what happens when an already high score slightly decreases from a 99 to a 98? There is no calculation for it and it is very negative despite the fact the student is off the chart, any negative feedback and the child is labeled. Very unreliable for above average and below average student levels. You can not compare apples to oranges and because the test results fluctuate so much and the students do not get the same exact questions there is no common denominator. Essentially you can not compare any of the aggregate data as a whole and often the testing company recalibrates the percentiles.

9. MAP is completely unnecessary. There are MANY alternatives to MAP testing which cost less, or are free and are also less time consuming that teachers can administer. Good teachers already do this anyways and differentiate their lessons for students as needed. Teachers do not truly need data models or a computerized test to prove what they already know and whether or not a student is progressing.

10. The manner in which the MAP test product was selected and purchased is questionable. How many other vendors did the school board request or receive bids on for RIT/MAP testing? What process and motivation was utilized to approve the costs associated with this data driven model? There are many other local models that can and should also be considered. How many other bids did our school district receive?

Overall this test is designed to give children questions that are at times too difficult for them. Why are we asking them questions about things that they have never studied?

From a former school district that recently got rid of the NWEA testing:
The data we get from NWEA can only be valuable to a point, but honestly, you can only do so much with that data. Mostly, as teachers and a board we have come to the conclusion that the data from NWEA is just that, data! The data only confirms what we already know. Heck, teachers work with these students on a daily basis. Teachers have NEVER lacked authentic data, just formal, organized, chartable data that can be inputted and entered into a system which the NWEA gives. But we all know it's not about the data, it has and never should be all about the data. It's about how to reach these kids, how to engage our students, expecially those at the bottom of the barrel, those struggling learners. And you can't do that simply by reviewing reports of data. 

Bottom line: a student and teacher are more than a test score and the NWEA mapping is NOT worth the money we spend on it! 

And as I heard last night demographics and data can be pulled up in an instant, anything you want to know can be utilized from 3rd party vendors such as Business Information Services LLC. All data can be scewed and or used in many different variables it just depends on how you want it to look. And I understand why now!!!  Because it's a whole lot easier to pay the additional expense in order to have somebody else (typically out of state and out of mind) in order to point the finger at and lay the blame on, whether it be testing, standards or re-districting!!

Imagine now just for a second if I put you in a car and we drove down the road in order to test your driving skills and a cat or dog ran out in front of you. You SWERVE and you fail your MAP data model adaptive test -- NO MORE DRIVERS LICENSE FOR YOU -- oops!! Sorry about that...better luck next time, this computer model proves that you my friend are a horrible and unsafe driver. :(

http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2014/02/26-8

http://www.nationofchange.org/myth-behind-public-school-failure-1393173355

http://www.capitolhilltimes.com/2014/02/map-protest-leader-runs-teachers-union-president/

Cross Roads and Forks in the Road - BE THE BEACON

Defining moments, those moments when you feel accomplished or rewarded, "successful". Maybe because you achieved an award, recognition, won that championship game, received a standing ovation, an applause, a trophy, a badge or possibly a diploma. But are these tangible things the ONLY things that define success and or a person's ability to feel success? Is that all we strive for, to receive these THINGS of vanity? Is that what we allow to define us or our success?

What about the omnipresent everyday hero striving daily to make a difference and go unnoticed? The silent, quiet type working behind the scenes for everybody and everything, except an award. The dedicated and committed type that just shows up WITHOUT being asked, the dependable and STRONG person that EVERYBODY can count on, that is heavily relied on, that without hesitation will jump in at ANY given moment no matter what time it is and no matter what task is at hand.

I have noticed that many times in our society sometimes awards and achievements can become the end result and the ONLY goal we strive for, the outcome we desire and what we allow to define us! We get upset if we did not get picked for an award, if our child did not receive an honor, if our child is not the "all star" on the team and we push and we prod and we do not at these times value the journey, the actual moments, the reasons why we are doing what we do in the first place. The intrinsic value of pure and genuine self-satisfaction.

I've been so honored to have quite a few people in my life that are role models and leaders NOT because of what they have achieved or earned, NOT because they have awards and recognition piled high on a desk, plastered to a wall or stored in their attic. They are the ones that touch your heart, leave an everlasting IMPRINT or impression on you, made you feel honored to be around them even if they never said a word, the ones you respect and trust, the ones with a burning desire to do what is right when nobody else is watching. The ones that are loyal, and show up when nobody else does. The ones that have the title of doctor and answer to the title of janitor without correction or hesitation. The ones that are good stewards of their time and their resources, that are unyielding, not wasteful but resourceful. The ones that quietly walk in and out of a room and you know they were there because they left a mark. Sadly, these people are the ones that NEVER get recognized until they are gone. They leave however, a tribute and a legacy worth more than any dusty trophy, certificate, award, and even that doctorate diploma.

These are the people that have left fruits of their labor behind for everyone to see! Life changers, game changers, transformers. They are sadly missed when God calls them to heaven. They are the ordinary people that lived extraordinary lives.  The ones that purposefully went unnoticed in awards and yet HONORED GOD in every faucet. The servants that served unselfishly without expecting ANYTHING in return.

So today, on your birthday, I write this blog post, Dr. Ralph, Papa, dad, to honor you by saying THANK YOU for showing me this path. You took up that cross and you drug it! There is no randomness in life. God places people and circumstances in our life for a reason, a season or a lifetime. You were a once in a lifetime gift to MANY people, and for me a gentle reminder of my own grandpa.

I know by now you are wearing that crown of jewels, BIG and colorful - 40 YEARS WORTH! Your life itself is a treasure far beyond the awards and trophies that are a dime a dozen these days. You persevered and achieved more than ANY material possession, and at every single crossroads or fork in the road you never detoured!

You were humbly determined onward solely out of moral obligation and noble Godly character. Faithful and triumphant planting seeds in God's garden everywhere along the way, the stories at your funeral from all those strangers left behind were mesmerizing!!! SOW MANY SEEDS!!! You were A BEACON of light without an off switch!!! :)

God's NOT Dead -- Don't Compromise!!!!

It's amazing how God will place you in the perfect situation at exactly the right time, inspire you when you need it most, and wake you up out of a dead sleep and put something in your heart that you absolutely have to take action on!! For me it connected last night after watching this incredible movie......then God placed the following words in my heart and I knew exactly what I needed to do to ensure my message would be heard loud and clear, please read my letter below, which I sent to the email addresses listed below:

Janet.Barresi@sde.ok.gov

Liz.young@sde.ok.gov

katie.altshuler@gov.ok.gov

Dr Clark Ogilvie

diana.bjornson@owasso.k12.ok.us

Senator Rick Brinkley

david.derby@okhouse.gov

anncoody@okhouse.gov

dennis.casey@okhouse.gov

gusblackwell@okhouse.gov

ed.cannaday@okhouse.gov

donnie.condit@okhouse.gov

dougcox@okhouse.gov

leedenney@okhouse.gov

daledewitt@okhouse.gov

sallykern@okhouse.gov

curtis.mcdaniel@okhouse.gov

jeanniemcdaniel@okhouse.gov

jason.nelson@okhouse.gov

jadine.nollan@okhouse.gov

dustin.roberts@okhouse.gov

jason.smalley@okhouse.gov

todd.thomsen@okhouse.gov

emily.virgin@okhouse.gov

fordj@oksenate.gov

John Ford

stanislawksi@oksenate.gov

brecheen@oksenate.gov

whitep@oksenate.gov

halligan@oksenate.gov

holt@oksenate.gov

jolley@oksenate.gov

paddack@oksenate.gov

shaw@oksenate.gov

shortey@oksenate.gov

sparks@oksenate.gov

sharp@oksenate.gov

katie.henke@okhouse.gov

March 29, 2014

Dear State Department of Education,

As a parent of a 3^rd grade student, I signed an amended Reading Sufficiency Act notification back on August 29, 2014. Not knowing exactly what this included and not with enough information to understand all of the repercussions and or legislative tricks that it would constitute. I in turn was mislead in thinking this was a reading law. However, I came to realize that this test includes more than reading comprehension including but not limited to: writing, language arts, and grammar. How does that constitute whether or not my child (or any child) is reading at grade level?

I have researched your website thoroughly and refuse to agree to any of it. http://ok.gov/sde/reading-sufficiency-act

Due to my further investigations, I retract my signature on this document attached! I refuse to subject my child to Mrs. Barresi’s or any legislators trick to determine my child’s destiny. Ultimately these tests are the instruments by which the so-called “reformers” are dismantling public education systems nationwide. We are also making the choice to refuse these tests because we know that his teacher is a professional and we trust her expertise in teaching. She is an AMAZING veteran teacher and it does not take a $34.4 MILLION testing consortium, and a tiny snapshot on one day to determine whether or not he deserves to move on to 4^th grade. We trust her judgment as a long-time teaching professional to recognize our child’s strengths, identify his weaknesses, and determine next steps much more effectively than ANY standardized test. These tests are excessive and unnecessary, not to mention they are also a waste of valuable learning and class instruction time. Your decisions are removing, without my permission as a constituent and taxpaying citizen, my parental rights and the teacher’s abilities as a teacher and I refuse to comply. I refuse these tests in order to put the power back into the classroom where it belongs!! We also refuse these tests because they are being used to fail children, teachers, schools, and communities all over the country.

I ask that my son shall be able to read or engage in alternative learning activity during ALL state testing times. Lastly, we request a meeting with you before any of Logan or Kendall’s “data” is uploaded into any data mining software program such as InspirEd, NAEP, the SEA, ACE, DLM, or REAC3H network, or any other data collection program that is being developed for Oklahoma State Department of Education (via Mr. John Kraman) to house personal information about Oklahoma resident children and students.

I trust that neither of my children, nor their teachers will be held responsible for the choice that we, as parents, have made. Dr. Ogilvie, the Owasso School District superintendent, and our district testing coordinator have been copied on this letter, as well as, our district Senator and both the Senate and House Education committees that are responsible for this horrendous law in the first place. This letter shall remain in their permanent student records. Logan will also have a copy of this letter in his backpack at all times to share with teachers as necessary. We value and respect what Owasso Public School District does for the Owasso community children and we strive to keep these public schools exceptional!

Also, I need to know if I shall withdraw my student from school and remove district funds during this testing window, so that he as a minor is not subjected to the abuse of being put in an adult situation by still being offered a test despite the fact that I, as his legal guardian and parent, have already refused the test on his behalf. I call that BULLYING!!  

If these state mandated high-stakes tests are so important that you are bound and determined to hold EVERY student and their teacher accountable for; then maybe each of you would kindly volunteer to take this SECRET test yourself and publicly post your score, and if you do not pass as satisfactory you automatically get terminated? Have any of you ever proctored the 3rd grade exam, maybe you should volunteer this year like I have for the past 4 years?

Sincerely,

Kristal Picolet

74055 – Owasso, OK

Nehemiah 4:14 After I looked things over, I stood up and said to the nobles, the officials and the rest of the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your families, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes."

P.S. Attached is a letter I presented at our local school board meeting back on March 13th, until every question and/or any evidence is provided to me in writing that my child shall be retained there shall be no need for him to be subjected to the RSA or ANY high-stakes mandated state testing.



God gave me these two precious gifts to protect, if I don't, who will?