Cherokee to consider ambitious expansion of choice programs in its public schools
In response to a call for greater school choice in his county, Cherokee Superintendent Frank R. Petruzielo has proposed an ambitious academies model that would offer specialized programs in science, technology, fine arts and performance arts, as well as a rigorous IB academy.
These desirable new programs would be county-wide and require students to meet admissions criteria.
Here is a memo Petruzielo sent on the academy programs, which I think parents in Cherokee will find very appealing. In the case of the science, technology, engineering and math academy, Cherokee could tap its Race to the Top funds, which have the expansion of STEM programs as a stated goal.
In response to Board Member Mike Chapman’s request at the August 18 School Board meeting that staff develop a conceptual framework and ideas for increased school choice within the School District, I am proposing for the Board’s consideration establishment of a Cherokee Academies initiative – - a system of specialized educational programs to be offered countywide and/or regionally where classroom space is available within existing schools and where stand-alone programs designed to offer more educational opportunities for students would be provided in repurposed CCSD facilities.
CHEROKEE SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) ACADEMIES
Concept: Consistent with the School District’s participation in Race To The Top (RTTT), STEM programs would be offered in 2012-13 first for Grades 3-5/ 6 at elementary schools in designated geographic regions and subsequently expanded to a designated middle school(s) and high school(s).
Enrollment: Enrollment would be by application and documented academic achievement; if needed, a lottery system would be used.
Special Features: Alternative scheduling and/or virtual and hybrid models (as subsequently developed for the Board’s consideration by the Ad-Hoc Committee recently established by the Superintendent for this purpose) may be necessary to meet program needs.
Staffing: Existing CCSD personnel, selected through an application process; with outside hiring for STEM courses, if needed. Teach21 technology training would be required/provided for all STEM teachers.
Curriculum: Examples of electives offered at STEM programs elsewhere include: 3D Model and Design, Computer Programming, Computer Science, Conceptual Drawing, Digital Design, Engineering Digital Systems, Engineering Mechanical Systems, Modern Languages, Robotics and Web Design.
Notes: Some RTTT professional development funds allotted to CCSD could be directed toward establishment of Cherokee STEM Academies; and Cherokee STEM Academies for Grades 9-12 would incorporate apprenticeships and/or internships in related Career Pathways, as well as Senior Project requirements.
CHEROKEE FINE ARTS ACADEMIES
Concept: Performing and visual fine arts programs would be offered in 2012/13 first for Grades 3-5/6 at elementary schools in designated geographic regions; and these would subsequently be expanded to include a designated middle school(s) and a Performing and Visual Arts High School… to be planned, developed and implemented in cooperation with Reinhardt University and the Falany Performing Arts Center, as envisioned in CCSD’s partnership with Reinhardt.
Enrollment: Enrollment would be by application, audition and/or portfolio; if needed, a lottery system would be used.
Special Features: Alternative scheduling and/or virtual and hybrid models may be necessary to meet program needs.
Staffing: Existing CCSD personnel, selected through an application process; with outside hiring for Fine Arts courses, if needed.
Curriculum: Examples of Fine Arts electives at programs elsewhere include: Dance, Instrumental Music, Literary Arts, Music History, Music Theory, Theatre, Visual Arts and Vocal Music.
CHEROKEE TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL ACADEMY
Concept: In cooperation with Chattahoochee Technical College and local businesses and industries, a Cherokee Technical High School Academy for Grades 9-12 would be collaboratively planned and developed to open in the original Teasley MS facility with a potential start date of August 2014.
Enrollment: Enrollment would be by application; if needed, a lottery system would be used.
Special Features: Alternative scheduling and/or virtual and hybrid models may be necessary to meet program needs.
Staffing: Existing CCSD personnel, selected through an application process; with Technical College instructors and/or outside hiring for Technical courses, if needed.
Curriculum: Examples of electives offered through high school Technical programs elsewhere include: 3D Modeling and Analysis; Animation and 3D Design; Architectural Drawing and Design; Business Essentials; Carpentry; Computer Applications; Computer Programming; Computer Science; Construction; Drawing and Design; Electrical; Electrical/Electronic Systems and Design; Energy and Power Technology; Engine Performance Concepts; Engineering Applications, Engineering Concepts, Graphic Design and Production; Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning Concepts; Masonry; Metals; Plumbing; Principles of Accounting; Research, Design and Project Management; Transportation & Logistics; Welding and Web Design.
Notes: Cherokee Technical High School Academy would incorporate apprenticeships and internships in related Career Pathways, as well as Senior Project requirements. The original Teasley Middle School facility would also serve as the North Campus of Polaris Evening School.
CHEROKEE INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE (IB) ACADEMY
Concept: An IB Academy program would be offered to CCSD students in Grades 9-12 at a designated High School location; and a pre-IB program would be offered at a designated Middle School location.
Enrollment: Enrollment would be by application and testing; if needed, a lottery system would be used.
Special Features: Alternative scheduling and/or virtual and hybrid models may be necessary to meet program needs.
Staffing: Existing CCSD personnel, selected through an application process; with outside hiring for IB courses, if needed.
Curriculum: Examples of courses offered at IB programs elsewhere include: Language (English I and II, AP Language and AP Literature); Foreign Language (French, Mandarin Chinese, Spanish); Individuals and Societies (American Government/Economics, AP World History, AP American History, Geography, History of the Americas); Experimental Sciences (Biology/Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Physics, AP Biology, AP Chemistry and AP Physics); Mathematics and Computer Science (Geometry, Algebra II, Trigonometry/Analytic Geometry, AP Calculus and AP Statistics); The Arts (Art/Design I-IV, IB Music 9-12, IB Design Technology 11); and, Theory of Knowledge.
Notes: To earn an IB diploma, students are required to pass at least six IB exams and complete an Extended Essay (4,000 words) and Creativity, Action and Service hours (150 hours total: 50 hours of each). In addition to the prestigious IB diploma, the opportunity for students to earn college credit would be pursued.
Please be prepared to discuss District Strategic Plan incorporation of this conceptual framework and other ideas which School Board Members may have in this regard at the next (October 20, 2011) Superintendent/School Board Strategic Work Session.
–From Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
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76 comments Add your comment
District mulls offering more school choice – Cherokee Tribune | Technuts Computer
September 2nd, 2011
10:11 am
[...] robotics and Web design. The district could utilize professional development funds …Cherokee to consider ambitious expansion of choice programs in its public schoolsAtlanta Journal Constitution [...]
Meagan
September 2nd, 2011
10:15 am
This is one of the best ideas to come out of the Public Education System in Cherokee County ever. This would allow students and teachers to tap into their hidden/supressed potential. Students need to feel like their learning is valuable to their own long-term goals, and this will allow them to do so.
Really amazed
September 2nd, 2011
10:19 am
Finally!! I believe, thanks to Cherokee Charter Academy! The public pushed this until it wouldn’t go away! Super. Pez. tried SO hard to NOT let it happen because he KNEW what he would HAVE to do down the road if it did. Cherokee to consider ambitious choice expansions in it’s public school!! Now let’s see just how they actually implement them. At least it is a start. The funny thing is I thought Super.Pez said their just simply wasn’t any more funds for this sort of stuff, charters, magnets, IB’s. Funny how now they have come up with them!!
jt
September 2nd, 2011
10:22 am
Might be some good ideas NOW…………what happens 5 years down the road?
Schools and teachers are constantly forced to deal with supposedly brilliant education plans thought up by state judiciaries, legislatures, and bureaucracies. The taxpayers are then expected to flip the bill to put the plans into motion……regardless of success.
For true education success of our young……… separation of school and state is necessary.
Howl all you want.
By shutting out the interfering politicians and giving the power to the parents and teachers, true accountability may actually come about.
Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
10:25 am
Very impressive. I’m delighted to see carpentry and masonry skills in this offering. I would have loved to take those classes in high school. As a homeowner, I really need some basic skills as those and I at least want to know enough about them so that I know when something needs repair.
I’m crossing my fingers and sending prayers this county can get it together as a model for the rest of us in APS.
Great news!
Oh Intown Writer...
September 2nd, 2011
10:27 am
This model at Grady HS (in APS) has had interesting fall-out. It has created a socio-economic stratification that segregates students by interest and more importantly ability. Part of the segregation is based upon the perception of what path provides the greatest advancement based upon cultural norms. The issue is this bias is then in turn used by some in administration and influential parents to institute de facto racial segregation.
More concerning than the balkanization is that better teachers are being poached (we have a School Board Member rumored/known to? inappropriately influencing teacher assignments but using the academy as cover because they are not directly choosing the teachers for the child) and clustered. If the goal is to have a college and vocational track then do it ala Europe, but do not pretend that the academies are providing equal opportunity for all.
As a consequence, physical segregation occurs as the academy classes are clustered together and the quality teachers are clustered. Both elements serve to deny students an equal education/educational opportunity.
It looks good on paper, but the academy structure needs a strong and even administrative hand that will not be influenced by influential parents pulling strings on their babies’ behalf (s) that in turn create dumping grounds of students in need and reject teachers.
Bytestalker
September 2nd, 2011
10:29 am
Wow. Proactive, answering the needs of the students and parents. What I like is it answers the needs of all types of students and includes professionals from outside of academia. Based on the basics taugh in the Technical School (programming, computer applications…) I could actually hire these individuals into my IT organization into entry level positions. Good move.
To Oh Intown Writer from Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
10:40 am
What I like about it is that American citizens will have a place to learn those skills that used to be learned by tradesmen in labor unions that are now being performed by unskilled illegal immigrants. My relatives are in the construction industry. Several are building contractors and developers who have to hire sub-contractors and those unscrupulous sub-contractors hire illegal, unskilled immigrants to do sloppy, incorrect work like masonry and carpentry.
If we have those skills started in American high schools and learned by American citizens, we can rebuild those jobs that make up a large group of tax-paying American middle class citizens.
Bring on the carpentry and masonry! Whoo Hoo!
lyncoln
September 2nd, 2011
10:46 am
Ok, I like it. It seems a very interesting proposal.
I expect that there will probably be plenty of parents demanding to know why their child (who is brilliant, but test scores/achievements don’t show it) wasn’t allowed into Academy X, yet the child down the street was selected. There will be lots of pressure on the politicians to make enrollment into the academy easier.
To play a devil’s advocate: I thought the goal is to make all students college ready. Clearly, the Technical Academy High School is directed towards providing students with business and trade skills so they can skip college and move into the workforce. Thus, this fails on making all students college ready. Wouldn’t that mean we are not providing all students with the correct education to prepare them for the jobs in the high tech economy of the future.
Inman Park Boy
September 2nd, 2011
10:55 am
“Choice” is meaningless unless there is real choice. Let the taxes follow the child.
To Lyncoln from Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
11:03 am
You say “Wouldn’t that mean we are not providing all students with the correct education to prepare them for the jobs in the high tech economy of the future.”
The high tech economy is not the future in the United States. High tech education is not the way to go. Right now U.S. businesses are exporting all jobs to China. They have a billion people over there who can program and can do it for substantially less.
We don’t need to overload our economy is more computer programmers because they won’t be able to get a job. We need real skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who can plumb, wire a house, build a brick wall and repair vehicles.
We need those middle-class jobs back in the U.S. economy.
Sam
September 2nd, 2011
11:10 am
@lyncoln
Most of the people I know working in IT and tech jobs never went to college
Jack
September 2nd, 2011
11:14 am
Fine arts to a child born in a one parent, drug infested hovel means nothing.
Jack
September 2nd, 2011
11:23 am
Our children should be computer literate and also know how to screw in a light bulb.
catlady
September 2nd, 2011
11:25 am
Where would the “other”kids go? You know, the ones with no parental guidance or initiative? And what about transportation? Will the county provide it all over, from everywhere to every academy? Or will this only be for kids whose families can provide transportation to whereever?
d
September 2nd, 2011
11:33 am
@lyncoln – actually the goal is college or career ready, not just college ready.
Observer
September 2nd, 2011
11:41 am
Looks like the district is proving the point that you don’t have to be a private company like Charter Schools USA to make choice an option. This will put Cherokee Charter out of business and I like it
I think the school board that is elected by the taxpayers should decide where public funds are spent when they come from the local tax payers. I wonder if Governor Deal can find another $10 million in state funds to support these county academies, or if Chipper and Seanic the Hedgehog will find a way to stop CCSD from creating more choices.
To catlady from Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
11:54 am
What is your point when you say “Where would the “other”kids go? You know, the ones with no parental guidance or initiative?”
The programs are for grades 9 to 12. At those ages, initiative is something you already have. You don’t have to have a parent hovering over you. It’s a nice to have, not a must have. I know. I’ve been there. I found my own way to college. My parents checked out on me when I was seven years old.
What is the point you are trying to make? Are you trying to say that only students with affluent and involved parents will get to attend these “choice” studies? That remains to be seen. We haven’t even got the program off the ground yet.
These options are wonderful. I don’t understand how anyone can already hang it out to dry as a failure when it hasn’t even started.
HereWeGoAgain
September 2nd, 2011
11:57 am
So, the Cherokee super and board want to offer more school choice now! I find this to be pretty hypocritical since all their deliberations about the Cherokee Charter School revolved around the argument that they had a high performing school district and they DIDN’T NEED ANY SCHOOL CHOICE. Remember the infamous words of the board member who told hundreds of parents: “if you don’t like our schools here, maybe you should move!” No matter how he explains it now, those words came out of his mouth. And notice that the “choice” is to go to a district-operated schools staffed by the same district management and the same teachers as before. I say again, if everything is so great in Cherokee, why now this offer of “choice?” The reason is clear: the outpouring of parents who have placed their children in the county’s sole charter school threaten the very positions of the Superintendent and board members who opposed the choice of parents when it came to Cherokee Charter Academy. I thought it was pretty appropriate that the Cherokee teachers all wore black to their protests against the proposed charter school. It is a dark day when the wishes of parents are superceded by educrats who “know what is best for us and our children.” “Ambitious expansion of school choice in Cherokee County……” Smoke and mirrors.
Observer
September 2nd, 2011
12:07 pm
HereWeGoAgain, the only smoke and mirrors are those held by Charter Schools USA by using taxpayer funds to buy a facility that they will own and can use for any purpose they want should they close Cherokee Charter. Sounds great to give a private company in Florida a free block of land on the backs of Georgia taxpayers. Also, I think they can raise their “professional fees” at any time and for any reason as well as sweep any unspent tax dollars off the table at the close of the fiscal year. Smoke and mirrors exist, but the School District did the right thing in saying we’re not paying for a Florida company to steal land on the backs of taxpayers.
alm
September 2nd, 2011
12:29 pm
Sounds nice on paper but it can cause other problems down the road. DeKalb had to close a lot of neighborhood schools when student left for choice schools.
Nurse from the past
September 2nd, 2011
12:44 pm
I think this is a grand idea,but as always some still find unnecessary flaws. Remember all children –and some adults just can not reach levels as others. I still see some are worried about —– what can I get for nothing or I am not treated equally. We are equal because we are human beings and nothing else!!!
catlady
September 2nd, 2011
12:53 pm
“Good mother” I wasn’t hanging it out to dry. I am, however, very concerned with access and equity. You will notice that some of these “academies” you have to apply for are also for elementary-aged kids. Even in high school, no matter how motivated you are, you don’t have access if you don’t have transportation. Also, you have to have enough knowledge and savy to even APPLY. So, off the top, unless these types of things are addressed, you do not have any sort of access and equity for many of the kids in Cherokee.
And so the kids who, for whatever reason, don’t opt into one of these academies–which you admit take those with the gumption (and probably more than that) to apply–what happens to them? Do they get “regular” high school, with the most highly motivated kids siphoned off? Call it Lackluster High.
I’m not against the idea–my kids would have done well given those options–but I am concerned about the “left overs,” as you should well be also. What has the administration thought about that?
Write Your Board Members
September 2nd, 2011
12:59 pm
In Dekalb magnets cost much more per student than traditional school. DeKalb School of the Arts was right at 15,000 dollars per student last year. Tucker’s IB programme is costing a fortune when you look at per student costs.
Be careful that you set expectations from the beginning — regular funding, choice programs must operate under the same constraints as traditional schools.
To catlady from Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
1:06 pm
If you are concerned about the left overs — please bring it up to the administration by any means possible.
MD
September 2nd, 2011
1:14 pm
Finally someone in education understands it. We don’t need to spend any more money on failing students. We need to spend more money on achieving students. Various vocational tracks will prepare and equip those failing students with a skill for their life.
And there is absolutely nothing wrong with separating students based on academic aptitude.
Ashley
September 2nd, 2011
1:21 pm
I rememer when all these things use to be taught in high-school, before the cookie cutter came into vogue.
To MD from Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
1:21 pm
I vehemently disagree with the statement that “Various vocational tracks will prepare and equip those failing students with a skill for their life.”
Vocations are not for failing students. We don’t need failing builders, electricians and auto mechanics. Trades are not for the ignorant. You mischaracterize trades. We need craftsmen and tradesmen and women in our society.
Your statement is snobbish and not helpful. We can’t send someone who can’t read into a trade.
In my real life I hired a guy to paint my porch. Unknown to me, he couldnt’ read. He applied an indoor paint on my outdoor porch, which, of course, had to be repainted.
Skilled carpentry is a high-paying trade and it should be. If you want a home built to last, you need a smart EDUCATED and skilled tradesman.
Ashley
September 2nd, 2011
1:22 pm
oops…my bad it should be “remember”
Charter Schools are PUBLIC schools
September 2nd, 2011
1:35 pm
Observer
@12:07PM
“.. the only smoke and mirrors are those held by Charter Schools USA by using taxpayer funds to buy a facility that they will own and can use for any purpose they want should they close Cherokee Charter.”
Actually, since government funding is used to buy the facility, that property reverts to the ownership of the charter approver (the State Charter Commission I suppose for the Cherokee Charter school?) in the event that the schools’ charter is not renewed or if the school’s charter is terminated.
The same rule can apply for debts I believe. Many years ago, the old Fulton Math and Science Charter high school (might have the name wrong) did not get it’s charter renewed. The school had signed a long-term lease I believe and the owner of the building filed suit against the Fulton County School System (they were the local charter approver) to collect the rest of the money due per the lease agreement. I’m not sure what happened though.
Also, Charter Schools USA is the “educational management organization” (EMO). They are hired by the charter school’s governing board and can be fired by them as well (see Maureen’s recent article on Peachtree Hope Charter School in which the governing board fired their EMO).
I would recommend perusing the Georgia Department of Education’s FAQ on charter schools.
http://www.gadoe.org/pea_charter.aspx?PageReq=PEACSGENFAQ
I’ve included a few FAQ answers below that might help clarify:
“Who runs a charter school?”
“A non-profit governing board holds the charter for the school. The governing board is responsible for ensuring that academic performance measures set forth in the charter are met. The governing board’s duties and responsibilities include school-level decision making, fiscal management, and a variety of school operations such as personnel decisions.”
“What authority does the board have if the school contracts with an educational management organization (“EMO”)?”
“The charter school’s governing board has the decision making authority, not the EMO. EMO representatives cannot sit on the governing board of a charter school, as this presents a conflict of interest.”
Supporter of career tech
September 2nd, 2011
1:40 pm
Some of the comments would make it appear that these are new ideas being generated by the CCSD in response to the Charter Academy! Phooey!!! As an involved parent for many years, I can attest to these programs being talked about, researched, and planned for many, many years – long before “choice” became the buzz word of the day. This has nothing to do with choice and everything to do with it being the right time to launch more competitive programs for our students. Many of us parents pushed these programs for years, visited IB schools and vocational schools, and continuously kept the CCSD leadership aware of our interest and need for such opportunities. These additional learning programs will be a great benefit to our children. I am thrilled that we are finally going to take these steps – Hurrah for the CCSD!
Observer
September 2nd, 2011
1:50 pm
Charter Schools Are Public Schools: Apparently you did not read the Cherokee Charter School Application. It clearly stated that the property would be owned by Red Apple Development (which is a subcorp of Charter Schools USA) and that if the school were closed it would own the property. Cherokee Charter is leasing the space from Red Apple … for an amount similar to that that is required for debt service for Red Apple to own the facility. So in fact our public dollars are funding a private developer to own land. Seems to me you need to read the application and not just believe what SHOULD occur under the state charter commission (if it even exists anymore).
MD
September 2nd, 2011
2:01 pm
@Good Mother, HA! You can train a C or D student to be a good carpenter, painter, mechanic, etc. But you can’t train a C or D student to be a good biologist, chemist, doctor or lawyer. Why not be more realistic? At the end of the day, the ones who lose are the C and D students. They were lied about their ability in an area that they are just not good at. On the other hand, they might turn out to be excellent mechanics, painters, or builders. They can become business owners in their trade.
To MD from Good Mother
September 2nd, 2011
2:03 pm
You’re wrong, MD. You need good students to be tradespeople. Your snobbery is just silly.
Karl Marx
September 2nd, 2011
2:14 pm
People have been asking for this for a long time. Isn’t it just a curious coincidence that now after the first charter school tries to gain a foot hold the Public School monopoly wants to give “More Choice”. This is just more smoke and mirrors and they will say anything to save themselves. Nothing meaningful will happen until the superintendent and the other 4 school board members are shown the door. Time to clean house.
Observer
September 2nd, 2011
2:18 pm
Karl, I’d be more concerned about the Board Members that voted for the $35 million proposal that they got 30 minutes before the meeting. I’d be weary of elected officials that make that financial decision without reading details.
Really amazed
September 2nd, 2011
2:23 pm
@Catlady, sounds like the email said, that STEM program for 3-5th grade might take place 2012-2013 school year and maybe middle by 2014. It seems like the programs will be held @ local public schools, already in exsistance that have rooms aval. Will be interesting to see which elementary schools. The only program that sounds truly seperate w/ possibly new building is the performing arts high school. Like I said earlier, we will see. All sounds great but why all of the sudden??? Makes ya wonder. Thought Super Pezz said everything was already great in CCSD! We didn’t need anything else.
Really amazed
September 2nd, 2011
2:31 pm
@Maureen, do you know how many students can be enrolled in elementary STEM, high school IB program. Would that be per total county or per individual school. Does anyone know which schools in Cherokee would have these programs yet? I know the email says upon avail rooms. Do you know when the performing arts high school is to open?
Concerned DeKalb Mom
September 2nd, 2011
2:31 pm
Choice is not a bad idea. What becomes questionable is the use of a lottery system to gain admission. If, in my opinion, my child would benefit from the STEM or Fine Art or IB academy, and he/she meets all the criteria, he/she should gain admittance. But what happens in DeKalb with these “choice” options is that the vast majority of kids who meet criteria are shut out from that opportunity. Kittredge Magnet comes to mind…WAY more kids in the lottery waiting list to attend than are actually accepted.
Access and equity are key with choice options. Cherokee should make sure that their options are available to ALL who qualify. And that’s where things get murky.
Really amazed
September 2nd, 2011
2:41 pm
@Concerned DeKalb Mom, this is my point exactly!!!! How many schools will have these choices or is it going to be the needle in the haystack! Just to say CCSD is listening and providing something, just to hush parents up. I still wonder with the words, CONSIDER, and PROPOSAL. I will be optimistic! Thanks again Cherokee Charter Academy!!!! If anyone believes this isn’t one of the main reasons this is even being discussed, please really!
Really amazed
September 2nd, 2011
2:58 pm
I hate to say it but this could be like some of the same thought process as the previous conspiracy article. Maybe this is away for CCSD DOE to get rid of the threating new Cherokee Charter Academy and use it’s facility for these programs. Just sayin. Remember it is the gov’t. The cca was not wanted by CCSD DOE because CC already was providing a wonder school choice. REMEMBER. Now we will provide school choice. Funny!
Dr. Monica Henson
September 2nd, 2011
2:58 pm
The fact that Cherokee County Schools’ leadership is coming out with these options is testament to the power of school choice to spur innovation and improvement. The opening of an independent charter school (or even the suggestion that one might open) is enough to create momentum within the district office to start offering improvements and choices to entice families to stay within the district. This is a good thing and a win/win for everyone.
Observer 1
September 2nd, 2011
3:01 pm
Please note that the “Observer” posting on this particular blog is not the same person as the “Observer” using this moniker on earlier blogs. Perhaps a more accurate name here might be “Observer 2.” As the “Observer 1″ of those earlier posts, I tried to comment as one outside the action but looking on. “Observer 2″ clearly has a dog in this fight.
Really amazed
September 2nd, 2011
3:04 pm
@Dr. Monica Henson, this isn’t an independent charter school. THAT’’s the point! They want to now maybe provide,something within the public schools classes and programs. Cherokee Charter Academy was the independant charter school that was knock down several times. Still openend and now CCSD doe want to compete!! They didn’ want the charter because they said Cherokee co already had good options!! Yes, it’s proven Charter schools do bring competition! This is good!!!!!
Karl Marx
September 2nd, 2011
3:13 pm
Observer, True but the State and Federal folks are the real masters of passing somthing without reading it. Much like voters who voted for the education SLOST without understanding what power it gives the School Board to go into debt.
catlady
September 2nd, 2011
3:20 pm
Really amazed–I understand it would be in current buildings. Kudos to you for your input!
Joe Rural
September 2nd, 2011
3:29 pm
Once again, it appears that some of you bloggers have personal vendettas against the Cherokee County School District, it’s Superintendent and/or some of its school board members. Can’t you even give this idea a chance? It seems to me that the school district heard the message from its residents “we want choice” and are doing their best to provide it. If your goal was to “bring competition” to this district…it appears to be working. I would suggest you give this a chance and then make your decision. Or would that be too much to ask?
funny
September 2nd, 2011
3:52 pm
wow; copying what other states do with success ; who would have thought
GA needs to stop trying to reinvent the wheel and put common sense back into education;
different tracks to High School graduation; what a novel idea; just that the entire WORLD has been doing that with their education systems for a 100 years;
but the wisdom that is within GA political arena astounds me at how a*& backwards it is
Rural education
September 2nd, 2011
5:49 pm
I work in a nearby system tha killed a decade old IB program and it was a huge mistake. I would apply tomorrow for a chance to teach that curriculum again.
Active in Cherokee
September 2nd, 2011
6:14 pm
I love this idea and in fact suggested it numerous times over the summer when many of the blogs seemed to be focusing on the Cherokee Charter School. Charter Schools USA was never a good fit for Cherokee in my humble opinion and its very promising to see CCSD coming out with this plan. In reading the article it is particularily nice to see they intend to start most of the porgrams at the elementary school level at work it up to the HS level. This is much better than the top down approach and I believe will ultimately lead to its success. I just hope this ‘divided community’ (and certain political figures) give the plan proper support rather than holding personal vendettas.
Eric
September 2nd, 2011
6:19 pm
It all sounds good. However, it’s unfortunately that technology has to be the centerpiece of the program. Aren’t people getting sick of technology?
Dekalbite
September 2nd, 2011
7:30 pm
Cherokee taxpayers should have a problem with any “lottery” system for a magnet school. Why should one child get to go to special school because they were “lucky” that their name was drawn while the equally capable student does not have those services. I don’t think educational opportunity should be left up to luck. DCSS has a lottery system for their high achiever program and it is seems very unfair that students get in because their name is drawn out of a hat. My child was one of those drawn out of the hat and attended the high achiever school. Meanwhile, many friends just as capable were not given this opportunity. I have very mixed emotions about those programs and stand alone schools. No matter what the administration says, they generally mean a higher per pupil cost, and that revenue must come from somewhere. Almost always it comes from the regular education classrooms.
If the magnet and choice programs can be done for exactly the same per pupil cost and all students who meet the standards are admitted, then I would say move ahead. But this has not proved the case in DeKalb. Maybe Cherokee will do it differently.
Dekalbite@Eric
September 2nd, 2011
8:23 pm
Technology is the lion’s share of high paying future jobs. Kids love it and it’s an extension of the way they learn.
Here’s a very funny video – it’s old but IMO – timeless:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFAWR6hzZek&feature=youtube_gdata_player
John Konop
September 2nd, 2011
10:15 pm
Dr. Monica Henson,
…..The fact that Cherokee County Schools’ leadership is coming out with these options is testament to the power of school choice to spur innovation and improvement…….
In all due respect not true! I have been suggesting the solution for years and have had a very positive response from the board members as well as Dr.P. This blog has even posted the suggestion from one of the many essays I wrote over the years on the topic.
…..What can we do? First, Math 123 should be withdrawn and Georgia schools should return to the traditional math curriculum. Second, public high schools should link their curricula and graduation requirements with local universities, junior colleges and technical colleges to give kids a chance to pursue vocational training or advanced academics. Third, college-prep students should be eligible to have their course work coordinated with a university system. This would challenge Georgia’s top students and give them a leg-up when competing with kids from other states for college admissions.
Finally, we should increase the linkage between our schools and business communities by creating local all-star teams for math and science students based on criteria established and judged by the business community. This program could reward top students with scholarship money and truly celebrating their achievements…..
http://blogs.ajc.com/get-schooled-blog/2011/09/02/cherokee-to-consider-ambitious-expansion-of-choice-programs-in-its-public-schools/#comments
Remember, y'all
September 3rd, 2011
12:12 am
http://www.marietta-city.org/curriculum/programs/choice.php
http://www.marietta-city.org/curriculum/programs/magnet.php
http://www.marietta-city.org/curriculum/programs/ib.php
http://www.cobbk12.org/schools/magnet/
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/magnet.html
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/themeschools.html
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/montessori.html
Remember, y'all
September 3rd, 2011
12:13 am
Remember, y’all, other systems have been doing this model for a while now:
http://www.marietta-city.org/curriculum/programs/choice.php
http://www.marietta-city.org/curriculum/programs/magnet.php
http://www.marietta-city.org/curriculum/programs/ib.php
http://www.cobbk12.org/schools/magnet/
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/magnet.html
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/themeschools.html
http://www.dekalb.k12.ga.us/about/schoolchoice/montessori.html
Remember, y'all
September 3rd, 2011
12:15 am
Filter?
Remember, y'all
September 3rd, 2011
12:16 am
Maureen?
Chris
September 3rd, 2011
11:46 am
As a parent with school-aged children residing in Cherokee County I will be following this closely. I like the idea but the devil is in the details.
Cobb Parent
September 3rd, 2011
12:02 pm
New Haven Ct uses a “magnet” school concept for its public schools. The city school system has about 44 schools and 20 magnet programs with over 7,000 students. They can only accept about half the students that apply for slots in the magnet schools. I don’t know if they are a good model, but they are a model that can at least be looked at for ideas and comparisons.
I can understand the concern about having enough room for all those who want to attend a school with a particular emphasis which seems to be a concern of some commenting. But, we can’t choose to have none of it because we can’t have enough of it. That is also not fair. These are good ideas coming out of Cherokee.
And, like some others who have posted here, I think the idea of magnet schools for the trades is outstanding. There are lots of kids who will be excellent plumbers, masons, electricians, metal workers, carpenters – and make a good living at it. We have needed this turn back to a broader range of training people for additional kinds of work that also needs to be done – instead of concentrating on the next batch of accountants, financial masterminds, or public relations gurus.
Dr. Monica Henson
September 3rd, 2011
12:49 pm
@ Really Amazed: the point that you are making is the same point I made (the choices proposed by CCSD are within the district). I am submitting that it was the opening of CCA that spurred CCSD to go ahead and move forward with the district choices.
@ John Konop: Thank you for clarifying that the improvements have been in the works prior to CCA’s opening. I still think that the competition provided by CCA moved the decision along faster for CCSD to start offering choices.
Dekalbite@Cobb Parent
September 3rd, 2011
3:30 pm
“I can understand the concern about having enough room for all those who want to attend a school with a particular emphasis which seems to be a concern of some commenting. But, we can’t choose to have none of it because we can’t have enough of it. That is also not fair. These are good ideas coming out of Cherokee.”
So don’t choose to have no “choice” programs. One way is to make the entrance requirements more selective. High achiever magnets might have the entrance scores raised, while other programs may need recommendations, auditions, interviews, essays written by students, etc. There are many ways to “attract” the students who are truly gifted and/or interested in high achievement academics, technology, engineering, math, science, performing arts, the trades, etc. It might require more planning and thought, but that is critical if you cannot serve everyone who wants a slot.
And ensuring that magnet seats do not cost appreciably more than regular education seats is of the UTMOST importance. That is one of the biggest bones of contention in DeKalb. The per pupil cost in DeKalb is all over the map. Some magnet programs cost $13,000 a student and some cost $8,000 a student although almost all cost more than regular education students. If the per pupil cost to serve a student with a special and compelling talent and/or interest is the same as serving a student who is content with the regular education program, then there should be very few qualified students not able to get services. For example, perhaps the cost can be held down and more truly qualified students served by placing a science magnet program in 3 existing facilities rather than building a stand alone school with the substantial admin, support and physical plant costs associated with such a plan. BOEs and in particular upper echelon administrators love to build these brand new facilities because they look so impressive, but they are very expensive in terms of overhead. Put your money in quality teachers and student selection. That is where success lies.
The worse thing you can do is have a lottery. That teaches students that luck is more important than merit and hard work. This is not a good philosophical foundation for a productive nation. A good education should not be the luck of the draw. With proper planning and an eye to selecting students who truly have a compelling interest in an educational area, special programs can accomplish much of what they purport to accomplish and qualified students will not be left out in the cold.
Entering the system soon
September 3rd, 2011
4:09 pm
fascinating, however they need to address how to continue with the elementary programs into the JR/high school years, or else it will be just a nice class but wasted in the long run if the kids dont continue learning in it so not sure what kind of current advance sciences there are if in the later years.
Just really GLAD Cherokee is applying more money to those students that can excel in these areas and providing those outlets to gain more education in those areas. I was a C student in HS and when I went to College, I became an A-B student (overall 3.3) becasue i was able to select the course I had an interest in and to help further in life with. lets be real the information taught is HS is useless (important only to those that teach it) just look at Are You Smarter Than A 5th Grader. we dont use the information therefore we dont try to retain it.
John Konop
September 3rd, 2011
5:11 pm
Dr M,
….@ John Konop: Thank you for clarifying that the improvements have been in the works prior to CCA’s opening. I still think that the competition provided by CCA moved the decision along faster for CCSD to start offering choices…..
You may be right, but I do know from numerous conversations over the years with Dr P and some board members that they supported the concept. Cherokee has had tremendous success with gifted math students using the concept, ranked top 10 in the nation. The biggest issue has been heavy handed one size fit all mandates from the state like math 123, No Child Left behind……. I do think a combination of factors have helped the situation from Kathy Cox being replaced with someone who supports the above concept, combined with many in both parties realizing No Child Left Behind is a failed ill thought-out project.
Lovin It
September 3rd, 2011
8:00 pm
1. This is a much better approach for taxpayers than blindly giving tax money to a for profit corporation for no differential of educational offering. That’s not “choice”. It is “stupid”. Keep in mind that politicians get in office and gain power from large donations from corporations.
2. The academy model certainly has potential to help teens and their families adapt to our changing economy. We MUST have trained workers. We need workers that have technical college training too. (Isn’t that also college?) The proposal is ambitious and needs work on the specifics, but CCSD has consistantly shown the willingness to lead the pack and Dr P has the personality to make it happen.
3. Hopefully this will start the conversation on the right direction of how to improve our educational offerings by linkage to industry and colleges INSTEAD OF those with a political or cultural agenda driving the train. Yes, these folks have driven the train right off the tracks all over America!
4. This will involve parents and families in the educational process of their child from an early age. That is a winner.
N Ga Teacher
September 3rd, 2011
10:51 pm
Cherokee’s proposals are focused in the right direction. High schools in particular need to allow students to pursue their interests and strengths. I guarantee this will cut down dropout rates. However, one more step needs to be taken, and that is to relax the severe graduation requirements in the four core areas. For instance, a student who is seeking a career in acting and attends a fine arts academy would probably be better served by just 2 years of GPS math and science instead of 4, with vice versa for the STEM magnet kid.
Fred
September 4th, 2011
8:00 am
Remember, y’all, DeKalb has been doing this for years. Jim Cherry created DeKalb Community College (Georgia Perimeter College now but with a new name coming soon) with the vision that residents could attend school in DeKalb though junior college. Add the partnership with DeKalb Tech and DeKalb Early College Academy (DECA), students have more options that any other school district in GA for getting additional diplomas and certifications by the time they complete high school.
Unfortunately this is one of the great services provided for residents over the years that most still don’t seem to know about. It hasn’t been for a lack of trying.
Everyone must also acknowledge that lotteries exist because the demand for seats is greater than the supply. DeKalbite is right, you can change the entrance requirements to make the process more selective and objective. The reality about this method is it can create racial imbalances with the student populations that some might not want to deal with. This is unfortuante.
BTC
September 4th, 2011
3:59 pm
Okay, this is a good idea, and the other headline today in the AJC is a good idea about giving reading teachers more money —– BUT, who do I see to ask about paying me for the 10 furlough days that our system has had to take for the last THREE years?
Hello? Is anybody looking into that? Who do I ask to just pay me what my original contract said they would pay me?
Am I the only one who sees a problem here? If we can pay math, science, and reading teachers more, why not bring all teachers pay back up to what it should be without all the cuts? Is this going to happen anytime soon? Anybody out there know?
Douglas County
September 4th, 2011
4:07 pm
Has anyone on here heard about the Douglas County College and Career Institute in Douglasville? High school students from all the high schools in the county can take electives at CCI. It is a great program!
Johnny B Good
September 4th, 2011
7:41 pm
I love how all you conservative republicans in Cherokee will back the ideals of every tea bagger and right wing nut job out there unless it is about public education. When it comes to public K-12 education, suddenly the government knows how to run educational systems and parents, like sheep, follow along because to do anything different would destroy education as we know it. Time to wake up folks in Cherokee and elsewhere, school choice is good. What Cherokee County Schools is offering is only part of the answer. Having TRUE competition, like we see with Cherokee Charter Academy is the other critical part of the solution for a better educational environment.
John Konop
September 5th, 2011
9:29 am
Johnny B Good,
The problem with many on all sides is the debate about education becomes too much about my way or the highway. This is a letter I wrote about the issue that was in the local paper. We should embrace what is best from public, private, home, charter……..not tear it apart with winner take all approach.
THE LETTER:
I live in Cherokee county and have friends on both sides of this issue. And to give full disclosure my wife and I used private schools through 3rd grade for both of our kids. And we have one kid graduating next year from high school at Woodstock (public) and the other child is at Sixes (public) going into 5th grade.
Overall my wife and I are very pleased overall with the quality of education. Also my son did have Mrs. Chapman (board member wife) as a teacher in junior high and she is an excellent teacher.
With that said it does seem like this issue has gotten very personal and emotional on both sides. And I was asked about this issue by local representative what my overall take on the issue. And below is what I said.
I do think Charter schools can serve a great need for school districts. Yet the following should be considered before jumping in:
1) Since the charter school uses tax payer money no school should be allowed to spend a dime unless it has a proper bond or form of security in case it goes out of business. Otherwise the school could spend tax payers’ money and than dump the kids back into the system forcing us to pay twice and or create oversized classrooms.
2) The school should only get the true rate of revenue school taking into consideration the cost of special needs, ESL………..
3) The schools would best serve a community if it was designed to take on a very focused group of kids enhancing special needs ie math/science school, performing arts, vocational…………………
4) The school should have to submit a high level plan with tough audits to make sure they are meeting high standards to make sure this is not just way to make money off tax payers.
I realize many on both sides will not agree with my opinions like on many issues. But in any deal if both sides do not walk away thinking they did not get what they fully wanted, yet can live with deal, it is usually a very good compromise.
Tony
September 5th, 2011
10:44 am
http://www.saturdayeveningpost.com/2011/08/16/lifestyle/features/american-schools-crisis.html
Here’s a good read for you on this Labor Day.
Time4change
September 6th, 2011
5:22 am
Great ideas during a time of few ideas in education! As a teacher, it is appealing to apply in Cherokee. Thank you for thinking outside the box. I hope other counties follow your model.
John Konop
September 6th, 2011
8:51 am
Tony,
You and I have debated this issue on this blog. Do you now support this concept?
Jerry Eads
September 6th, 2011
11:06 am
Of course, no one ever bothered to ponder Wainer’s words (the next piece on Get Schooled). What the EVIDENCE shows is that “choice” makes no difference whatsoever in improving schools. It DOES, of course, allow a few parents who care and have the resources to move their kids to another school – - so test pass rates (NOT SCORES) go up at the ‘choiced’ school and down at the departed school which is left with the kids with less or no parental support. AND, because we believe in test pass rates (which we confuse with scores) above all else as the holy grail of school judgement, OF COURSE we conclude (delusionally) that the ‘choiced’ school is “better” and we ‘proved’ that the departed school was ‘bad’ to begin with because its pass rates go down. And nothing changes about the quality of schooling. Rome burns.
SejonSD
September 9th, 2011
12:57 pm
Hmmm! Smells a little like election propoganda. Where were these concerns all this time and how convenient they are proposed so quickly now. The red tape has been cut with the scissors of hopes for re-election. Wake up people!!!!
I think it’s disgusting the way so many “adults” hope CCA fails. Again, we are teaching our children to wish the worst for those you disagree with instead of focusing on promoting the ideals you support. When will we learn? How many of you would ask the paramedic sent to save your life if they graduated from a charter school, IB program or some other specialty school. Let’s get some perspective people.