Is it not apparent to all, as it is to me, that Ms. Schultz is perhaps the least likely person to find favor in anything but the type of math curriculum she is being paid to sell and proliferate?
Among those listed as "External Advisors", I would think that Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier, Dean of the School of Education of the City College of New York, would be the most valuable to have as part of our Mathematics Planning Team.
His geographic connection with the Ridgewood district is at least as strong as Ms. Schultz's. And unlike Ms. Schultz, he does not have an inherent, irreconcilable conflict of interest.
I fear Dr. Posamentier's being listed among our External Advisors was a decision intended to placate those who do not favor constructivist math curriculums. If anyone has information to prove otherwise, I'd be happy to hear of it, but for now, I somehow doubt that the administrators of the Ridgewood district are of a mind to accord Dr. Posamentier's extremely well-supported, extremely hard-fought views the weight they deserve.
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18 comments:
This is a ruse by the BOE and the educrats that run our district.
Notice that Jack Lorenz wasn't asked to be on the panel. Yet, when the failed results from years of constructivist math result in poor SAT scores, he will be held accountable.
Beware Jack, they are setting you up.
Having a salesperson as a consultant has been an area that has gotten government in NJ in hot water all of the time. If this isn't pay to play, nothing is. Next they'll have her writing specs that only her company can comply with.
I saw on LG's blog that this is true - schultzie is a member of the "decision making" team. RB is so stupid.
you guys need to google phil daro. here's a few bits:
he was an English major, no math degree. is the education clan so inept that they look to english majors to advance their cause?
he fancies himself an "expert" on curriculum and assessment.
he was the chair of the prize committe of ISDDE that just gave their prize to the authors of cmp.
he has consulted in quite a few districts and always recommends they adopt EM.
some of the districts have created links to videos showing this guy hawking his wares - pathetic.
remember a few years ago when the towns folk were optimistic when brennan arrived - and he turned out to be a fool. looks like this new clown is no better.
These people are begging to have their heads handed to them.
Do they really think that we are so stupid that we would not Google their panel of experts.
This is pathetic. They are going to have a full blown revolt on their hands.
And Daniel Fishbein, what the hell, are you just playing the fool? Have you had your head in the sand for the past 18 months? You live in Ridgewood, hasn't it dawned on you yet that the parents are far more formidable than the BOE or Regina give them credit for.
Your exalted panel has already been discredited and it is only day two of the release of their names.
This is such a travesty. But unfortunately, par for the course in Ridgewood.
You allowed Regina Botsford to pick this panel and you did nothing to ensure its balance. Your leadership skills are shown to be wanting.
With a start like this Mr. Fishbein, I predict that your will not serve out your contract.
What say you?
The BOE's External Advisors are:
Mr. Philip Daro, Dr. Alfred S. Posamentier, Dr. Joseph G. Rosenstein, Ms. Nancy
Schultz.
A quick bit of research, via Google, reveals that this panel is stacked 3 to 1 in favor of Everyday Math/TERC proponents. Two of which potentially stand to benefit financially should constructivist math prevail as the preferred teaching method.
Now, if this isn't a conflict of interest, then what is?
Math Board Curriculum Committee:
Ms. Regina Lemerich Botsford, Dr. Daniel Fishbein, Ms. Michele
Lenhard, Mr. Joseph Vallerini.
Let's see here. Ms. Botsford, a proponent, defender and implementer of this horrific math is on this committee along with Mr. Fishbein, who so far has proven to be an enigma.
Then there is Mr. Vallerini, a teacher and Ms. Leonard who is, by all accounts, the weakest member of the BOE.
We're in good hands here folks.
Mathematics Planning Team:
Dr. Daniel Fishbein (Co-Chair), Superintendent
Ms. Regina Lemerich Botsford (Co-Chair), Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum…
Dr. Jessica Anspach, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
Mr. Daniel Ilaria, District. Mathematics Supervisor
Ms. Margaret Leininger, Pincipal - Travell
Ms. Margaret Loonam, Principal - Orchard
Dr. Lorna Oates-Santos, Principal - Sommerville
Dr. Cary Bell, Interim Principal - Sommerville
Dr. Paul Semendinger, Principal - Hawes
Ms. Jean Schoenlank, Principal - Ridge
Ms. Nancy Schultz, salesperson and consultant for constructivist math publisher
Ms. Marianne Williams, Principal - Willard
What, pray tell, is Nancy Schultz doing on this committee too? Does she now work for the district?
Why is Nancy Schultz on the Mathematics Planning Team?
This is the body that will decide what mathematics program we are going to purchase and implement.
Does she now work for the district?
So, is the fox guarding the hen house?
Nancy Schultz, is on the "External Advisors" panel and also on the "Mathematics Planning Team."
This is so transparent. Ms. Schultz is on the “External Advisors” committee in order to ensure that Ms. Botsford’s desired recommendations are set forth by this group and then on the "Planning Team," to make sure that this pre-determined math program (textbook) is implemented.
Sounds like a conflict to us simple minded parents out here. But hey, what do we know, we don't have degrees in pedagogy.
I think we need to boycott this meeting. It's just a set up. Business as usual in an attempt to cram this crap down our throats and then they can announce that they had public participation.
Fisbein: this is not a good way to introduce yourself to Ridgewood's knowledgeable class. They will chew you up and spit you out faster than you can say "Every Day math is a proven program." We will all see Nancy Schulz pulling the string that makes you talk.
We're not idiots Mr. Fishbein! Fix this.
928 you voted for these people so yes you are idiots!
9:45 AM -
Truer words were never spoken.
4:16, how do you know Jack Lorenz wasn't asked to participate? And besides, he's the HS principal, not surprising to me that he wouldn't be on this team (for elementary math). I think you're trying to create a controversy where there isn't one (everything ELSE may be controversial about this plan, but for once it doesn't involve Jack Lorenz)!
How come the principals of the middle school are not on this panel too?
Would it be good to have the input from both the principals of the middle school and the high school because that is where the grade-schoolers end up.
Wouldn't they know what the kids will need to know to be good at math when they get to their schools.
It seems to this old timer that you would want the input from the people who are going have them next.
It is kinda like Coach Johnson making sure that the boys in pee-wee football all know the Wing-T because that is what they are going to need to know when they get to high school.
It only makes sense to me that principals should be on the panel too. Its common sense, right?
right 7:51, it is common sense. Sadly, our top admins and BOE have proven OVER and OVER again, that they have none!
How much are we paying Nancy S. to again come here and tell us what is "good" for our kids based on her excruciating low Montclair State standards? Or is it Rutgers? Does it matter?
I feel insulted, as a tax payer and a district teacher. I thought that this was really going to be a good and productive forum and that we were finally on the right path. With Ms. Shultz on the panel, it is obvious that the decision has already been made. Fair and balanced? I think not. Shouldnt there be opposing reps on the panel, or no reps at all? This is so typical of the district.
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