Program Description Peoria is an urban school district servicing the second highest percentage of dropouts and one of the top five truancy rates in the state of of Illinois with 79% of chronic truants in Peoria County from District 150. Project TARGET provides prevention and intervention services for Peoria County students. PPS is adding educational options to our program which has served truants, chronic truants and potential dropouts. Career and Technology Education in engineering, drafting, medical careers, computer repair, etc. will be new options for students with an expanded campus at Woodruff Career and Technology Center. An academic interventionist will support students in academic achievement. The program is available for students throughout Peoria County and offers: ♦ School Improvement plan focused on interventions to raise achievement levels in math, reading, spelling and language arts ♦ Work training component - CTE classes for students not appropriate for work training ♦ Strong support from community Adopt a School partners and specialized PPS programs ♦ Small, supportive classrooms with academic interventionist to provide analysis of data and support in planning individual instruction ♦ Personal counseling, referral to community services and access to drug/alcohol counseling ♦ College scholarship for each student upon graduating from the school. Administrative Agency: Peoria Public Schools District #150
Contact Person: Diance Duke 839 W. Moss Ave. Peoria IL 61606 Phone: (309) 672-6823 Fax: (309) 672-6825 E-mail: diana.duke@psd150.org Type of Service Offered: Optional Education/Alternative Students Served: Potential Dropout, Truant, and Chronic Truant Grade of Students Served: 9-12 Age of Students Served: 14-21 Program Sites: Woodruff Career & Technology Center
I guess I should have posted my comment here: is the money funding this coming from the federal government? If so, changing staff (getting rid of them, e.g.) falls under "school improvement". If it is indeed true that yet another principal is being removed and federal dollars are funding it, this is the reason I told Dr. Lathan to her face last May at a parent meeting that she needs to do a better job at informing the community of what it "takes" to "receive federal money" under Arne Duncan! I told her a lot more "PR" needed to be done so that people aren't so angry when they see what's happening to staff..look, I don't agree with any of it...I just need someone to tell me if Woodruff received federal funding in the last 6 months, then I have an even bigger comment that will take the "Lathan-ator" hopefully down a few notches...anyone know about the dollars?
Janet, I agree--the same thing happened at Manual, when Sharon Kherat changed staff, etc. Transparency is always the best policy, but somehow District 150 likes secrets--which promote rumors.
Damn, I was in hospital for 3 days with kidney stones that are still floating around somewhere, and I miss out on all the local gossip! Eh, I'll get caught up. But I won't be out and about with a video camera for awhile.
Sharon, I've been squawking about what "school improvement" meant since April 2010, and I know Emerge has posted about it. I've been wondering for SO LONG why no one has connected the dots...it sounded far-fetched back then, but to me, not so much now. Consider the order of events: 1)some of the global billionaires meet in NYC that year, the reason of the meeting not disclosed, 2)Bill Gates et. al. start appearing on TV with/without Duncan, pushing the need for "change in education", 3)"Waiting for Superman" comes out on the big screen, 4)Michelle Rhee takes over as superintendent in D.C. and does even worse than what 150's super is doing now, while at the same time, "Stand For Children" a group supposedly NOT linked to Duncan, yet stands for the same ideals starts appearing across the lower 48 lobbying politicians, 5)Jehan Jordan meets with "Stand For Children" in January 2011 in Springfield, 6)Mr. Darling meets with community business leaders weeks later and starts promoting incentive pay, 7)D150 competes for funds as part of "Race to the Top", Duncan's program and at the same time backed by "Stand for Children". Is anyone seeing this, or am I just nuts? Ask yourself: "when did heads start to roll?" Did it not start at Manual, after Manual received federal funding??? I tried to call Jehan Gordan (whom I voted for) to call her out on this, but was unsuccessful because she was busy in Springfield. I warned select people in the district that they were soon to become collateral damage, BUT NO ONE LISTENED. I NEVER thought I would see Duncan's agenda even reach Peoria, but was stunned that it was actually going to happen when I read about Gordan's meeting and Darling talking incentive pay. So, I say to those in D150 administration I warned (but not to the teachers I warned): I TOLD YOU THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!! And really people, I have nothing against Gordan and Darling because I see them as pawns being played in this whole thing for state money. If I had to guess, Mr. Darling got totally used and/or threatened if he didn't comply with meeting with, I believe, the Chamber of Commerce and then spouting off about incentive pay. This thing was coming down the pike in Jan. of 2010, and if Dr. Lathan DIDN'T know it when she took the job, well, Peoria has hired its dumbest super yet. All of her actions are dictated by the requirements for federal money, PERIOD! If all of her changes DO change the district, and I HOPE they do, she CANNOT take ANY credit WHATSOEVER! Neither can the board! Look, maybe my timeline is not in the EXACT order, as I can't remember the exact month "Waiting For Superman" came out, but anyone can find it in print!! My whole point is this: my heart BROKE for all the GOOD teachers and administrators when I saw Gordan meeting with "Stand For Children". I knew that, based on D.C. and other large cities, that good people were going to be given the axe, and in the name of getting rid of "the bad ones", "the good ones" were going to suffer too!!! All because a group of people believe schools can be run like businesses, which they CAN'T, simply because you can't cut your losses, namely, a student who fails! Because, according to the business model, it's the fault of the company (employees) and not the product (students)! Does anyone else see this or am I just off to the looney bin on this one? Please, I never turn away input...I welcome it...and please, I'm an Independent...this is not about politics...it's about an uninformed public who didn't see what was coming, unless of course, some of you did, as Emerge did.
Janet, you sure have started something. Here is what I find to be ironic. We are currently in a political season when so many Obama supporters are decrying the big business influences and the inequities it brings to our country, etc. Yet many of the same people have bought into NCLB, etc., which is more a big business effort than anything I have ever seen (Bill Gates and all). The push is for education to be run like a business with CEOs, not educators at the helm, and, of course, to break all unions and get rid of tenure, etc.,--exactly what happened in big business--look at what has happened to Caterpillar--and we have the former CEO of Cat starting a charter school in Peoria (really big business running a school). I am in a muddle right now. One of my very favorite former students who is a Marine in California is "waiting" for me to watch the copy of "Waiting for Superman" that he posted for me on Facebook. He is sure that I am going to love it. As I see it, a whole lot of people have been duped into believing the big business message for education while at the same time getting ready to fight the good fight against a big business president--I see irony in that.
Yes, I agree Cat is making record profits, but Cat has a product to sell--a product for which it buys the very best materials with which to make that product. And they would like to do the same with education--a voucher system that allows them to pick the very best "materials" to create the very best "product" and no tenure so that they they can get rid of teachers every ten years (the Paul Vallas way)and, thus, make a profit without having to pay salaries for years of experience. Do you really want to compare children to tractors and do you really believe they can be "produced" in the same way? If so, let's let all the Caterpillar top management come on down to Peoria's inner city classrooms--I would like to see how they raise test scores.
Thanks for the vote, Anon! Not only will I watch for the helicopters, but will wait for the beam to drop down...and then the big, booming voice...thanks for the input! If more vote the same, I'll give you my new address and let you do the honors with the straight jacket and ambulance...
Thanks Anon!! I say you ship me to Bellvue in NYC..that way you can sight-see, etc....so start calculating the mileage and gasoline needed so I can pay..because we all know the district would never foot the bill, even though they are salivating and deeply jealous at your privilege! But seriously, I just saw that chain of events playing out and it bothered me deeply. One of the January 2010 issues of "The New Yorker" magazine had run a fairly large expose on Duncan, and I thought, "surely this will not happen in Peoria". It has bothered me a lot (Duncan's agenda) and needed to vent. I'm sure it looks all "conspiracy theory", etc. And yes, I know, the hardest thing for you to believe and others to accept is:....that I actually subscribed to "The New Yorker"!
This move had nothing to do with school improvement...really. I heardcLathan's good friend at woodruff didn't get the money she was promised for her program. This is not about school improvement this is about a personal vendetta.
...Anons, this is why I ask myself: Could this not be both? Doesn't the category of "school improvement" present itself for potential abuse by those with "other" intentions? Yes, one of you may have ABSOLUTE proof that this is a "vendetta", no doubt! My point is, vendetta or not, it would still fall under "school improvement"...which is what burns me up...am I making sense now, or do I have to Google directions to Bellvue?
Anon, who are "they"?? (Just so I know what to expect when the doorbell rings, or the teargas cannister comes crashing through the bedroom window)...but really, please answer the question...am I making ANY sense or not? Look, this is why I stick my neck out and put my real name on my posts, because of those who CANNOT...I want at least one person to see that I'm not afraid to ask the obvious, and that I can be counted on to be honest, much of it in the name of those who cannot post their names, and I understand why they cannot. Is this REALLY a kook question I'm asking and should I abandon the whole thing? Because really, I'd like to think I'm some kind of reputable mouthpiece verifying what at least ONE 'Anonymous' says, but maybe I'm not, and I should stop pursuing this...waiting to hear from more 'Anons'...I say this because there have been SO MANY who have said to me, "Janet, you can say this because you're a parent: I CAN'T because I'll lose my job!" (And BTW, there are many "Anons" who ALSO ARE NOT AFRAID to ask the obvious, I would just like to be able to back them up as an eyewitness against the detractors who don't take seriously someone who has to post under such a name!) Anyone?? Bueller??
Everything w Lathan is personal. If she doesn't like your socks, you are demoted. This woman is an emotional jealous child. Shame on the board for irresponsible parenting.
Will the last parent in the district turn off the light before moving to a different school system?
Disgusting when a person like Diann Duke who has dedicated her life to the students of Peoria schools is treated like used dishwater - if the rumor is true and she has been removed from WCTC.
I hope that the board realizes that the stress and constant fear trickles down through the administrators to the teachers and then the children. Many of the students have enough uncertainty in their lives already without their schools becoming places of stress and uncertainty.
I believe Duke had her hands tied down from day one. She had Stewart who did nothing to help. Duke also had the misfortune to have had Dolman on her staff. That is a death sentence within itself. Duke is a great and fair principal but the odds werwe stack against her from day one what with Delinski and his main squeeze.
Word is that Dr. Ryan Olson, recently hired as a new Special Services coordinator based at Peoria High, has been named new principal @WCTC. His replacement has not been named. Ms. Duke is ??
Why would Lathan change this up two weeks into school? Are you telling me that she didn't know she wanted to do this last year, or was she under too much heat with the debacle she put everyone through. So, another person from NC is coming in and becoming principa in Peorial. It's gonna get interesting when Lathan leaves. We'll have no hometown leadership left and we will be scrambling for principals, for many if not all will leave with her. Again, I ask, "Why is the board allowing this, in fact, encouraging this by handing Lathan bonus after bonus.
Perhaps I am completely wrong. For all I know Duke asked to be sent to Hines. Was she demoted?
She probably wanted to wait for her bonus to make any more changes. Duke probably got like Coleman, same or higher pay, but a change in title. So it really doesn't save the district any money by making these changes. Just like last year's changes. Does anyone know how many lawsuits are against the district because of changes or elimination of teachers. Is that one about Geri Cox still on?
Brett Elliott is the Principal. Gearldine Cox is the Chief Turnaround Officer:
Chief Turnaround Officer (CTO). A generic job description for a CTO: The chief turnaround officer will direct and coordinate academic and fiscal activities working in concert with the administrative team, school turnaround officers, and community partners, to improve student achievement. Manage the operational plans related to the work being done in the district’s lower-performing schools through the School Imporvement Grant. Duties also include monitoring turnaround school performance data, aligning resources with the district’s education plan and establishing early warning systems to ensure compliance with state and school board standards. In identifying new targets and shared strategies, the CTO will also be establishing and implementing strategies that provide for increased learning time and ongoing mechanisms for family and community engagement among other duties related to accountability.
34 comments:
Program Description
Peoria is an urban school district servicing the second highest percentage of dropouts and one of the top five truancy rates in the state of of Illinois with 79% of chronic truants in Peoria County from District 150. Project TARGET provides prevention and intervention services for Peoria County students. PPS is adding educational options to our program which has served truants, chronic truants and potential dropouts. Career and Technology Education in engineering, drafting, medical careers, computer repair, etc. will be new options for students with an expanded campus at Woodruff Career and Technology Center. An academic interventionist will support students in academic achievement. The program is available for students throughout Peoria County and offers:
♦ School Improvement plan focused on interventions to raise achievement levels in math, reading, spelling and language arts
♦ Work training component - CTE classes for students not appropriate for work training
♦ Strong support from community Adopt a School partners and specialized PPS programs
♦ Small, supportive classrooms with academic interventionist to provide analysis of data and support in planning individual instruction
♦ Personal counseling, referral to community services and access to drug/alcohol counseling
♦ College scholarship for each student upon graduating from the school.
Administrative Agency:
Peoria Public Schools District #150
Contact Person:
Diance Duke
839 W. Moss Ave.
Peoria IL 61606
Phone: (309) 672-6823
Fax: (309) 672-6825
E-mail: diana.duke@psd150.org
Type of Service Offered: Optional Education/Alternative
Students Served: Potential Dropout, Truant, and Chronic Truant
Grade of Students Served: 9-12
Age of Students Served: 14-21
Program Sites: Woodruff Career & Technology Center
I guess I should have posted my comment here: is the money funding this coming from the federal government? If so, changing staff (getting rid of them, e.g.) falls under "school improvement". If it is indeed true that yet another principal is being removed and federal dollars are funding it, this is the reason I told Dr. Lathan to her face last May at a parent meeting that she needs to do a better job at informing the community of what it "takes" to "receive federal money" under Arne Duncan! I told her a lot more "PR" needed to be done so that people aren't so angry when they see what's happening to staff..look, I don't agree with any of it...I just need someone to tell me if Woodruff received federal funding in the last 6 months, then I have an even bigger comment that will take the "Lathan-ator" hopefully down a few notches...anyone know about the dollars?
Janet, I agree--the same thing happened at Manual, when Sharon Kherat changed staff, etc. Transparency is always the best policy, but somehow District 150 likes secrets--which promote rumors.
Rumor has it that Duke is going to Manual to take over the 7th and 8th since Trankinshoo (sp?) is out and heading to Illini Bluff as principal
Damn, I was in hospital for 3 days with kidney stones that are still floating around somewhere, and I miss out on all the local gossip! Eh, I'll get caught up. But I won't be out and about with a video camera for awhile.
Sharon, I've been squawking about what "school improvement" meant since April 2010, and I know Emerge has posted about it. I've been wondering for SO LONG why no one has connected the dots...it sounded far-fetched back then, but to me, not so much now. Consider the order of events: 1)some of the global billionaires meet in NYC that year, the reason of the meeting not disclosed, 2)Bill Gates et. al. start appearing on TV with/without Duncan, pushing the need for "change in education", 3)"Waiting for Superman" comes out on the big screen, 4)Michelle Rhee takes over as superintendent in D.C. and does even worse than what 150's super is doing now, while at the same time, "Stand For Children" a group supposedly NOT linked to Duncan, yet stands for the same ideals starts appearing across the lower 48 lobbying politicians, 5)Jehan Jordan meets with "Stand For Children" in January 2011 in Springfield, 6)Mr. Darling meets with community business leaders weeks later and starts promoting incentive pay, 7)D150 competes for funds as part of "Race to the Top", Duncan's program and at the same time backed by "Stand for Children". Is anyone seeing this, or am I just nuts? Ask yourself: "when did heads start to roll?" Did it not start at Manual, after Manual received federal funding??? I tried to call Jehan Gordan (whom I voted for) to call her out on this, but was unsuccessful because she was busy in Springfield. I warned select people in the district that they were soon to become collateral damage, BUT NO ONE LISTENED. I NEVER thought I would see Duncan's agenda even reach Peoria, but was stunned that it was actually going to happen when I read about Gordan's meeting and Darling talking incentive pay. So, I say to those in D150 administration I warned (but not to the teachers I warned): I TOLD YOU THIS WAS GOING TO HAPPEN!! And really people, I have nothing against Gordan and Darling because I see them as pawns being played in this whole thing for state money. If I had to guess, Mr. Darling got totally used and/or threatened if he didn't comply with meeting with, I believe, the Chamber of Commerce and then spouting off about incentive pay. This thing was coming down the pike in Jan. of 2010, and if Dr. Lathan DIDN'T know it when she took the job, well, Peoria has hired its dumbest super yet. All of her actions are dictated by the requirements for federal money, PERIOD! If all of her changes DO change the district, and I HOPE they do, she CANNOT take ANY credit WHATSOEVER! Neither can the board! Look, maybe my timeline is not in the EXACT order, as I can't remember the exact month "Waiting For Superman" came out, but anyone can find it in print!! My whole point is this: my heart BROKE for all the GOOD teachers and administrators when I saw Gordan meeting with "Stand For Children". I knew that, based on D.C. and other large cities, that good people were going to be given the axe, and in the name of getting rid of "the bad ones", "the good ones" were going to suffer too!!! All because a group of people believe schools can be run like businesses, which they CAN'T, simply because you can't cut your losses, namely, a student who fails! Because, according to the business model, it's the fault of the company (employees) and not the product (students)! Does anyone else see this or am I just off to the looney bin on this one? Please, I never turn away input...I welcome it...and please, I'm an Independent...this is not about politics...it's about an uninformed public who didn't see what was coming, unless of course, some of you did, as Emerge did.
Janet, you sure have started something. Here is what I find to be ironic. We are currently in a political season when so many Obama supporters are decrying the big business influences and the inequities it brings to our country, etc. Yet many of the same people have bought into NCLB, etc., which is more a big business effort than anything I have ever seen (Bill Gates and all). The push is for education to be run like a business with CEOs, not educators at the helm, and, of course, to break all unions and get rid of tenure, etc.,--exactly what happened in big business--look at what has happened to Caterpillar--and we have the former CEO of Cat starting a charter school in Peoria (really big business running a school).
I am in a muddle right now. One of my very favorite former students who is a Marine in California is "waiting" for me to watch the copy of "Waiting for Superman" that he posted for me on Facebook. He is sure that I am going to love it.
As I see it, a whole lot of people have been duped into believing the big business message for education while at the same time getting ready to fight the good fight against a big business president--I see irony in that.
Look at what is happening at CAT.... record profits, top quality product, stock price soaring...hmm.. and that would be a bad thing?
Janet, since you asked, I'll vote for the looney bin. Watch out for the black helicopters.
Yes, I agree Cat is making record profits, but Cat has a product to sell--a product for which it buys the very best materials with which to make that product. And they would like to do the same with education--a voucher system that allows them to pick the very best "materials" to create the very best "product" and no tenure so that they they can get rid of teachers every ten years (the Paul Vallas way)and, thus, make a profit without having to pay salaries for years of experience.
Do you really want to compare children to tractors and do you really believe they can be "produced" in the same way?
If so, let's let all the Caterpillar top management come on down to Peoria's inner city classrooms--I would like to see how they raise test scores.
Thanks for the vote, Anon! Not only will I watch for the helicopters, but will wait for the beam to drop down...and then the big, booming voice...thanks for the input! If more vote the same, I'll give you my new address and let you do the honors with the straight jacket and ambulance...
Janet, you do have a great sense of humor - and passion.
Thanks Anon!! I say you ship me to Bellvue in NYC..that way you can sight-see, etc....so start calculating the mileage and gasoline needed so I can pay..because we all know the district would never foot the bill, even though they are salivating and deeply jealous at your privilege! But seriously, I just saw that chain of events playing out and it bothered me deeply. One of the January 2010 issues of "The New Yorker" magazine had run a fairly large expose on Duncan, and I thought, "surely this will not happen in Peoria". It has bothered me a lot (Duncan's agenda) and needed to vent. I'm sure it looks all "conspiracy theory", etc. And yes, I know, the hardest thing for you to believe and others to accept is:....that I actually subscribed to "The New Yorker"!
This move had nothing to do with school improvement...really. I heardcLathan's good friend at woodruff didn't get the money she was promised for her program. This is not about school improvement this is about a personal vendetta.
Isn't it always?
...Anons, this is why I ask myself: Could this not be both? Doesn't the category of "school improvement" present itself for potential abuse by those with "other" intentions? Yes, one of you may have ABSOLUTE proof that this is a "vendetta", no doubt! My point is, vendetta or not, it would still fall under "school improvement"...which is what burns me up...am I making sense now, or do I have to Google directions to Bellvue?
Janet - you don't have to Google the directions...they're coming for you... :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iAjkf99F9c&feature=related
The Truth Behind Stand For Children
Anon, who are "they"?? (Just so I know what to expect when the doorbell rings, or the teargas cannister comes crashing through the bedroom window)...but really, please answer the question...am I making ANY sense or not? Look, this is why I stick my neck out and put my real name on my posts, because of those who CANNOT...I want at least one person to see that I'm not afraid to ask the obvious, and that I can be counted on to be honest, much of it in the name of those who cannot post their names, and I understand why they cannot. Is this REALLY a kook question I'm asking and should I abandon the whole thing? Because really, I'd like to think I'm some kind of reputable mouthpiece verifying what at least ONE 'Anonymous' says, but maybe I'm not, and I should stop pursuing this...waiting to hear from more 'Anons'...I say this because there have been SO MANY who have said to me, "Janet, you can say this because you're a parent: I CAN'T because I'll lose my job!" (And BTW, there are many "Anons" who ALSO ARE NOT AFRAID to ask the obvious, I would just like to be able to back them up as an eyewitness against the detractors who don't take seriously someone who has to post under such a name!) Anyone?? Bueller??
Everything w Lathan is personal. If she doesn't like your socks, you are demoted. This woman is an emotional jealous child. Shame on the board for irresponsible parenting.
Will the last parent in the district turn off the light before moving to a different school system?
Disgusting when a person like Diann Duke who has dedicated her life to the students of Peoria schools is treated like used dishwater - if the rumor is true and she has been removed from WCTC.
I hope that the board realizes that the stress and constant fear trickles down through the administrators to the teachers and then the children. Many of the students have enough uncertainty in their lives already without their schools becoming places of stress and uncertainty.
I believe Duke had her hands tied down from day one. She had Stewart who did nothing to help. Duke also had the misfortune to have had Dolman on her staff. That is a death sentence within itself. Duke is a great and fair principal but the odds werwe stack against her from day one what with Delinski and his main squeeze.
"Sssssss!" That is the sound of a snake.
Word is that Dr. Ryan Olson, recently hired as a new Special Services coordinator based at Peoria High, has been named new principal @WCTC. His replacement has not been named. Ms. Duke is ??
Diane Duke was appointed Assistant Principal @ Hines Primary School today. Brought over by McKinnon at lunch today.
Why would Lathan change this up two weeks into school? Are you telling me that she didn't know she wanted to do this last year, or was she under too much heat with the debacle she put everyone through. So, another person from NC is coming in and becoming principa in Peorial. It's gonna get interesting when Lathan leaves. We'll have no hometown leadership left and we will be scrambling for principals, for many if not all will leave with her. Again, I ask, "Why is the board allowing this, in fact, encouraging this by handing Lathan bonus after bonus.
Perhaps I am completely wrong. For all I know Duke asked to be sent to Hines. Was she demoted?
She probably wanted to wait for her bonus to make any more changes. Duke probably got like Coleman, same or higher pay, but a change in title. So it really doesn't save the district any money by making these changes. Just like last year's changes. Does anyone know how many lawsuits are against the district because of changes or elimination of teachers. Is that one about Geri Cox still on?
Who is Dr. Ryan Olson? Does anyone have any information to share with the posters?
Probably Lathan's therapist.
What lawsuit are you speaking about concerning Geri Cox?
I think the former poster meant GLORIA Cox.
I did mean Geraldine Cox from NC. I thought the PHS teachers had a lawsuit against her. I didn't know if it was a rumor or true.
Geraldine Cox is the principal at PHS? I thought Brett Elliott was. Anyway what was the lawsuit about and what other law suits are out there?
Brett Elliott is the Principal. Gearldine Cox is the Chief Turnaround Officer:
Chief Turnaround Officer (CTO).
A generic job description for a CTO:
The chief turnaround officer will direct and coordinate academic and fiscal activities working in concert with the administrative team, school turnaround officers, and community partners, to improve student achievement. Manage the operational plans related to the work being done in the district’s lower-performing schools through the School Imporvement Grant. Duties also include monitoring turnaround school performance data, aligning resources with the district’s education plan and establishing early warning systems to ensure compliance with state and school board standards. In identifying new targets and shared strategies, the CTO will also be establishing and implementing strategies that provide for increased learning time and ongoing mechanisms for family and community engagement among other duties related to accountability.
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