Re: more testing fun (HELP!)

[Tom and Lisa Amspaugh <amspaugh@EXCELONLINE.COM>]

My experience with school board tyranny was to threaten them with the media
coverage they knew I could get. They tried to make me take a polygraph
because our tests were released to the media, and I'm the most outspoken
critic.They threatened to arrest one of my employees for obstruction (long
story there) said they would think about whether or not to arrest her for a
few days, and I came home the same day they threatened her to find a letter
taped to my door saying my polygraph was scheduled for two days later. I
assured them hell would freeze over first, I wouldn't answer another
question, they could do whatever they wanted, but I could make sure it was
all documented on camera. I've had no further  problems.

I'm the one on TV here all the time, because I lead the opposition. You're
not quite in that position, but they don't like bad press. For what it's
worth, it worked for me to get them to back off. I'll write whatever letters
you need.
lisa in GA
amspaugh@excelonline.com
-----Original Message-----
From: Assessment Reform Network Mailing List
[mailto:ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU]On Behalf Of Glenn
Sent: Wednesday, May 31, 2000 5:52 PM
To: ARN-L@LISTS.CUA.EDU
Subject: Re: more testing fun (HELP!)


> I'm stunned Teresa.  You are being threatened for what is listed below in
a
> communication on e-mail!!!   What's the ;latest.  How can I be helpful;
> what does your union say; etc etc etc.  Deborah
>


Thank you for your words of support, Deborah.  They are more appreciated
than you know.

I have been in touch with several lawyers who work in education law here in
NC.  I've also talked with several central office personnel.  (There's not
really a union-- the NCAE does what it can, but it's not exactly a union.)

I am getting 2 different stories (as you might well imagine).

>From the lawyer folks I am hearing how insane these threats are.  DPI has
not spoken to me.  They are dealing (as far as I have been told) through
their regional testing coordinator who is going through the testing
coordinator in my county.  The only person talking to me is my principal,
and all he can do is read the emails to me.  There was a threat that DPI
might pull my license, but as I understand it, that would involve quite a
long hearing process as well as public involvement (potentially).

>From the school folks I am hearing that the consequences may be anything
from termination to a letter of reprimand.  At the moment I am really
struggling with the due process issue: at no point have I been asked why,
when, how, whatever by anyone with the power to impose these sanctions on
me.  I've had no opportunity to defend myself at all.

My principal called me this evening to tell me that he will meet with the
superintendent, testing coordinator and an assistant superintendent to
discuss my fate.  There is no word on a timeline.  My superintendent has
been instructed (as per an email read to me over the phone) to go before the
School Board and inform them of this breech of ethics.  (Nevermind that I
don't think it WAS a breech of ethics... and they haven't proven it was.)
The School Board may determine my fate...

I'm not sure, really, what to do from here.  I'm not willing to accept a
reprimand, even-- not until DPI PROVES that I breeched testing ethics.  I
don't think I've done anything wrong-- what's wrong is deciding a child's
fate based on one or two points on a standardized test-- particularly when
several test questions (worth 1 or 2 points) are IMPOSSIBLE and
INAPPROPRIATE.  (Sorry for shouting-- I'm pretty po'd.)

I've been told to just accept whatever consequences I get, short of
termination.  I should count myself lucky if I don't get fired.

I think the way you guys can help is that if I need you, be ready to move.
I hate to sound commando-ish, but if this thing goes against me, I may need
emotional support AND media/ awareness/ letter writing, etc. support.  But I
really can't do anything until I hear what the School Board/ superintendent
do.

Nice.  Tell me again why I thought teaching involved caring about kids and
standing up for them?  Apparently no one else thinks this. :(

Teresa Glenn

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