Re: FW: Open Letter

["PRISCILLA GUTIERREZ" <pgutpgut@msn.com>]

So, if I understand you correctly, you feel that it's reasonable to expect that a child with an IQ of 30 should take a grade level test in algebra along with their normally functioning peers; and that if they don't reach proficiency it's the fault of the teachers?  Or that sanctions against the teachers or their schools will "motivate" them to alter the cognitive functioning of that student??????

And that when the corrupt officials in Reading First mandate that all students including deaf children must use a scripted phonics program even though they cannot hear a thing, or that a phonics test that is invalid  for deaf children but is the approved measure by which their proficiency in reading will be determined has nothing to do with a school's ability to make AYP?

And here's a final question for you - when was the last time you were in a Reading First classroom for any extended period of time?

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: ABurke5054@aol.com<mailto:ABurke5054@aol.com> 
  To: arn-l@interversity.org<mailto:arn-l@interversity.org> 
  Sent: Wednesday, November 22, 2006 9:11 AM
  Subject: Re: [arn-l] FW: Open Letter


  In a message dated 11/21/2006 8:00:27 AM Pacific Standard Time, pgutpgut@msn.com<mailto:pgutpgut@msn.com> writes:
    ...You have yet to honestly address the FACT that sped students whose cognitive functioning will never permit them to reach proficiency, according to the letter and spirit of the law, MUST be proficient by 2014.  You have yet to address the FACT that these students who are being forced to take the test so that their school district will be in compliance with the 90% rule are preventing schools from making AYP. You have yet to address the FACT that lack of proficiency in even one category prevents a school from making AYP.  And you have yet to address the rampant gaming and corruption within the Reading First program at the Department of Ed.  Not convenient for you?...
  ____________________________________________
  I don't know what "addressing the FACT" means to you.  Leave no child behind means leave no child behind.  NCLB says that states, districts, and schools should test all their students and should work for improvement when children with special needs are not achieving the same standards as other children.  Those are indeed the facts.  Whether you are motivated by these facts to work for improvement or motivated by them to oppose NCLB or have other motivation is up to you.  It seems to me that you choose to see floors when you should be looking for ceilings.  What am I supposed to say about the "rampant gaming and corruption within RF/DOE" beyond that it's wrong and that is has nothing to do with schools not making AYP because of students with special needs?


  By the way, you misunderstand "transference."  

  Art