A site for Bibb County faculty, students, parents, and concerned citizens who desire to share their thoughts, feelings, and concerns regarding our current state of education in Bibb County in an uncensored, and unedited forum without fear of retaliation or retribution.

Monday, February 13, 2012

Honey Badger

Never Fear....The momentum is still here. We must stay focused. I suggest that everyone call the BOE to request the dates/forums for the public to comment.
Question of the day....
   Is it not curious that Dr. Dallemand has referred to himself as our hero and referred to his plan as our miracle?
   Is it not true that miracles and heroes are generally named only after they have proved to be so?
Discuss....


The following websites are worth a look:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ue0A007_rRA

Please take the time to sign the following petition.
http://www.change.org/petitions/bibb-county-board-of-education-in-maconga-stop-the-macon-miracle-plan?utm_medium=facebook&utm_source=share_petition&utm_term=share_with_facebook_friends




44 comments:

  1. Too funny!!!!! Hopefully we will continue to stay active because he really is a dictator

    ReplyDelete
  2. So, so true, Honey Badger. It’s good to see you’re still out there. After looking at some of the links people have posted about Glenn Singleton and Pacific Educational Group, I looked up his book Courageous Conversations about Race on Amazon and Google Books. The more I read about it, the more I am convinced this is the single most disturbing part of the whole strategic plan.

    Some quotes from the book: “We believe that the racial achievement gap exists and persists because fundamentally, schools are not designed to educate students of color, and educators continue to lack the will, skill, knowledge, and capacity to affirm racial diversity.”

    “Our work in schools provides evidence that educators have an insufficient repertoire of instructional practices to effectively teach students of color.”

    Then there’s the infamous Color Line exercise that has been discussed quite a bit already. Some of the questions include:
    Because of my race or color…

    I can be in the company of people of my race most of the time.
    I can go shopping alone most of the time, pretty well assured that I will not be followed or harassed.
    I can turn on the television or open to the front page of the paper and see people of my race widely and positively represented.
    When I am told about our national heritage or about “civilization,” I am shown that people of my race made it what it is.
    I can go into most supermarkets and find the staple foods that fit with my racial/ethnic traditions; I can go into any hairdresser’s shop and find someone who can cut my hair.
    I can swear, or dress in secondhand clothes, or not answer letters, without having people attribute these choices to the bad morals, the poverty, or the illiteracy of my race.

    According to the instructions, "After totaling their scores, have participants form into a color line, with the lowest numbers on the right and the highest numbers on the left."

    If we can’t do anything else, we need to stop this from being forced on teachers and forced into our schools.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree...the single most disturbing part of the whole plan, have said this from the first day I read the plan in its entirety. This mindset makes me leery of the rest of the plan, because I cannot fathom how good things can come from such a negative foundation.

      Delete
  3. Thank you to everyone who signed the petition already. I know lots of the names there, and I appreciate your support. I am one of those teachers who does not believe speaking up will be welcomed. I saw some names I go to church with and knew from college. I must say I was disappointed to see Drs. Godsey and Underwood on video endorsing Dr. Dallemand's plan on Friday. I felt betrayed by the leaders of Mercer University, which I hold in high regard. I realize that Dr. Dallemand's company hoped to win my support using faces of leaders I recognize and respect, but why did Mercer leaders agree to go on video and give him that ammunition?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I wouldn't worry too much about the Mercer leaders endorsing the plan. It's my opinion (and several others I know agree) that the video footage that was shown was recorded earlier, when the strategic planning sessions were just beginning, endorsing the CREATION of a plan, not necessarily THIS plan. I'd love to see some current interviews with them to find out if they actually agree with THIS plan.

      Delete
    2. I, too, am extremely disappointed to see Mercer supporting this. Even if these videos were recorder earlier, they could have demanded BCBOE to not use the footage. My monies will be supporting other universities.

      Delete
  4. C. Jack, Tommy hudson and Dallemand are in this thing together and are using C.Jack's connections to the black churches, etc. to show support in the community. Promises have been made that these shuttered schools and either grant or BOE money will be given to these churches to run their after school and community outreach programs out of these locations. This is a power grab and a money making venture for most of these individuals.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Glad to see you back, Honey Badger! I was worrying that things were getting too quiet around here.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Everything has been quiet on this issue, the last few days. Obviously the news media hopes we will go away, as does Baby Doc and his minions. We must continue to speak out, loudly, clearly, and hope that there are those who have the power and ability to put a stop to this. Where are our true leaders, and spokemen?

    ReplyDelete
  7. Websters definition of Racism:

    1. a belief or doctrine that inherent differences among the various human races determine cultural or individual achievement, usually involving the idea that one's own race is superior and has the right to rule others.
    2. a policy, system of government, etc., based upon or fostering such a doctrine; discrimination.
    3. hatred or intolerance of another race or other races.

    Does not Mr Singleton and his approach single out minorities as inferior? I do not belive that the color of a persons skin determines ones ability to learn or succeed. I would agree we have cultural issues that negatively effect our schools, teachers, and students but I would adamently dissagree it is due to ones race.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Dr Dallemon has professed a desire to help minorities get a better education. He has even put forth a plan which he believes was specifically designed to focus on assisting minorities improve in our educational process. YET he has completely FORGOTTEN or IGNORED the roughly 5% of the student body who's parents speak little or no englsh. Not one bit of this plan has been communicated to the one part of the student body and their parents that truly are the minorities in Bibb county. Simple oversite or an ungrained belief that only one minority exists?

    ReplyDelete
  9. Either today or tomorrow you will be notified about a meeting at your childs school where you can go and voice your objections to the plan. You will also be given a form you can fill out and send in by Friday. I might suggest that you attempt to be specific so even the likes of a J R Olive can understand.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Come on Sarge. You're one of the smart ones! There's nothing about this plan that's stated that I don't understand. I, like everyone else have some questions, but comparing our superintendent to Kim Jong-Il and Hitler it pretty ridiculous. What would our reaction be to Dr. Dallemand if he posted a video like that of a principal or teacher that he disagreed with? Those two leaders have committed genocide and people are actually laughing?

      Delete
    2. You are confused NO ONE is laughing about what Hitler did, I am laughing at the similarities of promise and propaganda. Please remember Hitler wanted everyone to have access to a car (insert laptop/internet) so he introduced the KdF (Kraft durch Freude) strength through joy (we know it as the volkswagon) Hitler also used his propaganda to convince a large group of people that they had been done an injustice and that they were entitled to certain things and that possessed an inner strength that had been ignored ( insert Efficacy and Courageous Conversations).You will also find similarities with the other DICTATORS too. I am sure you know NONE of them started out with genocide and terrible acts, they were articulate leaders who capitalized (no pun intended) on a desperate situation ( insert current graduation rate).I do want to remind you ALL of one of the quotes that frightens me most from Hitler, which he stated in response to opposition "Your child belongs to us already... What are you? You will pass on. Your descendants, however, now stand in the new camp. In a short time they will know nothing else but this new community." If he posted a like video of teacher and the similarities existed I would laugh then too, because the video is much like the plan, they are both JOKES....albeit in dark humor taste (especially the plan). I am very concerned with you blindly following and defending of this "stranger" it is the parental and civic duty of this community to exam ALL elements (especially COST)of this plan. And by the way I HAVE TRIED countless ways to have my personal questions address by him and his staff and they fall on deaf ears. I was at ALL the meetings and I spoke as well!! The video was just plain FUNNY. I didn't create it but it speaks volumes.There weren't pictures of genocide in it just like there weren't pictures of the HORRIFIC DISCIPLINE PROBLEMS in our schools. The "leaders " are the joke...duh...Sorry JR Olive everyone gets their own opinion and by me he has been weighted,measured and found wanting.

      Delete
  10. Efficacy Training is being implemented as we speak.

    ReplyDelete
  11. According to http://efficacy.org/
    "Smart is not something you just are;
    smart is something you can get!"

    ReplyDelete
  12. Well the notice I saw said 5:00-5:30 guess he doesn't value the community much after he is introduced there will be 30 minutes OR LESS to address ALL the concerns a school community may have. WOW is he now Dominoes Pizza.....I'm insulted

    ReplyDelete
  13. A form was sent out to all staff today to complete for each point of the plan. Talk about a tedious exercise to be completed by end of the school day on Thursday. No one will have time to do it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Will you have to identify yourself? Have you considered asking teachers to make a copy for their record, additionally check with your PAGE rep not sure if this can be mandated.

      Delete
    2. I disagree. I received the forms this afternoon around 2:00 and sent them home with my students. (No one told me to wait.) I attended a PEC meeting from 3-4:30, finished my progress monitoring data for the day, and made it home by 5:15. I had dinner with my Valentines, filled out 2 forms myself (you can make copies), and I still had time to work on GAA and put my babies to bed. If it's that important, you will make time.

      Delete
  14. In regards to the following:

    Goal 2: Create, provide, and model a culture of equity, efficacy, and respect for all students.
    Strategy 1: Create and implement a district‐wide equity team that evaluates and monitors district policies and practices to ensure equitable results for students.

    Action Step 4: Identify and deliver innovative, evidence‐based, aligned training (e.g., Efficacy Institute’s Student Envoy Project) to targeted students that will prepare them to assist staff in creating a school culture designed to build strength of character and ensure improved learning outcomes for all students.

    Checkout the site at http://www.efficacy.org/Services/TheEnvoyProject/tabid/510/Default.aspx

    Under "Envoy Project Sites" it reads as follows:

    Bibb County Schools
    In the spring of 2012 Bibb County Schools in Macon, Georgia will initiate the Envoy Project in 14 middle and high schools. Stay tuned for updates about their exciting work!

    Looks like money has already changed hands. Did the BoE Approve this?

    ReplyDelete
  15. Don't know if the BOE has approved this or even if they have to do so. But, training of many school principals has occurred, selected staff members at multiple schools are (or have been) being trained (a several day training) and they are planning a presentation (4 hour mini-training) to all schools soon. Someone from the Efficacy Institute has been on a "data gathering" mission with Judy Godfrey going from school to school.

    ReplyDelete
  16. No they didn't approve it but I did verify with a board member that they actually don't have to approve every expense. I KNOW it sounds ridiculous this is why we are or rather will be extremely BROKE in the very near future. Efficacy training has already begun at one high school, I know that as a fact. I have seen the ACTUAL power point slides. But please exercise your right to complain about it or anything else to your board members some of them always respond to me (even when I don't like the answer). Maybe if we demand a detailed review of cost associated with this plan they will make a move to that end.

    ReplyDelete
  17. FACT: It has begun at Central High.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Seems like it's time to get some legal representation. Doe's anyone know of a group forming to get lawyers involved. I would gladly contribute financially.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. PAGE. Professional Association of GA Educators. Every school has a building representative and membership is not much (the representative can tell you). PAGE is looking into member complaints.

      Delete
  19. Well, have fun trying to stop this runaway train. I'm in Rochester, MN and I'm being sent to Efficacy training soon. It's a miracle I've managed to avoid it so far, but once the company has a contract, they're going to be sucking that bank account dry until there's nothing left, even after Dr. D is gone. Has anyone found out what kind of a kickback he might be getting for signing up all of these districts for multi-year ongoing "training?"

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. No kickbacks found yet but tell me which of your board members to speak with and I will gladly call. When I looked up your board members I only saw 2 with tenure from his administration. WHY? I am really trying to look into some serious matters and establishing a pattern can you help? Do you have anything concrete you can share? You can also email me at thegreathoax@gmail.com if you prefer.

      Delete
  20. Th Efficacy Institute isn't a publically traded company so it would be very hard to follow the money trail. The concept of efficacy isn't bad - just as the "Institute" expouses it for the adults (ie:teachers). Also, the "science" behind it disclaims the notion of IQ. They believe that IQ isn't science or proven. I, for one, will leave this district prior to becomming efficacious.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Efficacy is essentially a technique used for addressing issues and initiating change. Self-efficacy is the process of taking charge of your self, or self responsiblity. The efficicy institute does not teach either of these. It is a pharse. It uses a psycological technique if debatable long term effectiveness to introduce change in an controlled study in an effort to show change is possible in general population.

    That said, IQ is not a science. It is a correlational relationship. Correlational studies are used to support weak theories as facts. They are most often used in politics because they are most easily manipulated.

    A simplistic example is shoe size's indicates intelligence. What is your shoe size and how would you score on a 5th grade exam. Now, what is your 4th grad students shoe size and how would they score. lastly, what is your 1st graders shoe size and how would they score. Likely, you would score highest, your 4th grader would be 2nd, and your 1st grader would be last in both shoe size and score. Therefore, there is correlational proof that shoe size indicates intelligence. Never trust correlational eveidence.

    EQ is a much stronger indicator of future performance by scientifically there is no true magic bullet. Every wonder why most wonderkind's sizzle and burn out before they reach their late 20's?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. It is true that you have to be careful with correlational studies. However, you can't say that these studies and sets of evidence can never be trusted. As your example shows, it is very important to control sample groups as well as have a detailed exclusionary method for eliminating irrelevant data. Anyone who bothered to read the procedure of your shoe size/test score correlation would see the fallacy in testing 1st graders against 4th graders with a test designed for neither of them. The state of Georgia as well as most other states use IQ, a correlational relationship, to place students in both gifted programs as well as Access or special education classrooms.

      I guess the main problem with correlational relationships is that they place responsibility on the receiver of the data to dig a little deeper into their meaning. It's kind of like saying that "the District's 9th grade cohort graduation rate was 44.6%." That statement is not a lie as it has been called. It's just a way using stats to provoke a reaction and convey a point of view which requires the receiver to know what a 9th grade cohort is.

      Delete
    2. As I was taught, correlational studies are never used in real psycological research. This may have changed. I graduated with my first degree in 1997 but at the time it was considered taboo. That said, I hold to the fact that you can not trust or attach any statistical significance to any study that uses correlational research in is core concept. It is to open to tester bias and the results are to eaisly influenced, intentionally or other wise. You are right that you should be careful with them or any study that claims to use them. So careful that you do not trust or use them without statistially signifiant results from a relaible source.

      Also, as I was taught, IQ is a very limited tool for measuring intelligene. If I remember correctly there are 6 or 7 types of intelligence and IQ doesnt even fully measure the one it is intended to measure. It misses the adaptablilty of the subject and easily involves tester bias in the processes.

      Delete
    3. As for one of the Smart ones...here is proof of how invalid IQ testing is. I have been tested 4 times in my life. In 1st grade I scored 140. In 9th grade I scored 135. In College I scored 140. And when I was working at a shelter for abused childern in the field I tested 138. Am I any where near genius? Not a chance. Ask anyone who knows me will atest. But according to professionally applied IQ testint I have always tested around that level. But, even if I am not a genius I would say I am above average (100 IQ.)

      Delete
  22. Anybody seen the reports on WMAZ titled "Macon Miracle" Fact Checker? One is Correcting Misconceptions which addresses the school closings and the teacher positions being eliminated through "attrition" - still not convinced on that one. 323 positions is a lot in this economy and for this area. The other is called Closing Schools which also deals with -- you guessed it-- closing schools. Both are examples of the propaganda machine working overtime. It's frightening to see that the media is apparently working with Dr. D. How has he managed to get his hooks into so much in this city in just a year?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My favorite inconsistency is that with fewer staff and facilities they are going to get more students to stay in school (100% by 2023).

      Delete
  23. It happened already! I just received my first teacher recommendation form for one of my best students. They are seriously considering leaving and going to private school! Thanks Dr. D!

    ReplyDelete
  24. I would ask all teachers to make copies of the parent forms that they receive and keep them in a safe place. I don't know the legality of ever making them public, but at least we will have them when Dr. D tries to say he didn't get any negative feedback. The we can get a lawyer involved. We already know what he does with surveys. How many parents actually chose Mandarin on the last survey that was sent home?

    ReplyDelete
  25. We had a meeting in our school for the parents and a seperate one for the teachers. In the meeting for the teachers, it was said by "our representative sent from the board to help with the meeting" that this is not the plan that is going to be implemented, it is basically an overview, the true plan will be different. What the heck plan will be put in place and what will the BOE be voting on? The wool is getting thicker and thicker. Please someone pull us out of this hole!!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That definitely doesn't make me feel any better. So that 172-point, 26-page plan is just a overview?! Think of how much paper was wasted making copies of that. Did anyone notice the stacks and stacks left over after the "kick-off celebration" last Friday? Yet they plan to save "millions" by closing schools and eliminating positions.

      Delete
  26. I truly like reading your post. Thanks for giving such a nice informations. Attorney Macon

    ReplyDelete

Feel free to voice your opinions here.