Signal Assistant City Editor
tmarashlian@the-signal.com
661-259-1234 x525
Posted: Jan. 30, 2010 8:30 p.m.
Homework is different for students at Santa Clarita Valley International Charter School.
Instead of filling out workbooks and memorizing historical dates, these kids start their own businesses and set up their own Renaissance fairs.
The project-based learning philosophy sets the school apart from its traditional public counterparts - a draw for some parents who are looking for an innovative, hands-on education for their children.
Educators are split on the issue.
Some say it's the future of education. Others argue the charter school appeals to only a niche population and fulfills the same basic needs as non-charter schools.
Across the state, charter schools have become a topic of controversy as they take students - and money - from traditional public schools.
A different approach
Lessons at SCV International are interactive, encouraging students to think, rather than memorize.
Educators there call it project-based learning.
"It's that natural curiosity that you springboard off of," Principal Dawn Evenson said.
Instead of outdated textbooks, SCV International students do their research on laptops they bring to class.
Kids in language arts classes still read novels, but the teachers have them use the Internet for research. They learn how to figure out which Web sites are legitimate sources and which can't be trusted.
And, if the school receives the grants it's applying for, next year's ninth-graders will receive their own Kindles.
Science lessons don't involve answering questions out of musty old textbooks; kids create habitats for turtles and mice. For business and math? They start up and manage their own businesses.
But local superintendents are quick to point out the successes of traditional schools.
"I would say that in this valley, the elementary districts, as well as the high school district, have been doing a very good job of preparing kids," Sulphur Springs School District Superintendent Robert Nolet said.
"The concept of discovery learning is not a new one. It's also something that has been somewhat under question when it comes under the rigors of testing and test results."
Newhall School District Superintendent Marc Winger said charter schools have focused specialities, which allows them to serve niches.
Winger doesn't worry about charter schools taking Newhall School District's enrollment because the district continues to offer a strong program for students.
‘Here to stay'
Heather Riddle of Newhall said she wanted something different for her kids.
"I really liked the way they weren't just sitting at their desks doing paperwork all the time," Riddle said.
In its second year, SCV International's enrollment is at 415 students, Kindergarten through eighth grade.
The student body is a mix of former homeschooled kids and students from local districts.
The public school, chartered through the William S. Hart Union High School District, plans to add ninth-grade next year.
Last year, 809 charter schools served about 345,000 students across California, according to the the state's Charter Schools Association
.
During the 2009-10 school year, California's charter schools saw 56,000 new students - the largest single-year enrollment increase in history, according to the association.
"They've become unquestionably a permanent fixture in the public school landscape," said Priscilla Wohlstetter, University of Southern California professor and director of the Center on Educational Governance.
"It's no longer the question of whether charter schools are here to stay."
More flexibility
The state gives charter schools more control over the money they get.
Charter schools also can be more selective in staffing and what they teach, Wohlstetter said.
At SCV International, that freedom allows the schools to focus on education, rather than state test scores.
"We don't play the testing game," said Amber Golden Raskin, executive director of business development and operations for SCV International.
"We follow the state standards," she said. "We just teach them in a different method."
The school doesn't have a student of the month program either.
Focusing on project-based learning, Raskin and Evenson say, will lay a stronger foundation for students. They expect strong test scores will be an indirect result of that.
So far, the school, which is in its second year, has had strong test results - an Academic Performance Index (API) score of 844, well above the state average.
However, it's too early to know how much of an influence students' previous educational experiences at traditional schools may have had.
"We need to know they are creative and innovative and have people skills that will carry them into the future," Evenson said.
There have been criticisms that charter schools don't serve the same amount of English-language learners and special-needs kids as traditional schools.
Evenson said that comes back to the lottery system they use to admit students. They also do outreach for Korean and Spanish-speaking families.
"It's all by lottery," Evenson said. "Whoever we draw is who we take."
More power to parents
Charter schools give parents more power in shaping their child's education because the schools are meant to be smaller and focused on a mission.
"As a parent, you can go from charter school to charter school and you get a different sense of each community and what they're offering," Wohlstetter said.
At SCV International, parents are asked to do eight hours of volunteering a month, whether it's doing yard duty or serving lunch.
"It puts responsibility on the parents to be part of their education," Riddle said. "It's kind of a community that's working all together."
It's that need that the Saugus Union School District hopes to address by opening West Creek Elementary School in the fall with up to 500 K-6 students.
The school will be known as the West Creek Music Academy, and will show that music, performing arts and dance can serve as a universal language that links America to other nations, Superintendent Judy Fish said.
"It's not about getting our kids back from charter or private schools," Fish said. "It's about being responsive to the needs of our children in the community."
At the same time, the next step is showcasing what traditional schools are already doing to educate kids.
"As a public school system," Fish said, "I don't know that public educators market themselves and communicate the exciting things we're doing."
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January 31, 2010 - 03:50 PM
This school has a good concept, but they don't do much real teaching and they have a very high transiency rate because of it. We were very excited to start our kids in this school and like at least 100 other families, ended up leaving because there was no learning going on. They let the kids be on the internet all day and it's basically like babysitting. The teachers are all inexperienced and brand new to the profession. The administation is lousy and doesn't care about the parents. They insist on families giving time to the school, but don't appreciate the help. They constantly are pressuring the parents to give money. It was really bad experience for many families. Families have dropped out and returned to their home schools because they want their kids to get a good education and go to college. This school doesn't prepare them for that. Our kids went to the school as high achievers,learned nothing while they were there and were behind when they went back to the neighborhood school. The administration's priorities are in the wrong place. They have the school in a business park and spent close to $150,000 to put in another restroom, instead of renting another site which had a playground and was cheaper. That money could have been used for materials for the children. This school has a lot to fix if it's going to make it.
January 31, 2010 - 05:50 PM
Wow! A child is laying on the couch on the computer. Is that what they call learning? I see one lazy child in the future. Send your children to a "REAL" public school so they actually can learn. Don't home school them.. they need to learn life experiences. We have the best public schools in the SCV why try to teach your own child? You are not an educator. Leave it up to the REAL TEACHERS. If you want your child to fail.. go ahead and homeschool them. Trust me they will fail.. I have seen it first hand. Charter schools are also not the way to go as you can see from this article. The only people I feel sorry for is the children caught in the middle.
January 31, 2010 - 06:42 PM
SCV Bird Sounds an awful lot like the hopeful landlord of the building SCVi chose not to locate with for various reasons.
The school tripled in size last year from 135 kids to 400+ Guess they must be doing something right.
January 31, 2010 - 08:17 PM
I am sorry that you had such a rough experience at scvi - for the "hundreds" of people that have pulled out - please do not let those speak for the other 400+ families that love the program. As far as "no learning" going on - there are no handouts, long lectures, memorizing, if that is what you call learning - then true - they do not do "that type of learning". Istead scvi offers innovative, hands on learning experiences which have provided my son rich, meaningful learning opportunities that will add to his learning skills for years to come vs. studying just enough to pass the next test. In the short time that my son has been there he has learned advanced math skills, been introduced to 4 languages, developed creative writing skills,learned how to develop a budget, balance a check book, and create 3D models of the earth and its natural habitats. At our traditional school, we often spent long nights forcing my son to complete his math and spelling worksheets, now he is researching new math concepts and practicing his spelling words through interactive websites. This not only introduces him to safe sites, it also reinforces scvi philosophy of "going green" with less homework handouts.
My son has also seemed to grow a lot due to the small group activities - they interact so much that there is very little time to sit and "listen to teaching" instead he gets to actually try the lessons out himself. In traditional school, he became bored sitting for so long completing worksheets and listening to curriculum he had already mastered, but he had to wait for the rest of the class to get. Now he works with small groups who are all at the same level as him so he can advance at a much quicker rate and not have to wait for everyone else to catch up. My favorite part ot the school is the sense of community and the open communication I recieve from his teachers.
Thank you scvi - i will admit, this school is not for everyone or for every learning style - but it does not mean we need to bad mouth schools because it is not a "fit" for their family.
January 31, 2010 - 09:33 PM
My kids want to go to college and love to learn. It's so funny that they show the kid laying on the couch because that is the extent of the learning at SCVi. What they don't show you is that the 7th graders on their computers are looking at MySpace. If you are tired of teachers trying to help your child succeed, then by all means send them to SCVi where they could care less. They won't force your children to learn anything and your children won't. My kids won't be working menial jobs since they'll be ready for college. We'll leave those jobs for the families at SCVi who are too blind to see what's happening to their children's future.
January 31, 2010 - 10:31 PM
Are you kidding me....we allow this to function as a school...are we all going nuts?
January 31, 2010 - 10:49 PM
WOW! Isn't is amazing how emotional people get when talking about their children and education. Every parent wants to do the very best for their child. Is it possible that all children are not the same. Yes. Is it possible that there can be several types of education within the SCV that serve the needs of the community. Yes. SCVi is a charter school fulfilling the needs of some. It is not the right fit for all children. No one is saying that SCVi is better than public school. It is different. One size does not fit all. The same is true for education. Different teaching methods work better for some and not for others. That is what is so great about having choices. I hope we continue to see further choices in education.
January 31, 2010 - 10:56 PM
SCVBird, You are so right! This school is missing the basic elements of a public junior high school: the sexual promiscuity, the bullying, the booze, the drugs, the teachers' lack of interest in their students! Is that your idea of "Real Life Experience"? We've been the public school route, and it did far more damage to our children than anybody can possibly imagine or admit. If that is what you want for your children, you can have it! Good luck to you, and I feel sorry for your kids.
Our children are thriving and learning at the hands of caring teachers and administrators at SCVi.
A Very Satisfied SCVi Parent!
January 31, 2010 - 11:08 PM
SCVi_Student, I see you are a parent, so I will say, if you are quoting someone, you need to quote something the person actually said in order for it to be correct. No where in my writing did I say anything about "real life experience" as you have quoted me saying. You poor person, you must be an underachiever too. We all need to feel sorry for you.
January 31, 2010 - 11:22 PM
SCVBird, I was reading Jackie's comments and accidentally gave you credit for them. Both of you posted such negative comments, I got confused. Your hysteria is amusing. You don't even know me yet because I don't agree with your comments, you labeled me an underachiever. I don't know you either, but I can tell right away that SCVi is much better off without you. Good riddance!
January 31, 2010 - 11:30 PM
I side with SCVBIRD. Im a teacher in SCV and this school is a joke. I really do feel bad for your children. You really should do your reseach!!!
January 31, 2010 - 11:33 PM
As a parent of 2 kids at SCVi who were both at the public school before I can only say that our experience has been great so far. While they were in the public school our kids were bored and unhappy and every day when I pick them up from school and ask what they have learn or done they would state that they can not remember and it just appeared that they were shutting off the experience from the school. Additionally, it appeared that the teacher (same as the other teacher year before) was mainly interested in kids doing exactly as they are told and not ever questioning if they don't understand something.
Since they have started at SCVi last September I have noticed a great improvement in their behavior towards me, each other as well as other children and adults. Now when I pick them up from the school and ask the same questions as before they excitedly keep talking about everything and anything that happened at the school that day. In addition to that I have noticed that they are far more interested in learning (even math), are questioning more on any subject and are doing their homework assignments with so much more enthusiasm.
I fully agree with the comments by "Samchloe33" and am of the same opinion that this school is not for everyone and if you are only interested in seeing a certain amount of work sheets on a daily basis as a measure of the success by all means stay where you are. However, if you are a parent who actively participates in your child's learning and is interested not only in work sheets but rather in the complete development of your child you should certainly check this school out.
From the way they treat children and parents, their staff open door policy to the healthy food they serve and the educational activities they organize I am constantly amazed about their attitude and interest in the well being of my children.
Again I would like to emphasize that everyone has their own experience and for those who like an independent point of view I would suggest that they visit http://www.gse.harvard.edu/blog/news_...
and read about the Harvard & MIT study on comparison between public & charter schools.
January 31, 2010 - 11:34 PM
Hi Jackie,
I have done my research. That is why my children attend SCVi. Thanks for your concern.
February 01, 2010 - 12:14 AM
Charter schools are great. SCVi is no exception. It works for my kids. I'm a teacher and I did a lot of research before we moved our kids. I don't understand why some people are so angry. As parents we do what is best for our own children. We choose different sports teams, dance studios, churches, etc. School is the same. Do what you want with your kids but don't criticize what others do with theirs. SCVi will totally prepare kids for college and what's even better than that - the kids will be going to college because they LOVE learning, not because their parents told them to. I'm glad you are happy with your own school, but I am too so BACK OFF. Oh yeah, the new facility is AWESOME!
February 01, 2010 - 12:49 AM
Jackie, for whatever is worth, I forgot to mention that the child laying on the couch is reading a book and not at the computer like you said. (Read the corresponding caption and look at the picture more carefully). I would not forecast his future as being lazy because he is laying on the couch while he reads during his free period. Perhaps you believe that the only way a child can learn is by sitting at a desk for 6 hours a day, 5 days a week. I don't know about you, but that is boring to me. Bye now. Have a good week.
February 01, 2010 - 04:08 AM
I have no issue with scvi. However there is a Hebrew charter school about to be approved this wednesday at the hart meeting.
This is an abuse of our tax dollars. Where's the outcry?
February 01, 2010 - 11:19 AM
Indeed, where is the outcry. Come to the meeting and ask for a detailed view of the money trail.
No Hebrew language High Schools have been established anywhere in the US. A local Rabbi is attempting to fast track this charter though the system. If approved the ACLU is going to SLAM the school district. This is going to get ugly and expensive if this passes without going to the state for approval.
Email your thoughts to,
Voting Board members:
luck4us@ca.rr.com, bob@kkajcpa.com, ssturgeo@hartdistrict.org, jmessina@allcovered.com,
Not voting: gmercado@earthlink.net
February 01, 2010 - 11:41 AM
Califorme, This is the United States and we all have a right to our opinions. We will not "back off" as you say, when we are voicing our opinions about this lousy school. Time will tell, mark my words. YOu don't know what you're talking about. YOU back off!!
February 01, 2010 - 12:12 PM
SCVBird,
I certainly like to hear opposing opinions, it's the lies I care not to hear.
" at least 100 other families, ended up leaving because there was no learning going on"
You obviously have a personal axe to grind so why don't you talk about that instead of the lies?
February 01, 2010 - 12:20 PM
The anger from SCVBIRD seems to be oddly over the top....thank goodness we all have choices of wonderful schools in the SCV to choose from, traditional, charter, private or otherwise.
February 01, 2010 - 12:21 PM
SCVParent2 I don't know who you think you are, but the lies told here have not come from me. I stand by what I said and it's the truth. Parents should ask to see the records. It's probably more than 100 families that have left. The children and families of Santa Clarita deserve better than that charter school can give.
February 01, 2010 - 12:34 PM
We've had nothing but positive experiences with SCVi. I find the staff to be highly skilled and attentive to my childs needs and goals. The topics may not be presented in the same traditional format we have culturally come to expect out of our American education system, which I find refreshing. I don't think SCVi or their philosophy are right for every child and family, but they are right for ours.
I don't understand the anger out of some. If SCVi wasnt a good fit for your family, I hope you were able to find something elsewhere that was a good fit. I'm just glad we finally have some secular choice in the SCV. For too long there was no choice at all. I'm hopeful that the success of SCVi breeds a school choice movement in the valley and other alternative approach schools start to pop up.
February 01, 2010 - 12:56 PM
I have 2 children currently in SCVi. One is an "out-of-the-box" thinker & learner. SCVi provided an environment that allowed my child to feel comfortable in their own skin as well as fulfilling academic growth. While in a 'traditional' public school environment, this child was teased and taunted for having a different point of view. Now, that difference is celebrated and my child is growing in leaps and bounds!
While we knew SCVI would be right for the "out-of-the-box" child, the big shock came with our 2nd child; who is a very 'easy' student, tests well, average to high level in all subjects, gets along well with others ~no concerns. We had no worries that they would do well in either environment. However, it's this child that has shown such amazing academic and personal growth! This once quiet and reserved child has found confidence and expression that is more than encouraging! I've always thought this child to show interest in music and arts. Now with music theory and art on a regular basis, this child has become passionate where they were passive before.
There is a misconception about the type of child that attends a Charter School ~ It's for anyone and everyone who wants to explore a different path for their families future. Our entire family has grown as a unit here, not just the kids. We are very happy and hope that others find happiness where ever they choose to be. This is truly a hot topic ~ but should those who choose to attend a "traditional public school" be so offended by the alternative? It's this close minded mentality that inhibits academic growth in any school or educational setting.
February 01, 2010 - 01:54 PM
Brandyshea - it is nice to hear how different learning styles can benefit and grow in the same environment. Thank you for sharing.
February 01, 2010 - 04:05 PM
SCVi is a great place for divergent thinkers and bright children, who often have trouble "fitting in" in traditional school environments. If you have a child like this, you can understand that it is a challenge to find a learning environment where your child will thrive. We are in our second year at SCVi after having disastrous results at a traditional public school. The public school was not the right fit for our exceptional son and at SCVi, we have found a better atmosphere and program where he is happier. There is a lot more attention given to children's individual needs and in my experience, the teachers work closely with the parents - parental input is encouraged.
There is also more emphasis on cross-disciplinary learning, so that the students learn to make connections between science and art, for example. I feel that that type of thinking, as opposed to rote learning and teaching subjects in isolation, will be important as our children grow into adults and become contributing members to society.
As for children lying on a couch, I don't really see that often. The "village" area was recently set up for the older grades and I think it is great that they are able to have some time in a comfortable space to decompress and work independently. The kids at SCVi seem to get along well, and there is a lot of multi-age interaction, which I think makes the students appreciate each other's differences, practice empathy and makes them more aware of their audience.
Again, it is not for everyone but neither is a traditional public school. Everyone learns differently and I think it is great that there are increasingly varied options for everyone.
February 01, 2010 - 04:48 PM
To AtHomeInSCV:
It's good to know.
I have researched this online and here is what i found.
The school is being run by A rabbi, Jewish principal and an all Jewish board.
All Jewish holidays will be taken off.
They are toting it as a language school but ONLY HEBREW will be mandatory! Is that the most important issue that is lacking in hart?!?!
It is scheduled to be built on a Jewish center.
The only place (other than the papers) that google comes up with is Temple Beth Ami. templebethami.org. They are advertising it on their homepage.
This is a quote from Rabbi Blaser in the Signal.
Local children are able to learn Hebrew at Jewish congregations, but, for Blazer, meeting two or three times a week is not enough.
“There’s so much to teach,” Blazer said.
Having a Hebrew language charter school would allow students to learn Hebrew every day while studying in an intensive environment that prepares them for college and a life beyond school, he said.
Read http://www.the-signal.com/news/articl...
You tell me if this is Jewish or just Hebrew!
Of course if you look in their charter it's all clean and neat, but these facts don't lie.
Please join in blocking our tax money from going to ANY religious school.
February 01, 2010 - 05:51 PM
Does anyone think the Hebrew Charter will happen? Everything I've heard about it has been negative (not the school itself, but the appropriateness of a public charter).
February 01, 2010 - 07:32 PM
FYI:
The Board has 5 voting members. However one of the members was invloved with the Rabbi in a consultant role and will not be voting. This leaves four votes and in my opinion there are two votes leaning heavily toward approval. Both may even have voted for approval at the last meeting.
If the Board does not reach a decision after 90 days then the sponsor of the charter can ask the county to approve the charter. If the county fails to reach a decision the sponsor could then take the request to the state. Personally I think this issue is worthy of review by the state. Once the state makes a ruling THEN each district would know the safe and appropriate action.
If approved by the Board an injuction will be soon to follow.
February 02, 2010 - 02:15 AM
How do we stop this hebrew charter from becoming approved?
Inhomescv you seem to have inside info.
February 02, 2010 - 09:33 AM
Ryan why are you so bias? Our tax money can go to the SCVi(which in my opinion is teachng your children bad habits), but not the Jewish school? Wow everyone really needs to do their research on these new schools they are sending their children to. Just a question if some of you can answer this for me.What public schools did you pull your children out of to send them to SCVi? Do you live in a bad area where the schools are bad? Why not Legacy? Can you not afford it? Don't get deffensive, just curious.
February 02, 2010 - 09:37 AM
I just noticed the API of 844 at SCVi. That is pretty much the lowest in our valley. The Newhall School districts top school is in the 980's and they have over 1,0000 students. Ha ha GREAT SCHOOL GUYS!!! They are really teacing your kids.
February 02, 2010 - 10:40 AM
The school with a 958 is the school I pulled my kids out of, because my (GATE) kids are more than a test score, and 844 is not the lowest it is right in the middle. It's pretty impressive to be well above the State average in the first year a school is open without teaching to the test or having years and years of systems in place. Good test scores should be a natural by product of good teaching and curriculum, not an indication of how well the school teaches the kids how to bubble.
February 02, 2010 - 11:09 AM
Jackie, I can see from your error-riddled spelling and grammar that you must be so far above all of us, that your mistakes are actually intended to be a meta joke.
The problem with the Hebrew Charter is that it likely violates the "establishment clause" of the United States Constitution; which is a different issue than whether or not SCVi is an appropriate place for children to learn.
The inordinate amount of time that is spent on "teaching to the test" at public schools just does not allow for the type of exploration and investigation that develops children into life-long learners. It has the effect of leaving out the brightest and most inquisitive children (which can be said of all children), whose needs are not being met. Learning should not be for the benefit of getting to the next test, or winning a student of the month award. Learning is most rewarding when it is done for its own sake; I love that SCVi shares this view. The teachers at SCVi are not inexperienced; most have been teaching for many years and are upper-level thinkers who are stay up-to-date with regard to educational research. Some of us in the world feel that test scores are not the most important indication of an appropriate school choice for our children. You have your choice, now we have ours.
The pictures chosen for this article were taken in a designated student lounge area. This is not a classroom where the children have their regular instruction. I think it's great that the older grades have their own space to work independently, since the school focuses on project-based learning and an exchange of ideas.
As for the recidivism rate at the beginning of the year, maybe there were a few families who jumped the gun and did not read the charter or the parent manual outlining the school's philosophy. I'm pleased that the people who have the same values and views on education are sending their children to SCVi - others who want their kids to be lead into a school spirit assembly wearing a promiscuous cheerleading skirt so that they can win that all-important "student of the month award" can keep their kids at their neighborhood public school.
February 02, 2010 - 12:14 PM
We, too, left a school with one of the highest API scores in the valley for SCVi. Honestly, I'm just not that interested in their test scores. Sure, they exceed state standards and have a respectable API, but we were much more interested in their philosophy and capability, both of which we've found impressive.
Each and every day my child is excited to go to school. Not just for time with friends (which was the bright spot of her SUSD education), but the child is EXCITED about what she is learning about. She's afraid to miss a day for fear that she will miss out on some exciting topic or project. She's come home from school with working knowledge of computer programs, understanding of cultures outside her own (and ways that those cultures reflect her own), problem solving skills that go beyond the mathmatical pen and paper rote learning of her SUSD years, literature that she is EXCITED to read. For her, though, the most exciting subjects are those that she had almost no exposure to in the SUSD. Her music teacher is a 'real singer' (and she ROCKS! I was blown away by her at the holiday concert. No wonder my child finds the women so exciting!), her dance teacher is a 'real dancer', her art teacher is a 'real artist'. What little instruction she had of any of these things (and we're talking very minimal) were all at the instruction of her SUSD teachers who had little to know training, experience or knowledge in the subject.
At any rate, obviously we're beyond happy. She was perfectly content at her SUSD school, but she LOVES being a learner at SCVi.
February 02, 2010 - 03:04 PM
Ryan,
The only inside info I have has come from attending the last Board meeting and further research on the subject. I have also engaged the Board via e-mail. As this communication is not public I choose to keep the specifics and the voting members comments summarized as “Of the Board”. If the members chose to bring their respective comments public only then will I attribute a discussion point to an individual.
At the last Board meeting the Secretary was asked by the President to clarify the reasons the charter can be denied. As a result the Secretary read a list of requirements which had the appearance of completeness, save the more opinion based requirement “Demonstrably unlikely to succeed”. I am not sure what percentage of seats filled would be considered financially proven to show likelihood of success. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the board questions the depth of the descriptions of the 15 required elements. Though, it seemed this was breezed over at the last meeting.
As you can see the state makes it very hard to not approve any applicant that follows the guidelines. The district legal council will be the ones making that decision. Once this decision has been reached and reviewed the legal battle will surely ensue.
My stance is to allow the state to make this decision. Many in this community see this request as an abuse of the system. I simply see the outcome as factually improbable.
February 02, 2010 - 07:14 PM
This is my daughter's first year at SCVi and while I admit there has been a learning curve, I'm impressed with what I'm seeing. My daughter's second grade teacher at the "regular" school was lethargic, apathetic, and couldn't control the classroom. Because she was well behaved, her grades slipped and her study habits suffered. Now, she is engaged and making great strides. Additionally, I'm thankful that they don't teach for the test. Not every kid learns that way. I'm watching her do math in head that I had to learn as an adult. I have no worries.
I agree that this school isn't for parents who want to see absolute grades or for people who want to follow the straight and narrow path. I'm glad we have a choice.
February 02, 2010 - 08:30 PM
Well said 4Sages
February 03, 2010 - 01:06 AM
We too pulled our student from one of the "High API scoring schools". Our child is intelligent but was passively rebelling against the public humiliation suffered at the hand of a neurotic teacher who "could not function without the morning coffee" in the teacher's own words. The results were disastrous. We tried to help our child, but the school system could not care less. I am a product of public education myself, had perfect attendance all through high school and was class valedictorian and went on to graduate with high honors from a state university (not bad for an underchiever, huh SCVBird?). Despite all that, I felt public school was not for my child. SCVi has awakened in our student a passion for reading, science, computers, and math. He is doing great now. Needless to say, we are extremely happy. I memorized and filled in the bubbles well. My child is actually learning.
February 04, 2010 - 01:27 AM
so was the Hebrew Charter approved? I couldnt make it to the meeting.
February 04, 2010 - 10:52 AM
Despite the failure to meet legal requirements the charter will be reviewed by the county. This is due to a 2-2 vote. This is an embarrassment for our School Board and the community they represent. The oblivious President Strickland and our rookie member Mr. Messina submitted the two votes in favor.
I will define at a later date the three specific legal issues at hand. I will also discuss the reasons of failure to meet the state requirement and the reason this charter should not have made it out of the local level.
February 04, 2010 - 11:08 AM
When is the review by the county?
Do you have emails of the county members? It seems like Yuroslavsky and Antonovitch sent letters in favor. Is there hope?
February 04, 2010 - 01:47 PM
The county will not automatically review the charter. It will be the responsibility of the charter sponsor to make that request. Regardless of the points I make later in this post the sponsor will probably move forward and make that move soon. In order to open this year, as he plans, time is not on his side.
If the county requests an audit of the signatures prior to reviewing the charter then it will be over on legal grounds. When just one signature is discarded a significant requirement will not be achieved.
The sponsor shows his lack of concern to obtain approval by submitting the bare minimum count of signatures. He likewise fails to understand or comply with the requirements. I empathize for those around him who have dedicated so much and effort only to see this body of work cast aside because of one person’s reckless approach. I cannot understand why this one person shouldered so much of the burden. He mentions many times he followed what the other three approved charters “across the country” successfully accomplished. Yet, he didn’t. All three charters were well funded and utilized multiple consultants. As he found out last night the Board is not to be interpreted as a consultant. Rather than forwarding the charter to multiple consultants for review and in all likelihood making adjustments based on experienced suggestions, as the ‘model’ charters had, he took to negotiating with the board. This outcome was predictable. And despite not meeting the legal requirements it, for now, is still possible to succeed.
The blame game is soon to begin and any objective, rational person will observe the exact cause. The state has requirements to secure a charter. Their definition is clearly stated. This submission does not meet the state requirements.
February 04, 2010 - 07:33 PM
Hello SCVBIRD I would like to tell you something, I went to a Scholl last year and i liked it untill 6th Grade you want to know why its because i didnt try and im thinking your kids arnt trying their best at SCVi.
February 04, 2010 - 09:15 PM
to jackie and scv bird why would you jugde our school if you havent seen it for yourselfs. the kid on the couch was reading his book for book club you would know that if you read the caption. And we are not aloud to go on any websites exept educational ones until ALL of our work is done and your to cowardly to leave your real names because your afriad we will say something back to you. sierrahiker you dont think we should let scvi be a school but all of the schools .that have bullies and drugies should function as schools?????? at the public school i went to i broke my foot and the pe teacher so much as glanced my way and asked me if i was okay. three days after i came to scvi my brother broke his foot and teacher ran over and helped him to the nurses office then called my parents hows that for teachers caring about students of course you wouldnt know because you never gave scvi a chance
February 05, 2010 - 12:19 AM
Both of my children had the priviledge of being accepted in this fine and wonderful school. I have not seen the enthusiasm and hunger for learning in my kids eyes until now. The middle school that I pulled my child out of in Castaic was more than horrible. My child suffered verbal and physical abuse on regular bases and the school's response was that my child needed to toughen up and this kind of treatment was getting my child ready for life. They even had the nerve to suggest that my child should be on Prozac, instead of the school disciplining the perpetrators.
Until you experience the positive aspect of Scvi you really can't reasonably comment on it, because it makes you look ignorant. By the way I ended up home schooling mine until we got in to Scvi. Scvi's teaching methods are just different from the "cookie cutter" forms that the local schools are conforming to. It does not mean that either are better or worse when it comes to academics. But when you bring in teaching proper behavior and caring then Scvi is way ahead of all other schools especially the local middle school that we had the displeasure of experiencing.
February 24, 2010 - 03:26 AM
I have worked at Castaic Middle School for over 15 years. The teachers are extremely caring and professional. I chose to remain teaching in Castaic because the school has such a good thing going.
The kids are fun to be around. They appreciate teachers who care about them and work hard on their behalf. We are proud of our school and our students.
Anyone can get behind their keyboard and start spewing vemon when they are unhappy about something. It takes maturity to look for positive things to comment on and not focus on the negative.
I am sure if you spoke to a few parents over the years that had kids at Castaic Middle School, you will find quite a few that were thrilled to have sent their kids to our school. I know this because students and parents are constantly returning to pay us compliments for our hard work and dedication.
It is those compliments that motivate me to strive to become better every year for the next group of young minds.
I wish you the best of luck at your new school and hope it meets your needs.
Signed,
A Proud and Satified Teacher
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