Here's an idea wrote on Oct 13, 2007 6:57 AM:According to the California Department of Ed's DataQuest web site, Lake Elsinore ES is in Year FIVE of (PI) Program Improvement (under No Child Left Behind). If they do NOT make AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress) for 2 YEARS to get the PI removed, the district is REQUIRED to restructure that school. These parents may have less trouble trying to convert LES to a charter school. (Personally, I'll believe this when I see it because the local districts, Teacher's unions & States will fight to the death over something like this. They WANT local control but NEED Federal money for what they call "unfunded mandates," you know, like how NCLB hopes to have every child reading by the time they exit 3rd grade.........you'd think the Locals & State would want that too??? Oh & BTW, for all of you who cry about NCLB, please remember that Title One funding is a VOLUNTARY program, if you don't want the rules.....the Feds would like to see some progress for the funds they send......don't TAKE the MONEY!)

Amazing wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:49 AM:A school can be "under-performing" for 5 years before a school district is REQUIRED to make a change....(such as converting a PI school into a charter)....WHY WAIT?

Reardon wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:56 AM:Knowing nothing about the school or the district, but just reading the article it is apparent that the teachers and the parents are primarily concerned with the students. The quote from the union is instructive: "The approval of such a charter would harm ... employees," she said. The union is never concerned with students -- just the dues payers! I remember the quote from Albert Shanker, the great Teacher Union leader: “When school children start paying union dues, that 's when I'll start representing the interests of school children.”

Stop the nonsense wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:23 AM:Ms. Callahan was Mr. Richter's secretary. It is interesting for her to comment about the atmosphere at Reagan especially since she is still the principal's secretary there. Perhaps a little more time performing the job of a secretary and less time trying to undermine her new boss is in order? Reagan elementary has NOT become a lifeless gloom and doom campus as some would try to have the rest of us believe. If the direction of this district is not to the liking of those working at or attending Reagan, the choice is simple. Go elsewhere. You DO have a choice. Mr. Richter is close by at Railroad Canyon where he is doing a fine job. Probably the wrong neighborhood for some of you? Perhaps you all should take YOUR money and start an exclusive school for yourselves where all of the rules are self imposed.

Reardon wrote on Oct 13, 2007 10:27 AM:Any business that "underperforms" for 5 years would go out of business -- and so should a school. (In fact it should go out of business sooner than 5 years!) California schools stand at or near the bottom of every category in the federal National Report Card (usually 49th), so how bad must a bad California school be? (You know the answer!)

What Comes Around Goes Around wrote on Oct 13, 2007 12:08 PM:The above article references: Ronald Reagan's secretary Debbie Callahan said that when the campus opened, laughter, happiness, openness and mutual respect were commonplace. Now, she said, the campus has an oppressive, regimented feel and at least one teacher each day is in tears. "You have boiled the life out of who and what we were," she said. I chalk that lady’s personal experiences today as KARMA! It is ok as long as she is the office pet being oppressive alongside her totalitarian mentor Richter in previous years. That lady needs to put in for a transfer and follow Richter! Our children don’t need a disgruntled employee front and center in the school office.

Forget it wrote on Oct 13, 2007 3:34 PM:If the unions are against it, it must have merit!

Parent wrote on Oct 13, 2007 7:26 PM:Interesting that District leaders had very few questions for the petitioners. Most of the questions focused on staffing, budgetary and procedural concerns. The Charter founders should have been prepared to answer those questions. Like a bad job interview or presentation, the Charter folks were zonked. They should be prepared for a 5 to 0 vote against the Charter from the Board!

For the record.... wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:13 PM:It sounds like some may be confused about Ronald Reagan's PI status. The District is in PI status, however RRE itself is not a "Program Improvement" school. It is in the start of it's 3rd year and had an increase from 759 their 1st year to 778 their 2nd year. I would suspect that score to keep rising. I hope that the teachers and staff supporting the Charter portray the same love of teaching to their students as they always have and not convey their unhappiness to the students. This is an Adult matter and should not fall on the ears of students

RRE Worker wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:46 PM:I was at RRE for a while. I left the school because the situation was so frustrating. Just as Debbie Callahan said, the atmosphere was poor. But they have done it to themselves. They are creating the environment they are working in. The staff CHOSE not to be welcoming to the new principal nor the teachers that were new to the site. They staff CHOSE to be picky and petty about things that were happening. The staff CHOSE to be angry about how things were done. Example - curriculum was told to be used (as it is district wide) and teachers felt they were being mistreated, that they should be able to do what they desired. Most every other teacher in the district follows curriculum, why do they feel they don't have to? It isn't something to be angry about, you just do it...that's why the state of California pays us a salary. There are many parents and students who are not happy with the situation at RRE. Some parents have wisened up and taken their children to other schools where they are now being given a proper education. Other parents have been shunned by teachers and parents for their opposition, but have not left, as RRE is their school, too. It is not an elitist school, it is a place of public education. Unfortunately, a large portion of the staff feels otherwise.

concerned wrote on Oct 13, 2007 8:54 PM:The atmosphere has changed at Reagan, there is hostility and distrust between staff and parents. This is not because of the new principal. It has changed because the Charter members have put their own agendas before the education of the children. I have seen the childishness of those involved first hand and it's very sad. If the teachers involved spent more time focusing on their students than planning to overtake the school, it would be a better use of time and taxpayer dollars.

concerned wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:15 PM:I was wondering if Shepler used to be principal why isnt he now? Makes you think huh? Shepler used to be a principal in Perris for a few years from what I read but now he is a kindergarden teacher I wonder why? Did his school throw a kissy fit when he got transferred out?

Need a New Team wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:20 PM:Any RRE teacher or staff member that cannot grasp the concept of change and wants to fight the new system Passarella has put in place, needs to be FIRED!!!

Hmmmm.... wrote on Oct 13, 2007 9:30 PM:Has anyone wondered why Mr. Shepler, who is a teacher at the school and is projected to be the charter director (as reported in PE), used to be a principal at other school sites and was a director of a charter school and is now back to being a teacher? Why isn't he still in admistrative positions? What did he do, or not do, to lose those positions? Makes you think...

Yall wrote on Oct 14, 2007 9:34 AM:I want to know where all of you "nay-sayers" and "liars" were on Friday at 4:00? You obviously did NOT have the courage to voice your opinions in public. Spatting your comments in this forum will not further your cause. Talk about childish...personal attacks are NOT a sign of intelligence. To me, it now looks as if many of you now have YOUR panties-in-a-bunch. The Charter founders have nothing but the children's education as their priority. If they didn't why would they stake their careers on it? Dedication, Sacrifice and Integrity are the words I would use to describe the founders. The climate at the school is a little frosty. I blame that on the new leader who came in with a chip on her shoulder which was placed by the Dr. himself. If you want to blame anyone for the freeze, blame him!

HmmmURclueless wrote on Oct 14, 2007 9:38 AM:Mr. Shepler is a man of INTEGRITY. He probably got tired of dealing with ignorant parents and wanted to focus his efforts on the students, those who matter most!

2 sides to a story wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:25 AM:It amazed me, that the opposing comments are posted and the voice of the people are highly censored.

Hidden Behind Blogs wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:36 AM:I really am curious as to why none of this bashing is education based. If you have questions, then ask, they have a website. As for RRE Worker, I truly doubt that you worked at RRE because the curriculum is based on the California State Standards, the educators and new administrator agree on that. The method of delivery of theses State Standards, Constructivism. And don't be fooled to think that it is encouraged or welcomed at the school this year. The scoffing and sneering is an indicator otherwise. And to Parent, nice to see you on the blog again, those questions were not difficult to answer, but as a factor of the district officials use of the information or answers given, it would only be prudent for the founders to obtain the questions in writing and answer them likewise. It's called professionalism. If you were there, you may have heard them state that they would collaboratively address all of the districts oncerns. Here is the real question, how many of you have read the charter petition on-line? What questions or concerns do you have with it? Are the charter teachers bad for wanting to deliver a "too well rounded" education to your child? Or maybe they actually want to also focus on your child's health and nutrition? AND for HMMMM what makes you think that Mr. Shepler LOST his position and didn't simply resign? Maybe you should ask first and think before you "speak"

To For the record wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:38 AM:Regarding my earlier post, where did I suggest RRE was in PI? What I said was that Elsinore Elementary was in year 5 of PI. LEUSD is in Year 3 of PI. BOTH Brown and Elsinore Middle are in Year 5 of PI. RRE is NOT even a Title 1 school & is therefore NOT subject to sanctions under NCLB. Parents (and taxpayers) who wish to learn more about NCLB should look up (I think it's Education Trust's) publication, "The ABCs of AYP". Information regarding a school & district's PI status is available on the CA Dept. of Ed's DataQuest web site. Search by District (Level) & AYP (Subject). Next, type in Lake Elsinore & select "2007 AYP - List of Schools in the District." PI info should also be available on each school's SARC (School Accountability Report Card).

Very concerned wrote on Oct 14, 2007 12:06 PM:Why would the Charter people even want to collaborate with a District who is in program improvement anyway??? Please for the love of children, can anyone answer that??

2007/08 school year is happening now wrote on Oct 14, 2007 12:44 PM:I supported Mr. Richter staying at RRE. I support the Constructivist theory of teaching. What I don't support is the comments about the new principal, Gail Forseth. Whether we like it or not, there is a new Principal at RRE. From what I've seen she has tried very hard to make RRE a happy, learning environment for our children. At Parent information night she was very welcoming to us as parents and to the staff (she rolled out the red carpet). Were you welcoming to her? I know I was and continue to be. She handled herself with grace in the face of very confrontational questioning. She attends every PTA meeting and PTA event (from what I've noticed). She is making the best of a "bad" situation, from what I see. She appears to be putting her heart and soul into these kids not knowing how long she may be around. It doesn't matter because she is focusing on this school year. Some may not like what is happening and that is why parents/teachers have formed the Charter Alliance. Just remember, this year is happening now, we can't bring it back, so Teachers: teach your hearts out like you always have, Parents: support our school programs, volunteer like you always have. When the school day is over, that's the time for the Charter movement tasks and conversations. These are our children and I'm going to make this year the best it can be, regardless of what may or may not happen next year. We should all do this whether in support of the Charter or not.

One Founder wrote on Oct 14, 2007 12:59 PM:Thank you so much for all your blogs. I am so pleased that so many people are concerned about the future of RRE. There are a few questions here that I would love to address. First, with regard to Ms. Callahan. Anyone that has ever had the privilege of working with this outstanding individual can tell you that she is the BEST school site secretary. She efficient, honest, hard-working, polite, cheerful and always helpful. You need not attack her because her views differ from yours. Second, Mr. Shepler is a man of integrity. He resigned from administration, he was not fired, feel free to check on that. Next, the climate has changed, not one person said it is completely the fault of Mrs. Forseth. She is doing exactly what she was directed to do "TURN UP THE HEAT!" Also, the "charter teacher" bashing is completely unwarranted. Feel free to visit any "charter teacher's" classroom and you will see that they are not spending instructional minutes working on the charter - they're teaching. They're working within the bounds of what they were told they had to do. These teachers are willing to give up pay and/or benefits to do what is right by the children they serve, how can anyone bash them? Finally,to the person that feels that "charter teachers" think that Railroad is in the wrong neighborhood for us - we love our sister school and the outstanding staff that work their. We are very proud of their accomplishments and would be honored to work with anyone of them, please do not try to make them out to any less than any other school in the district.

To Very concerned wrote on Oct 14, 2007 1:01 PM:Thank you so much for your concern. Truthfully, the founders of RRCS would love to help the district get out of PI. There are things we can all learn from each other and with a collaborative spirit...ALL the children will benefit.

RRE Worker wrote on Oct 14, 2007 1:10 PM:To Hidden Behind Blogs...if you happen to be a teacher, it shouldn't be that hard to figure out who is writing. If you are a parent, then you have no basis for what you have said. I didn't work at RRE for a long time, but long enough to be ostracized by the teaching staff for not being for the charter and by their narrow thinking that I was brought in by the new principal. I know the curriculum is based on the standards, but many teachers were upset when told they have to teach the grade level specific curriculum for their students. This differed from their view of the multiage classroom and how they presented the standards in the past. Using the curriculum does not have to limit constructivism, but it is a way for teachers to say that they are being stiffled in their teaching. Constructivism is still welcomed there at RRE, though I chose to teach in the way I feel helps benefit my students and has for the last 10 years. I have many successful students who are now in high school and were not taught through the constructivist means. As for the "scoffing and sneering", how about the immature teachers at RRE who sit through staff meetings, doing the same thing to the principal every time she talks? The teachers want to blame her for all their problems, when in fact they have created them themselves. And for those who think that their child is receiving a "well-rounded education", please take a very close look. I saw a lot of time spent not on teaching, but on what many would consider "play". There is a time and a place for it at school, but there is also a time for teaching and learning. It's unfortunate that the parents who are not for the charter are too afraid to speak up...many of them have already been shunned by the teachers and other parents or have simply moved their child away so they can get a better education. The parents are not cowards for not speaking up - they want their child to have a good education and not be banished or shunned for their ideas. And for the one who wondered where we all were on Friday? - Some of us were preparing our classrooms for the students to be taught on Monday.

to Yall wrote on Oct 14, 2007 1:11 PM:To call people "liars" is a great example of maturity!

to Very Concerned wrote on Oct 14, 2007 1:12 PM:If the charter people think that their program is so great and wonderful, wouldn't they want to collaborate with the district in hopes of enlightening them to their way of teaching? Helping the district to get out of PI status?

Charter Supporter wrote on Oct 14, 2007 1:45 PM:Just FYI, the founders of RRCS are expecting a denial from LEUSD. There was no reason to answer the questions at the public hearing - as one professional to another, things of that nature should be posed in writing to avoid any 'misinformation'. Just incase you are still concerned, the charter will get approved at the county or state level.

Mom of kindergartner... wrote on Oct 14, 2007 2:59 PM:My daughter loves her school...She gets to have fun and play...Does arts & crafts... Does a little Math and Phonics... She made a bird feeder for science class.... Oh, she definitely loves her teacher... My daughter is homeschooled, and neither her nor her parents have to "deal" with all of this.... All of you bring this upon yourselves....It is a choice!

Chaney wrote on Oct 14, 2007 6:03 PM:You talk about RRCS expecting a denial?? Heck, with such an illdefined Charter proposal and group of founders behind it, no level of government will adopt it. The crystal ball you seem to use to guide you through life is no longer working!

To Chaney wrote on Oct 14, 2007 6:41 PM:Welcome back! I just wondered if you felt that the charter was "illdefined" because you have actually read it. The BOE only had questions regarding the budget and if employees were going to take pay cuts or benefit reductions, obviously that portion is conjecture until we have an actual attendance count. Since the district will not cooperate in collecting data from the community it is difficult to tell how many more students we will have above our current numbers. This directly effects the budget and budget decisions. Since there weren't any questions about the program, which part do you find "illdefined"? Perhaps I can help you understand it.

ToFormerRRETeacher wrote on Oct 14, 2007 6:48 PM:I am very sorry that you felt shunned when you were at RRE. I understand that you have always been a teacher that likes to teach in isolation and it took a little while for some of us to understand that. When you decide to work for a magnet school, I would think that you would be a proponent for the magnet - it took a while for some of us to realize that the people that came over did not come to learn about the magnet - some simply wanted a specific grade level. I think your move was in your best interest and we're happy that you got what you wanted.

Just a thought wrote on Oct 14, 2007 7:52 PM:I think the district should allow the RRCS to go through...give them their autonomy, a field, a tent and let them be their own school. It would lessen the burden on the district and allow the district to employ teachers who want to follow and comply with the LEUSD and BOE. The LEUSD does not have to give up their school site, as it was their "money" in a way that allowed the school to be built. As the RRCS Allianace has said in their charter/letter of intent, not all students will be allowed to attend who wish to attend, and those students not in the charter school will need to attend school somewhere...it might as well be their home school in their neighborhood. It wouldn't be fair to give up a school site and force parents and students to bus their children to another site because a group of teachers want things their own way. If you are curious...look at their projected numbers...they can't take all the students who want in...and the would have to take students from across the district, not just within the boundaries of RRE now. A tent in a field would allow them to chose as many or as few students as they wish without hurting the students who are not accepted or who do not wish to partake in the charter school.

Parent wrote on Oct 14, 2007 8:36 PM:I see the great change in our students this year with homework. They actually are teaching the students during school this year, and homework is based on lessons they work during the school day. In previous years, a great amount of the students school day was spent in groups, clubs, sharing...the goof off type of junk. It's no wonder the Charter teachers are upset--they actually have to teach students this year. You show me a Charter supporter and I'll show you a person that likes fun and games!!!

To Chaney wrote on Oct 14, 2007 10:50 PM:I would like for you to compare the current Reagan Petition to other currently existing, approved, opened charter schools in the state. There are guidelines provided by the state that are sought for approval. This will take some time and will require a lot of phone calls as well. You may be surprised at how well written this charter is, compared to those alredy opperating. Although I have no child to send to the school, I like to know what is happening in my city, and charter schools are definitely good for neighborhoods, if they are well written and executed. Since a charter school must adhere to it's written proposal, there is accountability for parents. I must agree with Charter Supporter in stating that there may be an approval, eventually, for this charter. Your district officials may even approve it. Yes, it is tough for the district to let go of a school, but they may come out looking like heroes for it. Our neighboring districts have done so and have managed do it as a cooperative effort. Keep your chins up everyone, I see that everyone posting is passionate about this. Good Luck to all!

Potential problems wrote on Oct 15, 2007 7:30 AM:Even a "well written" (has all 16 required elements) Charter School petition will NOT automatically be approved at the County or State level after a school district rejects it. I'm going to guess that this group is also intending to apply for State start up money as well. Don't assume that a grant will be awarded even if the charter is "bullet proof." Charter schools are supposed to be available to ALL students in CA. Aside from a point system (like employees children may receive priority) to weight applicants, my understanding is that if more students apply, by the deadline date, then there's room for, some FAIR system MUST be established to choose who gets in (like a lottery). Charter schools can request use of district facilities under prop. 39 BUT they cannot request a specific facility (like RRE). Pursuant to Proposition 39, school district-provided facilities are to be reasonably equivalent to those of other public schools in the district and are to be contiguous. -

To Potential Problems wrote on Oct 15, 2007 4:54 PM:I would like to correct your misinformation. RRCS is a conversion school....that means that it is at the site of the conversion. They cannot apply for start-up funding because they are not a start-up school - it's a conversion. They can and will apply for the RRE campus under prop 39. The charter IS available to any students but has a controlled enrollment. There is a lottery system if the number enrolled exceeds capacity. All charter law can be found with the Dept. of Ed. so please feel free to read it. OH, and absolutely there is not an 'automatic' approval at any level but I challenge anyone to find a stronger charter proposal.

against charter wrote on Oct 15, 2007 6:24 PM:If the parents only new what the teachers in support of the charter are talking about. This year they want your children to fail. Nice loss of another years education.

who would ever want to be apart of a charter wrote on Oct 15, 2007 6:44 PM:I just love that you copied one of the state charter representatives charter proposal. Couldn't come up with your own. State is already well aware of your reasons and they do not find them to be substantial.

to against charter wrote on Oct 15, 2007 8:12 PM:I am glad that someone has finally opened their eyes and sees what is going on. In their hopes of getting the charter school, they are hurting the children for the own personal agendas. Students will learn when given direction and guidance...without it, very few can learn. But, I think the teachers who support the charter school think if their scores are low enough, the principal will get moved and/or they will be given their school. Unfortunately, they will have a population of students who are below grade level and are struggling to learn. Sad, sad. Glad there is someone who sees the truth.

To against Charter wrote on Oct 15, 2007 8:55 PM:I really hate to think that would be true! Have you actually heard this first hand or is it an assumption? It's hard to believe any educator, no matter what their "agenda" was, would want an innocent child to fail to benefit them and their cause.

Future Wildomar City resident wrote on Oct 15, 2007 10:05 PM:Next year the citizens of Wildomar vote on City Incorporation, if it succeeds RRE and other schools will be within the City of Wildomar and eventaully under the sphere and control of the Wildomar School District, unless of course they elect to join a combined district with anyone of it's bordering cities like Murietta etc. Let's see a Charter School which means less budget worries for a new City. Smart ecomnomics would say its in the best interest of all to grant the Charter. If and when the City of Wildomar becomes an incorported City, new politicians will emerge, people within the community will take an active interest in this new City, people like those who are willing to go out on a limb, people like those willing to write and propose a Charter School. People like those who are willing to give up their own personal time effort and money for our greatest , OUR CHILDREN. To the LEUSD, change is in the air. P.S. Can anyone tell me of a Charter School that does not have a waiting list of children trying to get in!! Why is that...?

What?? wrote on Oct 16, 2007 12:11 PM:Why would anyone want to see children fail for trying to propose a charter school. I am from San Diego and we, parents, love charter schools!!! One of ours ranked 9th in the nation at the end of last year. It is usually those that are more involved and interested in academic success that work for FREE to make a charter school a reality. I would like to know what personal agenda is being sought that would require NO PAY, exhaustive research hours, and public attacks? Who would step up to take that? To be so malicious as to say that anyone would want to see children fail for this is deplorable. Is this the tactic that those of you opposed to this charter school will take. You should be ashamed of yourselves.

To What?? Oct 16 wrote on Oct 16, 2007 12:46 PM:Yes ? Charter founders care nothing about the children. From its inception, the protesters and Charter had nothing to do with the children, but rather some irrational and deperate people that only care about their needs. And, I would not doubt that desperate types like that, are indeed capable of putting their selfish needs before the children and camouflaging their true intent behind quotes of Ronald Regan, Ben Franklin or even Gandi. Although the original website erected has been cleaned up somewhat...

What?? wrote on Oct 16, 2007 1:48 PM:Thank you for responding, but, you are solidifying my point by personally attacking charter founders but providing no arguments of merit. What exactly are the facts, evidence, and concerns with the founders proposal (I saw that it is available online but have not looked yet)that are unfavorable? Do you realize how much of an undertaking a charter school is? And how highly regarded they are by higher level education? Beleive me, the instuctors at ours are 100% dedicated and we parents hold them in the highest regard.

Thank you! wrote on Oct 16, 2007 3:33 PM:I am a charter teacher and I just want to say thank you to all of you that can see what we are doing is FOR our students. We have given up a lot of time and money to put this together. We have worked exhausting hours. I thank you all for seeing that there are no personal gains here, we anticipate the need for a pay-cut in order to make this charter work for our students and we are all willing to reduce our own income to make sure our children get the school they deserve. I so appreciate all the words of encouragement and the emails that we are getting from surrounding community members. THANK YOU!!!

Pay Cut?? wrote on Oct 16, 2007 4:08 PM:Yes - A pay cut for Charter teachers would be in order, if not justified given the circumstances. Since the Charter teachers could go back to how they carried on with Richter. They would not have to work very hard like the last two years under Richter. They could have clubs, sharing, basket weaving as commonplace again. Less work for teachers should mean less pay. All at the price of innocent children.

to THANK YOU! wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:02 PM:You are a Charter teacher or a teacher...you already seem very decided.

To to What wrote on Oct 16, 2007 5:03 PM:Ditto...just a little more cleaning needs to be done.

against charter wrote on Oct 16, 2007 6:40 PM:In response to those of you who think I did not mean that the teachers want the children to fail with the charter. I meant and yes I have heard teachers saying that they don't want their children to do well this year to prove to the community that it was the districts fault. A teacher should never want their children to fail. It is a shame that certain teachers do.

FAR BELOW BASIC wrote on Oct 16, 2007 6:43 PM:Some charter alliance members feel far below basic is a lost cause.

To Far Below Basic wrote on Oct 16, 2007 7:55 PM:Isn't it sad that teachers don't want to worry about the low kids? Some of them just need a caring teacher and someone to give them a chance and they blossom. I hope the charter school can't pick and choose the best of the best...

To Thank You Teacher Oct 16 wrote on Oct 16, 2007 8:03 PM:You mention taking a "pay-cut in order to make this charter work..." That pay-cut makes complete sense since Charter teachers would be teaching are children less than today under the old system of clubs, chess games, goof off Fridays. When teachers don't teach as indicative of the prior two years under Richter, then they should not be compensated as if they were teaching!

Reardon wrote on Oct 16, 2007 8:21 PM:Just rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic. California ranks 49th in reading (4th and 8th grade)and math in the 4th grade. The 8th grade students "rose" to number 46! (Federal rating of States in the National Report Card.) Our incoming teachers pass the CBEST test at 100% because they can take it over and over again until they pass -- as opposed to Massachusetts which flunks 24% of their incoming Caucasian teachers, 52% of Hispanic and 54% of Black incoming teachers. No one -- teachers or students -- are held to ANY standard in California. New York has actually CLOSED non-performing schools -- California, ZERO!

To Against Charter... wrote on Oct 16, 2007 10:51 PM:This "Parent" wants to know what the teachers in support are talking about!! My child cant afford to lose a week, let alone a year! You say, You've heard teachers say, "they dont want their children to do well this year, so they can make a point".? Well, "THEIR" children is "MY" children! I want to know what teachers are talking,you need to speak up,this is "OUR" children! Please, do tell, enquiring minds want and need to know! If this is true, I hope you transferred your kids, (if they attend).

For the Children wrote on Oct 16, 2007 11:47 PM:I have always said everyone has a right to voice their opinions, the true test of your beliefs however, comes from actions not words. Teaching is a noble profession, but it is still a job you get paid for. Doing your job entitles you to a pay check, doing your job and then taking the actions you belive in without expecting anything more then the satisfaction of knowing you are doing the right thing, entitles you to much more. As a parent who takes an active interest in what goes on at my childs school (RRE)I can tell they are being taught and still learning. This is indicative of the increase in test scores from last year. From what I saw at the Oct 12th, 2007 board meeting, the only ones who showed opposition to the charter made no comment or seem to care as to the fate of how our children will be affected by the charters learning program, only how this change will affect the pay checks and pensions.

To For the Children wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:06 AM:You are incorrect. The BOE/Passarella do care about the "fate of our children." They realized long ago a Charter learning program ... will only hurt our children and already has.

local wrote on Oct 18, 2007 1:21 PM:TO respond to the idea that the BOE "realized long ago a charter learning program will hurt our children", in 2006 Jeanie Corral reported on the constructivist conference at RRE. She stated "It (constructivism) is a model for approaching education from a basic common sense point of view. At the base level is the student centered, active learning approach that most adults believe works." She concluded her report by saying that the ideas promoted "will only help our students learn how to better succeed in the schoolroom called living in the 21st century." When and how did she change her mind? Also,have the students who spent 4th and 5th grade at Reagan been tracked for their success in middle school?

What?? wrote on Oct 18, 2007 3:00 PM:I would like to address the person who wrote "Far Below Basic". Your comment concerned me as these "lost cause" children need specific attention and instruction, so I took the liberty of reading the petition's educational program (section II if you care to confirm). I recommend that you do so as well, as you have misinformed the public at large. There is a seperate and entirely dedicated plan for basic and below basic pupils in this charter petition that details several components and, as they call them Tiers. As an outsider, if you are trying to convince people to support your opposition of this charter, you should not risk losing credibility and site the concerns with the actual charter petition. This is what your district, county, and state officials look at and how it affects them. They will not(should not) make a decision based on hearsay. I am a charter mom now, and have been through this. I just wish we had thought to have a website.

Charter Teacher wrote on Oct 18, 2007 4:51 PM:I just wondered exactly what "personal agenda" any one of us could possibly have? I keep seeing that but nobody is telling me what I have to gain - my students have to gain an outstanding learner-centered education, an environment that promotes collaboration, a school culture that encourages community and an education that creates life-long learners...OH!!! I see, I have a career I can be proud of!! OK, now I see my personal gain. Thanks!

To Charter Teacher Oct 18 wrote on Oct 18, 2007 6:25 PM:You asked what personal gain you would have? Playing chess, bird watching, basket weaving etc... in lieu of actually teaching children! That is your gain. Not doing a job! And, expecting to get paid for it!!!!

To Local Oct 18 wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:34 PM:You reference some old news back in 2006. How about something recent from the Board in 2007: Board President Tom Thomas also spoke out about the situation, at one point lambasting a Web site created over the brouhaha- leusdparents- as inaccurate, unfair and misleading. "The results we saw tell us we have some serious issues with math and English that we can't dismiss," he told the crowd, which filled the district's small board room. "This is no picnic. We have some serious concerns about the instruction going on at Ronald Reagan. ... If everything is just peachy keen with constructivism, why aren't more schools doing it?"

Charter Teacher wrote on Oct 19, 2007 7:05 AM:In response to Oct. 18 6:25 - you actually believe that I gave up my summer break, countless weekends, and contributed my own money to this charter just so I can have clubs? That's why I'm taking all this bad-mouthing and personal attacks? Come on, you can't really think that the charter teachers are going through all of this just to reinstate clubs. I'm astonished that someone would actually think that "we" would go through all of this just for clubs!

PS wrote on Oct 19, 2007 8:18 AM:IN regards to: "To Local Oct 18 wrote on Oct 18, 2007 8:34 PM:" Yes I was at that same board meeting and Mr Thomas was referencing projected scores by "Key Data Systems" which were not in yet. Now that the scores are in and it has been show that the true deficiencies were in "Key Data Systems" projection, we know Mr Thomas' statements were inaccurate. As for your last question the State of California has over 900 listed Charter Schools. Can anyone tell me of a Charter School that does not have a waiting list of children trying to get in!! Why is that...? " why is it the State of Californias Board of Education not only endorses Charter Schools, but encourages them? So why aren't more Schools petitioning to be Charter Schools, "BECAUSE IT TAKES HARD WORK AND DEDICATION TO PREPARE, DEVELOP AND IMPLEMENT A CHARTER SCHOOL !!"

A "player" wrote on Oct 19, 2007 9:31 AM:In response to "To Charter Teacher Oct 18"- I am not a teacher, however I am a involved parent.I understand how chess teaches strategy and encourages children look ahead and anticipate problems before they arise.Bird watching is a science and ignites kids interests in nature and animals.If they had basketweaving,,that would help small children with their dexterity, fine motor skills, and hand eye coordination.Have you been in a classroom where a child could not hold a pencil correctly to write? - I have. How about a Drama class last year in which I saw a certain teacher who was so compassionate about the class, and how it taught children how to be creative, ease their fear of public speaking and communicate through expression. Those are just a few examples of a well rounded education. That is why clubs have a value in the educational curriculum.For those that only see black and white perhaps you should add a new color to your hue,,,GREY.You can find that in an Art class!!!

To Player wrote on Oct 19, 2007 11:54 AM:There was a couple elementary schools in the news last night advocating birth control for 11 year olds and one teacher that wants sex education for her first graders? Parents like you have finally found your panacea! It's time you pack you and your childs bags, head there, and stop shoving clubs down the Boards throat?

Teachers Got Issues wrote on Oct 19, 2007 12:08 PM:One teacher above comments: "you actually believe that I gave up my summer break, countless weekends, and contributed my own money to this charter just so I can have clubs?" Answer is - there are many issues. Power, control and money to mention a few!

a "player" wrote on Oct 19, 2007 1:35 PM:To Player..I am not shoving clubs down the Boards throat..I am simply stating that clubs do have educational merit and a place in the school system,for those that are unable to see past the black and white. As for the sex and birth control..that is a long way off from the arts and sciences.

To Teachers Got Issues wrote on Oct 19, 2007 2:27 PM:Yes they do!! It was once said at a Board of Education hearing that "if people want to line their pockets with money and the promise of a cushy job, then those people open up a Charter School!"

TO TeachersGotIssues wrote on Oct 20, 2007 5:16 PM:What power, control or money? Do you know you are on a blog for RRCS?

goodmom wrote on Oct 24, 2007 7:59 AM:I have 4 children enrolled in 3 different charter schools. They all have different needs and learning styles. They are all doing wonderful and scoring high on their Star and Cahsee tests. I had a horrible expereience in LEUSD with one of my children Even her teacher disagreed with principals decision, would not work for my child and be detrimental. He did it anyways with told me I had no choice and had to do it his way, my child cried every day before school. Principal said too bad. I think that there is a place for Charter schools, unfortunately the reasons they gave for denying the other Charter petition last year were crap. So I do not believe that they will approve this charter and I am very sad for the kids. Reading all the decisions etc last year, I firmly believe this Charter has no Chance through LEUSD. Hopefully Riv county can see through it, or the State. Change is not bad, it is good.

to goodmom wrote on Oct 29, 2007 6:07 AM:Thank you for your support for the charter. We understand that it would be very difficult for LEUSD to accept a change. They are pretty set in their ways and that is why we also need fresh blood in the BOE seats. Some community members should really start considering taking a run at one of the three seats that will be up for re-election in 2008!