The following Quote is Inaccurate: wrote on Apr 10, 2008 11:46 PM:"Trustees also learned that the district's teachers union had denied a proposal to reduce their work year by two days, a district recommendation that would have saved Escondido Union about $757,000."
What really happened was that we were asked to volunteer to work two days for free. I would have been happy to actually reduce my work days (and pay) but to ask us to volunteer two days when so many of us work into the evenings and on weekends-forget it!

Karl wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:25 AM:"ESCONDIDO: Elementary district still short of reducing $14 M deficit"

Yet they have money for raises?

reserves wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:18 AM:The district has about $15 million in reserves and is not willing to use them in any circumstance. They claim that they are broke but just purchased a $17 million new facility. And the previous person is complaining about a 2% raise. Get real people force the district to use some of its reserves, their will not be a time that it is needed more than now.

Karl wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:23 AM:"The following Quote is Inaccurate 11:46 PM:"
If what you say is true it is an absolutely ridiculous request. My common sense tells me that good teachers put in many hours for which they are not compensated.

teacher wrote on Apr 11, 2008 7:53 AM:That is what they asked us to do work two more days for free!! I will already be making less money next year with the prices of everything going up and only about a $100 a month raise.

Karl wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:32 AM:Teacher, everyone is in your boat as far as everything going up but there a lot of folks doing it without a raise of any kind. If a private business were in this budget shortfall situation there would be no raises, people would be laid off and the remaining employees would feel fortunate to still have a job.

To "the quote" wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:26 AM:You are giving the wrong impression. Nobody asked teachers to work for nothing. The issue is whether or not it is really necessary for teachers to get two paid days with no students present in the classroom. Teachers get the two days pay to prepare the classroom that they locked when summer break started to reopen after the summer break ends. Sounds like a totally unnecessary paid two day coffee break to me and many others. A waste of about $757,000 that could instead go to salaries for numerous laid off workers.

Reardon wrote on Apr 11, 2008 9:30 AM:California teachers are the best paid in the nation, according to the NEA. An April 1 release from the Census Bureau reports that California spends $10,254 per pupil, ranking is at #25. Somehow, however, with all of this spending, our students rank #48 in achievement! Obviously, we are not getting our dollars worth. Either pay the teachers at the 38th level, or require our students to perform at the #1 level -- I don't care which, but paying for the best and getting the worst doesn’t work for me!

Jeff wrote on Apr 11, 2008 10:01 AM:Teacher - you already get two months off for summer, a week for spring break, a week for Thanksgiving and two weeks for Christmas. Being asked to "work for free" for two days when you get all that time off does not seem too outrageous of a request to me.

Reardon wrote on Apr 11, 2008 10:57 AM:Correction: Our California student standing is 48th, and that is where our teachers should be paid, not the 38th in the last sentence of my previous post. That 48th position was determined from The National Report Card, a federal report – the latest report shows we are 49th in 4th and 8th grade reading; and 49th in 4th grade math, while we are 46th in 8th grade math. That is astonishing for teachers who are the best paid in the nation!

Chubton wrote on Apr 11, 2008 12:04 PM:We should slash the budget to public education to zero.
Think of the savings.
A dumb society would compete with immigrant labor thereby reducing the price of produce, they wouldn't be interested in public art therefore no need for an art budget, and, as a kicker, we'd be able to manipulate elections through weak polical ads to maintain control.

to all the clueless wrote on Apr 11, 2008 12:30 PM:The 2 days in question are not teacher prep days. These are days that teachers spend in meetings that are established by the district and setup through the principals. Most teacher come to there class at least one week before school starts, to set up thier classrooms. And to correct other inaccurate statements: people are laid off over 75 and we will have to take up thier slack as a whole. Most jobs do get yearly raises and or bonuses so do not cry to me because we gat a 2% raise, the school board ok it. You would accept a raise from your boss if he/she offered it to you. You are lying to yourself if you think otherwise. The reason our test scores are low is because the majority of our students do not speak english at home. To the slower learners(Reardon) if you were from Mexico and moved here and had to take a test that was english only you probably would also rank last in testing. I cannot belief you are unable to figure that out especially if you live in Escondido. Now I see what is wrong with our students! Lets lower teacher pay so we can get lower quality teachers, go idea Reardon and Jeff Escondido is already one of the lowest paying Districts in North County. Just look at the pay scales, not California averages

GET A CLUE wrote on Apr 11, 2008 12:33 PM:The funny this is that unless your a teacher you have no idea how tough teaching is. All I read is people bashing teachers. They are the ones raising your children not you. Anyone can sit in an office and type on a computer but I guarantee you that if you came into a classroom, the students would walk all over you. Teachers are trying to make our future better by teaching your kids, what are you doing for our future besides making it worse by criticizing teachers. If you want more time off you should have been a teacher. Don't blame them, they do not make the schedule.

Get real wrote on Apr 11, 2008 1:55 PM:Reardon, I too checked the National Report Card stats and here's the most interesting fact that you (obviously) disregarded: California has the HIGHEST percentage (40%) of "disabled or second language learners" of ANY state in the country. Other Southwest states also have high percentages (mid to upper 20-30% range) but NONE as high as ours. What does that mean? Well, according to the chart, 32% of those students were assessed (tested) *without* accomodations, meaning no translation or any other assistance. That means that California's ranking on such tests is artifically low. I'm not one of the haters that blames "the illegals" for all our problems, but the influx of second language learners certainly has blunted the gains that any tests would show. Think about that next time you go shooting off your keyboard about lowering teachers pay. If anything, they should be paid MORE to attract the best and brightest, not to mention compensate for all the unpaid overtime required to help bring up kids that don't speak English.

Reardon wrote on Apr 11, 2008 2:32 PM:To Get Real: I'll accept your criticizm when the schools report illegal aliens to ICE -- but they can't complain about illegal aliens pulling down scores on the one hand, and refuse to do anything about them on the other. As to attracting the best teachers, California will put into the classroom any applicant teacher who fogs a mirror! Massachusetts, which stands number 1 in most test categories, has just released their decade-long study of their incoming teacher test - and their incoming Caucasian teachers FAIL
the test at a 24% rate. (Their Hispanic teachers fail at a 53% rate, and their Black teachers fail at a 54% rate.) In California, our incoming
teachers pass at a 100% rate! Any test with a 100% passing rate is, by
definition, too easy! We will not get the best teachers until we are more selective.

To to all the clueless wrote on Apr 11, 2008 5:14 PM:Lower teacher pay will equal lower quality teachers??? Currently teacher pay is based on seniority, not merit or performance as it should be. Reading your comments, if raises were based on merit you wouldn't be entitled to a raise. If employment was based on merit you wouldn't have been hired. If you were a student and had submitted a hard copy of your tirade I would have gone at it with a big red pencil, or don't we teach spelling in the schools any longer? You are a poor example of what a qualified teacher should be. I sure hope you aren't teaching my kids.

Marko wrote on Apr 11, 2008 6:05 PM:To Reardon,
First of all it's not our responsibility as teachers to report illegal aliens to any type of authority. In fact, we don't know who is illegal or not. The laws need to be changed on this issue. Don't blame the schools, blame the Federal Government on this.
Secondly, California teachers pass at a 100% rate? I would like to see where you found this information. Also, what test do you claim are the teachers taking to get qualified?
Please don't give us your so called facts without some kind of documentation or proof.

Thanks for the Info! wrote on Apr 11, 2008 8:03 PM:Wow, Mr. Reardon, you seem really informed! I am curious what the name of the "incoming teacher test" is that you mention. I'd really like to look up those statistics for myself... May I also suggest that the teachers use their many vacations wisely and form their own vigilante groups to drive all of the Hispanics out of California. These teachers... they should put their money where their mouth is, don't you think? Thanks again for the info... I'll bet that you spend a lot of your time in our public schools just trying to make things better for our kids! However, I am now contemplating a move to Massachusetts based on your solid data.

Anonymom to Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 3:52 AM:I've lived in N.Y. Mass. and Socal. Each are has its regional issues. The one constant is that teaching in any area of our diverse society is a serious challenge. One hat goes out to anyone committed to the challenge. I've volunteered in the schools and I have tremendous respect for the 'good' teachers. Every profession has its slackers.

To Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 7:02 AM:The CSET does not have a 100% passing rate!

Escondido teacher wrote on Apr 12, 2008 7:37 AM:There is no doubt that California is facing financial difficulties. And the results of reduced funding in education are easier to imagine than many other cuts, therefore this becomes a very vitriolic discussion. As usual on the NC blogs the tone of the dialogue here is pretty vile.
As for teachers in Escondido, I think it is a shame that we did not give up two working days. That is what the EEEA was asked to do, not to volunteer 2 days. Yes, teachers work many more hours that the contract requires BUT if one went into teaching not knowing that one is an idiot. The office clerk who may make 1/2 of my salary will lose 11 days!!! There is something inequitable here.
Perhaps EEEA could have negotiated one day (or even the 2) days back if there are positive budget revisions.
It is time to start thinking about making hard sacrifices in order to accomplish a common goal - educating the kids.

LisaP wrote on Apr 12, 2008 8:48 AM:Teachers are paid too much for part-time work. When you consider their pay and their benefit packages, it is no wonder there is not enough money in the budget. I know it is not politically correct to say, but it is objectively true.

Laura wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:31 AM:We live our lives (and spend our money) based on our priorities. Why are we spending so much in California on PRISONS? Why isn't EDUCATION in California at the top of every great list - value placed on teachers, investment per student, gains made in a challenging environment for all of our students, enrichment for our students? Our priorities are upside down. If we teach our students, prisons won't be important. Don't pick on teachers - teachers are the light in a long tunnel of the recession we are facing all around us. They (we) are the only hope for our students.

Pat wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:34 AM:The 2% raise that EUSD has finally approved is for the 2007-2008 school year in which EUSD was fully funded. The person that wrote in questioning how EUSD could give raises during a financial hardship lacks all the information to question the decision. The financial hardship will start for the 2008-2009 school year.

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:56 AM:The test which I referenced is the CBEST test. Here is an example I wrote several years ago, but I have more recent data as well: California tested 3,140 teachers at National University (Year 2003-2004) - and 3,140 passed! Now, it is possible that there were no bad hair days that day - no spouses had recently filed for divorce, no children had run away or been killed, no. The odds of 100% of 3,140 students passing anything more difficult than fogging a mirror, tests my credulity. and probably yours as well. San Diego State students, on that same exam for the same year also passed at a 100% rate, 510 of 510! San Francisco State University reported a statistical 100% but only 634 of 635 passed! (Slacker!) UC Berkeley passed 100% also, 631 out of 631. San Jose State - 540 out of 540. UCLA - 175 for 175. Pepperdine, 310 for 310. Stanford, 57 for 57. (O.K. That is possible.) Santa Clara, 43 for 43. Here is the aggregate score for the entire state - 20, 741 tested, 20,723 passed. That is still a statistical 100% with appropriate rounding - and is reported on the official website as 100%. But I suspect that the real answer is that the CBEST Basic test is a sham. Yhank you for giving me the opportunity to use my research on this subject!

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:42 AM:Marko: It is the responsibility of every citizen to report suspicion of lawbreaking, but that is not the point. The point is that schools cannot at the same time complain about English Learners diminishing the California test scores, and not do anything about it when they have the capacity to do so. Let ICE sort it out. All citizens are supposed to report criminal activity -- but if you don't please suffer the testing consequences in silence. I wonder why parents, whose children suffer badly by being held back, do not complain -- they put their children at academic risk just to be politically correct. The ghetto message, “Don’t be a Snitch” has gone mainstream! Of course that is not the only California academic problem, but it contributes heavily. Actually, the quality of teachers is a more damaging problem…I was a Core Adjunct Prof. of Computer Science, and spent 6,000 classroom hours teaching graduate and undergraduate courses. In my required courses, the students from the School of Education invariably populated the lower quartile of the course.

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 11:14 AM:Marko: I answered your query with specific statistics from the California CBEST website, but the electronic editor has not published it.

JImJim to Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 11:26 AM:Reardon, please pick one argument. Whenever someone points to flaws in your hypothesis, you change tracks and go after something else.
Regarding laws: It is illegal for teachers (as representatives of the state)to report someone we believe to be illegal. Your ideas are suggesting that we break the law to fulfill your ideology.
Separately, I ask that everyone write their state representative and request that funding for education be spared as much as possible. It's looking very bad.

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 11:55 AM:JimJim: Please cite the law.

To Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 2:09 PM:Yes, but teachers must pass the CSET to get a credential, so who cares about the CBEST. What is pass rate on the competency (CSET) exam?

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 3:04 PM:To clarify: I probable have taught your childred. I have been in education for over 10 years and have a Masters Degree and I am working on a PHD. You have no idea what it takes for a teacher to be in classroom k-8. The CBEST is just a test for basic knowledge anyone with a college degree should be able to pass it. Teachers need to take CSAT's to have a credential, substitutes need to take the CBEST. Get your facts straight!!!!!!!

JimJim wrote on Apr 12, 2008 3:04 PM:Plyler v. Doe, 457 U.S. 202 (1982), was a case in which the Supreme Court of the United States struck down a state statute denying funding for education to children who were illegal immigrants. The Court found that where states limit the rights afforded to people based on their status as aliens, this limitation must be examined under an intermediate scrutiny standard to determine whether it furthers a substantial goal of the State.

Revisions to education laws in Texas in 1975 withheld state funds for educating children who had not been legally admitted to the United States and authorized local school districts to deny enrollment to such students. A 5-to-4 majority of the Supreme Court found that this policy was in violation of the Fourteenth Amendment, as illegal immigrant children are people "in any ordinary sense of the term", and therefore had protection from discrimination unless a substantial state interest could be shown to justify it. - Wikipedia

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 3:15 PM:To clarify again: CSAT single subject assessment test is for every subject area: each test covers different subject areas for example math, science, history along with any other subject that is taught in school. Not the CBEST get a clue if you are going to claim to qoute or state facts. That is like saying all a doctor needs to practice is a BA from any college. No it goes beyond that so please inform yourself as to the specifics. Thanks

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:14 PM:Okay people- let me set you all straight here. The 2 days were 2 days of NO WORK and NO PAY. With NO requirement to come in. Unfortunately, the union did not properly present that to ANY of the EUSD teachers, or officially ask for their opinion with the facts duly stated. Rumors were floating around, and the union wanted it that way. Otherwise they would have presented the information TRUTHFULLY to the teachers. Unfortunately the teachers in general are in the dark about what is really going because the UNION is in control.

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:20 PM:The sad fact is that EUSD teachers approved their new contract without knowing all the facts. Our district is now moving into "qualified" status, according to our 3 year budget plan. The 6.3 MILLION dollars being used for the raise over the next three years could have helped tremendously! We have had nearly all accounts frozen and are on hiring freeze partially due to the fact that the district had to save that money (2.1 MILLION retroactive just for this year alone) because it was agreed to BEFORE the budget information was presented by the state. It is a sad situation, they are being misled by their own union leadership.

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:22 PM:TO: The following Quote is Inaccurate:

You are OBVIOUSLY one of the hundreds of misinformed and misled teachers in EUSD, I rest my case.

TO REARDON wrote on Apr 12, 2008 5:28 PM:FROM TEACHER4TRUTH
The CBEST may now be waived if a teacher simply takes an additional component of CSET. The CSET is difficult, although I passed it completely in the first take most teachers I know did not. You can pass sections individually, but must pass all sections to get your credential. Why don't you check into THOSE facts!

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:49 PM:TO REARDON-
DID YOUR MOTHER DROP YOU ON YOUR HEAD? Because this is NOT getting through. The CSET (WITH AN E) is now the qualifying exam for teachers. The CBEST can be WAIVED if an additional writing section is passed on the CSET. The change happened on 2005 with NCLB requirements. YOU ARE SOOOO QUICK TO PASS JUDGEMENT, YET SO ILL INFORMED.

SMTeacher wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:50 PM:Wow!! You people have not the slightest clue about the make-up of our classroom these days! Try getting 2/3 of your class at the "proficient" level when they have only been here in America for a couple of years!!!! Of course we are behind! To suggest that we should get pay based on only our test scores is ridiculous! Fine! Give me only the English speaking population ! Please don't forget about the cost of living here in San Diego. We are going to be paid higher because of it! You can't compare us to the national average. By the way, we are paid only for the days we work. All those paid days off you all are complaining about, are not paid at all!! Some districts are nice enough to split our salary into 12 months, but others do not pay during the summer. Guess who's getting a summer job by the way? I don't know 1 teacher who doesn't put in "after" hours. We come in during the summer and work in our rooms even before the "paid" days start. By the way, we aren't unlocking the door and sipping coffee. GET A CLUE PEOPLE!

Period wrote on Apr 12, 2008 6:52 PM:To Reardon: It is CSET, California Subject Examinations for Teacher. Pass rate is in the 60 % area. You are welcome!

to jim jim wrote on Apr 12, 2008 7:10 PM:The ruling to which you refer assumes the status is determined by the administrator and does not prevent the education administrator from notifying ICE of that status. Action against the illegal alien would then become the responsibility of ICE. The ruling does not make it "illegal for teachers (as representatives of the state)to report someone we believe to be illegal. Your ideas are suggesting that we break the law to fulfill your ideology."

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 8:07 PM:The messages from Reardon at 3;04 and 3;15 are bogus – they are probably “to Reardon” but by someone who does not comprehend how Blogs work. (I hope it is not a “teacher.”) But, no, to whomever wrote the 3:04, you did not teach my children, but I may well have taught you. I have 6,000 hours in university classrooms, graduate and undergraduate level and taught many core subjects which included students from the School of Education. To others: I used CBEST because it is the same basic literacy-type exam which Massachusetts FAILED 24% of its Caucasians, 53% of its Hispanics and 54% of its Blacks. I used CBEST to compare apples to apples – obviously Massachusetts tests basic literacy to a more difficult standard. If teacher qualification is not the problem, I eagerly await the reason(s) our otherwise bright children rank right with Louisiana and Mississippi.

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 8:22 PM:To Reardon:
Are you also aware of the RICA exam that is now also required to get a Multiple Subject Credential? It stands for Reading Instruction Competency Assessment.

Reardon wrote on Apr 12, 2008 9:07 PM:To Teacher -4Truth" Are you aware that 95% of the teachers in the classroom today were certified prior to the RICA exam? I still await the reasons for our poor performance, if it is not low teacher qualification, or English learners. (I am also awaiting the FIRST "teacher strike" that is not for higher pay -- say a "teacher strike" for segregating English Learners until they are sufficiently proficient so as not to decrease classroom learning; or for fewer administrators; or for less emphasis on sports; or for higher academic standards; or for checking the residency of every student...

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:05 PM:TO REARDON-
I absolutely do NOT believe that, the RICA has been required since 1998. Knowing the numbers on our roster right now, that would be AT LEAST 40% (but probably more) of the teachers in EUSD alone. Only 5% of the teachers in CA have earned credentials since 1998? NOT POSSIBLE.

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:12 PM:TO RESERVES:
Every school district is required to maintain a 3% reserve. At the end of our 3 year budget cyle, we are down to ZERO. This is a LEGAL VIOLATION and will put EUSD into "qualified" status for the FIRST time in history. "Qualified" status is negative, and is basically in danger of not being able to meet basic financial obligations, and possibly into sanctions by the state. But yeah, let's just EMPTY the coffers- that is really SMART!

Alma wrote on Apr 12, 2008 10:38 PM:For those saying Danny was associated with gangs, you're wrong. Get your facts straight before you talk, you didn't know him therefore you don't know what happend. You know how hard it is to walk down the streets now days for anyone? Boys, even girls, these what they call themselves "gangsters" have absolutely NO RESPECT, and will do anything to prove themselves "cool". This isn't the first and not the last innocent live that will be taken because of these hoodlums, the streets now days are crazy, and these kids make themselves look stupid everytime they walk down a street thinking they're somebody, want to be somebody then get a job and do something for yourself, finish school. We live for ourselves, and these kids will live for a gang? Simply stupid. I've known Danny since his freshmen year, i remember when he was new to our school, the last time i saw him was about a month ago on my birthday, so sadly he passed away a month later =[ . Our prayers go out to you and your family Danny and i promise you we will help your family as much as we can financially, we love you and truely miss you, Rest In Peace. Much Love and Respect "your prima"

Reardon wrote on Apr 13, 2008 9:17 AM:Teacher-4Truth: Please explain, in YOUR opinion, why California students test right with Louisiana and Mississippi? There must be some explanation.

SMteacher wrote on Apr 13, 2008 11:24 AM:Reardon: where are you getting your "facts"??? California has some of the most rigorous standards out there! Have you compared Louisiana and Mississipi's standards to ours? Also, you have to break the results into sub. groups (like English learners) and the results that you "might" be looking at probably don't. As a wife of a border patrol agent, it is not my job to distinguish who is here legally. My job is to teach. It isn't possible to strike for everything we disagree with. Teachers are also not "low qualified". Generally speaking, those who have as many college units (B.A plus credential program) make considerably more than we do. If you want to make a difference, stop writing blogs and start writing to your state reps!!!!!

Reardon wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:06 PM:SN Teacher: To be brutally direct, California ranks 49th out of 52 States and Districts in 4th grade reading. We also rank 49th in 8th grade reading.

There is something to say for consistency, so we also rank 49th in 4th grade math– and somehow our 8th graders managed to finish 46th in math.

Now, it is hard to put enough lipstick on this pig to provide much help. The best news is that this year the Federal National Report Card only tested reading and math. Probably next year they will test science and writing, but if you are hoping for better results, it ain’t gonna happen!

You see, the National Educational Assessment Program has been publishing these results (Google “National Report Card”) for years, but the results are so abysmal that news outlets have papered over them.

Please tell me WHY?

Reardon wrote on Apr 13, 2008 12:12 PM:To SMTeacher: I was comparing Louisiana and Mississippi RESULTS to California.

As JimJim has noted, California has a lot of illegal alien children, and under the current Supreme Court ruling, teachers must educate them -- but NOTHING precludes reporting the FAMILY to ICE. If teacher unions placed pressure on the School Boards to change their policy, that policy would be changed...right now it is a convenient cop-out.

SMteacher wrote on Apr 13, 2008 2:21 PM:So, let me get this straight. You would rather me investigate families to see if they're here legally then teach??
I do not believe your statistics are correct either. We do not use a "National Report Card". We use California State Standards (look it up) and are tested on those (which are higher than most states). I have teacher friends who have moved out of state (Colorado) and has stated that CA standards are much higher then his new state. You need to compare equal standards. AGAIN, if you looked at sub. groups, it would look much different.

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 14, 2008 6:05 PM:TO REARDON:
I can give you two major reasons: TRANSIENCY and SIZE. I have over-turned 7 out of 20 students already this year, and some years I have over-turned 11 out of 20. Students cannot learn when their education is constantly disrupted. California is bigger than many countries, and you want to compare two small states to us. If CA were divided into regions of similar makeup, I believe the results would be much different. We have a much bigger pool to draw from, and our statewide socioeconomics and demographics are extremely varied. Compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges.

teacher4truth wrote on Apr 14, 2008 6:09 PM:TO TEACHER:
How would you feel with NO days of work and NO pay!!! Teachers come into this profession knowing they have to put in a lot of extra hours and it is a trade-off considering all the vacation days and summers off we get. Have compassion for your colleagues and fellow men.