Comments on: Parents Fighting Back!

By: Melanie Savage

Melanie Savage — Fri, 31 Aug 2012 00:12:00 +0000

Yes, and going back to Kenneth Moales. How despicable is it that these “reformers” appear to be seeking out people like Moales–people of color with leadership roles within their communities? How despicable is it that these “reformers” would seek out a religious leader to help further their agenda? Even worse, how despicable is it that Moales would sell out his community for the sake of money/power? Moales, are you really naive or stupid enough to buy what these criminals are selling? Or are you aware, and willing to sell out your community to further your own position? How can you look into the faces of your little ones?

By: R.L.

R.L. — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 22:10:00 +0000

That seems to be the strategy behind the whole reform movement, to take the chaos created by policy makers and blame teachers for it. For true education reform we need to take a giant step back. Back to a time before no child left behind was implemented. It was based on a lie and has been the single most destructive force in the demise of education, period.

By: Magister

Magister — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 19:01:00 +0000

Those people are awesome!

By: Querculus

Querculus — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:40:00 +0000

Since it goes up to Malloy, the battle must be statewide. I think the most extreme and legally problematic “reform” activities are going on in Bridgeport. Parents there are more desperate for improvement in their schools (which is indeed needed) and are willing to believe whatever they are promised. I cannot say that I blame these parents for their willingness to support someone who promises positive change, but I am certain that what is being implemented is a disassembly of their city’s public schools as a viable institution. There is chaos in the schools here in opening week, and I bet the Vallas team will take the chaos that they have created and blame it on the teachers and the schools to promote their agenda even further.

By: jonpelto

jonpelto — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 16:12:00 +0000

And today’s top contender for the best reader comment of the day and week! “you would think so, wouldn’t you” omg that is great!

By: George P

George P — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:52:00 +0000

“Have there been any investigations by the State Department of Education or any other authority?” asked Sewall. “You’d think that if there was any substance to the allegations, someone would have looked into them.”
You would think so, wouldn’t you? But since these folks are all cronies of Stefan Pryor there hasn’t been anyone taking a critical look at this bullshit. Jeez, maybe Rick Green would be the major-daily reporter to investigate these allegations?

By: guest

guest — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:15:00 +0000

Yes, but to do battle we need more. Malloy is busy co-opting what little resistance he has acknowledged.

By: Guest

Guest — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:13:00 +0000

Finally there is true, investigative media coverage of the devastating tactics of Adamowski, to augment the dedicated blogging of Jonathan Pelto. A local weekly paper, the Reminder News, has offered real journalism while the large, corporate-backed dailies stick to the propaganda (doesn’t this sound like classic soviet-style disinformation from the Hartford Courant?).
It certainly takes courage to confront the wall of protection around Adamowski–and it is thick. Governors and mayors have gone to prison in Connecticut’s recent (and remote!) past for their abuse of power, but the real power seems to lie elsewhere. Urban superintendents and school administrators are paid much too much–even though they have many more deputies, assistants, and staff than smaller districts. These large staffs offset the size such districts represent, so I say–a pay cut to all the superintendents and school administrators making more than–well, even $150,000 sounds too lavish.
Adamowski basically made twice what the now-jailed mayor Eddie Perez made–but look who’s in prison. No wonder urban mayors, like Finch, want to reconfigure boards of ed–they see all the power and money concentrated there. Well, the money leads to corruption (note where Perez sits now). Adamowski had too much power in Cincinnati and Hartford–and now he is lord and master of Windham and New London.
Investigate him and CUT THAT OBSCENE SALARY!

By: jonpelto

jonpelto — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 15:00:00 +0000

So true! They are amazing people. Smart, dedicated and courageous! And it serves as a great lesson about the impact of parents and teachers standing together!

By: msavage

msavage — Thu, 30 Aug 2012 14:50:00 +0000

The teachers who showed up to engage in these flier distributions deserve a lot of credit. Thank you for being brave enough to stand up for our kids despite the fear that any normal person feels about “going against the flow”–especially where one’s livelihood is concerned.