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eric.hanke
post Jun 8 2009, 09:33 AM
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Since I lost my job last week I have been busy preparing for the upcoming MCAS Board meeting tomorrow night. I plan on speaking on behalf of our Title 1 schools that have seen a dismal number of Title 1 dollars since the opening of the Eastport Early Learning Program and the subsequent decrease of ISTEP scores at the third and fifth grade levels.



These images are examples of the quality presentation I have in the works for tomorrow evening.



Enjoy!



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For most of these, note the substantial drop in grade 3 ISTEP scores. I attribute the improvement in grade 5 scores to the previous high level of remediation dollars spent on those students building good study habits and a foundation during the early years. I would expect the grade 5 scores to begin tapering off/falling this year.



I was shocked at the total amount of Title 1 funds allocated to the Eastport Early Learning Program. Over the last 4 years that program has received almost 1/2 of the total Title 1 funds available.



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veryirishme
post Jun 8 2009, 06:12 PM
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Nice job!!!! I am sure they will enjoy the information!

Sorry about the job loss! Are you okay with everything?



QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Jun 8 2009, 10:33 AM) *

Since I lost my job last week I have been busy preparing for the upcoming MCAS Board meeting tomorrow night. I plan on speaking on behalf of our Title 1 schools that have seen a dismal number of Title 1 dollars since the opening of the Eastport Early Learning Program and the subsequent decrease of ISTEP scores at the third and fifth grade levels.



These images are examples of the quality presentation I have in the works for tomorrow evening.



Enjoy!



IPB Image

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IPB Image

IPB Image



For most of these, note the substantial drop in grade 3 ISTEP scores. I attribute the improvement in grade 5 scores to the previous high level of remediation dollars spent on those students building good study habits and a foundation during the early years. I would expect the grade 5 scores to begin tapering off/falling this year.



I was shocked at the total amount of Title 1 funds allocated to the Eastport Early Learning Program. Over the last 4 years that program has received almost 1/2 of the total Title 1 funds available.

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Yokas
post Jun 8 2009, 06:55 PM
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Very thorough, Eric. Nice job!! The public needs to be aware of just how much administration is hurting our kids, and not making the kids our priority.
I hope to be at the meeting tomorrow to cheer you on.
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Southsider2k12
post Jun 9 2009, 08:49 AM
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Great work Eric. I look forward to hearing the sounds of silence from the Harding Sock Puppets on the board when you hit them with this.
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Michelle
post Jun 9 2009, 08:23 PM
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Great job, Eric!
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eric.hanke
post Jun 9 2009, 09:29 PM
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QUOTE(Michelle @ Jun 9 2009, 09:23 PM) *
Great job, Eric!




Thanks! Here is a link to the presentation in Adobe Reader format.



Enjoy





Title 1 Funding




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veryirishme
post Jun 9 2009, 09:31 PM
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How did the School Board meeting go tonight? Was anyone there?



QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Jun 9 2009, 10:29 PM) *

Thanks! Here is a link to the presentation in Adobe Reader format.



Enjoy





Title 1 Funding


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eric.hanke
post Jun 9 2009, 09:45 PM
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QUOTE(veryirishme @ Jun 9 2009, 10:31 PM) *
How did the School Board meeting go tonight? Was anyone there?




Not much really.



The Board is hell bent on finding out where the AK Smith Career Center capital project funds are which is a good thing.



Mr. Boone, the MCAS CFO, has been asked to have more public "work sessions" by the Board. Mr. Boone thinks that a minimun number of "work sessions" will be required. However, MCAS Board President Kintzele let Mr. Boone know that this year is going to begin a new budget review period by the Board. I am looking forward to see what comes of it.



Mr. Burgwald had requested three agenda items be added to tonight's meeting at the May 26th meeting that did not make it. He was pretty upset that his items were not added and let his discontment be know.



The three items included:



1. A report on the expenditure of funds for the maintenance of the A.K. Smith Center.

2. A vote on the elimination of the position of Career and Technical Coordinator.

3. A new policy for consideration: “No third grade student who does not pass the Language Arts portion of the ISTEP shall be promoted to the fourth grade.”


A few members of the public spoke regarding the girls basketball coach hiring procedure and the lack of trust in the MCAS Administration. No new news there.


5 educators were awarded by Mario Rosa for their involvement in the ENL (English as a National Language) program.



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veryirishme
post Jun 9 2009, 10:36 PM
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Thanks for the summary! I wasn't able to make it tonight. The displaced Knapp teachers had a get together to end the year. I felt that I had to be there. I will be back at school tomorrow to continue the packing...

QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Jun 9 2009, 10:45 PM) *

Not much really.



The Board is hell bent on finding out where the AK Smith Career Center capital project funds are which is a good thing.



Mr. Boone, the MCAS CFO, has been asked to have more public "work sessions" by the Board. Mr. Boone thinks that a minimun number of "work sessions" will be required. However, MCAS Board President Kintzele let Mr. Boone know that this year is going to begin a new budget review period by the Board. I am looking forward to see what comes of it.



Mr. Burgwald had requested three agenda items be added to tonight's meeting at the May 26th meeting that did not make it. He was pretty upset that his items were not added and let his discontment be know.



The three items included:



1. A report on the expenditure of funds for the maintenance of the A.K. Smith Center.

2. A vote on the elimination of the position of Career and Technical Coordinator.

3. A new policy for consideration: “No third grade student who does not pass the Language Arts portion of the ISTEP shall be promoted to the fourth grade.”


A few members of the public spoke regarding the girls basketball coach hiring procedure and the lack of trust in the MCAS Administration. No new news there.


5 educators were awarded by Mario Rosa for their involvement in the ENL (English as a National Language) program.



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Yokas
post Jun 10 2009, 06:00 PM
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QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Jun 9 2009, 10:45 PM) *

Not much really.



The Board is hell bent on finding out where the AK Smith Career Center capital project funds are which is a good thing.



Mr. Boone, the MCAS CFO, has been asked to have more public "work sessions" by the Board. Mr. Boone thinks that a minimun number of "work sessions" will be required. However, MCAS Board President Kintzele let Mr. Boone know that this year is going to begin a new budget review period by the Board. I am looking forward to see what comes of it.



Mr. Burgwald had requested three agenda items be added to tonight's meeting at the May 26th meeting that did not make it. He was pretty upset that his items were not added and let his discontment be know.



The three items included:



1. A report on the expenditure of funds for the maintenance of the A.K. Smith Center.

2. A vote on the elimination of the position of Career and Technical Coordinator.

3. A new policy for consideration: “No third grade student who does not pass the Language Arts portion of the ISTEP shall be promoted to the fourth grade.”


A few members of the public spoke regarding the girls basketball coach hiring procedure and the lack of trust in the MCAS Administration. No new news there.


5 educators were awarded by Mario Rosa for their involvement in the ENL (English as a National Language) program.



So does that mean that Beryle's items will be placed on the next agenda? What was Harding's excuse?
BTW, very nice job, Eric. I'm going to listen to the SB meeting now.
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eric.hanke
post Jun 12 2009, 07:01 AM
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YES!!! It worked. The MCAS Board of School Trustees is having a Public Work Session on Thursday June 18 at 6:30 to discuss Title 1 Funding!



MCAS Work Session Announcement (Adobe PDF)



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Ang
post Jun 17 2009, 09:45 AM
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Good Job Eric!!


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eric.hanke
post Jun 18 2009, 08:54 PM
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Like a broken record the MCAS Administration is diverting 1/3 of the overall Title I budget to the Eastport Early Program.



Additionally, they are proposing a paraprofessional for classroom in grades pre-k through 2.



I am scheduling a meeting with J. Radford and T. Dombkowski.







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Southsider2k12
post Jun 19 2009, 01:59 PM
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QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Jun 18 2009, 09:54 PM) *

Like a broken record the MCAS Administration is diverting 1/3 of the overall Title I budget to the Eastport Early Program.



Additionally, they are proposing a paraprofessional for classroom in grades pre-k through 2.



I am scheduling a meeting with J. Radford and T. Dombkowski.


And just to be clear, the State of Indiana said that was illegal, correct?
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veryirishme
post Jun 19 2009, 11:02 PM
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Let us know how that meeting goes. I would be interested in hearing their reasoning. What do you think of Fast Forward and Read 180?



QUOTE(eric.hanke @ Jun 18 2009, 09:54 PM) *

Like a broken record the MCAS Administration is diverting 1/3 of the overall Title I budget to the Eastport Early Program.



Additionally, they are proposing a paraprofessional for classroom in grades pre-k through 2.



I am scheduling a meeting with J. Radford and T. Dombkowski.

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eric.hanke
post Jun 23 2009, 09:42 AM
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I filed a formal complaing with the Indiana Department of Education today:



http://www.hanke-family.com/Public/Title%201%20Complaint.pdf



Eric M Hanke

11856 West 400 North

Michigan City, IN 46360

June 23, 2009

Lee Ann Kwiatkowski

Director of Title I

Office of Title I Academic Support

Indiana Department of Education

151 West Ohio Street

Indianapolis, IN 46204

Dear Mrs. Kwiatkowski:



In accordance with the September 2008 Title 1 Fiscal Handbook I am formally filing a complaint with the Office of Title 1 Academic Support regarding the use of Title 1 funds by The Michigan City Area Schools (MCAS), Corporation 4925.

My initial complaint began almost 4+ years ago with Brenda Martz and was initiated when the MCAS decided to use 1/3 of the overall Title 1 budget to open an early learning program. It was my understanding as a parent that Title 1 funds could only be used to remediate already enrolled school students. Brenda and I exchange numerous phone calls and e-mail messages during that time period. Unfortunately I have not saved any of those e-mail messages and according to Mrs. Martz she has also deleted those outdated messages from her e-mail.

Since the opening of the Early Learning Program the MCAS has allocated 1/3 to 1/4 of the available annual Title 1 funds toward the early learning program. And as such, our elementary Title 1 schools have reaped the negative benefits of historically lower ISTEP scores for each of our Title 1 schools (see attached documents). These schools also are failing in making AYP and NCLB / PL 221 requirements for schools in improvement.



I have re-opened my dialogue with Mrs. Martz and the US Department of Education. The US Department of Education would not comment on an ongoing investigation and recommended I file a formal complaint with your office. The person I spoke with was with the office of Zollie Stevenson, Jr., Director, Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs, Elementary and Secondary Education, U.S. Department of Education (202) 260-1824.



I would like your office to confirm the following:

1. That the MCAS, Corp 4925, is properly allocating/spending Title 1 dollars.

2. That the MCAS, Corp 4925 is completing, and filing with your office the required quarterly monitoring reports.

3. That the MCAS, Corp 4925 has provided your office with the School and District Parent Involvement Policies.

Additionally, I have requested a meeting with you and Mrs. Martz regarding the ongoing Title 1 issues with the MCAS. Can you provide an update to my meeting request?

I appreciate your time and thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Eric M Hanke

Concerned Parent, MCAS







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Southsider2k12
post Jun 23 2009, 03:49 PM
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This ought to be interesting. Please keep us posted.
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Southsider2k12
post Jun 25 2009, 02:44 PM
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http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?Sectio...amp;TM=45577.89

QUOTE
Schools OK stimulus, Title 1 spending

Craig Davison
For The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The Michigan City Area Schools board by a 6-1 vote Tuesday night approved the administration's plans to spend almost $3.5 million in one-time federal stimulus money and more than $2.3 million in basic Title I funding.

The stimulus money comes from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The district is receiving more than $1.85 million for special education and more than $1.5 million for Title 1 funding.

Jan Radford, MCAS director of K-12 curriculum, said the plan for special education funding would include: about $71,000 for pre-kindergarten education; $1.2 million for contracted services, $810,000 of which will fund the new Fast ForWord program; and $250,000 for a special education bus that is wheelchair accessible.

Radford said the Title 1 stimulus money plan would include purchasing laptops for elementary teachers and literacy coaches, buying instructional materials and funding the Read 180 program, which targets students reading two years below grade level beginning in the fourth grade.

Board member Beryle Burgwald was the lone no vote on both measures and said he has problems with some parts of the plan, like the requirements that some of the money benefit non-public schools in some way, such as the district loaning laptops.

The district's Title 1 Basic Grant for the 2009-2010 school year would spend $2.3 million in areas such as: $745,000 to pre-kindergarten education, $235,000 to professional development and $624,000 to Title 1 schools, said Thomas Dombowski, Title 1 program coordinator.

The Fast ForWord contract, funded by one of the stimulus plans, also was approved later in the meeting.

This computer software would allow students to work for 30 minutes a day in language arts at an individual pace and provide immediate feedback, Radford said. The software, used in districts across the nation, would help improve language arts scores on ISTEP testing, help struggling students catch up and let gifted kids move forward, she said.

Board member Kathryn Lee said Fast ForWord has a strong auditory part since it will help focus on listening skills and improve students struggling with poor auditory diagnosis skills.
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eric.hanke
post Jun 25 2009, 03:57 PM
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QUOTE(southsider2k9 @ Jun 25 2009, 03:44 PM) *




The numbers are incorrect. The early learning program is receiving ~785k and the reading programs are receiving less than the 810. I have a request into the Administration for the top sheet budget page for each school and will post more detail once received. Knowing the MCAS it make take a few days to get the information. They love to drag their feet. If nothing else I will get it from the State Title 1 office after it's submitted on July 1st.



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eric.hanke
post Jul 7 2009, 02:38 PM
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QUOTE
Harding fails to make AYP
This past spring Mr. [School Superintendent Michael] Harding involuntarily transferred all but five teachers from Knapp Elementary School, citing the school's continued failure to make Adequate Yearly Progress. What he did not take into consideration were his own failures!

Superintendent Harding continues to fail the Michigan City Area Schools community, its teachers, parents and, most important, its students. In the fall of 2004 Mr. Harding claimed the MCAS to be a "ship without a rudder." The implication must have been that he would be the rudder and chart a course that would lead to success. Has he done this?

He said he would move to the MCAS community. The school system continues to pay for Mr. Harding's transportation costs to and from Granger, Ind.

On more than one occasion Mr. Harding has made administrative employee recommendations that lacked thorough background checks. Subsequent News-Dispatch articles provided background information on several administrative employees that many people may consider questionable. Did Mr. Harding fail to do his job?

When pushing for the pre-school program, at the expense of elementary students, we heard such comments as "more bang for the buck" and "elementary children will not be left out in the cold."

Presently elementary schools have no Title I teachers working with children. Before Mr. Harding became the rudder there were many Title I teachers working successfully with students every day in elementary classrooms. Students now struggle more than ever. Fewer schools are making AYP and Mullen (now Lake Hills) failed to make AYP for the first time.

Approximately 27 percent of Title I funding goes to elementary schools, mostly for all-day kindergarten and literacy coaches. Harding said he would not leave elementary students "out in the cold" but he has done exactly that. He has developed no new programs that are significantly impacting elementary student progress. One failed program was the budgeted K-4 Chinese program that failed to materialize.

At the most recent school board meeting comparisons were made between pre-school and non pre-school kindergartners for the 2008-2009 school year. Those with pre-school had a mean score approximately 2.5 points higher than their non pre-school counterparts in language arts. The presenter of this information said the difference was significant. Dr. [Board member Jeff] Jones questioned the math scores noting that the non pre-school children had a mean score approximately one point higher than the children with pre-school experience. Dr. Jones was told by the presenter that a one point difference is not statistically significant. Shouldn't we expect pre-school children to at least score higher? "More bang for the buck" lacks documentation!

The Career Center referendum failed according to some because it was too bold. I believe it failed in large part because Mr. Harding failed to articulate to the board and community all that the Career Center could and would be. He promoted $40 million worth of bricks and mortar. Programs, curriculum, teachers and materials were left to the imagination of the community. The referendum failed not because the community lacked imagination but because Harding lacked foresight.

The MCAS fails to provide adequate supplies of textbooks for high school students but it can afford $725,000 for artificial turf at Ames Field. Just like the A.K. Smith Center, Mr. Harding failed to see that Ames Field was properly maintained.

The MCAS will have the new Pine Elementary School opening this fall. Construction began on Lake Hills more than two years ago but Mr. Harding waited a year and a half before addressing elementary redistricting. Did he fail to realize that redistricting is not a cake walk? Consequently redistricting has been put on hold this year and two new state-of-the-art elementary schools will remain almost half empty.

Harding's leadership lacks foresight and a commitment to the MCAS community. If he were to be evaluated by AYP guidelines, he would most likely be involuntarily transferred, out of the MCAS.

Bill Pool

Chesterton




Why is it that everyone can see this except the MCAS Board of School Trustees?



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