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City by the Lake.org, The Voice of Michigan City, Indiana _ City Talk _ MCAS Title 1 Funding
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 8 2009, 09:33 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!
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.
Posted by: veryirishme Jun 8 2009, 06:12 PM
Nice job!!!! I am sure they will enjoy the information!
Sorry about the job loss! Are you okay with everything?
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!
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.
Posted by: Yokas Jun 8 2009, 06:55 PM
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.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jun 9 2009, 08:49 AM
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.
Posted by: Michelle Jun 9 2009, 08:23 PM
Great job, Eric!
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 9 2009, 09:29 PM
Thanks! Here is a link to the presentation in Adobe Reader format.
Enjoy
http://www.hanke-family.com/Public/A%20Parent%27s%20Perspective%20-%20Title%201%20Funding.pdf
Posted by: veryirishme Jun 9 2009, 09:31 PM
How did the School Board meeting go tonight? Was anyone there?
Thanks! Here is a link to the presentation in Adobe Reader format.
Enjoy
http://www.hanke-family.com/Public/A%20Parent%27s%20Perspective%20-%20Title%201%20Funding.pdf
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 9 2009, 09:45 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:
Posted by: veryirishme Jun 9 2009, 10:36 PM
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...
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:
Posted by: Yokas Jun 10 2009, 06:00 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:
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.
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 12 2009, 07:01 AM
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!
http://mcasnow.mcas.k12.in.us:81/school-board/board-work-sessions/WORK%20SESSION%20NOTICE%20June%2018%2C%202009.pdf
Posted by: Ang Jun 17 2009, 09:45 AM
Good Job Eric!!
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 18 2009, 08:54 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.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jun 19 2009, 01:59 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?
Posted by: veryirishme Jun 19 2009, 11:02 PM
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?
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.
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 23 2009, 09:42 AM
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
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jun 23 2009, 03:49 PM
This ought to be interesting. Please keep us posted.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jun 25 2009, 02:44 PM
http://thenewsdispatch.com/main.asp?SectionID=1&SubSectionID=1&ArticleID=24160&TM=45577.89
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.
Posted by: eric.hanke Jun 25 2009, 03:57 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.
Posted by: eric.hanke Jul 7 2009, 02:38 PM
QUOTEHarding 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?
Posted by: eric.hanke Jul 7 2009, 02:42 PM
I received an initial reply and an update from Lee Ann Kwiatkowski on July 1st. I have not heard back since and sent her a little poke e-mail today.
Posted by: Yokas Jul 7 2009, 03:27 PM
Why is it that everyone can see this except the MCAS Board of School Trustees?
As usual, Bill Pool wrote an excellent "on-point" letter. I don't quite agree with your last statement, Eric, b/c I think that the direction of the Board has changed since the new Board members were elected. For one, teachers got a contract, after almost 3 years. Two, the Board-appointed attorney is about to change. This will mean that grievances (from all 3 unions) will once again be addressed. Three, consistent 4-3 votes are going against Harding. Four, the Board has ordered Harding and his administration to "meaningfully discuss" issues that arise from the 3 unions. Some limited progress has emerged from that directive. Five, a lot of pressure is being put on Harding to be accountable for his fiscal and nonfiscal decisions.
While this isn't chopped liver, I think that it reflects a shift in Board thinking that I hope continues. Mr. Harding needs to be gone.
BTW, nice work with the Title I. Keep it up.
Posted by: eric.hanke Jul 8 2009, 10:22 PM
Received the below from Lee Ann tonight:
And here is my reply:QUOTEOn Wed, Jul 8, 2009 at 8:39 PM, Lee Ann Kwiatkowski <lkwiat@doe.in.gov> wrote:
Eric,The district has submitted a few of the updated parent policies but has not sent the documentation which informed and encouraged parents to participate in discussions. We are still waiting for the rest of the school policies as well as the district policy. We asked for some additional information. I have not been in the office as I am providing training for some of our schools. I do not have my folder at home to list the other documents in which we requested. Additionally, I have not seen the preschool study. Programs funded out of Title I must be evaluated for effectiveness. I will request a copy of the study.
We have not approved the ARRA application or the Title I Basic Application.
I am meeting with Brenda and Teresa on Friday and we will discuss next steps. Last year I had discussions with the district staff regarding providing direct support for students in the Title I served schools.
Do you have children that attend one of the schools? I would be very happy to meet with you. Would you like to begin with a phone conference? I would not want you to make a long trip for one meeting.
Thanks,
Lee Ann
QUOTELee Ann,
Three of my children attend Pine Elementary School (School 6829). For the 2009-2010 school year I will have a child in forth, third, and kindergarten. My oldest who attended Pine from kindergarten through 5th has moved to Barker Middle School to continue in 6th grade. I also have a niece, my brother's daughter, who will be in third grade at Pine. My family represents over 1% of the student body at Pine.
According to the Indiana Department of Education website you can see that the 3rd grade ISTEP scores have plummeted since the diversion of Title 1 funds to the early learning program. This was also depicted graphically in the previous packet of information I e-mailed you. The E/LA score has fallen 27 points since 2006-2007. These lower scores are indicative of all the Title 1 schools.
Additionally, the early learning study presentation I saw at the last MCAS Board of Schools Trustees meeting, which had to be "approved" by Supt Harding before the board/public could see it, stated that the early learning program only provided 1 and 2 point gains in whatever test the MCAS used to justify the continuation of the program. These marginal gains were called "significant" and "above and beyond" while our Title 1 schools have seen double digit loses in their ISTEP scores and almost all of our Elementary schools are on the national "improvement" list for not making AYP multiple years. It is also work noting that the study was completed by a early learning supporter and was biased accordingly.
Little or no direct support is provided to our Title 1 schools. And if it is, the funding for direct support is shadowed by the allocation of 1/4 of the total Title 1 funds to the early learning program. You should of also received a couple of pie charts depicting the reversal of "direct to school" funding following the opening of the early learning program.
I am more than available and open for a conference call with you or anyone from your staff. I was recently laid off from work and have a pretty open schedule. If you would like to provide a few date/time combinations convenient to you and the required personnel I can be available.
I sincerely appreciate your time and the time of your staff. Contrary to the MCAS Administration you and your staff actually reply to e-mail messages and provide information in a timely manner. Your efforts do not go without my deepest thanks.
I firmly believe you and your staff and the best interest of "all" children.
Sincerely,
Eric Hanke
Concerned Title 1 Parent
I will keep everyone updated.
Posted by: Yokas Jul 9 2009, 09:01 AM
Received the below from Lee Ann tonight:
And here is my reply:
I will keep everyone updated.
Good show Eric! It appears that you are making significant head-way. Thanks for keeping us posted. I'm very interested in this entire Title I issue. It was so unfair to our kids.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jul 10 2009, 02:47 PM
Here's the thing... In the long run, I would bet that the Early Learning Center would be more productive to MCs kids. One of MCs biggest problems is that there is a large percentage of our population that comes into our school system without even the most basic skills that you need to even start Kindergarten. When my kids were going to Baby Talk, the leader of the group said that one in five kids in MC gets to start school without knowing how a book works... To be clear, I am not talking about how to read, I am talking about which part is the front of the book, which side is up, starting at the left side, etc. These are the kids starting in our school system. Of course as a system our administration compounds this problem by socially promoting these same kids who aren't ready, year after year, until they are in 9th grade and have to earn credits by Indiana law, and are reading at a level YEARS behind where they should be. The programs at the elementary level have value, but many kids are lost by the time they get to third grade, because they still can't read at a first grade level.
The problem is the geniuses at the MCAS instead of actually doing this correctly, committed an illegal act by taking the money to fund Early Learning Center from somewhere that they are not allowed to take it from., and now they are hurting other kids who didn't have the advantage of the ELC.
We really do need to figure out how to reach kids as soon as possible, we just can't do something that isn't legal to do it. Imagine that.
Posted by: IndyTransplant Jul 14 2009, 06:27 AM
I just heard that Eric Hanke is going to be the co-host on WIMS Wednesday morning. Cool!
We will be listening Eric.
Posted by: Yokas Jul 14 2009, 09:00 AM
Here's the thing... In the long run, I would bet that the Early Learning Center would be more productive to MCs kids. One of MCs biggest problems is that there is a large percentage of our population that comes into our school system without even the most basic skills that you need to even start Kindergarten. When my kids were going to Baby Talk, the leader of the group said that one in five kids in MC gets to start school without knowing how a book works... To be clear, I am not talking about how to read, I am talking about which part is the front of the book, which side is up, starting at the left side, etc. These are the kids starting in our school system. Of course as a system our administration compounds this problem by socially promoting these same kids who aren't ready, year after year, until they are in 9th grade and have to earn credits by Indiana law, and are reading at a level YEARS behind where they should be. The programs at the elementary level have value, but many kids are lost by the time they get to third grade, because they still can't read at a first grade level.
The problem is the geniuses at the MCAS instead of actually doing this correctly, committed an illegal act by taking the money to fund Early Learning Center from somewhere that they are not allowed to take it from., and now they are hurting other kids who didn't have the advantage of the ELC.
We really do need to figure out how to reach kids as soon as possible, we just can't do something that isn't legal to do it. Imagine that.
You are absolutely right. And I want to add that Head Start has also shown us that early learning is not enough. Headstart and ELC do put the kids ahead and they are more successful. But by third grade that lead levels off. Why? Parent involvement.
Posted by: southsider2k9 Jul 14 2009, 09:36 AM
You are absolutely right. And I want to add that Head Start has also shown us that early learning is not enough. Headstart and ELC do put the kids ahead and they are more successful. But by third grade that lead levels off. Why? Parent involvement.
I wonder if it is because of the current testing enviornment being the way that it is, teachers have to slow their classroom to cater to the bottom of the class, and those that were ahead, can't advance anymore.
Posted by: HIaloha Jul 16 2009, 11:31 AM
thanks for all this information (and WORK!!) 
i'm going to check out your presentations. also wondered about the graphics in the first posts? i'm not seeing them -- just says photobucket?
Posted by: eric.hanke Jul 29 2009, 12:22 PM
Received the below update from Brenda Martz:
QUOTE
Eric,
Lee Ann, Teresa and myself have met to discuss the documentation that Michigan City Area Schools submitted in response to our questions concerning their Title I programming and expenditures. The Michigan City Area Schools CORE Study of Preschool Outcomes was submitted and we are asking someone who is experienced in statistical analyses at the IDOE to read and analyze it’s reliability. Documentation was submitted to explain the selection process for the preschool. We are asking for additional information (i.e., the cut scores used to determine student eligibility, the numbers of students that did and didn’t qualify and the rubric used to determine eligibility). Evidence was provided to show parent involvement in the revision of the parent involvement policies and compacts ( meeting minutes, agendas, newsletters). Parent involvement polices and compacts from Lake Hills, Niemann, Pine, Marsh, and Edgewood were submitted.
We would like to set up a conference call with you on Monday, August 17th at 8:30 a.m. to discuss our findings and your concerns. Please let me know if this is a convenient time for you. Also, please provide the phone number where you can be reached.
Thank you,
Brenda
Brenda Martz
Title I Specialist
Differentiated Learners Division
Indiana Department of Education
151 W. Ohio St.
Indpls., IN 46204
Tel: 317.232.0540
Fax: 317.233.6502
Toll Free: 877.418.7240
My apologies for the broken Photobucket links. Since my employment status changed I decided not to pay the annual renewal for my Photobucket account. While that does not remove or hinder my images the direct linking feature is disabled.
The direct link to the Title 1 portion of my Photobucket library is below:
http://s249.photobucket.com/albums/gg227/EQ2Untouchables/Hanke%20Family/CBTL/Title%20I/
I did send a reply back to Brenda asking for the additional documentation submitted by The MCAS. Brenda is good about scanning and e-mailing me support documentation. Once received I will post for everyone.
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