Gist Approves Central Falls Turnaround Model, Teacher Layoffs Ok'd

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Rhode Island Education Commissioner Deborah Gist has approved a school district's plan to fire all its teachers. Central Falls Superintendent Fran Gallo has proposed laying off all teachers at Central Falls High School as part of a "turnaround" model for the school.

...snip...

The turnaround model requires a new principal, expanded learning time, staff screenings and teacher layoffs. Under the proposal, the district can rehire no more than 50 percent of those fired. The plan also calls for better use of instructional data, community-oriented services and support for students.

"I have carefully reviewed Superintendent Gallo's proposal to use the turnaround model to reform Central Falls High School," said Commissioner Gist. "I am confident that Superintendent Gallo and her team of stakeholders examined the programs, leadership, personnel supports and infrastructure at Central Falls High School in reaching their decision."



http://www.abc6.com/news/85046752.html


Well... I guess we'll find out how much of a "turnaround" such a plan gives you. I can't imagine how much students will learn over the coming few months in this environment.

What shoddy journalism. Fire that reporter!!

THE TEACHERS' SIDE: Central Falls Teachers Speak out on Layoffs

Jane Sessums, the Central Falls Teachers Union President addressed a crowd in the town in protest of proposed mass layoffs of high school teachers.

http://www.abc6.com/news/85092332.html


Expecting 15 buses of Teamsters to show up in support.

The board voted to approve the decision.

It may be procedural, perhaps even required, but it struck me as overly harsh that they read out the names of each teacher as they fired them.

:mad:

OTOH, the head of the local union isn't exactly an impressive figure herself.

That commissioner was just spewing talking points.

One pulled on the heart strings of "for the children" and the other working on "these are good people"

But my point wasn't that she was more or less credible... she sounded less credible. The recent teenager sounded better (regardless of content). I tried to discount bias for the accent, but confess that it could have played a role.

The CNN "reporter" was almost out for blood, but he did a much better job than the others have.


http://www.cnn.com/2010/US/02/24/rhode.island.teachers/?hpt=T2

What a surprise

http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode_island/articles/2010/02/24/duncan_applauds_move_to_fire_entire_ri_school/