What is the cause and the effect of the turnover in school administrators?

[Robo]

Westford's strong MCAS scores indicate the socioeconomic status and overall high value placed on education in Westford households. Studies have shown these factors more strongly influence academic performance, as does students coming from homes where they are exposed to more than one language (another Westford trait). Also, last time I checked the local Kumon centers are VERY busy, filled with Westford students whose well-educated parents have become disgusted at the quality and depth of the elementary math program in particular. I guess if we want more concrete data on what influences Westford's MCAS scores, we should start looking at the number of outside tutoring programs, educational supplementation, and home instruction currently being done to assuage the damage of Everyday Math.

Despite the ridiculous assertions of the few, the existence of a community center is most likely NOT the main reason people choose to move to Westford. I'm guessing it has far more to do with the reputation of the schools, and a relatively low crime rate.

Agreed. There have been numerous studies that show that the single most important ingredient to a successful school system is parental involvement. The administrators would have you believe all the credit belongs to them.

[Robo]

Another parent stated that Blanchard School Principal Jessica Huizenga has accepted a Middle School principal position in Georgetown which differs from the release Supt. Olsen put out about her going to pursure her doctoral degree. This parent thought she was doing a great job at Blanchard which has won many awards for being one of the top middle schools in the state.

[WA Mom]

Here is a link to an announcement of Jessica Huizenga's "acceptance" of her new job in Georgetown. I wonder why Mr. Olsen would not have told the parents the truth about Jessica's future plans?http://www.georgetown.k12.ma.us/Supe...8/Default.aspx

[apastore]

It seems Jessica Huizenga has since declined this position. I do hope all is well with Ms Huizenga and her family.
http://www.georgetown.k12.ma.us/Supe...9/Default.aspx

[Robo]

Here is a link to an announcement of Jessica Huizenga's "acceptance" of her new job in Georgetown. I wonder why Mr. Olsen would not have told the parents the truth about Jessica's future plans?http://www.georgetown.k12.ma.us/Supe...8/Default.aspx

I wonder that myself? There certainly is a lot of spin that comes out of his office and this is just another example of it.

[Tony1941]

I wonder that myself? There certainly is a lot of spin that comes out of his office and this is just another example of it.

The following is the statement by the Georgetown Supt.

Middle School Search Reopens
Posted by: Carol on 6/14/2010
Good evening Georgetown families,

I am writing to let you know that our Middle School Principal candidate is not coming after all. I spoke with her on Friday of last week and she has some personal issues which are not going to allow her to accept the position. I want to assure you that this has nothing to do with Georgetown. In fact, she has told me many times that she felt that Georgetown was an excellent match for her skills and every time she visited or attended something here she realized that it would be an amazing place to work. For her own reasons, she feels that she can not make the commitment we need and so she has withdrawn her name.

.....

It would appear to me that any spinning Mr. Olsen did was to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.
Maybe in the future, Mr Olsen should use "he/she left to pursue other opportunities."

[Tony1941]

Agreed. There have been numerous studies that show that the single most important ingredient to a successful school system is parental involvement. The administrators would have you believe all the credit belongs to them.

Interesting the studies that I reviewed indicate that the socioeconomic make up of the student body is the most significant factor in school achievement. Parental involvement usually leads to playing to the crowds actions by the administrators and negatively impacts the educational programs.

[Robo]

The following is the statement by the Georgetown Supt.

Middle School Search Reopens
Posted by: Carol on 6/14/2010
Good evening Georgetown families,

I am writing to let you know that our Middle School Principal candidate is not coming after all. I spoke with her on Friday of last week and she has some personal issues which are not going to allow her to accept the position. I want to assure you that this has nothing to do with Georgetown. In fact, she has told me many times that she felt that Georgetown was an excellent match for her skills and every time she visited or attended something here she realized that it would be an amazing place to work. For her own reasons, she feels that she can not make the commitment we need and so she has withdrawn her name.

.....

It would appear to me that any spinning Mr. Olsen did was to protect the privacy of the individual concerned.
Maybe in the future, Mr Olsen should use "he/she left to pursue other opportunities."

Although the news that Ms. Huizenga has decided to change her mind on accepting the Georgetown position is surprising; it doesn't explain why Mr. Olsen stated that her reason for leaving was to pursue her doctoral degree. Clearly at the time Mr. Olsen gave that statement, Ms. Huizenga had given notice that she was accepting the Georgetown position. Ms. Huizenga's withdrawal came one week after her acceptance and Mr. Olsen's statement. The question is why did Mr. Olsen claim Ms. Huizenga was leaving to pursue her doctorate when he knew she had accepted the Georgetown position? I don't see how Mr. Olsen was protecting Ms. Huizenga's privacy by misleading the public about her departure.

[Robo]

Interesting the studies that I reviewed indicate that the socioeconomic make up of the student body is the most significant factor in school achievement. Parental involvement usually leads to playing to the crowds actions by the administrators and negatively impacts the educational programs.

See http://www.sdcoe.net/lret2/family/pia.html for example, which states (in part)



"The evidence is now beyond dispute:
When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. In fact, the most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student's family is able to:

1. Create a home environment that encourages learning;
2. Express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers;
3. Become involved in their children's education at school and in the community (1:1). "

[Tony1941]

"The evidence is now beyond dispute:
When schools work together with families to support learning, children tend to succeed not just in school, but throughout life. In fact, the most accurate predictor of a student's achievement in school is not income or social status, but the extent to which that student's family is able to:

1. Create a home environment that encourages learning;
2. Express high (but not unrealistic) expectations for their children's achievement and future careers;
3. Become involved in their children's education at school and in the community (1:1). "

The link you posted leads to a the web site of the San Diego Office of Education, a source which I believe to have a credibility problem.

Since politics and K-12 education are local, do a bit of data collection on Westford from 1971 to 1980, PSATs, SATs, socio economic status, nationality, etc and compare with 2001 to 2010 data.
You will note that the major factors have been median family income, educational level of parents and nationality (Indian, Chinese and Pakistani students) that have led to large increases in test scores and quality of colleges which accepted WA students.