Calling out school reward systems

It's a great relief to see this article in Rethinking Schools calling out school reward systems:

In fact, rewards distance all of the relationships in a classroom, especially those between teachers and students. What our students (and we) crave is human connection. Our relationships are the heart of our classrooms. Yet, instead of a conversation, a hand on the shoulder, a word, a look—students are given a token. Like a slot machine: stickers in, correct behavior out.

Arrested Futures: accountability

follow-up from an earlier item
Robarge: chance to review and discuss the report previously. Worcester is really doing a good job, relative to other districts reviewed in report; a lot less school-based arrested. Heartening to see. Don't have uniformed police officers in our schools, not primary arbiters of discipline; when they are, they use means at their disposal, namely, arrests
racial disparities: African-American students arrested out of proportion.
Focus on public order that could be dealt with in a non-criminal manner, rather than through the court
WPD: does seem to be a bit of an open question as to their role; contract or MOU related to that relationship
Excellent as to documentation that relates to that relationship
Biancheria: staff in our schools; decision making process
motion asking for more details on agreement with WPD
new laws around expulsions and suspensions; have yet to receive information (admin was still waiting to hear from state)
O'Connell: summary of where they (WPD) are housed, what their duties are, how they are funded
PBIS: added as there is interest from schools
There does not appear to be a current written MOU between the Worcester Public Schools and the Worcester Police Department about their interaction in the schools: motion to create one if one does not exist

New principal at Burncoat Prep

Superintendent Boone has announced that Deborah Catamero will become principal of Burncoat Preparatory Elementary School effective July 1, 2012. Ms. Catamero is currently interim principal at Clark Street School.
Burncoat Prep's current principal Deborah Frank will, we are told, be taking over as PBIS Coordinator for the district, as that position will be vacant due to a retirement at the end of the school year.

And yes, this means that the principal at this Level 4 school has now been replaced, freeing the way for federal funds. Expect a school committee vote on that sometime in April.