What are your thoughts/ideas/reflections regarding the visit? Please frame your comments by selecting ONE of the following: 1. Describe the impact meeting and watching Principal Bean ‘in action’ had on you related to working with, hiring &/or accommodating staff/teachers with disabilities &/OR educating & creating legally inclusive learning opportunities for students with disabilities?
2. Describe the impact meeting and watching Principal Bean ‘in action’ had on you related to ‘immigrants’ as students under your legal leadership &/OR ‘immigrants’ on your staff/teachers or in hiring?
3. Describe the impact this visitation had on you related to the increasing number of charters schools in education, their legal status outside the confines of collective bargaining and district regulations, &/OR issues of human resources including charter school principals/staff/teachers.
Please be clear, well organized and BRIEF in your comments (maximum of 300 words). PUT YOUR NAME IN ALL CAPS AT THE TOP OF YOUR COMMENT BEFORE POSTING.
[below the comment box, you’ll be asked to ‘Comment as’- just select ‘anonymous’. As your name is in ALL CAPS at the top of your comment, right?]
MOLLY FULTS
ReplyDelete1. As a special education teacher, people with disabilities is near and dear to my heart. Prior to meeting Principal Bean, I had not given much thought to the hiring of staff with disabilities. He had an outwardly visible disability. This made me think that there will be people that I hire that may have a disability that is not so outwardly visible, and will have to be sensitive to that fact in accommodating them. I feel that I will ALWAYS strive to provide inclusive learning opportunities for ALL students and provide the support and training that all staff would need to make this a reality.
2. The impact that Principal Bean's immigrant status had was this: all students, including those that came from other countries or are ELLs, can do anything. It sounds pie in the sky and cliche, but that's what I believe. You can do great things regardless of where you came from or circumstances you have experienced.
3. The increasing numbers of charter schools frightens me a bit. Again, pie in the sky, but I believe public schools and districts have a responsibility to make ALL schools great, and to make good decisions about hiring and firing teachers. Time and energy must be focused on improving ALL schools and staff. Charter schools will not fix our problems.
ERIKA RANES
ReplyDeleteListening to Principal Bean was a great experience and I enjoyed hearing about his past and his rise to a school administrator. I really took interest in hearing about Principal Bean’s past as an immigrant to the United States. At my school and my district, we have many students from various countries speaking an array of languages. At Savanna High School, most of the immigrant population comes from Mexico and Korea. Listening to Principal Bean’s experience made me think that he had an easier time than my students today would. Principal Bean was completely immersed into the American culture and had very few Vietnamese outlets to rely on. In the cities that make up my district, there are areas where the billboards and store names are in Spanish and Korean. The students are not fully immersed as Principal Bean was when he was a student. The students that would be under my legal leadership would need more support because when they leave my campus, they will speak to their friends and family in their native languages and not practice the English that was learned in school. At school, there will need to be a pathway ELL’s can take to be immersed in English, but also not fail their classes. It is a hard balance and one that I struggle with in my sheltered classes. For example, I have many students that understand the content they are learning in class, but when they take a test because they cannot read it, they fail. This is not right. Teachers will have to use various assessments to measure their ELL students’ understanding of the material. I will have to ensure that the ELL students at my school have a lot of support from the staff to help them succeed.
CECIL MALACARNE
ReplyDelete1. Having read the newspaper article before the event, it was certainly not a shock to see Mr. Bean in a wheelchair. He was warm and engaging and the wheelchair seemed to be a non-factor after a few minutes. I found myself looking at him and concentrating on what he was saying not looking at a man in a wheelchair.
I must share a relevant story. While working on credential courses fifteen years ago at UC Riverside there was another student in my class who was blind. He was a very interesting man who had lost his sight after he spent years teaching in a regular education classroom. This man had just begun teaching a class of blind elementary children. We had a number of conversations about the differences he experienced. He had a full time aide in the class with him but he said he was really enjoying teaching his new class ‘but it is just different.’ It really had me thinking about what life would be like if something happened to me. Would I be able to teach? Would the school district still want me to teach? A year later I had a detached retina and for several months had no sight in one eye. This experience really made me think.
Having gone through this process early in my teaching career it led me to believe disabilities can be overcome. I wouldn’t hesitate to hire a qualified staff member in a wheelchair (or with another disability) who meets all requirements for the job opening whether it would be a teacher or another position. It would be a great example to children about what adults with disabilities can achieve.
Visiting Mr. Bean’s school was an excellent experience.
TYLEEN PEREZ
ReplyDeleteMeeting Stefan Bean and listening to him speak about his accomplishments both personally and professionally, was truly inspiring. He is an individual who has triumphed over his disabilities and is now making a difference in the lives of hundreds of students. The fact that his disability did not discourage him or prevent him from achieving success is truly a testament to his strength and character. Watching Mr. Bean in the capacity of the site principal challenges one’s perceptions and personal biases. As educators, we like to believe that we do not make assumptions, nor do we stereotype or judge others; however, that is far from the truth. We all make preconceived judgments about others whether we are aware of it or not. Stefan Bean challenges those assumptions and proves that a person with disabilities can be successful. It is a lesson to remember, as we become administrators, making decisions that affect the lives of the teachers, staff, and students that attend our schools. It is our responsibility to provide accommodations for those working at our sites or attending as students. Whether we are interviewing applicants or working with students or parents with disabilities, we should remember Stefan Bean and his remarkable story and success and the impact he is having on the students attending his school.
DANIELLE VALENCIA
ReplyDelete3. The charter school movement and increasing public support for charter schools had been a source of concern. Visiting the charter school allowed me the opportunity to view the possiblities and success of a charter school. I fear charter schools are still not the cure all media and and political figures make them out to be. In some situations, in some areas, charter schools may offer a desperately sought answer. They do not however address systemwide problems such as educational accountability.
SANDRA PRECIADO-MARTIN
ReplyDeleteI was amazed seeing Principal Ben in action. In all my years as a student I have never had a teacher, counselor or school administrator that has any challenges that would even compare to his. As a department chair for five years I have also interviewed countless teachers throughout the year and had never had a handicap prospect. After the visitation I began to reflect what an absence of this population our field has. We teach our students that anyone armed with an education can succeed in whatever field they choose to use yet we seem not to be hiring this population. After seeing Principal Ben, there is no doubt in my mind that individuals with disabilities are just as qualified to act as administrators in a school. As he stated in our visit, perhaps he needs help reaching something but I do not see the difference between that and me needing help to set up my internet cable in my classroom.
All individuals have challenges, yet we must be aware of the prejudices that we hold in order to avoid limiting individuals with great talents to fulfill their potential. As future school leaders we are in the position to do this.
EFRAIN PANIAGUA
ReplyDelete1. In watching Principal Bean in his position, nothing really struck me as different or unusual. In the seven years I have been teaching, I have worked with numerous students and staff with physical disabilities. Never did I ever think any of them could not participate in classroom activities or physically complete their professional duties. Furthermore, many of the non-disabled students were more willing to help the students with the disabilities rather then their peers. I have never believed people with disabilities could not perform the regular jobs of others. The experience Principal Bean provided, gave further proof people with disabilities are no different from all of us.
2. As a son of immigrants, I strongly believe that many of the first generation and second generation come to this country with a strong will to succeed and do all that is possible for their children. From the beginning of my career I have been committed to working with immigrant populations. Principal Bean’s story is a one for his best selling autobiography. However, his story is one of millions, especially in California. From my perspective, I believe that more second and first generation immigrants are entering the teaching profession. They are bringing a wealth of experience and perspective to the teaching profession. Having staff members that are themselves immigrants, especially in socio-economically disadvantaged areas, help bridge gaps between the school and community.
3. The visitation of the Gateway Aspire School was heartwarming. I grew up five blocks away from the school. I would have loved to attend this school during my elementary years. However, now standing on this side of desk, I find charter schools are rapidly increasing because they are a quick fix to a failing education system. The Gateway Aspire School is a necessary change for the schools in the area. One particular fact that jumped out at me was that many of the teachers at the school had very few years of experience. Having a young staff, you can expect that they are going to work the long hours. In addition, a young staff would also be easier to create and implement change in the school policies and structure.
MICHELLE DOAN
ReplyDelete1) Seeing Principal Bean in action made me realize how rare it is to see a leader in Education with a physical disability. Principal Bean was inspiring as he modeled to us how to overcome and fight against hardships in our lives. Everyone has a weakness, some are hidden and others are physically shown constantly. Principal Bean was able to model to us as future leaders how to have a relentless passion and to fight against odds to impact Education. I hope he leads the way for other people with physical disabilities to enter into education.
NICOLE WALLEVAND
ReplyDeleteAfter meeting Principal Bean and following him around the school, I found myself wanting to open the doors for him. I know he does it everyday without my help, but I couldn't halt my desire to want to do so. I don't feel the need to open doors for other principals, so why him? Do I have a deep seeded prejudice or was I just trying to be courteous? I would tend to think the latter. Throughout the discussion with Principal Bean, I learned about his experience in, and knowledge of education. There was no doubt he is capable at effectively running a school, but I had to continually tell myself to let him get the door. The more time I spent with Principal Bean the less it was an issue for me. This was my issue. He obviously did not have a problem with it.
I have known a few people with physical disabilities throughout my educational career. Everyone has the right to pursue goals and dreams. We all have limitations, some more visible than others, and what is important is how we overcome them. As a future administrator, it would not stop me from hiring an effective teacher just because they had a physical disability. It would be valuable for me to reflect on any possible prejudices I may have, and remain certain that any decisions made, abide by educational goals. After all, goals in education are, for students to learn and become contributing citizens to society. If an educator is successful in reaching these goals, the disability doesn’t matter.
PAUL RENAKER
ReplyDeleteI believe I can honestly say, even before meeting Principal Bean, I would not have thought it impossible for a handicapped person to an effective school leader. Mobility issues should not be a hindrance, provided there is pro-active planning and forethought about access at the school site. All schools are supposed to handicapped accessible by law, including handicapped bathroom facilities. Not all principal’s offices and restrooms are handicapped accessible though. Chairlifts to allow the principal to address a large audience from the stage might be a consideration too. More importantly, teachers would have to be supportive by designing their room layout so a principal’s visit is not limited to one section of the class.
Besides layout and access, the only other potential problem would be perception, a problem for many principals on a daily basis. Principals of different races, religions, sexual orientation, and physically distinctive are required to overcome negative perceptions, biases, and prejudices which are well-established within the community, or among different groups of parents. Effective leaders let their words and actions speak for who they are as a person, and they are patient to let the school community adjust and accept them as their educational leader based on their practices and successes. A good principal is a good principal despite any handicaps, personal or situational. Personal integrity, professional skills, creative thinking, and desire are the attributes of effective leaders.
I couldn’t help thinking that it’s disappointing that people would think someone such as Principal Bean wouldn’t be qualified. We can be so focused on visually apparent disabilities, when many future leaders are plagued by handicaps we can’t see, and will never know about until there is a problem, yet will be much more of a hindrance to their leadership abilities than Mr. Bean’s were to him.
SCOTT TURNER
ReplyDelete3. Although I was unable to visit this charter school, I was able to see Waiting For “Superman” this weekend. After our discussions in class regarding the Oprah show, I was nervous about how the film might display the work (or the lack thereof) educators do. I found the film to be extremely eye-opening regarding the problems that the education system faces. Most of all, I left the film feeling inspired to make a difference. The film spotlighted the work of Geoffrey Canada in the Harlem Success Academies (charter schools). While describing the successes of the charter school it really showed how detrimental the confines of collective bargaining and district regulations can be to the education of students. Although I agree that charter schools are not the cure all to the problems education faces, the successes that some charter schools are experiencing through effective leadership and teacher evaluation are definitely steps in the right direction.
For those who have not seen the movie, please do!
MATTHEW FOX
ReplyDeleteThough I was not able to make it to the meeting with Principal Bean, I am definitely inclined to voice my opinion on working with teachers with disabilities and creating a welcoming environment for students with disabilities. I view people with disabilities no differently than I do people without disabilities, in that I believe that all people are capable of maximizing their potential. Though not all will succeed to the same degree, all should be given a chance to.
I would not hesitate for one second to hire anyone on as a member of staff who was disabled provided that they could do the job properly. According to the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act, 1990), if you have a disability and are qualified to do a job, the ADA protects you from job discrimination because of your disability. There is a custodian on our campus who has a disability that hinders him from walking properly, but he is also a very hardworking individual and gets the job done. He is an example of someone who, despite having a disability, he is able to perform to the level that is required for the job.
In three of the past four years I have worked at Troy, I have had a collaborative class that included mid to high performing SDC students and a special education teacher. I have very fond memories of those classes, because the mainstream students make the SDC students feel welcome, the SDC students try very hard and want to succeed, and I greatly enjoy talking with them whether it is during discussion or after class. Their work may not be at the same level as most of the mainstream students, the fact that they were a part of my class and they were a given a chance to take on mainstream level concepts makes it very worthwhile in my eyes.
ARLEEN BATES
ReplyDelete1. I had the opportunity to converse with Principal Bean before his presentation began, and I appreciated how welcoming and ready he was to share his story. I did not "see" him in his wheelchair as we spoke, I was interested in what he had to say about the impact his school is making in the South Gate community. I did not see his wheelchair because I am exposed to students with disabilities every day. One of the programs I oversee is located in a Special Education school. My students are not disabled but the students we share the school site are. I have the opportunity to be around them often and get to know them for the individuals they are, it allows me to see person,not the disability. We talk to our little ones about the "big kids" and they see the "big kids". They do not see their wheelcairs, their walkers or feeding tubes, they see their friends who come into their classroom to read and play with them. As a future administrator I want to maintain an open mind, I want to see the individual and what they offer, not their disability.
NADIA FOX
ReplyDeleteHaving spent almost a year on crutches and a wheelchair after a severe injury to my foot, I remember the frustration and the extra planning even the simplest tasks often required. Wondering if I would ever regain full use of my foot again was an experience that strengthened me as an individual and reminded me of my own vulnerabilities. Prior to this, I never really understood how to behave around people with limitations and disabilities. After enduring pitiful stares and rude behavior from strangers who assumed I was a paraplegic, I realized I wanted to be treated with some respect and would have much preferred a friendly smile than a quick turn of the head or awkward gaze.
When Principal Bean explained how he had only come across one teacher in a wheelchair other than himself in all his years in education, it reminded me how unfriendly the world of education is toward educators with special needs. Principal Bean was eloquent, full of confidence and appeared to be very competent and passionate about his profession. If he had not realized his own potential and if others in the education community had not acknowledged his skills and strengths regardless of his ability to walk, his charter school would have lost a very formidable leader. As an educational leader, my goal will always be to hire teachers who are competent and extremely passionate about their roles, and if this group happens to be ethnically, religiously, physically, and sexually diverse, this added diversity will serve to strengthen the learning experiences of both students and staff members, alike. By understanding the rights of the individual and by accommodating the needs of employees in reasonable and legal manners, higher morale flourishes in the workplace and consequently, it produces more effective and loyal staff members.
BILL MCCONNELL
ReplyDeleteI have varied opinions about charter schools, though most are negative. Charters have challenged public education goals; they incorporate non-standard teaching practices; they try to break the stranglehold of collective bargaining on education, all of which are lofty goals.
The term “Charter School” is a rallying flag toted by high profile celebrities and influential non-educational professionals who view public schools as the cancer of modern education and the charter school as the private sector’s lucrative curative for the educational ailment. Unfortunately, charter schools are more like chemotherapy and radiation: combined, they produce some successful results, but all they really do is push a problem farther down the road for others to handle.
The promoters of charter schools have agendas portraying charters as solving the education conundrum through magical teaching powers.
Charters do no more to help all students than their public counterparts. People speak as if charters are the best schools, but they are not; otherwise, everyone would attend one.
If Charter schools continue to grow in numbers, they will become just as the schools they publically purport are lacking in success. Also, charters cannot continue to show success without high quality students. As they become more numerous, lotteries will likely become popular methods to attract the best students (a luxury that public schools lack) because it is only a matter of time before some charter schools are deemed better than others. And not to jump on the slippery slope angle here, but if charters become classified into high and low performing schools, what’s to replace them? Do we revert back to public schools again?
Charters have successes, I don’t argue that. Only, when everyone eventually wants to attend Green Dot Schools, or Options for youth, all we really have is public education being farmed out to the cheapest bidder.
For some reason I do not see my original blog? So here it is again. Describe the impact this visitation had on you related to the increasing number of charters schools in education, their legal status outside the confines of collective bargaining and district regulations &/OR issues of human resources including charter school principals/staff/teachers. Charter schools from my viewpoint are primary or secondary schools that receive public money (and like other schools, may also receive private donations) but are not subject to some of the rules, regulations, and statutes that apply to other public schools in exchange for some type of accountability for producing certain results, which are set forth in each school's charter. I think that every school should be a charter school. I enjoy having the protection of a teachers union, but protecting bad teachers from losing their jobs because their tenured is ridiculous. In the business world or every job outside of teaching if you are not performing to standard you are replaced. So in not having tenure in charter schools I love the fact that teachers are continually earning their position. They are motivated more to analysis student data, differentiate instruction, and go out of their way to meet the needs of all students. Also, I like the fact that charter schools seem to have a specialty or interest much like a magnet school to attract students. In visiting a charter school I would have no problem becoming an administrator or teacher at a charter school.
ReplyDelete