Updated October 16, 2007
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More about the Guidance Guy
October 16, 2007
***
FREE 30 DAY JOY AND HAPPINESS COURSE
Visit www.NoMoreHoldingBack.com
October 16, 2007
**
PARENT STILL WANTS TO KNOW HOW TO ORGANIZE
(Note: this is a follow up to the previous letter at this column)
Dear Larry,
Glad you gave the question some attention, but was disappointed with the same
'ole stale and ineffective answer to the real problem of students not having
the benefit of checks and balances over the programs that govern them in their
daily lives. Your previous idea to form a parent's organization was the one I
was after. That same suggestion was pushed by a school official here (one, like
many, who sees the need), but I've yet to find an effective way to gather together
the forces efficiently. The "stay connected" way just doesn't get it.
I'm as connected and mainstream as the average mom. I work in the Guidance
and Attendance office at my school weekly. I have worked with youth and their parents
in leadership positions within church, scouts, sports, and school programs
for the entire ten years I have lived in this community. I have a school official
on my resume as a reference. I am known for my letters of praise for teachers who
do a great job, letters that are escalated to the top as habit. The superintendent
of our schools refers to me as someone with real insight when it comes to
understanding most teachers/administrators are good, while at the same time
striving for real checks and balances to handle the truly bad ones who
influence their school system negatively. PTA certainly does not serve that role,
and yes, I have supported the PTA annually with volunteer hours and membership
funds like most moms in our area.
The same 'ole "stay connected" answer does not begin to address the lack of
healthy oversight needed. Our school system has been in the papers repeatedly
(without my help--my boys both have had articles written about
their accomplishments, but other than that I've had little to do with the way
things are handled here). In our district we have had highly reputable coaches fired
as scapegoats to hide the lack of fiscal responsibility from school
administrators--the truth eventually came out with the help of a few parents
and a dedicated reporter but not until after these dedicated coaches and their
families were harmed and humiliated in the process.
We have been the laughingstock of the nation when our school board railroaded
the teachers into two programs they nor the parents wanted. Again, a few parents
and the same reporter stepped in--one program was stopped before it
cost us billions; the truth of the other did not come in time. That program went
through as planned, only to have to be undone when better heads prevailed--
and again we were the talk of the nation. And most recently, we had a senator
push through a bill that slapped the hands of our Ethics Board and an
administrator who helped a student who was mistreated by a teacher. It will be
years before we are able to address the overall outcome of that decision
to once again bulldoze any entity that attempts to provide checks and balances.
We currently have a teacher in our system who has manhandled and verbally
abused children for years and a subsequent parent who is trying to push policy
that will provide the same help hotline for this type of abuse as is provided
for abuse by parents or students. She and the students could sure use a
parent organization behind her.
No system works well without checks and balances. What I was probing was
the logistics of forming something useful at the local level. This is a goal
shared by many, including those of us (parents, teachers, school officials,
etc.) who are in the mainstream. I would still be interested in seeing that
question probed for an effective answer.
Thank you,
Susan
*** *** ***
Dear Susan,
I appreciate what you are saying, but someone who seems as dialed in to what
is going on in your district shouldn't have as much of a challenge organizing as
you seem to. And I'll say it again...it is much easier to work within the system
than to be a group that agitates from the outside. Forming a group will give you
a big voice but not much real power.
So I'll try and answer your original question one more time. If you are
as connected to and respected in the community as you seem to be, what
is stopping you from making some contacts with those you do know and having it
spread out like the branches of a tree? In communities like the one you're
describing, two who get two who get two make for the strongest organizations.
Labor intensive, yes; but is it worth the effort? You seem to have the energy
for it!
I do not have any special knowledge on the subject you're asking about. There could
be some national or state advocacy groups that have similar agendas to yours. It
might be worth an online search with some key words such as "education,"
"advocacy group," and the name of your state that will help you find such
an organization. Try other key words that seem to reflect what you're looking for.
I also have one idea you might find crazy: run for a spot on your local Board
of Education. I do know of a district that has a Board of Ed member who butts
heads repeatedly with her colleagues and school administration. She's unlikely
to win any popularity contests but she has been a huge help in making changes
to the oversight and fiscal policies of her district. She's also been re-elected twice.
Bottom line, Susan: the checks and balances you seek are built into the system.
Some stakeholders manipulate them better than others, but they still exist. Use
your passion, energy and intelligence to find them.
Best of Luck,
Larry Hochman
The Guidance Guy
October 9, 2007
***
ORGANIZING PARENTS TO ADDRESS SCHOOL PROBLEMS
Dear Guidance Guy,
You responded to a parent's problem by asking her whether she was willing
to organize a parent's group to address the problem. How do you do that? We don't
have class lists with contact information for other parents. We do have teenagers
who wouldn't think of giving out private info on classmates or dream of having
"mom" contact anyone. We don't have responsive administrators (they
blindly support the teacher in all matters), school board members (some of our
school board members blatantly show their hatred for parents), or an
effective superintendent or ethics board.
All the facts in the world will only count if we go to the press. That's the only
time change is even considered. So we suffer through and horrible teachers keep
getting paid the same as great ones while our elected officials keep supplying
these bad apples with more and more power. Parents are left with nothing but the press.
How do you organize? PTA/PTSA are fund raising bureaucracies; they are so
not interested in student problems. Rate My Teachers is great, but we still need a
way to contact one another and go in numbers to address real problems.
Susan
*** *** ***
Dear Susan,
Your letter makes a lot of assumptions about how your school and its Parent
Teacher Association functions. While there may be a lot of truth to what your
saying it's also true that holding these opinions is going to make it difficult
for you to see anything else. Going to the press may bring attention to
whatever problems you're experiencing, but it automatically creates an
adversarial situation between you and others.
I'll answer your question first. There are lots of ways to make informal contacts
that can become more structured when the time is right. If you have some
specific concerns that people can rally around the old "two who get two, who
get two," etc. can become a significant number pretty quickly. That's one way to
get recognition. Sporting events, clubs, even PTA meetings are ways to
network and find like minded parents. Of course this means you will need to
work within the mainstream school activities to get this started.
Now...without knowing the circumstances of the issues you're experiencing, I find
it hard to believe there are no ways to positively affect the quality of
education. I suggest starting with a specific issue you'd like to address -
then seeing what YOU can do to help improve it. Is there something with instruction
or curriculum you can help with? Many schools have parent committees that
deal with particular challenges they're having. Volunteering a few hours a week
in an office or classroom will help you to see the school more clearly, and be a
way for the powers that be to see you as a valued resource with something to contribute.
I suggest finding a way to work within the system and using the press as a last
resort. Let the system work for you and your child as much as possible. If you do
feel the need to go to the press your own peace of mind - and credibility with
others - will be stronger.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
October 2, 2007
***
TOO OLD FOR NEW CAREER?
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am a 28 Year old Guy Living in west central Florida. I have a BA in
Computer Sceince, Art double major. However, Even though I graduated in 2001 I have
not taken on an IT job. Currently I am working as an automotive technician
which is OK. I make about $30,000 a year and I expect a raise before the end of
the year. However, sometimes I wonder If I could do better.
Do you think that is is too late for me to seek out an IT carrer? Do I need to
go back to school again to prepare? Or will going back to square one be too much
of an initial drop in inome to be worth the potintial gain? I'm definitely a tech
and not a business man.
The only other problem is that I am a body art fan and while all of my tattoos
can be covered up my streached earlobes show even with the jewelry out. Is this
going to be a major issue? When I was in colledge I was sure I would get a
"dot com gig" or go into web design, at the time they where famously alternitve
freindly jobs. However after 2000 it was prety clear that that wave had crashed.
I am also interested in graphic or sound design however most of the graphics
guys I know make less than what I do fixing cars. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jared In Florida
*** *** ***
Dear Jared,
It is never too late to start anything you have a passion for. The logistics are
something you're going to have to figure out for yourself. Can you conduct a thorough
job search and interview while keeping your current job? If you get something that
pays less as a starting salary than what you currently make, will you be able to
"bite the bullet" for a while? These are questions only you can answer.
Your two questions about further training and body art are very interesting.
My hunch is that there are things you will need to know about the IT industry as it
exists today, which is no doubt very different than the one you left. Maybe
there are some courses you can take that will bring you up to speed.
As for the body art and earlobes, I'm sure you could land an interview without
anyone laying eyes on you. Once you get that interview, your own confidence
and sense of humor will go a long way in how a prospective employer reacts to you.
Joking about how things have changed while communicating you're a serious guy and
good person to have on the team will give you a huge advantage.
Jared, someone who follows his desires and makes the commitment to his own happiness
will always find a way to make things work. Listen to what other people say -
including me. But make your own choices!
All The Best,
The Guidance Guy
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October 16, 2007
***
FREE 30 DAY JOY AND HAPPINESS COURSE
Visit www.NoMoreHoldingBack.com
October 16, 2007
**
PARENT STILL WANTS TO KNOW HOW TO ORGANIZE
(Note: this is a follow up to the previous letter at this column)
Dear Larry,
Glad you gave the question some attention, but was disappointed with the same
'ole stale and ineffective answer to the real problem of students not having
the benefit of checks and balances over the programs that govern them in their
daily lives. Your previous idea to form a parent's organization was the one I
was after. That same suggestion was pushed by a school official here (one, like
many, who sees the need), but I've yet to find an effective way to gather together
the forces efficiently. The "stay connected" way just doesn't get it.
I'm as connected and mainstream as the average mom. I work in the Guidance
and Attendance office at my school weekly. I have worked with youth and their parents
in leadership positions within church, scouts, sports, and school programs
for the entire ten years I have lived in this community. I have a school official
on my resume as a reference. I am known for my letters of praise for teachers who
do a great job, letters that are escalated to the top as habit. The superintendent
of our schools refers to me as someone with real insight when it comes to
understanding most teachers/administrators are good, while at the same time
striving for real checks and balances to handle the truly bad ones who
influence their school system negatively. PTA certainly does not serve that role,
and yes, I have supported the PTA annually with volunteer hours and membership
funds like most moms in our area.
The same 'ole "stay connected" answer does not begin to address the lack of
healthy oversight needed. Our school system has been in the papers repeatedly
(without my help--my boys both have had articles written about
their accomplishments, but other than that I've had little to do with the way
things are handled here). In our district we have had highly reputable coaches fired
as scapegoats to hide the lack of fiscal responsibility from school
administrators--the truth eventually came out with the help of a few parents
and a dedicated reporter but not until after these dedicated coaches and their
families were harmed and humiliated in the process.
We have been the laughingstock of the nation when our school board railroaded
the teachers into two programs they nor the parents wanted. Again, a few parents
and the same reporter stepped in--one program was stopped before it
cost us billions; the truth of the other did not come in time. That program went
through as planned, only to have to be undone when better heads prevailed--
and again we were the talk of the nation. And most recently, we had a senator
push through a bill that slapped the hands of our Ethics Board and an
administrator who helped a student who was mistreated by a teacher. It will be
years before we are able to address the overall outcome of that decision
to once again bulldoze any entity that attempts to provide checks and balances.
We currently have a teacher in our system who has manhandled and verbally
abused children for years and a subsequent parent who is trying to push policy
that will provide the same help hotline for this type of abuse as is provided
for abuse by parents or students. She and the students could sure use a
parent organization behind her.
No system works well without checks and balances. What I was probing was
the logistics of forming something useful at the local level. This is a goal
shared by many, including those of us (parents, teachers, school officials,
etc.) who are in the mainstream. I would still be interested in seeing that
question probed for an effective answer.
Thank you,
Susan
*** *** ***
Dear Susan,
I appreciate what you are saying, but someone who seems as dialed in to what
is going on in your district shouldn't have as much of a challenge organizing as
you seem to. And I'll say it again...it is much easier to work within the system
than to be a group that agitates from the outside. Forming a group will give you
a big voice but not much real power.
So I'll try and answer your original question one more time. If you are
as connected to and respected in the community as you seem to be, what
is stopping you from making some contacts with those you do know and having it
spread out like the branches of a tree? In communities like the one you're
describing, two who get two who get two make for the strongest organizations.
Labor intensive, yes; but is it worth the effort? You seem to have the energy
for it!
I do not have any special knowledge on the subject you're asking about. There could
be some national or state advocacy groups that have similar agendas to yours. It
might be worth an online search with some key words such as "education,"
"advocacy group," and the name of your state that will help you find such
an organization. Try other key words that seem to reflect what you're looking for.
I also have one idea you might find crazy: run for a spot on your local Board
of Education. I do know of a district that has a Board of Ed member who butts
heads repeatedly with her colleagues and school administration. She's unlikely
to win any popularity contests but she has been a huge help in making changes
to the oversight and fiscal policies of her district. She's also been re-elected twice.
Bottom line, Susan: the checks and balances you seek are built into the system.
Some stakeholders manipulate them better than others, but they still exist. Use
your passion, energy and intelligence to find them.
Best of Luck,
Larry Hochman
The Guidance Guy
October 9, 2007
***
ORGANIZING PARENTS TO ADDRESS SCHOOL PROBLEMS
Dear Guidance Guy,
You responded to a parent's problem by asking her whether she was willing
to organize a parent's group to address the problem. How do you do that? We don't
have class lists with contact information for other parents. We do have teenagers
who wouldn't think of giving out private info on classmates or dream of having
"mom" contact anyone. We don't have responsive administrators (they
blindly support the teacher in all matters), school board members (some of our
school board members blatantly show their hatred for parents), or an
effective superintendent or ethics board.
All the facts in the world will only count if we go to the press. That's the only
time change is even considered. So we suffer through and horrible teachers keep
getting paid the same as great ones while our elected officials keep supplying
these bad apples with more and more power. Parents are left with nothing but the press.
How do you organize? PTA/PTSA are fund raising bureaucracies; they are so
not interested in student problems. Rate My Teachers is great, but we still need a
way to contact one another and go in numbers to address real problems.
Susan
*** *** ***
Dear Susan,
Your letter makes a lot of assumptions about how your school and its Parent
Teacher Association functions. While there may be a lot of truth to what your
saying it's also true that holding these opinions is going to make it difficult
for you to see anything else. Going to the press may bring attention to
whatever problems you're experiencing, but it automatically creates an
adversarial situation between you and others.
I'll answer your question first. There are lots of ways to make informal contacts
that can become more structured when the time is right. If you have some
specific concerns that people can rally around the old "two who get two, who
get two," etc. can become a significant number pretty quickly. That's one way to
get recognition. Sporting events, clubs, even PTA meetings are ways to
network and find like minded parents. Of course this means you will need to
work within the mainstream school activities to get this started.
Now...without knowing the circumstances of the issues you're experiencing, I find
it hard to believe there are no ways to positively affect the quality of
education. I suggest starting with a specific issue you'd like to address -
then seeing what YOU can do to help improve it. Is there something with instruction
or curriculum you can help with? Many schools have parent committees that
deal with particular challenges they're having. Volunteering a few hours a week
in an office or classroom will help you to see the school more clearly, and be a
way for the powers that be to see you as a valued resource with something to contribute.
I suggest finding a way to work within the system and using the press as a last
resort. Let the system work for you and your child as much as possible. If you do
feel the need to go to the press your own peace of mind - and credibility with
others - will be stronger.
Best of Luck,
The Guidance Guy
October 2, 2007
***
TOO OLD FOR NEW CAREER?
Dear Guidance Guy,
I am a 28 Year old Guy Living in west central Florida. I have a BA in
Computer Sceince, Art double major. However, Even though I graduated in 2001 I have
not taken on an IT job. Currently I am working as an automotive technician
which is OK. I make about $30,000 a year and I expect a raise before the end of
the year. However, sometimes I wonder If I could do better.
Do you think that is is too late for me to seek out an IT carrer? Do I need to
go back to school again to prepare? Or will going back to square one be too much
of an initial drop in inome to be worth the potintial gain? I'm definitely a tech
and not a business man.
The only other problem is that I am a body art fan and while all of my tattoos
can be covered up my streached earlobes show even with the jewelry out. Is this
going to be a major issue? When I was in colledge I was sure I would get a
"dot com gig" or go into web design, at the time they where famously alternitve
freindly jobs. However after 2000 it was prety clear that that wave had crashed.
I am also interested in graphic or sound design however most of the graphics
guys I know make less than what I do fixing cars. Do you have any suggestions?
Thanks,
Jared In Florida
*** *** ***
Dear Jared,
It is never too late to start anything you have a passion for. The logistics are
something you're going to have to figure out for yourself. Can you conduct a thorough
job search and interview while keeping your current job? If you get something that
pays less as a starting salary than what you currently make, will you be able to
"bite the bullet" for a while? These are questions only you can answer.
Your two questions about further training and body art are very interesting.
My hunch is that there are things you will need to know about the IT industry as it
exists today, which is no doubt very different than the one you left. Maybe
there are some courses you can take that will bring you up to speed.
As for the body art and earlobes, I'm sure you could land an interview without
anyone laying eyes on you. Once you get that interview, your own confidence
and sense of humor will go a long way in how a prospective employer reacts to you.
Joking about how things have changed while communicating you're a serious guy and
good person to have on the team will give you a huge advantage.
Jared, someone who follows his desires and makes the commitment to his own happiness
will always find a way to make things work. Listen to what other people say -
including me. But make your own choices!
All The Best,
The Guidance Guy