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Sweetwater Athletics Hall of Fame scrutinized
Is this the same Bill McLaughlin or William McLaughlin who was an English teacher at Bonita Vista High School in the 1980's?— November 7, 2013 9:15 p.m.
Citizens Denied Attendance to Sweetwater Union High Meeting
Already school sites have been tainted by the "Gandara Effect" or reinforces "the monkey see, monkey do" or the "if the big bad wolf can get away with it, then why can't we?" type of mentality. "Favorites" of the administration and other staff or "smooth talkers" are given what they ask for at the snap of their fingers, while those who are more deserving (in terms of credentialing and other relevant matters such as competence) are IRONICALLY treated unfairly...— May 22, 2011 9:58 a.m.
Citizens Denied Attendance to Sweetwater Union High Meeting
It seems that under Gandara's rule, stellar teachers and administrators (those with integrity, character, and competence) were forced to find work elsewhere. I just discovered that several people whom I admired and worked with (especially those who made key contributions to the development of the standards in certain curricular areas and those whose students receive top notch honors for their academic achievement) are no longer working for this district. These high caliber educators and administrators were replaced with less competent, vicious, and domineering beings who probably would not be able to teach our students as well as a first-year teacher when given a lesson plan. I feel sorry for the teachers currently working in this district. They seemed to ruled by fear and that is not mentally healthy for them. It seems that if a teacher does not follow what Gandara, Castilleja (director of curriculum), and company urge, not ask, even though he or she knows a better or effective way of doing something, then beware. Teachers are professionals and should be treated as such. By the way, Ms Castilleja, why are other countries more successful in for instance, math and science? It is because, teachers are given more CONTROL as to what should be taught and HOW it should be taught. Also the suggestions and input of teachers to improve the district tests have been ignored. What disrespect... Teachers are NOT TRUSTED to make decisions. No wonder teachers are upset with the status quo. They are asked to teach their students in ways that do not apply to all curricular areas! Then they get still get blamed for low student achievement, despite lack of administrative support.— May 21, 2011 3:37 p.m.
Citizens Denied Attendance to Sweetwater Union High Meeting
In fact, Gandara and Company should allow the teachers front-row seats for the event and thank them for their work for the students' academic success.— May 21, 2011 12:49 p.m.
Citizens Denied Attendance to Sweetwater Union High Meeting
Oh, I wish I had attended the board meeting, but then I probably will be yelled at by Maria Castilleja. This seems nothing new. I recall that she "yelled" at meetings as a teacher years ago and now "yelling" as to how teachers should teach when she is not versed in all curricular areas. I guess to ascend the Sweetwater Union High School District career ladder, you have to "yell" your way to the top, especially to teachers that are more competent than her. Clearly, she is not a positive role model as an educator and seems to be mean-spirited with other educators. If you are reading this Maria Castilleja, show at least some class...— May 21, 2011 12:33 p.m.
Citizens Denied Attendance to Sweetwater Union High Meeting
11.Lillian, I recall a town hall meeting where YOU WERE, VERY, VERY, DISRESPECTFUL TO A TEACHER who made a justified comment regarding the superintendent's (your boss) staggering salary. Even you get paid so much for what you do which does NOT DIRECTLY impact student achievement. Obviously you don't know the conditions of current teachers and still they are underpaid. Many stay after school without pay to assist students and still, take their work home (grading papers, calling parents). Do you take home your work as some sort of public relations person (anyway, what is your exact title in this district?) You defininitely have no impact on the achievement on the students of this district. Who would believe you since you are trying to justify the outright discrimination of community members to enter the board meeting? What has the district got to hide? By the way, "bubble in" tests are NOT ACCURATE indicators of student achievement. Many students admit just randomly guess and were surprised that they did better, than those who actually worked the problems on the CAHSEE tests. Dr. Gandara needs to get a clue as to what accurately assess students since he is wants concrete DATA -it is when students "show" their work (i.e. essays, math calculations) to show their knowledge!!!!!!!!!!!!!!— May 21, 2011 9:57 a.m.
Citizens Denied Attendance to Sweetwater Union High Meeting
Lillian, I recall a town hall meeting where YOU WERE VERY, VERY,... DISRESPECTFUL TO A TEACHER who made a justified comment regarding the superintendent's (your boss) staggering salary. Even you get paid so much for what you do which does NOT DIRECTLY impact student achievement. Obviously you don't know the conditions of current teachers and still they are underpaid. Many stay after school without pay to assist students and still, take their work home (grading papers, calling parents). Do you take home your work as some type of administrator? Who would believe you?— May 21, 2011 9:52 a.m.