The TAO of data-driven educational change TODAY at Carver Educational Services Center

On Tax day, April 15, the day before the scheduled meeting, the MCPS AEI Advisory Committee posted a change in its usual meeting time and venue. This meeting includes the BOE Policy Committee that ostensibly directs changes in educational policy that directly impact your child or children’s education.

It will now take place at the

Carver Educational Services Center AUDITORIUM

On Thursday, April 16, 2009 7:15– 9:15 PM

I have attached a copy of the agenda posted by MCPS.

It is a rare opportunity for parents to express their opposition to the MCPS philosophy of secretive changes to our children’s education, often rolled out as a “done deal.”

It is no secret that the Parents’ Coalition was the first to roll out the proposed policy on gifted education. The secretive committee was complicit in withholding this crucial document that would have clearly demonstrated that gifted and talented was barely mentioned in this “policy,” and its attendant “overview.” The Parents’ Coalition has accomplished more in bringing factual information to the table in the interest of promoting rational, meaningful debate. It has enjoyed a great deal of success, often where giants have failed, because of the extraordinary commitment of a determined, intrepid, committed few. Please join in this philosophy, if just for a day, by making April 16 a day to Stand Up for Your Children.

What I call the TAO of MCPS reform: Transparency, Accountability, and Openness have been sorely missing in the BOE and its handpicked, secretive committees that have “approved” controversial budgets, orchestrated changes in class periods, developed curricula, and the likes. These committees are amazingly bereft of anyone remotely qualified to speak on their stated mission.

Don’t our children deserve better?

I urge parents to embrace the TAO of change that is in essence the core of the Parents’ Coalition’s efforts.

It is with this basic principle in mind that we urge you to help make April 16, 2009 [and, perhaps, every April 16, thereafter] Stand Up for Your Children Day and join us in making your voice heard. Your presence is the most essential component of driving home your commitment to ensuring the TAO of data-driven educational change.

Directions to the Carver Educational Services Center are available at http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/boe/meetings/directions.shtm.

Please come and be a part of change. Help start a revolution. Our nation has embraced openness, accountability and let us, as a united community, join that embrace.