What are the Obstacles or Challenges? by Homa Tavangar https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1 What might keep us from moving forward? (Community Convo #2 Oct 20) en-us 2022-10-18 19:00:02 UTC 2023-01-06 13:08:26 UTC hello@padlet.com test https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349808051 this is an example]]> 2022-10-20 22:53:43 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349808051 Academic Freedom https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349812719 I am deeply appreciative of how history is taught at BHS but I am also deeply fearful about threats to academic freedom ("divisive concepts" legislation) at the state level and strongly encourage the district to make/keep academic freedom for all teachers a core value or part of the mission statement.

]]> 2022-10-20 23:01:23 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349812719 Traffic Controls https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813048 We have nearly every street corner protected with a stop sign; however, people need to actually STOP.]]> 2022-10-20 23:01:55 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813048 Academic Extracurriculars https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813092 With the exception of a few programs like In the Know, BHS is lacking in programs like speech, debate, Model UN, etc.

]]> 2022-10-20 23:01:59 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813092 engaging in sports for new students https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813126 they system has a real barrier to allowing new students to participate in Fall sports. Tryouts are only in the previous spring and there is limited information given to parents on how to allow their students to engage. Both my students were disappointed they had to wait until Winter to join a sport. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:02:03 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813126 Obstacles https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813210 funding. The property taxes continually go up, as does the special school tax. When will property owners revolt?]]> 2022-10-20 23:02:13 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813210 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813255 There is a good amount of group think within the district both school and board that hinders creative ideas for solving problems and growing the district. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:02:17 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813255 Sometimes I think there is a silent majority in the community that is reluctant to speak up about hard things - I think that the louder voices are sometimes heard and push change that the majority of the community doesn't actually agree with https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813321 2022-10-20 23:02:22 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813321 Tracking https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813648 In my experience, the college prep track is quite rigorous and demanding, but students in other sections are not pushed to do their best work and too often allowed to drift.]]> 2022-10-20 23:02:58 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813648 Stress Level for students https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813683 Whether it is from the pandemic or from the pressure to perform at a high level, students are struggling with anxiety and stress. We will have to address this through more SEL programs in the district. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:03:01 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813683 "Average" students https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813834 Students who may not be college-bound do not have the same advantages as those who are going to go to college. They are largely ignored. They should have the opportunities to explore what their interests might be. We have lost some programs we had in the past that were helpful to this category of kids.]]> 2022-10-20 23:03:17 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349813834 Middle School https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814055 The middle school emphasis on the social development of young people is quite good, but the academic preparation is not there. The jump or transition to high school is quite challenging for many.]]> 2022-10-20 23:03:42 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814055 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814300 The lunch room in the high school is too small to accommodate all of the students. It is not ideal for kids to be eating lunch on the floors or stairwells. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:04:11 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814300 Embracing diversity https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814523 Bexley has room to grow in developing more inclusive programs and practices. This includes dimensions such as race, religion and other elements of background, but also some other dimensions. For example: the North-Central-South communities connect in different ways and respond differently to community issues. Also, for parents, there is not always appropriate consideration given to families where the parent(s) work outside the home vs. those who have someone at home full time. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:04:32 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814523 Our wonderful Bexley community may sometimes be a bit of a bubble - our kids may have a bit more of a struggle after they leave Bexley as they learn to navigate the wider world https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814558 2022-10-20 23:04:36 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814558 Transparency https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814659 There is limited transparency and when questions are asked, it is often poised as "what would you like to know" as a control of information sharing vs. information being transparent and available to be consumed and critically evaluated]]> 2022-10-20 23:04:45 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814659 Life skills https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814751 The loss of programs that emphasized life skills (human ecology) puts all students at a disadvantage. Pushing high levels of academic performance is not enough for all students to be engaged adults.]]> 2022-10-20 23:04:55 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814751 Student Hub https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814770 Students are still not being heard when it comes to approaching problems. "Use your coping skills" does not stop a bully from harming others when adults do not listen to facts.]]> 2022-10-20 23:04:58 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814770 Lacking a True Gifted Program https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814902 There is a lack of a true gifted program at Bexley. In elementary school, the students are just bussed to the middle/high school and are put in an older class. In high school, the freshman are just put into a senior class. I do understand that the school is so small (which is a positive) and there might not be enough students of the same age to fill a class. Perhaps more communication is needed with the advisors to see if everything is going smoothly and is on track? Maybe that is all that is needed?]]> 2022-10-20 23:05:09 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349814902 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349815611 wish there were more purposeful opportunities for students to mix outside of their established friend groups]]> 2022-10-20 23:06:14 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349815611 Listening skills https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349815707 Bexley's leadership has been inconsistent over time in their ability to engage in difficult conversations, including ones that are critical of their leadership. There are portions of the community who need to be given reasons to trust.]]> 2022-10-20 23:06:22 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349815707 Facilities https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349816031 A couple of our buildings are overcrowded as the district is seeing an increase in student enrollment. We need to plan for more creative spaces for learning and a continued increase in enrollment. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:06:37 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349816031 Bexley can also be a bit of a bubble for its adults - ie the Bexley Buzz https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349816279 2022-10-20 23:06:45 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349816279 elitism https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349816884 there is an intellectual elitism among some students and parents. Everyone's child is gifted academically sort of attitude]]> 2022-10-20 23:07:40 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349816884 Would like to keep an eye on our use of technology at the elementary level - sometimes unclear if we are having the littles and actually all of the kids on their devices at school too much https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817153 2022-10-20 23:08:04 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817153 Communication https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817172 Bexley schools offer a wide variety of communication with parents and community members, but it is not consistently well organized. In some cases, the volume drowns out what is truly important. A more strategic approach would be useful.]]> 2022-10-20 23:08:06 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817172 Funding - experiential learning https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817277 Specific funding for experiential learning activities. I would like to see more forward planning around funds that help lessen the lift on parents so students can do more outside of the building walls]]> 2022-10-20 23:08:18 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817277 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817326 Standards based grading (no letter grades) in middle school is one of the most academic stifling programs I have heard of. It is an enormous disincentive for kids to do their best in school. I saw this in action as my kids spanned the implementation of this program and as soon as the SBG went into effect it had a massive cooling effect on their school work because he was doing "good enough" and didn't need to study harder. While when he had letter grades he was working harder to achieve not only an A but an A+ etc...]]> 2022-10-20 23:08:23 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817326 Sometimes there is the illusion of communication with parents but it's not complete. There are times I'm told to ask my student for the information and I would prefer to have the same information my student is given. https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817531 The traffic flow in the mornings can be a challenge.  There is a strong police presence at the schools in the morning and afternoons, which is appreciated.

I'm concerned about the "wokeness" ideaology being communicated to students.

There is a large abyss from 8th grade to 9th grade.  The second semester of 8th grade should be more reflective of high school expectations than it is.  To go from no grades to grades, being able to take a test several times, to taking a test once, late assignments vs on time assignments have very different meanings between middle and high school.  

Taxes here are high and we have good schools. As folks age and retire there isn't room in their limited budgets to keep paying more, even though they may continue to value strong schools. People that are retired should have some sort of reduced tax level.]]> 2022-10-20 23:08:44 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817531 Respectful Relationships https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817786 Our children need to have more opportunities to engage in respectful dating situations and to have provided models of encouragement for relationships in life, we are told.]]> 2022-10-20 23:09:10 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349817786 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349818104 There are some administrative positions created in the last few years that seem to take up too much of our tight budget and offer very little in return. A closer look at these positions needs to be done. ]]> 2022-10-20 23:09:44 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349818104 Value added https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349818178 The strong emphasis on education in many Bexley homes may mask areas where the schools are not providing enough value added. The recent district report cards, for example, reflect several troubling signs about student progress.]]> 2022-10-20 23:09:49 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349818178 Important to please keep controversial cultural issues out of the elementary classrooms and let parents know if content that is not core subject matter that could be considered controversial is being taught https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349818321 2022-10-20 23:10:01 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349818321 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349822399  tooo much interference by parents

lack of communication with the lrge part of the community that does not have children in school.
overcoming the fear of parents and /students that are learning something of their comofrt zone]]> 2022-10-20 23:16:21 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349822399 Power School https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349825032 All the teachers use the symbols differently and there is limited explaination to parents on how to read/interpret]]> 2022-10-20 23:19:49 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349825032 https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349827080 Bring back field trips and the DC trip!]]> 2022-10-20 23:22:39 UTC https://padlet.com/bigquestionsinstitute/46hu3k0qs5j59ux1/wish/2349827080