Cornerstone’s Banfield raises red flags over Manchester Proud

Banfield: Did some digging

I was made aware of Manchester Proud a short time ago by parents who told me about this new organization.  As a former Bedford resident, I have seen how an organization outside the school district could be beneficial to everyone involved in the Manchester public schools.  The Bedford Education Foundation has been one of those organizations that has raised funds for expenditures that are not included in the school district budget.  The BEF is well–respected and appreciated in the community for that reason. They look at what needs to be supported and funded, then hold fundraisers and events to make it happen.  For instance, on their Facebook page, they proudly reminded community members that they worked hard with fundraisers to support French students in a 10-day exchange. The BEF provided the funding to get all foreign language program exchanges funded. Adding foreign language to the elementary school curriculum is what one Manchester parent said she would like to have added to the elementary grades.  

Brensinger

Manchester Proud has the capacity to make a significant and positive impact on the school district. That’s something we should all support. I’m not surprised that people in the community want to add their time and talent to an organization that wants to help the school district meet some of its needs.  My concern is with what appears to be a political influence within the organization. That influence now seems to be directing expenditures that could be used for genuine needs that parents have identified. 

Aissa

It is critical for Manchester Proud to succeed and not become an organization that divides the community.  Unfortunately, some of Manchester Proud’s political association with politically motivated education reform groups have drawn negative attention.This could bubble up to a point where Manchester Proud loses respect and appreciation in the community. 

The question Manchester Proud removed rather than answered.  Click to enlarge.

I ask for independent research because other districts in New Hampshire are implementing this experimental education reform. The Atlantic reported on this experimental method back in 2014.“What Happens When Students Control Their Own Education?  When a New Hampshire district found itself struggling with low test scores and high turnover, it made a radical decision: Flip the traditional model and let kids take over the classrooms.“   Since then, I’ve received numerous complaints from Pittsfield parents explaining how the student–led discussions become sidetracked, and how some students use that time in an effort to talk about other things beside what should be discussed. Small group work becomes the responsibility of the student who excels, leaving that student to carry the weight for the group. Individual projects take a great deal of time, leaving less time for academic content to be covered. 

Pittsfield test scores do not provide any indication that this experimental model has had any significant impact on students in the high school:

Hill

Manchester Proud has also come to the BOSC to advocate for joining the Council of Great City Schools (CGCS).  During the discussion with some of the BOSC members about the $30,000.00 membership fee, Mr. Brensinger indicated that he would not consider the request by Manchester parents who want funding to go towards materials in the classroom.  Instead he said this kind of significant expenditure should be used to pay a membership fee to CGCS.  I understand this is an effort to design a strategic plan, but if that plan is going to revolve around unproven or disproven politically–contrived education reforms, rather than meeting the needs expressed by the parents, then this does not bode well.

CGCS is a political organization funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to “promote and coordinate successful implementation of the new common core standards in major urban public school systems nationwide ”  The Gates Foundation lists CGCS as a partner on their web site.   

Nitichan

No one on the BOSC asked for any proof that CGCS has a track record of success.  After reviewing the CGCS web site, I could not find any peer–reviewed independent studies that showed membership in this organization improved academic outcomes.

A case in point comes in a 2014 CGCS  report regarding the public schools in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  The reports states:  ” The Albuquerque Public Schools District has embarked on an ambitious reform agenda which includes the transition to Common Core State Standards (CCSS) and a renewed focus on improving student achievement by closing the achievement gap.  The district’s strategic plan included improving Academic Achievement.  However, if you look at their NAEP scores from 2017 they show Albuquerque students either making no progress or falling further behind their peers: 

Multiple questionable ties to Manchester Proud.

Grade 8

Council on Great City Schools: Paid millions to implement the Common Core

If the Manchester BOSC is to join a political education organization, it is critical that the BOSC look for peer–reviewed studies that show the organization has contributed to some measure of academic success in public education.  

After leaving the Manchester Proud meeting, I posted a question on a Manchester School Facebook Page.  I asked parents what five things they’d like to see changed or improved in the school district.  No one mentioned a desire to see the district become a member of a political organization whose main objective is to implement Common Core in schools.  No one mentioned wanting a political organization to influence teaching methods.