CATA Professional Development Survey Part II

What kind(s) of professional development would you like to see the district offer?

I would like to see in-services on how to handle difficult behavior problems.  I would the district to look into a curriculum that teaches appropriate behavior and what that behavior looks like. I would like the district to show us exactly how our reading, writing and phonics lessons should look.  I'd also like some advice on how to monitor our student's progress in reading and writing.

I want to be trained in the curriculums that I teach!

Elected pd, provide variety and let individual teachers decide, principals lead instruction

Discipline, de-escalation

Technology such as Google docs.

More for Teachers on English Language Learners and addressing their needs.

Small group reading instruction

All curriculum trainings (and not an overview, actual in depth trainings) DRA trainings Discipline trainings Safety trainings Co-teaching trainings

Classroom management, behavioral management

Subject specific things for all subjects

Professional discussions/disagreements/ arguments  without “parking lots” or pouty faces Technology Content specific breakout sessions Team building

Anything special education related

First I would like a concrete plan I can follow, teach and set my students free with it.

Special Education, district wide special Education policy making, progress monitoring curriculum development, for gen ed teachers along with special ed teachers how to meet  the needs of  and be sensitive to students in special education ( esp. those with trauma/ ED) integrated into gen ed.

Professional development training for teachers who are struggling with teacher burn out. Professional training that focus on dealing with behavior issues in the classroom.

I would like relevant professional development, not the continued in-service training on programs that do not work for our school district.  It is frustrating to have head administration continue to turn a blind eye to actual issues in our district and just try to sugar coat everything with how wonderful our students and district are doing.

How to adapt materials for students with special needs. How to properly implement a PBSP. More of a forum setting where a teachers and their administrators are working with a professional and their knowledge to solve problems and makes changes to better their schools.

Anything but units of study

Time for assessments.

PD should be offered during school year

Practical

Teacher burn out prevention, time management skills, how to balance paperwork and teacher preparation on our school schedule, how to properly use Outlook, all the benefits of eSchool plus, stress management

Train us on new programs before expecting us to teach them. Time to collaborate with grade level members from all schools.

Teacher led.  More time to collaborate

Continued literacy and math development.

Doesn’t matter.  Same stuff different wrapper.

Curriculum related with ALL staff members present so that the information received is consistent.

More trauma informed learning and an actual SEL curriculum.  Safety care for all staff.   Differentiation strategies when you are required to teacher 5th grade curriculum to a student on a 1st grade level.

Working with undisciplined students.

More  subject relevant

Implementing behavior plans Discipline for administration Curriculum Based Assessments & progress monitoring.

Special education best practices regarding paperwork as well as special education regarding teaching students with emotional disturbance

Technology training (i.e.- training with educational programs, maybe training with teacher laptops and student laptops, etc.)

mental health to deal with the explosive behaviors

CPR first aid

Teaching with computers in the classroom

content related

I would like to see pd on assessment ideas, ways to use technology in the classroom

Free or low cost activities that are proven to work with populations similar to CASD

technology support for the 1:1 initiative techniques on how to keep students involved behavioral help

Technology use, PLCs

Collaboration with teachers that teach the same subject.

Discipline

Technology, a true language arts curriculum

Hmmmm..... well, considering the curriculum is awful, I would have to think about that.

How to keep students engaged in the curriculum so they are not walking the hallways

CO-PLANNING TIME WITH GRADE LETTER COUNTERPARTS AND SPECIAL ED TEACHERS

I would like to be trained on professional development days that are allotted time for us. Summer development is not an option for me unless it is the week before kids come and part of my contract time. Popping into my class to watch me teach and then giving me one recommendation is not PD. I still have not been properly trained in the reading workshop.....yet 20 people including DR D...come in my class for PD to watch me teach it!

One to one technology Pvaas, since we do not have benchmarks for algebra I need to learn how to create my own to track the students’ progress

Anything dealing with Special Education

Science and social studies trainings should be offered.

Technology

Certification in cpr for teachers.

We need discipline in our schools

Something that will enable the teachers and all staff to handle some of the out of control behaviors that keep reoccurring on a day-to-day basis.

Any kind that has to do with my special area which is Physical Education/Wellness

How to interact with emotionally disturbed children/special needs children. This district's programs are a joke when it comes to emotional support. There is none.

We NEED PD around technology, specifically as it relates to the 1-1 grant we just received. PD such as google classroom, power school, or schoology to design and plan the upcoming school year. If not there is no point to get a 1-1 grant when we don’t have the technology PD and support to teach/reach our students.

New teaching strategies for special areas.

I would like to see a training on Outlook, and any other up and coming technological educational apps, sites, etc.

Science or social studies

PD that is suggested by the individual grade or special area

With the one on one laptops getting issued next year, some PD about managing students’ usage.  Also, training in Google Docs/Drive (if that is what we are going to be expected to use).  Also, any team building, moral boosting activities would be helpful to build up the teachers spirits.

Classroom Behavior

Behavior management Incorporating science into the curriculum

Technology on new items

More responsive classroom

Things that actually apply to my classroom. With the new laptops coming, how about PD on those: what apps will work, how to trouble shot students laptops, how do I know what the students are viewing, etc.

Classroom management Special education law and regulations Behavior intervention plans

Positive behavior support

I would love to see training from Cindy Kruse. She taught in Coatesville for years and is a guru on responsive Classroom, teaching kids who have experienced trauma, etc. She has asked to come back to do some professional development and has received no communication. This is training that can be beneficial for our teachers (and students). I also want useful training on our curriculum. I feel the training we receive needs to be on-going throughout the year. More professional development days (even just half days) need to come back to the district. It cannot be pulling teachers out of their classrooms during a regular school day because that OBVIOUSLY does not work (we don’t get subs and spend time doing sub plans for nothing). Back in the day, professional development was a big part of CASD. I remember having choices on district-wide PD days for what we want to attend that is relevant and meaningful to us. We used to get together with teachers across the district that teach the same grade. That has not happened at all recently (other than select few teachers for math cohorts). I also want PD on using technology in the classroom!

Differential instruction by content

Dealing with student behaviors

De-escalation Writing Science and social studies integration

Ideas on how to use the kids new laptops

Something meaningful and not something presented by Darr who is totally out of touch with the realities of the classroom today - her ideas might have been great in the 1980s but not in the classrooms of the non-disciplined students of Coatesville.

I would like the district to provide small group instruction PDs that focus on proven strategies that increase students' reading levels.

Special Education in-service for paperwork For example: how to write an IEP, NOREPs, how to form proper goals etc.

If we're going to continue to allow unruly children to disrupt the learning of others, training in how to deal with those behaviors would be beneficial. True hands on reading and writing...not an hr or so with just an overview.  Also, these trainings need to occur during half or full day in-services during the school year, not summer.

Professional development that is effective and relevant, not a waste of time.

Classroom management, addressing behavior issues Training on how to successfully balance UOS, Word Study, and Writing. I would rather see time spent during the school year if possible, rather than summer.

Trauma informed learning Mental health h instruction

Continue with Units of Study Modeling, EDM deeper instruction.  Writing pd would be helpful but at a time when all teachers are available for training.

Education on the student code of conduct.

Curriculum not offered in the summer time.

Content based Opportunities to collaborate Incorporating technology in the classroom Project based learning

PD about curriculum, special ed since the districts version of inclusion is dumping all sped students in one class

Concrete ideas to help us teach students experiencing trauma with on-going support throughout the school year

How to administer and use a Running record to drive instruction, using technology in the classroom, meeting the social emotional needs of our students, restorative discipline

Job-embedded professional learning

Half days once a month like we use to during the school year. Not during our summer. We have elderly parents and kids who need extra daycare when you do this. We do care about our students...don't say we would be there if we cared.

Units of study during our regular in service hours. Mental health support for students First aide, CPR, etc. Restraint training Help with discipline

Professional development that support the programs they are forcing us to implement.

Technology

Training on programs PRIOR to implementation.  Cross district behavior plan training.  Special Education training (IEP writer, policies, Goal writing)

Technology for new chrome books.

Technology development for classroom use (Learning to use technology with the little that we have that works.) special education law best practices Google Educator training

If we are staying with Units of Study, it is imperative to offer the same training during the school year as is offered in the summer.  I for one, am not able to attend summer training sessions because of church commitments, and therefore have not received anywhere near the level of training necessary to implement the program as someone who can attend summer sessions.  This will only get more drastic as we implement the phonics and writing portions of the curriculum.

More Joe Ginotti-type; no more Dr. Shoenly DAR-type. Professional development with tactics and strategies that actually work with the kind of community we work with.

Since all special education students are in the classroom. Development on how to get these students to be successful in a regular education classroom when they are reading at a 1st grade level.

something that deals with helping our students who are out of control

The district needs to provide professional development on the implementation of one-to-one technology and how to instruct using that technology.

It is appropriate for all teachers to be trained on the programs we teach. Namely, training for the Units of Study curriculums ought to be offered for all, not just for those who can accommodate a summer training.

I would like to see and hear something positive.  No one ever says "you are doing a good job under less than tolerable circumstances".  We are made to feel we are inferior teachers.  Everything that happens is labeled as "teacher fault".  We need our morale boosted, therefore, a professional development that helps us to sustain every day.

PD to let us know what administrators are doing to help us with the problems in our classrooms.

We need meaningful professional development on Technology. Our schools are lacking in the ability to provide our students with an education that will prepare them for the realities modern society. We need professional development so that we can properly and meaningfully implement an educational platform for our students. We have not had one single meaningful professional development with technology in the last 5 years. If we become a 1 to 1 district we will need lots of it. Pay teachers to do it on the weekends and in the summer. We must be prepared when we roll out devices for all students or they will be worthless.

Opportunities for departments to work together for planning and brainstorming

I would like for the district to find out what behaviors are occurring and listen to the teachers about what is needed. There are not enough supports for students which causes the behavior to be poor which causes well behaved students to flee. We are in this cycle and it is destroying the Coatesville Area School District.

Classroom management and helping student with emotional needs

Unsure, we have so many problems, where do I start?

True professional development! Dedicated days where ALL staff and faculty are in the same room and receiving the same applicable information.

How to use the technology we have to enhance the delivery of content or communication.

How to incorporate the diversity of levels in the classroom and be effective   - Special Ed.  ESL and get rid of cell phone use in the classroom !!

Any one that is given in enough time to truly implement it. Training in two hours without given resources is a waste of time and money.

Responsive Classroom, Teachers College, guided math or math workshop, working with kids in trauma, training in how boys and girls learn differently

Behavior management, understanding of mental health, collaboration with colleagues, special education training on paperwork, technology training.

Use of technology in classrooms Also PD needs to happen during the school year during our hours. Not after school or in the summer.

The district needs professional development for programs before teachers are required to teach them.  We need in serviced during the school year without being pulled from our classroom.  Lucy Calkins is not helping kids be better readers.  They are not required to write about their reading nor tested on reading skills- it does not match what is required from the state testing.  I certainly do not agree with teaching to a test, but just following Lucy will not help our students become critical thinkers.

I am not sure I can honestly answer this.  With all the changes I am not sure where to begin.  I have taught for over 30 years and have never felt so I adequate with both content and behavior issues.  I do feel there should be no connection between those brought I. To do the in-services and those in administration.

Something more detailed and a window in to what our colleagues do (fine arts, business, etc.) and not just structured on the 4 basics all the time

My hope is that the district will continue to support the professional development that has been started. We must have an open mind and patience to see something through before stating that it isn’t working.

Teaching strategies

?

Actual real training on the curriculum we have to teach.

More collaboration between teachers - time to plan and share ideas

We need more training with reading, phonics, and writing workshop at the Elementary level.  We have started teaching from phonics and writing without any training at all.  This is not best practice.

Technology training, how to incorporate Google docs, or other programs, into the classroom. Especially with one to one devices arriving.

Technology training on the new 1:1 computers that are being given to students during the 19-20 school year.

The district should offer trainings on students with special needs especially emotional disturbances. I would also like to attend technology trainings.

Technology! Kids are getting chromebooks!

Gradebook and email usage, department collaboration

I would like to see district wide in-service days as we used to have so that information is consistent. I would like to stop having to disrupt my schedule and my students by having an entourage of people coming in to the classroom. Although I think the teachers college training has helped, I do not think everyone is receiving the same consistent training throughout the district.

How to use technology THEY say we have to use.

Professional development should be offered on in-service days or after school with pay.  We should not rely on substitutes covering for us so we can attend professional development.  Also, we should not have to double up classes to complete professional development or have so many adults in a classroom during professional development.  I enjoy the Teacher's College professional development - but not the way it happened this year!

New teaching strategies on how to engage student involvement.  Positive Behavior Plan to classroom management.

One to one technology, A classroom teacher friendly website and communication program with students (ie. Google Classroom)

If they are going to one on one devices then we need to know how to use them effectively.

Opportunities to collaborate with colleagues.

PD during the contracted school year!!!! Stop offering PD over the summer!!! The areas in which I would like to receive PD at this time are writing are phonics.

I think we need to work on our curriculum so we have planning and scheduling timelines that match our report cards and instruction across the district can be more consistent, not robotic but content matches.

Training on IEP writer Behavior interventions for difficult students Strategies for working with students that are significantly below grade level

Units of Study

I would like to see PD that is given by the end of May per my contract!!! My current contract is NOT being honored!!!

I would like the district to offer professional development on how to use technology, collaborate on new curriculums, etc......  THIS SHOULD BE OFFERED DURING THE CONTRACTED SCHOOL CALENDAR INSERVICE DAYS!

Differentiated instruction.  They want us to stick with our curriculum “with fidelity” but it does NOT provide for significant differentiation.

Offer PD for specific content area or elective teachers; classroom management at the start of the school year; Google classroom

Subject specific: math, literature, science, history, the arts. We know how to teach. We know how to manage classroom. Cutting edge curricula or deeper knowledge to refresh and inspire us to teach.

How to use more technology in the classroom especially if the students are supposed to be getting computers for next year. In the beginning of the year, the actual break down of policies, rules and procedures within the building. Rules and policies seem to keep changing. There are past practices, un- informed practices, and should have practices.

Behavior management and how building administration will be held accountable for lack of implementation on their end.

Units of study (not just offered in the summer)

I would like the district to continue to pursue the Collins writing initiative ; Further the district should invest as much time as possible and developing authentic curriculum.

Current PD is current and applicable.

Special Education Laws and IEP Writing;  How to Differentiate Grade Level Curriculum for Students Working 3 years Below; Behavior Management that WORKS

On mental health

Behavior management,

Technology.....how to make and use Google docs if everyone is getting a computer next year

Technology for the new chrome book, trauma, discipline

Something useful like mental health

More social-emotional training and professional development and/or restorative practices.

Behavioral intervention resources

A professional dev, day should be set aside for the teachers to work as a grade level by building or by district.  Teachers have so much to offer to each other.

Technology and behavior management

Grade level appropriate material not point less time fillers, or materials that is helping admin advance In their personal degrees

Some actual training for librarians

Technology.  Microsoft one note,

Professional development on the curriculum (Lucy Calkins) during the school year and not optional during the summer.

How to use updated technology in the classroom.

Something that pertains to the employee’s specific discipline. Perhaps the supervisors could ask.  (This is one of the many reasons coordinators were helpful.)

Stress and Time Management or Morale improvement

Stem

Professional development that is relevant and specific to each grade level, special area, etc.  It should not be the same for everyone.

Team building

I would like to see planning time between teachers of the same subject area

Colleague presentations on material related to each department

Co-teaching, progress monitoring

More in-service days during the school year, more whole district grade level meetings, whole district wide department meetings.

Classroom behavior management.

De-escalation training , crisis training

I would like to see EDM continue to work with teachers. The trainers are incredibly helpful and give feedback that is easy to implement almost immediately. Also to continue to work with teacher's college. I believe we could also benefit from training on how to help students with mental health concerns; how best to communicate with the students, their parents, the best ways to enforce good behavior and correct misbehavior.

PD that is actually meaningful and helps our students without feeling like an attack on teachers

Discipline, admin learning how to use performance tracker so we do not have to continually report the same info on different platforms, mediation of team teaching, defined responsibilities in co-teaching, etc.

Behavioral and Mental health related

Special education; mental health; behavioral support

Professional development within our field of study and time to refine our skills - technology would be great as well.......Bur first lets address the elephant in the district  -if discipline is a problem in the CASD lets work collectedly to change it so that quality education can occur and we can earn the reputation that is advertised

Educational technology...Schoology,....

Something that actually follows a real program for ELA

Developing materials for the unit of you daddy writing, reading, and phonics

Emotional support for students of trauma

How to encourage lazy kids to work

Provide “make and take” time after training to begin planning for implementation. Technology training

Ongoing professional development for our new device policy.

Working with youth who are defiant. Methods to turn around their behaviors and alternatives to suspension.

Curriculum and resources picked by teachers who have to teach and use the materials.

Behavior

Math and Language Arts curriculum that would better serve the range of student abilities across the spectrum, and functional teaching materials for special education students

Since they love to transfer people so much, they should be ready to retrain everyone who was transferred and not just assume they will pick it up.

How about training us during the school year on the new curriculums such as units of study Edm writing workshop instead of during the summer when some people cannot attend? How about mental health training so we can better understand these students who have mental issues and are disrupting the learning of others!

Classroom management Conflict resolution training Coverage for teachers to observe teachers (mentor/mentee, pineapple charts, etc.) Best practices for educating students with learning disabilities Coach for new teachers

Ones that are similar to our students

Something about how to deal with students who behavior is out of control.

Trauma-informed teaching Social justice teaching

Things that will help us deal with our curriculum and our student behaviors

Difficult behavior and how to deal with them.

Laptop training

More department specific planning time

I service days like we used to have that were pertaining to your specific job. When we used to have input.

Technology since the kids are going 1:1

I would like professional development on a new systematic reading program that our students can understand.

Would rather spend the money on bringing security back in schools

How to incorporate the new technology into our lessons

Writing IEPs, we have had multiple supervisors, staff changes and admin stepping into sped roles that they have not had to do. It seems like each building has different protocols.

Technology based

How to teach and manage students on levels kindergarten through 5th grade in a regular education classroom with various needs and behaviors. How it works especially when your co-teacher is there for maybe 30 minutes and 50 minutes in the whole teaching day.

Special ed

Dealing with emotionally disturbed students, using newer technology in the classroom, how to teach in an environment where there is NO discipline.

AP Training for teachers; all teachers should have the opportunity to become Master Teachers.

Units of Study

Student discipline strategies.

Pertains to my field or be able to go to county in-service

Positive Behavioral Support- schoolwide

Special education training for general education teachers.  We have the largest special education population in Chester county and general education teachers do not know how to modify or meet all of the needs of the IEPs.

Meet with colleagues in department

We need reading and math special education intervention programs. We have no RTI for these students.

Technology

How to correctly implement cooperative learning in the classroom.

Technology, i.e. Microsoft excel, calculator technology, smartboard

Verbal de-escalation training for all staff, reading interventions and math interventions teacher can implement for students in all skill groups

One on one device training

SEL, reading intervene

A clear discipline strategy that can be applied consistently with real consequences and expectations. I took a discipline course this year that was excellent. We must start over and have the courage to stand up for our students.

Things chartered toward more specific subjects

A consistent positive behavior support program that can be implemented with fidelity and all are held to the same standards!  I also believe we should have more training on how to have an effective tier system of intervention.. Especially at the elementary level!

Reading and math programs that are proven to support student growth and development

ANYTHING special education related.

PD with a truly honest, unbiased lens and given by current teachers from schools like Coatesville

Professional development for teaching the new programs that are being implemented

PD that the teachers can choose based on their interest in subject area.

Classroom community Effective implementation of technology

how in integrate the new technology that we are supposed to get in the fall

Culture and community training to have a clear understanding of the community we serve.

fd

What do you feel is working well in our district?

I feel like our math program is up and running well.

Nothing! There is so much change needed. I want to feel valued and appreciated and I'm so sick of feeling intimidated by admin.

Trimming student body

Inter-staff relationships

The teachers do a great job with little support and resources.

The discipline issue, things are being addressed, it is a work in progress. I envision a disciplinarian for each building.

The teachers do a great job of supporting each other, helping each other out, and having each other’s backs! Not sure what we would do without each other!! :)

Not much

The teams are doing well

The teachers. We’re a week away from complete chaos if the teachers didn’t battle both ends of the system.

Diverse population.

Teachers supporting one another.  Building  principals doing what they can despite their hands being tied to support their staff in an environment that is hostile from  admin towards teachers

I cannot honestly say anything is working in our district.

The teachers continued efforts to ban together and do the best we can for our students.  We do not like the direction in which the district is being steered - our community deserves so much more than that.

Our teachers, their effort and dedication.

The teachers who continue to arrive to school every day just for these kids.

New curriculum

It’s good to have all these new programs but we all need to be fully trained.  Training should not occur after school year.

?

At this point, not much.

The math program is not bad.

Teachers keeping teachers going.  If it weren’t for them many of us might leave.

Disharmony!

Parent/teacher collaboration.

We do seem to be getting more basic classroom supplies when we need them.

1.  A lot of behavioral supports have been provided that were not provided in the past.  2.  Increased mental health support this year 3.  I like Units of Study and what I have seen of the Writing Units so far.

We still have some really awesome students.  However, they are overshadowed by the discipline (lack of) with the other students.  Other than that, there is a fear of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing (unknowingly) and being called in for "a talk".

Technology Student recognition Student faculty relationship building

I think teachers work well together and support each other

The faulty is some of the hardest working people I know

Students are passing more frequently since 60-69% is no longer a failing grade. However, I would still question how much students are learning.

The teachers.  Once again...CASD teachers get it done.

Collaborating

Nothing and if we keep going in this direction the state will eventually take the district over.

a lot of students are motivated

Nothing at this point

Teachers

Nothing.

teacher support for other teachers parental support at the building and district level

Not very much

Our teachers is the only thing

Athletics and band

That the teachers stay united and together.  We are helping one another cope with the everyday ridiculous behaviors and the complete and utter disrespect.

The teachers. That is about it!

Students who have bought in at some level are experiencing success

My colleagues support each other - that is all we can do to survive.  THE TEACHERS ARE WORKING VERY EXTREMELY HARD

Nothing!!!!!!

Words Their way for my son in Elementary level

Not much!

I think the high school has programs that are beneficial to their students

Nothing. I don’t have positive things to say about the school district but I can tell you that we have some amazing teachers that the district is going to continue to lose if conditions don’t change.

I enjoy and utilize The Penn Literacy Network and Dr. Flanagan from WCU.

Teachers

Hard to answer...not a whole lot!   The fear and intimidation being felt by the teachers is crippling us on a day-to day basis.

The teachers are working well

The teachers/custodians/secretaries/aides work together

Teachers support each other

*1Teachers and THEIR students have strong rapport, and positive relationships. *2 We HAVE great teachers, and we have great students. *3 There are opportunities for teachers to get involved, and have skin in the game. Which allows for them to be invested in future progress. (In correlation with question 6.)

The assistant principals at the high school are working well, most traditions are still working well, spirit summit was good,

Not sure

At this time nothing, it is a disappointment that behaviors have not been dealt with and that there are no consequences for students’ behavior. Moral is very low and advice from administrators is not realistic or empathetic

I was glad to hear some students were fined by the police for fighting.  I think we need to be tougher with discipline.

Nothing

The teachers

Teachers

Implementing the units of study

The teachers, the district custodians, and the secretaries.

Smaller class sizes Behavior specialists in buildings

Teachers sticking together

I can’t think of anything right now

Caring staff

Parking

I like the reading and writing at the elementary

Nothing

Sadly, nothing.

Sports, there is absolutely no focus on student achievement or growth in the areas of math, science, or reading at the elementary level.  Teachers are not even aware of how their students from last year scored on their PSSAs.  There are no assessments given throughout the year to predict how the students will do on standardize tests let alone show their areas of weakness so that action plans can be developed to increase understanding leading into the tests.

The teachers are working well together...considering the circumstances.

Good curriculum

Unsure

Currently on maternity leave (n/a)

The hard working teachers

Nothing

I think our curriculum at higher levels is impressive.

Not much

????

Our teachers’ communication among themselves and our families.

The professional learning

Good curriculum changes, but too many changes at once. Units of Study needs a lot of prep time. Reading specialists need to be back in the classrooms reading with our kids, supporting us by reading with kids, not observing us. They are assigned to a grade, but I have only seen her 3 times. Our kids need them.

Curriculum purchases

Nothing!

Teachers

The resilience of our dedicated staff

Nothing

My colleagues support me EVERY day.

Teacher effort, commitment, and community support are keeping the district going.

Not a lot.

My colleges are fantastic to get through the BS of the district.

nothing morale is low , frustration is high

The teachers continue to do everything possible to provide a quality education to every student who makes themselves available to their teachers.

We have a strong, dedicated staff. We always put our students first and this is reflected in the strong relationships we have with our students. I believe most of us enjoy working with our family of colleagues.

I am at a loss for an answer.

US

We have dedicated teachers.

Our district is sad and broken but I hear the basketball, football and track teams are doing well.

Units of study reading and phonics

Not a whole lot if they are begging for people to come back to Coatesville.  I have been in the district a long time and I have watched the curriculum and expectations change dramatically over the years. It is disheartening that we gone so far downhill.

I feel that most people are positively searching for a change in what doesn’t work well.

WE have finally gotten solid assistant principals at the high school who have made a difference in how discipline is handled.

Right now, sadly nothing. Without discipline nothing works smoothly.

I really am enjoying Units of Study. I am teaching the reading writing and phonics and see so much growth in my kiddos.

Our teachers are working well despite not having much support.

Great teachers who take a lot of time and effort to make a difference

Honestly right now I feel like our district is broken.  We were a great district with 6 reading specialists in every building, a math intervention teacher,  and special education support rooms where students truly got the individualized attention they need.  I feel that I am no longer a teacher, just a babysitter and I think our district will close down or get taken over by the state in the next two years if we continue on this horrible path.  We teachers are working under fear and intimidation- and it is making teachers leave just like our students

The teachers and their continued commitment!

Our physical campus is inviting for sports and theater events

I am very satisfied with the professional development that is being offered. I am not sure why this is suddenly an issue. For over twenty years we received little or no p.d.. Do you wonder where that has gotten us??

Very little

We still have teachers who care...however many are leaving and this scares me.

Teachers supporting one another.

The teachers continue to teach even under these extremely stressful times

I have appreciated the feedback and direct teaching from the reading specialists/literacy coaches.

Hard to say, so much is broken. Everything is out sourced, so no buy in for schools and communities.

Words Their Way, EDM

The longer classes for mathematics and language arts are beneficial to students. Adding student clubs and after school tutoring sessions has been successful.

Teachers are doing the best they can.

?????

Not a lot. I was trained in Responsive Classroom years ago, and that’s the only thing I feel is working for me. I like the idea of reading workshop but I don’t know what the results will yield.

Well, that is hard to say.  I can’t honestly put my finger on anything particular.

Not sure

It’s sad to struggle to answer this question. May teachers are working very hard to stay positive and keep the rigor high in the classroom. That ability is sabotaged by the grade system (a student not being able to earn below a 50% MP grade), and the fact that students can cut and fail during the school year when they want, and then near the end, they can take credit recovery of taking 2 exams, a midterm and a final, and if they pass those, they pass the class. Also teachers are pressured to let kids make up work that the students chose earlier to not do. We offer free SAT for juniors, which must cost the district a pretty penny (but then our school performance profile looks better), but we don’t actively prepare the kids for the exam through 9th,10th, and the first part of 11th grade. I digress, as the question did ask what is working well...

The teachers to the best of their ability with what they have to work with.

Colleagues mostly have each other’s back.

I can think of nothing at this time. The buildings are filthy, certain students are OUT OF CONTROL, new curriculum are getting thrown at us with no PD,... we run out of paper towel, toilet paper, tissues all of the time... There are less and less services/supports available for students...

Not much!

Staff collaboration/support of one another

EDM

Our staff and community is amazing in so many ways!  Our unity and collaboration is what sustains

NA

??  That we are surviving this dictatorship and environment of fear in which we try to teach?

The teachers

I am having a hard time finding something that is successful outside a few athletic teams and the arts. What has earned us public recognition or praise? We need to be working on things that make us shine and stand out !

The staff that has dedicated their time here. In some buildings the teachers are holding everything together and managing more than admin even realizes at times.

The breakfast program is an outstanding success.

Collins writing; the kids; not much else.

The opportunity to be part of curriculum with the curriculum committee. District is going in right direction with the focus on the students.

We have wonderful related arts teachers and programs.  I don't hate EDM, although I think we need to supplement with basic skills.

No comment should say it all

The teachers want the best for the students,

Not much.....educational programs are ineffective.....admin is ineffective

Ela co teaching; however need a step down for students who need a learning support math but not a full special education room

Nothing! It has turned into the laughing stock of the state. These kids aren’t learning and the administration has set them up for failure. The state should just come in and take it over so we can get rid of the superintendent and her useless cronies!

Training for core curriculum

EDM

Teachers sticking together

We have a wonderful staff, just let them do their job! TEACH!

I work well. My colleagues work well. Others work hard.

clubs Allowing students experience new things they haven’t done before

The teachers

Teachers support each other

Everyday Mathematics

None of these new initiatives seems to be working with our student population.

The doors still open to let us leave at the end of the day

The teachers are standing firm together despite obstacles in our path.

Not much

We have amazing, dedicated educators.

Little

Not much. I don't feel a unity between teachers and administration and that is hindering the progress our students can make

No comment

Nothing g

I feel like the teachers are working hard to make up for all the short comings of the district so that their students don’t necessarily feel it.

Athletics, testing PSSA

Athletics

The EDM training, the continued offering of the teacher's college,

Nothing

The teachers are doing an amazing job. To a person, everyone puts forth 100% daily.

The teachers and support staff!

Not sure....

Building moral is the best it’s been

At this point I am not sure - I believe at the start of the current administration there was talk about transparency and fierce conversations - I am not feeling that is happening much anymore. The advertising co the district hired  paints a nice picture but why are all the students leaving to go elsewhere and teachers leaving each year?

Our teachers are working well – those that have stayed have an amazing bond with one another, and we are what get each other through every day

Teacher expertise and professionalism

Implementation of everyday math

Cata

The programs are great for students on level. I am concerned for students who are not and if this is actually widening the gap.

The faculty and staff are working hard

The modeling done by Brittany from TC.

The teachers and they are even struggling. We work together but are constantly being put in difficult situations that bring moral down or build tension between colleagues.

Nothing

The dedication of staff and teachers! The majority of teachers are most excellent and care deeply about the students they teach. Sadly, many have been leaving our district

The teachers and office staff trying to hold together the failures of the admin.

Nothing. Period. The morale is s**t it’s all time low. Co workers are turning on each other. There is no support. The kids know there are no real consequences. Teachers are afraid to make any mistakes at the risk of being fired. Teachers are afraid they may do say something wrong on a daily basis. It is not a pleasant work environment. Good teachers are leaving even before they really planned on it. Good families are leaving to go to other schools.

It depends on the day!

Nothing

The teachers

EDM. At least at the elementary level, I think it’s safe to say we are all well trained and we could probably use the money we are paying those people to help fund some of these other pressing issues.

Not much of anything

Survival

I can’t think of anything.

Nothing. We have enabled the students and are not preparing them for life beyond graduation.

The current Being a Writer writing program which is being replaced by units.

The teachers

Some of joe ginoti ideas on writing

I worked in 2 other districts, there is not a better teaching staff anywhere! Coatesville teachers take care of each other, that doesn't happen in every district. I think our building admin cares about staff but are limited in their ability to truly provide the help we need.

Teachers trying their best.

Teachers supporting each other (on my team in my school)

Admin is trying to be positive and address issues but there are so many

The teachers. That’s about it.

Our initiatives with school equity are working well and student leadership training.

Positive relationships between teachers within the buildings

Teachers working their butt off with minimal resources and support. As well as the principal.

The buses are on time.

When I’m left alone to do my job

Most teachers understand the difficulties our students face or have experienced and they give students the chance and support to overcome, in spite of a student culture that overwhelmingly is deceitful, they steal and take advantage of kindness.

The actual teaching.  When we can close our doors and do our jobs without disruptions, great things are happening in the classrooms.

Nothing

....

I honestly cannot give you an answer

Nothing.

Student/teacher relationships are positive

I think as a whole the teaching staff is helpful, collaborative and dedicated to our students and each other. I think there are still families who love the CASD. Beyond that, I think it’s hard to find anything the district is doing well. Administration (above the level of principal) needs to listen to their teachers; the teachers are the experts and have a lot of great ideas but upper admin rarely gives the opportunity to share ideas and then when they do there’s no follow through.

The board is finally asking questions

Not much

Sorry to say, nothing.  The policies of the current admin have silenced all voices in an adversarial climate of intimidation. All student supports have been removed.

Teachers are teaching sns work hard

At this point not really sure!

Some teachers are deeply committed to the students that they serve

Our athletics continue to excel.

I honestly don’t think anything is working well

The quality of instructional materials is good.

Not much is working. Inclusion not funded correctly and lack of alternative Ed has ripped our district apart.

I see more willingness by the Board to hold administrators accountable.

nothing

Sadly, not much. There has been some positive 339 activities and programs.

  

What changes (if any) would you like to see in our district?

I feel like our math program is up and running well.

I would like to have our voices heard again.  There have been so many changes made and I don't feel that they have always been positive.  Our input is never asked for.  When we do voice a concern and even possible solutions they are not acted on or even addressed. Our lunch room is too crowded and too loud.  We have voiced several options for this and nothing has changed.  I had a student who was pulled from the district because of the noise and the stress in the cafeteria and lunchroom. We need help with teaching reading.  We have such a high level of at risk readers and everything this year is left in the classroom teacher's hands.  I have never felt so unsupported in the teaching of reading.  Our reading specialists need to be assigned to one building and working with that school's children.  This is the first time in my teaching career that I can't tell a parent that their child is struggling in reading and I will have the reading specialist do further testing and make recommendations.  We also have a reading program that relies on the use of document cameras.  I have asked for and begged for them and still have not received one. We need several behavior specialists in our building. They could help deal with the children in crisis and train us with strategies.  This would allow the learning support teachers to see the children on their caseloads and honor their IEP's   We need a cool down room where children who are acting out go to.  There needs to be consequences for children who misbehave and are not being safe in school. There needs to be a resource room where children can go for additional help if needed.  Social skills need to be taught to children who are showing a deficit. IST needs to be brought back.  The poor guidance counselor can barely do her job let alone IST.  Many children are not receiving the support they need.  I believe our emotional support children should not be in the classroom but be in an emotional support room until they are ready to handle the demands of a classroom.  We have lost so many of our non-labeled students to charter schools and parents have moved and left the district because they do not want their children experiencing the behaviors that are occurring in our classrooms on a daily basis.   When a new program is to be implemented in the district I would like to see it piloted and teacher input considered.  In the past we have always looked closely at each program considered, piloted it and then shared what was good and not so good about the programs.  Then the teachers made a decision based on what was presented and learned about the program. I'd like to bring back grade level chairs so that communication could open back up across the district.

The curriculum is terrible, behaviors are extreme, salary is not enough, and there is so much intimidation that occurs.

Leadership change, experienced principals (only become principal once they have successfully been asst principal)

Appreciate teachers, don’t put unrealistic expectations on them and declare that things are due in unreasonable time frames

Hiring long term substitutes for teachers out for weeks. My students have missed over 40 specials this year. They need a break and the teachers need time to plan well.

As noted a disciplinarian for each school and 1 ESL Teacher per building instead of a split work load.

More behavior support and consistent discipline

We must make changes to the discipline district wide.  Things are not working and we are losing students and staff at an alarming rate. Teachers constantly feel on edge and fear for their jobs- they shouldn’t need to feel this way when we are all working incredibly hard for our students. The moral is down and that is unacceptable. We need to be working in a positive atmosphere to be able to provide our students with nothing but the best.

Consistency in academics and behavior approaches.  Something that would make sense.

A push with discipline and curriculum that doesn’t fall on the teacher’s shoulders that will earn us some respect and some of the families back that left for charter schools.

Democratically chosen administration by each building staff. Progressive/tangible discipline. No security - police only

I would like to see teachers get real support with behaviorally challenged students. I would like a quality language arts program that is simple to follow.

Reinstatement of services to special education. Allow kids to have their academic needs met in the special education room when the team determines that that’s where the student’s needs will be best met (FAPE) Qualified 1:1 aides and substitute teachers hired. When a teacher leaves, and we hold them for 60 days, actually use those 60 days to hire a new staff member and not just split the caseload to the other special education teachers in the building. Also, allow special education teachers time in their room to ‘eet the needs of their caseload as specified in their iep. When every minute is scheduled with co teaching or co planning or duties the question remains when are the sdis being met like check ins, or when angry/ upset/ anxious allow access to special education teacher...

We need to change the morale in the district between administration and the teachers. We need to work together and not against each other.

I want to see the district go back to a time of holding high standards for our students...  I want to see our students be productive members of the community...  I want to see respect come back to the district...  I want to see administrators (not just teachers) call parents...  PRIDE - that's what I would like to see in our district again...  it used to be a district full of pride and a true sense of community.  But at this point, all we are seeing is a large stream of students fleeing the district....

More supports for teacher and students. Also more leveled math and ELA classes. The units of study and CPM don’t work for students reading at anywhere from a 1st to 5th grade reading level!

A new superintendent.

Amount of assessments and way assessments are administered.

Professional development for everyone on any new program. Not offered after school is over with some getting trained and done not.  There should be consistent school wide behavior plan.

New Superintendent

A return to the district that cares about the wellbeing of its students, staff, and community.

Help with discipline. Teachers can’t do it on their own. We need 2 principals in each building. There needs to be clear explanations on what will result in suspensions. There needs to be in school suspensions and outside suspensions.  Full inclusion is not working when teachers have no support. We need 2 guidance counselors in each building and a full time mental health specialist and a resource room. Teachers should be allowed to pilot programs before they are bought. Our input doesn’t count for anything. We need support, not constant observations and tough criticism. We have no voice and are punished if we try to speak up.

More honest leadership and asking teachers what works and doesn’t and then acting on that.  Believing what parents say and stop pretending there is nothing wrong

more behavioral support

Give the teachers more freedom.

Actions from administrators that demonstrate respect for teachers other than the verbal statements that don’t appear to be consistent with present actions and decisions.

1.  Both students and teachers deserve a safe environment to learn and teach. 2.  It should not take so long to get students placed in the appropriate setting.  We operate on a fail first model and that has lasting implications for the student far beyond the schooling years.  3.  Higher admin needs to actually listen to the teachers or even bother to come to the school and see it firsthand 4.  We need to get rid of the DRA.  It is subjective and takes forever to give meaning students lose up to 2 months of instruction in reading sometimes.  5.  Nothing will change until teachers and admin are a team and unfortunately admin does not operate.  I have spent entire days dealing with students that were aggressive or we could not keep in the building and though my secretary tried to get us administrative help (as my principal was at training) no one would come or it took hours.  This has happened more than 10 times and is completely unacceptable.

Teachers make decisions about grading, teaching, etc.  The administrators and hierarchy have been out of the classroom for years...some have less than ten years in the classroom... they have no clue what it's like to teach.  They would last a month in the classroom.

Discipline

Actual and appropriate discipline for those who require it. Teamwork between admin and teachers, starting with Dr. Taschner. Admin who reflect and keep in mind what it was like to be a teacher. Admin who don’t yell & talk down to teachers. Special Ed resources and support.

See above

Tighten up the discipline and hold students more accountable. Take pressure off  teachers to pass every student regardless of attendance and discipline track record. Make students pay for summer school and stop making everything so easy on them. We are enabling them more than we are helping them. When we have the money, bring back an Alternative Education Program and run it the way it was run under Rob Fisher and Tom Keech.

Removal of the superintendent and her crew.  A new reading and math curriculum.  What we have is awful.

More behavior supports

More special ed staff

Tougher discipline expectations and tougher consequences

students need to be disciplined for infractions

New top administration who invite and respond respectfully and genuinely to the concerns of parents and teachers

Upper administration needs to go. Special education and discipline are a hot mess.

New, competent central administration. Return to collaborative relationships between admin and professional staff. Stop paying for college credits and other programs that the district uses as propaganda.  Stop outsourcing custodial and mental health services.

Curriculum changes support from upper admin. for struggling students support for students who need it academically (Emotional Support, Autistic Support, Life Skills Support, Behavioral Support, Gifted Support) Return to TEAM TEACHING Take the label of PRE-AP OFF of the classes in middle school.

Ideally, I would love to see all of our students have the same opportunities and experiences that their peers receive in nearby school districts! Better discipline/consequence structure. Whatever it is...it needs to be done right. Provide specific services for students with specific needs. (Emotional support teachers and classrooms & resource rooms. Smaller class sizes in grades K, 1, and 2 to focus on reading instruction.

Remove the top admin and being disciplined the students. This is the only thing that will bring the kids back.

Actually discipline students

The current administration fired and sent a long, long way away.  It will take us years to get this district back to the way it should be because of taschner and her crew.  It is a disgrace that they r not up on criminal charges for the things that happen in this district.

Almost everything.... central administration needs to go, new curriculum, guidance counselors and reading specialist that actually work with students. Principals that can discipline students without any repercussions from upper admin. No more co-teaching with half your class being in learning support.

Progressive discipline Administrative Probation for habitual offenders Students receiving consequences when habitually late for school and I in-excused Sweeps of the hallways between classes and during advisory

DISCIPLINE RESTORED IN THE CLASSROOM.

PD at correct times Systematic curriculum Administrators that don take our materials, and let us supplement as needed We are professionals! It is insane the amount of disrespect that is shown to me. I know i am a good teach...but i have been told because 'others ' are not on board with(curriculum)that we need to be watched, and our rooms needed to be searched.

Discipline Leveling held accountable with benchmark and pssa/keystone Longer recess for Elementary with whole grade No CPM No Team

Administration who is allowed to discipline

More trainings for special education

We need a huge change on how the district handles behavior issues, we need updated schools (that are clean, have technology and are safe), better curriculum (not a vague Lucy Calkins), we need a more positive working environment for teachers where teachers are respected and we need a new Superintendent/assistant superintendent that care about students and teachers best needs!

We need multiple levels to meet our students’ needs at the high school level. Our top students are not being challenged and our struggling students are not being supported and therefore giving up. This includes bringing back teacher recommendations for course selection. We must bring back accountability for ALL student behaviors. We need the Alternative Education Program and Emotional, Learning, and Autistic Support class rooms back. We need reading specialists back in our elementary class rooms. We need remediation for students who are not meeting goals. We need a faculty that once again feels supported and respected as professionals. This place used to feel like a family. While some may have abused that others worked harder, longer, showed up outside of contract hours because you’ll make personal sacrifices to make sure a place you love like family is thriving. We need to make this a place people want to work again to decrease teacher turn over which better serves our taxpayers and our students.

More materials and books for new classes that are currently running.

Start enforcing the discipline code

1.  Bring back the special classrooms, i.e. life skills, emotional support, autism support, sensory rooms, etc... 2.  Handle inappropriate behaviors with more authority and immediately with consequences that are appropriate. 3.  Hire more special education teachers, as well as more support staff 4.  Each special education teacher SHOULD have their own room/space.  Overcrowding is an issue. 4. All elementary schools should have an assistant principal 5.  Change the "Inclusion Policy-"  "one size does NOT fit all!" 6.  We would like to feel the upper administration respects and trust us, as professionals.  Value OUR knowledge and OUR expertise to know that we are here for the children and we sometimes know programs that would work better with our population.   Actually listen to what we say! 7.  Put the reading specialist/literacy coaches back in the classroom, working with students. 8. More than 1 gifted teacher at the elementary level.

I would like the discipline to be carried out according to the code that the students have been given

More support for teachers and staff. Behaviors are not dealt with properly. Students know that they can get away with pretty much ANYTHING and see very little to no consequences for their actions. How many times do we need to talk to parents/have parent meetings for the administration to DO something? Teachers are drowning. They can't teach. HOW IS THIS HELPING THE STUDENTS LEARN?????????? Also - WHY CAN'T STUDENTS BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR OWN GRADES AND ACTUALLY BE HELD BACK???? When a student tells you it "doesn't matter" if they pay attention in class and try to get a decent grade because they know they'll move onto the next grade no matter what???

Leadership

Dress code, backpack policy, cell phone policy, vaping policy, minimum grade policy.

*1 Building climate is lacking. Security guards do nothing. Teachers have more influence with THEIR students but struggle with insubordinate students.  *2 Our TOP teachers, and students are leaving. We need to change that!!  Turnover rate is impacting teacher student rapport, and relationship building between district and community. *3 Once teachers and their voices are heard, it is apparent the administration does not have true autonomy within their buildings. (They agree with suggestions, but can do nothing.). There is also little opportunity for intrinsically motivated teachers to be promoted from within, into VACANT administrative roles, specifically at the secondary level. (In correlation with question 5.)

WE NEED GOOD CUSTODIANS BACK!!  We work in a dirty, germ-filled environment.  We need alternative education back.  We need to separate Academic and Merit levels again - the philosophy of the "lower level students will rise up"  DOES NOT HAPPEN!  We are allowing academic students to be surrounded by many underachievers who bring the academic students DOWN!  It is SO obvious to everyone EXCEPT admin, and I'm not sure why.  I would like to see a hard stand taken on student responsibility and accountability, as opposed to too many opportunities and extensions given so that "everyone passes".

More support in areas of special education, mental health, discipline, earlier communication

Consequences handed out to students, parenting classes and information for parents taking responsibility for their children and perhaps contacting our local politicians for Fair School Funding and put their feet to the fire so CV can get the funding they need

I would like teachers to feel valued more.

That teachers teach instead of babysitting or being social workers Not to see administration bullied by admin Strong CATA

More support from administration. Improve cleanliness of buildings.. Include teacher input on more decisions: teacher schedules

Mean what we say, say what we mean

Stronger support with student discipline

New admin that actually cares about students’ progress not getting themselves in a book. Admin that truly understands our students need for discipline. An admin that appreciates us, rather than blames us. An admin who stops retaliation against teachers who speak out.   Removing the all fake ways to pass a class, credit recovery, credit retrieval, pressure on teachers to actually pass the students, allowing the student to take midterm and final to pass class, etc. Bring back alt ed. Not every student can learn in a traditional school setting. We are doing those students a disservice by not having any alternatives. A school board that will respond to parents both by email and in meetings. Every other school district board responses to questions at the board meetings. Listen to teachers on how to bring students back to the district and how to retain the students we have. We know more than you do, we're with all day, every day.

Professional development for all professions/disciplines Effective MTSS/IST program

MORE SERVICES FOR OUR KIDS!! Bring back Math specialists, IST specialist, reading specialists for each grade, MORE SPECIAL ED teachers so we can coteach properly, working technology

Districtwide cell phone policy of needing to keep them away. An enforceable policy to keep students out of the hallway between classes. Physically removing them if necessary. Don’t make teachers responsible for noticing who is cutting class unless it’s obvious. We shouldn’t have to check the day’s attendance to see what classes the students have been to. That should be an easy report that the office can run. Make honor classes actual honor classes and need teacher approval for students to be in them. Make an alt Ed program for those students who are just unwilling to conform to classroom standards. Bring back merit classes so academic just doesn’t get dumped with all the behavioral issues.

The Special Education Dept. Student behaviors and consequences

Change in emotional support classroom and autistic support. Both done well to benefit all. Change in math curriculum across the grades k12

Discipline-the kids want it. They literally do whatever they want, and know they can get away with it.

Nothing can be changed until there is change in the top position. It would be great to see employees to have trust again but it is simply too late with the current regime.

The reading specialists throughout the district need to be working with students and not with teachers as literacy coaches. The people most qualified in our districts to help support students' in reading are not assigned any students to work with.  I work with an excellent reading specialist but she is not providing me with any supports that I couldn't find myself if I had more time.   I believe the district needs to adopt a MTSS or RTII program that manages the IST process in the elementary schools.  If each school had an IST leader who was not a councilor but a teacher who understood the standards K-5 they could meet with each grade level every 6-12weeks for a data meeting.  At this data meeting, teachers would come prepared with a list of students they are most concerned about.  The teacher would share the student's most recent DRA data and hard copies of their work to demonstrate their concern.  After the analysis the IST leader would provide a 6-9 week plan that not only included a set of strategies for the regular education teacher to use consistently and collect data from but also assign the students reading support or math support a certain amount throughout the week so that student's gaps could be be filled depending on their tier or need level.  This would allow students to get not only the grade level instruction but also give them a second or third exposure or practice on grade level or below grade level skills depending on their need.  At the end of the 6-12  weeks the team would meet again to discuss any new concerns but to also analyze  the data of students submitted prior to either release them from support, increase or decrease support or to move to the evaluation process.  This is the only way we can get students caught up or at lease provide the supports they need to help them get to grade level.  Right now the only measure of students’ achievement which is discussed are F/W/S DRA scores and they are just reported no support is being provided.

Special Education co-teaching uses differently. Being pulled into multiple rooms is extremely difficult

Well thought out plans and teacher input if a program is going to be changed...proof that something is or isn't working before just purchasing something new. A behavior plan with appropriate consequences...follow through and parent accountability.

Expectations (academically and behaviorally) need to be in place.  Students should not be passed on if they don't do the work.  This sends the wrong message.  Special educational students should be receiving the services that are needed.  Behaviorally, the district is creating a school environment that is unsafe by not holding students accountable for inappropriate behavior which is stated in the Code of Conduct.

Additional Special Education resources Additional behavior therapists, the ones that have recently been in our building are wonderful.

Schools given more control over what is best for their schools.  Vast differences in student makeup.  Also vast differences in school buildings

Develop a reliable and consistent code of conduct that includes clear consequences and hold children to those expectations.

Better working conditions for teachers.

Reading specialist that actually work with our students on a daily basis - same with math support. We need emotional support classes and autistic support classes. We need special education pull out support.

Bring back alt ed Teams at the middle school level After school busing

Implementation of Discipline and it being consistent.   Higher morale and more trust in the teachers

Stop spending money on initiatives to get charter school students back in our district.  You know what the problem is, so please fix it. Offer emotional support classrooms. Communication in our district is also very poor. I often times find out things I'm "supposed” to be doing from employees who are contracted from other agencies.  Administration is communicating to them- why do they not communicate to us?

Teachers being treated as professionals, more accountability for parents, improved school climate, money used to help students, not to make district "look" good, holding students to higher academic standards, not being asked to pass students on just to pass them on, a minimum reading level must be met before students are passed on, intensive help for students who aren't meeting goals before being passed to next grade, no more middle school students on 1st grade reading level, more resources for students experiencing trauma because teachers can't do it all

More discipline and teacher support, hold parents and students accountable, raise the passing back to 70, get rid of units of study

Additional time to collaborate with grade level, additional time to score, input, input our data.

For the divide between the district and CATA to cease! Enough is enough! Let’s work together to bring about changes that will foster growth and best practice for our students.

Slow down on all the changes at once in curriculum. We can't become great with a program if we are trying to learn too many at once. Check into how other districts evaluate their teachers. Ours is way too time consuming with all the steps. Great Valley and other districts use a different less time consuming process.

Discipline Better in services More help in classroom

The discipline has got to change. I’d also like to see less people coming and observing us. The role of the reading specialist needs to go back to what it was. The change was too drastic and is ineffective in student progress.

- useful technology - consistency in teaching positions (stop moving) - no 6th grade center and 7/8 center - actual discipline

Team teaching reinstated, direct instruction when needed, alternative education program

Actually following discipline policies and student code of conduct.

1. Honest communication. 2. Removal of a fear and consequences based leadership mentality. 3. Trust that our educators will support our students. (We do, that is why we stay.)

I do not believe that Dr. Taschner is the right person to lead our district in a positive manner, and we need a school board who will stand up for the district and not be fearful of her, as her employees are.

Let's really put people first, and make teaching and learning the real focus of what we're doing and why we're here, not just words and falseness, like it is now. Policies with impact and effectiveness need to be firm, actually have some teeth.

Everything.

being treated as professionals

New administration.

I think it is appropriate to hold children responsible for their choices.  When we tolerate inappropriate behaviors, it not only sends a negative message to the child, but to the classroom community as a whole. It sends a message of tolerance for inappropriateness and a disregard for education. We need to be consistent in our discipline.  For example, if a disruptive child takes a break from the classroom and returns with the lollipop or gum,  this sends the wrong message.  Also, I disagree with using snacks to promote positive behavior. For example, expecting a teacher to distribute chips  as an incentive for when a child is on task. Further, we need to focus on the masses instead of the individuals with severe issues in the classroom. For example, I believe it is inappropriate for a teacher to be asked to remove classroom materials so that an at-risk child is not tempted to throw items.  It is also unrealistic for teachers to complete behavior charts every 15 minutes.  It is impossible to productively teach when you are performing the role of an aide.  On another note, it would be very helpful if we could streamline how assessments are stored. We are currently putting the same information in more than five places: Performance Tracker, EDM, three XL spreadsheets for principals (per class, per grade level, per class with goals), and report cards (along with a paper grade book).

We need to stop "giving in" to the wrong people, that includes parents and some students. This is the reason we are losing wonderful families to alternative schools.

Consequences for discipline, which would allow teachers and students to thrive and grow in their classrooms.  It is very unfair to the students and families that come to our schools to learn and are disrupted endlessly all day by these students.  Thus we have so many families leaving.

I would like to see special ed. Go back to small learning environments .  I see many of our special ed students and social/emotional students overwhelmed in a larger classroom.

We need change from the top down.

Discipline and more time for students to play

Either follow the uniform policy or get rid of it.  Have clear expectations for behaviors and consequences. Clearly define what students can and CANNOT wear and if they are not appropriate the consequences. Enlist local police for support with behavior issues. Have an outlined expectation for attendance.  Students who miss many days, who decides when to follow up or not? Bring back the custodians.  Our building is DISGUSTINF!!  It smells like urine in the main hallway.  My bathroom and classroom floor have not been cleaned since January.  My sink is growing filth.  I'm embarrassed when people come in to our building, there is food matted on floors, walls are gross.

Dedicated professional development days. More effective discipline across all grade levels. An updated SC/SS curriculum which doesn’t require teacher supplements. True transparency with the community regarding exactly how much money is being spent on arbitrations.

The easiest change would be to eliminate the automatic 50% students get for the marking period even if they do no work.

True discipline program that allows students and teachers be in a safe non-threatening environment.

We need a better way to handle discipline. We need more support for our special needs population. We need a social and emotional curriculum. We need more play time for our elementary students. We need a more hands on approach to math (no more workbooks). We need to find a way to build trust and morale in the buildings.

We need to start by parting ways with our superintendent, Rita Perez, CPM, and Units of Study.  Then we need review our policies that were made under this dictatorship, to see if they are practical and/or working.  We need to do an over hall of our special education department.  WE need support rooms put back into every school at every level in every grade.  WE need our reading specialist to actually work with students.  We need to revise the student code of conduct and actually follow it.  Then we need to let our teachers, teach the skills our students need.  We need to go with two middle schools not 1.  BRING AUDRA BACK!!  DRA's are crap and mean nothing.  Nobody goes to due process over a single test score, they go to due process for not having resource room, or when their child does not get services that are in the IEP.

Discipline. Communication. Proper training on new curriculums. Bullying. Honesty/Transparency. Better administration. Assistant principals in Elementary schools. More resources. More student supplies. No mold in buildings. Better parent outreach.

We need a new leader and an administration that can make their own decisions for their building.  Kids need suspended for bad behavior so all students can learn in peaceful orderly environments.  Reading specialists need to work with struggling readers every single day.  Learning support teachers need to service IEP kids for more than 30 minutes here and 50 minutes there.  We need behavior specialists who come up with plans for students- not just hide the kid in the classroom having the meltdown so visitors can’t see it.  We need parents back in the building supporting classrooms and not being kept in the dark about the issues. We need to be treated like professionals and most of all we need our CATA president reinstated immediately.  The School Board needs to wake up and see what is going on- come to our schools.

Better communication and less imitation.

Bring back our custodians No more food permitted outside the cafeteria In-service half-days (easier to handle than a whole day)

Stop the negativity and start working together to recreate CASD into the excellent school district it once was. Our students and community deserve it. My hope is that as a member of CATA that my truthful responses are shared with the school board and not deleted so they get an accurate picture of how I feel.

Effective discipline

Consistent discipline to create a positive, learning centered environment.

Respect.

more discipline, less training, more attention and support for our special needs students

I think we should look at alternative reading programs at the Elementary Level.  I'm not sure reading workshop is meeting our student’s needs.

New superintendent that really cares about kids, lip service isn't working.  The discipline needs to be handled, what is being done isn't working.  The students are disrespectful to teachers, adults, other students. They are really mean to each other. They fight, climb on tables, use bad language toward others, call teachers and other student’s names. The superintendent will state in a meeting that the principals have ability to do things in their buildings but she doesn't let them.  So we need stronger discipline, more substitutes, and consistent schedules, resource rooms with one teacher not 5 in and out, more mental health specialists (regular ed. Not just IEPs) a school leader that is not fearful of running building.

Open communication, increased number of subs to allow for teacher planning every day (at the elem level), administration actually handling serious discipline issues

I would like upper administration to value the voices of teachers without retaliation. Teachers and building principals should be able to make building level decisions.

AP programs need to be run by the people who have perfected their craft. Resource rooms need to be returned to help our special education students meet success. Multiple levels for classes brought back to appropriately meet student needs. Stop allowing unacceptable behaviors without a consequence. Remove taschner to allow the above to happen.

More administrative presence, meaningful and stronger discipline, support from administration.

I would like to be able to feel confident in teaching a program prior to being evaluated. I would also like to only have to implement one new program at a time and not feel like a jack of all trades and master of none. I feel that we need new programs but very much struggle with implementing many at once. I would like there to be true transparency. There is not. Not to the parents or the staff. I would like to be given the things I am told I will be receiving. For instance a classroom makeover or supplies that were promised. I would like to be able to teach without feeling like I am being watched at all times. I would like my administrator to feel like they can manage our schools and the discipline within. They are not the leaders they used to be, which I believe is due to pressures unknown. I would like to feel like I am needed and we are a team. I would love for our students who suffer so much trauma to be given the support that is needed, as our counselors are utilized for other things and mental health is denied. I would like for more effective staff meetings. Recess after lunch would be great. Smaller class sizes for ALL but I’m sure that would require redistricting. The morale is SO low and it makes for a terrible work environment. I need that to change as myself and many others are considering career changes.

I feel that TEAMWORK had to be brought back into our school district.

We need discipline. We also need to hold the kids accountable. Pretty much every day we are told to pass kids who make 0 effort and constantly cut class.

Discipline needs to improve - special education needs to improve - "co-teaching"?? - breakfast should not be eaten in the classroom - lunch should not be 1/2 an hour and should not be with another grade level - recess should not be first thing in the morning or at the end of the day - substitute situation is a joke - special area teachers should not have to substitute unless absolutely necessary

Taking Special Education teachers out of co-teaching so many classes.  Bring back small classrooms for students who have IEP's and cannot or do not have success in co-taught classrooms.  New curriculum to keep up with the changing ways of teaching.

See above answer. Plus we need alternative education. In the high school there are students who need an alternative placement. They cannot function in the regular Ed 7 class setting. Some come just to deal or do drugs in the bathrooms, in cars... It’s less likely they get caught than on the street.

I middle school: students leveled and in in teams.  Listen to the people that are in the trenches.

Better discipline. Availability and visibility of administrators. More responsibility on students.

New superintendent! More truly honest communication between teachers union and board. Union custodial services. More mental health support For teachers college and EDM classroom visits to stop.

New higher up leadership, principals allowed to run their schools, principals out of their offices and active in the daily life of the school. Staff willing to change and progress to the future of education.

*Reading specialists having direct, consistent contact with actual students *Less group observations of teachers implementing new programs *Rethink/research the success of EDM *Improve working conditions to include clean facilities and improve the "I gotcha" environment

Good bye Dr. T. And students held accountable for decisions

The superintendent needs to go.  She is single handedly destroying our district and community.  Healing from her damage will take far longer than any other before her.  Just ask Twin Valley, Oxford, and Susquehanna

New vision with new central administration too!! Programs that meet all the students and more teachers / support in ALL areas of the school day!! Recess and lunch iare out of control!

WE NEED DIFFERENT UPPER ADMINISTRATION!  Nothing is going to change until this environment of fear is gone!

More consistent discipline More strict policy on cell phone usage Eliminate advisory or include it within first period

Special education and support services need to be increased largely. We are dis-servicing our students and their families. Stop spreading teachers so thin that they cover multiple schools. Need to build community within each building. The moral is at an all-time low! Teachers are required to do too much besides teach like bus duty, lunch duty, recess,

Restoration of student support mechanisms and discipline.

Consistency!!!!

Effective discipline practices Planning time to implement units of study correctly

Curriculum

CATA’s negativity and not representing the membership. I know by their actions and words they don’t represent me.

We need more direct support for our struggling readers.  We need EMOTIONAL SUPPORT programs back!  Reading Specialists should work with kids again.  We need more supplies to effectively do Units of Study.

Discipline, leadership, clean buildings, technology, parent accountability

No more Dr. Taschner, better discipline, changes in special ed - bring back resource rooms, emotional support rooms

New superintendent

A new superintendent and assistant superintendent

More social emotional services and professional training for teachers and administrators.

New super

There has to be trust and a mutual respect.

Alternative ed site, mandatory summer school for failure of a course, mandatory twilight for failure of marking period,  no more promotion if 2 or more core subjects failed.

Administration follow code of conduct and not just blow off infractions

New super

Return to focus on learning, academic expectation, eliminate 50% minimum for 3rd and 4th marking periods.   Return to 70% passing.  Maintain attendance standards.   Eliminate students in halfway.

Administration being more supportive. More special education teachers. Better grouping of students (ie classes that don’t have IEPs versus classes that do). More discipline.

I would like to see the elimination of CPM, the availability of direct instruction for our low scoring students, and leveled classes again.

Plenty.  Definitely need better communication first and foremost.

Administrative restructuring to ensure student focused instead of personal image focused decisions.

Focus on stem which is supposedly happening

1. I would like all CASD employees to be able to work in a “fear free” environment.  2. I would like to see improved employee morale. ( “fear” and lack of support from central administration has a lot to do with the poor morale).  3. I would like the students of CASD to be able to get the help they need. 4. I would like a central administration that supports  the changes mentioned above.

Less micromanaging from top down

I would like to see climate in our building change. I would like to see the students be held accountable for their actions. I'd like to see services provided for some of our special education students who can't get the services they need. I'd like to have a unified plan on discipline and have no exceptions made.

Alt Ed program for disruptive kids, zero tolerance for cutting class, zero tolerance for insubordination and disrespect from students toward faculty and staff

Improved morale.

Philosophy of discipline changed from nurture to personal responsibility.  What are 5 principles all classrooms enforce.

More support for teacher ACTUAL concerns from the admin Building.  More community buy-in

Proper staffing, consistent consequences, current accurate policy and procedures, proper orientation , effective communication , trust

I would like to see more help with discipline. There are many students who say or behave in a way that is not appropriate. We need students to understand the consequences of this continued behavior.

ELA program, reading specialists actually working with kids, math specialists

Stop with the “Ready, Fire, Aim” decision making process. Communication that is actually presented timely and effectively. Taschner to leave. Some board members voted out. Other board members to actually see and be present in the schools.

More mental health therapists and behavioral specialists

Special education supports, less micromanaging, legitimate trainings for programs special education needs to use (DRA, LLI), time for special education teachers to do their jobs

I would like the adim and cata to work together to foster a heathy relationship like other districts have with their teachers. Teachers should be treated with respect and the adim should value their options and include them in decision making without holding small group committees. The mentor - inductee $$ is a waste since so many teachers leave each year due to low pay and lack of involved in decision making - give the teachers something positive to work with so they are valued..... Teachers and students should feel their efforts of learning and teaching are valued in a safe environment. We need resources that are current, less emphasis on ap - college ready etc and more on real life skills like decision making, mental health etc, This school community cannot put a Band-Aid on a gaping wound..........

A clear and concise discipline code that can be enforced Alternative Education Program Holding students accountable and held to a higher academic standard Spec ed that actually helps students No

New language arts program for the elementary, new math program, the ability to use other resources to help our struggling students versus being told we must use those two programs.

Reading specialist back in the classroom, for substitute teachers, volunteer program that will get a dog helping in the classroom,… Anything that gets more help for our stoop

Better scheduling to fit all of the workshop components for ELA

Bye bye taschner

More common planning More collaboration More time to meet with related services More support from reading specialist (at least one of them available in your building all day) Better schedules More differentiated materials More meaningful trainings More technology Working technology More parent engagement More social media usages to show parents all the great things going on in the classrooms More support More special education support Special education supervisors who are supportive and approachable Longer recess

I would like to see the climate change. I would like to see the discipline philosophy change. I would like to see the relationship between faculty and administration improve.

Small class sizes.

Curriculum, discipline approach, and a meaningful counseling program.

I would like to see curriculum that would be more appropriate for all students, and more freedom given to the instructors in delivery of the instruction. I would like to see support systems brought back to help struggling students and those in Special Education...and the time needed for teachers to give those students what they really need to succeed. While inclusion works well for many students, many are also falling through the cracks because this does not provide enough supports or their needs.

Our superintendent leaving. Bring back discipline.

More supports for students in place, accountability for teachers, effective discipline/classroom management practices being implemented, change in mindset of negativity

Administrators who actually care about their employees and the children we teach. Administrators who we can actually look up to that will be supportive and take action and listen when their employees are crying for help. No more dog and pony shows.

Get rid of the upper admin

We need to acknowledge the actual problems and work to find management solutions

More special ed staff, more supports for behavioral needs, considering having alternative classrooms other than the gen ed room for students with emotional disturbance or Autism so we are not having to place so many kids at Devereaux, CDC, the IU, etc.

More trust and less fear from the top that if we do something wrong we get in trouble

New leadership

Add Alt Ed

Each area holding monthly meetings, collaborating, etc. Department/grade level chairs back with meetings to support each other and help new members. Discipline and consequences- maybe community service within their school.  Students being properly placed. Students staying in class and not roaming the hallways. Clean work environment. Classroom aids and individual aides to keep disruptive students focused instead of disrupting the class and interfering with other students education.

Bring back Alt Ed.

Discipline return to the schools. Respect for the teachers (as professionals- trust us to teach without micromanaging).

Get rid of co-teaching and help students at their level.  We need a systematic approach to reading and language arts.  We need a new math program or supplement basic fact practice.   We don't need any more math development in current program, we just need to fill the holes.  Everyone should be trained at the SAME time during contracted in-service days not during our time in the summer.  Reading specialists should work with students.

There’s a long list... Retain students who need it Bring back special ed classroom Security in buildings Hold students accountable for actions Are just some off the top of me head

Get rid of cpm Offer classes to our lower level kids that are on their level Get rid of the superintendent Bring back alt Ed

Special ed co-teachers are not able to complete either job accurately. We  cannot be full time case managers with high caseloads AND be expected to complete HALF of the content classroom responsibilities. IEPs are being completed last minute and have errors, we need time beyond our prep to meet with students, do testing, progress monitor and schedule IEPs, Audra, this question is worthy of your speaking to building sped teachers in person.

Punishment for behaviors that break the code of conduct.

Discipline.

Direct instruction

Taschner leaving and someone who coming in who is not afraid to discipline a certain population of students. Also, please please please please please please, if anyone is listening. Get rid of Calkins and EDM. They are horrible! And please don’t fall for “the data shows students are improving” line. They aren’t. Go on performance tracker for any elementary classroom and see the data for yourself.

Continue to find ways to improve discipline; especially for students who cut class on a daily basis.

Emphasis on positive behavior

more support, discipline, reading specialists WORKING WITH STUDENTS!!!!! Not coming into our classroom and not supporting teachers either. Special education students getting the support needed- not changing their IEP to meet our needs. longer recess for the elem students. Not trying to implement multiple new curriculums at a time. We need substitutes!!!!!! We need more building aides so that the cafeteria has more support. The list could go on and on unfortunately....

Discipline

Partnering with community agencies to provide students with 24 hour support.

Support, aides and behavioral help with discipline, follow through and a safe working environment

Stronger discipline and following the code of conduct for every student from the beginning of the year to the end

Recognize the unique needs of a large part of our student body, build in instruction to meet those needs, offer consistent rewards to those who EARN them, and work towards making our schools places for learning and growing, to prepare students to become honest productive citizens

Rules being implemented and followed.  Follow through and consistency from administrators.

Discipline

I would like for the district to go back to self-contained classrooms and to bring back the proper supports for special education. I feel like as a district we are doing the bare minimum when it comes to our students with special needs. They deserve more than what we are providing them.

Let’s start at the top. Get a new superintendent!

Effective discipline, Respect for teachers, holding students accountable, new administration

Listen to the parents and students...get rid of CPM.  It is ruining the confidence in students and ruining the math program.  I'm not against group work, but students are extremely frustrated with this program and unless you work for CPM, I know no one who thinks it is good for our students. Bring back alt ed. Bring back discipline and meaningful consequences i.e. Saturday detentions It is embarrassing and sad to see where this district is now compared to five years ago.  Are the hundreds of families who left the district wrong or are we doing something wrong.  We need new leadership from the top and principals who are leaders, not scared to do their jobs.  Lack of leadership is evident.

First and foremost, improve special education. It’s supposed to be an individualized approach but the teachers hands are tied and administration turns their head to the concerns. Additionally, we need intensive reading programs and phonics at all grade levels on the elementary level. Have reading specialist return to the classroom to work directly with students.

A new superintendent

CATA leadership, transparency, the culture of fear, more parents and community events

You judge a tree by its fruit. The fruit in our schools is rotten to the core. I believe this superintendent has brought a proud district with a proud tradition to its knees. This administration is killing us.

A change in administration

Many changes ... better discipline, tier interventions system for reading, math and behaviors, and better reading intervention programs especially at the elementary level

Clear communication and consistent discipline for all students For reading specialists to teach students and not walk around like theyre so god damn hot shots

More transparency and better communication

New superintendent New school board members New, more rigid and defined student code of conduct Creation of alternative education school with high usage.  It’s time to fix the regular education classroom for the average student.  Coatesville hasn’t worried about the middle class, non-IEP student in way too long

Reading Specialists working with children Discipline support Services for children who need it Clean working conditions Paper towels and toilet paper Age appropriate schedules Flexibility in curriculum Budget for classroom supplies. Smaller class size

Better and more appropriate consequences and discipline, support for teachers, professional development that everyone receives, reading support for struggling students, stop spending money on useless things, social emotional support

New Leadership. Superintendent has loss the trust of staff and community.

Implementing an “artistry of teaching” mindset True collaboration between faculty and administration True accountability of parents in all aspects

discipline

I would like to see a new superintendent.  One who understands and respects our community.

Nothing! There is so much change needed. I want to feel valued and appreciated and I'm so sick of feeling intimidated by admin.

Trimming student body

Inter-staff relationships

The teachers do a great job with little support and resources.

The discipline issue, things are being addressed, it is a work in progress. I envision a disciplinarian for each building.

The teachers do a great job of supporting each other, helping each other out, and having each other’s backs! Not sure what we would do without each other!! :)

Not much

The teams are doing well

The teachers. We’re a week away from complete chaos if the teachers didn’t battle both ends of the system.

Diverse population.

Teachers supporting one another.  Building  principals doing what they can despite their hands being tied to support their staff in an environment that is hostile from  admin towards teachers

I cannot honestly say anything is working in our district.

The teachers continued efforts to ban together and do the best we can for our students.  We do not like the direction in which the district is being steered - our community deserves so much more than that.

Our teachers, their effort and dedication.

The teachers who continue to arrive to school every day just for these kids.

New curriculum

It’s good to have all these new programs but we all need to be fully trained.  Training should not occur after school year.

?

At this point, not much.

The math program is not bad.

Teachers keeping teachers going.  If it weren’t for them many of us might leave.

Disharmony!

Parent/teacher collaboration.

We do seem to be getting more basic classroom supplies when we need them.

1.  A lot of behavioral supports have been provided that were not provided in the past.  2.  Increased mental health support this year 3.  I like Units of Study and what I have seen of the Writing Units so far.

We still have some really awesome students.  However, they are overshadowed by the discipline (lack of) with the other students.  Other than that, there is a fear of saying the wrong thing or doing the wrong thing (unknowingly) and being called in for "a talk".

Technology Student recognition Student faculty relationship building

I think teachers work well together and support each other

The faulty is some of the hardest working people I know

Students are passing more frequently since 60-69% is no longer a failing grade. However, I would still question how much students are learning.

The teachers.  Once again...CASD teachers get it done.

Collaborating

Nothing and if we keep going in this direction the state will eventually take the district over.

a lot of students are motivated

Nothing at this point

Teachers

Nothing.

teacher support for other teachers parental support at the building and district level

Not very much

Our teachers is the only thing

Athletics and band

That the teachers stay united and together.  We are helping one another cope with the everyday ridiculous behaviors and the complete and utter disrespect.

The teachers. That is about it!

Students who have bought in at some level are experiencing success

My colleagues support each other - that is all we can do to survive.  THE TEACHERS ARE WORKING VERY EXTREMELY HARD

Nothing!!!!!!

Words Their way for my son in Elementary level

Not much!

I think the high school has programs that are beneficial to their students

Nothing. I don’t have positive things to say about the school district but I can tell you that we have some amazing teachers that the district is going to continue to lose if conditions don’t change.

I enjoy and utilize The Penn Literacy Network and Dr. Flanagan from WCU.

Teachers

Hard to answer...not a whole lot!   The fear and intimidation being felt by the teachers is crippling us on a day-to day basis.

The teachers are working well

The teachers/custodians/secretaries/aides work together

Teachers support each other

*1Teachers and THEIR students have strong rapport, and positive relationships. *2 We HAVE great teachers, and we have great students. *3 There are opportunities for teachers to get involved, and have skin in the game. Which allows for them to be invested in future progress. (In correlation with question 6.)

The assistant principals at the high school are working well, most traditions are still working well, spirit summit was good,

Not sure

At this time nothing, it is a disappointment that behaviors have not been dealt with and that there are no consequences for students’ behavior. Moral is very low and advice from administrators is not realistic or empathetic

I was glad to hear some students were fined by the police for fighting.  I think we need to be tougher with discipline.

Nothing

The teachers

Teachers

Implementing the units of study

The teachers, the district custodians, and the secretaries.

Smaller class sizes Behavior specialists in buildings

Teachers sticking together

I can’t think of anything right now

Caring staff

Parking

I like the reading and writing at the elementary

Nothing

Sadly, nothing.

Sports, there is absolutely no focus on student achievement or growth in the areas of math, science, or reading at the elementary level.  Teachers are not even aware of how their students from last year scored on their PSSAs.  There are no assessments given throughout the year to predict how the students will do on standardize tests let alone show their areas of weakness so that action plans can be developed to increase understanding leading into the tests.

The teachers are working well together...considering the circumstances.

Good curriculum

Unsure

Currently on maternity leave (n/a)

The hard working teachers

Nothing

I think our curriculum at higher levels is impressive.

Not much

????

Our teachers’ communication among themselves and our families.

The professional learning

Good curriculum changes, but too many changes at once. Units of Study needs a lot of prep time. Reading specialists need to be back in the classrooms reading with our kids, supporting us by reading with kids, not observing us. They are assigned to a grade, but I have only seen her 3 times. Our kids need them.

Curriculum purchases

Nothing!

Teachers

The resilience of our dedicated staff

Nothing

My colleagues support me EVERY day.

Teacher effort, commitment, and community support are keeping the district going.

Not a lot.

My colleges are fantastic to get through the BS of the district.

nothing morale is low , frustration is high

The teachers continue to do everything possible to provide a quality education to every student who makes themselves available to their teachers.

We have a strong, dedicated staff. We always put our students first and this is reflected in the strong relationships we have with our students. I believe most of us enjoy working with our family of colleagues.

I am at a loss for an answer.

US

We have dedicated teachers.

Our district is sad and broken but I hear the basketball, football and track teams are doing well.

Units of study reading and phonics

Not a whole lot if they are begging for people to come back to Coatesville.  I have been in the district a long time and I have watched the curriculum and expectations change dramatically over the years. It is disheartening that we gone so far downhill.

I feel that most people are positively searching for a change in what doesn’t work well.

WE have finally gotten solid assistant principals at the high school who have made a difference in how discipline is handled.

Right now, sadly nothing. Without discipline nothing works smoothly.

I really am enjoying Units of Study. I am teaching the reading writing and phonics and see so much growth in my kiddos.

Our teachers are working well despite not having much support.

Great teachers who take a lot of time and effort to make a difference

Honestly right now I feel like our district is broken.  We were a great district with 6 reading specialists in every building, a math intervention teacher,  and special education support rooms where students truly got the individualized attention they need.  I feel that I am no longer a teacher, just a babysitter and I think our district will close down or get taken over by the state in the next two years if we continue on this horrible path.  We teachers are working under fear and intimidation- and it is making teachers leave just like our students

The teachers and their continued commitment!

Our physical campus is inviting for sports and theater events

I am very satisfied with the professional development that is being offered. I am not sure why this is suddenly an issue. For over twenty years we received little or no p.d.. Do you wonder where that has gotten us??

Very little

We still have teachers who care...however many are leaving and this scares me.

Teachers supporting one another.

The teachers continue to teach even under these extremely stressful times

I have appreciated the feedback and direct teaching from the reading specialists/literacy coaches.

Hard to say, so much is broken. Everything is out sourced, so no buy in for schools and communities.

Words Their Way, EDM

The longer classes for mathematics and language arts are beneficial to students. Adding student clubs and after school tutoring sessions has been successful.

Teachers are doing the best they can.

?????

Not a lot. I was trained in Responsive Classroom years ago, and that’s the only thing I feel is working for me. I like the idea of reading workshop but I don’t know what the results will yield.

Well, that is hard to say.  I can’t honestly put my finger on anything particular.

Not sure

It’s sad to struggle to answer this question. May teachers are working very hard to stay positive and keep the rigor high in the classroom. That ability is sabotaged by the grade system (a student not being able to earn below a 50% MP grade), and the fact that students can cut and fail during the school year when they want, and then near the end, they can take credit recovery of taking 2 exams, a midterm and a final, and if they pass those, they pass the class. Also teachers are pressured to let kids make up work that the students chose earlier to not do. We offer free SAT for juniors, which must cost the district a pretty penny (but then our school performance profile looks better), but we don’t actively prepare the kids for the exam through 9th,10th, and the first part of 11th grade. I digress, as the question did ask what is working well...

The teachers to the best of their ability with what they have to work with.

Colleagues mostly have each other’s back.

I can think of nothing at this time. The buildings are filthy, certain students are OUT OF CONTROL, new curriculum are getting thrown at us with no PD,... we run out of paper towel, toilet paper, tissues all of the time... There are less and less services/supports available for students...

Not much!

Staff collaboration/support of one another

EDM

Our staff and community is amazing in so many ways!  Our unity and collaboration is what sustains

NA

??  That we are surviving this dictatorship and environment of fear in which we try to teach?

The teachers

I am having a hard time finding something that is successful outside a few athletic teams and the arts. What has earned us public recognition or praise? We need to be working on things that make us shine and stand out !

The staff that has dedicated their time here. In some buildings the teachers are holding everything together and managing more than admin even realizes at times.

The breakfast program is an outstanding success.

Collins writing; the kids; not much else.

The opportunity to be part of curriculum with the curriculum committee. District is going in right direction with the focus on the students.

We have wonderful related arts teachers and programs.  I don't hate EDM, although I think we need to supplement with basic skills.

No comment should say it all

The teachers want the best for the students,

Not much.....educational programs are ineffective.....admin is ineffective

Ela co teaching; however need a step down for students who need a learning support math but not a full special education room

Nothing! It has turned into the laughing stock of the state. These kids aren’t learning and the administration has set them up for failure. The state should just come in and take it over so we can get rid of the superintendent and her useless cronies!

Training for core curriculum

EDM

Teachers sticking together

We have a wonderful staff, just let them do their job! TEACH!

I work well. My colleagues work well. Others work hard.

clubs Allowing students experience new things they haven’t done before

The teachers

Teachers support each other

Everyday Mathematics

None of these new initiatives seems to be working with our student population.

The doors still open to let us leave at the end of the day

The teachers are standing firm together despite obstacles in our path.

Not much

We have amazing, dedicated educators.

Little

Not much. I don't feel a unity between teachers and administration and that is hindering the progress our students can make

No comment

Nothing g

I feel like the teachers are working hard to make up for all the short comings of the district so that their students don’t necessarily feel it.

Athletics, testing PSSA

Athletics

The EDM training, the continued offering of the teacher's college,

Nothing

The teachers are doing an amazing job. To a person, everyone puts forth 100% daily.

The teachers and support staff!

Not sure....

Building moral is the best it’s been

At this point I am not sure - I believe at the start of the current administration there was talk about transparency and fierce conversations - I am not feeling that is happening much anymore. The advertising co the district hired  paints a nice picture but why are all the students leaving to go elsewhere and teachers leaving each year?

Our teachers are working well – those that have stayed have an amazing bond with one another, and we are what get each other through every day

Teacher expertise and professionalism

Implementation of everyday math

Cata

The programs are great for students on level. I am concerned for students who are not and if this is actually widening the gap.

The faculty and staff are working hard

The modeling done by Brittany from TC.

The teachers and they are even struggling. We work together but are constantly being put in difficult situations that bring moral down or build tension between colleagues.

Nothing

The dedication of staff and teachers! The majority of teachers are most excellent and care deeply about the students they teach. Sadly, many have been leaving our district

The teachers and office staff trying to hold together the failures of the admin.

Nothing. Period. The morale is s**t it’s all time low. Coworkers are turning on each other. There is no support. The kids know there are no real consequences. Teachers are afraid to make any mistakes at the risk of being fired. Teachers are afraid they may do say something wrong on a daily basis. It is not a pleasant work environment. Good teachers are leaving even before they really planned on it. Good families are leaving to go to other schools.

It depends on the day!

Nothing

The teachers

EDM. At least at the elementary level, I think it’s safe to say we are all well trained and we could probably use the money we are paying those people to help fund some of these other pressing issues.

Not much of anything

Survival

I can’t think of anything.

Nothing. We have enabled the students and are not preparing them for life beyond graduation.

The current Being a Writer writing program which is being replaced by units.

The teachers

Some of joe ginoti ideas on writing

I worked in 2 other districts, there is not a better teaching staff anywhere! Coatesville teachers take care of each other, that doesn't happen in every district. I think our building admin cares about staff but are limited in their ability to truly provide the help we need.

Teachers trying their best.

Teachers supporting each other (on my team in my school)

Admin is trying to be positive and address issues but there are so many

The teachers. That’s about it.

Our initiatives with school equity are working well and student leadership training.

Positive relationships between teachers within the buildings

Teachers working their butt off with minimal resources and support. As well as the principal.

The buses are on time.

When I’m left alone to do my job

Most teachers understand the difficulties our students face or have experienced and they give students the chance and support to overcome, in spite of a student culture that overwhelmingly is deceitful, they steal and take advantage of kindness.

The actual teaching.  When we can close our doors and do our jobs without disruptions, great things are happening in the classrooms.

Nothing

....

I honestly cannot give you an answer

Nothing.

Student/teacher relationships are positive

I think as a whole the teaching staff is helpful, collaborative and dedicated to our students and each other. I think there are still families who love the CASD. Beyond that, I think it’s hard to find anything the district is doing well. Administration (above the level of principal) needs to listen to their teachers; the teachers are the experts and have a lot of great ideas but upper admin rarely gives the opportunity to share ideas and then when they do there’s no follow through.

The board is finally asking questions

Not much

Sorry to say, nothing.  The policies of the current admin have silenced all voices in an adversarial climate of intimidation. All student supports have been removed.

Teachers are teaching sns work hard

At this point not really sure!

Some teachers are deeply committed to the students that they serve

Our athletics continue to excel.

I honestly don’t think anything is working well

The quality of instructional materials is good.

Not much is working. Inclusion not funded correctly and lack of alternative Ed has ripped our district apart.

I see more willingness by the Board to hold administrators accountable.

nothing

Sadly, not much. There has been some positive 339 activities and programs.