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SCHOOL
SLEUTH
Viewers' Comments...
This
was an outstanding program that demonstrated to parents if is
OK to expect execellence in our children's schools and how to
identify it. One suggestion I have is to include a section on
public record and the public's rights. I have found that even
though much of a school's teachings, involvements, monetary
initiatives, staff training, etc. is public record, the school
will not release this info to parents. I believe schools have
been able to deter parents form obtaining this info for so many
years that many parents do not realize they have a legal right
to such information. Unfortunatley in my situation I have had
to contact state agencies, etc. to obtain such info or for said
agencies to notify the school district that 'no' they may not
prevent me from viewing/being involved in info, training, etc.
Many parents do not realize thier rights or do not know what
agencies to contact to demand such rights when a school or school
district will not provide this public information.
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| I enjoyed
it so much that I purchased it for my school. I intended to
use it for staff development sessions.... Some of our Leadership
Team borrowed it and felt it was great. One teacher uses it
with her advisory class. Some wonderful discussions have happened
with her students. We recently had a Staff Development Day and
started off with the whole staff, including our office and support
staff, watching the video. Lots of interesting discussion and
reflection took place throughout the day, even though we attended
to our other agenda items. Some staff want to use the video
with parent groups. The use of many different schools, several
intelligent and cogent remarks by leading educators, and most
importantly, the scenes and interviews with students of all
ages facilitate thoughtful moments. Asking straightforward questions
helps focus our conversations on our purpose, our mission. On
behalf of schools, students and faculties, and specifically
the alternative school reform movement in this country, and
my city, I thank you. Your questions and clarity help us move
forward. |
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| This
is the first time I have EVER seen a program on TV and gone
directly to the phone to order a copy of it! I've taught in
the public schools for 25 years and am presently connected with
the education department of a state university. The reason I
must have this program is the value I see its message can be...must
be...to new, career, and pre-service teachers about quality
education. The terribly frustrating but major roadblock to recognizing
and producing quality education, however, at least in high stakes
testing states like NC, is the overwhelming emphasis put on
testing...and test results. Teachers are afraid to be integrative
and innovative because their jobs and the measure of their students'
learning is defined by a few days in May. Maybe the real audience
that needs to see this are state legislators! Thanks for producing
it...and for including such powerful, important members of the
education community. You chose all of my heroes! |
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| While
the program was upsetting, in that my children's school seems
to be only "good enough", and change is SO slow, I am hopeful
that even small changes will begin to make a difference, and
that the quest for excellence will catch on. Thanks again for
a program that has the courage to offer solutions, rather than
simply complain about the problems. |
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| This
program was THE best I've ever seen, especially the clever way
it was presented. Other programs on this subject are so dry
and lacking imagination in presentation. You've made it interesting,
fun, informative--what more can I say! |
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| I enjoyed
this program on PBS today. It was a well-directed show. I liked
the "sleuth" humor to present informative topics. Thanks for
a good show. I hope more are planned. |
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I just finished viewing The Merrow Report: School Sleuth. I
am a teacher and an aspiring principal and loved what I saw. |
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| I caught
your program on PBS last evening (and) was immediately captivated.
I have had the opportunity to teach music education in an excellent
school, a good enough school and a bad school. Your program
accurately identified the differences between those types of
schools. I wish more people would take notice. I commend you
on your efforts to educate the public on what needs to be done
to improve our schools. |
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| I
wish I had watched a program like this 33 years ago, when my
daughter was born, or 16 years ago when my grandson was born!
This program gives me some concrete things to look for in education.
We usually can tell that something is not right, but what it
should be, is another question. This gave me a quantified list
of what to look for in an excellent school. We now have a goal
that we can work toward, and try to achieve, in our present
school systems. We may not accomplish excellence, but we certainly
can try. These goals seem attainable. |
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| ...your
program was a blessing. I had been at work all day and was about
to go to sleep and was guided to turn the TV on to wind down.
Your program caught my attention. I had to call that night to
try and order the tape & companion book. |
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| I
am a sophomore at Hempstead High School in Dubuque, IA. I thought
it (School Sleuth) was excellent. I think that schools should
be shown this so they can see how they measure up. Personally
our school is only a little above "good enough," and I know
that America can do way better. |
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