Did Arlene Ackerman just make a goodbye speech?
Complete coverage of the Philadelphia School District by the Philadelphia Inquirer's Kristen Graham.
Did Arlene Ackerman just make a goodbye speech?
UPDATE, 6:15 p.m.
District spokeswoman Jamilah Fraser just called me to clarify a point. Arlene Ackerman's speech at the 2011 Superintendent's Leadership Conference today was NOT a farewell, Fraser said.
"It was not in any way, shape or form a goodbye speech," Fraser said. "She's not leaving."
Point taken. It was not a goodbye speech. But the superintendent certainly said things one would say when one is departing - reflecting on her years of service, summing up her accomplishments, etc.
After the conference was over, Ackerman told reporters that "I'm superintendent today and I hope to be superintendent tomorrow. We'll just have to see what happens. This is something that's not just my decision."
As I tweeted earlier, it was announced at the meeting that 110 schools made adequate yearly progress (AYP) under the federal No Child Left Behind law - a huge accomplishment for each of them.
That was down from 158 schools last year.
Pennsylvania changed its standards this year, requiring schools to score higher in reading and math in order to make AYP. Ackerman said she expected the number of schools making AYP to go down.
"I was happy with 110," Ackerman said.
EARLIER:
At the Principals' Convocation at Lincoln High, Superintendent Arlene Ackerman has made what sounds an awful lot like a goodbye speech. Follow along with my live tweets for more.
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We could only be so lucky. She'll milk this publicity till the end. Loves the face time and controversy. Philadelphia's coffers have served her well and she still tries to squeeze out more. One lecherous woman.— dogman5- Dr Ackerman, Penny Nixon ,Darienne Driver and Leroy should be fired!!! These 4 people make all the decisions in the district.
They are responsible for:
a. 600+million dollar deficit
b. programs that do not work and a lack of training for teachers
c. creation of a climate that lead to all the cheating- bullyiing and threatening principal
d. unfair use of human resources- some schools have lots and lots of money ( Promise Academies)
some schools have 3 to 5 assistant principals while others have
no one at all to help and support .
e. The Associate Superintendent has a team of retired principals to help her do her job, while me and other principals have no
one at all.
f. they put their friends in positions where they demean and harass people ( linda wayman)
g. they hire and pay 6 figures to many incompetent people who do nothing at all.
h. swept the cheating scandal under the rug so they would not be exposed as principals who cheated themselves.(NIXON)
I. gave Kenny Gamble new buildings ( Bluford and Audenreid High School)
j. pays for SDP administrators to support the Universal Schools (Frangipani, Brady, Darden, and many more)
k..faked a reduction in central administration to the media . All they did was to give a new title to these people and increase
their salaries.
l. laid off 1500 teachers
m.will open schools without teachers in the buildings
n. will open schools without adminstrative support in the building
o. i could go on , but this is enough -- Let the whole team go-— ashmead - Could we be so lucky?— crystalrainbowspirit1
- set her free? Can't she just leave?— liesaplenty
Our Philly citizens can only hope and pray she is leaving. She has been a DISGRACE to our educational system. As well as an overpaid incompetant!— Ben Fan- She looks like a gorilla— jfrancus
- Does anyone think they will hire another person who will waste money and treat teachers like garbage? I have a feeling the next one in line will join the party in blaming teachers instead of finding ways to address the situation.
Can schools make AYP when there are students who are beating up adults for fun? I heard republicans complain it was the teacher's fault and the unions.— teacher and parent - Amen! In case you hear thunder tonight, don't be mistaken...it's Saccaree doing her "Ackaman for the children" war dance.— aliveandwell
Comment removed.- Thank you ED— jfrancus
- Thank you ED— jfrancus
if ackerman really 'loves the children' she should publicly announce that she will forgo her salary and work for ONE DOLLAR for the next year.
otherwise, let's call her out for what she is.
do you love the children that much arlene? will you work for them for ONE DOLLAR for the next year?
i think we all know the answer to the question.
- Please stick a fork in my eye. She makes me want to vomit. I retired in June after 39.2 years, wanted to do 40 but she, Dwight, Archie and Foundations caused by school to become a Promise Academy.— sendme.rs
- 48 FEWER schools make AYP compared to last year and she is "happy" with that?
that's a 30% DECLINE !!!
can't that be considered "cause" for firing her?
wait, now i remember--must be part of the racist, sexist attempt to oust her.
- Everyone is certainly entitled to their opinion HOWEVER these below the belt jabs aimed at Dr. Ackerman's weight, appearance, intelligence are childish!! You may not like what she's done, how she's led, or how much she makes, but clearly she is an intelligent woman....or is Harvard just handing out doctorate's these days?— reality-check
During the school year, you’ll frequently find her hosting live chats about the district on Philly.com. Please do pass along the scoop about what’s going on at your Philadelphia public school; Kristen welcomes tips, story ideas and witty banter at kgraham@phillynews.com or 215-854-5146.
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