ADVANCING PUBLIC EDUCATION it’s a JUSTCAWS: Recent Episodes
Gregory Cawsey
Giving voice to ideas to protect and improve public education. It’s a justcaws. Hosted by award winning Ontario educator, Gregory Cawsey.
Response by parents to the new province wide school cell phone ban will determine if it has any teeth.
https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
This episode Greg applauds the decision for school boards to sue social media companies, but cautions that schools need to do more to get cell phones out of the classroom. Ted also asks Greg about Parent Teacher interviews and the Tech teacher shortage. Follow past episodes and articles at the Public # onted Newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
The need to shock people to gain attention is nothing new. Advertisers have been doing it for years. Remember those cheesy ad headlines - SEX - now that I have your attention. Well now the protest movements have taken a page from Madison Avenue to do their own version. They describe anything they believe needs changing and describe it in alarmist terms.
Canada is a racist country that commits genocide. Excuse me, what was that?
Now that social justice warriors have your attention a stunned public can continue to be enlightened on how everything they thought they knew, is in fact, wrong. Dare to temper their extreme views with nuance and context - good luck. Your comeuppance will be to be labelled the very thing you question. Many learned it was best to just let them continue.
Trouble with that, is that silence is often misinterpreted as acceptance. While often the exact opposite is true. The pressure to comply can lead to a bitter resentment and retrenchment. I have heard the grumblings from reasonable people. It certainly doesn’t lead to greater understanding if dissenting voices are silenced.
It is why I can’t hold my tongue when I hear claims that the very public education system I so proudly serve and cherish is charged with being systemically racist. In a lifetime spent as a student and now teacher in very diverse school settings I have not seen hateful acts of discrimination against individuals based on their race. Prejudice, bias, sadly yes. But actively discriminating students based on their race - thankfully, no.
Our system continues to produce countless talented grads of all races that contribute every day to this incredibly diverse province. Just last month I witnessed a student led provincial competition, DECA, where I was heartened to see so many kids of different backgrounds thriving once again. They are living proof of the equality of opportunity we provide to all our students.
This is not saying that our school system, does not suffer from other less inflammatory, but still deeply concerning charges. Our system, like society does have racial bias and prejudice that we must continue to overcome. But calling everything racist does not serve that goal. First, by throwing around that word so loosely it diminishes its power. Much worse is that using such inflammatory language to make people feel uncomfortable isn’t working. It is sowing resentment and is counterproductive in creating the open dialogue necessary for honest discussions on how to address and extinguish the darker qualities all humans possess. This door in the face sales technique may work selling something to customers, but making extreme accusations puts people on the back foot and cause them to ignore the very issues that need addressing.
That is a shame because we need to lean in to find common ground. We can’t put our heads in the sand to stark realities that need fixing. Achievement and student success results are too tilted to believe there is nothing wrong. Too many school faculties do not represent the ethnic backgrounds of the communities they serve. We can and must do better.
If reading this you still believe in your world that racism in our society is systemic and those opposed are only wanting to protect the status quo, you are entitled to your opinion. As am I. But passing off incendiary remarks as facts - is wrong.
Sadly, there are people who identify everyone by their race and see all of us as either being oppressed or an oppressor. Their ends justifies the means logic makes them think its fair game to use inflammatory rhetoric to accuse, abuse and intimidate others.
There is a word for people who think like that. We can’t let them speak for us and take us backward.
By Gregory Cawsey
https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
Today Greg offers classroom management tips to foster a positive learning environment for students. Check out essays and comentary at: https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
Students face a number of stressors in their lives from many things out of their control. Today, Greg gives advice on how teachers and students can alleviate test anxiety by taking ownership of what they can control - preparation and letting go of what they can’t - the mark.
Greg also answers Ted questions on Alberta’s Parental Rights legislation and updates on teacher contracts.
Check out the past posts at Public #onted Newsletter:
Discuss the recent kindergarten curriculum revision announcement from the Ministry. While the update is welcome, it does continue a pattern of top down changes. While some call for more teacher union input in the curriculum process, Greg calls for more input from teachers that are actually still in the classroom. Check out the Public #onted Newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com/s/public-onted-with-greg-cawsey
I do appreciate the importance of always looking at something with a fresh set of eyes. We should always be looking at how we can do things better. The desire to improve should also come with some reverence for how we got here. Without that understanding we tend to tear down rather than build upon.Take for example the decision from some Ontario school boards to remove uniformed officers from visiting or working within schools. The rationale is that the police uniform is a negative emotional trigger for people and communities who have faced police brutality and mistreatment. I do not doubt their fear and concern. Children from war torn countries have also have legitimate feelings of fear and anxiety seeing people in anything that resembles a military uniform.
So, one might make the simple call to remove the source of that fear from the safe space schools hope to create for all students. Avoidance is not how problems are solved, however. Students need to see uniformed officers in non – threatening situations and interact with them personally, so negative associations can be undone, and trust established. It is also important for officers to interact with all members of the community in these same environments to dismantle any of their own prejudice.
Having liaison uniformed officers in schools is...
https://www.justcaws.ca/2023/05/briing-back-uniformed-officers-to.html
Today’s episode discusses Ontario’s move to de-streaming. Explain the rationale and implications as we navigate through this transitionary period in Ontario secondary education. Greg also offers why parents need to stay involved throughout the entire K-12 school years.
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Just like the province tries to play catch up on falling math scores, we will catch up on the two math related stories from the last two weeks. Today, discuss the reinstatement of a mandatory math qualification test for new teachers and the recent PISA Math results from the OECD. Ended with a teaser to the next Public #onted episode on de streaming.
Plenty of discussion on mandating or beefing up Holocaust education, which I fully support. But where is the oversight to make sure this actually followed? Will outline the issue and the solutions to make sure what is supposed to be taught - is taught.
Will also discuss the recent deal between the Elementary Teachers’ Union and the Province. Listen to all episodes at justcaws.ca, apple, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @publiconted on X or facebook as well.
Today discuss Bill 98 and the recent historical role of provincial school boards. Greg will explain why he believes that they are still needed even if under greater provincial control. Greg will also answer Ted’s questions asking for updates on this show and contracts. Finally, an update on how implemented changes in the class this year are going thus far to manage cell phones and AI.
In today’s hyper sensitive climate, school boards’ disciplinary process is under increased pressure. The process itself is not the issue, but the time taken to adjudicate a complaint is hurting the system. Today examine the issue and explain why more resources are needed to be employed by school boards to ensure the quality of everyone’s education is not compromised.
Today Greg warns of the coming crisis in many parts of the province as more homes will soon mean we need more schools. In fact, the crisis is already here but attention has been on other things. Speaking of which Greg addresses Ted’s question on the protests and whether Greg will be wearing an Orange shirt tomorrow - he will - along with a Canadian Flag pin. Listen to let him explain why.
In a system that is an accountability wasteland, the EQAO is the report card for the publc system. Today discuss why despite its expense and challenges the EQAO not only should remain, but should expand to a graduation assessment tool.
Today examine the merits of the binding arbitration process being endorsed by the secondary union provincial leadership. See where this all goes, but no news is usually good news.
Today Greg asks, how much would you give up in the next contract if all public schools in the province had air conditioning installed?
Also, get into how the first week back has gone. For full episode summary subscribe to the Public #onted newsletter at https://gregcawsey.substack.com
Today we will hit upon three topics for our back to school episode. First, discuss the latest contract talks and the arbitration proposal by the government. Next, a reminder for teacher’s to check their privilege when back in class this fall. . Finally, will weigh in on the parents consent issue and discuss my post “Love and Respect - https://gregcawsey.substack.com/p/love-and-respect-we-can-do-both on the Public #onted newsletter last week.
So switch things up this week and discuss the issue of attendance with respect to teachers. The number of teacher sick days gets the attention of many, but Greg explains why he doesn’t believe that should be the main concern.
This week examines attendance and engagement issues for today’s students. Educators already know the challenges students face. Mental and physical health, not to mention the rise of incredible stay at home entertainment options available for many. So what to do?
Also, discuss what the current strike vote means and why Greg is not overly concerned over a September work stoppage.
This week examine the important role extracurriculars play in the public education system. For many students their continuing engagement in their education is dependent upon them. That importance sadly makes them a repeated target, used as a bargaining chip by teacher unions when contract talks stall.
Also discuss from the perspective of a twenty plus year vet of coaching or running something in the school some advice on how to avoid the bitter trap and make your experience a lifelong joy.
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When school boards allow parents to choose a school to isolate them from the mainstream they diminish the unifying power of our public school system. Discuss how we can allow for choice within a public system, but still educate all in unity, not separation.
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Discuss what takes place during the professional development days teachers take part. They are beneficial, but their ill timing during the school year serves more as a mental health break for reflection, rather than an opportunity for implementing real change. Will also comment on the very unfortunate suicide of a TDSB Principal, who was accused of racism during a professional training session.
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Today, discuss whether hot button topics like Drag Queen story time are just media fuelled smoke. Or do they have the potential to be a fire of genuine controversy beyond the political extremes?
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Today we continue the discussion on rating teachers, perforamce and pay. End episode with a pessimistic assessment of where I believe things are headed this fall.
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This episode discusses the teacher evaluation process. We do a good job of understanding that teaching is a craft that requires continuous development and reflection. The issue is judging performance. Teacher unions have taken any recognition out of the evaluation process. That may work at the bargaining table, but it hinders public education. It’s hard to follow the path of a great teacher if the criteria that determines their success is allowed to be unclear.
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It is vital that we maintain the confidence in our Public education system. Yes, it’s far from perfect, but it’s still churning out a record number of top notch grads each year who appreciate the importance of education in shaping their future. Today I will discuss its inherent advantages and shortcomings. It may not be what the far right wants or runs the way the far left likes, but our public education system still works very well for most of the middle. For the sake of our society, we must keep it that way.
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The impact of AI on education will be profound. Unlike the internet which is used primarily as a research and reference tool,, AI is about creation. This does create challenges, but it will force reforms that I believe can improve outcomes and equity. So let’s unpack AI, and today discuss its impact and strategies to adapt to this new reality. And yes, this was created with 100% human content.
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Grocery prices are not the only thing going up. Today we will explore mark inflation and some of its underlying causes. Also discuss how post secondary admissions are coping and how this may become a bigger issue in the future.
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Update on contract talks - there is none. Unions have begun their public whine campaign for more funding. How about doing something you can control and show public education the respect it deserves by dressing up to work.
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Next week we will talk about politics and education funding, but for today the topic is cellphones. Examine the role parents and teacher's play with cell phone use in the classroom and where this issue may be heading. Follow and give your comments @publiconted on twitter, facebook and substack at gregcawsey.com
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Public #onted is a current affairs newsletter for people interested in what’s going on inside Ontario Public Schools today. Award winning, veteran teacher Greg Cawsey breaks a hole in the red brick wall so you can get an inside perspective of the issues, challenges, and progress going on in your schools.
Today's topic is social activism in schools.
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Former teacher union District VP and a nomination candidate for the Progressive Conservatives, Greg shares his unique perspective on the current #onted dispute.
Dark clouds are hovering over Ontario public education, right now. Whether you blame the government or the unions it doesn’t matter, schools are closed – again, and parents are fed up. This will be a pivotal week in determining if the Ford government cares about public education or is purposely creating havoc in the system to undermine it in the eyes of Ontarians.
As for the education unions, from my experience at the negotiation table – I know they don’t care about public education – it’s not their job. They work to get their due paying members the best compensation deal they can. Since their union dues are a percentage of gross pay – it is in the union’s self-interest to get their member pay raises. I don’t begrudge them for that, but they spew a whole of bunch B.S. when they say, “we are doing this for the kids”.
If you believe the government is making public education, stronger by finally ending the constant work stoppages and disruption – then this the end justifies the means approach better happen quickly. If that means contracting out cleaning services and fining the union to the max – do it and bring an end to the work stoppage. Ford started down this road by imposing a contract – he had to anticipate a major push back would come.
Union supporters like to make the charge that Ford Nation wants to dismantle public education and push further privatization. If that is proven to be the case, then what good comes for standing by and letting that happen. Go back to work and push the feds to act and make our charter mean something again.
Public education does need a hero right now – we will find out soon who that may be.
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Unions don't support pushing for essential service status because it cuts the size and influence of their organizations.I f you agree that teachers would get a better deal if deemed essential - then members will ask why are we paying so much in dues. An association can do contract maintenance for much less. rather than spending millions on ad buys during contract talks.
The government may not want this, but the public does . They are tired of the current adversarial system of endless contract disputes and so am I.
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If public education is in fact in trouble, the one terrible sign would be public apathy. Sadly, in some municipalities the indifference is on full display with some school trustee positions being unfilled or uncontested individuals being acclaimed. The system needs input from the public to be at its best.
Secondary issue is that teachers have flexed their political muscles in endorsing candidates who see public education through their lens. With limited numbers running for the position, teacher influence has skewed the political balance needed on school boards.
Solutions… just listen.
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Today's idea is to take away teacher's unions' right to strike by making teaching an essential service.
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Welcome to Advancing Public Education, hosted by Gregory Cawsey. Here to give voice to ideas on advancing public education.
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A strong Public Education system is vital for a functional democracy. So many important parts of our society are supported by an educated electorate that learns perspective in an environment that reflects the society they want to change.
Equity within public education is vital, but it must be done right.
An uncompromising push for equity is going to push out families that have time, money and influence. Their absence will disrupt the diversity needed for the magic of public education to work. Read column at https://www.justcaws.ca/2022/07/drive-for-equity-cannot-drive-families.html
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Discussed why I am Pro Choice in a previous episode, but this one will look at the politics of the decision to overturn Roe vs. Wade in the United States. I am hopeful that this can be an opportunity for the U.S. to get to a better place surrounding this difficult issue. Unfortunately, I believe this will be a painful process in finding the right balance. We are fortunate here in Canada, that once again, we can learn from the American struggle.
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Previously written about the cult of personality of our time. Before the election and after. I have found it fascinating that people still don’t grasp the appeal and how to combat him. I do fear for American democracy if he was to ever win again. It is why I hope the left has a better strategy going forward than what I have seen thus far. The January 6 committee is going to try and get as much out of that disgrace as it can. But without criminal consequence - it does seem partisan and out of touch with day to day issues Americans currently face. I would like to believe that the Republicans could run a garden hose to beat Biden right now and the only thing standing in the way of a GOP landslide win, is red tie himself. Still there is a lot of personality left that his cult still finds appealing.
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It is deliberate and people know it. Populist anger is simmerring and about to boil over. Conservative oppportunist politicians are circling the discontent and herding this mob down their own idealogical path. I don’t believe in a winner take all attitude in politics. The pendulum always swings back. When it does, I don't want to lose ground on social progressive issues, but when people struggle to afford the basics - nothing else matters.
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Please don't listen to environmental apologists try and shift blame to Putin, price gouging or supply chain issues - this is not circumstantial. This pump pain is done with intent. At least with Covid restrictions, governments that imposed them - owned them. It was to fight a deadly virus. Progressives govermentents should have the courage of their convictions to do the same with the climate change fight. Willl discuss the consequences of this strategy next episode.
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Commented plenty on teacher unions over the years and their counterproductive moves that are damaging to public education. Their increased politicization of the profession and encouraging member to air grievances in social media are not helping. Also comment on the following article from Kathryn Marshall - https://nationalpost.com/opinion/kathryn-marshall-power-to-the-people-not-always-when-unions-are-involvedand how they are failing to help members in their time of need. Say all this to support and protect a very justcaws - public education.
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Another tragic mass shooting in the United States has Greg address the divisive issue of gun control in this week's episode. The proliferation of guns in the States is both a cause of the violence, but also stone walls any moves at disarming citizens. Hopeful action will take place, but excuse my pessimism.
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Critique of last night's Ontario Election debate and a summary of each party's current status heading into election day June 2nd.
Always believed that as long as you don't have to wear mask to vote, Ford will be able to get all the undivided support on the right of the political spectrum. Leaving the other 3 to fight over the votes on the left. While Ontario is left leaning, one party on the left has to dominate for a clear path to victory. Nothing thus far has changed that thinking.
I don't believe with the pandemic moving into the rear view mirror that any New Blue party is going to have much impact. In fact, I believe there is a growing dissatisfaction among the working class with left leaning parties and that this election will be the first to bear that out.
Watching the debate did remind me how much is lost with the addition of each candidate and how strange it is that we focus so much on the leaders, that unlike the U.S. system, most can't even vote for. It is spectacle over consequence.
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Fire the coach, the GM, blow it up? None of the above, but running it back is not an option either. That is by definition insanity - which is happening to me by watching this team lose in the playoffs year after year. Willie and or the Captain must go. Add a proven winner and some needed salary cap flexibility is the JUSTCAWS off season plan.
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Political engagement is high - so that should be a good thing for our democracy. Unfortunately, the United States influence of tribal political identity is creeping into Canada. It seems now everyone has a political opinion and wear it on their sleeve.
It reminds me of the change in our attire to go and cheer on our favourite sport team. Look at the footage of old games - not a logo in sight. Not that many years ago I remember going to sporting events and only a few wore team gear to the game. Now that American sport phenomena of dressing the part is present in Canada as well. Now you feel completely out of place if you have not donned the colours of your team - you must represent. This is not a big deal - sport is harmless.
The problem is this adversarial approach to elections and governing has now crept into our democratic systems. Voting turnout has not been the issue lately, but what we need now is take this political enthusiasm and embrace our political independence. A past the post electoral system works fine if we stop looking at the colours of the parties and to the character of the individuals we elect.
Municipal elections represent what could be. Sadly voter turnout is the lowest here than any level of government in Canada. I would like to believe its because they deal in issues many find of little consequence rather than the absence of party money, power and influence.
I know breaking up the dominance of entrenched political parties will be extremely difficult - but its another JUSTCAWS.
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With today's leak about an upcoming U. S. supreme court decision on the status of abortion rights in the States, I wanted to share my thoughts on the inconsistent position many Conservatives take on the issue and how I believe these social conservative issues are hobbling efforts to elect good governments that demonstrate the fiscal conservative values we need. I will draw a comparison with vaccine mandates. If there are to be any restrictions it should be left for women in society to decide - again it's their choice.
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Inflation, carbon taxes on already high gas prices and a general apathy toward these issues by the federal government. It's "not let them eat cake" but frustration is growing like food prices for the working class.
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Current war in Ukraine has sadly provided horrific images that has lead to the question of where do we go from here?
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Legislation in many states south of the border looking to age limit discussion on LGBTQ issues has Greg talking.
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About giving perspective in the search for understanding and common ground. I believe that is a JUSTCAWS.
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Antivaxxers and individuals who remain in a tight, personal lockdown, share one thing in common - fear. The cause of their fear may be different (vaccine vs. covid) but their irrational behaviour puts them on the fringes of society. The only way to bring them back to the fold is to ...
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Question about how are things in schools now and of course the topic du jour - masks.
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Thoughts on Raps chances and Leafs playoff hopes. Throw in a little Jays talk too.
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Taking your questions on today’s issues. Giving perspective to find common ground.
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