Re: SETS
Posted by Rick on 11/04/02
On 10/19/02, catbird wrote:
> On 10/07/02, bluegrass educator wrote:
>> This is my 23rd year as a teacher -- 4th year in KY -- I feel
>> that there are too many masters in the individual KY school
>> districts -- the principal, the SBDM Council, the Director of
>> Special Ed. -- just who's in charge? -- I've never experienced so
>> much confusion, so little assistance (yes, even old timers like
>> me need assistance in a new school), so few people who know
>> answers to my questions, so much b.s. spread so thickly, so
>> many 'good old boys and girls' running around trying to look
>> important, and so-o-o-o-o little pay for my work, efforts, and
>> experience. Yes, it is discouraging, at times; however, I keep
>> doing what I know is legal and ethical and despite my not having
>> tenure, I still am employed. They tried very hard to get rid of
>> me, but they soon learned that it's illegal to hire an
>> uncertified person as a special educator when a fully certified
>> special educator is available. I think I cost too much money, and
>> they'd prefer to have saved money rather than hire a qualified
>> person. Perhaps it's just this way in my particular district;
>> however, I hear similar horror stories from other KY teachers in
>> different regions of the state. I will close by saying that I
>> have worked in districts where there was more professionalism.
>
> I hear you Bluegrass! I am treated horribly in the district in
> which I am currently employed by administration but have the
> respect of my fellow teachers parents and students. My principal
> has sunk to a new low but I will continue forth and try to keep up
> the front. Good luck to you, hang in there. I have not taught in
> a system like this one before it is full of snakes in the grass.
I am a retired principal from KYs educational system. I am very
familiar with KERA, SBDM's, accountability system, etc. ...and you
have every reason to be depressed...
Per the SETS program. I began writing SE software a couple of years
ago...a couple of couselors and SE teachers were using it...when I
finally found out that STI had a contract for the entire state (They
do have us over the barrel because they have the attendance software
that is used (mandated) throughout KY.) I immediately gave up on KY
and started writing SE software for TN special educators. Nearly a
year has gone by...and my pilot systems love my software!!!
I was able to sit through the SETS training in our district a few
months ago...and all I can say to you is "Good Luck!"...you're going
to need it...It is too difficult to use, not user-friendly at all,
and it's objective seems to be to keep a thumb on what you (the
teacher) is doing, not on assisting you with a very difficult
documentation task!
By the way, I recently heard from a KY counselor who was using my
program and now dealing with the SETS program. She said, "If I had
not used your program and experienced how easy it could be, maybe I
wouldn't know how difficult this (SETS) program is."
I have offered to meet with Ben Couch (OET) to show him the direction
SETS needs to go to be user-friendly...but, I haven't heard from
him. Too bad!
Good Luck!
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