4 Hyde Park Herald, February 26, 2014Editorial:Support Murray’sstand on testingMurray Language Academy’s local school council isofficially putting Chicago Public Schools on notice that itis tired of students and teachers being put through theringer for the sake of a battery of standardized tests of questionablevalue.Their opposition comes in the form of a resolution, so it is hardlyearth shattering, but it may well be a harbinger of things to come.The question we have is whether Hyde Parkers are willing tosupport the local school council (LSC) at Murray, 5335 S.Kenwood Ave., and at other public schools, should they followsuit. And what, beyond passing resolutions, are we willing to do?It is no secret that standardized tests are making schools joylessplaces. With all of the other challenges public school teachers andadministrators have, stifling opportunities for innovation by forcingteachers to teach to one-size-fits-all tests seems completely out ofstep with the times. In the private schools where the politicians andpolicymakers who implement these rules send their children,emphasis is on freedom and inspiration. These, it seems, arequalities reserved for the education of the children of the elite few.There are few teachers who will defend the current system ofpublic education, but they will all tell you that it is going to take awell-orchestrated opposition to truly push back against the glut ofstandardized testing that even elementary school children are nowforced to endure. We are hopeful that this step taken by Murray’sLSC will inspire other school councils.Ultimately, however, it will take the whole community rallyingaround this brave stand in order for words to translate into action.Local school council elections are in April. Hyde Park couldbegin a sea change in Chicago against standardized testing abuseby voting in critics of high-stakes testing. A test boycott in thepresident’s — and education secretary’s — home neighborhoodwould send a powerful message across the country.Parents are understandably intimidated by the phalanx ofprofessionals who warn them that they are jeopardizing theirchildren’s future if they don’t test them every which way thefederal government demands. It will take a lot of support tocounteract that intimidation. Is Hyde Park willing?In years past, our community has been at the vanguard of publiceducation innovation. During the recent teachers strike, Hyde Parkwas outstanding in its support of the teachers. We can shine evenbrighter by standing behind the Murray LSC and encouragingother LSCs to adopt a similar resolution condemning high-stakestesting. And we can go further than that by supporting a boycottof unnecessary tests.The most important thing we can do for the children of Hyde Parkright now is to protect their right to be children – and not cogs.New director for U. of C.’s Delhi siteBy LINDSAY WELBERSStaff WriterThe University of Chicago named Bharath Visweswariah, a businessand management consultant in India, as the executive director of theuniversity’s Center in Delhi earlier this month.The center is expected to open in March. Visweswariah will create andoversee administrative functions, staffing the center and implementing astrategic plan provided by Gary Tubb, the faculty director at the center,and its faculty steering committee.Visweswariah has worked at CEB Asia, a publicly traded, memberbasedcompany that advises more than 6,000 businesses from 111countries.The University of Chicago opened its Center in Beijing in 2010 andthe Center in Paris in 2004. It also has campuses in London andSingapore.The university is also working to open a center in Hong Kong that willhouse a Booth School of Business.l.welbers@hpherald.comA protest against theCAC electionTo the Editor:A Hyde Park-KenwoodCommunity Action Council (HP-K CAC) election recall isrequested. Wednesday, Feb. 19,the HP-K CAC elections wereheld at Kenwood Academy fortwo co-chairs and two secretarieswith three candidates each, but Icontest the HP-K CAC elections. Iwas one of three candidates whoran for co-chair of the HP-K CACto assist community and parentsto create Level 1 schools throughfamily and communityengagement. I became temporaryleadership by attending HP-KCAC meetings: planning, e-mailing and discussing crucialeducational issues with the intentof creating a three-point plan tosave our traditional neighborhoodpublic schools — Canter andDyett — from closing. Ourcommunity needs and deservesneighborhood public schools inwalking distance of their homes—elements of citizenship anddemocracy should not becompromised.Before we started the HP-KCAC, we mobilized at Canterschool — next door to KenwoodAcademy — then we heldmeetings at Kenwood AcademyKing Room and Little Theatre.Though the HP-K CAC formedfrom a “Save Canter and Dyett”theme, there was less interest insaving these schools and a threepointplan over time. Instead, theHP-K CAC kept looking forbusiness interests and somewhatdisregarding education interest.For instance, when I submitted mysuggestion for the three-pointplan, the CAC liaison told me thatthere was not enough interest inmy three point plan because theCAC was not fully formed, eventhough this liaison told me that wewere an official CAC at the All-CAC meeting. HP-K CAC alsointroduced the group as the 9thCAC to form city-wide.As my temporary leadership rolein the CAC continued, I noticedthat more and more favoritism wasbeing shown toward anothercandidate for co-chair.The candidate called a meeting ather home. Hyde Park-KenwoodCommunity Conference (HP-KCC) leaders initially started theorganization of the CAC, but werenot invited. Later I was told by aHP-K CC Schools Committeerepresentative that the HP-K CCdid not want that meeting heldwithout them present. As we metthe “winning” candidate wasgiven the position as point personto the CAC liaison (while she andI were serving as Temporary HP-K CAC leadership) by a CACmember at a meeting with onlyfour CAC membersattending. Afterward I sent an e-mail for my interest in being apoint person to the “winningcandidate” and she did not agreewith me being point person alongwith her. She took on the pointperson position as CAC liaisonwithout a vote of the full CAC.This was in a sense“gerrymandering,” and takingpower that was not approved bywell-organized communityorganizations.Later, the “winningcandidate” was told to present theagenda before and for the electionon Feb. 19 by a member of theCAC. Again, the full CAC did notvote on her being point personwhile running for the position ofco-chair. There were no votewatchers assigned to watch the votecounting. There were only about 40voters in attendance. The CACliaison told us that all could vote.At the Feb. 5 meeting held at the“winning” co-chair’s home, it wassaid that they were going todisregard dates set for CACscitywide to achieve certain goals,not mentioning all the e-mails IMail: Letters to the Editor,Hyde Park Herald,1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd.,Chicago, IL 60615Fax: 773-643-8542E-mail: Letters@hpherald.comLetters are due Wednesday by noonand must include a name, addressand daytime telephone numberor e-mail address. Letters maybe edited for space.sent with my website targeted athelping parents to build theirchild’s reading skills and meetthose goals — my suggestion forthe three-point plan on mywebsite. They never commentedon it through e-mails, at meetings,or in person — it was as though Iwas a “ghost” CAC member whenit came to visiting my website andparticipating in planning andtasks.More importantly I suggestedthat we needed an “agent ofchange” — improve level 3schools — that could beownership of reading levels(reading more on independentreading levels for mastery whilepreparing for instructional levelsand never being tested onfrustration levels) as testing onfrustration levels is unreliable andinvalid in the school communityI have contacted CPS Network 9out of the 13 networks city-wideto file a complaint. They arepreparing the complaint as of thismoment. I ask for another electionthat is fair and democratic withoutfavoritism, and all candidates beallowed vote watchers or pollwatchers to verify count.Patricia A. BreckenridgeHyde Park-KenwoodTemporary HP-K CACLeadershipMurray local school council statement on testingNote from the local school council: The followingresolution was approved at the Murray LanguageAcademy LSC meeting on Feb. 19, 2014 by a 9-0 votewith one absence and the principal abstaining. Forfurther information about the Murray LSC resolutionplease contact Secretary Michael J. Scott atmjscottuic@gmail.com or 773-957-6953. Furtherinformation about the national resolution can befound at timeoutfromtesting.org/national resolution.WHEREAS, our nation’s future well-being relies ona high-quality public education system that preparesall students for college, careers, citizenship andlifelong learning, and strengthens the nation’s socialand economic well-being; andWHEREAS, our nation’s school systems have beenspending growing amounts of time, money andenergy on high-stakes standardized testing, in whichstudent performance on standardized tests is used tomake major decisions affecting individual students,educators and schools; andWHEREAS, the overreliance on high-stakesstandardized testing in state and federalaccountability systems is undermining educationalquality and equity in U.S. public schools byhampering educators’ efforts to focus on the broadrange of learning experiences that promote theinnovation, creativity, problem solving,collaboration, communication, critical thinking anddeep subject-matter knowledge that will allowstudents to thrive in a democracy and an increasinglyglobal society and economy; andWHEREAS, it is widely recognized thatstandardized testing is an inadequate and oftenunreliable measure of both student learning andeducator effectiveness; andWHEREAS, the over-emphasis on standardizedtesting has caused considerable collateral damage intoo many schools, including narrowing thecurriculum, teaching to the test, reducing love oflearning, pushing students out of school, drivingexcellent teachers out of the profession, andundermining school climate; andWHEREAS, high-stakes standardized testing hasnegative effects for students from all backgrounds,and especially for low-income students, Englishlanguage learners, children of color, and those withdisabilities; andWHEREAS, the culture and structure of the systemsin which students learn must change in order to fosterengaging school experiences that promote joy inlearning, depth of thought and breadth of knowledgefor students; therefore be itRESOLVED that the Murray Language AcademyLocal School Council calls on the governor, statelegislature and state education boards andadministrators to reexamine public schoolaccountability systems in this state, and to develop asystem based on multiple forms of assessment whichdoes not require extensive standardized testing, moreaccurately reflects the broad range of studentlearning, and is used to support students and improveSee STATEMENT on page 9
HYDE PARKHAPPENINGSweek starting Feb. 26Calendar deadline is noon Thursday beforefollowing Wednesday’s publication. Submitcalendar items to the editor by fax: 643-8542, e-mail: calendar@hpherald.com ormail: 1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL60615ongoing61st Street Farmers Market. 9 a.m.-2p.m., every fourth Saturday through April 26,indoors at Experimental Station, 6100 S.Blackstone Ave., 773-241-6044,experimentalstation.org. LINK and SeniorFarmer's Market Coupons accepted. LINKpurchases matched up to $25 every marketday.E-Waste Collection. 8-10 a.m., everysecond Wednesday, 61st St. and SouthBlackstone Ave., near the South CampusChiller Plant, 6035 S. Blackstone Ave., 773-834-4188, free. A program of the U. of C.'sOffice of Sustainability. Visitsustainability.uchicago.edu for a list ofaccepted items and more details.Weekly Meditation Class. 6 p.m., everyWednesday, Rockefeller Chapel, room 019,5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., free. A graduatedcourse in mindfulness of breathing for thedevelopment of calm and clarity through theBuddhist practice of samatha meditation.Beginners welcome. For more information,send an e-mail tosamathachicago@gmail.com.Weekly Meditation Class. 7:30 p.m., everySunday, Chaturanga Holistic Fitness, 1525 E.55th St., Suite No. 302, free. A graduatedcourse in mindfulness of breathing for thedevelopment of calm and clarity through theBuddhist practice of samatha meditation.Beginners welcome. For more information,send an e-mail tosamathachicago@gmail.com.Children's Musical. "When Good BroccoliGoes Bad." 10:30 a.m. every Tuesday and 3p.m. every Sunday and at 10:30 a.m., everyThursday after March 4. DuSable Museum ofAfrican American History, 740 E. 56th St.,773-947-0600, dusablemuseum.org, $7. Aplay directed by Carla Stillwell promotinghealthy eating. For more information, call773-947-0600. To R.S.V.P., visitbroccoli.eventbrite.com.The Hyde Park Village Salon. 4-5:30 p.m.,every second Tuesday of the month, TheSnail Restaurant, 1649 E. 55th St. A dinnerclub for members of the Chicago Hyde ParkVillage. For more information, call JennetteRader at 773-753-4678.Meditation. Twenty Minutes Still. 8-8:20a.m., every weekday, Rockefeller Chapel,5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., 773-702-2100, free.Led by qualified meditation teachers.Sunday at Rockefeller. 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m.,every Sunday, Rockefeller Chapel, 5850 S.Woodlawn Ave., 773-702-2100, free. WeeklyChristian services, with a communion tableopen to all.Jumu'ah Prayers. 1-1:30 p.m. and 1:45-2:15 p.m., every Friday, Bond Chapel, 1050E. 59th St., 773-702-2100. Muslim Fridayprayers.Holy Communion Service. 6-7 p.m., everySunday, Bond Chapel, 1050 E. 59th St., 773-702-2100, free. For more information,contact Robert Kinney by calling 773-771-0771 or sending an e-mail torkinney@htcchicago.org.Zen Meditation at Rockefeller. 5-6:45p.m., every Wednesday, Rockefeller Chapel,5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., 773-702-2100, free.Soto Zen meditation instruction fornewcomers at 5 p.m., followed by 35 minutesof meditation.Restorative Yoga. 4:30-5:30 p.m. and 5:45-6:45 p.m., every Tuesday, RockefellerChapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., 773-702-2100, $5 suggested donation, free forstudents.Chicago Hyde Park Village Drop In.10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., every second andfourth Wednesday of the month, AugustanaLutheran Church, 5500 S. Woodlawn Ave., $7suggested donation. Featuring lunch, lightexercise and socializing. Call 773-752-6587for assistance with transportation.Health Care Signup. 11:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.,every Thursday through March 27.Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave.,312-747-0511. An agent will be available toguide visitors through the process of signingup for coverage under the Affordable CareFebruary 26, 2014, Hyde Park Herald 5Act. A program of Get Covered Illinois,sponsored by Ada S. McKinley CommunityServices, Inc.Lecture Series. "MAAFA." 6:30 p.m.,every Wednesday in February. DuSableMuseum of African American History, 740 E.e-mail to auditions@hpys.com.Resource Center. 9 a.m.-noon, Mondaysthrough Thursdays, Hyde Park NeighborhoodClub, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 773-643-4062,hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in, $45 10-day pass,$65 monthly pass.56th St., 773-947-0600, Tot Lot. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Mondays throughdusablemuseum.org. A series of lectures onthe African Holocaust, with topics rangingfrom Ghanaian independence to the HaitianRevolution. Visit the museum's website toFridays, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club,early childhood room, 5480 S. KenwoodAve.,773-643-4062, hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in,$45 10-day pass, $65 monthly pass. WithR.S.V.P.Motor Monkeys on Mondays andAffordable Care Act Education andEnrollment Session. 5-8 p.m. every TuesdayWednesdays, soccer on Tuesdays and Danceon Feb. 13, 20 and 27.and 9 a.m.-1 p.m. every Saturday. Infant Playgroup and Music Circle. 10Rainbow/PUSH Coalition Headquarters, 930 a.m.-noon, every Monday, Hyde ParkE. 50th St., 773-373-3366, rainbowpush.org.The Wright 3 Mystery Tour of the RobieHouse. 1:30 p.m., every Saturday, FrankNeighborhood Club, early childhood room,5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 773-643-4062,hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in, $45 10-day pass,Lloyd Wright Robie House, 5757 S. $65 monthly pass. For infants to children 18-Woodlawn Ave., 312-994-4000, months-old.gowright.org, $15 adults, $12 students ages 4to 17 and seniors over age 65. Based on BlueBalliett's novel, "The Wright 3."Lakeside Quilting Guild. 6:30-9 p.m.,every Tuesday, Treasure Island, basement,Sensory Play. 10 a.m.-noon, every Tuesday,Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, art room,5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 773-643-4062,hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in, $45 10-day pass,$65 monthly pass.1526 E. 55th St., Musical Story Time. 10-10:45 a.m. and 11-l a kesidequiltingguild.weebly. c o m , 11:45 a.m., every Tuesday, Hyde Parklakeside_quilters@yahoo.com. Guild Neighborhood Club, early childhood room,meetings are on the second Tuesday of everymonth. All other sessions are devoted topersonal or group projects.5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 773-643-4062,hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in, $45 10-day pass,$65 monthly pass.Calvert House Tutoring. 4-6 p.m. on Dramatic Play. 10 a.m.-noon, everyTuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-noonand 1-3 p.m. on Saturdays, Calvert House,5735 S. University Ave., 773-288-2311,uofccatholic.com. Tutoring for 2nd through12th grade students.Wednesday, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club,classroom e, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 773-643-4062, hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in, $45 10-day pass, $65 monthly pass.Bi-lingual Story Time. 10-10:30 and 11-Audition for the Hyde Park Youth 11:30 a.m., every Thursday, Hyde ParkSymphony. 4 p.m., Hyde Park Union Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave.,Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave., 773-363-6063. For woodwinds, strings, percussion and773-643-4062, hpnclub.org, $9 drop-in, $4510-day pass, $65 monthly pass.brass players. Held by appointment. To makean appointment, call 773-562-2369 or send an See CALENDAR on page 9H A R P E RT H E A T E R5238 Harper Ave773-966-5091www.harpertheater.comSHOWTIMES:Friday, Feb. 28 throughThurday, Mar. 6, 2014About Last Night R12:00 2:30 5:00 7:3010:00Lego 2D PG12:25 5:30 10:30Lego 3D PG3:00 8:00Non-Stop PG1312:15 2:50 5:25 7:5010:15Monuments Men PG1312:10 2:45 5:20 7:5510:30$8 Adult; $7 Student$6 Seniors, Children & MatineeCheck out our websitefor future showtimes!
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