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Mens’ swimming, page 4
1015 Division St. Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613
VOLUME 52 ISSUE 11
Education blueprint raises concerns Maya Amajadi News Editor
Gov. Terry Branstad, Lt. Gov. Kim Reynolds and the governor’s special assistant for education, Linda Fandel, held a town meeting on Tuesday, Nov. 15, to address “One Unshakable Vision” for education reform. The CFHS auditorium was filled with over 200 teachers, administrators, parents and students. Most of the input was provided by teachers concerned about the proposed four-tier system of teacher pay, although other parts of the plan including student assessments were also discussed. The input from this audience and those that preceded it from other meetings around the state made an impact on the governor’s blueprint, because the next day, Branstad tabled the four-tier system for at least one year. In the four tier system,
apprentice, career, mentor and master teachers, would have different pay checks. Only five percent of teachers would become master teachers and 15 percent of mentor teachers. Of those who went to the microphone during the CFHS meeting, all were opposed to this part of the plan. Afterwards, teachers continued to have questions. “If you only [are allowed] a certain percentage of mentor teachers, what if you have more teachers that want to do that and are qualified?” English teacher Diane Flaherty asked. The Cedar Falls School District has a high percentage of teachers with masters degrees. “Will teachers who want to be master teachers be forced to go to another district? TAG teacher Tim Kangas asked. Frank Jowitt, math teacher, applauded efforts to attract “the best and the brightest”
teachers by paying a higher starting salary. However, he disagreed with the four-tier system. “After each year and after more education, we get more money with the steps and lanes (current system). [In the four-tier system,] our wage is effectively frozen unless we bargain collectively as a teacher’s union, and that isn’t going to happen,” Jowitt said. Branstad countered educators’ worries about competition for the highest positions when he said, “Competition makes us all better, same as in business.” The crowd roared “no.” Later Kangas said, “You can use a business model, but only so far, in education. Students aren’t products. They’re people. We aren’t selling them to the highest bidder.” English teacher Scott Lawrence-Richards had this response the next day, “If I were to amend the governor’s
KEY ASPECTS OF BLUEPRINT Four-tier teacher compensation system and pay raises for teachers that advance levels. High-stakes, end-of-course assessments for core subjects in high school. State-wide goals for student outcomes, such as a 95 percent high school graduation rate.
To see entire plan, visit www.educateiowa.gov
plan, I would make it far less focused on competition and more focused on collaboration, fostering the achievement of all students and growth of all faculty.” Some community members also arrived to the meeting with concerns after reading Branstad’s plan. Retired educator Jill Mortenson is part of a book group on the University of Northern Iowa campus. “A main point is [the plan] is not very focused on learners. Schools are a
community of learners, and I don’t see much focus on that.” Mortenson said. “One Unshakable Vision” also requires teachers to have a GPA of at least 3.0 and pass a test on the subject they will teach. UNI associate professor Cherin Lee said. “I agree with the idea of increasing the quality of teachers and the education students get in the K-12 curriculum.” However, she disagrees with Branstad, continued Page 2
Newest networking site offers financial benefits Chandal Geerdes News Editor
One of the newest social networking sites to hit our smartphones not only allows students to check in with friends, but allows them to save cash. Foursquare, a site based on the principle of “exploring the world,” allows students to check-in to the locations they visit. In doing so, students can meet up with friends, discover new places, and most importantly, save money. Businesses offer rewards for “checking-in,” in the form of exclusive coupons, promotions and discounts. Frequent users can even be deemed “mayor” if they have successfully checked in the most times. “Being mayor can result in getting more badges and in some places, discounts and coupons,” said senior Braden Cervetti, who once received 30% off at Express after checking in. Foursquare offers over a billion check-ins, and millions are added
Sara Gabriele photo
Junior Chandal Geerdes checks in to Cedar Falls High School to begin the day.
everyday. Even local businesses such as the Cedar Falls Receration Center, Famous Daves, Blain’s Farm and Fleet, the Pretzel Maker in the College Square Mall, and Scratch Bakery have check-ins where you can receive promotions and discounts.
Co-founders Dennis Crowley and Naveen Selvadurai built the the first version of Foursquare in fall 2008, but since the launch in 2009, the site’s membership has risen to over 10 million people. Senior Maddie Gary said she likes
the competitive atmosphere of the site. “People are always wanting to go to new places to receive more points and become the top leader board,” Gary said. Only after four months Gary is the mayor of her house, a couple of her friends’ houses, Cedar Falls High School, St. Patrick’s Church, Yogurt Pro, and The Other Place on University. Through being mayor Gary has received discounts on goods and clothes. “It was really cool because I didn’t even have to do anything for the discount,” Gary said. Gary even expressed that some places will even donate to certain organizations if people check in at their business and she’s helped with that as well. However, one thing Gary dislikes about the site is getting friend request from people she doesn’t know. “They’ll know where I am when I check in and that freaks me out,” Gary said.