How EM-controlled DPS ruined a school for teen moms with a 90 percent graduation rate

**MSUguy** · September-23-14, 12:58 PM

By all standards, Detroit's Catherine Ferguson Academy was a success story. The school for teenage moms had a 97 percent attendance rate and a 90 percent graduation rate. It was the focus of an award-winning Metro Times story in 2004 for its innovative practices. The gardens and animals on the school's grounds excited the imagination of students and neighborhood people, and it appeared to be a model for urban education.

And then the emergency manager-controlled DPS said it had to be closed, touching off a battle that resulted in the school remaining open, but under the operation of a for-profit charter school organization run by Blair Evans, the brother of failed Detroit mayoral candidate, former Detroit Police Chief and current Wayne County Executive-elect Warren Evans. And that's when things fell apart.

That story is the focus of a news report by Al-Jazeera America, and the piece suggests that the charter organization innovated the school right out of existence. A news summary accompanying the video piece quotes Joyce Schon, a Detroit attorney who helped file a lawsuit against the school; Schon says the new set-up was "a disaster."

http://www.metrotimes.com/Blogs/arch...raduation-rate

Yeah just run the schools like a businesses that'll fix everything!!

http://america.aljazeera.com/watch/s...imination.html

**1953** · September-23-14, 01:14 PM

Did you just quote Al Jazeera?

**Scottathew** · September-23-14, 02:14 PM

Originally Posted by 1953

Did you just quote Al Jazeera?

Their journalism has been pretty good the few times I've read it.

**hybridy** · September-25-14, 07:47 PM

Originally Posted by 48307

Their journalism has been pretty good the few times I've read it.

lol al jazeera is funded by qatar. the government is known to finance terrorists and has a less than stellar record of human rights

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...r-funding.html

**Detroit Stylin** · September-26-14, 12:13 AM

Originally Posted by hybridy

lol al jazeera is funded by qatar. the government is known to finance terrorists and has a less than stellar record of human rights

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Human_rights_in_Qatar

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worl...r-funding.html

Oh you mean like the United States

**Wesley Mouch** · September-26-14, 12:30 AM

Originally Posted by Detroit Stylin

Oh you mean like the United States

OK, I'll take up the defense of the US.

Sure, we aren't perfect. But I don't see the point in beating ourselves up. Add up all our errors, and we're still dozens of times better than pretty much everyone else.

We should be very proud of ourselves for being the best protector of liberty, yet still strive to be even better.

**hybridy** · September-26-14, 09:13 AM

Originally Posted by Detroit Stylin

Oh you mean like the United States

Well there's always Canada. We can't all be perfect

**motz** · September-24-14, 09:21 AM

Originally Posted by 1953

Did you just quote Al Jazeera?

You do understand the Al Jazeera has infinitely more journalistic credibility and integrity than CNN, Fox and MSNBC combined, right? They are a great source for articles that report the news in a factual manner and let you decide how you feel on the subject. A piece like this is factual, it tells you how the EM targeted this school in particle, specifically by cutting off its funding life line even though the school was what one would consider a model school.

**ABetterDetroit** · September-28-14, 10:30 PM

Originally Posted by motz

You do understand the Al Jazeera has infinitely more journalistic credibility and integrity than CNN, Fox and MSNBC combined, right? They are a great source for articles that report the news in a factual manner and let you decide how you feel on the subject. A piece like this is factual, it tells you how the EM targeted this school in particle, specifically by cutting off its funding life line even though the school was what one would consider a model school.

Yes, if only we could have more news sources from country's that have a absolute monarchy. A law system based on religious views, and of course treat women like cattle instead of human beings. These are the journalistic environments that breed the best journalism.

**motz** · September-29-14, 01:21 PM

Originally Posted by ABetterDetroit

Yes, if only we could have more news sources from country's that have a absolute monarchy. A law system based on religious views, and of course treat women like cattle instead of human beings. These are the journalistic environments that breed the best journalism.

Ah, yes. The old "Them Arabs is horrible" argument. Thank you, I see the problem with my views and have decided to watch CNN. Thank you, ABetterDetroit. I appreciate you.

**ABetterDetroit** · September-29-14, 06:50 PM

Originally Posted by motz

Ah, yes. The old "Them Arabs is horrible" argument. Thank you, I see the problem with my views and have decided to watch CNN. Thank you, ABetterDetroit. I appreciate you.

I said nothing of any particular ethnic group. You did, not me. I was obviously referring to the state of Qatar. If there is something I said that is not accurate I will be happy to supply sources on the "absolute monarchy in Qatar" the "system of law in Qatar being religion based" or the "lack of Women's rights in Qatar" just ask and I will post. You were the one that transferred the issue to "Arabs". I think that is really racist to anyone that is of Arab decent to equate them to the above issues.

**Wesley Mouch** · September-29-14, 02:38 PM

Originally Posted by ABetterDetroit

Yes, if only we could have more news sources from country's that have a absolute monarchy. A law system based on religious views, and of course treat women like cattle instead of human beings. These are the journalistic environments that breed the best journalism.

Broad generalizations not helpful. What is essentially an ad hominem attack [[ad nationem?) not helpful.

All nations including our own fine country have social problems and failings. To discard Al Jazeera because they are supported by a less than perfect regime is in appropriate. Judge them on their product.

As people, cities, nations we are all imperfect. Let's hope that they continue to develop Al Jazeera as a credible news organization -- even while the nation isn't progressive as dear ABD requires.

Once, the US practiced slavery. Does not dimish Abraham Lincoln, does it? A true progressive would allow for the possibility that Qatar is a society with many diverse points of view -- and that Al Jazerra may be able to be a competent news organization with value even if funded by a flawed regime.

**ABetterDetroit** · September-29-14, 07:27 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

Broad generalizations not helpful. What is essentially an ad hominem attack [[ad nationem?) not helpful.

All nations including our own fine country have social problems and failings. To discard Al Jazeera because they are supported by a less than perfect regime is in appropriate. Judge them on their product.

As people, cities, nations we are all imperfect. Let's hope that they continue to develop Al Jazeera as a credible news organization -- even while the nation isn't progressive as dear ABD requires.

Once, the US practiced slavery. Does not dimish Abraham Lincoln, does it? A true progressive would allow for the possibility that Qatar is a society with many diverse points of view -- and that Al Jazerra may be able to be a competent news organization with value even if funded by a flawed regime.

I discard Al Jezeera as a credible news source because it is so obviously Sunni sided on all complicated middle east issues that include anything Sunni AND Shia. I would equate it to accepting FOX news as a good source on the shooting of Trayvon Martin.

**downtownguy** · September-24-14, 01:04 PM

Originally Posted by 1953

Did you just quote Al Jazeera?

I been watching Al Jazeera English [[not Al Jazeera America) regularly lately and I find their news reporting to be excellent.

**Honky Tonk** · September-24-14, 01:23 PM

Originally Posted by downtownguy

I been watching Al Jazeera English [[not Al Jazeera America) regularly lately and I find their news reporting to be excellent.

I have to agree with you. It's like watching real reporting, not bobble-heads nodding in the background.

**Hypestyles** · September-23-14, 02:13 PM

How often has the charter for the DPS been revisited? Perhaps it should be rewritten from scratch, to incorporate public charters and have stricter regulations on how these schools are allowed to proliferate and the governance structure behind them.

**Islandman** · September-23-14, 02:35 PM

Their news and documentaries are actually quite good, though most will be turned off by the name.

**Wesley Mouch** · September-23-14, 02:40 PM

Originally Posted by MSUguy

Yeah just run the schools like a businesses that'll fix everything!!

Why blame the fireman for the condition of the burned house? The EM arrived at the burning school district and made decisions made necessary by administration's malfeasance and incompetence.

Sounds like this decision was really unfortunate. But I have a hard time blaming the person brought in to clean up a mess for collateral damage.

If you don't want an EM, the run your district well. Problem solved. You can then have an excellent school you manage.

Yes, there were many factors that contributed to DPS problems. But the elephant in the room was so clearly their incompetence. If you don't believe this, you can ignore my comments and continue to blame others.

**jt1** · September-23-14, 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

Why blame the fireman for the condition of the burned house? The EM arrived at the burning school district and made decisions made necessary by administration's malfeasance and incompetence.

Sounds like this decision was really unfortunate. But I have a hard time blaming the person brought in to clean up a mess for collateral damage.

If you don't want an EM, the run your district well. Problem solved. You can then have an excellent school you manage.

Yes, there were many factors that contributed to DPS problems. But the elephant in the room was so clearly their incompetence. If you don't believe this, you can ignore my comments and continue to blame others.

Why do you continue to ignore that DPS took the biggest hit when the state came in to 'help' the first time. Let's make sure that you acknowledge the conditions, scores, enrollment and finances before the first state takeover and after they left.

**poobert** · September-23-14, 03:27 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

Why blame the fireman for the condition of the burned house? The EM arrived at the burning school district and made decisions made necessary by administration's malfeasance and incompetence.

Sounds like this decision was really unfortunate. But I have a hard time blaming the person brought in to clean up a mess for collateral damage.

If you don't want an EM, the run your district well. Problem solved. You can then have an excellent school you manage.

Yes, there were many factors that contributed to DPS problems. But the elephant in the room was so clearly their incompetence. If you don't believe this, you can ignore my comments and continue to blame others.

This, of course, makes no sense.

Essentially you're saying that if your school district is in financial trouble, don't be surprised if the EM comes in and completely ruins shit.

Perhaps it was unclear to you that that is not the purpose of the EM.

So unacceptable when the school board is screwing up, but it's "collateral damage" when the EM fucks up. Roger that. Ah, Wesley, the conservatives' ever-loyal terrier. The EM could start eating babies and he'd defend it to the last.

I'm not even opposed to the EM, and I hate the school board. However everyone should be held accountable, because young people have a right to education in this country.

**Wesley Mouch** · September-23-14, 06:14 PM

Originally Posted by poobert

This, of course, makes no sense.

Essentially you're saying that if your school district is in financial trouble, don't be surprised if the EM comes in and completely ruins shit.

Perhaps it was unclear to you that that is not the purpose of the EM.

So unacceptable when the school board is screwing up, but it's "collateral damage" when the EM fucks up. Roger that. Ah, Wesley, the conservatives' ever-loyal terrier. The EM could start eating babies and he'd defend it to the last.

I'm not even opposed to the EM, and I hate the school board. However everyone should be held accountable, because young people have a right to education in this country.

EMs should not be good educators. They are Emergency Managers.

EMs should be so bad, that people will work to avoid EMs at all costs.

We don't need EMs who know education. That's the job of the schools. We need EMs who stay about 10 minutes, tear up old ways of doing things, stabilizes finances, and then leaves and lets the school board fix up the mess.

Orr knows nothing about how to run a government. That's why when Duggan showed up and said he hated the EM process, Orr welcomed him.

Young people do deserve a good education. And it should be delivered by the school board, not the EM. You don't ask a fireman how to redo your electrical wiring to avoid a fire, do you? Don't ask an EM to educate your kids. They don't and shouldn't know how.

[[And thanks for the kind words.)

**jt1** · September-23-14, 07:03 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

EMs should not be good educators. They are Emergency Managers.

EMs should be so bad, that people will work to avoid EMs at all costs.

We don't need EMs who know education. That's the job of the schools. We need EMs who stay about 10 minutes, tear up old ways of doing things, stabilizes finances, and then leaves and lets the school board fix up the mess.

Orr knows nothing about how to run a government. That's why when Duggan showed up and said he hated the EM process, Orr welcomed him.

Young people do deserve a good education. And it should be delivered by the school board, not the EM. You don't ask a fireman how to redo your electrical wiring to avoid a fire, do you? Don't ask an EM to educate your kids. They don't and shouldn't know how.

[[And thanks for the kind words.)

when you tear things apart you lose enrollment. When you lose enrollment you lose funding. When you lose funding a higher percent goes to legacy costs and less to the class room. Education does not operate like a business. Unfortunately, people in lansing and washington are too fucking stupid to understand that.

**poobert** · September-23-14, 07:09 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

EMs should not be good educators. They are Emergency Managers.

EMs should be so bad, that people will work to avoid EMs at all costs.

We don't need EMs who know education. That's the job of the schools. We need EMs who stay about 10 minutes, tear up old ways of doing things, stabilizes finances, and then leaves and lets the school board fix up the mess.

Orr knows nothing about how to run a government. That's why when Duggan showed up and said he hated the EM process, Orr welcomed him.

Young people do deserve a good education. And it should be delivered by the school board, not the EM. You don't ask a fireman how to redo your electrical wiring to avoid a fire, do you? Don't ask an EM to educate your kids. They don't and shouldn't know how.

[[And thanks for the kind words.)

So the EM is punitive? It's designed to harm people? Buddy I work for Uncle Sam and I've never heard such malarkey. If you want to use the government to terrorize people, are you a fascist or just confused? What is wrong with you, and where did you come up with these ideas?

**Wesley Mouch** · September-24-14, 10:58 AM

Originally Posted by poobert

So the EM is punitive? It's designed to harm people? Buddy I work for Uncle Sam and I've never heard such malarkey. If you want to use the government to terrorize people, are you a fascist or just confused? What is wrong with you, and where did you come up with these ideas?

Not designed to harm, but designed to stablize the district that was destroyed by local control. EMs should not be viewed as saviors. They are just emergency workers dealing with the mess created by others.

I don't see how blaming the EM has any validity. They certainly should behave responsibly, but they are not the school board. Its the school board's job to protect excellent programs.

Why is the EM to blame, but not the school board that didn't protect these students and instead steered the ship towards the rock. No, let's blame the EM, yell about 'local control', and ignore that 'local control' is really what failed the students.

**Jimaz** · September-23-14, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Wesley Mouch

Originally Posted by MSUguy

Yeah just run the schools like a businesses that'll fix everything!!

Why blame the fireman for the condition of the burned house? The EM arrived at the burning school district and made decisions made necessary by administration's malfeasance and incompetence....

I'm embarrassed for you.

I'm willing to forgive that you selected that exceptionally inappropriate metaphor unwittingly.

Fahrenheit 451

Your mentors are exploiting your youthful, overconfident naïveté. They betrayed you by allowing you to post that embarrassment. Save yourself before it's too late.

Choose more supportive mentors.