On Wis. hospital bills vary widely; mirrors US trend

Posted on May 8 at 6:10 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Codes, smodes. Costs need to be regulated to prevent such wide variance -- what would be even more telling is the profit margin and the costs of care for indigent cases. It needs to be correlated.

On Janesville School District’s WKCE scores exceed state averages

Posted on April 27 at 8:24 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

WKCE score released this month show the work of 2011-12 with a short window in the fall to refresh student memories. Dr. Erhardt's claim is not only insulting to the teachers, but misleading to the public.

The pressure on the "rank & file" this year has seen a reduction in instructional time, de-moralizing of the staff, and students tearing up under the pressure of another test. We pre-test, post-test all subjects for CBAs 3X /year, DRA X3, WKCE, MAPs, we test fluency separately although it is part of a DRA, we test Fry Words ---- Yes some of these are given 1:1, so students have other "instructional or skills practice" activities while their teacher is busy testing. . . . Kindergarten -2 do not have WKCE, but they have PALS. If I were a parent I would be up in arms over the lost instructional time.
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When did weighing the cow more frequently increase milk production?
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I personally know of 5 staff in one elementary building who have needed medical procedures to address chest pains, racing hearts or extensive headaches, just this year. Our health insurance costs will go up for sure after the numbers are reviewed. As a tax payer I am appalled at the money this testing pressure is costing the district in health care.

On Janesville School District’s WKCE scores exceed state averages

Posted on April 26 at 8:17 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

To Dr. Erhardt:
Referring to educated, highly invested, staff as "rank and file" is the kind of insult that has many high quality teachers leaving the district. There is a big difference between enlisted personnel who are in the organization for a brief time and officers who are into their careers for the long haul. Educators by the very nature of the job requirements, more closely resemble officers, not the "rank and file." Once again your arrogance is damaging the morale of the people who matter most for the improvement of those #@$% scores you like to brag about.

On Walker says Evers win doesn’t affect vouchers

Posted on April 3 at 6:23 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Walker is so out of touch with WI citizens. Why would I want my tax dollars to support schools that are not held accountable for student improvement???

On Sen. Vinehout wants sand-mining limits

Posted on March 29 at 1:50 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Wislady -- your comments are so limited and predictable. You could stop writing and the rest of us can fill in for you, but we won't.

What exactly is going on in the schools that has you alarmed? Please elucidate.

On Campaign finance reports due Monday in Wisconsin court race

Posted on March 26 at 8:18 a.m. ( Suggest removal )

Wislady, I disagree with your statement. However, at least the unions represent working citizens of this state. Not profiteers seeking to increase their bottom line on the backs of WI workers.

On Secret investigation into Walker aides closes

Posted on March 2 at 12:11 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

to all you Walker loyalists -- not charged, does not mean innocent. In the very least he has proven himself a poor manager, that people working for him within feet of his office, could be breaking the law and he did not know it.

On State retirees' pension cut to be 9.6%

Posted on March 2 at 12:03 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

Walker is trying to change the WRS funding to private management. WI's system is the envy of most retirement systems, whether state or private. He would like to reward his financial supporters with another way to make money off the backs of taxpayers. Stay informed.

On Retire now, teachers union advises

Posted on January 10 at 7:33 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

TCB
Why would this scare the general public?

It is simply a statement of fact. Teachers who may be at the top of their game and eligible for retirement should take note. Opportunities to retire with benefits are not in the future.

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we will leave. new teachers will replace (2 new :3 retired???) to save the district money. There is no incentive to stay except the intrinsic benefit of knowing we are making a difference in the lives of our students. I can do that as a volunteer. . . The district will save money. That is what most of the commenters on these blogs want.

On Janesville schools to discuss shooting, security Monday

Posted on December 17 at 10:02 p.m. ( Suggest removal )

This conversation needs three legs -- limiting access to guns that rapid fire magazines of ammo, quality & available care for mentally unstable people, and changing our fascination with violence and gore in entertainment.
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I don't think a week goes by that I do not overhear some child talking to another about a TV show, movie or game that involves gory violence.
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We have come a long, long way from John Wayne movies. Look at the horror film industry. One of my female students is fascinated with Monster High dolls -- zombie like creatures. If people stop buying it, manufacturers will produce other goods. As long as people purchase the toys, video games, movies, etc. that glorify carnage, our children will be de-sensitized and act out in more and more horrific ways.
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Then there are the signs on homes that alert strangers that the residents are armed and ready to protect their home. Could be one of their children who take the guns and attack. After-all it is a family value to be ready to kill anyone who is a threat. . . children get confused about what a true threat to safety is. JMO