My child was a student at the Gulen Harmony Science Academy School in Texas, we served on the Parent Association and were involved with many fundraisers. Gulen Charter School- We were very dedicated to this group until we realized there was more to these schools than just "education". Our posts are from actual news sources and government data such as IRS tax returns, H1-B Visa information and other documentation.
Tuesday, October 30, 2012
KCBD INVESTIGATES: Did Gulen charter school administrator cheat students?
KCBD - TV NewsChannel 11
5600 Ave. A
Lubbock, TX. 79404
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Toll Free: 1-800-9-NEWS11
Officials with the Houston District office for Public Harmony Schools, head of the cluster of Texas charter schools, expressed they are actively working to get answers about the alleged grade changes. KCBD NewsChannel 11 is keeping the former administrator's name confidential, since the investigation is still pending and no charges have been filed. When we began our investigation, parents told us this former administrator was still employed at HAS, but parted ways last week. The district office said they are unable to confirm dates of when this investigation began or when this administrator ended her employment.
Public Harmony Schools Spokesperson Julie Shussler confirmed Monday the Harmony Science Academy administrator is no longer employed at the charter school.
"As a precautionary measure, we have taken additional steps to protect the integrity of the school's computer technology and grading system," Shussler said in a written statement.
KCBD NewsChannel 11 spoke with several parents who claimed they knew the former administrator changed grades to hurt some students academically, which they claim helped her own children to excel and graduate with honors.
Jeffrey Ramirez, who has 2 step-children who currently attend HAS, volunteered at the Charter school. Ramirez said despite his effort to help out, he noticed problems between students and school officials from the very start.
"Pretty much when I started volunteering there right off the bat, I started seeing all kinds of things like teachers mistreating the students, screaming at them," said Ramirez.
Ramirez said he was dismissed after he exposed several incidents to administrators, including a school official who he said changed grades.
Ramirez said he witnessed the administrator change grades with his own eyes and said it explains why her son graduated as valedictorian.
NewsChannel 11: "Do you think she's using that same system to hold other kids back?" Ramirez: "Yeah, in fact, I'm positive that she is. She has a problem with one of the parents because this parent does voice her concerns."
We met a few mothers who did voice their concerns. Although they did agree to an on-camera interview with NewsChannel 11, we respected their wishes and concealed their identity.
One of the mothers said she checked her daughter's grades through the school's online grade checking system. She checked it on a continual basis since she participated in an after school extracurricular activity and is a member of a club, which helps to provide a scholarship for college.
This mother noticed a drastic change in her daughter's grades over a 2-day period. She checked with her daughter's teachers. The teachers confirmed the grades in the system were not accurate.
Ramirez provided KCBD NewsChannel 11 a few text messages between him and the former administrator. According to the message provided, it read, "Please don't tell him (Principal Bayar) about me changing the grades over the summer. I don't want to get fired. If you keep my secret, I'll help you as much as I can."
Shussler provided the following statement in regards to the accusations of altering grades:
"The matter is under an ongoing investigation, which is not yet complete, and until it's complete we are not in a position to comment."
Harmony Science Academy declined our request for an on camera interview, due to the pending investigation.
We reached out to the Texas Education Agency to see if they had any insight about this particular investigation. TEA said this matter is considered an "internal investigation" and only involves the Houston-based district office.
NewsChannel 11 will continue to stay on top of this investigation. We will bring you the latest results as they become available.
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Gulen Movement has nothing to do with Charter School. Most of the Turkish supports the movement and there are many Turkish businessmen, academicians and professionals all around the world. Also Gulen Movement (Hizmet Movement) is transparent, more information can be gathered at official web sites like http://www.GulenMovement.ca and http://fgulen.com
ReplyDeleteMerhaba Yavuz,
ReplyDeleteBut it is too late for denial, Gulen web sites and papers already are admitting that it is known Gulen Movement members that manage (or mismanage)and operate these schools.
There is nothing transparent about Hizmet, you are instructed by Hocaefendi to "Guard your secrets, as you guard your chastity"
Stop being brainwashed by Gulen, you will not inherit the money and be a part of Gulen's Golden Generation and be RICH. Even Gulen's own web sites refer to the charter schools. Today's Zaman has attacked journalists that wrote about the closure of your Abramson Science and Technology school in Louisana.
TUSKON (Gulen Turkish Businessmen) are propped up by the USA. You get the contracts to re build Iraq ($11.8 billion) and over 109 projects because of the USA using you as a front proxy as a so - called "softer side of Islam"
What is going to happen when Gulen is dead?
What is going to happen when America and Israel are done using you?
Yavuz, try to leave the Movement and see what happens to you.
Better yet. Try to build the education in Turkey it is below standard in World Wide rankings before you profess to know what is right for America, Germany, Australia or other countries you have bought your way into.
Its not just that location. My child is at another Harmony school. We have had 1) grades up and down mysteriously
ReplyDelete2) grades lowered (or work back to back to back suddenly "not being turned" in making grades lower) when I voice concerns
3) teachers ignore your emails for clarification/meetings etc until you start escalating with intent to go outside the school
4) administration slow to act - I had to repeatedly address and threaten making a big stink before things are corrected
5)child changed from honors to regular without reason or explanation other than they make the schedules and place students where they think is best
6) have experienced and witnessed yelling/screaming at students
7) also experience hosts of "minor" discipline reports - especially after parents voice concerns about anything. they may be minor - but large numbers of minors infractions looks like an unruly child on college apps or other school apps to try and transfer.