Senate Bill That Includes Matthew Shepard’s Act Could Come Thursday « Equality Across America

Senate Bill That Includes Matthew Shepard’s Act Could Come Thursday « Equality Across America:

"Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 by Mark Reed

Rick Maze – Staff writer Navy Times October 21, 2009

Final action on the 2010 defense authorization bill could come Thursday, with a slugfest to decide whether the $681 billion measure will include a controversial hate-crimes provision.
Under procedures set up by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Senate will vote on a cloture motion that would cut off debate and bring the bill to a final vote.

To do that, Reid would have to get 60 votes in favor of his motion. Leadership aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they expect more than 60 senators to vote for the bill, even though there is strong Republican opposition to including the hate-crimes provision.

There are two reasons to believe that Reid will succeed. First, when the Senate was debating the defense bill in July, 63 senators voted on a similar cloture vote to keep the hate-crimes provision. Then two weeks ago, a key Republican, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said that he supports the bill even though he does not support the inclusion of provisions making sexual abuse, assaults and murder a federal crime if the person committed the act because of the victim’s race, color, religion, national origin or gender identification."

Climate Change Blog Action Day « Barbara Boxer Blog

Climate Change Blog Action Day « Barbara Boxer Blog:

"This past Friday was an international Blog Action Day, with blogs around the world joining to discuss the many ways that climate change impacts our lives. According to organizer Change.org, more than 13,000 blogs from 155 countries took part, taking on the many faces of the climate change issue. This day of action serves as an important reminder of the power of coordinated efforts.

As the chair of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Boxer has been a driving force in writing and shepherding the Kerry-Boxer Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, introduced earlier this month. The United States has an important global leadership role in addressing climate change; so it’s important that we take strong action now."

Early Obama adviser waiting to see on schools strategy | GothamSchools

Early Obama adviser waiting to see on schools strategy GothamSchools:

"An early adviser to President Obama on education issues, Christopher Edley, the dean of the law school at UC-Berkeley, today praised the president for following through on his promise to make schools a priority despite the tough times. But Edley said that whether Obama is pursuing the right education policies is unclear.

“The question is whether he is going to pick the right strategy to advance that,” Edley said, speaking on an education panel at the New York Public Library sponsored by the Wall Street Journal and Intel Corporation."

QEIA shell games amount to further education cuts

QEIA shell games amount to further education cuts

Analysis from CSBA's Governmental Relations Department
Published: October 20, 2009

Since July, when the state budget deal eliminated $450 million for the Quality Education Investment Act in 2009-10, there has been a significant amount of uncertainty regarding QEIA, the new program created to settle the California Teachers Association’s successful lawsuit against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger over the level of funding owed to schools in 2004-05.
QEIA funding was to come entirely from the state’s general fund, without drawing down any dollars from Proposition 98’s minimum education funding guarantee. But, while QEIA money was zeroed out of the general fund this year, the program itself wasn’t suspended—instead, it’s currently funded with Proposition 98 dollars that should be available for other educational purposes. Lawmakers accomplished this maneuver by redirecting funds from the revenue limits of the nearly 140 districts with schools participating in QEIA and authorizing those districts to apply to the California Department of Education to backfill the revenue limit reduction with federal Title I and school improvement grants.
This provided the false assurance that the cut to QEIA-district revenue limits could be backfilled by federal dollars. In fact, it appears that may not be possible, due both to specific rules tied to those federal dollars and to the lack of sufficient funding from those sources.

As a consequence, there remains a need to backfill approximately $380 million—the amount under QEIA that goes to participating school districts. The Legislature attempted to address this issue in the final days of the regular session through state Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass’s Senate Bill 84. However, the governor vetoed the measure, citing his plan to use State Fiscal Stabilization Funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to backfill the cut.
In yet another complex shell game to restore the pending cuts to the revenue limits of QEIA districts, Assembly Bill X3 56 by Assembly member Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, would use SFSF and Title I set-aside and carry-over dollars, if available, to pay for QEIA for this year, with any remainder needed to fully fund QEIA likely coming from unspent dollars within Proposition 98. ABX3 56 was approved by the Senate last week and is awaiting approval by the Assembly.

The Title I revenues specified in the bill include $65 million from prior years that wasn’t spent and $100 million that is provided for use at the state level. Assuming this funding is available for this purpose, it would free up $165 million of SFSF dollars that should otherwise be available to all school districts to restore the cuts from 2008-09—but there is some uncertainty as to whether the Title I funds are available and, if they are, whether any savings realized from the SFSF will benefit school districts.
The only reason there is SFSF money available now is because—due to the severity of the education cuts approved in July—the governor asked federal officials to accelerate some of remaining SFSF funds available to California instead of waiting for the second round of SFSF distributions. This has the advantage of making additional money available now under the existing requirements, without the additional conditions or prerequisites that may be imposed on the remaining dollars.

It is important to emphasize that the $355 million now available is not new SFSF money; rather, this is money that all districts were expecting to receive, based on information provided last spring. Should all or part of these funds be redirected to backfill QEIA, it will amount to a further cut to education.

There is some positive news for QEIA districts. It is likely that the revenue limits for QEIA districts will not be cut, as was required by the July budget package. This is important, because some districts with QEIA schools were being required by their county offices of education to reduce their budgets by the amount of the expected revenue limit cut. And, remember, because of the elimination of this year’s general fund support, the program has been extended by one year, to 2014-15, to ensure the full amount owed under the settlement will be paid by the state.

Sen. Roland Burris Demands Public Option : NPR

Sen. Roland Burris Demands Public Option : NPR:

"Thirty Democratic Senators recently signed a letter declaring their support for a public option, as part of a sweeping overhaul to health care in the U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, a Democrat from Illinois, is among those lawmakers and says he will vote against any final bill without it. Burris' comments gained further momentum following a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, indicating that a clear majority of Americans now support the public option. The Senator explains plans to move his agenda forward."

The DC VOICE Ostrich

The DC VOICE Ostrich:

"D.C. education continues to receive only a fraction of the focus, participation, and public voice necessary at the Council level to ensure student development and success. So, as asked by Council Member Michael Brown during the October 16th Council Hearing on DCPS, is it time to “Reform the reform”?

In 2007 the D.C. Council gave full oversight of DCPS issues to the Mayor and the mayoral appointed Chancellor. An education committee was eliminated and the Committee of the Whole took charge of D.C.’s most pressing issue, public education.

The intentions are understood, but the actual benefits are debatable. While the previous committee consisted of five Council Members, the Committee of the Whole is chaired by the Council Chairperson and consists of all 13 Council Members. The urgency and interest from the full Council appeared to be the first step toward a 13 person commitment for reform, but as seen during the recent Council Hearing on October 16th, only a handful of Council Members are really involved. A mere 5 Council Members were present any significant portion of time during the 18 hour hearing.

With questions about erasures, fluctuating attendance numbers, a teacher union contract in limbo, RIFs, and accountability, at no other time than the present is the need for a proper governing voice on DC education issues more apparent."

Nevada City to host AMGEN prologue - The Sac Rag

Nevada City to host AMGEN prologue - The Sac Rag

As I predicted, Nevada City will be involved in the 2010 AMGEN tour. In fact, the prologue to the 2010 race might start in the wonderful foothill town, News10 reports. The prologue would end here in Sacramento which means lots of two-wheeled action for our fair city as well.

In addition the race has been moved to May. The announcement about the race layout will be made official tomorrow, and it looks like it is still uncertain whether Lance will compete since the Tour of Italy also takes place in May.

SCUSD Observer: Luther Burbank groundbreaking today

SCUSD Observer: Luther Burbank groundbreaking today

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Luther Burbank groundbreaking today
The $24.5 million Luther Burbank Regional Sports Complex will commence groundbreaking ceremonies today at 10:00 a.m., at 3500 Florin Road, Sacramento.

Home | The Root

Home The Root

How the (Dr. Cornel) West Was Won

Cornel West, distinguished professor in the Princeton Center for African American Studies, and author of bestsellers such as Race Matters (Vintage, 1994) Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism (Penguin, 2004) and Keeping Faith: Philosophy and Faith in America (Routledge, 1994),has a new memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud (Smiley Books) in stores now. In it, West describes his journey from “Mama’s child and daddy’s kid” to being one of the preeminent sociologists working today.

In Part 1 of this two-part interview, I sat down with West recently to talk art, politics, the first black President, as well as a memorable New York meeting between West, education activist Geoffrey Canada and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. We tried to stick to business, but ended up discussing Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone, James Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, KRS-One and the O’Jays. At least Dr. West didn’t rap.

First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks on Healthy Eating and Obesity to HHS

First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks on Healthy Eating and Obesity to HHS:

"There’s a smart debate going around the internet on food policy, the pleasure principle, and the role that first lady Michelle Obama can play in curbing the obesity epidemic that has swept the United States in recent decades. Obama made a big speech addressing the matter at the Department of Health and Human Services this week.

Her remarks—like her entire approach to food policy since moving to Washington—were casual, yet insistent, speaking not just to the federal employees but to all working families:

[M]any families are starting to feel like the cards are stacked against them. It's really hard to make sure that your children are healthy and happy and safe and well fed. And maybe it's because some of -- some folks are working on a tight budget, and they feel like they just can't afford the kind of nutritious foods that are being recommended. Maybe it's because folks are working long hours. Can I get an 'Amen' from HHS?"

USMayortime with Tom Cochran featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson 10/26/2009 - Tom Cochran on Blog Talk Radio

USMayortime with Tom Cochran featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson 10/26/2009 - Tom Cochran on Blog Talk Radio:

"Call-in Number: (347) 327-9924

Upcoming Show: 10/26/2009 1:30 PM

Host Name: Tom Cochran

Show Name: USMayortime with Tom Cochran featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson

Length: 30 min

Description:
This show will feature Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson who will be discussing his focus on education, homelessness, and flood protection in cities. Listeners will also learn about the challenges of being a state capital city, as well as how Mayor Johnson’s mayoral life differs from his career as a former NBA player."

Listen to Tom Cochran on Blog Talk Radio

Fox News' Hemmer latest to advance made-up charge that Jennings knew of "statutory rape" case and "never reported it" | Media Matters for America

Fox News' Hemmer latest to advance made-up charge that Jennings knew of "statutory rape" case and "never reported it" Media Matters for America:

"Fox News' Bill Hemmer continued his network's attacks on Department of Education official Kevin Jennings by claiming that Jennings knew of a 'statutory rape' case involving a student but 'never reported it.' However, Hemmer ignored that Jennings' attorney wrote in a 2004 letter that the student was 16 years old, which Jennings' book appears to support, and that 16 is -- and was at the time -- the legal age of consent in Massachusetts."

Steve Barr's Answers for School Reform | Edutopia

Steve Barr's Answers for School Reform Edutopia:

"This might be the moment for Green Dot founder Steve Barr.

The Obama administration has set a goal of turning around 5,000 failing schools in the next five years, supported by an expected $3 billion in stimulus funds and $2 billion in the 2009 and 2010 budgets. Known in education circles and beyond as an aggressive agent of change, Barr has been in talks with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about how to boost failing schools and whether Green Dot's methods can serve as a blueprint for fixing schools across the country.

It was these same failing schools that inspired Barr to start Green Dot. Having known hard times in his youth, including some time as a foster child, Barr was drawn to improving schools for disenfranchised youth."

Perfection may be President Obama's biggest flaw

Perfection may be President Obama's biggest flaw:

"If, as the saying goes, the perfect is the enemy of the good, then Barack Obama is his own worst enemy. That becomes clear in the upcoming HBO documentary 'By the People: The Election of Barack Obama,' which is the product of many months of behind-the-scenes access to Obama during the presidential campaign. It reveals that Barack Obama is pretty close to the most perfect person you will never get to know.

This is what he does not do in the course of the primary and general election campaigns: He does not lose his temper. He does not curse. He does not follow a pretty woman with his eyes or sneak a smoke. He does not dress sloppily. He is always calm and always good-natured and gets emotional only once - the day his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, the woman who in effect raised him, died in Hawaii. At a campaign event in North Carolina, he expressed his love and gratitude. He cried and, watching, I did, too."

Pleasing Wall Street is a Poor Excuse for Bad Decisions - Is the U.S. Killing Its Innovation Machine? - Harvard Business Review

Pleasing Wall Street is a Poor Excuse for Bad Decisions - Is the U.S. Killing Its Innovation Machine? - Harvard Business Review:

"Outsourcing, in and of itself, isn't responsible for the erosion of America's high tech infrastructure. The short-term thinking that led to a lot of bad outsourcing decisions is the root cause. And short-term thinking isn't a problem confined to the executive suite. It's a problem in Washington and in our society as a whole.

Managers who focus on maximizing short-term profits end up driving out things that generate long-term value — like R&D. They use all sorts of excuses when they make those decisions, including the need to please Wall Street and create shareholder value. But they're just excuses for poor thinking."

Bee argues for disclosure of public service pensions - Local - Modbee.com

Bee argues for disclosure of public service pensions - Local - Modbee.com:

"Attorneys made their arguments Tuesday in The Bee's lawsuit seeking information about the most lucrative public service pensions in Stanislaus County.

The newspaper filed the lawsuit in August after the Stanislaus County Employees' Retirement Association refused a Public Records Act request to disclose the names of retirees receiving more than $100,000 a year. The California Newspaper Publishers Association joined the lawsuit in Stanislaus County Superior Court.
StanCERA manages a pension system for employees of the county, Ceres, the courts and five special districts.

Judge Hurl Johnson presided over Tuesday's hearing and has 90 days to release a decision.
In recent times, public service pension funds such as the California Public Employees Retirement System, the State Teachers' Retirement System and many county associations have agreed to release information about top pensioners."

Sacramento Press / Mayor Johnson - Driving Under the Influence

Sacramento Press / Mayor Johnson - Driving Under the Influence:

"'People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader works in the open, and the boss in covert. The leader leads, and the boss drives.' -- Theodore Roosevelt --
I would love to give Mayor Kevin Johnson the benefit of the doubt and call him a leader. But as time goes by, I see less of a leader and more of a driver.

Heck, with lessons, anyone can drive. With a GPS navigation system of special assistants, a campaign manager, volunteers and a spokesperson it certainly may appear the mayor is leading the way. But even with GPS and a car full of backseat drivers, people have gotten lost."

Parents More Comfortable Talking Drugs Than Science | Reuters

Parents More Comfortable Talking Drugs Than Science Reuters:

"Intel Survey Reveals Majority of Parents of Teens Find It Difficult to Help
Their Kids With Math and Science

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:

* The News: A recent Intel Corporation survey found that parents feel more
equipped to talk about drug abuse than math and science with their children.
* The Context: Despite a perceived importance of math and science for success,
and an overwhelming willingness to be involved, the survey results reveal that
parents, particularly those of teenagers, often find themselves with little more
understanding of these subjects than their children and without the necessary
resources to bridge this gap.

* Why It Matters: A strong background in math and science is increasingly
critical for American prosperity, security, health, environment and quality of
life. And yet, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress
report released last week, less than 40 percent of fourth- and eighth-graders
are proficient in math. Intel believes that to better engage America`s future
innovators, we need to understand and appreciate the role that parents play in
education and help them inspire their children to take an interest in math and
science."

5 US Children Die From Child Abuse Each Day - Family News Story - WSB Atlanta

5 US Children Die From Child Abuse Each Day - Family News Story - WSB Atlanta:

"A new report shows that child abuse and neglect kill more children in the United States than in any other industrialized nation -- five every day.

Deaths By State Faces Of Child Abuse

Every Child Matters Education Fund President Michael Petit wrote that the report should be a wake-up call.

'This is a report sure to sadden -- and perhaps to anger. How could it be otherwise when we look at the innocent faces of children whose lives were cut short by abuse or neglect?' wrote Petit.

The report, We Can Do Better: Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in America, was released by the Every Child Matters Education Fund. It found that at least 10,440 American children died from abuse or neglect between 2001 and 2007. The report noted that the number of children killed could top 15,660, but poor record keeping could have missed many deaths."

Full Report:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/13504113/We-Can-Do-BetterChild-Abuse-and-Neglect-Deaths-in-America

Latino in America: Parent and Teacher Discussion Guide - CNN.com

Latino in America: Parent and Teacher Discussion Guide - CNN.com:

"Teachers and Parents: Watch with your students or record 'Latino in America' when it airs on CNN on Wednesday, October 21 at 9 p.m. EDT and Thursday, October 22 at 9 p.m. EDT. By recording the documentaries, you agree that you will use the documentaries for educational viewing purposes for a one-year period only. No other rights of any kind or nature whatsoever are granted, including, without limitation, any rights to sell, publish, distribute, post online or distribute in any other medium or forum, or use for any commercial or promotional purpose.

(CNN Student News) -- We strongly urge teachers and parents to preview this program before showing it to students. The program contains content, language and accounts that may not be appropriate for some students.

Program Description: The Latino population, now America's largest minority, is set to nearly triple by 2050. In fact, the U.S. now has the highest Latino population after Mexico. Their sheer numbers are shaking up America, reshaping schools, churches and neighborhoods and forcing a nation of immigrants to rediscover what it means to be an American. For two nights, CNN's Soledad O'Brien journeys into the homes and hearts of a minority group destined to change America. Is it the ultimate clash of cultures, or the ultimate melting pot? Witness the evolution of a country as Latinos remake America, and in return, America remakes them. Before and after viewing these programs, use our free Discussion Questions and Learning Activities to facilitate a conversation with your students."

theleafchronicle.com | The Leaf-Chronicle | Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN

theleafchronicle.com The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN:

"Report cards go paperless, School system's robust use of technology helps parents"

Here's a truism of the Internet Age: Time and technology change everything.

So it is with the venerable tradition of the student report card. On Friday, the Clarksville-Montgomery School System will deliver first quarter marks primarily by computer, using the system's Web site and an interactive set of communication tools known as PowerSchool.

Many of us will recall the dutiful carrying home of grades as our first real brush with accountability. We handed them over to mom or dad or guardian with fear or pride, took our punishment or reward, and promised to keep up the good work or to get down to business and improve.

Today, however, schools are going paperless, sharing more information with students and parents via the Internet.

The intimate moment of handing over the report card may be lost forever, along with the charm of a keepsake written artifact carefully prepared by a teacher's hand, but we have to agree with the school system's increasing use of Web-based tools.

‘No Trust’ In DCPS Contract Talks: Loose Lips Daily - City Desk - Washington City Paper

‘No Trust’ In DCPS Contract Talks: Loose Lips Daily - City Desk - Washington City Paper:

"As much local politics as humanly possible. Send your tips, releases, stories, events, etc. to lips@washingtoncitypaper.com. And get LL Daily sent straight to your inbox every morning!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT—’Is DCPS Continuing to Hire Teachers After Firing 229?‘

Morning all. Surprise, surprise: There’s been no movement on teachers’ contract negotiations for a month, says a WaPo report by Bill Turque. The Oct. 2 layoffs of 229 teachers have brought the nearly two-year process ‘to another standstill,’ he writes. ‘The two sides have not met face to face since Sept. 21, and no bargaining sessions are scheduled.’ WTU President George Parker says his ‘number one priority’ is reversing the layoffs, saying ‘I feel a little indifferent to contract negotiations right now.’ Adds AFT’s Randi Weingarten, ‘There is no trust right now.’

Michelle Rhee’s take: ‘These talks have been at a standstill for two years.’"

Colorado Independent » Shriver Report documents advances but also persisting gender inequalities

Colorado Independent » Shriver Report documents advances but also persisting gender inequalities:

"In a clear-eyed reading of the Shriver Report on U.S. work and family life released this week, former Colorado Independent editor Wendy Norris says the glaring gender inequalities it documents speak at least as loudly as the advances it celebrates. Personal views about gender may have moved toward greater equality, says Norris, but these views have failed to alter policy in the private sector as well as at public institutions. This fact “continues to perpetuate unfair work practices” that create “barriers to true equality between men and women and seriously compromise women’s health.”

The “Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything” was initiated by California First Lady Maria Shriver and was published after a year of research by the Center for American Progress. It has already generated celebratory media coverage on women’s professional advances, and Shriver has embarked on a media blitz since its publication, including appearing on Meet the Press this past weekend and guest editing an MSNBC blog.

Workplace advances are great and all, says Norris,"

China Education Technology Designed a New Generation of Data Collector and Sensor | Reuters

China Education Technology Designed a New Generation of Data Collector and Sensor Reuters:

"GUANGZHOU, China--(Business Wire)--
China Education Technology Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CEDT) ('CEDT'), a Chinese
leader in school lab experiment products, announced it had designed a new
generation of data collector and sensor, and was now applying for 4 utility
model patents, 5 design patents, 2 software copyrights. The new generation of
product is made to improve diversity and accuracy.

'Our products have always been widely recognized by clients,' said Yanbin Guo,
'I believe the new generation will also be quite welcome by the market.'

The newly developed product is specially designed to be in conformity to the new
standard of experimental classes of science courses in China and will mainly be
used by students of grade 7-12. The system uses the advanced technology of data
collection, sensor, wireless control and video image with handy appearance.
There are two secondary schools in Beijing which have the intention to adopt the
lab experiment products in the near future. And they will be fully promoted in
Beijing thereafter. This may bring $7.4 million (RMB 50 million Yuan) of sales
for CEDT with a profit of $2.2 million (RMB 15 million Yuan) in the next two
years. As the only company who`s subsidized by the State Science and Technology,
CEDT has the overwhelming leadership in the industry."

Lamar Alexander to Barack Obama: No 'enemies list' - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com

Lamar Alexander to Barack Obama: No 'enemies list' - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com:

"Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) accused the White House on Wednesday of 'street-brawling' with opponents, and said the West Wing's strategy of freezing out opponents amounts to a latter-day 'enemies list,' a reference to an infamous practice of President Richard Nixon.

'An 'enemies list' only denigrates the Presidency and the Republic itself,' Alexander said on the Senate floor. 'These are unusually difficult times, with plenty of forces encouraging us to disagree. Let’s not start calling people out and compiling an enemies list. Let’s push the street-brawling out of the White House and work together on the truly presidential issues: creating jobs, reducing health care costs, reducing the debt, creating clean energy.'

Alexander quoted from a POLITICO article headlined 'White House plan: Neuter the Chamber.'"

New Thinking, New Models, New Approaches Lead to Improved High School Graduation Rates, Increased Opportunities For Students Often Left Behind

New Thinking, New Models, New Approaches Lead to Improved High School Graduation Rates, Increased Opportunities For Students Often Left Behind

Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 21, 2009 -- A student-centered curriculum, close relationships with teachers, and real-world internships are the hallmarks of a education model that can best serve students most at risk of dropping out, according to a panel of researchers, students, and education reform advocates currently on the front lines of the school improvement and innovation efforts.

Big Picture Learning hosted a Washington event yesterday presenting the non-profit’s research-proven approaches for boosting high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates. Participants in Big Picture Learning’s “Disruptive Innovation” Summit provided tested solutions for helping policymakers ensure all young people, especially those most at risk, gain access to the pathways toward meaningful high school diplomas and life opportunities.

“With the U.S. Department of Education focusing on research-based innovations to school improvement and educational opportunity, we must ensure we are providing real, relevant solutions to all students, particularly those from historically disadvantaged groups,” said Dennis Littky, co-founder of Big Picture Learning. “For more than a decade, we have worked with school leaders to provide the innovation necessary to have a lasting impact for the students who traditionally struggle in the traditional education model.”
Big Picture Learning currently works with more than 130 schools across the globe, helping school leaders adopt a new school model that focuses on small schools, close relationships with students and advisors, individualized curricula based on student interests, relevant and extensive student internships, and a requirement that every student take college entrance exams. In 2006-2007, Big Picture schools achieved a 92 percent graduation rate (compared with 52 percent nationally), with 95 percent of all Big Picture students accepted into college. More than eight in 10 Big Picture schools receive federal Title I funding, while 66 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced lunch. The Gates Foundation regularly recognizes Big Picture Learning for its leadership in high school reform.

The hidden costs of the bailout - SigTARP Barofsky - Oct. 21, 2009

The hidden costs of the bailout - SigTARP Barofsky - Oct. 21, 2009:

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The $700 billion bailout will ultimately cost taxpayers billions of dollars, but the government stands to lose much more than the money it's pouring into companies.

Neil Barofsky, special inspector general for Treasury's financial sector rescue, wrote in a report released Wednesday that the bailout has several hidden costs.

One is the hard cost of borrowing money to fund the rescues of banks and other companies. The others are, according to Barofsky, less tangible but no less important: The danger that comes with rewarding companies that took excessive risk, and the loss of the government's credibility with taxpayers."

Facebook, MySpace Divide Along Social Lines : NPR

Facebook, MySpace Divide Along Social Lines : NPR:

"Talk to students at The Urban School, an elite private high school in San Francisco, and they will tell you that they used to be on MySpace, but not anymore. Facebook is where it's at for them and their friends.

Facebook is taking over more and more of the social networking space in the U.S. It had an estimated 95.5 million U.S. visitors in September, according to marketing research company comScore. MySpace still has a healthy share — around 65.7 million people — but numbers don't explain it all. If you listen to young site users explain their social networking decisions, the story of the two sites gets more complicated."

Gerald Bracey, education advocate and seeker of truth, passes away

Gerald Bracey, education advocate and seeker of truth, passes away:

"Reports are surfacing that nationally known education commentator Gerald Bracey has died. Jerry Bracey was an erudite and courageous voice debunking the clamoring attackers of public education and the mainstream media who gave those attackers a national platform, too often without question or challenge. His many commentaries, including a recent series on the Huffington Post, will live as a tribute to his quest for truth and fairness.

Author Alfie Kohn, who announced Bracey's passing on his Twitter page, commented: 'Spirited crusader for accuracy, integrity; denounced false claims, misuse of stats; made the right enemies.'

The most fitting tribute to Jerry Bracey would be for the voices he was addressing to pause for a minute to listen to him and think.
Jerry's Huffington Post bio is here."

GLSEN allyweek.org - Ally Week FAQs

GLSEN allyweek.org - Ally Week FAQs:

"Ally Week FAQs

What is GLSEN's Ally Week?

GLSEN and students across the county, often as members of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar student clubs, will celebrate Ally Week on October 19-23 in schools and communities nationwide.

Ally Week involves a week of activities designed to encourage students to be Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America's schools.

Students plan events appropriate to their school community. Some students will participate in or organize ally trainings, discussion groups, rallies or other community projects. Many students will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:

I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression,
deserve to feel safe and supported.

That means I pledge to:
Not use anti-LGBT language and slurs;

Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;
Support efforts to end bullying and harassment."

Education Week: A Dropout's Guide to Education Reform

Education Week: A Dropout's Guide to Education Reform:

"It’s a telling commentary about education reform that just about everyone has been given a forum to talk about ways to address the country’s appalling dropout rate except the dropouts themselves. I say this unabashedly, because I was an urban high school dropout myself. And after much research on the subject, I can tell you firsthand why it happens and how to fix it.

Charter schools, vouchers, smaller class sizes, and standardized testing are definitely not the answer, as they will not make real, systemic change. Until reformers start listening to the students who have dropped out or are currently failing, their attempts to reform schools also will fail.

The first thing to understand is that many students feel school simply does not matter. I, like most of my classmates, thought I would one day become a sports or entertainment star—and you don’t need to know algebra to shoot three-pointers or rap. Once educators understand this fundamental concept—that we don’t care about school—they can..."

Educational Effect of the Stimulus, Through Rose-Tinted Glasses | New America Blogs

Educational Effect of the Stimulus, Through Rose-Tinted Glasses New America Blogs:

"The White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC) with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) this week released the report 'Educational Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.' The report paints a rosy picture of the effect of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds on state education spending and reform.

ARRA funds have no doubt helped states make ends meet during the economic downturn. But our work (here and here) suggests that, despite a positive impact on education spending, the full effects of ARRA remain to be seen due to the slow rate at which states have disbursed funds to school districts."

California Budget Crisis Diaries: From students to unions

California Budget Crisis Diaries: From students to unions:

"Students and their supporters are not putting up with the University of California budget cuts and fee hikes, local governments whose property taxes were borrowed by the state now have recourse, and a majority of California state worker’s union contracts are expired. What does this mean?

Recouping local property taxes: On Monday, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 67, clean-up legislation that allows local governments to make up for property tax borrowed by the state. A new third party known as California Communities, a coalition between the League of California Cities and California State Association of Counties, is issuing bonds, the proceeds of which will be lent back to cities facing budget gaps."

The Orion - Editorial: Student body holding up well against furlough days

The Orion - Editorial: Student body holding up well against furlough days:

"We’ve heard the opinions of our professors about them, we’ve had two days off because of them and there have been multiple demonstrations on campus against them. Now that we’re a little over halfway through the semester, it’s time to take a look at just how much the state-mandated furlough days are affecting our campus.

Regardless of the controversy they’ve caused, the furlough days seem to be working. Though highly annoying because they come on the heels of a 32 percent tuition increase, mandatory furlough days have been a tentatively successful play of the bad hand we were unfairly dealt.

But if the economy doesn’t get better soon — and it probably won’t — we may be left with as many furlough days as actual instructional days"

The Lumberjack - A Call For Priorities

The Lumberjack - A Call For Priorities:

"WTF? Where’s the funding? Nearly 50 HSU students and faculty members banded together at the “Where’s the Funding?” rally this past Wednesday in the Art Quad asking this question. They huddled beneath umbrellas in the pouring rain to protest CSU system-wide fee hikes, furlough days, and overcrowded classrooms.

Amid chants of, “They say cutbacks! We say fight back!” and, “Educate! Don’t incarcerate!” the group marched from the art quad down to the SBS building to spreading its message during lunch. Students and faculty members handed out fliers and waved signs calling for change. “Your priorities have been misplaced Mr. Governor,” read one sign."

HSU Biology Professor and chair of Faculty Rights Committee Milt Boyd looked angry and saddened. He said the increase in fees decreased educational opportunities for students. He urges the community to protest the lack of funding, the 32 percent increase in tuition, and bigger classes with fewer lecturers.

Boyd is a product of the California public school system, and has taught at HSU since 1972. “CSU systems are in serious crisis, which involves the future of students and the future of the state,” said Boyd. “We have the most powerful armed forces in the world, but we are nothing without the caring and compassionate nature of educated students.” As for the torrential downpour during the protest? “The rain won’t stop us, we’re Humboldters,” said Boyd.

S.F. schools' lunch money cut off; rules broken

S.F. schools' lunch money cut off; rules broken:

"School lunches have long been the butt of bad jokes featuring mystery meat and plastic-wrapped bean burritos, but in San Francisco, feeding more than 30,000 children every day - while following strict federal rules - is no laughing matter."


Since April, the school district has had to pony up the $1.5 million monthly cost of the lunch program for low-income students after state inspectors on a surprise visit found violations they deemed so serious and recurring that they cut off the flow of federal reimbursements.

The violations had nothing to do with the quality of food being served, but stem from the school district's inability to follow bureaucratic rules governing the federally subsidized National School Lunch Program, which is administered by the state.

To ensure no child goes without a lunch, the district, meanwhile, has spent more than $11 million, money it will get back once city schools show they can follow the rules - something district officials have been working on since the inspection.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/20/BAJ41A6MFO.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz0UZdjfxOh

Insight School of California Receives Certificates of Congressional Recognition for Innovations in Online High School Education | Reuters

Insight School of California Receives Certificates of Congressional Recognition for Innovations in Online High School Education Reuters:

"LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ --

Insight School of California has received two special Certificates of Congressional Recognition, one from the office of U.S. Congressman John Campbell (R-CA, 48th District) and another from the
office of U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA, 47th District). The certificates were presented in recognition of the school's innovations in online education and its ongoing dedication to providing an important educational option for high school students from a wide array of situations in northern, central and southern California, including those in danger of
dropping out of school.


'It is very gratifying to receive this recognition from the Congress as we all strive to improve the educational resources available to our children in these very challenging times,' said Sheila Shiebler, Executive Director, Insight School of California. 'The utilization of advanced learning technologies, implemented by an exemplary team of faculty and advisors, creates a unique
environment where our students can focus their efforts toward achievement,
confidence and fulfilling their potential.'"

Hispanic Immigrants’ Children Fall Behind Peers Early, Study Finds - NYTimes.com

Hispanic Immigrants’ Children Fall Behind Peers Early, Study Finds - NYTimes.com:

"HOUSTON — The children of Hispanic immigrants tend to be born healthy and start life on an intellectual par with other American children, but by the age of 2 they begin to lag in linguistic and cognitive skills, a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, shows.

The study highlights a paradox that has bedeviled educators and Hispanic families for some time. By and large, mothers from Latin American countries take care of their health during their pregnancies and give birth to robust children, but those children fall behind their peers in mental development by the time they reach grade school, and the gap tends to widen as they get older."

Sacramento Press / Funding California's Future

Sacramento Press / Funding California's Future:

"Times are tough for college students in California.

State grants are being cut drastically due to budget cuts and Furloughs are closing down entire campuses on non-holidays. It is looking grim for the future of higher education.
Assembly Bill 656, introduced by Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, proposes a gas and oil severance tax in California that could make for a brighter future.

AB 656 was introduced on Feb. 25 and had minor alterations since, the last being on July 7. Currently states with oil supplies, such as Alaska and Texas, have oil severance taxes that help fund higher education and proponents of AB 656 are looking to do the same."

Imperial Valley News - California Recognizes Three Schools for Exemplary Independent Study Programs

Imperial Valley News - California Recognizes Three Schools for Exemplary Independent Study Programs:

"Sacramento, California - State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell today congratulated three California public schools selected by a joint project of the California Consortium for Independent Study and the California Department of Education to receive the Exemplary Independent Study Recognition Award (EISRA).

'California's public school system provides viable options that parents can use to create the best learning environment for their children,' said O'Connell. 'The Classical Academy, La Entrada High School, and Tamiscal High School have exemplary independent study programs that challenge students with a rigorous academic program, and provide flexibility and personalization. This individualized approach is the right fit for some students, and these schools have a great track record of helping such students succeed academically. By receiving this award, these schools are designated as shining examples for other independent study programs to emulate.'"

Paly Voice - Cut policy violates state educational codes

Paly Voice - Cut policy violates state educational codes:

"The Palo Alto High School administration has initiated a truancy policy to discourage Paly students from cutting classes.

The policy currently states that any student with an unexcused absence is required to attend one hour of Saturday School for each unexcused absence. During the 2008-09 school year, 69 percent of Paly students were legally considered truants.

The administration arranged the new policy in response to these statics.

'A group of teachers got together with the attendance office and we discussed ways to get kids to go to class,' Assistant Principal Jerry Berkson said."

Palo Alto Online : Experts to discuss special ed in hard $$ times

Palo Alto Online : Experts to discuss special ed in hard $$ times:

"Providing for special needs children in lean times -- such as facing state budget cuts -- will be the topic at a gathering of experts in Palo Alto Thursday.

'Crisis and Opportunity: A Policy Forum about Early Intervention Services for Children with Special Needs' will begin at 6 p.m. at the Koret Family Resource Center of Jewish Family and Children's Services, 200 Channing Ave.

The forum's target audience is education professionals and policymakers, but is open to the public, according to organizers.

State funding for services for children with special needs has been cut."

Symbolism? German Solar Team Bests U.S. In Shadow of U.S. Capitol - Scitizen

Symbolism? German Solar Team Bests U.S. In Shadow of U.S. Capitol - Scitizen:

"Team Germany has emerged victorious from the three-week Solar Decathlon that overtook the National Mall in D.C., shedding a solar-powered spotlight on young clean technology innovators. But the German victory in a U.S. dominated competition may be a portent for the future of U.S. leadership in clean energy innovation."

The Solar Decathlon, in its fourth iteration, involved twenty teams of college students from all over the U.S. as well as Germany, Spain, and Canada. Each team submitted a solar-powered house for competition in 10 individual contests. Importantly, Team Germany succeeded in edging out the closest competition, Illinois and Team California in the net-metering contest, which a test to see how much power a house generates relative to how much it consumes.

The victory, while certainly well deserved, seems particularly poignant in the context of concerns about U.S. economic competitiveness in clean energy technology innovation. Given that this year is the first in which international teams competed in the Solar Decathlon, it seems to be a harbinger of what's to come in the clean energy sector as technologies mature and the markets continue to develop.

'Ingredients' takes aim at food giants - Hawaii Features - Starbulletin.com

'Ingredients' takes aim at food giants - Hawaii Features - Starbulletin.com:

"Lush with rolling, green hills dotted with free-ranging sheep and flourishing crops punctuated by the vibrant oranges, purples and reds of ripe produce, director/screenwriter Robert Bates' 'Ingredients' articulates visually the fecundity of possibility for America's food system. The documentary travels coast to coast — from California and Oregon to Ohio and New York — to offer a comprehensive view of the local food movement that's taken hold nationally."

The film offers the viewpoints of farmers, chefs, activists, educators and scholars who discuss looming issues of food security in the United States and demonstrate how the growing, selling and consuming of food raised within a 100-mile radius promotes food sustainability, supports local economies and nurtures the environment.

"Ingredients" also delivers the bad news about our current farming system, which it defines as "agribusiness." Based on scientific advances, agribusiness was born during the age of industrialization to feed the masses. The paradigm of agribusiness is big business, relying on the use of chemicals in the fields and fossil fuels to transport food hundreds of miles from where it grows.

Back-yard bounty | StarTribune.com

Back-yard bounty StarTribune.com:

"Mark Campbell has been gardening since he planted a lily of the valley in second grade. But he never planned to make money from it. Or to spend six months living in a tent so he could study sustainable agriculture. Or to fill his Edina yard with so many fruit trees and hostas that he'd need a spreadsheet to keep track of them all.

In many ways, Campbell is an accidental gardener.

He's the kind of guy who worked a stint at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum on a whim. 'I went out to buy apples one day and got a job,' he said."

And it was a love affair with herbs that led him to start a garden-based business in the mid- 1980s.

"I was way into herbs," he said. "I had 13 kinds of basil. I had edible flowers and heirloom tomatoes. I was growing back then the varieties you see now."

The "oddball" offerings from his garden attracted the attention of Lucia Watson, who bought them for her Minneapolis restaurant. And somehow Campbell ended up supplementing his herb business by cooking at Lucia's Restaurant.

Daily Commercial

Daily Commercial:

"Average tuition prices rose sharply again this fall as colleges passed much of the burden of their own financial problems on to recession-battered students and parents.

Average tuition at four-year public colleges rose 6.5 percent, or $429, to $7,020 this fall, according to the College Board's annual 'Trends in College Pricing' report, released Tuesday. At private colleges, the average list price for a year of coursework rose 4.4 percent to $26,273.

Those figures hide wide variations -- public college students in California, Florida, New York and Washington have seen double-digit percentage increases, while the University of Maryland used federal stimulus funds to freeze tuition this year."