Sacramento Press / City Attorney finds "additional issues" to investigate

Sacramento Press / City Attorney finds "additional issues" to investigate


The Sacramento City Council’s audit committee will be busy for awhile.

During a Tuesday night briefing on an investigation into the city’s approval of 35 building permits in a Natomas flood zone, City Attorney Eileen Teichert told the City Council there are more issues to address. She identified one of the issues as the Facilities Permit Program (FPP), but declined to specify the other issues.

“During the course of these initial interviews and documentary review, additional issues have arisen,” Teichert told the City Council.

The FPP became controversial in a recent debate over Nestlé’s move to set up a bottling plant in Sacramento. In three weeks, the city attorney’s office will deliver a report to the City Council on issues related to the FPP, Teichert said.

The office will also give recommendations on how to revise the program to align to related laws, she said.

In addition to the FPP

The Answer Sheet - Willingham: Six practical reasons arts education is more than a luxury

The Answer Sheet - Willingham: Six practical reasons arts education is more than a luxury:

"Johns Hopkins University and the Dana Foundation hosted a conference titled “Neuroeducation: Learning, Arts and the Brain.” As the title implies, the goal was to bring together researchers considering, from an educational point of view, the impact of the arts on the brain. A book-length summary of the May conference just became available as a free pdf, available here.

Some great neuroscientists participated, including Mike Gazzaniga, Liz Spelke, and Mike Posner. The keynote speaker was Jerry Kagan, one of the leading researchers in developmental psychology. His address offered six reasons that the arts should be included in school curricula."

Parent Leadership Conference 2010

Parent Leadership Conference 2010

You Are Invited!

Parents Anonymous^® Inc. and the California State Parent Team in partnership with the California Department of Social Services, Office of Child Abuse Prevention are pleased to invite you to attend the exciting 2010 Parent Leadership Conference. The theme of this one-day event is Parent Leadership: Real Families, Real Involvement, Real Outcomes.

The conference is scheduled on Friday February 26, 2010 from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm at the DoubleTree Hotel in Ontario, California with a pre-conference workshop the day before on February 25, 2010 from 3:00 pm - 5:30 pm. A Special Networking Reception will follow from 5:30 pm – 7:00 pm on February 25, 2009.

The registration fee is $125.00 per person and includes the pre-conference workshop and Special Networking Reception on February 25th and the continental breakfast, lunch and all conference materials on February 26th. SUBMIT YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY!

TO MAKE A RESERVATION AT THE DOUBLETREE HOTEL, YOU MUST CALL 909-937-0900. Please indicate that you are attending the "Parent Leadership Conference" to receive the special group rate. Our group code is PAI.

Come learn about many new and innovative Parent Leadership and Shared Leadership models and strategies utilized by California Parent Leaders and service providers in their work with children and families. You will have the opportunity to hear about their experiences, lessons learned and outcomes achieved. Since California Parent Leadership Month is celebrated annually all throughout the month of February, this conference will also recognize and honor 2 outstanding Parent Leaders and 1 exemplary staff member and 1 exceptional Parent Leadership Program. The Leadership Awards page has more information on submitting nominations.

Key conference participants include parents and staff from the public and private sector interested in partnering together to strengthen services and policies affecting families. This would include administrators, supervisors, and direct service staff who work with children and families in various systems such as child welfare, early childhood development, education, mental health, health, juvenile justice and other family strengthening organizations; parents/caregivers; Parent Advocates, Parent Partners and other Parent Leaders.

Participants are invited to showcase products and information related to the goals of the conference. Check the appropriate box on the registration page to indicate whether you wish to display materials at our resource tables.

We wish to thank our special Co-Sponsors including: Casey Family Programs, California Department of Social Services, Child and Family Policy Institute of California, County Welfare Directors Association, First 5 California, First 5 San Bernardino, National Association of Social Workers-California Chapter, and Strategies for working with us to make this a great Parent Leadership Conference.

We look forward to seeing you here.

Art Savage Memorial Saturday at Raley Field - The Sac Rag

Art Savage Memorial Saturday at Raley Field - The Sac Rag:

"River Cats owner Art Savage, who passed away last week at age 58, will be remembered Saturday in a public memorial at Raley Field.

From the River Cats:

The entire River Cats family is shocked and deeply saddened by the passing of Art Savage. Art was an extraordinary person whose dedication to his community was only surpassed by his commitment to his own family. All those who were lucky enough to have had their lives touched by Art were far better because of it. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Savage family during this incredibly difficult time."

The Savage family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, those who wish to show their support and honor Art’s memory can do so in the form of a donation to the River Cats Foundation. The River Cats Foundation was created to serve and benefit children and families in need in our community. Donations should be made to:

River Cats Foundation, Inc.
Attn: Dan Vistica, Chairman
400 Ballpark Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Art Savage Memorial Service
Saturday, November 28 – Service begins at 1:00 p.m. (ballpark opens at 12:00 p.m.)
Raley Field
400 Ballpark Drive
West Sacramento, CA 95691

Campaign for High School Equity

Campaign for High School Equity:

"With Focus on Lowest-Performing Schools, Graduation for All Act Will Help All Students Obtain the High-Quality Education that is their Right, says Campaign for High School Equity

WASHINGTON — The Campaign for High School Equity (CHSE), a coalition of civil rights organizations focused on high school education reform, applauds the introduction of The Graduation for All Act of 2009 (H.R. 4122), a bill aimed at improving failing middle and high schools. The legislation, cosponsored by Representatives Miller (D-CA), Davis (D-IL), Grijalva (D-AZ), Kildee (D-MI), Scott (D-VA), Fattah (D-PA), Hinojosa (D-TX), and Loebsack (D-IA), puts action into the assertion that all American students have the right to receive a high-quality education."

Sacramento Press / Fargo: Will she run again?

Community Journalism at its Very Best

Sacramento Press / Fargo: Will she run again?:

"Former Sacramento Mayor Heather Fargo said she has been considering running for re-election.

In news that would be welcome to many who still call her by her honorary title, Fargo said Friday she has thought about running for the seat she lost a year ago to former NBA star Kevin Johnson.

'I have,' she said. 'Mainly because I'm asked all the time.

'It was clearly a great honor to be elected mayor. It was very painful, very challenging and incredibly rewarding at the same time,' she said during one of her first media interviews since leaving office."

Sac Mayor: Fiancee Wasn't 'Fixer' - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Sac Mayor: Fiancee Wasn't 'Fixer' - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Sac Mayor: Fiancee Wasn't 'Fixer'
Congressional Report Released On Former IG's Firing

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson denied Tuesday that his future fiancee played the role of "fixer" during last year's investigation of his St. HOPE organization.

"She was on the [St. HOPE] board at the time," Johnson said Tuesday during his weekly news conference at Sacramento City Hall. "The Inspector General's Office called her in as a board member and she weighed in on it. It was not as a 'fixer.'"

Johnson recently announced his engagement to Michelle Rhee, who is currently the superintendent of schools in Washington, D.C. Rhee's role in the St. HOPE investigation was raised in a report issued last week by two members of Congress.

Sen. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, and Rep. Darrell Issa, R-California, have called into question why Inspector General Gerald Walpin was forced to resign earlier this year. Walpin said he had found evidence that St. HOPE had misused federal AmeriCorps funding while Johnson was serving as CEO of the organization.

"It seems a lot of people might have been interested in protecting the AmeriCorps program and the Mayor of Sacramento from an IG who was discovering some unpleasant facts," Sen. Grassley said in a written statement issued with the report.

Spoiled: California Food Safety Legislation Dies On The Vine | California Progress Report

Spoiled: California Food Safety Legislation Dies On The Vine California Progress Report:

"Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez started the year with high hopes that he could transform California’s system of ensuring food safety .

The issue had drawn national attention. “Omnivore’s Dilemma” was atop the best seller lists, while authorities announced they had detected salmonella in hundreds of tainted peanut butter, paste and other products produced by Peanut Corporation of America, prompting a massive recall and a bankruptcy.

Setton Pistachio of Terra Bella, Calif., voluntarily pulled from the shelves scores of its products after federal authorities discovered they too were fouled by salmonella. Beef producers had recalled hundreds of thousands of pounds of hamburger containing e-coli."

Fast Tracking My Bill to Increase Higher Education Funding | California Progress Report

Fast Tracking My Bill to Increase Higher Education Funding California Progress Report:

"While California is preparing to go into special session next month to consider legislation to help it receive millions in federal Race to the Top Kindergarten-12 education funds, I'm asking the state to also fast track my bill to provide the community colleges and public universities with more than $1.3 billion.

As we have witnessed from the thousands of students, faculty and staff who marched and protested last week, higher education funding is an urgent matter that demands our action. The Race to the Top will lead to a dead end if we deny California’s high school graduates a chance to pursue a higher education in our own state universities and community colleges."

California's New Deal | California Progress Report

California's New Deal

California's New Deal California Progress Report:

"California never had a New Deal. While California voted for FDR in 1932 (and for each of his three reelection bids), state politics were dominated by right-wing factions in both the Republican and Democratic parties for much of the era.

In 1934, when Upton Sinclair won the Democratic nomination on a socialist platform called End Poverty In California, or EPIC, he was unable to overcome a sophisticated campaign machine built by conservative Republican Frank Merriam, which included political ads created by movie studios and shown in cinemas statewide before the election. (A centrist Democrat, Raymond Haight, also ran in the 3-way contest, costing Sinclair anti-conservative votes.)"

In 1938 progressive Democrat Culbert Olson finally broke through. An atheist and friend of labor unions, his term in office was marked by battles with conservative Democrats and Republicans in the legislature, frustrating his plans to bring the New Deal to California, beyond the few dams and bridges that had been initiated earlier in the decade. Moderate Republican Earl Warren beat Olson in the 1942 election, and a true New Deal for California would have to wait until 1958, when Pat Brown got elected governor.

As California sinks deeper into a similar economic crisis some 75 years later, we risk making the same mistake - being unable to overcome a legacy of Hooverism and provide the state with the government-led economic recovery program we so desperately need. So argue California scholars Richard Walker and Gray Brechin in a SF Chronicle op-ed today:

FCUSD Approves Closure of Cordova Lane and Riverview Elementaries — The Rancho Cordova Post#comment-4316#comment-4316

FCUSD Approves Closure of Cordova Lane and Riverview Elementaries — The Rancho Cordova Post#comment-4316#comment-4316:

Join the Conversation

"In a decision Board President Ed Short said was “heart-wrenching,” the Folsom Cordova Unified School District Board of Education approved the closure of Cordova Lane and Riverview Elementaries at a meeting held Thursday night.

“I know for me personally, combining schools is not something I want to do,” Short said to the packed audience in the Cordova High School gymnasium."

Council Member Linda Budge expressed her dissatisfaction with the process and the reasoning the district used to come to the decision. “Everyone in government is struggling to do more with less,” she said in reference to the district’s assertion that the state budget has forced the school closures. She also noted that the reports issued by the district about the schools contained conflicting data.

Budge also admonished the district’s ultimate decision to close the schools. “It will hurt the future of our kids, it will hurt the future of our city,” she said, and she urged board members to stall the decision for two to three months and come up alternative cost-saving measures.

6 Reasons Why Every Student Should Take Shop Class

6 Reasons Why Every Student Should Take Shop Class:

"Shop class, once a staple of American high schools, has been nearly decimated by the digital age. High school students have little time for electives, and when they do, they often choose technology classes. Schools are selling off their circular saws to buy computer labs, and trading in their welding tools for web-cams. After all, why do our kids need to know how to build a birdhouse when they can buy one at Home Depot for $9.99?"

But new voices are calling for the return of shop class. In his 2009 book, Shop Class as Soulcraft, Mathew Crawford praises the benefits of learning how to do manual work. In a time where most of our work is intangible, working with our hands can bring a sense of satisfaction that is lacking in our virtual lives. Even if one doesn’t go into a manual trade, the ability to make and fix the utilities we need can help us “live concretely in an abstract world.”

Mark Leeper was a Civil Engineer before deciding to become a math teacher at Menlo-Atherton High School. Once he got there, he found more personal reward in the hands-on nature of teaching woodshop. After two decades of helping kids learn woodworking, he has seen every type of student benefit from the lessons of practical experience. Here is a list of reasons why every student should consider taking shop class:

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Teachers Union Wins Workload Rules

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Teachers Union Wins Workload Rules

Nearly a year and a half after its last contract expired, the teachers union has reached an agreement with San Diego Unified that will limit their workloads.Union leaders say it will prevent teachers from being overburdened with new responsibilities and push schools to plan for teacher time. Workload rules were one of the most controversial questions for the school district during the protracted negotiations with teachers.

Principals have questioned whether the new rules would hamstring schools from making necessary changes in teachers' duties at all. To address those worries, the union added a section saying that the rule "does not prohibit the District from implementing programs, initiatives or curricular reforms."

Duncan Endorses Efforts to Improve STEM Education

Duncan Endorses Efforts to Improve STEM Education:

"U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan today praised corporate and philanthropic leaders for stepping up to support improvements in science, technology, engineering and mathematics education.

“The president and I believe that ensuring our nation's children are excelling in the STEM fields is essential for our nation's prosperity, security, health and quality of life,” Secretary Duncan said. “All of us need to be engaged in task of improving STEM education. Business leaders and major donors are leading the way, and leaders from other sectors need to join them.”"

Poor Schools or Poor Kids? : Education Next

Poor Schools or Poor Kids? : Education Next:

"Since the run-up to the 2008 election, the Democratic Party has been home to two prominent and very different reform wings. One, spearheaded by the group Democrats for Education Reform and notable school-district chiefs like New York’s Joel Klein and Washington, D.C.’s Michelle Rhee, is the Education Equality Project (EEP). The other, A Broader, Bolder Approach to Education (BBA), is a coalition of education scholars and Democratic thinkers, including Duke University’s Helen Ladd, former president of Columbia University’s Teachers College Arthur Levine, and New York University professor Pedro Noguera."

Top-10 educational toys - Curiosity Cube | GreatSchools

Top-10 educational toys - Curiosity Cube GreatSchools:

"Over 3 billion toys are sold in the United States annually. We'll refrain from guessing how many end up in the back of the closet for years on end and instead recommend a few we think stand a decent chance of grabbing your child's attention. Needless to say, this list isn't the be-all, end-all. Instead, think of these picks as representative of the kind of toy we're especially fond of: educational, fun, and inventive. When new toys make a beeline for the back for the closet, we believe it's because they lack that trio of qualities. So here's to 10 that strive for, and deliver, something more."

Obama Welcomes India Prime Minister - WSJ.com

Obama Welcomes India Prime Minister - WSJ.com:

"WASHINGTON -- President Barack Obama showered praise on India and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh in an elaborate welcoming ceremony Tuesday, declaring it was only fitting the Indian leader should be the first state visitor of his administration.

Mr. Obama said the U.S. and India share the 'bold experiments' of becoming democracies after breaking from rule by a colonial power, and in modern times both have known the pain of international terrorism.

'Our nations are two global leaders, driven not to dominate other nations but to build a future of security and prosperity for all nations,' Mr. Obama said"

Blacks hit hard by economy's punch - washingtonpost.com

Blacks hit hard by economy's punch - washingtonpost.com:

"These days, 24-year-old Delonta Spriggs spends much of his time cooped up in his mother's one-bedroom apartment in Southwest Washington, the TV blaring soap operas hour after hour, trying to stay out of the streets and out of trouble, held captive by the economy. As a young black man, Spriggs belongs to a group that has been hit much harder than any other by unemployment."

Joblessness for 16-to-24-year-old black men has reached Great Depression proportions -- 34.5 percent in October, more than three times the rate for the general U.S. population. And last Friday, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that unemployment in the District, home to many young black men, rose to 11.9 percent from 11.4 percent, even as it stayed relatively stable in Virginia and Maryland.

His work history, Spriggs says, has consisted of dead-end jobs. About a year ago, he lost his job moving office furniture, and he hasn't been able to find steady work since. This summer he completed a construction apprenticeship program, he says, seeking a career so he could avoid repeating the mistake of selling drugs to support his 3-year-old daughter. So far the most the training program has yielded was a temporary flagger job that lasted a few days.

Education Uber Alles | The Advocate

Education Uber Alles The Advocate:

"The recent round of stu­dent protests and build­ing take-overs at cam­puses across the Uni­ver­sity of Cal­i­for­nia sys­tem this week have been both inspir­ing and heart-breaking. The dev­as­tat­ing and unprece­dented 32 per­cent increase in stu­dent “fees” (the UC system’s way of get­ting around using the word “tuition”) approved by the UC regents on Novem­ber 19 reminds us of just how short-sighted, stu­pid, and cal­lous most uni­ver­sity admin­is­tra­tions have been in their response to state bud­get cuts across the coun­try.

Instead of stand­ing up to Sacra­mento and demand­ing restora­tion of cuts, UC Pres­i­dent Mark Yudof told reporters after the vote: “Our hand has been forced. When you don’t have any money, you don’t have any money.” This is, of course, easy for Mr. Yudof to say whose first year salary was $828,000 and whose $10,000 a month house in Oak­land, the New York Times reports, is entirely paid for by the Uni­ver­sity."

Instead of throw­ing up his hands and say­ing there is noth­ing he can do, why did Yudof not threaten to resign? Why not encour­age the regents, all of them who voted for this dis­as­trous increase, to do the same and resign unless the state restores the cuts? Why not work with his stu­dents to oppose these cuts rather than kow­tow­ing to the whims of the state?
The answers to these ques­tions are clear: because the gov­er­nance of the UC sys­tem, like so many uni­ver­sity sys­tems across the nation, is such that admin­is­tra­tors and regents and pres­i­dents and trustees see them­selves as some­how at odds with the fac­ulty and stu­dents whom they are sup­posed to serve.

The trend of corporate-structured over­sight of pub­lic uni­ver­si­ties has brought those insti­tu­tions to their knees and until this is changed there is lit­tle hope that these kinds of cuts will not con­tinue.Equally heart­break­ing was the rel­a­tively low turnout in response to these increases.

Instead of thou­sands, even tens of thou­sands of stu­dents protest­ing at every cam­pus across the UC, the biggest protests never reached more than 1,500 peo­ple and although some cam­pus build­ings were taken over and strikes called, they seem to be hav­ing lit­tle impact on the actual func­tion­ing of the schools, which con­tin­ued with their busi­ness as usual, despite the noise of protest all around.

Arizona Union Challenges Law Changes on Teachers - ABC News

Arizona Union Challenges Law Changes on Teachers - ABC News:

"The state's largest teachers union is asking the Arizona Supreme Court to rule that recently enacted legislation affecting public school employees is unconstitutional.

A special-action lawsuit filed Monday by the Arizona Education Association challenges legislation dealing with such topics as teachers' seniority rights in layoffs and deadlines for school districts to decide whether to renew contracts."

The AEA contends the legislation approved last summer was illegal on several grounds. The union says it wasn't included as a topic for a special legislative session called on budget matters.

House Speaker Kirk Adams defends the legislation as valid. He says policy determinations are a long-standing part of budget-making.

Albertson Foundation funds $20 million strategy to get kids in college | Eyepiece | Idaho Statesman

Albertson Foundation funds $20 million strategy to get kids in college Eyepiece Idaho Statesman:

"The J.A. and Kathryn Albertson Foundation unveiled its program Monday for raising the state's dismal performance in college completion. Idaho ranks 43rd in the nation in the number of ninth-graders who go on to complete post-high school education.

Executive Director Jamie MacMillan said the foundation will make the money available to each of the colleges for scholarships to retain Idaho students in post-secondary schools and see that they complete their programs.

It is not yet known how many students would get scholarships or how much money individual students would receive. The scholarships would go only to Idaho residents. The money must be committed by January 2011."

Making Science Cool: “Educate to Innovate” | GeekDad | Wired.com

Making Science Cool: “Educate to Innovate” GeekDad Wired.com:

"“We’re going to show young people how cool science can be.”

Those were some of the inspiring words by President Barack Obama at the launching of the new “Educate to Innovate” campaign on Monday this week. This initiative aims to increase science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) literacy amongst students to improve our national standing from average (or in some cases, below average) to the top. $4.35 billion in Federal grants will be offered to schools who can innovate in STEM education and the private sector is stepping up with an additional $260 million in related funding and programs."

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center | About Us

Minnesota Indian Women's Resource Center About Us:

"The Minnesota Indian Women’s Resource Center (MIWRC) is a non-profit social and educational services organization committed to the holistic growth and development of American Indian women and their families. Founded in 1984, MIWRC provides a broad range of programs designed to educate and empower American Indian women and their families, and to inform and assist those who work providing services to the community."

MIWRC is located in the Phillips neighborhood of Minneapolis, which has the third largest urban American Indian population in the United States. MIWRC is the only organization addressing the gender and culturally specific needs of our community.

Programs are developed to reflect the needs of our families, and are tailored to address issues that significantly affect their well being; such as family services, child advocacy, child care services, legal services, affordable housing, parenting skills, chemical dependency, mental health care, cultural resilience, historical trauma and many other family and community issues.

Our Mission

"To assist American Indian women so they can enjoy a better quality of life for themselves and their families."

ChipIn: Trout's TED Global Fund 2010

ChipIn: Trout's TED Global Fund 2010:

"I have been accepted as 1 of only 700 to attend TED Global 2010 in Oxford. Help me present a doable, achievable solution for global education and bring about eSingularity -- the point all learning is free and accessible to all."

Trout talks about why he feels he should talk at Ted and why people should nominate him to talk at Ted. See http://bit.ly/troutted. Want to help him cover out of pocket expenses? Check out http://bit.ly/TEDfund

Dr. Janette M. Hughes - Multiple Literacies

Dr. Janette M. Hughes - Multiple Literacies

Multiple Literacies

We read the world through images, symbols, colours, signs, body language and in the gaps and margins as well as through printed text. But traditionally, the print text has been privileged in English language arts classrooms. The notion of “text” has broadened to include texts of all kinds including images, sounds, and even the body.

Graphic Novels

Today, book-length comics, better known as graphic novels, have evolved as a popular medium for children and adolescents. There is a growing North American market for import books like Japanese Manga, and traditional bookstores and libraries are devoting multiple shelves and, in some cases, entire walls to their graphic novel collections. There has been an explosion of graphic novels that retell classic stories and childhood favourites. Graphic novels appeal to a generation of children and adolescents who have grown up in a more visual society, and their inclusion in English language arts classes has been touted as a wonderful new way to engage reluctant readers and especially boys (Christensen, 2007; Frey & Fisher, 2004; Gallo & Weiner, 2004; Schwarz, 2006).

Contrary to this trend to promote graphic novels as “simpler” texts for struggling readers, graphic novels actually require different and possibly even more complex reading skills than traditional print texts. The inclusion of pictures, for example, does provide the reader with visual clues to help understand what is happening in the text; however, readers of graphic novels need to understand not only print text and visual images (facial expression and gestures, for example), but also how certain media techniques are employed for different effects. For example, why is a close-up used in a floating panel or how is a panoramic image used to convey a certain effect? As Peter Gutierrez (2009) points out, “By their nature [graphic novels] force readers to get information from the art within a panel, from the progression of images from panel to panel, from the printed text of speech balloons and captions, and often from the in-art ‘audio’ text of sound effects—all at the same time. You must synthesize as you go”. Although comics have been around for decades, the increasing availability of graphic novels provide readers with opportunities to engage with a medium that complements the literacies required by the kinds of multimodal platforms many of them are immersed in daily, such as MSN, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

The Digital Newsroom | Global leaders achieve major outcomes at first World Innovation Summit for Education – WISE

The Digital Newsroom Global leaders achieve major outcomes at first World Innovation Summit for Education – WISE:

"Declaration of 10 core education priorities for the 21stcentury

The closing plenary session of the first World Innovation Summit for Education – WISE has produced a number of ground-breaking outcomes that signal the beginning of a new era in global collaboration on education. WISE concluded with a declaration of 10 core education priorities, an announcement of two initiatives and a renewed commitment to the three main areas of focus for WISE in the future.

Held in Doha, Qatar and attended by 1,000 influential opinion leaders from diverse sectors across the globe, the Summit, through its theme of “Global Education: Working Together for Sustainable Achievements” has created a new dynamism towards addressing the most challenging educational issues in the 21st century."

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled...

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled...

Bright and Early

It may be a short school week, but you still have your daily newsblitz:

I overlooked this story last week from KPBS on the forums that San Diego Unified is holding on its budget crisis. We'll be following up with more reporting on the financial troubles soon.

Vista schools decided against merging a middle school and an elementary school to save money, the North County Times writes.

The Union-Tribune profiles a 2nd grader with a knack for violin who spends her weekends at Juilliard.

The Beach and Bay Press writes that those interactive whiteboards popping up in San Diego classroom have an equivalent for preschoolers: the Smart Table.

Read More at the voiceofsandiego.org

A Million Ways to Teach

A Million Ways to Teach



About EnCorps
The EnCorps Teachers Program is a nonprofit that represents the innovative public-private partnership dedicated to increasing the number of much-needed math and science teachers in California’s public middle and high schools.


Developed with guidance from the Governor’s Committee on Educational Excellence, EnCorps helps math and science professionals transition into teaching in low income schools throughout California.


Why EnCorps Is Needed?

Despite California's current budget challenges, underresourced school districts around our state still need quality math and science teachers. In fact, over the next seven to ten years, some 33,000 math and science teachers will be needed in California.


How Can the Baby Boomer Generation Help?

Rewire, don’t retire! Baby boomers are retiring at a younger age than any prior generation. Initial research shows that as boomers begin to retire, they are looking for ways to continue working, specifically in positions which allow them to give back to society in a meaningful manner. Fifty-five percent of upcoming retirees who indicate their intent to continue working express an interest in teaching. Considering this, there is a large pool of potential teachers among the eleven million Californians retiring in the next two years.

The Educated Guess » EnCorps recruiting 250 science, math teachers

The Educated Guess » EnCorps recruiting 250 science, math teachers:

"For those nearing retirement or otherwise ready to hang it up from high tech, here’s something to mull over during Turkey Day: If you’ve pondered teaching as a second career, EnCorps may have a place for you.

Buoyed by its first year track record, the San Francisco-based non-profit has set a goal of recruiting 250 science and math teachers for underserved high schools in the Bay Area and Los Angeles. It’s hoping for serious inquiries from nearly 2,000 candidates within the next two months and is counting on a viral ad campaign millionwaystoteach.org to help."

UC Berkeley to reconsider protest policies amid heavy criticism, claims of police brutality - ContraCostaTimes.com

UC Berkeley to reconsider protest policies amid heavy criticism, claims of police brutality - ContraCostaTimes.com:

"OAKLAND -- Amid complaints of police brutality and heavy criticism about the university's handling of a massive protest and takeover of a campus building Friday, the university announced it will ask for an independent investigation of police actions that could bring about changes to the way officers handle protest crowds.

The announcement came on a day when about 75 protesters, a few of them wearing casts and splints on their arms and fingers, gathered outside an Oakland courthouse to denounce what many say was abusive behavior by police at a UC Berkeley protest Friday."

LAUSD Superintendent orders hiring freeze and other cuts - LA Daily News

LAUSD Superintendent orders hiring freeze and other cuts - LA Daily News:

"In the face of a multimillion-dollar budget deficit, Los Angeles Unified School District Superintendent Ramon Cortines ordered an immediate hiring freeze Monday and cut other expenses, including travel, conferences and food at district meetings.

Cortines said the district is facing an estimated $50 million to $60 million deficit this year and a possible $480 million deficit for the 2010-11 school year."

"As a result of the financial challenges that we are facing, it is imperative that we ensure that every dollar we spend is essential to the operation of this district, and more importantly, supports our instructional mission," he said. "Therefore, effective immediately, I am placing a freeze on the hiring and filling of vacancies; travel, conference and convention attendance; procurement of contracted professional development services; the rental of non-district facilities and the purchase of catering or refreshments to be served at employee meetings."

The only exceptions to the hiring freeze will be for classroom teachers, principals, assistant principals, cafeteria managers, school police officers, bus drivers teachers' assistants, education aides, special education assistants and plant managers.

Educator groups upset as $500 supplement for retired teachers is blocked | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

Educator groups upset as $500 supplement for retired teachers is blocked News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News:

"AUSTIN – An estimated 250,000 retired educators in Texas won't be getting a supplemental $500 payment in December because the money was not properly appropriated, Attorney General Greg Abbott said in an opinion issued Monday."

While the attorney general said the Legislature can arrange for one-time payments to retired teachers and state employees, it did not follow the normal procedures for distributing the money earlier this year when it sent $155 million to the state comptroller rather than the state pension funds.

Of that total, about $120 million was supposed to go to retired educators and the other $35 million was slated for retired state employees.

Oregon teachers may get OK to wear religious clothing in class | Oregon Education - OregonLive.com

Oregon teachers may get OK to wear religious clothing in class Oregon Education - OregonLive.com:

"Teachers are likely to win the right to wear religious clothing such as turbans, yarmulkes, crosses and headscarves in public schools when the Oregon Legislature meets in February, elected officials say.

Oregon's prohibition on allowing teachers to exercise their faith by covering their heads or wearing other religious garb dates to a shameful anti-Catholic, anti-immigrant period in state history and is overdue to be changed, House Speaker Dave Hunt, D-Gladstone, said Monday.

Hunt plans to introduce a bill to repeal the 1923 law and said he is optimistic it will pass, given the broad spectrum of Christians, Jews, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs who support the change."

The Answer Sheet - New study: 'Alarming' TV watching by preschoolers in daycare

The Answer Sheet - New study: 'Alarming' TV watching by preschoolers in daycare:

"The first study in more than 20 years to examine screen time in childcare settings has found that many really young kids are watching twice as much television as was previously estimated.

And really young kids aren’t supposed to be watching ANY television, pediatricians say.

The study, “Preschool-Aged Children’s Television Viewing in Child Care Settings,” is in the December issue of Pediatrics, http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/ the journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics and available on line today."

Gaming Out The Bloomberg III Cabinet: Schools, Parks, FDNY and DEP

Gaming Out The Bloomberg III Cabinet: Schools, Parks, FDNY and DEP:

"Joel Klein

To say there are a lot of people who would love to see Schools Chancellor Joel Klein kicked to the curb would be a gross understatement. Critics of Klein’s data-driven approach to school governance have long bellowed for his removal, just as “Dump Klein” became a popular refrain for Comptroller Bill Thompson’s mayoral campaign. But true to form, Bloomberg has kept the controversial chancellor close, rebuffing his critics and declaring unqualified support whenever prompted.'

But after eight years at the helm of the Department of Education—longer than any other chancellor in recent history—many believe that Klein could be on his way out."

This Week In Education: People: Green Dot Founder Reported Leaving Changing Roles

This Week In Education: People: Green Dot Founder Reported Leaving Changing Roles:

"There was little indication last week when he was in DC and NYC that Steve Barr was going to be leaving Green Dot, the organization he founded. But California public radio station KPCC's Adolfo Guzman-Lopez is now reporting that Barr is stepping down [as chairman]. For months there has been fretting and clucking about the news that Barr was being forced to repay $50,000 in unreimbursable or undocumented expenses that he'd racked up wining and dining teachers and funders. He stepped down as CEO just over a year ago. But Barr seemed unperturbed about the situation during an interview last week. No one from Green Dot has so far responded to my emails seeking confirmation or further explanation."

Fate of three underperforming Queens schools will be decided in early 2010

Fate of three underperforming Queens schools will be decided in early 2010:

"Several Queens schools may be in hot water after failing to make the grade on the city's annual progress reports.

The city is considering closing Beach Channel High School in Rockaway Park; the Business, Computer Applications and Entrepreneurship High School in Cambria Heights and Jamaica High School, after they received D's on the reports released last week. Other schools may also be under consideration.

'We review all low-performing schools for closure,' said Education Department spokesman William Havemann. 'But the progress report is not the only factor to be considered.'"

Schools Can Again Be What They Once Were - WSJ.com

Schools Can Again Be What They Once Were - WSJ.com:

"Your Nov. 17 editorial 'The Edsel of Education Reform' on America's public schools is right to say that there has been a valuable generation of innovation in our schools. Charter schools and smart reforms by public schools have contributed to a new set of approaches for achieving great education for our children. We've learned that all our schools—public, charter and private—need four basics in order to succeed: outstanding teaching, sufficient and well-designed learning time, money to pay for for that time, and strong accountability to make sure both money and time are used well and that our children are getting ahead."

Coalition for Science After School Members Seek to Increase Quantity and Quality of After School Science Programs

Coalition for Science After School Members Seek to Increase Quantity and Quality of After School Science Programs:

"President Obama announced today the critical need for more and better science education for youth and that schools are incapable of being the only source for the distribution of knowledge. Funds, which will be distributed at the state level, will be given for innovative programs. What is California doing?

(PRWEB) November 23, 2009 -- As the White House announced the 'Education To Innovate' campaign to strengthen America’s economic competitiveness through leadership in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) education, members of the Coalition for Science Afterschool (CSAS) are providing resources and expertise to enable effective science and math learning in After school."

“You know the success we seek is not going to be attained by government alone,” Mr. Obama said kicking off the initiatives. “It dep on the dedication of students and parents, and the commitment of private citizens, organizations and companies. It dep on all of us.”

Coaltion Steering Committee Member and Director of the Lawrence Hall of Science Elizabeth Stage, who attended the event said “Enrollment has dramatically increased in after school programs, creating a great opportunity to increase the amount of quality science that kids do, yet only half of the afterschool programs we surveyed do science. The problem is not that they don’t want to, the problem is they need materials and training that will allow them to do so effectively.” The Coalition is headquarted at the Lawrence Hall of Science, and the Hall provides key research, resources, and expertise to the organization.

Time Warner Cable (TWC) has partnered with CSAS on their newest and largest philanthropic initiative, “Connect a Million Minds,” which will introduce youth and their parents to important opportunities to increase their excitement and involvment in after school learning opportunies in math and science.

Occupational Hazard - The Daily Californian

Occupational Hazard - The Daily Californian:

"Early Friday morning, 40 activists (mostly UC Berkeley students) barricaded themselves inside the second floor of Wheeler Hall in a dramatic act of protest over the unprecedented 32 percent fee hike passed by the UC Board of Regents the day before.

As onlookers and supporters gathered around Wheeler, the national media took notice. Though the means were questionable, we're glad the occupation successfully drew widespread attention to the serious financial struggle the university and its students are now facing."

UC Berkeley investigates alleged police brutality during fee hike protests - 11/23/09 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com

UC Berkeley investigates alleged police brutality during fee hike protests - 11/23/09 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com:

"BERKELEY, CA (KGO) -- The University of California, Berkeley is investigating allegations of police brutality against students and employees who protested fee hikes and budget cuts last week.

Police action on Friday night prompted Berkeley's chancellor to call for an independent investigation by the Campus Police Review Board.
Natalia Garcia Pasmanick is a student who on Friday was protesting a tuition hike by the Regents outside Wheeler Hall."

LA school district chief warns of big deficit

LA school district chief warns of big deficit: "In the face of multimillion-dollar budget shortfalls, the superintendent of the giant Los Angeles Unified School District ordered spending cuts and froze hiring for some positions on Monday."

Superintendent Ramon Cortines said the nation's second-largest school district faces a deficit of $50 million to $60 million this school year and an estimated $480 million deficit next school year.

Exceptions will be made for classroom teachers, principals, assistant principals and other essential school-based positions, he said.

The cuts are necessary because of California's $20.7 billion budget shortfall next year, which might mean further cuts to the district's budget, Cortines said.

"It is imperative that we ensure that every dollar we spend is essential to the operation of this District, and more importantly, supports our instructional mission," he said.

Cortines also cut spending on travel, conferences, professional development contracts and food at district meetings.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/11/23/state/n172143S78.DTL&type=business#ixzz0XmXsbzTX