Wednesday, January 20, 2010

School district seeks input on priorities, budget deficit - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

School district seeks input on priorities, budget deficit - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee:

"The Sacramento City Unified School District is inviting the community to respond to two surveys, one aimed at identifying school improvements and another dealing with how to address a projected $30 million budget deficit.
School board members and Superintendent Jonathan Raymond plan to use the surveys to determine the district's needs and priorities.

The surveys were crafted Jan. 12 by district officials and community members.

Budget survey questions ask participants to gauge the importance of things such as class size, transportation and sports.

The other survey asks participants questions such as how effective the district is at preparing students for college.
Surveys are available at www.scusd.edu until Feb. 9."

The Next Liberal Cause: Could It Be Education? - The Atlantic Business Channel

The Next Liberal Cause: Could It Be Education? - The Atlantic Business Channel

President Obama announced plans yesterday to expand the Race to the Top education program, which invites states to apply for slices of a $4 billion pie of additional school funding. Last year Obama launched the program with two major messages: (1) We need to locate effective teachers by studying student data, and (2) we need better standards to keep some states (ahem, Mississippi) from setting their education bar so low that they gut the word "standard" of all meaning.

In future iterations, Race to the Top will allow not only states, but also individual districts, to apply for additional federal funding. This change makes sense for two reasons. The first is wholly practical. Most school funding comes from local property taxes, and accordingly education policies, and their success, can vary dramatically on a district-by-district basis within a state. The second reason this makes sense for the administration is more political. Appealing to individual districts provides a way to circumvent governors like Texas's Rick Perry who don't want to accept additional education funds.

[Obama] also took a jab at Texas, where Republican Gov. Rick Perry is refusing to compete for Race to the Top for fear of a "federal takeover" of his schools. Mr. Obama said, "Innovative districts ... in Texas whose reform efforts are being stymied by state decision-makers will soon have the chance to earn funding to help them pursue those reforms."

Since states are facing a historic bottoming out of tax revenue, this is a shrewd time for the

Service Day volunteers paint N. Philadelphia school | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/19/2010

Service Day volunteers paint N. Philadelphia school

By David O'Reilly

Inquirer Staff Writer

Plastic sheets lined the stairwells and the sweet smell of fresh paint filled the halls of the T.M. Peirce Elementary School in North Philadelphia yesterday as dozens of volunteers - among an estimated 70,000 in the region - joined in the 15th annual Greater Philadelphia Martin Luther King Day of Service.

"A friend asked me to come and I said, 'Sure, why not?' " said Jared Barchus, a University of Pennsylvania sophomore, who was mopping up paint spills from the school's polished stone floors. "I love kids. I love helping out."

The effort at Peirce was one of about 1,100 service projects in Philadelphia, the four Pennsylvania suburban counties, South Jersey, and Delaware - an increase of about 200 over last year, according to Todd Bernstein, founder and director of the King Day of Service.

The campus of Girard College in North Philadelphia served as the center of the day's activities, drawing dignitaries including Mayor Nutter, Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey, Fire Commissioner Lloyd Ayers, and former Sen. Harris Wofford.

Gov. Rendell and his wife, Judge Marjorie O. Rendell, canceled their appearances hours before they were scheduled to speak at Girard because they were flying to Haiti, Bernstein said. They were planning to return with children from a damaged orphanage.

"I couldn't think of a nicer excuse for them not to be here," Bernstein said.

Concern for earthquake victims inspired one of the group activities at Girard. Tom Foley, president of the American

A new security system for Oakland schools | The Education Report

The Oakland public school system is about to embark on a new initiative with a new acronym: SOS, which stands for “Secure Our Schools.”

The district plans to install 750-plus cameras at 26 middle and high schools between now and the end of the 2010-11 school year, using a $1.5 million Department of Justice grant.

It’s hoped that the infusion of technology – and the ability for school police to monitor the happenings on every campus from one location – will keep a lid on a number of the district’s chronic ills, including truancy, neighborhood crime, on-campus fights.

If you have a flexible work schedule and want to see a demonstration of this new system, maybe I’ll see you at the Oakland Technical High School library at 10 a.m. tomorrow.

Here’s an excerpt of the district’s news release that lists the potential benefits:

* Reduce violence on school campuses and in surrounding neighborhoods

* Improve student attitudes relating to safety at school

* Boost student attendance (by diminishing fear of unruly students)

* Increase student achievement (as a result of fewer distractions, fewer behavioral problems and more regular

The Educated Guess: If state fails, districts can chase Race to the Top

The Educated Guess

If state fails, districts can chase Race to the Top

Posted in Program innovation, Race to the Top

Take heart, innovators in Long Beach Unified and union reformers and charter operators in Los Angeles. If California’s Race to the Top application flames out, there will still be opportunities for you.
On the day that California, 39 other states and the District of Columbia submitted their plans for the $4.3 billion grant competition, President Obama proposed adding another round – just for school districts. Assuming that Congress goes along, districts will compete for an additional $1.3 billion Race to the top grants later this year or early in 2011. That way, innovative districts won’t be cheated by governors, like Rick Perry of Texas, who refused to compete for the money – dismissing Race to the Top as a federal intrusion – or states that submitted pedestrian applications that were denied money.
(Read more and comment on this post)

By John Fensterwald on January 19th, 2010

100-school charter cap may cost N.C. millions, some say - Home Page - NewsObserver.com

100-school charter cap may cost N.C. millions, some say - Home Page - NewsObserver.com: "RALEIGH -- Advocates for charter schools say North Carolina's restrictive laws to create and manage them could prevent the state from winning up to $470 million in federal education grants this spring.

Darrell Allison with Parents for Educational Freedom said Tuesday he worries that the state will fail to win 'Race to the Top' money because the state limits the number of charter schools to no more than 100.

States had until Tuesday to file their applications. Gov. Beverly Perdue sent in North Carolina's proposal over the weekend."

California leaders move toward tighter rules for student-athletes with concussions - San Jose Mercury News

SACRAMENTO — California could be moving toward tough rules to protect young athletes from concussions, with new legislation and a proposal from the state's high school sports federation calling for doctors to weigh in before any injured student is allowed back on the field.

The proposals follow a swell of media attention — especially after the near death of San Jose High Academy football player Matt Blea — and new scientific evidence that shows how susceptible young people in particular are to the debilitating effects of brain trauma.

Together, they would place California near the vanguard of efforts to blunt harm from head injuries. Only three other states have policies as strict as those state leaders are proposing.

"Injuries are a part of any sport," said Assemblywoman Mary Hayashi, D-Hayward. "But if you don't recognize the signs and symptoms of a serious sports injury, it can be life-threatening."

She has introduced two bills: one that would require coaches to study up on the symptoms of head injury, and a second that would require a doctor's clearance for an injured athlete to resume play.

Local News | District plan for siblings upsets parents | Seattle Times Newspaper

A top goal of Seattle Public Schools' new plan for assigning students to schools is predictability, but for a group of families caught in the transition between the old rules and the new, the change will mean more of the old uncertainty.

The affected families are those with children already in elementary school and younger ones still at home. They want their younger children to be able to attend the same school as their older siblings — something that was virtually guaranteed under the old rules and will be guaranteed again once the new assignment plan is fully in place in 2015.

But despite an intense and often emotional campaign by many of those families — which included rallies, petitions and months of e-mails — it looks like a vote tonight by the Seattle School Board may not go their way.

"It looks like the sibling grandfathering movement is dead with the district," Stephanie Pickett, a leader in a parent group called Keep Our Kids Together, wrote after members of the group spoke with several School Board members over the weekend.

It's unclear how many families may be affected; district staff won't provide

Children's advocate Milton Reiterman dies

As a turret gunner wedged in the belly of a B-24 bomber, Milton Reiterman dodged the flak that came with each of the 40 combat missions he flew during World War II.

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UC regents to OK millions in exec incentive pay 01.20.10
'Race to the Top' - the view from Oakland 01.17.10
The four 'R's' - a charter school that works 01.17.10

After one particularly grueling flight, he found 200 holes in the fuselage before he decided to stop counting.
Perhaps the experience steeled him for three decades of dodging San Francisco's political minefields, forging a public service career committed to the city's schools and the welfare of children.
Mr. Reiterman, a top administrator for the San Francisco school district, died Dec. 29 during treatment for a stroke. He was 85.
As a high school football star, teacher, football coach, counselor, administrator and labor negotiator, Mr. Reiterman was dedicated to San Francisco and its schools.
Through the civil rights era, the Summer of Love and the years of desegregation and affirmative action, Mr. Reiterman rose through the ranks at San Francisco Unified, reaching the post of associate superintendent.
He was a key, if controversial, player in the early 1970s under Superintendent Thomas Shaheen, who was highly criticized for an affirmative action policy limiting the promotion of white employees. Mr. Reiterman, who was considered more moderate, had the support of the district's

Parents organize to fight for prized programs | Washington Examiner

Parents organize to fight for prized programs

By: LEAH FABEL
Examiner Staff Writer
January 20, 2010

Angry parents in the Washington suburbs have organized in recent weeks with rare force, determined to save Cadillac school programs from the budget ax.

Their advocacy sets up a quandary for county politicians aiming to balance the needs of a vocal few with those of the less-active majority of residents.

In Fairfax County, Foreign Language Advocacy for Grade Schools, or FLAGS, has collected about 2,000 signatures on a petition to save the county's 13 language-immersion schools, as well as a program in 32 schools that offers two days of foreign language per week.

"If you lose these programs that make our schools a different quality school system, then you've taken away a lot of what attracts people to this area," said Sandy Knox, who said she has been working nearly 60 hours per week as co-leader of the effort.

The Fairfax Arts Coalition for Education, or FACE, organized a rally earlier this month to garner support for the elementary band and orchestra program that serves about 25,000 of the county's upper elementary students. A spiffy Web site lists contact information for co-chairmen representing classes from theater arts to guitar, while a list of "advocacy links" encourages parents to become lobbyists.

Class Struggle - Do federal education dollars work?

Class Struggle- Do federal education dollars work?

Do federal education dollars work?

President Obama is not happy about Texas refusing his Race to the Top money, but I say let's give a languid, scholarly cheer for Gov. Rick Perry (R) and his decision to miss the chance at hundreds of millions of dollars in federal education aid. Texas has, in effect, designated itself a big control group in an interesting test of this haunting question---does increased federal spending make schools better?

The president didn't mention this in his speech at a Fairfax County elementary school today, although his announced plan to add another $1.35 billion to his fund for states and school districts making changes he approves of will just give this scientific exercise another boost. Some districts and states will get the money. Some won't. Which will look better in four or five years?

Does this sound fair?

The National Board of Medical Examiners denied a request by medical student Frederick Romberg to have extra time to take the United States Medical Licensing Examination. Romberg, who has dyslexia, is appealing the decision.

Here is what Romberg told the board, and what the board told him. How would you decide the case?

Romberg, now a 41-year-old student at Yale University’s School of Medicine, had a troubled childhood. His father abandoned the family when he was young, and he was raised, along with his mentally and physically disabled brother, by his alcoholic mother. She died when he was 16. He attended inner city schools where he was sometimes assaulted.

No childhood records were kept on him, but as early as he can remember, Romberg had great difficulty with reading.

Continue reading this post »

HISD may vie for federal school funds after all | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

HISD may vie for federal school funds after all | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"Texas school districts might have a shot at the federal Race to the Top grant money after all.

President Barack Obama announced Tuesday that he would seek $1.35 billion in next year's budget to expand the $4 billion grant contest and let individual school districts — instead of just states — apply.

The Democratic president took an indirect jab at Republican Gov. Rick Perry, who said last week that Texas would not compete for as much as $700 million in Race to the Top funds. Obama said that opening up the contest would help “innovative districts like the one in Texas whose reform efforts are being stymied by state decision-makers.”
Obama likely was referring to the Houston Independent School District, which last week adopted a policy linking student test scores to teachers' job evaluations and dismissal decisions — a key part of the president's education reform agenda.

HISD well-positioned

HISD Superintendent Terry Grier, who lobbied the Obama administration for a grant contest for districts after Perry opted out of the competition, said Texas' largest school system would be well positioned to win funds."

Obama to seek $1.35B more for education - USATODAY.com

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Obama announced Tuesday he'll ask Congress for $1.35 billion to extend an education grant program for states, saying that getting schools right "will shape our future as a nation."

Obama outlined the proposal that will be part of his budget request for this year at an elementary school here, where he also held a short discussion with sixth-grade students.

The $787 billion economic stimulus program that Obama signed into law soon after taking office included $4.3 billion in competitive grants for states, nicknamed the "Race to the Top" fund. States must amend education laws and policies to compete for a share of the money.

RACE TO THE TOP: Grants propel reforms

GOV. PERRY: Texas won't seek federal education funds

TEACHERS: Union to propose test scores figure into ratings

The deadline to apply for the program is Tuesday, and officials expect more than 30 states to apply. The Education Department is expected to announce its first of two rounds of awards in April — with Obama saying that not all who enter will get a grant.

The president said that extending the program would allow

Race to the Top ~ The Race is On! | Learning Matters

The deadline has arrived, and the states that are hoping to win a share of a 4.35 billion dollar pie have submitted their applications to what the Obama Administration is calling the “Race to the Top.”

It’s a massive gamble on Washington’s part, an effort to change state and local education policies by dangling the carrot of big dollars in front of states and school districts that are desperately trying to make ends meet. Washington wants more charter schools, merit pay for teachers, and plans for putting the best teachers in the worst schools.

In the weeks before the applications were due, we watched legislators and educators in Colorado, Maryland and other states planning their strategies. Some states changed laws just to qualify to compete, while others rewrote policies in hopes of increasing their chances of winning.

Autism coverage gains momentum in Missouri Legislature - STLtoday.com

Autism coverage gains momentum in Missouri Legislature - STLtoday.com:

"JEFFERSON CITY — Families with autistic children appear likely to gain insurance coverage in Missouri next year, but how much coverage will be the focus of a heated debate that kicked off Tuesday.

In jammed hearing rooms, supporters of an insurance mandate urged legislative committees to make Missouri the 15th state, including Illinois, to require that all health insurance policies pay for diagnosis and treatment of the fast-growing brain disorder.

The issue has been on the front burner since Gov. Jay Nixon, a Democrat, criticized the Republican-led House for killing the bill last year. GOP leaders have promised to make it a priority this year. To get a jump on Nixon, both the House and Senate held autism hearings on the eve of Nixon's 'State of the State' speech, which he will deliver at 7 tonight and which is expected to highlight the issue."

The kids be damned: Cowardly Legislature betrays state's children and taxpayers

Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver and Senate Democratic Conference boss John Sampson yesterday betrayed New York's children and taxpayers in the most cowardly and irresponsible fashion possible.

Without taking a single action in public - without voting on the most consequential piece of education legislation in decades - they trashed this bankrupt state's shot at securing as much as $700 million in federal Race to the Top aid.

In the process, Silver (top photo), Sampson (bottom photo) and fellow Democrats told President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan to drop dead, denied thousands of kids the chance for an improved education and shredded what little was left of Albany's credibility as a seat of government.

Speaker Silver: The teachers' union pet - NYPOST.com

It was crystal clear yesterday that New York's teachers unions aren't just joined at the hip with Assembly SpeakerSheldon Silver and the Democratic legislative leadership, they ARE part of the leadership.

The tragic evidence of their extraordinary power was out in the open for all to see minutes before the death knell tolled for Gov. Paterson's and Mayor Bloomberg's effort to win $700 million in federal "Race to the Top" education assistance.

Shortly before the Assembly planned to convene to at least consider the RTTT legislation, Education Committee Chairwoman Catherine Nolan (D-Queens) was huddled -- in full view of the public -- 30 feet from Silver's office with Carol Gerstl, counsel to the all-powerful United Federation of Teachers.

New Education Funds Spur States to Compete - WSJ.com

Forty states are seeking federal school funding through a competitive Obama administration program that has prompted educational changes as well as resistance in much of the country.

States have spent months, and in some cases millions of dollars in consulting fees, preparing applications for the first round of the $4.35 billion Race to the Top program, due Tuesday.

The initiative has generated stiff competition among states eager to prove their bona fides as education reformers in a scramble for federal cash. Administration officials promise to award grants worth up to $700 million to states that show the greatest willingness to push innovation and implement tough testing standards in local schools.

The program has met resistance in some quarters. In Florida, eight of the state's 67 counties declined to sign on to the state's application, citing disagreements with the federal policy. Hundreds of districts in California also declined to go along.

Teachers unions in some states, such as Michigan and Minnesota, have urged members to oppose their states' bids. Unity among a state's educators and unions is one of the criteria administration officials will use to grade requests for funding.

At Robeson High, Attendance Rates Don't Add Up - NY1.com

At Robeson High, Attendance Rates Don't Add Up - NY1.com:

"If the city goes ahead as planned, Brooklyn's Paul Robeson High School will close in June, never to reopen and with nothing to take its place. All this week, NY1's Lindsey Christ is taking a behind the scenes look at the school's challenges, its successes and its failures.
Fifteen minutes into Mr. Jacobs' second period U.S. history class, he's the only one in the room. Ten minutes later, two students sit at their desks. By the end of the period, there are five. His roster for the class has more than 30 names. At Paul Robeson High School, teachers say simply getting students into the classrooms may be their biggest challenge.

'It's kind of like if you walk in and out of a movie, you don't know what is going on. A lot of kids have that kind of attendance in school. They're called LTAs -- long term absences. And then when they come back, you are like 'Yeah you're back!' but the kid is lost because he hasn't been here,' said Paul Robeson High School teacher Larry Jacobs."

City, Environmental Protection Agency make deal to test schools for PCB toxin

The city has agreed to test schools for PCBs and, if needed, come up with a plan to protect kids from exposure after a Daily News probe found the toxin in the window caulking of several schools.

The settlement between the city Education Department and the federal Environmental Protection Agency heads off a parents' lawsuit for now - and puts the schools under tougher federal scrutiny.

The deal dictates a million-dollar pilot study of five schools that could lead to much more testing.

"The program outlined in this agreement, along with general EPA guidance on managing the issue, will serve as a model for school systems across the country," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith Enck.

Because PCBs, or polychlorinated biphenyls, were routinely added to caulking before the chemicals were outlawed in 1977, buildings nationwide constructed before then are at risk for serious PCB contamination.