voiceofsandiego.org | Schools' Finance Chief Resigns

voiceofsandiego.org | News. Investigation. Analysis. Conversation. Intelligence.

Schools' Finance Chief Resigns

The top financial leader of San Diego Unified will resign at the end of June; the school board accepted his resignation letter behind closed doors tonight. He will continue to be paid his roughly $155,000 salary until then, working on unspecified "special projects" for the school district.

Chief Financial Officer James Masias has been on paid administrative leave since March 25. School district officials have declined to talk about why, though school board President Richard Barrera has repeatedly stated that it has nothing to do with the credibility of Masias' budget work.

Interim Superintendent Bill Kowba has not yet decided what special projects Masias will take on. School officials said Masias will work off site, not at the school district offices on Normal Street.

Former employees from the budget department declined to talk about Masias' performance

Schools Matter: Judge Tells Miss. System to Halt Resegregation: Will The Courts Tell Wake County or Arne Duncan the Same?

Schools Matter: Judge Tells Miss. System to Halt Resegregation: Will The Courts Tell Wake County or Arne Duncan the Same?

Judge Tells Miss. System to Halt Resegregation: Will The Courts Tell Wake County or Arne Duncan the Same?

by Jim Horn

. . .it is unacceptable for school districts to act in a way that encourages or tolerates resegregation of public schools.

What about Arne Duncan? With segregated corporate charter schools the centerpiece of the ed reform agenda that Duncan is pushing forward for the Business Roundtable, one has to wonder when Arne's Race to Resegregation might get smacked down by the U. S. Justice Department just down the street. From Think Progess:

Today, a federal court ordered a county in Walthall County in Mississippi to “stop segregating its schools by grouping African American students into all-black classrooms and allowing white students to transfer to the county’s only majority-white school.” From the Justice Department’spress release:

“More than 55 years after Brown v. Board of Education, it is unacceptable for

To guide new math teachers, a program creates a warning list | GothamSchools

To guide new math teachers, a program creates a warning list | GothamSchools

To guide new math teachers, a program creates a warning list

by Anna Phillips

A teacher training program is warning its recruits to stay away from certain New York City schools, according to a list obtained by GothamSchools.

The list, compiled by Math for America and sent to its fellows, includes a mix of new schools created under Schools Chancellor Joel Klein and schools that have been troubled for years. Math for America is a program that recruits and trains people who are talented at math to teach in inner-city schools.

Many of the schools are brand new and some, such as the three small schools in the Lafayette High School complex, opened to replace schools the Department of Education decided to close. Others, such asInternational Leadership Charter School and Acorn High School for Social Justice, have undergone jarring leadership changes. None of them are among the 19 schools the city wants to begin phasing out this year.

Called the “School Awareness List,” the list of nearly 20 schools is part of Math for America’s effort to retain

Remainders: D.C.’s school budget surplus angers union

by Anna Phillips

• Bloomberg is fundraising for Assem. Sam Hoyt, who supported raising the charter school cap.
• After laying off teachers because of a budget gap, D.C. Chancellor Rhee says there’s a surplus.
• Andy Rotherham says Rhee got what she wanted and Randi Weingarten deserves more credit.
• D.C. is seeing tenure changes as a result of a charter school boom, writes Mike Petrilli.
• Some students are without high school placements, but Madonna’s daughter has one.
• InsideSchools tells families what to do if their 8th graders didn’t get a high school match.
• Manhattan Institute report says at least 75% of NY’s teacher pensions are unfunded.
• Rick Hess wants Florida Gov. Christ to abolish tenure, but has some qualms with the bill.
• Colorado is dealing with a proposed bill that would dilute tenure protections.
• Klein testified about the NCLB law’s flaws to the Senate education committee.
• In part two of his series on education “fixes,” Arthur Goldstein looks at school closures.
• Norm Scott says the teachers union’s response to the layoffs-without-seniority bill was weak.
• The American Sign Language school’s alumni group is fighting a proposed co-location.
• Philadelphia’s comptroller is interviewed about financial scandals at 13 city charter schools.
• Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin will release a bill to give schools $23 billion in aid to prevent layoffs.
• And Maryland, which stayed out of Race to the Top 1, released its round 2 plans.

Popout

Original audio source (WHYY_125856424.mp3)

I Think, Therefore I Write. � Chalkdust101

I Think, Therefore I Write. � Chalkdust101

I Think, Therefore I Write.

by pjhiggins

Today I spent the afternoon in the company of Dr. Richard Miller and Dr. Paul Hammond from Rutgers University. I had asked Dr. Miller to come speak to our English Department regarding the shifts they saw in writing, composing, and learning.

In my conversations leading up to today with Dr. Miller, I found out that the Expository Writing Class at Rutgers is a course that nearly 85% of all Freshman take, with only those testing out via AP exams the exceptions. Miller and Hammond have a unique advantage in that the changes they make to that class are ones that could have a profound effect on the quality of the writing experience that the students have in their undergraduate years.

I am really into the styles people use when they present after witnessing the excellence of the speakers at

5 providers outline their Renaissance plans | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

5 providers outline their Renaissance plans | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

5 providers outline their Renaissance plans

by Dale Mezzacappa on Mar 17 2010

Five of the six successful Renaissance applicants – all but Universal, which did not respond to interview requests – talked to the Notebookabout what schools they were interested in managing and what they thought they brought to the table.Several of the 14 potential Renaissance schoolshave more than one suitor among the six approved outside providers, while others, at least publicly, so far have none.

All but one plan to convert their school to charters.

The partnership between Johns Hopkins University and Diplomas Now wants to work within the District as an Innovation School model. In that case, while at least half the faculty would have to be replaced, the teachers ultimately hired would remain District employees and union members.

Superintendent Arlene Ackerman has said she wants four to six of the 14 schools

Correcting the Corrective Math problem, II

Civics education opportunity: Students invited to gubernatorial debate | OregonLive.com

Civics education opportunity: Students invited to gubernatorial debate | OregonLive.com

Civics education opportunity: Students invited to gubernatorial debate

By Betsy Hammond, The Oregonian

April 13, 2010, 6:16PM

Here's an alert for those high school social studies teachers and poli sci professors out there:

The Oregonian and KGW are sponsoring debates in the Oregon governor's race and would like to allow some high school seniors and college students to watch the debates live and perhaps ask a question of the candidates.

Do you know just the right bright young student to strike fear in the hearts of would-be governors with an incisive question about Oregon politics? Or are you that young person? If so, let us know!

The Republicans will debate April 21 and the Democrats on April 28. Both

Portland kids get to bring home books in a bag -- to keep

by Noelle Crombie, The Oregonian

The Children's Book Bank – one of only a handful like it in the country – is the brainchild of Danielle Swope, 46, a Southwest Portland mom of four who found herself wondering what to do with her kids' books once they'd outgrown them.

Education - latimes.com L.A. school officials approve job-saving pact that shortens school year

Education - latimes.com

Teachers agree to shorten LAUSD school year By Jason Song Union members OK the deal that could save the district up to $140 million, save about 2,100 jobs and maintain class sizes. It will become effective if approved by the school board Tuesday. UCLA diverts student fees from Pauley Pavilion renovation By Jack Dolan The university says it will not need to use $15 million collected from students for the sports facility's overhaul. But it will still use $10 million from a student fee for seismic improvements.

EDUCATION Headlines from L.A. Now L.A. school officials approve job-saving pact that shortens school year04/13/2010, 6:09 p.m. Students say they found documents relating to Sarah Palin fundraiser at Cal State Stanislaus04/13/2010, 2:38 p.m. 63-year-old man arrested in connection with UCLA sexual assaults04/13/2010, 11:02 a.m. Lawndale charter school is in the running for Obama graduation speech04/13/2010, 10:26 a.m. Arrest made in string of UCLA sexual assaults04/13/2010, 10:07 a.m. More .

Concerns & Questions About The “Talent Transfer Initiative” | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...

Concerns & Questions About The “Talent Transfer Initiative” | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day...

Concerns & Questions About The “Talent Transfer Initiative”

by Larry Ferlazzo

The Sacramento City Unified School District is one of a number of districts in the country participating in a federally-funded program called The Talent Transfer Initiative. This program, which I just learned about, pays selected teachers a $20,000 bonus to transfer to a targeted “high-needs school.”
Though I’ve written about my general concerns about extrinsic motivation and financial rewards, that’s not my primary question. After all, teachers who work at high-needs schools have been able to get their student-loans forgiven (as mine were), but I suspect that isn’t a huge reason why people choose to work there.
And, to tell you the truth, I’m not overly concerned right now about how it will be used in our district. I think our Superintendent will try his best to avoid some of the potential dangers that drove me to write this post. However, I’m not so sure about how it will be applied in other districts (and will be very interested in hearing from others who might know more).
One issue is the criteria used to determine eligible teachers. It appears, and I may be wrong, that it’s primarily focused on test scores. I’m not convinced that test scores are the best way to judge teacher quality. On top of

My Choices For The Best Webby Award Nominees (That I Haven’t Already Written About)

“A scientist asks why we educate children at all”

Bookemon

Rethinking Schools Article On Teach For America

Elk Grove Citizen : 29 counselors retained: Teachers approve two furlough days

Elk Grove Citizen : News

29 counselors retained: Teachers approve two furlough days

Published: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:12 PM PDT

The Elk Grove Education Association (EGEA) voted last week overwhelmingly 1,583 to 323 (83 percent) to reduce this year’s school calendar by two days. The last two days of the school sessions will be affected.

“That will enable us to fully fund at least two counselors at each high school and one counselor for each middle school for the next school year 2010-11,” said Richard Odegaard, the Associate Superintendent for Finance and School Support for the school district.

The two-day furloughs by the teachers will provide $2.5 million to fully fund 29 counselors. Still to be funded for next year, if funding is available, would be the remaining 32 counselors.

“We are encouraged that more than 83 percent of teachers in our district felt that it was important to make some concessions in order to help balance the 2010-11 EGUSD budget,” EGEA President Tom Gardner said. “They also demonstrated that they are willing to make some sacrifices to save student programs and jobs that are vital to the education of students in our district. We are looking forward to continuing our negotiations with the district to finish dealing with their budgetary concerns.”

Odegaard said: “It is good to see the support from the teachers who understand the severity of our financial crisis. This is helping us greatly in opening secondary schools for the 2010-11 year in August. It would be very difficult to open secondary schools without some

Cosumnes River College hosts state Geography Bee

Photos by Keri Wood - Alek Venturino from Danville defeated 101 students from all over California to win the 2010 California Geographic Bee held at Cosumnes River College on April 9. When asked about going onto the National Geographic Bee next month Alek replied, “I don’t know if I’ll win, but I have a chance.”

Where in the world?

By Katie Freeman - Lifestyle & Arts Reporter

Published: Tuesday, April 13, 2010 5:12 PM PDT

Eighth grader Alek Venturino of Danville will represent California at the National Geographic Bee in Washington, D.C. on May 25-26.

He was among more than 100 students who competed at the National Geographic Bee- California State Finals at Cosumnes River College (CRC) on April 9.

After morning rounds and a final round in the Recital Hall, Alek won first place by correctly answering the question: Name the largest city on the island of Hispaniola. The answer: Santo Domingo.

California Chronicle | Simitian Introduces Kindergarten Readiness Bill

California Chronicle | Simitian Introduces Kindergarten Readiness Bill

Simitian Introduces Kindergarten Readiness Bill

California Political Desk

April 13, 2010

SACRAMENTO – State Senator Joe Simitian (D-Palo Alto) announced legislation to change the minimum age for children entering kindergarten. The proposal, supported by policy experts and education advocates, would boost kindergarten readiness and save an estimated $700 million annually, totaling $9.1 billion over a 13 year period.

Under current law, children entering kindergarten must be five years old by December 2nd of that school year. Simitian´s Senate Bill 1381 would require that students starting kindergarten must turn five by September 1st of the school year. The new age requirement would be phased in over three years beginning in 2012.

"Today´s kindergarten classroom is a much different place than most of us experienced," said Simitian. "We´re placing real academic demands on our kids, and the youngest are struggling to keep up. The evidence shows that giving these younger kindergarteners an extra year can make a big difference in their long term success."

In addition to benefiting children, Simitian´s bill would also save the State an estimated $700 million dollars in annual education spending due to the reduced student population. The cumulative savings over 13 years would reach $9.1 billion.

SB 1381 would dedicate half of the funds to quality preschool programs for children

voiceofsandiego.org | NSchool Board: Let's Not Chase Money

voiceofsandiego.org | News. Investigation. Analysis. Conversation. Intelligence.

School Board: Let's Not Chase Money

San Diego Unified is under pressure from California and the federal government to make dramatic changes at its lowest performing schools. The carrot is up to $4 million for each of its three eligible schools. The stick is -- well, there is no stick.

But the school district has decided that it won't bite at that carrot. Instead, it will set forth its own plans for the schools, whether or not they meet the government guidelines.

Doing so could make the school district unlikely to get the funding, but the school board says figuring out what schools need to improve -- not what they need to get the money -- is their goal.

"Let's apply for the money," school board President Richard Barrera said. "But let's not throw our schools into chaos because we're chasing money."

Up to $4 million is available for each of the three schools that landed on a state list of persistently failing schools last month: Burbank Elementary and two of the schools-within-a-school at San Diego High, the School of Business and the School of Media, Visual and

Local News | Wing of new Seattle school is closed over strong odor; kids show symptoms | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Wing of new Seattle school is closed over strong odor; kids show symptoms | Seattle Times Newspaper

Wing of new Seattle school is closed over strong odor; kids show symptoms

Seattle Public Schools will close a second-floor wing at its brand-new South Shore K-8 building until it can figure out why some students and staff members are experiencing itchy eyes, rashes and other problems.

By Linda Shaw

Seattle Times education reporter

Seattle Public Schools will close a second-floor wing at its brand-new South Shore K-8 building until it can figure out why some students and staff members are experiencing itchy eyes, rashes and other problems.

"We're taking this action ... to ensure that their health, safety and comfort are taken care of," said district spokeswoman Patti Spencer. "We will do whatever we need to do to track down the issue and fix it."

Students and staff first complained about strong odors in January, Spencer said, and the district initially did tests that focused on one room. The odor seemed to go away when the heating and air-conditioning system was on all the time, she said. Since spring break, however, that system was off at night, she said.

On Monday, one week after spring break ended, staff and students in several sixth-grade classrooms on the second floor again reported a strong odor, Spencer said.

Some parents also said that their children complained of difficulty breathing, and some had red, itchy eyes and rashes. Paul Patu, who has three children at the school, said he saw one sixth-grader faint Tuesday

Diane Ravitch Lecture | April 15 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Sibley Auditorium, Bechtel Engineering Center

Diane Ravitch Lecture April 15 

Diane Ravitch Lecture: 

Author of 

'The Death and Life of the Great American School System'

Lecture | April 15 | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Sibley Auditorium, Bechtel Engineering Center

Sponsor: Education, Graduate School of

Diane Ravitch is Research Professor of Education at New York University and a historian of education. In addition, she is a nonresident senior fellow at the Brookings Institution in Washington, D.C. She earned her BA at Wellesley College and PhD in the History of American Education at Columbia University.

From 1991 to 1993, she was Assistant Secretary of Education and Counselor to Secretary of Education Lamar Alexander in the administration of President George H.W. Bush. As Assistant Secretary, she led the federal effort to promote the creation of state and national academic standards. From 1997 to 2004, she was a member of the National Assessment Governing Board, which oversees the National Assessment of Educational Progress, the federal testing program. She was appointed by the Clinton administration' s Secretary of Education Richard Riley in 1997 and reappointed in 2001.

In her most recent book, The Death and Life of the Great American School System, she examines her career in education reform, and repudiates positions that she once fiercely defended.

-----

The Response Panel for this lecture includes:

Janelle Scott Perry
Assistant Professor, POME, GSE

Terry Bergeson
Executive Director,
San Francisco School Alliance

Derek Mitchell
Executive Director,
Partners in School Innovation

Target audience: All Audiences

Open to audience: All Audiences

Attendance restrictions: THIS EVENT IS FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Event Contact: susana@berkeley.edu, (510) 643-7458

Documents: Diane Ravitch's Website, NPR - Ravitch - Book Excerpt

Students Beware: Ability Grouping Ahead | Teaching Tolerance

Students Beware: Ability Grouping Ahead | Teaching Tolerance

Students Beware: Ability Grouping Ahead

Submitted by Michelle Garcia on April 8, 2010

Grouping by perceived abilities is fraught with peril for students. Take a look at a video that explores this common practice and offers some effective alternatives.

How do you determine group assignment in your classroom?

Is it important to you to create racially and ethnically diverse groups?