ED News Worth Reading April 2012
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ED News Worth Reading April 2012:ED News Worth Reading April 2012
AIN'T THIS A CRYING SHAME? Beaverton School District may consider fund-raising for teachers | OregonLive.com
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Beaverton School District may consider fund-raising for teachers | OregonLive.com: Beaverton School District may consider fund-raising for teachersBeavertonstudents and parents have raised funds for new playground equipment, sports gear, laptop computers and other items, but fund-raising for teachers has never been allowed.That may change as the school district faces the reduction of 344 jobs -- all staff -- next school year. The 39,000-student district has about 3,300 staff.The school board is contemplating the idea, which it has forbidden previously because ... more »
PAA leader sparks Pineapplegate « Parents Across America
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PAA leader sparks Pineapplegate « Parents Across America: PAA leader sparks Pineapplegatebypagrundy If you spent this weekend chuckling or fuming about a nonsensical standardized test question involving a hare and a talking pineapple, you havePAA co-founder Leonie Haimsonto thank. Leonie wrote the blog that started the media storm, highlighted the absurdity of high-stakes standardized tests and got the question pulled from the exam.Leonie, who’s worked on educational issues for years, was the right person in the right place in the ... more »
http://www.southbronxschool.com
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http://www.southbronxschool.com: BREAKING NEWS!!! First Look at the New Standardized Testing for College Studentsbynoreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher)Did ya readDavid Brooks' column last week in The New York Times?In the immortal words of Carl Spackler, I had to laugh. It just shows how out of touch the people who think they are on the cutting edge of this so called "reform movement" really are. Guess what got me the biggest laugh? Yep you are right.Brooks, showing is just how smart he thinks he ... more »
Jersey Jazzman: Reformy Logic
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Jersey Jazzman: Reformy Logic: Reformy LogicbyDukeThe most reformyRev. Reginald T. Jackson, Executive Director, The Black Ministers Council of New Jersey [all emphases mine]:Oururban students are more likely to be assigned an inexperienced teacher — which is bad for both the teacher and the student— more likely to have a substitute and more likely to have a teacher teaching out-of-subject specialization. Additionally, because teachers garner more control over their assignments as they accrue seniority, leaving little incentive for them to take ... more »
ALEC Exposed as Lobby Group With 501(C) (3) “Public Charity” Status « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
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ALEC Exposed as Lobby Group With 501(C) (3) “Public Charity” Status « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: ALEC Exposed as Lobby Group With 501(C) (3) “Public Charity” StatusbymillerlfConservative Nonprofit Acts as a Stealth Business LobbyistByMIKE McINTIRENYTimes Published: April 21, 2012ALEC’s members include corporations and nearly 2,000 lawmakers. Kraft Foods, Intuit and Coca-Cola left the group amid a policy controversy.ATT, Reynolds American and Pfizer each gave $130,000 to $398,000 to the group, its 2010 tax returns show.It was quickly flagged ... more »
Interview with myself. Quinn’s pension proposals. « Fred Klonsky
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Interview with myself. Quinn’s pension proposals. « Fred Klonsky: Interview with myself. Quinn’s pension proposals.byFred KlonskyQ. Who is impacted by the Governor’s plan?A. Quinn’s plan is aimed at all active employee who are inTeachers’ Retirement System (TRS), the State Universities Retirement System (SURS), the State Employee Retirement System (SERS), and the General Assembly Retirement System (GARS).Q. How much more would we have to pay into our pension plans?A.TRSwould go from 9.4% to 12.4% andSURSwould go from 8% to 11%.Q. What ... more »
NYC Public School Parents: Pineapplegate and the media storm that has ensued
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NYC Public School Parents: Pineapplegate and the media storm that has ensued: Pineapplegate and the media storm that has ensuedbyLeonie HaimsonCredit: Bramhall Cartoons, Daily NewsHere is a rather breathless account of what is now being called Pineapplegate. I had no idea what a media storm would erupt as a result ofThursday’s blog post. Please also be sure to fill out this shortparent surveyabout the testing regime in NY State. If you are a teacher,fill this one out, and if a ... more »
Schools Matter: Is President Obama Listening?
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Schools Matter: Is President Obama Listening?: Is President Obama Listening?byJudy RabinNational School Board Association's Open Letter to President ObamaApril 17, 2012Dear President Obama:The night of your election, in Grant Park, you said, “I will listen to you especially when we disagree.” We are all committed to the best educational future for the children of America. Yet, as the nation prepares for the reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA), school board members and top educational thinkers overwhelming urge ... more »
Standardized test security questioned - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post
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Standardized test security questioned - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: Standardized test security questionedByValerie StraussTenth-graders in Florida took the state’s standardized test in reading on a staggered schedule because there weren’t enough computers available for them all to take it at the same time, raising concerns that security of test questions could be compromised, theMiami Herald reported.Students took the test in reading, which is part of theFlorida Comprehensive Achievement Test(FCAT), in groups on a few different days last ... more »
The 5-Minute Break | The Jose Vilson
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The 5-Minute Break | The Jose Vilson: The 5-Minute BreakbyJoseLast week, New York State Education Commission decided to give students a mandated 5-minute break in the first book of the English-Language Arts test. When I read about it, I laughed for reasons I rather expand on after the math test. However, I did receive a tape with some recorded dialogue from the closed room where some of these decisions were made. Here’s an excerpt from the dialogue:Official A:What do you ... more »
Educating Our Way to an Economy Built to Last: Stopping the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike | The White House
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Educating Our Way to an Economy Built to Last: Stopping the Student Loan Interest Rate Hike | The White House: Educating Our Way to an Economy Built to Last: Stopping the Student Loan Interest Rate HikebyThe White House Stopping the Student Loan Interest Rate HikeIn his State of the Union Address, President Obama laid out a blueprint for an economy built to last—an economy built on American manufacturing, American energy, skills for American workers, and a renewal of American values.The ... more »
Schools Matter: Help Chalkface Radio Stay on Air
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Schools Matter: Help Chalkface Radio Stay on Air: Help Chalkface Radio Stay on AirbyJudy RabinOne of the most potent tools of the current education deform movement perpetuated by corporate interests has been the huge amount of money spent on the air war that is demonizing teachers and public education. In order to combat the drumbeat of lies and propaganda around education policy, it is essential that the voices of truth continue to stay on the air. Please publicize this urgent ... more »
NYC Public School Parents: Why are classroom teachers being pulled out of schools to grade ELA exams, right before the math exams?
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NYC Public School Parents: Why are classroom teachers being pulled out of schools to grade ELA exams, right before the math exams?: Why are classroom teachers being pulled out of schools to grade ELA exams, right before the math exams?byLeonie HaimsonFrom a Brooklyn parent who prefers to remain nameless:This past weekend my daughter and I spent several hours going over math problems, preparing for her 5th grade state math exams which will take place Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday of this ... more »
Save Our Schools Education convention August 3-5 in DC | Save Our Schools: March and National Call to Action | causes.com
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Save Our Schools Education convention August 3-5 in DC | Save Our Schools: March and National Call to Action | causes.com: Save Our Schools Education convention August 3-5 in DCSave Our Schools Education ConventionA People’s Policy Activism Summithttp://library.constantcontact.com/download/get/file/1104247304263-54/Convention+Planks.pdfAugust 3-5, 2012 Washington, DC Marriott Wardman ParkIf you are interested in participating as a delegate for one of the following education issues, please contact us at: info@saveourschools.comPlatforms1. Poverty (including anti-poverty program)2. Ci... more »
Today's Big Education Ape - PostRank Top Mid Day Posts 4-23 #edreform #soschat
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Making Myself Useful (and other items) | Mr. TeachbadBig Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All)-5 minutes agoMaking Myself Useful (and other items) | Mr. Teachbad: Making Myself Useful (and other items)byteachbad(I’m a bit rushed…driving to Indiana in…36 minutes. More on that in a minute.)Churn ‘n’ Burn and Spin Me to theDoorThere are two short things I read this week that I believe are connected. The first was an article in Education Week from early in April calledWhen Teachers Are Treated ... more »
In Case You Missed It: Testing begins with many complaints; Mayoral candidates go after Mayor’s policies « EdVox
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In Case You Missed It: Testing begins with many complaints; Mayoral candidates go after Mayor’s policies « EdVox: In Case You Missed It: Testing begins with many complaints; Mayoral candidates go after Mayor’s policiesbyedvoxnyHere on EdVox we’re excited to bring you the latest news about education issues and policies affecting our communities. It can be hard to keep up with all of the events and happenings, so – in case you missed it…Here is a recap of the latest stories ...more »
National Teacher of the Year - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education)
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National Teacher of the Year - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education): California Teacher of the Year Rebecca Mieliwockiis Named America's Top Teacher WASHINGTON, D.C.—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today congratulated California's Rebecca Mieliwocki for being selected as the 2012 National Teacher of the Year, the nation's oldest and most prestigious teaching honor."Rebecca Mieliwocki is an inspiration to her students, to me, and to every California teacher. She brings enormous energy, enthusiasm, and optimism to teaching—a career that ... more »
No Conflict, No Conflict, Keep Moving; Nothing to See Here… - Wait, What?
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No Conflict, No Conflict, Keep Moving; Nothing to See Here… - Wait, What?: No Conflict, No Conflict, Keep Moving; Nothing to See Here…byjonpelto What is it about these Malloy appointees and their notion of what constitutes a conflict of interest. Education Commissioner Stefan Pryor seems to be adding to the list on a daily basis and now we’ve got “Special Master” Steven Adamowski.When it comes to conflicts of interests; you’ve got your straight up “conflict of interest”, your “appearance of ... more »
WISCONSIN GOVERNOR DELIVERS A BLOW TO TEACHERS WHO HOLD MASTER’S DEGREES « Teachers Fight Back
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WISCONSIN GOVERNOR DELIVERS A BLOW TO TEACHERS WHO HOLD MASTER’S DEGREES « Teachers Fight Back: WISCONSIN GOVERNOR DELIVERS A BLOW TO TEACHERS WHO HOLD MASTER’S DEGREESbyalkleenThis Wisconsin governor is UNBELIEVABLE ! Gov. Scott Walker has reshaped a rule to lower inflation-based raises that public unions can negotiate for teachers in public schools. The rule change wouldn’t use an individual’s actual salary as a “base salary” to calculate raises and would exclude factors such as a teacher’s higher degree.For instance, a ... more »
What America Owes In Student Loans : Planet Money : NPR #soschat
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What America Owes In Student Loans : Planet Money : NPR: What America Owes In Student LoansTotal student debt has gone through the roof. But the average debt per college grad has gone up much more slowly. See our earlier entries in this series:What America Sells To The World,What America Does For Work,What America BuysandWhat America Pays in Taxes The amount of student debt being taken on every year hasbeen rising rapidlyfor years now. You probably know these things already. ... more »
The Politics of Education – Dueling Budgets
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The Politics of Education – Dueling Budgets: The Politics of Education – Dueling BudgetsMONDAY, APRIL 23RD, 2012 AT 11:46 AMThis weekend, I was on CNN to speak about President Obama’s and Representative Ryan’s dueling budget proposals, and asked to comment on which of the two lighted the surer path to true education reform. See for yourself:
Shanker Blog » The Allure Of Teacher Quality
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Shanker Blog » The Allure Of Teacher Quality: The Allure Of Teacher QualitybyMatthew Di Carlo Those following education know that policy focused on “teacher quality” is by far the dominant paradigm for improving schools over the past few years. Some (but not nearly all) components of this all-hands-on-deck effort are perplexing to many teachers, and have generated quite a bit of pushback. No matter one’s opinion of this approach, however, what drives it is the tantalizing allure of variation in ... more »
Burbank educator named National Teacher of the Year - LA Daily News
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Burbank educator named National Teacher of the Year - LA Daily News: Burbank educator named National Teacher of the YearByBarbara Jones, Staff WriterPosted: 04/23/2012 07:48:56 AM PDTUpdated: 04/23/2012 08:27:28 AM PDTFILE PHOTO: Luther Burbank Middle School teacher Rebecca Mieliwocki teaches a 7th-grade English class in 2011. She was named National Teacher of the Year. (Andy Holzman/Daily News Staff Photographer) ((ANDY HOLZMAN/LA DAILY NEWS))Rebecca Mieliwocki, a 7th grade teacher at Burbank Middle School in Burbank was named today as National Teacher ... more »
FCMAT » California Education Headlines
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FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis Management Assistance Team: Monday, April 23, 2012Lottery fever not a big windfall for local schoolsLast month's $640 million Mega Millions lottery jackpot ---- and the ticket-buying fervor that led up to it ---- poured big bucks into the state's educational coffers, but won't have much of an effect on local classrooms, officials said.LAUSD chief wants to keep health class as graduation requirementLos Angeles Unified Superintendent John Deasy said Friday that health-education class should remain a requirement ... more »
Departments of Education and Justice Reach Settlement with Boston School Committee to Ensure Equal Opportunities for ELL Students | U.S. Department of Education
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Departments of Education and Justice Reach Settlement with Boston School Committee to Ensure Equal Opportunities for ELL Students | U.S. Department of Education: Departments of Education and Justice Reach Settlement with Boston School Committee to Ensure Equal Opportunities for ELL StudentsAPRIL 23, 2012Contact:Education Department, (202) 401-1576Justice Department, 202-514-2007WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Education with the U.S. Department of Justice reached agreement with the Boston School Committee, the governing body of the Boston Public Schools, and its superintendent to... more »
Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Superintendent Selection Process
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Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Superintendent Selection Process: The Superintendent Selection ProcessbyCharlie MasIn the end, the Board chooses the superintendent. This is pretty much the Board's most important duty and they are responsible for it. They have to make the choice. Not only that, but they have to determine their process for making the choice. When it comes to everyone else working in the District, the readers and writers on this blog generally support autonomy and oppose micromanagement. We want ... more »