James Baldwin said it best:
"For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."
A Big Education Ape Nite Cap
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Fighting Back For Our Schools - It Works!
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Fighting Back For Our Schools - It Works!: Fighting Back For Our Schools - It Works! by Melissa Westbrook On the heels of Seattle public school parents pushback of a new transportation plan (pushed without input or announcement from/to parents), we have some other winning strategies. *The Alabama Legislature, fighting back against a far-reaching charter school bill, defeated it today with just one day left in their regular session.* Alabama is one of the mighty nine states to say no to charters. From AL.com: *Dr. Henry Mabry, executive secretar... more »
Ed Roundup for 5-11-12 - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education)
Ed Roundup for 5-11-12 - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education): Education Roundup for Week Ending May 11, 2012 SACRAMENTO—The California Department of Education (CDE) today issued this week's Education Roundup of education-related announcements of public interest. Deadline Approaches for Schools to Apply for Perkins Funds on New Online System The CDE's Career and College Transition Division has created a new online tool to help local educational agencies apply for Carl D. Perkins Career & Technical Education 2012-13 funding before the 5 p.m. June 1 deadline. The Perkins Grant Management ... more »
Missouri Education Watchdog: ALEC's Decision on Common Core Standards a Pig-Headed Decision?
Missouri Education Watchdog: ALEC's Decision on Common Core Standards a Pig-Headed Decision?: ALEC's Decision on Common Core Standards a Pig-Headed Decision? by stlgretchen ALEC's decision on the anti-Common Core standards issue It's a decision that isn't really a decision. h/t Big Education Ape: American Principle's Project press release on the ALEC vote today on anti-common core standards legislation. *Washington, DC – Today, the board of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), after considering anti-Common Core legislation introduced by the American Principles Pro... more »
Word is that there will be a pension bill next week. « Fred Klonsky
Word is that there will be a pension bill next week. « Fred Klonsky: Word is that there will be a pension bill next week. by Fred Klonsky Popout Word is circulating that there will be a bill put before the Illinois General Assembly next week. Will it increase teacher contributions? Will it move the eligibility age to 67? Will it reduce or eliminate the COLA? Will it shift the share of the obligation that the state has to local districts? Yes? Some?All four? Even worse? In any case, IEA’s Government Relations Director Jim Reed is warning that the bill can move quickly. He has called on... more »
solidaridad: Save LAUSD Adult Education Community Fair May 12, 2012
solidaridad: Save LAUSD Adult Education Community Fair May 12, 2012: Save LAUSD Adult Education Community Fair May 12, 2012 Save LAUSD Adult Education Community Fair May 12, 2012 * * *A COMMUNITY FAIR TO SAVE ADULT EDUCATION* Saturday, May 12, 2012 12 noon to 4:00 pm MacArthur Park (corner of 7th and Park View) Saveadulted.org *savingadulted@yahoo.com* 213.505.2213 Unprecedented attacks call for unprecedented resistance. Superintendant John Deasy, School Board President Monica Garcia, and other “leaders” are rolling back the HUMAN RIGHT to Adult Education, with plans to summarily shu... more »
Agenda May 24 and 25, 2012 - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education)
Agenda May 24 and 25, 2012 - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education): Agenda May 24 and 25, 2012Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda. ------------------------------ Advisory Commission on Special Education Members Kristin Wright, Chair Feda Almaliti Janice Brown Maureen Burness Kenneth Denman Diane Fazzi Morena de Grimaldi Betty Karnette Susan Martinez Laurie Newton Tomislav Peraic Naomi Rainey Laureen Sills James Woodhead Student Members Alexa McBride Matthew Stacy Legislative Members Carol Liu, Senate Joan Buchanan, Assembly State Board of Education ... more »
Is asking about secrets a good way to prod kids to write? | Get Schooled
Is asking about secrets a good way to prod kids to write? | Get Schooled: Is asking about secrets a good way to prod kids to write? 7:05 pm May 11, 2012, by Maureen Downey A New Jersey parent complained about a question on a state exam that asked third-graders to write about a secret and why it was hard to keep. His complaints have led the state to re-evaluate the use of the question. This is the second news story in recent weeks about the integrity of a test question on a standardized exam. A few weeks ago, there was an outcry about a question on an 8th New York reading exam that as... more »
Jersey Jazzman: Massive Tenure Hypocrisy, Moran Style!
Jersey Jazzman: Massive Tenure Hypocrisy, Moran Style!: Massive Tenure Hypocrisy, Moran Style! by Duke Tom Moran, Op-Ed Editor for the largest newspaper in New Jersey, continues to dig a deeper hole for himself: It was a relief when acting Education Commissioner Chris Cerf came to the rescue of Perth Amboy’s embattled superintendent, Janine Caffrey, by reinstating her to her job. The school board was way out of line in removing Caffrey in the first place. To get the flavor of this fight, know that the man leading the charge against her, board president Samuel Lebreault, is under ... more »
Investing in Healthy Recess to Nurture the Whole Child — Whole Child Education
Investing in Healthy Recess to Nurture the Whole Child — Whole Child Education: Investing in Healthy Recess to Nurture the Whole Child by ASCD Whole Child Bloggers *Post submitted by Jill Vialet, founder and CEO of whole child partner Playworks* A healthy, positive school environment transcends what goes on in the classroom. In fact, what happens at recess holds a critical key to developing the whole child. A school that provides time and space for students to run, talk, and play helps to ensure every child is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged. Experience and resea... more »
Troubling: ALEC Delays Decision on ‘Common Core’ Education Standards American Principles Project
American Principles Project: *Troubling’ Decision Plays into Multi-Billion Dollar Entities* [image: ‘Common Core’ Education Fight to Test ALEC’s Conservative Chops] *Washington, DC* – Today, the board of the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC), after considering anti-Common Core legislation introduced by the *American Principles Project (APP)*, Goldwater Institute and the Washington Policy Center last summer, delayed a decision on whether to endorse the legislation until their next meeting. “ALEC’s delay in endorsing the resolution is troubling and plays into the strateg... more »
Danger signs of a diploma mill | 89.3 KPCC
Danger signs of a diploma mill | 89.3 KPCC: Danger signs of a diploma mill May 10, 2012 | By Tami Abdollah 0 [image: In a picture taken on May 26, 2010 Chine] AFP/AFP/Getty Images If you're worried that a private postsecondary school you are considering might be a "diploma mill," here are some warning signs. In general, the institutions are unaccredited, operate for-profit, grant academic degrees and offer substandard or minimal teaching, with little, if any, work or evidence of competency, said Steve Boilard, managing principal analyst for education at the Legislative Analyst's O... more »
Frerichs to meet with voters | Davis Enterprise
Frerichs to meet with voters | Davis Enterprise: Frerichs to meet with voters by The Associated Press Lucas Frerichs, candidate for Davis City Council, will meet voters at three neighborhood gatherings next week. At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, he will meet voters at Dos Pinos Community Room, 2550 Sycamore Lane in Davis. The event is hosted by Elizabeth Fulmer, Kate Raymond and Corinne Cooke. In addition to talking with voters and answering questions, there will be music by Kristine Hagar, former Davis Idol winner and Jazz Choir alumna. On Friday, May 18, Jonathan Clay and Heather Lauter-... more »
A Request to Make the Pearson Tests Public – SchoolBook
A Request to Make the Pearson Tests Public – SchoolBook: A Request to Make the Pearson Tests Public by John Albin I am the parent of an elementary school student in New York City, and even though my son is only in first grade and not yet taking statewide tests, the impact of the city and state’s testing policies are felt in his classroom. At my son’s school, test prep began in kindergarten and has ratcheted up a notch or two in first grade, clearly shaping the work the children do. This has come at the cost of the more exploratory and play-centered sorts of things that I did in my ... more »
Help Save the Newspaper By and For L.A. Teenagers - GOOD Projects - GOOD
Help Save the Newspaper By and For L.A. Teenagers - GOOD Projects - GOOD: Help Save the Newspaper By and For L.A. Teenagers by GOOD Projects Popout *L.A. Youth* needs your help. The nonprofit newspaper, established in 1988 as a voice by and for Los Angeles teenagers, is facing a tough financial struggle. We're asking the GOOD community to support a project that serves a community of more than 350,000 young writers, artists, photographers, and readers—kids who typically lack a productive forum for sharing their perspectives and creativity. If *L.A. Youth* is unable to raise $500,000 ...more »
'I Hope My Parenting Is Never Judged...' - Entertainment - The Atlantic Wire
'I Hope My Parenting Is Never Judged...' - Entertainment - The Atlantic Wire: 'I Hope My Parenting Is Never Judged...' NBC - - - - [image: Share] Share - Print article - Email article - [image: Comments] Comment ADAM MARTIN5:33 PM ET Sometimes it's the simple points that we need to be reminded of most, which commenters demonstrated in their responses to Jen Doll's post on that "attachment child" featured Friday morning on The *Today* Show. The kid, Aram Grumet, was a handful on the show, Doll pointed out: "But the other 'elephant in the room'—the thing you... more »
NYC Public School Parents: Last day of Teacher Appreciation Week; how did our leaders express themselves?
NYC Public School Parents: Last day of Teacher Appreciation Week; how did our leaders express themselves?: Last day of Teacher Appreciation Week; how did our leaders express themselves? by Leonie Haimson This is the last day of Teacher Appreciation Week. Chancellor Walcott sent hisappreciation in a backhanded fashion in the*Principals Weekly*: I believe the best way I can show my appreciation is to support you actively in our critical work, and that’s why I’m pleased to share the 2012-13 citywide instructional expectations with you. Our multi-year plan to implement the Common Co... more »
Presidential Proclamation -- Mother's Day, 2012 | The White House
Presidential Proclamation -- Mother's Day, 2012 | The White House: Presidential Proclamation -- Mother's Day, 2012 MOTHER'S DAY, 2012 - - - - - - - BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA A PROCLAMATION Mothers are cornerstones of our families and our communities. On Mother's Day, we honor the remarkable women who strive and sacrifice every day to ensure their children have every opportunity to pursue their dreams. Our Nation first came together to celebrate Mother's Day on May 11, 1913, with the introduction of a House Resolution requesting President Woodrow Wilson, Member... more »
UC Report: How To Avoid Violent Altercations With Protesters in the Future - Davis, CA Patch
UC Report: How To Avoid Violent Altercations With Protesters in the Future - Davis, CA Patch: UC Report: How To Avoid Violent Altercations With Protesters in the Future If the UC system improves one thing to avoid future violent confrontations with student protesters, it should be communications. That’s according to a report released Friday, written by Christopher Edley Jr., the dean of Berkeley Law, and Charles Robinson, the UC system's vice president and general counsel. “Back in November, videos of campus police striking student demonstrators with batons at UC Berkeley and using ... more »
OCCUPY EDUCATION - School: An institution that prepares young people...
OCCUPY EDUCATION - School: An institution that prepares young people...: School: An institution that prepares young people for a life of... School: An institution that prepares young people for a life of freedom and democracy without letting them partake in either.
StudentsFirst Tries, Fails to be a Real Grassroots Organization | Fired Up! Missouri
StudentsFirst Tries, Fails to be a Real Grassroots Organization | Fired Up! Missouri: StudentsFirst Tries, Fails to be a Real Grassroots Organization Submitted by Parker on May 11, 2012 - 11:47am *StudentsFirst*, a national front group founded by former Washington DC Schools Chancellor *Michelle Rhee*, recently landed in Jefferson City to push union busting, anti-education legislation in the Missouri General Assembly. Most recently, StudentsFirst was behind HB 1526, a bill which will all but eliminate teacher tenure in Missouri; ignore certification, experience and a teacher commi... more »
Teacher Performance Assessment Under Scrutiny - Teacher Beat - Education Week
Teacher Performance Assessment Under Scrutiny - Teacher Beat - Education Week: Teacher Performance Assessment Under Scrutiny by Stephen Sawchuk *Go to Parents Across America.* A column from *The New York Times* takes aim at the Teacher Performance Assessment, a performance-based licensing test that about 200 teacher preparation programs across 25 states are now piloting. In essence, the story says that a number of students and faculty at the University of Massachusetts are refusing to participate because they don't like that Pearson, the New York City-based educational publishing... more »
Finding Common Ground to Build the Movement Against High Stakes Tests - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher
Finding Common Ground to Build the Movement Against High Stakes Tests - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: Finding Common Ground to Build the Movement Against High Stakes Tests by Anthony Cody One of the oldest problems with the left or progressive movement is our tendency to drag ourselves down through internal struggle over who has the most correct political line. We are seeing some of this dynamic emerge in the movement against high stakes testing. Perhaps it is a coming of age - a sign of our success - that we have a strong enough movement that people are taking these... more »
LAUSD'S Illlusory New A-G Graduation Requirements (Video #7) - Perdaily.com
LAUSD'S Illlusory New A-G Graduation Requirements (Video #7) - Perdaily.com: LAUSD'S Illlusory New A-G Graduation Requirements (Video #7) by Leonard Isenberg [image: A-G Requirements.jpg] *(Mensaje se repite en Español) (For a national view of public education reform see the end of this blog post) *Several days ago the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board voted to lessen the number of units necessary to graduate from high school, while at the same time requiring all students at LAUSD to fulfill the A-G college preparatory requirements if they wanted to graduate. At the... more »
Randi Weingarten: Teacher Appreciation -- More Than Just a Week?
Randi Weingarten: Teacher Appreciation -- More Than Just a Week?: Teacher Appreciation -- More Than Just a Week? There have been countless wonderful tributes to teachers over the course of this Teacher Appreciation Week. Like many others who have given shout outs to teachers this week -- I've thought of Mr. Swift and Ms. Gaffney -- teachers who made a huge difference in my life. Teachers deserve these accolades and more. There is nothing nobler than to be a teacher -- it is an ongoing act of service that empowers our children and shapes our future. In return, the primary things... more »
If pineapples could speak…New York Teacher | Edwize
New York Teacher | Edwize: New York Teacher by W.J. Levay [image: New York Teacher, May 10, 2012] Highlights from the May 10 issue of *New York Teacher*: If pineapples could speak… What teachers have been saying for years about the content on state ELA tests has finally resonated with journalists, professors and even the state education commissioner. After 8th-graders voiced their bewilderment over the questions on this year’s infamous “Hare and the Pineapple” passage, Commissioner John King struck it from the test. Final budget includes money for more teachers Mayor Bloomberg’s fina... more »
Same-Sex Marriage, Behind the Numbers « Student Activism
Same-Sex Marriage, Behind the Numbers « Student Activism: Same-Sex Marriage, Behind the Numbers by Angus Johnston In all the conversation around Barack Obama’s announcement that he now supports same-sex marriage, one thing is often forgotten: just how *quickly* public opinion is shifting on this issue. It’s often been reported, for instance, that black Americans oppose same-sex marriage by a 49-39 margin. What’s less often mentioned is that that figure, from April of this year, represents a 27-point tightening from 2008, when 63% of blacks opposed same-sex marriage, and only 26% su... more »
Louisiana Educator: Public to Public Vouchers Only First of Many Failures
Louisiana Educator: Public to Public Vouchers Only First of Many Failures: Public to Public Vouchers Only First of Many Failures by Michael Deshotels Part of the Jindal reform legislation is supposed to allow students in so called D and F schools to have an opportunity to transfer to other public schools in a different public system that has achieved a rating of B or better. The problem is that the receiving school system must first agree to offer seats to such students. The Zachary school system had initially offered to accept 30 such voucher students for the 2012-13 school year,... more »
Inspiring the Next Generation of AAPI Public Servants | ED.gov Blog
Inspiring the Next Generation of AAPI Public Servants | ED.gov Blog: Inspiring the Next Generation of AAPI Public Servants Posted on May 11, 2012 by Guest Blogger *Cross-posted from the White House Blog.* * * * * When I ask my Dad about his childhood, he has little to say. He says he grew up poor in a small Koreatown in rural Manchuria. His father was a logger. He was the youngest of seven children. That, to him, is pretty much all there is to tell. But there’s much more to his story. With support from his family, he moved to Seoul in 1955 – just two years after the end to the K... more »
Children's Budget Summit 2012 | First Focus
Children's Budget Summit 2012 | First Focus: [image: First Focus - Making Childen and Families the Priority] Children's Budget Summit 2012 *Date:* June 27, 2012 *Time:* 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM *Location:* U.S. Capitol Visitor Center Congressional Auditorium Washington, District of Columbia 20510 *Download the event details for:* How did children fare in the federal fiscal year 2012 budget and appropriations? What can Congress and the Administration do to protect kids during tough economic times? Join First Focus on *Wednesday, June 27* for the *2012 Children's Budget Summit*. Speakers... more »
Daily Kos: Profiles in Courage, the Jimmy Carter Edition
Daily Kos: Profiles in Courage, the Jimmy Carter Edition: Profiles in Courage, the Jimmy Carter Edition by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) Mitt Romney, in trying to diminish the impact of the NBC special on Barack Obama's ordering the mission against Bin Laden, sneered "“Even Jimmy Carter would have given that order." Now there is a rejoinder at Bloomberg View to Mitt Romney, from Gerald Rafshoon, who was White House Communications Director in the Clinton White House. It is a piece well worth reading, as one might realize from its opening: I’m fairly sure that Jimmy Carter is the... more »
State exam asks N.J. 3rd graders to write essay on secret they had kept | NJ.com
State exam asks N.J. 3rd graders to write essay on secret they had kept | NJ.com: State exam asks N.J. 3rd graders to write essay on secret they had kept by Jessica Calefati/The Star-Ledger Roughly 4,000 third graders who took state standardized tests in recent weeks were asked to write an essay question about a secret they had kept, a spokesman for the Department of Education said. The essay prompt is considered a "field question," said the spokesman Justin Barra, meaning it does not count toward students' scores on the exam. Barra would not, however, provide the exact wording o...more »
High KIPP attrition must be part of San Francisco discussion « Parents Across America
High KIPP attrition must be part of San Francisco discussion « Parents Across America: High KIPP attrition must be part of San Francisco discussion by CarolineSF The KIPP charter school chain, which operates two charter middle schools here in San Francisco, is applying to open a high school. This is a local issue, but relates to similar situations that are widely discussed in other parts of the country. I’m posting figures on attrition from the existing KIPP middle schools. The number indicates students who left and were not replaced. A 2008 study of the (then-existing) Bay Are... more »
Quebec Students Demand Education as a Right, Continue Strike | Dissident Voice
Quebec Students Demand Education as a Right, Continue Strike | Dissident Voice: Quebec Students Demand Education as a Right, Continue Strike by The Real News Network (TRNN) University students in Quebec are striking against the right-wing provincial government’s attempt to increase tuition rates. Police have been violently clamping down on the student protests. One Quebec student organization has come up with four proposals to reduce spending on post-secondary education, so that students are not burdened by rising education costs. Gabrielle Nadeau Dubois, a Quebec student organizer ... more »
Daily Kos: Janus: God of Politics?
Daily Kos: Janus: God of Politics?: Janus: God of Politics? by rss@dailykos.com (plthomasEdD) Janus, of Roman mythology, is the source for the first month of the calendar year, January. But Janus is also a two-faced god, thus developing a negative connotation with hypocrisy and deception. In 2012, and notably in the context of the education reform debate, Janus would rightly be the god of politics. Throughout President Obama's term as president, Education Secretary Arne Duncan has personified the two-faced political leadership that plagues education policy. While Duncan couches ... more »
Breakfast in Bed is Nice, but a Seat at the Table is Invaluable. « MomsRising Blog
Breakfast in Bed is Nice, but a Seat at the Table is Invaluable. « MomsRising Blog: [image: Miriam Feffer] Breakfast in Bed is Nice, but a Seat at the Table is Invaluable.Posted May 11th, 2012 by Miriam Feffer Meet Annie Spiegelman, a Bay Area mom who blogs as “The Dirt Diva” on matters of love, gardening, and cultivating a healthy planet. Just in time for Mother’s Day, Annie shares her interview with Rachel’s Network Co-Director Laurie Syms on the evidence that women in Congress, regardless of party, support the environment at rates that outpace their male counterparts. A Rachel’... more »
UC Berkeley Seals Off Occupied Campus Farm « Student Activism
UC Berkeley Seals Off Occupied Campus Farm « Student Activism: UC Berkeley Seals Off Occupied Campus Farm by Angus Johnston University of California administrators have been moving on several different fronts this week to end the occupation of the Gill Tract, a 15-acre experimental farm not far from the UC Berkeley campus. Activists have been occupying the farm since April 22. As one occupation organizer puts it, The University of California’s public mission as a Land Grant institution is to promote community involvement and initiatives in agriculture. Nonetheless, institutional a... more »
Teacher Depreciation Week | OurFuture.org
Teacher Depreciation Week | OurFuture.org: Teacher Depreciation Week by Jeff Bryant It was Teacher Appreciation Week this week. Unfortunately, someone forgot the appreciation part. President Obama, for one, kicked off the week by proclaiming that from now on the week would also (instead?) be forever known as *National Charter Schools Week.* Declaring charters to be "incubators of innovations," the president *praised * charter schools for having "brought new ideas to the work of educating our sons and daughters." Apparently, no one had sent the president the memo that charter school... more »
The Innovative Educator: Free Speech in the Digital Age –the Hive NYC 1st Amendment Hack Jam
The Innovative Educator: Free Speech in the Digital Age –the Hive NYC 1st Amendment Hack Jam: Free Speech in the Digital Age –the Hive NYC 1st Amendment Hack Jam by noreply@blogger.com (Lisa Nielsen) Guest post by ldecoursy On Saturday, May 12th (tomorrow) from 1-5pm at the West Side YMCA there will be Hive's first 1st Amendment Hack Jam! It’s a free event for tweens and teens to explore and exercise their constitutional rights. We’ve partnered with The American Constitution Society to extend their Constitution in the Classroom program by taking it out of the classroom and examin...more »
Mitt Romney’s Bully Problem « Student Activism
Mitt Romney’s Bully Problem « Student Activism: Mitt Romney’s Bully Problem by Angus Johnston Mitt Romney has a problem. Yesterday the Washington Post reported that in 1965, when he was a high school senior, Romney organized a group of his fellow students in a physical assault on a gay classmate, John Lauber. When Lauber, who was closeted at the time, appeared on campus one spring wearing his hair longer than usual, and dyed blond, Romney reportedly put together a posse who grabbed him and held him down, screaming and crying, while Romney cut his hair with a pair of scissors. Fou... more »
A failing school and a failure of leadership on LAUSD board - latimes.com
A failing school and a failure of leadership on LAUSD board - latimes.com: When a charter school is failingAcademia Semillas del Pueblo is an ambitious charter school run by dedicated educators, but when students aren't learning the basics, change is in order. The Los Angeles Unified school board did an injustice to hundreds of students and to the school reform movement when it overrode the recommendation of its staff and decided not to close a low-performing charter school. Academia Semillas del Pueblo in El Sereno is run by dedicated educators who are striving to provide their ki... more »
"Road to Broad" Explore Superintendent Mike Miles' 'Destination 2020,' his ambitious plan to overhaul DISD | Dallas ISD Blog | dallasnews.com
Explore Superintendent Mike Miles' 'Destination 2020,' his ambitious plan to overhaul DISD | Dallas ISD Blog | dallasnews.com: Explore Superintendent Mike Miles' 'Destination 2020,' his ambitious plan to overhaul DISD By Matthew Haag/Reporter On today's front page, we looked at New DISD Superintendent Mike Miles' ambitious plan to overhaul the district. If followed, he said, the roadmap will guide Dallas ISD to become one of the country's best. If such lofty goals -- for instance, a 90 percent graduation rate by 2020 -- sounds familiar, it should. Superintendents before Mi... more »
Pension fatigue? « Fred Klonsky
Pension fatigue? « Fred Klonsky: Rahm organizes a mob of pension killers each will of whom will receive a pension. by Fred Klonsky The Tribune reported that Rahm gathered a mob of local mayors at a press conference to call for breaking the pension promise, the contract with public employees. Mayor Daley left Chicago City Hall collecting $180,000 a year on his mayoral and other public pensions. A teacher in Illinois receives on the average of $46,000. Many receive less than $20,000 a year. No social security, even if they are fully vested. Zorn and Brown on pensions. Round 3. by... more »
Walker’s Treachery Exposed Once Again « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
Walker’s Treachery Exposed Once Again « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: Walker’s Treachery Exposed Once Again by millerlf *(View Walker telling Beloit Billionaire that he will make Wisconsin a non-union state using “divide and conquer” tactics:* * http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/in-film-walker-talks-of-divide-and-conquer-strategy-with-unions-8o57h6f-151049555.html )* *Milwaukee Journal Sentinel 5/11/12*** *Madison *- A filmmaker released a video Thursday that shows Gov. Scott Walker saying he would use “divide and conquer” as a strategy against unions. Walker... more »
Modern School: Illegal Strike Looming in Detroit?
Modern School: Illegal Strike Looming in Detroit?: Illegal Strike Looming in Detroit? by Michael Dunn Public sector workers in Michigan are forbidden by law from striking, yet several Detroit municipal unions are considering strikes as Mayor Bing plans to eviscerate them by extracting devastating concessions and cutting more than 2,500 city jobs (25% of the total), according to the Daily Finance. His goal is to avoid being taken over by an emergency financial managerwho would have the ability to rip up collective bargaining agreements and fire the mayor and city council. The conce... more »
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm is soooo happy...
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm is soooo happy...: Rahm is soooo happy... by Mike Klonsky *"This is the job I’ve wanted. This is the happiest I’ve ever been in public life." * -- *Rahm Emanuel* Yes it's *viva la vida* for the little autocrat. Closing schools and turning them over to his turnaround cronies at AUSL. Running down to Springfield to lead a fight to cut teachers' pensions and health care for the elderly. Closing libraries and mental health clinics. Busting the unions. Entertaining the NATO war makers at taxpayer expense. Yes, life is just one big party for the mayor... more »
Who is Hooking Up Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee
Michelle Rhee Connection Map: Michelle Rhee Connection Map A map of interlocking relationships as they relate to Michelle Rhee's appointment and tenure as Chancellor of DC Public Schools, with a focus on the influence of those oligarchs who are funding and pressing for corporate education reform. Michelle Rhee Connection Map
Federal appeals court OKs teachers in training
Federal appeals court OKs teachers in training: Federal appeals court OKs teachers in training Bob Egelko Friday, May 11, 2012 ------------------------------ PrintE-mailShareComments (0)Font | Size: ------------------------------ 0 MORE EDUCATION - Leslie Wong is named president of S.F. State 05.11.12 - CSU presidents' big raises to be paid by foundation 05.10.12 - UC proposing to raise tuition again - 6% in fall 05.09.12 Thousands of teachers in training in California can remain in their classrooms and be regularly assigned to low-income and minority areas at least thro... more »
California seeks to dump Adequate Yearly Progress | Thoughts on Public Education
California seeks to dump Adequate Yearly Progress | Thoughts on Public Education: California seeks to dump Adequate Yearly Progress - by Kathryn Baron by Kathryn Baron Three months ago, California’s proposal for a waiver from parts of the No Child Left Behind law was *considered so weak* that critics said it wouldn’t pass the federal government’s giggle test. Yesterday, the State Board of Education approved sending a more robust *waiver request* to Washington, although not through the same channels as most other states. At issue is the part of NCLB (now commonly referred to by its o... more »
Daily Kos: Obama's statement - what my students thought
Daily Kos: Obama's statement - what my students thought: Obama's statement - what my students thought by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) As it happens, we had explored the issues surrounding marriage equality in my two non-AP classes on Tuesday, given the VPs statement on Meet the Press, Duncan's statement Monday, and the vote in NC on Tuesday. The notes I had on the board for those two classes were also up during my AP classes, which run consecutively periods 3-4-5-6 (the regular classes are 1 and 8), so while the AP students were doing something else, most had noticed the note... more »
A Misleading Poll Question about Closing Schools « Diane Ravitch's blog
A Misleading Poll Question about Closing Schools « Diane Ravitch's blog: A Misleading Poll Question about Closing Schools by dianerav GothamSchools this morning reports a new poll this morning, which includes a question about Mayor Bloomberg’s policy of closing schools with low test scores. The poll showed rejection of mayoral control, as is now typical, but the closing-schools question was worded in peculiar fashion. Instead of asking, “Do you approve or disapprove of the mayor’s policy of closing schools” or in some relatively neutral way, the poll posed this alternative: “Mayor... more »
Chinese students use IV amino acids to study for high-stakes tests - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post
Chinese students use IV amino acids to study for high-stakes tests - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: Chinese students use IV amino acids to study for high-stakes tests by Valerie Strauss How’s this for extreme? Students at a Chinese high school hooked themselves up intravenously — with the help of teachers — to amino acid supplement drips to study for high-stakes exams in an effort to boost their performance. Read full article >> Teachers: Tell us what you’re doing this summer by Valerie Strauss Calling all teachers: Are you planning to work at a summer job when school get... more »
A Fantasy Public Statement | Taking Note
A Fantasy Public Statement | Taking Note: A Fantasy Public Statement by John Merrow The time for more prominent voices is now. Last week I wrote about a grim reality: the murder of young students in New Orleans. This week I turn to what is probably a fantasy: the idea that our most influential educators would speak out against this stain on our culture and threat to our future. That raises two questions: 1) Who are America’s most prominent and influential educators? 2) What could they possibly agree to say publicly that would go beyond generalities and grab the nation’s attention? ... more »
Unacceptable Bias From BOE Chair Kathleen Shanahan in Favor of Charter Schools | Scathing Purple Musings
Unacceptable Bias From BOE Chair Kathleen Shanahan in Favor of Charter Schools | Scathing Purple Musings: Unacceptable Bias From BOE Chair Kathleen Shanahan in Favor of Charter Schools by Bob Sikes [image: Charter Schools - Dividing Communities since 1991] *The Florida Current* has a follow-up article on the decision of the Florida Board of Education to overrule local school boards on five charter school applications. *Current* reporter Gray Rohrer, spoke with Chair Kathleen Shanahan, who wasn’t afraid of demonstrating her clear favoritism for charter schools. The state Board o... more »
#ChicagoSpring: Occupy NATO May 12-21 Full Schedule | OccupyWallSt.org
#ChicagoSpring: Occupy NATO May 12-21 Full Schedule | OccupyWallSt.org: #ChicagoSpring: Occupy NATO May 12-21 Full Schedule by OccupyWallSt [image: chicago spring] *via ChicagoSpring.org* On May 19, Mayor 1% Emanuel will bring to Chicago military and civilian representatives of the 28-nation US-commanded and largely US-financed North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and heads of state and finance ministers of the G-8 world economic powers. They meet on behalf of the 1% of the world, the rich and the powerful, the bankers and generals. Their agenda is to continue to impose austerit... more »
NYC Educator: President Obama Makes a Stand, Sort Of
NYC Educator: President Obama Makes a Stand, Sort Of: President Obama Makes a Stand, Sort Of by NYC Educator President Obama made a historic announcement supporting same-sex marriage the other day. I agree. Why on earth is it any of my business, or yours, who marries whom? So good for you, President Obama. Yet there's this: * * *The president stressed that this is a personal position, and that he still supports the concept of states deciding the issue on their own. * So if your state is inclined toward narrow-mindedness and bigotry, this President is okay with that. You can vote f... more »
Jersey Jazzman: Fresh Jersey Pineapples
Jersey Jazzman: Fresh Jersey Pineapples: Fresh Jersey Pineapples by Duke We've all heard about the ridiculous question about a pineapple and a hare that showed up on this year's New York 8th Grade state exam. Pineapplegate, I'm afraid, is only going to be the tip of the iceberg (lettuce?). Gary Rubinstein, for example, has been analyzing the many flaws in New York's math exams. Let's add this example in New Jersey to the growing list: Can you keep a secret? Apparently, some third-graders in Marlboro K-8 public schools couldn’t: They were asked on the New Jersey Assessment of Ski... more »
Unions, parents blast school austerity plans - Philly.com
Unions, parents blast school austerity plans - Philly.com: Unions, parents blast school austerity plans May 10, 2012|By Troy Graham, INQUIRER STAFF WRITER - - - Share on emailShare on printShare on redditMore Sharing Services - - - - - [image: Councilman Jim Kenney asks a question during Tuesday's session. He was concerned about tax burdens.] Councilman Jim Kenney asks a question during Tuesday's session. He was concerned… (DAVID MAIALETTI / Staff…) A coalition led by parent groups and Philadelphia school employee unions ... more »
Thank You Teacher 2012 - California Teachers Association
Thank You Teacher 2012 - California Teachers Association: THANK YOU TEACHER 2012 To celebrate the 30th annual California Day of the Teacher, educators took the opportunity to say "thank your" to their teachers. Below you’ll find a selection of these. Want CTA to publish your "thank you"?Submit your comments today. *Ellen Doskey*Thank you Miss Edwards for introducing me to Shakespeare when I was in high school. I love him to this day. *Amy McHenry*Ms. McHenry, thank you for being an inspiration. You were and are an incredible math teacher and I am blessed to be able to work with you ... more »
Big Education Ape Nite Cap UPDATE 5-9-12 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2
*UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* *BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK AM POSTS* *BEFORE NOON HONEST!* * * * * * * NY's sorry results for NAEP science, released today by Leonie Haimson * Some observations from the just-released NAEP Grade 8 Science Report Cards of **2011,** as opposed to the results in 2009:* - The percentage of NY students who were identified as proficient or advanced fell from 31 to 29 percent. - The average score remained the same, at 149, while the national average rose from 149 in 2009 to 151 in 2011 -- NY state appears to be losing ground ... more »
