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
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: IN THE MAILBOX
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: IN THE MAILBOX: IN THE MAILBOX by Mike Klonsky Hi, You may be hearing the same things we are. But if not, I thought I would share. The CPS Board of Ed monthly meeting has been moved at the last minute from next Wednesday to Tuesday. George Schmidt of Substance News has said that the BOE will be approving many no-bid contracts on Tuesday in an attempt to bankrupt the budget. One of the first pieces to go private will be early childhood ed. I feel that connected to this is the latest requirement that 3 year-old children will be given standardized tes... more »
Memories. Nine years ago we went on strike. « Fred Klonsky
Memories. Nine years ago we went on strike. « Fred Klonsky: Memories. Nine years ago we went on strike. SEPTEMBER 22, 2012 This past week’s Chicago teacher strike brought back memories of November, 2003 when my own local, the Park Ridge Education Association, went on strike for the first time in 25 years. The issues were fair compensation and the cost burden of health insurance for teachers with families. We were on strike for a week. It was a difficult time for both families and teachers The resulting contract meant that the district has been able to attract terrific teachers. Sinc... more »
The Weekly Update: Edu Bully Kevin Huffman in Tennessee, a few last words about the teachers’ strike in Chicago, cashing in on online learning and the web of ed reform | Seattle Education
The Weekly Update: Edu Bully Kevin Huffman in Tennessee, a few last words about the teachers’ strike in Chicago, cashing in on online learning and the web of ed reform | Seattle Education: The Weekly Update: Edu Bully Kevin Huffman in Tennessee, a few last words about the teachers’ strike in Chicago, cashing in on online learning and the web of ed reform by seattleducation2011 *The Weekly Update for the news and views you might have missed* One item of business first. We have to defeat charter school Initiative 1240. In the right column of this page are the organizations and promine... more »
A Week without Homework Challenge #aweekwithouthomework « Cooperative Catalyst
A Week without Homework Challenge #aweekwithouthomework « Cooperative Catalyst: A Week without Homework Challenge #aweekwithouthomework by John T. Spencer I’ve written before about my belief that homework is far more destructive than constructive. I don’t think it increases learning, adds to motivation or develops a strong work ethic. For a long time, I assigned homework out of a sense that I was “supposed to.” I never questioned it as a practice. After getting rid of it, I remained quiet on the topic. After watching my sons lose necessary playtime and learning time to do extra-d... more »
Anderson Cooper: This Teacher Has Something to Tell America… No to Parent Trigger !!! « Continuing Change
Anderson Cooper: This Teacher Has Something to Tell America… No to Parent Trigger !!! « Continuing Change: Anderson Cooper: This Teacher Has Something to Tell America… No to Parent Trigger !!! by gatorbonbc *Anderson Cooper wants teachers on his show. If you know me, you know I do not watch TV. I never even knew he had a show lol… but I applied anyway. I sent his show this statement:* *“I am a public school teacher and activist for public education. I joined with other parents and teachers around Florida last year to stop the parent trigger law. We have founded grassroots nonpro... more »
Grumpy Educators: Don't Cry for Me JC Penney.
Grumpy Educators: Don't Cry for Me JC Penney.: Don't Cry for Me JC Penney. Today I visited the local JC Penney store and happily purchased a pair of shoes on sale. What a deal! The salesperson was great, but prior to the end of the transaction asked if I wanted to donate 45 cents to Teach for America. I let her know that the question itself was upsetting to me. She gave me my receipt, told me about the online survey, and said I could voice my concern there. I did just that. Here's what I sent using the character limitations available. *Upon checkout, I was asked if I would like t... more »
DIRTY DANCING AND TEACHABLE MOMENTS « Teachers Fight Back
DIRTY DANCING AND TEACHABLE MOMENTS « Teachers Fight Back: DIRTY DANCING AND TEACHABLE MOMENTS by alkleen Students around the Chicago suburbs are rebelling against school rules designed to prevent “dirty dancing” at school dances such as Homecoming Dances. At one high school a student has organized a dance outside of the school sanctioned dance, and the school reportedly has tried to thwart the “rival” dance. The student is claiming foul, is threatening to sue, and has the backing of his parents. The student and his friends want to be able to dance the way they want and can’t und... more »
UPDATE: Diane in the Afternoon 9-22-12 What You Need to Know About NBC’s Education Nation « Diane Ravitch's blog
What You Need to Know About NBC’s Education Nation « Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Will Education Nation Choose a Teacher? by dianerav Please read Students Last, who noticed the absence of any real, actual teachers at the New York Times conference on “Schools of Tomorrow.” He says there is a rumor that NBC’s “Medication Nation” might invite a physician, to add to the panel of pharmaceutical giants. What You Need to Know About NBC’s Education Nation by dianerav This week, we will be subjected (or treated) to days of NBC’s celebration of... more »
UPDATE: Jersey Jazzman: It's All the Teachers' Fault
Jersey Jazzman: It's All the Teachers' Fault: A Suggestion For Randi Weingarten by Duke Here's some news about NBC's "Education Nation" via Diane Ravitch: Just in: An email that says, this is the panel for the parent engagement discussion at Education Nation. Maybe it is a joke. · Rep. George Miller · Randi Weingarten · Doreen Diaz, Desert Trails Parent Union (parent trigger takeover school in California) · Michelle Rhee · Joel Klein · Vanessa Bush Ford, Black Star Project/The National PTA No one should be surprised at this. Teachers are traditionally excluded from the majority of N... more »
The in box. Second cup of coffee. Glen Brown on Constitutional Amendment 49. « Fred Klonsky
The in box. Second cup of coffee. Glen Brown on Constitutional Amendment 49. « Fred Klonsky: The in box. Second cup of coffee. Glen Brown on Constitutional Amendment 49. by Fred Klonsky *Fred,* *House Joint Resolution Constitutional Amendment 49 Will Diminish Public Pensions* *…Public employees know they are victims of a tyranny by the few who lack accountability for destroying a representative democracy and a just economy in Illinois; public employees know they are victims of the corporate “We Mean Business” PAC and vast resources of money and influence committed to reforming th... more »
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day: The Service of Play | Maria Shriver | The Open Field Network
Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day: The Service of Play | Maria Shriver | The Open Field Network: Eunice Kennedy Shriver Day: The Service of Play By Maria Shriver *This article was originally featured at The Huffington Post. It's being re-published here for MariaShriver.com readers.* My mother was a warrior. No, not someone who carried a sword and went into hostilities to harm, but rather a warrior for good, and for the well-being of people with intellectual disabilities worldwide. My mother's battlefield was the Special Olympics organization she founded in 1968. Her weapons of choice were... more »
Voter ID Laws Take Aim At College-Student Voters
Voter ID Laws Take Aim At College-Student Voters: Voter ID Laws Take Aim At College-Student Voters Posted: 09/22/2012 9:39 am EDT Updated: 09/22/2012 10:16 am EDT [image: College Voter Suppresion] In Tennessee, a new law requiring voters to show photo identification at the polls explicitly excludes student IDs. In Wisconsin, college students are newly disallowed from using university-provided housing lists or corroboration from other students to verify their residence. Florida's reduction in early voting days is expected to reduce the number of young and first-time voters there. An... more »
Saturday coffee. « Fred Klonsky
Saturday coffee. « Fred Klonsky: Saturday coffee. by Fred Klonsky *Democrat Illinois House Representative Robyn Gabel. Is she crazy?* We woke to as close to the definition of a Fall day as anyone could claim. A chill in the air. A little rain. Then sun wandering behind scattered gray clouds. Chicago already knew. The leaves on the Dogwood in the backyard had given us a rusty warning signal earlier in the week. Yesterday I had coffee at Peet’s. I sat at the counter, but there was some sticky stuff. Joanne, a Peet’s employee grabbed a wet cloth. I offered to wipe it off. I laughed ... more »
Jersey Jazzman: Training America's Next Generation of Followers
Jersey Jazzman: Training America's Next Generation of Followers: Training America's Next Generation of Followers by Duke *Guess which child is heading off to the KIPP Academy?* Paul Krugman breaks down Romney's "Boca Moment," and tells us something about class stratification in the process: Where does this disdain for workers come from? Some of it, obviously, reflects the influence of money in politics: big-money donors, like the ones Mr. Romney was speaking to when he went off on half the nation, don’t live paycheck to paycheck. But it also reflects the extent to which the G.O.P.... more »
Three fears about blended learning - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post
Three fears about blended learning - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: Three fears about blended learning By Valerie Strauss The tech revolution has led many to see a future where students get their education through a blend of traditional learning in classrooms and instruction through computer or other tech device.. Here, John Merrow, veteran education reporter for PBS, NPR, and dozens of national publications, writes about this key concerns about blended learning. Merrow is president of Learning Matters, a non-profit media production company, and his latest book is *The I... more »
Party Politics, the Post Office, and the Common Good « Student Activism
Party Politics, the Post Office, and the Common Good « Student Activism: Party Politics, the Post Office, and the Common Good by Angus Johnston I spent a few days in Missouri last week, giving a talk and hanging out with local campus activists. They’ve got a fascinating senate race in Missouri this year, between Todd “legitimate rape” Akin and embattled incumbent Claire McCaskill. We talked a bit about the race while I was in town, my hosts and I, and so when I stumbled across a lifestream of the campaign’s first debate yesterday morning, I watched a bit of it. As it turned out, on... more »
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 9-22-12 Diane Ravitch's blog
Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Hope for the Children of Chicago: Despite Rahm by dianerav Ms. Katie is one of the best education bloggers out there. She has deep experience working with children in need, she is passionate, and she writes from the heart. In this post, she explains what the Chicago Teachers Union won for the children of Chicago. And she makes clear why Rahm Emanuel should stop saying he is doing it “for the children,” for “our children.” He has not earned that right. Who is he doing “it” for? Why does he want to close anoth... more »
Jersey Jazzman: What Comes After Chicago Teachers Strike?
Jersey Jazzman: What Comes After Chicago Teachers Strike?: What Comes After Chicago Teachers Strike? by Duke Remember this scene from *A Bug's Life*? Popout *You let one ant stand up to us, then they all might stand up! Those puny little ants outnumber us a hundred to one. And if they ever figure that out, there goes out way of life!* Does anyone really believe that Jonah Edelman's backers put up millions of dollars so they go slink off with their tails between their legs after losing to the unions during strike? This is far from over. All hands on deck. In the Education Wars, ... more »
Teachers For Social Justice: The Strike and Where Do We Go From Here
Teachers For Social Justice: The Strike and Where Do We Go From Here: The Strike and Where Do We Go From Here by sarah-ji Chicago Teachers Union teachers, paraprofessionals, and clinicians, through their courage and militancy, have shifted the ground on education reform and teacher unionism in Chicago and nationally. With the support of parents, students, and community members, they have shown not only that it is possible to stand up the neoliberal, corporate education agenda but that there is an alternative. This is a huge victory for all of us, one that goes beyond what was won ... more »
Top Content this Week - 9-22-12 The Educator's PLN
Top Content this Week - The Educator's PLN: 1[image: Innovation in Education Think Tank -- Closing Thoughts]Innovation in Education Think Tank -- Closing Thoughts Added by Thomas Whitby on September 18, 2012 2[image: Lesson Observation: Tim Bedley Critical Thinking pt. 1 of 3]Lesson Observation: Tim Bedley Critical Thinking pt. 1 of 3 Added by tbed63 on June 8, 2012 3[image: ENGGHEADS E-CIRCUITBOX: AN ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM BUILDER]ENGGHEADS E-CIRCUITBOX: AN ELECTRONICS AND ELECTRICAL DIAGRAM BUILDER Added by Gianfranco D'Aversa on September 18, 2012 4[image: Screencastin... more »
Rewriting how we teach writing: Not everyone cares how you feel. | Get Schooled
Rewriting how we teach writing: Not everyone cares how you feel. | Get Schooled: Rewriting how we teach writing: Not everyone cares how you feel. by Maureen Downey [image: Do we teach children how to emote rather than how to explain in their writing? (AP Images)]Do we teach children how to emote rather than how to explain? (AP Images) I have judged more than a dozen student writing contests over the years and found that we often rewarded trauma rather than talent. The prize would go to the student writer who survived a house fire or a serious illness. And that was because the writi... more »
Pass / Fail : Letter from Ca. to Inglewood Unified school board: you're relieved of authority | 89.3 KPCC
Pass / Fail : Letter from Ca. to Inglewood Unified school board: you're relieved of authority | 89.3 KPCC: Letter from Ca. to Inglewood Unified school board: you're relieved of authority by By Adolfo Guzman-Lopez ** It’s official. California’s Superintendent of Public Instruction sent a letter Thursday to Inglewood Unified’s elected school board members telling them the state’s taking over the school district. State Superintendent Tom Torlakson addressed the one-page letter to Trina Williams, the school board president. It says the state law that authorized the bailout loan for th... more »
Schools Matter: New Jersey Education Reforms: Reckless and Irresponsible, or Just Illogical?
Schools Matter: New Jersey Education Reforms: Reckless and Irresponsible, or Just Illogical?: New Jersey Education Reforms: Reckless and Irresponsible, or Just Illogical? by Jim Horn Following the State of the Schools Address last week by Ed Commish Chris Cerf, another of Jeb Bush's Chiefs of Change, Bruce Baker took time to elegantly eviscerate the State's misleading and disingenuous analysis, particularly in relation to low-scoring, high-poverty schools (priority schools). Below is a small clip from Baker's takedown, which describes the connection among of race, class, and test... more »
Secretary of Labor recommends shift in approach at community colleges - latimes.com
Secretary of Labor recommends shift in approach at community colleges - latimes.com: Secretary of Labor recommends shift in approach at community colleges The more than $500 million in grant money allotted to nearly 300 community colleges and universities for job training this week reflects a needed shift in priorities in community colleges, according to U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis. The grants, part of the Trade Adjustment Assistance Community College and Career Training initiative, are a piece of an Obama administration program designed to promote skills development an... more »
Untreated Food Allergies More Likely in Poor, Minority Kids - Hispanically Speaking News
Untreated Food Allergies More Likely in Poor, Minority Kids - Hispanically Speaking News: Untreated Food Allergies More Likely in Poor, Minority Kids [image: Untreated Food Allergies More Likely in Poor, Minority Kids] *Some symptoms aren’t as obvious as hives, puffy eyes or rash, researchers say.* It is vital that food allergies be recognized, diagnosed and treated, but some children are falling through the cracks, according to a new study. Clinicians must teach parents and caregivers to recognize non-visual symptoms of severe allergic reactions, and children should receive aller... more »
In Tampa it was Jeb Bush, in Bridgeport it is Bill Finch - Wait, What?
In Tampa it was Jeb Bush, in Bridgeport it is Bill Finch - Wait, What?: In Tampa it was Jeb Bush, in Bridgeport it is Bill Finch by jonpelto Bill Finch sponsors a preview of the movie, “Won’t Back Down.” I know Bill Finch, and once again…I’m left wondering, Does he just not know the facts? Is it yet another example of bad staff support? Or worse, does he know and does it anyway? At the Republican National Convention in Tampa, it was Jeb Bush and “education
Teachers Don't Suck !: Help! - I Can't Find the Right Facebook Button ?
Teachers Don't Suck !: Help! - I Can't Find the Right Facebook Button ?: Help! - I Can't Find the Right Facebook Button ? by Walt S. *Where's the "Scum Bag" button?* More stuff by Walt at: www.wsautter.com
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit 9-22-12
*4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit:* *4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit* New language to talk about the health crisis in working class communities: THE BRONX AS AN "EXERCISE DESERT" smf at 4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit - 12 minutes ago by Mark Naision in his blog: With a Brooklyn Accent | http://bit.ly/Q5l3NO Friday, September 21, 2012 :: For the last few years, public health experts have used the term "Food Deserts" to describe communities where residents lack access to healthy food and suffer the twin problems of hunger and obesity. The Bronx ... more »
This Week's Answer Sheet 9-22-1212 - School Survival Guide for parents (and everyone else). - The Washington Post
The Answer Sheet - School Survival Guide for parents (and everyone else). - The Washington Post: [image: Answer Sheet] How our love for numbers warps school reform Valerie Strauss at The Answer Sheet - 22 hours ago Americans have a love affair with numbers. Here Alfie Kohn, the author of 12 books about education and human behavior, explains why this has become a problem when it comes to school reform. His books include “The Schools Our Children Deserve,” “The Homework Myth,” and “Feel-Bad Education... And Other Contrarian Essays on Children & Schooling.” He lives (actually) in th... more »
This Week's Education Research Report 9-22-12 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2
Education Research Report: *THIS WEEK'S EDUCATION RESEARCH REPORT* Colleges imroving graduation rates for African-American, Latino students Jonathan Kantrowitz at Education Research Report - 20 hours ago Nationwide, college graduation rates are far too low, particularly among students of color, a fast-growing demographic in America. But two reports released by The Education Trust show that it doesn’t have to be that way. “Advancing to Completion: Increasing degree attainment by improving graduation rates and closing gaps for African-American students” and “Advancing to Completion: I... more »
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… 9-22-12 …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EF
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL *Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day* [image: Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Problems.] New York City’s Problems With Parent Engagement Continue Larry Ferlazzo at Engaging Parents In School... - 1 day ago I’ve documented the many problems New York City schools have had with parent engagement. They apparently are continuing… Read about it today’s article in The Wall Street Journal, Parents Seen Less Involved In Schools: Report Shows Decline in Calls, Meetings. Here’s how it be... more »
Big Education Ape Nite Cap UPDATE 9-21-12 #SOSCHAT #CTUSTRIKE
*Nite Cap UPDATE* *UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* A College Graduate and Among the Working Poor by dianerav A reader comments: As the first woman in my family to graduate from college, I am still the working poor, with no health insurance (and several physical ailments) and no pension. It is extremely stressful and disconcerting to have multiple college degrees and still be in poverty. I’m in my 60s and I will never be able to afford to retire, so I have no choice but to work until I die. Teaching Philosophy in Middle School by dianerav Diana Senechal, the author of “Republic of Noi... more »
To my friends in California: Vote yes on 34. No Troy Davis in California. « Fred Klonsky
To my friends in California: Vote yes on 34. No Troy Davis in California. « Fred Klonsky: To my friends in California: Vote yes on 34. No Troy Davis in California. by Fred Klonsky
SBAC Technology Readiness Tool Spring 2012 Summary - Assessment Information (CA Dept of Education)
SBAC Technology Readiness Tool Spring 2012 Summary - Assessment Information (CA Dept of Education): SBAC Technology Readiness Tool Spring 2012 Summary A statewide summary of the information collected by the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium Technology Readiness Tool for the Spring 2012 data collection window. ------------------------------ The Technology Readiness Tool (TRT) collects school-level information technology information to help the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium and member states evaluate the technology at schools as it relates to the Smarter Balanced onl... more »
"Won't Back Down" Film Pushes ALEC Parent Trigger Proposal | PR Watch
"Won't Back Down" Film Pushes ALEC Parent Trigger Proposal | PR Watch: "Won't Back Down" Film Pushes ALEC Parent Trigger Proposal by Mary Bottari — September 19, 2012 - 10:00am Topics: Banking Projects: ALEC Exposed [image: Share/Save] Share this -- Mary Bottari and Sara Jerving Well-funded advocates of privatizing the nation's education system are employing a new strategy this fall to enlist support for the cause. The emotionally engaging Hollywood film "Won't Back Down" -- set for release September 28 -- portrays so-called "Parent Trigger" laws as an effective mechanism for trans... more »
National education group taps Nashville for special screening of 'parent trigger' film | Nashville City Paper
* * National education group taps Nashville for special screening of 'parent trigger' film | Nashville City Paper: *National education group taps Nashville for special screening of 'parent trigger' film* By Joey Garrison [image: Stealing Schools = Won't Back Down (click Picture)] In the way the documentary “Waiting for 'Superman' ” became the critics’ pick for charter school enthusiasts in 2010, education reformers are already turning to “Won’t Back Down” to shed light on a new cause: the “parent trigger” law. And though the film won’t go nationwide until Sept. 28, Nashville is... more »
MIDDLE CLASS STILL ELUDES SOME TEACHERS « Teachers Fight Back
MIDDLE CLASS STILL ELUDES SOME TEACHERS « Teachers Fight Back: MIDDLE CLASS STILL ELUDES SOME TEACHERS by alkleen Just saw a news report that gives the income of people in the U.S. who would be considered “middle class”. To be “middle class” in America, you need to fall between the yearly incomes of $39,418 and $118,255. Wow, that’s “middle class”? If that’s the case, we sure have a good deal of teachers who have yet to reach that $39,418 level and are certainly not “middle class”. It’s also safe to assume that most teachers are not anywhere near the top end of the “middle class... more »
Daily Kos: "The Difficult Thirty Percent" Redux: The Equity Gap 2012
Daily Kos: "The Difficult Thirty Percent" Redux: The Equity Gap 2012: "The Difficult Thirty Percent" Redux: The Equity Gap 2012 by rss@dailykos.com (plthomasEdD) Ralph Ellison, celebrated author of *Invisible Man*, spoke in September 1963 at a teachers' conference "...to discuss 'these children,' the difficult thirty percent. We know this very well; it has been hammered out again and again." Ellison was addressing the educational failures of African American children in U.S. public schools, including drop outs. Rejecting the prevalent deficit perspective of his era, Ellison bravely ... more »
Big Education Ape 2nd Banana 9-22-12 Recap of Last Week's Best PostBig Education Ape 2nd Banana 9-15-12 Recap of Last Week's Best Post
Big Education Ape 2nd Banana 9-1-12 Recap of Last Week's Best Post Big Education Ape 2nd Banana 8-25-12 Recap of Last Week's Best Post
Big Education Ape 2nd Banana 8-18-12 Recap of Last Week's Best Post
Big Education Ape 2nd Banana 8-11-12 Recap of Last Week's Best PostBig Education Ape 2nd Banana 8-4-12 Recap of Last Week's Best Post
Big Education Ape Nite Cap 9-21-12 #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Education Ape Nite Cap 9-20-12 #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Education Ape Nite Cap 9-19-12 #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Ed Ape Nite Cap Chicago Delegates Vote to Suspend Strike DAY #9 9-18-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Ed Ape Nite Cap SPECIAL STRIKE EDITION DAY #8 9-17-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Ed Ape Nite Cap SPECIAL STRIKE EDITION DAY #7 9-16-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Ed Ape Nite Cap SPECIAL STRIKE EDITION DAY #6 9-15-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2
Big Ed Ape Nite Cap SPECIAL STRIKE EDITION DAY #5 9-14-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2Big Ed Ape Nite Cap SPECIAL STRIKE EDITION DAY #4 9-13-12 #faircontractnow #CTUSTRIKE #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2
