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
Meet the Parents Across America Founders: Karran Harper Royal « Education Talk New Orleans
Meet the Parents Across America Founders: Karran Harper Royal « Education Talk New Orleans: Meet the Parents Across America Founders: Karran Harper Royal by edutalknola *This profile is part of an ongoing series of portraits of key Parents Across America members.* Karran Harper Royal’s articulate, impassioned advocacy for children has made her a familiar figure in her hometown of New Orleans and a sought-after speaker the national scene. In public meetings, government hearings, conference presentations, radio programs and television broadcasts, she cuts straight through the puffe... more »
Chicago teachers draw a line: What does it mean for K-12 public education? | Dailycensored.com
Chicago teachers draw a line: What does it mean for K-12 public education? | Dailycensored.com: Chicago teachers draw a line: What does it mean for K-12 public education? by Danny Weil *Analysis: Lee Sustar* ** http://socialistworker.org/2012/08/28/chicago-teachers-draw-a-line August 28, 2012 [image: Chicago teachers rally support in the streets during a mass march in May] CAN THE scrappy band of outsiders that now heads the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) lead the kind of high-stakes fight that most labor unions have ducked? That question looms large–not just for the city’s teachers,... more »
NYC Public School Parents: Teacher & parent leader critique new report & implementation of DOE's inclusion initiative
NYC Public School Parents: Teacher & parent leader critique new report & implementation of DOE's inclusion initiative: Teacher & parent leader critique new report & implementation of DOE's inclusion initiative by Leonie Haimson *Saturday's post about the new report from the Public Advocate’s office on the DOE’s special education inclusion initiative, whose author refrained from interviewing any parents, teachers or other school-based staff, provoked comment on our NYC Education List. I think I can speak for most parents who believe that given the right training provided to class... more »
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: LABOR DAY WEEKEND QUOTABLES
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: LABOR DAY WEEKEND QUOTABLES: LABOR DAY WEEKEND QUOTABLES by Mike Klonsky Social Justice High School firings *“The foundation from which Social Justice High School was built on was from unity and the need to rectify an ongoing injustice. What set SoJo apart was its strong connection between teachers and parents, but now that’s changed.” *-- Patricia Buenrostro, original Little Village H.S. hunger striker As strike approaches in Chicago *"The strike obviously is a big piece of the picture, but it's not the only thing out there. It feels like * CTU... more »
School Tech Connect: Karen Lewis in Daley Plaza
School Tech Connect: Karen Lewis in Daley Plaza: Karen Lewis in Daley Plaza Karen Lewis in Chicago today. *(Go full screen. Live a little.)* I'm still working on the sound quality. There's nobody else like Karen Lewis. It needs to be said. The reason 18k people turned out in Daley Plaza today is that she tells the truth and she inspires people. She leads with honesty and love, and people respond to that. Our mayor, on the other hand, leads with a sharp elbow and forked tongue. I wouldn't want to be a Democratic president saddled to the reputation of this toxic mayor. He came i... more »
Diane Ravitch: Take Action Now
Diane Ravitch: Take Action Now: A LETTER TO MY FRIENDS AND READERS Many people have asked what they can do to try to change the conditions and misguided policies that I describe in my book. Wherever I go, the same question comes up: What can we do? How do we stop these bad policies and programs? Whether they are parents, teachers, administrators, school board members or citizens concerned about the future of our children and our society, they want ideas about how to persuade our elected officials to change course. Education used to be a state and local function. Unfortunately, sin... more »
“Look up! Look down! Chicago is a union town!” « Fred Klonsky
“Look up! Look down! Chicago is a union town!” « Fred Klonsky: “Look up! Look down! Chicago is a union town!” by Fred Klonsky I heard everything from ten thousand to eighteen thousand. I say twenty. Matt Farmer half jokingly said that the Tribune is reporting 326. We filled Daley Plaza in a sea of red. We surrounded Rahm’s City Hall and poured from the sidewalk on to the street. We marched down Clark Street to the headquarters of the Chicago Public Schools. “Hey, hey. Ho, ho. Rahm Emanuel has got to go!” *We turned the Blue Line into the Red Line.* more: “Look up! Look down! Chica... more »
Chicago Teachers Should Be Supported As They Prepare For Possible Strike On September 10th « CAFFEINATED POLITICS
Chicago Teachers Should Be Supported As They Prepare For Possible Strike On September 10th « CAFFEINATED POLITICS: Chicago Teachers Should Be Supported As They Prepare For Possible Strike On September 10th by dekerivers [image: Parents Stand With CTU (CLICK ON PICTURE)] For now most of the national focus when it comes to union rights is concentrated on Chicago, where school teachers are demanding their rights be respected, and a contract that is fair to the profession be negotiated and concluded. Too often workers are timid and reticent about standing up for their rights. Worker... more »
Which Democrats Are Hostile to Teachers? « Diane Ravitch's blog
Which Democrats Are Hostile to Teachers? « Diane Ravitch's blog: Which Democrats Are Hostile to Teachers? by dianerav [image: DFER Fake Democrats for Education Privatization (click on Picture)] IT IS A RULE: YOU CAN'T BE AGAINST PEOPLE AND FOR CORPORATIONS AND CALL YOURSELF A DEMOCRAT...EVER! As a historian, I can assure you that the roots of the current “reform” movement are on the far right. Vouchers began with Milton Friedman in 1955; charters began in 1988 with liberal origins, but were quickly adopted by the right as a substitute for vouchers because voters always defeated ...more »
Seattle Schools Community Forum: School Board Meeting Agenda Sept 5, 2012
Seattle Schools Community Forum: School Board Meeting Agenda Sept 5, 2012: School Board Meeting Agenda Sept 5, 2012 by Charlie Mas The agenda for the September 5, 2012 regular legislative school board meeting is now available online. Let's review it! The meeting is scheduled to start at 4:15pm. The public testimony comes at 5:00. The Board knows, and has been told, that it is difficult for working people to reach the Board meetings by 5:00 on Wednesdays. They have no intention, however, of changing the time for public testimony. It is difficult not to see this as an effort to d... more »
LUCKY TO JUST HAVE A JOB « Teachers Fight Back
LUCKY TO JUST HAVE A JOB « Teachers Fight Back: LUCKY TO JUST HAVE A JOB by alkleen The forces that benefit from having workers accept low pay and limited benefits have done an exceptional job at convincing the average worker that they are “lucky to just have a job.” Workers all over the country have fallen for this brand of propaganda. I’ve never seen workers be so intimidated during an economic downturn as they are during this one. It’s amazing. Especially with so many corporations sitting on trillions of dollars in cash and refusing to hire anyone. Teachers are probably the ... more »
Remembering Don Moore Parents United for Responsible Education
Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Remembering Don Moore: Remembering Don Moore by admin News of the death of Don Moore is rippling through the Chicago public school community. Don founded Designs for Change, a key education advocacy group, and was one of the architects of Chicago’s Local School Council-based reform law. Don dedicated his entire life to promoting LSCs and their potential for leading significant improvement in public education. He documented their successful impact on parent empowerment, teacher collaboration, and overall
How school textbooks distort labor history - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post
How school textbooks distort labor history - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: How school textbooks distort labor history By Valerie Strauss This being Labor Day, it seems like a good time to look at the way the history of the labor movement is taught in U.S. schools. Unfortunately, it isn’t — at least, not much, and when it is, it is too often inaccurately portrayed. Members of the Communications Workers of America demonstrate. (Joseph Kaczmarek/AP)State content standards sometimes ignore the movement almost completely, and textbooks either do the same thing or else treat ... more »
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Status of MTSS
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Status of MTSS: Status of MTSS by Charlie Mas Here is the status report on MTSS from the Friday Memo to the Board on August 17, 2012: *Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS)* Seattle Public Schools is committed to implementing a comprehensive Multi-Tier System of Supports (MTSS) district wide by the 2014-2015 academic school year. MTSS is a framework designed to accelerate academic and social/emotional learning behaviors for all students through high quality instruction and intervention, curriculum aligned to standards and collaborative decision mak... more »
Missouri Education Watchdog: Does Your Child Have the Right to Self-Protection and Self-Defense at School?
Missouri Education Watchdog: Does Your Child Have the Right to Self-Protection and Self-Defense at School?: Does Your Child Have the Right to Self-Protection and Self-Defense at School? by stlgretchen This book might go against Arne Duncan's on the Department of Defense's ideas on dealing with bullies. The Departments of Labor and Health & Human Services are sharing information and directing programs with the Department of Education. The DOEd door is now open to the Department of Defense. From F*amily Matters Blog: Websites Teach Kids How to Deal With Bullying*: WASHIN... more »
Parents in Charlotte to Protest Film and DFER « Diane Ravitch's blog
Parents in Charlotte to Protest Film and DFER « Diane Ravitch's blog: Parents in Charlotte to Protest Film and DFER by dianerav [image: DFER Fake Democrats for Education Privatization (click on Picture)] IT IS A RULE: YOU CAN'T BE AGAINST PEOPLE AND FOR CORPORATIONS AND CALL YOURSELF A DEMOCRAT...EVER! A press release from Parents Across America: *MecklenburgACTS/PAA to protest film/DFER event & Present Positive Education Reforms at DNC* For immediate release: September 3, 2012 Contact: Pamela Grundy, 704-806-0410, shamrockparent@earthlink.net Members of MecklenburgACTS.org and Pa... more »
A Note to My Readers « Diane Ravitch's blog
A Note to My Readers « Diane Ravitch's blog: A Note to My Readers by dianerav Diane Ravitch Website Diane Ravitch Website Upcoming Events With school starting tomorrow (and in some districts it has already started), I know you won’t have as much time to read these posts. The typical teacher, according to the Scholastic-Gates survey, works an 11-hour day. And from your comments, I know that most of the readers of the blog are teachers. I know there are also parents, principals, superintendents, school board members, journalists, concerned citizens–and, I hope, students as well. So... more »
MecklenburgACTS/PAA to Present Positive Education Reforms at DNC « Parents Across America
MecklenburgACTS/PAA to Present Positive Education Reforms at DNC « Parents Across America: MecklenburgACTS/PAA to Present Positive Education Reforms at DNC by leoniehaimson Contact: Pamela Grundy, 704-806-0410, shamrockparent@earthlink.net Members of MecklenburgACTS.org and Parents Across America will be rallying and distributing literature at two events associated with the Democratic National Convention here in Charlotte. We will call on President Obama and other Democrats to reject the ineffective “reform” measures being pushed by well-heeled organizations such as Students Firs... more »
Modern School: Pension Crisis for Affluent School Bosses
Modern School: Pension Crisis for Affluent School Bosses: Pension Crisis for Affluent School Bosses by Michael Dunn The Pension Crisis is not really a crisis at all in most states. It is true that if every state employee were to simultaneously retire, there would not be enough money to cover their guaranteed pensions. But this will not and cannot happen since employees aren’t even eligible to receive benefits until they’ve worked a minimum number of years. It is also true that most pension systems have lost considerable value as a result of the financial meltdown, but this was caus... more »
Daily Kos: a few ways I am better off than four years ago
Daily Kos: a few ways I am better off than four years ago: a few ways I am better off than four years ago by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) only 5.65% in payroll taxes deducted from paychecks this year if I change medical insurance I cannot be denied coverage because of pre-existing conditions the gay students I taught who wanted to go into the military can do so now without having to be dishonest my gay students and friends now have a President who advocates for marriage equality for them I do not have former students at risk of dying in Iraq on their fifth or more tours there the st... more »
Hopes and Fears for the 2012-13 School Year | Outside the Cave
Hopes and Fears for the 2012-13 School Year | Outside the Cave: Hopes and Fears for the 2012-13 School Year by Stephen Lazar I think this may be my favorite piece to write each year, but I can’t imagine I will ever be less able to capture my hopes and fears in words than I can now. Not since my first year teaching, and maybe not even then, have I started a year with such overwhelming feelings of excitement, apprehension, nervousness, anticipation, and helplessness. *Harvest is Now Real* Eight months ago I sat down for coffee with Kate and Atash, the principal and social worker of ... more »
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Matt Damon’s Speech to Teachers at SOS Rally
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Matt Damon’s Speech to Teachers at SOS Rally: Matt Damon’s Speech to Teachers at SOS Rally by Lisa M *I love this speech! I wonder how many politicians have heard it ?* Popout I flew overnight from Vancouver to be with you today. I landed in New York a few hours ago and caught a flight down here because I needed to tell you all in person that I think you’re awesome. I was raised by a teacher. My mother is a professor of early childhood education. And from the time I went to kindergarten through my senior year in high school, I went to public ... more »
Charter schools study state | The Columbian
Charter schools study state | The Columbian: Charter schools study stateNational nonprofits watch vote, consider doing business here [image: Renee Wyman, a paid signature checker, tallies pages of signatures in July at the State Elections Office.] Anna Marum Renee Wyman, a paid signature checker, tallies pages of signatures in July at the State Elections Office. By DONNA GORDON BLANKINSHIP, Associated Press SEATTLE -- Some of the most successful charter school organizations in the nation say they would like to open schools in Washington if voters approve the charter initiative on t...more »
Democratic Split Over Education Reform Tested By Hollywood Movie
Democratic Split Over Education Reform Tested By Hollywood Movie: Democratic Split Over Education Reform Tested By Hollywood Movie Posted: 09/02/2012 9:00 pm Updated: 09/03/2012 7:52 am “Won’t Back Down" Rhymes with "Stand Your Ground" and is brought to you by those great folks at ALEC WASHINGTON -- The most controversial thing to happen at the Democratic National Convention this week may end up being a movie screening. On Monday afternoon, a Hollywood film called "Won't Back Down" -- which opens in theaters nationwide on Sept. 28 -- will be shown to a select crowd of conventio... more »
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 9-3-12 Diane Ravitch's blog
Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] In Defense of the Teachers’ Unions by dianerav Many readers have been critical of their unions and wish they were more militant in fighting the corporate suits. This reader disagrees and explains why: *I’m going to go out on a limb here because the comments I am about to post are probably not going to be very popular with anyone who has commented in this discussion.**So many people want their state and national teachers unions to launch a campaign of all-out protest toward the corporate reform movement.**... more »
Daily Kos: Lessons from a master educator
Daily Kos: Lessons from a master educator: Lessons from a master educator by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) *the original version of this was posted in November 2010. I have cleaned up some typos and modified the original so that it is not time sensitive. I think the content is just as relevant now as it was almost two years ago* Teachers make an easy target, for they are such a common species and so powerless to strike back. We blame teachers for being unable to cure social ills that no one knows how to treat; we insist that they instantly adopt whatever "solution" has most rec... more »
School Tech Connect: Let's Roll
School Tech Connect: Let's Roll: Let's Roll by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman) See you down there. Hey if you see me, say hello. I'll be the guy with the red shirt on.
Peg with Pen: SpringBoard: Common Core Crap
Peg with Pen: SpringBoard: Common Core Crap: SpringBoard: Common Core Crap by Peggy I recently had the unfortunate opportunity to examine a SpringBoard assignment, sent to me by a concerned parent with a child in seventh grade. SpringBoard is the latest and greatest curriculum creation of The College Board which is led by no less than David Coleman, the well known architect of the Common Core. Their website states, "SpringBoard is fully aligned to the Common Core State Standards and helps all students and teachers reach the goals of the Common Core Initiative. The Common Core S... more »
6 Ways Principals Can Connect With Students | Connected Principals
6 Ways Principals Can Connect With Students | Connected Principals: 6 Ways Principals Can Connect With Students by George Couros This killed me today… My 8 year old girl when asked what a Principal does, “It’s that person that talks to you when you’ve done something bad.” #*cpchat* —Alec Couros (@courosa) August 25, 2012 As most of you know, that was from my brother and he is referring to my amazing little niece. I do not want her or any other kid seeing their principal in that manner. This is in no way meant to criticize the current principal or Raine’s school, but it did spark ... more »
A BIG LAUSD TEACHER LABOR DAY SALUTE TO STRIKING CHICAGO TEACHERS (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com
A BIG LAUSD TEACHER LABOR DAY SALUTE TO STRIKING CHICAGO TEACHERS (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com: A BIG LAUSD TEACHER LABOR DAY SALUTE TO STRIKING CHICAGO TEACHERS (VIDEO) by Leonard Isenberg [image: Karen Lewis.jpg] *(Mensaje se repite en Español) (For a national view of public education reform see the end of this blog post) ** If one dispassionately asks what is the defining difference between how teachers and students are allowed to be treated in Los Angeles as opposed to Chicago, one immediately focuses on the dynamic Chicago Teachers' Union (CTU) and its President Karen Lewis, which ... more »
New Charter Schools Thrive in Harlem, but Some Parents Are Feeling Left Out - NYTimes.com
New Charter Schools Thrive in Harlem, but Some Parents Are Feeling Left Out - NYTimes.com: School Choice Is No Cure-All, Harlem FindsBy KYLE SPENCERPublished: September 2, 2012 When it came time to pick a Harlem middle school for her daughter, Eula Guest did her research. She inquired with friends, principals and PTA presidents, and talked to students inside art studios and auditoriums. “I got down to the nitty-gritty,” she said. “I asked about everything.” Eventually, she chose Frederick Douglass Academy II, a middle and high school with a robotics class, a college-readiness... more »
This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good Posts On Education Policy | Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…
This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good Posts On Education Policy | Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…: This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good Posts On Education Policy by Larry Ferlazzo Here are some recent good posts on educational policy issues: Key questions for Democrats on ‘school choice’ is from The Washington Post. I’m adding it to The Best Resources For Learning Why School Vouchers Are A Bad Idea. The Perennial Reform: Fixing School Time is by Larry Cuban. I’m adding it to The Best Resources On The Idea Of Extending The School Day. How to fix the charter school movement (and what Albert S... more »
The in box. From Tom Olson, former SFC member, on Jonah at the ASCD. « Fred Klonsky
The in box. From Tom Olson, former SFC member, on Jonah at the ASCD. « Fred Klonsky: The in box. From Tom Olson, former SFC member, on Jonah at the ASCD. by Fred Klonsky *Fred,* *As a former high school and college political science teacher, I also agree with protecting the right of free speech. I, as you can see from the open letter to Edelman (below) have also seen him “up close and personal.” Given his adoption of the anti-teacher corporate agenda for education reform (read “deform”), I found it amazing that ASCD would pay this character money to spew his bile about “education’... more »
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: See you there!
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: See you there!: See you there! by Mike Klonsky
The Dialogue with the Gates Foundation: What happens when Profits drive Reform? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher
The Dialogue with the Gates Foundation: What happens when Profits drive Reform? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: The Dialogue with the Gates Foundation: What happens when Profits drive Reform? by Anthony Cody Follow me on Twitter at @AnthonyCody This is the last exchange in this formal dialogue with the Gates Foundation. The tension uncovered by this dialogue reveals a disconnect between the work of the Gates Foundation and many of us who have spent our lives working in schools. Nonetheless, this represents an opportunity to move beyond the impasse. Similar to the po... more »
Labor Day facts - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post
Labor Day facts - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: [image: Answer Sheet] Labor Day facts By Valerie Strauss For well over a century Americans have been celebrating Labor Day on the first Monday in September, yet it may be the federal holiday about which kids — and plenty of adults — know the least. A protest in 2011 in Ohio against a Republican effort to cut public workers’ union bargaining rights. (Melina Mara/THE WASHINGTON POST)Too many don’t know that it was labor activists who forced employers to stop sending kids into mines, textiles, glass factories, canneries and o... more »
Teachers Need To Look At Jim Bouton As A Role Model.southbronxschool.com
http://www.southbronxschool.com: Teachers Need To Look At Jim Bouton As A Role Model by noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) Jim Bouton pitched for the Yankees, Seattle Pilots, and the Houston Astros from 1962-1970 and a brief comeback briefly with the Atlanta Braves in 1978. His two best seasons were 1962 and 1963, but after that arm troubles did him in and he was never the same. He was known for his wicked fastball and his hat flying off his head as he pitched. He was apply nicknamed "The Bulldog." But his two claims to fame came from off the field. He was the inventor of the bub... more »
Letter from Louisiana State Board Member « Diane Ravitch's blog
Letter from Louisiana State Board Member « Diane Ravitch's blog: Letter from Louisiana State Board Member by dianerav A few days ago, I started honoring people who defend public education and teachers against reckless assaults on them. One of the first of those on the honor roll was Lottie Beebe, an elected member of the Louisiana Board of Elementary and Secondary Education. Here is her response. *************** Diane, you are my hero. Thank you for your untiring efforts to keep everyone informed of what is happening in Louisiana. We must continue to be vocal and strive to educate... more »
Students Last: From Slime to Self-flagellation: Teachers Prepare for New School Year
Students Last: From Slime to Self-flagellation: Teachers Prepare for New School Year: From Slime to Self-flagellation: Teachers Prepare for New School Year by Students Last [image: Strike] *New York City - *While some teachers prepare to return to their classrooms by reviewing curriculum and purchasing needed supplies, many veteran educators get ready in less traditional ways. We sent reporters to each of the boroughs to uncover their secrets. *Staten Island* Beginning early in August, Ginny Evans, who has taught middle schoolers at I.S. 352 for twelve years, practices holding ... more »
In box. Jonah Edelman at ASCD. « Fred Klonsky
In box. Jonah Edelman at ASCD. « Fred Klonsky: In box. Jonah Edelman at ASCD. by Fred Klonsky *Fred,* *ASCD cancelled him has a speaker……I hope everyone is happy that FREE SPEECH is now the new “squeaky wheel”………..so much for a nonprofit being A-Political…….isn’t the choice of the educator to attend his speaking engagement …..not the choice of ASCD to not allow him to speak? Horrible times we live in now……..* *- not a teacher…but a teacher’s dad * Dear not a teacher, Just to be clear. I never suggested that Edelman not be allowed Guest blog. I find myself unable to sit still. by... more »
Jersey Jazzman: Lord Help Perth Amboy
Jersey Jazzman: Lord Help Perth Amboy: Lord Help Perth Amboy by Duke [image: christopher-cerf-chris-christie.JPG] Because NJ Education Commissioner Chris Cerf sure won't. Remember, Cerf's the one who dithers and delayson bringing the war between members of the board of education and Superintendent Janine Caffrey to a swift conclusion. Now, just as school is ready to start, everything starts to fall apart. A former Perth Amboy school principal has filed a counterclaim after losing his job following accusations of allowing sales of alcoholic beverage in the school. Alvaro Cores, wh... more »
Missouri Education Watchdog: Does Tony Bennett Reflect the GOP's View of Education?
Missouri Education Watchdog: Does Tony Bennett Reflect the GOP's View of Education?: Does Tony Bennett Reflect the GOP's View of Education? by stlgretchen This is what a Republican Superintendent supports in education. Does this look state driven to you? What happens educationally in Indiana will happen in Missouri will happen in Florida will happen in Utah....and in any other state signed on to the Common Core standards. If Romney is elected president, will his new Secretary of Education support these unproven and untested standards? Will a DOEd secretary support standards an... more »
TO A HIGHER STANDARD « Teachers Fight Back
TO A HIGHER STANDARD « Teachers Fight Back: TO A HIGHER STANDARD by alkleen When are teachers going to understand that they are held to a higher standard than a person in any other profession known to man? That high standard takes away many of the freedoms that people who work in other professions are allowed to have. Teachers don’t really have freedom of expression, freedom of speech, the right to express themselves politically, (at least in the classroom), the right to make moral choices that might offend a school board or a community, the right to act in any manner that might... more »
School Tech Connect: It Needs To Be Honoroed
School Tech Connect: It Needs To Be Honoroed: It Needs To Be Honoroed by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman) Nice letter in the downstate press. To the Editor: My pension does not need to be reformed; it needs to be honored. I am a retired public school teacher. I did not earn or pay into the Social Security system during my years of teaching. I instead paid into the Teacher Retirement System every paycheck (almost 10 percent each month). This was not a choice; it was an automatic deduction from my paycheck. My employers also paid into the Teacher Retirement System. The TRS invested ... more »
Eh, Political - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher
Eh, Political - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher: Eh, Political by Nancy Flanagan *Today is my birthday. I'm giving myself a day of relaxation--I've been working hard all week, keeping up with the political splatfest on TV and Twitter, from empty chairs to shopping for milk. Here's a reworked column I wrote in September of 2008. Guess what? Not much has changed.* I wish I had a stock certificate for every time I've heard a teacher exclaim "I'm not very political, but..." Or maybe I'd rather have a dollar, cash money in the cookie jar, given the times--but the poin... more »
Special Report: The profit motive behind virtual schools in Maine | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram
Special Report: The profit motive behind virtual schools in Maine | The Portland Press Herald / Maine Sunday Telegram: Special Report: The profit motive behind virtual schools in MaineDocuments expose the flow of money and influence from corporations that stand to profit from state leaders' efforts to expand and deregulate digital education. By Colin Woodard cwoodard@pressherald.com Staff Writer Stephen Bowen was excited and relieved. click image to enlarge Celestial McBride, left, 14, and her brother Sevan, 12, work on their online classes from the Florida Virtual School at their h... more »
UPDATE - Online Scandal in Maine: For-Profit Online Charter Scandal « Diane Ravitch's blog
For-Profit Online Charter Scandal « Diane Ravitch's blog: Understanding the Online Scandal in Maine by dianerav If you read this article about how online companies bought American education, you would not be at all shocked or surprised by the scandal in Maine. There, the state commissioner of education is following the instructions of Jeb Bush’s education advisor and implementing the ALEC model legislation to change the laws to bring in for-profit online corporations. Corporations will make millions. Many children in Maine will get a lousy education, and the taxpayers in Maine will... more »
Jonathan Kozol: FIRE IN THE ASHES: Twenty-Five Years Among the Poorest Children
Jonathan Kozol: FIRE IN THE ASHES: Twenty-Five Years Among the Poorest Children: Event Jonathan Kozol: FIRE IN THE ASHES: Twenty-Five Years Among the Poorest Children KPFA Radio 94.1 FM with the Oakland Education Association and the Berkeley Federation of Teachers presents Jonathan Kozol FIRE IN THE ASHES: Twenty-Five Years Among the Poorest Children in America A Tribute to Jonathan Kozol & All Public School Teachers Hosted by Anthony Cody $12 advance tickets: brownpapertickets.com : (800) 838-3006 or Pegasus Books, Marcus Books, Mrs. Dalloway's, Moe's Books, Walden Pond, DIESEL, ... more »
Vice President Biden Selected to "Talk to the Chair" at the Democratic National Convention
* **Vice President Biden Selected to* *"Talk to the Republican Chair"* *at the Democratic National Convention* * * * * * *
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