Tuesday, October 2, 2012

by noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher)

I am still trying to figure out if yesterday's article in the New York Post about phys ed teacher John Webster is supportive or derisive of him.

Just to catch you all up to speed, John Webster is a phys ed. teacher at PS 330 in Staten Island. John, who is 5'10" and 220 lbs, was attacked by a 50 pound (SBSB guidelines prohibit the naming of the student) student at his school.

According to the Post, John claims;

a pupil fractured his ankle, injured his knee and forced him to go to a shrink for stress

Yes, a 50 pound child can cause this. I know first hand.

NYC Public School Parents: My debate with Goldhaber on Nevada public radio about (you guessed it) class size

NYC Public School Parents: My debate with Goldhaber on Nevada public radio about (you guessed it) class size:

My debate with Goldhaber on Nevada public radio about (you guessed it) class size

by Leonie Haimson

I debated Dan Goldhaber on the radio today, on KNPR in Nevada. Please listen to the podcast here. Also participating was a Las Vegas reporter and deputy superintendent, as well as some great callers, mostly teachers.

Goldhaber, who works at the Gates-funded Center for Education Data and Research in the state of Washington, and predictably enough would like to focus on teacher evaluation instead as a means to improve schools, wrongly claimed the STAR experiment in Tennessee showed that class size mattered only for poor kids. Actually STAR showed ALL students did better in small classes, with poor kids seeing twice the benefit. See

Jersey Jazzman: How Long Do Teachers Have To Keep Taking It?

Jersey Jazzman: How Long Do Teachers Have To Keep Taking It?:

How Long Do Teachers Have To Keep Taking It?

by Duke

Twitter is not conducive to good-faith arguments; the 140-character restriction severely limits the qualifiers necessary to go a few friendly rounds with an ally. So when David Atkins of Hullabaloo - my favorite political blog - and I started a back-and-forth last night, I got a little nervous. David is a terrific writer and a shrewd observer of the dynamics of the political left; he's also someone who genuinely is on the side of teachers.

But he said something I have to take exception to... well, that's not quite right. I actually agree with him, but I don't think he's seeing things from the perspective of teachers - a traditional constituency of the left that is being betrayed. There's a dynamic in play here that progressives need to understand...

See why Twitter won't cut it? Here's David:

David Atkins ‏@DavidOAtkinsElections are won by persuasion and GOTV. Ask yourself: how many

On Talking Teachers Down Off That Ledge [A True PLC] | The Jose Vilson

On Talking Teachers Down Off That Ledge [A True PLC] | The Jose Vilson:

On Talking Teachers Down Off That Ledge [A True PLC]

by Jose

All ears

“I‘ve had it up to here with them. They just … oooohhhh …”
She sobbed. I sat there in my classroom hoping to decompress from another long day with my sixth grade homeroom class when she walked in, needing a colleagues’ ear.
“You think you’re coming in to teach. You plan, grade papers, and plan some more, and you think it’s going to go so well, and … I just don’t know.”
She shook her head.
“I understand,” I said as I nodded my head, hoping to just soak in her energy a bit. She just finished teaching my

Principal evaluation systems- do they help us grow? | Connected Principals

Principal evaluation systems- do they help us grow? | Connected Principals:

Principal evaluation systems- do they help us grow?

October 2, 2012

By Lyn Hilt

Originally posted on my blog, The Principal’s Posts
Educators are well aware that teacher evaluation systems are at the forefront of the discussions on school reform. A member of the general public who catches even a glimpse of educational headlines in the local news realizes this as well, although I would venture to say they don’t fully comprehend the scope of implementation and accountability of these systems. The general thinking behind the design and use of teacher evaluation systems is that if we create more effective teachers, better learning outcomes for students will result.
As an administrator, I have noticed that the topic of principal evaluation systems may be a secondary thought in “school reform” conversations. In fact, in many districts, the principals of under-performing schools are simply fired or reassigned to other roles or buildings. Many state systems

National Day of Solidarity with Ethnic Studies – Zinn Education Project

National Day of Solidarity with Ethnic Studies – Zinn Education Project:

National Day of Solidarity with Ethnic Studies

Published October 1, 2012 by Zinn Education Project

The Zinn Education Project joins the call for a National Day of Solidarity on Friday, October 12 with the Raza Defense Fund and the campaign to Save Ethnic Studies.

You are invited to participate by holding a house party to view the filmPrecious Knowledge. As the event organizers explain, the dual purpose is:

widespread education to further understand what is happening on the ground in Tucson, AZ, in terms of attacks on intellectual freedom, and
to gather funds that will go directly to the Raza Defense Fund to help with the legal defense for two of the Tucson Unified School District (TUSD) Mexican American Studies educators featured in the documentary Precious Knowledge.

The short film below describes the National Day of Solidarity.

If you would like to host a house party, send an email to info@saveethnicstudies.org to receive an information packet. There is also useful information for teaching about the attack on ethnic studies at theNo History is Illegal web page.

To learn more about the attack on the Mexican American Studies program in Tuscon and how teachers and students across the country have responded, check out a series of articles on the Zinn Education Project website.

School Tech Connect: No Big Deal

School Tech Connect: No Big Deal:

No Big Deal

by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman)

I don't get many commenters... Let's face it, I don't get many readers.

But in response to this:

I can only say, that, yeah, this is the exact same thing as a bunch of citizens delivering a petition to a state capitol:

More than 98% of ALEC's revenues come from sources other than legislative dues, such as corporations, corporate trade groups, and corporate foundations. Each corporate member pays an annual fee of between $7,000 and $25,000 a year, and if a corporation participates in any of the nine task forces, additional fees apply, from $2,500 to $10,000 each year. ALEC also

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 10-2-12 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

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

School Tech Connect: Put This In A Time Capsule

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 minutes ago

School Tech Connect: Put This In A Time Capsule: Put This In A Time Capsule by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman) *Unfortunately Tim you are probably right but I bet he doesn't have to wait for one of these babies!* With all due respect to the great scholar and activist and utterly fearless woman receiving the award, I'm just going to predict that the presenter will someday present a similar award to Arne Duncan.

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Top 5 Popular Posts from September 2012!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 44 minutes ago

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Top 5 Popular Posts from September 2012!: Top 5 Popular Posts from September 2012! by Lisa M *Here are the Top 5 posts from September all in one place! Enjoy!* Standardized Testing Stole Our Day! *I planned in advance and completely forgot that we were having the standardized Math test today! Bummer!* *Wonderful plans put on hold....* * This is what my students and I lost today because Standardized testing took a day from us...* #Why I Don't Use Technology: Anti-Tech Teachers Lament Has No Standing! * * *The conversation went something like this... more »

Gov. Brown signs, vetoes, student discipline bills - The Education Report - Katy Murphy's blog on Oakland schools

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 58 minutes ago

Gov. Brown signs, vetoes, student discipline bills - The Education Report - Katy Murphy's blog on Oakland schools: Gov. Brown signs, vetoes, student discipline bills By Katy Murphy Tuesday, October 2nd, 2012 at 10:21 am in Uncategorized. Public Counsel, a non-profit law firm that has promoted an overhaul of school discipline policy, released this summary of bills signed and vetoed by Gov. Jerry Brown. Note: The descriptions of each bill are theirs, not mine. Bills Brown has signed: - *AB 1729* by Assemblymember Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco) changes existing law to strengthen ... more »

Diane in the Afternoon10-2-12 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

Diane Ravitch's blog: Millions of Federal $$$ Wasted in Louisiana by dianerav When reformers say that New Orleans is a success, bear in mind that it is a low-performing district in a low-performing state, ranked 69th out of 70 districts in Louisiana. In addition, New Orleans got many millions in federal grants and private philanthropy to “prove” that privatization works. A reader from Louisiana writes: * http://www2.ed.gov/programs/teacherincentive/2012awards.html* I was just studying the Louisiana grants awarded this round and back in 2010. Astounded at the amounts of money comin... more »

Local School Wellness Policy - Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education (CA Dept of Education)

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

Local School Wellness Policy - Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education (CA Dept of Education): Local School Wellness PolicyInformation and resources on the Local School Wellness Policy, Section 204 of the Child Nutrition and Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Reauthorization Act of 2004 and the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act of 2010. ------------------------------ Child Nutrition and Women, Infants and Children’s Reauthorization Act of 2004The Child Nutrition and WIC Reauthorization Act of 2004 mandated that all local educational agencies participating in a federal meal reimbursemen... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Why no one in his right mind should believe the school grades OR the teacher growth scores

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Why no one in his right mind should believe the school grades OR the teacher growth scores: Why no one in his right mind should believe the school grades OR the teacher growth scores by Leonie Haimson The new DOE school grades for elementary and middle schools, euphemistically called “Progress reports,” came out with much fanfare, with 217 schools potentially put on the closing list because they either received failing grades or three “Cs” in a row, more than ever before. As parent leader Shino Tanikawa pointed out in theNew York Post, DOE is using un... more »

Jersey Jazzman: They Do Not Think Teachers Are Professionals

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Jersey Jazzman: They Do Not Think Teachers Are Professionals: They Do Not Think Teachers Are Professionals by Duke I have to wonder: would we treat plumbers this way? The director of Louisiana’s controversial new system to evaluate public school teachers had her own teaching certificate lapse. “My teaching certificate is not active right now,” said Molly Horstman, who oversees the new review setup that state officials call Compass, Thursday. Horstman, who spent two years in a New Orleans classroom, said the lack of a teaching certificate has nothing to do with her current post, w... more »

Congressman announces $100,000 grant for charter school that fails Latinos and children with special needs - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Congressman announces $100,000 grant for charter school that fails Latinos and children with special needs - Wait, What?: Congressman announces $100,000 grant for charter school that fails Latinos and children with special needs by jonpelto [image: Charter Schools - Dividing Communities since 1991] This afternoon, Congressman John Larson announced that the Jumoke Academy will be getting a $100,000 grant to support the charter school’s efforts to take over the Milner School, one of Hartford’s public schools. Along with the press release, Congressman Larson said, “I know this fun... more »

Q and A. Pension cost shift. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Q and A. Pension cost shift. « Fred Klonsky: Q and A. Pension cost shift. by Fred Klonsky *Question:* *So if the pension costs are shifted to the local districts, what mechanism or law will prevent them from also not funding the system? Why can’t they do like the state and ignore their obligations?* *- Edie Wade* *Answer:* *Dear Edie,* *Disclaimer: This is from an English teacher’s perspective and not from a lawyer’s analysis:* *“The State shall provide for an efficient system of high quality public educational institutions and services… The State has the primary responsibility for... more »

Hybrids of History Teaching | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Hybrids of History Teaching | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Hybrids of History Teaching by larrycuban Why do most history teachers (past and present) use teacher-directed ways of teaching with a small minority diverging from their colleagues? One answer looks at how external testing, state academic standards, federal accountability regulations, teacher certification, and the unofficial national curriculum of Advanced Placement influence what teachers present. These largely unnoticed structures in the policy landscape set the boundaries within which teachers ... more »

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Kaiser's "F" bomb on Latino leaders reveals his ties to DeVos family

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Kaiser's "F" bomb on Latino leaders reveals his ties to DeVos family: Kaiser's "F" bomb on Latino leaders reveals his ties to DeVos family by Mike Klonsky Michael KaiserMichael Kaiser, president of the Kennedy Center,responded to criticism of the Center's anti-Latino biasby telling National Hispanic Foundation for the Arts Chairman Felix Sanchez to "go fuck yourself." While Kaiser, who fancies himself a Kennedy liberal, was forced to apologize, he remains atop the prestigious, heavily endowed, cultural awards group. But a closer look at the Cente... more »

School Funding Inequity Forces Poor Cities Like Reading, Pa., To Take Huge Cuts

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

School Funding Inequity Forces Poor Cities Like Reading, Pa., To Take Huge Cuts: School Funding Inequity Forces Poor Cities Like Reading, Pa., To Take Huge Cuts by Joy Resmovits [image: School Funding Reading] READING, Pa. -- The day before school starts, 8-year-old Tianna wakes up worried. She's worried about the cafeteria food that she receives for free, because usually "it's nasty." She's worried about making friends, since she'll be in a new school. But most of all, she's worried about where all the fired teachers will go. "When we were at assembly, I learned that people didn... more »

Mother Crusader: I Made The Honor Roll

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

Mother Crusader: I Made The Honor Roll: I Made The Honor Roll by darciecima On school mornings my alarm goes off about 7:15 and my girls climb into bed with me for a quick snuggle before we get up and get going. I usually check my email as we lie in bed. I follow Diane Ravitch's blog, as I am sure many of you do, and get email notifications whenever she posts. I am often amazed at how late and/or how early she has posted, and wonder when this amazing woman sleeps! When I read the title of an email from 7:04 this morning my heart stopped. A New Jersey Mom: Another Hero of Pu... more »

Can We Exorcize "Evil" From the Education Reform Debate? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Can We Exorcize "Evil" From the Education Reform Debate? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: Can We Exorcize "Evil" From the Education Reform Debate? by Anthony Cody Follow me on Twitter at @AnthonyCody Advocates of education "reform" are reeling a bit from the backlash that has greeted the release of "Won't Back Down." All of a sudden mainstream critics were seen pointing out connections between the movie's financial backers and the political agenda it advanced. Amidst this shift we are hearing calls that critics of "reform" cool our tone. Daniel Willingham writes here... more »

Overview | Keep America Beautiful :: Recycle-Bowl :: School Recycling Competition

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Overview | Keep America Beautiful :: Recycle-Bowl :: School Recycling Competition: [image: Keep America Beautiful Presents Recycle-bowl Competition Sponsored by Nestle Waters] WHY RECYCLE-BOWL? Recycling is the easiest and most effective thing that ANYONE can do to protect natural resources, conserve energy and reduce carbon emissions. Recycling also creates jobs and stimulates our economy. And, friendly competition is a proven way to motivate young people toward adopting sustainable behaviors. Many schools have been slow to embrace recycling. Through Recycle-Bowl, we hope to gal... more »

Teachers Don't Suck !: Fear of Firing

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Teachers Don't Suck !: Fear of Firing: Fear of Firing by Walt S. I read an article on the front page of the Ledger on September 24th. It was lengthy so let me summarize. It pertained to a law suit regarding the firing of Mr. Jose Cotto, a non tenured Newark Public School teacher. Mr. Cotto received a death threat from a student during class. The boy was sent out of class only to return a short time later. Mr. Cotto, fearing for his safety, called the Newark Police who where turned away when they arrived at

Missouri Education Watchdog: Meet the New Boss (Sir Michael Barber)...Same As the Old Boss (Marc Tucker)

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Meet the New Boss (Sir Michael Barber)...Same As the Old Boss (Marc Tucker): Meet the New Boss (Sir Michael Barber)...Same As the Old Boss (Marc Tucker) by stlgretchen Popout *Education Reform: We "won't get fooled again"...or will we?* Who is Sir Michael Barber from England and why is he directing educational directives in the United States? It's because education is global now. He's accomplishing what Marc Tucker tried to implement in the 90'sbut was thwarted by Liz Cheney. (Where is Liz Cheney's voice in this global takeover of education today a... more »

National School Boards Action Center » Making Education a Major Priority: An Election Year Message to President Obama and Governor Romney

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

National School Boards Action Center » Making Education a Major Priority: An Election Year Message to President Obama and Governor Romney: National School Boards Action Center Calls on Obama and Romney to Focus on Public Education *Contact:* Linda Embrey press@nsbac.org (703) 838-6737 Alexandria, Va. (October 1, 2012) – In anticipation of the upcoming presidential candidates’ debates, the *National School Boards Action Center ** (NSBAC), a *new 501(c)(4) organization founded by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), has released *a report, *“*An Election Year Message to Pre... more »

Civil Rights Icon Rejects Anniversary of University Integration | Common Dreams

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Civil Rights Icon Rejects Anniversary of University Integration | Common Dreams: Civil Rights Icon Rejects Anniversary of University Integration James Meredith, first African-American to attend University of Mississippi, refuses to partake in commemoration. - Common Dreams staff As the University of Mississippi celebrates the 50th anniversary of its integration, James Meredith—the man who risked life and limb to be the first African-American to attend the school—refuses to partake in the commemoration. Meredith sits alone on his first day of classes at the University of Mississippi... more »

UPDATE: The in box. What does testing and test prep cost in money and time? « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

The in box. What does testing and test prep cost in money and time? « Fred Klonsky: The in box. What does testing and test prep cost in money and time? by Fred Klonsky *Madame President-* *Last night I received the letter from Executive Vice Presidet Lawrence that the AFT Educational Issues depart, in tandem with the Legislative Department, will implement the actions of “Resolution #5″ to design guidelines and draft legislation for a total cost analysis of testing in our schools.* *I just wanted to thank you and the others on the Executive Council for all your efforts on this. I... more »

UPDATE: A Short History (and the future) of School Desegregation - Dana Goldstein

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

A Short History (and the future) of School Desegregation - Dana Goldstein: A Short History (and the future) of School Desegregation by Dana Goldstein *The Guardian* asked me to respond to a British educator's public comments in favor of American style school busing. I hope the piece is a good overview of the history of school desegregation efforts, as well as the movement's future. This is all very timely in the American context, as well; the latest report from the Civil Rights Project at UCLA shows deepening school segregation, especially for Latino children in the South and West... more »

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Tuesday, October 2, 2012

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Register to Vote Education Headlines *Tuesday, October 2, 2012* Olympic High School teacher Skip Weinstock makes a difference in his students' livesSkip Weinstock said he stayed at Olympic Continuation High School, for more than four decades because he is committed to working with those who have struggled in life. The school accepts students who are behind in credits or who have difficulty fitting in at traditional high schools for a variety of reasons. Camp: Should California’s teachers vote with the governor?Should teachers vot... more »

Daily Kos: On "Reform" and the "Public" in Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Daily Kos: On "Reform" and the "Public" in Education: On "Reform" and the "Public" in Education byplthomasEdDFollow 3 PERMALINK1 COMMENT U.S. public education appears in dire need of reform. To address that problem central to the health of America's democracy and economy (reformers note), committees must be formed and solutions proposed and then implemented: "That it is expedient to hold a conference of school and college teachers of each principal subject which enters into the programmes of secondary schools in the United States and into the requirements for admission to coll... more »

Reformers Could Use a History Lesson – SchoolBook

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Reformers Could Use a History Lesson – SchoolBook: Reformers Could Use a History Lesson by Sonia E. Murrow We are teacher educators who have one eye on schooling in the present and the other on the history of education. We can’t help noticing that while many contemporary reform proposals are presented as radically novel, in fact, they have historical precedents. For example, supporters of school vouchers rarely acknowledge that Southern legislatures initiated voucher programs to fund white students’ attendance at private schools that were exempt from the Brown v Board of Education ... more »

Oct 2 2012: Team Vallas continues to take Bridgeport teachers off teaching duties to apply textbook barcodes - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Oct 2 2012: Team Vallas continues to take Bridgeport teachers off teaching duties to apply textbook barcodes - Wait, What?: Oct 2 2012: Team Vallas continues to take Bridgeport teachers off teaching duties to apply textbook barcodes by jonpelto *File this one under, How do these school administrators keep their jobs?* Team Vallas watchers will recall that earlier this year, Bridgeport purchased more than $10 million in new textbooks. And over the last six weeks, Bridgeport teachers have spent literally hundreds of hours putting barcodes on those books so that they could finally be ... more »

Modern School: 40 Years of Declining Wages & Living Conditions

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Modern School: 40 Years of Declining Wages & Living Conditions: 40 Years of Declining Wages & Living Conditions by Michael Dunn Huck/Konopacki Labor Cartoons Increased productivity (i.e., goods and services produced per hour worked) is the theoretical basis for improved living standards under capitalism. This is because with increased productivity employees can work fewer hours to accomplish more and/or earn more money per hour worked since they are producing more. However, it is only in theory that their living standards improve since their compensation and working conditions (incl... more »

A Call to Reclaim the Banner of Reform - Bridging Differences - Education Week

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

A Call to Reclaim the Banner of Reform - Bridging Differences - Education Week: A Call to Reclaim the Banner of Reform by Pedro Noguera My Dear Deb, While I appreciate a good debate I can't let you put me in the position of being regarded as anti-teacher or anti anti-teacher union. I have too long a history of defending teachers and their unions in print, in speech, and in action. I have also written about the role of teachers in school reform, and I have nothing but praise for the Chicago Teachers Union. I know that like the United Federation of Teachers in New York, they are th... more »

Bullying Resources, Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Bullying Resources, Education : - [image: KCRA-KCRA.com] KCRA 3 to air one-hour bullying special Bullying, it’s not a one size fits all problem and there are no easy solutions. But it’s a problem that can no longer be ignored. [image: Yoursphere Logo] Cyberbullying: 5 Steps to combating, documenting While starting a new school year can be exciting and fun, it can also be tough for children of any age -- dealing with new teachers and new students, and continuing the friendships (and rivalries) that they formed during the previous year. But these days it... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Banda's Letter to APP Families

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Banda's Letter to APP Families: Banda's Letter to APP Families by Charlie Mas Superintendent Banda has sent a letter to APP @ Lincoln families that outlines the plans for north-end elementary APP. The letter also reveals a lot about the District's process. The letter reads, in part: Specifically regarding the APP program, I want to provide the following updates: - APP students will remain at Lincoln for the next five school years, including this year. - If BEX IV is approved, staff recommend moving the current north end APP element... more »

Diane Ravitch Talks School Reform, the Chicago Strike, and the "Testing Vampire"

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Diane Ravitch Talks School Reform, the Chicago Strike, and the "Testing Vampire": *Diane Ravitch Talks School Reform, the Chicago Strike, and the "Testing Vampire"* ABBY RAPOPORT OCTOBER 1, 2012 Diane Ravitch is famous for two things: championing the education reform movement, then leading the opposition to it. The movement, which broadly supports an agenda that emphasizes student assessment (a.k.a. testing) and school choice (a.k.a. charter schools), has come to dominate American education policy. For the most part, both Democrats and Republicans now push to make school syst... more »

Morning UPDATE: LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 10-2-12 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Putting a Stake in the Heart of the Vampire by dianerav On Sunday evening, after I spoke to the joint meeting of the Texas School Boards Association and the Texas Association of School Administrators, and after I spoke to parents and teachers at Eastside Memorial High School, I met Abby Rappaport, who writes for The American Prospect. Abby knows Texas politics well. She asked me many good questions, and reprinted a slightly edited version of the interview. I boiled down everything I said to TSBA and TASA i... more »

State senator on why he opposes amendment: Best charter schools are those approved by local boards, not state. | Get Schooled

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

State senator on why he opposes amendment: Best charter schools are those approved by local boards, not state. | Get Schooled: State senator on why he opposes amendment: Best charter schools are those approved by local boards, not state. by Maureen Downey [image: Charter Schools - Dividing Communities since 1991] Yesterday, I posted *a pro charter amendments piece by two Georgia House members*. Now, here is a piece in opposition by a Senate member, state Sen. Steve Henson of DeKalb, the leader of the Senate Democratic Caucus. By Steve Henson As we approach the Nov. 6th general el... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Current TV on Parent Trigger and "Won't Back Down"

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Current TV on Parent Trigger and "Won't Back Down": Current TV on Parent Trigger and "Won't Back Down" by Leonie Haimson Check out "Public MisEducation": the Young Turks with Cenk Uygur, from Current TV on the "Parent Trigger," the propaganda film "Won't Back Down" and its producer, right-wing privateer Philip Anschutz. Popout

Defending Teachers and Teaching | California Progress Report

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

Defending Teachers and Teaching | California Progress Report: Defending Teachers and Teaching by callen *By Mark Naison* Every day, for the past year, I have posted something on Facebook, or on With A Brooklyn Accent, to uplift the morale of teachers I am in touch with, in every part of this nation, who feel demoralized by the relentless pressure they feel to solve problems not of their making. Sometimes I tell stories about great teachers; sometimes I make fun of teachers' enemies; sometimes I tell stories which reveal that that racism and poverty are so deeply rooted in our histo... more »

Why We Sing : blue cheddar

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

Why We Sing : blue cheddar: Why We Sing by Worley Dervish As an ever-more-deeply-invested participant in the Solidarity Sing Along, I’ve been thinking lately about why we sing, why we’ve chosen this particular form of expression. Just what’s going on here? Why do we keep coming back? What exactly are we accomplishing? I don’t think of what we do as protest, because it’s so much more than that. Certainly there are plenty of things going on in our state worthy of protest. But our singing is also a communal affirmation of our hopes, our values, our longing for justice, truth, and de... more »

Guide For Principals To Screw Teachers southbronxschool.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

http://www.southbronxschool.com: Guide For Principals To Screw Teachers by noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) A very interesting item came across the SBSB news desk over the weekend. Apologies if this information we have is already known. In 2010 NYC DOE very well paidconsultant and retired principal, Joseph Belesi presented some workshops on how principals can be rid of tenured teachers. Entitled, "Performance Management," Belesi and his cronies presented a treasure trove to principals. A step by step guide on how to get rid of "incompetent" teachers. The Crack Team is in posses... more »

NYC Educator: ATR Spotlight on Movies

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

NYC Educator: ATR Spotlight on Movies: ATR Spotlight on Movies by NYC Educator *By special guest film reviewer Suddenly ATR* In light of the recent Chicago Teacher Union strike and the film Won't Back Down, I recently re-watched a movie that showed many of the problems of the Chicago public school education system but didn't manage to demonize anyone. What movie was this? None other than the classic documentary "Hoop Dreams." Hoop Dreams was released in 1994 but it feels like it could have been shot today. I won't bore anyone with the details of the movie, since it is so well-kno... more »

CAN LAUSD DYSFUNCTION CONTINUE IF PROPOSITIONS 30 & 38 FAIL? - Perdaily.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

CAN LAUSD DYSFUNCTION CONTINUE IF PROPOSITIONS 30 & 38 FAIL? - Perdaily.com: CAN LAUSD DYSFUNCTION CONTINUE IF PROPOSITIONS 30 & 38 FAIL? by Leonard Isenberg [image: Pat Brown.jpg] *(Mensaje se repite en Español) (For a national view of public education reform see the end of this blog post)* *Prop 30 & 38 are a Sophie's Choice: Either pass one or both of these flawed propositions to supposedly bail out a purposefully de-funded public education system made so by the richest in this state and the oil industry not *

Evergreen Park teachers hit the bricks over salary and evaluations. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

Evergreen Park teachers hit the bricks over salary and evaluations. « Fred Klonsky: Evergreen Park teachers hit the bricks over salary and evaluations. by Fred Klonsky Union teachers in Evergreen Park, a south suburban working class school district, are walking the picket lines this morning. It is the third Chicago area teacher strike in the past month. Highland Park and Crystal Lake may be next. They follow Lake Forest. And of course, Chicago. The strike is over two issues. Salary and benefits are a usual sticking point in negotiations. Evergreen Park has Tony at the Red Line Ta... more »

On Junot Diaz, The Kennedy Center and Affirmative Action [Latino History Series] | The Jose Vilson

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

On Junot Diaz, The Kennedy Center and Affirmative Action [Latino History Series] | The Jose Vilson: On Junot Diaz, The Kennedy Center and Affirmative Action [Latino History Series] by Jose Junot Diaz An awesome thing happened today when Junot Diaz, author of the meritorious and raw *The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao* and more recently *This Is How You Lose Her*, won the MacArthur Award / Grant. As a fellow Dominican, my initial thought was, “Watch how many new cousins, aunts, and former lovers he suddenly has after the news breaks out.” My second, and more important, thought w... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Test-based evals, 'merit" pay at issue in Evergreen Park strike

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Test-based evals, 'merit" pay at issue in Evergreen Park strike: Test-based evals, 'merit" pay at issue in Evergreen Park strike. by Mike Klonsky Passing cars honk in support of Evergreen Park teachersAs Chicago teachers prepare to vote today on their new contract, teachers and support staff in the predominantly white, working-class Chicago suburb of Evergreen Park went on strike this morning. Negotiations have been dragging on since April. Highland Park and Crystal Lake teachers could follow suit later this month if they are still without a decent co... more »

Big Education Ape Nite Cap UPDATE 10-1-12 #SOSCHAT #CTUSTRIKE

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

*Nite Cap UPDATE* *UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* Poor Boxoffice for Anti-Union Film by dianerav The film “Won’t Back Down,” which publicizes the idea that parents should seize control of their public school and turn it over to a charter operator, has been heavily promoted. The movie was shown at both national political conventions by Michelle Rhee; it had a glamorous opening in New York City and extensive publicity as part of NBC’s Education Nation, and full-page ads in major newspapers, as well as expensive ads on network television. But opening weekend for WBD was a disaster. Acc... more »

Last Stand for Children First: Won't Back Down: Time for Accountability Now

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Last Stand for Children First: Won't Back Down: Time for Accountability Now: Won't Back Down: Time for Accountability Now by Last Stand for Children The movie Won't Back Down makes a compelling case for accountability in our public schools. If schools aren't doing their job, why not turn the school over to a private company? It might be harsh, but schools exist for children after all. Don't we have a right to demand the best from our teachers? In Illinois, teachers who receive two unsatisfactory evaluations within a 7 year period can have their teaching certificate pulled. T... more »

President Obama to Establish César E. Chávez National Monument | The White House

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

President Obama to Establish César E. Chávez National Monument | The White House: President Obama to Establish César E. Chávez National Monument On October 8th, 2012, President Obama will travel to Keene, California to announce the establishment of the César E. Chávez National Monument. Years in the making, the monument – which will be designated under the Antiquities Act – will be established on the property known as Nuestra Señora Reina de la Paz (Our Lady Queen of Peace), or La Paz. The La Paz property is recognized worldwide for its historic link to civil rights icon César E... more »

Students Last: Charter School Miracle?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Students Last: Charter School Miracle?: Charter School Miracle? by Students Last Some in the charter school business are praying for a miracle*Newark New Jersey - *Cory Booker, mayor of Newark, New Jersey, filed a petition with the Catholic Church urging that charter schools be deemed "miracles." "Charter schools are a blessing from God. The work they do is truly extraordinary," said an enthusiastic Booker on the steps of the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart. The petition is an unusual one for the mayor. "Well, I've been kissing their asses for so long, this was just the next... more »

The Illinois Constitution guarantees our pension but not the funding. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

The Illinois Constitution guarantees our pension but not the funding. « Fred Klonsky: The Illinois Constitution guarantees our pension. But not the funding. by Fred Klonsky In a previous post I said that it was my understanding that while the Illinois Constitution guarantees state employee pensions and guarantees that they may not be *diminished or impaired,* it does not guarantee that the state provide the funding. This is the basis for Democratic State Representative Elaine Nekritz and Governor Pat Quinn to advocate shifting the pension obligation from the state to local units o... more »

Home | Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Home | Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg: [image: Senator Darrell Steinberg]OCTOBER 2012 E-NEWSLETTER Dear Neighbor: Summer is officially over, and the change in season brings with it positive changes for Californians. Most notably, I have brought about reform to California's accountability system for public schools with my SB 1458 signed by the Governor last week. This measure improves the Academic Performance Index (API) by relying less on standardized bubble test scores and more on other important factors such as graduation rates, and student readiness for higher ed... more »