Tuesday, January 29, 2013

Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 1-29-13 AM Posts #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2




BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS





Teachers For Social Justice: Teachers for Social Justice Statement on Obama’s Gun Control Plans

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 minutes ago
Teachers For Social Justice: Teachers for Social Justice Statement on Obama’s Gun Control Plans: Teachers for Social Justice Statement on Obama’s Gun Control Plans by sarah atlas In the wake of the Newtown tragedy, the Obama administration proposed a series of gun control recommendations and policies. His four-point plan includes "making schools safer" and "increasing access to mental health services." The plan states "We need to make our schools safer, not only by enhancing their physical security... but also by creating safer and more nurturing school climates that help preve... more »

School Board Leaders Advocate for Less Intrusive Role of the U.S. Department of Education National School Boards Association

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 39 minutes ago
National School Boards Association: *School Board Leaders Advocate for Less Intrusive Role of the U.S. Department of Education* * * * * * * Alexandria, Va. (Jan. 29, 2013) – More than 700 school board members and state school boards association leaders will be meeting with their members of Congress and urging them to co-sponsor legislation, developed by the National School Boards Association (NSBA), to protect local school district governance from unnecessary and counter-productive federal intrusion from the U.S. Department of Education. School board leaders are in Washington D... more »

Discipline: Responding to Bad Behavior in School - Bridging Differences - Education Week

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 50 minutes ago
Discipline: Responding to Bad Behavior in School - Bridging Differences - Education Week: Discipline: Responding to Bad Behavior in School by Deborah Meier Dear Alfie, As I read some of the responses to the blog, I have more and more sympathy for your viewpoint. The idea of a disguised punishment—the "thinking chair" with Teddy Bear—reminds me of many similar ideas coming from people I admire and respect (like Responsive Classrooms). And as I read the comment from "jyatvin" on natural consequences, I think to myself: If they are natural, than we don't have to intervene as teachers... more »

Modern School: Union Membership Lowest in 70 Years, Thanks in Part to Unions

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Modern School: Union Membership Lowest in 70 Years, Thanks in Part to Unions: Union Membership Lowest in 70 Years, Thanks in Part to Unions by Michael Dunn Union membership declined from 11.8% of the workforce in 2011, to 11.3% in 2012, according a recent report by the national Bureau of Labor Statistics and is now the lowest it has been since the 1930s, according to the Washington Post. Union membership peaked in the 1950s at nearly 33% of the total workforce. By 1983, that number had dropped to 20%, and today it is just barely 11%. Public sector union membership (35.9%) is sti... more »

Dropout Nation? | EduShyster

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Dropout Nation? | EduShyster: Dropout Nation? by edushyster2012 *What exactly are college prep academies preparing students for?* A young test-taker at Boston’s City on a Hill Charter School, which is seeking to open two more college prep academies. And now it’s time for today’s high-stakes test question: which of the following is better at preparing students to attend and complete college? *A *. Our union-stifled (and indisputably failing) public schools or *B*. The college prep academies that are popping up like payday loan services in cities everywhere. The correct answer, as you ... more »

Joy Resmovits: Scott Walker Wants Merit Pay, Arizona School Funding Screwup: Ed Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Joy Resmovits: Scott Walker Wants Merit Pay, Arizona School Funding Screwup: Ed Today: Scott Walker Wants Merit Pay, Arizona School Funding Screwup: Ed Today by Joy Resmovits *Scott Walker-Style Merit Pay?* Speaking at a Friday convention, Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) said he wants the state to begin a program that would pay teachers partially in accordance with their ratings, reports the Badger Herald. "One of the things we're looking to do going forward is to put additional resources into public education over the next two years in this budget in a variety of different ways ... more »

Ed Notes Online: Susan Ohanian: The best rebuttal of the Common Core. The BEST.

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Ed Notes Online: Susan Ohanian: The best rebuttal of the Common Core. The BEST.: Susan Ohanian: The best rebuttal of the Common Core. The BEST. by ed notes online Susan has a plethora of common core critiques. Now, not being directly involved in teaching anymore, I really don't pay much attention to the details of common core. "So why are you opposed," I am often asked? Because of the people and orgs who are supporting it: Every ed deformer and the UFT/AFT. When Tweed and the UFT are on the same side, watch out. Susan also highlights an article by MORE candidate for UFT Secretary... more »

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-29-13 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] The Biggest Testing Scandal of All by dianerav Pearson has a contract with the state of Texas for five years that is worth close to $500 million. That ought to bring gold-plated service and products to the children of Texas, right? Wrong. Pearson is advertising for test graders in Texas on craigslist! The graders need only a bachelor’s degree, and they wil Special Education Teacher on Common Core by dianerav This NYC teacher of children with autism is having trouble teaching her students the Common Core.... more »

Shanker Blog » Value-Added As A Screening Device: Part II

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Shanker Blog » Value-Added As A Screening Device: Part II: Value-Added As A Screening Device: Part II by Douglas N. Harris *Our guest author today is Douglas N. Harris, associate professor of economics and University Endowed Chair in Public Education at Tulane University in New Orleans. His latest book, *Value-Added Measures in Education*, provides an accessible review of the technical and practical issues surrounding these models. * This past November, I wrote a post for this blog about shifting course in the teacher evaluation movement and using value-added as a “screening devi... more »

LAUSD to compete with charters to run ‘parent trigger’ school | EdSource Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
LAUSD to compete with charters to run ‘parent trigger’ school | EdSource Today: LAUSD to compete with charters to run ‘parent trigger’ school - by John Fensterwald by John Fensterwald The parents at 24th Street Elementary School in Los Angeles Unified will have plenty of choices for an operator to take over their school under the “parent trigger” process they initiated this month. One of the contenders will be the district itself. The school’s Parents’ Union announced Monday it had received letters of intent from eight organizations saying they would submit detailed proposals o... more »

Quantify This! | toteachornototeach

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Quantify This! | toteachornototeach: Quantify This! by aristotlethewise [image: 60585_130040773711681_850822_n]*Quantify This!* by Robert J. Cabin “Not everything that counts can be counted, and not everything that can be counted counts.” Albert Einstein A first-generation college student stays after class to talk with his professor about something he found particularly interesting, even though this topic will not be on the test. An introverted student slowly gains enough confidence to start raising her hand and speaking her mind. A group of formerly disengaged and apathetic stude... more »

Do we put students first when we promote them when they aren’t ready? | Get Schooled

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Do we put students first when we promote them when they aren’t ready? | Get Schooled: Do we put students first when we promote them when they aren’t ready? by Maureen Downey A retired APS teacher sent me this note in response to my entry a few ago on Michelle Rhee’s state report cards. I thought it was worth sharing as it addresses a problem that I hear about all the time — the promotion of kids who are not ready or prepared for the next grade: I am a retired teacher from an APS middle school. I have tried to get someone to listen to what I consider a big problem in APS schools. ... more »

A tough critique of Common Core on early childhood education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
A tough critique of Common Core on early childhood education: A tough critique of Common Core on early childhood education Posted by Valerie Strauss on January 29, 2013 at 6:00 am - [image: Smaller Text] [image: Larger Text] Text Size - Print - Reprints - Share: - - - More » [image: common-core2]The debate on the Common Core State Standards has in recent months centered around the issue of how much fiction high school students should read. Here’s a tough critique on the standards and how they relate to early childhood education. It was written by Edward Mill... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Where's The Math in Common Core Math Problems?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Missouri Education Watchdog: Where's The Math in Common Core Math Problems?: Where's The Math in Common Core Math Problems? by stlgretchen Yesterday we linked an article about the stress on kindergartners because of Common Core standards. Today we highlight Barry Garelick's article on 5th grade Math taught via Common Core standards. From EdWeek and *Developing the Habits of Mind for Algebraic Thinking*: `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````` ....a friend of mine who lives in Spokane directed me to the website of t... more »

DeWitt Clinton – How a School Can Change Us All « JD2718

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
DeWitt Clinton – How a School Can Change Us All « JD2718: DeWitt Clinton – How a School Can Change Us All by jd2718 Danny Schecter is a filmmaker, and a DeWitt Clinton graduate. And he’s making a documentary film about Clinton. The DoE was going to close Clinton, but afraid of a fight with a loyal alumni, they chose to try to move in two small schools instead. Those of us in the Bronx know, those schools are the first steps towards closing DWC. So we will fight. And Danny’s work is part of that. Below are a two-minute promo and a five-minute trailer. Both excellent, by the way. Pro... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: What a night! Belafonte at Northwestern and protest at CPS hearings in Uptown

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: What a night! Belafonte at Northwestern and protest at CPS hearings in Uptown: What a night! Belafonte at Northwestern and protest at CPS hearings in Uptown by Mike Klonsky "Without radical thought, our society cannot move forward." -- Harry Belafonte (M. Klonsky pic)I drove up to Evanston last night to hear the great *Harry Belafonte* deliver an keynote to a packed house at Northwesteern's Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration 2013. Belafonte was a close friend and supporter of Dr. King. He minced no words last night while talking about our nation's ... more »

The in box. National call-in to Scrap the MAP. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
The in box. National call-in to Scrap the MAP. « Fred Klonsky: The in box. National call-in to Scrap the MAP. by Fred Klonsky GET READY! THIS *WEDNESDAY, January 30* is a national call/phone/fax day to tell Seattle Public Schools that you, your organization and your union stand with the teachers in the MAP test boycott. Send your message to Seattle Schools Superintendent José Banda: *Phone: (206) 252-0180* *Fax: (206) 252-0209* *Email: superintendent@seattleschools.org* If you send an email, share it with us here in the comments! Next week, *WEDNESDAY, February 6* will be a National... more »

Schools Matter: High-tech tots?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Schools Matter: High-tech tots?: High-tech tots? by skrashen Science education: No reason to panic Sent to the Minneapolis Star-Tribune, January 27, 2013 The Hopkins District has introduced science education into preschool (“Hopkins School District takes science ed down to the next level,” Jan 27), apparently under the impression that the US is experiencing a shortage of science and technology experts. Hopkins administrators may want to consult research done by Rutgers Professor Hal Salzman, who concludes that there are two to three qualified graduates for each science/tech openi... more »

The Flawed Assumptions and Intentions of Florida’s Education Accountability System | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
The Flawed Assumptions and Intentions of Florida’s Education Accountability System | Scathing Purple Musings: The Flawed Assumptions and Intentions of Florida’s Education Accountability System by Bob Sikes It’s not certain where the most recent work of the Shanker Institute’s* Matt DiCarlo *will take the debate on Florida’ education accountability system. DiCarlo weighed in on Florida Senate president Don Gaetz comment (here and here) that Florida’s entire education accountability system was “in danger of imploding.” DiCarlo asserts that Gaetz’ assumptions that a correlation sho... more »

Brian Jones discusses Real vs. Phony Education Reform « Seattle Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Brian Jones discusses Real vs. Phony Education Reform « Seattle Education: Brian Jones discusses Real vs. Phony Education Reform by seattleducation2011 Brian Jones discusses Real vs. Phony Education Reform I had the pleasure of hearing Brian Jones speak in Portland a few weekends ago, the day after the MAP boycott began, so things have been a bit crazy but…I want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to view this wonderful presentation. Then, we’ll get back to the struggle at hand. Education activist Brian Jones discusses Real vs. Phony Education Reform and punctures the m... more »

Jersey Jazzman: Charters Get Even MORE Brazen

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Jersey Jazzman: Charters Get Even MORE Brazen: Charters Get Even MORE Brazen by Duke *Soon, every school in America will look like this...* You think the story of the foul-mouthed Bay Area charter cheerleader Ben Chavis is bad? Wait until you hear what's going on in Albany! The former chief financial officer for the* Brighter Choice Foundation*, which provides funding and support to 10 public charter schools in Albany, has been *charged with embezzling $202,837 from the organization.* The arrest Wednesday of Ronald A. Racela marks the *second time in four years that Racela has be... more »

Public Ed Advocate Kathy Carroll on MLK And The Privatization & Re-segregation of Education (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Public Ed Advocate Kathy Carroll on MLK And The Privatization & Re-segregation of Education (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com: Public Ed Advocate Kathy Carroll on MLK And The Privatization & Re-segregation of Education (VIDEO) by Leonard Isenberg [image: Kathleen Carroll.jpg] *On the 2013 commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, public education advocate, lawyer and whistleblower at the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing Kathy Carroll discusses the re-segregation of public schools and the role of privatizers and unions in the attack on public education. * *The conference was spon... more »

School Tech Connect: My Reaction To Tonight's Forum At Truman

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago
School Tech Connect: My Reaction To Tonight's Forum At Truman: My Reaction To Tonight's Forum At Truman by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman) *Activist, not a blogger* Yes, it's true. I was an activist tonight at Truman, not a blogger. I felt I had to be because I work with a community that is in jeopardy of being railroaded. And I do feel bad that the people running the event didn't get to have things go their way. They're in an impossible spot--- they've chosen to take jobs for a board that should be elected but isn't elected. In the public sector, if your board doesn't have any d... more »

A Review of Django Unchained « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago
A Review of Django Unchained « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: A Review of Django Unchained by millerlf *I spent years teaching U.S. history in MPS. I focused on African-American experience in U.S. history and its meaning today. When the movie *Django Unchained* was released this year, written and directed by Quentin Tarantino, I planned not to see it because of my low respect for his work. But there has been so much discussion about the movie, I decided to see it so I could compare its depiction to the narrative I had established with my students over the years in te... more »

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 1-28-13 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago
*Nite Cap UPDATE**UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* On Writing As Revenge by Jose Vilson What happens when your writing becomes revenge? [image: The Rock, WWE Champion 2013]The Rock, WWE Champion 2013Not the Twilight-Mean-Girls type of revenge, but the revenge that James Brown yells in “The Big Payback“? I get that hate is too big a burden to bear a-la MLK Jr, but this isn’t hate. This harkens back to a remembrance, a devaluing, a necessity to reprove one’s ostensible skill even before it fully blossomed. As with other motivations in life, they’ve asked you to step aside, break out a ... more »

Pat Hermann questions the IEA’s present behavior regarding bargaining the constitutionally guaranteed rights of teachers and retirees | Reclaim Reform

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
Pat Hermann questions the IEA’s present behavior regarding bargaining the constitutionally guaranteed rights of teachers and retirees | Reclaim Reform: Pat Hermann questions the IEA’s present behavior regarding bargaining the constitutionally guaranteed rights of teachers and retirees by kenpreviti [image: guest20110307004845] The Illinois Education Association has sent signals to the state legislators that on behalf of its members the IEA is willing to make a new deal and grant an additional 2% of current teachers’ incomes (from the present 9.4% to 11.4% of gross) and consider red... more »

Oregon Save Our Schools: Values and Value

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
Oregon Save Our Schools: Values and Value: Values and Value by Kris Alman [image: Putting the Public Back in Our Public Schools!] Death leaves a frightening void. To shed light on this darkness, we often take a step back to re-evaluate our own lives and to pause for reflection. John Burns died on January 27, 2013. Who is John Burns? I can't really say. I was just getting to know him. Like most people who are unafraid of sticking their hands into a messy situation, he couldn't fully figure out how to keep the mess from obscuring his message. It grieves me that his own big heart s... more »

Michelle and Marion: True Love? | Mr. Teachbad

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
Michelle and Marion: True Love? | Mr. Teachbad: Michelle and Marion: True Love? by teachbad *’m like, ‘You know what? I don’t give a crap.’ Don’t get me wrong. Cre­ativ­ity is good and what­ever. But if the chil­dren don’t know how to read, I don’t care how cre­ative you are. You’re not doing your job*. –Founder/CEO of *Stu­dents First* and for­mer DC Schools Chan­cel­lor *Michelle Rhee* on teach­ers, *Time Mag­a­zine* cover story, Novem­ber 8, 2008. *I don’t know what it is about young boys that they love to throw rocks. It hap­pens more in low-income communities…where there are a... more »

Pa. education secretary rejects all 8 proposed cyber charters | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 15 hours ago
Pa. education secretary rejects all 8 proposed cyber charters | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: Pa. education secretary rejects all 8 proposed cyber chartersby thenotebook on Jan 28 2013 Posted in Latest news ="" style="color: rgb(76, 153, 72); cursor: pointer; float: left; padding: 0px 2px;">Share on email COMMENTS (0)PRINT *by Benjamin Herold of NewsWorks, a Notebook news partner* * * Con Academy Browse Con Academy library of over 3,100 educational videos... * * Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Ronald Tomalis rejected on Monday all eight cyber charter school application...more »

Former state Senator Martha Escutia calls for LAUSD probe into perceived pattern of teacher abuse of Latino youth - LA Daily News

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 15 hours ago
Former state Senator Martha Escutia calls for LAUSD probe into perceived pattern of teacher abuse of Latino youth - LA Daily News: Former state Senator Martha Escutia calls for LAUSD probe into perceived pattern of teacher abuse of Latino youth By Rob Kuznia The Daily Breeze Posted: 01/28/2013 03:13:46 PM PST Updated: 01/28/2013 04:19:03 PM PST Former state Senator Martha Escutia, an attorney and child sex abuse survivors advocate, calls for an immediate investigation into what she believes is a pattern of alleged sexual abuse perpetrated against students by teachers and other ... more »

Listen to the 1-27-13 PAA testing webinar | Parents Across America

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago
Listen to the 1-27-13 PAA testing webinar | Parents Across America: Listen to the 1-27-13 PAA testing webinar by pureparents Here is the link to PAA’s testing webinar which took place on Sunday, January 27, 2013. Our guests were: *Jesse Hagopian,* teacher at Garfield High School and part of the MAP test boycott *Shaun Johnson,* a former public school teacher, current teacher educator and online radio show co-host ofAt the Chalk Face who is a founder of United Opt Out National. *Monty Neill,* Executive Director of the National Center for Fair & Open Testing (FairTest). Dr. Neill a... more »

School Tech Connect: Divide and Conquer

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago
School Tech Connect: Divide and Conquer: Divide and Conquer by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman) Check out the media guidance from CPS in advance of tonight's network "hearing" at Truman College at 7PM. If you're new around here--- CPS is having a number of public events where people are purportedly being given a "voice" in the school closing crisis that the district has manufactured through inept planning and a privatization agenda. Here's what they sent out: As many of you are aware, the second phase of community engagement around school utilization begins this evening. These ... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Legislative Round-Up

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Legislative Round-Up: Supporting the MAP Boycott by Melissa Westbrook From the Solidarity with Garfield Facebook page: *GET READY! THIS WEDNESDAY, January 30 *is a national call/phone/fax day to tell Seattle Public Schools that you, your organization and your union stand with the Garfield test boycotters. Send your message to Seattle Schools Superintendant José Banda: Phone: (206) 252-0180 Fax: (206) 252-0209 Email: superintendent@seattleschools.org Legislative Round-Up by Melissa Westbrook As most of you know, public education, both K-12 and ... more »

Honoring Our Beliefs « Deborah Meier on Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago
Honoring Our Beliefs « Deborah Meier on Education: Honoring Our Beliefs by debmeier When I was a child I went to an independent school that annually honored its founding fathers (maybe mothers?) It was a school that largely served upper middle class white New Yorkers–designed as a progressive school from K-12. The story was told about how the founders mission was to be a school for workingmen’s children so that they would learn to build a more democratic society, especially a more co-operative one. But year after year I wondered, why are we celebrating instead of grieving a lost ... more »

Philadelphia City Council Takes the Lead « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
Philadelphia City Council Takes the Lead « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: Philadelphia City Council Takes the Lead by millerlf *MEDIA ALERT*: MONDAY, JANUARY 28, 2013 *PHILADELPHIA CITY COUNCIL SUPPORTS 1-YEAR MORATORIUM ON SCHOOL CLOSINGS PRIOR TO HEARING WITH DUNCAN & DEPT. OF ED TO CALL FOR END TO DISCRIMINATORY SCHOOL ACTIONS* Philadelphia Leads Nation With Approval of Moratorium On School Closings & Debates Heat Up In Detroit, New York and Across the Country In Anticipation of Hearing WHAT: In the wake of publicity about the upcoming community hearing before Ar... more »

Bloomberg blast teacher evals as 'sham,' 'fraud' - NorthJersey.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
Bloomberg blast teacher evals as 'sham,' 'fraud' - NorthJersey.com: Bloomberg blast teacher evals as 'sham,' 'fraud' MONDAY JANUARY 28, 2013, 2:05 PM BY MICHAEL GORMLEY ASSOCIATED PRESS PAGES: 1 2 > DISPLAY ON ONE PAGE | PRINT | E-MAIL ALBANY, N.Y. — New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg on Monday blasted new teacher evaluations statewide as "shams" and "a fraud on the public," created to extract school aid, not improve teachers. He told state legislators that it was irresponsible for them to pass the 2010 law because he said it ties school aid to union approval of local teacher eva... more »

Diane in the Evening 1-28-13 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog: The Rationale for the Reform Movement by dianerav A reader from Wisconsin points out that Governor Walker’s reforms are not intended to improve the schools, but to turn schooling into a free-market activity: Thank you Diane for highlighting yet another unproven attempt to inject free market ideology into Wisconsin public schools. The recent recall attempt exposed the forces supporting Gov. Walker and how they wish to dismantle public Bobby Jindal and Social Justice, part 2 by dianerav A reader in Louisiana shows how the budget cuts affect the neediest perso... more »

When Parents and Schools Work Together, Everyone Wins! | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
When Parents and Schools Work Together, Everyone Wins! | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: When Parents and Schools Work Together, Everyone Wins! by Anne Foster *By Anne Foster, Executive Director of Parents for Public Schools* * **Editor’s Note: Our guest blogger today is Anne Foster, the Executive Director of Parents for Public Schools. Her email address is afoster@parents4publicschools.org. To learn more about Parents for Public Schools and the PPS PEP curriculum, go to www.PPSparentprograms.com.* * *In Texas, parents are talking about what many consider excessi... more »

Check it Out!!! United for Public Schools - Real reform starts with us. Let's create a community-driven agenda for public schools.

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
United for Public Schools: Stop school closures in Philadelphia! [image: Students in Philadelphia love their school] In too many urban areas, “choice” is a code word for takeovers and closures that force students and families out of the school communities they know and love. - facebook - twitter READ MORE > JANUARY 28, 2013 On choices, and schools [image: decisions2] Most Americans believe in freedom, equality, and equal opportunity for all. We believe that everyone should have a say over how their communities and country is run, and we believe that your own talent, skills and... more »

It was not the petition that was banned. It was the author. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
It was not the petition that was banned. It was the author. « Fred Klonsky: It was not the petition that was banned. It was the author. by Fred Klonsky [image: images-2] *Former IEA President Bob Haisman’s petition campaign last year’s IEA RA.* *C’mon Fred,* *Joe McCarthy? Really? Cinda’s got a point. They didn’t “ban” anything. They just didn’t put it up. I know you think that the IEA should just not work to solve the problem…just say no and go to court. The coalition is working to not only sustain the systems but also to preserve everybody’s benefits. Part of being in a coalition ... more »

Schooling in the Ownership Society: K-12Inc. A sewer of corruption

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Schooling in the Ownership Society: K-12Inc. A sewer of corruption: K-12Inc. A sewer of corruption by Mike Klonsky K-12Inc., the largest and most politically connected of the for-profit on-line learning companies, is at it again. They have been caught up in scandal after scandal, which never seems to keep them from getting lucrative, no-bid contracts with school districts. The latest horror story emanates from Virginia where dozens of former K-12 employees are claiming that the company uses fraudulent tactics mask the astronomical rates of student turnover within their network of ... more »

Shanker Blog » Making Sense Of Florida's School And Teacher Performance Ratings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Shanker Blog » Making Sense Of Florida's School And Teacher Performance Ratings: Making Sense Of Florida’s School And Teacher Performance Ratings by Matthew Di Carlo Last week, Florida State Senate President Don Gaetz (R – Niceville) expressed his skepticism about the recently-released results of the state’s new teacher evaluation system. The senator was particularly concerned about his comparison of the ratings with schools’ “A-F” grades. He noted, “If you have a C school, 90 percent of the teachers in a C school can’t be highly effective. That doesn’t make sense.” There’s an im... more »

Amber Miley – Philosophy, Batman, and SOCAHTOA - Student Voice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Student Voice: Amber Miley – Philosophy, Batman, and SOCAHTOA by admin You would think a math class would consist of math, right? Or a philosophy class would talk about Plato or Socrates ? Not in Brian Reynolds’ class. On a daily basis in this classroom, a classical language major teaching math gives his students a different idea about learning. A common phrase you would hear in his classroom is “demand your education.” He enforces this every day. Demanding our education. This is what we here are all about, right? Wanting to learn how to “live”. Henry David Thoreau speaks about “su... more »

Prison Prep School - In These Times

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Prison Prep School - In These Times: Prison Prep School ‘Zero-tolerance’ and ‘tough-on-crime’ policies put students in a school-to-prison pipeline. BY REBECCA BURNS Student leaders launch the Solutions Not Suspensions initiative in August 2012. (Courtesy of Dignity in Schools) Schools have redefined developmentally appropriate behaviors as crimes. Pushing and shoving in the schoolyard is now a battery, and talking back is nowdisorderly conduct. Metal detectors and uniformed security guards greet students each day at Orr Academy on Chicago’s West Side. “My high school seemed like its... more »

10 Questions to Ask Your Child’s School District on Data Privacy Day 2013 | PogoWasRight.org

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
10 Questions to Ask Your Child’s School District on Data Privacy Day 2013 | PogoWasRight.org: 10 Questions to Ask Your Child’s School District on Data Privacy Day 2013 For Data Privacy Day 2013 on January 28, I’ve tried to compile a list of questions parents should ask their child’s school district about how their child’s personal information is protected. Send your letter to your district’s Superintendent with a cc: to your district’s Board of Education: Dear ________: As a parent of a student in this district, I have a number of questions about the protection and security of ... more »

Youth and Allies to Testify in DC to Stop School Closings | The IDEA Blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Youth and Allies to Testify in DC to Stop School Closings | The IDEA Blog: Youth and Allies to Testify in DC to Stop School Closings Posted by Dana Bennis on Jan 23, 2013 - 10:15 AM On January 29, youth, educators, and community members from grassroots organizations around the United States will testify in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Department of Education to speak out against the closing of public schools and raise awareness about the damaging impacts of closings on the lives of young people -- most especially youth from low-income and working class communities, communities of co... more »

Governor Malloy: Proceeding down the path in a “forthright, fair, and transparent manner” - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Governor Malloy: Proceeding down the path in a “forthright, fair, and transparent manner” - Wait, What?: Governor Malloy: Proceeding down the path in a “forthright, fair, and transparent manner” by jonpelto Last Wednesday’s blog post was entitled, “Wait,What? OPM Secretary Barnes says state budget deficit at $64.4 million.” The article sought to remind readers that back in December, State Comptroller Kevin Lembo announced that the state deficit was exceed $415 million, but rather than accept the word of the Constitutional Officer responsible for determining the deficit, Governor M... more »

Study calls for daily PE classes | EdNewsColorado

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Study calls for daily PE classes | EdNewsColorado: Study calls for daily PE classes by Ann Schimke Students at Red Hawk Elementary participate in an all-school movement break with Principal Cyrus Weinberger. Photo courtesy of Red Hawk Elementary SchoolA recent study published in the *American Journal of Preventive Medicine* found that instituting daily physical education classes for children would boost moderate to vigorous physical activity by 23 minutes a day, more than one-third of the 60 minutes recommended by federal guidelines. The study, which was funded by the Robert Wood... more »

UPDATE: Florida Boondoggle - Schools Matter: Why John DeBerry, Jr. Is Helping Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Create Mob Rule for Memphis Schools

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Schools Matter: Why John DeBerry, Jr. Is Helping Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Create Mob Rule for Memphis Schools: Florida Boondoggle by skrashen Posted on http://www.tampabay.com/blogs/gradebook/content/time-hardwire-florida-schools-senate-ed-chairman-says Florida Boondoggle The Florida Board is eager to spend nearly a half billion dollars to buy and set up equipment primarily so that children can take tests online. There is zero research support for this kind of testing program. Nor is there any demand for a pilot study to be done. As soon as the equipment is set up, it wi... more »

UPDATE: Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week: State Board of Education Seeks Public Input by Melissa Westbrook The Washington State Board of Education is seeking input via a survey "on how we should measure the performance of Washington's K-12 schools. Your answers will help us improve the Washington Achievement Index." Seattle Schools This Week by Melissa Westbrook A very quiet week in SPS except for the special Board meeting on Thursday, January 31 to address the Interim Plan for 2013-2014. *Thursday, January 31st* Board Work Session on the Budget from 4-5 p.m. ... more »

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center: Best of the Ed Blogs *Best of the Ed Blogs* features a frequently updated selection of interesting and insightful blog posts on education policy. The views expressed by the bloggers on our blog roll are thoughtful, original, and entirely their own. We hope you make *Best of the Ed Blogs* your first stop for concise takes on today's most important education topics. Rise and Fall of California’s Most Celebrated Charter School Best of the Ed Blogs Diane Ravitch January 28, 2013 Enough is Enough: Abating the Pursuit of Test Score G... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Data Privacy Day: send a message to the NY State Ed today, demanding that your child's data NOT be shared with private corporations

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
NYC Public School Parents: Data Privacy Day: send a message to the NY State Ed today, demanding that your child's data NOT be shared with private corporations: Data Privacy Day: send a message to the NY State Ed today, demanding that your child's data NOT be shared with private corporations by Leonie Haimson Dear Parents: Today is Data Privacy Day. Here are some questions you can ask your school about your child’s private education records. Unfortunately, we already know that NY State intends to share *the most private information* from your child’s educational records with the ... more »

Two new websites on the MAP test and boycott « Seattle Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Two new websites on the MAP test and boycott « Seattle Education: Two new websites on the MAP test and boycott by seattleducation2011 [image: Scrap the MAP] The ramifications of high stakes testing are greater than some might imagine. Not only can test scores be used to evaluate a teacher’s performance in an erroneous manner, but they can also be used to “grade” a school, giving it the term “failing school”. That is then used as a rationale to close the school, leaving a neighborhood and community without a school or be replaced with a charter school. That is when tests are used as... more »

EDUCON: Shift Happens. « My Island View

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
EDUCON: Shift Happens. « My Island View: EDUCON: Shift Happens. by tomwhitby This weekend I was again very fortunate to attend what many consider the premiere education Conference held each year in Philadelphia, EDUCON. It is the sixth year of this conference and it seems to just keep getting better with each year. It is not at a huge venue. It has no Exhibitors, so there is no Exhibitor Hall. There are no massive dining rooms. There are no planned Gala events. There is no schedule of Keynote speakers. Participation is limited to about 500 people. Students, rather than adults a... more »

UPDATE: FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee just getting started on shaping California education policy Education Headlines *Monday, January 28, 2013* Teachers flip for 'flipped learning' class modelIt's a technology-driven teaching method known as "flipped learning" because it flips the time-honored model of classroom lecture and exercises for homework — the lecture becomes homework and class time is for practice. Novato charter school proponents say they are open to 'other options'After announcing a one-year delay for a proposed chart... more »

Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Michelle Rhee Speaks Locally

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Michelle Rhee Speaks Locally: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Michelle Rhee Speaks Locally January 24, 2013 by PRWeb 1 Comment [image: Email] inShare SACRAMENTO – The Sacramento Speakers Series brings Michelle Rhee to the stage on Tuesday, January 29th when she speaks at the Community Center Theater. Rhee, an education reform advocate as well as Founder and CEO of StudentsFirst, will be an appearance not to be missed as her work often provokes many differing thoughts and opinions of educators across the nation. While Michelle Rhee is most know... more »

L.A. school district’s college-prep push is based on false data | Hechinger Report

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
L.A. school district’s college-prep push is based on false data | Hechinger Report: L.A. school district’s college-prep push is based on false data by Sarah Butrymowicz [image: L.A. school district's college-prep push is based on false data] Eleven years ago, the San Jose school district began requiring all students to pass the classes necessary for admission to the state university systems. Educators elsewhere watched with enthusiasm as early results showed remarkable success. But San Jose Unified has quietly acknowledged that the district overstated its accomplishments. And a Time... more »



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