Monday, January 28, 2013

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 1-28-13 #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



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

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 32 minutes 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 - 33 minutes 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 - 36 minutes 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 - 1 hour 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 - 3 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 - 4 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 - 4 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog: Why Are We Hoodwinked by Metrics? by dianerav A reader explains why policymakers and the public are hoodwinked by numbers. Follow the links: *Diane-* *I got to this article in the WSJ through the Naked Capitalism blog I read daily:* Bobby Jindal Backs Down–For Now by dianerav Acting in response to a loud outcry and planned protests, Bobby Jindal has decided not to eliminate funding for hospice care for elderly patients on Medicare. The program has gotten a reprieve until June 30. But the administration is still looking for ways to cut the costs, such as by ... more »

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

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 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 - 4 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 - 4 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 - 5 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 - 5 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 - 5 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 - 5 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 - 5 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 - 6 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 - 6 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 - 6 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 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 - 7 hours 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 - 8 hours 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 - 8 hours 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 »

Prince George’s Co. school lets Muslim students out of class to pray

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago
Prince George’s Co. school lets Muslim students out of class to pray: Prince George’s Co. school lets Muslim students out of class to pray Posted by Valerie Strauss on January 28, 2013 at 5:00 am - [image: Smaller Text] [image: Larger Text] Text Size - Print - Reprints - Share: - - - More » [image: Parkdale High School (P.G. County Public Schools)] Parkdale High School,Riverdale. (Prince George’s County County Public Schools) The growing number of Muslim students seeking accommodations to practice their religion in public schools has stirred ... more »

Ed Notes Online: Obama's Education Legacy: The Worst President Ever?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago
Ed Notes Online: Obama's Education Legacy: The Worst President Ever?: Obama's Education Legacy: The Worst President Ever? by ed notes online The end of almost 200 years of public education, the end of the concept of the neighborhood school, the promotion of charters no matter how crooked and self-serving, the destruction of teaching of a profession, the wipe out of teacher unions which even with their problems have often been the major bulwark defending schools and the students in them, the enormous waste of public monies into bogus reforms... we can go on -- and feel free to add ... more »

Joy Resmovits: Tom Harkin's Retirement Will Leave Education Committee Gap: Ed Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago
Joy Resmovits: Tom Harkin's Retirement Will Leave Education Committee Gap: Ed Today: Tom Harkin's Retirement Will Leave Education Committee Gap: Ed Today by Joy Resmovits *Tom Harkin Out?* This weekend, Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) announced he won't be running for reelection. While the "liberal lion's" announcement made news, what I didn't see mentioned in many stories about the retirement is that Harkin is chair of the Senate Health, Education, Labor & Pensions committee -- the very one that is in charge of dealing with the reauthorization of No Child Left Behind. So what's next... more »

UPDATE: Glen Brown responds to IEA President Cinda Klickna: It’s not what the petition says. It’s the people who wrote it. Welcome back Joe McCarthy. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago
IEA President Cinda Klickna: It’s not what the petition says. It’s the people who wrote it. Welcome back Joe McCarthy. « Fred Klonsky: Glen Brown responds to IEA President Cinda Klickna. by Fred Klonsky *Blogger and pension activist Glen Brown responds to President Klickna.* [image: img_2685]*Dear Cinda,* *First, let’s re-read the petition:* *Illinois Revenue and Debt Reform, Not Pension Reform!* *Many Illinois legislators want to challenge both Illinois and U.S. Constitutions instead of addressing the causes of the state’s budget deficits. Illinois public employees have earned the... more »

Common Core [sic] Standards (Susan Ohanian Speaks Out)

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago
Common Core [sic] Standards (Susan Ohanian Speaks Out): The Common Core State (sic) Standards Update on the Ten Commandments And Bill Gates spake, "I am your master who brought you out of the wilderness of teacher individualism and put an earbud into your ear, 28-page evaluation rubrics into your manager's back pocket, and biosensitive bracelets on every kid's wrist. I. I am the State, which has brought students out of the wilderness of teacher-led classrooms and into the kingdom of Common Core State Standards. Thou shalt have no other guidance before thee, and then it will follow... more »

MORNING UPDATE: LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-28-13 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Mike Petrilli: Shame on the Garfield Teachers! by dianerav I think the Garfield High teachers are a model for teachers across the nation. They show that collective action works. If one person speaks up, he or she gets fired. When an entire faculty resists, together their voice is heard around the world. Not everyone agrees, of course. Mike Petrilli of the conservative Thomas B. Fordham Institute (where I once a trustee for many years but am no longer) strongly condemns the Garfield teachers. He thinks they... more »

‘I would prefer to trust our teachers …’ | EdSource Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago
‘I would prefer to trust our teachers …’ | EdSource Today: ‘I would prefer to trust our teachers …’ - by Charles Taylor Kerchner by Charles Taylor Kerchner [image: Charles Taylor Kerchner]Charles Taylor Kerchner California’s back! Gov. Jerry Brown did himself proud in Thursday’s State of the State address, and he did California proud, too. In the details of the speech, there are prospects for boldness, greatness and innovation, not the tire patching and gridlock we’ve experienced as government. Others will comment at great length on the wisdom of the San Joaquin delta tunnel projec... more »

Complaint will be filed today about the Georgia private school tax credit that operates in secrecy | Get Schooled

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Complaint will be filed today about the Georgia private school tax credit that operates in secrecy | Get Schooled: Complaint will be filed today about the Georgia private school tax credit that operates in secrecy by Maureen Downey *The AJC is reporting* that t*he Southern Education Foundation will file a complaint today *with the state Department of Revenue alleging widespread abuses in the controversial private school scholarship tax credit program. The tax credit has received national media attention because of allegations of misuse. Yet, state Rep. Earl Ehrhart, R-Powder Springs... more »

Down the rabbit hole of education reform

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Down the rabbit hole of education reform: Down the rabbit hole of education reform Posted by Valerie Strauss on January 28, 2013 at 4:00 am - [image: Smaller Text] [image: Larger Text] Text Size - Print - Reprints - Share: - - - More » [image: alice-falling-down-rabbit-hole]Former teacher Mark Phillips takes us on a scary trip through the *Wonderland of Educational Reform. Phillips is a*former high school teacher and a former teacher educator at the University of California at Santa Barbara and at San Francisco State. He writes a monthly column on education... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: This is Why We Are Against Common Core Standards

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Missouri Education Watchdog: This is Why We Are Against Common Core Standards: This is Why We Are Against Common Core Standards by stlgretchen But I'm too young to read informational text. I'm only in kindergarten. Is this scenario coming soon to a kindergarten class in your school district? Teachers are mandated to teach developmentally inappropriate standards, assessments and curricula to district students. What do you think will happen? Will endlessly assessing students in kindergarten make them more ready for the global workforce or will they dissolve in tears and view sch... more »

Jeb Bush’s “Shaky Success Record” | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Jeb Bush’s “Shaky Success Record” | Scathing Purple Musings: Jeb Bush’s “Shaky Success Record” by Bob Sikes Jeb Bush’s recent hyperbole is that of a man who knows he’s under fire. Consider this from *Metro Pulse *reporter Cari Wade Gervin: On Monday, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush came to Nashville for a press event with Gov. Bill Haslam. “This is a time of great importance for our country, and this is the single most important thing we can be doing,” Bush stated at one point. What was this matter of such urgency? Did it involve national security? A fiscal crisis? The battle over gu... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES: WEEKEND QUOTABLES by Mike Klonsky The Seattle Times/Associated Press*"We've been raising our voices about this deeply flawed test for a long time," said Jesse Hagopian, who teaches history at Garfield High School, But now that the district is using the test for evaluations, we've drawn our line in the sand."* -- WSJ Valerie Strauss, Wash. Post *Here’s a question: Has anybody told President Obama that his education policies have resulted in a growing revolt against standardized testing? * -- The Answer Sheet Bill Gates *In the pas... more »

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE LAYS OUT THREE PRONGS OF THE PRIVATIZATION BATTLE PLAN (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE LAYS OUT THREE PRONGS OF THE PRIVATIZATION BATTLE PLAN (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com: SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE LAYS OUT THREE PRONGS OF THE PRIVATIZATION BATTLE PLAN (VIDEO) by Leonard Isenberg [image: San Francisco.jpg] On January 19, 2013 I went up to San Francisco for a conference on the privatization of public education. My part of the presentation at the conference had to do with the nationwide witch hunt to rid LAUSD and districts like it around the country of teachers at the top of the salary scale, about to vest in lifetim... more »

NYC Educator: Negotiation, New York Style

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
NYC Educator: Negotiation, New York Style: Negotiation, New York Style by NYC Educator There was a monster hit song by some guy named Psy, who I never heard of. It was called Gangnam Style. As far as I could determine, understanding no Korean whatsoever, in Gangnam everyone jumps up and down like a horse when they dance. Everyone was talking about it. A music teacher I know was horrified. It was garbage, he said. But most people seemed to like it. On the other hand, New York is a tough town. Our style is completely different. Frank Sinatra said if you could make it here, you could ... more »

Newark Parents and Activists Take School Closure Complaint to D.C. for Civil Rights Hearing - NJ Spotlight

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
Newark Parents and Activists Take School Closure Complaint to D.C. for Civil Rights Hearing - NJ Spotlight: Newark Parents and Activists Take School Closure Complaint to D.C. for Civil Rights Hearing Complaint contends that Christie's school turnaround plan does nothing for poor black and Hispanic students print | email | share By John Mooney, January 28, 2013 in Education |Post a Comment [image: Sharon Smith, activist and mother of three, who filed the Newark civil rights complaint.] Sharon Smith, activist and mother of three, who filed the Newark civil rights complaint. Forty Ne... more »

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: I'm Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: I'm Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll!: I'm Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll! by Lisa M My eyes are burning. My blood pressure is high for the first time in 53 years. My doctor swears that I have mild arthritis in my knees. * **"Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound"* * **Nope, not me, I'm not that Super Teacher. * I think it's all getting to me. No, I am not quitting. Withstanding all the crap stuff that comes with the job, I still ... more »

Davos Considers Learning’s Next Wave - NYTimes.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
Davos Considers Learning’s Next Wave - NYTimes.com: Davos Forum Considers Learning’s Next WaveBy ALISON SMALEPublished: January 27, 201 - DAVOS, Switzerland — She may not have been the youngest speaker ever at the World Economic Forum in Davos, but Khadija Niazi, 12, was certainly captivating. Hundreds of the conference’s well-heeled attendees listened intently as Ms. Niazi, of Lahore, Pakistan, described her experience with massive open online courses, known as MOOCs, that are spreading rapidly around the globe. MOOCs are vastly extending the reach of professors at some of ... more »

One Teacher's Perspective: Far Right, But Far From Right

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
One Teacher's Perspective: Far Right, But Far From Right: Far Right, But Far From Right by Imagine Wisconsin *What’s right for public education is complicated. Opinions on what’s right are as diverse as the variables that affect school performance. My opinion of what’s right for public schools includes a Broader, Bolder Approach to Education, a culture of collaboration, teacher leadership, integration (racially and economically), respect for the teacher’s voice, ongoing professional development, student-centered learning, school-led community partnerships, recognition that learning... more »

Pension Panic Fueled by Anti-Worker Politics? | MyFDL

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
Pension Panic Fueled by Anti-Worker Politics? | MyFDL: [image: User Picture]Pension Panic Fueled by Anti-Worker Politics?By: Michelle Chen Friday January 25, 2013 8:50 pm [image: Tweet]Tweet5 [image: digg] [image: stumbleupon] Pew Center on the States *Originally posted at In These Times* It’s a common refrain in local papers: State faces pension funding crisis! Retiree benefits out of control! Public pensions bog down taxpayers! Pension costs seem to loom over so many state and local budget battles like a sinister sword of Damocles, a dark reminder of Big Government’s tyrannical... more »

Defend public schools, our children, our democracy « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago
Defend public schools, our children, our democracy « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: Defend public schools, our children, our democracy by millerlf Jan. 26, 2013 *This op-ed was submitted by 11 leaders of community and education organizations in Milwaukee.* We need communitywide discussion and action to protect the future of the Milwaukee Public Schools. We welcome input from all who believe in and support quality public education for all children. We represent thousands of parents, community members and educators who have been working – and will continue to work – to... more »

Students Last: Infraction Transaction: City To Fine Students For Misbehaving

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Students Last: Infraction Transaction: City To Fine Students For Misbehaving: Infraction Transaction: City To Fine Students by Students Last *New York City* - Facing a shortfall of almost half a billion dollars because his administration has failed to reach an agreement with city teachers over an evaluation system, Mayor Bloomberg has devised a new way to raise funds for education. He's going to allow schools to begin fining students for violating Department of Education policies. "The idea of there being consequences for actions is not a new one," said hizzoner on Friday at a p... more »

Engaging Parents In School… » This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Engaging Parents In School… » This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter: This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter by Larry Ferlazzo Guest post by Gwen Pescatore This Week’s #PTchat on Twitter – 9PM EDT – Wed, Jan 30th Tweetchat Link (for non-twitterers) Image credit: 25.media.tumblr.com Literacy is defined as the ability to read for knowledge and interest, write coherently, and think critically about the written word. The importance of good reading and writing skills will never disappear, and they cannot be achieved at school alone. This week on #ptchat we’ll share ideas on how can we encourage kids to ... more »

Harris-Perry: Schools targeted for closure have ‘predominantly minority kids’ | The Raw Story

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Harris-Perry: Schools targeted for closure have ‘predominantly minority kids’ | The Raw Story: Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy Harris-Perry: Schools targeted for closure have ‘predominantly minority kids’ By Samantha Kimmey Sunday, January 27, 2013 20:21 EST [image: Print Friendly] Share on facebookShare on redditShare on diggShare on twitterShare on farkShare on stumbleupon2 [image: mhp] Topics: Alliance for Quality Education ♦ D.C. ♦ Melissa Harris-Perry ♦ U.S. Department of Education in Washington On Melissa Harris-Perry on Sunday, s... more »

SI&A Cabinet Report – Teachers get hands-on instructing algebra to at risk middle school students

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources: *Teachers get hands-on instructing algebra to at risk middle school students * *By Tom Chorneau* Monday, January 28, 2013 There was a time when Mike Moser’s math classes at Park Middle School in Antioch would probably have looked a lot like every other in America. Students sitting in straight rows; eyes up front. No talking to neighbors and, certainly, everyone does their own work. Moser, too, would have led the room in a conventional manner, with his back mostly to the kids, scribbling on the board while explaining the problem that some stude... more »

School Choice Week: Are We Leaving Children Behind by Design? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
School Choice Week: Are We Leaving Children Behind by Design? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: School Choice Week: Are We Leaving Children Behind by Design? by Anthony Cody *Part 1 of 2* * * *National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA) Group: 1 in 5 charter schools not doing well enough to stay open* A group that oversees more than half of the nation's 5,600 charter schools said as many as one in five U.S. charter schools should be shut down because of poor academic performance. *http://seattletimes.com/html/nationworld/2019784379_charterschools29.htm... more »

Jersey Jazzman: Where Is Chris Cerf's Accountability?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Jersey Jazzman: Where Is Chris Cerf's Accountability?: Where Is Chris Cerf's Accountability? by Duke LEAP Academy, a charter school in Camden, has lost its non-profit status, which puts $8.5 million in bonds at risk for default. Since these bonds are guaranteed by Rutgers-Camden, either state taxpayers or tuition-paying students will have to take a haircut if the bonds go south. In addition, the school has been under-performing academically, not having made Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) for the last two years. And yet, just this past fall, NJ Education Commissioner Chris Cerf prou... more »

School Tech Connect: In Which I Refer To Vomit

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
School Tech Connect: In Which I Refer To Vomit: In Which I Refer To Vomit by noreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman) I've been working the phones for my local school organization and not paying much attention to other issues, but I see that my friends have been flagging this astonishing post from Greg Hinz about the private pipeline Juan Rangel has to Illinois taxpayer money. I only just now read the whole thing, and I narrowly avoided vomiting directly onto the keyboard. Juan Rangel is behaving as a politically connected magnate is expected to behave, so I really have nothing to say a... more »

Diane in the Evening 1-27-13 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Diane Ravitch's blog: What Hath Reform Wrought? by dianerav Veteran teacher Marc Epstein surveys the wreckage of “school reform” and wonders who will come along to put our nation’s education system back together again. He writes: “Today’s education reform rests on the premise that the civil rights movement that overturned Plessy and Chicago Charter Fines Mom $3,000 for Her Son’s Misbehavior by dianerav No excuses! The Noble Network of charter schools in Chicago is proud of its high test scores. Mayor Rahm Emanuel says Noble has some “secret sauce” that produces great success. ... more »

Va Dept of Ed Blows Off 60% of Virginia Students « PWC Education Reform Blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Va Dept of Ed Blows Off 60% of Virginia Students « PWC Education Reform Blog: Va Dept of Ed Blows Off 60% of Virginia Students by pwceducationreform Va Dept of Ed Blows Off 60% of Virginia StudentsJanuary 27, 2013 — pwceducationreform This summer, after receiving a wavier from NCLB’s 100% passing requirements, the VA Dept of Ed established new goals for the percentage of students passing the SOL in all school divisions and public schools in the state. The new targeted percentage passing was set for the state overall and for groups of students; groups that are based on race. Th... more »

“Be More Interested Than Interesting” | Connected Principals

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
“Be More Interested Than Interesting” | Connected Principals: “Be More Interested Than Interesting” by Chris Wejr Be more interested: Listen. cc licensed ( BY NC ND ) flickr photo by Bindaas Madhavi: http://flickr.com/photos/mkuram/5961100771/ *Originally posted at The Wejr Board blog.* At some point in the past year (for a variety of reasons) the how, the why, and the when of social media slightly changed for me. I have been reflecting a ton on the purpose of social media to me – both professionally and personally (see Social Media in Education: Who Is It Really About?). I have ... more »

A Turning Tide? U of Puerto Rico Rolls Back Student Fees «

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
A Turning Tide? U of Puerto Rico Rolls Back Student Fees «: A Turning Tide? U of Puerto Rico Rolls Back Student Fees from Student Activism by Angus Johnston The University of Puerto Rico announced that it will roll back a huge fee increase that sparked years of massive student protests throughout the island, as Puerto Rico’s new governor pledged to increase funding to the university. This is big. Students shut down ten of eleven UPR campuses for two months in the spring of 2010 in an effort to stop the fee hike, but university administrators later reneged on a pledge to withdraw i... more »

Ed Notes Online: Eva Violation: Using Parents of Success Chater Schools Funded With Public Money for Poliitcal Operation

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Ed Notes Online: Eva Violation: Using Parents of Success Chater Schools Funded With Public Money for Poliitcal Operation: Eva Violation: Using Parents of Success Chater Schools Funded With Public Money for Poliitcal Operation by ed notes online The Success Charter outrages continue. It is time to call for an investigation of the use of schools to create a political operation. If they were private without feeding at the public trough, gey gezunt. But not with OUR money. Imagine if a public school principal organized parents to picket mayoral candidates and used school resources to... more »

Vallas in Wonderland Part II - Sentence first, verdict afterwards reappears - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Vallas in Wonderland Part II - Sentence first, verdict afterwards reappears - Wait, What?: Vallas in Wonderland Part II – Sentence first, verdict afterwards reappears by jonpelto The Queen of Heart’s strategy of “Sentence first, verdict afterwards” has reared its ugly head again in Bridgeport. A new week is beginning and more drama has surfaced related to the never-ending saga of the Bridgeport Board of Education’s effort to extend Paul Vallas’ contract as Superintendent of Schools. Almost ten days ago, out of the blue, and just barely meeting the state of Connecticut’s Freedom of... more »





at