Notes from Diane – April 18, 2013: Public education is not “broken,” but federal education policy is
Diane Ravitch President
Dear Friends,Earlier this week, I was in San Diego to speak to the annual meeting of the National School Boards Association. My message was this: American public education is not “broken,” but federal education policy is.
Anthony Cody joined me and after my speech, we met with a large number of teachers from the San Diego public schools and some nearby districts.
We were joined by Richard Barrera, the president of the school board, Bill Kowba, the superintendent of San Diego schools, Bill Freeman, president of the San Diego Education Association, incoming superintendent Cindy Marten, and Dean Vogel, the president of the California Teachers Association. (photo shows Bill Freeman, Diane and Cindy Marten)
I was excited to be in San Diego because it has a vision that sets it apart from the rest of urban America, indeed, from most of the nation.
San Diego has purposefully set out to improve its schools through a process built on collaboration and trust. There is amazing respect among the local school board, the administration, and the teachers’ union.Together they have embarked on what they call community-based school reform. That means that every school
NPE Webinar #2: How to Organize a Student Group
NPE Webinar #2: How to Organize a Student Group - Tuesday, April 30, 8:30 pm Eastern
Featuring student activists Stephanie Riviera, Sarah Smith and Israel Munoz, plus guests from the Newark student walkout!
These dynamic students will discuss the ways they have taken action to affect change around their own educational futures, and provide suggestions and advice for other students who want to do the same.
Stephanie is enrolled at Rutgers, and is a founder of Students United for Public Education. Sarah Smith participated in protests at the state capital of Wisconsin against Scott Walker, and now attends the University of and is active in
Israel Muñoz is a high school student in Chicago, active in Chicago Students Organized to Save Our Schools. He has been involved in the fight to stop the closing of more than fifty schools there.
Register here . https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/99HKRMB You will be emailed a link to the webinar a day or two before the event.
Featuring student activists Stephanie Riviera, Sarah Smith and Israel Munoz, plus guests from the Newark student walkout!
These dynamic students will discuss the ways they have taken action to affect change around their own educational futures, and provide suggestions and advice for other students who want to do the same.
Stephanie is enrolled at Rutgers, and is a founder of Students United for Public Education. Sarah Smith participated in protests at the state capital of Wisconsin against Scott Walker, and now attends the University of and is active in
Israel Muñoz is a high school student in Chicago, active in Chicago Students Organized to Save Our Schools. He has been involved in the fight to stop the closing of more than fifty schools there.
Register here . https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/99HKRMB You will be emailed a link to the webinar a day or two before the event.
Grassroots Report: Allentown, Pennsylvania plans to cut vital programs despite public outcry
We have a crisis situation here in Allentown, PA. Our school board has approved a “worst case scenario” plan of cuts to vital programs, despite public outcry. A Save Our Schools Rally is planned for this Sunday, April 21, 2-4pm at Cedar Beach Park in Allentown. What follows is from the Allentown Education Association:http://allentownea.psealocals.org/
1. There is a proposed loss of 144 teaching positions. This would be a total of 350 positions since 2011.
The new 3-year AEA contract had teachers at a total freeze in the 2012-2013 school year and 3 years of concessions which was a $4 million savings for ASD.
If the district plans to cut it needs to be as far away from the students as possible, starting with central administration.
The SIG (student improvement grant) funding is gone. All 27 SIG positions must be eliminated.
2. There will a loss of over 38 CORE SUBJECT area positions at both high schools.
Increased class sizes = loss of learning potential
Increased class sizes = discipline issues and safety risks
3. There will be a loss of related arts at elementary schools.
Music will be “restored” minimally to 2011-2013 levels (meaning students will only get 9 sessions of music PER
1. There is a proposed loss of 144 teaching positions. This would be a total of 350 positions since 2011.
The new 3-year AEA contract had teachers at a total freeze in the 2012-2013 school year and 3 years of concessions which was a $4 million savings for ASD.
If the district plans to cut it needs to be as far away from the students as possible, starting with central administration.
The SIG (student improvement grant) funding is gone. All 27 SIG positions must be eliminated.
2. There will a loss of over 38 CORE SUBJECT area positions at both high schools.
Increased class sizes = loss of learning potential
Increased class sizes = discipline issues and safety risks
3. There will be a loss of related arts at elementary schools.
Music will be “restored” minimally to 2011-2013 levels (meaning students will only get 9 sessions of music PER