2nd Banana 5-25-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post #EDchat #EDreform #soschat #p2 #1u

BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANA 

RECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POST

The GOP Shift in Education | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

THE GOP SHIFT IN EDUCATION

by Charlotte Williams

In a recent Slate article, Dana Goldstein argues that “Michele Bachmann's growing popularity among the Republican base signals . . . a sea change in the party's 

The People's Library: Did You Know? | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

THE PEOPLE'S LIBRARY: DID YOU KNOW?

by Tarsi Dunlop

The Library of Congress is the world’s largest library. Materials are added at the rate of 10,000 per day and the Copyright Office has a card catalogue with more than45 million card entries. It contains 838 miles of bookshelves and holds a collection of more than 147 million items. The Library is open to the public 

Schools Matter: Oligarchs' Booker T. in KC Resigns, Leaving Big Broadie Shadow

OLIGARCHS' BOOKER T. IN KC RESIGNS, LEAVING BIG BROADIE SHADOW

by Jim Horn

Above: Booker T. Washington and the backers of racist industrial education policies

Loyal Broadie, John Covington (Class of '08), is headed to Michigan to perform more corporate reform-schooler 

UPDATE: Civil Rights Lawyers Sign Open Letter to Stop Chicago Schools Closure and Privatization Scheme – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Civil Rights Lawyers Sign Open Letter to Stop Chicago Schools Closure and Privatization Scheme – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Being Jeb...a pretend interview. by Chalk Face, PhD Reblogged from Blue Hat Movement: Hi, my name is Charlie and I want to present to you a scenario. For the sake of explaining a portion of what is happening to our public schools, I am going to perform a little magic and transport you to a world where I am Jeb Bush. But first, […] Sent by Jon Lubar, a few words on chronic absenteeism by Chalk Face, PhD I invited a guest speaker to come into one... more »

2nd Banana 5-18-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post 

BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANA 

RECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POST

Is School Funding Fair? | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Is School Funding Fair? | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: Is School Funding Fair? by obriena Not in most states, according to a national report carddedicated to answering that question. Back in 2010, the first edition of a national report card on school funding and fairness was released. Considering “fair” school funding to be “a state finance system that ensures equal educational opportunity by providing a sufficient level of funding distributed to districts within the state to account for additional needs generated by student poverty,” it concluded that most... more »

Teacher’s resignation video: ‘Everything I loved about teaching is extinct’

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago

Teacher’s resignation video: ‘Everything I loved about teaching is extinct’: Teacher’s resignation video: ‘Everything I loved about teaching is extinct’ By Valerie Strauss, Published: May 23, 2013 at 9:35 pmE-mail the writer 1 Comments More [image: i quit]In the video below, veteran teacher Ellie Rubenstein of Highland Park, Ill., resigns after eloquently explaining how teaching has changed over the past 15 years of school reform and why she believes public education is being misdirected. Rubenstein, who teaches fourth grade at the Lincoln School in the North Shore School District 1... more »

How closing schools hurts neighborhoods

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

How closing schools hurts neighborhoods: How closing schools hurts neighborhoods Posted by Valerie Strauss on March 6, 2013 at 6:00 am 0 Comments More [image: (thenotebook.org)] (thenotebook.org) On Thursday, the Philadelphia school district’s governing board, the School Reform Commission, will be voting on the most massive one-time downsizing of the system ever proposed. The district’s recently revised plan, which has encountered widespread community and teacher opposition, calls for closing 29 out of 239 district schools next fall – a step down from the original proposal to shutte... more »

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-21-13 #thankateacher #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

Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 5-24-13 AM Posts #edreform #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

Parent trigger leader alleges organizers promised parents pay - San Bernardino County Sun

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Parent trigger leader alleges organizers promised parents pay - San Bernardino County Sun: Parent trigger leader alleges organizers promised parents pay Beau Yarbrough, Staff Writer Posted: 05/24/2013 05:13:33 PM PDT ADELANTO -- One of the High Desert parents who used a state law to wrest control of their failing elementary school away from school district hands is alleging that the group that helped organize the effort offered to pay parents to promote the "parent trigger" movement nationwide."According to the financial bylaws, there was supposed to be no financial gain" for wo... more »

Data Center: 2012 Base API school scores and rankings - Inside Bay Area

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago

Data Center: 2012 Base API school scores and rankings - Inside Bay Area: Data Center: 2012 Base API school scores and rankings Danny Willis, Oakland Tribune Posted: 05/24/2013 01:42:19 PM PDT Updated: 05/24/2013 02:31:42 PM PDT County:AllAlamedaAlpineAmadorButteCalaverasColusaContra CostaDel NorteEl DoradoFresnoGlennHumboldtImperialInyoKernKingsLakeLassenLos AngelesMadera MarinMariposaMendocinoMercedModocMonoMontereyNapaNevadaOrangePlacerPlumas RiversideSacramentoSan BenitoSan BernardinoSan DiegoSan FranciscoSan JoaquinSan Luis ObispoSan MateoSanta BarbaraSanta ClaraSanta CruzSh... more »

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-24-13 #thankateacher #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

Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 5-24-13 AM Posts #edreform #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Toddler Testing by Timothy D. Slekar Ed. Dept. Launches Competition for Kindergarten Entry Assessments “Kindergarten-entry assessments are designed to measure a child’s “essential domains of school readiness,” which include language and literacy development, cognition and general early knowledge, readiness to learn, physical well-being, and social and emotional development.” @the chalkface is developing the “NON essential domains of school readiness” kindergarten entry […] The new gym class in PA, 112 questions? Really? by Chalk Face, PhD ... more »

UPDATE: The in box. Risky Business + bond markets are betting on a pension bill + The most loathsome politician in America. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

The most loathsome politician in America. | Fred Klonsky: The in box. Risky Business: Living In Our “Golden Years” Without The Gold. by Fred Klonsky [image: MV5BMTQ4OTUyNzcwN15BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMTQ1NDE3OA@@._V1_SX214_] *It would be nice if all of us ended up living in a retirement world where it was always “Five O’Clock Somewhere” instead of “Zero – Dark -Thirty” everywhere.* * **Jim Keating, DuPage Illinois Retired Teachers Association newsletter* Recently, the IRTA foundation sent out a letter saying that it pays the bills for “retired teachers who devoted their lives to teaching but... more »

UPDATE: Missouri Education Watchdog: Call the Common Core Bullies Out. Just Say No to Standardized Testing.

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Call the Common Core Bullies Out. Just Say No to Standardized Testing.: DESE Stifling More Debate About Common Core? by stlgretchen DESE doesn't like answering questions. That was evident in the May 2 statewide meetings that were designed to be "informational" only. DESE representatives were clear to the attendees that answers were not to be forthcoming but could be found within a week on its website. The answers still aren't there and the clock keeps ticking. Has DESE blocked James Shuls of Show-Me Institute for wanting to have an "old-fashioned" d... more »

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-24-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Will Obama and Duncan Condemn School Closings in Chicago? by dianerav Chicago Public Schools voted to close down dozens of public schools. As many as 40,000 children are losing their schools, many of who are children with disabilities. The vast majority of the children are African American. Will the President and Secretary of Education speak out against this willful destruction of public schools and Why It Is Hard to Boycott Walmart by dianerav I never want to ... more »

Ed Notes Online: John Merrow's Growing Relentlessness on Rhee Cheating Scandal Sparks Rhee Scrutiny

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: John Merrow's Growing Relentlessness on Rhee Cheating Scandal Sparks Rhee Scrutiny: John Merrow's Growing Relentlessness on Rhee Cheating Scandal Sparks Rhee Scrutiny by ed notes online John Merrow has been relentless in connecting the dots in the Michelle Rhee cheating scandal. Remember those glowing reports he did on PBS about Rhee (and Vallas in New Orleans?) Don't underestimate how important the move of media people like Merrow away from supporting the deformers will prove to be. Connect these dots to Walcott's almost hysterical response to the mayoral candid... more »

The Educated Reporter: Guest Post: Teacher Turnover - Who Stays and Who Leaves

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

The Educated Reporter: Guest Post: Teacher Turnover - Who Stays and Who Leaves: Guest Post: Teacher Turnover - Who Stays and Who Leaves by Emily Richmond *EWA's 66th National Seminar, held at Stanford University, took place earlier this month. We asked some of the journalists attending to contribute posts from the sessions. The majority of the content will soon be available at EdMedia Commons. Over the next few weeks I'll be sharing a few of the posts. Melissa Bailey of the New Haven Independent is today's guest blogger.* When a school loses a high percentage of teachers, w... more »

Health reform plans, pricing released in Calif. - Yahoo! News

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago

Health reform plans, pricing released in Calif. - Yahoo! News: Health reform plans, pricing released in Calif.California gets detailed look at impact of health care reforms with insurance plans, pricing[image: Associated Press]By Judy Lin, Associated Press | Associated Press – 2 hrs 38 mins ago - Email - Share - Tweet - - - Print - [image: Peter Lee, executive director of Covered California, the state agency running the state's new health exchange, announced the plans and prices that will be offered by private insurers during a news conferenc...

Teacher’s resignation video: ‘Everything I loved about teaching is extinct’

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago

Teacher’s resignation video: ‘Everything I loved about teaching is extinct’: Teacher’s resignation video: ‘Everything I loved about teaching is extinct’ By Valerie Strauss, Published: May 23, 2013 at 9:35 pmE-mail the writer 1 Comments More [image: i quit]In the video below, veteran teacher Ellie Rubenstein of Highland Park, Ill., resigns after eloquently explaining how teaching has changed over the past 15 years of school reform and why she believes public education is being misdirected. Rubenstein, who teaches fourth grade at the Lincoln School in the North Shore School District 1... more »

Dennis Van Roekel: Chicago's Students Deserve Acts of Heroism

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Dennis Van Roekel: Chicago's Students Deserve Acts of Heroism: Chicago's Students Deserve Acts of Heroism Posted: 05/23/2013 2:31 pm For weeks now, teachers, parents and community leaders have been protesting Chicago Public Schools' plan to close 50 schools in what will be the largest single wave of school closures in U.S. history. The media coverage has been dramatic, but what you see in the eyes of educators who are so adamantly opposed to this plan is the same thing you see in the eyes of educators all across this nation -- the innate instinct to protect the children we care a... more »

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-23-13 #thankateacher #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

Two LSCs sign on to the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing! Parents United for Responsible Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Two LSCs sign on to the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing!: Two LSCs sign on to the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing! by admin Congratulations to the Kelly HS and the Drummond Montessori Local School Councils for signing on to theNational Resolution on High-Stakes Testing. You can see their sign-on at the bottom below. The Kelly faculty also signed on. The More Than a Score group has been working to include LSCs in the important work of educating parents and others around the problems with high-stakes stan... more »

JITU WEUSI- EDUCATION WARRIOR/BLACK CULTURAL ADVOCATE JOINS THE ANCESTORS Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública:

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública: JITU WEUSI- EDUCATION WARRIOR/BLACK CULTURAL ADVOCATE JOINS THE ANCESTORS: JITU WEUSI- EDUCATION WARRIOR/BLACK CULTURAL ADVOCATE JOINS THE ANCESTORS by Black Educator ** * Jitu Weusi* ** *Our greatest THANK YOU to Brother Jitu Weusi is to continue battle on in the Struggle for Democracy and Neighborhood Control for our public schools that he had dedicated more than 50 years of his life to see come to victory. Brother Jitu, you will be missed on the frontlines. But, your relentless and principled Fighting Spirit is ... more »

Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 5-23-13 AM Posts #edreform #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

Improving Schools: Relationships, Personalization, Learning — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Improving Schools: Relationships, Personalization, Learning — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Sean Slade]Improving Schools: Relationships, Personalization, Learning May 23, 2013 by Sean Slade Repeated refrains of the 2013 ASCD Whole Child Virtual Conference, held just two weeks ago, were the importance to form relationships with students, develop a personalized approach to teaching, and enhance learning. These concepts are all around us in education today: "Kids don't learn from people they don't like." *—Rita Pierson, who has been teaching for 40 years, during ... more »

UPDATE: Jitu Weusi Passes Ed Notes Online: Walcott Misuses Public Funds and Public Space For Political Ends and Must Be Held Accountable

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Walcott Misuses Public Funds and Public Space For Political Ends and Must Be Held Accountable: Jitu Weusi Passes by ed notes online Jitu Weusi, whose given name was Les Campbell, was an activist and founder of the Coalition for Public Education. His early history as a community teacher and firebrand in Ocean Hill-Brownsville during the 1968 teacher strike made him a legendary figure, both praised and vilified, in UFT history. I had some brief contact with Jitu in the past few years and after initially approaching him with some trepidation -- I was open about supp... more »

Federal Report Highlights College Graduate Employment, Student Loan Debt - Higher Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

Federal Report Highlights College Graduate Employment, Student Loan Debt - Higher Education: Federal Report Highlights College Graduate Employment, Student Loan Debt by cmaadmin The NCES reports that the total student loan debt, which is the only form of loan debt that has increased since the recession, in 2012 stands at nearly $1 trillion. [image: College Report]In the federal government’s annual status report on U.S. education outcomes, researchers affiliated with the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) have put a special emphasis on higher education and employment an... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Council Members Brewer, Jackson & Lander introduce resolution to protect student privacy

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Council Members Brewer, Jackson & Lander introduce resolution to protect student privacy: Council Members Brewer, Jackson & Lander introduce resolution to protect student privacy by Molly Council Members Gale Brewer, Robert Jackson and Brad Lander introduced a resolution in NYC Council today, calling on the NY State Legislature to pass and Governor Cuomo to sign a law protecting student privacy, requiring parental consent before personally identifiable data can be shared with private vendors and inBloom Inc. The resolution is here, the press release bel... more »

Teacher victory in LAUSD board race may not bode well for superintendent | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Teacher victory in LAUSD board race may not bode well for superintendent | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: Teacher victory in LAUSD board race may not bode well for superintendent by Adolfo Guzman-Lopez [image: Monica Ratliff District 6] *LAUSD teacher Monica Ratliff won a seat on the LA Unified Board of Education on Tuesday. ; Credit: Rebecca Hill/KPCC* Teacher Monica Ratliff’s win of an open seat on L.A. Unified’s Board of Education Tuesday could provide some discomfort for the future of Superintendent John Deasy’s reform agenda. Ratliff, a lawyer-turned-elementary school teacher, ran a b... more »

Field Notes: Raising Learning Warriors — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Field Notes: Raising Learning Warriors — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Pam Allyn]Field Notes: Raising Learning Warriors May 22, 2013 by Pam Allyn Moses was my student in Brooklyn, N.Y. He came from Guyana, was 10 years old, and deaf. His mother, who spoke no English and knew no one in New York, had made the treacherous journey to the United States to give him the opportunity to go to school. He was the skinniest boy I had ever seen, with longer-than-long legs that he sometimes tripped over when he ran. Moses was not getting enough to eat at home, so I started b... more »

UPDATE: Arts Education in Seattle Schools Community Forum: Corporate Money Can't Buy LA School Board Seats

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Corporate Ed Reform Money Can't Buy LA School Board Seats: Arts Education in Seattle Schools, Part One by Melissa Westbrook I recently had good conversations with both Carri Campbell, Visual&Performing Arts Program Manager for SPS, and Calandra Childers, Communication and Outreach Manager for the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs about what is happening in arts education for Seattle Public Schools. I want to thank them both for their time and efforts. Both conversations were enlightening and heartening. (After speaking with Ms. Campbel... more »

Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 5-23-13 AM Posts #edreform #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

A Modest Proposal | EduShyster

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

A Modest Proposal | EduShyster: A Modest Proposal by edushyster2012 *A Call to Create “Charter” Police and Fire Stations, brought to you by Democrats for Public Safety Reform (DFPSR)* ** By Colum Whyte The status quo is not working. “Something” has to be done. Generous direct “donations” from the Waltons and Kochs, as well as strong support from the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) have helped “Citizens First” realize our goals. Truly, public safety is a civil right; we shall overcome. Citizens First proposes a national movement to ensure that no citizen ever have to rely on un... more »

UPDATE: @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Does the Common Core really motivate? Seriously. by Chris Cerrone The Common Core promoters are always in constant motion, but something has really struck a nerve with me lately. Does the Common Core motivate and inspire teachers? Two items have come my way recently that caused me to ask that question. The Common Core cheerleading started with an email from Commissioner John King linking to […] Games? We Don’t Have Time for #Games! by Kris Nielsen I’d like to share the moment I realized that school was no longer a place for learning, b... more »

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-22-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Just Heard from Monica by dianerav Monica Ratliff just emailed to thank all of us for our help. She was rushing off to teach her fifth grade class. She never stopped teaching while running for office. Dear friends, your contributions made a difference. Together we will turn the tide and restore American education to focus on children and learning and collaboration, not data and profits and budget cuts. Thank you, Monica, for the lessons you taught us all: peopl... more »

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 5-21-13 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

*Nite Cap UPDATE* *UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* ** *CORPORATE ED REFORM* Lawsuit Claims New York City School Admissions System Is Racist from NewsTaco » Education by NewsTaco [image: nyc education] [image: nyc school] By Emily Smith, Opposing Views New York City parents and activists filed a federal lawsuit with the Office of Civil Rights on Monday, claiming that the city’s high school admissions process discriminates against black and Hispanic students by storing them away in low performing schools and setting them up for failure. They demanded a federal investigation and an over...more 

Text of S. 744: Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (Introduced version) - GovTrack.us

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

Text of S. 744: Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act (Introduced version) - GovTrack.us: *Obama’s Statement on the Immigration Overhaul Bill - Washington Wire - WSJ http://on.wsj.com/11a3Pzr* S. 744: Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act 113th Congress, 2013–2015. Text as of Apr 17, 2013 (Introduced). Status & Summary | PDF | Source: GPO S 744 IS 113th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 744 To provide for comprehensive immigration reform and for other purposes. IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES April 17 (legislative day,... more »

UPDATE: Civil Rights Lawyers Sign Open Letter to Stop Chicago Schools Closure and Privatization Scheme – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Civil Rights Lawyers Sign Open Letter to Stop Chicago Schools Closure and Privatization Scheme – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Being Jeb...a pretend interview. by Chalk Face, PhD Reblogged from Blue Hat Movement: Hi, my name is Charlie and I want to present to you a scenario. For the sake of explaining a portion of what is happening to our public schools, I am going to perform a little magic and transport you to a world where I am Jeb Bush. But first, […] Sent by Jon Lubar, a few words on chronic absenteeism by Chalk Face, PhD I invited a guest speaker to come into one... more »

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-21-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Scandal Deepens in Louisiana: Will Anyone Investigate? by dianerav Tom Aswell, investigator journalist and blogger, is covering and uncovering evidence of fraud in the Louisiana Course Choice program. Hundreds of students were somehow registered for online courses without the knowledge of the students or their parents. How did this happen? This would mean a massive transfer of funds from Louisiana taxpayers to online Michigan’s Bad Ideas, In Step with Race to... more »

UPDATE: VAM This: Is This a New Definition of an Effective Teacher Ed Notes Online: Noon Today: TEACHERS COLLEGE STUDENTS AND FACULTY TO PROTEST

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Noon Today: TEACHERS COLLEGE STUDENTS AND FACULTY TO PROTEST AWARD TO MERRYL TISCH, NYS BOARD OF REGENTS CHANCELLOR: VAM This: Is This a New Definition of an Effective Teacher - Throwing your body over kids during a tornado or in front of a bullet? by ed notes online One can never say what you would do in situations like these and I cannot say for sure what I would do. I had a few minor incidents over my years of teaching where I hope I did the right thing. I think most teachers generally act in the interests of the safety of the kids in extreme conditions. It is... more »

Special Late Nite Cap EXTRA 5-20-13 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

*Nite Cap **EXTRA**EXTRA** EXTRA EXTRA **EXTRA* Marching in Chicago: Resisting Rahm Emanuel's Neoliberal SavageryMonday, 20 May 2013 10:16By Henry A. Giroux, Truthout | Op-Ed - 10 - font size [image: decrease font size] [image: increase font size] - Print - Email [image: Protesters march in the Loop March 27, 2013 during a rally to protest the proposed closing of 54 Chicago public schools.]Protesters march in the Loop March 27, 2013 during a rally to protest the proposed closing of 54 Chicago public schools. (Photo: WBEZ/Robin Amer) Across the globe, predatory cap... more »

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 5-20-13 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 20 hours ago

*Nite Cap UPDATE* *UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* ** *CORPORATE ED REFORM* May budget delays adult ed transfer, long-term funding worries persist Education advocates are applauding Gov. Jerry Brown’s decision to fund a planning period for transitioning administration of California’s adult education program to a regional network of community colleges. But, concerns remain that without dedicated funding in the interim, the system could disintegrate under the proposed K-12 school finance restructuring. UC schools draw record application numbers; UCLA as exclusive as Tufts -- for sta... more »

Last Stand for Children First: Serial Trespasser's Arrest Brings Union Election Results into Doubt

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Last Stand for Children First: Serial Trespasser's Arrest Brings Union Election Results into Doubt: Serial Trespasser's Arrest Brings Union Election Results into Doubt by Last Stand for Children Today, the Chicago Police Department was forced to arrest Chicago Teachers Union Financial Secretary Kristine Mayle after she refused to stop interfering with law abiding citizens who wished to use the elevators at Chicago City Hall. Her arrest brings shame not only to Kristine, but to the entire Chicago Teachers Union who recently elected this serial trespasser to another term running... more »

How Michelle Rhee Misled Education Reform | New Republic

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

How Michelle Rhee Misled Education Reform | New Republic: *How Michelle Rhee Misled Education Reform* *A memoir illustrates what's wrong with her brand of school reform* BY NICHOLAS LEMANN - Read Later - Listen - Font Size - Facebook - Twitter The other day I picked up a copy of *The Adventures of Augie March*. I hadn’t remembered that Saul Bellow, writing in the early 1950s, when he was not yet forty, about Chicago in the 1920s, had been in full sympathy with the urban poor, as he definitely was not later in his career. There is a hilarious bit in the early pages ... more »

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-20-13 #thankateacher #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

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-20-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Chicago Public Schools Sued for Discriminating On Grounds of Race and Disability by dianerav The Edwin F. Mandela Legal Clinic of the University of Chicago and a major law firm sued the Chicago Public Schools in federal court on behalf of students with disabilities and African American students. The closing of their schools, the lawsuit claims, has a damaging and disparate impact on these students. In one lawsuit, the lawyers state: “In violation of Title II of ... more »

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-19-13 #thankateacher #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

The Triumph of Progressivism: Graduation 2013 and 1968

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 43 seconds ago

The Triumph of Progressivism: Graduation 2013 and 1968: The Triumph of Progressivism: Graduation 2013 and 1968Sunday, 19 May 2013 12:13By Robert Reich, Robert Reich's Blog | Op-Ed - 36 - font size [image: decrease font size] [image: increase font size] - Print - Email Many of you soon-to-be college graduates are determined to make the world a better place. Some of you are choosing careers in public service or joining nonprofits or volunteering in your communities. But many of you are cynical about politics. You see the system as inherently corrupt. You doubt rea... more »

Diane in the Evening 5-19-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Bloomberg’s Advice: Skip College, Be a Plumber by dianerav Now this is an interesting idea that needs to be deconstructed. Mayor Bloomberg, reputedly worth $20 Billion,suggests that some young people should skip college and be a plumber. On one hand, that’s good advice for young people who are not interested in going to college. Many, even some who should go to college, can’t afford to go because the cost is so prohibitive. In recent years, the states have shifted the costs to students and made college unaffor... more »

Why I am Running for School Board – by Sue Peters | Parents Across America

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Why I am Running for School Board – by Sue Peters | Parents Across America: Why I am Running for School Board – by Sue Peters by DoraTaylor *By PAA Founding Member Sue Peters:* For the past nine years, I have been deeply involved in Seattle’s public schools, as a parent of two, a school volunteer, an education blogger, a member of district task forces and as a local and national public education advocate. I would like to help steer the largest school district in Washington State in a positive direction. I believe that I can serve the Seattle school community even better as a repre... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Letter to King & Regents about inBloom Inc. from CM Robert Jackson, Class Size Matters, Learning Disabilities Association, AQE and CEJ

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Letter to King & Regents about inBloom Inc. from CM Robert Jackson, Class Size Matters, Learning Disabilities Association, AQE and CEJ: Letter to King & Regents about inBloom Inc. from CM Robert Jackson, Class Size Matters, Learning Disabilities Association, AQE and CEJ by Leonie Haimson See the letter sent to Commissioner King and the Regents last week from Council Member Robert Jackson, chair of the NYC Council Education Committee, Class Size Matters, the Learning Disabilities Association of NY, Alliance for Quality Education, and Coalition for Educ... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week: Seattle Schools This Week by Melissa Westbrook *Wednesday, May 22nd* Exit Conference for Financial and Single Federal Audit, 4-4:30 p.m. in the JSCEE auditorium. This is just an official reporting of an audit that happens regularly. Oversight Work Session:Teaching&Learning (Part 2) from 4:30-6:30 pm. Will all be revealed? Stay tuned. Work Session: Race&Equity Professional Development, 6:15-7:45 pm. *Thursday, May 23rd* Executive Session: Superintendent evaluation *Friday, May 24th* What? No school so you get a 4-day... more »

UPDATE: Sunday reads. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Sunday reads. | Fred Klonsky: The in box. From IRTA’s Gary Elman. by Fred Klonsky Sent: Sun, May 19, 2013 6:52 am Subject: Fwd: An IEA explanation of the “language amended into SB 2404″ I am forwarding this to you because you had asked various questions about the pension reform bill. As you know, IRTA remains steadfastly opposed to any diminishment of your pensions and benefits. We are prepared to fight those in court. Apparently IEA and IFT are not. They support the legislation. I wish they were as loyal to their members as they are to the We Are One coalition. IRTA would like to ... more »

AFTERNOON UPDATE: Assessment Time? – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Assessment Time? – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Pearson history text mimics art history textbook in same controversy by Chalk Face, PhD [image: Image]Remember that story from September where an art school was charging $180 for an art history text with no artwork? Yeah, that one. It’s published by Pearson. From Brent Ashley: There is no discount on the $180 price for an ART textbook that has NO PICTURES. Devoid of pictures. Bereft of art. If I am going to have to pay $180 for an art history book that is of no resale value to next year’s students, it had damn well better be... more »

FDR's Economic Bill of Rights

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

FDR's Economic Bill of Rights “The Economic Bill of Rights” [edit] Excerpt from President Roosevelt's January 11, 1944 message to the Congress of the United States on the State of the Union:[2] “It is our duty now to begin to lay the plans and determine the strategy for the winning of a lasting peace and the establishment of an American standard of living higher than ever before known. We cannot be content, no matter how high that general standard of living may be, if some fraction of our people—whether it be one-third or one-fifth or one-tenth—is ill-fed, ill-clothed, ill-housed, ... more »

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-19-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] *LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONG Diane Ravitch's blog 5-18-13 * * * A Gift for You This Sunday by dianerav Last Sunday, I published a beautiful poem by Cavafy. In reply, Will Fitzhugh (founder of “The Concord Review,” which publishes history papers by high school students) sent this one to me. He probably did not know that this is one of my favorite poems, and it has special meaning for me. When I graduated from San Jacinto High School in Houston in 1956, ... more »

Ed Notes Online: Whining Walcott in Blatant Misuse of Position Subjects 2000 Administrators to Political Harrangue

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Whining Walcott in Blatant Misuse of Position Subjects 2000 Administrators to Political Harrangue: Whining Walcott in Blatant Misuse of Position Subjects 2000 Administrators to Political Harrangue by ed notes online Mr. Walcott’s speech seemed intended to be a rallying cry before a friendly crowd, but the response was muted. While his calls for preserving the authority of principals and eradicating nepotism were met with applause, some principals seemed uninterested in his message... *NY Times on Walcott speech at May 18 principal conference * Many principal... more »

Compare and contrast. Cinda tries to explain. John Dillon responds and translates. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago

Compare and contrast. Cinda tries to explain. John Dillon responds and translates. | Fred Klonsky: Compare and contrast. Cinda tries to explain. John Dillon responds and translates. by Fred Klonsky From IEA President Cinda Klickna on SB2404: “There have been questions raised about language amended into SB 2404, the Cullerton-Coalition legislation. This amendment was not a surprise to the members of the labor coalition. The coalition remains committed to the passage of SB 2404. The amendment clarifies the law with regard to retiree access to health insurance through the State. *“... more »

LAUSD board race to be decided by East Valley voters - LA Daily News

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

LAUSD board race to be decided by East Valley voters - LA Daily News: LAUSD board race to be decided by East Valley voters By Barbara Jones, Staff Writer Posted: 05/18/2013 08:20:42 PM PDT Updated: 05/18/2013 08:23:24 PM PDT ** [image: IMG-mmr-12-12b.jpg] *Monica Ratliff - Fifth Grade Teacher - Attorney* ** ** *Click here Go to Monica Ratliff's Website* Spending has topped $1.8 million in the race to fill the remaining open seat on the Los Angeles Unified school board, with East San Fernando Valley voters deciding how the transformation of the nation's second-largest school d... more »

Alberta to overhaul standardized testing, emphasize creativity | toteachornototeach

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago

Alberta to overhaul standardized testing, emphasize creativity | toteachornototeach: Alberta to overhaul standardized testing, emphasize creativity by aristotlethewise *Alberta to overhaul standardized testing, emphasize creativity* Alberta is phasing out its benchmark province-wide achievement tests for students in favor of what it says are more comprehensive computer-based exams. Education Minister Jeff Johnson says the new approach will better assess a student’s creativity, critical thinking and problem-solving – not just test for core knowledge in numeracy and literacy. “It’s mu... more »

Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress: Bill Introduced: S.954 Agriculture Reform, Food, and Jobs Act of 2013 Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education programs funding - 0 seconds ago An original bill to reauthorize agricultural programs through 2018. Bill Introduced: S.918 American Dream Accounts Act of 2013 Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education programs funding - 0 seconds ago A bill to award grants in order to establish longitudinal personal college readiness and savings online platforms for low-income students. Bill Introduced: H.R.1893 Keeping All Students Sa... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: The District's Commitment to Stated Values

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: The District's Commitment to Stated Values: The District's Commitment to Stated Values by Charlie Mas Seattle Public Schools has a set of stated values. Among these are transparency and engagement. To what extent, however, has the District leadership adhered to those stated values? Not so well. Think about the various initiatives underway. Are any of them being conducted in a transparent and engaged manner? I don't think so,. *Strategic Plan* - The District got some vague input from an advisory committee of about 60 people - you can only get vagu... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Video of Mayoral forum, moderated by Diane Ravitch; and will Bill Thompson ask Merryl Tisch to stop the sharing of students' personal data with inBloom?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Video of Mayoral forum, moderated by Diane Ravitch; and will Bill Thompson ask Merryl Tisch to stop the sharing of students' personal data with inBloom?: Video of Mayoral forum, moderated by Diane Ravitch; and will Bill Thompson ask Merryl Tisch to stop the sharing of students' personal data with inBloom? by Leonie Haimson Here is video from the May 2 mayoral forum in Brooklyn, moderated by Diane Ravitch and sponsored by . Candidates included John Liu, Bill Thompson, Bill de Blasio, and Sal Albanese. Bill Thompson, candidate for MayorParent Voices It ... more »

#Blended Learning is cheap learning, isn’t it? #edtech – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

#Blended Learning is cheap learning, isn’t it? #edtech – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: #Blended Learning is cheap learning, isn’t it? #edtech by Chalk Face, PhD [image: #Blended Learning is cheap learning, isn't it? #edtech] This isn’t a reaction to anything in particular, but when I do happen to glance at something about “Blended learning,” I always feel like advocates want to get the same learning for half the price. Technology in this instance means to replace certain more expensive teaching functions with videos and other nonsense. When the private schools get blended ... more »

Diane in the Evening 5-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Teacher in L.A.: Please, Colleagues, Work for Monica Ratliff by dianerav For reasons I don’t understand, the UTLA endorsed both Monica Ratliff, a teacher, and her opponent Antonio Sanchez. Sanchez has almost $4 million from the billionaires. Monica has raised $42,000. A music teacher in Los Angeles wrote this appeal; *Dear Teachers,* *I am sending this to a few LAUSD teacher e-mail addresses that I have. I do not have many, so please forward to others.* *There is a totally crucial school board race on this Tuesday... more »

UPDATE: What Cinda Klickna doesn’t say + Chicago’s West Side says no to closing schools. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Chicago’s West Side says no to closing schools. | Fred Klonsky: Compare and contrast. Under SB2404 will health care be a vested contractual right? by Fred Klonsky What the IEA says about SB2404: *“Access to State-provided healthcare/insurance is currently not guaranteed by the constitution. If SB 2404 is passed, State-provided healthcare would become a vested and enforceable contractual right, a status it does not have today.”* What John Cullerton says about SB2404: *The vested and enforceable contractual right to a program of health benefits is NOT offered as, and * What Cinda ... more »

UPDATE: Jersey Jazzman: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Bowen in ME

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Jersey Jazzman: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Bowen in ME: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Bowen in ME #2 by Duke I just posted about Maine "Chief For Change," Steven Bowen, and how he's had to back off on plans - written by his patron, Jeb! Bush - to fast-track for-profit virtual charter schools into the state. Before we move on to another state and another CFC Fail, however, let's take a moment to enjoy the twisted logic of Commissioner Bowen: Second, the Press Herald seems to feel that the new A-F grading system suffers from a fatal flaw because it does not discriminate betw... more »

2nd Banana 5-18-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post #EDchat #EDreform #soschat #p2 #1u

BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANA 

RECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POST

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] *LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONG Diane Ravitch's blog 5-18-13 * How Corporate Reform Discourages Prospective Teachers by dianerav I have heard repeatedly in the past few years that teachers don’t want student teachers in their classrooms. The teachers are so focused on raising test scores that they can’t take the time to mentor the younger generation, and they are afraid to lose ground if they let a student teacher try a practice class. Consequently, the o... more »