Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-28-13 #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

Drop in Number of Districts in Financial Jeopardy - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 4 minutes ago

Drop in Number of Districts in Financial Jeopardy - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Reports Sharp Drop in Number of Districts in Financial Jeopardy SACRAMENTO—A new report shows that less than half as many California school districts are in financial jeopardy now as a year ago, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today. The state's Second Interim Status Report for 2012-13 shows that 92 local educational agencies (LEAs) are either in negative or qualified financial status. The same report from a year ago showed a... more »

Reducing the Effects of Child Poverty — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 4 minutes ago

Reducing the Effects of Child Poverty — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Klea Scharberg]Reducing the Effects of Child Poverty May 28, 2013 by Klea Scharberg In today's global economic state, many families and children face reduced circumstances. The 2008 economic crisis became a "household crisis" (PDF) when higher costs for basic goods, fewer jobs and reduced wages, diminished assets and reduced access to credit, and reduced access to public goods and services affected families who coped, in part, by eating fewer and less nutritious meals, spending less on educati... more »

PSAT for 5-28-13: Fight for democracy Parents United for Responsible Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 minutes ago

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » PSAT for 5-28-13: Fight for democracy: PSAT for 5-28-13: Fight for democracy by admin [image: psat_logo]I know I’m a day late for Memorial Day but I have been reading several excellent pieces over the weekend and the question is still on my mind – what did these soldiers die for? Was it to guarantee that the Walton family’s income grows larger every year? Was it to assure a bright future for test publishing companies? Or to make the world safer for Rupert Murdoch to steal and use our children’s school information so that they... more »

Keeping Our Children Safe | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 minutes ago

Keeping Our Children Safe | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: Keeping Our Children Safe by NEA Health Information Network *By Nora L Howley,* *Manager of Programs, NEA Health Information Network* **Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Moore, Oklahoma, and the surrounding area. We mourn the tragic loss of lives and homes and livelihoods, even as we wonder at the acts of heroism by educators and members of the community who worked to protect and rescue hundreds of students and neighbors. The tragedy in Oklahoma reminds us that bad things can happen. Keeping... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Lipstick on a pig. The UNO makeover is complete

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 minutes ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Lipstick on a pig. The UNO makeover is complete: Lipstick on a pig. The UNO makeover is complete by Mike Klonsky New board chair, Cabrera (right) says Rangel (left) will stay on as UNO boss, saying there is “no one more suitable to be CEO.” John H. White~Sun-Times*“I am here today to apologize. "I have failed." *-- *Juan Rangel* *" Oh that's funny. Oh please stop Juan. Oh, my side hurts from laughing..." * -- *Mike Klonsky* In one of the largest and most outlandish school/political swindles of our time, the clout-heavy charter hustlers at UNO have m... more »

In Chicago: The Every School Solidarity Picnic | The Network For Public Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

In Chicago: The Every School Solidarity Picnic | The Network For Public Education: In Chicago: The Every School Solidarity Picnic by admin By Michelle Strater Gunderson [image: chicago2]In Chicago we have food deserts, large patches of our city where there is not a grocery store in sight. We also have transportation deserts, outstretches of our town where you cannot get anywhere without a car. Now, with the closing of 50 schools we have education deserts. What does a community do when it has been systematically devastated? This was our overarching question when we met with parents, s... more »

Gates dollars fuel effort to bring charter schools to Washington | OregonLive.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

Gates dollars fuel effort to bring charter schools to Washington | OregonLive.com: Gates dollars fuel effort to bring charter schools to Washington by The Associated Press SEATTLE — With the opening of Washington's first charter school likely 15 months away, more dollars from Seattle's tech economy are flowing toward groups that want to change the way the state thinks about public schools. In November, Washington became the 42nd state to allow the independent public schools. The initiative campaign succeeded in part because of money from Seattle's tech economy -- Microsoft co-founde... more »

Why America Needs An Education Spring

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

Why America Needs An Education Spring: Why America Needs An Education Spring Well, *someone* in the mainstream media finally had to ask the question. MSNBC’s Chris Hayes, on his “All In” program on May 24, covered the forced closing of 50 public schools in Chicago – the largest incident ofmass school closings in the nation’s history. Joining Hayes were Karen Lewis, head of the Chicago Teachers’ Union, and education professor Pedro Noguera to discuss the rationale for the closures. Lewis said school administrators and Mayor Rahm Emanuelchanged the rationale for the closings so many ... more »

Diane in the Evening 5-28-13Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Florida: Once Again, Test Results Are Over-hyped by dianerav Matthew Di Carlo takes a close look at the latest test scores released in Florida. His bottom line: don’t believe the press release. For one thing, the test specifications have changed, and the scores are not really comparable to prior years. Di Carlo points out: “Accordingly, the technical documentation for the FCAT notes (in bold-faced type) that “caution should be used North Carolina Passes Voucher Bill by dianerav On a vote of 27-21, the North Carolina... more »

Some state lawmakers push back against new common core standards for reading, writing and math - The Washington Post

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Some state lawmakers push back against new common core standards for reading, writing and math - The Washington Post: Some state lawmakers push back against new common core standards for reading, writing and math By Associated Press, Updated: Tuesday, May 28, 12:53 AM KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Some states are pushing back against a set of uniform benchmarks for reading, writing and math that have been fully adopted in most states and are being widely put in place this school year. The new Common Core standards replace a hodgepodge of educational goals that had varied greatly from state to ... more »

Pension Money Casinos: Just Say NO! | Reclaim Reform

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Pension Money Casinos: Just Say NO! | Reclaim Reform: Pension Money Casinos: Just Say NO! by kenpreviti Your legislators are giving away your pensions to casino owners. [image: Gambling Casino gets pension money]No, your legislators did not lose the money gambling. The casino owners who contributed to the campaign funds of legislators are being handed the money that was supposed to go into the pension funds of teachers and other public employees. [image: Gambling widow]“Until Illinois taxpayers wake up and realize that they are subsidizing gambling interests at the expense of teacher... more »

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Tuesday, May 28, 2013

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: *Fensterwald: Assembly adds its version of school finance reform to the mix* Education Headlines *Tuesday, May 28, 2013* San Diego teachers reject buyouts The latest offer of $25,000 buyouts has been canceled by the district due to a lack of interest among teachers. Ramona parents try to bridge gap in labor standoff Six parents were so frustrated by increasing rhetoric and conflicting information in the drawn-out labor dispute between teachers and the Ramona Unified School District that they set out to determine for themselves and ... more »

Healthy Eating: In Fulton Schools, It's All About the Marketing — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Healthy Eating: In Fulton Schools, It's All About the Marketing — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Ruth Taylor]Healthy Eating: In Fulton Schools, It’s All About the Marketing May 24, 2013 by Ruth Taylor The Challenge [image: Placing attractive fruit bowls on the serving line, and prompting students to take one, is one of the many ways Fulton County School Nutrition is encouraging healthier food choices in the lunchroom.] The school nutrition program at Fulton County Schools in Atlanta, Ga., already goes above and beyond U.S. federal nutrition standards, serving 50 ... more »

Ed Notes Online: Assaulting the Walls of Ed Deform, NYSUT June 8 "One Voice" Critiqued

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Assaulting the Walls of Ed Deform, NYSUT June 8 "One Voice" Critiqued: Assaulting the Walls of Ed Deform, NYSUT June 8 "One Voice" Critiqued by ed notes online "One voice" is more about drowning out the people's voice with a droll compliant whimper in true Weingartian style.... This is not a social justice rally. This is a 'let's make believe we care' rally. It's play acting by the AFT/NYSUT/UFT gang. We can play along, relieved that at least they are doing something, but their "something" is really business as usual. --- Sean Ahern (see below for full text).*... more »

NEW! Action Toolkit on school budget crisis | Parents United for Public Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

NEW! Action Toolkit on school budget crisis | Parents United for Public Education: NEW! Action Toolkit on school budget crisis by parentsunitedphila [image: Roxborough Collage]The 300+ person Roxborough Corridor Parent Summit in May was organized by parents working together with school leaders to kickoff parent actions around the District budget crisis. (Photos: Matthew Hall Photography) Sometimes this is what it means to be a Philadelphia public school parent. It’s not enough that we take care of our children and our families, our personal and professional lives, and volunteer and ... more »

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Oh, before I forget to mention it… by Chalk Face, PhD I found all these great reports that basically prove without a doubt the major contentions of the education reform movement. I’m serious. Here they are, linked below based on each issue. Socioeconomic status does not predict educational outcomes. Competition for per-pupil expenditures improves student and parent satisfaction. Psychic Sylvia Brown predicts: “The Common Core will […] Another taste of test abstention data by Chalk Face, PhD As we continue to sift through the data from the... more »

Shanker Blog » The FCAT Writing, On The Wall

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Shanker Blog » The FCAT Writing, On The Wall: The FCAT Writing, On The Wall Posted by Matthew Di Carlo on May 28, 2013 The annual release of state testing data makes the news in every state, but Florida is one of those places where it is to some degree a national story.* Well, it’s getting to be that time of year again. Last week, the state released its writing exam (FCAT 2.0 Writing)results for 2013 (as well as the math and reading results for third graders only). State Education Commissioner Tony Bennett said the results showed “incredible improvement.” Similarly, the Florida De... more »

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 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. San Jose Teachers’ Contract Offers Leadership Pathways Best of the Ed Blogs David B. Cohen May 28, 2013 In American Schools, What is Quality Work? Best of the Ed B... more »

Education in Your Backyard — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Education in Your Backyard — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Walter McKenzie]Education in Your Backyard May 28, 2013 by Walter McKenzie [image: ASCD Annual Conference and Exhibit Show] As a director of Constituent Services at ASCD, I work with the best and the brightest educators leading our affiliates around the world. It is a sincere honor and privilege. And this time of year, as affiliate boards begin meeting, reflecting, and planning, I have the opportunity to work with them virtually and face-to-face and support them in their important work. Representing ASCD... more »

All Education Matters: The Guardian - Student debt crisis: 'it's like carrying a backpack filled with bricks'

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

All Education Matters: The Guardian - Student debt crisis: 'it's like carrying a backpack filled with bricks': The Guardian - Student debt crisis: 'it's like carrying a backpack filled with bricks' by Cryn Johannsen Here is a snippet from my latest piece, which was published by the Guardian today: Amy Diede homeschools her two children – Caleb, 9, and Ashley, 8 – and is married to a devoted husband and father, Christian. Even though Amy has a master's in psychology, and until recently was a professional herself, Christian is now the breadwinner for the family, working as a cardi... more »

Spring Cleaning | EduShyster

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Spring Cleaning | EduShyster: Spring Cleaning by edushyster2012 *The civil rights issue of our time will require replacing old, non-excellent teachers with fresh new ones. *It is a true fact that young teachers are not only “fresher” but also more innovative and excellent. Now confirmed by a growing body of evidence (see scientific chart below), this scientific finding presents us with a quandary, not to mention a conundrum. How do we slough off all of the old, non-excellent teachers with their millstones of experience and pension obligations? And how much more unpleasant do we have... more »

What We Talk About When We Talk About Poverty - Bridging Differences - Education Week

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

What We Talk About When We Talk About Poverty - Bridging Differences - Education Week: What We Talk About When We Talk About Poverty by Deborah Meier [image: Big Education Ape] *Michael J. Petrilli continues his conversation with Deborah Meier today.* Dear Deborah, I want to return to the perennial question of poverty as it relates to educational outcomes. One of the main arguments against education reform is that it misdiagnoses the problem. We have big "achievement gaps" in terms of test scores, graduation rates, college-going, and much else, but that's primarily because of inequ... more »

UPDATE: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, with Malloy at his side + “Shocking Numbers Of Kindergarten, First Grade Suspensions” at Achievement First Schools - Wait, What?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Meanwhile, more on the “Shocking Numbers Of Kindergarten, First Grade Suspensions” at Achievement First Schools - Wait, What?: U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, with Malloy at his side, blunders his way through Hartford… by jonpelto ….may have been attempting to explain his approach and commitment to school safety. Like parents everywhere, most politicians were extremely disturbed and upset in the hours, days and weeks following the Newtown nightmare. Many led or joined the debate about how best to respond to the massacre and what laws and policies could be adopted to try t... more »

Modern School: Administrators Union Protecting Bad Bosses or Just Business as Usual?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Modern School: Administrators Union Protecting Bad Bosses or Just Business as Usual?: Administrators Union Protecting Bad Bosses or Just Business as Usual? by Michael Dunn While the teachers unions have been quick to jump on the evaluation reform bandwagon in hopes of appearing “reasonable” and “professional,” the real movers and shakers behind the Eval Reform movement are primarily interested in making it easier to fire bad teachers. Their presumption (at least the one conveyed to the press) is that there are a lot of bad teachers out there—how else to explain the deplorable st... more »

"Dante" Ravitch's Abhorrent Attack on Ben Austin :: Frederick M. Hess

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

"Dante" Ravitch's Abhorrent Attack on Ben Austin :: Frederick M. Hess: "Dante" Ravitch's Abhorrent Attack on Ben Austin *by Frederick M. Hess • May 28, 2013 at 9:18 am Cross-posted from Education Week* * * [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] * * I've been friendly with Diane Ravitch for a long time. Encountering her historical work 20 years ago, I was struck by her hard-hitting, erudite analyses. She invited me to deliver my first featured talk (at Brookings, on my then-forthcoming *Spinning Wheels* book). When I was leaving UVA's Curry School of Education, she was ... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Picnic in the park

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Picnic in the park: Picnic in the park by Mike Klonsky Sadly, I missed yesterday's school-closing protest picnic in Millennium Park. Despite the rain, it looked like great fun. I was still recovering from 70th birthday celebrations. Old rocking chair's got me. ABC News also picked it up. Chicago Grid has an interview this morning with CFL Pres. *Jorge Ramirez* who says that so-called *pension reform* is keeping him up at night. I hope so. Says Ramirez, *“There’s going to be critics of what’s been put out there…. There’s a great likelihood that there... more »

UPDATE: No on SB1, SB2404, the cost shift and yes to changing the landscape. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

No on SB1, SB2404, the cost shift and yes to changing the landscape. | Fred Klonsky: Ten minute drawing. Underutilized. by Fred Klonsky [image: underutilized] Click on drawing to enlarge. No on SB1, SB2404, the cost shift and yes to changing the landscape. by Fred Klonsky Popout. The regular session of the Illinois General Assembly ends Friday. Reuter’s reports: *The Illinois legislature, which over decades has built up a $100 billion unfunded pension liability, now is a study in gridlock. Speaker of the House Michael Madigan and Senate President John Cullerton each are pushing com... more »

Share My Lesson - Free K-12 Resources By Teachers, For Teachers

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Share My Lesson - Free K-12 Resources By Teachers, For Teachers: Share my lessonAFTTES Featured Content [image: Memorial Day]Memorial Day Lesson plans and activities to mark Memorial Day. Oklahoma tornado support These resources will help you and your students understand and cope with natural disasters. Teaching Resources 262,851TOTAL RESOURCES AVAILABLE Featured Contributors - [image: ELA Team Avatar]Creative Writing Prompts PowerPoint ELA Team - [image: Math Team Avatar]Doubling and Halving Riddles Math Team Common Core [image: US Common Core map] Discover facts,... more »

Reflections on Teaching » Blog Archive » The most sensitive cargo…

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Reflections on Teaching » Blog Archive » The most sensitive cargo…: The most sensitive cargo… by alicemercer [image: 72] The minister at the church service I attended today share this poem by Naomi Shihab Nye, and it really resonated with me. Here’s a stanza, the poem in it’s entirety can be found at the link below: This man carries the world's most sensitive cargo but he's not marked. Nowhere does his jacket say FRAGILE, HANDLE WITH CARE. - From “Shoulders” by Naomi Shihab Nye http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/23314#sthash.i0Eaf0sF.dpuf Let’s count the many ways that the s... more »

UPDATE: Can a teacher be disciplined/fired for teaching students their rights Daily Kos: you do not have right to vote in Presidential election

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Daily Kos: Even if you vote, you do not have right to vote in Presidential election: Even if you vote, you do not have right to vote in Presidential election by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) *I wrote this as a comment to marktheshark's diary on the Ellison-Pocan proposed constitutional amendment on voting. I thought I would also put it up separately* Even if you have the right to vote you do not under the US Constitution have the right to vote for electors of the President and Vice-President. The state legislature gets to decide how those electors are awarded - remember the bil... more »

Sequester Cuts Gut Schools Serving Neediest Students - High School Notes (usnews.com)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Sequester Cuts Gut Schools Serving Neediest Students - High School Notes (usnews.com): Sequester Cuts Gut Schools Serving Neediest Students By KELSEY SHEEHY May 28, 2013 RSS Feed Print [image: FORT MEADE, MD - DECEMBER 16: Police officers from U.S. Army Fort George G. Meade walk outside the base gates. Schools near military bases and Indian reservations lost millions in federal funding when the sequester took effect on March 1.] Schools near military bases and Indian reservations lost millions in federal funding when the sequester took effect on March 1. Long lines and frustrated pa... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Can Teachers Really Be Creative and Innovative when Teaching to the Test? Do They Really Have that Much Magic?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Can Teachers Really Be Creative and Innovative when Teaching to the Test? Do They Really Have that Much Magic?: Can Teachers Really Be Creative and Innovative when Teaching to the Test? Do They Really Have that Much Magic? by stlgretchen The video of Ellie Rubenstein, a Highland Park School District (Lincoln Elementary School) teacher who resigned because of the increased time taken on standardized testing, has created new debate on the role of teachers. Rubenstein offers her statement on what it's like to teach today in the classroom. From theDaily... more »

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-28-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Pelto: It Is Never Too Soon to Prepare Little Children for College by dianerav Jonathan Pelto here follows up on his report about the high rate of suspensions of children in kindergarten. The clincher is the closing lines, where the regional superintendent of Achievement First explains why so many children are suspended: *“The most telling remark came from Marc Michaelson, who works as the regional superintendent for * Yertle the Turtle and the Common Core by dian... more »

Getting Our Youth Back to Work: Policy Lessons From Around the World | toteachornototeach

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Getting Our Youth Back to Work: Policy Lessons From Around the World | toteachornototeach: Getting Our Youth Back to Work: Policy Lessons From Around the World by aristotlethewise *Getting Our Youth Back to Work: Policy Lessons From Around the World* by Andreas Schleicher If there’s one lesson we’ve learned over the past few years, it’s that we cannot simply bail ourselves out of a crisis, we cannot solely stimulate ourselves out of a crisis and we cannot just print money our way out of a crisis. But we can become much better in equipping more people with better skills to collabora... more »

Indiana Legislature Playing Monday Morning Quarterback? | Truth in American Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Indiana Legislature Playing Monday Morning Quarterback? | Truth in American Education: Indiana Legislature Playing Monday Morning Quarterback? by Shane Vander Hart *The Times of Northwest Indiana* wrote an editorial yesterday opining that the Common Core State Standards not be set aside even though the implementation was paused. Indiana has reset the clock on joining the Common Core Standards initiative, with the Legislature overruling the State Board of Education and delaying implementation by at least one year while lawmakers play Monday morning quarterbacks this summer. The Co... more »

Ed school dean: Urban school reform is really about land development (not kids)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Ed school dean: Urban school reform is really about land development (not kids): Ed school dean: Urban school reform is really about land development (not kids) By Valerie Strauss, Published: May 28, 2013 at 6:00 amE-mail the writer 0 Comments More [image: Dean Leslie Fenwick (howard.edu] Dean Leslie Fenwick (howard.edu Here is a provocative piece from Leslie T. Fenwick, dean of the Howard University School of Education and a professor of education policy, about what is really behind urban school reform. It’s not about fixing schools, she argues, but, rather, about urban land develop... more »

'Boy or Girl?' Gender identity become a new challenge for schools | OregonLive.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

'Boy or Girl?' Gender identity become a new challenge for schools | OregonLive.com: 'Boy or Girl?' Gender identity become a new challenge for schools The Associated Press By The Associated Press Follow on Twitter on May 28, 2013 at 12:05 AM, updated May 28, 2013 at 12:06 AM CHICAGO — From the time they are born, we put our boys in blue beanies and our girls in pink ones. It's a societal norm, an expectation even, that you just are what you are born — a boy or a girl. From early on, we divide toys and activities by very distinct gender lines, with superheroes and trucks and muck on ... more »

Perseverance at a Newark school following midyear teacher turnover | Hechinger Report

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

Perseverance at a Newark school following midyear teacher turnover | Hechinger Report: Perseverance at a Newark school following midyear teacher turnover by Sara Neufeld NEWARK — The first teacher to go was grieving over the death of a loved one. Those who followed gave reasons more directly tied to frustrations at the school: long hours taking a toll on family life, the minimal pay increase when the academic day was extended in January, feeling discounted in curricular decisions. One after another, they kept leaving. Between December and February, five teachers at Quitman Street Re... more »

CA’s RTTT early leaning program wins feds’ support for additional funds SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources: CA’s RTTT early leaning program wins feds’ support for additional funds CA’s RTTT early leaning program wins feds’ support for additional funds *By Tom Chorneau* Tuesday, May 28, 2013 California’s effort to improve early learning programs, supported by a Race to the Top grant, has received a rare sign of support from the Obama administration after completing its first year – news of a pending supplemental grant expected to be about $22 million. The initiative, launched in 2011 with a firm caveat from Gov. Jerry Brown that no additional state m... more »

School leaders say Oakland’s community school movement will continue, even without Tony Smith | EdSource Today

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

School leaders say Oakland’s community school movement will continue, even without Tony Smith | EdSource Today: School leaders say Oakland’s community school movement will continue, even without Tony Smith - by Michelle Maitre by Michelle Maitre [image: Students at Life Academy in Oakland participate in an after school "Futbolistas 4 Life" program. Credit: Roberto Daza. Stills courtesy of the documentary film Futbolistas 4 Life by Daza and Jun Stinson.] Students at Life Academy in Oakland participate in an after school “Futbolistas 4 Life” program. Credit: Roberto Daza. Photo courte... more »

Ed Notes Online: The assessment reform movement continues to gather steam

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: The assessment reform movement continues to gather steam: The assessment reform movement continues to gather steam by ed notes online Attack, attack, attack ed deform and the deformers. We are on the offensive. High stakes testing is the wedge of ed deform so every little bit to undermine and discredit HST wears away the cover. The list below show signs that media coverage is growing. From Monte Neill at Fair Test: This week's stories highlight high-stakes testing protests -- and victories -- in more than a dozen states with additional resistance activities plann... more »

De-Regulating Teacher Prep: Will Teacher Prep Academies Replace Schools of Ed? | A "Fuller" Look at Education Issues

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

De-Regulating Teacher Prep: Will Teacher Prep Academies Replace Schools of Ed? | A "Fuller" Look at Education Issues: De-Regulating Teacher Prep: Will Teacher Prep Academies Replace Schools of Ed? by Dr. Ed Fuller A new post from Edweek Teacher “Living in Dialogue” blog by Anthony Cody reports on another effort by Senator Bennett from the state of Colorado to pass the “Growing Excellent Achievement Training Academies for Teachers and Principals,” otherwise known as the GREAT Act. See the EdWeek blog at: http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2013/05/will_teacher_prep_ac... more »

Moments Like This [Soul Of A Man] | The Jose Vilson

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Moments Like This [Soul Of A Man] | The Jose Vilson: Moments Like This [Soul Of A Man] by Jose Vilson [image: Marvin Gaye] Marvin Gaye A blackened tooth from a decade-old basketball injury. An average of four hours of sleep a night. A tumultuous set of faculty meetings, in meetings, out meetings, and every other type of meeting in between. An early bus I missed, followed by a late train that took 15 minutes off my preparation time. A snide remark by colleagues. A set of bills ankle-deep tightening the noose ’round my neck. A few uncompleted projects. And a sense that perhaps I didn’t ... more »

Peg with Pen: One Step Closer....

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Peg with Pen: One Step Closer....: One Step Closer.... by Peggy Every time a child takes a high stakes test we are one step closer to the end of public education. Keep that in mind next year - especially if you are a student and/or have a child that doesn't mind the test - know that the action of taking the test in fact is assisting in the dismantling of public education and the end of the teaching profession. I don't spend my time helping people opt out because of some silly ole non-consequential test; I help people opt out because I know that submitting to the test - whether yo... more »

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: CCSS + iPad + Kindergarten = ? by Chris Cerrone Wondering if full day kindergarten children have nap time replaced by tablet time? Follow the author on twitter @stoptesting15 One Step Closer…… from @ the chalk face by peggyrobertson Every time a child takes a high stakes test we are one step closer to the end of public education. Keep that in mind next year – especially if you are a student and/or have a child that doesn’t mind the test – know that the action of taking the test in fact is assisting […] Reconsidering the Khan Academy by plthom... more »

Ed Notes Online: Quinn Drops Out of GPS Debate, Does Not Want Debate on Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Ed Notes Online: Quinn Drops Out of GPS Debate, Does Not Want Debate on Education: Quinn Drops Out of GPS Debate, Does Not Want Debate on Education by ed notes online Quinn is sinking so fast she better not move those deck chairs. *New Yorkers for Great Public Schools to Host:* *First Actual Mayoral Debate on Education* *Update: Christine Quinn Drops Out; Her Campaign Says it Does Not Want to do a Debate on Education* *NYU Kimmel Center, 60 Washington Square South* *Tuesday, May 28 3:30 to 5:00 PM* *Mayoral Candidates will arrive at 3:45 PM;* *Debate will start at 4 PM and end at 5 ... more »

literally redefine | Cooperative Catalyst

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

literally redefine | Cooperative Catalyst: literally redefine by monika hardy [image: i's dotted] Currently, public education is defined/financed/played-out/victimized via 500+ policies per district. If all i’s are dotted and all t’s crossed, according to those policies, the government/powers that be – grant you funding. (That comes from public taxes.) [image: i's not dotted] If all i’s are not dotted and all t’s are not crossed, (a ginormous) part of potential funding/resources are spent on investigation of unmet policies. *So we have inspectors of inspectors and people making instr... more »

Will Teacher Prep Academies Replace Schools of Education? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Will Teacher Prep Academies Replace Schools of Education? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: Will Teacher Prep Academies Replace Schools of Education? by Anthony Cody Senator Bennett from the state of Colorado has re-introduced the Growing Excellent Achievement Training Academies for Teachers and Principals (GREAT) Act, a bill to reshape teacher preparation, drastically lowering the standards for those doing this crucial work. The bill boasts support from the New Schools Venture Fund,Democrats for Education Reform, Stand For Children, Teach For America, TNTP, NCTQ and ... more »

In Memoriam: with Purpose for All | Reclaim Reform

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

In Memoriam: with Purpose for All | Reclaim Reform: In Memoriam: with Purpose for All by kenpreviti [image: Memorial-Day 1]*Memorial Day is dedicated to those who have died in the service of our country. Americans give serious thought to why our honored dead sacrificed their lives.* (There is no room here for the ignorance or distortions that presently are hoisted upon this day. Memorial Day is not the Fourth of July, Veterans Day, Support Our Troops Day, War Movie Day, or the travesty of a Happy Memorial Day Sale of up to 50% off chosen items.) *WHY did they sacrifice their lives?*... more »

Bob Lyons speculates on the week ahead. And so do I. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Bob Lyons speculates on the week ahead. And so do I. | Fred Klonsky: Bob Lyons speculates on the week ahead. And so do I. by Fred Klonsky In the post below my friend Bob Lyons speculates on the week ahead in Springfield. Nobody knows more about the pension situation than Bob. He is a member of the TRS board of trustees and serves us well in that position. But I was struck by his thinking when it comes to the role of the Chicago Teachers Union. *Look for Cullerton on the other hand to attempt to convince the Chicago Teachers Union to accept the same deal as the state union coalition... more »

Diane in the Evening 5-27-13 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: Katie Lapham’s Data Analysis: 26% of Her Time Not Teaching by dianerav In a guest post for Anthony Cody, Katie Lapham calculated that 26% of her school year is spent NOT teaching. Data inquiry, data analysis, professional development, etc. took time away from teaching. If you teach, what proportion of your time is spent not teaching? How much time is devoted to test prep, testing, and data analysis? *LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-27-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all* mike simpson ... more »

Illinois teacher in trouble for advising students about Fifth Amendment before drug-screening survey | The Raw Story

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Illinois teacher in trouble for advising students about Fifth Amendment before drug-screening survey | The Raw Story: Illinois teacher in trouble for advising students about Fifth Amendment before drug-screening survey [image: 'An angry mature teacher holding a wand and gesturing' via Shutterstock] A high school teacher in Batavia, Illinois could be disciplined for informing his students of their Fifth Amendment rights before administering a survey school officials was intended to gauge their emotional needs. The Batavia *Daily Herald* reported on May 25 that social studies instr... more »

To Give Students an Education, Give Them a Voice Student Voice

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Student Voice: To Give Students an Education, Give Them a Voice by Editor Admin Repost from Cooperative Catalyst: The role of a teacher is evolving. As industries, technologies, and the needs in the world change, so does our approach to preparing the next generation for their lives ahead of them. In the past, teachers presented information in an organized and systematic manner in order to distribute valuable information to students. Schools were the only place that students could go to learn, because knowledge was completely centralized at the top with the elite professors and res... more »

DUE TO SCHOOL CLOSINGS: Get on the Bus–The Walking School Bus | Education on GOOD

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Get on the Bus–The Walking School Bus | Education on GOOD: Get on the Bus–The Walking School Bus [image: Parents walk their children to school] How bad is the drop-off traffic congestion in front of your kid’s school? If you’re like most parents in America, you’ll agree it’s pretty bad. Cars pulling up to the curb and pulling away, buses idling, parents running late, kids in a hurry to get to class. Kara Sergile, a consultant and mom of two elementary school-age girls in Glendale, CA, had enough of the morning drop-off craziness. In 2009, she decided to do something about it. Workin... more »

Jersey Jazzman: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Barresi in OK

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Jersey Jazzman: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Barresi in OK: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Barresi in OK by Duke *Heckuva job, Janet!* * * *Where did I find these people?* Let's check in on the latest of Jeb! Bush's "Chiefs For Change" failures. This time we're heading out west toOklahoma: “I had zero involvement in the process from start to finish personally.” These were the words of Janet Barresi when interviewed about the recent end-of-year “high stakes” tests administered to thousands of students throughout Oklahoma.*These comments would've been understandable and accepta... more »

Reflections on Teaching » Blog Archive » A tale of two cities…

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Reflections on Teaching » Blog Archive » A tale of two cities…: A tale of two cities… by alicemercer [image: swiss cheese scarf]All eyes are on Chicago, and the record school closures taking place in that city. But this is a drama being played out in cities across the country, including my own, as “right-sizing”, the Broad way, takes over. By now, many would have (or should have) heard that in Chicago, the projected savings have disappeared (or didn’t exist in the first place), and in the face of massive protests, the mayor has thrown $55M to a classic “Edifice complex “ (my husban... more »