UPDATE: Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 5-8-13 AM Posts #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

Modern School: Ending Bullying by Changing Its Name

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 40 minutes ago

Modern School: Ending Bullying by Changing Its Name: Ending Bullying by Changing Its Name by Michael Dunn Huck/Konopacki Labor Cartoons A group of researchers commissioned by the American Education Research Association says that efforts to reduce bullying in school are hampered by the overuse and abuse of the term “bullying” and are calling for it to be replaced by the term “victimization,” according to a recent report in USA today. Yeh, right. . . When the Blackwater mercenary army was having image problems they changed their name to Xe and then again to Academi, innocent soun... more »

The home school subculture creates soldiers for America’s culture war | The Raw Story

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

The home school subculture creates soldiers for America’s culture war | The Raw Story: The home school subculture creates soldiers for America’s culture war By The Guardian Wednesday, May 8, 2013 9:04 EDT [image: Little girl home school (Shutterstock)] *Katherine Stewart: The Christian home school subculture isn’t a children-first movement. Some former students are bravely speaking out* Several decades ago, political activists on the religious right began to put together an “ideology machine”. Home schooling was a big part of the plan. The idea was to breed and “train up” an army ... more »

Blog: Why Has Conservative Media Ignored Michelle Rhee's Connection to Common Core?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Blog: Why Has Conservative Media Ignored Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's Connection to Common Core?: Why Has Conservative Media Ignored Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's Connection to Common Core?Ann Kane * * * * Now that citizens across the country are becoming more aware of the detrimental aspects of the already adopted Common Core State Standards, Michelle Rhee, the face of education reform, has commented "I do think that there has to be a very strong defense of the common core[.]" In a recent interview Rhee suggested to proponents of CCSS to switch up the argument "... more »

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-8-13 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: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Texas: The Surefire Plan to Destroy Public Education by dianerav You think it can’t happen here? You think your state is immune? Read about the war on public education in Texas and think again. Some part of this radical agenda is being promoted in almost every state. Yours too. This comment was written by Bonnie Lesley of “Texas Kids Can’t Wait”: “I worry a lot whether public schools will continue to exist in some states. Our organization, Texas Kids Cant John ... more »

Teacher Appreciation Week: It's About the Little Things - High School Notes (usnews.com)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Teacher Appreciation Week: It's About the Little Things - High School Notes (usnews.com): Teacher Appreciation Week: It's About the Little Things By KELSEY SHEEHY May 8, 2013 RSS Feed Print [image: A high school science teacher works with students. Show teachers your appreciation throughout the year by acknowledging their hard work.] Show teachers your appreciation throughout the year by acknowledging their hard work. Teachers devote their lives to educating the nation's youth. They serve as mentors, coaches, counselors and yes, even baby sitters, often with limited resources and li... more »

The dust hasn’t settled on the pension deal. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

The dust hasn’t settled on the pension deal. | Fred Klonsky: The dust hasn’t settled on the pension deal. by Fred Klonsky Yesterday was a wild day here at fredklonsky.com I have never received so many comments. Many of them extended and passionate. 3,000 site visits. Nearly 100 comments. Two people were supportive of the We Are One coalition’s concession. All the rest were critical. Of course, my readership is somewhat self-selecting. But again, Kudos to brother Bob Haisman. Bob and I are long-time activists for our union (Bob has a few years

Ed Notes Online: Updated: Jennifer Jennings (formerly Eduwonkette) apologizes to Secretary Duncan over the booing at AERA

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Updated: Jennifer Jennings (formerly Eduwonkette) apologizes to Secretary Duncan over the booing at AERA: Updated: Jennifer Jennings (formerly Eduwonkette) apologizes to Secretary Duncan over the booing at AERA by ed notes online I have heard this before; critiques from the people in power or their apologists saying “why can’t you be more civilized.” In my mind, it is similar to a well-equipped army that invades your country, takes over your institutions, and then argues with the natives that their resistance is not “civilized” enough. ... Leonie Haimson Jennife... more »

Links and Lessons for K-12 Schools and Hospitals (Jeff Bowen) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Links and Lessons for K-12 Schools and Hospitals (Jeff Bowen) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Links and Lessons for K-12 Schools and Hospitals (Jeff Bowen) by larrycuban *Dr. Jeffrey Bowen has served as superintendent of the Yorkshire Pioneer Central School District in western New York, research director for the New York State School Boards Association, and supervisor of on-the-job training in an Air Force hospital. He is a founding member and vice president of the Healthy Community Alliance in Gowanda, New York. * Since 2000, hospital bills have increased... more »

‘Change Without Reform in American Education’ — book excerpt

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

‘Change Without Reform in American Education’ — book excerpt: ‘Change Without Reform in American Education’ — book excerpt Posted by Valerie Strauss on May 8, 2013 at 4:00 am 0 Comments More [image: cuban]Larry Cuban is a former high school social studies teacher and a school district superintendent (in Arlington, VA) who has been teaching at Stanford University for more than 20 years and conducting research on wave after wave of school reform and their effects. In just about every case, the effects of reform effects have been less than promised. In his new book, “Inside the Black ... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Weiner discipline

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Weiner discipline: Weiner discipline by Mike Klonsky Disgraced former congressman *Anthony Weiner* is planning to run for mayor of New York, a position that would also put him in control of the schools. Why New Yorkers would want to put this creep anywhere near school children is beyond me. But then, *Mark Sanford* was just elected in South Carolina, so what do I know? (N.Y. Post pic)Monday, protesting NYC students made it clear that they want no part of Weiner's ideas on public education. Those ideas were laid out in a policy booklet released last m... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Now I've Heard Everything

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Now I've Heard Everything: Now I've Heard Everything by Melissa Westbrook I am working on a series on Common Core (which is coming at you like a Japanese bullet train.) But there are some pretty funny things happening so I just couldn't wait. Conservatives and Dem ed reformers and corporate ed reformers have been able to join hands and sing Kumbaya over charters, TFA, teacher evaluation, etc. But here comes Common Core and it all falls apart. The conservatives loathe Common Core and have succeeded in spreading the word. The GOP passed a reso... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Post Dispatch STL Today's Disingenuous Editorial on Common Core Standards. Susan Ohanian Chimes In.

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Post Dispatch STL Today's Disingenuous Editorial on Common Core Standards. Susan Ohanian Chimes In.: Post Dispatch STL Today's Disingenuous Editorial on Common Core Standards. Susan Ohanian Chimes In. by stlgretchen The definition of disingenuous amply sums up the St. Louis Post Dispatch's editorial on Common Core standards and the recent meeting DESE held "informing" the public on the initiative. From a googlesearch of the word: dis·in·gen·u·ous /ˌdisinˈjenyo͞oəs/ Adjective Not candid or sincere, typically by pretending that one knows less about s... more »

Louisiana Believes in Completely Denying Reality | Crazy Crawfish's Blog

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Louisiana Believes in Completely Denying Reality | Crazy Crawfish's Blog: Louisiana Believes in Completely Denying Reality by crazycrawfish [image: Like the mysterious phoenix, I rise from the ashes of my defeat. . .so many ashes. . .] Like the mysterious phoenix, I rise from the ashes of my defeat. . .so. . . many. . . ashes. . . *STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDENT JOHN WHITE REGARDING LOUISIANA SUPREME COURT RULING* May 07, 2013 BATON ROUGE, La. – State Superintendent of Education John White issued a statement today concerning the Louisiana Supreme Court ruling on Act 2: “On the most ...more »

How Strong Are U.S. Teacher Unions? A State-By-State Comparison

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

How Strong Are U.S. Teacher Unions? A State-By-State Comparison: How Strong Are U.S. Teacher Unions? A State-By-State Comparison *By Amber M. Winkler, Ph.D. , Janie Scull , Dara Zeehandelaar, Ph.D. / October 29, 2012* ** *Foreword by Chester E. Finn, Jr. , Michael J. Petrilli* *Filed under: Teachers* This timely study represents the most comprehensive analysis of American teacher unions’ strength ever conducted, ranking all fifty states and the District of Columbia according to the power and influence of their state-level unions. To assess union strength, the Fordham Institute and ... more »

The Educated Reporter: Guest Post: Data Offers Education Reporters Fresh Angles on Familiar Stories

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

The Educated Reporter: Guest Post: Data Offers Education Reporters Fresh Angles on Familiar Stories: Guest Post: Data Offers Education Reporters Fresh Angles on Familiar Stories by Emily Richmond *The American Educational Research Association (AERA) held its annual meeting in San Francisco last week, and I asked The Hechinger Report's John Marcus to share a guest post.* The Common Core State Standards. Teacher quality. College access. None of these are particularly new topics on the education beat. But they can be reported in new ways using data, according to researchers who col...more »

Daily Kos: A quiet day leads to a firm conclusion

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

Daily Kos: A quiet day leads to a firm conclusion: A quiet day leads to a firm conclusion by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) It has been a somewhat quiet day, now slowly winding down, a cat curled up next to me, listening to Brahms on his birthday, sipping brandy, with Leaves on the Current resting under her wonderful quilt, with another cat or two nearby to cuddle her. Sometimes when we do not focus on something with which we are wrestling, the piece find a way to come together without conscious effort on our part. I have reread some things I have written in the past. I have gotten ... more »

Students march on District headquarters, protesting doomsday budget | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Students march on District headquarters, protesting doomsday budget | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: Students march on District headquarters, protesting doomsday budget by thenotebook *by Holly Otterbein for NewsWorks* Philadelphia School District students are furious that they may have to endure even more cuts after they've already lost several nurses, central office staff members and a beloved annual musical at the High School for Creative And Performing Arts. A group of roughly 250 students marched to the District's headquarters at 440 N. Broad St., where they held their ow... more »

Christine Rubino Pw3ns the NYC DOE southbronxschool.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

http://www.southbronxschool.com: Christine Rubino Pw3ns the NYC DOE by noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) During the first inning of my son's baseball game tonight I get a tweet from embattled Brooklyn teacher Christine Rubino. Curious, I read it an notice a link. The link directs me to New York State Courts page and what is there you ask? Christine Rubino kicked the DOE's ass! The Appellate Division found that she was unjustly terminated. My favorite quote of the decision goes a little something like this; Supreme Court properly found the penalty of termination to be shocking to ... more »

Mapping billionaires and charter schools | Muckety - See the news

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago

Mapping billionaires and charter schools | Muckety - See the news: Mapping billionaires and charter schoolsBy Laurie Bennett May 7, 2013 at 11:11am While much of the activism for charter schools occurs at the local and state levels, the money funding the movement is unquestionably national. The map below shows billionaires at the center who have funded school choice efforts. (The map is better viewed in the large version. Here’s a simplified version, that can serve as a starting point.) A typical path for donations is for a wealthy individual, through his company or foundation... more »

Kansans Against Common Core Rally Tomorrow (Updated Info)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago

Kansans Against Common Core Rally Tomorrow (Updated Info): [image: Kansas-State Capitol 2]We appreciate all the support and look forward to seeing you in Topeka. *KANSANS AGAINST COMMON CORE RALLY* Wednesday, May 8th at 2PM *Please arrive early and use the east entrance – Rally will begin promptly at 2pm* 2nd Floor Rotunda in the Kansas State Capitol, Topeka, KS *2pm- Welcome & Introduction* *2:05pm – Kansas Legislators* REP. JOHN BRADFORD and other Kansas Legislators *2:25pm – Guest Speaker and Common Core Expert* SHANE VANDER HART with Truth in American Education *2:40pm – Parents and C... more »

Many charter schools to begin offering transitional kindergarten in fall 2013 | EdSource Today

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago

Many charter schools to begin offering transitional kindergarten in fall 2013 | EdSource Today: Many charter schools to begin offering transitional kindergarten in fall 2013 ** May 7th, 2013 | Add a Comment | By Lillian Mongeau Share on twitterShare on facebookShare on emailShare on print More Sharing Services [image: glue-stick] A child completes an art project meant to help teach how to count to 100 in a transitional kindergarten classroom in Los Angeles earlier this year. Credit: Lillian Mongeau, EdSource Today After a year’s delay, many charter schools will begin offering transi... more »

@michelemcneil and #edweek: #optout supression! – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago

@michelemcneil and #edweek: #optout supression! – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: @michelemcneil and #edweek: #optout supression! by Timothy D. Slekar *Defenders of the Faith?* Sometimes you just can’t beat a dead horse enough. I know Shaun already mentioned Michele McNeil and her inability to understand the depth of the Occupy the DOE event. However, Shaun was too nice. In her latest post, Ms. McNeil wastes reader’s time, complicates the issue, and intentionally down plays the power behind the revolt. What appears to be a comprehensive look at the multiple players involve... more »

Understanding the Whole Child Approach with Tenets, Indicators, and Components — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago

Understanding the Whole Child Approach with Tenets, Indicators, and Components — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Klea Scharberg]Understanding the Whole Child Approach with Tenets, Indicators, and Components May 7, 2013 by Klea Scharberg [image: Whole Child Tenets] All educators want to improve the work they do for students, their families, and the community. Whether it's instruction, school climate, leadership, family engagement, or any of the other issues schools face on a daily basis, all educators need tools to help them improve their actions and methods. A w... more »

Our First Endorsement: Monica Ratliff, a Teacher, for Los Angeles School Board | The Network For Public Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 15 hours ago

Our First Endorsement: Monica Ratliff, a Teacher, for Los Angeles School Board | The Network For Public Education: Our First Endorsement: Monica Ratliff, a Teacher, for Los Angeles School Board by admin [image: NPEbadge2]The Board of Directors of NPE has voted to endorse Monica Ratliff in her runoff election for Los Angeles school board. The election will happen on May 21st. We asked both Ratliff and her opponent, Antonio Sanchez, to complete a detailed candidate questionnaire. Monica Ratliff’s responses revealed someone who is a working 5th grade teacher, well acquainted with the ... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Washington State Charter Commission - Meeting Two

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Washington State Charter Commission - Meeting Two: Washington State Charter Commission - Meeting Two by Melissa Westbrook The second Charter Commission meeting took place on April 30th at the Bellevue Art Museum where Commission member Larry Wright is the Executive Director. (I'm going to review the meeting in two threads as it was a long meeting.) Here are the two presentations from speakers. One was Robin Lake from CRPE (I missed that) and William Haft of the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (a group looking to make some m... more »

Nutrition to Grow On - Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education (CA Dept of Education)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

Nutrition to Grow On - Healthy Eating & Nutrition Education (CA Dept of Education): Nutrition to Grow OnAn innovative curriculum for grades four through six that offers teachers a direct link between the garden and nutrition education. ------------------------------ Nine lessons are designed to teach children and their families about nutrition by relating each lesson to a garden activity. The curriculum uses the garden to integrate disciplines, including science, mathematics, language arts, history, environmental studies, nutrition, and health, while reinforcing some of the Ca... more »

Teacher Appreciation Week has drastically changed within one week. | Reclaim Reform

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

Teacher Appreciation Week has drastically changed within one week. | Reclaim Reform: Teacher Appreciation Week has drastically changed within one week. by kenpreviti I thought this was some sort of Onion spoof when I saw it: It is, unfortunately, real.[image: obama-duncan] Read the full declaration HERE. *Of course Penny Pritzker, nominated as Secretary of Commerce, is heavily invested in charter schools funded with the tax money taken from the 50+ Chicago Public Schools she approved closing. She even had one named after herself. So does Arne Duncan. Yes, non-union, non-accountable ... more »

Diane in the Evening 5-7-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | #thankateacher

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: *#thankateacher* Bruce Baker Teaches Civics to Jeanne Allen by dianerav Bruce Baker of Rutgers is one of my favorite education analysts. He is adept at sorting through claims and demanding evidence. In this post, he gives Jeanne Allen a civics lesson. Jeanne Allen founded the Center for Education Reforn twenty years ago to advocate for charters and vouchers, anything but public schools. She was formerly the education personat the Heritage Foundation. The media often call her for quotes, thinking that the center i... more »

Buena Vista Public Schools Closed Despite Teachers' Offer To Work For Free

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

Buena Vista Public Schools Closed Despite Teachers' Offer To Work For Free: Buena Vista Public Schools Closed Despite Teachers' Offer To Work For Free by Joy Resmovits The teachers agreed to work for free, but apparently that wasn't enough -- so school's out. That's the latest in Buena Vista, Mich., a school district of less than 500 students that closed its schools Tuesday because it is broke. At an emergency meeting Monday evening, hours after teachers voted to work for free for at least a week since the district determined it could not pay them, the school board opted to shut ... more »

NYC Educator: The Unity Hammer

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

NYC Educator: The Unity Hammer: The Unity Hammer by NYC Educator Chapter Leader was surprised. He got an email from his principal about placing a teacher center in his school. The principal forwarded him a letter from the UFT, expressing interest in the proposal. But Chapter Leader had never seen the proposal. He shot an email to the principal saying he was very surprised the UFT had taken any proposal from him without consulting with the chapter, and CCd it to a bunch of people in the UFT. That night he got a call. "Why didn't you reach out to us?" "I did. I sent you a copy of ... more »

Daily Kos: Rain, retirement and reflection

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

Daily Kos: Rain, retirement and reflection: Rain, retirement and reflection by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) It has been a moist day in Arlington. The rain, usually gentle began as I exited my stay at Starbucks with my hands full of drink and beverage for my spouse. With nothing fixed on my schedule until 5 PM, I had the flexibility of time available to those of us retired, perhaps not looking too hard for our next employment opportunity. I had perused my normal Tuesday reading, saw nothing on which I felt inclined to comment. Today is the birthday of both Brahms & Tschaikovsk... more »

CORPORATE PARTY Salutes Day of the Teacher and Plans to Sue

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago

Democrats for Education Reform: [image: Beware of AstroTurf Ed Reformers]*Wall Street Loves National Charter Schools Week (Big Profits)* Day of the Teacher, a year for LawsuitsTeaching profession at a crossroads in California MCT ILLUSTRATION (From OC Register, May 6th, 2013) By Gloria Romero California on May 8 observes the Day of the Teacher. Created 31 years ago at the behest of then-Sen. Joseph Montoya (a Democrat who, a few years later, was convicted of seven felony counts of racketeering, extortion and money laundering) the largely ceremonial event was intended to honor the... more »

Sacramento County schools continue to suspend black students at disproportionate rates - Data Center - The Sacramento Bee

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Sacramento County schools continue to suspend black students at disproportionate rates - Data Center - The Sacramento Bee: Sacramento County schools continue to suspend black students at disproportionate rates By Phillip Reese preese@sacbee.com Published: Friday, May. 3, 2013 - 3:22 pm Last Modified: Tuesday, May. 7, 2013 - 10:05 am More black students were suspended last school year in Sacramento County than any other ethnic group, even though there are more local white, Asian and Hispanic students in local schools, according to new state data. Roughly 20 percent of the county's bl... more »

An Open Letter to Secretary Duncan: How Not to Get Booed – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

An Open Letter to Secretary Duncan: How Not to Get Booed – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: An Open Letter to Secretary Duncan: How Not to Get Booed by plthomasedd Secretary Duncan, How Not to Get Booed: 1. Resign. 2. Refuse appointments for positions for which you have no experience or expertise. 3. Do not speak at a gathering of the people you have mis-served, unless you plan to apologize (or resign). 4. Resign. 5. Avoid saying one eloquent thing while doing quite the opposite (HINT: Hypocrisy lends itself to booing). 6. Resign, apologize, and th... more »

UPDATE: Michigan Governor Snyder Supports the Common Core | Truth in American Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Michigan Governor Snyder Supports the Common Core | Truth in American Education: Michigan Governor Snyder Supports the Common Core by Shane Vander Hart Governor Rick Snyder (R-MI) came out in favor of the Common Core State Standards at a town hall meeting with Education Secretary Arne Duncan in Detroit yesterday. AP reports: Some Republicans and conservatives want to remove Michigan schools from the set of national educational standards and testing for K-12 students. But the Republican governor said Monday Common Core is a “good thing” and the state should “stand up for it.” Sny... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Teacher Speaks Out Against Common Core

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Teacher Speaks Out Against Common Core: Teacher Speaks Out Against Common Core by stlgretchen A teacher speaks out against Common Core: *One goal for all is not likely to be an equitable system. We should push back against the Common Core imposition with teacher professional development, socio-culturally responsive curricula, and project-, performance-, and portfolio-based assessments work at the most local level.* Like many teachers right now, I have a Common Core app on my iPad. Reading through the newly refined learning standards for K-12 student... more »

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center: [image: NEA Cover Photo for Facebook]NATIONAL TEACHER DAY, MAY 7, 2013 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. On the Need for Unions and Seniority Best of the Ed Blogs David B. Cohen May 7, 2013 About ... more »

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Tuesday, May 7, 2013 #thankateacher

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Education Headlines *Tuesday, May 7, 2013* Peer groups coming to two campuses Once the programs take effect at the schools in the coming weeks, students rather than adults will be making disciplinary decisions regarding peers who have committed offenses such as repeatedly cursing in class, being defiant toward teachers or tagging school property. Celebrities join S.F. schools' meditation The event at Burton High School celebrated the sixth year of the district's Quiet Time program, which uses transcendental meditation technique...more »

Mayor Finch and Bridgeport say… But we don’t want to spend our money on education… - Wait, What?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Mayor Finch and Bridgeport say… But we don’t want to spend our money on education… - Wait, What?: Mayor Finch and Bridgeport say… But we don’t want to spend our money on education… by jonpelto [image: Former NBA All-Star and current Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson talks about education and student achievement Saturday, April 7, 2012 during a discussion hosted by Mayor Bill Finch at Jettie S. Tisdale School in Bridgeport, Conn. Johnson initiated many efforts in Sacramento to improve student achievement and came to Connecticut to share his ideas on education reform. Photo: Autumn Dr... more »

Wall Street Loves National Charter Schools Week (Big Profits)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

National Alliance for Public Charter Schools: *Welcome to National Charter Schools Week* Wall Street ♥ charter schools | Muckety - See the news Wall Street ♥ charter schools | Muckety - See the news: Wall Street ♥ charter schoolsBy Laurie Bennett May 5, 2013 at 9:37am [image: Beware of AstroTurf Ed Reformers] Call them cynical, but the widespread involvement of financial firms in the charter school movement raises suspicion among many public school advocates. The map below illustrates just a few entanglements of big league investors in national school-choice organizations. View l... more »

“I Would Prefer Not To”: A Call for Non-Cooperation – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

“I Would Prefer Not To”: A Call for Non-Cooperation – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: “I Would Prefer Not To”: A Call for Non-Cooperation by plthomasedd Writing about a call for a moratorium on implementing and testing Common Core State Standards (CCSS) from union leadership, Anthony Cody ends his blog post with three questions: What do you think? Should we join Randi Weingarten in pushing for one year’s delay in the harsh consequences attached to Common Core assessments? Will this year put the project on sound footing? These questions about CCSS have been joined by two ... more »

Douglas County, CO, we’re worried about you. – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Douglas County, CO, we’re worried about you. – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Douglas County, CO, we’re worried about you. by Chalk Face, PhD [image: Here, we have a Douglas County student climbing into a large cigarette box.] Here, we have a Douglas County student climbing into a large cigarette box. We have many friends in Colorado. Douglas County, a very conservative part of the state, keeps coming up in terms of propagating the worst corporatized education reforms have to offer. We have a document here from the District that discusses Reinventing American Education base... more »

UPDATE: The in box. + Support our union + IFT on the pension deal. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

IFT on the pension deal. | Fred Klonsky: The in box. The pension deal and collective bargaining. by Fred Klonsky In response to a reader comment that compared the *We Are One* coalition’s deal with Cullerton to Neville Chamberlain and appeasement, former IEA President and pension activist (and friend) responded: I disagree with your analogy TOTALLY! NO!!!!! negotiations does not mean appeasement. I negotiated 15 contracts for my local -I never felt like Chamberlain or an “appeaser”!!! Sitting down and talking, working through differences, compromising is a time honored way to settl... more »

Modern School: Child Urged to Take Exam From Hospital Bed

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Modern School: Child Urged to Take Exam From Hospital Bed: Child Urged to Take Exam From Hospital Bed by Michael Dunn Huck/Konopacki Labor Cartoons In a recent post I pointed out the absurdity of the California Democratic Party’s criticism of the education reform movement because of its commodification of children. As vulgar and impersonal as it may seem to sensitive, liberal ears, in purely economic and political terms students have always been commodified as a consequence of schools’ function in preparing them for their roles as future workers. While the ed reformers have succee... more »

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! XOXO Walmart | EduShyster

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! XOXO Walmart | EduShyster: Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! XOXO Walmart by edushyster2012 Imagine that you are possessed of the surname “Walton” and happen to be sitting on mad coin—say a cool $90 billion. How do you celebrate the occasion that is Teacher Appreciation Day? Do you chip in to give the nation’s teachers a raise, knowing they’ve been hard hit by the recession? Do you send them gift cards to Walmart, the store that hath so enrichethed you? If you are a teacher in Massachusetts, the Waltons have an extra special treat in store for you: a f... more »

Tuesday on the Whole Child Virtual Conference — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Tuesday on the Whole Child Virtual Conference — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Whole Child Virtual Conference]Tuesday on the Whole Child Virtual Conference May 7, 2013 by Whole Child Virtual Conference We invite you to participate in ASCD's third annual Whole Child Virtual Conference. Entitled "Moving from Implementation to Sustainability to Culture," sessions will offer educators around the globe leadership discussions and strategies to support their work to implement and sustain a whole child approach to education. *Change: Making it Happen in Your School and ... more »

To Close the "Opportunity Gap," We Need to Close the Vocabulary Gap - Bridging Differences - Education Week

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

To Close the "Opportunity Gap," We Need to Close the Vocabulary Gap - Bridging Differences - Education Week: To Close the "Opportunity Gap," We Need to Close the Vocabulary Gap by Deborah Meier *Today, Michael J. Petrilli, the executive vice president of the Thomas B. Fordham Institute, joins Deborah Meier. He will blog with her for the next month.* Dear Deborah, [image: Petrilli_Blog100 (2).jpg]Thanks for inviting me to join you on your blog. Even though we disagree on many issues, I have great respect for you and the work you've done in your career. As I write this, I'm returning ... more »

Obama, defying political base, declares National Charter Schools Week | Strange Bedfellows — Politics News - seattlepi.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Obama, defying political base, declares National Charter Schools Week | Strange Bedfellows — Politics News - seattlepi.com: Obama, defying political base, declares National Charter Schools Week [image: Beware of AstroTurf Ed Reformers (click picture)] President Obama has proclaimed this as “National Charter Schools Week” in the United States, warmly embracing a cause that is anathema to teachers unions as it is in much of the president’s liberal base in this Washington. The president, in praising charter schools, seemed to note the atrophy of the public school system, particularly ... more »

Department Of Education 'Comes Out' On College Aid For Students Of Gay Parents - Forbes

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Department Of Education 'Comes Out' On College Aid For Students Of Gay Parents - Forbes: Department Of Education 'Comes Out' On College Aid For Students Of Gay Parents Comment Now Follow Comments The US Department of Education “came out” last week with changes to its Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) that are clearly aimed at the LGBT community. The changes serve more to Students of Gay Parents Can Now List Both Parent's Incomes on the FAFSA College Aid Application; (Mother 1 and Mother 2 or Father 1 and Father 2) recognize this community than to produce results in... more »

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-7-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | #thankateacher 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: * #thankateacher* Researcher Says Louisiana DOE Hid Data by dianerav Louisiana deserves out attention because it is an extreme example of the corporate reform agenda at work. As Reuters put it, the “reform” agenda targets the very existence of public education. The radical goal of Governor Bobby Jindal is privatization. Wiping out the teaching profession is a strategy to turn teachers into a compliant workforce, unable to challenge the privatization plan. Testifying before the state senate education committee, a re... more »

Glen Brown asks, “What about that pension agreement between the We Are One Illinois Coalition and Senate President Cullerton?” | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Glen Brown asks, “What about that pension agreement between the We Are One Illinois Coalition and Senate President Cullerton?” | Fred Klonsky: Glen Brown asks, “What about that pension agreement between the We Are One Illinois Coalition and Senate President Cullerton?” by Fred Klonsky [image: Springfield cropped]*Glen Brown.* Contracts supported by consideration are often one-sided, advantageous arrangements. In Illinois, any agreement with the General Assembly regarding a “guaranteed” funding to the pension systems, for example, may not be a “valid” consideration for public employe... more »

2nd Banana 5-4-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post

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