Monday, June 24, 2013

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 6-24-13 #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

Education in the Age of Globalization » Blog Archive » Green Evaluation: China’s Latest Reform to Deemphasize Testing

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 minutes ago

Education in the Age of Globalization » Blog Archive » Green Evaluation: China’s Latest Reform to Deemphasize Testing: Green Evaluation: China’s Latest Reform to Deemphasize Testing by YongZhao Last week the Chinese Ministry of Education launched another major reform effort to reduce the importance of testing in education. In a document sent to all provincial education authorities on June 19th, the Ministry of Education unveiled guidelines and a new framework for evaluating schools. China has engaged in numerous systemic reforms over the last few decades, with the goal to minimize... more »

A Thought On Graduations As A Whole - The Jose Vilson

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 minutes ago
A Thought On Graduations As A Whole - The Jose Vilson: A Thought On Graduations As A Whole by Jose Vilson You can always read this at The Jose Vilson - It's Not About A Salary; It's All About Reality.. Feel free to leave a comment, too. [image: Isaiah Mustafa in Old Spice Commercial] Isaiah Mustafa in Old Spice Commercial A list of the common complaints about graduations from K-12: - Not everyone deserves to graduate. A more detailed subset of that list: - At this rate, should we *have* to make special accommodations for our kids when we’re trying to raise the rigor of all ... more »

Add your blog here | Spanish Readers' Blog

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 minutes ago
Add your blog here | Spanish Readers' Blog: Add your blog here by Mr. R English is a predominant language at the Web but look for it and you may find blogs in all languages including Spanish. In blog directories, we do not see tangible evidence of blogs about educational issues. However, during my hunt, I have seen educational blogsphere growing exponentially. Blogging in the classroom is not an economic hobbyhorse yet, but one can see some blogs with sponsored ads at least. Spanish Readers Blog, intends compiling a list of blogs by teachers and non-teachers, just normal people wh... more »

Diane in the Evening 6-24-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 minutes ago
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Rudy Crew Leaving Oregon, Returning to NYC by dianerav This is a surprise. Rudy Crew, former chancellor of the New York City public schools, former superintendent of the Miami Dade schools, currently chief education officer of the state of Oregon, will return to New York City to assume the presidency of Medger Evers College in Brooklyn, which is part of the City University of New York system. Scottish Schools Go Their Own Way, Away from Testing dianerav at Diane Ravitch's blog - 24 minutes ago The public schools... more »

6-24-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: [image: gears] Our recent show on NCTQ. Consider this the end of the discussion. by Chalk Face, PhD We returned to the air last evening to discuss the various reactions to the latest NCTQ report. This for me is the end of the debate. We need not comment on it further unless further developments ensue. Other authors are welcome to continue the dialogue, however. One of our callers raised a very excellent point. […] Is #ISTE13 a substantive debate on #edtech or just a business convention? by Chalk Face, PhD I’m guessing the latter based on s... more »

Reboot and Recharge: The Power of Technology-Infused Instructors — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Reboot and Recharge: The Power of Technology-Infused Instructors — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Rich McKinney]Reboot and Recharge: The Power of Technology-Infused Instructors June 24, 2013 by Rich McKinney Earlier this summer I created my first Vine. A month ago I would have thought that statement to be an indication that I had taken up gardening as a hobby, but I've since learned that Vine is a social media tool that allows users to create and share a personalized six-second video loop. Each summer, when the school year comes to a close, I try to evaluate the... more »

Perdido Street School: Did Joel Klein Help Break Up Rupert Murdoch's Marriage?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Perdido Street School: Did Joel Klein Help Break Up Rupert Murdoch's Marriage?: Did Joel Klein Help Break Up Rupert Murdoch's Marriage? by reality-based educator Read the entire Michael Wolff piece on Rupert Murdoch's impending divorce to his third wife, Wendi, for a Game of Thrones-like story of familial intrigue, plotting and backstabbing within the Murdoch family and News Corp inner circle, but definitely take note of what happened to Rupert's marriage to Wendi when Joel Klein came aboard: In a world whose main currency was having Rupert's ear, Wendi had altered the balance of... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Piston's star and Crane alum, Bynum, speaks out on school closings.

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Piston's star and Crane alum, Bynum, speaks out on school closings.: Piston's star and Crane alum, Bynum, speaks out on school closings. by Mike Klonsky Bynum starred at Crane As a high school basketball junkie, I got my thrills watching Will "The Thrill" Bynum play for Crane back in 2001. Will, a tough, smart kid who grew up on the south side and went to school on the west side, went on from Crane to Arizona and then to Georgia Tech where he helped lead his school to the Final Four. He bounced around professionally for a few years before landing in De... more »

Forget Evidence: White, BESE, and Corporate Reform Ideology | deutsch29

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Forget Evidence: White, BESE, and Corporate Reform Ideology | deutsch29: Forget Evidence: White, BESE, and Corporate Reform Ideology by deutsch29 Last week, the NCTQ report of teacher training programs was published in *US News and World Report. *Mind you, NCTQ doesn’t bother with anything so real as mandatory site visits to the programs it rates, which can make for a really embarrassing moment when a site that receives high marks doesn’t exist except on paper. I have been thinking about Kate Walsh and NCTQ, about how it is that they continue to push their poorly investigated judgme...more »

Fisher v. University Of Texas At Austin Ruling Leaves Universities In Limbo

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Fisher v. University Of Texas At Austin Ruling Leaves Universities In Limbo: Fisher v. University Of Texas At Austin Ruling Leaves Universities In Limbo by Joy Resmovits [image: Fisher v. University Of Texas At Austin Ruling] After months of waiting for the Supreme Court to issue a sweeping ruling on affirmative action in the Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin case, universities and education groups are trying to make sense of Monday's decision. "In a way, it was really a decision about the U.S. Court of Appeals in the 5th Circuit and not about affirmative action," said Cathar... more »

NYC Public School Parents: There’s no accountability for anyone at the top at DOE; and I can prove it

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
NYC Public School Parents: There’s no accountability for anyone at the top at DOE; and I can prove it: There’s no accountability for anyone at the top at DOE; and I can prove it by Leonie Haimson The testing companies Pearson and McGraw Hill can screw up over and over again – and continue to get multi- million dollar contracts. Principals rarely get fired, and even those caught cheating are appointed “achievement coaches.” Yet teachers and children are threatened with the most severe sanctions – including losing their jobs or being held back – if their performance does not... more »

"Managing" Teacher Professionalism - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
"Managing" Teacher Professionalism - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher: "Managing" Teacher Professionalism by Nancy Flanagan Twenty years ago, Michigan schools were in a funding down-cycle. Lots of belt-tightening and angry school board meetings with parents protesting transportation cuts and pay-to-play sports fees. I was finishing up my tenure (reign?) as Michigan Teacher of the Year. I was pink-slipped in the spring, but unconcerned; I'd been pink-slipped six times before--I'm a music teacher and music is always expendable in tough times-- and understood that ...more »

Charter Schools USA CEO Jonathan Hage Spins Failed Pembroke Pines Deal | Scathing Purple Musings

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Charter Schools USA CEO Jonathan Hage Spins Failed Pembroke Pines Deal | Scathing Purple Musings: Charter Schools USA CEO Jonathan Hage Spins Failed Pembroke Pines Deal by Bob Sikes Stinging from the bad publicity his company got in the Pembroke Pines affair, Charter Schools USA CEO Jonathan Hage penned a column this morning in his home town newspaper, the* Sun Sentinel*. Of the affair he writes: The reaction to the city’s invitation (for CSUSA’s bid) was mixed. While we saw and heard from many teachers and parents who supported our involvement, we also were disappointed to see a ... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Knows How to Spend Money but Not Make Money

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools Knows How to Spend Money but Not Make Money: Seattle Schools Knows How to Spend Money but Not Make Money by Melissa Westbrook At least that's what you might think if read the recent State Auditor findings on the district's handling of rentals for district facilities. It is hard not to be frustrated over the district not tracking ALL the money AND probably losing money from the joint use agreement with city parks. (In a couple of places it even smacks of some kind of insider help for some groups.) From the audit: *Background:* ... more »

Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: The Supreme Court on University of Texas at Austin's Affirmative Action Program

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: The Supreme Court on University of Texas at Austin's Affirmative Action Program: The Supreme Court on University of Texas at Austin's Affirmative Action Program by L. Jablonski Fisher v. University of Texas Austin: Supreme Court Sends Affirmative Action at the University of Texas Back to Lower Court for Strict Scrutiny In a 7-1 decision, the U.S. Supreme Court today affirmed the use of race by colleges and universities as part of the admissions process in order to advance a state's compelling interest in ensuring a diverse student body. But that's n... more »

Louisiana Educator: Moyers and Company Exposes ALEC

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Louisiana Educator: Moyers and Company Exposes ALEC: Moyers and Company Exposes ALEC by Michael Deshotels Louisiana Public Broadcasting this weekend featured a Moyers and Company expose' on ALEC. (Just click in the link to get to the program) Bill Moyers, a highly respected reporter, hosted this excellent program unveiling the role of the American Legislative Exchange Council in creating and promoting model legislation passed for the benefit of some of the largest US corporations. The program is titled *The United States of ALEC - A Follow-up*.This program includes a great explana... more »

John Dillon writes me after a meeting with Representative Jeanne Ives. She wants to turn our pension into a Ponzi scheme. “Let’s get naked.” | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
John Dillon writes me after a meeting with Representative Jeanne Ives. She wants to turn our pension into a Ponzi scheme. “Let’s get naked.” | Fred Klonsky: John Dillon writes me after a meeting with Representative Jeanne Ives. She wants to turn our pension into a Ponzi scheme. “Let’s get naked.” by Fred Klonsky [image: imw0010716] *Been there. Done that.* MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2013Re: A Meeting with Jeanne Ives at Panera Bread in Naperville by John Dillon Hey, Fred -You missed a great meeting, Fred. Glen and I have been wrong all this time. We make too much money, not too little, or eve... more »

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Program Offers Parenting Classes To Latino Families Larry Ferlazzo at Engaging Parents In School... - 21 minutes ago Parenting classes tailored for Latino families show promise in closing achievement gap is a post over at Ed Source that is worth reading. I’d be interested in hearing from other people who have had experience with the program described in the article. It’s called “Abriendo Puertas.” Another Reason To Wonder About Huge Parent Engagement Experiment In Providence Larry Ferlazzo at Engaging Parents In Sc... more »

California children facing poor economic conditions, education | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
California children facing poor economic conditions, education | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: California children facing poor economic conditions, education by Deepa Fernandes [image: Options Head Start - 1] *Teacher Lawana Nelson teaches preschoolers Marissa Arellano, left, and Andrea Castaneda how to snap their fingers during the afternoon session at Options Head Start in Monrovia on Thursday, May 16.; Credit: Maya Sugarman/KPCC* A study out Monday shows that more children nationwide are living in poverty than previous years, with California kids faring particularly poorly. The 2013 K... more »

A Message from the Secretary of Education Student Voice

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Student Voice: A Message from the Secretary of Education by Editor Admin Arne Duncan, the United States Secretary of Education, shares some inspiring words with the participants of the Student Voice Live! Summit, as well as any students with interest or passion in Civic Learning and Engagement.Catch up on what else you may have missed from Student Voice Live! here. Popout

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: DISTRICTS TO GET $1.25 BILLION THIS FALL TO IMPLEMENT COMMON CORE - BY JOHN FENSTERWALD by John Fensterwald *Payola Continues to Work Well For Corporate Education Reform * Education Headlines *Monday, June 24, 2013* Charter school petition deniedSoulsbyville School District's Board of Trustees voted unanimously Thursday to deny a petition for a new charter school that would focus on leadership and the arts. Hacienda La Puente USD uses $12M in reserves to balance budgetThe Hacienda La Puente Unified School Board approved a $190 ... more »

Let the Waters Flow — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Let the Waters Flow — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Walter McKenzie]Let the Waters Flow June 24, 2013 by Walter McKenzie One of the legacies of the Industrial Age is the ideal of standardization: creating products of consistent quality that can be mass-produced. Coming out of the Agricultural Age, this was a huge step forward; without standardization much of what was accomplished in the 20th century could not have been attained. Along with standardization came specialization, as specific standards of quality had to be met by specific experts. On any assembly lin... more »

California Schools: New State, Federal Strategies Flawed, Familiar | California Progress Report

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
California Schools: New State, Federal Strategies Flawed, Familiar | California Progress Report: California Schools: New State, Federal Strategies Flawed, Familiar Posted on 24 June 2013 [image: Printer-friendly version]Printer-friendly version[image: Send by email]Send by email *[image: Lisa Schiff]By Lisa Schiff* Almost as much has happened in the two weeks since public schools let out for the summer than in the entire second semester. In the first part of June, a revised version of federal education policy was introduced in the Senate and a California state budget has all but pass... more »

The Quality of Teacher Training is Not… | Taking Note

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
The Quality of Teacher Training is Not… | Taking Note: The Quality of Teacher Training is Not… by John Merrow Picture this: You are heading to the doctor’s office for your annual physical. As you approach her office, your doctor calls out the window, “You don’t need to come in. Just walk back and forth a few times while I watch. That should be sufficient.” Crazy, right? You wouldn’t trust that diagnosis and might find yourself a new doctor. That analogy is a pretty fair description of the survey and analysis released by the National Council on Teacher Quality, “Teacher Prep Review,... more »

Malloy political consulting firm developing campaign to beat Working Families Party candidates - Wait, What?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Malloy political consulting firm developing campaign to beat Working Families Party candidates - Wait, What?: Malloy political consulting firm developing campaign to beat Working Families Party candidates by jonpelto FACT: Dan Malloy became Governor Dannel Malloy thanks to the Working Families Party. When counting the Republican and Democratic Party vote, Malloy actually lost to Tom Foley by a vote of 560,874 to 540,970. That left Malloy 19,904 votes behind. However the Working Families Party cross-endorsed Malloy and 26,308 Connecticut citizens cast their vote for Malloy on tha... more »

Child-rearing grandparents slipping through the safety net - latimes.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Child-rearing grandparents slipping through the safety net - latimes.com: Child-rearing grandparents slipping through the safety netSome seniors can be ineligible for public aid, a new report says. Even if they got extra funds, the state would still save money by avoiding foster care. - [image: print] - Comments 10 - Email Share 18 - [image: Bessie Clayborne, 83, and 6-year-old grandson Malcolm, whom she's been raising since he was a newborn] Bessie Clayborne, 83, has been raising 6-year-old grandson Malcolm since he was a newborn. (Francine Orr, Lo... more »

Retired Educators Still Fighting for Public Schools | NEA Today

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago
Retired Educators Still Fighting for Public Schools | NEA Today: Retired Educators Still Fighting for Public Schools by twalker *By Edward Graham* All across the country, retired teachers and educators are continuing to take a stand for public education and their active colleagues. Nowhere is this more evident than in the work of statewide retired education associations, where retirees play an active and important role in supporting students, teachers, and future educators. There are retired National Education Association affiliates in all 50 states. These retired associations work... more »

KIDS COUNT Data Center from the Annie E. Casey Foundation

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago
KIDS COUNT Data Center from the Annie E. Casey Foundation: [image: KIDS COUNT data center: A project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation] - - DATA BY LOCATION - DATA BY TOPIC - PUBLICATIONS - UPDATES - Help - About - Contact A project of the Annie E. Casey Foundation, KIDS COUNT is the premier source for data on child and family well-being in the United States. Access hundreds of indicators, download data and create reports and graphics on the KIDS COUNT Data Center that support smart decisions about children and families. SEARCH CHOOSE A STATE [image: USA M... more »

Charter Schools USA Fails in Last Minute Attempt to Poach Seven Broward Schools | Scathing Purple Musings

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago
Charter Schools USA Fails in Last Minute Attempt to Poach Seven Broward Schools | Scathing Purple Musings: Charter Schools USA Fails in Last Minute Attempt to Poach Seven Broward Schools by Bob Sikes Pines City Manager Charlie Dodge sprung the deal at the last minute. From * CBSMiami*: The question of whether to privatize the city run charter schools followed contract disputes between the Broward Teachers Union and city leaders who said the city doesn’t have enough money to run the highly-successful Pines Charter schools unless there are major salary cuts for the city’s 375 teac... more »

Big Education APE: Limited Coverage of the Corporate Takeover of Public Education due to

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 6-24-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 12 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Florida Teacher: Please Tell Me About Groups Fighting Back by dianerav From a reader: “As a public school teacher in Miami, FL I would like to reach out to you and express my similar hope in developing a long-term coalition and eventual movement of teachers, parents and community to fight back against the pro-corporate anti-public education policies being pushed in FL. If someone knows of any organization or coalition that is already up and running please let me ... more »

Districts to get $1.25 billion this fall to implement Common Core | EdSource Today

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Districts to get $1.25 billion this fall to implement Common Core | EdSource Today: Districts to get $1.25 billion this fall to implement Common Core - by John Fensterwald by John Fensterwald *Payola Continues to Work Well For Corporate Education Reform * With uncommon speed, school districts and charter schools this fall will receive substantial money they didn’t foresee coming their way a few months ago to prepare for the Common Core standards. The catch: They first have to tell the public how they plan to use it. The state budget that Gov. Jerry Brown is poised to sign include... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm's budget cuts spark LSC revolt

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm's budget cuts spark LSC revolt: Rahm's budget cuts spark LSC revolt by Mike Klonsky *Arts, foreign-language classes and even recess are among the first programs being shed by principals trying to deal with budget cuts of 10 percent or more. Many of those were added for this school year as part of Emanuel’s promise to make the longer school day that he demanded an improved “Full School Day.”* -- Sun-Times columnist Greg Brown Several Chicago Local School Councils are openly resisting the Mayor's draconian cuts and rejecting their school budgets. A... more »

Nelson Mandela’s famous quote on education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Nelson Mandela’s famous quote on education: Nelson Mandela’s famous quote on education By Valerie Strauss, Published: June 24, 2013 at 6:00 amE-mail the writer [image: Nelson Mandela (Reuters)] Nelson Mandela (Reuters) One of the most famous quotes of the revered Nelson Mandela is about education: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. Here are a few other Mandela quotes about the importance of education: The power of education extends beyond the development of skills we need for economic succes... more »

Top 12 Testing Snafus – SchoolBook

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Top 12 Testing Snafus – SchoolBook: Top 12 Testing Snafus by Robert Lewis The current delay scoring New York City students’ Regents exams is just the latest mess-up in an industry with a history of high-profile flubs. It’s not even the biggest testing mistake in the city this year. In April, the Department of Education announced, about 2,700 city students were wrongly told they weren’t eligible for the Gifted & Talented program because of problems with the test. And high-profile testing errors haven’t been limited to New York over the years. In Minnesota, some high school seniors m... more »

Critics Say Chicago Shouldn’t Aid DePaul Arena With Schools Closing- ParentAdvocates.org

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Parent Advocates - ParentAdvocates.org: Critics Say Chicago Shouldn’t Aid DePaul Arena With Schools Closing Since 1980, the basketball team at DePaul University, the largest Roman Catholic college in the United States, has played its home games in the suburb of Rosemont, Ill., at a nondescript and, lately, mostly empty arena. For several years, DePaul, which is in the leafy Lincoln Park neighborhood on the North Side and a member of the Big East, has declared its interest in moving back to the city to try to recapture its glory days, when the team was a national powerhouse in the... more »

UPDATE: The in box. Local School Council budget rejection movement continues. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
The in box. Local School Council budget rejection movement continues. | Fred Klonsky: The in box. Local School Council budget rejection movement continues. by Fred Klonsky Dan Kleinman is the Community Rep for the Senn High School LSC. He voted against the Senn budget, although it was passed. Senn did not face as sharp a budget cut as have other CPS schools. Dan explains his vote. Dear Edgewater and Andersonville Neighbors, Last night, at the Senn High School Local School Council, I, as your community representative, voted against the proposed school budget. The $6.8 million alloc... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES: WEEKEND QUOTABLES by Mike Klonsky Glenn Greenwald *“Who needs the government to try to criminalize journalism when you have David Gregory to do it?” *-- Politico Ald. Bob Fioretti *“This project could not be worse for human priorities. We can’t afford neighborhood schools, but we can bankroll an unnecessary basketball arena for a private university?” *--New York Times William Ferris *“The memory of slavery and Jim Crow and civil rights is still very much alive,” said William Ferris, a University of North Carolina folklorist and ... more »

Ed Notes Online: PAVE Charter Pre-School Scam

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Ed Notes Online: PAVE Charter Pre-School Scam: PAVE Charter Pre-School Scam by ed notes online We reported on this story a few times. I was at PS 15 the other day and actually saw some of the PAVE slugs in the building -- but that is a story for another time when I get permission to tell THAT story. Ed Notes Online: DOE Allows Charter Schools to Set Up Stealth Pre *...* Ed Notes Online: This is new….The *PAVE* Pre-K contract is listed as *...* May 31, 2013 Yesterday we reported on the outrage of PAVE charter being handed 400 grand by Tweed to help them steal pre-k kids from the loc... more »

Will Teach 4 Food | EduShyster

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Will Teach 4 Food | EduShyster: Will Teach 4 Food by edushyster2012 Saddle up the reform ponies, reader. We’re headed to Tennessee—home to the Smokey Mountains, Dollywood, Graceland and a boldly innovative new way of payingteachers. If this bold new approach works, and studies already show that it has, Tennessee’s bold new approach will likely be coming to a state near you. *The Cumberland Gap* The first innovation contained in Tennessee’s innovative approach to paying teachers is that teachers are paid very little from the very beginning of their careers through the long fallow per... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week: Seattle Schools This Week by Melissa Westbrook Even though school is out there are several important meetings this week. *Tuesday, June 25th* Work Session on Growth Boundaries, 4:30-6:30 pm, no presentation yet available. This is the Work Session that Tracy Libros referenced in her remarks to the Board at the School Board meeting last Wednesday. She mentioned that Lucy Morello of BEX would also be presenting in conjunction with capacity management. Community Meeting about the Wilson-Pacific projects, 7:30 pm at W-P *We... more »

The Educated Reporter: EWA Webinar: How Does U.S. Education Spending Compare Internationally?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
The Educated Reporter: EWA Webinar: How Does U.S. Education Spending Compare Internationally?: EWA Webinar: How Does U.S. Education Spending Compare Internationally? by Emily Richmond How much of the U.S. gross domestic product is spent on education? How does that education spending break down for early childhood education, K-12 education and higher education? How much private spending is dedicated to education, compared to public spending? What is the link between higher education degrees and unemployment rates in the U.S. and other countries? The answers to these questions and m... more »

Sour Grapes DeBell | Seattle Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Sour Grapes DeBell | Seattle Education: Sour Grapes DeBell by seattleducation2011 [image: Former Superintendent Dr. Goodloe-Johnson and Board Director Michael DeBell.] Former Superintendent Dr. Goodloe-Johnson and Board Director Michael DeBell. Michael DeBell is *lashing out*after first losing his leader in all things ed reform, our previous Broad superintendent Dr. Goodloe-Johnson, and in response to other unexpected twists and turns. After expending time, energy and money to create a board that voted in lock step to all the superintendent brought to the school board for ... more »

Teaching in a Dystopic State ! : For What It's Worth??

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Teaching in a Dystopic State ! : For What It's Worth??: For What It's Worth?? by Walter Sautter *I have many questions:* ************** * *Should RU continue its quest to become an athletic powerhouse?** * *And can this even be achieved ?* * **What is the true motivation behind this attempt to bring "big time" sports to RU?* * **If accomplished will it really help the universities' prestige?* *And if so, how ?* *Is providing unpaid *

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: "That Teacher": A Blessing or a Curse?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: "That Teacher": A Blessing or a Curse?: "That Teacher": A Blessing or a Curse? by Lisa M In February I read an article by Angela Watson, "Should All the Toughest Kids Be Placed With the Best Teacher?" I clicked the box to notify me of follow-up comments because I thought it was such an interesting topic. A lot of discussion ensued, and even now, I still get a comment notification regarding the blog post. As we approached the end of the 2012-2013 school year, Angela's question popped into my

Diane in the Evening 6-23-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mini-Lesson: How Common Core Warps Choice Time in Kindergarten by dianerav Renee Dinnerstein is an early childhood educator with many years of experience. In this post, she shows how the overly prescriptive approach encouraged by the Common Core can ruin the concept of Choice Time in kindergarten. She writes: “Choice Time is not a time to give children tasks. It should be an opportunity for children to direct their own play and therefore, their own learning. The teacher carefully sets up centers with material... more »

Peg with Pen: Be Ready #optout #refusethetest

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Peg with Pen: Be Ready #optout #refusethetest: Be Ready #optout #refusethetest by Peggy Obama is planning to roll out high speed internet connection for our public school students within the next 5 years. This was my comment on FB after reading Stephen Krashen's post: Cut off from good nutrition, health care, libraries much more serious than cut off from the web. *While hungry children wrap food in napkins and hide it in their backpacks for later in the day. While children grab seconds on the school breakfast and leave other children with nothing. While children fill their week... more »

Tier parcel tax relief will take another year SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources: Tier parcel tax relief will take another year Earlier this month, the state Supreme Court let stand a ruling invalidating a tiered parcel tax measure put before voters in 2008 by Alameda Unified. The move also held open an invitation to the Legislature to weigh in on the question of ‘rational classification’ of tax rates. While there had been some hope that the issue would be taken up this year, Assemblyman Rob Bonta – who represents the Alameda area– said last week such a legislative fix is not likely to be pursued until next year. Bonta, D... more »

Perdido Street School: Indiana Sues McGraw-Hill Over Online Testing Debacle - Why Won't NYC?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Perdido Street School: Indiana Sues McGraw-Hill Over Online Testing Debacle - Why Won't NYC?: Indiana Sues McGraw-Hill Over Online Testing Debacle - Why Won't NYC? by reality-based educator McGraw-Hill, as incompetent as Pearson when it comes to pulling off high stakes standardized testing systems,really screwed up the state tests in Indiana and now that state wants damages: INDIANAPOLIS — The superintendent of Indiana’s public schools announced Friday she would seek more than $614,000 in damages from CTB/McGraw-Hill, the same day company President Ellen Haley apologized to lawmak... more »

Join me ‘live’ tomorrow on my internet video talk show | Gary Rubinstein's Blog

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Join me ‘live’ tomorrow on my internet video talk show | Gary Rubinstein's Blog: Join me ‘live’ tomorrow on my internet video talk show by Gary Rubinstein It has been a while since I’ve done an episode of ‘Talking Ed.’ Last year I did four episodes which, unfortunately, were wiped out when Spreecast’s server crashed. Now, with the school year almost over, and with TFA inductions and institutes starting to happen, I’ve decided to do another live show tomorrow, June 24th at 9:00 PM EST. Go to this link to watch or participate. You can participate on camera or anonymously through ty... more »

Was adopting Common Core a mistake? | toteachornototeach

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Was adopting Common Core a mistake? | toteachornototeach: Was adopting Common Core a mistake? by aristotlethewise *Was adopting Common Core a mistake?* *California signed on to new curriculum standards under pressure. But will they help?* by The Times editorial board Think back to the dark days of 2009, when school districts in California and across the nation faced dire budget shortfalls. States would have done almost anything for extra money, and when the Obama administration dangled Race to the Top grants in front of them, many of them did indeed race to adopt the policies that w... more »

Ed Notes Online: Carol Burris on Problems with APPR and the English Regents

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Ed Notes Online: Carol Burris on Problems with APPR and the English Regents: Carol Burris on Problems with APPR and the English Regents by ed notes online Wouldst our union do a tenth of the work Carol is doing to expose the Marching on NY State Ed Deptbullshit from the crooks at the NY State Ed Department, the leaders of whom if justice is ever served, would be removed in handcuffs. Carol suggests writing them. My suggestion would be to go after them with pitchforks. Please consider sharing this with principals, teachers, union reps and parents who would care about this. So much ... more »

The Amistad Schooner: An $8 million plus state bonding project gone amok - Wait, What?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
The Amistad Schooner: An $8 million plus state bonding project gone amok - Wait, What?: The Amistad Schooner: An $8 million plus state bonding project gone amok by jonpelto What happens when our elected officials think their “management responsibilities” end with the ribbon cutting? A replica of the Schooner *Amistad* was built at the Mystic Seaport, at taxpayer expense, and launched in March 2000. In 2003, the Connecticut General Assembly made the Amistad Connecticut’s state ship. Although paid for with Connecticut taxpayer funds, the ship is actually owned by Amistad America, Inc... more »

Public Education Suffering from Parasitic Profiteers - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Public Education Suffering from Parasitic Profiteers - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: Public Education Suffering from Parasitic Profiteers by Anthony Cody Paul Krugman's recent column describes the unproductive forms by which many of our largest and most profitable corporations are making money. As I read, I got a disturbing image in my head. In education, it seems as if our leaders are purposely re-engineering the system to introduce a plethora of profit-seeking parasites into the workings of our schools. *To understand what I mean, let's begin by defining what is e... more »

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Jersey Jazzman: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Barresi in OK: Latest "Chiefs For Change" Fail: Barresi in OK by Duke *You're doin' a heckuva job, Janet!* The fails of Jeb! Bush's "Chiefs For Change" keep coming; here's Janet Barresi in Oklahoma: *State schools Superintendent Janet Barresi drew sharp criticism this week — on Facebook — when it was revealed that she denied a request that would have helped cash-strapped Moore Public Schools as it continues to recover from the deadly tornadoes and storms that struck in May*. During an informal phone conversation following the storms... more »

Breaking: Local School Councils voting to reject CPS budget cuts. UPDATED. | Fred Klonsky

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Breaking: Local School Councils voting to reject CPS budget cuts. UPDATED. | Fred Klonsky: Breaking: Local School Councils voting to reject CPS budget cuts. UPDATED. by Fred Klonsky [image: extralarge] *Blaine’s LSC has rejected the board’s budget cuts. Now Roosevelt has done the same. Next?* Two days ago the Blaine Local School Council voted to reject the $600,000 budget cut ordered by the CPS board. *LAKEVIEW — Blaine Elementary’s Local School Council wanted to send a message to CPS Thursday night after hearing that a $600,000-plus shortfall would mean the loss of seven staffers: ... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Crony capitalism and the inequities of NYC charter funding: Julian Robertson and the case of the billionaire scion's preschool

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
NYC Public School Parents: Crony capitalism and the inequities of NYC charter funding: Julian Robertson and the case of the billionaire scion's preschool: Crony capitalism and the inequities of NYC charter funding: Julian Robertson and the case of the billionaire scion's preschool by Leonie Haimson The portion of the NYC budget going into the pockets of charter school operators is growing fast, according to the Independent Budget Office, and will top $1 billion next school year. See graph below. (Source: GothamSchools from IBO data) In addition, there are many hidden funding source... more »

Vulture Capitalism in Education with ALEC | Reclaim Reform

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Vulture Capitalism in Education with ALEC | Reclaim Reform: Vulture Capitalism in Education with ALEC by kenpreviti [image: ALEC] *Joni Lindgren*, Guest Blogger It is surprising that people are still unaware of the secretive dark-money organization that is behind the climate change denial movement, the assault on women’s rights and LBGT rights, “right to work” legislation, slashing Obama care, “stand your ground” laws, passing voter ID laws that limit some people from voting, de-funding public education, privatizing attempts of prisons, schools, airports, water supply, Social Secur... more »

Government Domestic Spying Unsettling News for Campuses - Higher Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Government Domestic Spying Unsettling News for Campuses - Higher Education: Government Domestic Spying Unsettling News for Campuses by cmaadmin Ameena Qazi, a staff attorney in Los Angeles for the Council on American–Islamic Relations, says Muslim parents are urging their children not to get involved in campus activities. [image: Ameena Qazi]In light of recent news on the federal government spying on Americans via phone records and electronic correspondence and the lawsuit filed by the American Civil Liberties Union and the New York Civil Liberties Union in response, the question of... more »

Daily Kos: Brothers and Sisters: Holding Someone in the Light

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Daily Kos: Brothers and Sisters: Holding Someone in the Light: Brothers and Sisters: Holding Someone in the Light by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) Back when I was sitting my wife's hospital room on January 27, I raised the subject of her illness with a diary I titled Quakers ask people to hold them in the light. As I take my periodic turn to offer Brothers and Sisters, I thought I would offer some thoughts on this Friendly practice, sharing some thoughts of others as well as my own. i invite you to continue reading. And remember: *Welcome to Brothers and Sisters, the weekly meetu... more »

Short Notes: What Exactly Is Emancipation? - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Short Notes: What Exactly Is Emancipation? - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson: Short Notes: What Exactly Is Emancipation? by Jose Vilson [image: My student Ashley draws me.] My student Ashley draws me. A few notes: - My latest post at The Collaborateurs talks about my own journey as an alternative certification teacher to where I am now. [CTQ] - Phillippe Copeland questions the meaning of Juneteenth, especially when there are more black men incarcerated than were enslaved back then. Just saying. [GOOD] - Diane Ravitch’s latest target is Michael Bloomberg, who uses... more »

Retired Lt. Colonel from Georgia becomes National PTA... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Retired Lt. Colonel from Georgia becomes National PTA... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Get Schooled: Retired Lt. Colonel from Georgia becomes National PTA president. First black male to lead PTA. View Larger [image: New PTA president: Retired Lt. Colonel from Georgia] Betsy Landers, National PTA President 2011-2013, hands the gavel over to Otha Thornton at today's installation. (Lifetouch photo) Previous Posts - Condensing high school to three years June 22, 2013 - Common Core, common politics: Can someone throw a bucket of water on Cobb board? June 21, 2013 - ... more »

NYC Educator: Wolfson's Miraculous Feat

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
NYC Educator: Wolfson's Miraculous Feat: Wolfson's Miraculous Feat by NYC Educator It's kind of hard to believe the level of nonsense that passes as information yesterday. Despite Mike Bloomberg's education programs having improved, conservatively, nothing, his paid propagandist Howard Wolfson has a piece in the Daily News insisting thatThompson can't be mayor, as he'd be a tool of the union. That's even more absurd than the union endorsement of Thompson. For one thing, Thompson supports Mayor Bloomberg's unilateral decision to give virtually all city employees but teachers a raise... more »

All Things Education: The opting out conundrum

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
All Things Education: The opting out conundrum: The opting out conundrum by Rachel Levy I've had this post in the cooker for a few months. This article about a group of Virginia superintendents stepping up to the plate to protest high-stakes testing (the SOLs) has prompted me to finish and publish it. Also motivating is that I am scheduled to host #vachat this Monday, June 24th at 8 pm where I plan to discuss high-stakes testing. Please join us! Okay, so last spring we were in the midst of third grade testing mania, which I wrote about here and here. We ended up opted one of our c... more »









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