Teachers’ test boycott draws growing support | Education | The Seattle Times

Teachers’ test boycott draws growing support | Education | The Seattle Times:

Teachers’ test boycott draws growing support

Support is growing for Garfield High teachers in their boycott of a district-required test. Seattle Public Schools officials, while saying the test has value, also are acknowledging that some of the teachers’ concerns have merit.

By Linda Shaw

Seattle Times education reporter

THE SEATTLE TIMES

Rachel Eells is among Garfield High School teachers who are refusing to administer the school district-required MAP test to their students. Eells, who teaches language arts, says the test fails to provide enough useful information to make it worth students’ and teachers’ time.

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Eleven years ago, Rachel Eells saw value in the tests that she and other teachers at Seattle’s Garfield High School are now refusing to give their students.

Back then, she was a new middle-school teacher in the Highline School District, and the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) helped her identify the strengths and weaknesses of her students in reading.

But Eells grew disenchanted with the MAP, saying it was, at best, a rough diagnostic tool that often left her with more questions than answers, especially with her older students. She couldn’t tell why, for example, a student would do well on literary terms one time, then poorly the next.

So when a Garfield colleague asked Eells last month whether she would consider boycotting the MAP, she said yes so quickly the colleague paused, a little taken aback.

But Eells didn’t need time to weigh the pros and cons.

“I don’t want to spend my time or my students’ time 

UPDATE: Emboldened Mischief Makers Schools Matter: Young People of the World: Adults Will Not Save You

Schools Matter: Young People of the World: Adults Will Not Save You:

Emboldened Mischief Makers, Part One

by Storm

Part One

There is a post today in Slate about "Creationism" in Colorado--that is, the Colorado legislature is proposing a bill which will

direct teachers to create an environment that encourages students to intelligently and respectfully explore scientific questions and learn about scientific evidence related to biological and chemical evolution, global warming, and human cloning.

The author of this post, an astronomer and writer, says

The antiscience bill HB 13-1089 is one of the Orwellian-named “Academic Freedom” thrusts by creationists, where legislators claim they just want teachers to have freedom about what they can teach, but is in fact a clear and obvious attack on scientific fields that disagree with the beliefs of 

Emboldened Mischief-Makers, Part Two

by Storm

Part Two of "Emboldened Mischief-Makers" (Here is Part One.)

Concerning those "advocating" "Academic Freedom" via state legislatures across the country, that is to say, concerning those pushing "freedom" in legalese devised to create the opportunity for the dissemination of ideologies via a process that codifies action into law.

Here is an example of the way legislative "mischief" is made.  It is important to note that this is indeed the very meat and effect of the process we hold so much stock in--that is to say, the system of representative government in which we profess to believe a good and noble and democratic system.

What follows is from the Lord Charnwood biography of Lincoln.


Stephen Douglas, who was four years younger than Lincoln, had come to Illinois from the Eastern States just about the time when Lincoln entered the Legislature. He had neither money nor friends to start with, but almost immediately secured, by his extraordinary address in pushing himself, a clerkship in the Assembly. He soon 

Emboldened Mischief-Makers, Part Three

by Storm

Part Three of "Emboldened Mischief-Makers"

Part One
Part Two

Concerning "the why" of Creationism and such.

The two primary "books" for Lincoln, nearly committed to memory, The Bible and Shakespeare.  So too, primarily, for Melville.

If one is to "suffer" the discipline of only a few books then they'd better be good ones!  They'd better foster imagination, creativity, and linguistic virtuosity.  I wonder if one gets that in the "informational text" heavy "common core"?

Concerning the spate of states proposing to legislate educators "to create an environment that encourages students to intelligently and respectfully explore scientific questions and learn about scientific evidence related to 

Emboldened Mischief-Makers, Part Four

by Storm

And lastly, Part Four of "Emboldened Mischief-Makers."

Part One
Part Two
Part Three

It may be hard to believe but I started all of this (the first shall be the last) because I wanted to share a little bit of mischief from a student's pen who attended the Dixwell Preparatory School in Cambridge, MA, graduating in 1855.  (The student is 16-years-old.)

Question:
"What is your favorite virtue? Do you select it, because you delight to practice it, or  because you think you need it, or because you have seen it beautifully exemplified in a Friend?"

(No scantron question this!)

Answer:
"Here the simple question is put to me.  No prevarication, no equivocation will do.  I am not asked to state what 

Young People of the World: Adults Will Not Save You

by Jim Horn

From Mike Martin: 

It was interesting to watch the inauguration of President Obama on 

Martin Luther King Jr. Day but I still say people need to understand 

what really brought about the Civil Rights Act. What really allowed 

Barack Obama to win the Presidency in the United States of America.

People want to publicize the Tuskogee Airmen, and their history is 

important and dramatic, but mostly as an illustration of the stupidity 

of racism. The Tuskogee Airmen themselves had little effect on people in 

the Jim Crow south. It had an influence in the banning segregation in 

the U.S. military, but not much effect on civil society. The same is 

Fools rush in, where wise men never go: SFCC and the destruction of the public commons through accreditation hustlers

Fools rush in, where wise men never go: SFCC and the destruction of the public commons through accreditation hustlers:

Fools rush in, where wise men never go: SFCC and the destruction of the public commons

by Danny Weil

A Letter from Tom Brown to California Elected Officials

Leader Pelosi’s office has already been contacted by “Save CCSF” activists and reports are that the staff response revealed a lack of understanding of what’s happening at CCSF. We’re told that someone in
the Leader’s office responded by saying “City College tries to do too much” (with its limited resources). I, in fact, agree with that sentiment. But right now the Federally-sanctioned ACCJC for our Western Region is taking a meat cleaver approach to CCSF faculty and staff. They are operating under the assumption that in order to make City College more “productive” it is necessary to drastically slash faculty and staff salaries and diminish the ability of the faculty to participate in academic decision making. (Please read the Lumina productivity report referenced below.)

I have always had great respect for Speaker Pelosi since I first met her as a candidate for Congress with the slogan “a voice that will be 

Georgia-Backed Scholarships Benefit Schools Barring Gays - NYTimes.com

Georgia-Backed Scholarships Benefit Schools Barring Gays - NYTimes.com:

Backed by State Money, Georgia Scholarships Go to Schools Barring Gays

By KIM SEVERSON

Published: January 20, 2013

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ATLANTA — As the nation works its way through the debate over vouchers and other alternatives to traditional public education funding, a quieter battle over homosexuality, religious education and school tax money is under way in Georgia.

Enlarge This Image

Rich Addicks for The New York Times

Steve Suitts of the Southern Education Foundation wrote a report on a Georgia tax credit program’s use at religious-based schools.

Enlarge This Image

Gregory Smith/Associated Press

State Representative Earl Ehrhart, right, in 2003. He runs one of the nonprofit conduits for donors in the scholarship program.

At issue is an increasingly popular tax credit program that transforms state money into private school scholarships, some of them used at religious-based schools that prohibit gay, lesbian or bisexual students from attending.

The policies at more than 100 such schools are explicit.

The 400 students at a private school in Woodstock, for example, must adhere to a policy that states, “Homosexual behavior, whether an ‘immoral act’ or ‘identifying statement,’ is incompatible with enrollment at Cherokee Christian Schools and is a basis for dismissal.”

A male student at the Shiloh Hills Christian School in Kennesaw, who utters “I like boys” or “I am a homosexual” will be expelled.

And at the 800-student Providence Christian Academy 20 miles north of Atlanta, a student who is gay, lesbian or bisexual or supports people who are could be kicked out.

At least 115 religious-based schools in Georgia have severe antigay policies, according to a

Engaging Parents In School… » This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter

Engaging Parents In School… » This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter:

This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter

by Larry Ferlazzo

Guest Post by Joe Mazza

Image credit: vle.bexley.ac.uk

1/23/13 #ptchat hosted by Dana Sirotiak

In order to monitor and scaffold a student’s growth progress, regular communication between the home and school is imperative to assure that students are appropriately developing academically, socially, and emotionally. Student Learning Plans (SLPs) should ensure strong adult-student relationships within the school whereby each student should have an adult mentor to assist them with accomplishing their goals.  Personalized Student Learning Plan is defined by the proposed New Jersey Administrative Code (N.J.A.C. 6A:8 – Standards and Assessment for Student Achievement) as “a formalized plan and process that involves students setting learning goals based on personal, academic and career interests, beginning in the middle school grades and continuing throughout high school with the close support of adult mentors that include teachers, counselors and parents”.  

What are the benefits of schools implementing individualized student learning plans for each student earlier in their academic careers?  What role does the child’s family plan in the development process?  

Join us this Wednesday, 1/23/13 on #PTchat at 9pm EDT as we discuss Student Learning Plans. Not on Twitter? Watch the LIVE Tweetchat link here. 

Jersey Jazzman: National Research Council Should Investigate DC Cheating

Jersey Jazzman: National Research Council Should Investigate DC Cheating:

National Research Council Should Investigate DC Cheating

by Duke

Last we checked in on Michelle Rhee, she had lawyered up in response to a request for documents related to the Washington, D.C. cheating scandal that unfolded on her watch. This request came from journalist John Merrow, who has conjectured that Rhee is in possession of a memo that shows, contrary to her claims, that she was well-aware of the potential for widespread cheating across the district.

At this point, it's quite clear that the cheating scandal has not been thoroughly investigated. But here's an interesting twist: there is already a national group charged with evaluating the progress of Washington D.C.'s schools, the National Research Council.

The committee on the Independent Evaluation of DC Public Schools issued its report, A Plan for Evaluating the District of Columbia’s Public Schools, in 2011.   ► More information about the report

The report outlined the structure for an ongoing program of independent and objective evaluation, 

Happy MLK Day!

by Duke

What a day, huh? I've got problems with my president when it come to education polices, but I have to admit: an inaugural on MLK Day of the second term of our first African-American president? That gives me a lot of hope.

So, for today, something a little different: Dr. King tells a joke.

Popout

And a little of the great Mahalia:

Popout

I played that song at my Grandmother's funeral.

God bless you all.

Oregon Save Our Schools: Dartmouth v. College Board

Oregon Save Our Schools: Dartmouth v. College Board:

Dartmouth v. College Board

by Kris Alman

This duel may not have registered a spark of interest, but leave it to Dartmouth to shoot down the College Board! (No worries! Corporations don't suffer mortal blows.)

Beginning with the class of 2018, Dartmouth will no longer offer college credit for good Advanced Placement (AP) scores, claiming these courses aren’t as rigorous as their college courses.

Dartmouth, you see, is not for commoners.  In 1819, their trustees won a landmark Supreme Court decision over the New Hampshire legislature. In trying to repeal the original corporate charter (a relic of King George III), to remake Dartmouth as a public institution, the Court proclaimed business first!

Certainly, College Board’s invisible hand leaves an imprint on Dartmouth when it comes to “college readiness.” This highly selective non-profit, private school (~$58,000 for undergraduate tuition, room, board, and fees this academic year) boasts an acceptance rate of 10.1%. Dartmouth’s exclusivity depends on weeding out applicants with lower SAT scores to 

Pension. A correction. « Fred Klonsky

Pension. A correction. « Fred Klonsky:

Pension. A correction.

by Fred Klonsky

In a post addressing what would happen if the Illinois General Assembly passed a bill impacting retiree COLAs and any anticipated court action that would arise from that, I wrote that TRS would freeze COLAs in place.
I was wrong.
Here is the paragraph from a letter to all TRS members which is in question:

TRS cannot predict if, or when, the General Assembly may alter the state law regarding the COLA. It is certain, however, that if the laws governing the TRS COLA are changed, the matter will be 

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 1-21-13 #SOSCHAT #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

Let’s bring the Brown Act into the 21st century | EdSource Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 5 minutes ago

Let’s bring the Brown Act into the 21st century | EdSource Today: Let’s bring the Brown Act into the 21st century ** January 21st, 2013 | 1 Comment | By Seth Rosenblatt [image: Seth Rosenblatt] Seth Rosenblatt Both lauded and maligned—and perhaps occasionally violated—the Brown Act has been an integral part of California politics for over half a century. TheRalph M. Brown Act, often referred to as California’s “open meetings law,” was first passed in 1953 to ensure that work of publicly-elected bodies was done openly and transparently. It also remains one of the most confusing pie... more »

Mississippi Will Struggle With Common Core Implementation | Truth in American Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 45 minutes ago

Mississippi Will Struggle With Common Core Implementation | Truth in American Education: Mississippi Will Struggle With Common Core Implementation by Shane Vander Hart [image: MDOE-Seal]I had written earlier that Arizona has funding issues with the Common Core. Iowa’s Department of Education doesn’t even have statutory authority to implement the SBAC tests. Now *The Sun Herald* in Biloxi, MS reports that schools in Mississippi will have a hard time with implementation: All U.S. students in second through 12th grades, under the newly adopted Common Core State Standards, will take... more »

Good press on two PURE stories Parents United for Responsible Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Good press on two PURE stories: Good press on two PURE stories by admin New blog site DNAInfo Chicago had a great story on our UNO complaint here. UNO has 13 charters in the Chicago Public Schools, and 12 received funding increases in the2013 budget for a total outlay of $55.6 million. That’s tied directly to school attendance, but Woestehoff suggested that’s part of the problem, that UNO uses students as “collateral” in its loans. A Standard & Poor’s report in September 2011 gave the school bonds a BBB- rating, warning of “... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This Week: Seattle Schools This Week by Melissa Westbrook It's a fairly quiet week around SPS this week. *Tuesday, January 22nd* Call into the Board office (or e-mail) if you want to sign up for the Speakers list for the Board meeting on Wednesday. Frankly, you will not be changing anyone's mind if you choose to speak BUT if you want to make a point, out loud and in public, now's the time to go on record. 252-0040 or boardagenda@seattleschools.org *Wednesday, January 23rd* Rally to support teachers against MAP at 4:00 p.m. This o... more »

Ed Notes Online: Supporting Lisa Nielson: Leading DOE Official Shael Polokow-Seransky Affirms Parent Right to Opt Out

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Supporting Lisa Nielson: Leading DOE Official Shael Polokow-Seransky Affirms Parent Right to Opt Out: Supporting Lisa Nielson: Leading DOE Official Shael Polokow-Seransky Affirms Parent Right to Opt Out by ed notes online When I first heard the NY Post was exposing a DOE official for supporting the opt-out movement I thought they must have come across the video I made of Shael affirming the rights of parents to opt-out. Maybe the Post should take a look at this video. Popout http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmfOOJkBlds But of course the Murdoch-owned Post would be... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Jonathan Kozol on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., poverty and class size

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Jonathan Kozol on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., poverty and class size: Jonathan Kozol on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., poverty and class size by Leonie Haimson Every year on Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, I try to honor this man’s great memory on this blog. Today I watched Obama’s inauguration; he gave a great speech, particularly on issues like climate change, and probably the most progressive since he was elected; except for a gaping hole when it comes to education. During the last campaign, Obama spoke about cuts to public schools... more »

When I Was Younger, So Much Younger Than Today | Gary Rubinstein's Blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

When I Was Younger, So Much Younger Than Today | Gary Rubinstein's Blog: When I Was Younger, So Much Younger Than Today by Gary Rubinstein I came across, recently, as I’ve been scanning in some of the ‘clutter’ I’ve had in boxes in storage, the the cover letter and the two essays I wrote for my TFA application. The deadline for applying to become a part of the second ever Teach For America cohort was in January of 1991. As this was exactly 22 years ago, this is the first time that these essays are approximately the same age as the soon-to-be Teach For America 2013 cohort. I thou... more »

UPDATE: Schools Matter: Because of the common core, do it wrong

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Schools Matter: Because of the common core, do it wrong: Embracing the common core = “Drinking poison to quench thirst” by skrashen Yvonne Siu-Runyan: “Once you told me a great idiom from China called, ‘Yin Zhen Zhi Ke: Drinking poison to quench thirst.’ Would you please explain why you used this Chinese idiom when speaking about American education?” Yong Zhao: “Well, the Chinese saying is to warn people not to take measures that may appear to solve an urgent problem in the short term but in effect the solution is more damaging than the problem.“ From: Yong Zhao in Conversation: Ed... more »

Diane in the Evening 1-21-13 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog: Diane and Sharon Higgins, a parent activist in Oakland EduShyster: If Martin Luther King Were Alive Today…. by dianerav EduShyster tries to imagine how Martin Luther King, Jr., would react to today’s corporate reform movement in education. Would he agree with the corporate reformers that poverty is an excuse for bad teachers? Would he agree that segregation doesn’t matter? Would he agree that unions are *LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-21-13 Diane Ravitch's blog* coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Lis... more »

Students Last: Where Have All The Instructional Days Gone?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

Students Last: Where Have All The Instructional Days Gone?: Where Have All The Instructional Days Gone? by Students Last *Albany -* Yesterday's release of the New York State testing schedule for the 2013 - 2014 school year held a surprise. For the first time in the state's history, more days will be spent on testing and test preparation than on actual instruction. New York State's Education Commissioner John King held a press conference to confirm this unusual occurrence. "We acknowledge that given the number of days for benchmark assessments, the National Assessment of Educatio... more »

The MAP test boycott has spread through Seattle | Seattle Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

The MAP test boycott has spread through Seattle | Seattle Education: The MAP test boycott has spread through Seattle by seattleducation2011 [image: testing3] Teacher at a Texas Rally In a press conference that was held this morning at Garfield High School, it was announced that additional schools and the SEA Substitute Association have joined the teachers at Garfield High School in protest of the MAP test and in support of the teachers. Teachers at Orca K-8 and the elementary section of Salmon Bay K-8 have joined the boycott and are refusing to give the MAP test. Other schools tha... more »

Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5 and Obama's three education references in inaugural speech

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5 and other ed facts …: Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5 and other ed facts … Posted by Valerie Strauss on January 21, 2013 at 2:08 pm - [image: Smaller Text] [image: Larger Text] Text Size - Print - Reprints - Share: - - - More » [image: (1963 AP Photo)] (1963 AP Photo) The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had something of an unusual education. Here are five things you may not know: 1. King was exceptionally bright as a young child and so was enrolled at the age of 5 at the Yonge Street Elementary School in Atlanta. But st... more »

The Official Schedule for Occupy DOE 2.0: The Battle for Public Schools | United Opt Out National

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

The Official Schedule for Occupy DOE 2.0: The Battle for Public Schools | United Opt Out National: Official Schedule for Occupy DOE 2.0: The Battle for Public Schools by admin ** *Today, January 21st, 2013, is a remarkable day in history – a day that pays tribute to leadership, civil rights, and the power found in the voice of each individual. * *In his second inaugural address, President Obama declared, “You and I, as citizens, have the obligation to shape the debates of our time – not only with the votes we cast, but with the voices we lift in defense of our most ancient values... more »

TEACHERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS « Teachers Fight Back

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

TEACHERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS « Teachers Fight Back: TEACHERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS by alkleen The Presidential Inauguration and the Martin Luther King Jr. festivities are a good time to remind everyone of how the teachers in America have played a huge role in advancing civil rights in this country. I strongly believe that the advancement in civil rights in this country would not have been possible without the efforts of the average teacher in America. The majority of teachers have been advocates for civil rights advancements and have used the classroom as a forum to advance the concept t... more »

TeacherCast Podcast #74 - Student Voice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

Student Voice: [image: TeacherCast-Podcasting-Network-Logo] Originally Posted http://podcast.teachercast.net/teachercast-podcast-74/?utm_campaign=twitter&utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitter *Zak Malamed**Nikila Kakarla**Adil Majid* Jeff from TeacherCast sits down with Student Voice organizers Zak Malamed, Nikila Karala and Adil Majid to discuss why it is important to include students in the educational reform process. Have a listen: Featured Topics - -Students finding a voice in this world - -What has High School done to prepare students for college - -The importance o... more »

President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address full text - Washington Wire - WSJ

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address - Washington Wire - WSJ: Here* is the full text of President Barack Obama’s second inaugural address on Jan. 21, 2013, as prepared for delivery:* Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our... more »

Inaugural speeches through history - The Washington Post

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Inaugural speeches through history - The Washington Post: Inaugural speeches have inspired a nation and reaffirmed American ideals. Take a look back at addresses from every president from Franklin Delano Roosevelt to President Obama. Jayne Orenstein/ The Washington Post RELATED - More inauguration coverage - Story: For many presidential inaugurations, the second is not the charm - Photos: Key players at Obama’s second inauguration

Martin Luther King and Meet the Press, 1965 : blue cheddar

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Martin Luther King and Meet the Press, 1965 : blue cheddar: Martin Luther King and Meet the Press, 1965 January 21, 2013 By bluecheddar [image: Share] We should celebrate and savor Martin Luther King day. The push to create a national holiday to honor Martin Luther King began in 1968 not long after his assassination. It would take a petition of over 3 million signatures and 20 years to become a reality on paper* and another 14 years before all 50 states would honor the day in the year 2000. To mark the day at blue cheddar, I’ll share this 25 minutes of essential viewing. On March 28,... more »

A Photo Album of Inaugurations Past - Politics - The Atlantic Wire

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

A Photo Album of Inaugurations Past - Politics - The Atlantic Wire: A Photo Album of Inaugurations Past Associated Press - - - - [image: Share] Share - Print article - Email article - [image: Comments] Comment ELSPETH REEVE11:01 AM ET Sifting through past presidential inauguration photos offers plenty of insight into the character of the guy getting sworn in and what was happening in the country at the time. The ceremony is a massive photo op, but unlike many photo ops, this one has great historical value. January 20, 1953. You can see Vice President Richa... more »

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center

coopmike48 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. Clueless in Atlanta; Not So in Seattle Best of the Ed Blogs Jack Hassard January 21, 2013 A Few Points About the Instability of Value-Added Estimates Best of the Ed... more »

NY Post Hit Piece Smears Educator for Anti-Testing Views | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

NY Post Hit Piece Smears Educator for Anti-Testing Views | Scathing Purple Musings: NY Post Hit Piece Smears Educator for Anti-Testing Views by Bob Sikes [image: Lisa Nielsen] For observers who feel that Rupert Murdoch and Joel Klein are driving propaganda against public school educators through the news section of the *NY Post*, yesterday’s hit piece on Lisa Michelle Nielson reached a new low. Author of *Teaching Generation Text: Using Cellphones to Enhance Learning,** *Nielson has worked for New York City’s DOE since 2010 as a technology specialist and of and on since 1997 whil... more »

The Seattle Times | Martin Luther King Jr. Timeline

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

The Seattle Times | Martin Luther King Jr.: Timeline Martin Luther King Jr. The struggle to change conditions in America, and to win equal protection under the law for citizens of all races, formed the backdrop of Martin Luther King's short life. Civil rights It may be hard to believe that less than 50 years ago, America had separate drinking fountains for whites and blacks and "colored balconies" in movie theaters. - January 15. Michael Luther King Jr., later renamed Martin, born to schoolteacher Alberta King and Baptist minister Michael Luther King. Boyhood in Swee... more »

Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School | HispanicallySpeakingNews.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School | HispanicallySpeakingNews.com: Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School [image: Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School]Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, said on the weekend here that there’s no part of my heart that’s not from Puerto Rico and encouraged all Latinos to pursue their dreams. “If you don’t see the value of community it’s difficult for you to win,” said the magistrate during a colloquium with journalist Maria Hinojosa... more »

Martin Luther King 2.0, Now with More Excellence | EduShyster

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Martin Luther King 2.0, Now with More Excellence | EduShyster: Martin Luther King 2.0, Now with More Excellence by edushyster2012 *What would the original civil rights leader have to say about the civil rights i$$ue of our time?* No one could lead a civil rights movement like Martin Luther King Jr. But let’s face it: the movement he led was old school. The civil rights issue of our time is the achievement gap, and closing it often requires doing the opposite of what Dr. King stood for. Which raises some important questions: were Dr. King to return today would he be an achievement ga... more »

Modern School: Influenza: Vaccinating Kids Could Save Thousands of Infants and Seniors

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Modern School: Influenza: Vaccinating Kids Could Save Thousands of Infants and Seniors: Influenza: Vaccinating Kids Could Save Thousands of Infants and Seniors by Michael Dunn Adapted from Flick Image by Immer_Lebend Flu season arrived early this year and is turning out to be a particularly bad one, with several states (including New York) having already declared public health states of emergency. As usual, only a small fraction of Americans have been vaccinated. Yet seasonal influenza continues to be one of the deadliest diseases in the world, killing an average of 35,000 people ... more »

8th Grade History Teacher: Stop the Common Core | Truth in American Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

8th Grade History Teacher: Stop the Common Core | Truth in American Education: 8th Grade History Teacher: Stop the Common Core by truthed By C.E. White This week, President Obama will be sworn into office as the 45th President of the United States of America. As a history teacher, I was elated to learn he would be placing his hand on two Bibles, one belonging to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and the other belonging to President Abraham Lincoln, when he takes the oath of office to lead our great nation. Dr. King and President Lincoln helped define civil rights for America…histo... more »

The Revisionist’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream For Most Of Us” | The Jose Vilson

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

The Revisionist’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream For Most Of Us” | The Jose Vilson: The Revisionist’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream For Most Of Us” by Jose Vilson [image: Martin Luther King Jr.] Martin Luther King Jr. *For some revisionists, MLK Jr. was either one of two things: a staunch conservative who lived patriotically, owned guns, and worked towards self-help, or he was a such a commercial pacifist whose message for peace followed every rule in the book and posed no real threat to the establishment. Then, there are those who, after having recognized MLK’s ... more »

Leading Educators Support Garfield High School Teachers’ Test Boycott | Seattle Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Leading Educators Support Garfield High School Teachers’ Test Boycott | Seattle Education: Leading Educators Support Garfield High School Teachers’ Test Boycott by seattleducation2011 [image: boycott] In a public statement released today, more than sixty educators and researchers, including some of the most well-respected figures in the field of education, pledged support for the boycott of the Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) test initiated by the teachers at Garfield High School in Seattle, calling the action a “blow against the overuse and misuse of standardized tests.” Amon... more »

Daily Kos: MLK Day Recommended Reading

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Daily Kos: MLK Day Recommended Reading: MLK Day Recommended Reading by rss@dailykos.com (plthomasEdD) "The Drum Major Instinct," Martin Luther King Jr. [AUDIO] "But this is why we are drifting. And we are drifting there because nations are caught up with the drum major instinct. 'I must be first.' 'I must be supreme.' 'Our nation must rule the world.' (Preach it) And I am sad to say that the nation in which we live is the supreme culprit. And I'm going to continue to say it to America, because I love this country too much to see the drift that it has taken."God didn't call Ameri... more »

Obama's Gun Control Plan: What High School Parents Should Know - High School Notes (usnews.com)

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Obama's Gun Control Plan: What High School Parents Should Know - High School Notes (usnews.com): Obama's Gun Control Plan: What High School Parents Should Know By KELSEY SHEEHY January 21, 2013 RSS Feed Print [image: The president’s gun control measures include proposals to add school resource officers and mental health counselors.] The president’s gun control measures include proposals to add school resource officers and mental health counselors. President Obama's newly unveiled gun control plan includes a host of executive orders designed to help schools prepare for and respond to ... more »

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Wait, What?: “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. by jonpelto *“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.* The debate in America today is not between those who want to keep our education system as it is and those who want to change it. The “education reformers” are fond of saying that those of us who oppose their initiatives are for the status quo. They are wrong and their rhetoric is... more »

Ed Notes Online: LEADING EDUCATORS SUPPORT TEACHER TEST BOYCOTT

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: LEADING EDUCATORS SUPPORT TEACHER TEST BOYCOTT: LEADING EDUCATORS SUPPORT TEACHER TEST BOYCOTT by ed notes online * * *Date: * January 21, 2013 *Contact: * Brian Jones, Teacher and Doctoral Student, 646-554-8592 bjones2@gc.cuny.edu Wayne Au, Professor of Education, wayne@rethinkingschools.org *LEADING EDUCATORS SUPPORT TEACHER TEST BOYCOTT* In a public statement released today, more than sixty educators and researchers, including some of the most well-respected figures in the field of education, pledged support for the boycott of the Measures of Academic Progr... more »

Do Indiana charter schools measure up, outperform? - southbendtribune.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Do Indiana charter schools measure up, outperform? - southbendtribune.com: Do Indiana charter schools measure up, outperform?Stanford study: It partially depends on when the school opened. [image: Nadine Grall] Nadine Grall asks social worker Tara Miller a question after the morning assembly at Xavier School of Excellence on Friday morning. From an enrollment standpoint, Xavier is the largest charter school in South Bend. (South Bend Tribune/SANTIAGO FLORES / January 21, 2013) By KIM KILBRIDESouth Bend Tribune 6:03 a.m. EST, January 21, 2013 Elijah Magruder attended three schools be... more »

MORNING UPDATE: LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-21-13 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] An Answer to the Question Asked by a Teacher by dianerav I earlier posted a letter from a teacher who said that charters give ambitious students a chance to escape their low-performing and disruptive peers. The teacher noted that charters recruit the best students in the poorest neighborhoods. How could anyone blame parents who want their children to be surrounded by others who are equally ambitious? I invited readers to respond. Here is a thoughtful comment. This reader comments as follows: That’s interes... more »

Presidential lessons in education as a civil right | EdSource Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Presidential lessons in education as a civil right | EdSource Today: Presidential lessons in education as a civil right - by Kathryn Baron by Kathryn Baron President Barack Obama’s second term officially began yesterday when he took the oath of office in a private ceremony surrounded by his family, using a Bible given to First Lady Michelle Obama’s grandmother by her father. Today, as he is publicly sworn in on the day the nation also celebrates the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the president will place his hand on a Bible that belonged to Dr. King, which itself will be ... more »

Daily Kos: Thoughts on an Inaugural Day

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Daily Kos: Thoughts on an Inaugural Day: Thoughts on an Inaugural Day by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) A new term has officially begun. The celebrations began even earlier than that. Today the nation officially celebrates, and we will hear what our President has to offer as his vision for his 2nd four years. I know there will be times where I will be critical of him and of his administration. Some of those criticisms will be very strong - on human rights for those denied them, on our increasing use of drones, on the unwillingness to fully protect whistleblowers, on its flawed a... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Common Core Standards and Square Watermelons

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Common Core Standards and Square Watermelons: Common Core Standards and Square Watermelons by stlgretchen  [image: No, these aren't watermelon designed candles! They are actually fruits ready for shipping. It seems a little crazy but when you put a form around an immature fruit or vegetable it will grow to fit into that form. Apparently these watermelon can be shipped in greater quantities by shaping them. No joke! From Wikipedia: "In Japan, farmers of the Zentsuji region found a way to grow cubic watermelons by growing the fruits in glass boxes and le... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The arc of the universe...

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The arc of the universe...: The arc of the universe... by Mike Klonsky Dr. King's funeral, 1968. (Don Hogan Charles/NYT)It's M.L. King Day today. Schools are closed. No b-ball practice. This will be my only post as I'm taking the day off and spending at least some of it contemplating Dr. King's famous statement -- his conviction that the

Noam Chomsky: From the Strategic Mind to the Radical Politics of Imagination | Dissident Voice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Noam Chomsky: From the Strategic Mind to the Radical Politics of Imagination | Dissident Voice: Noam Chomsky: From the Strategic Mind to the Radical Politics of Imagination by Nozomi Hayase This week marks the beginning of Obama’s second term as US President. His inauguration on January 21st coincides with the day that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King, who delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech 50 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial. At the dedication of the Martin Luther King Monument in 2011, Obama called to make King’s dream a reality for all. In the last four years,... more »

“Remaining awake through a great revolution.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

“Remaining awake through a great revolution.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr « Fred Klonsky: “Remaining awake through a great revolution.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr by Fred Klonsky [image: King]Commencement Address for Oberlin CollegeBy Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, JrJune 1965, Oberlin Ohio“[Oberlin College] President Carr, members of the faculty, and members of the graduating class of this great institution of learning, ladies and gentlemen: I can never come to this campus without a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for all that this great institution has done f... more »

The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King | toteachornototeach

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King | toteachornototeach: The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King by aristotlethewise *The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King* by Daniel R. Porterfield, Ph.D. [image: mlk-jr]On Jan. 21, we again reflect upon the meaning of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. For me, this day has always been especially significant because I have memories of Dr. King from my childhood that inspire me today. How did I “know” Dr. King? Born in 1961, I grew up in integrated Baltimore City neighborhoods, where, before and after his assassination in 1968, he was a hero for ... more »

The Educated Reporter: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Should Schools Stay Open?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

The Educated Reporter: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Should Schools Stay Open?: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Should Schools Stay Open? by Emily Richmond *It's inauguration day, but it's also the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Here's my post on the topic from last year.* Today is a federal holiday, which means schools -- and pretty much every office -- is closed here in D.C. However some districts nationwide opt not suspend classes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Many schools use the day as an opportunity for special assemblies and workshops, while others simply continue with their... more »

Oakland's American Indian charter schools one step closer to closure - ContraCostaTimes.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago

Oakland's American Indian charter schools one step closer to closure - ContraCostaTimes.com: Oakland's American Indian charter schools one step closer to closure By Katy Murphy Oakland Tribune Posted: 01/20/2013 11:03:59 AM PST Updated: 01/20/2013 05:25:12 PM PST Related - Oakland's American Indian charter schools one step closer to closure - State audit finds evidence of fraud, conflicts of interest by Oakland charter school operato - Madman, genius or both? - Oakland school board: American Indian charter school to stay open - Top-performing Oakland charter sch... more »

Schools Matter: New Common-Core Unit for ELLs: No support from research, no evidence they will work.

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Schools Matter: New Common-Core Unit for ELLs: No support from research, no evidence they will work.: New Common-Core Unit for ELLs: No support from research, no evidence they will work. by skrashen Re: Three Districts Test Model Common-Core Unit for ELLs. http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2013/01/16/17ellstanford_ep.h32.html We are told that the newly announced unit on Reading and Writing Persuasion features a “shift”: the two elements of this shift are “an explicit focus on language” and “complex texts.” Both are bad ideas. Decades of research tell us that focus on form does no... more »

Karen Lewis on Using The Bosses’ Tools [Pre-MLK Jr. Day] | The Jose Vilson

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Karen Lewis on Using The Bosses’ Tools [Pre-MLK Jr. Day] | The Jose Vilson: Karen Lewis on Using The Bosses’ Tools [Pre-MLK Jr. Day] by Jose Vilson [image: boondocksmlkjr] A few notes: - The Los Angeles United School District and its teachers union came to an agreement on teacher evaluation that makes some sense. [LA Daily News] - John Holland outlines with no equivocation the difference between responsibility and accountability. [Future of Teaching] - Sherman Dorn gives us five oft-overlooked facts about President Barack Obama that might give context to

Reincorporating Hunter-Gatherer Wisdom in our Society | Lefty Parent

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Reincorporating Hunter-Gatherer Wisdom in our Society | Lefty Parent: Reincorporating Hunter-Gatherer Wisdom in our Society by Cooper Zale In my previous piece, “Traditional Wisdom of Child Development”, I looked at how contemporary social scientists are rediscovering some of the wisdom of traditional hunter-gatherer societies, which were for most of our time on this planet the predominant human organizing principle and are arguably a more natural form of human community that the high-technology society that most of us humans live in today. I got a handful of thoughtful comments on ... more »

Activist Zack Kopplin is making life hell for Louisiana’s creationists | toteachornototeach

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Activist Zack Kopplin is making life hell for Louisiana’s creationists | toteachornototeach: Activist Zack Kopplin is making life hell for Louisiana’s creationists by aristotlethewise [image: adam-and-eve-e1305127512133]*How 19-year-old activist Zack Kopplin is making life hell for Louisiana’s creationists* by George Dvorsky For Zack Kopplin, it all started back in 2008 with the passing of the Louisiana Science Education Act. The bill made it considerably easier for teachers to introduce creationist textbooks into the classroom. Outraged, he wrote a research paper about it for a hig... more »

Judges Require Kansas to Provide Adequate School Funding « InterACT

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Judges Require Kansas to Provide Adequate School Funding « InterACT: Judges Require Kansas to Provide Adequate School Funding by David B. Cohen I know, we’re not in Kansas (most of us), but since I’ve written in the past about legal battles over adequate school funding, I just wanted to add this latest chapter in the larger story. On January 11, Brad Cooper of theKansas City Star reported: A panel of state judges ruled Friday that funding of Kansas schools doesn’t pass constitutional muster, suggesting a price tag that could approach $500 million more for the state. Three judges ... more »

Chad Sansing comes clean about positive test scores « Cooperative Catalyst

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Chad Sansing comes clean about positive test scores « Cooperative Catalyst: Chad Sansing comes clean about positive test scores by Chad Sansing All sizes by giulia.forsythe Interviewer: Did you ever use worksheets to enhance your students’ test performance? [image: All sizes by giulia.forsythe]Chad Sansing: Yes. I: Was one of those worksheets a word search? CS: Yes. I: Did you ever teach to the test or use released items to enhance your students’ test performance?

Reflections on Teaching » Blog Archive » Week 16 and 17: Heaven, and the start of Spring…

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Reflections on Teaching » Blog Archive » Week 16 and 17: Heaven, and the start of Spring…: Week 16 and 17: Heaven, and the start of Spring… by alicemercer That first week back from vacation I, and my class, were on fire. They seem to look forward to the topics we’re covering (a language arts unit on taking a stand for what’s right, ecosystems in science, and Ancient Africa and India in social studies). They were chatty, but much of it was on topic. It was one of the most productive weeks of learning we’ve had. This week was not bad, but it wasn’t as good, and the kids are clearly ... more »

An Urban Teacher's Education: Life Lessons: 2012 (Whoops, I Forgot Some Things!)

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

An Urban Teacher's Education: Life Lessons: 2012 (Whoops, I Forgot Some Things!): Life Lessons: 2012 (Whoops, I Forgot Some Things!) by James Boutin I was reflecting on my last post, I realized there were a few more things that really changed my thinking last year. * **4) You want to teach somebody something? Better be sure you've got the cred to do it. * I was watching The Interrupters sometime last spring, a documentary about people interrupting violence in Chicago. And there's this part about three quarters of the way through when Ameena (one of the interrupters - you have to... more »

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