Sunday, April 14, 2013

Public Education Justice Alliance of Minnesota(PEJAM): TFA's 'Transformational' Public Money Grab

Public Education Justice Alliance of Minnesota(PEJAM): TFA's 'Transformational' Public Money Grab:

SAY NO TO $1.5 MILLION IN PUBLIC MONEY TO TFA!

Teach for America (TFA) is a tax exempt nonprofit with "reported annual operating surpluses of $35 million, $114 million and $37 million" from 2009 to 2011. In 2010, they received a $50 Million grant from the federal Department of Education, and another $8.3 million funded under the Supporting Effective Educators Development (SEED) program. The government further subsidizes TFA with student loan forbearance and education awards. TFA is also looking to get more public money from state legislatures, including Minnesota!

With the state of Minnesota still facing budget deficits, following years of educational spending cuts, TFA is at the capitol with its hand out. Bills are moving through the Minnesota state

Growing charter network under SBE draws interest from lawmakers SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources

SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources:

Growing charter network under SBE draws interest from lawmakers

Charter Schools - Dividing Communities since 1991

A sharp increase in the number of charter schools petitioning – and receiving – permission to open from the California State Board of Education has attracted the attention of the Legislature.

Just three years ago, there were eight schools operating under state board supervision. Today there are more than 30.

Assemblyman Rocky Chavez, R-Oceanside, said the expanding network – now comparable to a mid-size school district – may need to be evaluated in terms of long-term governance issues.

“The best educational experience is one that is unique to the needs of the children and to the community,” said Chavez. “California is a huge state and the educational challenges in the inner city versus more rural areas are unique and need to be scripted to meet the needs of each of the children. To put that challenge on the state board of education, asking them to oversee the needs of 33 charter schools across the state is a pretty big challenge.”

State law empowers three levels of government to approve charter schools – local school district boards, county school boards and the state board, which serves as the option of last resort. While most of the charters now operating under the oversight of the state board were on appeal from the local level, there are also a number of sites opened

Vision testing considered potential key for some struggling students

Current vision screening requirements may indicate a problem with distance vision, advocates for more elaborate testing note that it does not detect potential for a whole spectrum of vision disorders, including binocular dysfunction.

Last Stand for Children First: Where is Students First?

Last Stand for Children First: Where is Students First?:

Where is Students First?

by Last Stand for Children

Like everybody who believes in putting students first, I have come to look forward to and count on updates from Michelle Rhee and her advocacy organization Students First. Ms. Rhee provides a valuable service to the education community by holding teachers responsible for the success of their students. We want to be nice and supportive, but test scores have consequences and if a teacher isn't advancing her students, it's time to put someone else in the classroom.

However, since Friday, Students First has been like a ghost town on social media. Michelle Rhee hasn't tweeted, Students First hasn't tweeted or updated their facebook page and Students First cheerleader Tom Greene has made only one post all weekend. I've never seen it like this. If Students First takes the weekend off, who is there to champion accountability?

Arne Duncan Loves Many Things

by Last Stand for Children

Daily Kos: E. J. Dionne's must-read column on the Newtown families

Daily Kos: E. J. Dionne's must-read column on the Newtown families:

E. J. Dionne's must-read column on the Newtown families

by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken)

is titled Newtown’s call to reason. The key point he makes is that those playing on emotion are not the Newtown families, but rather those who seek to scare us about guns.
The heart of the column is these three paragraphs:

The truth is that the Newtown slaughter has finally moved the gun debate away from irrational emotions, ridiculous assumptions, manipulative rhetoric — and, on the part of politicians, debilitating terror at the alleged electoral reach of those who see any new gun regulations as a step into totalitarianism. These bills are being taken seriously precisely because we are finally putting emotion aside. We are riding a wave of reason.Reason tells us that those who embrace the old slogan that “guns don’t kill people, people do” should support background checks because their very purpose is to keep guns out of the hands of the wrong people, including criminals and those with deep psychological disturbances. Reason tells us that mass killers will kill fewer people if they cannot buy large magazines and have to keep reloading their weapons. Reason tells us that our freedom as Americans does not rest on the existence of an armed citizenry.
Who is really playing on emotions in this debate? Consider this gem from the NRA’s Wayne

NYC Educator: Being Reformy Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

NYC Educator: Being Reformy Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry:

Being Reformy Means Never Having to Say You're Sorry

by NYC Educator

Reformy Rhee is besieged by suggestions Erase to the Top was bigger and badder than she'd ever acknowledged. The smoking memo has been released, and she's all Scarlett O'Hara: "What? Little old me? Well I never saw any blessed memo. Let them look at it tomorrow. After all, tomorrow is another day."

Apparently, her successor, Kaya Henderson never saw the memo either, yet now deems it to be flawed. One of the great things about being reformy is this--whatever goes wrong, it isn't your fault. It was an emergency! Children were suffering. We didn't have time to do any stinking research! How could we possibly have anticipated people would cheat?

And that's a good question. After all, they had choices. They could raise test scores and get bonuses, or fail to raise test scores and get fired. In Rhee-world, there are No Excuses. How could she possibly have anticipated that people would cheat and get bonuses rather than tell the truth and get fired? After all, she now only never saw the memo, but she also never heard of Campbell's Law.

California Dem’s Resolving not to be suckered by corporate “reformers” | Persephone's Mother

California Dem’s Resolving not to be suckered by corporate “reformers” | Persephone's Mother:

California Dem’s Resolving not to be suckered by corporate “reformers”

I came back today after spending the week-end in Sacramento at the 2013 California Democratic Convention. A contingent of labor groups, including the California Teachers Association, the California Federation of Teachers, submitted a resolution titled, “Supporting public education and dispelling the corporate reform agenda”. It not only calls out the corporate reformers, but so-called democratic organization (in name only) such as, Democrats for Education Reform and Students First. This resolution was heard on the floor of the convention today. I’m very proud of the fact that this resolution was passed by a majority of California Democrats. The text of the resolution is below.

Supporting California’s Public Schools and Dispelling the Corporate “Reform” Agenda
Whereas, the reform initiatives of Students First, rely on destructive anti-educator policies that do nothing for students but blame educators and their unions for the ills of society, make testing the goal of education, shatter communities by closing their public schools, and see public schools as potential profit centers and children as

Bush, Obama focus on standardized testing leads to ‘opt-out’ parent movement - The Washington Post

Bush, Obama focus on standardized testing leads to ‘opt-out’ parent movement - The Washington Post:

Bush, Obama focus on standardized testing leads to ‘opt-out’ parents’ movement

http://unitedoptout.com/

By Lyndsey Layton, Sunday, April 14, 5:42 PM

A decade into the school accountability movement, pockets of resistance to standardized testing are sprouting up around the country, with parents and students opting out of the high-stakes tests used to evaluate schools and teachers.

From Seattle, where 600 high school students refused to take a standardized test in January, to Texas, where 86 percent of school districts say the tests are “strangling our public schools,” anti-testing groups argue that bubble exams have proliferated beyond reason, delivering more angst than benefits.

“Over the last couple of years, they’ve turned this one test into the all and everything,” said Cindy Hamilton, a 50-year-old mother of three in Florida who founded Opt Out Orlando in response to the annual Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, which starts again

Common Core Non-Fiction Reading Task #1: The DC Erasure Study Memo - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Common Core Non-Fiction Reading Task #1: The DC Erasure Study Memo - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Common Core Non-Fiction Reading Task #1: The DC Erasure Study Memo

by Anthony Cody

As all educators know, the reading of non-fiction is supposed to be significantly increased as a result of the new Common Core (wanted to be national) Standards.
It seems to me that the recently uncovered "Erasure Study" memo, written by investigator Sandy Sanford in 2009 makes a fine primary source document to be used as the basis for student inquiry. This memo has been hidden since it was first written. Its existence sheds light on the behavior of some of the nation's most well-known education reformers, including Michelle Rhee.
Rich Cairns suggests:

Primary sources provide authentic materials for students to practice the skills required by the CCSS. Encouraging students to grapple with the raw materials of history, such as photographs,

Jersey Jazzman: NJ's New Reformy School Report Cards: Peer Grouping Mysteries

Jersey Jazzman: NJ's New Reformy School Report Cards: Peer Grouping Mysteries:

NJ's New Reformy School Report Cards: Peer Grouping Mysteries

by Duke

The reformies at the NJDOE, little data maniacs that they are, have released a brand new format for the annualSchool Performance Reports. In the old days, good test scores meant you were a good school - no longer:

The new reports include the usual information on state test results and high school graduation and dropout rates. But the first page provides what Education Commissioner Chris Cerf said is what most parents want to know: how their school achievement compares with other “peer” schools, and whether the school is doing a good job preparing students for college and careers.

“All the action is on the front page,” Cerf said in a media webinar on the new reports Tuesday. [emphasis mine]

It certainly is: here's an example of the first table you'll see in your local school's report:

We'll get to each of the categories later this week, but let's start with this idea of a "peer group." What is that,

Schools Matter: Exxon-Mobil Concerned with Teachers As Its Tar Sands Oil Spreads in Arkansas

Schools Matter: Exxon-Mobil Concerned with Teachers As Its Tar Sands Oil Spreads in Arkansas:

Exxon-Mobil Concerned with Teachers As Its Tar Sands Oil Spreads in Arkansas

by Jim Horn

If you are watching golf for the past 4 days, you would see hundreds of millions spent by Exxon-Mobil to push the Common Core Corporate Standards and to convince Americans there is some educational emergency in our schools. I guess I would be trying to change the subject at hand, too, if I were responsible for ruining another American community with a flood of dirty oil. From Nation of Change:
________________

Cleanup Workers Collect Oil Faster than Media Collect Information

Ten days after the ExxonMobil Pegasus pipeline burst, spewing thousands of barrels of Canadian tar sands oil into the North Woods residential development in Mayflower, Arkansas, much of the oil spill has been collected, although it continues to spread slowly, seeping into wetlands and nearby Lake Conway.

Slow as the oil’s movement may be, it seems to move faster than news related to the spill, the cleanup, or ExxonMobil and the local, state, and federal agencies who keep tight control

Bill Gates' warning on test scores - latimes.com

Bill Gates' warning on test scores - latimes.com:

Gates' warning on test scores

In a recent op-ed article, he cautions against overusing students' standardized test scores in evaluating how well teachers are doing their jobs.

By The Times editorial board

April 11, 2013

A recent op-ed article in the Washington Post warned against overusing students' standardized test scores in evaluating how well teachers are doing their jobs. There would be no surprise about that — if it had been penned by the leader of a teachers union. But it was written by Bill Gates, arguably the most influential voice over the last few years in pushing for the use of test scores to rate teachers.

Gates' warning was based on a study released in January that his foundation funded. It determined that student scores have a useful but limited place in measuring a teacher's work, and that some other measurements, such as student surveys,are more consistent.

The billionaire philanthropist's reasoned perspective is appreciated; the problem is that schools in this country are already well down the testing-and-evaluations road. Prodded heavily by reform groups, many of which receive funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, states and school districts have in some cases taken the use of students' scores to extremes that have no grounding in research, making them count for half or more of a teacher's rating, or hastily concocting tests to measure unmeasurable subjects — and then applying the results to teachers. The most mocked

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 4-14-13 #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

The in box. “I was one of those passionate speakers.” | Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

The in box. “I was one of those passionate speakers.” | Fred Klonsky: The in box. “I was one of those passionate speakers.” by Fred Klonsky *The PRESS* *Fred,* *I was one of those passionate speakers, in fact I was the last speaker after her SB7 presentation. I asked why she was so positive about the bill. Cinda did the responding and told me if there were specific issues we should talk to Audrey and Mitch.* *Well, Fred, I’m here to tell you we tried that last year at the RA and basically got told we could do nothing until we had seen a trend. Therefore, when she started her prese... more »

I’m a teacher and I’m tired!: by Elaine Rybski – @ the chalk face

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

I’m a teacher and I’m tired!: by Elaine Rybski – @ the chalk face: I’m a teacher and I’m tired!: by Elaine Rybski by Timothy D. Slekar “I write this in a state of exhaustion which is unfamiliar to me, but which seems to be shared by colleague/friends with whom I shared the week of testing from which we are taking a short break (i.e., weekend). I am used to being tired, as teaching (combined with parenting, and all of the rest of life we do) is pretty all-consuming and energy-demanding. However, at the end of a “normal” (whatever that has become) week of teaching, there are always ... more »

The Opt Out Update: Portland students plan to walk out of test, Tennessee lawmakers want to starve children for not doing well on tests, really, student data collection “unnecessary and Orwellian” and the push back gains momentum | Seattle Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

The Opt Out Update: Portland students plan to walk out of test, Tennessee lawmakers want to starve children for not doing well on tests, really, student data collection “unnecessary and Orwellian” and the push back gains momentum | Seattle Education: The Opt Out Update: Portland students plan to walk out of test, Tennessee lawmakers want to starve children for not doing well on tests, really, student data collection “unnecessary and Orwellian” and the push back gains momentum by seattleducation2011 When will the corporate ed reform madness end? Melissa Harris Perry Slams Lawmakers... more »

This resolution was passed today at the California Democratic Party Convention.

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

*This resolution was passed today at the California Democratic Party Convention.* This is a resolution that is being brought forth at the California Democratic Convention this coming weekend. What kind of conversations do you think it will spark? Supporting California’s Public Schools and Dispelling the Corporate “Reform” Agenda Whereas, the reform initiatives of Students First, rely on destructive anti-educator policies that do nothing for students but blame educators and their unions for the ills of society, make testing the goal of education, shatter communities by closing ... more »

Are School Closings Racist?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

Are School Closings Racist?: Are School Closings Racist?Sunday, 14 April 2013 10:24By Curtis Black, Community Media Workshop | News Analysis - 30 - font size [image: decrease font size] [image: increase font size] - Print - Email [image: Students are dismissed after school is let out at Robert Emmert Elementary School, which is scheduled to close, in Chicago, March 21, 2013. After weeks of uncertainty, principals at 54 public schools in Chicago officially learned from city officials Thursday that their schools would close, representing the largest group of campus... more »

NOW HERE'S A SHOCKER: Catania: No plans to investigate Rhee-era cheating allegations - The Washington Post

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

Catania: No plans to investigate Rhee-era cheating allegations - The Washington Post: NOW HERE'S A SHOCKER:Catania: No plans to investigate Rhee-era cheating allegations By Emma Brown, Sunday, April 14, 12:54 PM The chairman of the D.C. Council’s education committee said Sunday that he has no plans to reinvestigate allegations of widespread cheating on standardized tests during the tenure of former Chancellor Michelle Rhee. Council member David Catania (I-At Large) said he will instead focus on improving the integrity of future tests, which are used to evaluate schools and teach... more »

Ed Notes Online: The Moral Imperative: Julie Cavanagh Opts in on Opt Out Issue

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: The Moral Imperative: Julie Cavanagh Opts in on Opt Out Issue: The Moral Imperative: Julie Cavanagh Opts in on Opt Out Issue by ed notes online *From a Chicago CORE teacher* *A teacher who, in conversations with students or parents, takes a position on testing contrary to the school district's educational program may potentially be charged with misconduct or insubordination and could be subject to disciplinary action. --- Richard Iannuzzi, President, NYSUT* *Ultimately opting-out and boycotts are a parent choice. However, teachers do have a role. There is a mor... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Has Common Core Practice Invaded the Spelling Bee?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Has Common Core Practice Invaded the Spelling Bee?: Has Common Core Practice Invaded the Spelling Bee? by stlgretchen One of the talking points of Common Core Math Standards proponents is that a child shouldn't just know equations, the child must understand the process of getting the answer and have to explain how he/she arrived at the answer. Memorization of facts is not of primary importance. The process by which you can explain your answer is largely how your child will be graded. The answer 2 x 2 = 4 is not a sufficient answer. Now the student... more »

Indiana Republicans are Scaling Back Bennett, Bush Reforms | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Indiana Republicans are Scaling Back Bennett, Bush Reforms | Scathing Purple Musings: Indiana Republicans are Scaling Back Bennett, Bush Reforms by Bob Sikes In story titled *Education Facing Reform Fatigue – State Lawmakers are Leery of Passing More Legislation, **Fort Wayne Journal Gazette* reporter Niki Kelly writes about the efforts of Indiana republican legislators to slow some of the reforms championed by former education boss Tony Bennett and his mentor Jeb Bush. Here’s a brief look at each: *School Grades* It seems everyone agrees there is something wrong with the A-F sy... more »

Diane in the Evening 4-14-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Celebrated California Charter School Implodes in Dissension by dianerav The American Indian Model Schools has turned into a long-running drama. This week it took a sharp turn for the worse, as the board fired top administrators, some board members denounced other board members, and everyone was angry. All this followed the revocation of the charters due to fiscal improprieties. For years, it was the toast of conservative pundits because of its high test scores, its no-excuses discipline, and the epithets hurle... more »

LAUSD chief John Deasy draws fire as he pursues aggressive reform plan - LA Daily News

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

LAUSD chief John Deasy draws fire as he pursues aggressive reform plan - LA Daily News: LAUSD chief John Deasy draws fire as he pursues aggressive reform plan by By Barbara Jones, Staff Writer LAUSD Superintendent John Deasy (Hans Gutknecht/Staff Photographer) During a recent speech at Loyola Marymount University, John Deasy recalled his promotion from deputy superintendent to chief of Los Angeles Unified two years ago, tasked with turning around a district plagued by failing schools, struggling students and an epidemic of dropouts. "I agreed to take this job and lead a transformat... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: PTA News

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Seattle Schools Community Forum: PTA News: PTA News by Melissa Westbrook A bit of a roundup of PTA news. (Please keep in mind that I am a long-time PTA parent. I think, on paper, PTA is a good thing but it doesn't always play out the way you might hope in practice.) First up from the Washington State PTA, news from their upcoming convention. You may recall that they have teamed up with McDonald's for sponsorship of the convention. I recall that, at the time, it seemed like an odd pairing given the childhood obesity rates in this country and the food that McDonald's serves. ... more »

On Anne Frank, In Defense of Justin Bieber |

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

On Anne Frank, In Defense of Justin Bieber |: On Anne Frank, In Defense of Justin Bieber by Angus Johnston So yeah, Justin Bieber visited the Anne Frank House and left a note in the guestbook calling her “a great girl. Hopefully she would have been a belieber.” Of course everyone went nuts, myself not excluded. There’s the narcissism thing, and the weird time traveler thing — is he imagining her as a belieber now, in her 80s, or imagining himself as a wartime pop star? But there’s another layer down below all that. Check out this clip, the only film footage of Anne Frank known to ex... more »

California Senate president attacks ‘diseased’ financial system in education reform speech | The Raw Story

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

California Senate president attacks ‘diseased’ financial system in education reform speech | The Raw Story: California Senate president attacks ‘diseased’ financial system in education reform speech by Eric W. Dolan [image: California Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg screenshot] California Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) blasted the financial industry in a speech calling for educational reform. At the California Democrats State Convention in Sacramento on Saturday, Steinberg touted the party’s recent victories in the state. “No more cuts to educ... more »

How they cheated on D.C. tests: Excerpts from new report

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

How they cheated on D.C. tests: Excerpts from new report: How they cheated on D.C. tests: Excerpts from new report Posted by Valerie Strauss on April 14, 2013 at 12:11 pm 0 Comments More [image: test1]How many ways did D.C. educators cheat on the 2102 high-stakes Comprehensive Assessment System tests given to students? Here are some excerpts from a new official report that details how teachers in 18 District classrooms cheated on the exams. You can see the entire report below or by clicking here but in the meantime, here are some excerpts. Classes were flagged on the basis of the nu... more »

Schools Matter: Former KIPP Principal Demonstrates Why Honesty Should Be Added to the KIPP Character Trait List

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Schools Matter: Former KIPP Principal Demonstrates Why Honesty Should Be Added to the KIPP Character Trait List: Former KIPP Principal Demonstrates Why Honesty Should Be Added to the KIPP Character Trait List by Jim Horn Former KIPP "stallion," Elliot Witney, has somehow earned a spot across from Deborah Meier at theBridging Differences blog (surely thre's no Gates influence in that decision by Ed Week). And the first thing I noticed in reading Witney's dissembling responses to Meier's questions on KIPP is 1) his effort to distance himself from KIPP, and 2) how quickly he would ... more »

Long Island Will Be Heard | United Opt Out National

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Long Island Will Be Heard | United Opt Out National: Long Island Will Be Heard by admin Long Island parents are currently rising up, opting out and refusing in mass to allow their children to be used for profit. They are awake. They are empowered – *and their children will not be taking the test.* Join their Facebook groupwith almost 7,000 members and growing. Learn from them. Tweet this post. Email it. Share it on Facebook. Force mainstream media to listen. Here is theiropt out guide. Long Island is opening a window for all of us – we must take this opportunity and share their me... more »

Sunday reads. | Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Sunday reads. | Fred Klonsky: Sunday reads. by Fred Klonsky [image: 319921_10200264807795918_2144260994_n] *Map: Chicago school closings and murdered young people.* *The secret memo regarding the Erase to the Top* cheating scandal when MichelleRhee ran the DC schools. When does the grand jury get called to issue an indictment? *A five year history of turning a blind eye* to MichelleRhee’s cheating. *Better late than never.* DC Council to discuss MichelleRhee’s Erase to the Top. *Remember when Arne Duncan said*,

Count the errors - D.C. Council’s Committee on Education is holding a hearing on test security

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Count the errors: Count the errors Posted by Valerie Strauss on April 14, 2013 at 11:04 am 0 Comments More [image: dccouncilseal]The D.C. Council’s Committee on Education is holding a hearing on test security this week, and the description of that event is written up on the council Web site. Someone was apparently in a rush, because the post is filled with spelling and other errors. Even the committee’s name is missing a letter in one reference. Find all of them: Committee on Education Public Hearing on Bill 20-109 the Testing Integrity Act of 2013 The purpose of the hearing is to... more »

More Dispatch for the FLDOE’s Charter School Superiority Study | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

More Dispatch for the FLDOE’s Charter School Superiority Study | Scathing Purple Musings: More Dispatch for the FLDOE’s Charter School Superiority Study by Bob Sikes There are few education writers who can claim to be peers of Walt Gardner. Earlier this month, the former teacher effectively unmasked the half-truths the charter school industry are telling the nation. In a post titled*Questioning Charter School Superiority*, Gardner responded to one such half-truth propaganda which - not unsurprisingly – came from Nina Rees, president/CEO of the National Charter School Alliance. Fr... more »

Teach for America: A Model for Expansion | Cooperative Catalyst

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Teach for America: A Model for Expansion | Cooperative Catalyst: Teach for America: A Model for Expansion by robinclane Since Teach for America has been so successful at solving the problems of education in our country, I’m proposing we take their model and apply it to other failing systems and issues at hand. If the biggest problem in education is a lack of quality teachers, and we can provide those teachers and thus solve the education crisis in just six weeks time, why not try this out in other professions? 1. Heal for America — The healthcare system in America is crumbling, a... more »

D.C. Council to discuss test cheating

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

D.C. Council to discuss test cheating: D.C. Council to discuss test cheating Posted by Valerie Strauss on April 14, 2013 at 10:09 am 0 Comments More [image: test2]Better late than never: The D.C. Council’s Education Committee will discuss the standardized test cheating scandal at a previously scheduled hearing this week that was, ironically, intended to be about test security. My colleague Emma Brown has learned that added to the Thursday agenda is a discussion about a new report that came out Friday about cheating by educators on the 2012 D.C. Comprehensive Assessment System high-s...more »

Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Cheating Scandal: The Memo #MichelleRhee = #EraseToTheTop

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

*Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee Cheating Scandal: The Memo* * * * * OPEN FULL SCREEN: https://docs.google.com/file/d/0B7wdDUUSR15ddFczU2t2M3pmcUk/edit?usp=sharing

Sacramento Council Update: Drug Prevention Sacramento Council PTA

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Sacramento Council PTA: [image: Sacramento Council of PTAs]April 14, 2013Sacramento Council PTA UpdateFrom the American Academy of Pediatrics, here are some facts about kids and drug use:[image: Drugs] - 40% of U.S. teens say they expect to use a drug in the future. - One out of every five kids in eighth grade has already tried marijuana. - Teens who smoke cigarettes are more likely to drink alcohol. - Teens who smoke and drink are more likely to use marijuana. And those who use all three are more likely to use other illicit drugs. - Long-term studies show that use o... more »

School Vouchers Don't Help Students Succeed - US News and World Report

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

School Vouchers Don't Help Students Succeed - US News and World Report: Voucher Schemes Don't Help StudentsThere is no evidence vouchers motivate teachers to teach better or students to learn more By TERESA MEREDITH April 12, 2013 RSS Feed Print [image: A high school student raises his hand to answer a question in the classroom.]*Teresa Meredith is a kindergarten teacher and vice president of the Indiana State Teachers Association.* As politicians and lawyers debate the constitutional validity and political implications of the Indiana Supreme Court's recent decision regarding scho... more »

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 4-14-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] New York Parents Are Opting Out by dianerav The movement to opt out of state testing is spreading in Néw York. State leaders are threatening parents and schools with loss of funding; teachers are threatened with disciplinary action if they encourage parents. PARENTS, DO NOT BE INTIMIDATED. It is your choice. If everyone stands together, the petty tyrants in Albany can’t do anything. Here is an email from a parent in Long Island: ***** I want to make you aware of a ... more »

Principals as Instructional Leaders: Rhetoric and Reality (Part 2) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Principals as Instructional Leaders: Rhetoric and Reality (Part 2) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Principals as Instructional Leaders: Rhetoric and Reality (Part 2) by larrycuban Past and current research on principals reveal that school-site leaders perform managerial, instructional, and political roles in and out of their schools. Of these multiple (and often conflicting) roles, however, the instructional leader role has been spotlighted as a “must” for these men and women because, as the theory (and rhetoric) goes, it is crucial to improving teacher per... more »

Mother Crusader: National School Choice Group Finds Voucher Allies In New Brunswick; Looking For Spot On Board Of Ed

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Mother Crusader: National School Choice Group Finds Voucher Allies In New Brunswick; Looking For Spot On Board Of Ed: National School Choice Group Finds Voucher Allies In New Brunswick; Looking For Spot On Board Of Ed by darciecima I'm staying off this bandwagon... Back in March Diane Ravitch posted about Rutgers student activist Stephanie Rivera's candidacy for the New Brunswick school board, and asked readers to donate to her campaign. Diane reposted Stephanie's request for help, which talked a lot about the "political machine" in New Brunswick and how for the last 20 years the... more »

An 8 Yr Old Black Tennessee Child With Something to Say Is a "Prop" to Rabid Republican State Senator Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública: *An 8 Yr Old Black Tennessee Child With Something to Say Is a "Prop" to Rabid Republican State Senator* Popout Video Shows ‘Starve The Children’ Lawmaker Snubbing Little Girl, Calling Her A ‘Prop’ By Elisabeth Parker 2013/04/12- addictinginfo.org [image: TN State Senator Stacey Campfield accuses protesters of using eight-year-old Aamira Fetuga as a "prop" ... after using her as a prop in this photo.] *Tennessee State Senator Stacey Campfield accuses protesters of using eight-year-old Aamira Fetuga as a “prop” … af... more »

Education programs funding - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Education programs funding - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress: Bill Introduced: H.R.1386 Local School Board Governance and Flexibility Act Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education programs funding - 10 hours ago To support the local decision-making functions of local educational agencies by limiting the authority of the Secretary of Education to issue regulations, rules, grant conditions, and guidance materials, and for other purposes. Bill Introduced: H.R.1358 STEM Opportunities Act of 2013 Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education programs funding - 10 hours ago To dir... more »

Teachers For Social Justice: School Closings Curriculum - Teaching For Social Justice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Teachers For Social Justice: School Closings Curriculum - Teaching For Social Justice: School Closings Curriculum - Teaching For Social Justice by sarah-ji [image: MassRallySOS075] Curriculum Created by Cyriac Mathew, a TSJer at Uplift Social Justice High School: Teachers & Educators: Have your students learn about school closings and implement a related service-learning project! This is a two-week, work-in-progress curriculum to get our students to better understand some of the issues related to school closings and then make their voices heard. Whether you are a HS teacher or... more »

Short Notes: Y’All Gone Learn Today [Open Letter] | The Jose Vilson

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Short Notes: Y’All Gone Learn Today [Open Letter] | The Jose Vilson: Short Notes: Y’All Gone Learn Today [Open Letter] by Jose Vilson [image: Jay-Z Smoking, Possibly a Cuban] Jay-Z Smoking, Possibly a Cuban *Last week, I wrote an open letter to educators in general, but specifically education activists, vested parties, and anyone interested in the workings of this circle. While the letter was met with plenty of praise, it had a few detractors, primarily from those who misunderstood the intent of the letter.* *After a close reading and re-reading, I stand by the original letter, but... more »

UPDATE: Rhee’s “Gravy Train” of Hypocrisy – @ the chalk face

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Rhee’s “Gravy Train” of Hypocrisy – @ the chalk face: Rhee’s “Gravy Train” of Hypocrisy by plthomasedd “Former Washington, D.C., schools chancellor *Michelle Rhee* had trouble recalling the names of South Carolina’s ‘key players’ after a quick visit to the State House on Wednesday. But state lawmakers may want to take note of hers,” reports *The State* (Columbia, SC). But in a rare moment of candor and even more unusual modesty, when asked to estimate the size of her hypocrisy and dishonesty, Rhee merely gestured: Jeff Chiu — ASSOCIATED PRESSHowever, Rhee soon returned to her usua... more »

Guest column: Atlanta’s improving grades on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ at odds with its CRCT cheating scandal | Get Schooled

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Guest column: Atlanta’s improving grades on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ at odds with its CRCT cheating scandal | Get Schooled: Guest column: Atlanta’s improving grades on ‘Nation’s Report Card’ at odds with its CRCT cheating scandal by Maureen Downey *Marshall S. Smith* is a former under-secretary in the U. S. Department of Education. *Nominated by President Bill Clinton, *he served from 1993 to 2000. Prior to his appointment as Under Secretary, Smith was a professor of education and Dean of the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. Previously, he was an associate profe... more »

Daily Kos: adding to the fun on Michelle Rhee

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Daily Kos: adding to the fun on Michelle Rhee: adding to the fun on Michelle Rhee by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) [image: image] A brief & happy update on Leaves on the Current by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken) [image: JJ in quilt] whom as you can see above is delight by the lovely quilt given her by the Daily Kos community! As I write this she is New Jersey for a nephew's first communion, having driven up with her brother-in-law on Friday evening. Here's the good news: she called me last night and told me she was able to get Gregor, her back brace, on and off by herself. She was a... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Jewish Community Letter Against School Closings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Jewish Community Letter Against School Closings: Jewish Community Letter Against School Closings by Mike Klonsky MARCH 2013 / PASSOVER 5773 *“Rabbi Eliezer the son of Shamua would say: The dignity of your student should be as precious to you as your own.”* Pirkei Avot 4:12 Dear Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett, As members of the Jewish community and as Chicago residents, we are deeply concerned about the threatened closing of over 50 public schools in Chicago. Rather than invest resources to improve our strugglin... more »

Ed Notes Online: Choose to Refuse: Rocking the World of Ed Deform as Parents Revolt Against Testing Child Abuse

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: Choose to Refuse: Rocking the World of Ed Deform as Parents Revolt Against Testing Child Abuse: Choose to Refuse: Rocking the World of Ed Deform as Parents Revolt Against Testing Child Abuse by ed notes online Parents: CHOOSE TO REFUSE! -- Change the Stakes *I've got to find my button: My child puked on your high stakes test* *Let me remind you that at 3PM Sunday, at the Earth School on the Lower East Side, Jesse Hagopian who led the Seattle teacher test boycott, will be * *appearing with MORE presidential candidate Julie Cavanagh, who will take time off from col... more »

Rhee Cheating Sh*tstorm: Part I | Mr. Teachbad

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

Rhee Cheating Sh*tstorm: Part I | Mr. Teachbad: Rhee Cheating Sh*tstorm: Part I by teachbad There was an intensely-guarded internal memo about possible cheating on the DC CAS during Michelle Rhee’s tenure as chancellor in Washington, DC. After nearly five years, the memo has been freed. *Learning Matters* reporter John Merrow had been trying to get it for a long time. The work he has done in the run-up to this has been fantastic. The memo in question is an internal DCPS communication summarizing the results of studies conducted by outside organizations hired to look into test irre... more »

‘Jews Are Evil’ Assignment Results In Student Boycott | toteachornototeach

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago

‘Jews Are Evil’ Assignment Results In Student Boycott | toteachornototeach: ‘Jews Are Evil’ Assignment Results In Student Boycott by aristotlethewise *‘Jews Are Evil’ Assignment Results In Student Boycott * By William McGuinness An Albany High School teacher raised eyebrows and a flurry of complaints when an assignment required students to write from the perspective of the Nazis, New York Magazine reports. Students were tasked with writing an argument that Jews are evil. “You must argue that Jews are evil, and use solid rationale from government propaganda to convince me of your loya... more »

How Jeb Bush’s Foundation Excuses Away the Atlanta Cheating Scandal | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

How Jeb Bush’s Foundation Excuses Away the Atlanta Cheating Scandal | Scathing Purple Musings: How Jeb Bush’s Foundation Excuses Away the Atlanta Cheating Scandal by Bob Sikes They used Rick Pitino’s contract: Incentive and reward systems comprise the foundation of a well-functioning society. In most professions, there is some kind of financial motivation for good performance, as well as negative consequences for poor performance. While some instances of “cheating” may occur on a small scale, the reward/consequence system has generally worked well as a motivator. For example, man... more »

Missouri Education Watchdog: Common Core Collaboration: Detrimental for Leadership Qualities?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Missouri Education Watchdog: Common Core Collaboration: Detrimental for Leadership Qualities?: Common Core Collaboration: Detrimental for Leadership Qualities? by stlgretchen Common Core standards stress collaboration and groupthink. The proponents will tell you it is necessary to make students successful, global thinkers and ready for the 21st century economy, whatever a 21st century economy looks like. Not so fast. An article in forbes.com details what makes a leader and it's not what the CCSS proponents are promising will equip your child with strong work skills and success... more »

Real teachers, real leaders head up CORE’s slate for the CTU. | Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Real teachers, real leaders head up CORE’s slate for the CTU. | Fred Klonsky: Real teachers, real leaders head up CORE’s slate for the CTU. by Fred Klonsky [image: 251876_4152866427447_1933173358_n] They are real classroom teachers. And their past term as leaders of the Chicago Teachers Union has proven that they are real union leaders. They are all members of the Caucus of Rand and File Educators. The CTU election is May 17th. *Karen Lewis* is running again as President. Karen taught chemistry for 22 years. She has become an iconic figure across the country as a leader with vision,... more »

Addressing the Out-of-School Suspension Crisis

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Addressing the Out-of-School Suspension Crisis: [image: Click on the slide!]*http://www.otlcampaign.org/* Addressing the Out-of-School Suspension Crisis* * [image: Addressing the Out-of-School Suspension Crisis: A Policy Guide for School Board Members cover image] Download the Entire Report While overly harsh school discipline policies can affect all students, they have disproportionately impacted students of color. In the past few years, numerous reports and studies have highlighted the racial disparities in school suspension and expulsion as well as their negative impact on student ... more »

WARNING!!! All Those Seeking Open Market Transfer, Stay Away From PS 154 in the Bronx!!!!.southbronxschool.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

http://www.southbronxschool.com: WARNING!!! All Those Seeking Open Market Transfer, Stay Away From PS 154 in the Bronx!!!! by noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher) Pennywise is alive and still at work in the South Bronx. Only this time, Pennywise is not only destroying the lives of children, but of teachers as well. Pennywise in and of itself has a benign appearance to children and adults, but the true form of Pennywise, the IT entity, resides in PS 154 in the Bronx. With Open Market season soon upon us, this is an open warning to all teachers interested in a transfer to PS 154. Sta... more »

California Father | Educating Sullivan

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

California Father | Educating Sullivan: [image: California Father] Deborah Meier by California Father Popout

October 2012: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s @StudentsFirst Threw a Party in NY. Were You Invited? – @ the chalk face

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

October 2012: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s @StudentsFirst Threw a Party in NY. Were You Invited? – @ the chalk face: October 2012: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s @StudentsFirst Threw a Party in NY. Were You Invited? by Kris Nielsen Since our friend, Michelle Rhee, is finally (maybe) getting her comeuppance, this seemed to be a timely topic to bring up. Last October, New York Governor Cuomo’s Education Reform Commission visited Long Island for an event, where citizens could listen to speakers and ask questions about how to go forward with the future of New York’s publ... more »

#msnbc Chris Hayes talks to Merrow: Twitter bomb @chrislhayes – @ the chalk face

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

#msnbc Chris Hayes talks to Merrow: Twitter bomb @chrislhayes – @ the chalk face: #msnbc Chris Hayes talks to Merrow: Twitter bomb @chrislhayes by Timothy D. Slekar I’m sure by now most of you know the pressure is on Queen Rhee after the memo concerning cheating in D.C. was leaked to John Merrow. In case you didn’t get a chance to see it, MSNBC’s Chris Hayes interviewed John about Rhee, the memo, the cheating, and the disastrous statistics that plaque the D.C. district. http://video.msnbc.msn.com/all-in-/51523921?ocid=twitter#51523921 The interview was a great first step at expos... more »