Tuesday, May 7, 2013

by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken)

It has been a somewhat quiet day, now slowly winding down, a cat curled up next to me, listening to Brahms on his birthday, sipping brandy, with Leaves on the Current resting under her wonderful quilt, with another cat or two nearby to cuddle her.
Sometimes when we do not focus on something with which we are wrestling, the piece find a way to come together without conscious effort on our part.
I have reread some things I have written in the past.
I have gotten a problem in my wife's car addressed.
She wanted a turkey club from our local diner, so I got it, and she ate half, even though right now she cannot

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

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

Students march on District headquarters, protesting doomsday budget

by thenotebook

by Holly Otterbein for NewsWorks
Philadelphia School District students are furious that they may have to endure even more cuts after they've already lost several nurses, central office staff members and a beloved annual musical at the High School for Creative And Performing Arts.
A group of roughly 250 students marched to the District's headquarters at 440 N. Broad St., where they held their own sort of musical to protest the potential budget cuts on Tuesday afternoon.

Image:

Image Caption:

Public high school students march down Broad Street to protest planned budget cuts on Tuesday.

Photo Credits:

Emma Lee/NewsWorks

Christine Rubino Pw3ns the NYC DOE southbronxschool.com

http://www.southbronxschool.com:

Christine Rubino Pw3ns the NYC DOE

by noreply@blogger.com (Bronx Teacher)

During the first inning of my son's baseball game tonight I get a tweet from embattled Brooklyn teacher Christine Rubino. Curious, I read it an notice a link. The link directs me to New York State Courts page and what is there you ask? Christine Rubino kicked the DOE's ass! The Appellate Division found that she was unjustly terminated.

My favorite quote of the decision goes a little something like this;
Supreme Court properly found the penalty of termination to be shocking to one's sense of fairness

Way to go Christine! Keep up the good fight!!!

Michael A. Cardozo, Corporation Counsel, New York (Deborah A. Brenner of counsel), for appellants.

Mapping billionaires and charter schools | Muckety - See the news

Mapping billionaires and charter schools | Muckety - See the news:

Mapping billionaires and charter schools

By Laurie Bennett

May 7, 2013 at 11:11am

While much of the activism for charter schools occurs at the local and state levels, the money funding the movement is unquestionably national.

The map below shows billionaires at the center who have funded school choice efforts. (The map is better viewed in the large version. Here’s a simplified version, that can serve as a starting point.)

A typical path for donations is for a wealthy individual, through his company or foundation, to give to a state-level organization that advocates for charter schools.

That organization may work for the election of pro-charter officials, or for passage of legislation promoting the ever-burgeoning charter school network.

Such was the case in Washington state last year, where an initiative to allow charter schools attracted contributions from across the country. Among the wealthiest backers were Microsoft billionaires Bill Gates, Paul Allen and Steve Ballmer, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Wal-Mart heir Alice Walton, Gap Inc. co-founder Doris Fisher and KB Home founder Eli Broad.

All gave money to the Washington Coalition for Public Charter Schools, which successfully campaigned for the initiative’s passage. All have supported similar activities around the nation.

The effort is being fought on so many fronts that it creates a tangled map, as exhibited above.

We encourage you to follow individual trails by using the many options in the tool box at the left of the map. You can remove or expand relationships, save maps, and embed them on your own web site or insert them in presentations such as PowerPoint.

Wall Street Loves National Charter Schools Week (Big Profits)

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

Wall Street ♥ charter schools | Muckety - See the news

Kansans Against Common Core Rally Tomorrow (Updated Info)

Kansans Against Common Core Rally Tomorrow (Updated Info):

We appreciate all the support and look forward to seeing you in Topeka.

KANSANS AGAINST COMMON CORE RALLY

Wednesday, May 8th at 2PM

*Please arrive early and use the east entrance –

Rally will begin promptly at 2pm*

2nd Floor Rotunda in the Kansas State Capitol, Topeka, KS

2pm- Welcome & Introduction

2:05pm – Kansas Legislators

REP. JOHN BRADFORD and other Kansas Legislators

2:25pm – Guest Speaker and Common Core Expert

SHANE VANDER HART with Truth in American Education

2:40pm – Parents and Citizens

MEGAN KING, Parent

SHIRLEY KOEHN, Concerned Citizen

ELEANOR POWERS, Sunflower Republican Club of Johnson County

DR. WALT CHAPPELL, President, Educational Management Consultants

2:55pm – Conclusion and Upcoming Events

Parking Information:

http://www.da.ks.gov/fm/buildings/information/visitorparking.htm

We also encourage you to contact your Kansas Representatives and ask them to defund and stop Common Core in Kansas. Tomorrow is the first day the Kansas Legislature returns to Topeka to finish this session. It is very important to call, email and write them to voice opposition to Common Core. Thanks!

Photo credit: Franklin B. Thompson via Flickr (CC-By-NC 2.0)

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

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

Many charter schools to begin offering transitional kindergarten in fall 2013

May 7th, 2013 | Add a Comment |
By Lillian Mongeau

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A child completes an art project meant to help teach how to count to 100 in a transitional kindergarten classroom in Los Angeles earlier this year. Credit: Lillian Mongeau, EdSource Today

After a year’s delay, many charter schools will begin offering transitional kindergarten classes in the fall. There had been some disagreement with the California Department of Education over whether charters were required to offer the new program for children who turn five in the first few months of the school year.

While school districts rolled out the transitional programs at the beginning of this academic year, many charters did not. The state’s two largest charter advocacy groups said last spring that the law does not explicitly require schools to offer the program as long as they don’t request state funding for transitional kindergarten students.

“We continue to be of the opinion that it’s an option, albeit a very attractive one for most schools,” said Eric Premack, the executive director of the Charter Schools Development Center, which supports and advocates for California charter schools.

The California Charter Schools Association, a larger charter advocacy and support network, concurred and also advised its members that they were not legally required to offer transitional kindergarten.

The California Department of Education, however, does not consider the program optional. ”Each elementary or unified school district must offer transitional kindergarten and kindergarten classes

Big Education Ape Nite Cap 5-7-13 #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best:

"For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."

A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP

NATIONAL TEACHER DAY, MAY 7, 2013

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 19 minutes ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: *#thankateacher* Teachers: You Must Not Internalize the Blame by dianerav This teacher realized that she could not be free to think for herself until she stopped internalizing and accepting the reproaches of the corporate reformers. She was free when she realized that her training and experience as an educator mattered. She was free when she realized that when she did not attain perfection every day, it was not her fault. She wrote: “Can’t speak for everyone, but the way it worked for me was this way… initially... more »

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

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

NYC Educator: The Unity Hammer

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

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

Daily Kos: Rain, retirement and reflection

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

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

CORPORATE PARTY Salutes Day of the Teacher and Plans to Sue

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

Missouri Education Watchdog: Teacher Speaks Out Against Common Core

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center: [image: NEA Cover Photo for Facebook]NATIONAL TEACHER DAY, MAY 7, 2013 Best of the Ed Blogs *Best of the Ed Blogs* features a frequently updated selection of interesting and insightful blog posts on education policy. The views expressed by the bloggers on our blog roll are thoughtful, original, and entirely their own. We hope you make *Best of the Ed Blogs* your first stop for concise takes on today's most important education topics. On the Need for Unions and Seniority Best of the Ed Blogs David B. Cohen May 7, 2013 About ... more »

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

Wall Street Loves National Charter Schools Week (Big Profits)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

Modern School: Child Urged to Take Exam From Hospital Bed

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

Happy Teacher Appreciation Day! XOXO Walmart | EduShyster

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

Tuesday on the Whole Child Virtual Conference — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

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

MORNING UPDATE LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-7-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | #thankateacher A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

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

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

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

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

Louisiana Educator: Great News From the Legislature

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Louisiana Educator: Great News From the Legislature: Great News From the Legislature by Michael Deshotels A couple of weeks ago I got a comment to my blog from a teacher who in effect said that she appreciated the support the education profession was getting from this blog, but she said it was a bit depressing to always see so much bad news about education in Louisiana. I responded that when there was good news I would be happy to report it. Well here it is. *Good news for a change!* Yesterday afternoon, the House of Representatives voted 102 to 0 to approve HB 160 by Rep. Reyno... more »

The Neglected Purpose of Education | toteachornototeach

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

The Neglected Purpose of Education | toteachornototeach: The Neglected Purpose of Education by aristotlethewise *The Neglected Purpose of Education* by Jack Jennings *“To prepare all citizens to become responsible members of a democratic society”* “To develop socialization and citizenship skills in children” *“Preparing students for responsible, productive citizenship and imbuing them with values common to one democratic society”* These similar phrases were developed by diverse groups of citizens in three communities — Berwyn, Illinois; Chicago; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, respec... more »

Summer enrichment programs prove their value | EdSource Today

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Summer enrichment programs prove their value | EdSource Today: Summer enrichment programs prove their value - by John Fensterwald by John Fensterwald The organizers of a statewide campaign to encourage school districts to offer quality summer enrichment programs have documented gains in learning and growth in social skills that they anticipated would benefit low-income, minority students in their programs. Through its Summer Matters initiative in a dozen communities, the Partnership for Children and Youth has promoted full-day programs that are more like summer camp than tradition... more »

Actually, Failing Our Children Is What’s Unflippingbelieveable « MomsRising Blog

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Actually, Failing Our Children Is What’s Unflippingbelieveable « MomsRising Blog: Actually, Failing Our Children Is What’s Unflippingbelieveable by Bruce Lesley A few weeks ago, Melissa Harris-Perry appeared in a “Lean Forward” promotional ad for MSNBC and said: We have never invested as much in public education as we should have because we’ve always had kind of a private notion of children: Your kid is yours and totally your responsibility. We haven’t had a very collective notion of these are our children. So part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that ... more »

Leave no unwealthy child behind

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Leave no unwealthy child behind: Leave no unwealthy child behind Posted by Valerie Strauss on May 7, 2013 at 4:00 am 5 Comments More [image: unequal]How does growing economic inequality affect student achievement? Here to discuss it is Mike Rose, a highly respected professor at the UCLA Graduate School of Education and Information Studies and author of several books. His latest book is “Back to School: Why Everyone Deserves a Second Chance at Education. By Mike Rose Stanford sociologist Sean Reardon wrote an important opinion piece for The New York Times last week, “No Rich Child Le... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: On the removal of Principal Zoila Garcia from Whittier Dual Language School

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: On the removal of Principal Zoila Garcia from Whittier Dual Language School: On the removal of Principal Zoila Garcia from Whittier Dual Language School by Mike Klonsky Parents, teachers, and community members meet to protest the removal Principal Garcia. (Photo: Un-Official Whittier Dual Language School)To the extended Whittier Dual Language School Family Whittier Dual Language School, under the direction of Zoila Garcia, was visited before she was abruptly removed by PLV Network Chief Steve Zrike, with no input from the LSC or Whittier School Commu... more »

National Teacher Day: Instead of coffee mug or flowers,... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

National Teacher Day: Instead of coffee mug or flowers,... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Get Schooled: National Teacher Day: Instead of coffee mug or flowers, teachers want trust By Maureen Downey I have been inundated with statements and releases on National Teacher Day, which is today. I thought this poll was the most interesting of the stuff sent to me. This is from the National Education Association: As part of this year’s celebration, the National Education Association conducted an online poll, asking teachers, “What do you want for National Teacher Day?” Nearly 1,000 ed... more »

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 5-6-13 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago

*Nite Cap UPDATE* *UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE* ** *CORPORATE ED REFORM* 'Ted Talks Education': A Sneak Peek of Tonight's Television Debut by Emily Richmond TED Talks makes its first foray into television tonight, and the decision to focus on public schools wasn’t a tough call, said Chris Anderson, curator of the nonprofit organization that built its niche showcasing inspirational speakers in a variety of live and online formats. “Re-imagining education is a topic we love at TED because we think figuring it out will be the key to a more hopeful future,” Anderson said. Co-spons... more »

Navy Steals: The Military’s New Interest in STEM Education | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Navy Steals: The Military’s New Interest in STEM Education | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News: Navy Steals: The Military’s New Interest in STEM Education by Danny Weil [image: skeleton]Here is a nice piece of news about the military, Science, Technology, Engineering and Math education that the Obama Department of Education and its kitchen-cabinet, The Lumina Foundation have been pushing for some years. The military industrial complex have been marketing themselves to the little seven and eight year olds for years. http://comdsd.org/arti... more »

On the need for unions and seniority | InterACT

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

On the need for unions and seniority | InterACT: On the need for unions and seniority by David B. Cohen *This blog post was originally composed as a response to a comment by Kelly Amis, but as the post grew, I figured it could hold its own as a blog post.* Thanks for continuing the dialogue, Kelly. I like a good back-and-forth with people who push my thinking. You wrote: “I’m pro-union (for jobs in which people are nearly powerless and easily replaced, like farm or factory workers, I’m just not sure it is helping teaching as a profession).” Regarding unions, I think it’s not only ... more »

Ed Notes Online: NYCDOE Charter Hits Keep Coming on PAVE Favoratism as DOE to Hold Hearing But Won't Tell Anyone Details

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

Ed Notes Online: NYCDOE Charter Hits Keep Coming on PAVE Favoratism as DOE to Hold Hearing But Won't Tell Anyone Details: NYCDOE Charter Hits Keep Coming on PAVE Favoratism as DOE to Hold Hearing But Won't Tell Anyone Details by ed notes online Please note that if you would like the specific amendment to PAVE’s charter, please file a FOIL request with the DOE’s Records Officer. .... Sonia Park, NYC DOE Charter Schools Accountability & Support, 212.374.6883 The hearing is today. Another Tweedie perpetrating another outrage unreported by the semi-useless NYC Press corps. Remembe...more »

The Tennessean’s Inaccurate Editorial | Truth in American Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 22 hours ago

The Tennessean’s Inaccurate Editorial | Truth in American Education: The Tennessean’s Inaccurate Editorial by Shane Vander Hart [image: tennessee state capitol]The editorial board at *The Tennessean* clucks it tongue at parents and citizens who recently showed up to protest the Common Core State Standards being implemented in their state in an editorial yesterday. Apparently Tennessee legislators, parents and citizens are to blindly accept as fact the talking points circulated by those who advocate for the Common Core. They editorial board asks “where have they (the opposition) bee... more »

Buena Vista Michigan Teachers Agree To Work For Free As District Goes Broke

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Buena Vista Michigan Teachers Agree To Work For Free As District Goes Broke: Buena Vista Michigan Teachers Agree To Work For Free As District Goes Broke by Joy Resmovits [image: Buena Vista Michigan] A small school district in Michigan has run out of money to pay its teachers. But the school year isn't over until June 23. The Buena Vista Education Association convened most of its 27 teachers on Monday for what some described as an emotional meeting. They voted to continue teaching, despite learning on Friday that the school district would be unable to pay their salaries starting... more »

Torlakson Notes Contribution of Teachers - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education)

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

Torlakson Notes Contribution of Teachers - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Notes Contribution of Teachers SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson urged Californians to honor teachers during National Teacher Appreciation Week on May 5-11, National Teacher Appreciation Day on May 7, and California Day of the Teacher on May 8. California's Day of the Teacher theme this year is "California Teachers: Honoring our past. Guiding the future." "I believed it when I started my career as an educator, and I'm even more certain ... more »

Major Bill Actions in Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Educational technology and distance education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress: Bill Introduced: H.R.1617 Emergency Jobs to Restore the American Dream Act Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Educational technology and distance education - 12 minutes ago To create an emergency jobs program that will fund 2,242,000 positions during fiscal years 2014 and 2015. Bill Introduced: H.R.1802 Sandra Day O'Connor Civic Learning Act of 2013 Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education programs funding - 3 hours ago To authorize the Secretary of Education to award grants to promote civic ... more »

Arkansas Governor Approves Whole Child Legislation! — Whole Child Education

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Arkansas Governor Approves Whole Child Legislation! — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG [image: Melissa Mellor]Arkansas Governor Approves Whole Child Legislation! May 6, 2013 by Melissa Mellor Arkansas Governor Michael Beebe signed a new bill into law that promotes a whole child approach to educating the state's children. The legislation (PDF) establishes a Whole Child Whole Community recognition program and aims to measure the comprehensive well-being of children and how well stakeholders are meeting their needs according to the five whole child tenets (healthy, safe, en... more »

Diane in the Evening 5-6-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Egg on Faces of Bobby Jindal and John White by dianerav My, how things change in only one year. Last year, Governot Jindal rushed through his legislation to strip teachers of tenure, base 40% of their evaluation on test scores, make all teachers at-will employees, subject to dismissal with one bad rating, and everything else that Jindal and White could dream up to make it hard on teachers. When challenged in court, the law was declared unconstitutional because it covered too Why Carol Burris Is Disappointed b... more »

NYC Educator: Was Cathie Black a Victim of Sexism?

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

NYC Educator: Was Cathie Black a Victim of Sexism?: Was Cathie Black a Victim of Sexism? by NYC Educator With the release of the Cathie Black emails, I'm reading a lot of speculation on how attacks against her were sexist. After all, she is a woman. We didn't know a whole lot more about her at the time of her nomination, other than the fact she had virtually no educational experience, a big plus for Mayor Bloombucks, who apparently met her at the Rich Folks Galas they sipped champagne at. And yet, many spoke of what a brilliant choice it was at the time. Well, hindsight is 20/20, ... more »

Search Delayed for New Memphis Superintendent Until Dirty Work Wrapped Up – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Search Delayed for New Memphis Superintendent Until Dirty Work Wrapped Up – @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Search Delayed for New Memphis Superintendent Until Dirty Work Wrapped Up by Jim Horn *Broad Academy Graduates* All the pieces were in place for the installation of Eli Broad’s choice for the new Shelby County/Memphis superintendent when suddenly someone in the office of the search firm, PROACT, called a time out. Over the next few months, there is plenty of dirty work to be done, and no one at PROACT wants their new Broadie tainted by the anti-public and anti-teach... more »

Bridging Campus and Classroom Divides: The Mutual Benefits of Partnerships | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago

Bridging Campus and Classroom Divides: The Mutual Benefits of Partnerships | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: Bridging Campus and Classroom Divides: The Mutual Benefits of Partnerships by American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education *By Sharon P. Robinson, Ed.D., President and CEO of the **American Association of Colleges for Teacher Education** (AACTE)* AACTE's recent report *The Changing Teacher Preparation Profession: A Report From AACTE's Professional Education Data System (PEDS)* tells of the rapidly shifting work of preparing U.S. teachers. The rep... more »