Latest News and Comment from Education

Monday, April 7, 2014

4-7-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum:








Wilson-Pacific Needs an Auditorium
I don't believe this project is going well. It's interesting because it got roundly defended by Director Carr at last week's Board meeting.  But all the engagement she noted was before it was decided that Pinehurst would be part of the mix.  I almost wonder if the Board feels like the district gave in on that one and so they won't argue about the auditorium.  I also believe that, like the World Sc

Opting Out - Your Story
Ann Dornfeld at KUOW is looking for parents who are considering opting out of testing (or have previously opted out) - looking for insights.206.221.7082 or adornfeld@kuow.orgShe'd like to hear from folks by 3 p.m. if possible.Thanks!Also, to note, there is a new website, Opt Out of State Standardized Tests.  They want to provide information for parents in all states and are looking for volunteers


Teaching and Learning - What's in a School Day?
Reader N suggested these topics to discuss:At my school we have three shared positions and I have a student whose parent is in a shared-position at another school. She agrees as do the teachers at my school that people in shared positions are giving the District time-and-a-half effort for half-time pay. I have no problem with shared positions but I'm looking ahead at how that affects full-time tea


The Brilliant Diane Ravitch and the State of Public Education
From her blog:For the past decade or more, a bevy of very powerful people have savaged our nation’s public schools while calling themselves “reformers.” It is perfectly clear that they have no desire to “reform” our public schools but to privatize and monetize them. The Bush-Obama era of “measure and punish” has not reformed our public schools but has plunged them into unending disruption, demoral
Homework Funnies
Some of these made me laugh out loud.  You have to love kids and their ability to improvise.

Seattle Schools Math Adoption Info
Seattle Public Schools is choosing new K-5 math textbooks for the upcoming 2014-2015 school year, and you have a voice in the decision.The official selection process is being managed by the Math Adoption Committee, their website is here. They have narrowed the field down to three possibilities:Math in Focus - The Singapore Approach pub. Houghton-Mifflin Go Math! pub. Houghton-Mifflin enVision Math
4-6-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Please Vote for Prop 1Why?1) We should not be cutting back on public transportation.  It's just ridiculous when so many people count on it especially to get to work.2) The Times says you should vote no.  That pretty much should be your tip-off to vote Yes.  From The Slog:Their reasoning? Metro should cut more costs before asking for money, and Prop 1, which include