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Thursday, November 19, 2015

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 11/19/15



CORPORATE ED REFORM





Appoints Tom Adams as Deputy Superintendent - Year 2015 (CA Dept of Education)
Appoints Tom Adams as Deputy Superintendent - Year 2015 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Appoints Tom Adams as Deputy Superintendent to Succeed Lupita Cortez AlcaláSACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today announced he is appointing Tom Adams, currently Division Director at the California Department of Education (CDE), as Deputy Superintende
Negotiators Come to Agreement on Revising No Child Left Behind Law - The New York Times
Negotiators Come to Agreement on Revising No Child Left Behind Law - The New York Times: Negotiators Come to Agreement on Revising No Child Left Behind LawStudents taking part in a trial run of a new state assessment in Annapolis, Md., in February. The new test is linked to the Common Core standards, which Maryland adopted in 2010 under the federal No Child Left Behind law. Credit Patrick Semansky
Schools Matter: Doug Martin and Hoosier School Heist at Purdue University
Schools Matter: Doug Martin and Hoosier School Heist at Purdue University: Doug Martin and Hoosier School Heist at Purdue UniversityDoug Martin speaks on his book Hoosier School Heist at the Purdue Social Justice Coalition's November 12, 2015 event entitled “Exposé: The Profit Motive Behind Public Education Reform in Indiana.”   Introduction by Dr. Bill Mullen, a Purdue professor and writer for th
NYC Public School Parents: NY Chief Privacy Officer makes illegal threat to charge parent to access her child's data
NYC Public School Parents: NY Chief Privacy Officer makes illegal threat to charge parent to access her child's data: NY Chief Privacy Officer makes illegal threat to charge parent to access her child's dataThis letter,  sent today to Tina Sciochetti, NYS Chief Interim Privacy Officer, is reprinted with Allison White's permission.  Allison's testimony to the Cuomo Common Core Task Force on the nee
Throw Back Thursday - The Broad Road Show finally comes to Sacramento December 2009
Throw Back Thursday - The Broad Road Show finally comes to Sacramento December 2009Back in 2009 I was attempting to understand what the Corporate Education Reform movement was all about. I was still trying to write about it. A piece I wrote for a local community blog was about KJ and Mr Broad and Stand UP "non-profit" (just another AstroTurf front for the privatizers as it turned out). :
NYC Public School Parents: Yet another unconvincing report on the results of Bloomberg's school closure policies
NYC Public School Parents: Yet another unconvincing report on the results of Bloomberg's school closure policies: Yet another unconvincing report on the results of Bloomberg's school closure policiesYesterday, another dubious report was released by the Research Alliance, claiming better outcomes for students as a result of Bloomberg's draconian school closure policy.  A major problem with the stud
The Return of Korematsu: The Internment of Japanese Americans Still Haunts the United States - The Atlantic
The Internment of Japanese Americans Still Haunts the United States - The Atlantic: The Return of KorematsuSeventy years after the mass internment of Japanese Americans was upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court, the ugly ideas at the core of its decision are resurfacing.Last week’s terrorist attack in Paris provoked a backlash among American politicians against the Obama administration’s plans to reset
Houston’s “Split” Decision to Give Superintendent Grier $98,600 in Bonuses, Pre-Resignation | VAMboozled!
Houston’s “Split” Decision to Give Superintendent Grier $98,600 in Bonuses, Pre-Resignation | VAMboozled!: Houston’s “Split” Decision to Give Superintendent Grier $98,600 in Bonuses, Pre-ResignationStates of attention on this blog, and often of (dis)honorable mention as per their state-level policies bent on value-added models (VAMs), include Florida, New York, Tennessee, and New Mexico. As for a
Inspector seeking more money to conduct audits of LAUSD charters - LA School Report
Inspector seeking more money to conduct audits of LAUSD charters - LA School Report:Inspector seeking more money to conduct audits of LAUSD chartersThe LA Unified’sOffice of Inspector General told a school board committee this week that it needs an additional $570,000 to audit charter schools, according to a recent report.The OIG once had a staff of 83 and is now down to 57, according to Inspector
I Am a Public School Teacher: Give Me All the Refugees You’ve Got! - LA Progressive
I Am a Public School Teacher: Give Me All the Refugees You’ve Got! - LA Progressive: I Am a Public School Teacher: Give Me All the Refugees You’ve Got!Refugees WelcomeCome into my classroom any day of the week and you’ll see refugees.That little Iraqi boy slumped over a book written in Arabic while the rest of the class reads the same story in English. Those twin girls blinking back memories of th
House, Senate ESEA Compromise Sails Through Conference Committee - Politics K-12 - Education Week
House, Senate ESEA Compromise Sails Through Conference Committee - Politics K-12 - Education Week: House, Senate ESEA Compromise Sails Through Conference CommitteeAfter more than a decade, Congress seems to be on the verge of leaving the almost-universally despised No Child Left Behind Act ... well, behind.Lawmakers on the U.S. Senate education committee and more than a dozen House members—amid mu
CURMUDGUCATION: More Evidence That Tests Measure SES
CURMUDGUCATION: More Evidence That Tests Measure SES: More Evidence That Tests Measure SESWant more proof, again, some more, of the connection between socio-economic status and standardized test results? Twitter follower Joseph Robertshaw pointed me at a pair of studies by Randy Hoover, PhD, at the Department of Teacher Education, Beeghly College of Education, Youngstown State University.Hoover is
Closing Failing New York City High Schools Helped Students, Study Finds - WSJ
Closing Failing New York City High Schools Helped Students, Study Finds - WSJ: Closing Failing New York City High Schools Helped Students, Study FindsCritics had said decision to shut dozens of schools would hurt communitiesClosing Failing New York City High Schools Helped Students, Study Finds - WSJ:Just another BS Report Paid For by the PrivatizersFundersThe Research Alliance’s work is made poss
Prop. 98 guarantee could reach $80B by 2020 :: SI&A Cabinet Report :: The Essential Resource for Superintendents and the Cabinet
Prop. 98 guarantee could reach $80B by 2020 :: SI&A Cabinet Report :: The Essential Resource for Superintendents and the Cabinet: Prop. 98 guarantee could reach $80B by 2020(Calif.) The minimum funding guarantee for K-12 schools and community colleges is expected to surge to $77.5 billion by the 2019-20 school year – marking a five-year cycle of increases that will total more than $14 billion,
FairTest’s “Testing Reform Victories 2015” Report: The uprising against the testocracy takes off! | I AM AN EDUCATOR
FairTest’s “Testing Reform Victories 2015” Report: The uprising against the testocracy takes off! | I AM AN EDUCATOR: FairTest’s “Testing Reform Victories 2015” Report: The uprising against the testocracy takes off!The National Center for Fair & Open Testing, know as FairTest, just released its wonderfulreport on the immense growth around the country of the movement in opposition to the abuses
Yes, Hillary Clinton supports charter schools. She also supports equity and inclusion. — Medium
Yes, Hillary Clinton supports charter schools. She also supports equity and inclusion. — Medium: Yes, Hillary Clinton supports charter schools. She also supports equity and inclusion.Hillary’s recent comments about charter school equity and inclusion have sparked a conversation about America’s public schools. It’s an important debate — one we should be having — for our kids’ futures and for our co
Congress blasts U.S. Education Department for vulnerabilities in data bases - The Washington Post
Congress blasts U.S. Education Department for vulnerabilities in data bases - The Washington Post: Congress blasts U.S. Education Department for vulnerabilities in data basesThe U.S. Education Department came under withering criticism — from Republicans and Democrats — at a House oversight hearing about just how vulnerable its information systems are to security threats.Lawmakers at the hearing, h
What Education Policy Makers Can Learn From A ‘Failing School’ - Education Opportunity Network
Education Opportunity Network: What Education Policy Makers Can Learn From A ‘Failing School’“How can someone make a decision about a school they’ve never even walked into?”That question is at the heart of Kristina Rizga’s terrific new book Mission High: One school, how experts tried to fail it, and the students and teachers who made it triumph.Rizga uses her considerable journalistic skills—honed
Youngstown Legislators Engage Community to Push Back Against Youngstown Takeover | janresseger
Youngstown Legislators Engage Community to Push Back Against Youngstown Takeover | janresseger: Youngstown Legislators Engage Community to Push Back Against Youngstown TakeoverSenator Joe Schiavoni, Ohio’s Senate Minority Leader, and State Representative Michele Lepore-Hagan spent the summer holding community meetings throughout Youngstown, Ohio to develop strategies to amend the Ohio legislature’
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Former CPS liar-in-chief, leaves Rahm's Super PAC to start her own biz.
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Former CPS liar-in-chief, leaves Rahm's Super PAC to start her own biz.: Former CPS liar-in-chief, leaves Rahm's Super PAC to start her own biz."She will be a real asset to those that work with her", says Michael Sacks, CEO of Grosvenor Capital Management . --Crain'sBecky Carroll, served as J.C. Brizard's andByrd-Bennett's liar-in-chief at CPS before moving
What Will It Take to Build a Democratic Movement? - Bridging Differences - Education Week
What Will It Take to Build a Democratic Movement? - Bridging Differences - Education Week: What Will It Take to Build a Democratic Movement?Deborah Meier continues her conversation with Harry Boyte. To read their full exchange, please visit here.Dear Harry and friends,Yes, yes, yes, Harry. You ask: What's it all about—given the number of years that the young must spend in school and the money taxp
Perdido Street School: Campbell Brown Surfaces In Dean/Adam Skelos Corruption Case Wiretaps
Perdido Street School: Campbell Brown Surfaces In Dean/Adam Skelos Corruption Case Wiretaps: Campbell Brown Surfaces In Dean/Adam Skelos Corruption Case WiretapsFrom the Politico NY morning email update on education:SURPRISE GUEST IN THE DEAN SKELOS TAPES: CAMPBELL BROWN: From phone call between Adam and Dean Skelos Dec. 14. 2014:  “AS: What are you up to?  DS: Um going into the city. Meeting with
Connecticut's Democratic Legislative Leaders call for suspending elections to save money... - Wait What?
Connecticut's Democratic Legislative Leaders call for suspending elections to save money... - Wait What?: Connecticut’s Democratic Legislative Leaders call for suspending elections to save money…Well, their proposal is pretty damn close to that…Earlier this week, the Democratic leaders of the Connecticut General Assembly proposed suspending Connecticut’s public financing system, thereby allowing l
For Millions of Kids, After-School Programs Light the Way | Ben Paul
For Millions of Kids, After-School Programs Light the Way | Ben Paul: For Millions of Kids, After-School Programs Light the WayFor millions of children, the bell at the end of school only signals a pause in their daily education. In after-school programs around the country, millions of children close their textbooks and put away their pencils, but instead of going home, they build robots, practice
41 years. $3 billion. Inside the Clinton donor network. - Washington Post
41 years. $3 billion. Inside the Clinton donor network. - Washington Post: 41 years. $3 billion. Inside the Clinton donor networkA Washington Post investigation reveals how Bill and Hillary Clinton have methodically cultivated donors over 40 years, from Little Rock to Washington and then across the globe. Their fundraising methods have created a new blueprint for politicians and their donors.Today
Here's what parents have to say about union efforts at Alliance charter schools - LA Times
Here's what parents have to say about union efforts at Alliance charter schools - LA Times: Here's what parents have to say about union efforts at Alliance charter schoolsGabriela Garcia joins other parents and teachers at a news conference to protest what they said was pressure from Alliance College-Ready Public Schools to take a stand against teacher unionization. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles
Report: Time spent on standardized testing in schools is underestimated - The Washington Post
Report: Time spent on standardized testing in schools is underestimated - The Washington Post: Report: Time spent on standardized testing in schools is underestimatedA new report finds that the amount of time estimated that students spend on standardized testing in New York State is underestimated.The report (see below) was done by Robin Jacobowitz and Kt Tobin of The Benjamin Center for Public Po
Bennet selected to committee overhauling K-12 education bill
The Durango Herald 11/18/2015 | Bennet selected to committee overhauling K-12 education bill: Bennet selected to committee overhauling K-12 education billJoint House-Senate conference committee working to reconcile legislative differencesWASHINGTON – U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet, D-Colo., has been named a member of the joint House and Senate conference committee tasked with reauthorizing and fixing th
Our Own Private Disaster - Terrible Schools Are Great for Business | Boston Review
Our Own Private Disaster | Boston Review: Our Own Private Disaster Terrible Schools Are Great for BusinessInterior of Israel M. Augustine Middle School showing damage from Hurricane Katrina. Like many of New Orleans's former public schools, the building remains derelict and abandoned since the storm. Photo: shkizzleThe Inevitable City: Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans, and 10 Principles of Crisis Le
Does It Pay To Pay Teachers $100,000? : NPR Ed : NPR
Does It Pay To Pay Teachers $100,000? : NPR Ed : NPR: Does It Pay To Pay Teachers $100,000?We're brought up to believe our teachers are modern-day saints.Just look at how we portray them in the movies and on TV. From Dead Poets Society's iconic Mr. Keating to resourceful LouAnne Johnson in Dangerous Minds, we reinforce time and again that teaching is a noble calling.These teachers are heroes, we'r

YESTERDAY

Is homelessness among U.S. kids declining, or surging? It depends on who you ask. - The Washington Post
Is homelessness among U.S. kids declining, or surging? It depends on who you ask. - The Washington Post: Is homelessness among U.S. kids declining, or surging? It depends on who you ask.Sierra Oliver, age 2, eats in the lobby at the Days Inn motel in Washington in July 2015. She and her family were homeless and living in the motel as a temporary shelter. (Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post)
Curriculum materials a sticking point in Common Core implementation | EdSource
Curriculum materials a sticking point in Common Core implementation | EdSource: Curriculum materials a sticking point in Common Core implementationDuring the five years since California adopted the Common Core State Standards for mathematics and English language arts, the search for high-quality textbooks and curriculum materials has been a sticking point, in some cases the major one, in effective
Charter school supporters raise concerns about impact on LAUSD | 89.3 KPCC
Charter school supporters raise concerns about impact on LAUSD | 89.3 KPCC: Charter school supporters raise concerns about impact on LAUSD Heads of three large California nonprofits that support charter schools called this week for careful consideration of a plan for a major expansion of charters and its impact on the Los Angeles Unified School District.In a letter Tuesday to LAUSD, its teachers u
Choosing Democracy: Friedrichs v California CTA #WORKTOGETHER
Choosing Democracy: Friedrichs v California CTA: Friedrichs v California CTAChoosing Democracy: Friedrichs v California CTA:
U.S. Department of Education: Information Security Review - United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
U.S. Department of Education: Information Security Review - United States House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION: INFORMATION SECURITY REVIEWFull House Committee on Oversight and Government ReformHEARING DATE: NOVEMBER 17, 2015 10:00 AM 2154 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDINGTAKEAWAYS:• The Department of Education (DoEd) has at least 139 million unique social s
ESEA Reauthorization: What’s in the Box? | deutsch29
ESEA Reauthorization: What’s in the Box? | deutsch29: ESEA Reauthorization: What’s in the Box?In July 2015, I read that Senator Lamar Alexander expected to have the next version of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) completed by December 2015.It looks like he will accomplish that goal. Here’s how:In July 2015, both House and Senate passed bills to reauthorize the Elementary and Seco
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 11/18/15
CORPORATE ED REFORMWhat happens when magnet school suddenly drops admission criteria? | Philadelphia Public School NotebookWhat happens when magnet school suddenly drops admission criteria? | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: What happens when magnet school suddenly drops admission criteria?Hill-Freedman parent Sabrina Townsend speaks with Superintendent William Hite after Tuesday's hearing.For