Brute Fact
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On a regular cycle, the moon in various phases is visible in the morning.
Each day, when I observe it upon waking, it is in a different place, then
trace...
What do teenagers need from their parents?
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Parenting teens requires a careful balance of monitored freedom, according
to Professor of Human Development and Family Studies Greg Fosco
Peer-Reviewe...
Public Schools Form Democratic Citizens
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Constitutional Scholar Derek W. Black believes courts should consider
public schools’ historic purpose as they protect students’ freedom of
speech. In an a...
Has Your Teen Tried TalkSpace?
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This offering from the City of Seattle and SPS recently came onto my radar
and I don't know how I missed it.
I do want to do a complete post on all the...
TX: More Ten Commandments Baloney
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Texas was one more state passing a law to mandate the display of the
state-approved version of the Ten Commandments. That law was challenged,
and U.S. Dist...
TX: More Ten Commandments Baloney
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Texas was one more state passing a law to mandate the display of the
state-approved version of the Ten Commandments. That law was challenged,
and U.S. Di...
Trump, King George, and the Failure of Recognition
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My Dartmouth classmate, the distinguished actor Steve Macht, recently
shared this thoughtful analysis with his classmates. After reading it, I
asked Steve ...
Rosenberg Fund for Children
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I went to visit my mom. April 6 – April 11. We went to a lot of doctor’s
appointments. That was hard. But we had a lot of time to chat. She was
happy I vis...
No Need Rushing for AI in Education
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By Thomas Ultican 4/20/2026 School districts throughout America are being
pushed to spend huge dollars to implement artificial intelligence (AI).
This Sili...
I Want You to March With Me This May Day
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I invite you to march with me this May Day, then organize to win elections
and protect our right to vote. Together, we can prove the power of
organized peo...
Let’s Pay Teachers Overtime
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The title of the article made me laugh out loud: Should Teachers Get
Overtime? Subtitle: EdWeek Readers have some thoughts. I’ll bet they do.
Fortunately, ...
Reading Crisis and Legislation: April 2026 Updates
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"[E]xperts say requiring those students to repeat grades creates short-term
improvements and long-term negative effects that carry into adulthood."
Alexia ...
We need your help..please read
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I am asking your assistance to help my Pastor. I live in the Adirondacks in
New York State and there is a severe shortage of priests up here. So help
on th...
Stop the Charter School Cash Grab
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NPE celebrates Women's History month by highlighting the accomplishments of
10 inspiring women from Jane Addams to Ida B. Wells to Christa McAuliffe.
The...
Around The Web In ESL/EFL/ELL
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Eight years ago I began this regular feature where I share a few posts and
resources from around the Web related to ESL/EFL or to language in general
that ...
Follow the Flow
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“If there is one class of person I have never quite trusted, it is a man
who knows no doubt.” ― Geraldine Brooks I’ve picked up a new hobby
recently. Adm...
Reflections on America, the world, and life
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I acknowledge that I rarely post here anymore. Folks should remember that I
am approaching my 80th birthday in less than 9 weeks, I am still teaching
ful...
March’s Parent Engagement Resources
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Better pay, more respect, clearer job description: Here’s what parent
coordinators want Mamdani to know. is from Chalkbeat. Family Engagement
Matters is fr...
Margie Lopez-Waite Out As CEO Of ASPIRA
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In a letter sent to parents, students, and staff members, the board of Las
Americas ASPIRA Academy announced that effective yesterday, 3/23/2026,
Margie Lo...
Donald Trump and the Triumph of Narcissism
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Although I am neither an historian nor a psychologist, I know enough
American history to know that Trump’s demand that Greenland capitulate to
his desire...
Shutting Down The Site
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Ten years ago, I ran for a seat on the LAUSD School Board of Education with
the goal to *Change the LAUSD*.
I am proud of the campaign we ran. We achieve...
A colleague looks back at 2025
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Forwarded this email? Subscribe here for more I get knocked down But I get
up again BETSY WOLF DEC 31READ IN APP I’ve been quiet for most of 2025.
Much of ...
The Company You Keep
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Even though the filing period for the 2026 elections isn't until April,
let's all pay close attention. The candidates lining up to run will tell
you more a...
This Is What Democracy Looks Like
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The polls for Prop 50, CA’s ballot initiative that counters MAGA’s illegal
gerry-mandering in Texas, opened Tuesday, November 4, 2025,…
The post This Is ...
Blogoversary #19 — Time to Move on
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Times have changed. I had a nice long run here, but let’s face it, it ended
a while ago. So I’ve moved. I’m not writing much any more, but when I do it
wil...
Il Papa è Morto
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Francis brought a distinct pastoral outlook to his papacy. A simple man, he
lived in a small apartment in the guesthouse. He sought to make the church
acce...
Mike Shulman the ARISE UFT Judenrat
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I was surprised to learn that Mike Shulman has aligned himself with ARISE.
I previously supported him, advocating that the Castle Doctrine could have
bee...
How Do We Fight Trump?
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Dear Friends, I don’t know when and why it hit me. But I suddenly realized
how serious Trump is about changing the country into something that
horrifies. I...
AIN’T IT AWFUL
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As the terrible feelings of dread and angst spread across the world the
great majority of the American people feel powerless before the onslaught
of those ...
Vote NO on the UFT Contract. Here is Why:
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The best reason to vote no on this contract is this: UFT Unity* lied* to us
in 2018. They misrepresented that contract. It was predicated on deals we
wer...
Testimony to the CPS Truancy Task Force
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I prepared testimony for one of two public hearings held by the Chicago
Public Schools Truancy Task Force, a body mandated by state legislation.
The meetin...
There Is A Teacher Shortage.Not.
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THERE IS A TEACHER SHORTAGE. And just to be sure you understand, it’s not
that teachers don’t want to teach. It’s not that there aren’t enough
teachers cer...
Book Banning Turns to Dick and Jane
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Breaking News: Dateline February 4, 2022 - Parents in Dimwitty, Alabama
have asked the Dimwitty Board of Education to ban the children's primer *Fun
with...
Have You Heard Has a New Website
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TweetHave You Heard has a new website. Visit us at
www.haveyouheardpodcast.com to find our latest episodes and our entire
archive. And be sure to check out...
Follow me at Substack
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I've moved. Follow me at Substack
I'm now posting regularly at Substack. You can subscribe for free to my new
Edu/Pol blog at michaelklonsky.substack.com
...
I’ve moved.
-
I’m on Substack now. You can continue to receive periodic posts for free.
Or you can read every post and comment for $5 a month, $60 a year.
fredklonsky.su...
Aspiring Teachers Get New Help Paying For College
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[image: colorful classroom pattern]
*; Credit: shuoshu/Getty Images*
Cory Turner | NPR
New rules kick in today that will help aspiring teachers pay for c...
Tips Akses Situs Judi Qq Tanpa Perlu Takut Nawala
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Kegiatan berjudi slot melalui situs judi qq online, sekarang sudah
dilakukan oleh banyak penjudi Indonesia. Tentu, Kamu yang sedang membaca
artikel ini a...
The Threat of Integration
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I have lived in the same house in the Miracle Mile section of Los Angeles
for over 30 years, where up until now I have had little or no interaction
with th...
We fight for a democracy worthy of us all!
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The nation stands at a crossroads, said NEA President Lily Eskelsen GarcÃa
in her final keynote address to the 2020 NEA Representative Assembly and
it’s up...
The Passing Of Chaz 1951-2020 Age 69
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I am the son of Chaz and like to inform you that he passed away this
afternoon from the COVID virus. My father passed in peace beside his loved
ones. We ar...
The Fight For Our Children
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*The number of suicides among people ages 10 to 24 nationally increased by
56 percent between 2007 and 2017, according to a new federal report showing
the ...
Read to Self: Just a Kid and a Book.
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Date: Monday, January 5, 2020 Place: My classroom Student: Mrs.Mims, could
we start doing Read to Self again because I got this great book for
Christmas an...
Reminiscences
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I just finished dumping the rest of my lesson plans. I guess I held on to
the calculus ones for so long because I spent so much time working on them
an...
Just Asking for some Teachers I know.
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Recently Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers stated, We must … recognize that
part of supporting our kids in the classroom means supporting the educators
who t...
Cara Menang Bermain Judi Bola Online
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Bermain judi bola online tentu saja memiliki kesenangannya tersendiri baik
itu mendapatkan keuntungan maupun ketika menantikan hasil skor pada sebuah
perta...
A Critique of Standards-Based Grading
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It first happened to me about ten years ago. I was beginning my third year
of teaching in a new school in Washington, DC. Social studies teachers were
si...
Reduced time for testing? Not so fast.
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NYSED and Commish Elia continue to say that the NYS Assessments are of
reasonable length, I completely disagree.
Here is what NYSED states are average expe...
The World According to Michelle Rhee
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The men behind the curtain fashioning the brave new world of corporate run
education in America! Michelle Rhee is the founder of StudentsFirst, The
New T...
Whose Opinions Matter in Education World?
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It's hard to identify education heroes and sheroes. And perhaps even harder
to pinpoint just whose work is slanted, paid-for and dishonest.
New Local Businesses in Sacramento
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Starting a new local business in Sacramento is a monumental task, but can
be accomplished with footwork, perseverance and knowledge. One must learn
the loc...
Lesson Plan: Rhyme and Rhythm in Poetry
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I’ve started a recent unit on poetry with my class. I’m not a poet, and I’m
not a poetry fan (I don’t hate it, but I’m a prose gal), so this makes it
harde...
The Apotheosis of Betsy DeVos
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Betsy Devos has drawn few headlines in recent months, and that is a good
thing for the Secretary of Education. Her tenure began with Vice President
Mike P...
Education Is a Civic Question
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In their final post to end Bridging Differences' decade-long run, Deborah
Meier and Harry Boyte urge readers to put the energy, talents, wisdom, and
hard w...
Site News: New Home for Education News & Commentary
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Quick! Get over there! The daily education news roundup and education
commentaries that you're probably looking for are now being published over
at The Gra...
Should We Be Grateful?
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In an odd turn of events, and with little explanation, Michigan Governor
Rick Snyder has decided to return the state’s School Reform Office back to
the Dep...
An Open Letter to NC Lawmakers
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An Open Letter to NC State Lawmakers and NC State Superintendent Mark
Johnson: I am a NC native, voter, and public school teacher. I am
addressing you all ...
The Secret to Fixing Schools (My Next Bestseller)
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The Secret to Fixing Schools (My next bestseller) Prologue I just finished
watching a fascinating documentary on Netflix entitled, “The Secret”. The
film p...
Farewell, Sleep
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Today is the official last day of my spring break. I've done a scientific
survey: My natural bedtime is 2 AM, and my natural wake up time is 9:41
AM. Tom...
REPORT: States With the Best and Worst Schools
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States With the Best (and Worst)Schools
By *Evan Comen, Michael B. Sauter, Samuel Stebbins and Thomas C. Frohlich*
January 20, 2017- http://247wallst.com
...
Test Refusal = People Power
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In recent months, social media has been ablaze with talk of regular folk
taking action to resist the Trump agenda. Protests are a daily occurrence,
and ev...
Random Musings and Observations. . . .
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I’ve been gone a while from the blogging scene. Some of my more regular
readers no doubt noticed but did not hassle me about it. Thank you for
that. Sinc...
AB 934: A LEGISLATIVE FIX FOR VERGARA?
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By Michael Stratford | in the Politco Morning Education Report | via email
05/24/2016 10:00 AM EDT :: Two national education groups are backing a
Califor...
MY NEW BLOG
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My new blog will consist of fictitious headlines, meant to be a blend of
humor and satire. I apologize ahead of time if any other satirical site has
simila...
Thank you
-
Dear Readers,
Thank you for visiting *The Perimeter Primate*. This blog is being retired
for the time being. Although I no longer post here, I do still s...
I am Retiring
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I have some news: I am retiring from the PBS NewsHour and Learning Matters.
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other
conte...
New Beginnings: Kickstarter and EdWeek Teacher
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Greetings to InterACT readers one and all! If you’ve been following posts
here recently you might recall that I’m moving my blogging activity to
other loca...
Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School
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*“With Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School closing, Newark families must
move on.”* The Star-Ledger (NJ), 6/25/2013
NEWARK — Bobby and Troy Shanks saw the...
Civic Learning Award For CA Public Schools - Initiatives & Programs (CA Dept of Education) : Civic Learning Award For CA Public Schools Recognizing the important role of public schools in preparing students for participation in our democracy. What's New The application deadline for the 2016-17 Civic Learning Award for Public Schools is now open. Applications are due on January 9, 2017. A comm
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The Tribune's so-called 'Schoolchildren's Bill of Rights' : The Tribune's so-called 'Schoolchildren's Bill of Rights' Created with consent of the governed. Chicago Tribune editors are calling for a "Schoolchild's Bill of Rights." As anyone familiar with the Trib might guess, Sunday's editorial has little to do with schoolchildren or their rights--except, t
The Network for Public Education Action and Seattle Education endorse Barbara A. Madsen for the Supreme Court of the State of Washington | Seattle Education : The Network for Public Education Action and Seattle Education endorse Barbara A. Madsen for the Supreme Court of the State of Washington WA State Supreme Court Judge Barbara Madsen The Network for Public Education Action is proud to announc
Making Education Great Again - a rally in the Valley : "Making education great again!" Oh, edu-friends! Sometimes I can hardly keep a straight face at the forces trying to destroy public education. So, this time, I didn't even try. I hope you'll laugh, too I wish you could have been in LA LA Land with me last weekend! I made a video for you in case you missed the charter rally in the va
“It matters to me who becomes the next U.S. Education Secretary…” – Cloaking Inequity : “It matters to me who becomes the next U.S. Education Secretary…” Will I see you in New York next week? I’ll be trekking to the East Coast for a day to attend the Journey for Justice conference at SUNY Old Westbury. After the conference at SUNY, thousands are expected to demonstrate at the Sept. 26th president
Thanks Gov. Snyder: Mother of Four Scammed in Flint Water Disaster FLINT WOMAN Scammed: Mother of 4, Tammy Loren has only a few years to live because of Flint's water disaster. Governor Snyder switched the source of tap water for Flint residents to the polluted Flint River, which caused many citizens to become ill. But, that didn't stop one company from tricking Tammy Loren to promote their water
CURMUDGUCATION: USED, Pay for Success and Stupid Pre-K Plans : USED, Pay for Success and Stupid Pre-K Plans The United States Department of (Privatizing) education is touting another boneheaded idea , this time aimed at preschool and using yet one more unproven approach-- pay for success. What is that, exactly? Here's the explanation from the USED FAQ page : Pay for success (PFS) is an innovative
Students have the right to demand receipts for pledging allegiance - The Hechinger Report : Students have the right to demand receipts for pledging allegiance Don’t blame high school football players for desecrating our secular religion Colin Kaepernick #7 and Eric Reid #35 of the San Francisco 49ers kneel in protest during the national anthem prior to playing the Los Angeles Rams in their NFL ga
Equity gap in California: what the new test scores tell us | EdSource : Equity gap in California: what the new test scores tell us Linda Darling-Hammond Leib Sutcher When the new Smarter Balanced test scores (part of California’s new assessment system known as CAASPP ) came out last month, Californians engaged in what is now a time-honored routine — noting that scores inched up but large equity g
Louisiana Educator: Louisiana Accountability System Changes to Reflect Political Goals : Louisiana Accountability System Changes to Reflect Political Goals Note to Readers: The following post by Herb Bassett traces the history of test-based accountability in Louisiana from 1999 to the present. Mr Bassett's analysis demonstrates that the grading and ranking of our schools and teachers based on stu
U.S. Department of Education Finally Begins to Regulate Charters: Thank You Sen. Sherrod Brown | janresseger : U.S. Department of Education Finally Begins to Regulate Charters: Thank You Sen. Sherrod Brown Charter Schools are defined by their freedom from regulation and oversight, but that freedom has been so regularly abused by unscrupulous operators that it seems the U.S. Department of Educatio
Teaching Advanced Placement Composition: Technology Integration | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice : Teaching Advanced Placement Composition: Technology Integration Room 409 at Los Altos High School in the south San Francisco Bay area is one of the most spacious for an academic subject —nearly the size of two regular classrooms–I have ever seen in the many schools I have visite
Business groups warn Regents on Common Core | Crain's New York Business : Business groups warn Regents on Common Core Opponents of tougher education standards cannot be placated, so state education officials should not bother trying, a letter to the Board of Regents argues As the state Board of Regents prepares to tweak New York's version of Common Core, business groups and other supporters of th
Audio: Envisioning a 'leaner' LA Unified HQ, superintendent asks for plan to cut central office by 30 percent | 89.3 KPCC : Envisioning a 'leaner' LA Unified HQ, superintendent asks for plan to cut central office by 30 percent Superintendent Michelle King has asked managers in the Los Angeles Unified School District's central offices to submit plans outlining how they would slash their department
Schools Matter: Understanding KIPP Model Charter Schools: Part 9 (TFA) : Understanding KIPP Model Charter Schools: Part 9 (TFA) Teacher attrition is high enough that "No Excuses" charter schools could not keep their doors open without a constant infusion of new blood from Teach for America and penal preparation programs like Relay . In the chapter below from Work Hard, Be Hard . . . con
Special Ed. Irony: CT Gov. Malloy and Judge Thomas G. Moukawsher : Special Ed. Irony: CT Gov. Malloy and Judge Thomas G. Moukawsher In every state we see an erasing of services for students with disabilities. Consider how Texas managed to omit an appropriate education for students with special needs . My guess is that in whatever state you live, special education is in trouble. How many children
No grammar schools, lots of play: the secrets of Europe’s top education system | Education | The Guardian : No grammar schools, lots of play: the secrets of Europe’s top education system In Finland children don’t start school until they are seven, but what happens before that is even more important Gaining on the swings: Franzenia daycare centre, Helsinki, where the emphasis is on creative play.
As if being 12-years-old wasn't hard enough, a new study confirms many schools make it even harder because of the theory of top dog, bottom dog — Quartz : As if being 12-years-old wasn’t hard enough, a new study confirms many schools make it even harder The transition from elementary school at about age 11, to middle school, is notoriously hard, and researchers have documented that a lot of kids
What rights does a disabled child have at school? : What rights does a disabled child have at school? Lyle Denniston, Constitution Daily’s Supreme Court correspondent, looks at a case under consideration for the Supreme Court that could clarify national educational standards for disabled children in the public school system. Over a period of more than four decades, the national government has mov
White House Looks to Battle Sexual Trauma in K-12 Schools | US News : Battling Sexual Trauma in K-12 Schools As researchers study why girls of color are disproportionately suspended, one issue stands out: sexual trauma. Her mother had just dropped her off at school when second-grader Irma Lopez turned to see law enforcement agents take her into custody for having expired immigration documents – a
Will school libraries soon be gone? : Will school libraries soon be gone? Teachers and librarians from across the state gathered in Howell Township over the weekend to discuss how to advocate funding for a new legislation that could affect the future of school libraries. Over the past 15 years, school libraries have suffered due to the No Child Left Behind Act. School library funding was left out
Want to be able to buy a house in California? Don’t become a teacher. - The Washington Post : Want to be able to buy a house in California? Don’t become a teacher. Teachers’ salaries have been rising in California, but not nearly fast enough to keep up with soaring housing prices, according to a new analysis that could shed some light on one reason why the Golden State is having trouble finding e
Michigan teachers demoralized, union survey says : Michigan teachers demoralized, union survey says A first-time combined survey by the state’s two teachers unions reveals widespread disappointment, demoralization and discontent among their members. The results were consistent from Detroit to Grand Rapids and the Upper Peninsula. The presidents of AFT Michigan and the Michigan Education Associati
Livermore charter schools, school district trade barbs over rumors : Livermore charter schools, school district battle over rumors LIVERMORE — The Tri-Valley Learning Corp. and the Livermore school district have begun a back-and-forth battle as each claims the other is spreading false rumors. Earlier this month, TVLC, via its Menlo Park-based Procopio law firm, sent a cease-and-desist order to th
Why The NAACP Moratorium On Charters Really Matters To Our Public Schools | Huffington Post : Why The NAACP Moratorium On Charters Really Matters To Our Public Schools While one might be tempted to laugh off Donald Trump’s recent efforts to craft a “ Civil Rights Agenda ,” his labors punctuate a long history of attempted appropriation. Politicians and others have tried to assume the mantle of the
Trump Selects Two People for His Education Transition Team | deutsch29 : Trump Selects Two People for His Education Transition Team According to a September 19, 2016, article written by Andrew Ujifusa of Education Week , according to “multiple sources,” Donald Trump has two individuals in line to lead his transition team in education if Trump becomes president. The first is Williamson “Bill” Ever
The Bridgegate trial’s six biggest shockers | : The Bridgegate trial’s six biggest shockers Political corruption trials—even those with high-profile defendants—rarely produce genuine surprises. But the opening day of the Bridgegate trial generated at least a half-dozen shockers, some of which may change both the political landscape and similar trials in New Jersey for a long time to come. Here’s
Audio: Court rejects California teacher evaluation lawsuit | 89.3 KPCC : Audio: Court rejects California teacher evaluation lawsuit AGAIN On Monday Northern California Judge Barry Goode denied the claims in the Doe v. Antioch Unified lawsuit – the second legal setback in recent months to education advocates who believe ineffective teacher have too many job protections. Lawyers who filed the suit
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 9/19/16 Featured Post After court threat, Fearless Leader removed Flint's power to sue Tom Torlakson Honors Latino Heritage Month - Year 2016 (CA Dept of Education) by mike simpson /