Latest News and Comment from Education

Saturday, October 27, 2018

Top Posts This Week 10/27/18 #VOTE



Top Posts This Week 10/27/18 #VOTE



NPE Action - Political Endorsements - http://npeaction.org/ on @NPEaction

Posts This Week 10/27/18

TODAY



The Dangers of SEL Assessment Data to Students with LD Social Disabilities and Autism

The Dangers of SEL Assessment Data to Students with LD Social Disabilities and Autism The Dangers of SEL Assessment Data to Students with LD Social Disabilities and Autism Today, I would like to bring attention to the dangers of social-emotional learning assessment to a segment of our student population. The focus on behavior is becoming the new purpose of school, and that alone should raise ques
There’s only one education champion in Wisconsin’s race for governor - Education Votes

There’s only one education champion in Wisconsin’s race for governor - Education Votes There’s only one education champion in Wisconsin’s race for governor Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker has taken to calling himself a “pro-education governor”—a laughable claim to educators in the state. Here are just a few reasons to question Walker’s commitment to education: During Gov. Walker’s first five years, h
Dana Goldstein: After Teacher Walkouts, Arizona Republicans Jostle Onto Education Platform - The New York Times

After Teacher Walkouts, Arizona Republicans Jostle Onto Education Platform - The New York Times After Teacher Walkouts, Arizona Republicans Jostle Onto Education Platform PHOENIX — Campaign signs are clustered on street corners and highway ramps across this low-slung, sun-baked city, proclaiming “#YesforEd” and “Protect Public Education.” In TV commercials, the Republican governor promises to “pu

YESTERDAY

Dear Non-Voters, Your Country Needs You | gadflyonthewallblog

Dear Non-Voters, Your Country Needs You | gadflyonthewallblog Dear Non-Voters, Your Country Needs You Four in 10 Americans who were eligible to vote in 2016 didn’t do so. That’s some 92 million U.S. Citizens . These people weren’t purged from the polls. They weren’t barred from voting. They just didn’t bother. So, the way I see it, the responsibility for President Donald Trump rests with you. The
Examining the myth of accountability, high-stakes testing and the achievement gap | Cloaking Inequity

Examining the myth of accountability, high-stakes testing and the achievement gap | Cloaking Inequity EXAMINING THE MYTH OF ACCOUNTABILITY, HIGH-STAKES TESTING AND THE ACHIEVEMENT GAP We are proud to announce a new peer-reviewed paper entitled Examining the myth of accountability, high-stakes testing and the achievement gap In this article, we outline how notions of accountability and the achieve
My Reflections on the Fifth Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education in Indianapolis | Diane Ravitch's blog

My Reflections on the Fifth Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education in Indianapolis | Diane Ravitch's blog My Reflections on the Fifth Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education in Indianapolis I have waited a few days to digest the exciting events of last weekend. My first thought is: I wish you had been there. You would have seen teachers, parents, school board members,
Understanding the Propaganda Campaign Against Public Education | HuffPost

Understanding the Propaganda Campaign Against Public Education | HuffPost Understanding the Propaganda Campaign Against Public Education There is no evidence from any other nation that replacing a public system with a privatized choice system produces anything but social, economic, and racial segregation. A few years ago, when I was blogging at Education Week with Deborah Meier, a reader introduc
Advocates for Public Schools Have Good Reasons to Keep on Fighting Against Privatization and Corporate Reform | janresseger

Advocates for Public Schools Have Good Reasons to Keep on Fighting Against Privatization and Corporate Reform | janresseger Advocates for Public Schools Have Good Reasons to Keep on Fighting Against Privatization and Corporate Reform I was privileged to participate in the 5th Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education (NPE) in Indianapolis last weekend. This will be the last of a serie
Arranging Classroom Furniture: A Glimpse into How Teachers Teach | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

Arranging Classroom Furniture: A Glimpse into How Teachers Teach | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice Arranging Classroom Furniture: A Glimpse into How Teachers Teach How teachers arrange the furniture in classrooms gives a peek into how teachers teach. Look at these photos taken last year of elementary and secondary classrooms that have different furniture arrangements. Note the
A Reminder About Teaching Students Math in NYC (And Beyond) | The Jose Vilson

A Reminder About Teaching Students Math in NYC (And Beyond) | The Jose Vilson A REMINDER ABOUT TEACHING STUDENTS MATH IN NYC (AND BEYOND) “So what you’re saying is that the statement at the top of this paper is for me to prove using these equations?” I nod. “OK, but I don’t get what f and g actually do. That’s making like no sense.” [scribbles a bunch of notes on a board and, over the course of f
Indy Voters: Here’s Your Chance to Oust an Ed-Reform School Board Incumbent. | deutsch29

Indy Voters: Here’s Your Chance to Oust an Ed-Reform School Board Incumbent. | deutsch29 Indy Voters: Here’s Your Chance to Oust an Ed-Reform School Board Incumbent. When it comes to killing traditional public education in favor of market-based ed reform models that remove the community control from its own schools, market-based ed reformers means business– and the public would do best to believe

OCT 25

ISTA and Stand for Children. For or Against? – Live Long and Prosper

ISTA and Stand for Children. For or Against? – Live Long and Prosper ISTA and Stand for Children. For or Against? WAITING FOR AN ANSWER In my last post I wrote that ISTA was “joining” with Stand for Children (SFC) to work for more state funding for education. At least that’s what I think they meant when they said , ISTA is reaching out to a broad number of groups to help achieve increased school
Anna Molander for School Board

Anna Molander for School Board Anna Molander for School Board Time-tested and ready to go — on day one. It’s time Sacramento City School Board knuckled down and genuinely dealt with the budget. As a parent/advocate, I have been deeply engaged in district issues and aggressively pushed back when board decisions weren’t good for families. I helped lead a collaborative effort to mitigate the negativ
We Discover Outstanding Candidates That Support Our Public Schools - NPE Action Endorsements - NPE Action

Endorsements - NPE Action NPE Action Endorsements When we discover outstanding candidates that support our issues, and it is a race that we are able to support, we endorse. Candidates must complete a questionnaire and have the support of our supporters in the area. We do our best to contact all candidates in the race. For more information contact carol@npeaction.org .
Dan Rather: My Love for Public Schools | Diane Ravitch's blog

Dan Rather: My Love for Public Schools | Diane Ravitch's blog Dan Rather: My Love for Public Schools Dan Rather, superstar broadcast journalist, recently made a trip home to Houston to visit his elementary school, Love Elementary School. He was deeply moved and reminded why he loves public schools. Please leave a comment. He writes: I am a product of public schools, and proudly so. Even in the mi
Drilling Down into the “Grading the States” Report on School Privatization | janresseger

Drilling Down into the “Grading the States” Report on School Privatization | janresseger Drilling Down into the “Grading the States” Report on School Privatization I was privileged to participate in the 5th Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education (NPE) in Indianapolis this past weekend. I have been posting reflections about what I learned at this important meeting. One of the most f
CURMUDGUCATION: What To Read (2018 Edition)

CURMUDGUCATION: What To Read (2018 Edition) What To Read (2018 Edition) At the NPE gathering, I received many requests to repost (and update) my list of people worth reading, so here we go. This is in no way all-inclusive; I'm going to miss somebody and every day I find new writers I didn't even know about, which means tomorrow I'll find out about someone I don't know about today. There are also

OCT 24

Schools Matter: Marshall Tuck’s racist dog whistle

Schools Matter: Marshall Tuck’s racist dog whistle Marshall Tuck’s racist dog whistle “Blowing the racist dog whistle in politics is shameful. This disgraceful practice against black candidates unfortunately has a long and shameful history. That this would happen in California in 2018 is deeply disturbing. It appears you have chosen to follow President Trump’s playbook of using lies and fake news
$43 million and attack ads. It’s the race for California schools chief — and it’s between two Democrats. - The Washington Post

$43 million and attack ads. It’s the race for California schools chief — and it’s between two Democrats. - The Washington Post $43 million and attack ads. It’s the race for California schools chief — and it’s between two Democrats. One of the loudest and most expensive state races in the country is between two Democrats vying to win the nonpartisan position of superintendent of public instruction
DeVos used as a villain to rally Democrats in midterm ads - POLITICO

DeVos used as a villain to rally Democrats in midterm ads - POLITICO DeVos used as a villain to rally Democrats in midterm ads Democrats intent on making this year's elections a referendum on President Donald Trump's policies are targeting a Cabinet member who galvanizes their base: Education Secretary Betsy DeVos. DeVos is cropping up in Democratic TV spots, Facebook ads and debate one-liners in
Florida Governor Rick Scott Found Ways to Protect His Fortune While in Office | Diane Ravitch's blog

Florida Governor Rick Scott Found Ways to Protect His Fortune While in Office | Diane Ravitch's blog Florida Governor Rick Scott Found Ways to Protect His Fortune While in Office The New York Times reported that Governor Rick Scott created a “blind” trust that was not at all blind. He has been plagued with ethical problems because…he is unethical. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Rick Scott had been governor
With the Free Press Under Attack, Student Journalists Thrive - NEA Today

With the Free Press Under Attack, Student Journalists Thrive - NEA Today With the Free Press Under Attack, Student Journalists Thrive Student journalists at Clayton High School, outside St. Louis, took a hard look at football-related brain injuries this fall, asking questions like, “Why do we still play football? What do we know about what it does to people’s brains?” and interviewing players, at
Google Is Teaching Children How to Act Online. Is It the Best Role Model? - The New York Times

Google Is Teaching Children How to Act Online. Is It the Best Role Model? - The New York Times Google Is Teaching Children How to Act Online. Is It the Best Role Model? The tech giant is positioning itself in schools as a trusted authority on digital citizenship at a moment when the company’s data-handling practices are under growing scrutiny. Google is on a mission to teach children how to be sa
A Moment When Grassroots Mobilization for Public Education Is Making a Difference—Part 2 | janresseger

A Moment When Grassroots Mobilization for Public Education Is Making a Difference—Part 2 | janresseger A Moment When Grassroots Mobilization for Public Education Is Making a Difference—Part 2 I was privileged to participate in the 5th Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education (NPE) in Indianapolis this past weekend. I am posting some reflections on what I heard and learned at this imp

OCT 23

'There's no paper in the classroom': why Los Angeles teachers are moving toward a strike | US news | The Guardian

'There's no paper in the classroom': why Los Angeles teachers are moving toward a strike | US news | The Guardian 'There's no paper in the classroom': why Los Angeles teachers are moving toward a strike Following high-profile teacher walkouts across the country, LA teachers voted to strike over school funding, wages and class sizes At the start of the 2018-19 school year, members of the Los Angel
Diane Ravitch’s Network for Public Education Conference: A Report and Reflections | Ed In The Apple

Diane Ravitch’s Network for Public Education Conference: A Report and Reflections | Ed In The Apple Diane Ravitch’s Network for Public Education Conference: A Report and Reflections I spent the weekend in Indianapolis at the fifth annual Network for Public Education Conference, both uplifting and disturbing. Hundreds of teachers, parents, activists, elected officials, all dedicated supporters of
Will Teachers Be Accountable to Make “Happy” Students?

Will Teachers Be Accountable to Make “Happy” Students? Will Teachers Be Accountable to Make “Happy” Students? Here comes VAM for social-emotional learning! Controversy erupted years ago over holding teachers accountable for academic test scores. VAM (Value Added Measurement) was supposed to have been put to rest, but it never really left. Move over VAM, now teachers will be responsible for studen
The Days of Charter Schools and Vouchers Are Numbered - Education Law Prof Blog

Education Law Prof Blog The Days of Charter Schools and Vouchers Are Numbered If you were trying to make a buck on the side and were pretty sure that some new or improved technology would drastically undercut the market for cell phones within five years, would you invest in Apple stock or look for other opportunities? Well, that is the type of information I have for the Koch Brothers and Devos fa
Before assigning homework, ensure that students have a home

Before assigning homework, ensure that students have a home Before assigning homework, ensure that students have a home Fixing the achievement gap comes second to meeting kids’ basic needs We had to wake up at 5 o’clock in the morning because our school was far away. Sometimes we had to go to school late, because we had to wait for the bathroom. But since it wasn’t our house, they could use the b
A Billionaire Stops Funding Charters and TFA, Starts Funding Public Schools! | Diane Ravitch's blog

A Billionaire Stops Funding Charters and TFA, Starts Funding Public Schools! | Diane Ravitch's blog A Billionaire Stops Funding Charters and TFA, Starts Funding Public Schools! The richest woman in Connecticut no longer gives to charter schools and Teach for America. Barbara Dalio has shifted her giving to public schools. She fell in love with public education. She fell in love with the schools t
A Moment When Grassroots Mobilization for Public Education Is Making a Difference—Part 1 | janresseger

A Moment When Grassroots Mobilization for Public Education Is Making a Difference—Part 1 | janresseger A Moment When Grassroots Mobilization for Public Education Is Making a Difference—Part 1 I was privileged to participate in the 5th Annual Conference of the Network for Public Education (NPE) in Indianapolis this past weekend. In the next few days, I’ll post some reflections on what I heard and
A Little Piece of Something - A film about a public Montessori school in Memphis says everything about who we are, who we were, & who we aspire to be – Sam Chaltain

This film about a public Montessori school in Memphis says everything about who we are, who we were, & who we aspire to be – Sam Chaltain THIS FILM ABOUT A PUBLIC MONTESSORI SCHOOL IN MEMPHIS SAYS EVERYTHING ABOUT WHO WE ARE, WHO WE WERE, & WHO WE ASPIRE TO BE I am so proud of our newest film for 180 Studio . At its most literal, A Little Piece of Something is a story about a public Montessori sc
Pennsylvania’s Keystone Exam – the Monster We Refuse to Let Die | gadflyonthewallblog

Pennsylvania’s Keystone Exam – the Monster We Refuse to Let Die | gadflyonthewallblog Pennsylvania’s Keystone Exam – the Monster We Refuse to Let Die Let’s say there was a monster loose in Pennsylvania and you caught it. Its days of wandering loose causing chaos and destruction were over. But what would you do with such a beast now? Would you kill it outright? Stop it from ever hurting anyone eve

OCT 22

John Thompson: The Negative Effects of Corporate Reform and Disinvestment in Education | Diane Ravitch's blog

John Thompson: The Negative Effects of Corporate Reform and Disinvestment in Education | Diane Ravitch's blog John Thompson: The Negative Effects of Corporate Reform and Disinvestment in Education John Thompson, historian and teacher, lives in Oklahoma. The Oklahoma press is focusing on the state’s low level of college readiness as measured by the ACT test, 16 percent, in comparison to the nation
ISTA: Lying Down With Dogs – Live Long and Prosper

ISTA: Lying Down With Dogs – Live Long and Prosper ISTA: Lying Down With Dogs The Indiana State Teachers Association is joining with Stand for Children. Why would ISTA join with an ed-reform group? In case you don’t know, Stand for Children is a pro-ed-reform group deeply involved with the privatization of Indianapolis Public Schools (IPS). With the arrival of Oregon-based Stand For Children, Ind
Investigation of Clayton Valley Charter High School extended, referred to DA

Clayton Valley investigation will continue, county votes Investigation of Clayton Valley Charter High School extended, referred to DA PLEASANT HILL — After a contentious discussion that lasted roughly two hours, the Contra Costa County Board of Education decided Wednesday night to continue investigating the possible misuse of funds at and alleged mismanagement of Clayton Valley Charter High Schoo
Video of Teaching for Black Lives Book Launch: “It really touched my heart more than you will ever know.” – I AM AN EDUCATOR

Video of Teaching for Black Lives Book Launch: “It really touched my heart more than you will ever know.” – I AM AN EDUCATOR Video of Teaching for Black Lives Book Launch: “It really touched my heart more than you will ever know.” Video of Teaching for Black Lives Book Launch: “It really touched my heart more than you will ever know.” Town Hall Seattle recently sponsored the Seattle book launch e
Public schools for private gain: The declining American commitment to serving the public good - kappanonline.org

Public schools for private gain: The declining American commitment to serving the public good - kappanonline.org Public schools for private gain: The declining American commitment to serving the public good When schooling comes to be viewed mainly as a source of private benefit, both schools and society suffer grave consequences. We Americans tend to talk about public schooling as though we know
Education May Propel the Blue Wave in DeVos Country

Education May Propel the Blue Wave in DeVos Country Education May Propel the Blue Wave in DeVos Country Should Democrats retake the Rust Belt, it may not only snuff out the DeVos legacy but also change the course of education policy in the nation It’s increasingly clear that if the November midterm elections are to produce a “Blue Wave” for the Democratic Party, then many of the wins will need to

OCT 21

DeVos on ballot - enrique baloyra

DeVos on ballot - enrique baloyra Despite not appearing on any ballot this November, Betsy DeVos sure is having a big impact this election cycle. Her corporate agenda has long been the object of scorn among activists. But now as secretary, her name has become a rallying cry for progressive candidates everywhere. In Texas, Democratic nominee for US Senate Beto O’Rourke is running an ad that calls
Tuck’s Ethnocentrism Contradicts Californian Values - LA Progressive

Tuck’s Ethnocentrism Contradicts Californian Values - LA Progressive Tuck’s Ethnocentrism Contradicts Californian Values B usiness banker Marshall Tuck is running for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction again. He’s backed by the same ideologically charged billionaires as the last time — several of whom supported reactionary measures like Proposition 8 . With nearly unlimited fun
Brookings: The role of AI in education and the changing U.S. workforce

The role of AI in education and the changing U.S. workforce The role of AI in education and the changing U.S. workforce Editor's Note: This report is part of " A Blueprint for the Future of AI ," a series from the Brookings Institution that analyzes the new challenges and potential policy solutions introduced by artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies. The growth of artificial int
Arizona: The State Where Conflicts of Interest Are Celebrated in the Charter Industry | Diane Ravitch's blog

Arizona: The State Where Conflicts of Interest Are Celebrated in the Charter Industry | Diane Ravitch's blog Arizona: The State Where Conflicts of Interest Are Celebrated in the Charter Industry A friend in Arizona sent me the official bio of a member of the State Board of Regents , which is appointed by the Governor. Jay Heiler was appointed in 2012. He has a distinguished resume…but. In additio

OCT 20



Top Posts This Week 10/20/18 #NPE18INDY

We hope you’ll “join” us this weekend on Facebook live! Watch NPE Conference Live from Indianapolis! #NPE18INDY | Diane Ravitch's blog NPE Action - Political Endorsements - https://npeaction.org/ on @NPEaction Top Posts This Week