Top Posts This Week 5/11/19 #REDFORED #CTA #VOTEJackieGoldberg

Top Posts This Week 5/11/19

#VOTEJackieGoldberg

CURMUDGUCATION: Another Free Market Lesson

CATCH UP WITH CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: May Day Edition (5/5)

CURMUDGUCATION: Obstacles To Building Better Writers

Diane Ravitch’s Education “Wisdom and Wit” is Critical at this Time

Betsy DeVos as Clickbait | janresseger

The Best Teacher Appreciation Gift - Teacher Habits

Can Choice Save Public Education revised | Deborah Meier on Education

Peter Greene: The Very Best Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts

Who Do I Appreciate? Music Teachers. | Teacher in a strange land

CURMUDGUCATION: The Problem With Tax Credit Scholarships

Top Posts This Month  5/11/19

#VOTEJackieGoldberg

CURMUDGUCATION: Another Free Market Lesson

Choosing Democracy: The Schools are Underfunded

THIS WEEK Education Research Report

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

CURMUDGUCATION: Obstacles To Building Better Writers

CATCH UP WITH CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: May Day Edition (5/5)

CURMUDGUCATION: Charter Lessons From Democracy Prep

Hostile, Divisive Political Climate Ensnaring U.S. Schools - NEA Today

Diane Ravitch’s Education “Wisdom and Wit” is Critical at this Time

NEA - State Charter Statutes

Posts This Week 5/11/19

 #VOTEJackieGoldberg

#VOTEJackieGoldberg

Spotlight on Parent Power Indianapolis: Aleesia Johnson and Teach for America | Parents Across America

by Mike Simpson / 9min

Spotlight on Parent Power Indianapolis: Aleesia Johnson and Teach for America | Parents Across America Spotlight on Parent Power Indianapolis: Aleesia Johnson and Teach for America From John Harris Loflin, a leader of Parents Across America’s Indianapolis affiliate, Parent Power Indianapolis: The hidden influence of Teach for America ideology on education in Indianapolis: A commentary on why Alee

Why Does California Want My Kids Glued to Their Computers? - LA Progressive

by Mike Simpson / 52min

Why Does California Want My Kids Glued to Their Computers? - LA Progressive Why Does California Want My Kids Glued to Their Computers? A great conflict is tearing this country apart, bitterly pitting generations against each other. It’s not immigration or “Medicare for all.” It’s the fight over how much time kids can spend staring at screens. Call it the Great Screen Time War of 2019. And I thoug

LeBron James' I Promise School Receives $1M Grant from Dick's Sporting Goods

by Mike Simpson / 1h

LeBron James' I Promise School Receives $1M Grant from Dick&'s Sporting Goods LeBron James’ I Promise School Receives a $1 Million Boost from Dick’s Sporting Goods The good news keeps coming for LeBron James’ groundbreaking I Promise School in his native Akron, Ohio. Following April reports that the school was already yielding incredible results in its first year, the NBA star surprised I Promise

To promote success in schools, focus on teacher well-being

by Mike Simpson / 1h

To promote success in schools, focus on teacher well-being To promote success in schools, focus on teacher well-being Without question, teachers are central to student success. Anyone who has taught knows how rewarding it is to witness student learning. Teaching can also be one of the most stressful, demanding, and undersupported professions , leading to national teacher strikes , shortages , and

Florida Charter Schools | Dissident Voice

by Mike Simpson / 2h

Florida Charter Schools | Dissident Voice Florida Charter Schools Obsolete Aim of Maximizing Profits as Fast As Possible Results in More Parasitism and Deeper Attacks on Public Schools and Public Interest Under the veil of high ideals, nonprofit and for-profit charter schools across the nation have long been violating the public interest in a variety of ways. One of the most destructive ways is t

When our unions made these early endorsements, what did we get for it? – Fred Klonsky

by Mike Simpson / 3h

When our unions made these early endorsements, what did we get for it? – Fred Klonsky When our unions made these early endorsements, what did we get for it? There was never any doubt that the teachers unions were going to endorse Obama to a second term in 2011. But why the rush? I asked that question as a delegate to the NEA Representative Assembly. The union demanded nothing in return. We got wo

We Need Many “Grammars of Schooling” (Part 4) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

by Mike Simpson / 3h

We Need Many “Grammars of Schooling” (Part 4) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice We Need Many “Grammars of Schooling” (Part 4) In a recent conversation with an educational entrepreneur* about the power inherent in the organization of the age-graded school and its “grammar of schooling,” I was asked if I wanted to disrupt the “grammar of schooling.” I said I did not. I wanted–an

“Your Blog Dropped Me”: Restoring Email Notifications for WordPress Blogs | deutsch29

by Mike Simpson / 3h

“Your Blog Dropped Me”: Restoring Email Notifications for WordPress Blogs | deutsch29 “Your Blog Dropped Me”: Restoring Email Notifications for WordPress Blogs I began following Diane Ravitch’s blog in 2014. Several years ago, I stopped receiving email notifications of her posts, and I was able to restore the notifications by “unfollowing” and then immediately choosing again to “follow” her blog.

CTA and NEA Presidents Declare Racist Symbol Has No Place In Our Neighborhood Schools - Lily's Blackboard

by Mike Simpson / 3h

CTA and NEA Presidents Declare Racist Symbol Has No Place In Our Neighborhood Schools - Lily's Blackboard CTA and NEA Presidents Declare Racist Symbol Has No Place In Our Neighborhood Schools Concerned educators are committed to working with the community to ensure all students have a safe and nurturing learning environment CTA President Eric C. Heins and NEA President Lily Eskelsen García issued

Only Five States’ Charter School Laws Rate "Mediocre” or Better

by Mike Simpson / 3h

Only Five States’ Charter School Laws Rate "Mediocre” or Better NEA Report: Only Five States’ Charter School Laws Rate “Mediocre” or Better Even as evidence continues to mount that much of the charter school sector has been overrun by a host of problems, its supporters have become even more emphatic. They concede that, yes, a few “bad actors” have emerged, but otherwise it’s all systems go on con

Audio: LAUSD board special election candidate Q&A: Jackie Goldberg | 89.3 KPCC

by Mike Simpson / 3h

Audio: LAUSD board special election candidate Q&A: Jackie Goldberg | 89.3 KPCC LAUSD board special election candidate Q&A: Jackie Goldberg On Tuesday, May 14, voters in northeast and southeast Los Angeles will elect a new representative to fill an open seat on the L.A. Unified School Board. Jackie Goldberg, a longtime L.A. politician who has served on the LAUSD board, L.A. City Council and in the

Choosing Democracy: Make Smart Cuts- Not Dumb Cuts

by Mike Simpson / 3h

Choosing Democracy: Make Smart Cuts- Not Dumb Cuts Make Smart Cuts- Not Dumb Cuts The president of the Sacramento City Unified School District school board, Jessie Ryan, called for a “ceasefire” following the recent strike by Sac City Unified educators, saying “together we can solve this fiscal crisis and unite to save our schools with smart solutions.” The Sacramento City Teachers Association (S

The promise of historic Brown v. Board school desegregation ruling is 'at grave risk,’ report says - The Washington Post

by Mike Simpson / 3h

The promise of historic Brown v. Board school desegregation ruling is 'at grave risk,’ report says - The Washington Post The promise of historic Brown v. Board school desegregation ruling is 'at grave risk,’ report says Sixty-five years ago, the Supreme Court declared that segregated public schools were “inherently unequal” and unconstitutional, smashing a 1896 ruling that permitted “whites-only”

Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007

by Mike Simpson / 4h

Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 This Week With Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... The latest news and resources in education since 2007 Video: “Why America Has More Tornadoes Than Anywhere Else In The World” by Larry Ferlazzo / 8h OpenClipart-Vectors / Pixabay I’m adding this new Science Insider video to The Best Resources For L

THIS WEEK Education Research Report

by Mike Simpson / 4h

Education Research Report THIS WEEK Education Research Report Recreational sports can make you a better student by Jonathan Kantrowitz / 17h A new Michigan State University study adds to growing evidence that participating in recreational sports not only can help improve grades while attending college, but it also can help students return for another year. Among nearly 1,800 recent freshmen at MS

KEEP UP/ CATCH UP WITH DIANE RAVITCH'S BLOG | A site to discuss better education for all

by Mike Simpson / 4h

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all KEEP UP/ CATCH UP WITH DIANE RAVITCH'S BLOG A site to discuss better education for all William Mathis: The High School Rankings: Born on Third Base or Hit a Triple? by dianeravitch / 34min William Mathis is managing director of the National Education Policy Center and a member of the Vermont Board of Education. He says that you can

YESTERDAY

Sac City Teachers Request "Budget Solutions Committee" Established by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

by Mike Simpson / 23h

Sac City Teachers Request "Budget Solutions Committee" Established by State Superintendent Tony Thurmond

A School Board Race Turns Ugly – Age of Awareness – Medium

by Mike Simpson / 23h

A School Board Race Turns Ugly – Age of Awareness – Medium A School Board Race Turns Ugly “I am embarrassed that there are any Board members on this Board of Education that do not take seriously that a man with three felony charges against him is still on this Board.” - Jackie Goldberg on Ref Rodriguez Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Board of Education candidate Jackie Goldberg taught

JEFF BRYANT: How charter school proponents alienated many Democrats who once backed their cause – Alternet.org

by Mike Simpson / 1d

How charter school proponents alienated many Democrats who once backed their cause – Alternet.org How charter school proponents alienated many Democrats who once backed their cause The politics of charter schools have changed, and bipartisan support for these publicly funded, privately controlled schools has reached a turning point. A sure sign of the change came from… The politics of charter sch

CURMUDGUCATION: PA: More Charter Shenanigans in Harrisburg

by Mike Simpson / 1d

CURMUDGUCATION: PA: More Charter Shenanigans in Harrisburg PA: More Charter Shenanigans in Harrisburg On May 7, a group of four bills related to charter schools suddenly popped up, referred to the House education committee in the state capitol. Surprise! Let's take a look: HB 355 : This bill is supposed to strengthen the "ethical requirements" for charter schools (including cybers). It sets requi

Who Do I Appreciate? Music Teachers. | Teacher in a strange land

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Who Do I Appreciate? Music Teachers. | Teacher in a strange land Who Do I Appreciate? Music Teachers. Like a lot of my educator colleagues, when it comes to Teacher Appreciation Week, I come down somewhere between surly and cynical, preferring actual respect and control of my professional work, not to mention adequate compensation, over a potluck lunch and a mug. Being snotty about Teacher Apprec

Challenging Classrooms - Teacher Habits

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Challenging Classrooms - Teacher Habits Challenging Classrooms I enjoy seeing my former students in the hallways at school. When one of them came by my room to tell me she was moving to a new school, I asked her why. She replied, “My parents think I’m not being challenged enough.” I wish I could say I was surprised, but this was not the first time I had heard this from a student. I sometimes hear

Weingarten to DeVos: raise teachers’ salaries with taxes on the rich | New York Amsterdam News: The new Black view

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Weingarten to DeVos: raise teachers’ salaries with taxes on the rich | New York Amsterdam News: The new Black view Weingarten to DeVos: raise teachers’ salaries with taxes on the rich American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten wants U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to practice what she preaches. On Monday, May 6, at the annual Education Writers Association National Seminar, De

Mitchell Robinson: Michigan Shouldn't Scrap Its Arts Requirement for High School Graduation | Eclectablog

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Michigan Shouldn't Scrap Its Arts Requirement for High School Graduation | Eclectablog Michigan Shouldn’t Scrap Its Arts Requirement for High School Graduation We are excited to share this guest post from Dr. Ryan Shaw, assistant professor of music education at Michigan State University. Dr. Shaw received his Ph.D. in Music Education from Michigan State University and earned master’s and bachelor

‘Threatening the Future’: The High Stakes of Deepening School Segregation - The New York Times

by Mike Simpson / 1d

‘Threatening the Future’: The High Stakes of Deepening School Segregation - The New York Times ‘Threatening the Future’: The High Stakes of Deepening School Segregation The 65th anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education approaches on May 17, but fights over school segregation, rather than decreasing, are becoming more common. Cities like New York and San Francisco are debating how to assign stud

FBI investigates controversial voucher vote

by Mike Simpson / 1d

FBI investigates controversial voucher vote FBI investigates controversial voucher vote NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — FBI agents have begun interviewing Tennessee lawmakers about whether any improper incentives were offered to pass Gov. Bill Lee's school vouchers bill in the state House, NewsChannel 5 Investigates has learned. That vouchers legislation narrowly passed the state House last month on a

Charter Schools Have a Big Problem, and Rebranding Won’t Help - Progressive.org

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Charter Schools Have a Big Problem, and Rebranding Won’t Help - Progressive.org Charter Schools Have a Big Problem, and Rebranding Won’t Help Charters promised all sorts of miraculous educational achievements at low, low prices. But those achievements haven’t appeared. More people are understanding that what we’re really talking about is the privatization of our public school system. U.S. News re

Thanking #RedforEd In Teacher Appreciation Week | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Thanking #RedforEd In Teacher Appreciation Week | janresseger Thanking #RedforEd In Teacher Appreciation Week Today at the end of Teacher Appreciation Week, we owe special thanks to school teachers this year, thanks that goes beyond our gratitude for teachers’ primary contribution—their daily work to support and inspire our children. In their strikes and walkouts this year, teachers have taught a

ANC Commissioners on DC Public Schools – Education Town Hall Forum

by Mike Simpson / 1d

ANC Commissioners on DC Public Schools – Education Town Hall Forum ANC COMMISSIONERS ON DC PUBLIC SCHOOLS On our show on Thursday May 9, we had a wide-ranging discussion about the role of advisory neighborhood commissions (ANCs) in our publicly funded schools, including in school openings, closings, and resourcing. ANCs represent the most local level of elected government in the District of Colum

Thurmond Praises Newsom's K–12 Education Budget - Year 2019 (CA Dept of Education)

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Thurmond Praises Newsom's K–12 Education Budget - Year 2019 (CA Dept of Education) State Superintendent Tony Thurmond Praises Largest-Ever Support of K–12 Education in Governor Newsom’s Budget Update SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond today praised Governor Gavin Newsom’s revised budget for fiscal year 2019–20. “Our Governor just announced the largest-ever investm

MAY 09

Guard at Colorado school shooting may have shot at deputies, wounded student amid chaos: Source - ABC News

by Mike Simpson / 1d

Guard at Colorado school shooting may have shot at deputies, wounded student amid chaos: Source - ABC News Guard at Colorado school shooting may have shot at deputies, wounded student amid chaos: Source An armed security guard at a Colorado school may have mistakenly fired on sheriff's deputies and wounded a student amid a highly chaotic shooting rampage at the campus this week, authorities told

Nearly 200 Sacramento school teachers getting laid off as district attempts to avoid state takeover | abc10.com

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Nearly 200 Sacramento school teachers getting laid off as district attempts to avoid state takeover | abc10.com Nearly 200 Sacramento school teachers getting laid off as district attempts to avoid state takeover Sacramento City Unified School District will approve the layoffs at a special board meeting scheduled on Thursday at 7 p.m. SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Nearly 200 Sacramento City Unified School

The Lockdown-Drill Generation - The Atlantic

by Mike Simpson / 2d

The Lockdown-Drill Generation - The Atlantic When Was the Last Time American Children Were So Afraid? Students used to duck and cover. Now they have lockdown drills. This week, America got another reminder of the fear that its schoolchildren must make sense of every day. On Tuesday afternoon, nine students were shot—one of them fatally—at STEM School Highlands Ranch, near Denver. Though the two s

Governments should step up their efforts to give people skills to seize opportunities in a digital world - OECD

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Governments should step up their efforts to give people skills to seize opportunities in a digital world - OECD Governments should step up their efforts to give people skills to seize opportunities in a digital world 09/05/2019 - Governments must urgently step up their efforts to improve their education and training policies to help more people reap the benefits of the digital transformation and

OKCPS will try ‘transformation school’ experiment again

by Mike Simpson / 2d

OKCPS will try ‘transformation school’ experiment again OKCPS will try ‘transformation school’ experiment again Given the excellence of Classen SAS, Southeast H.S., and Belle Isle Enterprise School, expanding access to these magnet schools makes sense for OKCPS in its new Pathway to Greatness realignment. But what will be the education values that drive the district’s effort to turn around high-c

Teacher's Union Says ‘Elitist’ Betsy DeVos Is Making Teaching ‘Impossible’: ‘Strikes Are Never a First Resort’

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Teacher's Union Says ‘Elitist’ Betsy DeVos Is Making Teaching ‘Impossible’: ‘Strikes Are Never a First Resort’ TEACHER'S UNION SAYS ‘ELITIST’ BETSY DEVOS IS MAKING TEACHING ‘IMPOSSIBLE’: ‘STRIKES ARE NEVER A FIRST RESORT’ One of America’s largest teacher’s unions has hit out at Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, accusing her of hypocrisy and failing to listen to the needs of both teachers and stude

The Most Important Article You Will Read This Year: “Stop the Bleed” | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 2d

The Most Important Article You Will Read This Year: “Stop the Bleed” | Diane Ravitch's blog The Most Important Article You Will Read This Year: “Stop the Bleed” The New Yorker magazine published this very informative and important article by journalist Paige Williams about training bystanders to save lives. Bystanders can and must be first responders, and they can learn the techniques to stop ble

Can Choice Save Public Education revised | Deborah Meier on Education

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Can Choice Save Public Education revised | Deborah Meier on Education Can Choice Save Public Education revised I recently ran across an article I wrote for The Nation in 1991 entitled “Choice Can Save Public Education.” It surprised me for two reasons, (1) Was I already worried that public education might disappear? And (2) when did I stop being such an enthusiast for choice? At the time I wrote

CURMUDGUCATION: What She Taught Me

by Mike Simpson / 2d

CURMUDGUCATION: What She Taught Me What She Taught Me I've written about Miss Gause before. She was my elementary school vocal music teacher, and she had a critical effect on me in two major ways. First, she was fairly relentless in confronting the Monotone Boys I'm-Too-Cool-To-Sing Chorus in the back of the room. She harangued us into listening to pitches and more or less matching them. Now, in

In this Teacher Appreciation Week, Fair Pay Would Show Our Teachers They Really Are Appreciated | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 2d

In this Teacher Appreciation Week, Fair Pay Would Show Our Teachers They Really Are Appreciated | janresseger In this Teacher Appreciation Week, Fair Pay Would Show Our Teachers They Really Are Appreciated In 1962, when my mother taught first grade in Havre, Montana, she felt appreciated as a teacher even though the rule was that she had to take the kids outside for recess unless it was below 15

Louisiana’s Voucher Program Featured on New Orleans Public Radio for the Failure It Is | deutsch29

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Louisiana’s Voucher Program Featured on New Orleans Public Radio for the Failure It Is | deutsch29 Louisiana’s Voucher Program Featured on New Orleans Public Radio for the Failure It Is Louisiana’s school voucher program has received yet another hefty dose of realistic attention for the utter failure that it is. There have been local articles calling out the failure of the program in the past (I

Badass Teachers Association Blog: Classroom Teachers are the Real Scholastic Experts – Not Education Journalists by Steven Singer

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Badass Teachers Association Blog: Classroom Teachers are the Real Scholastic Experts – Not Education Journalists by Steven Singer Classroom Teachers are the Real Scholastic Experts – Not Education Journalists by Steven Singer When you want an expert on health, you go to a doctor. When you want an expert on law, you go to a lawyer. So why is it that when the news media wants an expert on education

America’s Teachers vs. Betsy DeVos and the Top 1% During Teacher Appreciation Week

by Mike Simpson / 2d

America’s Teachers vs. Betsy DeVos and the Top 1% During Teacher Appreciation Week America’s Teachers vs. Betsy DeVos and the Top 1% During Teacher Appreciation Week During this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week, teachers will undoubtedly cherish notes and gifts from grateful children and parents, but they recognize real teacher appreciation is about more than a week of tributes. They also see thr

Parents Across America’s Chapter Leaders in Action | Parents Across America

by Mike Simpson / 2d

Parents Across America’s Chapter Leaders in Action | Parents Across America Parents Across America’s Chapter Leaders in Action Deb Mayer, leader of Parents Across America-Oregon , is running for Portland Public School Director, Zone 3. While PAA does not endorse candidates, we’re thrilled to see one of PAA’s chapter leaders run for elected office, as several other inspiring PAA leaders have done

"If We Don’t Do Something, It’s Never Going to Change"

by Mike Simpson / 2d

"If We Don’t Do Something, It’s Never Going to Change" “If We Don’t Do Something, It’s Never Going to Change” At the panel discussion on educator walkouts at the National Education Writers Association (EWA) conference this week, NEA President Lily Eskelsen Garcia was asked what was driving this unprecedented activism happening across the country, including the latest action in Oregon this week. “

LAUSD Board Delays Vote on Cutting Public Speaking Time

by Mike Simpson / 2d

LAUSD Board Delays Vote on Cutting Public Speaking Time LAUSD Board Delays Vote on Cutting Public Speaking Time The time has come for a new era of transparency and accountability. For too long, parents, students, and taxpayers have been kept in the dark about what’s going on in District headquarters ” – Nick Melvoin (2017) As of Monday night, the agenda for the Los Angeles Unified School District

MAY 08

Mitchell Robinson: "Poor Betsy" doesn't like being criticized… | Eclectablog

by Mike Simpson / 3d

"Poor Betsy" doesn't like being criticized… | Eclectablog “Poor Betsy” doesn’t like being criticized… Secretary of Education and Disney villain Betsy DeVos spoke to a group of education writers in Baltimore the other day, and it appears her feelings are hurt . “I never imagined I’d be a focus of your coverage. I don’t enjoy the publicity that comes with my position. I don’t love being up on stage

Oakland Unified offers critical view of charter schools to state task force | EdSource

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Oakland Unified offers critical view of charter schools to state task force | EdSource Oakland Unified offers critical view of charter schools to state task force A gainst the backdrop of greater scrutiny of charter school operations across California, officials at the Oakland Unified School District have drawn up a sweepingly critical portrait of the impact of charters on their district. These i

It's What They Learn, but It's Also How We Teach - Teacher Habits

by Mike Simpson / 3d

It's What They Learn, but It's Also How We Teach - Teacher Habits It’s What They Learn, but It’s Also How We Teach The tide, it appears, may finally be starting to change. After a generation of test-centered accountability for teachers, the state of Maine has passed a law that removes a requirement that standardized test scores be used to evaluate teachers. I suspect more states will follow, if f

Challenging the Grammar of Schooling (Part 3) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Challenging the Grammar of Schooling (Part 3) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice Challenging the Grammar of Schooling (Part 3) The “grammar of schooling” is stubborn. It is the DNA of U.S. public schools. Because it is taken-for-granted, as common as the air we breathe and seemingly as essential to schooling Americans as sleeping is to decent health, few reform-minded policymak

‘For all the many reasons teachers should be thanked, this should not be one of them' - The Washington Post

by Mike Simpson / 3d

‘For all the many reasons teachers should be thanked, this should not be one of them' - The Washington Post ‘For all the many reasons teachers should be thanked, this should not be one of them' Who is surprised anymore when news breaks that another school has been the scene of a shooting and the lives of everybody in that community are forever changed? It happened again Tuesday in Colorado when t

CURMUDGUCATION: Knewton, A Big Name in Ed Tech, Bites The Dust

by Mike Simpson / 3d

CURMUDGUCATION: Knewton, A Big Name in Ed Tech, Bites The Dust Knewton, A Big Name in Ed Tech, Bites The Dust Adaptive learning. Computer-enhanced psychometrics. Personalized learning via computer. Knewton was going to do it all. Now it's being sold for parts. Knewton started in 2008, launched by Jose Ferreira. By 2012, Ferreira led the ed tech pack in overpromising that sounded both improbable a

Classroom Teachers are the Real Scholastic Experts – Not Education Journalists | gadflyonthewallblog

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Classroom Teachers are the Real Scholastic Experts – Not Education Journalists | gadflyonthewallblog Classroom Teachers are the Real Scholastic Experts – Not Education Journalists When you want an expert on health, you go to a doctor. When you want an expert on law, you go to a lawyer. So why is it that when the news media wants an expert on education they go to… themselves!? That’s right. Educat

Betsy DeVos as Clickbait | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Betsy DeVos as Clickbait | janresseger Betsy DeVos as Clickbait It surprised me to hear the word “clickbait” in Betsy DeVos’s working vocabulary. I wonder if it wasn’t put into her speech—on Monday in Baltimore at the Education Writers Association’s annual meeting—by one of her more with-it staffers. I confess that as a retired person, I was slow several years ago to grasp the meaning of the term

House Democrats seek cut in federal charter school funding, saying Education Department isn’t a ‘responsible steward of taxpayer dollars’ - The Washington Post

by Mike Simpson / 3d

House Democrats seek cut in federal charter school funding, saying Education Department isn’t a ‘responsible steward of taxpayer dollars’ - The Washington Post House Democrats seek cut in federal charter school funding, saying Education Department isn’t a ‘responsible steward of taxpayer dollars’ House Democrats are proposing a sweeping cut in federal funding for charter schools, saying they are

MAY 07

Fla lawmakers gorging on public schools - YouTube

by Mike Simpson / 3d

Fla lawmakers gorging on public schools - YouTube Fla lawmakers gorging on public schools The 2019 Florida legislative session came to an end yesterday, and only a day late. Which is remarkable, considering the level of dysfunction, where deeply compromised Tallahassee politicians tell blatant lies during debate. For example, Hialeah Gardens Senator Manny Diaz, Jr., who tried unsuccessfully tried

The Adequacy and Fairness of State School Finance Systems | School Finance Indicators Database

by Mike Simpson / 3d

The Adequacy and Fairness of State School Finance Systems | School Finance Indicators Database The Adequacy and Fairness of State School Finance Systems First Edition (April 2019) Download the report When it comes to American education, few policy areas are as misunderstood — or as crucial — as school finance. Over the past several years, a political and empirical consensus has emerged about the

Milwaukee: Former School Board President Convicted of Accepting Bribes from Charter Operator | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Milwaukee: Former School Board President Convicted of Accepting Bribes from Charter Operator | Diane Ravitch's blog Milwaukee: Former School Board President Convicted of Accepting Bribes from Charter Operator Former Milwaukee School Board President Michael Bonds was convicted of accepting bribes to help a Philadelphia charter school operator. As part of an agreement with prosecutors, Bonds, 60, p

CURMUDGUCATION: Maine Dumps Test-Centered Teacher Evaluation

by Mike Simpson / 4d

CURMUDGUCATION: Maine Dumps Test-Centered Teacher Evaluation Maine Dumps Test-Centered Teacher Evaluation Maine has broken with the status quo of test-centered accountability for teachers. Beginning with No Child Left Behind, public schools have committed to test-centered accountability, using student results on a single standardized math and reading test to drive assessment of districts, schools

Betsy DeVos rewrites the definition of "public schools" to suit her own Christian Dominionist ideology | Eclectablog

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Betsy DeVos rewrites the definition of "public schools" to suit her own Christian Dominionist ideology | Eclectablog Betsy DeVos rewrites the definition of “public schools” to suit her own Christian Dominionist ideology In a presidential administration that seems to function as a turnstile with people coming and going from their positions on a nearly continuous basis, one person seems to be a con

Everything You Need to Know About the Proposed Oakland School Closures (Part 1 of 3) | East Bay Majority

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Everything You Need to Know About the Proposed Oakland School Closures (Part 1 of 3) | East Bay Majority Everything You Need to Know About the Proposed Oakland School Closures (Part 1 of 3) They disproportionately affect black and brown students, they’re driven by privatization, and we have until August to get organized. By Katie Ferrari The 2019 Oakland teachers’ strike was a referendum on the f

UC, CSU tuition skyrocketed since 1970, making debt likely | The Sacramento Bee

by Mike Simpson / 4d

UC, CSU tuition skyrocketed since 1970, making debt likely | The Sacramento Bee It costs 1,360% more to go to a CSU than 40 years ago – and that’s adjusted for inflation When it comes to preaching financial savvy to college students forking over considerable cash for school, the “back in my day” argument doesn’t apply. Working hard and living at home can only go so far in staving off debt for tod

The Tide Is Turning For Teachers Unions. Randi Weingarten Isn’t Surprised. | HuffPost

by Mike Simpson / 4d

The Tide Is Turning For Teachers Unions. Randi Weingarten Isn’t Surprised. | HuffPost The Tide Is Turning For Teachers Unions. Randi Weingarten Isn’t Surprised. A “silent majority” is taking back education policy, according to the union chief. Randi Weingarten, 61, has been an ever-present force in national Democratic politics since taking the helm of the American Federation of Teachers labor uni

Betsy DeVos accuses media of using her as ‘clickbait’ - POLITICO

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Betsy DeVos accuses media of using her as ‘clickbait’ - POLITICO Betsy DeVos accuses media of using her as ‘clickbait’ Education Secretary Betsy DeVos on Monday accused many in the media of using her name as "clickbait,” telling an audience of journalists that “education is not about Betsy DeVos nor any other individual." DeVos, speaking at the National Education Writers Association conference in

The "X"odus Files: Richard. | BustED Pencils

by Mike Simpson / 4d

The "X"odus Files: Richard. | BustED Pencils The “X”odus Files: Richard. Frustration. Irritation. Anger. Despondency. This is the range of emotions I go through every time I read about some new “study” or “task force” purporting to take on the “ teacher shortage .” Study : Study what? Isn’t the data conclusive? New teachers are leaving classrooms within the first 3 years. More veteran teachers ar

Evidence Keeps On Growing: Charter Schools Cannot Be Successfully Regulated | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Evidence Keeps On Growing: Charter Schools Cannot Be Successfully Regulated | janresseger Evidence Keeps On Growing: Charter Schools Cannot Be Successfully Regulated Can charter schools be regulated to protect the public interest, or is it time for a moratorium on new charter schools and ultimately the phase out of the ones we have? Here are two articles—one digging deeper into abuses in the fede

Betsy DeVos: ‘There is no such thing as public money’ and 5 other revealing things she just said -- or wouldn’t say - The Washington Post

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Betsy DeVos: ‘There is no such thing as public money’ and 5 other revealing things she just said -- or wouldn’t say - The Washington Post Betsy DeVos: ‘There is no such thing as public money’ and 5 other revealing things she just said -- or wouldn’t say Education Secretary Betsy DeVos schooled education reporters Monday during a rare appearance at their convention in Baltimore, telling them that

Betsy DeVos Frees Alexander Hamilton from Himself | deutsch29

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Betsy DeVos Frees Alexander Hamilton from Himself | deutsch29 Betsy DeVos Frees Alexander Hamilton from Himself On May 02, 2019, the Manhattan Institute (MI) honored two individuals at its 2019 Alexander Hamilton Award Dinner. One of those individuals was US Department of Education (USDOE) secretary, Betsy DeVos. Betsy DeVos According to MI, its Alexander Hamilton Award is named such “because, li

Say Thanks on Teacher Appreciation Day - NEA Today

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Say Thanks on Teacher Appreciation Day - NEA Today Say ‘Thank You’ on National Teacher Day It’s that time of year again: Teacher Appreciation Week, and National Teacher Day is May 7! Over the past year, more than ever before, teacher voices have been heard – and not just in classrooms. These educators are making a difference across the country and in their own communities. The #RedForEd camapign

Navigating Writing-Intensive Courses as a Student | radical eyes for equity

by Mike Simpson / 4d

Navigating Writing-Intensive Courses as a Student | radical eyes for equity Navigating Writing-Intensive Courses as a Student Teaching writing as part of a course, or the primary focus of a course, is especially challenging for teachers. Managing a workshop approach and surviving the paper load are demanding elements when teaching writing and not simply assigning writing as part of the course ass

MAY 06

CURMUDGUCATION: Jeanne Allen's Charter Murder Mystery

by Mike Simpson / 4d

CURMUDGUCATION: Jeanne Allen's Charter Murder Mystery Jeanne Allen's Charter Murder Mystery Nobody represents the angry anti-public school side of reform better than Jeanne Allen . She's the founder, president, and chief spokesperson for the Center for Education reform. She graduated from Dickerson with a degree in political science, then moved on to study political philosophy at the Catholic Uni

Hidden camera in school: Union may sue for report CVUSD won't release

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Hidden camera in school: Union may sue for report CVUSD won't release Hidden camera in classroom: Teachers union may sue for investigative report CVUSD won't release The Coachella Valley Teachers Association may sue to force school district leaders to release the report from its investigation into a hidden camera found in a classroom at a Mecca elementary school, Carissa Carrera, the union's pres

SomeDamPoet Explains the Mysterious Gulen Schools | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 5d

SomeDamPoet Explains the Mysterious Gulen Schools | Diane Ravitch's blog SomeDamPoet Explains the Mysterious Gulen Schools One of the abiding mysteries of charter world is the Gulen charter chain. The schools use different names, like Harmony or Magnolia or Sonoran, but they have certain characteristics in common. The board is dominated by Turkish me. Many of the teachers are Turkish, in the US o

Many Oregon School Districts To Close May 8 For Teacher Walkout . News | OPB

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Many Oregon School Districts To Close May 8 For Teacher Walkout . News | OPB Many Oregon School Districts To Close May 8 For Teacher Walkout Schools in 24 districts across Oregon will close for at least part of the day on Wednesday in response to a planned walk out by teachers to advocate for more school funding. It’s part of the teacher “Day of Action” led by the Oregon Education Association, th

Angry teachers slap down praise from Betsy DeVos: ‘You can thank us by resigning’

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Angry teachers slap down praise from Betsy DeVos: ‘You can thank us by resigning’ Angry teachers slap down praise from Betsy DeVos: ‘You can thank us by resigning’ E ducation Secretary Betsy DeVos marked Teacher Appreciation Week with a social media video thanking educators — who then demanded her resignation in tweet after tweet. The education secretary urged Americans to show their appreciation

CURMUDGUCATION: The Problem With Tax Credit Scholarships

by Mike Simpson / 5d

CURMUDGUCATION: The Problem With Tax Credit Scholarships The Problem With Tax Credit Scholarships The classic talking point for tax credit scholarships (yet another type of voucher) is that they don't actually take money away from public education. This is technically correct because the money never actually gets into the government's hands; instead of paying taxes, the contributor hands the mone

Diane Ravitch’s Education “Wisdom and Wit” is Critical at this Time

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Diane Ravitch’s Education “Wisdom and Wit” is Critical at this Time Diane Ravitch’s Education “Wisdom and Wit” is Critical at this Time We will someday view this era as one in which the nation turned its back on its public schools, its children, and its educators. We will wonder why so many journalists and policymakers rejected the nation’s obligation to support public education as a social respo

Today Is Dedicated to Gary Rubinstein’s Review of Success Academy Podcasts | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Today Is Dedicated to Gary Rubinstein’s Review of Success Academy Podcasts | Diane Ravitch's blog Today Is Dedicated to Gary Rubinstein’s Review of Success Academy Podcasts Teacher Appreciation Week begins today. How better to launch it than by devoting the day to Gary Rubinstein’s review of podcasts about Success Academy? Gary began his teaching career in TFA, but turned into a sharp critic of T

Challenging the Grammar of Schooling (Part 2) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Challenging the Grammar of Schooling (Part 2) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice Challenging the Grammar of Schooling (Part 2) At the recent annual meeting of the American Educational Research Association, I participated in a symposium entitled “Changing the Grammar of Schooling? An Examination of Reform.” The chair, Jal Mehta (Harvard University) invited Michael Fullan (Univer

MAY 05

Peter Greene: The Very Best Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts

by Mike Simpson / 5d

The Very Best Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts The Very Best Teacher Appreciation Week Gifts Since 1984, the PTA has designated the first week in May as Teacher Appreciation Week . The week is marked by lots of discounts from various vendors, suggestions for pretty decorations, and even social media ideas. There's actually a theme: Teachers are out of this world. Pinterest is loaded with ideas. So

REDUX: Teacher Appreciation Week is a Pathetic Joke! | gadflyonthewallblog

by Mike Simpson / 5d

Teacher Appreciation Week is a Pathetic Joke! | gadflyonthewallblog Teacher Appreciation Week is a Pathetic Joke! It’s Teacher Appreciation Week , America! All over the country, millions of educators can look forward to a free burrito . Or maybe an Arby’s sandwich . Or a complimentary donut. Because we REALLY appreciate teachers here. What a pathetic joke! I don’t mean to seem ungrateful. I’ll re

The Best Teacher Appreciation Gift - Teacher Habits

by Mike Simpson / 6d

The Best Teacher Appreciation Gift - Teacher Habits The Best Teacher Appreciation Gift It’s teacher appreciation week and all across the country, appreciative parents are looking for ways to express their gratitude (at least, that’s what I tell myself). The best teacher appreciation gift I ever received cost the giver nothing but 10 minutes of her time. If you want to make a teacher’s day this we

Note to the Kappan: Illinois state school underfunding undermines equity, not teacher pensions. – Fred Klonsky

by Mike Simpson / 6d

Note to the Kappan: Illinois state school underfunding undermines equity, not teacher pensions. – Fred Klonsky NOTE TO THE KAPPAN: ILLINOIS STATE SCHOOL UNDERFUNDING UNDERMINES EQUITY, NOT TEACHER PENSIONS. The latest issue of the education magazine, The Kappan, addresses education funding inequality. One article blames teacher pensions. Why not blame teachers and our pensions for public school u

CATCH UP WITH CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: May Day Edition (5/5)

by Mike Simpson / 6d

CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: May Day Edition (5/5) May Day Edition Read, read, read. Share, share, share. It's Not Like You Weren't Warned Dad Gone Wild gives us a look on the ground at the messes in Tennessee and Memphis Betsy DeVos Has No Idea Who Alexander Hamilton Is A lesson for DeVos on Hamilton's place in US history and why he is not her BFF The F-Bomb in Texas A new problem on the STAAR test. C

Carol Burris: Florida Charters Are a Swamp of Waste, Fraud, and Profiteering | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 6d

Carol Burris: Florida Charters Are a Swamp of Waste, Fraud, and Profiteering | Diane Ravitch's blog Carol Burris: Florida Charters Are a Swamp of Waste, Fraud, and Profiteering Florida is controlled by Swamp creatures who want to divert money from public schools and send it to charter schools and religious schools. Jeb Bush is the puppet master who has demanded strict accountability for public sc

Nick Melvoin Moves to Cut Public Speaking Time

by Mike Simpson / 6d

Nick Melvoin Moves to Cut Public Speaking Time Nick Melvoin Moves to Cut Public Speaking Time We are looking at our Board rules soon to make sure that we can hear all voices. Time of meetings and all things I think are valid concerns. ” – LAUSD Board Member Nick Melvoin After working behind closed doors and without public input, Los Angeles Unified Schools District (LAUSD) Board member Nick Melvo

An Urban Teacher's Education: Boats Going in Circles

by Mike Simpson / 6d

An Urban Teacher's Education: Boats Going in Circles Boats Going in Circles Thousands of years ago, along the coast of a great ocean, there lived a small community of people. One day, early in their history, they gathered to discuss a fascinating question: What’s on the other side of the ocean? For as long as they could remember, nobody had ever sailed to the other side, and they were immensely c

MAY 04

Top Posts This Week 5/4/19 #REDFORED #CTA

by Mike Simpson / 6d

Top Posts This Week 5/4/19 THIS WEEK Education Research Report Choosing Democracy: The Schools are Underfunded NEA - State Charter Statutes CURMUDGUCATION: Charter Lessons From Democracy Prep