Everything You Wanted to Know About Bill Gates, But Didn’t Ask | Diane Ravitch's blog

Everything You Wanted to Know About Bill Gates, But Didn’t Ask | Diane Ravitch's blog

Everything You Wanted to Know About Bill Gates, But Didn’t Ask

Walter Isaccson, author of best-selling biographies and former editor of TIME, wrote this awestruck article about Bill Gates in 1997. At the time, Bill was the richest man in the world, his marriage to Melinda was new, and he hadn’t yet decided that he was the smartest man in the world and knew everything better than those who had worked in their profession for years. This is Bill Gates before he decided to reinvent American education. It’s also a fascinating peek into the lifestyle of zthe then richest man in the world (he’s #3 now, behind Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk). And it includes a curious detail about Bill’s personal life: once a year, he spends a weekend with a woman friend, where they commune and discuss weighty things.

Several news outlets reported that Melinda Gates began to meet with divorce lawyers in 2019 because of Bill’s relationship to Jeffrey Epstein, convicted pedophile. Melinda thought he was repulsive, Bill did not. Bill said he had neither a business relationship nor a friendship with CONTINUE READING: Everything You Wanted to Know About Bill Gates, But Didn’t Ask | Diane Ravitch's blog

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Remote Learning - What Have We Learned?

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Remote Learning - What Have We Learned?

Remote Learning - What Have We Learned?

Update from Massachusetts:

Beginning May 29th, masks will no longer be needed at recess, students can begin sharing school items in the classrooms, and no masks for outdoor activities. 

Via Twitter today:

No remote education option next year in NJ. "All students will be back in school for full-time, in-person instruction for the 2021-2022 school year. Full-time remote learning option for families will be removed."

I’m not sure that is a good idea for the next school year but, as states make their own choices, we’ll all have a front row seat to see how it works out.

One item to note - even before COVID, districts around the country were absolutely trying more online learning and some of it WAS remote. For CONTINUE READING:  Seattle Schools Community Forum: Remote Learning - What Have We Learned?

The Importance Of Being Delusional | Blue Cereal Education

The Importance Of Being Delusional | Blue Cereal Education

The Importance Of Being Delusional

You may remember the old Roadrunner cartoons where Wile E. Coyote, distracted by his mad pursuit of his prey, runs right off the edge of a cliff before pausing in mid-air. Oddly, he’s fine as long as he doesn’t look down and notice the reality of his situation. If he’d just kept running, he might have made it to the other side of the gap (where his nemesis had already paused to “Beep! Beep!” at him before speeding away). 

Eventually, however, he does look down. He takes a moment to emote defeat or despair, sometimes even waving to us or holding up a cute little sign offering concise commentary on his plight. Then... he plummets to the ground far below, reappearing after the commercial to begin his next futile effort to catch that $#%&* bird.  

Imagine, however, if Wile simply accepted the reality of his situation before running off the cliff. What if he looked at his track record, and that of the Road Runner, and realized that statistically he was probably never going to catch the thing and that his CONTINUE READING: The Importance Of Being Delusional | Blue Cereal Education

Williamson Parents Speak Out for Diversity, Inclusion – Tennessee Education Report

Williamson Parents Speak Out for Diversity, Inclusion – Tennessee Education Report

WILLIAMSON PARENTS SPEAK OUT FOR DIVERSITY, INCLUSION

A group known as One WillCo helped organize a parent response to a plan by Williamson County Schools to focus attention on diversity in the district and address issues of systemic racism.

Here’s more from a press release:

Before tonight’s school board meeting, over 100 community members joined outside the Williamson County Admin Complex to show support of the district’s hiring of “Fostering Healthy Solutions” and their efforts to support diversity and inclusion in the district. Fifteen community members spoke in gratitude during the period of public comment.  

Revida Rahman, mom to two children in Williamson County Schools reminded everyone that “Brown v. Board of Education was decided 67 years ago today. If your child hasn’t experienced racism at school, that’s good for you, but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen to other kids. Our students have the right to a safe environment. If you aren’t empathetic to children being harmed by racism, please stop trying to prevent CONTINUE READING: Williamson Parents Speak Out for Diversity, Inclusion – Tennessee Education Report

Williamson County Group to Make Stand for Diversity & Inclusion – Tennessee Education Report - http://tnedreport.com/?p=5269 via @TNEdReport

Office for Civil Rights Announces Virtual Public Hearing to Improve Enforcement of Title IX: TODAYS NEWS FROM DR. MIGUEL CARDONA AND THE US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Announces Virtual Public Hearing to Gather Information for the Purpose of Improving Enforcement of Title IX | U.S. Department of Education

Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Announces Virtual Public Hearing to Gather Information for the Purpose of Improving Enforcement of Title IX

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today announced a virtual public hearing to be held from June 7, 2021, to June 11, 2021, to gather information for improving enforcement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. The notice for the public hearing is available here, and the official hearing notice will be published in the Federal Register in the coming days.

The hearing is part of OCR's comprehensive review of the Department's existing regulations and other actions related to Title IX to implement President Biden's March 8 Executive Order on Guaranteeing an Educational Environment Free from Discrimination on the Basis of Sex, Including Sexual Orientation or Gender Identity. The Executive Order stresses the Biden-Harris Administration's commitment that the nation's students should be guaranteed an educational environment free from discrimination on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment, which encompasses sexual violence, and including discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. The hearing is also a step toward fulfilling the directives of President Biden's Executive Order on Preventing and Combating Discrimination on the Basis of Gender Identity or Sexual Orientation.

"The Department is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in and out of the classroom, including in extracurricular activities and other educational settings." said Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona. "This hearing is an important opportunity for us to hear diverse views from students, educators, and members of the public on our work to vigorously enforce Title IX's protections against sex discrimination and create pathways of opportunity for every student across the country."

During the hearing, OCR seeks input from students, parents, educators, school staff, administrators and other members of the public on what additional changes to the Title IX regulations and any related agency actions may be necessary to fulfill  President Biden's Executive Orders. The Department looks forward to hearing from participants on steps that can be taken  to ensure that students who experience sexual harassment, including sexual violence, receive appropriate supports; schools provide fair processes for resolving complaints of sexual harassment, including sexual violence; and students who have experienced discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity have their legal rights fully met. The input from the hearing will also support the Department's commitment to ensuring equal and nondiscriminatory access to education for all students, from pre-K-12 to postsecondary education, including in extracurricular activities and other educational settings.

The notice for the hearing includes:

• The agenda for the virtual public hearing.
• The format of the hearing.
• Information about how members of the public can participate in the hearing, including how to register to provide a live comment during the hearing and how to submit a written comment. And,
• Information about how to attend the hearing virtually.

Members of the public can visit https://cvent.me/1w5YWo to register to make a live comment during the hearing. Members of the public can also send their written comments to T9PublicHearing@ed.gov, following the guidelines in the hearing notice.

The hearing will take place on the following dates and times:

• June 7, 2021, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., ET
• June 8, 2021, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,  ET
• June 9, 2021, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., ET
• June 10, 2021, from 11 a.m. - 7 p.m., ET
• June 11, 2021, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.,  ET

OCR looks forward to hearing views and insights from students, parents and guardians, teachers, faculty members, school staff, administrators and other members of the public on Title IX and schools' responsibilities to address sexual harassment, including sexual violence, and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in education programs and activities. Please visit the public hearing notice at the links above for additional information.

Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Announces Virtual Public Hearing to Gather Information for the Purpose of Improving Enforcement of Title IX | U.S. Department of Education

Washington State's Melito Ramirez Named America's First ‘Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE)’ Awardee

1h

U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced today the selection of Melito Ramirez, an intervention specialist at Walla Walla High School in Washington state, as the nation's first Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) awardee. This new honor, established by Congress in 2019, spotlights classified school employees' outstanding contributions to quality K-12 education in the United S

Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Announces Virtual Public Hearing to Gather Information for the Purpose of Improving Enforcement of Title IX

31 22h

The U.S. Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights (OCR) today announced a virtual public hearing to be held from June 7, 2021, to June 11, 2021, to gather information for improving enforcement of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

First-Ever RISE Awardee Announced

by Timothy Lawson / 1h

Need a reason for celebration? In the Recognition Programs Unit of ED’s Office of Communications and Outreach, we have several of them spread throughout the year. The newest recognition award joining the family, structured to shine a spotlight good work and ignite more positive contributions, while engaging state and local stakeholders with their federal education Continue Reading The post appea

Moving Forward with a New ED.gov

by Timothy Lawson / 1d

A new ED.gov is coming. The transformation is already underway and includes a brand-new look-and-feel and a critical rethinking of how we effectively communicate online. The goal: a digital experience where you can find what you need, discover things you did not know, and leave feeling satisfied. Step 1: Plan In the fall of 2019 Continue Reading The post appeared first on ED.gov Blog .

Announcing the 8th Annual ED Games Expo: June 1 to 5, 2021

26by Timothy Lawson / 5d

A Free All-Virtual Showcase of Game-Changing Innovations in EdTech developed through ED and Programs Across Government The ED Games Expo is an annual showcase of game-changing innovations in education technology (EdTech) developed through programs at the Department of Education (ED) and across the federal government. Since 2013, the Expo has been an in-person event at Continue Reading The post a

Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights Announces Virtual Public Hearing to Gather Information for the Purpose of Improving Enforcement of Title IX | U.S. Department of Education

How Do We Know?: Not Simple, Not Settled – radical eyes for equity

How Do We Know?: Not Simple, Not Settled – radical eyes for equity

How Do We Know?: Not Simple, Not Settled

In the early to mid-1980s, I entered the world of serious recreational cycling. I had been an athlete throughout my childhood and teen years, but found myself sedentary and out of shape in the first few years of my career as a high school English teacher.

Road cycling wasn’t the most inviting of sports, being both an individual and group endeavor. I quickly discovered, in fact, that cycling is deeply tradition-bound and steeped in ritual and conformity.

Ultimately, it is also an orchestra of Social Darwinism; you must be strong enough and skilled enough to ride with a group regardless of anything else (such as the right bicycle or the proper kit).

Early on, I had to focus on fitness—riding more often and longer, but always alone—and finding ways I could afford ever-better bicycles (see Rule 12). Gradually, I began shaving my legs and made the most daunting commitment CONTINUE READING: How Do We Know?: Not Simple, Not Settled – radical eyes for equity

Teacher Tom: Teacher Tom's Play Summit is Here: Together, Let's Turn This World Around

Teacher Tom: Teacher Tom's Play Summit is Here: Together, Let's Turn This World Around

Teacher Tom's Play Summit is Here: Together, Let's Turn This World Around

It's time to do more than just mark you calendar. I'm giddy to announce that registration for Teacher Tom's Play Summit is officially open!

You probably haven't been counting down to this day like I have, but if you've been awaiting this moment, you can click through right now to get signed up. 

I can't tell you how proud I am to offer this online conference, June 20-25, entirely for free. It means a lot to me to be able to bring you 26 early childhood and parenting experts from around the world -- from New Zealand to Sweden, from Canada to Greece, from Russia to Australia -- to share an incredibly wide variety of perspectives on education, parenting, and the current state of childhood.

There are several names you're sure to recognize, like children's troubadour Raffi, Ooey Gooey Lady Lisa Murphy, champion of childhood Peter Gray, renowned parenting experts Maggie Dent and Dr. Laura Markham, and the magnificent and profound Akilah Richards. And while I'm grateful and honored that these amazing presenters have joined us, I might be even more excited about this CONTINUE READING: Teacher Tom: Teacher Tom's Play Summit is Here: Together, Let's Turn This World Around

I'm inviting your open heart and mind to this free event. Click here to learn more and register. See you there! Together we can turn this world around.

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Please join us June 20-25 for Teacher Tom's Play Summit. Click here to get your free pass to all 26 of our incredible sessions. Professional development certificates are available and you can upgrade to unlimited access. Please share this far and wide. Together we can turn this world around!

Capital & Main: Eli Broad Wanted to Destroy Public Education | Diane Ravitch's blog

Capital & Main: Eli Broad Wanted to Destroy Public Education | Diane Ravitch's blog

Capital & Main: Eli Broad Wanted to Destroy Public Education

Upon his death recently, Eli Broad received many laudatory obituaries, describing his philanthropic contributions to the arts and medical research. He even built an art museum in Los Angeles, named for himself. Modesty was not one of his virtues.

Less noted was his determination to disrupt and destroy public education. Not only did he launch an ambitious plan to privatize 50% of the public schools in Los Angeles, but his Broad Superintendents Academy “trained” scores of aspiring superintendents in his philosophy, which meant top-down, tough management and a willingness to close schools with low test scores and replace them with charter schools, no matter how much the schools were loved by students, teachers, parents, and the local community. Anyone could apply to his Academy regardless of previous job experience or lack of education experience.

I was invited to meet Eli Broad at his penthouse apartment on Fifth Avenue in New York City about ten years ago. He explained to me that he didn’t know anything about education but knew management. Lack of management skills, he said, was the biggest problem in education.

I have yet to see any evidence that Broad leaders were CONTINUE READING: Capital & Main: Eli Broad Wanted to Destroy Public Education | Diane Ravitch's blog

The Complexity of Daily Principal Decision-making | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

The Complexity of Daily Principal Decision-making | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

The Complexity of Daily Principal Decision-making

Just as the classroom teacher is in charge of the students but wholly dependent upon them to respond, interact, and learn, so too are principals dependent upon their teachers to adhere to district policies, create classrooms where students absorb lessons, and collaborate with peers and school staff. After all there is only one principal (maybe an assistant if enrollment is large enough) and there are, depending on school size anywhere from 10 to 30 teachers in elementary schools and up to 100 in larger secondary ones.The principal is a manager, the staff’s instructional leader, and politician in dealing with student rancor, parental disaffection, teacher squabbles, and district office directives.

An earlier post dealt with teacher decision-to make the simple–actually not so simple–point that teachers engage in daily decision-making before, during, and after a lesson. That engagement is a complex process that spans monitoring the classroom teaching of content and skills, managing behaviors of individual and group of students, and frequent improvising as the unexpected pops up–inevitably, I might add–during lessons.

Although the content of lessons in science or math, or English, or French or U.S. history differ, they have in common a massive CONTINUE READING: The Complexity of Daily Principal Decision-making | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

TN Schools and CACFP Organizations and Resources - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

TN Schools and CACFP Organizations and Resources - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

TN Schools and CACFP Organizations and Resources

The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division is pleased to inform you about the U.S. Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition (TN) Schools and TN Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Organizations. These organizations are part of an important network committed to providing healthy meals and environments for program participants. Joining the network is free and easy and members can request free nutrition resources.

During the month of May, enrolled members will receive an email on how to request free printed copies of the following resources:

• TN Schools Organizations
  • Discover New Foods Decals
  • Fueling My Life Decals
  • Make Today a Try-Day! Stickers
  • MyPlate Nate and Kate School Lunch Stickers
  • Launch Your Day with Breakfast! Stickers
    
    
• TN CACFP Organizations
  • CACFP Trainer’s Tool: Serving Milk bingo-style training, available in English and Spanish
  • Make Today a Try-Day! Stickers
  • Discover New Foods Decal

CACFP Trainer’s Tool: Serving Milk bingo can also be accessed on the CACFP Trainer’s Tools web page.

The stickers and decals can also be accessed on the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Tools and Resources web page by using the search function.

Membership

For more information about joining TN Schools, visit the USDA TN Schools web page.

For more information about joining TN CACFP, visit the USDA TN CACFP web page.

Contact Information

If you have questions about these resources, please contact TN by email at TeamNutrition@USDA.gov.

Questions:   Nutrition Services Division | 800-952-5609

TN Schools and CACFP Organizations and Resources - Nutrition (CA Dept of Education)

CACFP ECR Calculation Training for Center Sponsors

13h

On May 26, 2021, at 3 p.m., the CDE NSD is hosting a calculation training for the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) Emergency Operational Costs Reimbursement (ECR) Program for Center Sponsors.

CACFP ECR Calculation Training for DCH and SOUC

13h

On May 24, 2021, at 2 p.m., the CDE NSD is hosting a calculation training for the CACFP Emergency Operational Cost Reimbursement (ECR) Program for Day Care Home (DCH) sponsors and Sponsors of Unaffiliated Centers (SOUC).

Child Nutrition Database - Release 24

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The Child Nutrition Database, Release 24 (CN24) is now available. The CN24 is a required database for nutrient analysis software approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for use in school meals.

Turnip the Beet Award Returns Summer 2021!

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The Turnip the Beet Award is a national USDA award which honors and recognizes outstanding Summer Meal Program sponsors and partners who work hard during the summer months to offer high quality, appealing, and nutritious meals to children.

TN Schools and CACFP Organizations and Resources

13h

The California Department of Education (CDE) Nutrition Services Division is pleased to inform you about the U.S. Department of Agriculture Team Nutrition (TN) Schools and TN Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) organizations and resources.

SPI Praises Governor’s Education Budget Update

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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond praises the highest level of funding ever for public education in Governor’s budget update.

Nutrition - Learning Support (CA Dept of Education) -

https://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/nu/