Editorial: Time to get moving on school reform - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

Editorial: Time to get moving on school reform - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"Legislators end their regular session tonight, but they've got some urgent unfinished business. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a special session on education reform – and wants action by Oct. 5, less than three weeks away."

Parents take teachers hostage at French primary | World news | guardian.co.uk

Parents take teachers hostage at French primary World news guardian.co.uk:

"First there was a wave of boss-nappings in protest at job-cuts, then workers threatened to blow up factories, now disgruntled French parents are taking their own radical action in protest at school cuts.

Until this week the Elysee Maury primary school at Laroque d'Olmes, a village in the Ariège, was best known as the place where the French goalkeeper Fabien Barthez first kicked a ball. But on Tuesday evening, furious that the authorities were going to scrap a class and move a teacher away, a group of parents took over the school on the edge of the Pyrenees, blocking exits and taking the school's three teachers hostage overnight."

Sacramento Press / Mayor Johnson and Sacramento Schools

Sacramento Press / Mayor Johnson and Sacramento Schools:

"Opponents have argued that one of Mayor Johnson's ultimate goals is to move Sacramento's public schools under the control of the city's mayor, however, the Mayor has consistently insisted that this is not the case.

In Inside City Hall, Ryan Lillis gives us some insight into Mayor Johnson's intentions. The mayor maintains that he does not wish to take control of the schools, clarifying, 'what's on my radar is the mayor playing a critical role in our schools.' Fair enough, complete control and 'a critical role' are two very different phrases."

The Mayor then expands on what he has in mind. While he notes that he does not like the term education "czar", the Mayor confirms that he would like to establish an education "liaison". Rather than limiting the position to communication and coordination, as the definition of "liaison" would suggest, the mayor envisions "something very powerful that will unite the school districts under one common vision."

Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG#BlogPost-1211332

Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG#BlogPost-1211332:

"Timing is everything in Johnson vs Teichert fight

Time to clear up a couple of questions from earlier posts about the Kevin Johnson vs Eileen Teichert fracas. Or, at least raise a couple more.

Johnson and his hired gun Steve Maviglio are going after Teichert pretty hard, with Maviglio calling on Teichert to “step aside” during discussions of legal issues surrounding KJ’s strong mayor bid–becuase she “lacks the expertise” to offer an opinion. Whew. KJ said he was going to change things in City Hall, and so he has. Now we have open political skirmishes with charter officers. Are we a real city yet?"

Top 25 sacdac.org Post on docstoc.com 9-10-09

Top 25 sacdac.org Post on docstoc.com 9-10-09:

"Top 25 sacdac.org Post on docstoc.com 9-10-09
http://sacdac.org/default.aspx
http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/"

Tenth Annual Historically Black College Recruitment Fair - U Can Go To College - UCAN

Tenth Annual Historically Black College Recruitment Fair - U Can Go To College - UCAN:

"United College Action Network (U-CAN!)
will be recruiting college bound students on-site during the weeklong event. The College Fair locations are scheduled on Monday evening, September 14, 2009 at Mt. Calvary Baptist Church in Fairfield, Tuesday, September 15, 2009 at Edison High School in Stockton, Wednesday, September 16, 2009 at Grant High School in Sacramento, Thursday, September 17, 2009 in Oakland California, Friday, September 18, 2009 at Sacramento City College in Sacramento, and Saturday, September 19, 2009 at Monterey Trail High School in the Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove."

Obama says he accepts Rep. Wilson's apology | Politics News | Comcast.net

Obama says he accepts Rep. Wilson's apology Politics News Comcast.net:

"President Barack Obama says he accepts Republican Rep. Joe Wilson's apology for shouting 'You lie!' at the president during his speech to Congress Wednesday night.
Obama says Wilson apologized 'quickly and without equivocation.'

Obama also says he's a big believer that 'we all make mistakes.'

Wilson, a South Carolina Republican, shouted at Obama during the speech in the House chamber. Wilson's outburst was an extraordinary breach of decorum for which he swiftly apologized.

Obama addressed the incident with reporters after meeting with his Cabinet on Thursday."

California lawmakers pass a raft of bills as session winds down -- latimes.com

California lawmakers pass a raft of bills as session winds down -- latimes.com:

"Lawmakers also signed off on a bill by Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield (D-Woodland Hills) to expand the use of digital textbooks in public schools by removing restrictions on districts that want to purchase electronic book viewers.

The measure, AB 1398, overcame opposition from the textbook industry.

Blumenfield argued that the measure would save money and literally ease the load on students, who carry up to 40 pounds of textbooks during the school day."

Legislators extend school transfer law - Education and Schools - fresnobee.com

Legislators extend school transfer law - Education and Schools - fresnobee.com:

"SACRAMENTO -- State lawmakers this week approved an extension of a law that allows students to to easily change schools.

More than 370 Valley students take advantage of the 'district of choice' program, which allows students to cross boundaries without getting permission from their home district.

The law had expired July 1. Senate Bill 680, by Sen. Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, extends the program to 2017."

Education Week: Harkin New Chair of Senate Education Committee

Education Week: Harkin New Chair of Senate Education Committee:

"U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin of Iowa today stepped into the chairmanship of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, which was left vacant when Sen. Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts died last month.

As the chairman of the Senate Appropriations subcommittee that oversees education spending, Sen. Harkin—who will give up his post as the chairman of the chamber’s Agriculture Committee—is already in a key player on K-12 policy. He had a lead role in securing some $100 billion for education in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, the economic-stimulus bill that passed in February."

Obama Health Care Speech: FULL VIDEO, TEXT

Obama Health Care Speech: FULL VIDEO, TEXT:

"And they knew that when any government measure, no matter how carefully crafted or beneficial, is subject to scorn; when any efforts to help people in need are attacked as un-American; when facts and reason are thrown overboard and only timidity passes for wisdom, and we can no longer even engage in a civil conversation with each other over the things that truly matter -- that at that point we don't merely lose our capacity to solve big challenges. We lose something essential about ourselves."

President Obama: " It is Time To Deliver On Health Reform"

President Obama: " It is Time To Deliver On Health Care Reform" - 09/09/09

Parents Pan School Performance on Bullying Prevention

Parents Pan School Performance on Bullying Prevention

For children to do their best in school, they need a safe environment. As children begin another school year across the United States, it is not clear if parents believe their children's schools are safe.

Report Highlights:

Only 1 in 3 parents give secondary schools an "A" for providing a safe place for students overall; in contrast, 3 in 5 parents give primary schools an "A".

Only 1 in 4 parents give secondary schools an "A" for prevention of bullying and school violence; just 2 in 5 parents give primary schools an "A".

Parents of children in private schools give substantially higher marks for school safety issues than parents of children in public or charter schools.

Education Week: Calif. Budget Troubles Fuel Curriculum Crisis

Education Week: Calif. Budget Troubles Fuel Curriculum Crisis:

"“Each new version of our textbooks seeks to improve on the last as we learn what strategies and materials are most effective for teaching our students,” Jack O’Connell, the state superintendent of public instruction, said in a statement. He noted that by the time the state board adopts new materials, many students could be learning from textbooks that are older than they are. “Students will not have new approved books until 2016. The impact is that tools for teachers, principals, and superintendents will be dated and stale and, in some cases, unavailable,” he said."

Teacher Magazine: What Teachers Need to Know About Race to the Top

Teacher Magazine: What Teachers Need to Know About Race to the Top:

"“Successful state proposals will plan to strengthen the entire ‘talent chain’—recruitment, preparation and credentialing, placement, induction, professional development, evaluation, advancement, and retention,” wrote Joanne Weiss, the Education Department’s director of Race to the Top, in a recent Education Week Commentary. “In particular, we want schools and districts to know which teachers are effective (as measured in significant measure by how their students are improving academically), and to ensure that local decision makers use this information to inform key decisions. …”"

ACLU files suit against agency | clarionledger.com | The Clarion-Ledger

ACLU files suit against agency clarionledger.com The Clarion-Ledger:

"The lawsuit asks a federal judge for an injunction to prevent future summits with religious activity and require the state to refund any federal funding used to pay for the event.

The summit was conducted by DHS' 'Just Wait' Abstinence Unit. The lawsuit said the program began with a minister's prayer and included religious themes and Christian messages throughout. The lawsuit said then-DHS Executive Director Don Taylor introduced Lt. Gov. Phil Bryant as someone who 'was not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.'

The lawsuit said during the event, Adams County Judge John Hudson, one of the speakers, told the group: 'Abstain, God says, from promiscuous sex - thou shalt not commit adultery.'"

Panel recommends suspensions for changing test scores | ajc.com

Panel recommends suspensions for changing test scores ajc.com:

"The proposed punishment for the two DeKalb administrators would represent the first formal action taken by the state against individuals it believes changed students’ answers last summer to increase their scores.

The committee’s recommendations go before the entire commission, which meets at 9 a.m. Thursday in Atlanta.

Approval is likely. With it, former Atherton Elementary School Principal James Berry and Assistant Principal Doretha Alexander would be prohibited from working in Georgia public schools during the suspensions."

Be your kid's teacher's wish list: Stock a supply closet today

Be your kid's teacher's wish list: Stock a supply closet today:

"At my daughter's high school Back to School Night this evening, most teachers had short wish lists of supplies printed on the blackboard or dry-erase board (those with blackboards were not requesting dry-erase boards, so that seems to be a personal preference). Her chem teacher had posted a detailed wish list.

Two teachers (advanced algebra and Russian) hadn’t posted anything, and I raised my hand and asked. Both of them, separately, laughed and cited the pricey items they’d like -- laptops and new overhead projectors."

Most U.S. campuses already reporting flu-like sicknesses - USATODAY.com

Most U.S. campuses already reporting flu-like sicknesses - USATODAY.com:

"Almost three-quarters (73%) of American colleges and universities are reporting cases of influenza-like illnesses among students, with the highest rates in the Southeast and Midwest, the American College Health Association says.

There were 4,045 new flu-like illness cases between Aug. 29 and Sept. 4 among 204 schools taking part in voluntary reporting, the new data show."

HISD ready to offer superintendent finalist Grier a 'fair contract' | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

HISD ready to offer superintendent finalist Grier a 'fair contract' Houston & Texas News Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"The Houston school board is expected to officially hire Terry Grier as superintendent Thursday and offer him a multiyear contract that is likely to top $400,000 a year in salary and perks over time.
Three weeks of intense negotiations on the deal dragged into Wednesday evening, with trustees trying to ensure they didn't end up repeating the costly deal they had with Superintendent Abelardo Saavedra, who stepped down last month.
Saavedra's exit package cost taxpayers $978,967, according to the district. Much of the payout was for unused time off he had accrued over his career, plus extra vacation days the board granted him."

About that $100 Billion of Education Funding « The Enterprise Blog

About that $100 Billion of Education Funding « The Enterprise Blog:

"The second Education Stimulus Watch is now available. In our ongoing effort to track whether $100 billion of education funding in the federal stimulus legislation is leading to reform or merely maintaining the status quo, we find reason for disappointment and a bit of cautious optimism.

Signs so far suggest that programs totaling $75 billion have been and will continue to be used by states and districts to fill budget holes and protect existing jobs and programs instead of generating the changes our schools need. This is the sad consequence of the way the law was written, ingrained state and district education habits, and the severity of budget shortfalls across the country. A number of factors indicate that state and district financial challenges will continue (and possibly worsen) in the months to come, which could negatively influence the law’s best chance for education reform: $5 billion in competitive grants."

Media-Newswire.com - Press Release Distribution - PR Agency

Media-Newswire.com - Press Release Distribution - PR Agency:

"Ann Arbor, Mich.--Key to a child's successful education is an environment in which he or she can learn safely. According to a report released today by the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital National Poll on Children's Health, only 26 percent of parents would give their child's high school an 'A' for preventing bullying and school violence, and 38 percent of parents would give their child's elementary or junior high an 'A.'"

Striking Kent teachers, district due back in court - Washington State | Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news

Striking Kent teachers, district due back in court - Washington State Tri-City Herald : Mid-Columbia news:

"KENT, Wash. Striking teachers and the Kent School District are scheduled to be back in court Thursday to check in with a judge who has ruled the strike illegal.

Wednesday was supposed to be the first day of classes in the south Seattle suburb. Instead, teachers walked the picket line in defiance of a court order."

Butler Teachers could walk out on Sept. 21 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review

Butler Teachers could walk out on Sept. 21 - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review:

"Students will be out of the classroom less than two weeks after starting school if teachers go forward with another strike in 12 days.

The school board Wednesday night accepted a strike notice from the teachers union, which suggested meeting dates through Friday, Sept. 18.
As a precaution, the board at its meeting also canceled classes for Sept. 21."

Boston Teachers Union opening its own pilot school - The Boston Globe

Boston Teachers Union opening its own pilot school - The Boston Globe:

"They say that at their pilot school, teachers will have an opportunity to showcase what they can do when their voices are heard. Pilot schools can ignore district-imposed programs, which teachers often deride as misguided, one-size-fits-all approaches to boost test scores that may not actually help many students master the necessary material.

“We want to bring back some of the joy of teaching,’’ said Richard Stutman, the teachers union president. “You want people to reach their own professional potential by allowing them to do things differently.’’"

School speech flap a troubling sign

School speech flap a troubling sign:

"Obama delivered a perfect back-to-school speech on Tuesday at Wakefield High School in Arlington, Va. — which was broadcast around the nation — challenging students to work hard, to stay in school, and to find their callings in life. He also appealed to their sense of patriotism when he said: “We need every single one of you to develop your talents, skills and intellect so you can help solve our most difficult problems. If you don’t do that — if you quit on school — you’re not just quitting on yourself, you’re quitting on your country.”"

Teachers reflect on changes in schools, education over years - Life - The Modesto Bee

Teachers reflect on changes in schools, education over years - Life - The Modesto Bee:

"Landes didn't used to be so connected with his students — another change he believes schools have seen in the past 20 or so years. Teachers are starting to care more about their students on a personal level and are striving to connect with them and provide more encouragement instead of remaining detached. Landes couldn't be happier about this development and hopes kids will come to school with more positive attitudes and willingness to learn.

On the other hand, he also has experienced a decline in parental involvement with their children's education. Few parents come to back-to-school nights. For instance, if Landes has a class of 40 students, only about five parents usually show up, he said. He'd really like to see parents get more involved with schools."

Griego: Who helps the parents succeed? - The Denver Post

Griego: Who helps the parents succeed? - The Denver Post:

"Let's talk about parents.

Here is a reader's comment:

'YOU forgot the most important thing in a child getting a good education. The one who guides, teaches, loves and teaches them their values. PARENTS or PARENT . . . Those who have the guidance and involvement of their parents, parent or mentor stay in school and succeed.'

That remark came in response to Saturday's column about President Barack Obama's speech, but it is typical of some reaction to my columns on education and low-income students.
Why, these readers ask, do you not talk about the role and responsibility parents play in preparing their children to succeed in school?"

I came across the original copy of Obama’s speech before he cleaned it up to avoid raising the ire of our politically Center-Right nation. | Gainesville.com | The Gainesville Sun | Gainesville, FL

I came across the original copy of Obama’s speech before he cleaned it up to avoid raising the ire of our politically Center-Right nation. Gainesville.com The Gainesville Sun Gainesville, FL:

"After wading through a number of the Interweb’s various Infotubes, I came across the original copy of Obama’s speech before he cleaned it up to avoid raising the ire of our politically Center-Right nation. What follows is the offending text:

Good morning, my young comrades. How are you? I’m coming to you from Wakefield High School in Arlington, Virginia, and am being beamed into schools across the nation by satellite. I am everywhere and nowhere at once. Always remember that."

Dodd Decision Raises Odds for Overhaul of Financial Rules - WSJ.com

Dodd Decision Raises Odds for Overhaul of Financial Rules - WSJ.com:

"Mr. Dodd (D., Conn.) on Wednesday confirmed that he wouldn't leave the panel to head the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee, after the death of its chairman, Sen. Edward Kennedy (D., Mass.). Sen. Tom Harkin (D., Iowa), who is seen as a staunch advocate for organized labor, will take over as chairman of the Senate health committee, overseeing a range of programs, including labor and wage standards, and pension rules."

Sacramento State, UC Davis stress flu shots for students - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento State, UC Davis stress flu shots for students - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee

There was a carnival atmosphere inside the University Union at Sacramento State on Wednesday, with jugglers, magicians, fortune tellers, balloon artists … and nurses giving flu shots.
An annual campus festival designed to expose students to all the food and fun available in the union included a decidedly practical activity this year. Nurses from the student health center administered 200 seasonal flu shots at a satellite operation inside the union.

School reform: The Arne-and-Arnold agenda - California Progress Report

School reform: The Arne-and-Arnold agenda - California Progress Report:

"The ambitious school reform demands Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger dropped on the legislature a couple of weeks ago come with a lot of points in their favor. But careful review and input from California’s education community isn’t one of them. Again, the governor parachuted into an issue that he’s never showed much interest in and that his office has little capacity for."

Van Jones and the Boycott of Glenn Beck | CommonDreams.org

Van Jones and the Boycott of Glenn Beck CommonDreams.org:

"Glenn Beck was mad. He’s the right-wing talk radio host who has a television program on the Fox News Channel. Advertisers were fleeing his Fox program en masse after the civil rights group Color of Change mounted a campaign urging advertisers to boycott Beck, who labeled President Barack Obama a “racist.” As the campaign progressed, Beck began his attacks against Van Jones. Jones was appointed by Obama in March to be special adviser for green jobs. He co-founded Color of Change four years ago. After weeks of attacks from Beck, Jones resigned his position at the White House last Sunday."

Elk Grove Citizen : News

Elk Grove Citizen : News:

"Joe and Lynda Tallerico are examples of community volunteerism, and this is how they explain the work that they do:

“We were both raised in small communities in northern California, Joe in McCloud, and Lynda in Mount Shasta. In a small town, you know everyone and everyone knows you.

We both had careers in education, Joe as a teacher and administrator in Sacramento City Unified, and Lynda with the California School Boards Association.

We have met so many wonderful and committed people by being involved in SPOTLIGHT. The work of the Elk Grove Community Foundation is something that we truly believe in, and we thank everyone who has made our volunteer time such a wonderful experience.

We are proud to be part of Elk Grove.”"

THE OAKBOOK - Not So Fast

THE OAKBOOK - Not So Fast:

"Oakland Unified School District’s Governing Board will hear a charter petition Wednesday evening for California Connections Academy @ VIMS, a proposed online “learning community” that’s similar to a petition Sacramento’s Board of Education nixed earlier this year."

Sacramento Schools Chief: Test Scores Only One Measure | News10.net | Sacramento, California | News

Sacramento Schools Chief: Test Scores Only One Measure News10.net Sacramento, California News:

"SACRAMENTO, CA - The new superintendent for the Sacramento City Unified School District said test scores will be only one measure of student achievement.

Jonathan Raymond appeared on Wednesday's Live_Online with News10's Sharon Ito as part of our forum with local superintendents. He told viewers he will also be looking at qualitative measures, such as a school's culture and whether the public feels welcome on campus."

http://www.news10.net/video/default.aspx?maven_playerId=articleplayer&maven_referralPlaylistId=playlist&maven_referralObject=1247788483

GUIDANCE Using Title I, Part A ARRA Funds for Grants to Local Educational Agencies

GUIDANCE Using Title I, Part A ARRA Funds for Grants to Local Educational Agencies:

"GUIDANCE Using Title I, Part A ARRA Funds for Grants to Local Educational Agencies

PURPOSE OF THIS GUIDANCE

The purpose of this document is to provide assistance to State educational agencies (SEAs), local
educational agencies (LEAs), and schools in determining how to identify, create, and structure
opportunities and strategies to strengthen education, drive school reform, and improve the
academic achievement of at-risk students using funds under Title I, Part A of the Elementary and
Secondary Education Act of 1965 (ESEA) made available through the American Recovery and
Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA)."

SFGate: Politics Blog : Schwarzenegger's government transparency Web site - Take 2!

SFGate: Politics Blog : Schwarzenegger's government transparency Web site - Take 2!:

"State Inspector General Laura Chick today asked Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to expand his government transparency Web site to include more internal audits of state and local agencies, and to overhaul the Web site to make it more user-friendly.

The governor responded quickly, announcing an executive order that requires state agencies and departments to post 'all program reviews, monitoring and accountability reports, evaluations, inspections, assessments and studies of audits' for public viewing on the transparency site.

Schwarzenegger initially ordered state agencies to post all external and internal audits, as well as government contracts totaling more than $5,000 to be posted on www.reportingtransparency.ca.gov ."

Curriculum Matters: As the World Economy Slumps, Ed Investment Brings a Payoff, OECD Says

Curriculum Matters: As the World Economy Slumps, Ed Investment Brings a Payoff, OECD Says:


As nations around the globe, including the United States, attempt to crawl out of a deep recession, the evidence suggests they would be wise to invest in education because of the strong economic payoff it brings across their societies and to individual workers, a new report says.

The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, or OECD, makes that case in a new report, 'Education at a Glance,” which offers comparisons across countries in various educational and economic indicators.

Part of the reason that encouraging students to stick with K-12 education"

On Special Education: Ed. Dept. Gives Guidance on Providing Special Education During a Swine Flu Outbreak

On Special Education: Ed. Dept. Gives Guidance on Providing Special Education During a Swine Flu Outbreak:


"The U.S. Department of Education has offered some legal guidance to schools about their requirements to educate special education students in times of a swine flu outbreak.
Some schools closed their doors after cases of swine flu first appeared last spring. Not much was known about how schools would handle educating students with disabilities if there were ever long school closures or long absences by students because of the H1N1 virus. With a new school year under way, the U.S. Department of Education released legal guidelines Sept. 1."

First thoughts: Obama's three audiences - First Read - msnbc.com

First thoughts: Obama's three audiences - First Read - msnbc.com:

"Obama's three audiences: Perhaps the best way to view (and also judge) President Obama's health-care address tonight is to consider that he's speaking to three audiences. The first is ordinary American voters -- call them Joe and Jane from Kansas City. What we've picked up from the White House is that the president isn’t expected to get into the legislative weeds in tonight’s speech, but instead hopes to explain to Joe and Jane that his health-care reform will 1) cover nearly everyone and 2) cut costs in the long run. If that message isn’t hammered home to Joe and Jane, then the White House will consider tonight’s speech a failure. By the way, Joe and Jane in Kansas City live in the geographic AND political middle."

Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG > KJ vs City Attorney flap gets nastier > September 8, 2009

Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG > KJ vs City Attorney flap gets nastier > September 8, 2009:

"KJ vs City Attorney flap gets nastier

So the Fair Political Practices Commission today said that mayor Kevin Johnson is off the hook for any legal conflict of interest regarding an upcoming council vote to help along his strong mayor initiative. As I reported last week (and in tomorrow’s Bites column, the wonders of weekly journalism), City Attorney Eileen Teichert figured that KJ had a conflict because he loaned $25,000 to Sacramentans for Accountable Government, the committee running his strong mayor campaign. And, as reported, Johnson got around the problem, at least in part, by forgiving the loan and making it a gift."

Local News | Kent teachers defy court order, still on strike | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News Kent teachers defy court order, still on strike Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Kent teachers were supposed to be in school Tuesday, preparing for the first day of class Wednesday, but instead were still on the picket line in defiance of a court order.

Denisha Saucedo, a sixth-grade teacher at Kent Elementary, said it was a difficult decision between continuing to fight for smaller class sizes and defying the judge who ruled the strike that began Aug. 31 was illegal.

'I became a teacher to try to make a difference,' Saucedo said. After growing up in the same school district and learning in a classroom with as many as 40 students, she said she didn't want to see her students have the same experience."

Education Week: Calif. Budget Troubles Fuel Curriculum Crisis

Education Week: Calif. Budget Troubles Fuel Curriculum Crisis:

"School administrators in California are getting greater flexibility in how they spend more than $300 million dollars intended for instructional materials, along with encouragement to use some free digital textbooks for high school courses, as a result of cost-cutting measures brought on by the state’s budget crisis.

But extensive changes to the state’s curriculum policies have raised concerns among many educators that they will not have the guidance or resources they need to choose the best textbooks and teaching strategies for their students."

LAUSD schools open under $140M budget cloud - The Daily Breeze

LAUSD schools open under $140M budget cloud - The Daily Breeze:

"Hundreds of thousands of Los Angeles Unified students Wednesday head back to school, where they'll find crowded classrooms, fewer teachers and limited services thanks to a year of tough budget cuts.

And the students won't be the only ones with a homework assignment.

District officials say state lawmakers have given them a vexing math problem to start the year: Subtract about $140 million - the equivalent of closing down seven high schools - from this year's budget.

The hit, which looks certain unless emergency legislation proposed this week passes, comes as the district is still smarting from $869 million in cuts over the past year."

Obama addresses public school students

Obama addresses public school students:

"Obama addresses public school students
By Jerry White

As most public schools in the US opened for the first day of classes Tuesday, President Obama delivered a speech at a high school in Arlington, Virginia, which was broadcast to public school students around the country.

The event had been the subject of a hysterical campaign by right-wing talk show hosts and Republican politicians who warned that the president would use it to indoctrinate children in his “socialistic” agenda. The news media gave wide coverage to these semi-fascistic elements demanding that schools prohibit the airing of the president’s remarks and exaggerated the impact of their campaign. In the end, only a small number of districts, primarily Republican-voting regions in the South and West, did not show the speech or left the decision up to teachers."

The Answer Sheet - Teach Your Child to Be Their Own Advocate

The Answer Sheet - Teach Your Child to Be Their Own Advocate:

"There are many things that experts tell parents they ought to do for their child at the start of the school year:

*Help kids create a schedule to do homework and outside activities.

*Create a quiet work space for them to do homework.

*Make sure they get enough sleep each night.

*Insist they eat a healthy breakfast—even if they don’t want to-- because they won’t do their best work without it.

But one stands out as having especially far-reaching consequences: Teach your child how to advocate for themselves--starting with their teachers.
This may sound painfully obvious (the right thing to do often is but we still don’t do it)."

2theadvocate.com | News | ACLU sues middle school — Baton Rouge, LA

2theadvocate.com News ACLU sues middle school — Baton Rouge, LA:

"The American Civil Liberties Union filed a federal lawsuit Tuesday challenging a new same-sex classroom plan at a Vermilion Parish middle school.

The suit was filed on behalf of an unnamed parent and her two children, whom attend Rene A. Rost Middle School. The suit alleges the students were placed in sex-segregated classrooms without being offered equal co-educational options as required by law.

“Everyone has the right to the same quality education,” Marjorie Esman, executive director of the ACLU of Louisiana, said Tuesday in a statement. “Opportunities must be available to all students based on their abilities, rather than their gender.”"