Monday, March 14, 2011

Diane Ravitch: Eight Civics Lessons from Governor Walker #wiunion

Diane Ravitch: Eight Civics Lessons from Governor Walker

by Diane Ravitch

By Diane Ravitch
Governor Scott Walker of Wisconsin has taught the nation some very important civics lessons. The price is high, but we should pay careful attention to what he teaches by example.
The first lesson: Citizens should not be hoodwinked by rhetoric. Governor Walker said that the state was broke. He said that public sector workers had to make larger contributions to the cost of their pensions and healthcare, even as he handed out generous corporate tax breaks for the same amount. Doing a reverse Robin Hood, he took from the middle class to enrich the powerful. The unions promptly agreed to pay what the governor proposed, effectively cutting their compensation, but the governor would not take yes for an answer. He insisted on breaking the unions, even though no financial issues were involved.
Lesson two: It is really important to vote. Only 51.7% of eligible voters in Wisconsin cast a ballot last November, and they ended up with a governor and a legislature who are wreaking havoc on state government and decimating vital public services.

How you can help defend Wisconsin | Defend Wisconsin #wiunion

How you can help defend Wisconsin | Defend Wisconsin

How you can help defend Wisconsin

by mkunovic

1) Gather signatures for the recall of eight Republican Senators

We need your help to recall 8 Republican Senators who stood with Scott Walker and rammed through his extreme agenda that ends 50 years of civil rights and strips teachers, nurses, librarians and other workers of their right to collective bargaining. The clock is ticking and we now have less than 60 days to collect the signatures we need to force a recall. Every day counts.

Please take a look at the volunteer schedule and sign up to help.

2) Make phone calls

Whether you have 30 minutes or 3 hours to spare, you can help by making phone calls to inform people across Wisconsin of events happening in their districts; to recruit volunteers for rallies, marches and events; to ask people to canvass for recall efforts; to thank past volunteers; and so on. Don’t worry if you don’t have experience.

There are numerous alternatives to austerity – one is a state bank

by kmatt

As states struggle to meet their budgets, public pensions are on the chopping block, but they needn’t be. States can keep their pension funds intact while leveraging them into many times their worth in loans, just as Wall Street banks do. They can do this by forming their own public banks, following the lead of North Dakota—a state that currently has a budget surplus.

Open Letter To The Public Education Budget Cutters « InterACT

Open Letter To The Public Education Budget Cutters

by Kelly A. Kovacic

Dear Politician or Policy-Maker:

OK, I get it. You read stories about incompetent teachers being paid to do nothing and teachers unions preventing any improvement. You are embarrassed because students in Slovenia scored higher than U.S. students on an international multiple choice math exam. Even though you have probably never been a teacher and it has been years since you have spent any meaningful time in a classroom, you believe that teaching really can’t be that challenging. And, since everyone is saying that our public education system is “broken,” it must be.

On the other hand, however, because most of you don’t send your own children to a failing school, any personal experiences you have had with public education have been largely positive. Sure, there were times when you thought your child’s project deserved an A instead of the B. There was also the season when the coach who you thought clearly didn’t know what he was doing started someone’s else’s son at shortstop. But, all in all, the teachers were more than competent and your child knew much more at the end of the school year than at the

Ravitch: Jon Stewart and other education heroes - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

Ravitch: Jon Stewart and other education heroes Education historian Diane Ravitch: “There really is a bipartisan consensus on education reform... .”

Why schools should try things not “research-based” A buzz phrase in schools across the country has become “research-based best practices” -- but sometimes schools may need to try things that have no evidence base.

A Florida teacher tells Obama he disappointed her A Florida public school teacher explains how she told President Obama that he has disappointed teachers -- and what she wishes she had more time to tell him.

Teachers tell: One thing I wish I’d known Teachers answer this question: “What was one thing you wished you’d known when you started teaching?

Rheeform: How she fired teachers (with artistic license) Here’s an artist’s rendering, so to speak, of how Michelle Rhee worked when she was chancellor of D.C. schools. A video that will make you laugh and cry.

Why Bill Gates is wrong on class size A veteran teacher explains why a proposal by Bill Gates to selectively increase class size doesn’t make any educational or financial sense.

Pearls of wisdom from the Education Department In the “D-for duh” category, here is some of the advice that the Education Department spent time putting together as guidance just issued to governors on how to wisely spend federal money during these financially troubled times.

Why homework is counterproductive Here are four reasons from Alfie Kohn about why homework is a losing enterprise for teachers, parents and students.

Japan Earthquake: Facts, resources on quakes, tsunamis Here are facts and websites that teachers and parents can use to educate themselves and their children about earthquakes and tsunamis.

5 myths on zero tolerance policies Zero-tolerance disciplinary policies have been popular for years in school districts around the country, often implemented on a set of assumptions that research shows are not true. Here are five myths about zero-tolerance, and the reality.

NYC Educator: NY Times' Kristof Tackles Pernicious Fallacies

NY Times' Kristof Tackles Pernicious Fallacies

by NYC Educator

NY Times columnist Nicholas Kristof is demanding wepay teachers more. Sounds good, doesn't it? Which teacher couldn't use more money? It kind of makes you think he's pro-teacher. And it would be true, if it weren't for the fact that no one is actually offering teachers more money, and the priority in these United States is not compensation for teachers, but lowering taxes for Steve Forbes.

Nonetheless, you'd think the man who declared qualifications for teachers were so onerous that Meryl Streep and Colin Powell couldn't get classroom jobs(despite the fact that neither had expressed the remotest interest in them) had finally come to his senses.

But like the Republicans, who claim it's in the public's best interest to strip working people of bargaining rights, Kristof tosses out misleading headlines and

Schools Matter: Let's blame (1) teachers (2) schools of education (3) the decline of the US (4) lack of a national education program (5) parents, but not the real cul

Let's blame (1) teachers (2) schools of education (3) the decline of the US (4) lack of a national education program (5) parents, but not the real cul

by skrashen

Let's blame (1) teachers (2) schools of education (3) the decline of the US (4) lack of a national education program (5) parents, but not the real culprit: POVERTY

Stephen Krashen

Everybody seems to think that our educational system is broken, because of our "low" test scores on international tests.

The federal government and Bill Gates think that the solution is improved teaching and teacher education, and that we can force teachers and Schools of Education to get better by "raising standards" and by evaluating

Don't blame parents, blame poverty

by skrashen

Don't Blame Parents, Blame Poverty

Sent to the Indianapolis Star, March 13

"The problem with parents" (March 13) blames parents for problems in American education. There is, however, no evidence showing that parents today are any less or more committed to their children than in previous decades.

The real culprit is poverty. Children of poverty suffer from inadequate food and medical care, and lack of access to books. Each of these is associated with low school performance.

Our high level of child poverty is responsible for our less-than-spectacular performance on international

Sunday, March 13, 2011

SOUTHEASTERN HIGH CHOIR WINS VICTORY | VOICE OF DETROIT: The city's independent newspaper, unbossed and unbought

SOUTHEASTERN HIGH CHOIR WINS VICTORY

Posted on March 13, 2011 by Diane Bukowski

(L to R) JROTC cadet Ryan Field, Southeastern choir members Nicole Smith, Demitri Murphy, Porsha Jackson, Chiyo Williams, Leroy Lewis

After three walk-outs, sit-in, they compete in state festival

By Diane Bukowski

DETROIT – As the music, arts and drama programs of Detroit Public Schools are eliminated, some students are not taking it lying down. Members of Southeastern High School’s choir won authorization to compete in the Michigan School Vocal Music Association Choral Festival, held Mar. 11, but only after students walked out three times and held a press conference Mar. 9.,

“We’ve been practicing for this whole year, but then they took our music teacher away a month ago, and we were disqualified,” said Porsha Jackson, a soprano vocalist and president of the choir. “Robert Bobb doesn’t care about us, about the young people. W

“John Muir Elementary SF gets parents more involved” | Engaging Parents In School...

“John Muir Elementary SF gets parents more involved” “John Muir Elementary SF gets parents more involved” is an article in today’s San Francisco Chronicle about one school’s efforts to connect with parents. It’s worth a read.

“Moms fight for schools” Moms fight for schools is the headline of a Los Angeles Daily News article about a new parent group called Educate Our State. They’re fighting for increased education funding in our state. I’ve previously posted about them at California Parents ...

“Must-Read” Parent Tool Kit Lorna Constantini from Parents as Partners and Dorothy Gossling have created a Parent Tool Kit and accompanying Planning Parent Engagement Guidebook that is being distributed to all school boards and schools in Ontario. It’s a great piece of work and ...

“Preparing Teachers for Family Engagement” Preparing Teachers for Family Engagement is the headline of the newest free email newsletter from the Family Involvement Network of Educators from Harvard. Here’s a short excerpt of their description of what’s included: *Elise Trumbull, EdD, ...

Parent Engagement/Involvement Or Parent Compliance? I think The Parent Trapped. Not. is a fairly odd post in The Daily Riff blog. However, I was struck by one sentence in it: *“While educators beat the drum about the importance of parental involvement in their child’s education, many really mean ...

Good “Parent Trigger” Article The California Teachers Association’s magazine just published what I consider to be a pretty good article on the parent trigger. Check-out “‘Parent trigger’ launches firestorm in Compton.”

New RSS feed Address The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

- The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

The Michigan Fish Test and school reform Educator Larry Ferlazzo explains what school reformers could learn from the Michigan Fish Test: a little humility. (What’s the Michigan Fish Test? Read on.)

Philosophical proof: Why testing obsession is nutty Here a longtime educator and philosophy major presents a philosophical argument that she says proves that today’s relentless focus on standardized test scores is crazy.

Teach for America alum: Where TFA falls short A Teach for America alumnus writes about why the organization must modernize: “With its emphasis on gains that can be measured on traditional paper and pencil assessments, Teach For America is reinforcing 20th century modes of teaching, thinking, and ...

Teachers tell: One thing I wish I’d known Teachers answer this question: “What was one thing you wished you’d known when you started teaching?

Obama’s odd embrace of Jeb Bush Here’s why teachers got upset when President Obama embraced Jeb Bush and his education reform record last week at a Miami school.

Why Bill Gates is wrong on class size A veteran teacher explains why a proposal by Bill Gates to selectively increase class size doesn’t make any educational or financial sense.

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By Washington Post editors | March 13, 2011; 9:11 PM ET

Part 2. 100,000 Welcome the Dem14 Home: The Press Conference | blue cheddar. #wiunion

Part 2. 100,000 Welcome the Dem14 Home: The Press Conference | blue cheddar.

Part 2. 100,000 Welcome the Dem14 Home: The Press Conference

BY BLUECHEDDAR

I could say without exaggeration that I was riveted to the appearance and the words of the Dem14 at Saturday’s press conference.

Dave Hansen of Green Bay conveyed the most emotion of all of the Senators who spoke to us.

Sen. Dave Hansen

Here is a 2.5 minute selection. This is a recording I don’t get tired of.

Sen. Dave Hansen, 03/12/11 by bluecheddar

I realize I am incredibly biased. In my eyes, what the Dem14 did was necessary and heroic. The press in this room didn’t share my admiration for the Senators in front of them. It was difficult for me to hear them ask some of the questions that they asked. Maybe just 1 or 2 more softball questions would’ve been in order (I threw in 1) , like “How long did you discuss the decision to leave before you all resolved to do this.” and “Was there a moment when 1 of you almost had to come back for any reason at all – medical, family, other.” and “Did you actually fear that authorities might turn you back from leaving?”

Discussion with Walker’s staff. No negotiation with Walker.

Sen. Risser said that the Governor never once negotiated with the Dem14. Sen.

Just say no to voucher expansion « Larry Miller's Blog #wiunion

Just say no to voucher expansion « Larry Miller's Blog

Just say no to voucher expansion

by millerlf

By Barbara Miner March 12, 2011 MJS Crossroads

Memo to all Wisconsin legislators. There is an easy way to prove you care about public education in Wisconsin. And it won’t cost a penny.

Just say no to Gov. Scott Walker’s proposed expansion of the Milwaukee voucher program providing tax dollars to private schools.

This may seem merely like a Milwaukee issue. It’s not. Voucher advocates have made clear for more than 20 years that their goal is to replace public education with a system of universal vouchers that includes private and religious schools.

The heartbreaking drama currently playing in Milwaukee – millions of dollars cut from the public schools while vouchers are expanded so wealthy families can attend private schools in the suburbs – may be coming soon to a

Randy Turner: The Failure of American Teachers #wiunion

Randy Turner: The Failure of American Teachers

The Failure of American Teachers

For a long time, I tried to fight it.

Whenever someone had the temerity to criticize public schools and schoolteachers, I stood staunchly in the corner of those who practice my profession. I noted that in my 12 years as a teacher, I have had the privilege of serving with hard-working, skilled professionals.

Prior to becoming a teacher, I spent the previous 22 years as a newspaper reporter and had the opportunity to observe dozens of schools doing outstanding jobs of serving their communities.

Sadly, I have finally had my blinders removed and I no longer have the same glowing view of public education.

It has nothing to do with test scores, considering most of the schools are taking poorly-worded tests from companies that are making a mint off selling tests and practice tests. After all, if the tests

SACRAMENTO PROGRESSIVE ALLIANCE: Rally to Support the American Dream

Rally to Support the American Dream

Labor & Civil Rights groups to protest Republican/Corporate attack on workers rights at every level of government

Participants to stand in solidarity with Wisconsin workers!

On Tuesday, March 15, local MoveOn members will gather on the South Steps of the State Capitol to defend the American Dream. The event will urge ALL Labor Unions, Community Organizations and concerned individuals to stand strong against attacks on the American Dream and workers’ rights by Republicans, at both the state and national level, and will highlight the potentially disastrous effects of the Republican budget.

The Republicans recently proposed more than $100 billion in cuts to the federal budget. At the event, participants will also stand in solidarity with Wisconsin workers, who had many of their rights stripped from them last week in a Republican power grab.

On top of cutting dozens of government programs that hundreds of millions of Americans rely on, the proposed Republican budget cuts

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