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Monday, September 19, 2011

Big Education Ape: 9-19-11 AM Senators - VOTE NO on H.R. 2218 Charter School BAIL OUT ACT EDition

Big Education Ape: Ed News Now:

Published by Coopmike48 – 5 news spotters today

SignOn.org Beta

signon.org - Flag petition as inappropriateBy Susan DuFresne (Contact)To be delivered to: The United States SenateDear Senators: The recent passage of H.R. 2218, the Empowering Parents Through the Quality Chart...

mikeklonsky

Getting teacher evaluation right - The Answer Sheet

washingtonpost.com - Here is an edited version of a briefing on the right way to evaluate teachers that Stanford University Professor Linda Darling-Hammond and other leading education research experts gave this week on...

DianeRavitch

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coopmike48 Read Damn Good Education Daily ▸ today's top stories via @ritacolleen ▸http://t.co/6wO7hXDz #EDCHAT55 seconds ago · reply · retweet · favorite

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coopmike48 Opt Out of State Mandated Tests « PWC Education Reform Bloghttp://t.co/dPFqlA5Q #Edu5 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite

EducationSee all

California public school students decline in SAT scores

latimesblogs.latimes.com - Among the interesting details in the latest SAT results from the College Board: California's public school students scored much lower on the high-stakes test than other members of the state's 2011...

mikeklonsky

SocietySee all

Leonard Pitts column: When justice requires death

chicagotribune.com - And they raised a cheer for death. It was a chilling moment but also a clarifying one in that it validated the grimmest suspicions about at least some of those who support capital punishment. That ...

mikeklonsky

House passes HB 4929 | Michigan Education Association

mea.org - On a close 55-53 vote today, the House passed HB 4929 which prohibits the deduction of union dues by public school employers. The bill was fast-tracked through the House after being introduced Tues...

fklonsky

PoliticsSee all

Ryan: 'Buffett Rule' class warfare - POLITICO Live

politico.com - September 18, 2011 House Budget Committee Chairman Paul Ryan is ripping President Barack Obama's plan to raise taxes on the rich, calling it "class warfare." "Class warfare might make for good poli...

mikeklonsky

StoriesSee all

The Beatles banned segregated audiences, contract shows

democraticunderground.com - Source: BBCThe Beatles showed their support for the US civil rights movement by refusing to play in front of segregated audiences, a contract shows.The document, which is to be auctioned next week,...

coopmike48

Emmy Awards Livestream | 2011 Emmys Livestream | Video

mediaite.com - Live Video The 2011 Emmy Awards are tonight on Fox, and we hope you stick with us at Mediaite as we settle in to watch the show (and keep our fingers crossed for embarrassing awkward iconic, poigna...

coopmike48

HealthSee all

Child abuse rose during recession, research says

news.yahoo.com - CHICAGO (AP) — An increase in child abuse, mostly in infants, is linked with the recent recession in new research that raises fresh concerns about the impact of the nation's economic woes.The resul...

mikeklonsky

Recess Is Making a Comeback in Schools

nytimes.com - As more Chicago public schools cash in on Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s longer-day financial incentives by adding 90 minutes to their school day, the previous votes by a dozen schools to add about a half ...

mikeklonsky

Speech Therapy 3-2-2011 | Special Needs in Education

edusped.com - Here I am practicing reading words in speech therapy. —————————- OnNovember 25, 2009, I had a stroke. An aneurysm burst in my brain, I began to slur my words and then (apparently) I collapsed on th...

coopmike48

Art & EntertainmentSee all

Michael Moore On His Penchant For 'Trouble' : NPR

bigeducationape.blogspot.com - Michael Moore On His Penchant For 'Trouble' : NPR: Michael Moore On His Penchant For 'Trouble'Michael Moore didn't plan on becoming a filmmaker. As a teenager growing up in the Midwest, he consider...

coopmike48

#eduRead this paperSee all

GOP, Tea Party Influence Permeates Local Charter School

bigeducationape.blogspot.com - GOP, Tea Party Influence Permeates Local Charter School:GOP, Tea Party Influence Permeates Local Charter Schoolby adminAn original post for K12NN by LiberalMama (@liberalmama on Twitter).Earlier th...

coopmike48

#occupywallstreetSee all

Live Blog for #OccupyWallStreet: Day Two

dissenter.firedoglake.com - Yesterday was the first day of Occupy Wall Street, an action inspired by occupations that have taken place in Egypt, Greece, Spain and other countries over the past months. FDL’s The Dissenter has ...

coopmike48

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      Opt Out of State Mandated Tests « PWC Education Reform Blog

      Opt Out of State Mandated Tests « PWC Education Reform Blog:

      Opt Out of State Mandated Tests

      September 19, 2011 — pwceducationreform

      We’d like to introduce you to a new site we think you will find useful – Opt Out of Standardized Tests.

      This site provides information about opting your child out of state mandated standardized testing. There is no federal law that requires your child to take state mandated tests, just state and local laws. The rules vary by state and locality, so you need to be informed if you choose to opt your child out of state mandated testing.

      Over the past several years a handful of Prince William County parents have opted out of state mandated testing in protest over the controversial Math Investigations program. Others have opted out because they teach their children

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      Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… - This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good School Reform Posts & Articles

      Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… - This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good School Reform Posts & Articles:

      This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good School Reform Posts & Articles There have been quite a few recent good posts and articles about school reform issues: I’ve got to start with Linda Darling-Hammond’s Getting teacher evaluation right at The Answer Sheet. It may be THE piece on teacher evaluation. I’m adding it to ...
      My Best Posts On The Basics Of Small Groups In The Classroom In yesterday’s post, Teens, Their Brains, & Working In Groups, I mentioned that I would be posting a “The Best…” list today sharing a few very practical and simple ideas on how to work effectively with small groups in the classroom. This “The ...
      Simple, Great Chart To Show To All Students Jason Keath posted an incredibly simple — yet powerful — chart on Google Plus about the truth behind success. Any teacher can draw it in thirty seconds on a whiteboard, and I think it can be helpful to all students — English Language Learners and ...
      Nice Music Videos & Lyrics Sheets David Deubelbeiss has developed another great resource for ESL/EFL teachers — tons of music videos with lyric sheets, including clozes. I’m adding them to The Best Music Websites For Learning English.
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      Brown skeptical of key ed bill | Thoughts on Public Education

      Brown skeptical of key ed bill | Thoughts on Public Education:

      Brown skeptical of key ed bill

      Steinberg faces tough sell on alternative to API

      Posted on 9/19/11 • Categorized as Assessments, CALPADS, Jerry Brown, Tests

      By John Fensterwald - Educated Guess

      Gov. Jerry Brown has warned lawmakers that his veto pen will flow freely over the next three weeks. Among bills on the threatened list is potentially the most far-reaching K-12 education legislation before him – a bill that would significantly shift the state’s accountability system away from its concentration on standardized tests. SB 547 is also a priority of it author, Senate President pro Tem Darrell Steinberg.

      Acknowledging that the bill may be in trouble, Steinberg said Friday that Brown “has expressed some doubts” about it, while not precluding the possibility that he might sign the bill, in several discussions they have had.

      Brown, too, has expressed a dislike of the reliance on standardized tests by the state

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      Big Education Ape - PostRank Today's10

      Big Education Ape - PostRank  Today's10

      Do Private Contractors Save the Government Money? - Forbes

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      Do Private Contractors Save the Government Money? - Forbes:Do Private Contractors Save the Government Money?by E.D. KainInside of a Private Prison (Image by Sean Davis via Flickr)I’ve written about faux “privatization” before, which typically entails renting out government work to contractors who are said to be cheaper and more efficient. Private prisons are a major example of this. So are mercenary outfits which you hear referred to as simply “private contractors” in reference to private armed forces in Iraq and ... more »

      Deion Sanders, former Redskin, to open Texas charter school - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      Deion Sanders, former Redskin, to open Texas charter school - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post:Deion Sanders, former Redskin, to open Texas charter schoolby Valerie StraussOnly in Texas.R enowned athlete Deion Sanders has persuaded the Texas State board of Education to allow him to open a charter school — even though some members expressed concerns about just how academically rigorous the school would be.According to The Texas Tribune, the board voted 8 to 4 Friday to approve Sanders’ application ... more »

      Teachers unions challenge Florida's merit-pay law in court | jacksonville.com

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      Teachers unions challenge Florida's merit-pay law in court | jacksonville.com:Teachers unions challenge Florida's merit-pay law in courtPosted: September 14, 2011 - 7:21pm | Updated: September 15, 2011 - 6:31amFirst Coast FCAT ScoresUse the search below to see how your area school performed. You may enter full or partial school names in schools field. 2010-11 school grades are available for elementary and middle schools.Year: 2010-2011 2009-2010 2008-2009 2007-2008 Grade Level: Search all 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 ... more »

      EdNews/PBS panel on educator effectiveness | EdNewsColorado

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      EdNews/PBS panel on educator effectiveness | EdNewsColorado:EdNews/PBS panel on educator effectivenessfrom EdNewsColorado by adminPanelist Jessica Keigan, a high school English teacher in the Adams 12 School District.Rocky Mountain PBS and Education News Colorado hosted a lively panel discussion Friday on the state’s new educator effectiveness law, which will dramatically change how Colorado teachers and principals are assessed.State officials are still working on implementation of the new legislation, officially known as the Great Teachers and Leaders Law. By 2014, at least ... more »

      The Paradox of Wealth - THE DAILY RIFF - Be Smarter. About Education.

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      The Paradox of Wealth - THE DAILY RIFF - Be Smarter. About Education.:The Paradox of Wealth"But what is overlooked in all the shouting is that paradoxically,the people whohave the most to gain from insuring some measure ofeconomic equality and social justiceare the wealthy."The Paradox of Wealthby Joseph Ganem, Ph.D."For the body is not one member, but many. If the foot says, 'Because I am not a hand, I am not a part of the body,' it is not for this ...more »

      Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… - “Teach With, Not ‘To” The Test”

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… - “Teach With, Not ‘To” The Test”:Larry Ferlazzo“Teach With, Not ‘To” The Test”Filed under teacher resources“Teach With, Not ‘To” The Test” is an article about a short interview with Princeton Neuroscientist Sam Wang.In it, he points out reasons why high-stakes standardized tests are not helpful to learning, including the fact that feedback is not immediate and that they create needless anxiety. He says low-stakes quizzes are useful, however, and suggests they be done in ... more »

      Call Your Senators STOP !! HR 2218 Bill to expand charter school moves on to U.S. Senate | SeacoastOnline.com

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      Bill to expand charter school moves on to U.S. Senate | SeacoastOnline.com:Bill to expand charter school moves on to U.S. SenateTODAY'S MOST VIEWED ARTICLESIn pursuit of a killer: Suspect has eluded police for 30 years -9/18/2011'HALT' illegal immigration -9/18/2011Developer seeks zoning change in Bartlett St. neighborhood -9/18/2011Kids enjoy a fairy good time -9/18/2011'High-level' concerns for Maine: I-95 span problematic for state's economy - 9/18/2011Growth of poverty spreads across Seacoast - 9/18/2011By Jamie Webbennews@seacoastonline.comSeptember 17, 2011 2:00 AMWASHINGTON —... more »

      Ackerman: I was threatened over the King charter deal — NewsWorks

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      Ackerman: I was threatened over the King charter deal — NewsWorks:Ackerman: I was threatened over the King charter dealSeptember 17, 2011By Bill Hangley Jr. for Newsworks and the Public School Notebook Rate This: 12345 (6 votes)Ask a QuestionArlene Ackerman claims she was pressured multiple ways to overturn the King charter contract. (AP Photo)Images 1/6Hide CaptionPoll:Should Ackerman continue to speak publicly about her tenure as Philly superintendent? Yes, there's more there than meets the eye. No, enough is enough.View Results »Recent ... more »

      ALPHAMOMFIA: The Danger of Special Education Scholarship Vouchers

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      ALPHAMOMFIA: The Danger of Special Education Scholarship Vouchers:The Danger of Special Education Scholarship VouchersIn Wisconsin, children who qualify for special education and their families are caught in the middle of a legislative battle over a mostly Republican-introduced bill called AB110. The bill is similar to many private school voucher programs for special education students that are being endorsed predominantly by Republicans in state legislatures throughout the country. AB110 and other bills like it are a result of proposed legislation by ... more »

      With Fraud Already Present, Was ALEC Involved in Expanding McKay Scholarships to Florida’s Special Needs Kids? | Scathing Purple Musings

      Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 3 hours ago
      With Fraud Already Present, Was ALEC Involved in Expanding McKay Scholarships to Florida’s Special Needs Kids? | Scathing Purple Musings:With Fraud Already Present, Was ALEC Involved in Expanding McKay Scholarships to Florida’s Special Needs Kids?by Bob SikesI don’t often use letters to the editor in a blog post, but Loudon, Tennessee’s Joy Pachucki writes something that may be important to Florida families. The expansion of McKay scholarships by Rick Scott and the state’s republican legislators to include any child with ... more »
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      Weekly Update: September 19, 2011 | Seattle Education

      Weekly Update: September 19, 2011 | Seattle Education:

      Weekly Update: September 19, 2011

      by seattleducation2011

      Have I got news for you!

      The pace has picked up around the country since the school year began.

      Our state PTA is busy promoting charter schools along with the Gates backed League of Education Voters,Stand for Children and DFER.

      To read the Washington PTA proposal with all of the details, check out Whoa! Where Did That Come From Washington State PTA!? Charter Schools?!

      The life of Vita Perrone, Sr., an educator who I did not know, was described in an article written by Paul Vitello in

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      The Educated Reporter: The New York Times Magazine's Education Issue: A Treasure Trove of Big Ideas

      The Educated Reporter: The New York Times Magazine's Education Issue: A Treasure Trove of Big Ideas:

      The New York Times Magazine's Education Issue: A Treasure Trove of Big Ideas

      by Emily Richmond
      There were so many interesting ideas crammed into the New York Times Magazine's annual education issue this week that I hardly know where to start.

      I knew it was going to be a busy day of reading when the paper's front-page centerpiece was about a high school student with autism preparing for life in an adult world, without the safety net of his educational programs. In this remarkable story, reporter Amy Harmon demonstrates what can happen when writers have the access, the resources and the time to really examine a complicated issue.

      Harmon effectively personalized the debate over intensive interventions for children with autism by letting us meet the multitalented, and multi-challenged, young artist Justin Canha. The online multimedia package, with both
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      Schools Matter: New Ed Deform Propaganda Machine Launches

      Schools Matter: New Ed Deform Propaganda Machine Launches:

      New Ed Deform Propaganda Machine Launches

      by Judy Rabin
      A new propaganda machine presenting itself as "covering all facets of American Education Reform" has been launched today. Choice Media, a clever name indeed, will try to disguise itself to ignorant reporters and corporate media hacks as a "source" for information on ed reform. Who's behind this operation? It's Bob Bowdon and his gang of cronies that brought the film The Cartel, a vicious attack on teacher unions and public education -- blatant propaganda film for the privatizers and voucher supporters.

      Who's behind The Cartel, right wing zealots with lots of money.

      From PR Newswire:

      Today marks the official launch of Choice Media (http://ChoiceMedia.TV/), a non-profit news

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      Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES

      Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES:

      WEEKEND QUOTABLES

      Alfie Kohn
      "Whoever Said There's No Such Thing As a Stupid Question Never Looked Carefully at a Standardized Test" -- Huffington Post
      Nancy Pelosi
      Republicans are "using the budget deficit as an excuse to destroy the public space, medicare, medicaid, social security, food safety,
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      Tomorrow is Pension Call Tuesday. Senator Dan Kotowski. « Fred Klonsky's blog

      Tomorrow is Pension Call Tuesday. Senator Dan Kotowski. « Fred Klonsky's blog:

      Tomorrow is Pension Call Tuesday. Senator Dan Kotowski.

      by Fred Klonsky

      State Senator Dan Kotowski.

      This week’s pick is Park Ridge’s own State Senator Dan Kotowski.

      Dan was elected in 2007 as the first Democratic State Senator from his district in memory. He generally takes a pro-teacher position on issues.

      Politely remind Senator Kotowski of our views: We have always paid our share while the state has not. Our pension was a promise made, a covenant (as my pal Mark likes to say). It is guaranteed in our state’s constitution. We receive no social security benefits.

      Springfield Office:
      Senator 33rd District
      M108 State House
      Springfield, IL 62706
      (217) 782-3875

      District Office:
      1100 W. Northwest Hwy.
      Suite 114
      Mt. Prospect, IL 60056
      (847) 797-1192
      (847) 797-1195 FAX
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      NYC Educator: Is Half a Story Better than None?

      NYC Educator: Is Half a Story Better than None?:

      Is Half a Story Better than None?

      by NYC Educator
      I'm fascinated by this article in NY Mag, and the more I think about it, the more I change my mind why that is. At first blush, I thought it did a good job of encapsulating both sides of class size. But on closer examination, it kind of paints class-size advocates as fanatics, while offering little or nothing in the way of why we believe as we do. On the other hand, it portrays the other side fairly well--reasonable class sizes cost too much, and union is bad.

      I've taught classes of 15, 25, and 35, and I can tell you there's a world of difference in what you can accomplish. Folks like Bloomberg, Klein and Obama place their kids in private schools with class sizes below 15, but have no problem advocating larger class sizes for our children. In fact, those who administrate schools ought to be required to patronize them,
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      Teach for America Displays Taken Down in Portland and Seattle « Parents Across America

      Teach for America Displays Taken Down in Portland and Seattle « Parents Across America:

      Teach for America Displays Taken Down in Portland and Seattle

      by DoraTaylor

      According to a previous post on the Seattle Education blog, Parents Across America, Seattle: Part of Protest at Apple Store:

      Steve Jobs with Apple has gotten on the ed reform bandwagon and is offering free iPads to Teach for America recruits but of course none to real teachers who have teaching experience, degrees in education and have devoted their lives to their school communities. Nope, this is for the TFA, Inc. recruits with five weeks of training to teach to the test and nothing more. I guess they need some sort of way to track all of those test scores.

      Check out this great video titled An Apple a Day for TFA.

      The protest happened on

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