Wednesday, August 29, 2012

by sarah-ji

Join the Chicago Teachers Union and labor allies Monday, Sept 3rd in Daley Plaza from 10:30am-12:30pm for a Labor Day Rally for Jobs, Dignity and a Fair Contract!

Chicago teachers are approaching a showdown with the mayor and the Chicago Board of Education. The fight for a fair CTU contract reflects the current climate of scapegoating union workers in an attempt to force us all to accept contract givebacks. Public servants and the services we provide are under attack! Join the fight for better schools, libraries, parks, decent wages and public services. Sisters and brothers and comrades from Chicago’s unions will rally together. Members of all unions will dress to represent their locals. CTU members will wear our red. Let’s send a message, together, that “An Injury to One is an Injury to All.”

Monday, September 3
10:30am – 12:30pm
Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington
Contact AlixGuevara@ctuLocal1.com or
312-329-6247 for more information.
Click here to download the flyer.

Co-Sponsors include:
Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 73 • American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) Council 31 • National Nurses United (NNU) • United Electrical Workers (UE) Western Region • National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Branch 11 • SEIU Local 1 • UNITE-HERE Local 1 • SEIU Health Care Illinois-Indiana • Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) Chicago Lodge 7 • Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) Local 241 • Teamsters Joint Council No. 25 • International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Locals 134 and 9 • Ironworkers District Council of Chicago • United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1546 • International Association of Machinists (IAM) Local 126 • International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) Local 150 • Sheet Metal Workers (SMW) • Chicago Laborers District Council • Chicago Regional Council of Carpenters • Painters District Council 15 • Chicago Firefighters Union Local 2 •

Labor Day Rally for Jobs, Dignity and a Fair Contract w/ CTU

by sarah-ji

Join the Chicago Teachers Union and labor allies Monday, Sept 3rd in Daley Plaza from 10:30am-12:30pm for a Labor Day Rally for Jobs, Dignity and a Fair Contract!

Monday, September 3
10:30am – 12:30pm
Daley Plaza
50 W. Washington
Contact AlixGuevara@ctuLocal1.com or
312-329-6247 for more information.
Click here to download the flyer.

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12:09 PM (27 minutes ago)

Parents/Students Take Over Sojo Mtg-2 Teachers Fired

by sarah-ji

A SoJo HS Parent speaks during the public comment portion of the community forum.

In a show of community unity, on Thurs. night Aug 23, 200 parents, teachers, students, and community members at Chicago's Social Justice High School (Sojo) denounced CPS-appointed interim principal and CPS Network staff for cutting AP classes and critical student programs, displacing core veteran teachers, disrespecting parents and community, destabilizing the school, and violating the values of the Hunger Strike that founded the school. Charging that CPS is trying to cut out the heart of Sojo's social justice mission, students led the parents and community members in chanting "where's the justice in social justice?"

TWO TEACHERS FIRED

At the end of the day on Friday, Aug. 24, the interim principal fired Angela Sangha and Katie Hogan, two veteran English teachers who have been with Sojo since the day it opened in Fall 2005.

SUPPORT THE STRUGGLE TO DEFEND SOJO, ITS TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

Parents, community members, students and teachers, backed by the CTU, are fighting back. Students are organizing to leaflet the community, starting Saturday (Aug 25). They need copying donated to distribute 1500 two-sided flyers. IF YOU CAN MAKE COPIES EMAIL TSJ ASAP. Stay tuned for next steps.

Born out of struggle and the struggle continues!

Check out article in Substance magazine on the meeting last night here. For more information, please download this flyer.

Here are videos from the community forum:

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Jersey Jazzman: Reformy Alert! Booker Presents Dem Platform

Jersey Jazzman: Reformy Alert! Booker Presents Dem Platform:

Reformy Alert! Booker Presents Dem Platform

by Duke

I'm here to save you teachers and parents from yourselves!

This is not a good sign:

Newark Mayor Cory Booker will speak at the Democratic National Convention next month in Charlotte, N.C., President Obama’s campaign announced late Thursday night.
Booker, one of a dozen speakers the Obama campaign announced, will present the party platform to convention delegates on Sept. 4. He will be joined by Retired Army Lt. General Claudia Kennedy and Rep. Barbara Lee of California.
It is unclear what time Booker will speak, but so far, he is the only New Jersey

Vocational Education and the Voices of Workers: Blast from the Past #2 | AMPS

Vocational Education and the Voices of Workers: Blast from the Past #2 | AMPS:

Vocational Education and the Voices of Workers: Blast from the Past #2

by Thomas J. Mertz

Rocky Mountain News, 15 October, 1896.

The Clash – “Career Opportunities” (click to listen or download).

This is the second in a new series on AMPS: Blasts from the Past. The series is devoted to historical materials that comment on or illuminate contemporary issues in education. Today’s is about education, work and vocational education. There is so much going on in this area, especially here in Wisconsin, that I am sure there will be future posts, Blasts from the Past, and others. Today I just want to look at the how the voices of workers (and to a lesser extent teachers and students) were present and are now absent in discussion and governance of

As long as they brought it up, a reminder. « Fred Klonsky

As long as they brought it up, a reminder. « Fred Klonsky:

As long as they brought it up, a reminder.

by Fred Klonsky

Not their fight. The fight.

by Fred Klonsky

Not their fight. The fight. Just Seeds.

Rally for Public Education Sept 3 & Sept 4 at the DNC in Charlotte NC « Parents Across America

Rally for Public Education Sept 3 & Sept 4 at the DNC in Charlotte NC « Parents Across America:

Rally for Public Education Sept 3 & Sept 4 at the DNC in Charlotte NC

by leoniehaimson

MecklenburgACTS.org

Our nation’s public schools face tremendous challenges. Parents, educators, communities and elected officials need to work TOGETHER to build the schools that will prepare our children to face a changing world.

Unfortunately, too much precious time, energy and money has been sidetracked by policies that harm our schools rather than help them. These flawed policies have led to:

• Excessive high-stakes testing • Demoralization of dedicated, hardworking teachers

• School closings and charter school policies that destabilize families and communities, especially in low-income areas

Proponents of these flawed policies have scheduled two events during DNC week here in Charlotte – a film and panel discussion on Monday and a “town hall” on Tuesday.

We need to tell convention-goers and elected officials that parents on the ground do not support these efforts. Many of us have seen first-hand the damage these policies have done to students, schools and communities. We also know they have no track record of success.

Please join us before both events to rally in support of a more dynamic vision of an excellent public education for every student – one centered on parent and community involvement, greater support for dedicated educators and a vigorous, creative approach to learning and evaluation at all public schools. We also urge you to sign up to attend the events and voice your thoughts.

Monday, September 3: “Won’t Back Down” film and panel discussion sponsored by Michelle Rhee’s Students First, by Parent Revolution and by Democrats for Educational Reform. Funders of these well-heeled groups include the Broad, Walton and Gates foundations, Rupert Murdoch and Wall Street hedge funds. To sign up:http://www.studentsfirst.org/page/s/dnc-signup.

EpiCentre Theater: 210 E. Trade St. Rally: 12:30-1 p.m. Event: 1-3 p.m.

Tuesday, September 4: Democrats for Educational Reform Town Hall. The panel will feature elected officials who have supported legislation on policies such as high-stakes testing, charter school expansion and private school vouchers. Some of these bills are now being pushed by the ultra-conservative American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC). To sign up: http://www.dfer.org/events/2012townhall.

Knight Theater: 430 S. Tryon St. Rally: 12:30-1:30 p.m. Program: 1:30-4 p.m.

If you or your group plan to participate, let us know atmecklenburgacts@gmail.com

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: .4 bump in Chicago tests scores 'phenomenal' says Brizard

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: .4 bump in Chicago tests scores 'phenomenal' says Brizard:

.4 bump in Chicago tests scores 'phenomenal' says Brizard

by Mike Klonsky

Dizzy with success

While Rahm and Brizard become delirious over a slight bump in ACT scores, Bob Schaeffer helps us understand why, "the stagnant trend in ACT college readiness scores just released is yet another piece of evidence that test-driven K-12 education in the U.S. is a sweeping, expensive failure."

According to the Sun-Times, Chicago’s average ACT score "soared" to its highest level in at least 11 years, jumping from 17.2 last year to 17.6. That’s still well shy of the 18 generally considered minimally acceptable and the 20 CPS officials have used as a goal.

Emanuel called the scores "great news," while his Schools CEO Jean-Claude Brizard said the growth was “phenomenal.” Brizard added, “I won’t take credit. It belongs to my teachers and principals.’’ -- Sun-Times

Thanks for reiterating the obvious J.C.

Neither Rahm nor Brizard everr mentioned the widening of the so-called "achievement gap" among white,

Raise your hand

by Mike Klonsky

Great fun mixed with some serious politics at last night's Raise Your Hand Coalition fund-raiser at the Heartland Cafe. (Sarah-Ji Fotógrafa)

Should-be mayor, Miguel del Valle and Don Washington dialogue at Mayoral Tutorial. (Sarah-Ji Fotógrafa)

“Supplement, Not Supplant” Requirement Leaves States in a Bind | Truth in American Education

“Supplement, Not Supplant” Requirement Leaves States in a Bind | Truth in American Education:

“Supplement, Not Supplant” Requirement Leaves States in a Bind

by Shane Vander Hart

Unintended consequences, they always exist with well-meaning, but poorly thought out plans. The NCLB waivers and the Race to the Top funds are no different. It’s something we have warned about. These new policies that states put in place in order to satisfy the requirements to apply for either the waiver or the funds will place an additional fiscal burden upon the states. In essence, a brand spanking new unfunded Federal mandate! Isn’t that exciting taxpayer?!?!

Rick Hess points out the problem is with the “supplement, not supplant” requirement that accompanies federal money:

One of the most pervasive of these is the “supplement not supplant” requirement, which has generally been interpreted as requiring that federal dollars be spent “on top of” whatever states, districts, and schools were already going to spend when serving the kids in question. It’s generally

Guest Blog: Emancipatory Education: Dena Simmons on Teaching for Social Justice in Middle School « Feminist Teacher

Guest Blog: Emancipatory Education: Dena Simmons on Teaching for Social Justice in Middle School « Feminist Teacher:

Guest Blog: Emancipatory Education: Dena Simmons on Teaching for Social Justice in Middle School

by feministteacher

Dena Simmons teaches middle school students social justice and activism (photo courtesy, Dena Simmons).

The following guest blog by Dena Simmons is the second in a three-part series on teaching for social justice featuring the work of educators in primary, middle, and high school classrooms.
Dena Simmons is an activist, an educator, and student. Born to a resilient mother who escaped Antigua to come to the U.S., Simmons was raised in the Bronx and hopes to stay there. After graduating with honors from Middlebury College, Simmons returned to the Bronx as a middle school teacher. In 2007, she traveled to Antigua as a health volunteer for the Directorate of Gender Affairs to provide better health

Missouri Education Watchdog: St Louis Fed Proposal for Charter School Funding

Missouri Education Watchdog: St Louis Fed Proposal for Charter School Funding:

St Louis Fed Proposal for Charter School Funding

by Anngie

2010 - 08: December 2010

Charter School Tax Credit: Investing in Human Capital

Download (pdf, 2.3 m)

This working paper considers how two existing policy tools--investment tax credits and charter schools--could be combined to raise operating funds for charter schools that successfully close the poverty-related academic achievement gap. Some charter schools have succeeded in dramatically improving low-income student performance (those run by KIPP, Achievement First, and the Harlem Children's Zone, for example). However, these successful schools differ significantly in type and approach. As a result, it is difficult to identify a single, or combination of variables in any one charter that, if replicated, would produce the same results across the public school system. This working paper acknowledges the difficulty of so-called "silver bullet" school reform replication and considers an alternative: cultivating a diverse array of education approaches using tools developed by the community development finance industry over the last 30 years.

Author: Ian Galloway, Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco

Date of Publication: December, 2010

Last Updated: December, 2010

The St. Louis Federal Reserve has developed a working paper that proposes a charter school tax credit, similar to Low Income Housing Tax Credits, to potentially end the perpetual cycle of experimentation that currently plagues the charter system. Their proposal is explained by Ian Galloway at StLouisFed.org.

Credits would be allocated to the states, which, in turn, would award them to high-performing charter schools. Upon receiving the credits, schools would sell them to private investors and use the proceeds to fund wrap-around services or intensive classroom-based initiatives. The price paid for the credits would be based on the investor's level of confidence that those services and initiatives will deliver the academic results necessary to stay in program compliance and avoid credit recapture. Compliance requirements would be specific, measurable goals demonstrating low-income student achievement. These standards would have the dual benefit of allowing the government to monitor improvement while also allowing the school to evaluate its own programs and adjust them as needed.

A similar plan was proposed last year by the MO Senate to allow tax credits to those who fund private school

Common Sense on the Common Core in Montana | Truth in American Education

Common Sense on the Common Core in Montana | Truth in American Education:

Common Sense on the Common Core in Montana

by Shane Vander Hart

I love this guest op/ed in The Helena Independent Record written by Barbara Rush, a retired teacher from the Helena Public Schools.

An excerpt:

According to the Montana Common Core Standards Document, issued by the Office of Public Instruction, the standards were written to “fulfill the charge issued by the states.” Where did this “charge” come from? The work was “led by the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Governors Association (NGA).” My question is this: When did Montana begin to be represented by associations and councils rather than our elected representatives in the

Dialogue with the Gates Foundation: What is the Purpose of K-12 Education? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Dialogue with the Gates Foundation: What is the Purpose of K-12 Education? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Dialogue with the Gates Foundation: What is the Purpose of K-12 Education?

by Anthony Cody

Follow me on Twitter at @AnthonyCody
This week, our exchange is focused on these questions: What is the purpose of K-12 education? How do we think about college and career readiness? How do the Common Core Standards fit in? This post is a response to one posted yesterday, authored by Irvin Scott of the Gates Foundation.
Irvin Scott of the Gates Foundation has given us some vivid images of the students he taught, and sincerely described the fervent desire that motivates every teacher - that we help those children entrusted to us reach their fullest potential. That is a drive that transcends this debate. And there we have common ground as educators.
However, when it comes to the broader strategy of the Gates Foundation, there remain some tough questions.

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Wednesday, August 29, 2012

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

Monterey Bay Aquarium is located on Cannery Row in Monterey, California.

Education Headlines

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Opt-out form not an option

Citing advice from district lawyers, Tehachapi Unified School District's board did not take a vote Tuesday night to make available a form parents could sign to exclude their children from learning parts of a new and controversial anti-harassment curriculum.

Special ed student left alone on Simi school bus for more than 4 hours

A Simi Valley special education elementary student was left alone on a parked bus for more than four hours on the first day of school last week, school board President Janice DiFatta confirmed Tuesday.

Sonora, Summerville seeking bond $$

Sonora Union High School District students have been going to class in decades-old facilities that could be greatly improved if voters approve a $23 million bond measure in November, according to school administrators. Meanwhile, Summerville Union High School District is attempting to pass its own $8 million initiative — one that would extend Measure Q of 1998 and fund renovations to its most outdated classrooms.

SIA Cabinet Report: Lawmakers approve bailout loan for Inglewood Unified

The State Assembly, in a unanimous vote on Tuesday, approved an emergency bailout loan for the Inglewood Unified School District, the ninth California district since 1991 to lose local control to the state.

Twin Rivers police brass to resign after board votes to reinstate police dog

Top brass in the Twin Rivers Unified School District police department will submit their resignations today, making good on an ultimatum given last week regarding changes they say are needed in the once troubled force.

Brown takes softer line in latest plan to rein in pension costs

The governor would raise the retirement age and cap benefits, but he omits key provisions of his earlier proposal. A vote on the plan is expected Friday.

CTA president: Continuing to collectively bargain over teacher evaluation makes sense

CTA supports pending legislation, AB 5 by Assemblymember Felipe Fuentes, that has refocused attention on teacher evaluation. Some have expressed criticism that requiring school districts to bargain over this topic is an “expansion” of bargaining rights. This criticism is incorrect, unwarranted, and contrary to making meaningful changes to an evaluation system aimed at improving the quality of teaching and learning.

Frey: Report - Truancy is taking its toll

A report based on a nationwide survey of truants — Skipping to Nowhere — released Tuesday by Get Schooled emphasizes the importance of developing new strategies to convince both parents and students that being in school on time each day is important.

Mojave Desert parents go back to court over charter school issue

In a continuing legal battle over the state’s parent-trigger law, Mojave Desert parents asked the courts Tuesday to order the Adelanto school board to stop blocking their efforts to select a charter school to take over their failing campus.

Fensterwald: Pension reform: top-paid administrators to take biggest hit

The retirement age for new teachers will be pushed back two years; they’ll have to fork over about another 1 percent of their pay into the retirement system. And their bosses – principals and administrators – will see a ceiling of $132,120 as the portion of their pay used to calculate retirement pay. Those in the highest-paid jobs, earning $200,000 plus, may see pensions reduced by tens of thousands of dollars.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Aspire appealing decision

Aspire Public Charter Schools will join the State Board of Education in appealing an Oakland judge's decision that would revoke its statewide benefit charter.

Judge halts district's plan to expand adult school

A judge has temporarily barred the Vista Unified School District from expanding an adult education program at the former Crestview Elementary School campus, after residents sued because they think the program will bring too much traffic to their neighborhood.

Novato school officials say clerical error caused drop in grad rate

A sharp decline in Novato High School's graduation rate reported in June turns out to have been the result of clerical errors, and in fact the rate was virtually unchanged from the previous year, administrators said Monday.

NYC Educator: You're Never Just a Teacher

NYC Educator: You're Never Just a Teacher:

You're Never Just a Teacher

by Miss Eyre

As the new school year approaches, I'm sure we're all starting to write lesson plans and welcome letters. Maybe some of us are stopping by our school buildings this week to check on classrooms. And that's all well and good, and incredibly important. But have you taken some time to remember how you're going to take care of yourself this school year? You are, of course, never just a teacher. You are a friend, a son/daughter, sibling, parent, or spouse. Maybe you are also a yogi, a writer, a dancer, a tennis player. Do you have a plan for nurturing your entire personality for the coming year?

One thing I did this week was to lay out a daily agenda for myself that leaves me time to do the things I care

Latest News and Comment from Education

Wednesday, August 29, 2012

2010 - 08: December 2010

Charter School Tax Credit: Investing in Human Capital

Education Headlines