Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, will join the Secretary for Back To School Tour | ED.gov Blog

Back To School Tour | ED.gov Blog:


Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, will join the Secretary for the W.Va., events

The “Education Drives America” Back-to-School Bus Tour takes Secretary Arne Duncan and senior ED staff coast-to-coast highlighting education successes and engaging communities in conversations about school reform (P-12), college affordability and completion, and the link between education and jobs.

Bus Sneak Peek and Final Details Released

Posted on September 7, 2012 by Cameron Brenchley

A sneak peek of the "Education Drives America" bus.

The Education Drives America bus has a full tank of gas is ready for the launch of ED’s back-to-school tour. Secretary Arne Duncan will kick off the tour in Silicon Valley on Wednesday, Sept. 12, and below are the details of the final two days of the tour:

Lexington – Sept. 20

Deputy Secretary of Education Tony Miller will visit Picadome Elementary School in Lexington, Ky., to discuss foreign language education during a classroom visit and a roundtable discussion with 15 local education and community stakeholders. Read aboutadditional events in the Lexington region.

Charleston – Sept. 20

Secretary Duncan will visit Elk Elementary Center in Charleston, W.Va., where he will participate in a roundtable with local and state early learning stakeholders. Read about additional events in W.Va.

McDowell County – Sept. 20

Secretary Duncan will engage in a panel discussion with community members and stakeholders at Mount View High School in McDowell County, W.Va. Participants will discuss how to build public-private partnerships to support educational improvement as the path to a brighter economic future. Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, will join the Secretary for the W.Va., events.

Roanoke – Sept. 21

Secretary Duncan will lead a town hall discussion that will explore indicators of college and career readiness at Virginia Western Community College (VWCC) in Roanoke, Va. Also participating in the town hall will be Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education Brenda Dann-Messier, VWCC faculty, students, regional employers, and local community members.

Richmond – Sept. 21

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will visit Henderson Middle School in Richmond, Va., on Friday, Sept. 21, to highlight First Lady Michelle Obama’s “Let’s Move!” campaign that focuses on confronting and ending childhood obesity. The event, held in conjunction with Richmond Fit for Life and other health stakeholders, will feature health screenings for middle school and high school students.

Washington – Sept. 21

Secretary Duncan and senior staff at the Department of Education will wrap up the 2012 back-to-school bus tour with a rally on Friday, Sept. 21 on the plaza at the Department’s headquarters building in Washington, D.C.

Visit www.ed.gov/bustour to read details of the entire tour and follow the tour on Twitter with hashtag #edtour12.

Cameron Brenchley is director of digital engagement

The in box. My neighborhood teacher writes to us. « Fred Klonsky

The in box. My neighborhood teacher writes to us. « Fred Klonsky:

The in box. My neighborhood teacher writes to us.

by Fred Klonsky

“People who have lost their hunger for justice are not ultimately powerful.
They are like sick people who have lost their appetite for what is truly
nourishing. Such sick people should not frighten or discourage us. They
should be prayed for along with the sick people who are in the hospital.
“The love for justice that is in us is not only the best part of our being
but it is also the most true to our nature.”
-Cesar Chavez
Hello Neighbors,
My name is Zulma Violeta Ortiz and I have lived in Logan Square for over 30

An Open Letter to Our Black Youth Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública

Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública:

An Open Letter to Our Black Youth
 

www.theafricanamericanchild.com

We, the individual members of the NATIONAL BLACK EDUCATION AGENDA (NBEA) are mothers and fathers, grandparents, God-parents, aunts, uncles, cousins, brothers and sisters entrusted as the loving adults and tradition-keepers who hold together our own Black families. We are also your neighbors, mentors, counselors, coaches, pastors, teachers and professors. It is in the spirit of love and family responsibility, that we write to you— our urban African American youth— and extend our heartfelt apology.

Each one of us deeply regrets that America's education system and its urban schools have failed you so miserably, for so long. Many of us work in the schools. Many of us also run after-school or cultural enrichment and college-prep programs. We have an inside view and know exactly what the education system's problems are and who is responsible for them being, and staying that way.

We are writing this letter to you because from this day forward, we refuse to allow public perception to continue to blame you for the gross failures, racist practices and educational negligence of a society. America is a very wealthy nation run by grown-folks who make laws and education policies, yet in every area pertaining to Blacks and other people of color, there are just too many shameless, selfish adults of every racial background who aren't abiding by the very laws and rules they get paid to enforce.

This country has consistently undervalued the African American people. Stolen and brought here in chains, it does not acknowledge that its wealth was created by the centuries of forced labor, toil and tears of our ancestors. Nor does it readily recognize our vast Black history of accomplishments, scientific, technical and every-day inventions, intellectual gifts, cultural contributions, patriots and heroes except for using them during the month of February to try to sell the world a false notion that African Americans on the whole, are seen as valued and important. If that were true, then there would be no excuse for why the national priority isn't making right your schools; ensuring that you excel by affording you the exact same, rich opportunities to advance yourselves to lead the same kind of happy, successful and productive lives promised and realized by others in America.

The NATIONAL BLACK EDUCATION AGENDA (NBEA) formed because we know this. We know our African American history and the history of America, and we are stepping up to lead our Black youth in knowing it too. This country cannot fathom how deep our African-ancestral blood still runs within our families, providing us the individual will to endure and determination to struggle to overcome the horrible atrocities of discrimination in the most basic areas of life; equality in housing, jobs, access to healthy food, medical care and education. Remember that racial injustices, poverty and the inhumane conditions we endure, can never define who you, or we are as a people. The famous African American— the U.S. poet-laureate, Maya Angelou has written a poem called "Still I Rise"­ and we want you to find it, read it and take it to heart.

Know that the NBEA is growing our membership to survive any obstacles put in the way of demonstrating our abiding love for you— our glorious and brilliant Black children— and we will put forth the energy to see that you not only rise, but thrive.

The NBEA is individually related to each of you by a shared African ancestry, and our work is to create a sort of national family reunion of African-centered consciousness and principles that demonstrate respect for each other, our diverse experiences, knowledge, education levels, talents and gifts. As one giant Black family across America, the NBEA is hereby declaring to use all of this in our collective protection of your educations. We will no longer allow what you learn about yourself as a child of African ancestry, and your human potential to contribute to the betterment of your family, community and this society, to be controlled solely by others.

We promise to do everything in our power to positively change what your educational paths and schools are like, only we need your help.

First— we need you to honor life. It is never too late to love and respect yourself and decide once and for all, to take ownership over your academic and social lives. We need you to continue to make positive choices and allow your brilliance to shine through everyday, in everything you do. This means you must study, demonstrate self-discipline, Black pride and a personal determination to do what you can to avoid the trouble that seems to be around every urban corner.

Next, we know you are resourceful! We know you have dreams, goals and great ideas. We encourage you to keep following them along a positive path. We need you to step up as a leader in your own life. Do your best to help your parents and/or those whose roofs you live under, and remember to be respectful of our elders— forgiving them even if they aren't especially of you. Stop and consider what they must have endured in their lives to make them who they are. Treat yourself and others kindly, and know that good and decent people come in all colors of the human rainbow.

Please send us an email teaching us about you and the positive things in your life, along with a picture. Let us acknowledge your pride and share your accomplishments with your national Black family.

When we roll-out our Regional Action Groups, get involved and help the NBEA put your ideas and role-modeling to work for other young sisters and brothers.

We are asking you to take control over you— and think very carefully about how you choose to respond to challenges and hardships. Think about your individual power to overcome adversity, remembering that violence begets more violence. Giving up your inner peace because you are carrying hatred and grudges gets you nothing, and takes you no where good. We urge you to do things that invest in your brain, are healthy for your body and give you peace of mind: exercising, practicing a sport and expressing your hurts and hopes through the creative power of music, art, dance, writing and other positive outlets. If you believe in a higher power, invest in your faith. And make time to read everyday. Knowledge really is the base of your power. When you continuously fuel your brain, no one can hijack or steal it away from you. If you don't own a library card, get one. Read the "Autobiography of Malcolm X," even if you've seen the movie. The library will let you download free audio books for your iPod or phone. Hear the true stories of how our oppressed people have endured for centuries and learn what they did to make good and productive lives for themselves. Through the transformational power of books, find those that inspire and allow you to escape to distant lands. Allow yourself to travel the limitless world of your imagination. Hold on to that.

Should the problems you face be more than you can handle, look to your parents and if that's not an option, seek out a caring teacher, religious leader or youth worker in your community to talk to. Don't stop looking for help if any one person lets you down— decide never to give up on yourself.

As we lovingly make this request of you— we know change isn't easy. But we "feel you" and we've got your back. Meanwhile, the NBEA and our allies are fierce in demanding that this nation's schools and system of education implement policies that respect your intelligence, your parents, and your rights.

Again, change will not come easily. Just know that we believe in you— our brilliant, beautiful Black children, and we believe in our united power to make a difference in your lives, schools and communities. Hold onto hope and do your part. We are here for you. Know that we love you because we are you. You belong to us and we belong to you.

Lastly, we need you to know from America's history that every single time Black people in this country have decided to organize and mobilize, the nation has shifted a little more towards freedom and justice for all. That is our undeniable legacy. Our Black education agenda is a movement that will soon make history in this same manner: moving all of us closer to freedom and justice for all.

True that.

Signed, with love, hope and respect,

The members of the National Black Education Agenda

September 8th, 2012

www.theafricanamericanchild.com

Diane in the Evening 9-8-12 Diane Ravitch's blog

Diane Ravitch's blog:

Is Michelle Rhee Taking Over the Democratic Party?

by dianerav

An article in The Atlantic by a political reporter named Molly Ball claims that Michelle Rhee is “taking over” the Democratic Party.
It curious that Rhee owns the party but was not invited to speak and explain her views. So many speakers ridiculed Mitt Romney because, they said, he likes to fire people. Funny, Rhee likes to fire people too. When she ran the DC schools, she invited a PBS camera crew to watch her fire a principal.
I wrote to the author of this article. You should too. Post a copy here if you do. Her email address is in the article.
This is what I wrote:

Would a Democrat work to promote

Different Advice from an Ex-Private School Teacher

by dianerav

After reading another post, this teacher explained why she would not teach in a private school again:
I taught at a private school once in my career. The owners micromanaged us like vultures circling. We were told in so many words not to give grades below a C.  While they were in the early years they were not super selective as long as your parents could pay the $10,000 tuition.  I still never saw a true special needs student.  They asked me to teach subjects I was not 

A Terrifying Way to Discipline Children - NYTimes.com

A Terrifying Way to Discipline Children - NYTimes.com:

A Terrifying Way to Discipline Children

By BILL LICHTENSTEIN

Published: September 8, 2012

Ward Zwart

IN my public school 40 years ago, teachers didn’t lay their hands on students for bad behavior. They sent them to the principal’s office. But in today’s often overcrowded and underfunded schools, where one in eight students receive help for special learning needs, the use of physical restraints and seclusion rooms has become a common way to maintain order.

It’s a dangerous development, as I know from my daughter’s experience. At the age of 5, she was kept in a seclusion room for up to an hour at a time over the course of three months, until we discovered what was happening. The trauma was severe.

According to national Department of Education data, most of the nearly 40,000 students who were restrained or 

Public School Supporters Meeting With Governor Dean and Randi Weingarten at the DNC | K-12 News Network

Public School Supporters Meeting With Governor Dean and Randi Weingarten at the DNC | K-12 News Network:

Public School Supporters Meeting With Governor Dean and Randi Weingarten at the DNC

by admin

While at the DNC, I was lucky enough to be invited to a small gathering of public education supporters with Governor Dean and Randi Weingarten, who heads the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). I’m a tremendous fan of Governor Dean — in fact, I was a Deaniac before there was a netroots. I still think he’s fantastic on so many issues close to the hearts of progressives. And I love the “50-state strategy.” Here’s my recollection of what took place at the meeting.
When I heard about the meeting, I invited several allies and activists to attend. (I think we may have all heard about the meeting from different sources.) There was a large group from Florida in attendance (all delegates to 

Jersey Jazzman: Why The F#@& Does Anyone Listen To Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee?!

Jersey Jazzman: Why The F#@& Does Anyone Listen ToFailed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee!:

Why The F#@& Does Anyone Listen To Michelle Rhee?!

by Duke

Is it too much to ask that the next time anyone writes a piece about Michelle Rhee they include a look her record as an educator? Take this latest puffery from The Atlantic:

Rhee, the controversial former Washington, D.C., schools chancellor known for her hard-charging style, has worked with Republican governors to push her reform ideas in states across the country. Her ongoing pitched battle with the teachers unions has put her at odds with one of the Democratic Party's most important traditional constituencies.

That's it - that's all you will learn about Michelle's Rhee's career as an educator form this piece: she was "hard-

21 reasons to oppose charter schools, Initiative 1240 | The Stand

21 reasons to oppose charter schools, Initiative 1240 | The Stand:

21 reasons to oppose charter schools, Initiative 1240

This fall, Washington voters will vote on Initiative 1240, yet another attempt funded by a handful of very wealthy individuals to legalize charter schools — taxpayer-funded schools that operate independently of traditional public school districts. Charter schools have been rejected by Washington voters three times, in 1996, 2000 and 2004.

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By REP. MARCIE MAXWELL

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1.  Charters have NOT outperformed public schools — the majority of charter schools have performed equal to or poorer than public schools.

2.  Charter schools too often increase segregation of minority students and students of poverty.

3.  Charter school legislation has led on to voucher systems which are funding private religious schools or anything that looks like a school — see Florida, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, etc.

4.  Many charter schools in New York are run by unelected boards full of “hedge fund managers.”

5.  Our neighborhood schools build strong communities that support the greater needs of families, schools, and businesses.

6.  Washington state’s K-12 schools mobility factor is near 40%.  In high poverty schools that mobility factor is too often 60 to 80%, which means students and families at risk are moving their households frequently. Charters do not help students who are on the move. Improving all public schools in our state that those students may attend will help them.

7.  Academic improvement is happening in many schools and districts.  Adults throughout the system are being held accountable and this is good for students.  Renton is an excellent example, diverse ethnic and economic populations, achieving 93% extended graduation rates. And there are many others experiencing similar success, including Toppenish and Pasco.

8.  Local governance should be by locally elected school boards responsible for vision, accountability, and governance for public education in their school districts.  Charters are often governed by a group of unelected parents — yet all voters, parents or not, should have the right to elect school board directors who govern all public schools and public school dollars.

9.  Education professionals know what works, and when the state lives up to its responsibility to fund basic education those education administrators and classroom professionals, in collaboration with elected schools boards and communities, are able to help all students succeed.

10.  Public schools are not in the business of non-profit or for-profit business ventures.

11.  Public schools educate all children — special ed, gifted, poverty, typical, etc.  Too many charters are not inclusive of real student populations.

12.  Washington K-12 public schools must work for one million kids, not 5,000 kids.

13.  Charter management companies don’t even agree on what works.  The founder of Rocketship, a national charter school network, has said that KIPP (another charter school network) doesn’t work, isn’t sustainable, and he wouldn’t send his kids there.

14.  Public schools are what American democracy is built upon — access and opportunity for all.

15.  Washington state school districts and schools already have and are using many available opportunities for flexibility and waivers that allow and encourage innovations and choices that work for students and families.

16.  Washington is one of the few states that offers Running Start college opportunities to high school students.

17.  As stated by charter operators, their charter framework does not often work well in rural areas and is “targeted” to urban areas.

18.  This is not an issue about teachers unions and Washington Education Association. Innovation schools and successful school programs are working right now in collaboration with local education associations — and for the right reasons, student achievement.

19.  Charters draw funds away from public schools, from public schools levies and bonds, and from vital shared school district resources.

20.  Unclear liability issues may arise in charter schools and transformational zones, and since school districts are likely seen as deeper pockets in potential lawsuits, districts would likely be targeted as part of those lawsuits.

21.  The most at-risk students whose parents can’t or won’t step up to greater advocacy or involvement that some charters demand are left out or pushed out.  Our public schools enroll and teach all students.

Washington state must focus on improving public schools for ALL students; college prep and professional development for strong principals and quality teachers; readiness to learn with local communities and leadership supporting children and families; cultural relevance; build on innovations, STEM literacy, career and technical education; common core standards; ensuring 21st century skills – communications, collaboration, creativity, critical thinking; early interventions for struggling students; investing in ample funding for all public schools; and the belief that all children can achieve.

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Rep. Marcie Maxwell (D-41st) represents Bellevue, Issaquah, Mercer Island, Newcastle, Renton and Sammamish in the Washington State House of Representatives. She serves as House Deputy Majority Leader for Education & Opportunity.

Short URL: http://www.thestand.org/?p=15576

Grumpy Educators: Washington State Ballot Initiative: Redefining School Choice

Grumpy Educators: Washington State Ballot Initiative: Redefining School Choice:

Washington State Ballot Initiative: Redefining School Choice

by Sandra

Parents, community members, and taxpayers across the nation have been loud and clear regarding what they expect from public schools.
1) They want accountability; but do not want schools turned into centers of testing and test preparation instead of centers of learning.
2) They want safe, student-centered, and instructionally-rich environments that include art, music, and P.E.
3) They want

Jersey Jazzman: Power To The People - Over Their Schools

Jersey Jazzman: Power To The People - Over Their Schools:

Power To The People - Over Their Schools

by Duke

Oh, dear: old Uncle Eli in California is not going to be happy about this:

City and school officials from Jersey City, Newark and Paterson gathered in Newark City Hall today to urge federal education and law-enforcement officials to investigate what they call the state’s “refusal” to hand control of the three cities’ school districts back to local officials.

State Sen. Ron Rice, leading the charge, said New Jersey’s control of the districts has led to poor performance that is then blamed on the districts’ leaders. He 

The CPS scab tool kit. « Fred Klonsky

The CPS scab tool kit. « Fred Klonsky:

The CPS scab tool kit.

by Fred Klonsky

The Chicago Sun-Times is reporting that the Chicago Public Schools will try to open 144 scab schools if there is a strike Monday. The will be operated by non-union personnel and administrators.
CPS is providing a scab tool kit for those who will be filling in for real teachers.
To be fair, many of the non-union, non-administrative employees will have no choice but to show up.
As a teacher who has been on strike, and as a parent of children who went to CPS the last time there was a strike, I would not feel that my children were safe in an environment that CPS is creating. While many of us who 

Figures…Another Bush Loyalist Cites Bush Study to Justify Bush Reforms | Scathing Purple Musings

Figures…Another Bush Loyalist Cites Bush Study to Justify Bush Reforms | Scathing Purple Musings:

Figures…Another Bush Loyalist Cites Bush Study to Justify Bush Reforms

by Bob Sikes

Keeping with their current propaganda campaign, another Bushie has published an opinion piece in a big Florida newspaper to support Jeb Bush’s reforms. Writes his former lieutenant governor Toni Jennings in the Orlando Sentinel:

Florida schools received good news this summer from researchers at the Harvard Kennedy School and the Hoover Institution at Stanford University.
In analyzing test scores from the National Assessment of Educational Progress, they reported that 

Did Malia, Sasha go to school on day after convention? - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

Did Malia, Sasha go to school on day after convention? - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post:

Did Malia, Sasha go to school on day after convention?

By Valerie Strauss

President Obama started his speech at the Democratic National
(Lynne Sladky/AP)Convention this way:

Michelle, I love you. The other night, I think the entire country saw just how lucky I am. Malia and Sasha, you make me so proud. But don’t get any ideas, you’re still going to class tomorrow.

So, did the girls actually go totheir school, the exclusive private Sidwell Friends in the District, the day after the night they were in Charlotte, N.C., to hear their dad accept the Democratic Party’s nomination for president on Thursday?

Yup.

The girls were spotted Friday in class, just where their dad said they would be.

Malia, 14, started ninth grade at Sidwell last Tuesday, and 11-year-old Sasha started sixth grade. So Barack and Michelle Obama have a high 

WALL STREET HEDGE FUND MANAGERS – PERFECT PEOPLE FOR EDUCATION REFORM « Teachers Fight Back

WALL STREET HEDGE FUND MANAGERS – PERFECT PEOPLE FOR EDUCATION REFORM « Teachers Fight Back:

WALL STREET HEDGE FUND MANAGERS – PERFECT PEOPLE FOR EDUCATION REFORM

by alkleen

The Tribune newspaper just showed a seemingly disinterested and lethargic group of about 40 “parents” protesting outside of Chicago Teachers Union headquarters. They were protesting against the teachers’ union and against the potential teachers’ strike. The group supposedly belonged to an organization called, “Democrats for Education Reform”, also known as, “Education Reform Now”.  The organization was started by Wall Street hedge fund managers who had opened offices in Chicago earlier this year.
Oh, how perfect !  Wall Street hedge fund managers as education reformers. What next, politicians giving 

Chicago Teachers Union opening strike headquarters - SFGate

Chicago Teachers Union opening strike headquarters - SFGate:

Chicago Teachers Union opening strike headquarters

Published 5:43 a.m., Saturday, September 8, 2012

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CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Teachers Union says it will open a strike headquarters on Saturday in anticipation of a possible walk-out on Monday.

Union and district officials also plan to continue contract negotiations at noon Saturday, though a union spokeswoman has said they remain far apart on issues such as job security and pay.

The union says it is opening a strike office to distribute picket signs and other materials to teachers, parents and others in preparation for a Monday walk-out. The office also would be the base for any union activity during a strike.

If teachers walk off the job Monday, it would be the first teachers strike in Chicago in 25 years.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/Chicago-Teachers-Union-opening-strike-headquarters-3849606.php#ixzz25tpReS6f

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Math Rant

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Math Rant:

Math Rant

by Charlie Mas

Fair warning. This is going to be a rant. Those of you who come to this blog for news and information should just do yourselves a favor and not read it.

I've been thinking about this a lot lately, and I've concluded that I need to write rants like this from time to time. I just need to keep them separate from the news - like the newspaper separates the news from the editorials - so the folks who want to read the news aren't offended by having to read an opinion from outside their bubble.

This is going to be a math rant, and they can be among the worst. So, if you want to skip the rants, stop reading now.

When Terry Bergeson was the Superintendent of Public Instruction, she said that the students should not be held accountable for failing the math WASL to graduate because it was not the students, but the adults in the system who had failed. On THAT day they should have all been fired, herself included. They are never held to any kind of accountability yet they have the greatest responsibility. Why does the accountability net catch the small fish and let the big ones go?

The greatest impediment to the kind of reform that our schools really need is not the teachers or their unions.