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Friday, July 5, 2013

Nite Cap 7-5-13 #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACT #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2 #HEREPASTJUNE


James Baldwin said it best: 

"For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."


A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP



TODAY

NEA Digital-Learning Policy Eschews Online-Only Instruction - Teacher Beat - Education Week
NEA Digital-Learning Policy Eschews Online-Only Instruction - Teacher Beat - Education Week: NEA Digital-Learning Policy Eschews Online-Only InstructionBy Stephen Sawchuk on July 5, 2013 6:15 PMAtlantaDelegates to the National Education Association's convention have approved a new policy statement on digital learning that addresses some of the hot topics in the field, including new tools, online l
by mike simpson / 4min 
Save Our Schools Dolls
Save Our Schools Dolls: Save Our Schools DollsPosted on July 5, 2013 by saveourschoolsOn the eve of July 4th, three intrepid education activists: Morna McDermott, Nancy Shelton and Bess Altwerger brought the quest to end corporate reform to the streets of Catonsville, a small town in MD which has a tradition of lining chairs up in advance of the 4th of July Parade. This year, a series of Save Our
by mike simpson / 7min 
NEA RA. Common Core, common sense and common ground. | Fred Klonsky
NEA RA. Common Core, common sense and common ground. | Fred Klonsky: NEA RA. Common Core, common sense and common ground.JULY 5, 2013When I voted with the majority in favor of a New Business Item that called for an end to assessments driven by Common Core standards, I thought about the relationship of standards to high stakes tests.When the NEA Representative Assembly began, I overestimated the de
by mike simpson / 13min 
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: "Just" a Teacher?: The Perception of our Profession!
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: "Just" a Teacher?: The Perception of our Profession!: "Just" a Teacher?: The Perception of our Profession!This post was originally written December 23, 2010.As I prepared dinner the other night, my son and I talked. Somehow, our conversation turned to my level of intelligence. In order to prove my point, I shared with him that I was enrolled in gifted programs al
by mike simpson / 15min 
Diane in the Evening 7-5-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: NOLA Times-Picayune: Voucher $$ for New Living Word School Was Waste of Taxpayer DollarsRemember last year when Governor Bobby Jindal rammed through his voucher proposal, whereby more than half the state’s children were eligible for a voucher to attend any private or religious or entrepreneurial school? Remember that critics said t
by mike simpson / 16min 
New Orleans “Parental Choice” and the Walton-funded OneApp | deutsch29
New Orleans “Parental Choice” and the Walton-funded OneApp | deutsch29: New Orleans “Parental Choice” and the Walton-funded OneAppJuly 5, 2013A common cry of corporate reformers involves their oft-professed desire to “give parents a choice.” It sounds so noble, so altruistic. In reality, corporate reformer “choice” is a daunting, messy, confining process absent the sparkle and shine of the ultra-b
by mike simpson / 20min 
NFL to follow Common Core State Standards? | Reclaim Reform
NFL to follow Common Core State Standards? | Reclaim Reform: NFL to follow Common Core State Standards?Posted on July 5, 2013by kenprevitiImagine if the Common Core State Standards were followed by the National Football League and the National Education Association.The NFL follows the lead of Arne Duncan and parts of the NEA? Well, a witty blogger, John J. Vial in his A Teacher on Teaching blog, h
by mike simpson / 25min 
Oregon Takes a Step Towards Debt-Free Degrees
Oregon Takes a Step Towards Debt-Free Degrees: Oregon Takes a Step Towards Debt-Free DegreesBy Terrance Heath | July 5, 2013I got a check from the U.S. Treasury in the mail this week. It was both a surprise and a mystery. It was a surprise, because I wasn’t expecting any checks, least of all from the federal government. At first the reason why the government sent me a check was a mystery. It turne
by mike simpson / 26min 
Washington State Charter School Lawsuit: The Details | Seattle Education
Washington State Charter School Lawsuit: The Details | Seattle Education: Washington State Charter School Lawsuit: The DetailsI have posted below parts of the Complaint that pertain to the unconstitutionality of the Charter School Act.A summary of the lawsuit can be found on  the post Parents, educators, and community groups file lawsuit challenging new charter school law in Washington State.The
by mike simpson / 5h 
Schooling in the Ownership Society: Murdoch's Wireless Generation, education's NSA?
Schooling in the Ownership Society: Murdoch's Wireless Generation, education's NSA?: Murdoch's Wireless Generation, education's NSA?I'm half anticipating that a techie or two over at New Corp's ed division will jump ship and flee to Hong Kong after whistle-blowing Murdoch hacking of U.S. students' families. Maybe a Wireless Generation competitor like McGraw-Hill or Pearson, will offer them asylum
by mike simpson / 6h 
PROPOSAL: The Arne Duncan Reader | National Education Policy Center
PROPOSAL: The Arne Duncan Reader | National Education Policy Center: PROPOSAL: The Arne Duncan Reader    P.L. ThomasJuly 5, 2013At the Chalk Face  Arne Duncan  Education Policy  Politics, Policy, and School PracticesTypically, a collection titled a “reader” is a compilation of works by a notable writer or thinker, but this proposal is more like a virtual book shelf created for Secretary of Educati
by mike simpson / 6h 
Commonwealth's education budget reflects politics, not student needs | Philadelphia Public School Notebook
Commonwealth's education budget reflects politics, not student needs | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: Commonwealth's education budget reflects politics, not student needsby thenotebook on Jul 05 2013 Posted in Commentary="" style="color: rgb(76, 153, 72); cursor: pointer; float: left; padding: 0px 2px;">Share on emailCOMMENTS (2)PRINTby Michael ChurchillPennsylvania’s state constitution char
by mike simpson / 6h 
An update on STAAR-Alt, the tests for special ed students | Education Blog
An update on STAAR-Alt, the tests for special ed students | Education Blog: An update on STAAR-Alt, the tests for special ed studentsBy Jeffrey WeissJWeiss@dallasnews.com12:16 pm on July 5, 2013 | Permalink000Even as all the political attention this month is devoted to the abortion debate in the latest special session of the Texas Legislature, there are still nuggets to be mined from the bills pas
by mike simpson / 6h 
Turnaround School: Dream or Nightmare? - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher
Turnaround School: Dream or Nightmare? - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher: Turnaround School: Dream or Nightmare?By Nancy Flanagan on July 5, 2013 12:01 PMIf you're a regular reader of Teacher in a Strange Land, you know that I have been privileged to work with and write about a turnaround school in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. (See here, here, here and here.)Doing so has drawn some r
by mike simpson / 7h 
Testing Resistance & Reform News: June 27 - July 3, 2013 | FairTest
Testing Resistance & Reform News: June 27 - July 3, 2013 | FairTest: Testing Resistance & Reform News: June 27 - July 3, 2013Submitted by fairtest on July 4, 2013 - 2:38pm news  other The pushback against high-stakes testing continues to accelerate with more parents, teachers, students, administrators, and educational policy makers recognizing that the current approach has failed and an in
by mike simpson / 7h 
2013 Teacher of the Year: Spread the Word – Public Education is Succeeding! | NEA Today
2013 Teacher of the Year: Spread the Word – Public Education is Succeeding! | NEA Today: 2013 Teacher of the Year: Spread the Word – Public Education is Succeeding!July 5, 2013 by twalker  Filed under Featured News, Top StoriesLeave a CommentBy Tim WalkerSpeaking to nearly 9,000 fellow educators gathered at the National Education Association’s Representative Assembly in Atlanta, Georgia on Friday,
by mike simpson / 8h 
Evolution and Climate Science Make the Grade in State Education Standards: Scientific American
Evolution and Climate Science Make the Grade in State Education Standards: Scientific American: Evolution and Climate Science Make the Grade in State Education StandardsKansas, Kentucky and other states will also teach climate-change scienceBy Lauren Morello and Nature magazineImage: Flickr/abmiller99Five U.S. states have adopted science education standards that recommend introducing two highly ch
by mike simpson / 8h 
Morning Wink 7-5-13 AM Posts #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACT #edreform #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSTODAYPerdido Street School: More Education Deform Buzz Words I'm Sick OfPerdido Street School: More Education Deform Buzz Words I'm Sick Of: More Education Deform Buzz Words I'm Sick OfReaders added some fine examples of education deform jargon and buzz words that many people are just plain sick of to this post from last week.Here are some:High Performing
by mike simpson / 9h 
Perdido Street School: More Education Deform Buzz Words I'm Sick Of
Perdido Street School: More Education Deform Buzz Words I'm Sick Of: More Education Deform Buzz Words I'm Sick OfReaders added some fine examples of education deform jargon and buzz words that many people are just plain sick of to this post from last week.Here are some:High Performing Charter Schools (which often are high performing because they toss anybody who doesn't perform at that level out -
by mike simpson / 9h 
NYC Educator: Retirees Should Not Vote in UFT Elections
NYC Educator: Retirees Should Not Vote in UFT Elections: Retirees Should Not Vote in UFT ElectionsIt's pretty disappointing to read that only 17% of working teachers could get off their butts to vote for UFT leadership. In fact, to write a check and seal an envelope, getting off said butt was not even a requirement. If you have family, for example, you could always ask a family member to mail the
by mike simpson / 10h 
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-5-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:   An English Teacher Responds to Common CoreA comment from a reader: I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English Lit, and I find the Common Core to be only tangentially related to the teaching and learning of literature, culture, history, etc. If one knows literature or history or whatever the subject, there is a ri
by mike simpson / 10h 
Daily Kos: 4 paragraphs from Eugene Robinson
Daily Kos: 4 paragraphs from Eugene Robinson: 4 paragraphs from Eugene RobinsonbyteacherkenFollow    41 Comments / 41 Newmay stretch the limits of fair use, but I will risk it, because they are so powerful.They are from his Washington Post column, titled today We can handle the truth on NSA spying/.He begins with these two:  I don’t believe government officials when they say the National Security
by mike simpson / 10h 
7-5-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER
@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: Beyond a seat at the table: FOOD FIGHT!!Teacher union members have been asking for our national and state associations to stand up for our profession as they have capitulated on policies such as teacher evaluations using test scores and cheerleading for the Common Core.  Some union leaders have expressed the importance of compromise and negotiation in the pol
by mike simpson / 10h 
The changing nature of teacher unions. | Fred Klonsky
The changing nature of teacher unions. | Fred Klonsky: The changing nature of teacher unions.JULY 5, 2013At the Atlanta NEA RA we will be voting on a Constitutional change that if passed would end the practice of having a prescribed percentage of teachers on any body or committee of our union.This may appear to the outsider as pretty inside stuff.But this organizational change is but a small refle
by mike simpson / 10h 
The Educated Reporter: Follow-Up Friday: Student Loan Interest Rate Doubles
The Educated Reporter: Follow-Up Friday: Student Loan Interest Rate Doubles: Follow-Up Friday: Student Loan Interest Rate DoublesThe Atlantic's Jordan Weissmann is challenging what he calls the "conspiracy theory" being floated by some Republicans regarding the doubling of the interest rate on a key federal student loan, which took effect July 1. Weissmann says there's an attempt to turn younger v
by mike simpson / 10h 
Can you pass this 101-year-old test for 8th graders?
Can you pass this 101-year-old test for 8th graders?: Can you pass this 101-year-old test for 8th graders?By Valerie Strauss, Published: July 5, 2013 at 5:13 amE-mail the writer5CommentsMore(www.freepik.com/)Back by popular demand (well, I like it) here’s a 1912 eighth-grade exam that was used in schools in Bullitt County, Ky. This test, which I first published more than a year ago, is now in the
by mike simpson / 10h 
solidaridad: @TCFKSM: More episodes of schooling in a not so "post-racial" America
solidaridad: @TCFKSM: More episodes of schooling in a not so "post-racial" America: @TCFKSM: More episodes of schooling in a not so "post-racial" AmericaFirst published on @TCFKSM on July 5, 2013 Imagine the impact if Obama spoke out emphatically against racism in other aspects of U.S. society. Unfortunately, all too often, Obama and others in the Black elite, along with liberals in the Democrati
by mike simpson / 10h 

YESTERDAY

Daily Kos: Some words especially appropriate for today
Daily Kos: Some words especially appropriate for today: Some words especially appropriate for todaybyteacherkenFollow    8 Comments / 8 Newwhich I originally posted as a comment on Ian Reifowitz's powerful post.I thought that since I work part-time at Busboys & Poets, which is named for him, the following words by Langston Hughes were appropriate for today, and in light of current events, incl
by mike simpson / 19h 
My Discussion with Matt Barnum Part 6 (and final) | Gary Rubinstein's Blog
My Discussion with Matt Barnum Part 6 (and final) | Gary Rubinstein's Blog: My Discussion with Matt Barnum Part 6 (and final)For links to all 6 part of this discussion go hereGary,It’s certainly not surprising that I’ve failed to change your mind, and you’ve failed to change mine. You’ve been thinking about, and living, this issue for much longer than I have, so I apologize if my arguments strike
by mike simpson / 21h 
Diane in the Evening 7-4-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Jersey Jazzman on the National AnthemJersey Jazzman reviews the many songs that have been contenders for our national anthem. God Bless America? This Land Is Your Land? America the Beautiful? My Country ‘Tis of Thee? And more. Seems we will stick with The Star Spangled Banner, even though many can’t remember the lyrics or hit the n
by mike simpson / 21h 
Independence Day : blue cheddar
Independence Day : blue cheddar: Independence DayJuly 4, 2013By bluecheddarJimi’s 1969 rendition of this song sums up how I’m feeling about American independence right now.That being said, I hope everybody is having a grand holiday. I’m still not sure if I’ll watch pretty colors blow up in the sky above Maple Bluff tonight or if I’ll just watch a movie.
by mike simpson / 1d 
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: TAKE NO VACATION FROM MAKING SCHOOLS BETTER
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: TAKE NO VACATION FROM MAKING SCHOOLS BETTER: TAKE NO VACATION FROM MAKING SCHOOLS BETTERSUMMER SCHOOL: LAUSD offers just 170 credit-recovery classes at 16 of its nearly 100 high schools—the smallest offering ever.THEMES IN THE NEWS | A WEEKLY COMMENTARY WRITTEN BY UCLA IDEA ON THE IMPORTANT ISSUES IN EDUCATION AS COVERED BY THE NEWS MEDIA | WEEK OF JULY
by mike simpson / 1d 
Nite Cap 7-4-13 #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACT #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2 #HEREPASTJUNE
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPTODAYEducation is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela - Wait, What?Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela - Wait, What?: Education is the most powerful weapon
by mike simpson / 1d 
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela - Wait, What?
Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world - Nelson Mandela - Wait, What?: Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world – Nelson Mandela“When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate
by mike simpson / 1d 
Activists converge on Rahm Emanuel’s home for Fourth of July protest | The Raw Story
Activists converge on Rahm Emanuel’s home for Fourth of July protest | The Raw Story: Activists converge on Rahm Emanuel’s home for Fourth of July protestBy David EdwardsDozens of activists angry over austerity measures in Chicago used their Fourth of July holiday to demonstrate at the home of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.As of Thursday afternoon, over 400 people had indicated on a Facebook event page that
by mike simpson / 1d 
‘Get in the Game!’ ESP of the Year Donna Schulze Tells NEA Delegates #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACT
‘Get in the Game!’ ESP of the Year Donna Schulze Tells NEA Delegates | NEA Today: ‘Get in the Game!’ ESP of the Year Donna Schulze Tells NEA DelegatesBy John RosalesGetting politically active at all levels of public discourse “is critical to assuring that parents, school board members, and the general public understand our daily work,” Education Support Professional (ESP) of the Year Donna Schulze
by mike simpson / 1d 
Jersey Jazzman: Chiefs For Change Fail: Barresi in OK
Jersey Jazzman: Chiefs For Change Fail: Barresi in OK: Chiefs For Change Fail: Barresi in OKOklahoma's State Superindentist* of Education, Janet Barresi, has proven to be so incompetent at her job that it's a miracle she wasn't in George W. Bush's administration [all emphases mine]:State Superintendent Janet Barresi's announcement that Oklahoma will go it alone on its next generation of standardiz
by mike simpson / 1d 
Jersey Jazzman: Chiefs For Change Fail: Barresi in OK
Jersey Jazzman: Chiefs For Change Fail: Barresi in OK: Chiefs For Change Fail: Barresi in OKOklahoma's State Superindentist* of Education, Janet Barresi, has proven to be so incompetent at her job that it's a miracle she wasn't in George W. Bush's administration [all emphases mine]:State Superintendent Janet Barresi's announcement that Oklahoma will go it alone on its next generation of standardiz
by mike simpson / 1d 
Let’s talk about CCSS (Common Core State Standards) and the CCSS Wars | Crazy Crawfish's Blog
Let’s talk about CCSS (Common Core State Standards) and the CCSS Wars | Crazy Crawfish's Blog: Let’s talk about CCSS (Common Core State Standards) and the CCSS WarsPosted on July 4, 20130 Had to try an make this topic at least “look” a little more interesting. . .If you are a teacher, you know what CCSS is, but for those of you who don’t let me give you a refresher from what I can recall off the t
by mike simpson / 1d 
NEA: New Business Items – adopted and modified | Reclaim Reform
NEA: New Business Items – adopted and modified | Reclaim Reform: NEA: New Business Items – adopted and modifiedPosted on July 4, 2013by kenprevitiWhat was decided at the NEA RA Conference? What will be done next as a result of those decisions?How much has to do with Common Core State Standards?Here are the New Business Items, adopted and modified, directly from the NEA site.NEA NEW BUSINESS ITEMS
by mike simpson / 1d 
Declare Your Independence: Opt Out. Refuse Corp. Ed. Reform | United Opt Out National
Declare Your Independence: Opt Out. Refuse Corp. Ed. Reform | United Opt Out National: Declare Your Independence: Opt Out. Refuse Corp. Ed. ReformWhat is Opting Out?Def: (verb)To opt out is to take any and all actions to end corporate reform of public education.Actions include: Refusing to participate in high stakes testing which is the life’s blood of the destruction of public education.Also see:
by mike simpson / 1d 
Fred Said @NEARA2013 - Fred Klonsky
New Business Item 12. | Fred Klonsky: TODAYNew Business Item 12.NEA will send a letter to the National Conference of State Legislatures urging legislators of its member states to take the standardized tests of the state in which they live, especially when such tests are required as part of a “high stakes” environment in which portions of teacher evaluations are based on student test scores. The le
by mike simpson / 1d 
Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst is a Shining Example of NonProfit Abuse | Crooks and Liars
Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's  StudentsFirst is a Shining Example of NonProfit Abuse | Crooks and Liars: Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's  StudentsFirst is a Shining Example of NonProfit AbuseBy karoli[Marcel Neergaard taking a stand over StudentsFirst's recognition of a homophobic state representative as "reformer of the year."]If ever there was an organization that stands out as one t
by mike simpson / 1d 
Common Core Standards: Who’s in Charge? | Scathing Purple Musings
Common Core Standards: Who’s in Charge? | Scathing Purple Musings: Common Core Standards: Who’s in Charge?Posted on July 4, 2013by Bob Sikes      Rate ThisAmerican Enterprise Institute scholar Mike McShane illustrates in US News & World Report how the implementation of common core standards and its assessment infrastructures are creating problems. One of these is unfolding now in several state
by mike simpson / 1d 
Jersey Jazzman: Should "The Star-Spangled Banner" Be Our National Anthem?
Jersey Jazzman: Should "The Star-Spangled Banner" Be Our National Anthem?: Should "The Star-Spangled Banner" Be Our National Anthem?Diane Ravitch posted the lyrics to "America, The Beautiful" this morning in celebration of Independence Day. That sparked a debate in the comments about the relative merits of various patriotic songs, and whether any would serve us better than "The Star-Spangled Banne
by mike simpson / 1d 
Ed Notes Online: George Schmidt Rakes Over Paul Vallas: Liar, Crook, Racist
Ed Notes Online: George Schmidt Rakes Over Paul Vallas: Liar, Crook, Racist: George Schmidt Rakes Over Paul Vallas: Liar, Crook, RacistIt may have been that the truth got shelved for Vallas's lies (and of course the bigger lies of corporate reform that went to Washington with Barack Obama and Arne Duncan) for a time, but the facts don't change over time despite the massive work of the liars.Vallas
by mike simpson / 1d 
AH! Did you MISS the National Charter Schools Conference? Good for You!!!
YO ARNE! Which is it? Secretary of Education or CommerceYO ARNE! Which is it? Secretary of Education or CommerceYa gotta choose.... only one!Secretary of EducationSecretary of CommerceOh, I Seeby mike simpson / 1d Uncommon Schools is Broad Prize Winner #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACTUncommon Schools is Broad Prize Winner | U.S. Department of Education: Uncommon Schools is Broad Prize WinnerWED, JULY 3,
by mike simpson / 1d 
Happy Independence Day! | PWC Education Reform Blog
Happy Independence Day! | PWC Education Reform Blog: Happy Independence Day!July 4, 2013 — pwceducationreform On this day in 1776, the Declaration of Independence was adopted by Congress. General George Washington did not sign the Declaration as he was leading the Continental Army against the British.  Here are his words on the issue from July 2, 1776:“The time is now near at hand which must prob
by mike simpson / 1d 

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NEA Digital-Learning Policy Eschews Online-Only Instruction - Teacher Beat - Education Week

NEA Digital-Learning Policy Eschews Online-Only Instruction - Teacher Beat - Education Week:

NEA Digital-Learning Policy Eschews Online-Only Instruction

By Stephen Sawchuk on July 5, 2013 6:15 PM
Atlanta


Delegates to the National Education Association's convention have approved a new policy statement on digital learning that addresses some of the hot topics in the field, including new tools, online learning, and the qualifications and roles of educators.
It is the union's first attempt to update its policies in this area in 11 years. And in a sense, it outlines the NEA's best hopes and worst fears about the exploding digital-learning movement and all it encompasses.
For instance, the statement says that optimal learning environments "should neither be totally technology free, nor should they be totally online and devoid of educator interaction." While there is no one best approach, it continues, each student should receive the appropriate blend of face-to-face and technology-facilitated learning, as determined by professional educators.
The statement is fairly dense, but here are some of the important highlights. Among othe
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Save Our Schools Dolls

Save Our Schools Dolls:

Save Our Schools Dolls

Posted on  by 
On the eve of July 4th, three intrepid education activists: Morna McDermott, Nancy Shelton and Bess Altwerger brought the quest to end corporate reform to the streets of Catonsville, a small town in MD which has a tradition of lining chairs up in advance of the 4th of July Parade. This year, a series of Save Our Schools protest dolls took first row seat for the parade.In the summer of 2011, members of the Save Our Schools March and National Call to Action brought sixty large stuffed dolls, made by students and teachers from around the country and placed in boxes, to the steps of the US Department of Education.http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2011/07/duncan_meets_with_school_march.html
So under the cover of darkness on July 3rd these three professors of education decided it was time to bring the dolls back out of retirement and remind people at the parade that the fight against corporate education reform is heating up. What will the folks whose chair they stole think about them? It’s anyone’s guess. But they’re sure to bring some much needed attention to the struggles our teachers and students are facing in light of ill-conceived education policies. It is the hope of Morna, Nancy and Bess that people all over the country will follow suit and make their own dolls: place them in boxes, place them in chairs, anywhere- and write a statement on them letting everyone know where YOU stand on public education! The doll movement is growing.
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NEA RA. Common Core, common sense and common ground. | Fred Klonsky

NEA RA. Common Core, common sense and common ground. | Fred Klonsky:

NEA RA. Common Core, common sense and common ground.

JULY 5, 2013

When I voted with the majority in favor of a New Business Item that called for an end to assessments driven by Common Core standards, I thought about the relationship of standards to high stakes tests.
When the NEA Representative Assembly began, I overestimated the degree to which there would be debate on the RA floor over the Common Core standards.
I did not make that same mistake when it came to the degree of anger over the use and misuse of standardized testing, both in general and testing driven by Common Core implementation.
There have been several New Business Items that condemned high stakes testing in one form or another. All of them passed by big majorities.
In an earlier post I tried to analyze the differences among classroom educators when it came to the Common Core. I would say that the second group, those who 
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DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: "Just" a Teacher?: The Perception of our Profession!

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: "Just" a Teacher?: The Perception of our Profession!:

"Just" a Teacher?: The Perception of our Profession!

This post was originally written December 23, 2010.
view details

As I prepared dinner the other night, my son and I talked. Somehow, our conversation turned to my level of intelligence. In order to prove my point, I shared with him that I was enrolled in gifted programs all my life, in fact, I had even skipped a grade. 

He laughed and said, “If you’re so smart, how come you’re just a teacher?” "

Just a teacher?”, I thought. I was flabbergasted! Yet, at the same time, my mind raced, questioning my chosen occupation. An occupation I had loved for 26 years. He continued, “If you’re so smart, why aren't you a doctor or a lawyer?” Ouch!

I told him, “I am that smart, but I have chosen to teach”. It brought to mind part of that horrible quote, “Those who can’t, teach.” I asked him who he thinks taught those doctors and lawyers. He responded, “Bill Gates didn't go to college, and he’s a millionaire!” 

I answered, “But he did attend Kindergarten through 12th grade, right?” Who do you 
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Diane in the Evening 7-5-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:







Will Extremes of Inequality Create a New Movement for Change?
One of our regular readers and commenters Is a Tea Party activist who likes to joust with anyone who dares to express compassion for those whose lives are blighted by poverty. He scoffs at the idea that there is such a thing as communal responsibility. In his world, it is always nasty and brutish, and it is each one for himself. So here is a story that appeared in the New York Times on July 2. It
by dianerav / 3min 

NOLA Times-Picayune: Voucher $$ for New Living Word School Was Waste of Taxpayer Dollars
Remember last year when Governor Bobby Jindal rammed through his voucher proposal, whereby more than half the state’s children were eligible for a voucher to attend any private or religious or entrepreneurial school? Remember that critics said that Superintendent John White gave out vouchers without due diligence and that the school that got the most vouchers had no classrooms, no teachers, and no
by dianerav / 3h 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-5-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:   An English Teacher Responds to Common CoreA comment from a reader: I have a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in English Lit, and I find the Common Core to be only tangentially related to the teaching and learning of literature, culture, history, etc. If one knows literature or history or whatever the subject, there is a ri
by mike simpson / 31min
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New Orleans “Parental Choice” and the Walton-funded OneApp | deutsch29

New Orleans “Parental Choice” and the Walton-funded OneApp | deutsch29:

New Orleans “Parental Choice” and the Walton-funded OneApp

July 5, 2013


A common cry of corporate reformers involves their oft-professed desire to “give parents a choice.” It sounds so noble, so altruistic. In reality, corporate reformer “choice” is a daunting, messy, confining process absent the sparkle and shine of the ultra-brite ideology advocated by well-dressed, young non-educators posing as student advocates.
I feel the need to apologize in advance for what my audience will experience in reading this post.  This post is long. It is tedious. It is confusing. It is exhausting.
Just like the New Orleans version of parent choice.
In New Orleans, both RSD and OPSB direct-run schools are now “open enrollment,” which means that their enrollment is no longer based upon students residing in a given area and automatically attending a community school. Thus, the “parental choice” of selecting a school by moving to the neighborhood is moot.  That choice exists no more. Now, parents must apply to the schools they would have their children attend– even if they live right next to the school.
Convenient, huh?
Ahh, school choice is anything but convenient. It now involves a detailed application 
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NFL to follow Common Core State Standards? | Reclaim Reform

NFL to follow Common Core State Standards? | Reclaim Reform:

NFL to follow Common Core State Standards?

Posted on July 5, 2013by 
Imagine if the Common Core State Standards were followed by the National Football League and the National Education Association.
nfl ccss2
The NFL follows the lead of Arne Duncan and parts of the NEA? Well, a witty blogger, John J. Vial in his A Teacher on Teaching blog, has done it for us.
Excerpt:“We in the NFL love the Common Core Curriculum that Mr. Duncan is pushing on schools here in D. C. and in forty-five states,” Goodell continued. “Just as he believes 
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Oregon Takes a Step Towards Debt-Free Degrees

Oregon Takes a Step Towards Debt-Free Degrees:

Oregon Takes a Step Towards Debt-Free Degrees

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I got a check from the U.S. Treasury in the mail this week. It was both a surprise and a mystery. It was a surprise, because I wasn’t expecting any checks, least of all from the federal government. At first the reason why the government sent me a check was a mystery. It turned out the mystery went all the way back to my college days. 
I was reminded of my (as yet un-deposited)  check when I read the news that Oregon has taken a step towards making tuition free at the state’s public universities.

 
On college campuses across the United States, the eternal optimism of youth has been throttled out by a fear of crushing student debt. That’s certainly the case in Oregon, where the cost of tuition has soared as public funding for higher education has declined.
 
But the state Legislature this week approved an idea that might ease the economic dread for future philosophy and art history majors. The concept – called Pay It Forward – calls for students to attend public universities tuition free and loan free. In exchange, students would have 3 percent deducted from their post-graduation paychecks for about a quarter-century. The money would go into a fund to pay for future students.
 
The bill, which passed unanimously and is expected to be signed this month by Gov. John Kitzhaber, directs the state’s Higher Education Coordination Commission to develop a Pay It Forward pilot project for consideration by the 2015 Legislature. One question that must be resolved is how to fund the program’s start-up costs, estimated at $9 billion, since the initial students who attend tuition-free would be years away from entering the labor force.
 
Though the timing was coincidental, the bill won final approval on Monday, the same day that federal student loan interest rates doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent.
I only wish something light that had been in place when I was in college. 
That brings me back to the check I got in the mail this week. I knew before I opened it 
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Washington State Charter School Lawsuit: The Details | Seattle Education

Washington State Charter School Lawsuit: The Details | Seattle Education:


Washington State Charter School Lawsuit: The Details
I have posted below parts of the Complaint that pertain to the unconstitutionality of the Charter School Act.
The complaint in full can be viewed at the Washington Education Association’s website.
Dora Taylor
capitol
Introduction of the Complaint:
Article IX, section 1 of the Washington Constitution establishes that the “paramount duty” of the State of Washington (“State”) is to make “ample” provision for the education of children within its borders. The State must provide for a “general and uniform” system of public schools, including “common” schools. Const., art. IX, § 2. A “common school” is a school “that is common to all children of proper age and capacity, free, and subject to, and under the control of, the qualified voters of the school district.” Sch. Dist. No. 20 v. Bryan, 51 Wash. 498, 504, 99 Pac. 28 (1909). Certain state funds — revenue derived from the common school fund and the state tax for common schools — are to be used “exclusively” to support the State’s common schools. Const., art. IX, § 2, 3.
In the November 2012 general election, voters enacted Initiative Measure No. 1240 (“1-1240”), which authorizes the creation of charter schools. See ch. 28A.710 RCW, together with the sections of Titles 28A and 41 RCW added or amended by 1-1240 (collectively, “Charter School Act” or “Act”).’ Charter schools are funded from the revenues restricted by the Constitution for exclusive support of the State’s common schools. But unlike the State’s existing common schools, charter schools are operated by private non-profit corporations, are not subject to voter control, and are exempt 
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Schooling in the Ownership Society: Murdoch's Wireless Generation, education's NSA?

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Murdoch's Wireless Generation, education's NSA?:

Murdoch's Wireless Generation, education's NSA?


I'm half anticipating that a techie or two over at New Corp's ed division will jump ship and flee to Hong Kong after whistle-blowing Murdoch hacking of U.S. students' families. Maybe a Wireless Generation competitor like McGraw-Hill or Pearson, will offer them asylum on one of their privately-owned islands.

Former N.Y. schools chancellor, Joel Klein became Murdoch's go-to guy on damage-control after the company’s News of the World tabloid in Britain had hacked into the phone of a murdered 13-year-old, Milly Dowler. London hearings soon revealed that Murdoch's criminal enterprise was bribing officials and  hacking phones and internet (including police) nationwide.

In 2010, News Corporation paid $360 million for a 90% stake in Wireless Generation, a company based in Brooklyn that specializes in education software, data systems and assessment tools to help teachers analyze student performance and customize lessons.Once the British scandal died down (what short memories the "wireless generation" has), Klein led his company’s aggressive push into the 
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PROPOSAL: The Arne Duncan Reader | National Education Policy Center

PROPOSAL: The Arne Duncan Reader | National Education Policy Center:

PROPOSAL: The Arne Duncan Reader

P.L. Thomas
July 5, 2013
Typically, a collection titled a “reader” is a compilation of works by a notable writer or thinker, but this proposal is more like a virtual book shelf created for Secretary of Education (and lifelong political appointee who has never taught) Arne Duncan.
I think this should be a community project, so I’ll just get us started.
First, however, let me make the case that since Duncan has skated along in his public life by being politically connected, instead of having marketable skills, we must establish that Duncan lacks some basic skills, pretty shocking considering his background.
Duncan either refuses or is unable (my guess) to confront the evidence that would serve him well in his privileged position, his bully pulpit as leader of US education.
So let’s use as Exhibit A the rambling and contradictory talk given by Duncan about charter schools:
This talk is typical of Duncan’s tenure and includes gems such as:
In the world of education reform, success is all too often an orphan, while failure has many fathers.
I want to flip that presumption.
I want to stop treating success as though it was a one-off, attributable to heroic teachers or charismatic principals. I want to ask instead: Why can’t success be the norm?
With this in mind, then, let me start The Arne Duncan Reader:
Outliers, Malcolm Gladwell
Please add your recommendations in the comments below (certainly Duncan has some free time over summer to squeeze in some reading and we all know summer is fraught with learning erosion when students do not have access to books; we can’t afford Duncan having any gaps during his on-the-job training!).
Possible cover? (Recommended by Stephen Krashen)
so you've never…
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P.L. Thomas

Paul Thomas, Associate Professor of Education, taught high school English in rural South Carolina before moving to teacher education. Recent books include Parental Choice?: A Critical Reconsideration of Choice and the Debate about Choice (Information Age Publishing, 2010) and 21st Century Literacy...
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