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Monday, July 8, 2013

Morning Wink 7-8-13 AM Posts #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACT #edreform #EDCHAT #P2


BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS




TODAY

NEA Steps Up Organizing Efforts in Non-Union Charter Schools | NEA Today
NEA Steps Up Organizing Efforts in Non-Union Charter Schools | NEA Today: NEA Steps Up Organizing Efforts in Non-Union Charter SchoolsBy Tim Walker Tom Kuhny, a middle school teacher in Los Angeles, is a little incredulous when he hears the often-repeated canard that educational innovation and a unionized teaching force don’t mix. “I find that ridiculous,” says Kuhny. “It’s surprising to me that p
by mike simpson / 7min 
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Thinking about the Jazzman’s concerns about our attitude towards union leadership.Yesterday I reposted the Jersey Jazzman. He expressed concerns about questioning the motivation of our teacher union leadership, even as we disagree with their actions. I hear this a lot from my union colleagues. Of cour
by mike simpson / 9min 
Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee in Tennessee: StudentsFirst Floods School Races | New Republic
Michelle Rhee in Tennessee: StudentsFirst Floods School Races | New Republic: Reforming Michelle RheeRunning the show in D.C. didn't work out. Now in Tennessee, she's hoping cash is king.BY JEFF GUORead LaterListenFont SizeFacebookTwitterJohn DeBerry Jr., a veteran House member in Tennessee, has never been fond of fundraisers. Handshakes, not dollars, make the difference in his stretch of Memphis,
by mike simpson / 2h 
Tony Bennett Received $65,452 From Michelle Rhee In Failed 2012 Indiana Reelection Bid | Scathing Purple Musings
Tony Bennett Received $65,452 From Michelle Rhee In Failed 2012 Indiana Reelection Bid | Scathing Purple Musings: Tony Bennett Received $65,452 From Michelle Rhee In Failed 2012 Indiana Reelection BidPosted on July 8, 2013by Bob Sikes      Rate ThisAdd Michelle Rhee to the list of top players in Florida’s education hierarchy who gave money to Tony Bennett in his Indiana reelection campaign. One of
by mike simpson / 2h 
Louisiana Educator: More College Prep for All
Louisiana Educator: More College Prep for All: More College Prep for AllThe title of this Advocate story is misleading. I don't think Louisiana's 4 year college graduation rate mitigates anything. Another story in the Advocate last week pointed out that most high paying job openings in Louisiana in the next few years will be in the construction and technical fields. These jobs will require mostly
by mike simpson / 2h 
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-8-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Farewell to Mayor Villaraigosa: Pragmatist or Lacky of the Rich?As Antonio Villaraigosa exits the mayoralty of Los Angeles, there will be both tributes and brickbats. Among other things, he will be remembered for his failed attempt to take control of the public schools and for his hostility to teachers, to their union, and to publi
by mike simpson / 2h 
7-8-13 Schools Matter @ The Chalk Face
SCHOOLS MATTER @ THE CHALK FACE: Arne Duncan in Philadelphia “Fascinated” about His Mentor Vallas in CTArne Duncan had a great chance to do something for Philadelphia in 2010 when their application for $100 million in RTTT money was turned down.  Instead, Philly got $6 million over four years, which was designated by Arne to develop a teacher eval scheme based on VAM test scores. Meanwhile, Duncan
by mike simpson / 3h 
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: HOLIDAY WEEKEND QUOTABLES
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: HOLIDAY WEEKEND QUOTABLES: HOLIDAY WEEKEND QUOTABLESA teenage boy grieves next to a makeshift memorial on July 6, at the site where Ashley Hardmon was shot and killed on July 2nd, in Chicago. The mayor’s office did not respond to requests for comment Sunday.Chicago's Killing FieldThis year’s Independence Day celebration, for many Chicagoans a four-day respite in the
by mike simpson / 3h 
solidaridad: Darn it! #LAUSD Superintendent @DrDeasyLAUSD threatens to resign if Vladovic becomes Board Prez, then welches
solidaridad: Darn it! #LAUSD Superintendent @DrDeasyLAUSD threatens to resign if Vladovic becomes Board Prez, then welches: Darn it! #LAUSD Superintendent @DrDeasyLAUSD threatens to resign if Vladovic becomes Board Prez, then welchesThe above tweet is from a good friend who is an author, educator, and dedicated activist.It would be best for everyone if Deasy, Aquino, Hill, and all the other gradua
by mike simpson / 3h 
Common Core State Standards: A lesson in shrewd marketing | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com
Common Core State Standards: A lesson in shrewd marketing | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Common Core State Standards: A lesson in shrewd marketing RelatedView Larger University of Georgia professor Peter SmagorinskyPrevious PostsAs the world turns: Drama on Cherokee school board turns to tragicomedyJuly 7, 2013DeKalb Schools: Still on probation but showing progressJuly 5, 2013Designing students: Ch
by mike simpson / 3h 

YESTERDAY

solidaridad: Villaraigosa: The Myth of The Progressive Mayor
solidaridad: Villaraigosa: The Myth of The Progressive Mayor (teaser): Villaraigosa: The Myth of The Progressive Mayor (teaser)"The alliance, formed between the mayor, the school board, and Los Angeles' corporate elite to design the idea of 'public school choice,' is another example of how neoliberal economic policies have influenced educational policies." — Professor Theresa MontañoMayor Antonio
by mike simpson / 10h 
▶ #AaronSwartz [feat. L*A*W | prod. by Steel Tipped Dove | pres. by Grassroots Suicide Prevention] by AWKWORD
▶ #AaronSwartz [feat. L*A*W | prod. by Steel Tipped Dove | pres. by Grassroots Suicide Prevention] by AWKWORD (@AWKWORDrap):  As World Premiered by The Source!...thesource.com/2013/07/01/exclusi…sa-on-aaronswartz/Grassroots Suicide Prevention presents: AWKWORD - "#AaronSwartz" [feat. L*A*W | prod. by Steel Tipped Dove]*** A SUICIDE PSA RAP SONG IN HONOR OF AARON SWARTZ ***As we have seen with the
by mike simpson / 10h 
BREAKING NEWS!!! Principal DR Alison Coviello of PS 154 Bronx Caught in Lie!!! southbronxschool.com
http://www.southbronxschool.com: BREAKING NEWS!!! Principal DR Alison Coviello of PS 154 Bronx Caught in Lie!!!No one never lies. Whenever I hear that I always think of the myth from Star Trek that Vulcans never lie. So bear with me for an example of lying from Star Trek and let's see how that compares to DR Alison CovielloIn "Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan" while holed up inside the Genesis Cave
by mike simpson / 10h 
Costs to implement new student testing system starting to pile up SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources
SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources: Costs to implement new student testing system starting to pile upBy Sunday, July 07, 2013Buying and installing a new system of K-12 student assessments aligned to the common core state standards will likely cost California $67 million, according to a report before the board of education this week.For that price, the state would receive test developer
by mike simpson / 10h 
Ed Notes Online: Monday July 8th Noon Picket demanding an immediate, rapid and unbiased investigation by the Chancellor's office
Ed Notes Online: Monday July 8th Noon Picket demanding an immediate, rapid and unbiased investigation by the Chancellor's office: Monday July 8th Noon Picket demanding an immediate, rapid and unbiased investigation by the Chancellor's officeMinerva ZancaThis is the school where our own Peter Lamphere is chapter leader. Thus we have an impeccable source. Some comments on various blogs have defended
by mike simpson / 10h 
CT Post’s Hugh Bailey writes “The miracle turnaround specialist is a myth” - Wait, What?
CT Post’s Hugh Bailey writes “The miracle turnaround specialist is a myth” - Wait, What?: CT Post’s Hugh Bailey writes “The miracle turnaround specialist is a myth”When it comes to revealing the truth about the education reform industry’s efforts here in Connecticut, the Connecticut Post’s Hugh Bailey has become the “shining light” of editorial writing.  His commentary pieces are accurate, percept
by mike simpson / 10h 
The Educated Reporter: For Many Students, Colleges Means Back to Middle School
The Educated Reporter: For Many Students, Colleges Means Back to Middle School: For Many Students, Colleges Means Back to Middle SchoolToday's guest post comes from Kenneth Terrell, the higher education public editor for the Education Writers Association. Email him at kterrell@ewa.org. Follow him on Twitter: @KennethEWA.“A large fraction of students are leaving the 12th grade with a high-school di
by mike simpson / 10h 
solidaridad: The 99 Cents Store School... brought to you by the lucrative charter school industry
solidaridad: The 99 Cents Store School... brought to you by the lucrative charter school industry: The 99 Cents Store School... brought to you by the lucrative charter school industryLalo Alcaraz's La Cucaracha strip often features pro-public education items, which are also typically sensitive to ongoing attacks on the teaching profession and the difficulties of teaching. This particular stripis a
by mike simpson / 10h 
Adultism In Democratic Education | Cooperative Catalyst
Adultism In Democratic Education | Cooperative Catalyst: LEARNING AT ITS BESTAdultism In Democratic EducationPOSTED BY ADAM FLETCHER SASSE ⋅ JULY 8, 2013 ⋅ LEAVE A COMMENTGoals, teaching styles, rules, curriculum, budgeting, building design, behavior expectations… All of these things are determined by adults, for students, throughout schools and nonprofits. Even in well-meaning democratic learning
by mike simpson / 10h 
‘State-Led’ Common Core Pushed by Federally Funded Nonprofit | Heartlander Magazine
‘State-Led’ Common Core Pushed by Federally Funded Nonprofit | Heartlander Magazine: ‘State-Led’ Common Core Pushed by Federally Funded Nonprofit A central defense of the new national education standards, now generating spirited public debates, is that the federal government did not mandate or create them.“The Common Core State Standards Initiative is a state-led effort that established a single
by mike simpson / 13h 
Effort to shorten process of firing teachers faltering again | EdSource Today
Effort to shorten process of firing teachers faltering again | EdSource Today: Effort to shorten process of firing teachers faltering againJuly 7th, 2013 | Add a Comment | By John FensterwaldShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing ServicesFor the second straight year, legislation to quicken and simplify dismissal procedures for teachers is in danger of running agr
by mike simpson / 13h 
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: 4 Simple Ways to Increase Engagement in the Classroom!
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: 4 Simple Ways to Increase Engagement in the Classroom!: 4 Simple Ways to Increase Engagement in the Classroom!This is a guest post on Edudemic:Do you look out at your class and it seems as if only two or three students are listening to you? The rest are thinking about lunch, how to beat the next level on the video game, or when is your class going to end? Here ar
by mike simpson / 13h 
What Resources Have Helped You Implement and Sustain School Climate Improvement? — Whole Child Education
What Resources Have Helped You Implement and Sustain School Climate Improvement? — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGWhat Resources Have Helped You Implement and Sustain School Climate Improvement?July 7, 2013 by ASCD Whole Child BloggersTo improve and create more effective resources, whole child partner National School Climate Center, in partnership with whole child partner Character Edu
by mike simpson / 15h 
Short Notes: With Tears and Cheers
Short Notes: With Tears and Cheers (Featuring Mona Eltahawy): Short Notes: With Tears and CheersPosted by Jose VilsonMona EltahawyA few notes:Edutopia highlights five, count em, FIVE books I think you should read. Just go. Read em if you haven’t already. [Edutopia]When discussing the path of citizenship, this is what really matters. Five fifths human. [Los Angeles Times]The New York Times editoria
by mike simpson / 15h 
Nite Cap 7-7-13 #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 CAPTODAYJersey Jazzman on my reports from ATL. “The summer of our discontent.” | Fred KlonskyJersey Jazzman on my reports from ATL. “The summer of our discontent.” | Fred Klonsky: Jersey Jazzman on my reports from ATL. “The summer of our discontent.”JULY 7, 2
by mike simpson / 16h 
Jersey Jazzman on my reports from ATL. “The summer of our discontent.” | Fred Klonsky
Jersey Jazzman on my reports from ATL. “The summer of our discontent.” | Fred Klonsky: Jersey Jazzman on my reports from ATL. “The summer of our discontent.”JULY 7, 2013 Blogger Jersey Jazzman includes discussion of events in Atlanta in this lengthy post.Since he includes a post I wrote – and uses the post to address what our relationship should be to union leadership – I am reposting the entire t
by mike simpson / 16h 
Ed Notes Online: Diane Ravitch, Susan Ohanian Battle the Mean Machines of Ed Deform
Ed Notes Online: Diane Ravitch, Susan Ohanian Battle the Mean Machines of Ed Deform: Diane Ravitch, Susan Ohanian Battle the Mean Machines of Ed DeformThere was a time boys and girls where Diane and Susan working together would have been somewhat shocking. But the ed deformers, having gone so far, are bringing all sorts of people together --- like the humans against the machines in The Terminator.
by mike simpson / 16h 
Nikhil Goyal msnbc: Student loan rates doubled in past week
msnbc: Student loan rates doubled in past week:
by mike simpson / 17h 
Jersey Jazzman: The Summer of Our Discontent
Jersey Jazzman: The Summer of Our Discontent: The Summer of Our DiscontentOnce again, let's play Spot The Pattern™! Can you spot the pattern in these education stories [all emphases mine]?Story #1 is from Newark, NJ:Eight months after negotiating “performance bonuses” funded by a Facebook fortune, Newark Teachers Union President Joseph Del Grosso was re-elected Tuesday by a margin of nine votes. A
by mike simpson / 18h 
Ed Notes Online: A Chicago Teacher's Action Inspires Antitest Crusaders - 14 Years Ago
Ed Notes Online: A Chicago Teacher's Action Inspires Antitest Crusaders - 14 Years Ago: A Chicago Teacher's Action Inspires Antitest Crusaders - 14 Years Ago"He's not going to teach in our system," --Paul Vallas "What kind of people would do this?"  -- Mayor DaleyThe district has brought in university professors to review questions, recruited graduate students to take tests before they are adminis
by mike simpson / 18h 
Ms. Katie's Ramblings: Speech for 7/4 Rally: The Fight Against Austerity
Ms. Katie's Ramblings: Speech for 7/4 Rally: The Fight Against Austerity: Speech for 7/4 Rally: The Fight Against AusterityBelow is the copy of a speech I gave during a rally against Austerity outside Mayor Emanuel's home.  Here are a couple links to news coverage of the event here, here, and here.Hello! Happy Independence Day! My name is Katie Osgood and I am a teacher.  I teach at a psychiatric
by mike simpson / 19h 
Diane in the Evening 7-7-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Scenes I’d Like to See: Pundits TeachingA reader, Karl Gabbey, has a proposal: “MAD Magazine once had a page in each edition entitled, “Scenes We’d Like To See,” that depicted a bit of “Schadenfreude” about people who deserved it. It might be fun to see loudmouthed politicians and assorted corporate types who consider themselves “e
by mike simpson / 19h 
Voucher schools don't always take special needs students : Wsj
Voucher schools don't always take special needs students : Wsj: Voucher schools don't always take special needs studentsPrint Email1 hour ago  •  RORY LINNANE | Wisconsin Center for Investigative Journalism(0) CommentsA private voucher school in Milwaukee wasn't equipped to serve Kim Fitzer's daughter, Trinity, who has an anxiety-related disability.Enlarge PhotoKim Fitzer's daughter, Trinity, was
by mike simpson / 19h 
'Stop This Madness' Rap Video Documents Teacher's Frustration With High-Stakes Testing
'Stop This Madness' Rap Video Documents Teacher's Frustration With High-Stakes Testing: 'Stop This Madness' Rap Video Documents Teacher's Frustration With High-Stakes TestingThe Huffington Post  |  By Rebecca Klein691612021GET EDUCATION NEWSLETTERS:SUBSCRIBEFOLLOW:Standardized Testing, Video, Anti Standardized Testing, High-Stakes Testing, Jeremy Dudley,Jeremy Dudley Origin, Jeremy Dudley Rap, Sta
by mike simpson / 19h 
NFL Adopts Common Core Playbook--Copying Education Reforms | Truth in American Education
NFL Adopts Common Core Playbook--Copying Education Reforms | Truth in American Education: NFL Adopts Common Core Playbook–Copying Education ReformsFiled in Uncategorized by chascherrie on July 7, 2013 • 0 Comments8NFL Adopts Common Core Playbook–Copying Education Reformsby John J. Viall(Washington, D. C.) In a surprise news conference today U. S. Secretary of Education ArneDuncan and National Foot
by mike simpson / 20h 
Leadership and Capacity | Connected Principals
Leadership and Capacity | Connected Principals: Leadership and CapacityJuly 7, 2013By David Truss“I’ve come to realize that I’m not the only one that wishesI had more capacity to do the things I really want to do as a leader.”I said that on a post about Leadership and Management back in October. Two weeks ago, as my school year for the Inquiry Hub was coming to a close, report cards for Coquitlam
by mike simpson / 20h 
Schooling in the Ownership Society: The 147 companies that run everything. It's only 'natural'
Schooling in the Ownership Society: The 147 companies that run everything. It's only 'natural': The 147 companies that run everything. It's only 'natural'The 1318 transnational corporations that form the core of the economy. Superconnected companies are red, very connected companies are yellow. The size of the dot represents revenue (Image: PLoS One)For some reason, the scientists who have suddenl
by mike simpson / 22h 
America’s dangerously removed elite - Salon.com
America’s dangerously removed elite - Salon.com: America’s dangerously removed eliteIt's easy to cut public education funding when your kids go to private school. Just ask Christie and EmanuelNew Jersey Governor Chris Christie and Rahm Emanuel (Credit: AP/Reuters)Last week, my local Twittersphere momentarily erupted with allegations that Denver’s public school superintendent, Tom Boasberg, is send
by mike simpson / 23h 
How Far is Too Far to Walk? | PWC Education Reform Blog
How Far is Too Far to Walk? | PWC Education Reform Blog: How Far is Too Far to Walk?July 7, 2013 — pwceducationreformOfficials with Loudoun county public schools recently reviewed bus / walk distances and learned that their existing policy on busing wasn’t being consistently followed throughout the county.  Their current policy calls for elementary age students within .8 miles of the school and mi
by mike simpson / 23h 
NYC Public School Parents: New York Times editors sadly returns to cheerleading Bloomberg's status quo
NYC Public School Parents: New York Times editors sadly returns to cheerleading Bloomberg's status quo: New York Times editors sadly returns to cheerleading Bloomberg's status quoToday the NY Times editors returned to their status quo ante position when it comes to the city’s public schools, and sternly warned the mayoral candidates to stick to the dreadful Bloomberg dysfunctional and autocratic p
by mike simpson / 23h 
Daily Kos: thoughts of perhaps no particular value
Daily Kos: thoughts of perhaps no particular value: thoughts of perhaps no particular valuebyteacherkenFollow    2 Comments / 2 Newbut I will take the risk they might speak to someone other than me.I offer them as I sit in my local Starbucks, where I probably spend too much time.  As a shy extravert, I like to be among people even when I am not directly interacting with them.  It keeps me connecte
by mike simpson / 23h mark as read  //  save
Morning Wink 7-7-13 AM Posts #neara13 #RYH4Ed #BATsACT #edreform #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSMayor Kevin Johnson warns of ‘Crisis’ in education | Milwaukee Courier Weekly NewspaperMayor Kevin Johnson warns of ‘Crisis’ in education | Milwaukee Courier Weekly Newspaper: Mayor Kevin Johnson warns of ‘Crisis’ in education4 JULY 2013By George E. Curry, NNPA Editor-in-ChiefMayor Kevin JohnsonThe education of Blacks has reached a state of crisis that dem
by mike simpson / 1d 



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NEA Steps Up Organizing Efforts in Non-Union Charter Schools | NEA Today

NEA Steps Up Organizing Efforts in Non-Union Charter Schools | NEA Today:


NEA Steps Up Organizing Efforts in Non-Union Charter Schools
By Tim Walker Tom Kuhny, a middle school teacher in Los Angeles, is a little incredulous when he hears the often-repeated canard that educational innovation and a unionized teaching force don’t mix. “I find that ridiculous,” says Kuhny. “It’s surprising to me that people even think that. Our staff supports and promotes innovations in the classroom every day. Keeping our students challenged, raisin
by twalker / 32min mark as read  //  save
Education Reform Movement Learns Lesson From Old Standards
Under the more rigorous Common Core standards, it will be harder for states to hide their failing schools. But what has Common Core watchers nervous is not that states will cheat but that the first round of student scores in 2015 will be honest, and bad — so bad they shock parents and strike fear into politicians. Former Tennessee Gov. Philip Bredesen began the tough work of raising his state’s st
by twalker / 32min 
Your Students’ Data is Stored in the Cloud
Non-profit inBloom offers an Internet database service that allows schools to store, track and analyze data on schoolchildren. That information is more than just test scores. It’s whether kids receive free lunch — a telling indicator of the family’s finances. It’s the time a student got into a fight in the schoolyard. And it could be a child’s prescription medication. Source: CNN Related posts: Cy
by twalker / 32min 
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Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.:






“It was a very pleasant meeting,” said Governor Quinn.
  Cullerton and The Madman. As predicted, today’s meeting of the Gang of Ten came and went. Results? Bukis. Greg Hinz in today’s Crains Springfield’s top Democrats met face to face in Gov. Pat Quinn’s Chicago office for nearly two hours today to talk about pension reform, and it appears they left the meeting exactly as they went in: stalemated.  Despite two credit downgrades of Illinois’ debt in
by Fred Klonsky / 1h 



The in box. The Jazzman: “We need to have this conversation.”
Hi Fred, I was unclear about something in my post, and I hope you’ll let me clarify it here: I think you were more than fair in all of your posts about DVR and the NEA RA. And I’ve never thought you attacked the leadership personally. You did us all a service by giving us your candid views about what happened in Atlanta. It’s clear I’ve struck a nerve, but that’s fine. We need to have this convers
by Fred Klonsky / 5min 

Thinking about the Jazzman’s concerns about our attitude towards union leadership.
Yesterday I reposted the Jersey Jazzman. He expressed concerns about questioning the motivation of our teacher union leadership, even as we disagree with their actions. I hear this a lot from my union colleagues. Of course, I have never suggested that state leaders of the IEA or national leaders of the NEA were personally corrupt. I have always tried to frame my disagreements as disagreements in p
by Fred Klonsky / 15min mark as read  //  save
Hi back at ya.
  A standing vote at the NEA RA. After a few years of doing this blog and now getting 3 to 4 thousand site visits a day, I feel a connection to readers. A core of you write comments regularly. Which I enjoy. A few haters show up now and then. As long they are not terribly offensive, or piss me off, I’ll post their comments too. Once in a while I’ll get a comment from someone we haven’t heard from
by Fred Klonsky / 52min 
The return of the Gang of Ten.
The third meeting of the Gang of Ten, the Illinois legislative committee that was formed after the failure of the General Assembly to agree on the best way to cut public employee pensions, will take place today in Springfield. Nothing will come of it. If you are truly desperate for something to do, you can watch. What will not come out of the committee is a plan to address raising revenue. Maybe
by Fred Klonsky / 1h 
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Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee in Tennessee: StudentsFirst Floods School Races | New Republic

Michelle Rhee in Tennessee: StudentsFirst Floods School Races | New Republic:

Reforming Michelle RheeRunning the show in D.C. didn't work out. Now in Tennessee, she's hoping cash is king.

BY JEFF GUO
John DeBerry Jr., a veteran House member in Tennessee, has never been fond of fundraisers. Handshakes, not dollars, make the difference in his stretch of Memphis, where he has been campaigning the old-fashioned way for nearly 20 years. DeBerry’s low-budget operation collects about $20,000 each election and centers on door-to-door visits. The past year's redistricting, which forced him into a tough primary with a colleague, didn't change any of that, he says.
"I'm 62 years old," DeBerry says. "I walked, in one-hundred-degree heat, from nine to five with a crew of five people. We rolled around with my Suburban with the car filled with water and juice. And we knocked on every door in every district."
But he also had backup. Michelle Rhee’s education lobbying group StudentsFirstdropped $110,000 on canvassing and phone banking to ensure that DeBerry, a rare Tennessee Democrat who supports vouchers and charter schools, would prevail. It was a record-setting sum, locals said, and even DeBerry called it “flabbergasting.” He defeated his rival 4,084 to 2,125—that is, Rhee spent $27 per vote—and went on to win
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Tony Bennett Received $65,452 From Michelle Rhee In Failed 2012 Indiana Reelection Bid | Scathing Purple Musings

Tony Bennett Received $65,452 From Michelle Rhee In Failed 2012 Indiana Reelection Bid | Scathing Purple Musings:

Tony Bennett Received $65,452 From Michelle Rhee In Failed 2012 Indiana Reelection Bid

Posted on July 8, 2013by 
 
 
 
 
 
 
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Add Michelle Rhee to the list of top players in Florida’s education hierarchy who gave money to Tony Bennett in his Indiana reelection campaign. One of the nation’s top education reporters, Alexander Russo was able to get a copy of the tax returns of Michelle Rhee’s StudentsFirst from a source inside Rhee’s organization. Writes Russo:
A few months ago it was being noted that StudentsFirst’s candidate endorsements skewed overwhelmingly Republican, which was surprising to some and disqualifying to others.
But no one seemed to know about its candidate contributions, which are an even more powerful indication of the organization’s focus (and the state of education reform).
Now, thanks to a source inside StudentsFirst, I can share some interesting (if self-reported) information about the organization’s 2012 election cycle 
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Louisiana Educator: More College Prep for All

Louisiana Educator: More College Prep for All:

More College Prep for All



The title of this Advocate story is misleading. I don't think Louisiana's 4 year college graduation rate mitigates anything. Another story in the Advocate last week pointed out that most high paying job openings in Louisiana in the next few years will be in the construction and technical fields. These jobs will require mostly 2 year Associate degrees rather than 4 year Bachelors degrees. Unfortunately our state directed and ideologically driven K-12 education system is not going to prepare many students for those jobs.

The following is my comment to the more recent Advocate story claiming that Louisiana students will be OK with their 4 year degrees.

This story misses another important fact. At least 2 out of 3 Louisiana students who enroll in our 4 year colleges never 
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LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-8-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

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

Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch





How Many Voucher Frauds in Louisiana? No One Knows
The voucher program in Louisiana continues to amaze. It is a living demonstration of what happens when public officials abandon responsibility for the children and institutions in their care. Watch what happens when the state gives children a voucher for public funds and then says that whatever choice they make is okay. John White memorably said last year: “To me, it’s a moral outrage that the gov
by dianerav / 25min 

“Declaration of Independence” by United Opt Out
United Opt Out has consistently spoken against the abuses of testing and high stakes for students and teachers. Here is a link to their Declaration of Independence and to other important information about them. And here is their Declaration of Independence from corporate education reform.   United Opt Out National http://unitedoptout.com IN OPPOSITION, July 4, 2013 The unanimous Declarati
by dianerav / 35min 

Peter DeWitt: Is Arne’s Defense of Common Core Falling Apart?
Peter DeWitt, in his outstanding blog at Education Week, pulls apart Secretary Arne Duncan’s aggressive defense of the Common Core. In his speech to the nation’s new editors, Duncan ridiculed the critics as though they were almost all paranoid nuts. That is unfortunate. Reasonable people have legitimate concerns about how the Common Core will work, and Duncan would do well to address them. Some ar
by dianerav / 10min

Farewell to Mayor Villaraigosa: Pragmatist or Lacky of the Rich?
As Antonio Villaraigosa exits the mayoralty of Los Angeles, there will be both tributes and brickbats. Among other things, he will be remembered for his failed attempt to take control of the public schools and for his hostility to teachers, to their union, and to public education. On his watch, there was “an explosion” in the number of privately managed charter schools, a high priority for the bil
by dianerav / 3min mark as read  //  save
How Teachers Crashed the Economy
We have heard in state after state that teachers’ pensions and wages must be curtailed because they–and other public workers–are destroying the economy. Those greedy, selfish teachers and principals! However. The Economic Policy Institute in DC reports that in 2012 the average CEO made 273 times the wages of the average worker. Now it is very important to understand the concept of shared sacrifi
by dianerav / 58min  
Diane in the Evening 7-7-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Scenes I’d Like to See: Pundits TeachingA reader, Karl Gabbey, has a proposal: “MAD Magazine once had a page in each edition entitled, “Scenes We’d Like To See,” that depicted a bit of “Schadenfreude” about people who deserved it. It might be fun to see loudmouthed politicians and assorted corporate types who consider themselves “e
by mike simpson / 3h 
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