1-26-14 Schools Matter

Schools Matter:

Corporate Education Losers Dust Off Antiquarian "Reforms," Again

Op-Ed published January 25 in The Tennessean:Tennessee Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman continues a series of victory laps that began in the fall, when results from the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) showed improvement in reading and math scores for Tennessee’s fourth- and eighth-graders.  Tennessee, however, remains far from the finish line in the federal Race to the Top t

by Jim Horn / 45min

Indiana HB1320: The ALEC, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch Plan for Student Data

By Doug MartinYou would think with many more Hoosiers finding out each and every day about the complete scam known as Indiana school reform, the legislators in Indianapolis would be smart enough to give it a rest.  But no, instead of doing damage control on the eve of the release of my book Hoosier School Heist—which spills the beans on the out-of-start money, the handing over of charter schools t

by Doug Martin / 1h hide  //  save

The never-ending common core boondoggle

Sent to USA Today, January 25, 2014.I was happy to read that "Some states get cold feet as Common Core testing draws near," (Jan. 24). As Theodor Rebarber noted, estimates of costs should include technology. All common core tests must be delivered online, on up-to-date computers, which many schools do not have. This will cost billions, and we can be sure that as soon as the system is fun

2 by skrashen / 6h 

1-25-14 Schools Matter All Week

Schools Matter:  Schools Matter All WeekShooting Ourselves in the FootNo one, myself included, expects a profession to hold lockstep to only one voice—including teachers.But Help teachers improve their craft, an Op-Ed by a public school teacher, calls for helping teachers become better educators, but in fact, perpetuates the worst aspects of the education reform movement.In the end, this piece rep

by mike simpson / 9h 

1-26-14 @ THE CHALK FACE

@ THE CHALK FACE:

An parent “release” form for testing #optout from #DougCo Colorado

I think this is pretty hastily written and there are legal implications to it. No alternative activities? If your child is in attendance they WILL be tested? And, the punishments to teachers and schools for low test participation are hardly clear, or as clear as they indicate. Case in point, there are no quotes of […]

by Shaun Johnson / 2min 

Dcps Impact 3.0?

If DCPS is serious about investing in the 40 lowest performing schools, which I believe it is, then it must reassess current aspects of IMPACT 2.0. During the coming negotiation rounds between the Chancellor and the WTU President, the following questions demand discussions: How has IMPACT 2.0 faired in the 40 lowest performing schools? What […]

1 by Angel Cintron Jr. / 34min 

The Same One Hour 10,000 Times Is Not 10,000 Hours: Behaviorism, Math, and Utter Failure

Speaking against testing isn’t an uphill battle; it is an upmountain battle—something like Pike’s Peak. But one of the most powerful and disturbing examples of just why traditional testing is such a failure to real learning is found in math classes—where behaviorism is both embraced and misused on a daily basis. We’ve all had this […]

by plthomasedd / 1min 

Richard Sherman’s GPA and “Thug” Label: The Codes that Blind

Richard Sherman\’s GPA and \”Thug\” Label: The Codes that Blind. via Richard Sherman’s GPA and “Thug” Label: The Codes that Blind.

1 by plthomasedd / 21min 

Doge Duncan, without comment.

Much reforms!Filed under: SHAUN JOHNSON, PHD: Musings from the Chalk Face Tagged: doge, Duncan, reform

1 by Shaun Johnson / 1h 

All Week 1-25-14 @ THE CHALK FACE

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: All Week @ THE CHALK FACE Duncan’s Bizarro World, Where Lie Is Truth and Truth Is LieSuperintendent of Montgomery County (MD) Joshua Starr is rightfully disturbed by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s recent comment: What these two places also had in common was a succession of leaders who told educators, parents and the public the truth about educational un

by mike simpson / 9h 

1-26-14 With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs

With A Brooklyn Accent:

Critique of Shael Suransky Policies at NYC DOE

Corporate Reform versus Child-Centered Progressby Avi Tropper Recent years have seen the growth in influence and power of the corporate reform approach, part of GERM (the Global Education Reform Movement), on education policy-making. It principles include a focus on closing schools, test-based accountability, and building portfolio model district offices. This approach tends to be favored by the e

by Mark Naison / 1h hide  //  save

The Obama Administration's "Scorched Earth Policy" for Urban Schools

The Obama Administration, in the five years it has been in office, has pursued an Education "Scorched Earth" policy in major urban centers, closing public schools en masse and replacing them with charter schools. And for the most part, Democratic Mayors have enthusiastically supported this policy. Only in the last year, there has been finally been some resistance to this policy, by newly

by Mark Naison / 2h  

1-25-14 With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs All Week

With A Brooklyn Accent:With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs All WeekA Program for Urban Schools- Do Mayoral Candidates in Your City Support These?1. Stop School Closings Immediately- Fix Troubled Schools Don't Close Them.2. End all Contracts with Teacher of America.3. Three year moratorium on new Charter Schools. Evaluate existing ones.4. Make Recess Sacred! No test prep during recess or physical educat

by mike simpson / 9h 

1-26-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD

the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University):

The Same One Hour 10,000 Times Is Not 10,000 Hours: Behaviorism, Math, and Utter Failure

The Same One Hour 10,000 Times Is Not 10,000 Hours: Behaviorism, Math, and Utter Failure.

by plthomasedd / 0min 

Richard Sherman’s GPA and “Thug” Label: The Codes that Blind

Three aspects of the public and media focus on Richard Sherman after the NFC championship game on January 19, 2014, are notable. First, the images of Sherman tend to be like this one: Cornerback Richard Sherman #25 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates after he tips the ball leading to an interception by outside linebacker Malcolm Smith #53 to clinch the victory for the Seahawks against the San Franc

1 by plthomasedd / 21min 

1-25-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD

THE BECOMING RADICALRadical Scholarshipthe becoming radical  A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by Duncan’s Bizarro World, Where Lie Is Truth and Truth Is LieDuncan’s Bizarro World, Where Lie Is Truth and Truth Is Lie.1 by plthomasedd / 1h Shooting Ourselves in the FootShooting Ourselves in the Foot.1 by plthomasedd / 1h JAN 23Masquerading (1931)Masquerading (1931).1 by plthomasedd / 1d Differenti

by mike simpson / 9h 

Stephen Krashen Blog 1-26-14

SKrashen:

The never-ending common core boondoggle

Sent to USA Today, January 25, 2014.I was happy to read that "Some states get cold feet as Common Core testing draws near," (Jan. 24). As Theodor Rebarber noted, estimates of costs should include technology. All common core tests must be delivered online, on up-to-date computers, which many schools do not have. This will cost billions, and we can be sure that as soon as the system is fun

by skrashen / 6h 

Stephen Krashen Blog 1-25-14

SKrashen:The Common Core: A Disaster for Libraries, A Disaster for Language Arts, a Disaster for American EducationStephen KrashenKnowledge Quest 42(3): 37-45 (2014). There never has been a need for the common core and there is no evidence that it will do students any good. The common core ignores the real problem in American education: Poverty. The common core will continue the process of turning

by mike simpson / 9h 

1-26-14 Perdido Street School Week

Perdido Street School:

And Yet Three More Oldies But Goodies: Michael Mulgrew Defends John King's APPR Teacher Evaluation System

Because I'm in the mood for oldies this afternoon, here's three more UFT gems coming to you from back on September 4, September 5, and September 13:First, from September 4, 2013:Michael Mulgrew Hails New APPR Advance Teacher Evaluation System Remember this while you're collecting your artifacts and preparing for your 4-6 observations on 22 Danielson domains and wondering why you're being evaluated

by reality-based edu... / 9min

Another Oldie But Goodie: Michael Mulgrew On Why John King Was A Great Figure To Impose A NYC Teacher Evaluation System

A post I wrote back on May 30, 2013, as we awaited the system that "independent arbitrator" John King would impose on NYC teachers:Mulgrew On King's Evaluation System: We Supported And Shaped This Piece Of Shit (UPDATED) Mulgrew is spinning the evaluation system decision already: Dear colleagues, Late on Saturday, June 1, State Education Commissioner John King is expected to release an

by reality-based edu... / 1h 

Oldie But Goodie: Mulgrew "Frightened" By Opposition To Common Core

There's some debate back and forth on both the Twitter and here at Perdido Street School over why a Mike Mulgrew/UFT-controlled NYSUT might turn the clock back on yesterday's NYSUT declaration of no confidence in NYSED Commissioner John King and withdrawal of support of the Common Core State Standards.Past actions and policies of groups and individuals are often pretty good indications of future a

by reality-based edu... / 1min

Rick Hess: Ed Reformers Overreached, Reform Backlash Resulted

Rick Hess in the Daily News today: Those who follow New York City schools have been witnessing a time-honored ritual — pro-testing school reformers have mightily overreached, inviting pushback that’s now poised to dismantle much of their useful handiwork. Mayor de Blasio has said that he and his new chancellor, Carmen Fariña, will “do everything in our power to reduce focus on high-stakes testing.

by reality-based edu... / 2h 

Governor Cuomo Looks To Impose Casinos On Any Community He Wants - Without Their Input

Just as the governor imposes an education policy without regard for what the public in the state wants, he is going to force communities to accept casinos in their midst whether they want his "generosity" or not.The Times-Union has an interesting editorial on this issue - see how many analogues to the education reform issues we have been dealing with these past years you find in this cas

by reality-based edu... / 2h 

1-25-14 Perdido Street School Week

Perdido Street School: Perdido Street School WeekWho Made The NYSED Commissioner King?As I posted yesterday, NYSED Commissioner John King told members of the New York State Senate Education Committee that the Legislature does not have the power to pull the state out of the Common Core.The exchange showed up in a Capital NY piece by Jessica Bakeman:Some legislators have suggested ditching the Commo

by mike simpson / 9h 

Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs

Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs:

Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs

While it is no longer unusual for teachers to embrace and understand the value of personal learning networks, few are supporting their students in doing the same. I went on a search for educators involved in this work as part of a chapter I am writing for a book on the topic of student liberation being released by Steve Hargadon later this year,  In the below Q&A you will get a look at the insights from one of these educators.  

As you read what this teacher is doing consider how you might integrate such practices into your work.  If you are already doing this, please share what you are doing in the comments. 

Ann S. Michaelsen @annmic

Administrator and teacher Sandvika vgs, high school Oslo Norway. Master in School leadership. Wrote Connected Learners with my students.

Questions	Responses
Why is it important to support children in the development of personal learning networks?	These days children experience a different way to learn and to socialize than we did growing up. Both learning and socializing are slowly melting into one arena and it is very important that we prepare the children for this. It is noticeable who is popular and who is not. Friends on Instagram and Facebook are very visible to everyone and it is difficult to hide from these places. It is the  schools responsibility to show students how important it is to connect and to teach them how to do can it.
How do you support children in the development of PLNs?	My students write blogs. I connect their blogs to my own blog (Teaching Using Web Tools at http://annmic.wordpress.com) and I help them get comments on their blogs from other students around the world. These exchanges are very valuable in the student’s learning. I guide them and show them how they can learn from others.
What advice do you give to students to help them grow their networks?	I tell them to be polite and to respond to all the comments they get. I have been doing this for 5 years now. So far, we have never had any unpleasant encounters. We discuss how we need to check sources when writing and be sure their articles are trustworthy.
What platforms do you recommend and how are each effective?	All my students have their own blogs and we use Twitter to get in contact with educators around the world and we use Skype to talk.
How has having a PLN helped your students?	When we wrote and published out book; Connected Leaners, a step-by-step guide to creating a global network (http://amzn.com/B00CYEFX8E) the students could see how valuable my network was. They realized that this is important for them as well. They learn a lot when they read the comments on their blogs, and

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Why was Pearson invited?

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Why was Pearson invited?:

Why was Pearson invited?

Mixed in with the college presidents and philanthropists at the WH Ed Summitt were a handful of business leaders, including executives from Chegg, iMentor, Khan Academy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Pearson. Other businesses, like the textbook publisher McGraw-Hill Education, said they were aware of the event but did not attend.  (U.S. News)

The madfloridian's Journal raises good questions about why Pearson Corp. was invited to join Duncan and the Obama's at this month's White House Education Summit.

Just paid 7.7 mil fine for breaking law. That's odd to me. Pearson is making huge profits off their education reform ventures. It seems that even when they break the rules to the tune of millions they are still welcome in high places. 

The fine madfloridian is referring to was handed down in December. The Pearson Foundation, the charitable arm of one of the nation’s largest textbook 

1-25-14 Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Schooling in the Ownership Society All Week

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog:Schooling in the Ownership SocietyMike Klonsky's SmallTalk Schooling in the Ownership SocietyWhy Ames should stay a neighborhood school and why we haven't given up.January 24, 2014Contact: Joanna Brown, Save Ames Commttee, 773-744-1655Press release:  Referendum campaign starts Saturday at Ames.Come and find out why Ames should stay a neighborhood school and why we hav

by mike simpson / 9h 

NYC Educator: Rick Hess Chides Corporate Reformers for Too Much Reforminess

NYC Educator: Rick Hess Chides Corporate Reformers for Too Much Reforminess:

Rick Hess Chides Corporate Reformers for Too Much Reforminess

Today's Daily News features reformy Rick writing of regrettable ramifications of uber-reforminess. Unfortunately, and perhaps even deliberately, he misses the point altogether.

There’s good reason to regularly test students in reading and math, and to use those results to inform judgments about how well schools and teachers are doing.

What reason is that? In fact, there is good reason to test students in English and math, butnot to see how schools and teachers are doing. There's no scientific basis for that, and Hess doesn't bother to provide one, primarily because there isn't one.

As an English teacher, I regularly test my students to find out how they are doing, and I use these tests to inform my teaching. If a large number of students fail, I need to teach the topic again, differently perhaps, and write another test. Of course, if they're taking some multiple choice extravaganza from Pearson, while I will grant this enriches the all-important Pearson coffers, I fail to see how this will help my kids.

Hess fails to acknowledge the massive time devoted to tests that students will never see again, will never learn from, and which will be used to