Dyslexia and the reading brain

Dyslexia and the reading brain:

"All of us are born with brains that are designed to think and talk.

But no one is born with a brain that is designed to read.

For that reason, every child who learns to read is adapting older brain structures to a new purpose, and 'it's almost a miracle that so many kids are able to do that effortlessly.'

That's one of the main messages that Dr. Maryanne Wolf, director of the Center for Reading and Language Research at Tufts University, will deliver in a keynote address at a dyslexia conference here on Saturday."

Catalyst Notebook :: Pitfalls with school choice in Chicago, other districts

Catalyst Notebook :: Pitfalls with school choice in Chicago, other districts:

"A new report by The Center on Reinventing Public Education strikes an optimistic note on the emergence of “portfolio schools”—that is, charter and charter-like schools—in Chicago, New Orleans, New York and Washington DC. But the report also offers a long list of potential pitfalls—from the evaporation of philanthropic dollars to shifting political terrain—that threatens any well-oiled network of autonomous school options.

The center is a research collective at the University of Washington that generally takes a constructively critical view of school choice and district decentralization efforts. In this report, the researchers offer little in the way of evaluation of each city’s portfolio initiatives, but they do serve up a good reference tool for understanding the differences in scale and scope of major reform efforts in the country’s hotspots for urban educational change."

Head of D.C. Schools Pushes Need For Reforming Public Education | The Cornell Daily Sun

Head of D.C. Schools Pushes Need For Reforming Public Education The Cornell Daily Sun:

"Michelle Rhee ’92 has a no-nonsense attitude when it comes to improving the Washington, D.C. public schools system. As chancellor of the historically under-performing school district, she has shut down schools and fired teachers en-route to creating an environment in which all students can succeed.

Often seen as a controversial figure in public education, Rhee’s pioneering actions may someday lead to large-scale school reform. The Sun sat down with Rhee on Monday to talk about higher education’s role in innovating public schools, her portrayal in the media and her time at Cornell."

Danny Glover adds voice for school workers | Philadelphia Daily News | 10/07/2009

Danny Glover adds voice for school workers Philadelphia Daily News 10/07/2009:

"Actor Danny Glover is known for a lot of things, but being an advocate for the Philadelphia School District's lowest-paid workers may not be one of them.

'It's unconscionable,' Glover said yesterday about the meager wages of Philly schools' cafeteria workers and noontime aides.

Surrounded by a group of them at a home near Simon Gratz High, Glover appealed to the decision-makers to 'do better.'"

Legal complaint filed against school district's English Learner policies | 89.3 KPCC

Legal complaint filed against school district's English Learner policies 89.3 KPCC:

"Of the many Southland public school students who study English as a second language, most are Spanish speakers. KPCC’s Adolfo Guzman-Lopez reports that a federal complaint filed Tuesday against an area school district sheds light on the challenges of providing adequate English learner instruction.

Adolfo Guzman-Lopez: One of every four students at Centinela Valley Union High School District east of L.A. International Airport is an English learner. That’s about the statewide average. A Bay Area legal advocacy group alleges that the district discriminated against some of those students by moving English learner services to a campus miles away."

Sophomores on the FAST track to learning at Salinas High | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian

Sophomores on the FAST track to learning at Salinas High thecalifornian.com The Salinas Californian:

"Integrating academic and career technical education.Partnerships with businesses to help with things such as student internships and job shadowing.'Academies have been carefully evaluated and shown to have positive impacts on school performance,' a California Department of Education Web site says.The academy at Salinas High operates this year on a $42,000 grant from the state matched by a similar grant from the Salinas Union High School District."

The Orion - Editorial: College newspapers face move to online-only content

The Orion - Editorial: College newspapers face move to online-only content:

"Have you heard the news about the news? It’s no secret the college newspaper industry is dying. The university systems have to decrease their spending and programs are being cut accordingly. This means any student-run newspaper dependent on its college is in serious danger of losing its funding.

The way in which people receive their information is quickly changing. No longer are we confined to the paper and ink of traditional newspapers. Instead, we utilize pixels, video clips and instant commentary. Where does this leave the future reporters and editors of tomorrow’s newspapers?"

Capitol Center To Close - Daily Nexus

Capitol Center To Close - Daily Nexus:

"In late August, the Sacramento Center received a temporary suspension of its funding and stopped accepting applications indefinitely. The Center — which provided graduate and upper-division undergraduate students with a chance to study in the politically-charged Sacramento atmosphere during the academic and summer quarters — had been operating in the state capitol for less than five years when the decision was made to postpone the program. The decision was ultimately made by acting interim UC Provost Lawrence Pitts and will take effect at the conclusion of this quarter."

Editorial: Vote yes on Measures G and H in Acalanes and Walnut Creek school districts - ContraCostaTimes.com

Editorial: Vote yes on Measures G and H in Acalanes and Walnut Creek school districts - ContraCostaTimes.com:

"Unfortunately, we don't live in such a world. School districts are partially funded by the state and then left to make up shortfalls on their own.

For that reason, we support two parcel taxes on the Nov. 3 ballot, Measure G in the Acalanes Union High School District and Measure H in the Walnut Creek School District.

The Acalanes high school district serves students who are funneled through grades K-8 in the Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette and Walnut Creek school districts.

With Measure G, Acalanes voters are being asked to continue paying an existing $189 a year parcel tax. With Measure H, voters in the Walnut Creek district are being asked to continue paying an existing $82 a year parcel tax.

While we back the measures, which require approval of two-thirds of the voters, we do so with some reservations. Voters should be aware that they are being asked to indefinitely extend existing parcel taxes. The current taxes are due to expire in 2011. Measures G and H have no sunset provisions."

Opinion: Dan Walters: Few would object if governor vetoed all bills on his desk - San Jose Mercury News

Opinion: Dan Walters: Few would object if governor vetoed all bills on his desk - San Jose Mercury News:

"That problematic nature is compounded by the fact that there's nothing of cosmic importance sitting on the governor's desk. While there are some measures of note, such as bills to expand California's commitment to solar, wind and other alternative energy forms, almost none of them need to be enacted this year. The alternative energy measures wouldn't take effect for years, for instance.

Given the ideological tilt of the Legislature, it's no surprise that most of the measures now pending are either minor in nature or are important mostly to liberal groups. And that means Republicans and business interests would not be dismayed if Schwarzenegger vetoes every one of the measures now pending, such as those expanding the services that health insurers must offer."

California's Higher Education Needs Transparency - NAM

California's Higher Education Needs Transparency - NAM:

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has until Oct. 11 to sign or veto SB 218.

This is a bill introduced by State Senator Leland Yee, D-Calif., following questions raised about the business practices of foundations on California State University campuses from Fresno to San Francisco, Sonoma to Sacramento.

“Taxpayers and students deserve to know how their public universities are run,” Yee said. He cited several cases where a lack of accountability and transparency has paved the way for abuses by public higher education foundations.

A member of a Fresno State foundation received a no-bid contract connected with building a campus entertainment venue in which he had a financial stake. An executive with the San Francisco City Community College Foundation borrowed money from it for personal consumption. A Sonoma State foundation got stuck with repaying money lent to a former board member unable to make the loan payments."

Education Matters: Obama’s Chance to Spark Real School Funding Reform - NAM

Education Matters: Obama’s Chance to Spark Real School Funding Reform - NAM:


"President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have an unprecedented opportunity to lead real school funding reform through the federal stimulus package. They can encourage states like California to fund public schools adequately and equitably. The question is, will they?

While much of the $100-plus billion in education stimulus funding is targeted to stave off teacher layoffs and keep class sizes in check, the so-called “Race to the Top” Fund stands apart. This $4.35 billion pot is the largest infusion of discretionary federal dollars ever into the public education system, bigger than the combined discretionary funds provided to all prior education secretaries over the past 29 years. States have to compete for funding, and not all will win. Money will be doled out on a selective basis to a subset of states that demonstrate their commitment to bold, systemic education reform. The idea is to reward innovation and results in public education and push states to undertake serious reform if they want to access to the pot."

Duncan, Holder in Chicago to discuss teen violence - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Duncan, Holder in Chicago to discuss teen violence - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"CHICAGO -- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan are set to discuss youth violence in Chicago in the wake of the beating death of a 16-year-old honor student whose attack was caught on cell phone video.

Holder and Duncan plan to meet privately Wednesday with students, parents and school officials. They'll hold a news conference later with Ron Huberman, who replaced Duncan as chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools.

President Barack Obama sent the two federal officials to Chicago after images emerged of the fatal beating of high school sophomore Derrion Albert. Four teenagers have been charged in his death."

Folsom Cordova district sued over teacher rehiring - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Folsom Cordova district sued over teacher rehiring - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Five teachers laid off because of budget cuts and the Folsom Cordova Education Association are suing the Folsom Cordova Unified School District board of trustees."

The suit, filed Sept. 18, contends that jobs that should have gone to laid-off teachers went to others. The California Education Code requires that districts put all laid-off teachers on a rehire list and to hire from it on the basis of seniority, according to the suit.

The teachers said the district did hire some laid-off teachers for temporary jobs, but did not hire them in order of seniority.

Call your doctor to get H1N1 vaccination, California officials say - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Call your doctor to get H1N1 vaccination, California officials say - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Looking to get an H1N1 vaccination soon? Your best bet is to call your doctor.

California's first allotment of 400,000 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine began arriving in doctors' offices Monday, according to the state Department of Public Health. Doses will continue arriving through the end of the week, and go mostly to pediatrician, OB-GYN and family practice offices."

www.KOB.com - Education cuts cause rift

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1178553.shtml?cat=516:

"Gov. Bill Richardson now says he is not sure he will be able to see eye-to-eye with key lawmakers before this month's budget-balancing special session.

The growing rift between the governor and some key lawmakers is education cuts—and neither side appears ready to budge. Many of those lawmakers said Monday that school funding is a huge part of the budget and if education money doesn't take a hit, all other departments will face deep cuts."

Chicago teen slayings may have roots in school closings that send students across gang lines

Chicago teen slayings may have roots in school closings that send students across gang lines:

"After images of Albert’s death were widely broadcast last week, President Barack Obama is sending his education secretary back to Chicago where, as head of the city’s schools, he implemented that plan. Attorney General Eric Holder will join Arne Duncan on Wednesday when they meet with school officials and students.

Since 2005, dozens of Chicago’s public schools have been closed and thousands of students reassigned to campuses outside their neighborhoods — and often across gang lines — as part of Renaissance 2010, a program launched by Mayor Richard Daley when Duncan was Chicago Public Schools chief.

While the plan has resulted in replacing failing and low-enrollment schools with charter schools and smaller campuses, it has also led to a surge in violence that has increasingly turned deadly, many activists, parents and students say.

Before the 2006 school year, an average of 10-15 public school students were fatally shot each year. That soared to 24 deadly shootings in the 2006-07 school year, 23 deaths and 211 shootings in the 2007-08 school year and 34 deaths and 290 shootings last school year.

Few deaths have occurred on school grounds, but activists say it’s no coincidence that violence spiked after the school closures."

Local politician advocates for correction reform - News

Local politician advocates for correction reform - News:


"The cost of the corrections system in California, and its effect on the state budget and public safety, are weighing upon Assemblymember Nancy Skinner. The local politician visisted campus last Thursday, October 1.

Skinner is the Assemblymember for California's 14th District which includes Moraga as well as surrounding areas such as Walnut Creek, Berkeley and Oakland."

Curriki Calls on California Teachers to Open, Share and Collaborate « Blogs « Literacy News

Curriki Calls on California Teachers to Open, Share and Collaborate « Blogs « Literacy News: "

Curriki, a leading online community for creating and sharing K-12 open source curricula today called on California teachers to join forces to enhance high school curriculum. In response to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Free Digital Text Book Initiative, Curriki will work with California teachers to collaboratively improve free digital textbooks for high school earth science and chemistry courses.

The Governor, State Superintendent Jack O’Connell and the State Board of Education announced in May the Free Digital Textbook Initiative (www.gov.ca.gov/press-release/122225/), a project to provide a list of standards-aligned free digital textbooks for high schools that cover course content in math and science."

The White House - Blog Post - White House to Host Star Party

The White House - Blog Post - White House to Host Star Party:

"The White House has announced that on Wednesday, after honoring 13 of the nation’s top innovators and inventors, President Obama will host an Astronomy Night on the White House South Lawn.

OSTP is a proud co-organizer of the event, which will bring the President together with 150 local middle-school students and two students (a middle-schooler and a high school student) who have already made notable astronomical discoveries. The event will highlight this Administration’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

It is also a way to increase awareness of the incredible discoveries, inspiration, and expansion of human knowledge that the field of astronomy can deliver, and we hope that people around the country will take part. The event is to be broadcast on the White House Web site as well as NASA TV, and will be linked with simultaneous events at museums and planetariums across the country."