Latino in America: Parent and Teacher Discussion Guide - CNN.com

Latino in America: Parent and Teacher Discussion Guide - CNN.com:

"Teachers and Parents: Watch with your students or record 'Latino in America' when it airs on CNN on Wednesday, October 21 at 9 p.m. EDT and Thursday, October 22 at 9 p.m. EDT. By recording the documentaries, you agree that you will use the documentaries for educational viewing purposes for a one-year period only. No other rights of any kind or nature whatsoever are granted, including, without limitation, any rights to sell, publish, distribute, post online or distribute in any other medium or forum, or use for any commercial or promotional purpose.

(CNN Student News) -- We strongly urge teachers and parents to preview this program before showing it to students. The program contains content, language and accounts that may not be appropriate for some students.

Program Description: The Latino population, now America's largest minority, is set to nearly triple by 2050. In fact, the U.S. now has the highest Latino population after Mexico. Their sheer numbers are shaking up America, reshaping schools, churches and neighborhoods and forcing a nation of immigrants to rediscover what it means to be an American. For two nights, CNN's Soledad O'Brien journeys into the homes and hearts of a minority group destined to change America. Is it the ultimate clash of cultures, or the ultimate melting pot? Witness the evolution of a country as Latinos remake America, and in return, America remakes them. Before and after viewing these programs, use our free Discussion Questions and Learning Activities to facilitate a conversation with your students."

theleafchronicle.com | The Leaf-Chronicle | Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN

theleafchronicle.com The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN:

"Report cards go paperless, School system's robust use of technology helps parents"

Here's a truism of the Internet Age: Time and technology change everything.

So it is with the venerable tradition of the student report card. On Friday, the Clarksville-Montgomery School System will deliver first quarter marks primarily by computer, using the system's Web site and an interactive set of communication tools known as PowerSchool.

Many of us will recall the dutiful carrying home of grades as our first real brush with accountability. We handed them over to mom or dad or guardian with fear or pride, took our punishment or reward, and promised to keep up the good work or to get down to business and improve.

Today, however, schools are going paperless, sharing more information with students and parents via the Internet.

The intimate moment of handing over the report card may be lost forever, along with the charm of a keepsake written artifact carefully prepared by a teacher's hand, but we have to agree with the school system's increasing use of Web-based tools.

‘No Trust’ In DCPS Contract Talks: Loose Lips Daily - City Desk - Washington City Paper

‘No Trust’ In DCPS Contract Talks: Loose Lips Daily - City Desk - Washington City Paper:

"As much local politics as humanly possible. Send your tips, releases, stories, events, etc. to lips@washingtoncitypaper.com. And get LL Daily sent straight to your inbox every morning!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT—’Is DCPS Continuing to Hire Teachers After Firing 229?‘

Morning all. Surprise, surprise: There’s been no movement on teachers’ contract negotiations for a month, says a WaPo report by Bill Turque. The Oct. 2 layoffs of 229 teachers have brought the nearly two-year process ‘to another standstill,’ he writes. ‘The two sides have not met face to face since Sept. 21, and no bargaining sessions are scheduled.’ WTU President George Parker says his ‘number one priority’ is reversing the layoffs, saying ‘I feel a little indifferent to contract negotiations right now.’ Adds AFT’s Randi Weingarten, ‘There is no trust right now.’

Michelle Rhee’s take: ‘These talks have been at a standstill for two years.’"

Colorado Independent » Shriver Report documents advances but also persisting gender inequalities

Colorado Independent » Shriver Report documents advances but also persisting gender inequalities:

"In a clear-eyed reading of the Shriver Report on U.S. work and family life released this week, former Colorado Independent editor Wendy Norris says the glaring gender inequalities it documents speak at least as loudly as the advances it celebrates. Personal views about gender may have moved toward greater equality, says Norris, but these views have failed to alter policy in the private sector as well as at public institutions. This fact “continues to perpetuate unfair work practices” that create “barriers to true equality between men and women and seriously compromise women’s health.”

The “Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything” was initiated by California First Lady Maria Shriver and was published after a year of research by the Center for American Progress. It has already generated celebratory media coverage on women’s professional advances, and Shriver has embarked on a media blitz since its publication, including appearing on Meet the Press this past weekend and guest editing an MSNBC blog.

Workplace advances are great and all, says Norris,"

China Education Technology Designed a New Generation of Data Collector and Sensor | Reuters

China Education Technology Designed a New Generation of Data Collector and Sensor Reuters:

"GUANGZHOU, China--(Business Wire)--
China Education Technology Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CEDT) ('CEDT'), a Chinese
leader in school lab experiment products, announced it had designed a new
generation of data collector and sensor, and was now applying for 4 utility
model patents, 5 design patents, 2 software copyrights. The new generation of
product is made to improve diversity and accuracy.

'Our products have always been widely recognized by clients,' said Yanbin Guo,
'I believe the new generation will also be quite welcome by the market.'

The newly developed product is specially designed to be in conformity to the new
standard of experimental classes of science courses in China and will mainly be
used by students of grade 7-12. The system uses the advanced technology of data
collection, sensor, wireless control and video image with handy appearance.
There are two secondary schools in Beijing which have the intention to adopt the
lab experiment products in the near future. And they will be fully promoted in
Beijing thereafter. This may bring $7.4 million (RMB 50 million Yuan) of sales
for CEDT with a profit of $2.2 million (RMB 15 million Yuan) in the next two
years. As the only company who`s subsidized by the State Science and Technology,
CEDT has the overwhelming leadership in the industry."

Lamar Alexander to Barack Obama: No 'enemies list' - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com

Lamar Alexander to Barack Obama: No 'enemies list' - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com:

"Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) accused the White House on Wednesday of 'street-brawling' with opponents, and said the West Wing's strategy of freezing out opponents amounts to a latter-day 'enemies list,' a reference to an infamous practice of President Richard Nixon.

'An 'enemies list' only denigrates the Presidency and the Republic itself,' Alexander said on the Senate floor. 'These are unusually difficult times, with plenty of forces encouraging us to disagree. Let’s not start calling people out and compiling an enemies list. Let’s push the street-brawling out of the White House and work together on the truly presidential issues: creating jobs, reducing health care costs, reducing the debt, creating clean energy.'

Alexander quoted from a POLITICO article headlined 'White House plan: Neuter the Chamber.'"

New Thinking, New Models, New Approaches Lead to Improved High School Graduation Rates, Increased Opportunities For Students Often Left Behind

New Thinking, New Models, New Approaches Lead to Improved High School Graduation Rates, Increased Opportunities For Students Often Left Behind

Washington, DC (Vocus/PRWEB ) October 21, 2009 -- A student-centered curriculum, close relationships with teachers, and real-world internships are the hallmarks of a education model that can best serve students most at risk of dropping out, according to a panel of researchers, students, and education reform advocates currently on the front lines of the school improvement and innovation efforts.

Big Picture Learning hosted a Washington event yesterday presenting the non-profit’s research-proven approaches for boosting high school graduation and postsecondary enrollment rates. Participants in Big Picture Learning’s “Disruptive Innovation” Summit provided tested solutions for helping policymakers ensure all young people, especially those most at risk, gain access to the pathways toward meaningful high school diplomas and life opportunities.

“With the U.S. Department of Education focusing on research-based innovations to school improvement and educational opportunity, we must ensure we are providing real, relevant solutions to all students, particularly those from historically disadvantaged groups,” said Dennis Littky, co-founder of Big Picture Learning. “For more than a decade, we have worked with school leaders to provide the innovation necessary to have a lasting impact for the students who traditionally struggle in the traditional education model.”
Big Picture Learning currently works with more than 130 schools across the globe, helping school leaders adopt a new school model that focuses on small schools, close relationships with students and advisors, individualized curricula based on student interests, relevant and extensive student internships, and a requirement that every student take college entrance exams. In 2006-2007, Big Picture schools achieved a 92 percent graduation rate (compared with 52 percent nationally), with 95 percent of all Big Picture students accepted into college. More than eight in 10 Big Picture schools receive federal Title I funding, while 66 percent of students are eligible for free/reduced lunch. The Gates Foundation regularly recognizes Big Picture Learning for its leadership in high school reform.

The hidden costs of the bailout - SigTARP Barofsky - Oct. 21, 2009

The hidden costs of the bailout - SigTARP Barofsky - Oct. 21, 2009:

"NEW YORK (CNNMoney.com) -- The $700 billion bailout will ultimately cost taxpayers billions of dollars, but the government stands to lose much more than the money it's pouring into companies.

Neil Barofsky, special inspector general for Treasury's financial sector rescue, wrote in a report released Wednesday that the bailout has several hidden costs.

One is the hard cost of borrowing money to fund the rescues of banks and other companies. The others are, according to Barofsky, less tangible but no less important: The danger that comes with rewarding companies that took excessive risk, and the loss of the government's credibility with taxpayers."

Facebook, MySpace Divide Along Social Lines : NPR

Facebook, MySpace Divide Along Social Lines : NPR:

"Talk to students at The Urban School, an elite private high school in San Francisco, and they will tell you that they used to be on MySpace, but not anymore. Facebook is where it's at for them and their friends.

Facebook is taking over more and more of the social networking space in the U.S. It had an estimated 95.5 million U.S. visitors in September, according to marketing research company comScore. MySpace still has a healthy share — around 65.7 million people — but numbers don't explain it all. If you listen to young site users explain their social networking decisions, the story of the two sites gets more complicated."

Gerald Bracey, education advocate and seeker of truth, passes away

Gerald Bracey, education advocate and seeker of truth, passes away:

"Reports are surfacing that nationally known education commentator Gerald Bracey has died. Jerry Bracey was an erudite and courageous voice debunking the clamoring attackers of public education and the mainstream media who gave those attackers a national platform, too often without question or challenge. His many commentaries, including a recent series on the Huffington Post, will live as a tribute to his quest for truth and fairness.

Author Alfie Kohn, who announced Bracey's passing on his Twitter page, commented: 'Spirited crusader for accuracy, integrity; denounced false claims, misuse of stats; made the right enemies.'

The most fitting tribute to Jerry Bracey would be for the voices he was addressing to pause for a minute to listen to him and think.
Jerry's Huffington Post bio is here."

GLSEN allyweek.org - Ally Week FAQs

GLSEN allyweek.org - Ally Week FAQs:

"Ally Week FAQs

What is GLSEN's Ally Week?

GLSEN and students across the county, often as members of Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) or similar student clubs, will celebrate Ally Week on October 19-23 in schools and communities nationwide.

Ally Week involves a week of activities designed to encourage students to be Allies against anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) language, bullying and harassment in America's schools.

Students plan events appropriate to their school community. Some students will participate in or organize ally trainings, discussion groups, rallies or other community projects. Many students will encourage their peers and school staff to sign an Ally Pledge which states:

I believe all students, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity/expression,
deserve to feel safe and supported.

That means I pledge to:
Not use anti-LGBT language and slurs;

Intervene, if I safely can, in situations where other students are being harassed;
Support efforts to end bullying and harassment."

Education Week: A Dropout's Guide to Education Reform

Education Week: A Dropout's Guide to Education Reform:

"It’s a telling commentary about education reform that just about everyone has been given a forum to talk about ways to address the country’s appalling dropout rate except the dropouts themselves. I say this unabashedly, because I was an urban high school dropout myself. And after much research on the subject, I can tell you firsthand why it happens and how to fix it.

Charter schools, vouchers, smaller class sizes, and standardized testing are definitely not the answer, as they will not make real, systemic change. Until reformers start listening to the students who have dropped out or are currently failing, their attempts to reform schools also will fail.

The first thing to understand is that many students feel school simply does not matter. I, like most of my classmates, thought I would one day become a sports or entertainment star—and you don’t need to know algebra to shoot three-pointers or rap. Once educators understand this fundamental concept—that we don’t care about school—they can..."

Educational Effect of the Stimulus, Through Rose-Tinted Glasses | New America Blogs

Educational Effect of the Stimulus, Through Rose-Tinted Glasses New America Blogs:

"The White House Domestic Policy Council (DPC) with the U.S. Department of Education (ED) this week released the report 'Educational Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.' The report paints a rosy picture of the effect of American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funds on state education spending and reform.

ARRA funds have no doubt helped states make ends meet during the economic downturn. But our work (here and here) suggests that, despite a positive impact on education spending, the full effects of ARRA remain to be seen due to the slow rate at which states have disbursed funds to school districts."

California Budget Crisis Diaries: From students to unions

California Budget Crisis Diaries: From students to unions:

"Students and their supporters are not putting up with the University of California budget cuts and fee hikes, local governments whose property taxes were borrowed by the state now have recourse, and a majority of California state worker’s union contracts are expired. What does this mean?

Recouping local property taxes: On Monday, Governor Schwarzenegger signed SB 67, clean-up legislation that allows local governments to make up for property tax borrowed by the state. A new third party known as California Communities, a coalition between the League of California Cities and California State Association of Counties, is issuing bonds, the proceeds of which will be lent back to cities facing budget gaps."

The Orion - Editorial: Student body holding up well against furlough days

The Orion - Editorial: Student body holding up well against furlough days:

"We’ve heard the opinions of our professors about them, we’ve had two days off because of them and there have been multiple demonstrations on campus against them. Now that we’re a little over halfway through the semester, it’s time to take a look at just how much the state-mandated furlough days are affecting our campus.

Regardless of the controversy they’ve caused, the furlough days seem to be working. Though highly annoying because they come on the heels of a 32 percent tuition increase, mandatory furlough days have been a tentatively successful play of the bad hand we were unfairly dealt.

But if the economy doesn’t get better soon — and it probably won’t — we may be left with as many furlough days as actual instructional days"

The Lumberjack - A Call For Priorities

The Lumberjack - A Call For Priorities:

"WTF? Where’s the funding? Nearly 50 HSU students and faculty members banded together at the “Where’s the Funding?” rally this past Wednesday in the Art Quad asking this question. They huddled beneath umbrellas in the pouring rain to protest CSU system-wide fee hikes, furlough days, and overcrowded classrooms.

Amid chants of, “They say cutbacks! We say fight back!” and, “Educate! Don’t incarcerate!” the group marched from the art quad down to the SBS building to spreading its message during lunch. Students and faculty members handed out fliers and waved signs calling for change. “Your priorities have been misplaced Mr. Governor,” read one sign."

HSU Biology Professor and chair of Faculty Rights Committee Milt Boyd looked angry and saddened. He said the increase in fees decreased educational opportunities for students. He urges the community to protest the lack of funding, the 32 percent increase in tuition, and bigger classes with fewer lecturers.

Boyd is a product of the California public school system, and has taught at HSU since 1972. “CSU systems are in serious crisis, which involves the future of students and the future of the state,” said Boyd. “We have the most powerful armed forces in the world, but we are nothing without the caring and compassionate nature of educated students.” As for the torrential downpour during the protest? “The rain won’t stop us, we’re Humboldters,” said Boyd.

S.F. schools' lunch money cut off; rules broken

S.F. schools' lunch money cut off; rules broken:

"School lunches have long been the butt of bad jokes featuring mystery meat and plastic-wrapped bean burritos, but in San Francisco, feeding more than 30,000 children every day - while following strict federal rules - is no laughing matter."


Since April, the school district has had to pony up the $1.5 million monthly cost of the lunch program for low-income students after state inspectors on a surprise visit found violations they deemed so serious and recurring that they cut off the flow of federal reimbursements.

The violations had nothing to do with the quality of food being served, but stem from the school district's inability to follow bureaucratic rules governing the federally subsidized National School Lunch Program, which is administered by the state.

To ensure no child goes without a lunch, the district, meanwhile, has spent more than $11 million, money it will get back once city schools show they can follow the rules - something district officials have been working on since the inspection.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/20/BAJ41A6MFO.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz0UZdjfxOh

Insight School of California Receives Certificates of Congressional Recognition for Innovations in Online High School Education | Reuters

Insight School of California Receives Certificates of Congressional Recognition for Innovations in Online High School Education Reuters:

"LOS ANGELES, Oct. 20 /PRNewswire/ --

Insight School of California has received two special Certificates of Congressional Recognition, one from the office of U.S. Congressman John Campbell (R-CA, 48th District) and another from the
office of U.S. Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez (D-CA, 47th District). The certificates were presented in recognition of the school's innovations in online education and its ongoing dedication to providing an important educational option for high school students from a wide array of situations in northern, central and southern California, including those in danger of
dropping out of school.


'It is very gratifying to receive this recognition from the Congress as we all strive to improve the educational resources available to our children in these very challenging times,' said Sheila Shiebler, Executive Director, Insight School of California. 'The utilization of advanced learning technologies, implemented by an exemplary team of faculty and advisors, creates a unique
environment where our students can focus their efforts toward achievement,
confidence and fulfilling their potential.'"

Hispanic Immigrants’ Children Fall Behind Peers Early, Study Finds - NYTimes.com

Hispanic Immigrants’ Children Fall Behind Peers Early, Study Finds - NYTimes.com:

"HOUSTON — The children of Hispanic immigrants tend to be born healthy and start life on an intellectual par with other American children, but by the age of 2 they begin to lag in linguistic and cognitive skills, a new study by researchers at the University of California, Berkeley, shows.

The study highlights a paradox that has bedeviled educators and Hispanic families for some time. By and large, mothers from Latin American countries take care of their health during their pregnancies and give birth to robust children, but those children fall behind their peers in mental development by the time they reach grade school, and the gap tends to widen as they get older."

Sacramento Press / Funding California's Future

Sacramento Press / Funding California's Future:

"Times are tough for college students in California.

State grants are being cut drastically due to budget cuts and Furloughs are closing down entire campuses on non-holidays. It is looking grim for the future of higher education.
Assembly Bill 656, introduced by Majority Leader Alberto Torrico, proposes a gas and oil severance tax in California that could make for a brighter future.

AB 656 was introduced on Feb. 25 and had minor alterations since, the last being on July 7. Currently states with oil supplies, such as Alaska and Texas, have oil severance taxes that help fund higher education and proponents of AB 656 are looking to do the same."