Innovation: Nine hurdles facing America as a center of tech

Innovation: Nine hurdles facing America as a center of tech:

"A few weeks ago, just before traveling to South America, I watched Eliot Spitzer and Paul Krugman on the Bill Maher show each make the case for why America’s economic hopes rest on tech. It was interesting and informative television – what a great guest pairing – but I came away more than a little nervous about how much the people who are working so hard to focus America’s hopes and aspirations on tech really understand about tech and the people who work in it.

As a journalism grad who wandered into the tech world almost by accident more than 20 years ago, and has since worked often with world-class innovators at companies large and small, here are the nine key points I think policy makers and pundits need to grasp:"

America Needs to Improve Math, Science Education | Blogs | ITBusinessEdge.com

America Needs to Improve Math, Science Education Blogs ITBusinessEdge.com:

"As a writer, you might think I'd be pleased my 8-year-old is turning out assignments that show a predilection toward writing. And sure, it's nice to see paperwork coming home with enthusiastic remarks from his teacher about his 'creativity.' But I wish he'd show more interest in math. A strong grasp of math, not writing ability, is what I think will put him on the path to success. (If the motherhood gods really want to smile on me, he'll have both.)

I'm concerned about this not just as a mom but as a business journalist covering the tech industry, who sees worrying signs that America's competitiveness could be eroding. And I'm not alone."

Corrections Corporation of America Increases Total Capacity Under Contract With California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation

Corrections Corporation of America Increases Total Capacity Under Contract With California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation:

"NASHVILLE, TN -- 11/02/09 -- Corrections Corporation of America (NYSE: CXW) ('CCA'), the nation's largest provider of corrections management services to government agencies, announced today that it has amended its agreement with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation ('CDCR') to allow for the housing of 2,336 additional offenders from the state of California. Under the amended agreement California will have the ability to house additional inmates at CCA's North Fork Correctional Facility in Oklahoma and its Red Rock Correctional Center in Arizona. The 2,336 additional beds provide the CDCR the ability to house up to 10,468 offenders in five CCA owned facilities located in the states of Arizona, Mississippi and Oklahoma. CCA currently houses approximately 7,900 offenders from the state of California.

The terms of the amendment are similar to the previous agreement, including the 90% guarantee which will be phased in over the ramp-up. CCA expects to begin receiving additional inmates pursuant to the amendment during the first quarter of 2010, with a gradual ramp-up estimated to be completed during the first quarter of 2011. CCA will provide fourth quarter earnings guidance when it releases third quarter financial results on November 4, 2009."

U.S. Asks Whether Colleges Discriminate Against Female Applicants (to Admit More Men) - The Choice Blog - NYTimes.com

U.S. Asks Whether Colleges Discriminate Against Female Applicants (to Admit More Men) - The Choice Blog - NYTimes.com:

"The U.S. Commission on Civil Rights has begun a formal investigation into an issue that has become of increasing interest to male and female students alike: the extent to which “liberal arts colleges discriminate among female applicants in an attempt to minimize gender imbalances in the student body,” according to an article posted this morning on Inside Higher Ed."

The article continues:

The issue is an extremely sensitive one for liberal arts colleges, many of which in recent years have worried about their sex ratios reaching points (60 percent female is commonly cited) where they face difficulty in attracting both male and female applicants. Generally private undergraduate colleges have the legal right to consider sex in admissions. They were specifically exempted from the admissions provisions of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

The article also notes:

Nationally, female enrollments have grown steadily; about 58 percent of bachelor’s degrees are awarded to women, and gender gaps have become visible not only at liberal arts colleges, but at many larger institutions, including research universities. From an educational standpoint, many observers think that the falling educational aspirations of college-age men is a serious problem.

Teacher Fired For Reporting IDEA Violations Can Sue, Court Rules - Disability Scoop

Teacher Fired For Reporting IDEA Violations Can Sue, Court Rules - Disability Scoop:

"A California educator who says she was fired for speaking out about the limited services provided to her special education students can sue for retaliation, an appeals court has ruled.

Susan Barker was a resource specialist in Riverside, Calif. in 2005 when she raised red flags about the limited services provided to students with disabilities in the school district. She made a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office for Civil Rights and says her superiors in the school district promptly began intimidating her."

Barker says her colleagues stopped communicating by phone and e-mail, excluded her from staff meetings, limited her responsibilities and changed her work location. As a result, she alleged in a lawsuit against the school district that she was “constructively terminated” in August 2006 because her employer “subjected her to an intolerable work environment.”

Study examines Hispanics' financial literacy

Study examines Hispanics' financial literacy:

"Even though less Hispanics have ever had a checking account, more express interest in bolstering their financial literacy, according to an academic study released today.

The study, 'Assessing Financial Literacy among Hispanics in the California Central Valley,' included samples of more than 1,300 people from Merced to Kings counties. It was conducted by faculty at California State University, Fresno. Among the findings:

• Almost 80 percent of Hispanic respondents reported ever having had a bank account, compared to 99.1 percent of non-Hispanic respondents."

Inside Education: Service learning alive and well in Tracy Unified - ContraCostaTimes.com

Inside Education: Service learning alive and well in Tracy Unified - ContraCostaTimes.com:

"DESPITE THE state's ongoing budget crisis, a number of programs, such as Tracy Unified's service learning, are actually thriving.
Of course, it helps to be funded by a federal grant that has nothing to do with California's budget mess.

The grant allows the service learning program to offer mini grants to participating schools to fund projects such as the community gardens at Freiler and North schools.
Those gardens give students a number of academic challenges, along with the a chance to get their hands dirty and provide fresh vegetables for the less fortunate — which is the idea behind the project, mixing academics and community service."

California Answers Call for $750 Million in Build America Bonds - Bloomberg.com

California Answers Call for $750 Million in Build America Bonds - Bloomberg.com:

"Nov. 3 (Bloomberg) -- California is responding to investor demand for more of the state’s Build America Bonds by offering about $750 million today after a so-called reverse inquiry that is more common for corporate issues than for municipals.

The U.S. state with the most people and lowest credit ratings, which earlier said it intended to sell $1.5 billion of tax-exempt debt this week, announced plans yesterday to answer a request by offering another taxable issue for which the U.S. government pays 35 percent of the interest. Citigroup Inc. is handling the deal.

Investors such as life insurers and taxable-bond funds already have been drawn to the $7 billion in Build America issues brought out so far by California. The bonds, backed by its general obligation pledge, carry higher yields and longer terms than most similarly rated company debt."

Alex Jones’ Prison Planet.com » Autism Spikes, Toxins Suspected

Alex Jones’ Prison Planet.com » Autism Spikes, Toxins Suspected:

"As the national focus on the H1N1 pandemic rages, additional evidence of a more insidious epidemic has emerged, with an all-too-expected shrug from the mainstream media. Results from two federal studies announced in October say parents have a 1-in-100-or-greater chance of having a child with an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since boys are four times more likely to have an ASD, their odds are as high as 1 in 60.

On Oct. 2, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Kathleen Sebelius told the press and about 50 members of the autism community that an unreleased Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study shows the incidence of 8-year-olds born in 1996 with ASDs is 1 in 100. The agency’s last two studies of children born in 1992 and 1994 put the chance at 1 in 150."

President Obama May Improve the Image of African Americans, but Being Black or Brown in America is Still Tough for Kids | Reuters

President Obama May Improve the Image of African Americans, but Being Black or Brown in America is Still Tough for Kids Reuters:

"DAVIS, Calif., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- The media is touting new films about
image and the African American experience -- Chris Rock's 'Good Hair,' Oprah's
'Precious,' CNN's Black in America, Disney's Princess and the Frog and Tyler
Perry's films -- but talking about self-image is a mission for Sandy Holman,
director of The Culture CO-OP, Davis, California. Holman has dedicated the
last twenty years of her career to boosting the body-image and self-esteem of
the nation's youth. Her focus is on diversity and children who are
disproportionately affected by negative messages such as African Americans and
Latinos.

Her first book --'Grandpa, Why Is Everything Black Bad?'-- won national awards
in spite of what her critics called its 'negative title.' Holman reads this
and her other titles, 'Grandma Says Our Hair has Flair' and 'We All Have a
Heritage,' to the nation's children.

The children who read her books know exactly what they mean, and they feel
validated by the positive messages inside. Holman observes that from age
three, kids notice when their skin and hair doesn't measure up to their role
models in movies and television."

Will Privatization Create a New McSUSM? - Viewpoint

Will Privatization Create a New McSUSM? - Viewpoint:

"If the idea of a professor bidding you 'Good morning and welcome to McUniversity, may I take your order?' seems far-fetched, then the silent battle waged in Sacramento has not reached your mind space.

It is time to awaken from political slumber and join the battle. Under attack are not only your educational opportunities, but also the future of educational opportunity for a wide swath of our friends and family on the lower levels of the socio-economic strata. This is a battle to save the California State University system from privatization."

On Wednesday evening in ARTS 111, Professor Gary Rhoades, the General Secretary for the American Association of University Professors (AAUP), spoke to a (too) small crowd of a few dozen about changes taking place in our University system. The AAUP is a national organization founded a century ago to protect the rights of University Faculty (http://www.aaup.org/).

University faculty exists to serve the welfare of the student body, therefore students and professors should share a strong solidarity in matters such at these. Dr. Rhoades and others voiced concern that with California's current economic state, our higher education system is an easy target for political and corporate powers seeking to dismantle the system and build in its place a corporate, for profit structure. This could potentially provide a McDonalds type corporate model in many ways. Homogenization could become the norm, with ideas handed down to professors and students by corporate managers. The result would be a single minded, cloned student body.

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Education News & Comment

No Child Left Behind (NCLB)

Welcome to the No Child Left Behind informational web pages.

2009-2010 NCLB Program Improvement (PI) Parent Notification Message for PI Schools (English)
Chinese Hmong Russian Spanish Vietnamese

NCLB Program Improvement Schools

NCLB Program Improvement Year 1 Parent Notification Letter

Supplemental Educational Services (SES) - Free Tutoring

To Learn More:
• Look for more postings about Program Improvement Notification: Public School
Choice and SES Free Tutoring on Sacramento City Unified School District Web Site


• Contact the principal at your child’s school, or the State and Federal Programs
Department at (916) 643-9051.

• Visit these government websites:
o U.S. Department of Education www.ed.gov
o No Child Left Behind www.nochildleftbehind.gov
o California Department of Education http://ayp.cde.ca,gov/reprots.asp

City, Homeless Group Agree To Terms - Sacramento News Story - KCRA Sacramento

City, Homeless Group Agree To Terms - Sacramento News Story - KCRA Sacramento:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson announced Monday that homeless advocates and the city have come to an agreement on winter shelters."

Members of Safe Ground have been fighting for Sacramento's homeless to find a safe place to sleep at night.

Last week, Johnson's office announced a plan to provide more beds in local shelters for the winter.

Per a request from Safe Ground, Johnson said a couple places would be identified in Sacramento where people can use motel vouchers.

"In addition to creating more beds in local shelters for the winter months, the county is freeing up existing beds by helping families and individuals leave the shelter and move to a permanent home or to transitional housing," Johnson's office said in a news release.

The city will also launch its "Sacramento Steps Forward Campaign" initiative Thursday, which is described by Johnson's office as a "call to action" for the community to help the homeless.
"Today is really a win-win for all of us," Johnson said.

Fitch Takes Various Actions on Twin Rivers USD, California (Grant Joint Union HSD & Rio Linda ESD)

Fitch Takes Various Actions on Twin Rivers USD, California (Grant Joint Union HSD & Rio Linda ESD):

"In the course of routine surveillance, Fitch Ratings takes various rating actions on the following Twin Rivers Unified School District, California (Twin Rivers USD) bonds.

--Rio Linda Elementary School District (Rio Linda ESD) $50.7 million general obligation (GO) bonds (series 2003A and 2007) downgraded to 'A' from 'A+';

--Grant Joint Union High School District (Grant JUHSD) $106.8 million GO bonds

(series 2008 and 2007A) affirmed at 'A';.

The Rating Outlook for all rated securities is revised to Negative from Evolving."

Education Week: Crisis in School Leadership Seen Brewing in California

Education Week: Crisis in School Leadership Seen Brewing in California:

"Policy Experts Say State Lacks Comprehensive Human-Resources Policies for Principals
By Lesli A. Maxwell

In California, where school budgets are being slashed and achievement remains stubbornly low in many districts, there is mounting concern that the supply of principals is too limited to manage the financial and academic..."

The California Forward Action Fund submitted a pair of nonpartisan initiatives Friday that would bring comprehensive reform to California's broken budget process, protect funding for local services, and give communities new tools and resources to set their own priorities and chart their own paths for the future.

These measures take practices that have proven themselves in business and other states, and put them to work in California, balancing the budget, reducing waste, and delivering better results for people.Politics as usual won't solve our problems.

The California Forward Action Fund is a nonpartisan organization, with no political ties or partisan agendas, and is led by citizens of every walk of life willing to put California first -- like you.

Both of the initiatives, the Best Practices Budget Accountability Act and the Community Funding Protection and Accountability Act, would amend the state Constitution. Each will require 694,354 signatures by April 16, 2010 to be placed on the November 2, 2010 ballot.We need as many people to join us as possible.

If you haven't already, please endorse our principles now. Then, forward this message to your friends and ask them to sign it, too. We're depending on Californians like you to bring this comprehensive reform plan before all voters next year. The status quo isn't acceptable any more.

It's time to step up and address our state's challenges head-on.

These reforms get California moving again so California can lead again.

Thank you,

Thomas McKernanCo-Chair, California Forward Action Fund

Robert HertzbergCo-Chair, California Forward Action Fund

'Emotional' Michelle Obama announces White House mentoring program for girls | 44 | washingtonpost.com

'Emotional' Michelle Obama announces White House mentoring program for girls 44 washingtonpost.com:

"In her own version of 'Pay It Forward,' first lady Michelle Obama, who has often talked about the influence of role models in her life, announced a year-long mentoring program at the White House for area high school girls.
Monday afternoon, thirteen young women gathered around a polished wood table, austerely set with water glasses and blue folders, in the State Dining room for a get to know you conversation with the senior women from the White House staff who will serve as their mentors. That list includes a who's who of fancy titles and impressive resumes -- among them, senior advisor Valerie Jarrett, domestic policy advisor Melody Barnes, Obama's chief of staff Susan Sher and social secretary Desiree Rogers."

CDF’s Champions for Children’s Health San Francisco Stroller Brigade and Rally

CDF’s Champions for Children’s Health San Francisco Stroller Brigade and Rally

CDF’s Champions for Children’s Health San Francisco Stroller Brigade and Rally on November 8th 2-3pm at San Francisco City Hall. The purpose of this event is to send a strong message to Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senator Barbara Boxer and Senator Diane Feinstein that California children need their leadership now to ensure that children are better –not worse – off after health care reform.

As you may know, both houses of Congress will make key votes on national health reform legislation in the next few weeks and we are still begging them to fix the health care system for children. I am asking for your support in helping us raise our voices for children and demand that Congress and the President ensure every child has access to comprehensive, affordable health coverage that is easy to enroll in and keep.

Thank you in advance for your support. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you on November 8th!

Trochet: H1N1 Crisis Exists In Sacramento Co. - Health News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Trochet: H1N1 Crisis Exists In Sacramento Co. - Health News Story - KCRA Sacramento:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Sacramento County's health officer is urging leaders to declare a state of emergency after an increase in hospitalizations of people suffering from the H1N1 flu bug.

Dr. Glennah Trochet is expected to make her case to the county Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

Trochet said there has been 15 H1N1-related deaths in the county so far, including one last week.

In Depth: H1N1 Flu FAQs, Symptoms, More

Trochet is seeking the declaration so officials can follow a protocol for dealing with emergencies."

Parents for Public Schools (PPS)

Syracuse

The Syracuse Post-Standard reports that "it's looking like a few hot issues have kindled more interest than usual in the Syracuse school board election." Susan Fahey, president of PPS-Syracuse, attributes the increased interest in part to the new Say Yes to Education program, which promises to provide free college tuition for Syracuse high school grads.
The chapter has hosted candidate forums and received substantial media attention. There are three openings on the board this year. With only one incumbent running (Syracuse School Board President Kim Rohadfox-Ceaser, past President of PPS National Board of Directors) there will be two new board members chosen.

Seattle

Community & Parents for Public Schools of Seattle is actively engaged in the big issues now facing the district, including proposed changes to the way students are assigned to schools. The chapter is helping facilitate comments on a proposed New Student Assignment Plan boundary map, including providing maps to parents and how the proposal affects specific addresses.
There are three school board positions up for election this year in Seattle, with two being contested. The chapter has provided a resource page for parents with a candidate questionnaire. Also, check out a great interactive forum proposing ideas for Seattle Public Schools. The page provides some specific proposals for strengthening Seattle and allows for comments.

Mississippi: Schoolhouse to statehouse

Schoolhouse to Statehouse, PPS's statewide effort in Mississippi, is focused on improving school boards in the state. The Schoolhouse to Statehouse section of the PPS website contains resources for parents on the work of school boards that can be adapted for other chapters. PPS staff is working with the Mississippi School Boards Association (MSBA) to find ways to increase and improve parental involvement. MSBA Executive Director Mike Waldrop has participated in Parent Leadership Institutes to explain the responsibilities of school board members.
Mississippi has about 150 different school districts with school board positions filled in a variety of ways (elected or appointed - sometimes both in the same district) and elections almost every year. PPS parent coaches are working to raise public awareness of school board elections this year in selected districts.


houston

There are nine districts in the Houston Independent School District. Voters in each district elect School Board Trustees. Five positions are up for election this year and three races are competitive. For each district, PPS-Houston is providing an online district map to help voters determine their district and providing a detailed questionnaire to give candidates an opportunity to explain why they are running.

As the questionnaire explains: "This election is important to everyone served by HISD. Please be an informed citizen so that you can vote for the benefit of all HISD children." The chapter also helped sponsor a "HISD Board Candidates Forum" on a local television channel KTRK. To see how this broadcast helps voters learn their district and meet the candidates, click here.
Anne foster's Blog: "American School Boards - Abolish or Improve?"

Public schools in the United States continue to be governed by appointed or elected school boards - except in cases of takeovers and charter schools that report directly to states. But some seem to be asking if school boards are relevant in today world. Often there is no mention of them in national conversation about school reform. Other times, there is prominent mention of them in the headlines because of bad governing skills and just plain bad behavior. And yet school boards continue to set policy, to hire and fire superintendents, and to manage huge amounts of taxpayer money. Can we really afford to ignore them? How can we insure effective school boards?
For starters, public schools belong to the public. The public either elects their school board members or elects a Mayor who appoints them. Either way, school boards represent their communities in the oversight of their schools. Read more

pps national - annual donor campaign

The PPS Annual Donor and Membership Campaign is coming up. Your support of PPS strengthens a national network of community-based chapters working to improve and reform K-12 public education. The campaign is a coordinated effort to support our local chapters and the national office. You direct where your money goes. To support PPS with an online donation, visit our website.

Parents for Public Schools (PPS) is a national organization of community-based chapters working with public school parents and other supporters to improve and strengthen local public schools. We believe that quality public education is vital to our democracy and to America's future.

Interested in starting a PPS chapter? Contact Us