After Criticism, the Administration Is Praised for Final Rules on Education Grants - NYTimes.com

After Criticism, the Administration Is Praised for Final Rules on Education Grants - NYTimes.com:

"Three months after provoking an outpouring of criticism with preliminary plans for the nation’s largest competitive education grant program, the Obama administration has added flexibility in the final rules, released Wednesday, drawing praise from a state governor who was initially critical and from leaders of the national teachers’ unions.

But the Race to the Top program, which will reward some states undertaking bold school improvement initiatives with awards totaling $4 billion, retains politically volatile elements."

California could get up to $700 million in U.S. education funds -- latimes.com

California could get up to $700 million in U.S. education funds -- latimes.com:

"California could be eligible for up to $700 million in federal education stimulus funds under guidelines scheduled to be released today by the U.S. Department of Education.

Earlier this year, the Obama administration proposed a series of reforms, including abolishing charter school caps and using student test score data to evaluate educators, as part of a $4.35-billion competitive grant known as Race to the Top. The administration accepted public comment for several months before finalizing the regulations."

Report: 10 states face looming budget disasters | digitalBURG.com

Report: 10 states face looming budget disasters digitalBURG.com:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)--In Arizona, the budget has grown so gloomy that lawmakers are considering mortgaging Capitol buildings. In Michigan, state officials dealing with the nation's highest unemployment rate are slashing spending on schools and health care.

Drastic financial remedies are no longer limited to California, where a historic budget crisis earlier this year grew so bad that state agencies issued IOUs to pay bills.

A study released Wednesday warned that at least nine other big states are also barreling toward economic disaster, raising the likelihood of higher taxes, more government layoffs and deep cuts in services"

Faculty works to better SCUSD middle schools - News

Faculty works to better SCUSD middle schools - News:

"Four Sacramento State faculty members have teamed together to work with the Sacramento City Unified School District to improve middle school teaching in science, mathematics and English.

Their professional development project is funded by a four-year Improving Teacher Quality grant, recently awarded by the California Postsecondary Education Commission. The $986,120 grant is part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Led by Pia Wong, professor of bilingual and multicultural education, the project will focus on improving teaching skills and boosting student achievement.

The other faculty members involved are Scott Farrand, professor of mathematics, Judi Kusnick, professor of geology and Debbie Stetson, project director for the CSUS Mathematics Project."

Education Week: For $20, Kids Can Buy a Better Grade

Education Week: For $20, Kids Can Buy a Better Grade:

"Selling candy didn't raise much money last year, so a North Carolina middle school is selling grades.

A $20 donation to Rosewood Middle School in Goldsboro, N.C., will get a student 20 test points—10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.

Susie Shepherd, the principal, said a parent advisory council came up with the idea, and she endorsed it. She said the council was looking for a new way to raise money."

"Last year they did chocolates, and it didn't generate anything," Shepherd said.

Shepherd rejected the suggestion that the school is selling grades. Extra points on two tests won't make a difference in a student's final grade, she said.

It's wrong to think that "one particular grade could change the entire focus of nine weeks," Shepherd said.

Patrick Kennedy: November 10th Campaign Update

Patrick Kennedy

November 10th Campaign Update

Oktoberfest Celebration was a Great Success!

Last month, we held our Oktoberfest Celebration at Sierra 2. The event was a great success with over $25,000 raised. This brings us even closer to our fundraising goals. It was a fun evening with friends and neighbors new and old. I was grateful to see a number of community leaders like County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, City Council Member Sandy Sheedy, SMUD Board Member Nancy Bui and Sacramento City School Board Members Ellyne Bell and Donald Terry stop by to enjoy the sauerbraten and beer.

Reaching out to Neighbors

Our outreach to neighbors continues to gain momentum. We recently kicked off our coffee program with a goal of holding a coffee one night every week throughout the District. If you are interested in scheduling a coffee in your home or place of business, please contact Judy at 446-4434. We supply the refreshments and all we ask of you is to invite your neighbors and friends with questions and concerns about your neighborhood and the City. We try to make it very little work for our hosts, plus we always have a good time.

Walking Your Neighborhood

We continue to walk our neighborhoods reaching out to voters throughout the district. Walking door-to-door has shown our neighbors to be engaged and ready to share their opinions – input that will serve me well when on the Council. As always, contact us through our website (www.patrick-kennedy.com) if you want to join us on a neighborhood walk.

And speaking of the website, we recently had our 15,000th visitor! I encourage everybody to sign up through the website (www.patrick-kennedy.com) and our Facebook fan page to ensure you are getting up to date information on the campaign.

Finally, please feel free to contact me personally at patrick@patrick-kennedy.com

or call me at 446-4434 if you have questions of me or if you have information you think would be helpful to the campaign.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Asks School Paper to 'Tidy Up' Remarks - NYTimes.com

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Asks School Paper to 'Tidy Up' Remarks - NYTimes.com:

"WASHINGTON — The school newspaper at Dalton, a private school in Manhattan, contained a cryptic note from its editors last Friday."

“We are not able to cover the recent visit by a Supreme Court justice due to numerous publication constraints,” the note said. It promised “an explanation of the regrettable delay” in the next issue.

It turns out that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, widely regarded as one of the court’s most vigilant defenders of First Amendment values, had provided the newspaper, The Daltonian, with a lesson about journalistic independence. Justice Kennedy’s office had insisted on approving any article about a talk he gave to an assembly of Dalton high school students on Oct. 28.

A Parent’s Unemployment Stress Trickles Down to the Children - NYTimes.com

A Parent’s Unemployment Stress Trickles Down to the Children - NYTimes.com:

"THE WOODLANDS, Tex. — Paul Bachmuth’s 9-year-old daughter, Rebecca, began pulling out strands of her hair over the summer. His older child, Hannah, 12, has become noticeably angrier, more prone to throwing tantrums."

Initially, Mr. Bachmuth, 45, did not think his children were terribly affected when he lost his job nearly a year ago. But now he cannot ignore the mounting evidence.
“I’m starting to think it’s all my fault,” Mr. Bachmuth said.

As the months have worn on, his job search travails have consumed the family, even though the Bachmuths were outwardly holding up on unemployment benefits, their savings and the income from the part-time job held by Mr. Bachmuth’s wife, Amanda. But beneath the surface, they have been a family on the brink. They have watched their children struggle with behavioral issues and a stress-induced disorder. He finally got a job offer last week, but not before the couple began seeing a therapist to save their marriage

Holiday meal: Nov. 30 sign-up for volunteers - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee

Holiday meal: 30 sign-up for volunteers - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health Sacramento Bee:

"One of the hottest seasonal banquets around doesn't cost money and isn't taking reservations: It's the annual holiday meal held Dec. 24 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis.
Hundreds of diners line up for the chance to enjoy a free buffet and celebrate the season with community members from all walks of life. As Americans focus on enjoying simpler things this holiday season, this Davis tradition stands out like a beacon."

"Everyone is welcome and everyone comes," says Ellen Pontac, a longtime holiday meal volunteer. "Homeless people come, and people who really need a meal, but mostly people who want to get together as a community."

The holiday meal turns 24 this year. Originally begun by two Davis Food Co-op employees far from home at Christmas, the event has grown to gigantic proportions.

Calitics:: Bad: Bonds Sold at 4%, Worse: We Just Put $11 Billion More on the Ballot

Calitics:: Bad: Bonds Sold at 4%, Worse: We Just Put $11 Billion More on the Ballot:

"In a rather disheartening statement about the status of California's debt, the state was forced to pay a shockingly high 4% (tax-free) for about $1.9 Billion in bonds sold this week:

Borrowing $1.9 billion on Tuesday via bonds that mature in June 2013, the state was forced to pay a 4% annualized tax-free yield to lure investors. As recently as Friday the brokerages underwriting the deal, led by Goldman Sachs, had estimated that the bonds could be sold at a yield of 3%.

The boost in the yield demanded by investors reflects the 'saturation' of the market with California debt over the last seven weeks, said George Strickland, a bond fund manager at Thornburg Investment Management in Santa Fe, N.M. Since Sept. 23 the state has sold more than $21 billion in short- and long-term debt for budget-related reasons and to fund infrastructure projects. (LA Times 11/11/09)"

Moving On | California Progress Report

Moving On California Progress Report:

"Tuesday as the California Progress Report ushered in its new site, I am moving on. It was just a year ago in December that I took over as Editor of the California Progress Report as Frank Russo the founder, took a position as Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.

This has been an interesting but tough year for California. We have had multiple budget crises that have seen our school, our social services, and other critical funding cut to the bone. We have seen furloughs and other cuts impact our state workers. And we have been crippled the shortcomings of our legislative process that has on more than one occasion seen the process ground to a halt and real reform fleeting."

David Greenwald is a contributing writer for the California Progress Report. His online journal The People’s Vanguard of Davis uncovers the news in and around the city of Davis.

Reduced Social Security Benefits Penalize Teachers and Public Employees | California Progress Report

Reduced Social Security Benefits Penalize Teachers and Public Employees California Progress Report:

"For many individuals, making a career change from private sector employment to teaching in California results in a lifetime penalty of reduced benefits. This penalizes individuals who want to teach, along with the spouses of these individuals. California is one of 15 states with “public service penalties,” and it has the largest number of employees impacted by these penalties, including teachers, public safety, and local government public servants. That’s why the California Federation of Teachers (CFT) co-sponsored a rally Saturday, November 7, to urge Congress to pass, and President Obama to sign, federal bills SR 484 (Feinstein) and HR 235 (Matsui), the Social Security Fairness Act."

Two Federal bills, House Resolution 235 and Senate Resolution 484, the Social Security Fairness Act, would eliminate the public servant penalties. This year, California's Legislature passed AJR 10 sponsored by the California Retired Teachers Association (CalRTA) and Sen. Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, urging Congress to repeal these penalties.

In 1977, and then in 1983, Congress passed the Government Pension Offset and the Windfall Eliminations Provision in an attempt to control the cost of Social Security. At a time when so many Americans are seeking retraining and acquiring new skills, the penalties are making it more difficult for community colleges to hire experienced vocational faculty and for K-12 schools to attract teachers.

Hotel chain quits talks on winter housing for Sacramento homeless - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Hotel chain quits talks on winter housing for Sacramento homeless - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"A national hotel chain has said 'no, thanks' to Sacramento advocates who hoped to house as many as 100 homeless people in its rooms this winter.

The sudden breakdown in negotiations with Extended Stay America is yet another blow to efforts to quickly find beds for people who, because of Sacramento County budget cuts, no longer will be able to spend their winter nights at Cal Expo.

Advocates are scrambling to find alternative rooms before the weather turns rainy and colder, said Tim Brown, director of the Sacramento Ending Chronic Homelessness Initiative."

Educated Guess » State finds Race to the Top a tough sell

Educated Guess » State finds Race to the Top a tough sell:

"State Deputy Superintendent Rick Miller, who has the dubious honor of being a point man for Race to the Top, revealed the state’s evolving strategy for the federal program during a listening tour of the state this week with Kathryn Radtkey-Gaither, the governor’s Undersecretary of Education. I caught their joint appearance Wednesday in Redwood City at a Race to the Top hearing.

Their strategy is a combination of inducements to districts to participate, such as waiving parts of the onerous state education code, and quiet negotiations to enlist the support of the California Teachers Association and urban superintendents.

The competition among the states for the $4.3 billion grants will be intense. California’s share could be as much as $500 million, assuming 10 or 12 states are chosen, at a time when California is looking at more budget cuts next year."

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA)

We've Got Your Back

One year ago, it started with a handshake. Last Veterans Day, in partnership with the Ad Council, we launched a nationwide campaign to welcome veterans home, featuring TV, radio, print, online and outdoor ads. At the campaign's core was the first and only online social network exclusively for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan- a real-life version of the handshake featured in the TV ads.

Today, we're taking it to the next level.

We're premiering a new PSA on IAVA's Facebook fan page. Visit http://www.facebook.com/IAVA.orgto be among the first to see it.

This entire campaign is based on the generosity of media outlets across the country- IAVA doesn't pay a dime. So all of those ads you've seen over the past year- on CNN or MTV, in local papers, or on bus shelters- are the result of someone pitching in to support our efforts. And there's much more to come.

Want to be the first to see the new ad?

Visit http://www.facebook.com/IAVA.orgto become a fan of IAVA on Facebook.

Along with a new PSA, we've also made improvements to the community, now found on our homepage at http://www.iava.org/.

It's easier than ever for veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to join and find resources to help with transitioning home.

Visit http://www.facebook.com/IAVA.orgto watch the ad and be sure to share it with your friends and family. Let's show every veteran in America that we've got their back.

Thank you for standing with us, and Happy Veterans Day.

Sacramento Press / City Council likes idea of Capitol Mall makeover

Sacramento Press / City Council likes idea of Capitol Mall makeover:

"The idea is non-controversial among members of the City Council: They all support the concept of a makeover for Capitol Mall.

And, they all like the idea of the city hosting a design competition for a remodel of the Mall from the riverfront to 9th Street.

The City Council gave its unanimous support to the fledgling plan, which was presented by Beth Tincher of the Economic Development Department Tuesday night. The details of the design competition would be crafted by city staff, the American Institute of Architects and stakeholders, according to a Nov. 10 city staff report."

Educated Guess » Funding suit’s goal: return to local control

Educated Guess » Funding suit’s goal: return to local control:

"In their long-anticipated suit over adequate funding, the California School Boards Assn. and its parter in the Education Coalition, the Association of California School Administrators, will challenge the state not only on how much it spends on public schools — no surprise there — but also how it funds them. They plan to revisit the ’70s, with its historic Serrano decision, which equalized school spending, and Proposition 13, which shifted control funding and power to Sacramento. They’ll argue that it’s time to take another look and this time do it right.


In an interview, CSBA Executive Director Scott Plotkin confirmed the Mercury News story that the two organizations will file suit in coming months over the state’s failure to adequately fund eduction. And he outlined what will be the thrust of the suit: a demand to return to more control. They’re turning to the courts, because the Legislature and voters, by initiative, have severely limited locals’ ability to raise money.An adequacy suit has been talked about for years. The slashing of more than $14,5 billion in K-12 spending in the past two budgets, with additional cuts all but certain this year and next, have made the suit inevitable. California is in the bottom half of states in school funding — 46th if cost of living is factored in, according to Education Week, and may be headed to dead last."

Sacramento Press / Mayor: Facilities permit program "effective"

Sacramento Press / Mayor: Facilities permit program "effective":

"Mayor Kevin Johnson said Tuesday the outcome of the audit of the Community Development Department will be important to how he views the future of a permitting program that has drawn controversy in recent weeks. At the same time, Johnson said he thinks the Facilities Permit Program has been “very effective.”

The FPP, which is part of the Community Development Department, was shuttered Oct. 27 in the midst of public debate over the Nestlé company’s move to establish a water bottling plant in Sacramento. Nestlé’s plant had been approved through the city’s FPP program.

City officials investigated the Community Development Department’s approval of Nestlé’s construction work and temporarily shut down the FPP program. At issue was the approval that Nestlé and contractors received from a city building inspector to start construction work. While the company and its contractors had verbal approval from the city, they did not have a building permit or a “start-work authorization.”"

Inside City Hall: City Hall is buzzing about Kerridge's future - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

Inside City Hall: City Hall is buzzing about Kerridge's future - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com:

"Rumors of City Manager Ray Kerridge's imminent departure began to spread last week after he sent an e-mail thanking city employees for their work during the past year, while the city grappled with budget reductions, layoffs and controversies involving the building department.

Kerridge followed the Nov. 3 e-mail by taking a few days off, fueling further speculation.

Kerridge's future has been a hot topic in City Hall because he will have been with the city five years in January, making him vested in the retirement system."

Ex-official wants job back as FBI shuts St. HOPE probe - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Ex-official wants job back as FBI shuts St. HOPE probe - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"The FBI probe into whether e-mails were deleted during a separate federal investigation of Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson's St. HOPE Academy has been closed without charges being filed.

Federal officials said Tuesday there was not enough evidence to support allegations that the e-mails were intentionally deleted while Johnson's nonprofit organization was being probed by federal Inspector General Gerald Walpin."