National Day of Protests for Education Rights | Fight Back! – News and Views from the People's Struggle

National Day of Protests for Education Rights Fight Back! – News and Views from the People's Struggle:

"Students from across the country participated in a National Day of Action for Education Rights, Nov. 10, demanding an end to the budget cuts, layoffs and tuition hikes hitting schools since the economic crisis began.

The Campaign for Education Rights, a working group of the Network to Fight for Economic Justice, organized the protests after the students, faculty and staff of the University of California system held mass walk-outs and occupations in September. “Now is the time to carry the momentum forward into a nationwide movement for education rights,” reads the call to action. Over a dozen organizations endorsed the National Day of Action for Education Rights."

Tom Torlakson, California schools candidate, campaigns at Salinas' Second Chance Youth Center | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian

Tom Torlakson, California schools candidate, campaigns at Salinas' Second Chance Youth Center thecalifornian.com The Salinas Californian:

"A former schoolteacher running for the state's highest education position chose an unusual campaign stop Thursday in Salinas."

Assemblyman Tom Torlakson, D-Antioch, who's campaigning to replace state Superintendent Jack O'Connell in 2010, met with local education and youth leaders at the Second Chance Youth Center in east Salinas. The nonprofit has spent 20 years helping young people leave gangs and criminal lifestyles.

"Most of these students are still in the K-12 system," Torlakson said, explaining his choice for the stop. "We need to give them the foundation for success. Teachers know the kids who need help, and they know how to help, but they just don't have the resources."

Much of Thursday's discussion focused on trading ideas about bringing more resources to Salinas, such as academic software, career training and more of the wrap-around family mentoring programs now active in Salinas schools.

New York governor sees risk of California bond default | Money & Company | Los Angeles Times

New York governor sees risk of California bond default Money & Company Los Angeles Times:

"Besides understanding his own state’s finances, New York Gov. David Paterson apparently has an excellent grasp of California’s fiscal situation.

So much so, in fact, that Paterson feels confident speculating publicly about the probability of California eventually defaulting on its municipal bond debt.

In a Bloomberg Radio interview on Thursday, Paterson described his plans for dealing with New York’s financial woes, and why it was important to avoid budget 'gimmicks which grind up your credit rating.'

New York still has an 'AA' credit rating from Standard & Poor’s, compared with California’s 'A' rating, which is the lowest of any state."

Student sick days will hurt school finances | student, once, enrollment - Local News - Appeal-Democrat

Student sick days will hurt school finances student, once, enrollment - Local News - Appeal-Democrat:

"An enrollment decline once projected to cost about $268,000 in state funds has leveled off — but a separate spike in student illness is likely to reduce revenue to the Yuba City Unified School District.

About 4,800 more sick days were reported through mid-October than at the same time last year, said Bruce Morton, director of attendance for Yuba City Unified.

The attendance dip affects state aid to the school district because the payments are based on average daily attendance of students.

'If they're in the seat, you get the money,' Morton said of how Sacramento calculates such finances."

Elk Grove Citizen : Archives > News > Momentum continues to build, moving ‘Support CA Kids’ in statewide direction

Elk Grove Citizen : Archives; News; Momentum continues to build, moving ‘Support CA Kids’ in statewide direction:

"It was standing room only Monday night as support for Marie Correa’s “Support CA Kids” has gone from a two-cup coffee meeting to a “coalition.”

Support California Kids has launched a campaign to help parents of public school students communicate with their state legislators. The focus is to bring attention to the negative impact of inadequate education funding.

At the Nov. 9 meeting hosted by Support California Kids and sponsored by the Elk Grove Citizen, Elk Grove parents showed their concern about cuts to education, and their determination to do something about it."

Michael Jackson will be a “subject” at A.R. Rahman’s Music Conservatory

Entertainment icon Michael Jackson will be a subject at Oscar winner musician A.R. Rahman’s (Slumdog Millionaire) KM Music Conservatory, according to reports.

Rahman himself will reportedly give the inaugural lecture on Jackson. Rahman loved Jackson’s music and has said about Jackson in the past: “one of the greatest musicians of our time… pushed the milestone of Pop music to unbelievable levels… I am yet to find an artist with that energy, perfection and vision…”

During their meeting in Los Angeles (USA) earlier this year, when Jackson showed Rahman a five second example of his dance move, Rahman stated: “It was like a lightning strike”. Jackson even reportedly asked Rahman during this meeting to compose a unity anthem. Jackson collaborated with Rahman on Ekam Satyam track in 1999. Rahman is reportedly developing an album in memory of Jackson, which will include musicians from all over the world.

Founded by Rahman (who is also its Principal), KM Music Conservatory in Kodambakkam area of Chennai in Tamil Nadu state of India envisions expanding the horizon of musicians in India by offering education in both Indian and Western music besides music technology and its mission is to provide students with a strong artistic, intellectual, and technical foundation. T. Selvakumar is the Managing Director of this international school of music and music technology whose tagline is "Become the Future of Music".

Conservatory offers Preparatory Program (2-5 years), Foundation Program (1-2 years), and Degree Program (three years) under affiliation of Middlesex University in United Kingdom (UK), and has proposed to offer Diploma Program (one year) for international students) and Masters Program (two years) with concentrations in music performance-composition-technology-education. Many faculty members have degrees from USA and UK. Sound editor Joe E. Rand (Titanic) has lectured here besides demonstration by Vienna Chamber Orchestra.

Acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed has applauded Rahman for creating a bridge between the music of east and west and for strengthening the worldwide market and stature of Indian music. Zed, who is the chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, urged Rahman to help nourish the next generation with the richness of Indian music, elements of whose theory were first found in ancient Hindu scripture Sama-Veda. Rajan Zed further said that Michael Jackson’s personal life might had been controversial, but he did provide “joy” to a large populace of the world through his music. One of the ancient Hindu scriptures “Taittiriya Upanishad” talking about “joy” says: From joy are born all creatures, by joy they grow, and to joy they return.

Rahman, who has reportedly recorded sales of over 300 million, was called “Mozart of Madras'' by Time magazine. Rahman sees music “as a way to connect to spirituality and embrace it” and for “creating harmony in troubled times”.

Confident state ed officials press forward on Race to the Top | GothamSchools

Confident state ed officials press forward on Race to the Top GothamSchools:

"Brushing aside criticism that current state laws could jeopardize New York’s chances at Race to the Top Funds, state officials say they will enter the contest in round one.
On Monday, the State Education Department will release a comprehensive plan to overhaul teacher training, Board of Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch said today. Tisch called the proposal a “very aggressive package” that will be a major element of New York’s Race to the Top application."

Austin News: Del Valle ISD: We don't need no stinkin' PTAs - AustinChronicle.com

Austin News: Del Valle ISD: We don't need no stinkin' PTAs - AustinChronicle.com:

"On its website, the Del Valle Inde­pendent School District says it 'values ALL forms of parent involvement.' Yet parents are finding there is one form that the district administration doesn't value highly enough to allow on campus: parent-teacher associations. After being rebuffed in her efforts to establish PTAs to assist staff and students, Del Valle Elementary School parent Liliana Orozco said: 'Why don't they want us to get organized on our own? I just don't understand, and the other parents are baffled.'"

Covering much of southeast Travis County, Del Valle ISD faces complex challenges. Even though it achieved "recognized" status in the state's latest accountability ratings, 27.5% of its 2008-09 enrollment of 9,555 students were classified by the Texas Education Agency as having limited English proficiency and 79.2% were classified as economically disadvantaged.

Determined to help out on campus, Orozco tried to join her local PTA but found there wasn't one at any of the district's 12 schools. Convinced that she could find the 20 parents required to form a PTA and that additional parents would pay the required $4 annual fee, she tried to get the administration to assist this new parent initiative.

Yet at successive meetings with Del Valle Elementary School Principal Bertha Hernandez, the board of trustees, and Superintendent Bernard Blanchard, parents got the same message: The district doesn't have PTAs and so far has rejected all requests to formally discuss the matter at the board level. Orozco said, "They don't seem to be interested in finding out what good a PTA can do for the district."

Texas PTA Executive Director Kyle Ward called the administration's push-back "stronger than anything I have seen in my three-and-a-half years here." He said Blanchard had told him that here had been independent parent-teacher organizations, but they had fallen apart over funding and nonprofit tax status issues – two decades ago. Now each campus has a parent-involvement committee, operated by the administration. Del Valle ISD Communications and Community Relations Director Celina Bley explained, "Each campus meets with parents and talks with parents about different upcoming events and volunteer opportunities."

VegCooking > Celebrate a Vegan Holiday!

VegCooking > Celebrate a Vegan Holiday!:

"These delicious recipes will please every palate and make it easier to give up the giblets, giving everyone—including animals—something to be thankful for this holiday season.
Make the center of your holiday feast the new Garden Protein Vegan Turkey Breast With Wild Rice and Cranberry Stuffing. Available at select Whole Foods nationwide, this tasty vegan turkey will delight all your guests. And don’t forget to check out our helpful holiday guide for tips on how to prepare a vegan feast."

Sacramento Press / Cohn, Hammond, Fong say they didn't know about permit program

Sacramento Press / Cohn, Hammond, Fong say they didn't know about permit program

Some members of the City Council said Wednesday they were unaware of the permitting program that played a key role in the recent controversy over the Nestlé company’s efforts to set up a water bottling plant in Sacramento.

The city closed down its Facilities Permit Program Oct. 27 during the public debate over Nestlé’s plans. Nestlé’s project was greenlighted through the FPP.

With the FPP, businesses that work with the city on an ongoing basis can receive quick approval for tenant improvements or remodeling of commercial and industrial buildings, said David Kwong, the city’s planning division director.

In the case of Nestlé, the company and its contractors received verbal approval from the city to start construction work. But the company and its contractors did not have a city building permit or “start-work authorization.”

Nestlé has said it followed city laws.

The city attorney’s office recently declared that it is illegal for the city to approve the start of construction for projects that do not have building permits, Kwong said.

The High Cost of Higher Education | NBC Bay Area

The High Cost of Higher Education NBC Bay Area

The High Cost of Higher Education

An NBC Bay Area Editorial and Your Feedback

Please register now and let us know what you think in the comments section below

The state's massive cuts to the University of California budget have impacted the lives of students, faculty and staff systemwide.

Teachers are facing furloughs and paycuts, and students are set to face their 9th tuition increase in 8 years. Over 225,000 students, and 19,000 faculty call the UC system home.

In this editorial, we discuss the real cost facing us in the future, if we don't act today.

Original Editorial - The High Cost of Higher Education

Teacher has a gift for making math add up - washingtonpost.com

Teacher has a gift for making math add up - washingtonpost.com:

"Woodbridge Senior High School freshman Tina Warner said math never came easily to her, until a unique teacher sent her in a new direction.

After failing the math Standards of Learning test last year and seeing her grades slip, Tina said it took educator Sharon Dravvorn and her somewhat unusual teaching techniques to help her turn things around."

"I was so surprised when I had an A in this class at first and now a B," the 14-year-old said. "This has never happened before in a math class. She is easier to understand because of the way she teaches, and her attitude is different. Some teachers are here just to get through the day, but she really cares."

Tina, along with some of her classmates, said Dravvorn's teaching methods include quirky sound effects and classical music. Dravvorn thinks outside the box, they said, and that is why it came as no surprise when the 19-year educator received a $25,000 award from the Milken Family Foundation during a school assembly last week.

Center for American Progress Today's Cartoon

Center for American Progress Today's Cartoon

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Sacramento City Unified School District

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Poll: Flunking Grades for Governor, Legislature on Higher Education | California Progress Report

Poll: Flunking Grades for Governor, Legislature on Higher Education California Progress Report:

"A new poll by the Public Policy Institute of California gave the governor and state lawmakers low grades for their handling of higher education.

The poll comes as California State University announces drastic plans to reduce enrollment by 40,000 students and in the wake of record tuition hikes and enrollment cuts at the University of California.

California’s Community Colleges are reeling under the double whammy of state funding cuts and increasing enrollment demand as students crowded out of UC and CSU attempt, with diminishing success, to find space in courses at local community colleges."

AB540 conference- fall '09 - R.I.S.E. at Cal

AB540 conference- fall '09 - R.I.S.E. at Cal

R.I.S.E. at Cal

Rising Immigrant Scholars through Education (R.IS.E.) at UC Berkeley presents:
APPLYING TOWARDS SUCCESS
AB540 CONFERENCE

RSVP now!
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=JXs_2bkbFL03k4JfndaecnZA_3d_3d

Saturday November 14, 2009

9:00AM to 4:30 PM

@ West Pauley Ballroom at UC Berkeley

The purpose of the conference is to spread awareness about the application process to the University of California system. In doing so, we hope to increase the representation of undocumented students in higher education.

Come learn about:

admissions

scholarships

fill out mock UC application

personal statement

ab540 student panel

parent workshops

Sponsored by ASUC, Ethnic Studies Fifth Account ADA accessible

For directions, go to: http://tinyurl.com/d9dyod click on

Martin Luther King Jr. Student Union UC Berkeley

a bubble will appear asking you to "Get Directions" then click "To Here"

and type your start address of where you'll start your trip.

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Bright and Early

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Bright and Early

One thing I left out of my story about calculus at Crawford High is that every now and then, Jonathan Winn sings. (The song is addressed to his classroom volunteer, Becky Breedlove, who is nicknamed B squared.) That and other, somewhat less musical tidbits in your daily newsblitz:

It's a calculus class so crazy, it just might work. Seventy-odd teens are packing an early morning class at Crawford High to learn calculus with a guy who resembles Jim Carrey with a mathematics degree. Advanced Placement classes like this are commonplace in La Jolla and Scripps Ranch, but are historically less common at disadvantaged schools such as Crawford, which threw the class open to anyone.

Free speech advocates are challenging Southwestern College on how it handled a campus protest, particularly putting four professors on leave, the Union-Tribune reports.

Race to the Top Fund

Race to the Top Fund

Race to the Top Fund

Purpose Funding Status Eligibility Laws, Regs, & Guidance Applicant Info Resources Performance Contacts

Office of Elementary and Secondary Education Home
Purpose

What's New

More Resources Race to the Top Assessment Program

The rules for the Race to the Top competition have now been finalized!

Thank you to the 1,161 people and organizations who sent us comments on our draft rules—your collective outpouring of thoughtful input prompted us to make numerous changes and improvements to the final application. But just as important, the overwhelming volume of comments demonstrates the potential for Race to the Top to propel the transformational changes that students and teachers need.

You can now find:

The Press Release announcing the final application -->

The Race to the Top Application MSWord (784K)

The key policy details, summarized in the Executive Summary PDF (288K)

A Summary of the Major Changes we made based on the comments we received PDF (376K)

More details for applicants in the Notice Inviting Applications PDF

The full details on Race to the Top, including our responses to comments, in the Notice of Final Priorities PDF (1.3M)

Upcoming Events

We intend to host two Technical Assistance Planning Workshops this December for States who are considering applying. The first will be in Denver, Colorado on December 3, 2009. The second will be in the Washington, D.C. area on December 10, 2009. We recommend that applicants attend one of these two workshops. For those who cannot attend, transcripts of the meetings will be available on our website.

Watch here for more details regarding the workshops.

Program Description

Program Office: Office of Elementary and Secondary Education (OESE)
CFDA Number: 84.395 Program Type: Discretionary/Competitive Grants

Through Race to the Top, we are asking States to advance reforms around four specific areas:
Adopting standards and assessments that prepare students to succeed in college and the workplace and to compete in the global economy;

Building data systems that measure student growth and success, and inform teachers and principals about how they can improve instruction;

Recruiting, developing, rewarding, and retaining effective teachers and principals, especially where they are needed most; and

Turning around our lowest-achieving schools.

Awards in Race to the Top will go to States that are leading the way with ambitious yet achievable plans for implementing coherent, compelling, and comprehensive education reform. Race to the Top winners will help trail-blaze effective reforms and provide examples for States and local school districts throughout the country to follow as they too are hard at work on reforms that can transform our schools for decades to come.

Cutting sports and opportunity at Hartford Public - Rick Green | CT Confidential

Cutting sports and opportunity at Hartford Public - Rick Green CT Confidential:

"This is education reform that makes no sense: eliminating high school sports for city kids.

Is there a population of young males and females more in need of the discipline and motivation that high school athletics can bring?

We've got gangs and shootings while a city council member and staff spend thousands of dollars on travel junkets. There are bonuses for aides to the mayor and raises all around for teachers and administrators. There's just not enough money for high school athletics.

As my colleague Lori Riley wrote this past Sunday, it's over for the 16 boys who hoped to wrestle at Hartford Public High School this year. Tennis, golf, freshman volleyball and JV soccer were also cut."

Alex Jones’ Prison Planet.com » Liberals refuse to admit Obama’s policies look a lot like Bush’s

Alex Jones’ Prison Planet.com » Liberals refuse to admit Obama’s policies look a lot like Bush’s:

"During last year’s Republican National Convention, South Carolina GOP leaders were regularly calling in to talk radio station WTMA to provide event coverage. On the day they were supposed to talk to me, I was informed that Republican Party officials did not wish to speak to Jack Hunter. A denouncer of big government and all its works, I never saw any reason to make special exceptions for Republicans, and for my anti-GOP sins I had become persona non grata.

Today, everyone is denouncing big government. Since Obama’s election, tea party protests have sprung up across the country and conservatives are now rallying loud and clear against Washington’s spending. But liberal politicians and pundits who are calling conservative activists “crazy” — or to borrow MSNBC host Chris Matthew’s phrase, “wing nuts” — have it exactly backwards. It was crazy that anyone who might claim the label “conservative” would also claim to be a part of George W. Bush’s GOP. Today’s conservatives haven’t lost their sanity — they’ve regained it."