Big Education Ape

Thursday, January 14, 2010

To Lead Schools, Christie Picks Voucher Advocate - NYTimes.com

To Lead Schools, Christie Picks Voucher Advocate - NYTimes.com:

"TRENTON — The man once described by teachers’ union leaders as “the antithesis of everything we hold sacred about public education” was chosen to serve as state education commissioner by Governor-elect Christopher J. Christie on Wednesday."

The nomination of Bret D. Schundlerto the post underscored the governor’s determination to press ahead with his push for school vouchers, more charter schools and merit pay for teachers.
It was the first selection by Mr. Christie to suggest even the possibility of a confirmation battle with Democrats, who control both houses of the Legislature. Thus far, the governor-elect has chosen nominees heavy on managerial experience, if lacking in drama or outsized personalities, and drawn bipartisan praise for his selections.
Mr. Schundler, 50, was a favorite of the conservative wing of the Republican Party and a leading voice for school-choice advocates during his nine years as mayor of Jersey City, but he failed in two runs for governor, in 2001 and 2005.
“We agree on the type of significant reform that needs to happen in our educational system here in New Jersey,” Mr. Christie said in making the announcement at the State House. “I want a strong, reasonable, bold leader who’s going to help me implement those policies.”

Texas Braces for Fight Over Social-Studies Lessons - WSJ.com

Texas Braces for Fight Over Social-Studies Lessons - WSJ.com:

"AUSTIN, Texas — Parents, teachers and activists lined up Wednesday for the chance to help shape the way history will be taught to millions of Texas children for the next decade.

The State Board of Education began taking testimony ahead of a tentative vote later this week on new social studies curriculum standards that will serve as the framework in Texas classrooms. But, as usual in votes before the conservative-led board, the wide-reaching guidelines are full of potential ideological flashpoints.

Early quibbles over how much prominence to give civil rights leaders such as Cesar Chavez and Thurgood Marshall, and the inclusion of Christmas seem to have been smoothed over. Board Chairman Gail Lowe said at the start of the hearing that Chavez and Christmas will not be removed from the standards."

San Francisco's InterSchola auctions school trash for cash - San Francisco Business Times:

Eighteen months ago, the Berkeley Unified School District needed to dispose of excess goods — furniture, kitchen appliances and vehicles were sitting in a warehouse — but getting it hauled away proved too costly.

That’s when Melissa Rich of San Francisco-based InterScholastepped in. Rich’s company was able to solve the problem by selling the district’s unwanted stuff, making a little money for the district and for her company.

“Those dollars could be used to fund other educational programs for things that they do need money for — like keeping teachers, nurses and buying sports equipment,” said Rich, president and founder of InterSchola, which has grown revenue 76 percent to $2 million in 2009 from $1.2 million in 2007.

Spot.us Wants Your Help Probing U.C. Regents' Investments - GOOD Blog - GOOD

We've talked about Spot.us before on this site. In fact, just over a year ago, we highlighted it as a peek into the future of journalism. Whether or not that prophecy comes true remains to be seen, but this precocious start-up is currently going after the Regents of the University of California.

We've made a lot of hay about the dire financial situation facing the U.C. system. (We already felt justified in doing so, but The New Yorker wrote about it, too, so now we know we're golden.)

Anyway, an interesting pitch regarding public higher education in California is now up on Spot.us, submitted by investigative journalist Peter Byrne. (Video pitch embedded below.)

Byrne wants to find out what the investment committee of the Regents of the U.C. system—which includes California Sen. Dianne Feinstein's husband, Richard Blum, and Paul Wachter, a financial advisor to the Governator—is doing with the $53 billion in public funds that it oversees. He's particularly interested in possible conflicts of interest: situations where the movement of a lot of money from the U.C. fund between corporations and investment positions can benefit the Regents personally.

Not from 90210? Forget Going to School There | momlogic.com

Leslie Wasserman doesn't live in Beverly Hills, California, but her two daughters have been going to school in the tony 90210 zip code for 10 years. Come June, her youngest will have to find a new school.

Getty Images

Ronda Kaysen: Last night, the Beverly Hills Unified School District approved the controversial plan to end the district's practice of allowing out-of-area students to attend its schools. The board voted unanimously to notify all so-called "permit students" in kindergarten through 8th grade that they must enroll elsewhere because of the district's new financing plan. The board will allow all high school students to remain in the district, reports KTLA.

For years, the monied school district has offered permits to hundreds of kids who don't live in Beverly Hills so that they could attend the famously good schools there. In exchange for each kid, the district received $6,200 from the state and filled empty seats. But that equation became less profitable once the city actually collected more money in property taxes for education than it could from state education coffers. So, the school district decided to become a "basic aid" district, meaning it will rely on its property tax base for funding rather than an attendance base. That means the permit system is gone, and kids who hail from other zip codes will need to find another place to call school.

Federal Dollars at Stake in Maine Charter School Battle

Federal Dollars at Stake in Maine Charter School Battle:

"A National pro-charter school group today released a study that suggests interest in charter schools is on the rise. The Center for Education Reform says there are enough students on charter school waiting lists to hope 5,000 new charter schools nationwide. But Maine is still one of 11 states that does not allow charter schools, and some in Maine say that could cost the state in a big way."

Charter schools are funded like public schools, but they're organized by a group of teachers, parents, or a community. They operate free of the rules and regulations that govern traditional public schools, but their "charters" serve as performance contracts, which they must abide by.

Maine does not have any charter schools because legislation to create them has never passed. But the Maine Association for Charter Schools is determined to keep bringing bills forward.

"People here, especially educators, particularly from the alternative education movement, have been trying to get public school options going for 15 years," says Judith Jones, chair of the board of the Maine Association for Charter Schools. "We basically support and promote public school options and public school choice of all kinds for Maine families."

Student Press Law Center - News Flashes

Student Press Law Center - News Flashes:

"CALIFORNIA -- The high school that inspired a new Senate bill ensuring student free press rights for charter schools is now facing a stricter publication policy, leaving student journalists in a 'legal limbo,' the paper's adviser said.

SB 438, which if enacted will prevent attempted censorship by charter school administrators, passed the Senate's judiciary committee in a unanimous 5-0 vote today, according to the Orange County Register.

The bill, introduced by State Sen. Leland Yee (D-San Francisco/San Mateo), amends California Education Code Section 48907 -- the state's student free expression code -- to read 'pupils of the public schools, including charter schools, shall have the right to exercise freedom of speech and of the press ...'"

Perry decides to forgo federal school money | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Perry decides to forgo federal school money | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"Texas will not compete for a potential $700 million in federal grant funding for schools, Gov. Rick Perry said Wednesday, because it could give Washington too much say in deciding what the state's students should learn.

His decision to forgo the money available in the Race to the Top grant competition defied pleas from local school leaders who said their districts could use it. But Perry, joined by state Education Commissioner Robert Scott, said the funding came with too many federal strings — such as having to adopt national curriculum standards.

“Our states and our communities must reserve the right to decide how we educate our children and not surrender that control to a federal bureaucracy,” Perry said in Houston, where many superintendents had lobbied for his support of the grant."

RN&R > Local Stories > Gibbons proposes sweeping school changes > 01.14.10

RN&R > Local Stories > Gibbons proposes sweeping school changes > 01.14.10

Gov. Jim Gibbons last week proposed a program to eliminate collective bargaining by local government workers and school district employees, abolish the public’s right to elect the state board of education in favor of a politically appointed board, increase the number of children in classrooms, provide public funding for private school tuition, and make the state school superintendent appointed by and answerable to the governor instead of to the state school board.

Gibbons, who was the target of a federal investigation over his secret earmark for a crony while he was a member of Congress, also called for eliminating “special earmarks” in state government and consolidation of smaller county school districts. Other proposals were described only in vague language—“Streamline school funding and create LOCAL empowerment districts.” (The capitalization was in Gibbons’ original written statement.)

UC minority enrollment among lowest in nation

UC minority enrollment among lowest in nation:

"Dominique Stewart-Thomas, 18, builds robots for fun and plans to study electrical engineering next year in college. She makes near-perfect grades in high school."

She is also black and lives in a single-parent household in Oakland, just a few miles from the UC Berkeley campus she hopes to attend.

But a study released Wednesday of the nation's 50 flagship public universities - the best in each state - shows that minority students like Stewart-Thomas make up only a fraction of students at these schools. UC Berkeley has one of the lowest rates, 17 percent.

"It's kind of sad and disheartening," Stewart-Thomas said. "UC Berkeley is in the Bay Area, with many different minorities and cultures. And it's in Berkeley - one of the most liberal, diverse communities in the United States."

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/01/13/BANL1BHN99.DTL#ixzz0capiK1G4

State system could get Phila. campus | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/14/2010

State system could get Phila. campus | Philadelphia Inquirer | 01/14/2010:

"Pennsylvania higher-education officials are in talks with Mayor Nutter's office about opening a state university campus in Philadelphia, state and city officials confirmed yesterday.

'It is something we would be interested in participating in,' said Kenn Marshall, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, which oversees 14 universities, including West Chester and Cheyney.

System chancellor John Cavanaugh said shortly after starting the job in 2008 that he planned to explore the idea to help Nutter boost the city's college-degree attainment rate, one of Nutter's inauguration goals."

Continuing Education: Even with allies, the conversation about LGBT equality never ends: - Opinion - News at Metro Weekly magazine - Washington DC gay/lesbian newspaper, fashion, issues, trends, shopping.

Continuing Education: Even with allies, the conversation about LGBT equality never ends: - Opinion - News at Metro Weekly magazine - Washington DC gay/lesbian newspaper, fashion, issues, trends, shopping.:

"Particularly around the holidays, we are ceaselessly implored to have conversations with our families about our sexual orientation. Ditch that reindeer sweater for a Task Force T-shirt at the family's Christmas party. If Aunt Pearl asks you to pass the Thanksgiving gravy, ask her to pass a marriage-equality measure. And if any relations announce a wedding engagement, ask them if how they can sleep at night celebrating their joy at our expense.

I never worried much about the push to preach to my family. It's not that I don't think it's important. Rather, my family is already progressive. Sure, there's that one cousin in California who gets a little holier-than-thou with his right-wing rants, but his mother has far more social sway and was vocal in her Prop 8 opposition. My teens-to-20s straight nephews don't bat an eye at the notion of gay Uncle Will. My little sister is likely peeved that marriage equality may be coming to D.C., as that makes it far less likely I'll venture to her New Haven, Conn., home to get married. And Mom never hesitates to halt a conversation among her peers that's taken a homophobic turn with, 'My son is gay, and I support him. And his partner.'"

Tax credit could benefit families with students enrolled in CSU system - MontereyHerald.com :

Tax credit could benefit families with students enrolled in CSU system - MontereyHerald.com ::

"A new education credit could benefit families with children in the California State University's system.

For the tax years 2009 and 2010, there is a new post-secondary education credit called the American Opportunity Tax Credit.

The tax credit created by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, or stimulus plan, of 2009 is a modified version of the Hope Credit, which has existed since 1997.

The tax credit may have several benefits for CSU students or their parents. The maximum amount of the credit is $2,500 per student, an increase from previous years.

The credit can be claimed for the first four years of post-secondary education, doubling the previous duration of the Hope Credit.

The AOC is now a refundable credit for most taxpayers"

California’s Credit Cut by S&P Amid Budget Deficit (Update1) - Bloomberg.com

California’s Credit Cut by S&P Amid Budget Deficit (Update1) - Bloomberg.com:

"Jan. 13 (Bloomberg) -- California’s credit rating on $64 billion of general obligation bonds was cut by Standard & Poor’s today as the most-populous U.S. state faces renewed strains over a $20 billion budget deficit.

Gabriel Petek, a San Francisco-based S&P analyst, said the rating was lowered one level to A-, the seventh-highest investment grade. He said the company has a negative outlook on California debt, a sign its standing may decline further. The rating company also cut $13.3 billion of other state debt, including that backed by lease payments."

Governor's promise to 'protect education' rings hollow as schools look at fine print - ContraCostaTimes.com

Governor's promise to 'protect education' rings hollow as schools look at fine print - ContraCostaTimes.com:

"Although Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger crowed about protecting education when he released his budget, he failed to mention a $1.5 billion cut planned for next year along with a decreased cost of living adjustment.

'I question the statement he is protecting public education with his proposal,' said Joe Ovick, superintendent of the Contra Costa County Office of Education.
A San Mateo County school leader was more succinct.

'It's clear at this point that it's completely untrue that the governor is protecting education,' said Craig Baker, interim superintendent of the San Carlos School District. His district had braced for a $1.5 million loss but now anticipates losing at least $600,000 more.

Other education officials statewide echoed those sentiments as they realized the budget proposal would mean cuts of more than $200 per student in most districts. The Mt. Diablo school district saw its projected deficit balloon from $17 million by 2012 to $35.3 million, due to the governor's budget and declining enrollment."

LBPOST.com: Higher Education And The Future Of Long Beach

LBPOST.com: Higher Education And The Future Of Long Beach:

"In his annual State of the City address, Mayor Bob Foster outlined his vision for a local economic recovery. Pointing out that training alone cannot get us out of the recession, the Mayor stressed the importance of job creation. Two typical paths toward job creation involve attracting new businesses to the City and helping local entrepreneurs start their own business.

Regardless of the path chosen, Long Beach’s institutions of higher education play an instrumental role. In his speech, the Mayor specifically cited Long Beach's “higher learning institutions” as one of a handful of reasons that make Long Beach 'a very special opportunity for growing companies'. In order to attract new businesses, Long Beach must be able to offer an educated, skilled workforce to prospective employers. California State University Long Beach and Long Beach City College not only meet this need, they continue to exceed it, bringing hard-earned recognition to our city in the process."

LaJollaLight.com | Revenue sought for California's colleges

LaJollaLight.com | Revenue sought for California's colleges:

"Since its creation in 2003, The Campaign for College Opportunity has worked tirelessly on ensuring that the next generation of California's students has the chance to go to college and succeed. Along with our broad-based and bipartisan coalition of supporters, we have played an active role in educating the public through the dissemination of major studies and reports, raising awareness about issues central to higher education and promoting legislation to increase access and student success.

Now more than ever, the future of California depends upon its citizens and the education they acquire. The Public Policy Institute of California notes that in order to meet the work force needs of the future, we will need 1 million additional college graduates between now and 2025. Yet, we are moving in exactly the wrong direction, turning away thousands of eligible students from our community colleges and universities at a time when we are a woeful 40th in the nation in the number of students who go directly from high school into college."

Parents and Civil Rights Groups Applaud Race to the Top Law

Parents and Civil Rights Groups Applaud Race to the Top Law:

"After calling a special session and introducing a bi-partisan legislative package, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger last week signed historic education reform legislation making California highly competitive in President Obama’s national $4.35 billion Race to the Top education reform and funding competition. On July 24th, 2009 President Obama and U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan announced federal eligibility and competitiveness requirements for states to compete for the single largest pool of discretionary funding for education reform in U.S. History.

Bi-partisan measures SBX5 1 by Senator Gloria Romero (D-Los Angeles) SBX5 4 by Senate pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) ensure California can submit a highly competitive application for up to $700 million in funding for California schools and education reform measures designed to improve the state’s lowest performing schools."

Ca. Gov. Schwarzenegger Announces 760 Local Education Agencies Set to Participate in State’s Race to the Top Plan to Date : Tue, 12 Jan 2010 : California Newswire™

SACRAMENTO /California Newswire/ — Governor Schwarzenegger today announced that to date, 760 local educational agencies have submitted memorandum of understandings (MOU) to partner with the state’s Race to the Top application. The participation of these local educational agencies will ensure that the state’s application is highly competitive for up to $700 million in much needed federal education funding by demonstrating broad statewide impact and support. In addition to the historic and statewide education reform legislation signed recently by the Governor, Race to the Top calls on local education agencies to voluntarily partner with the state through an MOU to take the first steps in implementing the reform agenda championed by President Obama and Governor Schwarzenegger to better California’s education system.

“President Obama

called for positive change, and the 760 local education agencies already partnering with the state show that California’s education community has embraced that call,” said Governor Schwarzenegger. “Paired with the historic legislation I signed to empower parents and transform under-performing schools, this level of voluntary participation will improve California’s education system and help ensure our state is highly competitive in the Race to the Top.”

Chris Prevatt: Race to the Top -- Buyers Beware

Every American leader, from Barack Obama to Arnold Schwarzenegger, would agree that if there's one lifelong lesson to be learned from the implosion of the housing market, it is that before you sign on the dotted line, you'd better know what you're getting yourself into. You'd better ask clarifying questions. You'd better read the fine print. And you'd better make absolutely sure that there are no hidden clauses or trap doors that take you and those dependent on you to the dog house.

While our local districts are comprised of well intentioned, highly educated and reflective leaders who are doing their best to find resources to fill the budget shortfall, we are perplexed that some districts agreed to submit a "Memorandum Of Understanding" with the Governor's Office to participate in California's application for the federal Race to the Top (RTTT) competitive grant program. Many of our local teachers' associations hope that since more than half (60%) of school systems in California did not sign on to the State's MOU, that there is change in the RTTT program language so that district leaders, teachers, parents and stakeholders can work together with their local districts to come up with solutions that are based in research-supported strategies for all.

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