Latest News and Comment from Education

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

2nd BANANA


 
Schools Matter: How to Buy a Candidate: Gloria Romero for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction How to Buy a Candidate: Gloria Romero for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction It's no secret that CA State Senator Gloria Romero (and Chair of the Senate Education Committee in CA) is a major fan of charter schools, competition, and Race to the Top. She's either written or supported a variety of school choice bills, pro-charter legislation, and she never hesitates to bash publ...
 
WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms WWOOF   - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms ...living, learning, sharing organic lifestyles  Last updated - 26th February 2010 | WWOOF.org HOME  >> This is the home page of WWOOF.org|  ? HELP  hat is WWOOF?WWOOF is a world wide network - It started in the UK in 1971 and has since become an international movement that is helping ...
 
Survey shows state schools need 'transformational change,' leader says | detnews.com | The Detroit News  Survey shows state schools need 'transformational change,' leader saysMark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing BureauLansing -- More than one in five Michigan school districts faces a deficit in the coming year, a survey of schools revealed today.The survey by Michigan School Business Officials found 22 percent of school districts are looking at a deficit, 96 percent an...
 
Senate Education Committee to Kick off ESEA Renewal - Politics K-12 - Education Week Senate Education Committee to Kick off ESEA RenewalBy Alyson Klein on March 8, 2010 5:34 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacksWe've heard a bit about the process for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in the House, while the Senate has been relatively silent on the issue.But it sounds like that could change tomorrow when the Senate Health, Educat...
 
Jennings Encourages Activism in D.C. Remarks - Politics K-12 - Education Week Jennings Encourages Activism in D.C. RemarksBy Michele McNeil on March 8, 2010 6:08 PM | No Comments | No TrackBacksFrom guest blogger Ian Quillen:After urging students and teachers to try to "change the world," federal school safety chief Kevin Jennings insisted Monday that conservatives' calls for his resignation haven't affected his visibility.It's just not W...
 
Education Research Report: Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity* Doctors treat millions of children with Ritalin every year to improve their ability to focus on tasks, but scientists now report that Ritalin also directly enhances the speed of learning. In animal research, the scientists showed for the first time that Ritalin boosts both of these cognitive abilities by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter dopami...
 
20100308 Oregon: Shape of Labor Battles to Come?   Education Intelligence Agency March 8, 20101) Oregon: Shape of Labor Battles to Come? For the first time in U.S. history, there are more union members in the public sector than in the private sector. Many of us think this is a watershed event. But will it really have a practical effect on American politics and, if so, how soon? Oregon may provide the answer.In May, the state's Democrats will choose between former Gov. John Kit...
 
Lotsa Helping Hands - What users are saying What users are saying“Just wanted to acknowledge you for this immensely wonderful service. It's amazing to think of all the people helped by this web site. I'm especially grateful for how our family in Denver was helped, and I believe that my son-in-law's healing was greatly assisted by how easy it was to coordinate those who wanted to help. Thank you so very much!”–Connie, Columbia, MO“Thank you for this wonderful site. My six sib...
 
Capitol News Service � Blog Archive � Teacher Fight Looming Teacher Fight LoomingMarch 8th, 2010 by Mike VasilindaFlorida teachers are up in arms over legislation buried deep within a sixty-one page bill that references child abuse. The legislation makes drastic changes in the way teachers  are rewarded or punished. And as Mike Vasilinda tells us, future employment and salary increases would be based on how well students do on tests. Shari Gewanter has been teaching elementary schoo...
 
Education Research Report: Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals* Potential to improve children's diets without burdening school finances while helping local farmers During the school day, children eat roughly one-third of their nutritional needs while at school. Besides lunch, breakfast and snacks may be served, providing ample opportunities for obesity-prevention strategies by offering more n...
 
The Educated Reporter: Everything old is new again: turnaround edition. Everything old is new again: turnaround edition.Now that turnaround is the concept of the moment, we need to investigate what it yielded in the olden days when it was called “restructuring.” Last week I suggested journalists keep in context that zero-based staffing, as whole-school firings (or reassignments) are called, is not new. Now we should take the analysis much further. What has gone on at the dozens (h...
 
Education Research Report: The Forum Guide to Data Ethics The Forum Guide to Data EthicsEducators collect and use data about students, staff, and schools. Some of these data originate in individual student and staff records that are confidential or otherwise sensitive. And even those data that are a matter of public record, such as aggregate school enrollment, need to be accessed, presented, and used in an ethically responsible manner. While laws set the legal parameters that govern data use, e...
 
Persisently Low-Achieving Schools - Year 2010 (CA Dept of Education) State Schools Chief O'Connell, Education Secretary Reiss, and State Board of Education President Mitchell Release Preliminary List of Schools Identified as 5 Percent of Persistently Lowest Achieving and Call for Action to Improve SchoolsSACRAMENTO — Working to ensure access to high-quality education for all students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, Secretary of Education Bonnie Reiss, ...
 
Singapore Math - Or How I Learned To Love Numbers - THE DAILY RIFF - Be Smarter. About Education. Like most Americans, I definitely grew up not seeing any beauty in numbers. My math education was a jumble of meaningless steps, arcane algorithms and tear-stained time tests. It was not until adulthood that I saw the usefulness of numbers, and not until I began teaching Singapore math that I saw their elegance.  Teachers tend to teach using the same methods that were in existence w...
 
LA students reunite for ailing mentor Escalante LA students reunite for ailing mentor Escalanteby Esmeralda Bermudez - Mar. 8, 2010 11:51 AM Los Angeles TimesThere was a time in East Los Angeles when el maestro's gruff voice bounced off his classroom walls. He roamed the aisles, he juggled oranges, he dressed in costumes, he punched the air; he called you names, he called your mom, he kicked you out, he lured you in; he danced, he boxed, he screamed, he whispered. He would do anyt...
 
Persistently Lowest-Achieving Schools - Accountability (CA Dept of Education) Persistently Lowest-Achieving SchoolsFederal and state laws and guidance require states to identify persistently lowest achieving schools. The lowest 5 percent of these schools must implement a school intervention model in 2010-11.Frequently Asked Questions (Outside Source)  Prepared by the US Dept of Education in response to the School Improvement Grant. School Improvement Grant (SIG) (Coming Soon)&nbs...
 
Education Research Report Varying Rates of Improvement in Low-Performing Schools* Data from two states demonstrate differing trends in school performance and improvement, Provide insights into ESEA reauthorization and strategies for identifying our nation’s “stuck” schools A report by The Education Trust shows that schools often lumped together as “low performing” are not all alike. Examining data from reading and mathematics assessments for elementary and middle schools in...
 
The Educated Reporter: Living on Doubleshot in New Orleans schools. THE EDUCATED REPORTER COMMENTARY ON EDUCATION COVERAGE, WRITING AND A FEW OTHER THINGSMONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010Living on Doubleshot in New Orleans schools.Check out this thorough piece by Sarah Carr of the New Orleans Times-Picayune about the toll on teachers at no-excuses charter schools. Let’s say that the time commitment these teachers make must be kept up to be effective at the school, and that within a couple of ye...
 
District Dollars: Welcome to District Dollars Welcome to District DollarsFor a third straight year, the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD) faces budget cuts because of less funding from the California state government. In January Davis school superintendent James Hammond presented the Board of Education with a proposal to close a $5.6 million budget gap for the 2010-11 school year.District Dollars is a web-based, interactive program to help you understand the DJUSD budget situatio...
 
Eduflack: Investing in Proven Innovation Investing in Proven InnovationThe hits keep coming from the good folks down on Maryland Avenue.  Today, the U.S. Department of Education officially released its Investing in Innovation, or i3, grant RFP.  For all of those districts looking to get a piece of nearly $650 million in i3 dollars, the clock starts ... NOW.  Full details on the grant process can be found here.   Many will recall that ED circulated a draft i3 RFP for pub...
 
Pennsylvania NEA and AFL-CIO to Announce Partnership | Intercepts Pennsylvania NEA and AFL-CIO to Announce PartnershipThe press release calls this “an historic agreement”, but it’s hard to tell if this is really nothing more than the Pennsylvania State Education Association saying it won’t stand in the way of its locals joining the AFL-CIO. They are already allowed to apply for membership according to the provisions of the national agreement, which states only:The AFL-CIO and ...
 
R.I. Teacher Drama May Be Nearing Conclusion - Teacher Beat - Education Week It looks like the teachers and administrators in Central Falls, R.I., are back at the bargaining table to work out a plan for transforming the school.Jay Mathews at the WaPo apologizes for missing the 50 percent teacher-rehiring clause in a recent column. But he's not the only one who made this error; it's been missing in a lot of the national coverage. It took me three posts on th...
 
California Progress Report A Missed Day of Action By Peter SchragIf last week’s demonstrations protesting funding cuts to California schools and colleges were aimed at getting media attention, they succeeded magnificently. Given the low number of demonstrators, they got a lot more ink than the turnout was worth.But if they were designed to generate any real political action they got almost nothing. To their credit, the protests were for the most part both civil and directed at the politi...
 
AFL-CIO NOW BLOG | International Women’s Day, March 8: Time to Recommit to Equal Rights International Women’s Day, March 8: Time to Recommit to Equal Rights by James Parks, Mar 7, 201048Share Women make up more than half the American workforce and are approaching half of union members. On International Women’s Day, March 8, the AFL-CIO is recommitting itself to continue the struggle for equal rights, dignity and respect for all working women.This past week, the AFL-C...
 
Education Week American Education News Site of Record Final Rules Unveiled for 'i3' Innovation FundThe Education Department is still requiring a private-sector match and tough evidence for the $650 million in competitive stimulus grants.• U.S. Ed-Tech Plan Prods K-12 to Innovate(March 8, 2010)Ed. Officials to Step Up Civil Rights EnforcementThe federal government plans to give a deeper look at issues ranging from programs for english language learners to access to college prepara...
 
Lotsa Helping Hands - What users are saying What users are saying“Just wanted to acknowledge you for this immensely wonderful service. It's amazing to think of all the people helped by this web site. I'm especially grateful for how our family in Denver was helped, and I believe that my son-in-law's healing was greatly assisted by how easy it was to coordinate those who wanted to help. Thank you so very much!”–Connie, Columbia, MO“Thank you for this wonderful site. My six sib...
 
Capitol News Service � Blog Archive � Teacher Fight Looming Teacher Fight LoomingMarch 8th, 2010 by Mike VasilindaFlorida teachers are up in arms over legislation buried deep within a sixty-one page bill that references child abuse. The legislation makes drastic changes in the way teachers  are rewarded or punished. And as Mike Vasilinda tells us, future employment and salary increases would be based on how well students do on tests. Shari Gewanter has been teaching elementary schoo...
 
Education Research Report: Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals* Potential to improve children's diets without burdening school finances while helping local farmers During the school day, children eat roughly one-third of their nutritional needs while at school. Besides lunch, breakfast and snacks may be served, providing ample opportunities for obesity-prevention strategies by offering more n...
 
The Educated Reporter: Everything old is new again: turnaround edition. Everything old is new again: turnaround edition.Now that turnaround is the concept of the moment, we need to investigate what it yielded in the olden days when it was called “restructuring.” Last week I suggested journalists keep in context that zero-based staffing, as whole-school firings (or reassignments) are called, is not new. Now we should take the analysis much further. What has gone on at the dozens (h...
 
Education Research Report: The Forum Guide to Data Ethics The Forum Guide to Data EthicsEducators collect and use data about students, staff, and schools. Some of these data originate in individual student and staff records that are confidential or otherwise sensitive. And even those data that are a matter of public record, such as aggregate school enrollment, need to be accessed, presented, and used in an ethically responsible manner. While laws set the legal parameters that govern data use, e...
 
Persisently Low-Achieving Schools - Year 2010 (CA Dept of Education) State Schools Chief O'Connell, Education Secretary Reiss, and State Board of Education President Mitchell Release Preliminary List of Schools Identified as 5 Percent of Persistently Lowest Achieving and Call for Action to Improve SchoolsSACRAMENTO — Working to ensure access to high-quality education for all students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O'Connell, Secretary of Education Bonnie Reiss, ...
 
Singapore Math - Or How I Learned To Love Numbers - THE DAILY RIFF - Be Smarter. About Education. Like most Americans, I definitely grew up not seeing any beauty in numbers. My math education was a jumble of meaningless steps, arcane algorithms and tear-stained time tests. It was not until adulthood that I saw the usefulness of numbers, and not until I began teaching Singapore math that I saw their elegance.  Teachers tend to teach using the same methods that were in existence w...
 
LA students reunite for ailing mentor Escalante LA students reunite for ailing mentor Escalanteby Esmeralda Bermudez - Mar. 8, 2010 11:51 AM Los Angeles TimesThere was a time in East Los Angeles when el maestro's gruff voice bounced off his classroom walls. He roamed the aisles, he juggled oranges, he dressed in costumes, he punched the air; he called you names, he called your mom, he kicked you out, he lured you in; he danced, he boxed, he screamed, he whispered. He would do anyt...
 
Persistently Lowest-Achieving Schools - Accountability (CA Dept of Education) Persistently Lowest-Achieving SchoolsFederal and state laws and guidance require states to identify persistently lowest achieving schools. The lowest 5 percent of these schools must implement a school intervention model in 2010-11.Frequently Asked Questions (Outside Source)  Prepared by the US Dept of Education in response to the School Improvement Grant. School Improvement Grant (SIG) (Coming Soon)&nbs...
 
Education Research Report Varying Rates of Improvement in Low-Performing Schools* Data from two states demonstrate differing trends in school performance and improvement, Provide insights into ESEA reauthorization and strategies for identifying our nation’s “stuck” schools A report by The Education Trust shows that schools often lumped together as “low performing” are not all alike. Examining data from reading and mathematics assessments for elementary and middle schools in...
 
The Educated Reporter: Living on Doubleshot in New Orleans schools. THE EDUCATED REPORTER COMMENTARY ON EDUCATION COVERAGE, WRITING AND A FEW OTHER THINGSMONDAY, MARCH 8, 2010Living on Doubleshot in New Orleans schools.Check out this thorough piece by Sarah Carr of the New Orleans Times-Picayune about the toll on teachers at no-excuses charter schools. Let’s say that the time commitment these teachers make must be kept up to be effective at the school, and that within a couple of ye...
 
District Dollars: Welcome to District Dollars Welcome to District DollarsFor a third straight year, the Davis Joint Unified School District (DJUSD) faces budget cuts because of less funding from the California state government. In January Davis school superintendent James Hammond presented the Board of Education with a proposal to close a $5.6 million budget gap for the 2010-11 school year.District Dollars is a web-based, interactive program to help you understand the DJUSD budget situatio...
 
Eduflack: Investing in Proven Innovation Investing in Proven InnovationThe hits keep coming from the good folks down on Maryland Avenue.  Today, the U.S. Department of Education officially released its Investing in Innovation, or i3, grant RFP.  For all of those districts looking to get a piece of nearly $650 million in i3 dollars, the clock starts ... NOW.  Full details on the grant process can be found here.   Many will recall that ED circulated a draft i3 RFP for pub...
 
Pennsylvania NEA and AFL-CIO to Announce Partnership | Intercepts Pennsylvania NEA and AFL-CIO to Announce PartnershipThe press release calls this “an historic agreement”, but it’s hard to tell if this is really nothing more than the Pennsylvania State Education Association saying it won’t stand in the way of its locals joining the AFL-CIO. They are already allowed to apply for membership according to the provisions of the national agreement, which states only:The AFL-CIO and ...
 
R.I. Teacher Drama May Be Nearing Conclusion - Teacher Beat - Education Week It looks like the teachers and administrators in Central Falls, R.I., are back at the bargaining table to work out a plan for transforming the school.Jay Mathews at the WaPo apologizes for missing the 50 percent teacher-rehiring clause in a recent column. But he's not the only one who made this error; it's been missing in a lot of the national coverage. It took me three posts on th...
 
California Progress Report A Missed Day of Action By Peter SchragIf last week’s demonstrations protesting funding cuts to California schools and colleges were aimed at getting media attention, they succeeded magnificently. Given the low number of demonstrators, they got a lot more ink than the turnout was worth.But if they were designed to generate any real political action they got almost nothing. To their credit, the protests were for the most part both civil and directed at the politi...
 
AFL-CIO NOW BLOG | International Women’s Day, March 8: Time to Recommit to Equal Rights International Women’s Day, March 8: Time to Recommit to Equal Rights by James Parks, Mar 7, 201048Share Women make up more than half the American workforce and are approaching half of union members. On International Women’s Day, March 8, the AFL-CIO is recommitting itself to continue the struggle for equal rights, dignity and respect for all working women.This past week, the AFL-C...
 
Education Week American Education News Site of Record Final Rules Unveiled for 'i3' Innovation FundThe Education Department is still requiring a private-sector match and tough evidence for the $650 million in competitive stimulus grants.• U.S. Ed-Tech Plan Prods K-12 to Innovate(March 8, 2010)Ed. Officials to Step Up Civil Rights EnforcementThe federal government plans to give a deeper look at issues ranging from programs for english language learners to access to college prepara...




 
The Quick and the Ed We interrupt this gnashing of teeth . . .March 8th, 2010 | Category: UncategorizedShare This Post with a little reality check.Since the 16 finalists for Race to the Top funding were announced last Thursday, there has been a general gnashing of teeth and rending of garments.“A sad day for reformville,” Petrelli writes. Today’s WaPo says the list isn’t “exclusive” enough.I think that Secretary Duncan did just what you’d expect a college ballplayer...
 
"The New Dork": Geek Anthem Spoofs Jay-Z (VIDEO) Let's hear it for the new dorks. It wasn't too long ago that being a dork meant you weren't cool. Oh how times have changed. A new generation of geeky entrepreneurs are setting the standards for business and the world we live in -- they are the trendsetters. So it's only fitting that they're celebrated with a internet video that parodies Jay-Z's "Empire State Of Mind." They've outcooled Jay...
 
Student Activists Beaten After Rally On Interstate (VIDEO, PHOTOS) Student Activists Beaten After Rally On Interstate (VIDEO, PHOTOS) Produced by HuffPost's Eyes & Ears Citizen Journalism UnitOn March 4th, 2010, demonstrators in California and across the country took to the streets to protest massive cuts at all levels of education and government imposed austerity measures.In Oakland, thousands of protesters rallied in Frank Ogawa Plaza. A group of some 200 then bro...
 
Fixing schools by firing teachers - Education - Salon.com Fixing schools by firing teachersSlash-and-burn tactics come to education. But in our race to repair broken schools, are we hurting kids?BY MARY ELIZABETH WILLIAMSSalon/iStockphotoCentral Falls High School in Rhode Island is one of the lowest-performing schools in one of the poorest communities in the state. It has a graduation rate of 48 percent. Only 7 percent of  its students, the majority of whom are English langu...
 
Amazon.com: The Death and Life of the Great American School System eBook: Diane Ravitch: Kindle Store The Death and Life of the Great American School System (Kindle Edition)by Diane Ravitch (Author)4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)Digital List Price:$26.95  What's this? Print List Price:$26.95Kindle Price:$9.99 & includes wireless delivery via Amazon WhispernetYou Save:$16.96 (63%)Text-to-Speech: Enabled ...
 
Notes from the news, Mar. 8 | Philadelphia Public School Notebook Notes from the news, Mar. 8PRINTEMAILAdults' missteps detailed in S. Phila. High violence The Inquirer This front page story examined the report on the violence and how school administrators reacted.See also: Confusión y errores de adultos en South Philly High Al Día Things that make me want to go . . . . UGH Young Philly PoliticsOnly six providers approved for 'turnaround' The Notebook bl...
 
The Other Government Takeover - WSJ.com Everyone knows Democrats are planning to use the budget reconciliation process to get ObamaCare through the Senate. Less well known is that Democrats are plotting add-ons to that bill to get other liberal priorities enacted—programs that could never attract 60 votes.One of these controversial measures rewrites the Higher Education Act to ban private companies from offering federally guaranteed student loans as of this July. Congress has already passed ...
 
This Week In Education News: 100 Districts Already Down To Four-Day Week$2b later, Kansas City, Mo., may close half its schools AP:  Kansas City was viewed as a national example of bold thinking when it tried to integrate its schools by making them better than the suburban districts where many children were moving.  Districts Explore Shorter School Week WSJ: Of the nearly 15,000-plus districts nationwide, more than 100 in at least 17 states currently use the four-day system,...
 
The Educated Guess Exploring new pay plans for teachers, principalsPosted in Data, Program innovationThe vice president of the California Teachers Association said last week that he wouldn’t oppose alternative pay plans for teachers, under two conditions: They must be negotiated locally, and they must not tie teacher raises to results on California’s annual, high-stakes standardized tests. Dean Vogel was a panelist on a forum on pay for performance sponsored by theSilicon Valley E...
 
National Journal Online -- Education Experts -- Accountability In The Race To The Top Program Accountability In The Race To The Top ProgramThe Education Department last week announced 16 finalists for a big chunk of the $4.35 billion it's giving out through its Race to the Top grant competition for elementary and secondary schools. Elsewhere around the country, college students were <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/news/education/2010-03-04-university-protests_N.htm" oncli...
 
HISD cutting school cafeteria jobs and wages | Houston & Texas News | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle More than 425 cafeteria workers in the Houston school district will have their wages slashed this month, dozens of other positions will be cut and students likely will pay more for lunch next year to cover a multimillion-dollar budget shortfall.The Houston Independent School District also is expected to take the rare step this year of spending $10.5 million from savings — about 3 percent o...
 
Education- Everything you need to know about the world of education. D.C. trying to connect math to lives of childrenRising NAEP scores attributed to new "Everyday math" curriculumK.C. may shut down half of it schoolsDuncan will not skip Ala. eventLatinos fear loss of parent liaisonsCops: T-J official stole to fund gamblingLanier: One teacher arrested for abuseR.I. officials back down on firingsCriminal probe into grade scandalPlan for Hardy may be backfiringCamille Jackson high-fives...
 
Jason Riley: Charter Schools Flourish in Harlem - WSJ.com The Harlem Armory in upper Manhattan was built in 1933 to honor the celebrated 369th Regiment—also known as the Harlem Hellfighters, the first black regiment to fight in World War I. On a recent Saturday, however, the Art Deco edifice at Fifth Avenue and 142nd Street hosted an army of parents and educators who are fighting to provide Harlem children with decent schools.Despite heavy snowfall the night before, more than 3,000 people tre...
 
EducationNews.org - A Global Leading News Source $2b later, Kansas City, Mo., may close half its schools3.8.10 - KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Kansas City was viewed as a national example of bold thinking when it tried to integrate its schools by... Should the Austin, TX, school system invalidate its 2009 NAEP test scores? 3.8.10 - Nakonia (Niki) Hayes - If a nationally recognized test is given, but the sampling method used to select Officials Step Up Enforcement of Rights Laws in Education3.8...
 
Rise & Shine: Budget cuts could eliminate most Regents exams | GothamSchools Rise & Shine: Budget cuts could eliminate most Regents examsby Philissa CramerNews from New York City: PTAs at 26 schools have raised more than $2 million this year to pay for extra teachers aides. (Post)The Board of Regents is considering eliminating 13 Regents exams to save money. (Daily News,Post)Parents say the Joel Klein-Eva Moskowitz e-mails should stop school closures for now. (Daily News)State Sen....
 
Local News | School superintendents split on levy bill | Seattle Times Newspaper School superintendents split on levy billA bill that would allow school districts to raise more money through levies is opposed by some school superintendents who say it would widen the gap between rich districts and poor ones.By Linda ShawSeattle Times education reporterAs they consider another year of big funding cuts for public schools, some state lawmakers want to soften that blow by allowing districts to ...
 
Adults' confusion, missteps detailed | Philadelphia Inquirer | 03/07/2010 Adults' confusion, missteps detailedDuring a day of attacks Dec. 3, decisions were based on incomplete or inaccurate information.By Jeff Gammage and Kristen A. GrahamInquirer Staff WritersOn Dec. 3, as Asian students endured a daylong series of attacks at South Philadelphia High, the adults responsible for their safety were often confused or unsure how to respond. The principal ordered a midmorning lockdown - desi...
 
Five Oakland schools to face sanctions because of low test scores - Inside Bay Area Five Oakland schools to face sanctions because of low test scoresBy Theresa Harrington and Katy Murphy Oakland TribunePosted: 03/07/2010 03:56:54 PM PSTUpdated: 03/07/2010 08:36:45 PM PST The state education department today will release its first list of "persistently lowest-achieving schools," including five in Oakland and six in the Mt. Diablo district.The announcement, expected at 10 a.m....
 
Talking about a Parent Revolution | INDenverTimes.com Talking about a Parent RevolutionBy Nancy Mitchell on March 6, 2010 · Comment  · ShareThisShirley Ford of Parent RevolutionIn California, a majority of parents at a failing school can now force district officials to make dramatic changes, including staff turnover and closure.The “parent trigger” was signed into law in January by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger as part of a package of changes aimed at boosting the st...
 
The Signal - Santa Clarita Valley News - Going Private In between reading college-level Greek texts, a group of about 20 ninth-grade Trinity Classical Academy students stumbled into a conversation about cloning inspired by the classic book "Frankenstein." The students questioned the ethics of cloning: Does it interrupt God's plan? "God picked a time for everyone to die," one student said. "That would be unnatural." Their humanities teacher, Grant Horner, who ...
 
Educators weigh in on Race to the Top: Survey results - comments Educators' comments about Race to the Top ranged from confusion and frustration to total agreement.www.greenwavesoftware.com/ support_tb.php(Note: This is the second of three articles presenting results from a Race to the Top survey distributed to educators over the past month. It presents educators' comments on various aspects of Race to the Top. The first article provides statistical breakdowns and graphs of t...
 
Putting the ‘Public’ Back in Public Higher Education: Broadening our Lens, Advocating for Change Putting the ‘Public’ Back in Public Higher Education: Broadening our Lens, Advocating for Change Monday, March 8, 2010 @ 2:00 p.m. UIC Professors Nena Torres and Dick Simpson Report back presentations from faculty delegations that will have met with public officials and local stakeholders earlier in the day to make the case for the importance of public higher education in the priorities of t...
 
Budget cuts slash California rehabilitation program for prisoners - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee Budget cuts slash California rehabilitation program for prisonersShareThis  Buzz up!By Susan Ferriss  sferriss@sacbee.comPublished: Monday, Mar. 8, 2010 - 12:00 am | Page 1ACalifornia prison officials began touting a new public safety reform in January that would encourage inmates to complete a rehabilitation course and earn six weeks per year off a ...
 
Epoch Times - California School Debates Merit of Confucius Classroom Program A recent decision to implement a curriculum from mainland China in a southern California school has provoked a debate over the motives behind the program, and what should and should not be taught in American classrooms. The Hacienda La Puente Unified School District committee voted 4-1 in late January to approve the Confucius Classroom program at Cedarlane Middle School, beginning this September. With no cost to the s...
 
Daniel Reimold: Education News: 100% of the Student Journalism Beat Student journalist Cameron Burns was recently manhandled by police, handcuffed, tossed to the ground, and bussed off to jail. But he got the story. Late last week, the eighteen-year-old multimedia producer for The Daily Californian at the University of California, Berkeley, joined a large group of anarchists marching roughly eight miles from Berkeley to Oakland to protest public education funding cuts. His missio...
 
Getting the ax at Central Falls | SocialistWorker.org Getting the ax at Central FallsBrian Chidester, a member of the Bristol-Warren Education Association, looks at the background to the latest in a series of Washington-driven attacks on teachers' unions.March 8, 2010Nearly 100 teachers and support staff were fired from Central Falls High School (Paul Hubbard | SW)CENTRAL FALLS, R.I.--population 19,000, living in just over a one-square-mile area--has become the latest battleground in the wa...
 
PSLweb (Party for Socialism and Liberation): Across the country: militant student protests against budget cuts Across the country: militant student protests against budget cuts Saturday, March 6, 2010 By: PSL ReportReports from March 4 actionsOn March 4, students all over the country walked out of class and took to the streets to defend education. Actions took place in over 30 states.In California many schools were effectively shut down for the day and numerous cities were the scene of street a...
 
The Daily Aztec - Hundreds turn out to protest budget cuts Hundreds turn out to protest budget cutsBy Kristina Blake, Assistant City Editor|Published: Sunday, March 7, 2010Updated: Monday, March 8, 2010Glenn Connelly / Photo EditorSan Diego State joined other local universities and organizations on a march from Balboa Park to the governor’s downtown office. The local rallies were part of a statewide protest against budget cuts to education.Students, faculty members, teachers, ...
 
Battle of the ages: Boomers vs. the young :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Personal Finance Battle of the ages: Boomers vs. the young March 8, 2010BY TERRY SAVAGE Sun-Times ColumnistWe've just seen the first pitched battle in the next war -- The War Between the Generations. It will be a war that divides America in a way we haven't seen since the Civil War. Unlike the recent political battles between red states and blue, or the liberals vs. the conservatives, this battle will not be ...
 
“Defend Education”: The Usual Suspects Behind California Unrest | NewsReal Blog “Defend Education”: The Usual Suspects Behind California Unrest2010 MARCH 7tags: Defend Education, Higher Education, News, Politicsby Nichole HungerfordAs predicted yesterday in my post about bourgeois Berkeley brats bemoaning tuition hikes, far from being a genuine student upswell, these poor saps are, in fact, being orchestrated by an extensive  coalition of ne...
 
California to list 187 chronically low-performing schools - San Jose Mercury News California to list 187 chronically low-performing schoolsBy Sharon Noguchisnoguchi@mercurynews.comPosted: 03/08/2010 12:00:00 AM PST To align with the Obama administration's push to reform failing schools, California today will release a controversial list of the state's 187 "persistently lowest-achieving schools."The schools will be forced to close or adopt other drastic measures to improve...
 
BeyondChron: San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News � Time to Mobilize on State Budget Reform Time to Mobilize on State Budget Reform by Paul Hogarth‚ Mar. 08‚ 2010   The March 4th statewide education protests had their positive impact – sympathetic media attention on the plight of California’s public schools. But education’s not the only thing under siege – Schwarzenegger has eliminated state funding for public transit, as we see San Francisco’s Muni collapse i...
 
Thousands protest cuts to public education, march to governor’s office�|�Daily Titan No cuts! No fees! Education should be free!” Hundreds chant as other protesters’ cries of “Save our schools!” and “¡Obama, escucha! ¡Estamos en la lucha! (Obama, listen! We are in the fight!)” blend into the overall demand for political action, favoring education.Megaphones and cardboard signs conquered the day as the scent of burning sage wafted through the air and thousands hit the streets...

Monday, March 8, 2010

State Board Meeting--March 2010 - State Board of Education (CA Dept of Education)

State Board Meeting--March 2010 - State Board of Education (CA Dept of Education)

State Board Meeting--March 2010

Agenda and other related materials for the California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting to be held on March 10-11, 2010.SBE Meeting Live Webcast
This page provides the agenda and other related materials for the California State Board of Education (SBE) meeting to be held on Wednesday, March 10, 2010 and Thursday, March 11, 2010. Meetings will be held at the following location unless otherwise noted:
State Board of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, CA 95814
Agenda and Other Related Material
Agenda*
Comprehensive Vision, Mission, and Goals Statement
Meeting Minutes
SBE Bylaws
SBE Meeting Live Webcast

* State Board of Education Meeting Agendas


SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES



United States Department of Education Monitoring Review

During the week of February 22, 2010, the Student Achievement and School Accountability Programs office (referred to hereafter as SASA) of the U.S. Department of Education (ED) conducted its California monitoring visit for implementation of Title I, Part A, Improving Basic Programs operated by local educational agencies (LEAs); Title I, Part D, Prevention and Intervention Program for Children and Youth Who are Neglected, Delinquent, or At-Risk of Dropping Out of School (N or D); and Title X, Part C, the McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Assistance Act of 2001 (Homeless). The Title III, English Learner Program was monitored in May 2009 and was not included in the February 2010 visit.

The content of SASA’s monitoring is based on states’ responsibilities to provide guidance and support to LEAs and schools based on the requirements of ESEA. SASA uses monitoring indicators (see December 2009 Information Memorandum) to determine the degree of implementation of federal programs administered by state educational agencies. SASA staff has developed indicators in each of the following three monitoring areas: Standards, Assessment, and Accountability; Instructional Support; and Fiduciary. CDE staff, in consultation with SBE staff, provided ED with evidence for the monitoring indicators prior to the visit.

In addition, the monitoring visit involved an onsite review of select local educational agencies


SUMMARY OF KEY ISSUES (Cont.)

(LEAs). Although subject to change, the LEAs and schools that will be reviewed by program include:

  • Title I, Part A, Basic
    • Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)
      • Nobel Avenue Elementary School
      • Mark Twain Middle School
      • Wilson High School
      • Compton Elementary School
      • Yeshiva Rav Isacsohon/Torath Em (non-public)
    • Sacramento City USD
      • Oak Ridge Elementary
      • Will C. Wood Middle School
      • Cristo Rey High School (non-public)
    • Sacramento Charter High School
    • Santa Ana USD
      • Pio Pico Elementary School
      • Century High School
      • School of Our Lady (non-pubic)
    • Long Beach USD
      • McKinley Elementary School
      • Hamilton Middle School
      • St. Lucy School (non-public)

  • Title I, Part D, Subpart 1
o  The Division of Juvenile Justice and the Division of Rehabilitative Programs (state agencies within the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation) will be interviewed at the CDE.

  • Title I, Part D, Subpart 2
    • LA County Office of Education (COE)
    • Orange COE

  • Title X, Part C
    • Orange COE
    • LAUSD
    • Magnolia Elementary School District
    • Stockton USD and San Joaquin COE will be interviewed at the CDE.

A verbal update of the visit will be provided at the March 2010 SBE meeting.





An image of 2 plus 2 on a chalk board 
The State Board of Education (SBE) is the governing and policy-making body of the California Department of Education. The SBE sets K-12 education policy in the areas of standards, instructional materials, assessment, and accountability. The SBE adopts textbooks for grades K-8, adopts regulations to implement legislation, and has authority to grant waivers of the Education Code. The SBE has 11 members, appointed by the Governor.


The meeting agendas of the State Board of Education cover a wide range of educational issues related to the State Board's duties as outlined by the state Constitution, state statutes, and federal law. The issues on the State Board's agendas are of interest to educators, state and local policy makers, parents and guardians, students, and community members.
Generally speaking, the agenda will be uploaded ten days prior to the State Board's monthly meeting. Additionally, the agenda items will be uploaded ten days prior to the State Board meeting along with any supporting materials that are electronically available. The supporting materials (e.g., attachments, addendums, SBE commentary, or related reports) will be listed below the item number as they become available electronically. The agenda items and supporting materials may be downloaded by selecting the appropriate hyperlink.
For agenda materials that are not available electronically, please contact the State Board of Education office at 916-319-0827.
All supporting materials for the agenda items are available for public inspection at the State Board of Education, 1430 N Street, Suite 5111, Sacramento, California, 95814.

Schools Matter: How to Buy a Candidate: Gloria Romero for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction

Schools Matter: How to Buy a Candidate: Gloria Romero for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction

How to Buy a Candidate: Gloria Romero for CA Superintendent of Public Instruction


It's no secret that CA State Senator Gloria Romero (and Chair of the Senate Education Committee in CA) is a major fan of charter schools, competition, and Race to the Top. She's either written or supported a variety of school choice bills, pro-charter legislation, and she never hesitates to bash public education. Her webpageclaims she wrote the Parent Trigger legislation, but the reality is she was just the mouthpiece of a movement spearheaded by the various charter school organizations backed, of course, by the philanthrocapitalists looking to push their education agenda. Romero is currently running for Superintendent of Public Instruction, one of the top education positions in the state of California. Below is a list of her funders (pulled from here; h/t toDavid Cohen on Twitter for bringing this to my attention):
Donald Fisher - 4/3/2009 - $6,500
Doris Fisher - 4/9/2009 - $6,500
Reed Hastings - 6/24/2009 - $6,500
Ana F. Ponce, Camino Nuevo Charter Academy, Principal - 

WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

WWOOF - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

WWOOF 
 - World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
 
...living, learning, sharing organic lifestyles 


Last updated - 26th February 2010 | WWOOF.org HOME  >> This is the home page of WWOOF.org|  ? HELP  
hat is WWOOF?
WWOOF is a world wide network - It started in the UK in 1971 and has since become an international movement that is helping people share more sustainable ways of living.
WWOOF is an exchange - In return for volunteer help, WWOOF hosts offer food, accommodation and opportunities to learn about organic lifestyles.
WWOOF organisations link people who want to volunteer on organic farms or smallholdings with people who are looking for volunteer help.
How does it work?
WWOOF organisations publish lists of organic farms, smallholdings and gardeners that welcome volunteer help at certain times. The diversity of hosts available offers a large variety of tasks and experiences.
Volunteer helpers ("WWOOFers") choose the hosts that most interest them and make direct contact to arrange a stay. Volunteers usually live as part of the family.
◊ WWOOF volunteers do not pay for their stay.
Photo: Margaret Singer
◊ WWOOF hosts do not pay volunteers for their help.
◊ WWOOF organisations usually charge a small fee to hosts and volunteers. This fee helps maintain and develop the WWOOF network.
Who is WWOOF for?
Read the simple descriptions of WWOOF hosts and WWOOFers (see right).
Do you fit this description?
If so, you are the sort of person that WWOOF was created for!
If not, you could try the organisations listed in the box 'Other non-organic organisations' (right).
WWOOF around the world
There are many WWOOF organisations around the world, but there is no single WWOOF membership that covers all countries.
photo Binod Saharia

Survey shows state schools need 'transformational change,' leader says | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Survey shows state schools need 'transformational change,' leader says | detnews.com | The Detroit News 

Survey shows state schools need 'transformational change,' leader says

Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau

Lansing -- More than one in five Michigan school districts faces a deficit in the coming year, a survey of schools revealed today.
The survey by Michigan School Business Officials found 22 percent of school districts are looking at a deficit, 96 percent anticipate layoffs or not filling vacancies, 48 percent intend to eliminate or significantly reduce athletic programs and 54 percent plan to scrap other educational programs.
"The funding mechanism for public schools is broken," said Thomas White, chairman of Save Our Students, Schools and State, a coalition of 16 education groups, including Michigan School Business Officials. "It's clear we're continuing to head toward the cliff. (School districts) are lined up. Some are closer than others, some are falling off the edge.
"We see a need for transformational change, not just in the way we're funded but in the way we deliver services."
The survey of more than 300 of the state's 550-plus local districts indicates 47 face deficits this year and 60-80 next year, said David Martell, executive director of Michigan School Business Officials.
"That means bankruptcy, out of money," Martell said.
He said that the number of districts that go into deficit likely will be smaller because some will cut staff, bus transportation, athletics and academic programs to keep from going into the red.
He added 3,000 teaching and other school employee positions will be eliminated this year and 4,000 next year.
Thomas Moline, superintendent in the Royal Oak Public Schools, said his district is eliminating transportation, looking to privatize custodial and grounds maintenance, cutting back on counselors and social workers and reducing central office support staff in half.
"We're trying to protect direct classroom services, but if we have the same kind of cuts next year, we may not be able to do that," Moline said.
Other survey findings include:
• 85 percent of districts report class sizes will increase because of staff cuts and closing schools.
• 46 percent will reduce or eliminate bus transportation for students.
• 76 percent plan to consolidate services with other districts to help reduce costs.
• 53 percent will cancel orders for new buses or other major capital spending.
• 83 percent will freeze salaries and benefits for some or all employees.
• 56 percent of districts will reduce or eliminate field trips and other extracurricular activities.


From The Detroit News: http://www.detnews.com/article/20100308/SCHOOLS/3080378/Survey-shows-state-schools-need--transformational-change---leader-says#ixzz0hdRD5M1C

Senate Education Committee to Kick off ESEA Renewal - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Senate Education Committee to Kick off ESEA Renewal - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Senate Education Committee to Kick off ESEA Renewal

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We've heard a bit about the process for reauthorizing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act in the House, while the Senate has been relatively silent on the issue.
But it sounds like that could change tomorrow when the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee holds its very first hearing on renewing the law.
The hearing's title? ESEA Reauthorization: The Importance of World-Class K-12 Education for our Economic Success. Sounds like they're starting out with an "economic competitiveness/job creation strategy," which makes sense from a messaging standpoint, given that in survey after survey, the public says it wants Congress to focus on jobs.
But the topic doesn't give us much of a hint on where the committee stands on the key questions going into reauthorization, including how to measure student learning, gauge teacher effectiveness, and turn around low-performing schools.
On the four-man witness list? Some are usual suspects:
*John Castellan, the president of the Business Roundtable in Washington
*Dennis Van Roekel, the president, National Education Association in Washington
And some are not:
*Andreas Schleicher, the head of the Indicators and Analysis Division, Education Directorate, Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development in 

Jennings Encourages Activism in D.C. Remarks - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Jennings Encourages Activism in D.C. Remarks - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Jennings Encourages Activism in D.C. Remarks

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From guest blogger Ian Quillen:
After urging students and teachers to try to "change the world," federal school safety chief Kevin Jennings insisted Monday that conservatives' calls for his resignation haven't affected his visibility.
It's just not Washingtonians, he said, who are seeing him.
"I feel like there is a genuine Beltway mentality where it becomes an echo chamber," said Jennings, the assistant deputy secretary for the U.S. Department of Education's office of safe and drug-free schools, in an interview after a rare public engagement in the nation's capital. "I think it's more that I don't speak in D.C. I'm on the road a lot."
Jennings, a former history teacher who took his current post last July, lunched Monday at the National Press Club with about 50 teachers from Close Up, a 39-year-old program that aims to inspire students to informed citizenry with hands-on experiences in Washingtom and elsewhere. He later spoke to 200 student participants at an auditorium near his office.
Jennings encouraged teachers to foster activism in students by emphasizing that many smaller actions in the civil rights movement made Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech possible.
"Segregation did not come to an end because Martin Luther King got up, did this speech, and white people in America went, 'Oh my God! We didn't know. We're so sorry,' " Jennings told teachers. "That's really not how it happened. There were decades and decades and decades of folks who came before Martin Luther King."
Jennings also described to students a pilot program that will survey students about the greatest safety needs in their schools. States that win participation in the competitive-grant program will receive money to address those needs, he said. The program will begin in seven states next year, with potential for expansion thereafter.
A former activist himself--best known as the founder of the Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network, or GLSEN--Jennings drew outrage from the right 

Education Research Report: Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity

Education Research Report: Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity

Ritalin boosts learning by increasing brain plasticity

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Doctors treat millions of children with Ritalin every year to improve their ability to focus on tasks, but scientists now report that Ritalin also directly enhances the speed of learning.

In animal research, the scientists showed for the first time that Ritalin boosts both of these cognitive abilities by increasing the activity of the neurotransmitter dopamine deep inside the brain. Neurotransmitters are the chemical messengers neurons use to communicate with each other. They release the molecule, which then docks onto receptors of other neurons. The research demonstrated that one type of dopamine receptor aids the ability to focus, and another type improves the learning itself.

The scientists also established that Ritalin produces these effects by enhancing brain plasticity – strengthening communication between neurons where they meet at the synapse. Research in this field has accelerated as scientists have recognized that our brains can continue to form new connections – remain plastic – throughout life.

"Since we now know that Ritalin improves behavior through two specific types of neurotransmitter receptors, the finding could help in the development of better targeted drugs, with fewer side effects, to increase focus and learning," said Antonello Bonci, MD, principal investigator at the Ernest Gallo Clinic and Research Center and professor of neurology at UCSF. The Gallo Center is affiliated with the UCSF Department of Neurology.

Bonci is co-senior author of the paper, which will be published online in "Nature Neuroscience" on Sunday, March 7, 2010.

Bonci and his colleagues showed that Ritalin's therapeutic action takes place in a brain region called

Oregon: Shape of Labor Battles to Come? Education Intelligence Agency

20100308
Oregon: Shape of Labor Battles to Come?   Education Intelligence Agency

March 8, 2010
1) Oregon: Shape of Labor Battles to Come? For the first time in U.S. history, there are more union members in the public sector than in the private sector. Many of us think this is a watershed event. But will it really have a practical effect on American politics and, if so, how soon? Oregon may provide the answer.
In May, the state's Democrats will choose between former Gov. John Kitzhaber and former Secretary of State Bill Bradbury for the party's gubernatorial nomination. As in most states, organized labor comprises a major portion of the Democratic base. What's interesting about the Oregon race is that Kitzhaber picked up the endorsements (and thus, the funding) of the state AFL-CIO and a host of private sector unions, while Bradbury was endorsed by the Oregon Education Association, AFT Oregon and the Oregon School Employees Association.
The latter should come as a shock to no one, even since Kitzhaber proposed performance-based funding for the school system. Bradbury took a different approach.
"Essentially, he won teachers over by telling them the only problem with Oregon schools is that they don't have enough money," wrote Jeff Mapes of The Oregonian.
"Bradbury went to my heart and Kitzhaber went to my intellect," said one OEA member. I'll spare you any of the two dozen snarky comments I had planned for this sentence.
Yet to issue an endorsement are the public sector SEIU and AFSCME. If they endorse Bradbury, it will be private sector unions plus AFL-CIO on one side and public sector unions on the other. If they endorse Kitzhaber, it will be school unions on one side and all other unions on the other. Either way, it sets up an interesting primary battle.
SEIU and AFSCME together are the only organizations in the state able to match the school unions dollar for dollar. There have been internecine union campaigns before, but rarely one that was evenly matched. On the other hand, if SEIU and AFSCME side with the school unions, they'll be able to crush the private sector unions in spending. This will open the eyes of the private sector unions to the new reality more than a million words of punditry can.
2) The New York Times Finally Solves the Riddle of Teacher Union Coverage. Much of the education news buzz has correctly focused on Elizabeth Green's "Building a Better Teacher" for the New York Times Magazine. But the Times also published

Lotsa Helping Hands - What users are saying

Lotsa Helping Hands - What users are saying

What users are saying

“Just wanted to acknowledge you for this immensely wonderful service. It's amazing to think of all the people helped by this web site. I'm especially grateful for how our family in Denver was helped, and I believe that my son-in-law's healing was greatly assisted by how easy it was to coordinate those who wanted to help. Thank you so very much!”
–Connie, Columbia, MO
“Thank you for this wonderful site. My six siblings and I are using it to coordinate and communicate care for our elderly mother in New York state. We are scattered across the East Coast and Midwest. This site enables us to schedule tasks and keep everyone informed without having to exchange endless phone calls and emails.”
–Debra, Massachusetts
“Do you currently accept donations for Lotsa Helping Hands? I have been using your site since December of 2007 and was interested in making a modest donation of $25. Can I mail a contribution to help support the work that you do through LHH? I would enjoy speaking with you, but ALS is claiming my voice and so speaking on the phone is difficult. Have a great day!”
–Ann, Minnesota
“I don't know who you guys are but this web site has been invaluable in assisting my friend in getting meals and help with her kids. We have 35 people signed on and it has gone so smoothly thanks to your wonderful site. Thank you for setting it up. It is genius.”
–Annie, San Diego, CA
“Let me first say that I think this website is wonderful. The help Lily received during Scott's fight with cancer was unmatched and could not have been done without this web site's help.”
–Chris, North Carolina
“This is a wonderful program that I stumbled upon when searching for the address to the hospital to send a thank you note. I was in the hospital for 3 weeks and delivered twins who were in NICU for 4.5 months. Although people asked what they could do, there was no coordinated effort, so driving me to the hospital post-surgery fell to my parents exclusively; preparing food fell to no one, so drive-thru food became a necessity for us. We were very fortunate for all the care that our family received, but this service would have made things a great deal easier.”
–Donna, Boston, MA
“What a great idea you have created here! I was trying to figure out how I was going to manage this whole thing and take care of my life and family of 6. Thank you!!!!”
–Karol, San Jose, CA
“Lotsa Helping Hands is one of the best things I have found. I heard of it from a friend of the family. When my brother, who is only 21, had a spinal stroke that left him quadriplegic, I needed a way of getting in touch with hundreds of his friends who all wanted constant information regarding his status but didn't want to bother my family with phone calls. This website was a savior and it really helped people get involved with my brother's situation. 

Your web site has helped our family in so many ways! People keep telling me how they wait for our entry every day to see how he is. It is just a great way to communicate. Also, the calendar and ability to get everyone's phone numbers is a great asset. Thank you for all your work!”
–Danielle, New Jersey
“This website has truly been a lifesaver to me and my family! It is very easy to use and easy for volunteers to sign up. Thank you for providing this wonderful service! We wouldn't be able to get through our situation without all of the help from our friends & family.”
–Mollie, Cincinnati, OH

Capitol News Service � Blog Archive � Teacher Fight Looming

Capitol News Service � Blog Archive � Teacher Fight Looming

Teacher Fight Looming

March 8th, 2010 by Mike Vasilinda
Florida teachers are up in arms over legislation buried deep within a sixty-one page bill that references child abuse. The legislation makes drastic changes in the way teachers  are rewarded or punished. And as Mike Vasilinda tells us, future employment and salary increases would be based on how well students do on tests.
Shari Gewanter has been teaching elementary school for fourteen years. She’s angry because some lawmakers want to put her job on the line every year, based on how her students performed on year-end exams.
“My kids know how to think. My kids know how to problem-solve,” Gewanter said. “My kids know how to work together. You can’t measure that in a test score.”
Shari was one of seven teachers the union brought to the Capitol to protest legislation, which they say will discourage quality teaching.
“Its provisions would allow principals to fire teachers at will,” Andy Ford, with the FEA, said.
The Florida Education Association says politicians want to praise improvements in school rankings, but slap the teachers who are on the front lines. Thomas Lentz teaches high school English in Polk County.
“They can give us fewer students so that we can give them the individual attention they need,” Lentz said. “And they can pay us for our experience, our skills.”

Education Research Report: Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals

Education Research Report: Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals

Farm-to-school programs motivate school food service professionals

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Potential to improve children's diets without burdening school finances while helping local farmers

During the school day, children eat roughly one-third of their nutritional needs while at school. Besides lunch, breakfast and snacks may be served, providing ample opportunities for obesity-prevention strategies by offering more nutritious food. With economical constraints interfering with schools to provide children with increased amounts of fresh fruits and vegetables, a study in the March/April issue of the Journal of Nutrition Education and Behavior examines how farm-to-school programs have the potential to improve children's diets by providing locally grown produce without burdening the school's finances.

Researchers at the Michigan State University, Lansing, examined why farmers, school food service professionals (SFSP), and food distributors participate in farm-to-school programs and how they characterize the opportunities and challenges to school food procurement from local farmers. Researchers identified three major reasons why SFSP participate in farm-to-school programs including (1) ''The students like it,'' (2) ''The price is right,'' and (3) ''We're helping our local farmer.''

There were three areas that emerged from analysis of the SFSP's interviews about students/children participation in the farm-to-school programs which included: (1) quality, (2) influence of food service staff, and (3) relationships with farmers. The findings were best described by following two SFSP's interviews:

"A lot of our teachers go to apple orchards so it was neat to have them served for lunch [ . . . ] so we had that link, cafeteria, classroom, field trip. I think they might have said something to the kids, and then the kids get a little more attention so they're like huh, maybe I should eat this apple instead of just letting it sit on the tray.''

The Educated Reporter: Everything old is new again: turnaround edition.

The Educated Reporter: Everything old is new again: turnaround edition.

Everything old is new again: turnaround edition.

Now that turnaround is the concept of the moment, we need to investigate what it yielded in the olden days when it was called “restructuring.” Last week I suggested journalists keep in context that zero-based staffing, as whole-school firings (or reassignments) are called, is not new. Now we should take the analysis much further. What has gone on at the dozens (hundreds?) of schools that have been zero-based in the last five years or more? Telling readers what has happened to test scores and graduation rates is not enough. I want to know how many of the teachers were hired back, and where did the rest go? Where did the new teachers come from? How were the teachers in the reconstituted schools trained to do better? What other changes were made besides staffing? New curriculum, new discipline rules, new interventions, new culture ... what? And how might the new RtTT-sparked turnarounds differ from the ones that came before?

The Center on Education Policy has studied restructuring and offers some perspective on the staffing question, generally concluding that replacing staff has some benefit mitigated in part by issues such as the time it takes to hire and the lack of a good pool to draw from

Education Research Report: The Forum Guide to Data Ethics

Education Research Report: The Forum Guide to Data Ethics

The Forum Guide to Data Ethics

Educators collect and use data about students, staff, and schools. Some of these data originate in individual student and staff records that are confidential or otherwise sensitive. And even those data that are a matter of public record, such as aggregate school enrollment, need to be accessed, presented, and used in an ethically responsible manner. While laws set the legal parameters that govern data use, ethics establish fundamental principles of "right and wrong" that are critical to the appropriate management and use of education data in the technology age.

This guide reflects the experience and judgment of experienced data managers.

This guide contains:
• Canons-core ethical principles
• Vignettes--example that illustrates how an ethical canon is relevant to the real world
• Discussion--an explanation of the canon that provides context for understanding the ethical principles being addressed
• Recommended Practices and