Monday, March 22, 2010

Does Obama's Education Plan Make the Grade? - TIME

Does Obama's Education Plan Make the Grade?

Illustration by Stephen Kroninger for TIME; Obama: Larry Downing / Reuters

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On March 15, President Obama unveiled his plan for reforming the nation's education system. The bulk of the plan, which looks to overhaul George W. Bush's frequently criticized No Child Left Behind law, advances the bold ideas with which this Administration has already become closely associated. The President wants to link billions of federal dollars to initiatives like ending the achievement gap between white and nonwhite students, evaluating teachers and awarding performance bonuses to principals and teachers who've earned them. On the basis of what we know has worked in New York City with our 1.1 million schoolkids, we'd give Obama's plan a solid B--a great start, but it could use a little improvement. Here's what we think works and what could be even stronger.

The President correctly refocuses the goal of our nation's public schools from simply giving students a high school diploma to making sure they are ready for college or a career. In other words, he wants to make sure a high school diploma means students actually have the skills they need to compete in an increasingly global workforce. Obama would define school success by how much improvement students make from grade to grade, no matter where they started, as opposed to the current system, in which schools are judged on students' absolute performance, not

Unique Hindu Baccalaureate Service enters third year at University of Nevada

Hindu Baccalaureate Service (Dikshant Utsav), held for the first time in Western USA at prestigious University of Nevada-Reno (UNR) in May 2008, enters third year next month.

Organized by acclaimed Indo-American leader Rajan Zed in collaboration with Indian Student Organization of UNR, it will bless graduating class in the traditional Hindu style according to ancient scriptures, complete with applying tilak (religious mark) on the foreheads of graduates.

Besides keynote address by a Hindu monk, it will also include blessing prayers by Christian, Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Baha’i, Tao, Confucian and Native American religious leaders. Well known musician Jim Eaglesmith will chant a kirtan number in Sanskrit with audience following him in the chant.

Starting with ‘Gayatri Mantra’ (the most sacred verse from oldest scripture Rig-Veda dated around 1,500 BCE) recitation by Rajan Zed and traditional lamp lighting before the statue of goddess Saraswati, patron of learning and the arts; it will include blessing the upcoming graduates with wisdom fromVedas, Upanishads and Bhagavad-Gita—all ancient Hindu scriptures.

Special certificates will be given to graduates on the occasion with the parting advice as –satyam vada (speak the truth), dharma chara (practice righteousness), matrudevo bhava (treat your mother with great respect), pitrudevo bhava (treat your father with great respect), etc.

Washoe County issued a special Resolution to mark the significance of First Annual Hindu Baccalaureate Service of UNR. Next such Service will be held on April 11 at UNR. Various religious, political, and educational leaders of Nevada are expected to attend this Service.

Education in Hindu tradition has been deep rooted; Zed says and adds that after many important universities in ancient India, like Taxila, Nalanda, Sarnath, Amaravati, Banaras, Kanchi and Ujjain; great Indian universities also flourished in medieval period, like Odantapura (745 AD), Vikramasila (810 AD), Somapura (480 AD), Jagaddala (1090 AD). The purpose of this Baccalaureate Service is to root the graduating class in divine spiritual and cultural tradition so that they have a spiritually meaningful life in addition to material success, Zed stresses.

The flagship institution of the state established in 1864, UNR is one of the top 120 universities in America for funded research, which spans issues relating to the environment, renewable energy resources, the life sciences and plasma physics. The University competes in 19 men's and women’s sports. Dr. Milton D. Glick is the President.

Hinduism, oldest and third largest religion of the world, has about one billion adherents and moksh (liberation) is its ultimate goal.

Details of the picture attached: Various religious, political, and educational leaders who participated in last year’s Hindu Baccalaureate Service.

University of Houston and Banaras Hindu University form partnership

The University of Houston, a public university in Texas (USA), and Institute of Technology of Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi (India) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for cooperation in instruction and academic exchange, according to reports.

This new relationship will reportedly include joint education programs at the graduate level, exchange visits of scholars and faculty collaboration in research and technology. Collaborative programs the two institutions will explore include dual degree programs in which degrees could be granted by both parties. The MOU agreement is reportedly for five years.

Welcoming this collaboration between two prominent education centers of USA and India, acclaimed Indo-American statesman Rajan Zed, in a statement in Nevada (USA) today, said that some other leading institutions of both the countries should also form partnerships so that students and faculty could share strengths the other partner offers. Learning brought more light to the mankind, Zed, who is chairperson of Indo-American Leadership Confederation, added.

University of Houston, founded in 1927, has over 36,000 students from 137 countries, a Noble Prize winner on its faculty, offers only graduate program of the world in “Space Architecture”, and boasts of over 3,500 CEO’s and actors Dennis and Randy Quaid among its alumni.

Founded in 1916, Banaras Hindu University, which has about 20,000 students from 34 nations, ranks among top in the country in academic and research output. Its objectives include “To promote the study of the Hindu Shastras”, “to promote the building up of character in youth by religion and ethics as an integral part of education”, etc. Its Institute of Technology, launched in 1971, has produced over 22000 undergraduates, 2700 graduates, and 650 doctoral degree holders. Institute’s “chorus” includes the words: “Keep your head on the clouds, don’t get lost in the crowds”.

Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders address Catholic youth rally of northern Nevada

In a remarkable interfaith gesture, Fifth Annual Catholic Diocesan Youth Rally held on March six in Reno, involving Catholic teenagers from all over northern Nevada, heard from area Muslim-Hindu-Buddhist-Jewish leaders.

Catholic teenagers listened intently in the chapel of Bishop Manogue Catholic High School to Muslim imam Abdulrahim Barghouthi, Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Buddhist priest William S. Bartlett, and Jewish rabbi Teri E. Appleby, explaining the tenets of their respective faiths, highlighting similarities. It ended with recitation of Gayatri Mantra (most sacred mantra of Hinduism from the oldest scripture Rig-Veda, dating to around 1,500 BCE) by Zed.

Father Charles T. Durante, Pastor of Saint Teresa of Avila Catholic Community of Carson City, who coordinated the interfaith event, said that in order to truly live in peace and harmony; we must strive to understand others. Bishop Randolph R. Calvo, in his message, said, “May this day be a real source of joy”, while Monique Jacobs, Director of Youth Ministry, called it a “day filled with opportunities to see, hear and meet God in each other.” Doug Stewart was the Director of the Rally.

About 400 participated in this Rally, where workshops were held on “The Church, Sex, and Teens”, “Spirituality”, “Rosary Making”, “Lies Young Women/Men Believe”, “Following Jesus: A Dangerous Adventure”, “Self image and image of God”, “Gang Prevention, etc. Josh Blakesly, composer from Louisiana, was the keynote speaker of the Rally, which also included music, dance, skits, mass with Bishop Calvo, etc.

Rajan Zed has congratulated the Catholic Diocese efforts of exposing their youth to other religions. “Religion is a complex component of human life. Dialogue helps us to see interconnections and interdependencies between religions and even similarities in doctrines,” Zed adds.

Catholic Diocese of Reno, established in 1931, covers 70,852 square miles spread in eleven Nevada counties in addition to Carson City. Before 1840, this area was under the Diocese of Sonora in Mexico, when it came under the jurisdiction of Bishop Moreno of California.

Details of the picture attached: At the Catholic Youth Rally, from right to left in the front row are Catholic pastor Father Charles T. Durante, Catholic teenager, Jewish rabbi Teri E. Appleby, Muslim imam Abdulrahim Barghouthi, Hindu leader Rajan Zed, Buddhist priest William S. Bartlett, and others.

Quick Takes: March 22, 2010 - Inside Higher Ed

Quick Takes

March 22, 2010

N.C. Allows Undocumented Community College Students

The North Carolina State Board of Community Colleges on Friday affirmed the right of students who do not have legal documentation to reside in the United States to enroll at community colleges (at out-of-state tuition rates),The Raleigh News & Observer reported. The latest move -- which has been coming for some time -- followsmore than a year of debate amid suggestions from some state officials that these students could not enroll legally. While federal officials confirmed that there was no legal ban on the students, the issue has become highly politicized and the state board noted that the General Assembly could overrule the policy.

Stanford Med School Toughens Conflict of Interest Rules

Stanford University's medical school, known for tough conflict of interest rules for faculty members, will strengthen them further today, The New York Times reported. The additional rules will apply to hundreds of local physicians who teach at Stanford, and will subject these adjunct faculty members to the same restrictions as full-time medical professors. The rules ban gifts from companies that produce drugs or medical devices, or giving paid speeches drafted by these companies.

Guilty Plea for Harassing UCLA Researchers

One animal rights activist has pleaded guilty and another no contest for their roles in stalking and harassing faculty members at the University of California at Los Angeles who conduct research with animals, the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office announced Friday. One faces a prison sentence of three years while the other must stay away from all University of California campuses or property. UCLA officials praised authorities for cracking down on those who engage in harassment. "Criminal acts to advance a cause or a belief have no place in a civilized society," said a statement from UCLA Chancellor Gene Block. "While we respect the rights of those who take a different view of animal research, we are committed to protecting our researchers from harassment and providing an environment where they can continue their work toward cures and a greater understanding of the human body."

Madison Suspended Researcher From Work With Animals

This Week In Education: Thompson: "I am a Reflective Practioner"

Thompson: "I am a Reflective Practioner"

If there is one part of The Death and Life of the Great American School Systemthat should be indispensable reading for Bill Gates, it is Diane Ravitch’s account of "Bersinitis" in the San Diego public school system during the reign of superintendent Alan Bersin.

The holy grail of "reformers" is curriculum alignment to assess accountability, but it can degenerate into thought control. "I am a reflective practitioner. I am a reflective practitioner" was the mantra.

"You will not believe this," Ravitch was told by Bersin’s director of curriculum describing the need for alignment, "we had fourth graders who didn’t know the difference between point of view and perspective."

For educators in such a system "survival became paramount," as they complied with the "minute by minute schedule" for instruction. "Muzzled" teachers developed code words and "a form of passive noncompliance" to resist the "totalitarian atmosphere."

During the Bersin years, Kaiser Permanente saw an outbreak of "stress-related illnesses," and "anxiety due to a hostile work environment." Bersinitis disappeared when the architect of this failed scheme was replaced.

If Gates were to order Ravitch’s book by Amazon, he could save on shipping by ordering Organizing Schools for Improvement by Anthony Bryk, John Q. Easton, et.al. These accomplished scholars from

Students Gather For Education Protest - Education News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Students Gather For Education Protest

Keep It Civil, Participant Says

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- College students from around California gathered early Monday for another large protest at the state Capitol over education budget cuts.

But this time around, some protesters urged those taking part to show restraint as they take their message to legislators.

During a similar protest on March 4, some students blocked a Bay Area freeway and attempted to block Interstate 80 in Davis.

"I would actually like to keep it civil," said Austin Hallinan, a Cerro Coso Community College student.

College students have expressed frustration over rising tuition, reductions in

Video: Students Prepare For Capitol March
Video: Student: Keep Education Protest Civil

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/APStories/stories/D9EJNHMO1.html

Hispanics in Texas less likely to graduate college

03/22/2010

Associated Press

Hispanics are less likely to graduate from public and private universities compared with whites in Texas and nationwide, a new study finds.

The nonprofit American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research used data from six-year graduation rates from the National Center for Education Statistics.

The study, entitled Rising to the Challenge: Raising Hispanic Graduation Rates as a National Priority, found that 51 percent of Hispanics who started college earned a bachelor's degree within six years, compared with 59 percent of whites.

The Texas figures indicate that 40 percent of Hispanics graduated within six years, compared with 45 percent for whites, according to results released last week.

"When the students aren't graduating it suggests there's something going on there at the institutional level," research fellow Andrew Kelly said.

The study recommends a greater focus on retention and graduation rates, along with better financial information for students and their families. Hispanic students were less likely to be aware of loan and scholarship assistance, the study found.

Southern Methodist University in Dallas graduated 71 percent of

Parent Advocates - ParentAdvocates.org

Joel Klein's Performance Review

The E-Accountability Foundation's review based on statements from parents, teachers, Regional supervisors, and other City employees and taxpayers from September 2002. Mr. Klein has no contract, but is an 'at will' employee of the City of New York. Rating: U; Recommendation: Resignation or Termination.
by Betsy Combier

We have been talking with parents, teachers, Principals, Regional personnel of the New York City Department of Education, the Office of Legal Services, retired Superintendents, Special Education evaluators and other personnel at all levels within the NYC DOE - yes, they are talking - and others who have worked for, presently work for, or are volunteers for the DOE, and we are horrified at the actions of Chancellor Joel Klein. Almost all of the people who have offered concrete proof of Joel Klein's actions have called us late at night, and they whisper into the telephone the information. As Mr. Klein does not have a contract and is an "At Will" employee of the Mayor, how can we hold him accountable for anything? By voting out Mayor Bloomberg.

We believe that Joel Klein should not continue as Chancellor of the nation's largest school system for the following reasons:

1. He listens to no one outside of his tight circle of friends, all of whom are earning huge salaries while our children are not given the services and resources they need to be challenged and to achieve their personal bests. He allows his staff to use taxpayer money for emergency equipment and sirens on their cars; he allowed Diana Lam's husband to obtain a job in a Bronx High School because he "doesn't second guess"; he allowed Deputy Chancellor Anthony Shorris to moonlight every thursday at Local 1199 for an additional $60,000 and stopped this illegal activity only when the press caught him, even as Mr. Shorris was telling City Council that there is no money to buy defibrillators for our schools, and New York City must violate the law for this reason; he stonewalls any request for information on anything, and buys curricula that penalizes the city, as he did in his decision to use Month-by-month phonics and establish the math curricula as TERC, CMP and Connected Math, or "fuzzy" math. See "Bruce Winokur, New York City Math Teacher, Fights Against the Fuzzy Math Folk, the Mayor and Chancellor"; and my daughter's cry for help when she was 9 years old: WHY TERC? Asks a 9 year old, Who Questions the Value of 'Fuzzy Math' For Her Future Academic Goals.

Every grievance sent to him by a parent is either never answered or answered by his Chief Counsel or someone at the

Local News | Court: Student can't sue over 'Ave Maria' ban | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Court: Student can't sue over 'Ave Maria' ban| Seattle Times Newspaper

Court: Student can't sue over 'Ave Maria' ban

The Supreme Court on Monday refused to let a high school student sue over school officials' refusal to let her play an instrumental version of "Ave Maria" at her graduation, a decision one justice says could lead to wide-ranging censorship of student speech.

By JESSE J. HOLLAND

Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON —

The high court on Monday refused to hear an appeal from Kathryn Nurre, a former student at Henry M. Jackson High School. Nurre, who was a senior in 2006, wanted to play "Ave Maria" - Hail Mary in Latin - with the band's wind ensemble at the graduation.

Administrators raised red flags at the Everett, Wash., school when they heard about the idea from the wind ensemble seniors, who had played Franz Biebl's uptempo 1964 rendering of "Ave Maria" without controversy at a winter concert.

A year before, choral performance of the song "Up Above My Head" at the 2005 commencement drew complaints and protest letters to the town's newspaper. Therefore, school officials said the seniors could not play the song since the title alone identified "Ave Maria" as religious and that graduation should be strictly secular.

Nurre sued, claiming unspecified damages from infringement of First Amendment rights. The federal courts threw out the lawsuit, with judges saying it was reasonable for a school official to prohibit the performance of an obviously religious piece.

The court's majority turned away her request for appeal without comment. But Justice Samuel Alito said he would have heard her case.

AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka: Historic Step for Health Care

After lobbying undecided members of Congress, AFL-CIO President Richard Trumka says were about to win an historic advance on health care reform. Liz Stender of Working America member and Judith Cato of the Alliance for Retirement Americans are ready for reform.

Is Education On The Wrong Track? | The New Republic

Is Education on the Wrong Track?

A TNR Symposium.

Kevin Carey
March 21, 2010 | 5:44 pm
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Is Education on the Wrong Track?

Are Charter Schools Overrated?

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Are Charter Schools Overrated?

Is Education on the Wrong Track?

TNR Symposium: Is Education on the Wrong Track?

From: Kevin Carey

To: Diane Ravitch, Ben Wildavsky, Richard Rothstein, and Andrew Rotherham

Subject: School improvement has to happen now, not at some magic moment when the conditions are just right. Also, surely we can find common ground on charter schools.

Richard, I sometimes wonder why you bother to write about public schools. You seem to have very little interest in the practice of education itself. You’re forever asserting that schools are, at best, incidental.

Of course hunger, mobility, stress, and poor health are barriers to learning.

But let me put it this way: Say we have a group of low-income minority students with chronic health problems whose parents are unemployed. They can attend one of two schools. The first has crumbling facilities, no coherent curriculum, indifferent leadership, and a poorly trained staff of unmotivated teachers who can never be fired. We suspect that academic results in this school are very bad, but we don’t know for sure because the only available data comes from the school itself, which reports that students are doing “fine, all things considered."

The second school has new facilities, a rich curriculum, and a strong principal. Teachers are well-trained and work in a cooperative, mutually supportive environment. Excellent teaching is rewarded, and there is no tolerance for incompetence. Student results on national criterion-referenced tests are reported to the community every year.

Do you care which school those children attend? Or are you indifferent, because the differences between them are “likely to be overwhelmed by the impact of

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Monday, March 22, 2010