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voiceofsandiego.org | News. Investigation. Analysis. Conversation. Intelligence.

Bright and Early: The Education Newsblitz

I just started reading Diane Ravitch's new book, which includes a chapter on San Diego Unified. It's interesting stuff to mull and debate between your newsblitz:

• We report that San Diego Unified is charting its own course on school reform -- one that differs significantly from the fixes the Obama Administration wants for schools.

• The Union-Tribune writes about the uncertain future of Felicita Elementary, a North County school that landed on the state list of persistently failing schools.

• San Diego News Network reports on San Diego Unified school board member John de Beck's push to eliminate non-instructional days when teachers are getting training and replace them with full school days.

• Also in SDNN: Marsha Sutton writes that illegal fees for student activities are still being charged in Del Mar and San Diego Unified schools.

• An editorial in the U-T praises the unconventional school buildings of High Tech High.

• KPBS delves more into Prop. 13's impact on school funding.

• The North County Times highlights a high school teacher of the year in Escondido.

• And in case you missed it on Friday, we blogged about the new president of the teachers union and why one of the school board candidates has switched his political party.

Eduflack: And the Winners Are ...

Eduflack: And the Winners Are ...

And the Winners Are ...

The rubrics have been analyzed, the numbers have been tallied, and it looks like we finally have our Phase One Race to the Top winners. While the announcement goes official later this afternoon, the early reports this morning seem to confirm that Delaware and Tennessee are the only states that will walk away with Phase One RttT checks. Michele McNeil over at Politics K-12 has some of the initial breakdown here.

For the record, both Delaware and Tennessee had good applications. But these selections are going to surprise a lot of people, particularly as we wait for the wonks to truly dissect the 500-point scorecards for each state. Eduflack has long thought that Tennessee had one of the best applications in the pool, but I thought it was just a notch behind Florida and Louisiana (in fairness, I actually thought Illinois had the best app I read, but knew that couldn't win for a host of reasons), and it would be tough to award three grants to three states in the same region. So I long believed Tennessee would be a slam dunk for Phase Two.

As for Delaware, it had a lot of positives going for it, perhaps the greatest of which was it was a small state that we expect can move quickly to enact wholesale school reform across the entire state. It is important to note, however, that Delaware was one of only two of the 16 finalists NOT to have financial support from the Gates Foundation. So message sent.

So what does it all mean? First and foremost, the U.S. Department of Education is sending a clear message — "game on!" Of the $4 billion available in RttT, there is still now $3.725 billion remaining in the pot. That's a lot of money for Phase Two, and will require a great deal of scrambling from states over the next two months. Those who failed to make the cut have been working for the last month on

UC’s Clouded Vision For The Future California Progress Report

California Progress Report

UC’s Clouded Vision For The Future

by christine

By Peter Schrag
In releasing its first round of ideas about the future size and shape of the University of California last week, a high-level UC commission did what such academic panels often do best – brought forth a modest list of proposals that were as safe as they were predictable.
Many of those ideas have long been discussed, not only in California but in many other places where public universities are stressed by rising enrollment and shrinking taxpayer support. They confirm again the old saying that changing a curriculum (or any other college program) is like moving a cemetery.
To be sure, the Commission, headed by regents chairman Russell Gould and UC President Mark Yudof, though charged with “developing a new vision” for UC, emphasized that these recommendation were “first round,” proposals subject to “further research and discussion.” So maybe there’ll be more boldness ahead. Among the proposals on the first list:
read more

Education Research Report: Does focusing on increasing the percentage of students testing proficient might unintentionally lead to fewer students testing at the advanced level?

Education Research Report: Does focusing on increasing the percentage of students testing proficient might unintentionally lead to fewer students testing at the advanced level?

Does focusing on increasing the percentage of students testing proficient might unintentionally lead to fewer students testing at the advanced level?

by Jonathan Kantrowitz

*
Under the accountability provisions of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, states are required to assess students in reading and math and to identify them as below proficient or as proficient or advanced (both considered passing). Because schools are held accountable only for ensuring that students test proficient or better, there have been concerns that a focus on increasing the percentage of students testing proficient might unintentionally lead to fewer students testing at the advanced level. This report, "The Relationship Between Changes in the Percentage of Students Passing and in the Percentage Testing Advanced on State Assessment Tests for Kentucky and Virginia," finds that schools in Kentucky and Virginia with

Schools Matter: Prince Bloomberg Must Obey Law: School Closures Halted

Schools Matter: Prince Bloomberg Must Obey Law: School Closures Halted

Prince Bloomberg Must Obey Law: School Closures Halted

by Jim Horn

In a rebuke of the Little Dictator of Manhattan, the Courts have ruled. From NYTimes:

A judge on Friday blocked the closing of 19 schools for poor performance, finding the city engaged in “significant violations” of the new state law governing mayoral control of city schools.
The ruling, a setback to one of Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg’s signature education policies, means the city will have to start over in making its case to close the schools, this time, the judge wrote, with “meaningful community involvement.”
Unless the decision is overturned, it will most likely result in all the schools’ remaining open for at least another year. The law requires the closing process to begin at least six months before the start of the next school year.
The decision cleared the path for high school acceptance letters, which had been delayed because of the lawsuit, to go out to eighth graders around the city.
The decision, by Justice Joan B. Lobis of State Supreme Court in Manhattan, was a victory for theUnited Federation of Teachers and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, which joined more than a dozen elected leaders and parents in suing to stop the closings.
They argued that the city had failed to comply with the mayoral control law passed last year, which

Sacramento City Teachers Association. SCTA. Sacramento Teachers.

Sacramento City Teachers Association. SCTA. Sacramento Teachers.

About Us

The SCTA represents all full and part-time teachers and substitutes, adult education, special education, pre-school and children’s centers, school counselors, psychologists, nurses, social workers, librarians and many others in the Sacramento City Unified School District. SCTA is an affiliate of the California Teachers Association (CTA) and the National Education Association (NEA). We have been in existance since 1921.

The SCTA membership stands at approximately 3,000 in our 51,000 student district. Currently, SCTA is the 7th largest teacher union in California. We are located at our own 6,000 square foot building with plenty of parking at 5300 Elvas Avenue.

The history of SCTA is rich with assertive support for collective bargaining and members’ rights and professional training. The past is filled with both concerted actions (four strikes) and current collaborative efforts with the District to improve conditions for teachers and students. SCTA is very proud of providing one of the best contracts in the state, the 7th highest salary and benefits package in the state for large districts, lifetime health coverage, and a growing effort to provide professional representation and peer assistance for new and veteran teachers.

There are numerous benefits of membership and many programs that SCTA offers to help teachers succeed in their profession.

Parents for Public Schools: Leadership Conference 2010

Parents for Public Schools: Leadership Conference 2010

	Learn about our chapters... CA-San Francisco IL-Springfield LA-New Orleans MS-Jackson MS-Meridian MS-Starkville MO-Columbia NY-Buffalo NY-Syracuse OH-Cincinnati OR-Portland TX-Houston TX-Waco WA-Seattle
	The 2010 Parents for Public Schools Leadership Conference will take place on April 23-25 in Columbia, Missouri on the campus of the University of Missouri. The National Conference will include experts who will address today’s education issues, information to enhance leadership skills, and opportunities to network with those from across the nation who are passionate about public education. Join us and our host, Columbia Parents for Public Schools, as we build on the past and come away renewed and ready to face the education challenges of the future. Register today and come with us “Back to the Future.” 2010 Leadership Conference Agenda Friday, April 23, 2010 3:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Pre-Conference Sessions, Reynolds Center 5:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Registration, Reynolds Center 6:00 p.m. 9:00 p.m. Keynote (Deborah Meier), Reception & Dinner, Reynolds Center Saturday, April 24, 2010 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Registration, Reynolds Center 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast, Hotel 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Opening Session, Reynolds Center 10:00 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Morning Concurrent Sessions, Townsend Hall 11:30 a.m. 1:00 p.m. Lunch, Reynolds Center 1:00 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Afternoon Concurrent Session I, Townsend Hall 2:45 p.m. 4:15 p.m. Afternoon Concurrent Session II, Towsend Hall 4:30 p.m. 5:30 p.m. Best Practices Awards, Reynolds Center 6:30 p.m. 9:30 p.m. "Off Site Saturday Nite" Dinner & Fun at the YouZeum (not included in registration fees) Sunday, April 25, 2010 7:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast, Hotel 8:30 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Post Conference Sessions, Townsend Hall (PPS Members Only)
	Donate | Shop | Join Us | Contact Us Home | Who We Are | Our Work | Resources | Newsroom
	Parents for Public Schools, Inc. National Office 200 North Congress Street, Suite 500 Jackson, MS 39216 | ph 800.880.1222

Patrick Kennedy, Sacramento City Council 2010 Campaign Update

Patrick Kennedy, Sacramento City Council 2010

Campaign Update

St. Patrick's Day Celebration

I am happy to report that our St. Patrick's Day Celebration was a huge success. In addition to consuming 60 pounds of corned beef, everybody had a good time, and we managed to raise funds that will help us get our message out to the voters. It was great to see such a wide range of neighbors and community leaders. Thank you again to Tina Thomas and Bill Abbott for opening up their lovely home to us!

A New Addition to the Campaign

Please join me in welcoming Rachel Miller as our Campaign Manager. Rachel is a graduate of UC Berkeley (though the campaign remains neutral on the Big Game), and spent part of her college tenure studying in Southern Africa. She was recently working with Dr. Ami Bera's campaign for congress when we snapped her up.

Among other things, Rachel is heading up our volunteers, so you can expect a call from her. Believe me, she is persistent, so you might as well sign up on the first call. For those who want to help out with weekend walks and/or phone banks, call Rachel at 601-8558. We really need your help!

Knocking on Doors

My precinct walking continues and I am having a great time with it. Having this opportunity to talk to so many neighbors reminds me why it is that we do this. Our neighbors are always willing to share their concerns and hopes for our city. I look forward to serving on the Council and working to solve problems like casino bus traffic in Hollywood Park, construction at Sierra 2 in Curtis Park, and Stockton Boulevard improvements in West Tahoe Park and Oak Park. There is no substitute for talking directly with neighbors. I look forward to the next three months, and I intend to continue knocking on doors after the election to give voters maximum voice.

If you have any questions about my candidacy or want to talk about issues facing our city, I welcome you to call me at 446-4434, or visit my website at www.Patrick-Kennedy.com, where I hope you will sign up as a supporter. I look forward to hearing from you.

Sincerely,

Patrick Kenned

Duncan: Former Aide Leaves Over Magnet Mess This Week In Education

This Week In Education

Duncan: Former Aide Leaves Over Magnet Mess

by Alexander Russo

Many mainstream news outlets continue to ignore the story but bad news continues to come out of Chicago about the convoluted and clout-vulnerable magnet school process that Duncan failed to do much of anything clean up while he was head of the school system there. Over the weekend, Duncan's right-hand man, David Pickens, resigned/ was fired, and more politically-connected names are coming out on a list of VIPs who attempted to get kids bumped to the head of the line for a handful of coveted Chicago schools. meanwhie, Mayor Daley can't

Unions: Weingarten Zings Back On HBO Comedy Show

"Removing Thomas Jefferson is like writing Moses out of the Bible."

- Randi Weingarten, referring to Texas changing school books, on Bill Maher's HBO show Friday evening. Click below to watch the segment online.

Delaware and Tennessee Win Race to Top - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Delaware and Tennessee Win Race to Top - Politics K-12 - Education Week

Delaware and Tennessee Win Race to Top

by Michele McNeil

1 person liked this

Finally making good on promises to set a "very, very high bar" for Race to the Top, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has picked Delaware and Tennessee as Round 1 winners of the $4 billion education-reform competition, according to an official who was briefed on the winners this morning.

While both of these states were thought to have strong applications, what's most interesting is the two front-runners who didn't win: Florida and Louisiana. We don't know yet how much money each state won, but Delaware asked for $107 million (their top-line budget was $75 million) and Tennessee asked for $502 million (or twice the $250 million the education department had budgeted). Each of those requests was above the state-by-state nonbinding estimates the department had set.

What we do know is that since the biggest states, such as Florida, New York, and Illinois, did not win in this round, there will be plenty of money left over for Round 2.

Less than a month ago, the department named 15 states plus the District of Columbia as finalists, representing one-third of all Race to the Top applications. That prompted criticism far and wide that Mr. Duncan's bar wasn't really that high. In all, 41 states (including D.C.) applied in Round 1. A second round starts now, with applications due June 1.

Finalists came to D.C. in the middle of this month to make a final, in-person pitch to the panel of peer reviewers. Now, we know who really shone (or at least who didn't tank) in that part

Turnaround-Inspired Teacher Firings on Tap in Ga. - Teacher Beat - Education Week

Turnaround-Inspired Teacher Firings on Tap in Ga. - Teacher Beat - Education Week

Turnaround-Inspired Teacher Firings on Tap in Ga.

by Stephen Sawchuk

It's Central Falls all over again! Savannah, Ga., will remove all the teachers in a high school and hire back no more than half the staff, per the terms of the Obama administration's School Improvement Grants, the Atlanta Constitution reports.

National Education Association President Dennis Van Roekel is pretty worked up about it: "This is a disturbing trend that will take communities across this country down a dangerous road," he said in a statement. "NEA is committed to transforming our nation's struggling schools, but this method is short-sighted and could have disastrous outcomes for students."

I'm beginning to think we're going to see a lot more of these kinds of stories, especially now that a bunch of states have received their grants funding (click on the releases for March 26.) Such stories do makes sense from the human-interest point of view, in that these kinds of reconstitutions affect a lot of people, and in the case of Central Falls, really an entire community.

As I've mentioned before, the removal of teachers has been allowable under federal law for the past eight years. Don't believe me? Read section 1116 of No Child Left Behind, which allows districts, when dealing with school

Notes from the news, Mar. 29 | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

Notes from the news, Mar. 29 | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

Notes from the news, Mar. 29

by Erika Owens

Should schools chief have known? The Inquirer
Superintendent Ackerman said she was unaware of a draft proposal to change admissions criteria for the city's magnet schools that received harsh criticism.
See also: Fixing city's magnet system The Inquirer (opinion)
What's wrong with flash mobs? CNN
Philadelphia Student Union on the national news explaining that kids in Philly are not a flash mob.
City schools will be in session on primary day The Inquirer
Chance to make up a snow day.
See also: Phila. gets a pass on making up two snow days Philly.com
EXCLUSIVE: Charter school doubles as bar 6ABC
Harambee Charter School's cafeteria becomes Club Damani at night.
See also: Meeting set for Monday over club in a Phila. school 6ABC
Bodine chapter's successful internet access campaign featured on Labor Justice Radio PSU blog
Please email us if we missed anything today or if you have any suggestions of publications, email lists, or other places for us to check for news.
Click here to get Notes from the news in your inbox every day.
Notes from the news
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Local News | Wash. gov to sign K-12 reform bills into law | Seattle Times Newspaper

Local News | Wash. gov to sign K-12 reform bills into law | Seattle Times Newspaper

Wash. gov to sign K-12 reform bills into law

Gov. Chris Gregoire is scheduled to return to her hometown of Auburn to sign a package of education reform bills into law.

The Associated Press

OLYMPIA, Wash. —

Gov. Chris Gregoire is scheduled to return to her hometown of Auburn to sign a package of education reform bills into law.

One of the bills getting final approval Monday could help the state compete in the federal government's Race to the Top program. One of its biggest changes allows the state to intervene in schools that are failing.

Another bill makes additional changes in the way Washington pays for basic education. It builds on recommendations from the state's Quality Education Council.

A third bill sets up a voluntary early learning program fo

News: Federal Windfall -- Local Cuts This Week In Education

This Week In Education

News: Federal Windfall -- Local Cuts

by Alexander Russo

RI to learn if it wins federal school reform grant Boston.com: Rhode Island education officials will soon learn if they landed a portion of $4.35 billion in federal grants to reform schools.
Teachers Lose Funding Over Quibbles with Obama Education Policy PBS NewsHour: John Merrow explores why some teachers' unions are walking away from a share of some $4.35 billion in federal funds through the Obama administration's new Race to the Top grant competition.

Struggling Georgia school firing entire staff Dorie Turner AP: A failing Savannah high school is firing its entire staff in an effort to avoid further sanctions from the state and to make the school eligible for up to $6 million in federal money, officials said Thursday....
Albuquerque schools: 700 layoffs may be needed Tim Korte AP: Albuquerque schools superintendent Winston Brooks says a $43 million budget shortfall is leading to severe cuts for next school year, including the possibility that 700 employees might be laid off.

Los Angeles school year shortened in teachers deal LA Times: The Los Angeles teachers union says it has reached a deal with the school district that would shorten the school year by at least five days, as officials cope with a $640 million budget deficit.
Language barriers for Boston students reviewed Boston Globe: The federal government is reviewing programs Boston provides for public school students who speak limited English.

Measure seeking funding for Maryland private schools gains momentum Michael Birnbaum AP: A long-sought measure that could channel millions of dollars in tax credits to struggling Catholic, Jewish and private schools is making inroads in the Maryland House of Delegates for the first time.

Age May Be Barrier For 13-Year-Old College Student NPR: The University of Connecticut will not allow Colin Carlson, 13, to enroll in a summer class in South Africa.
Hit Back At Bullies? Not At This School NPR: One of the most important things they do at Urban Middle is talk about bullying. It's more than just a response to occasional incidents: It's part of the curriculum. In one classroom, teacher Leslie Pearre shows slides that illustrate how this social phenomenon works.

Hawaii Gov. Nixes Union-Board Furlough Plan - Teacher Beat - Education Week

Hawaii Gov. Nixes Union-Board Furlough Plan - Teacher Beat - Education Week

Hawaii Gov. Nixes Union-Board Furlough Plan

By Stephen Sawchuk on March 29, 2010 8:40 AM | No Comments | No TrackBacks

The Hawaii board of education and state teachers' unions have come up with a plan to end that state's by-now infamous teacher furloughs.

But Gov. Linda Lingle will reject the plan, according to this story, because of one major sticking point. Or perhaps it would be more accurate to say 30 million of them, because that's how over-budget the union-board proposal is, Lingle asserts.

Essentially, the union-board plan would bring back all school personnel rather than the bare-bones staff that Lingle is willing to fund. And the governor is no

California Chronicle | CALIF. NOW PAC ENDORSES TOM TORLAKSON FOR STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

California Chronicle | CALIF. NOW PAC ENDORSES TOM TORLAKSON FOR STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

CALIF. NOW PAC ENDORSES TOM TORLAKSON FOR STATE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION

California Political Desk

March 29, 2010

CONCORD -- The California National Organization for Women Political Action Committee (CA NOW PAC) announced today its endorsement of Assemblymember Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction. The primary election for the non-partisan office will take place on June 8, 2010.

"I am so honored to receive the endorsement of California NOW PAC in the race to lead California's schools," said Torlakson, a teacher and former high school track coach. "As a member, I have always been proud to support California NOW PAC's efforts to combat gender inequality and to improve the lives of women and children."

"California NOW PAC is proud to endorse Tom Torlakson because he's the candidate for Superintendent of Public Instruction who will fight for neighborhood schools and full funding of education," said CA NOW PAC President Patty Bellasalma, "As a teacher and a legislator, Tom has fought to make schools high quality, healthy, and safe. He also has a long-standing record of fighting for us on issues important to women and children. That's why Tom is the best choice for California parents in the June primary."

CA NOW PAC aggressively seeks, supports, and endorses feminist candidates at local and state levels, with an ultimate goal of achieving full equality for women. CA NOW PAC is the largest state organization of feminists, both women and men.


A second-generation teacher, Torlakson has applied his experience as a science teacher and high school coach to reform the way public education works as a member of the State Legislature. Torlakson has acted to improve student nutrition and physical education, give schools the funding support they need to ensure academic achievement, and