Latest News and Comment from Education

Friday, April 6, 2012

Today's Big Education Ape - PostRank Top 4-6 AM Posts #soschat #edreform


Geaux Teacher!: LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN !!

Geaux Teacher!: LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN !!: LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN !!bynoreply@blogger.com (Lee Barrios, M.Ed., NBCT)I join the thousands of teachers statewide who are very disappointed that due to factors beyond our control we were unable to join the rally on the Capitol steps yesterday. I propose that we "rally" via a letter writing campaign that will afford each and every one of us the opportunity for a strong personal voice in this one-way conversation with legislators. There seems to be not ... more »

State Regulators Let Vocational Schools Operate without Approvals - The Bay Citizen

State Regulators Let Vocational Schools Operate without Approvals - The Bay Citizen: State Regulators Let Vocational Schools Operate without ApprovalsLack of proper oversight leaves students with few protectionsTEXT SIZEAAAByJENNIFER GOLLANonApril 5, 2012 - 6:21 p.m. PDTstart discussionSarah Rice for The Bay CitizenStudents arrive at Prime Career College in Vallejo Tuesday morning, which offers vocational nursing degrees and other programs. Prime is one of 137 schools statewide whose state approvals have lapsedJob prospects for thousands of California students are being threatened ... more »

School Tech Connect: Reductions Are Actually Increases

School Tech Connect: Reductions Are Actually Increases: Reductions Are Actually Increasesbynoreply@blogger.com (Tim Furman)I noticed that the IFT and IPACE-endorsed Elaine Nekritz and Lou Lang are the sponsorsof the pension test billthat Glen is talking about.I don't think the endorsements were wrong, by the way. You can't be responsible for everything your friends do.To be honest, I'd never even heard of this pension system. Now I regret not researching the Water Reclamation candidates. Who knows what kind of wingnuts I may ... more »

Today's Big Education Ape - PostRank Top Early Evening Posts 4-5 #SOSchat #p2 #edreform

Schools Matter: Krash Course #5: Reform We NeedBig Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All)-5 minutes agoSchools Matter: Krash Course #5: Reform We Need: Krash Course #5: Reform We NeedbyP. L. ThomasEach time I publish or post a critique of the education reform insanity coming from the Corporate Reformers, I receive badgering responses asking what I would do instead. So here is a list of Reform We Need:• Secretary of Education Arne Duncan needs to resign, and apologize for his inexpert ... more »

The Weinstein Co. scores PG-13 rating for 'Bully' - Boston.com

The Weinstein Co. scores PG-13 rating for 'Bully' - Boston.com: The Weinstein Co. scores PG-13 rating for 'Bully'By Derrik J. LangAP Entertainment Writer/April 5, 2012E-mail|Print|Comments (0)Text size–+00ShareThisNewLOS ANGELES—The Weinstein Co. said Thursday an edited version of the film "Bully" will be released across the U.S. on April 13 with a PG-13 rating.The Motion Picture Association of America initially gave the film an R rating for language, meaning kids under 17 were restricted from seeing it without an accompanying adult.The MPAA ... more »

NYC Public School Parents: Teacher Evaluation Forum on April 17

NYC Public School Parents: Teacher Evaluation Forum on April 17: Teacher Evaluation Forum on April 17byLeonie HaimsonTeacher Evaluation Nightmare !a forum on testing,teacher evaluations and our schoolsTuesday, April 17 at 5:30 PMMurry Bergtraum High School Auditorium411 Pearl Street, Manhattan(Brooklyn Bridge/City Hall Station 4,5,6 -Fulton Street Station 2,3 - ChambersStreet Station J)Come to a Meeting to Discuss:Why are the new teacher evaluations badfor teachers, students, and families?How can we organize to change them?Speakers:Carol Burris:L.I.Principal,one of the co-authorsof ... more »

‘Fed up’ teachers at 150 schools support strike: union chief - Chicago Sun-Times

‘Fed up’ teachers at 150 schools support strike: union chief - Chicago Sun-Times: ‘Fed up’ teachers at 150 schools support strike: union chief“Fed up“ with being scapegoated, Chicago public school teachers in 150 schools have voted overwhelmingly in mock ballots to support a strike should ongoing contract negotiations fail, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis revealed Thursday.Chicago Public School officials and Mayor Rahm Emanuel have created such a “hostile” climate that teacher leaders in 150 schools polled CTU members about ... more »

Readout from the President’s Film Screening of To Kill A Mockingbird at the White House | The White House

Readout from the President’s Film Screening of To Kill A Mockingbird at the White House | The White House: Readout from the President’s Film Screening of To Kill A Mockingbird at the White HouseThis evening, the President hosted a film screening of To Kill a Mockingbird in the Family Theater at The White House to commemorate its 50th anniversary. The President welcomed guests including local students from Washington-Lee High School, Mary Badham Wilt, the actress who played Scout, and Veronique ... more »

Mulgrew challenges DOE to increase school budgets New York Teacher | Edwize

New York Teacher | Edwize: New York TeacherbyW.J. LevayMulgrew challenges DOE to increase school budgetsWith new money coming from the state and an improving city revenue picture, the Department of Education must finally start rebuilding ravaged school budgets, UFT President Michael Mulgrew told the City Council on March 27. Class sizes should go down and after-school and enrichment programs must be restored, he said.Here’s the pitchCity schools finish in the money at annual Virtual Enterprise competitionWould-be entrepreneurs need to pitch ... more »

Engaging Parents In School… - What An Awful & Misleading Video About Our Schools

Engaging Parents In School… - What An Awful Misleading Video About Our Schools: What An Awful Misleading Video About Our SchoolsbyLarry FerlazzoMichele Molnar over at Education Weekhas just postedabout a new campaign for school choice begun by the ultra-conservativeAmerican Federation For Children. The campaign is calledParents Know Best, and is immediately joiningThe Worst Parent Engagement Ideaslist.They’re kicking-off their campaign with an incredibly misleading video, with statements taken completely out of context, that I have embedded below:PopoutThe quote from Bob Chanin, ...more »

Life in Rahm’s Chicago. Strike support spreads to 150 schools. « Fred Klonsky

Life in Rahm’s Chicago. Strike support spreads to 150 schools. « Fred Klonsky: Life in Rahm’s Chicago. Strike support spreads to 150 schools.byFred KlonskyNegotiating a teacher union contract in this town ain’t mumbly peg, to paraphrase the late Harold Washington.If Rahm thought he was going to roll over Chicago teachers, he must have the City confused with his more effete hometown of Wilmette.Votes of strike support have spread from two high schools at the beginning of the week to 150 ... more »

Modern School: Gay Student Punished For Supporting Gay Marriage

Modern School: Gay Student Punished For Supporting Gay Marriage: Gay Student Punished For Supporting Gay MarriagebyMichael DunnGay Marriage Legalized in DC; Oral Roberts Drops Dead(Mike Licht,NotionsCapital.com)A student at Fullerton Union High School, near Los Angeles, who was taking part in their “Mr. Fullerton” competition, was asked by the judges what he hoped for in the future. When he replied that he hoped to find a partner and get married if gay marriage were legal, his assistant principal pulled him off ... more »

NBC’s Education Nation dog and pony show hits the road next week – why not join them? « Parents Across America

NBC’s Education Nation dog and pony show hits the road next week – why not join them? « Parents Across America: NBC’s Education Nation dog and pony show hits the road next week – why not join them?bypureparentsFrom NBC’s publicist:EDUCATION NATION ON-THE-ROAD COMES TO DENVERNBC News brings an education “power week” to Denver starting April 12th with a series of education-focused events and programmingNEW YORK, NY— April 5, 2012— In an effort to continue the national conversation sparked with its ... more »

Vets group suspends campus chapters at for-profits - Boston.com

Vets group suspends campus chapters at for-profits - Boston.com: Vets group suspends campus chapters at for-profitsBy Justin PopeAP Education Writer/April 5, 2012E-mail|Print|Comments (0)Text size–+00ShareThisNewA leading student veterans group is suspending chapters at 40 for-profit colleges, saying it's concerned they've been set up by the colleges as shell organizations to help them appeal to veteran students who carry lucrative government tuition benefits.The schools may be creating what are essentially fake SVA chapters to help them qualify for lists of "military friendly" ... more »

Why Michelle Rhee's Education 'Brand' Failed in D.C. - Natalie Hopkinson - Politics - The Atlantic

Why Michelle Rhee's Education 'Brand' Failed in D.C. - Natalie Hopkinson - Politics - The Atlantic: Why Michelle Rhee's Education 'Brand' Failed in D.C.SEP 15 2010, 12:16 PM ET113The urban education reform movement just got a much-needed reality check as D.C. Democratic primary voters fired Mayor Adrian Fenty, and effectively along with him one of the movement's biggestsuperstars, District schools chief Michelle Rhee. Chancellor Rhee was as akey, polarizing figure in Fenty's reelection campaign, which ended when he was defeated ... more »

RheeFirst! » Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee’s DC record: highest per pupil spending ever but poorest student achievement gains among all cities tested

RheeFirst! » Rhee’s DC record: highest per pupil spending ever but poorest student achievement gains among all cities tested: Rhee’s DC record: highest per pupil spending ever but poorest student achievement gains among all cities testedbyadminUnder her watch, Rhee resorted to smoke and mirrors toclaim budgetary constraints. Attorney Mary Levy, fiscal analyst of education budgets and frequent expert witness in DC Council hearings, sent thefollowing fiscal table showing DCPS 07-11 funding and spending.Levy writes: “Per student spending from all funding ... more »

Schools Matter: Krash Course #5: Reform We Need

Schools Matter: Krash Course #5: Reform We Need: Krash Course #5: Reform We NeedbyP. L. ThomasEach time I publish or post a critique of the education reform insanity coming from the Corporate Reformers, I receive badgering responses asking what I would do instead. So here is a list of Reform We Need:• Secretary of Education Arne Duncan needs to resign, and apologize for his inexpert leadership and harm done to public education.• Federal and state policies must address the lives ... more »

My Island View Pizza, Wine, and Vasectomies

My Island View: Pizza, Wine, and VasectomiesbytomwhitbyWhat is not to love about a zone of comfort; it is a comfy cocoon. It is a pleasurable place that is safe, sound, and satisfying. It is a place where alliterative adjectives may abound with abandon. Comfort zones are safe havens where residents of those zones need not do anything that would in any way slow the flow of comfort. Comfort zones exist in our personal lives as well as our professional lives.My ... more »

Elizabeth Catlett. The power of the image. « Fred Klonsky

Elizabeth Catlett. The power of the image. « Fred Klonsky: Elizabeth Catlett. The power of the image.byFred KlonskyAs a kid in the 50s and 60s, I could walk into any home of my parents’ friends, politically progressive and more often than not Jewish, and see two framed prints on their walls. Of course, my parents had them as well.One was by the African-American artist, Charles White. The other was by the African-American artist Elizabeth Catlett.White’s was a lithograph of a ... more »

For they are not doing what they can’t yet do « Cooperative Catalyst

For they are not doing what they can’t yet do « Cooperative Catalyst: For they are not doing what they can’t yet dobyChad SansingDon't read on me by cIn mulling overthe school to prison pipelineandthe cosmetic differences between grouping and tracking, I’ve found myself asking the same questions over and over again:Is there a link between early-childhood placement in a reading remediation program or scripted learning environment and eventual incarceration? (Don’t click if you hate Elseiver.) Even if there is ... more »

A last, desperate plea for Iowa legislators to not retain 3rd graders | Dangerously Irrelevant

A last, desperate plea for Iowa legislators to not retain 3rd graders | Dangerously Irrelevant: A last, desperate plea for Iowa legislators to not retain 3rd gradersbydr.scott.mcleod@gmail.com (Scott McLeod)Dear Iowa legislators,I am pleading with you to not pass an education reform law that includes retention of 3rd graders.4+ decades of unanimous peer-reviewed research studies show that retention of elementary students results in short-term academic gains thatdisappear completelyin later school years. What you get for that now-you-see-it, now-you-don't test score bump ... more »

Opting out of the testing madness, why and how | Seattle Education

Opting out of the testing madness, why and how | Seattle Education: Opting out of the testing madness, why and howbyseattleducation2011For the “why” of opting out of the testing madness that has taken hold of our school districts, a great article to start with isTesting Our Limitsby Melissa Bollow Tempel in the latest issue of Rethinking Schools. To follow is an excerpt:I walked away from the rest of my class and over to the three computers in the corner of ... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Creative Approach Schools

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Creative Approach Schools: Creative Approach SchoolsbyCharlie MasThere was a meeting Tuesday afternoon to answer questions about Creative Approach Schools. The meeting, led by Phil Brockman, Executive Director of Schools for the Northeast Region, went through the timeline, process, and rules for Creative Approach Schools.It was a second meeting, following an introductory meeting for principals. This meeting was for principals to return with their school teams to learn more. A number of schools were well represented, including ... more »

The in box. Richard Ingram must go. « Fred Klonsky

The in box. Richard Ingram must go. « Fred Klonsky: The in box. Richard Ingram must go.byFred KlonskyAs retired teachers, we urge you to fire Mr. Ingram immediately. As executive director, Mr. Ingram’s duty is not only to protect the interests of TRS and its members, but also to defend the Illinois Constitution. Some think it is only the job of the Supreme Court to defend the Constitution. They are wrong. It is also the obligation of the governor, the ... more »

Jersey Jazzman: Living Large at the NJ DOE

Jersey Jazzman: Living Large at the NJ DOE: Living Large at the NJ DOEbyDukeChris Christie tells us over and over,“We cannot spend money we don’t have.” Well, apparently, New Jersey can somehow find money to pay education consultants big bucks.Last week,ACTING Commissioner Chris Cerfof the NJ DOE had to explain to the legislature how the state could afford some hefty consulting fees:In documents provided to the OLS in its budget review, the department disclosed consultants on the Cerf’s school funding ... more »

Louisiana Educator: Governor's Education "Deform" Passes Senate

Louisiana Educator: Governor's Education "Deform" Passes Senate: Governor's Education "Deform" Passes SenatebyMichael DeshotelsClick on this link to read the Times Picayune articleabout HB 974.HB 974 passed the Louisiana Senate Wednesday afternoon by a vote of 23-16. I will report the names of the Senators voting for and against the bill in my next post. The bill must now go back to the House floor for a vote because several amendments were added on the Senate floor. If the House approves ... more »

Thursday, April 5, 2012

Geaux Teacher!: LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN !!

Geaux Teacher!: LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN !!:


LETTER WRITING CAMPAIGN !!

I join the thousands of teachers statewide who are very disappointed that due to factors beyond our control we were unable to join the rally on the Capitol steps yesterday. I propose that we "rally" via a letter writing campaign that will afford each and every one of us the opportunity for a strong personal voice in this one-way conversation with legislators. There seems to be not much left but to HOLD THEM ACCOUNTABLE to us and to the public.

I am suggesting to all my contacts (educators, parents, students and their neighbors, friends, relatives) that they write a short (or long) letter to each one of the Senators who voted YES yesterday in the Senate for HB 976 and HB 974. In that letter, they will include a copy of each of these vote count records (see links below). These letters MUST BE SENT BY SNAIL MAIL - U.S. POST OFFICE - TO THEIR LEGISLATIVE OFFICES. Those who are willing to spend a little more should send them Certified or Return Receipt Requested. The added expense is small compared to the price that we will all pay as a result of this legislation.

I am sending the following letter which can be used, edited or replaced by anyone who participates. Above all, it must conclude with a question and a request for a response to the return address. I would like to collect those responses (or a record of the lack of response) for a future press release/conference on the steps of the Capitol.

Lets make this campaign VIRAL.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Write a letter to each Senator who voted YES for HB 976 and/or HB 974. Indicate in your letter which of the bills they voted FOR.

2. The most effective letters are personal accounts. but conclude your letter with a question and a request for a written response.

3. Attach a copy/copies of the final votes for each of the bills. Circle the Senator's name in RED!

4. Mail using the attached address list.

5. Collect copies of as many letters as you can from your personal circle of friends and professionals and mail or deliver to me at: 178 Abita Oaks Loop, Abita Springs, LA 70420 If you send your correspondence via certified or return receipt requested mail, please include those in your package.

This is my letter:

Dear Senator _______:

At the conclusion of the historic debate on April 4, 2012, your vote was cast to dismantle public education via the provisions of HB 976. No longer will every child in the State of Louisiana have an equal opportunity for a free and appropriate education. Many children will be reduced to nothing more than a name on a lottery ticket. Gambling in Louisiana has reached its zenith with the passage of this bill.

Your vote was also cast to remove the Profession of Educator in the state of Louisiana via the provisions of HB 974. The expertise earned by our classroom teachers, principals, administrators and our District Superintendents through their continued pursuit of advanced degrees and certification has been denied. The respect and quality developed through experience and years of professional development have been deemed meaningless. Classroom teachers are now nothing more than at-will employees - human capital (lower case).

The fact that so many highly qualified educators throughout the state and the nation have expressed so much opposition to the types of provisions contained in these laws should have been a red light - an indicator to STOP, look BOTH ways, before speeding head long into passage of this legislation. Instead you chose to accuse teachers of being incompetent, lazy, and self-serving. That was your primary SELLING point to the public as you bartered with Governor Jindal for your vote.

I would appreciate a response from you explaining how you believe these bills will improve the quality of education in the classroom. What provisions in these bills actually address that? Senator Guillory said, "You can tell a good school when you SEE one." What do you expect to SEE when you visit a good school? When you visit a classroom of children and are handed a list of test scores, can you match the score with the child?

I look forward to your response so that we can all know what good teachers and good schools LOOK like.

Sincerely,

Lee P. Barrios, M.Ed., NBCT
Retired Teacher/Parent/Grandparent
178 Abita Oaks Loop
Abita Springs, Louisiana 70420


HB 976 FINAL PASSAGE http://legis.la.gov/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=789473

HB 974 FINAL PASSAGE http://legis.la.gov/billdata/streamdocument.asp?did=789137

Senator Robert Adley
611 Jessie Jones Drive
Benton, LA 71006

(318) 965-1755
adleyr@legis.la.gov

Senator John A. Alario
1063 Muller Parkway
Westwego, LA 70094

(504) 340-2221
alarioj@legis.la.gov

Senator R.L. "Bret" Allain
600 Main Street
Suite 1
Franklin, LA 70538

(337) 828-9107
(985) 850-2738
allainb@legis.la.gov

Senator "Jody" Amedee
2109 S. Burnside Ave.
Suite A
Gonzales, LA 70737

(225) 644-1526
amedeej@legis.la.gov

Senator Conrad Appel
721 Papworth Avenue
Suite 102A
Metairie, LA 70005

(866) 946-3133
appelc@legis.la.gov

Senator Sharon Weston Broome
P. O. Box 52783
Baton Rouge, LA 70892

(225) 359-9352
lasen15@legis.la.gov

Senator Troy E. Brown
P.O. Box 974
Napoleonville, LA 70390

(985) 369-3333
brownte@legis.la.gov

Senator Sherri Smith Buffington
9973 Mansfield Road
Keithville, LA 71047

(318) 687-4820
smithbuffington@legis.la.gov

Senator Norby Chabert
P.O. Box 2417
Houma, LA 70361

(985) 858-2927
chabertn@legis.la.gov

Senator Dan Claitor
7520 Perkins Road
Suite 160
Baton Rouge, LA 70808

(225) 765-0206
claitord@legis.la.gov

Senator Page Cortez
101 W. Farrell Road
Bldg. 5, Suite 100
Lafayette, LA 70508

(337) 993-7430
cortezp@legis.la.gov

Senator A.G. Crowe
201 Crowe's Landing
Pearl River, LA 70452

(985) 643-3600
crowea@legis.la.gov

Senator Jack Donahue
3030 East Causeway Approach
Mandeville, LA 70448

(985) 727-7949
donahuej@legis.la.gov

Senator Yvonne Dorsey-Colomb
1520 Thomas H. Delpit Drive Suite 226
Baton Rouge, LA 70802

(225) 342-9700
dorseyy@legis.la.gov

Senator Dale M. Erdey
P.O. Box 908
Livingston, LA 70754

(225) 686-2881
erdeyd@legis.la.gov

Senator Rick Gallot
P.O. Box 1117
Ruston, LA 71270

(318) 251-5019
gallotr@legis.la.gov

Senator Elbert L. Guillory
633 East Landry Street
Opelousas, LA 70570

(337) 943-2457
guillorye@legis.la.gov

Senator David Heitmeier
3501 Holiday Drive
Suite 225
New Orleans, LA 70114

(504) 361-6356
HeitmeierD@legis.la.gov

Senator Ronnie Johns
1011 Lakeshore Drive
Suite 515
Lake Charles, LA 70601

(337) 491-2016
johnsr@legis.la.gov

Senator Robert W. "Bob" Kostelka
P.O. Box 2122
Monroe, LA 71207

(318) 362-3474
kostelka@legis.la.gov

Senator Eric LaFleur
P.O. Box 617
Ville Platte, LA 70586

(337) 363-5019
lafleure@legis.la.gov

Senator Gerald Long
P.O. Box 151
Winnfield, LA 71483

(318) 628-5799
(800) 265-2437
longg@legis.la.gov

Senator Daniel "Danny" Martiny
131 Airline Highway
Suite 201
Metairie, LA 70001

(504) 834-7676
martinyd@legis.la.gov

Senator Fred H. Mills
800 S. Lewis St.
Suite 203
New Iberia, LA 70560

(337) 365-8484
millsf@legis.la.gov

Senator Jean-Paul J. Morrell
6305 Elysian Fields Ave.
Suite 404
New Orleans, LA 70122

(504) 284-4794
morrelljp@legis.la.gov

Senator Dan "Blade" Morrish
119 W. Nezpique Street
Jennings, LA 70546

(337) 824-3979
morrishd@legis.la.gov

Senator Edwin R. Murray
1540 N. Broad St.
New Orleans, LA 70119

(504) 945-0042
murraye@legis.la.gov

Senator Ben Nevers
724 Avenue F
Bogalusa, LA 70427

(985) 732-6863
neversb@legis.la.gov

Senator Barrow Peacock
1619 Jimmie Davis Highway
Bossier City, LA 71112

(318) 741-7180
peacockb@legis.la.gov

Senator Jonathan W. Perry
P.O. Box 100
Kaplan, LA 70548

(337) 740-6425 --- )
perryj@legis.la.gov

Senator Karen Carter Peterson
1010 Common St.
Suite 2510
New Orleans, LA 70112

(504) 568-8346
petersonk@legis.la.gov

Senator Neil Riser
P.O. Box 117
Columbia, LA 71418

(318) 649-0977
risern@legis.la.gov

Senator Gary Smith
P.O Box 189
Norco, LA 70079

(985) 764-9122
smithgl@legis.la.gov

Senator John R. Smith
611-B South 5th Street
Leesville, LA 71446

(337) 238-2709
smithj@legis.la.gov

Senator Gregory Tarver
1024 Pierre Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71103

(318) 227-1499
tarverg@legis.la.gov

Senator Francis Thompson
P.O. Box 68
Delhi, LA 71232

(318) 878-9408
thompsof@legis.la.gov

Senator Mike Walsworth
4007 White's Ferry Rd
Suite A
West Monroe, LA 71291

(318) 340-6453
walsworthm@legis.la.gov

Senator Rick Ward
3741 Highway 1
Port Allen, LA 70767

(225) 246-8838
wardr@legis.la.gov

Senator Mack "Bodi" White
808 O'Neal Lane
Baton Rouge, LA 70816

(225) 272-1324
whitem@legis.la.gov