Jersey Jazzman: NJ Teacher Evaluation: SOMEONE'S Got To Lose!

Jersey Jazzman: NJ Teacher Evaluation: SOMEONE'S Got To Lose!:

NJ Teacher Evaluation: SOMEONE'S Got To Lose!

by Duke

Tim Matheney is the current Director of the Office of Evaluation at the New Jersey Department of Education. He is touring around the state these days, trying to sell the new, top-down, test-based teacher evaluation system,AchieveNJ. I've blogged extensively about my problems with this system, but let's give Matheney a chance to respond to its critics:

Pamela Keuett, a Neptune Township middle school science teacher, voiced concern over whether the new rating system will create competition as opposed to collaboration between educators.

Matheney said the new paradigm of measuring students’ progress will be weighed against other students from across the state that test within the same percentile, thereby creating a more collaborative environment.

“An individual student is compared to his or her academic peers in terms of how much growth they make over the 

Jack Hassard: School Closings in Our Cities: A Deep Ecological Problem - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Jack Hassard: School Closings in Our Cities: A Deep Ecological Problem - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Jack Hassard: School Closings in Our Cities: A Deep Ecological Problem

by Anthony Cody

Guest post by Jack Hassard.
Latest Story

In this post I am going to argue that it is a mistake for large school districts such as Chicago, New York, and Atlanta to close schools on the basis of achievement and cost effectiveness. The Chicago School District announced that they plan to close 61 schools which is 13% of the total schools in the district. This will be the largest mass school closings in U.S. history. If you map these schools and their communities, the Chicago school board acts as if these schools are unimportant, and indeed the children and youth that attend these schools, because they are poor, and failing state mandated tests, can be moved about at their whim. According to the president of Chicago Principals and Administrators Association, the decision to close more than 50 schools has been done with no planning.
Deep Ecological Considerations
In their research on what they call "green governance" Burns Weston and David Bollier (2013) offer an insightful analysis of the consequences of the way business enterprises in partnership with government are "fiercely commercializing" many resources that were protected or beyond the reach of such shenanigans. Bollier (2002) calls this a scandal, and refers to it as a "silent theft" and "the private plunder of our common wealth." The 

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL:

"Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation"

 will be a sequel to"Helping Students Motivate Themselves"

Koi & Classroom Management

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 5 hours ago

Here’s a great story from Marvin Marshall, a great writer on positive classroom strategies:

Experience Being An Autistic Child In This Simulation

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 5 hours ago

Auti-Sim describes itself like this: The player navigates through a playground as an autistic child with auditory hypersensitivity. Proximity to loud children causes sensory overload for the player, impacting cognitive functions. This impact is represented as visual noise and blur, … Continue reading →

PBS News Hour Redesigns Their Teacher Resource Page

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 hours ago

The PBS News Hour has completely redesigned their webpage providing teacher resources. I had been thinking for awhile that I should add their site to The Best Places To Find Free (And Good) Lesson Plans On The Internet, and this … Continue reading →

Lesson Of The Week: What Does “March Madness” Have To Do With Theory Of Knowledge?

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 6 hours ago

(Have you developed a particularly creative and successful lesson for your K-12 English, Social Studies, or IB Theory of Knowledge class? If you have, and can describe it in 400 words or less (not including student hand-outs you might want … Continue reading →

What Should Be The Fate Of The Zillion Starred Posts On My Google Reader?

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 7 hours ago

The upcoming demise of Google Reader has left me with a decision to make — What do I do about the untold zillions of backlogged posts I’ve “starred” and saved? Do I just export them to another RSS Reader, or … Continue reading →

Earth Hour Updates

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 7 hours ago

Earth Hour took place earlier this evening. Here are new additions to The Best Sites To Learn About “Earth Hour”: AP Photos: Cities go dark for ‘Earth Hour’ Worldwide blackout: Landmark buildings across the globe switch off their lights to … Continue reading →

This Week’s “Links I Should Have Posted About, But Didn’t”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 8 hours ago

I have a huge backlog of resources that I’ve been planning to post about in this blog but, just because of time constraints, have not gotten around to doing. Instead of letting that backlog grow bigger, I regularly grab a … Continue reading →

My New Book, Self-Driven Learning, Is Now Available On Kindle

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 12 hours ago

My new book, Self-Driven Learning: Teaching Strategies for Student Motivation, is now available on Kindle. In addition, the “Look Inside” feature is now activated on Amazon, so you can…look inside it.

The Best Resources For Images From The Planck Satellite

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 17 hours ago

The media has been awash with images from the Planck satellite this week. Here’s a short explanation from The New York Times: Astronomers released the latest and most exquisite baby picture yet of the universe on Thursday, one that showed … Continue reading →

This Is Hard For Me To Believe — Fewer Teens Get Their Drivers Licenses Because Smartphones Serve The Same Function As Cars?

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 20 hours ago

I am very open to being corrected, and I’m looking forward to asking my students about this, but I think The Los Angeles Times this week has provided a perfect example of mistaking correlation with causation (which makes it a … Continue reading →

Here’s The Latest Reflection/Goal-Setting Sheet I’m Using With Students

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 20 hours ago

I recently created a new reflection/goal-setting sheet that I asked my ninth-grade students to complete, and it went pretty well. In fact, some of my colleagues are also using it. A few students rolled their eyes, but it’s created a … Continue reading →

“Edcanvas” Has Just Leaped To The Top Of My List Of Useful Web 2.0 Tools

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

I’ve previously posted several times about Edcanvass, and it’s already on a number of “The Best…” lists. This week they added another great feature — the ability to easily record up to five minutes of audio on any image or … Continue reading →

Fascinating Research On Importance Of Students Knowing Their Family History

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

The Stories That Bind Us is a New York Times article sharing some fascinating research. Here’s an excerpt:

March’s Best Tweets — Part Three

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Every month I make a few short lists highlighting my choices of the best resources I shared through (and learned from) Twitter, but didn’t necessarily include them in posts here on my blog. I’ve already shared in earlier posts several new … Continue reading →

Easter & Passover Resources

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

I’ve just reviewed and updated most, thought not all, of the resources on The Best Sites For Learning About Easter And Passover list. Additional suggestions are welcome….

More On School Closings

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Here are two new additions to The Best Posts & Articles On The Impact Of School Closures — Suggest More!: Press Release: New Study from CReATE: School Closures will Negatively Impact Academic Performance, Destabilize Communities Instead of closing schools, how … Continue reading →

Chinua Achebe On Needing “a balance of stories”

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Chinua Achebe’s Legacy, in His Own Words is an Atlantic reprint of a great interview with Chinua Achebe, who died today. Here’s a quote:

More World Water Day Resources

Larry Ferlazzo at Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - 1 day ago

Here are the newest additions to The Best Resources For Teaching & Learning About World Water Day: World Water Day 2013 is a photo gallery from The Boston Globe. Water Availability and its Impact on Global Agriculture infographic by DanforthCenter. … Continue reading →

NYC Educator: Is UFT's Delegate Assembly a Forum for Candidates' Debate?

NYC Educator: Is UFT's Delegate Assembly a Forum for Candidates' Debate?:

Is UFT's Delegate Assembly a Forum for Candidates' Debate?

by NYC Educator

There's a small ruckus on the MORE blog about whether or not UFT President Mike Mulgrew should debate his sole opponent, Julie Cavanagh. While the respondents are often more civil than the juvenile ravings that haunt the ICE blog, their arguments are bizarre, to say the least. As it happens, candidate Julie Cavanagh has an infant son, and the best argument they can seem to muster against her is that she doesn't attend the DA frequently enough.

The implication that she would neglect her duties, as a result, is beyond offensive. With all due respect, Mulgrew is not a full-time teacher. It is one of his primary responsibilities to conduct the DA. Cavanagh's primary responsibility is to teach her classes. If she couldn't be bothered doing that, we might have something to discuss. Or we might not. But to expect a young mother to teach a full day, tend to her infant child, and travel to meetings without fail is ridiculous at least, and misogynist at worst. 

When I go to the DA, I'm often amazed by what I see. I've watched Mike Mulgrew explain how we needed to 

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: I'm Not Retiring, And You Can't Make Me!

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: I'm Not Retiring, And You Can't Make Me!:

I'm Not Retiring, And You Can't Make Me!

by Lisa M

Are you an "old" teacher?
Are you one of those teachers people think they have the right to ask, "When are you going to retire?"

I had that conversation with a younger 20 something colleague recently.
I wanted to respond to her question by stating, "None of your business.", but I was polite.
I said, "When my mortgage is paid, or I get really, really, tired of this job."
She was persistent.
"That might be soon, the way things are going."
My response, "I love teaching, I love what I do."
She went on.
"Yeah, but... ", I won't bore you with the rest of her sentence , but that's where I ended this inane conversation.

Maybe I'm just being oversensitive, but I believe that just because I am in my 50's.

UPDATE: Letter to the Editor Debunks Common Core Missouri Education Watchdog: Protecting Student Privacy Rights and Data

Missouri Education Watchdog: Protecting Student Privacy Rights and Data:

Letter to the Editor Debunks Common Core Talking Points

by stlgretchen

The exponent-telegram.com printed a letter to the editor questioning the spin from the Common Core special interest groups (NGA, CCSSO, State School Boards, School districts, education reform companies, companies/researchers funded by the Gates Foundation): 

**************************************************

From the wvde.state web site, questions and their “answers” that I have to question.
1) “Is having common standards the first step toward nationalizing education?”
Their answer: “No. Common Core Standards are a state-led effort. The federal government has not been involved in the development of the standards.”

My response: The true answer is that 45 states were bribed by Washington with several million dollars in education funds to accept the Common Core Curriculum for state education without even knowing what it was about. West Virginia was one of them. That was the first step.

2) “What is the role of the federal government in standards implementation?”

Their answer: “The federal government has had no role in the development of the common core state standards and will not have a role in their implementation.”

My response: Other than their role in requiring the implementation as part of the Common Core 

Protecting Student Privacy Rights and Data

by stlgretchen

As seen on youtube.

Published on Jan 18, 2013

Khem Irby, speaking at a Guilford, North Carolina school board meeting, expresses her concern about student privacy rights.

NYC Public School Parents: Parents beware! NY and eight other states plan to share your child's confidential school records with private corporations without your consent!http://shar.es/4MNTS

Popout 

Ms. Irby asked about procedures safeguarding information or being able to opt children out of data gathering.  Has the school board answered her questions?

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education "National Middle Level Education... OpenCongress

S.Res.80: A resolution expressing support for the designation of March 2013 as "National Middle Level Education... OpenCongress:

Bill Introduced: S.Res.80 A resolution expressing support for the designation of March 2013 as "National Middle Level Education Month".

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A resolution expressing support for the designation of March 2013 as "National Middle Level Education Month".

Bill Introduced: S.Res.79 A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day.

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A resolution supporting the goals and ideals of Take Our Daughters and Sons To Work Day.

Bill Introduced: H.R.1122 Protecting Life in Funding Education Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

To amend the General Education Provisions Act to prohibit Federal education funding for elementary schools and secondary schools that provide on-campus access to abortion providers.

Bill Introduced: S.528 Protecting Financial Aid for Students and Taxpayers Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A bill to amend the Higher Education Opportunity Act to restrict institutions of higher education from using revenues derived from Federal educational assistance funds for advertising, marketing, or recruiting purposes.

Bill Introduced: H.R.1089 Stepping Up to STEM Act of 2013

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

To stimulate collaboration with respect to, and provide for coordination and coherence of, the Nation's science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education initiatives, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: H.R.1090 Elementary Educator STEM Content Coach Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

To establish an Elementary Educator Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Content Coach program.

Bill Introduced: S.519 Providing Resources Early for Kids Act of 2013

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to improve early education.

Bill Introduced: S.512 To Aid Gifted and High-Ability Learners by Empowering the Nation's Teachers Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to aid gifted and talented and high-ability learners by empowering the Nation's teachers, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: H.R.1007 Asthma Management Plans in School Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

To amend part D of title V of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to provide grants to schools for the development of asthma management plans and the purchase of asthma medications and devices for emergency use, as necessary.

Bill Introduced: S.456 Annual National Classified School Employee of the Year Award Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A bill to direct the Secretary of Education to establish an award program recognizing excellence exhibited by public school system employees providing services to students in prekindergarten through higher education.

Bill Introduced: S.441 Professional Development for Educators Act of 2013

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by establishing a program to provide professional development activities for educators, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: S.439 Career and Technical Education Facilities Modernization Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 29 seconds ago

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 by establishing a program to support the modernization, renovation, or repair of career and technical education facilities, and for other purposes.

From John Stoffel on #marchmadness and #commoncore – @ the chalk face

From John Stoffel on #marchmadness and #commoncore – @ the chalk face:

From John Stoffel on #marchmadness and #commoncore

by Chalk Face, PhD

It’s time for March Madness in Indiana. Sadly, I refer not to our state’s passion for basketball, but to our lawmakers’ debilitation of public schools through high stakes testing which students began this month.
The concept of winning a basketball game is relatively simple: score more points than your opponent. However, any basketball fan knows scoring is more complicated than just shooting the ball through the hoop. Winning coaches focus on their players and take care of the details. In doing so, the scoreboard takes care of itself.
Hoosier lawmakers now try to define successful schools in a seemingly simple concept as well: score high on the test. Unfortunately, these lawmakers have created a backward system that focuses on scores, not students. When test scores become the focus, potent teachers are handcuffed and student learning suffers.
Rationalization such as this leads win-at-all-costs youth coaches to do 3-point shooting drills with players not

CTU Prez Karen Lewis At the Chalk Face this Sunday 6PM EST

by Chalk Face, PhD

Here’s the show link. Chat room and livetweet @thechalkface.

Baker, Jacobs square off over Prince George’s County schools takeover plan - The Washington Post

Baker, Jacobs square off over Prince George’s County schools takeover plan - The Washington Post:

Baker, Jacobs square off over Prince George's County schools takeover plan

Mark Gail/The Washington Post - Prince George’s County Executive Rushern Baker.

By Miranda S. Spivack and and Ovetta Wiggins, Saturday, March 23, 4:55 PM

The chairman of the Prince George’s school board on Saturday lashed out at County Executive Rushern L. Baker III, calling his plan to take over operations of the county’spublic schools a “last minute power grab.”

In her sharpest public comments to date, Verjeana Jacobs (District 5) said such a shift in power away from the elected school board could contribute to further instability in a system seeking its sixth superintendent in more than a decade. “It is a major structural change unaccompanied by a plan,” she said.

More news about education

AP good for high school but not college?

Jay Mathews MAR 20

Two professors explain to me why they think AP is great for high schools but is hurting their colleges.

Ability grouping is back despite scholarly qualms

Jay Mathews MAR 17

When I was in school, reading groups were the norm. Then they faded. Now they have returned in a big way.

St. Andrew’s brings brains into the classroom

Valerie Strauss MAR 5

It isn’t easy to marry neuroscience with educational practice, but one school is trying to figure out how.

Read more

Baker (D) and Jacobs sparred publicly about the proposal for the first time at a county House delegation meeting. With two weeks left before the Maryland General Assembly adjourns, Baker conceded that the timing was not ideal. But he told state lawmakersthat it was imperative that changes be made before a new superintendent for the 123,000 student system is hired.

“We can’t kick it down the road anymore,” Baker said.

Delegates from the county on Saturday said they agreed that the system is in need of a major overhaul. The question is: Who should be granted control? The county executive, who has little legal authority over the school system and would like more? The nine-member elected school board? Or a combination of the two?