12-2-13 Fred Klonsky | Running for our pensions. | VOTE 4 Fred Klonsky.

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.:

Karen Lewis. “So let me get this straight.”

  So let me get this straight. The General Assembly will cut pensions for people who broke the color and gender barrier in order to work for the State, but will hand over tax breaks to ADM and Home Depot. We are truly living in bizarro world. Call your state legislators. - Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis

by Fred Klonsky / 5min 

Jerry Mulvihill. A Letter to Representative Hurley.

Hi Fred, Thanks for everything you are doing! Don’t know if you saw this but this is the email response I got from Rep. Fran Hurley after I emailed her the other day. My response to her is below as well. We are working hard in 64 (the Park Ridge Education Association) to keep the calls coming in to legislators. Thanks gain and we will keep hoping for a defeat of this BS!!! -Jerry   Fran, Thank you

by Fred Klonsky / 10min 

Rockford teachers protest pension cuts.

  Hi Fred Just to let you know we’ve been keeping up with CPS via your blog. Here are some of us in front of the Zeke Georgi building in Rockford. - Carolyn Grune – REA teacher & activist.

by Fred Klonsky / 8min 

Representative Robyn Gabel targeted by teachers and other retirees.

From the Evanston Roundtable: Teachers Protest at Rep. Gabel’s office By Larry Gavin Approximately 20 retired and active teachers and state workers met with Matt Trewartha, legislative aide to State Representative Robyn Gabel, in the lobby outside Rep. Gabel’s Evanston office on Dec. 2. They urged that she vote “no” on proposed pension legislation that was scheduled to be cons

by Fred Klonsky / 13min 

Karl Gabbey Democratic Precinct Committeeman, Precinct 56, Bloomingdale Township. Another letter to Representative Mussman.

This is my letter to Michelle Mussman shortly after she voted for Madigan’s SB 1 at the beginning of last last summer. Curiously, she did not respond. Mussman calls herself an “Independent Democrat.” The “Independent Democrat” label was printed on her campaign signs at least during her first “soccer mom” campaign… Karl Dear Michelle, Your “Yea” vote on Madigan’s pension cutting bill(s) just turned

by Fred Klonsky / 19min 

Retiree rebellion. The heat is on.

    At Representative Michelle Mussman’s office in Schaumburg. Photos: Fred Klonsky   Angry retirees and active teachers line Dempster in front of Senator Biss’ office. Photo: Mark Stefanik. I haven’t heard from around the state yet. But, I was up in Schaumburg this afternoon at Representative Michelle Mussman’s office. Along with nearly 100 other union members including active and retired teac

by Fred Klonsky / 55min

Bob Lyons. Dear Representative Michelle Mussman.

- Bob Lyons is a TRS trustee. Michelle, I can recall a conversation from just a couple of years ago with Representative Elaine Nekritz where she said, “Of course we need to cut your pension benefits, but we can’t because you’re already retired.”   She knew then it was unconstitutional.  But when the legislators looked at how many billions that they felt they need to save they came back to u

by Fred Klonsky / 7min 

Here is what the Illinois House and Senate are voting on this week. It takes 325 pages to describe how they are going to steal our pensions.

Here is a copy of the Senate Bill 1. It takes 325 pages to describe how the state of Illinois will violate the state constitution and steal our pensions. 325 pages. The members of the House and Senate just got copies of it this noon today. They must be speed readers. Thieves of speed.

by Fred Klonsky / 18min hide  //  save

Pension Emergency Day in Illinois. Reporting in.

  Skokie Organization of Retired Educators (S.O.R.E.) IEA Retired at Representative Laura Fine’s office. Photo: Representative Laura Fine. Ten of us met with north suburban Representative Laura Fine. We could have had thirty or more. But this was a cordial meeting. Not a rally. Fine was one of the good guys who voted against Senate Bill 1 back in May. But will she stick to her principles tomorrow

by Fred Klonsky / 58min 

Ellen Gradman. Pension theft.

  Graphic: Ellen Gradman.

by Fred Klonsky / 2min 

Bev Johns. What does the Illinois Constitution say about cutting pension benefits? Unfortunately, whatever 4 justices on the Illinois Supreme Court decide it says.

. - Bev Johns is a Special Needs and public schools advocate and activist. There is a need for all-out political action before the Illinois House and Senate votes on cutting pensions on Tuesday. What does the Illinois Constitution say about cutting pension benefits? Unfortunately, whatever four justices on the Illinois Supreme Court decide it says. Illinois House Speaker Michael Madigan is confi

by Fred Klonsky / 32min

Friends.

. This morning as I head for a round of Illinois legislative district offices I am grieving. I’ve lost a friend. Not a real friend. A Facebook friend. Apparently David Ormsby has defriended me. Unfriended? Disenfriended?  This has happened before and losing a friend, even a virtual friend, isn’t an easy time for me. A few years ago Charlie McBarron, the Director of Communications for the IEA cut

by Fred Klonsky / 4min 

  

12-1-13 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: The cranky one is publishing the times and locations of tomorrow’s We Are One pension rallies.Here are the times and locations of tomorrow’s pension rallies at local representatives’ offices: AFSCME • Rockford – Stadelman/Syverson, Jefferson o Start Time: 10 a.m. o Transportation: Self. (Parking is pl

by mike simpson / 3h 

12-2-13 Wait What?

Wait What?:

Malloy tells right-wing American Enterprise Institute he is the “education governor”

As reported earlier today, Governor Malloy traveled to Washington D.C. today to speak to the ultra-right wing American Enterprise Institute.  (see Wait, What? post: Malloy speaks to right-wing American Enterprise Institute in ongoing effort to alienate every teacher and public education advocate). The purpose of his trip to D.C. was to brag about his Education Reform […]The post Malloy tells right

by jonpelto / 1h 

Malloy speaks to right-wing American Enterprise Institute in ongoing effort to alienate every teacher and public education advocate

With the 2014 gubernatorial election on the horizon, Governor Dannel P. Malloy remains true to his never-ending effort to alienate every teacher and public education advocate in Connecticut. Today he travels to the ultra-right wing American Enterprise Institute in Washington, D.C. to speak on “School Reform.” American Enterprise Institute (AEI) is the leading “think-tank” for […]The post Malloy sp

by jonpelto / 1h 

12-1-13 Wait What?

Wait What?: Perry returns to the paid speaking circuitTonight, December 1, 2013, Steve Perry will be speaking at George Washington University from 7pm – 9pm (no word whether the will be back in time for school tomorrow morning).  But he’ll certainly be missing another school day on Friday when he speaks at the METCO Directors’ Association meeting outside of Boston from 8:30am – […]The post Perry r

by mike simpson / 5h

12-2-13 The Answer Sheet

The Answer Sheet:

Catholics split over Common Core standards

Catholic educators, scholars and bishops are engaging in an increasingly vocal debate about the Common Core State Standards, with a major split developing between those who support the Core and those who don’t. More than 100 dioceses have already approved the standards for their Catholic schools, but others are rejecting them, including the Diocese of […]    

by Valerie Strauss / 6min 

Why is a country the size of New Mexico beating the U.S. in academic performance?

Tuesday is “PISA Day,” that is, the day that the 2012 results of reading, math and science tests will be released from the Program for International Student Assessment, or PISA, which tests 15 year olds every three years in more than 65 countries and education systems. The United States can be expected to do pretty […]    

by Valerie Strauss / 1h 

Obama administration backtracks (again) on teacher equity

President Obama and Education Secretary Arne Duncan have talked the talked about the importance of teachers, but when it comes to providing kids with equitable access to great teachers, they haven’t exactly walked the walk. Here is a post on the issue by Tara Kini, senior staff attorney at Public Advocates, a nonprofit law firm […]    

by Valerie Strauss / 3h 

12-1-13 The Answer Sheet

The Answer Sheet: Amazing product placement: ‘American Girl’ backpack comes with mini Pearson math bookYou’ve got to give it to Pearson: They do great product placement. Who would expect an “American Girl” miniature backpack set for a doll to include a tiny math book with a cover that comes from a Common Core-aligned textbook line put out by the education publishing giant? Yes, educator and blogge

by mike simpson / 6h 

12-2-13 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

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

“19 Mind-Blowing Tricks Every iPhone And iPad User Should Know”

19 Mind-Blowing Tricks Every iPhone And iPad User Should Know is a post from BuzzFeed that has a lot of helpful advice to iPhone and iPad users. I’m adding it to The Best Resources For Beginning iPad Users.

by Larry Ferlazzo / 44min 

The Best Online Learning Games Of 2013 – Part Two

Time for another annual”The Best…” list…. This covers new games since I posted The Best Online Learning Games Of 2013 — So Far six months ago. As usual, In order to make it on this list, games had to: * be accessible to English Language Learners. * provide exceptionally engaging content. * not provide access to other non-educational games on their site, though there is one on this list that doesn

by Larry Ferlazzo / 1h 

My Best Posts On New Research Studies In 2013 – Part Two

I write many posts about recent research studies and how they can relate practically to the classroom. In fact, I post a regular feature called Research Studies of the Week. In addition, I write individual posts about studies I feel are particularly relevant to my work as a teacher. Here are my best posts on research studies since I published My Best Posts On New Research Studies In 2013 — So Far

by Larry Ferlazzo / 36min 

Slate’s Podcast Asked Me, ” Does Class Size Matter?”; Guess What My Answer Was…

Dana Goldstein had me as a guest, along with Matthew Chingos from the Brookings Institution, on a Slate podcast of Schooled: Does Class Size Matter? I think it’s a fairly interesting discussion — you be the judge… I’m adding it to The Best Resources For Learning About How Class Size Does Matter.

by Larry Ferlazzo / 2h 

36th ELT Blog Carnival Just Published!

Eva Buyuksimkesyan has just published the 36th ELT Blog Carnival (formerly known as the ESL/EFL/ELL Blog Carnival) and it’s a great one on holiday lessons. Teachers from around the world have contributed posts. I’m adding it to The Best Places To Learn About Christmas, Hanukkah, & Kwanzaa. The next edition will be hosted by Andrea Wade and its about New Year Resolutions! Submit your entries b

by Larry Ferlazzo / 1h 

Podcast Interview With…Me

Sam Rangel, who hosts a series of podcasts called “Amazing Teacher” did a short interview with me last week and just posted it. You might, or might not, find it useful/interesting…. I’ve embedded it below, though you might want to go directly to his site to explore his other resources and podcasts….

by Larry Ferlazzo / 1h 

Students Creating Quizzes On Videos For Their Classmates

My latest New York Times post for English Language Learners is on students creating quizzes for their classmates by using videos. It includes a student interactive. I’m adding it to The Best Popular Movies/TV Shows For ESL/EFL (& How To Use Them).

by Larry Ferlazzo / 1h 

YESTERDAY

The Best Fun Videos For English Language Learners In 2013 – Part Two

I use short, funny video clips a lot when I’m teaching ELLs, and you can read in detail about how I use them in The Best Popular Movies/TV Shows For ESL/EFL (& How To Use Them). I’ve posted quite a few of them during the year, and I thought it would be useful to readers — and to me — if I brought them together in one post. The videos on this list have appeared since I published The Best Fun V

by Larry Ferlazzo / 9h 

12-1-13 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: The Best Videos For Educators In 2013 – Part TwoHere’s the latest in annual The Best…” posts…. This post includes my choices for videos since I posted The Best Videos For Educators In 2013 – So Far six months ago. You might also be interested in: The Best Videos For Educators In 2012 — Part Two The Best Videos For Educators

by mike simpson / 9h 

12-2-13 Jersey Jazzman

Jersey Jazzman:

Jersey Jazzman: “‘Twas the Night Before PISA Day!”

Please read Jersey Jazzman’s hilarious spoof on “The Night Before Christmas.” He anticipates not the joy of Christmas and Santa, but the much-anticipated release of PISA scores, when Arne Duncan gets to tell the nation once again how terrible American education is and how we are losing the global competition and why we are still a nation at risk. He will conveniently overlook the fact that he is

by dianeravitch / 54min 

'Twas the Night Before PISA Day!

'Twas the night before PISA Day, when all through the foundationsThe wonks were all dreaming about Bill Gates's donations;The rankings were crafted for each nation with care,In hopes that more grants would come from billionaires;The children were tested and stressed at their desks;While visions of bubble sheets made them feel quite grotesque;Suburban moms in their 'kerchiefs, and dads in their cap

by Duke / 9h 

  

12-1-13 Jersey Jazzman

Jersey Jazzman: Why Won't Charter Cheerleaders Acknowledge The Facts?I've got to give my old buddy Tom Moran, chief of the op-ed page at the Star-Ledger credit: he managed to write a column on education today where he didn't blame the teachers unions for everything. Must have been hard to repress those urges...Cami Anderson, the superintendent of Newark schools, has taken enormous heat for nurturi

by mike simpson / 6h

12-2-13 Perdido Street School

Perdido Street School:

Manic Monday

Interesting post NYC Educator wrote about the anxiety some teachers are feeling Sunday night/Monday morning as they try and sleep before returning to the work week.I awoke at 3:30 this morning and had some difficulty getting back to sleep.I kept thinking about that 15 minute mini observation that's coming.I kept thinking about the lessons I had for today (which were good ones, but nonetheless I wo

by reality-based edu... / 53min 

Bloomberg Kept Playing Golf After Being Told Of Metro North Train Derailment

His aides didn't want to say where he was yesterday when there was no sight of him or press release from him for hours after the news of the train derailment broke:The Bloomberg administration has a longstanding policy of not disclosing the mayor's whereabouts when he has no public events scheduled, but many suspected the billionaire was in Bermuda this weekend when he failed to surface after a Me

by reality-based edu... / 12min 

NY Times: Teacher MUST Make Concessions on Seniority, ATR'S, Pay And Scheduling

Usual neo-liberal claptrap in the NY Times on the teachers contract.The Timesmen want teachers to agree to get rid of salary steps and tie teacher pay to the new APPR teacher evaluation system ("highly effective" teachers would be paid more than other teachers - so what if the system is under attack all across the state, the Timesmen think pay should be based upon it.)They want the union

by reality-based edu... / 2h hide  //  save

Time To Dispense With The Sham That SED Will Make Reform "Adjustments"

The Syracuse Post Standard editorial board wants to know what NYSED Commissioner King and Regents Chancellor Tisch are going to do with all the insights they've heard the past few weeks at the Common Core forums:On Tuesday, New York state Education Commissioner John B. King Jr. will sit in front of an audience at Fayetteville-Manlius High School for his ninth public forum on the Common Core standa

by reality-based edu... / 5h 

12-1-13 Perdido Street School

Perdido Street School: Politicians In Albany Scared Over Common CoreCommenter at a Buffalo News article on the increasing opposition to the CCSS in NY State:A childhood friend of mine works in politics. I saw him recently and conversation turned to the issues highlighted in this article. He said, and I'll never forget the look on his face, "the Common Core has politicians in Albany scared.&qu

by mike simpson / 9h

Early math matters: Top researcher discusses his work | EdSource Today

Early math matters: Top researcher discusses his work | EdSource Today:

Early math matters: Top researcher discusses his work

December 1st, 2013 | Add a Comment | 
By Lillian Mongeau

Greg Duncan before delivering the keynote address at the Silicon Valley Education Foundation’s forum on early math. Credit: Lillian Mongeau, EdSource Today

A study showing that early math skills are one of the best predictors of later success in both math and literacy has become a cornerstone of the growing movement among early childhood educators to boost math instruction in preschool through 3^rd grade.

The architect of the 2007 study, Greg Duncan, an economist and University of California Irvine education professor, is a national expert on the importance of strong early math skills. He shared key aspects of his research in interviews with EdSource earlier this year and following a forum on early math by the Silicon Valley Education Foundation in San Jose, where he was the keynote speaker. Excerpts from the interviews are below.

Why early math is so important:

“Math coming into school is important because kids who do well in math early on tend to do very well in school. And math is important later on because kids who do well in math in high school end up doing well in the labor market.

“(My research shows) the links between school success and achievement in, say, 5^th grade or 8^th grade, and the kind of skills that kids bring into school. It’s a pattern that seems to be showing up in a number of different data sets from several different countries and different historical periods: If you do kind of a horse race and ask, ‘What sort of skills and behaviors do kids bring to school that are most important for