Monday, December 9, 2013

The Loop Capital Connection | WeArePCAPS

The Loop Capital Connection | WeArePCAPS:

The Loop Capital Connection

Posted on December 9, 2013by wearepcaps

Today’s National Day of Action in both Chicago and Philadelphia will target Loop Capital and head honcho JIm Reynolds. PCAPS will rally at their local HQ at 2 Penn Center.

Jim Reynolds was the central representative from the African American business community publicly aligned with Rahm Emanuel in support of his closing of the record number of schools in American history in Chicago this past May. He is also one of the primary contractors in cities across the country in providing bonds, toxic interest rate swaps and financing for privatization deals through his company, Loop Capital. Loop Capital has provided municipal financing of bonds in 49 states, partnering with other banks on $818 billion worth of deals since their inception. In addition, Reynolds has supported Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s anti-violence initiatives even as the Mayor locks up record

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The Loop Capital Connection

Today’s National Day of Action in both Chicago and Philadelphia will target Loop Capital and head honcho JIm Reynolds. PCAPS will rally at their local HQ at 2 Penn Center. Jim Reynolds was the central representative from the African American business community publicly aligned with Rahm Emanuel in support of his closing of the record number of schools in American history in Chicago this past May. He is also one of the primary contractors in cities across the country in providing bonds, toxic interest rate swaps and financing for privatization deals through his company, Loop Capital. Loop Capi

11min

Thursday, December 12th – Rally for Full Funding in N.E. Philly

Livestream of December 9th Day of Action

https://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01193&video=47477

DEC 05

Action at Senator Williams Office to Stop Bill 1085 for Friday Cancelled

Senator Williams has agreed to meet with us and we are in the process of scheduling that meeting. Once we have a date we will ask people to join us outside his office.

by wearepcaps / 3d

Full Funding Friday # 12

The Full Funding Friday Campaign moves into its 12th week. Here are the schools where rallies are planned for this Friday. We really appreciate all the people who have volunteered to come out and join with school staff, parents and students. As before, we will have flyers and other materials on hand. Times will be 7:45 am for elementary schools, 7:15 am for high schools. December 6, 2013 Dobson

by wearepcaps / 4d

NYC Educator: Lie Down with Dogs...

NYC Educator: Lie Down with Dogs...:

Lie Down with Dogs...

...and wake up with fleas. That's what we're getting as a result of our partnership with Steve Barr. Barr is affiliated with some ex-Green Dot school that rose up as a partnership with the UFT. He boasts of being a union school with a 30-page contract, and sets that forward as an example.

Here's what he didn't mention in his piece--Green Dot Schools have neither tenure nor seniority rights. Layoffs are done by virtue of perceived merit of said teachers. How many times have they fetched the principal's dry-cleaning? Who did the dogsitting for the AP when she took that fact-finding tour to Bermuda? Who brought the biggest cake to the principal's 50th birthday party? Did that person forget to come?

These and other questions could be considered with a thin contract. And when you don't have due process, there's no hearing to prove you're actually incompetent. I understand there is some "just cause" process over there, but when I asked various UFT reps whether or not it's ever saved a teacher position, no one was able to tell me. A prominent reformy friend of mine told me they never had to use the process and were generally able to "counsel out" anyone they didn't care for. I find it likely Green Dot, or whatever they're calling themselves, can fire teachers "just cause" it tickles their fancy.

So now, with a new progressive mayor, Barr is in the Daily News urging a new contract "compromise." Essentially,

Emails detail a hidden plan for Kansas City Public Schools - KansasCity.com

Emails detail a hidden plan for Kansas City Public Schools - KansasCity.com:

Emails detail a hidden plan for Kansas City Public Schools

December 7

BY JOE ROBERTSON

The Kansas City Star

Backed by two of the most influential foundations in Kansas City, Missouri Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro and a state-hired consultant are planning the future of Kansas City Public Schools as a slate wiped clean.

Revelations in emails obtained by The Star and dating to April show a state education department eager to create a new school system, even as the long-beleaguered but stabilized district was preparing to celebrate its best academic improvement in years.

The electronic trail exposes a rushed bidding process, now criticized, that ultimately landed Indianapolis-based CEE-Trust a $385,000 contract to develop a long-range overhaul for the district’s failing schools.

Summer discussions in emails reveal Nicastro’s wish for a statewide district to gather poor-performing schools under new leadership, with an office for innovation and charter school expansion.

In mid-August, days before the state’s district report cards were to be released to the public showing a surprisingly high score for Kansas City, a CEE-Trust partner shared his talking points with Nicastro and staff debunking the performance of a district where 70 percent of the students still perform below proficiency.

“It suggests a conspiracy against our success,” said Kansas City Superintendent Steve Green.

Even as Green and his cabinet gathered in Jefferson City on Sept. 4 with Nicastro and staff to plead Kansas City’s case for provisional accreditation and a reprieve from state intervention, emails show Nicastro had other plans.

Three weeks earlier at the Kauffman Foundation, unknown to Green, Nicastro had introduced her planning team to the person she selected to lead a potential statewide

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The white blindspot -- My response to Valerie Strauss

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The white blindspot -- My response to Valerie Strauss:

The white blindspot -- My response to Valerie Strauss

"We called it ‘segregation,’ they called it ‘apartheid,” it’s the same system and the same political and military and diplomatic players. We had to fight that same system running parallel.” -- Rev. Jesse Jackson

D.C. Mayor Gray at South
African Embassy (AP Photo/Cliff Owen)

I never thought I would be saying this, but I'm shocked and dismayed by Valerie Strauss's column in yesterday's Washington Post ("D.C. Mayor Gray needs a history lesson on apartheid"). Let me say first that I have been a big fan of Valerie's for years and not such a big fan of Mayor Gray's. I often link to her blog and re-post most of her columns on Twitter. She has been a superb defender of public education and a thorn in the side of the corporate school reformers and privatizers, while Gray often seems to be following in the path of his horrible predecessor and Michelle Rhee follower, Adrian Fenty.

That being said, yesterday's admonishment delivered to D.C.'s African-American MayorVincent Gray, over his daring, in a rhetorical way, to draw parallels between the conditions black people face today in the nation's capital with those faced under South African

How to Become a Teacher: Public vs. Private | The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice

How to Become a Teacher: Public vs. Private | The Friedman Foundation for Educational Choice:

How to Become a Teacher: Public vs. Private

Robbie Rhinesmith
Posted: December 6, 2013

“Those who can’t do, teach,” goes the common refrain. But not among education reformers, many of whom say changing that attitude is the key to lasting systemic improvement in our schools. Andresearch seems to back them up, as studies show teachers are the most important school-based factor in a student’s performance.

So how does someone qualify to become the most important factor in a student’s academic progression?

As you probably expect, state governments play a gatekeeper role by requiring teachers to be licensed. Requirements vary state to state, and even from year to year, particularly at this time of widespread upheaval in how education is governed at the federal, state, and local levels.

But let’s look at Indiana, a state that has embraced reform on so many fronts, as an example of how teachers get into public and private school classrooms.

Public School Teacher Licensure Requirements

Indiana currently allows prospective teachers to follow one of three initial steps to get a teaching license.

The “traditional” route differs slightly for elementary teachers and middle/high school teachers, but it is the route most people commonly associate with being a teacher: The prospective teacher enrolls in classes in his or her college’s school of education and completes the requirements. Elementary teachers major in General Education with a minor in a state-approved content area, while middle/high school teachers major in the content area they will teach with a minor in education that includes education courses.

The second route is for the teacher, either elementary or secondary, to complete a bachelor’s degree in a non-education major and then either complete a state-approved minor in “essential pedagogy” or complete a state-approved “transition to teaching” program.

Finally, prospective teachers may complete a Master of Arts in Teaching approved by the state.

The second requirement of Indiana’s teacher licensure process is successful completion of certain standardized tests. Currently, Indiana requires passage of Educational Testing Service’s Praxis Series II exam for each content area that will appear on the teacher’s license. Beginning in May 2014, Indiana will fully transition from the Praxis exams to the new Indiana CORE Assessment.

Finally, teachers in Indiana must complete both CPR-Heimlich Maneuver-AED certification and an approved course in child suicide recognition and prevention.

Private School Teacher Licensure Requirements

In short, private schools in Indiana may decide for themselves whether teachers must be licensed by the state. In their application and hiring processes, some schools may decide they want all their teachers to be trained and licensed according to state guidelines. Other schools may decide that

12-9-13 THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG Insights on Getting Students to Mastery — Whole Child Education

Insights on Getting Students to Mastery — Whole Child Education:

Insights on Getting Students to Mastery

What does it mean to master a subject? And how can schools help students get there? The December 2013/January 2014 issue of Educational Leadership focuses on how educators can help students achieve mastery as they learn. But what does mastery mean? And how can teachers be sure students have achieved it? Authors in this issue consider these questions from a variety of angles, offering definitions o

by Klea Scharberg / 21min

12-6-13 THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG Thoughts from #PISA2012, Take Two — Whole Child Education

Thoughts from #PISA2012, Take Two — Whole Child Education: Thoughts from #PISA2012, Take TwoPISA assesses the extent to which 15-year-old students have acquired key knowledge and skills that are essential for full participation in modern societies. The results should be used as one measure of a country's overall evaluation of its education system and not serve as a league table. Yet information an

by mike simpson / 19h

Stiff sentences today in DeKalb Schools corruption case | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

Stiff sentences today in DeKalb Schools corruption case | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com:

Stiff sentences today in DeKalb Schools corruption case

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Former DeKalb County School Superintendent Crawford Lewis at his sentencing hearing Monday. KENT JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

APS says Grady High football players used fake addresses to play. Does this happen everywhere?
December 9, 2013
Loud children. An exasperated bus driver. Should police have been called in this case?
December 4, 2013
A south Georgia school becomes a casualty of the Fox News "Stop the war on Christmas campaign"
December 4, 2013

By Maureen Downey

If you want to illustrate the adage that crime doesn't pay to your children, point to the stiff sentences handed down today in the DeKalb Schools corruption trial.

Former chief operating officer Pat Reid got 15 years in prison; her ex husband, architect Tony Pope, received an 8-year sentence.

And the judge in the case made clear the former Superintendent Crawford Lewis ought to also serve time in jail, despite a call for probation from prosecutors because of Lewis' testimony against Reid and Pope.

According to the AJC:

The former chief operating officer for DeKalb County schools was sentenced to 15 years in prison and her former husband was sentenced to eight years in prison for manipulating construction contracts that paid the husband $1.4 million for work he should not have received.
One-time COO Pat Reid and architect Tony Pope both were sentenced as first offenders, meaning their convictions will be erased if they successfully complete their prison sentences, pay restitution and then complete their probation — 10 years for Reid and 12 years for Pope.
At the same time, the sentencing of former DeKalb County School Superintendent

12-9-13 Schools Matter

Schools Matter:

OECD Pimping for Common Core Testing Delivery System

PISA chief, Andrew Schleicher was on the PBS News Hour last week to talk about what might be learned from high scorers on the world's most watched international testing derby. He pointed to some interventions that seem to have proved successful that focused on improving teacher quality and more equitable educational opportunities as having particular promise. When Jeffrey Brown asked about the U

by Jim Horn / 3min

Is a New Day Dawning for Education?

Common Dreams is covering today's protests.If a tree falls in the forest and no one is around to hear it does it make a sound?In: Physics, Philosophy and Philosophers, Brain Teasers and Logic PuzzlesAnswer:Most basic answer:No, because the definition of sound is "something that you hear." No one's there to hear the tree fall, so the tree doesn't make a sound. This answer is valid as long

by freetoteach / 19min

December 10 is Human Rights Day

Tomorrow is Human Rights Day, probably the most neglected day on the school calendar. All teachers should use this opportunity to make children aware of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It was adopted unanimously by the UN General Assembly on December 10, 1948. I hope you will share this document with all teachers.PREAMBLEWhereas recognition of the inherent dignity and of the equal an

by Jim Horn / 36min

Ending the Achievement Gap With Music Education

Psychology Today Magazine advertises on the Huffington Post. In a recent article, PT reports on how important music education can be for brain development, as well as cognitive and emotional growth for children. Perhaps child psychologists and educators should be talking more.So why has the Department of Education and Arne Duncan and friends who care so much about children implemented policies tha

by freetoteach / 32min

12-8-13 Schools Matter

Schools Matter: Beginning to Understand How CorpEd Came to Dominate the National Leadership of AFT and NEAA couple of piece from the vault, one video featuring Randi and Bill at the AFT Conference in Seattle, and just below that a piece of text that provides some background on the corporate takeover of leadership in AFT and NEA.Originally posted 7/13/13:Coming to understand that NEA and AFT have b

by mike simpson / 45min

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Monday, December 9, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

Fensterwald: Some sober words for school boards amid predictions of plenty

Education Headlines

Monday, December 9, 2013

FCMAT provides links to California K-12 news stories as a service to the industry. However, some stories may not be accessible because of newspapers' subscription policies.

Diabetes part of life for some students in Lodi Unified School District

The rate of students with Type 1 diabetes has remained stable, according to county education officials, but some 90 to 100 students within the district's schools need daily help with their disease.

Long Beach elementary students to receive new progress reports aligned with Common Core

Beginning next week, Long Beach elementary school students will receive new progress reports this trimester instead of the traditional report cards issued by the school district.

Nonprofits help Long Beach USD, others fill arts education void left by budget cuts

The day before directing a professional orchestra in front of thousands at the Long Beach Arena, conductor Matt Catingub was up early standing in front of about two dozen young musicians in a small middle school band room.

Pomona Unified School Board closer to selling surplus properties

Fourteen pieces of real estate in the hands of Pomona Unified School District have moved a step closer to going on sale.

Lead discovered in one in three Chino Valley Unified schools' water

The water in one in three Chino Valley Unified schools is contaminated with unsafe levels of lead, according to the district.

Palm Springs Unified School District considers selling surplus land

The Palm Springs Unified School District plans to sell a vacant, 80-acre property east of Rancho Mirage High School with enough space for more than 200 homes.

Long Beach Unified's finances looking stronger

Additional money from the state for Long Beach Unified made possible by a new funding method could mean the district ends its deficit spending for the first time in decades, school officials told the school board this week.

Twin Rivers employees to get a break on health insurance for 7 months

The Twin Rivers Unified School District gave its entire staff an early Christmas present last week – $100 a month toward their insurance premiums for the next seven months.

Opening school budget to parent input a work in progress at San Joaquin Valley schools

The extra money heading to San Joaquin Valley schools with the state’s new funding formula comes with a catch – parents get a say in how it will be spent.

SD teachers to get schooled in Common Core

As California prepares to roll out its new Common Core academic standards, San Diego city schools have mapped out a massive training effort for its more than 6,000 teachers.

School librarian helps students struggling with reading

Program aims to help young children, most with Spanish-speaking parents, whose reading scores aren't where they should be.

Fensterwald: Some sober words for school boards amid predictions of plenty

For the first time since the Great Recession, school districts are getting more money this year from the state; some – big beneficiaries of the new Local Control Funding Formula – are getting a lot. School finance experts John Gray and Joel Montero, however, injected a cautionary note during a presentation Friday at the California School Boards Association’s annual convention in San Diego.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Sonora Elementary rising from ashes

One fifth-grade class on Wednesday read the story of the phoenix, a mythological bird rising from the ashes to be more beautiful than before - a story akin to the Sonora Elementary School community after a Nov. 23 fire that destroyed most of the contents of 15 classrooms.

Parents want say in school funds

California parents know little about a new law that gives more money to schools that educate poor students. But they're willing to help plan how to spend the money if given a chance.

Recycling success threatens funding for San Jose school

Growth in the conservation fund has tapered off, partly because Californians are recycling so well. California's beverage container recycling rates have increased from 52 percent in 1988 to 82 percent in 2011.

Oakland public schools to go solar wth SunPower

Sixteen public schools in Oakland are about to get solar panels from San Jose-based SunPower. School districts across California are increasingly turning to solar as a way to cut operational costs, maintain funding for academic program and introduce students to solar science and technology.

Newark education advocates to protest state policies and cuts in aid | NJ.com

Newark education advocates to protest state policies and cuts in aid | NJ.com:

Newark education advocates to protest state policies and cuts in aid

NEWARK — Teachers, parents, politicians and students will gather in Newark today to protest budget cuts to the city’s school system, its crumbling facilities and continued state control of the district.

Led by American Federation of Teacherspresident Randi Weingarten — who as recently as last year supported reforms pushed by Gov. Chris Christie — the rally and march is intended to spotlight the state’s continued failure of the city’s schools.

Scheduled to coincide with “National Day of Action to Reclaim Promise of Public Education,” the rally will be held at 3:30 at 30 Clinton Street. Newark Teachers Union president Joseph DelGrosso, Mayor Luis Quintana, Councilman and mayoral candidate Ras Baraka, and Council president Mildred Crump are expected to attend, as are civic leaders and educational advocates.

The advocates will gather to protest Superintendent Cami Anderson’s plan to close more schools in the state’s largest district, which remains under state control. With a loss of $56 million in state aid, the advocates will call for a “renewed focus on community-led efforts” that would address neighborhood schools.

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