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Friday, January 31, 2014

Morning Wink 1-31-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2


BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS




LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-31-14 Diane Ravitch's blog #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: New York Plans Cradle-to-Grave Data Tracking of StudentsHere is another reason to opt your children out of state testing. The state plans to collect data on every student throughout their lives, on the nutty belief that someone somewhere will figure out from this Big Data “what works.” This massive collection of data reflects the N
1-31-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: From The Archives: “Getting students to engage — not just comply”I’ve recently re-started an effort I’ve tried to do previously by regularly highlighting previous posts and articles I’ve shared in previous years that I think might be worth a second look. Getting students to engage — not just comply is a piece I wrote for Th
1-31-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Madigan’s $1.5 billion gift to corporations.Since we know that Democratic Speaker Mike Madigan believes in nothing but power and money, it is probably fair to assume there is some political calculation in his proposal to cut the Illinois corporate tax rate in half. But I can tell you that there is not
1-31-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": I Don’t Think Taking & Throwing Out Students’ Lunches Because Their Parents Owe The School Money Is A Good IdeaBy now, you may have already heard about what happened in Salt Lake City this week — the parents of a number of students owed money on their children’s lunch account and, because of that, after those students w
1-31-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: Shhhh: Whatever you do, don’t mention class, classism or class warfareNewspaper headlines in today’s Stamford Advocate: Street bonuses heat up January real estate market in Greenwich, Darien Stamford homeless shelters over capacity In 2013, the stock market hit “52 all-time record highs” and had its best year in 18 years.  As a result, Greenwich realtors report the sales of high prices
1-31-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: KIPP Teacher's Nude Photos Shared by StudentsSomething that is not in the Doug Lemov miracle book of behaviors to make you a great teacher is the admonition to leave your phone home, at least the one with your nude pics.  Perhaps this KIPP high school teacher did not have time to download her nudies to a personal phone after another evening of being on call to 10 PM.  Anyway, the p
1-31-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education: “Businessmen, Bean-Counters, Buffoons, and Bible-Thumpers Taking Over Florida Public Education”Author, columnist radio and TV talk show host Stephen L. Goldstein lives in Fort Lauderdale. He has penned a blistering opinion piece for the Sun-Sentinel about those who have
1-31-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD
the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University): The Words They Know (1944)The Words They Know (1944).by plthomasedd / 2min 1-30-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdDthe becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, F
1-31-14 With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs
With A Brooklyn Accent: "School Choice" Is Not only About Charters and VouchersWhere are all the advocates of "school choice" when inner city parents and students organize in defense of their neighborhood schools threatened with closing, as they have done in New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, and now Newark? Somehow, they only mobilize when inner parents want charters or vouchers
1-31-14 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: Why I No Longer Watch FootballWhen I was a kid, I used to love watching football on TV.  I reveled in the spectacle, the hype, the excitement, and yes, the violence of it all.My dad hated football and would always say to me whenever I was watching a game, "That's just like the Roman gladiator games.  It's barbaric, bread and circuses stuff they feed the masses to keep t
Remarks by the President on a World-Class Education | The White House
Remarks by the President on a World-Class Education | The White House: Remarks by the President on a World-Class EducationMcGavock Comprehensive High SchoolNashville, Tennessee4:45 P.M. CSTTHE PRESIDENT:  Hello, everybody.  (Applause.)  It is good to be in Nashville!  (Applause.)  And it’s good to be here at Big Mac.  (Applause.)  I want to thank Reverend Sinkfield for your words of prayer. I want
70 People Brave Frigid Weather to Raise Concerns about School Choice | janresseger
70 People Brave Frigid Weather to Raise Concerns about School Choice | janresseger: 70 People Brave Frigid Weather to Raise Concerns about School ChoicePosted on January 31, 2014 by janressegerWednesday was so cold in greater Cleveland that schools were closed across the region, but by 7:00 PM, 70 people had arrived at our high school cafeteria whose doors had been opened for the second week of ou
GoPublicSchool.com « An open discussion of public school issues. GoPublicSchool.com
GoPublicSchool.com « An open discussion of public school issues. GoPublicSchool.com:  LA school officials in the dark over computer inventories…Annie Gilbertson at KPCC – Southern California Public Radio… “Los Angeles Unified School District officials said they don’t have a complete accounting of computers at schools because they stopped counting during budget cuts – and a new survey meant to get
empathyeducates – A Grandmother’s Plea For Justice – Education is a Human Right
empathyeducates – A Grandmother’s Plea For Justice – Education is a Human Right: A Grandmother’s Plea For Justice – Education is a Human RightIrene Robinson (left) waits with granddaughter Akilra Roberts for the bus. Because the bus only runs at the beginning and end of the regular school day, Akilra has trouble getting home from after-school activities. (Armando L. Sanchez / Hechinger Report) On
Does Being an Individual Matter Anymore? | educarenow
Does Being an Individual Matter Anymore? | educarenow: Does Being an Individual Matter Anymore?Posted on January 31, 2014 | Leave a commentI’ve come to think of the Common Core (and the standards movement as a whole) in three different layers, with each deepening layer being more difficult to see and to articulate.  These layers are simplistic and certainly not all-inclusive, but they do allow me
An Urgent Need for Short-Cycle Clinical Trials in Education | Brookings Institution
An Urgent Need for Short-Cycle Clinical Trials in Education | Brookings Institution: An Urgent Need for Short-Cycle Clinical Trials in EducationMore TopicsEducationK-12 Educationeducation researcheducation reformeducation standardseducation systemstudent learningteacher standardsteachersteaching qualityShare on emailShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on linkedinShare on google_plusone_shareSha
NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsession | EdSource Today
NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsession | EdSource Today: NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsessionJanuary 30th, 2014 | 3 Comments | By Kathryn BaronRep. George Miller, D-Martinez, visited with EdSource Today staff shortly after announcing his retirement after 40 years in Congress. Credit: Lillian Mongeau, EdSource
17.6% INCREASE FOR LAUSD TEACHERS- WHAT IS UTLA PRESIDENT WARREN FLETCHER SMOKING? - Perdaily.com
17.6% INCREASE FOR LAUSD TEACHERS- WHAT IS UTLA PRESIDENT WARREN FLETCHER SMOKING? - Perdaily.com: 17.6% INCREASE FOR LAUSD TEACHERS- WHAT IS UTLA PRESIDENT WARREN FLETCHER SMOKING?Letter from UTLA President Warren Fletcher and my response:Dear UTLA member,The following letter from UTLA President Warren Fletcher to LAUSDSuperintendent John Deasy was sent today:1/29/2014Dr. John DeasySuperintendent
"Educators support opportunity for all"
NEA President Dennis Van Roekel shares his thoughts on President Obama's fifth State of the Union address and Opportunity Agenda.The Countdown to NEA’s Read Across America 2014 Has Begun!By Anita Merina In Bakersfield, Calif., Bakersfield Elementary Teachers Association president Michelle Johnson is planning a reading block party featuring storybook characters and book giveaways. In Sioux City, Io

YESTERDAY

Schools Matter: Kaya Henderson Implicated in Rhee Cheating Scandal that Will Not Die
Schools Matter: Kaya Henderson Implicated in Rhee Cheating Scandal that Will Not Die: Kaya Henderson Implicated in Rhee Cheating Scandal that Will Not DieFrom CBS WASHINGTON — An elementary school principal’s claim that she saw teachers erasing answers on students’ test sheets had reached District of Columbia Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s desk within 24 hours of the alleged incident in late
NYC Public School Parents: Did Obama blame parents for education low-performance in his State of the Union? And why I said he should send Duncan to Mars
NYC Public School Parents: Did Obama blame parents for education low-performance in his State of the Union? And why I said he should send Duncan to Mars: Did Obama blame parents for education low-performance in his State of the Union? And why I said he should send Duncan to MarsOn Tuesday night, Obama gave a brilliant State of the Union address. But I can't say I appreciated what he said about edu
An Update on New Jersey’s SGPs: Year 2 – Still not valid! | School Finance 101
An Update on New Jersey’s SGPs: Year 2 – Still not valid! | School Finance 101: School Finance 101Data and thoughts on public and private school funding in the U.S.An Update on New Jersey’s SGPs: Year 2 – Still not valid!Posted on January 31, 20140      Rate ThisI have spent much time criticizing New Jersey’s Student Growth Percentile measures over the past few years, both conceptually and statist
One adult bully trashes a child’s lunch X 30 children = SLCSD | Reclaim Reform
One adult bully trashes a child’s lunch X 30 children = SLCSD | Reclaim Reform: One adult bully trashes a child’s lunch X 30 children = SLCSDPosted on January 30, 2014by Ken PrevitiImagine an adult bully trashing an innocent child’s lunch. Openly. In front of all the other children who looked on helplessly.Now imagine that it happened in an affluent American city that is the home site of a cathedr
Nite Cap 1-30-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPNew report highlights stagnation for early childhood programs | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCCNew report highlights stagnation for early childhood programs | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: New report highlights stagnation for early childhood programsDeepa Fer
New report highlights stagnation for early childhood programs | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC
New report highlights stagnation for early childhood programs | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: New report highlights stagnation for early childhood programsDeepa Fernandes | January 30th, 2014, 3:18pmSLIDESHOW1 of 1Photo by Michael Verhoef via Flickr Creative CommonsAs the early childhood education community celebrates President Barack Obama’s campaign for universal preschool, a new report shows stagnat
FDR Education Speech 1938
FDR Education Speech 1938There may be times when men and women in the turmoil of change lose touch with the civilized gains of centuries of education: but the gains of education are never really lost. Books may be burned and cities sacked, but truth, like the yearning for freedom, lives in the hearts of humble men and women. The ultimate victory of tomorrow is with democracy, and through democracy
Education Revelation and President Obama’s State of the Union Address | Reclaim Reform
Education Revelation and President Obama’s State of the Union Address | Reclaim Reform: Education Revelation and President Obama’s State of the Union AddressPosted on January 30, 2014by Ken PrevitiBURST OF LIGHT! A sudden jolt of revelation struck at the precise moment that I watched President Obama’s State of the Union Address. “Today in America. Teacher. Extra time. Student. Graduation rate. Hig
NYC Educator: Whither Gotham Schools?
NYC Educator: Whither Gotham Schools?: Whither Gotham Schools?I don't know about you, but I used to read Gotham Schools religiously, no matter how much they disappointed me with their reformy crap. Sure, half of it was about the adventures of Eva Moskowitz and her gang of privatizers, and they linked to every inane piece of nonsense mustered by Murdoch. But Rise and Shine often featured interestin
THE PERIMETER PRIMATE: Webinar video of Gulen Movement 101: Session One
THE PERIMETER PRIMATE: Webinar video of Gulen Movement 101: Session One: Webinar video of Gulen Movement 101: Session OneGulen 101 Session One With Sharon Higgins from Tim Furman on Vimeo.Some of the videos shown during the presentation have been deleted from this video, but you will find them online.Portion of Gulen sermonPortion of scholar Joshua Hendrick's talk at conference sponsored by the Ru
Standardized movie shown to 400 in Orlando | Parents Across America
Standardized movie shown to 400 in Orlando | Parents Across America: Standardized movie shown to 400 in OrlandoAn eye-opener: Orlando’s showingof Standardized: Lies, Money, andCivil Rights documentaryBy Lourdes Pérez Ramírez, founder of PAA affiliate HispanEducaMore than 400 people and a nine-member panel made up of teachers, school board members, education advocates, and legislators gathered at H
1-30-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": Newark Parents RevoltI’ve been posting about some wild stuff happening in Newark recently. It got even wilder last night when hundreds of parents and educators protested actions being taken by the state-appointed school superintendent. Read about what happened here and here. It sounds like the superintendent is being very s
1-30-14 The Whole Child Blog - How We Know Kids Living in Poverty Can Meet the Common Core Standards — Whole Child Education
How We Know Kids Living in Poverty Can Meet the Common Core Standards — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGHow We Know Kids Living in Poverty Can Meet the Common Core StandardsJanuary 30, 2014 by Kathleen M. BudgeThe Common Core State Standards underscore five key shifts in teaching and learning that place greater emphasis onCritical thinking, reasoning, and use of evidence to defend an ar
1-30-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD
the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University): The “Grit” Narrative, “Grit” Research, and Codes that BlindThe answer to Grant Lichtman’s Does “Grit” Need Deeper Discussion? appears to be an unequivocal yes—based on the exchange in the blog post comments, the Twitter conversations, and comments at my blogs on “grit.”
1-30-14 LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD
LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District): New report says CA shows little improvement on teacher policiesA new report from the National Council on Teachers Quality finds that California has made marginal, if any, progress on improving state policies that shape effective teachers. For the third straight time, California was given an overall grade
Starting Early | Deborah Meier on Education
Starting Early | Deborah Meier on Education: Starting EarlyPosted on January 30, 2014 by debmeierFrom the Alliance on Childhood:Students May Be Disadvantaged by Starting School at 5 Years Old“An Australian newspaper reports that the countries that did best in the much-respected PISA test started formal teaching at 6 or 7, not 5 as we increasingly do in the U.S. The article quotes David Whitebread,
1-30-14 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: Response to Obama’s Early Childhood Education PlanPresident Obama promised us something in his State of the Union address that I think is bad news for our kids.  Here is the excerpt, with my reply underneath: Race to the Top, with the help of governors from both parties, has helped states raise expectations and performance. Teachers and principals in schools from Tennessee […]14 
1-30-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: WA State Charter Commission Mtg - Part TwoFirst application - CAL Elementary - is denied, 8-0.  Commissioners cited the evaluators' "deny" and noted not financially ready with little community support/input.Second application - Cedar River - is denied, 8-0. Third application - Coral Academy of Science - the probable Gulen-based charter - is denied, 8-0.Cy
LA school officials say they're in the dark over computer inventories | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC
LA school officials say they're in the dark over computer inventories | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: LA school officials say they're in the dark over computer inventoriesAnnie Gilbertson | January 30th, 2014, 8:29amMaya Sugarman/KPCCLos Angeles Unified School District officials said they don't have a complete accounting of computers at schools because they stopped counting during budget cuts - and a n
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: An American Child's Bill of Rights
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: An American Child's Bill of Rights: An American Child's Bill of RightsJames Meredith confronted by hostile, racist mob as he tries to enter the Univ. of Mississippi in 1962.Billions of dollars now spent on standardized testing and “so-called education reforms” can be better spent to help children. -- James MeredithI'm always taken aback when corporate-style school &q
A Formal Response to the CCSSO Letter on Student Data Privacy | Truth in American Education
A Formal Response to the CCSSO Letter on Student Data Privacy | Truth in American Education: A Formal Response to the CCSSO Letter on Student Data PrivacyFiled in Privacy/SLDS by Shane Vander Hart on January 30, 2014 • 0 Comments35 groups in 25 states co-signed this letter written by Dr. Karen Effrem, President of Education Liberty Watch and co-founder of the Florida Stop Common Core Coalition.  S
FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Thursday, January 30, 2014
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Suspensions, expulsions rise in Monterey County; down statewideEducation HeadlinesThursday, January 30, 2014FCMAT 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.Suspensions, expulsions rise in Monterey County; down statewideM
Dream Defenders: 2014 State of the Youth Address | National Opportunity to Learn Campaign | Education Reform for Equity and Opportunity
Dream Defenders: 2014 State of the Youth Address | National Opportunity to Learn Campaign | Education Reform for Equity and Opportunity: Dream Defenders Deliver 2014 State of the Youth AddressPhillip Agnew, Executive Director of the Dream Defenders, delivers the first State of the Youth Address, outlining the social justice priorities of a generation of young voters and organizers. Stop what you'r
MOOC platform Coursera falls afoul of US sanctions | Digital
MOOC platform Coursera falls afoul of US sanctions | Digital: MOOC platform Coursera falls afoul of US sanctionsAt least since MIT Open Courseware started in 2001, users around the world have been enjoying free and open digital educational resources. It’s consistently reported that around three-quarters or more of users of MOOC platforms Udacity, Coursera and edX come from outside the US, from nea
New academic study links rising income inequality to ‘assortative mating’ | Pew Research Center
New academic study links rising income inequality to ‘assortative mating’ | Pew Research Center: New academic study links rising income inequality to ‘assortative mating’BY RICH MORIN© Dejan Ristovski / istockphotoHere’s another reason the rich are getting richer and the poor are falling farther behind:  A new working paper by an international team of economists finds that better educated people a
Hey, Cami Anderson–don’t run away, answer the question | Bob Braun's Ledger
Hey, Cami Anderson–don’t run away, answer the question | Bob Braun's Ledger: Hey, Cami Anderson–don’t run away, answer the questionCami AndersonI’ve listened to the tape many times and, as best as I can determine, Natasha Allen said this to Cami Anderson at Tuesday night’s Newark school board meeting: “I’m trying to figure out, like, do you not want for your brown babies what we want for ours?”  T
Morning Wink 1-30-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS1-30-14 Schools MatterSchools Matter: Philadelphia Ritz East Theater Feb. 6 8 PM STANDARDIZED Lies, Money & Civil Rights: How Testing Is Ruining Public Education: A DocumentaryBy Daniel HornbergerJanuary 28, 2014Philadelphia, PA – Reading-based Rockfish Productions’ documentary STANDARDIZED will make its Philadelphia debut at 6PM onThursday, February 6


LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-31-14 Diane Ravitch's blog #EDCHAT #P2

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:








Di Blasio Administration Shifts Funding from Charter Schools to Pre-School Plan
During his campaign, Mayor Bill Di Blasio pledged to provide universal pre-kindergarten for all children whose families can’t afford it. He said he would pay for UPK (universal pre-kindergarten) by imposing a modest tax increase on those with incomes over $500,000 a year. But he needs the support of Governor Cuomo and the State Legislature to raise taxes on the super-rich. In the meanwhile, the
States Finding New Names to Rebrand Common Core
Lyndsey Layton at the Washington Post reports that the name “Common Core” has become so toxic in some states that officials are calling it something else. This is known as old wine in new bottles. She writes: “Arizona Gov. Jan Brewer (R) used an executive order to strip the name “Common Core” from the state’s new math and reading standards for public schools. In the Hawkeye State, the same stand

Maryland Superintendents Protest Rushed Implementation of “Reforms”
Valerie Strauss reports that almost all the superintendents in the state of Maryland signed a letter protesting the rushed timetable for Arne Duncan’s favorite reforms. She writes: “Nearly all of the superintendents of Maryland school districts have signed a statement that criticizes federal and state education officials for forcing them to implement several major reforms, including the Common C

Maryland Superintendents Protest Rushed Implementation of “Reforms”
Valerie Strauss reports that almost all the superintendents in the state of Maryland signed a letter protesting the rushed timetable for Arne Duncan’s favorite reforms. She writes: “Nearly all of the superintendents of Maryland school districts have signed a statement that criticizes federal and state education officials for forcing them to implement several major reforms, including the Common C

Connecticut Teacher: Why I Want to Quit Teaching
Thanks to the punitive actions and policies of the U.S. Department of Education and the states, there is a new genre of writing by teachers, explaining why they are quitting. The most famous was written by Kris Neilsen of North Carolina, whose letter of resignation went viral, was viewed by hundreds of thousands of people, and went around the world. This column was written by Elizabeth Natale, a


New York Plans Cradle-to-Grave Data Tracking of Students
Here is another reason to opt your children out of state testing. The state plans to collect data on every student throughout their lives, on the nutty belief that someone somewhere will figure out from this Big Data “what works.” This massive collection of data reflects the NSA’s conviction that the best way to stop terrorism is to listen to every phone call and read every email of everyone in t
Gates Foundation Cheers the Growing “Momentum” of Common Core
The Gates Foundation has spent $200 million or so to pay for the Common Core standards. Gates paid for everything because the U.S. Department of Education is prohibited by law from doing anything that might control, direct,or supervise curriculum or instruction. Of course, this did not stop Arne Duncan from shelling out $350 million to pay for new online tests of the Common Core. The tests will ce
A Forum on Emerging Issues in North Carolina: Comments?
I will be in Raleigh, North Carolina, on February 11 to participate in the Emerging Issues Forum. It brings together strong partisans from very different perspectives. The focus seems to be about recruiting and retaining the best teachers. It is an ironic time to discuss this topic when North Carolina teachers are feeling besieged by punitive legislation that is encouraging senior teachers to leav
Most Milwaukee Charter Schools Fall Below Expectations
Newly released state report cards show that 53% of independent charter schools in Milwaukee are not meeting expectations. Erin Richards of the Journal-Sentinel writes: Despite having more freedom over curriculum, budgets and staffing than traditional public schools, the majority of Milwaukee’s independent charter schools are not meeting performance expectations, according to statewide report card


LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-30-14 Diane Ravitch's blog #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mercedes Schneider and Peter Greene Offer Timely Help to Dennis Van RoekelDennis Van Roekel is a supporter of the Common Core standards. He recently said in an article in Education Week that no one has really set out their specific objections to the standards or offered a better alternative. Two teacher-bloggers here offer help to


1-31-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

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







Video: “What Did You Learn In School?” By Pete Seeger
The great Pete Seeger died this week, and I previously posted a video of his performance at President Obama’s Inauguration. Here’s a video that Alexander Russo just shared at his blog of him singing “What Did You Learn In School?” that was taped in 1964. You can find the lyrics here.


“American Freedom Stories” From The Biography Channel
February is Black History Month in the United States. The Biography Channel has announced a number of related resources that I’m adding to The Best Websites To Teach & Learn About African-American History: One is American Freedom Stories, a series of videos on the Civil Rights Movement. Here’s a sample: They also have a number of Black History videos. Here’s a sample: Plus, they have a numb


Valentine’s Day Resources
I’ve just done a quick update of my sizable The Best Sites To Learn About Valentine’s Day list. You might find a handful of “dead” links, but at 95% of them are still alive and kicking….
The Best Mobile Apps For English Language Learners
I’ve been putting some effort this year into thinking how to encourage my English Language Learner students, particularly Beginners, to make language-learning a part of their entire day — not just the time they are in school or doing homework. I’ve written about one attempt at Having English Language Learners Use Cellphones To Identify High-Interest Vocabulary. And I definitely encourage them to


From The Archives: “Getting students to engage — not just comply”
I’ve recently re-started an effort I’ve tried to do previously by regularly highlighting previous posts and articles I’ve shared in previous years that I think might be worth a second look. Getting students to engage — not just comply is a piece I wrote for The Washington Post last year. It describes how I hold students accountable for reading at home. Here’s an excerpt:

YESTERDAY

Good Super Bowl Interactives
Here are two new additions to The Best Sites Where ELL’s Can Learn About The Super Bowl: Super Bowl Sunday: Everyone’s a football fan is from The Associated Press. Commercials are a super business is also from The Associated Press.
1-30-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: More Chinese New Year ResourcesHere are new additions to The Best Resources For Chinese New Year, which starts tomorrow: How to Teach Chinese New Year is from The Guardian.by Larry Ferlazzo / 1h 1-29-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teac

1-31-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher

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









Karen Lewis: “This is not just about a spreadsheet piece, it’s [about] what actually happens to the people.”
WBEZ: The head of the Chicago Teachers Union on Friday said she will not accept cuts to retired teachers’ benefits as a way to ease the district’s pension crisis; though she did detail some ideas for easing a funding shortfall of at least $8 billion. CTU President Karen Lewis said she was “horrified” by the controversial overhaul of state worker pensions that became law in December. That law, wh

Senate Bill lawsuits.
1. We Are One Coalition Filed: January 28th, 2014. Location: Sangamon County. Plaintiffs: WAO, 5 TRS active teachers, 3 TRS annuitants, 3 SURS active members, 3 SURS annuitants, 9 SERS active members, 2 SERS annuitants. Seek to represent class of active and annuitants from TRS, SURS and SERS. Defendants: Governor, Comptroller, Treasurer, TRS, SURS, SERS. Primary claim: COLA, minimum retirement age


Madigan’s $1.5 billion gift to corporations.
Since we know that Democratic Speaker Mike Madigan believes in nothing but power and money, it is probably fair to assume there is some political calculation in his proposal to cut the Illinois corporate tax rate in half. But I can tell you that there is not a public employee in the state of Illinois that does not feel that knife that is currently sticking in our backs turn a little when they hea



1-30-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: CTU says no deal to pension cuts.Chicago Tribune: Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said Wednesday that negotiations over a pension overhaul with the school district are at a stalemate, and her members are ready to aggressively fight proposed cuts to their retirement benefits. According to

1-31-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"

Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement":











I Don’t Think Taking & Throwing Out Students’ Lunches Because Their Parents Owe The School Money Is A Good Idea

By now, you may have already heard about what happened in Salt Lake City this week — the parents of a number of students owed money on their children’s lunch account and, because of that, after those students were served lunch it was taken away and thrown in the garbage. You can read about it in these articles: Utah School Draws Ire For Taking Kids’ Lunches; Debt Cited is from NPR. Utah school dis




1-30-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": Newark Parents RevoltI’ve been posting about some wild stuff happening in Newark recently. It got even wilder last night when hundreds of parents and educators protested actions being taken by the state-appointed school superintendent. Read about what happened here and here. It sounds like the superintendent is being very s