Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 4/1/15 #‎Chuy2015‬

Special Nite Cap - Catch Up on Today's Post 4/1/15

Special Nite Cap 

CORPORATE ED REFORM

 

Click here to go to Jesus "Chuy" Garcia for Mayor of Chicago Website

#‎Chuy2015‬ ‪#‎imwithchuy‬

#DUMPRAHM

Cuomo and Mulgrew « Movement of Rank and File Educators

Cuomo and Mulgrew « Movement of Rank and File Educators: Cuomo and MulgrewApril 1, 2015 — 2 Comments“The hedge-fund billionaires and Governor Cuomo haven’t gotten their way,” declared UFT President Michael Mulgrew in his official response to Cuomo’s budget deal on March 30. Unfortunately he is wrong. Tests will play a greater role in our evaluation, outside evaluators will be brought in, and it wi

1 by mike simpson / 1h 

Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School Kids | deutsch29

Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School Kids | deutsch29: Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School KidsIn 2011, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said that he believed in “accountability” from the mayor on down.Emanuel now finds himself facing challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia in a runoff election schedule

1 by mike simpson / 2h 

Bill Gates’s Double Standards and High Tech High K-12 Schools

Bill Gates’s Double Standards and High Tech High K-12 Schools: Bill Gates’s Double Standards and High Tech High K-12 SchoolsAPRIL 1, 2015 BY NANCY BAILEY LEAVE A COMMENTHere is a good example of what I would call double standards relating to traditional public schools and charter schools–more specifically the High Tech High K-12 Schools.High Tech High Charter Schools, computer/project driven schoo

1 by mike simpson / 4h 

The Fight Against High-Stakes Testing: A Civil Rights Movement

The Fight Against High-Stakes Testing: A Civil Rights Movement: The Fight Against High-Stakes Testing: A Civil Rights Movement"We are experiencing the largest ongoing revolt against high-stakes standardized testing in US history," according to Jesse Hagopian, high school history teacher, education writer and editor of More Than a Score. This remarkable book introduces the educators, stud

by mike simpson / 8h 

Alexandra Miletta: Cause for hope. That's right, hope!

Alexandra Miletta: Cause for hope. That's right, hope!:Cause for hope. That's right, hope!A decade ago, Marilyn Cochran-Smith, then president of AERA, gave us a portrait of teacher education at a major crossroads – for better or for worse – and invited us to see where these divergent paths might lead us. At the time, in that hotel ballroom, her bleak portrayal of a future hostile to the ideals and

1 by mike simpson / 8h 

AFT President Weingarten Unveils Chicago Neighborhood Partnership

City Club of Chicago speech | American Federation of Teachers: City Club of Chicago speechRandi WeingartenPresident, American Federation of TeachersCity Club of ChicagoApril 1, 2015I.               IntroductionI know that there’s an expectation that I would come here today to talk about uphill battles and long odds. But since you had Tom Ricketts here last week, I assume that topic has been covere

by mike simpson / 8h 

Quorum · The new majority

Quorum · The new majority: Quorum noun1. The minimum number of voices that must be heard by our legislators before making policy decisions. 2. Creating the change in government we need.Use BuildQuorum.com to send your messages to actual elected officials.Learn more Create a messageWelcome to QuorumBy definition, a quorum is the minimum number of representatives required to discuss a legislative ma

2 by mike simpson / 8h 

NEPC Embraces New Reformy Mission | National Education Policy Center

NEPC Embraces New Reformy Mission | National Education Policy Center: NEPC Embraces New Reformy Mission    Contact: Kevin Welner, (303) 492-8370, welner@colorado.eduURL for this press release:  http://tinyurl.com/p7z9ow3BOULDER, CO (April 1, 2015) – The National Education Policy Center today announced that it is changing its mission statement and renouncing the pursuit of strong, equitable public

1 by mike simpson / 8h 

“Test-imony”: Dr. Wayne Au’s address to Washington State Legislature against new teacher evaluation bill | I AM AN EDUCATOR

“Test-imony”: Dr. Wayne Au’s address to Washington State Legislature against new teacher evaluation bill | I AM AN EDUCATOR: “Test-imony”: Dr. Wayne Au’s address to Washington State Legislature against new teacher evaluation billPoliticians in Washington State are attempting to reduce educators to lifeless bits of inaccurate data. House Bill ESSB 5748, which would explicitly link teacher evaluatio

by mike simpson / 10h 

Wall Street’s Scary Scheme To Own Every American’s Education Destiny

Wall Street’s Scary Scheme To Own Every American’s Education Destiny: Wall Street’s Scary Scheme To Own Every American’s Education Destiny To the old saying about “death and taxes,” you can now add another: debt.In fact, in contemporary America, debt is likely becoming at least as all-encompassing as the other two.An increasingly powerful force behind the debt explosion is not what you might expec

by mike simpson / 10h 

Basim Elkarra for School Board 2015

Basim Elkarra for School Board 2015:  About Basim ElkarraAs a parent and a son of teachers, I understand the importance of a quality education and strong neighborhood schools.On the School Board, I will work in partnership with students, parents, teachers, and the community to provide the resources needed for students to succeed in the 21st century. My priorities: safe, healthy, technologically mo

by mike simpson / 10h 

Bill Gates to Run for President

1 by mike simpson / 10h 

Charter schools carry a bad reputation

Opinion: Charter schools carry a bad reputation: Opinion: Charter schools carry a bad reputation In recent years, the Republican Party has taken control of the Legislatures in all of the Southern states. Alabama's Legislature is overwhelmingly Republican. The GOP holds a 25-to-9 majority in the Senate and an equally dominating 72-to-33 majority in the House of Representatives.Our supermajority GOP

1 by mike simpson / 12h 

ESEA's 50-Year Legacy a Blend of Idealism, Policy Tensions - Education Week

ESEA's 50-Year Legacy a Blend of Idealism, Policy Tensions - Education Week: ESEA's 50-Year Legacy a Blend of Idealism, Policy TensionsApril 11, 1965: President Lyndon B. Johnson, seated with his childhood schoolteacher, Kate Deadrich Loney, delivers remarks after signing the Elementary and Secondary Education Act at the former Junction Elementary School near Stonewall, Texas.—Frank Wolfe/The Lynd

1 by mike simpson / 12h 

How students with top test scores actually hurt a teacher’s evaluation - The Washington Post

How students with top test scores actually hurt a teacher’s evaluation - The Washington Post:How students with top test scores actually hurt a teacher’s evaluation Imagine that you are a doctor and your evaluation is based on patients you didn’t have. Or a car dealer, and you are assessed by how many cars your colleagues — not you — sell. It sounds preposterous, right? Well, that’s just what is ha

by mike simpson / 12h 

Citizens for Public Schools | Working for Education - Working for Children

Citizens for Public Schools | Working for Education - Working for Children: Citizens for Public Schools | Working for Education - Working for Children http://bit.ly/1aiTP41How You Can Support Legislation for Less Testing, More LearningJANUARY 26, 2015 BY LISAGLegislators supporting the Less Testing, More Learning campaign last week filed bills for a moratorium on most of the “high stakes” tied to

1 by mike simpson / 12h 

Tell the schools: No PARCC for my kids - Sentinel & Enterprise

Tell the schools: No PARCC for my kids - Sentinel & Enterprise: Tell the schools: No PARCC for my kidsMy first paid teaching job was in 1992. Except for a few brief attempts at other careers, I have been teaching ever since. I currently teach at Leominster High School. Last week I submitted a letter informing the principals of my children's schools that they will opt out of taking the PARCC ex

1 by mike simpson / 12h 

With A Brooklyn Accent: When Democracy Died in the New York State Assembly

With A Brooklyn Accent: When Democracy Died in the New York State Assembly: When Democracy Died in the New York State Assembly Something inside me died tonight in the New York State Assembly.  Democratic legislator after Democratic legislator, some who claimed to be lifelong friends of public education, some who were once teachers themselves, caved in and voted for a bill that was going to add to

by mike simpson / 12h 

YESTERDAY

Data vs. Evidence | WagTheDog

Data vs. Evidence | WagTheDog: Data vs. EvidenceMany people mistakenly believe that the terms “data” and “evidence” are interchangeable, and these words have the same meaning.Data is factual information such as numbers, percentages, and statistics.Evidence is data that is relevant and furnishes proof that supports a conclusion.There is a big difference between independent research, studies, and da

by mike simpson / 23h 

Mayoral Runoff Candidate Post-Forum News Conference | Chicago Tonight | WTTW

Mayoral Runoff Candidate Post-Forum News Conference | Chicago Tonight | WTTW: Mayoral Runoff Candidate Post-Forum News Conference Chicago mayoral candidates Rahm Emanuel and Jesús "Chuy" García gave a brief news conference following the forum. Watch the web exclusive videos below.Chicago Tonight's Mayoral Runoff ForumCook County Commissioner Jesús "Chuy" García expects to win t

1 by mike simpson / 1d 

Is NYSUT/AFT Support for NY Opt Out Just the 2013 AFT “Moratorium” Warmed Over? | deutsch29

Is NYSUT/AFT Support for NY Opt Out Just the 2013 AFT “Moratorium” Warmed Over? | deutsch29: Is NYSUT/AFT Support for NY Opt Out Just the 2013 AFT “Moratorium” Warmed Over?I have read New York State United Teachers (NYSUT) president Karen Magee’s words regarding opting out of the Pearson tests that New York students currently take in lieu of the Partnership for Assessment of Readiness for College

1 by mike simpson / 1d hide  //  save

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 3/31/15 #OneTermRahm ‪#‎Chuy2015‬

Special Nite Cap - Catch Up on Today's Post 3/31/15Special Nite Cap CORPORATE ED REFORM Click here to go to Jesus "Chuy" Garcia for Mayor of Chicago Website#‎Chuy2015‬ ‪#‎imwithchuy‬#DUMPRAHMChicago Mayoral Candidate Jesus "Chuy" Garcia Talks About Schools - #OneTermRahmChicago Mayoral Candidate Jesus "Chuy" Garcia Talks About Schools - Living in Dialogue: Chicago May

2 by mike simpson / 1d 

2015 National Conference – Chicago

The Countdown to Chicago Has Begun!

The Network For Public Education | 2015 National Conference – Chicago 

http://bit.ly/1FQFcQM

Cuomo and Mulgrew « Movement of Rank and File Educators

Cuomo and Mulgrew « Movement of Rank and File Educators:

Cuomo and Mulgrew

April 1, 2015 — 2 Comments

“The hedge-fund billionaires and Governor Cuomo haven’t gotten their way,” declared UFT President Michael Mulgrew in his official response to Cuomo’s budget deal on March 30. Unfortunately he is wrong. Tests will play a greater role in our evaluation, outside evaluators will be brought in, and it will now take a new teacher four years instead of three to reach tenure. It seems to us that they definitely “got their way”!

UFT members mobilized impressively to fight Governor Cuomo over this budget. This was a welcome development after the UFT leadership failed to rally against Bloomberg’s failed policies, charter schools, or for a good contract. Should we be thankful and praise our UFT leaders for leading a series of protests over the past few weeks, or do we shout from the mountain-top that the reason our union has suffered another defeat is that the Unity/UFT leadership has been unwilling and unable to launch the kind of sustained fight that could have prevented this latest setback? It is time to do the latter.

For years opposition caucuses have tried to pressure the union to change course and rally our members to defend our rights. From 2009-2014 we insisted that the UFT had to mobilize for a good contract. The Unity/UFT leadership’s strategy, however, was to wait for Michael Bloomberg to leave office. The result was a contract with wages that failed to keep up with inflation and belated back pay – yet to be delivered – without interest. When MORE raised resolutions calling for the UFT to stand against the use of standardized student tests for teacher evaluation, Mulgrew replied that tying our careers to such tests was a step forward for us. He even went on to tell us how we needed to be held accountable: “the days of walking into a school, getting your keys to the bathroom and being left alone are over” When MORE proposed that the union demand developmentally appropriate standards and curriculum, as an alternative to Common Core, and when we called for an end to high stakes testing, we were labeled as extremists. Not only has the union leadership conceded over and again to our enemies, but it has refused to involve rank and file members in any significant policy decisions. Now is the time to change that.

After years of not fighting back, after years of waiting out Bloomberg, after years of letting charters expand, in March 2015 the union leadership  finally turned to UFT members and asked them to mobilize. Many chapters responded with great demonstrations of solidarity, sign making, hands around schools, videos, meetings with local politicians, and support from the community. There are many more voices to be heard, however, and the UFT has yet to mobilize them. Many of our Cuomo and Mulgrew « Movement of Rank and File Educators:

Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School Kids | deutsch29

Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School Kids | deutsch29:

Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School Kids



In 2011, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel said that he believed in “accountability” from the mayor on down.

Emanuel now finds himself facing challenger Jesus “Chuy” Garcia in a runoff election scheduled for April 7, 2015.

The March 31, 2015, Chicago Tribune reported the results of a poll indicating that while African American and Hispanic voters’ opinions from an earlier poll conducted March 6 – 11, 2015, have remained unchanged, it seems that Emanuel is gaining popularity with Chicago’s white voters.

When asked who they would vote for if the election were today, white voters choosing Emanuel rose from 56 percent (earlier poll) to 72 percent.

So, as of this writing, the white people are favoring Emanuel for reelection as Chicago’s mayor.

Note that these Emanuel-reconciled white people likely do not have children or grandchildren in the Chicago Public Schools (CPS).

According to CPS’ stats page (updated February 27, 2015), white children comprise only 9.4 percent of all CPS students. Hispanic children represent 45.6 percent, and African American children, 39.3 percent.

The March 31, 2015, Chicago Tribune attributes Emanuel’s “rebound” to his improved image resulting from television ads:

The mayor’s job approval ratings have enjoyed a steady climb since November, when he started airing a non-stop stream of TV ads designed to rehabilitate his political image.

Emanuel’s approval rating bottomed out at 35 percent last August. Now, 52 percent approve of Emanuel’s performance as mayor, with one third disapproving. That’s relatively stable compared to the Tribune poll earlier this month.

One of my readers, who identifies herself as Aurora, wants people to remember that Emanuel has ripped apart CPS.

She wants him to be held to his words of 2011: That in Chicago, all are held accountable– even the mayor.

She is also concerned that viewers understand the larger picture regarding the intentions of the mega-wealthy to privatize public education in cities and states across the nation.

Her sister, identified as Jacobin, has produced the 22-minute video below on the Beware, Chicago: Emanuel Gaining Favor with Whites Whose Kids Are Not Chicago Public School Kids | deutsch29:

Bill Gates’s Double Standards and High Tech High K-12 Schools:

Bill Gates’s Double Standards and High Tech High K-12 Schools

APRIL 1, 2015 BY NANCY BAILEY LEAVE A COMMENT

Here is a good example of what I would call double standards relating to traditional public schools and charter schools–more specifically the High Tech High K-12 Schools.

High Tech High Charter Schools, computer/project driven schools, dot the landscape in California. They started out as one charter in 2000, run by San Diego business leaders and educators. Now there are four K-5 schools, four middle schools, and five high schools, many in the San Diego area. The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation has generously supported these schools. Mr. Gates loves them. Here is a video of Mr. and Mrs. Gates visiting one of the HTH high schools with Oprah in 2014.

What’s interesting is that the words Common Core are not found on the HTH school websites! Common Core is required by the State of California, so HTH schools will have to teach to the Core. And you can find information about their using the Common Core and even Smarter Balance testing on the internet–mostly starting with sixth grade. But they do not seem to be advertising it. If Common Core State Standards are so wonderful, why don’t these exclusive schools brag about them?

What do they advertise? Browse around the websites of the different schools HERE.Below I will share some statements from the various schools.

• Individualized attention. We are committed to providing an environment that emphasizes learning as an interactive process focusing on individual needs of students. Explorer Elem. Charter School.
• Teachers allowed to teach. Explorer teachers are reflective practitioners who create their own curriculum, weave together social, emotional, and intellectual learning. Explorer Elem. Charter School.
• Teaching to the Whole Child. This is mentioned here and there.
  
• Recess! On the elementary school websites they show elaborate playgrounds.Here are pictures of the new elementary and middle school including the playground showing what “kids do best.”
• The Arts. HTeCV students also take exploratory classes in Performing Arts, Engineering, and Visual Arts throughout the school year. High Tech Elem. Chula Vista.
• Less Testing. Students…are given traditional exams and tests sparingly. At High Tech elementary North County, the measure of accomplishment lies Bill Gates’s Double Standards and High Tech High K-12 Schools: