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Wednesday, January 11, 2017

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/11/17


Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/11/17

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Real Democrats Form Congressional Caucus To Support Public Education | The Huffington Post




Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education
by mike simpson / 5min
Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education : Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education With no experience as an educator or elected official, and despite a decades-long record of undermining public schools by promoting taxpayer-funded vouchers for private and religious schools, lobbyist and Republican donor Betsy DeVos could become the ne
Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education - The Washington Post
by mike simpson / 17min
Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education - The Washington Post : Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education Bill Gates, the world’s biggest-spending philanthropist, poured so much private money into pet education reform projects that he helped drive the public education policy agenda. His foundation fu
The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today – Exceptional Delaware 2017
by mike simpson / 23min
The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today – Exceptional Delaware 2017 : The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today The United States Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments for the Endrew v. Douglas County School District today. This case could determine the goal of special education in America: a bare minimum special educa
Digital Citizenship Week - Resources (CA Dept of Education)
by mike simpson / 26min
Digital Citizenship Week - Resources (CA Dept of Education) : Digital Citizenship Week The California Department of Education (CDE) in collaboration with Common Sense Media will celebrate CDE Digital Citizenship Week January 23 - 27, 2017. Digital Citizenship The California Education Technology Blueprint titled: Empowering Learning (PDF) makes 19 recommendations. Recommendation 2 states: Ensure s
Diane Ravitch: Trump’s Nominee for Secretary of Education Could Gut Public Ed - In These Times
by mike simpson / 42min
Diane Ravitch: Trump’s Nominee for Secretary of Education Could Gut Public Ed - In These Times : Diane Ravitch: Trump’s Nominee for Secretary of Education Could Gut Public Ed Billionaire Betsy DeVos will be great for private, religious and charter schools—and bad news for students and teachers. If there’s an upside to her nomination, it’s that she may force policymakers to admit the U.S. is heade
What’s Behind Increased Teaching of Self-Regulation in Children?
by mike simpson / 2h
What’s Behind Increased Teaching of Self-Regulation in Children? : What’s Behind Increased Teaching of Self-Regulation in Children? It’s normal to expect children to pay attention and learn good behavior. It’s part of growing up. But self-regulatory learning (SRL) forced on children so they will be computer learners is a different story. Why is there such a drive to make children more independent
To Kill a Mockingbird, White Saviors, and the Paradox of Obama and Race | radical eyes for equity
by mike simpson / 4h
To Kill a Mockingbird, White Saviors, and the Paradox of Obama and Race | radical eyes for equity : To Kill a Mockingbird, White Saviors, and the Paradox of Obama and Race White progressives, academics, and book lovers were all atwitter on social media because in his farewell address, Barack Obama quoted from literature : Similar to my concern about Michelle Obama’s recent comments on education a
Why the racist history of school vouchers matters today
by mike simpson / 4h
Why the racist history of school vouchers matters today : Why the racist history of school vouchers matters today Elizabeth Warren alluded to the disturbing roots of school vouchers. But what did she mean? On Monday, Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren wrote a scathing letter to President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for education secretary, Betsy DeVos, questioning whether she had the expertise to
If Betsy DeVos is a friend of a NEA “friend of education” is she a friend too? | Fred Klonsky
by mike simpson / 5h
If Betsy DeVos is a friend of a NEA “friend of education” is she a friend too? | Fred Klonsky : If Betsy DeVos is a friend of a NEA “friend of education” is she a friend too? Betsy DeVos, my stalker from the Education Action Group which DeVos funded and Senator Lamar Alexander, NEA’s Friend of Education. I was on the phone this morning with a reporter for a national publication who was writing ab
Real Democrats Form Congressional Caucus To Support Public Education | The Huffington Post
by mike simpson / 6h
Democrats Form Congressional Caucus To Support Public Education | The Huffington Post : Real Democrats Form Congressional Caucus To Support Public Education The members of Congress say Trump’s pick for education secretary is a threat Members of Congress have formed a new caucus to support the goals of public education under Donald Trump’s presidency. Although the caucus has been in the works for
Governor proposes minimal funding increase for K-12 schools next year | EdSource
by mike simpson / 6h
Governor proposes minimal funding increase for K-12 schools next year | EdSource : Governor proposes minimal funding increase for K-12 schools next year Citing recent revenue declines and uncertainty about the future, Gov. Jerry Brown has lowered funding for schools by $500 million in the current year and is proposing little more than a cost-of-living increase in the 2017-18 budget that he presen
Brown, Legislature differ sharply on California budget | The Tribune
by mike simpson / 6h
Brown, Legislature differ sharply on California budget | The Tribune : Brown, Legislature differ sharply on California budget SACRAMENTO, CALIF. Gov. Jerry Brown sees a budget deficit and an urgent need for spending cuts. Legislative leaders see a surplus with room to comfortably increase expenditures. Always at odds when it comes to the budget, the Democratic governor and the Democratic Legislat
Betsy DeVos to Public Education: Drop Dead - LA Progressive
by mike simpson / 7h
Betsy DeVos to Public Education: Drop Dead - LA Progressive : Betsy DeVos to Public Education: Drop Dead D oes my headline about Trump’s pick to be the next education secretary sound exaggerated, even hyperbolic? If so you’re not paying attention, a cardinal sin in the Age of Trump. For starters, here’s a December 12, New York Times headline “Education nominee bent Detroit to her will on charter
CURMUDGUCATION: Charter Fans Challenge DeVos
by mike simpson / 7h
CURMUDGUCATION: Charter Fans Challenge DeVos : Charter Fans Challenge DeVos The Massachusetts Charter Public [sic] School Association has joined the discussion of Betsy DeVos-- and they've joined it by asking Senator Elizabeth Warren to grill DeVos a little more thoroughly. Don't worry. Confirmation hearings have to end some time. MCPSA has had a rough few months. In November, Massachusetts voter
American Federation of Teachers Head Criticizes DeVos, Calls for Commitment to Public Schools | Youth Today
by mike simpson / 7h
American Federation of Teachers Head Criticizes DeVos, Calls for Commitment to Public Schools | Youth Today : American Federation of Teachers Head Criticizes DeVos, Calls for Commitment to Public Schools WASHINGTON — American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten opposed the confirmation of Betsy DeVos as secretary of education, calling for a renewed commitment to, and investment in,
Sessions, Tillerson, Price Could Affect Education - The Atlantic
by mike simpson / 7h
Sessions, Tillerson, Price Could Affect Education - The Atlantic : Five Cabinet Nominees Who Could Affect Education The U.S. Department of Education is not the only office with power over student-related policy. Control of school-related issues is spread across a number governmental agencies, and President-elect Donald Trump’s nominee for U.S. education secretary, Betsy DeVos, won’t be the only m
Ruth Conniff: Public School Advocates Push Back Betsy DeVos | The Progressive
by mike simpson / 8h
Public School Advocates Push Back Betsy DeVos | The Progressive : Public School Advocates Push Back Betsy DeVos B etsy DeVos , Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Education, is the only member of the incoming administration so far to have her confirmation hearing delayed. “She may be the first casualty in the high-rise they’re building on the swamp here in Washington,” says Representative Mark P
Weingarten's four pillars: Grounded in real-life successes | American Federation of Teachers
by mike simpson / 8h
Weingarten's four pillars: Grounded in real-life successes | American Federation of Teachers : Weingarten's four pillars: Grounded in real-life successes AFT President Randi Weingarten says the way for the next administration to avoid triggering a new round of "education wars" is for the White House to focus instead on promoting children's well-being, supporting powerful learning, building teache
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Not buying the Pritzker library union bashing story
by mike simpson / 8h
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Not buying the Pritzker library union bashing story : Not buying the Pritzker library union bashing story Pritzker School Loses Librarian And Union Blocks Parents From Helping Out -- DNAinfo headline From the headline, one might think that Pritzker school librarian was lost, maybe wandering the library archives somewhere or buried under a pile of books. One might al
Betsy DeVos Will Not Bring the Disruption the Department of Education Sorely Needs - Education Law Prof Blog
by mike simpson / 8h
Education Law Prof Blog : Betsy DeVos Will Not Bring the Disruption the Department of Education Sorely Needs Betsy DeVos's lack of expertise has been cited as a point of opposition to her appointment, but as this morning's commentators remarked, DeVos was not appointed for her expertise. She was appointed to shake up the system. She, in fact, describes herself as a disruptor. This is her claim to
Connecticut’s outstanding public education system is undermined by its achievement gap crisis. - Wait What?
by mike simpson / 9h
Connecticut’s outstanding public education system is undermined by its achievement gap crisis. - Wait What? : Connecticut’s outstanding public education system is undermined by its achievement gap crisis. Many of Connecticut’s public schools are among the best in the nation but the massive achievement gap between wealthy and poor towns is a crisis of epic proportions in this state and across the
Senate Hearing on Betsy DeVos Delayed as Ethical Questions and Concerns about Ideology Persist | janresseger
by mike simpson / 9h
Senate Hearing on Betsy DeVos Delayed as Ethical Questions and Concerns about Ideology Persist | janresseger : Senate Hearing on Betsy DeVos Delayed as Ethical Questions and Concerns about Ideology Persist The confirmation hearing by the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee on President-elect Donald Trump’s nomination of Betsy DeVos as U.S. Secretary of Education has been delaye


Self-Serving Public Servants – Trump, DeVos and the Rise of the Plutocrats | gadflyonthewallblog
by mike simpson / 9h
Self-Serving Public Servants – Trump, DeVos and the Rise of the Plutocrats | gadflyonthewallblog : Self-Serving Public Servants – Trump, DeVos and the Rise of the Plutocrats This election cycle we have witnessed a subtle change to our political landscape – and it’s probably not the one you’re thinking about. It’s not that Republicans have gained control of a large chunk of our government. It’s no

YESTERDAY

Four Pillars to Achieve Powerful, Purposeful Public Education …Or Reigniting the Education Wars - YouTube
by mike simpson / 22h
Four Pillars to Achieve Powerful, Purposeful Public Education …Or Reigniting the Education Wars - YouTube : Four Pillars to Achieve Powerful, Purposeful Public Education …Or Reigniting the Education Wars Four Pillars to Achieve Powerful, Purposeful Public Education …Or Reigniting the Education Wars Four Pillars to Achieve Powerful, Purposeful Public Education …Or Reigniting the Education Wars - Y
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/10/17
by mike simpson / 1d
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/10/17 Featured Post Did Betsy DeVos 'BUY' Donald Trump | Washington Examiner Two critical education issues for the Connecticut legislature By Anne Manusky - Wait What? by mike 

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Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education

Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education:

Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education
NEA Today


With no experience as an educator or elected official, and despite a decades-long record of undermining public schools by promoting taxpayer-funded vouchers for private and religious schools, lobbyist and Republican donor Betsy DeVos could become the next secretary of education.
The confirmation hearing for President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for education secretary is set for January 17 before the U.S. Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP).
“It’s hard to imagine a less qualified candidate for secretary of education than Betsy DeVos,” says Cheryl Lake, a third-grade teacher from Michigan, where DeVos is based and has funded privatization and online learning schemes as well as an effort against a Michigan bill to hold charter schools accountable to taxpayers.
“Her complete lack of public education experience alone is troubling,” says Lake, “but worse yet is her decades of work to undermine public education through for-profit charter school and voucher schemes.”
While seeking to lead the nation’s public education system, DeVos’ lack of experience and training in public schools has been a cause of great concern.
What she’s really done is use her wealth as a pay-to-play political donor, getting pro-corporate education policies passed in exchange for massive campaign contributions from the DeVos family” –  Michigan Education Association President Steven Cook
“The chances children have for success should not depend on living in the right neighborhood or whether they can afford private school. Instead, her involvement in education has been advocating for school privatization and vouchers that run contrary to supporting public education,” says NEA President Lily Eskelsen García.
“We should be investing in smart strategies that we know help to improve the success of all our students, including creating more opportunities and equity for students, classes small enough for one-on-one attention, modern textbooks and a well-rounded curriculum for every student.”
According to a Washington Post analysis of Federal Election Commission records, the DeVos family, heirs to the Amway fortune, has given at least $20.2 million to Republican candidates at all levels over the years. DeVos and her husband Betsy DeVos: Dangerous for Students and the Promise of Public Education:
NEA Today

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Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education - The Washington Post

Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education - The Washington Post:

Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education

Image result for i threw up a little in my mouth animated gif

Bill Gates, the world’s biggest-spending philanthropist, poured so much private money into pet education reform projects that he helped drive the public education policy agenda. His foundation funded the development, implementation and promotion of the Common Core State Standards, for one thing, and spent millions on other controversial school reforms that were supported by President Obama’s Education Department.
[What are Bill and Melinda Gates talking about?]
Now, it seems, Gates is looking ahead. On Dec. 13, 2016, he met with President-elect Donald Trump at Trump Tower in Manhattan and had some kind words about him afterward. Really kind words, such as comparing him to John F. Kennedy.
Here’s what Gates told CNBC during an interview on “Squawk Box” broadcast the same day as the meeting with Trump:
“I had an opportunity to talk to him about innovation. A lot of his message has been about things where he sees things not as good as he’d like. But in the same way that President Kennedy talked about the space mission and got the country behind that, I think that whether it’s education or stopping epidemics, other health breakthroughs, finishing polio, and in this energy space, there can be a very upbeat message that his administration is going to organize things, get rid of regulatory barriers, and have American leadership through innovation be one of the things that he gets behind. Of course, my whole career has been along those lines. And he was interested in listening to that. And I’m sure there will be further conversation.”
Transforming education through “innovation” is a Gates mantra, as expressed on the education homepage of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, which lists it as one of three focuses, along with teaching and learning:
[Gates foundation chief admits Common Core mistakes]
Our goal: to support innovation that can improve U.S. K-12 public schools and ensure that students graduate from high school ready to succeed in college.
And there’s this:
The Opportunity
By focusing on the common goal of improving education through innovation — and by building on and sharing effective tools, strategies, and standards — educators, school leaders, and nonprofit partners across the country can Yes, Bill Gates really compared Donald Trump to JFK — and said Trump could help education - The Washington Post:
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The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today – Exceptional Delaware 2017

The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today – Exceptional Delaware 2017:

The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today

Image result for The Heart Of Special Education

The United States Supreme Court began hearing oral arguments for the Endrew v. Douglas County School District today.  This case could determine the goal of special education in America: a bare minimum special education or a more than minimum special education.  These arguments weigh the words “significant” and “meaningful” quite a lot since it is the center of the case.  Another question is how do you measure progress for a student with an Individualized Education Program.  Does the IEP team just write the IEP and make sure the student is on target to perform as well as their non-disabled peers or do you go above and beyond?
Another huge issue is funding for special education.  The fact that the Federal government spends less than 15% of what they promised to do for special education is a large problem.  It was not the Congressional intent to dump all of this on the states and local school districts but that is exactly what happened.  As well, what does “standard” mean in this context?  Is it the Common Core State Standards and the high-stakes testing that supposedly measures the ability of the student to grasp those standards?  Do classroom grades count for anything anymore?
The case is officially submitted into the highest court in the country.  This will be fascinating to watch, especially the final ruling.




The Heart Of Special Education Was Argued Before The U.S. Supreme Court Today – Exceptional Delaware 2017:

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