Take a Look at the Schott Foundation for Public Education

Schott Foundation for Public Education:

National Opportunity to Learn Campaign | Education Reform for Equity and Opportunity

YOUNG Coalition

by psj / 10min

Youth Organizers for the Now Generation (YOUNG) is an exciting youth-led coalition founded by Youth on Board and Boston Youth Organizing Project (BYOP). YOUNG is a youth-led, adult-supported coalition that organizes to improve the Boston Public Schools. http://www.youthonboard.org/young-coalition https://www.facebook.com/youthonboard/ https://twitter.com/youthonboard Region: Northeast

Massachusetts Advocates for Children

by psj / 10min

Massachusetts Advocates for Children is a private non-profit organization dedicated to being an independent and effective voice for children. http://massadvocates.org/ https://www.facebook.com/massadvocates/ http://twitter.com/#!/MassAdvocates Region: Northeast

Economic Policy Institute

by psj / 10min

The Economic Policy Institute (EPI) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan think tank created in 1986 to include the needs of low- and middle-income workers in economic policy discussions. http://www.epi.org/ http://www.facebook.com/pages/Economic-Policy-Institute/100882346667 https://twitter.com/EconomicPolicy Region: National

Donors' Education Collaborative

by psj / 10min

The Donors' Education Collaborative (DEC) is dedicated to systemic reform of New York City public schools. Its members pool funds to advance equity, opportunity, and excellence for all students—including those facing the greatest challenges. http://www.nycommunitytrust.org/AboutTheTrust/CollaborativeFunds/DonorsEducationCollaborative/tabid/396/Default.aspx Region: Northeast

Council on Foundations

by psj / 10min

An active philanthropic network, the Council on Foundations provides the opportunity, leadership, and tools needed by philanthropic organizations to expand, enhance and sustain their ability to advance the common good. http://www.cof.org/ https://www.facebook.com/CouncilonFoundations https://twitter.com/COF_ Region: National

ACTION United

by psj / 10min

ACTION United is a membership organization of low and moderate income Pennsylvanians working to build power through organizing communities to win changes on the issues that are important to them. http://actionunited.org/ https://www.facebook.com/ActionUnited https://twitter.com/ActionUnited 

Center for Community Alternatives

by psj / 24min

CCA promotes reintegrative justice and a reduced reliance on incarceration through advocacy, services, and public policy development in pursuit of civil and human rights. http://www.communityalternatives.org https://www.facebook.com/communityalternatives/ https://twitter.com/cca_ny Region: National

YWCA Cambridge

by psj / 23min

YWCA Cambridge is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all. http://www.ywcacam.org https://www.facebook.com/YWCACambMA/ https://twitter.com/YWCACambMA Region: Northeast

Black Organizing Project

by psj / 23min

The Black Organizing Project is a Black member-led community organization working for racial, social, and economic justice through grassroots organizing and community-building in Oakland, California. http://blackorganizingproject.org/ https://www.facebook.com/BlackOrgProject/ https://twitter.com/BlackOrgProject Region: West

Big Sister Association of Greater Boston

by psj / 23min

Big Sister offers mentoring programs for girls and women, professionally supported by staff and generously funded by our philanthropic partners. http://www.bigsister.org/ https://www.facebook.com/BigSisterBoston/ http://twitter.com/bigsisterboston Region: Northeast

Civil Rights Project at UCLA

by psj / 23min

The mission of the Civil Rights Project/Proyecto Derechos Civiles is to help renew the civil rights movement by bridging the worlds of ideas and action, to be a preeminent source of intellectual capital within that movement, and to deepen the understanding of the issues that must be resolved to achieve racial and ethnic equity as society moves through the great transformation of the 21st century.

Education Week

by psj / 23min

Education Week is a national newspaper focusing on K-12 education policy. Serving as a bridge between the worlds of policy and practice, Education Week is now recognized as "American education’s newspaper of record." http://www.edweek.org https://www.facebook.com/edweek/ https://twitter.com/educationweek Region: National

Louisiana Center for Children's Rights

by psj / 23min

The Louisiana Center for Children's Rights advocates and litigates for a transformed juvenile justice system that is fair, compassionate, and promotes positive youth development. http://www.laccr.org https://www.facebook.com/louisiana.center.for.childrens.rights/ https://twitter.com/lakidsrights Region: South

Power Coalition

by psj / 23min

The Power Coalition is building a statewide People’s Agenda to focus on the critical social and economic justice issues affecting people of color and low-income families in Louisiana. https://www.facebook.com/PowerCoalition Region: South

Building Movement Project

by psj / 54min

The Building Movement Project develops research, tools, training materials and opportunities for partnership that bolster nonprofit organizations’ ability to support the voice and power of the people they serve. http://www.buildingmovement.org/ https://www.facebook.com/BuildingMovementProject/ https://twitter.com/BldingMovement Region: National

Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy

by psj / 54min

Emerging Practitioners in Philanthropy (EPIP) is a national network of foundation professionals, social entrepreneurs and other change makers who strive for excellence in the practice of philanthropy. http://www.epip.org/ https://www.facebook.com/Emerging-Practitioners-in-Philanthropy-EPIP-204284893872/ https://twitter.com/epipnational Region: National

Interaction Institute for Social Change

by psj / 54min

IISC catalyzes the will and skill of the diverse public to create social justice and sustainability. IISC does this with people in communities, organizations and movements through training, facilitation, network building and public engagement. http://interactioninstitute.org https://www.facebook.com/interactioninstitute/ https://twitter.com/IISCBlog Region: National

Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity

by psj / 54min

The Kirwan Institute for the Study of Race and Ethnicity is an interdisciplinary engaged research institute at The Ohio State University established in May 2003. Kirwan's goal is to connect individuals and communities with opportunities needed for thriving by educating the public, building the capacity of allied social justice organizations, and investing in efforts that support equity and inclus

Logan Square Neighborhood Association

by psj / 54min

Forty-three community institutions including schools, churches, block clubs, and agencies are members of LSNA, engaging more than 2,000 people in organizing and supporting programs to ensure that the voices of ALL Logan Square residents are heard. http://www.lsna.net/ https://www.facebook.com/LoganSquareNeighborhoodAssociation/ Region: Midwest

Brighton Park Neighborhood Council

by psj / 54min

BPNC is a community-based, grassroots organization on Chicago's Southwest side. http://www.bpncchicago.org https://www.facebook.com/bpncchicago/ https://twitter.com/BpncChicago Region: Midwest

People's Action Institute

by psj / 54min

The mission of People’s Action Institute is to advance a long-term agenda for racial, economic and gender justice by investing in powerful state and local organizations and campaigns that win real change in people’s lives. https://peoplesaction.org/institute/ https://www.facebook.com/PplsActionInst/ Region: National

Chicago Community Trust

by psj / 54min

The Chicago Community Trust is a community foundation dedicated to improving our region through strategic grant making, civic engagement and inspiring philanthropy. http://www.cct.org http://www.facebook.com/thechicagocommunitytrust http://twitter.com/chitrust Region: Midwest

The Franklin Forum

by psj / 54min

The Franklin Forum is a communications organization that provides media training and support, including message development and speaker promotion, to strengthen top progressive messengers and messaging. https://thefranklinforum.org/ Region: National

Funders' Collaborative on Youth Organizing

by psj / 54min

The Funders’ Collaborative on Youth Organizing was created to increase the competency and sophistication of youth organizing while building momentum and interest in this work among funders, community organizations and others. 

Schott Foundation for Public Education:

The Network for Public Education calls for an immediate revocation of Trump’s selective ban on immigration. - Network For Public Education

The Network for Public Education calls for an immediate revocation of Trump’s selective ban on immigration. - Network For Public Education:

The Network for Public Education calls for an immediate revocation of Trump’s selective ban on immigration.

Kew Gardens, N.Y.–The Network for Public Education calls upon Donald Trump to immediately revoke his executive order that imposes a ban on immigration from seven Muslim-majority countries while establishing preferential treatment for religious minorities. This is a clear violation of the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment of the US Constitution.

NPE President Diane Ravitch had the following to say regarding the order: “Trump’s blanket ban on immigrants and visitors from certain countries should be declared unconstitutional. It has already been enjoined by a federal judge as it unfairly excludes people without cause, even if they have legal visas, including those reuniting with their families and those who are scholars and students. None of the countries on Trump’s list produced the 9/11 terrorists. This is an irrational and unjust policy. We are indeed fortunate to have a Constitution and federal judges prepared to enforce it.”

Yohuru Williams, a member of the NPE Board of Directors and Professor of History at Fairfield University adds, ” This order by Donald Trump is a betrayal of core American values. Never mind the clear bigoted overtones of this action—this is a slippery slope. In my opinion, given the erratic and autocratic actions of Trump, I believe the targeting of these seven nations named are just the start.”

NPE Board member, Professor Julian Vasquez Heilig, described the ban as “morally bankrupt” and “unconstitutional.”  “Ironically Trump’s executive order instituting a religious test is in conflict with biblical teachings as found in Leviticus 19:33-34. It is also in conflict with the constitutional principles that our nation was founded on.”

Although NPE is relieved by the court order for a temporary stay, the long-term solution is the revocation of the order.  NPE is deeply concerned for the detainees and their families. We are also concerned about the effects the order will have on American students.

According to former principal, now NPE Executive Director Carol Burris, “Children learn best when they feel safe.  Unfortunately, teachers across the nation are reporting that students, especially immigrant students, are expressing worry and stress due to anti-immigration rhetoric. This order will only exacerbate those feelings of anxiety.”

About the Network for Public Education

The Network for Public Education (NPE) was founded in 2013 by Diane Ravitch and Anthony Cody. We are an advocacy group whose mission is to protect, preserve, promote, and strengthen public schools for both current and future generations of students. NPE has over 300,000 supporting members nationwide. For more information, please visit: networkforpubliceducation.org.

For Immediate Release: January 29, 2017

Media Contact: Carol Burris 718-577-3276 

cburris@networkforpubliceducation.org

The Network for Public Education calls for an immediate revocation of Trump’s selective ban on immigration. - Network For Public Education:

Payback Is A Bitch: An Easy Action To Protest #MuslimBan & Annoy #Trump Marie Corfield

Marie Corfield: An Easy Action To Protest #MuslimBan & Annoy #Trump:

An Easy Action To Protest #MuslimBan & Annoy #Trump

Even though Trump ordered the White House comment phone line disconnected, you can still make a phone call and register your complaint. How? Call one of his US hotels. 

Below is a list of all US Trump hotels and contact info. When you call, please remember your manners. The person answering the phone is just doing his or her job. If you've ever stayed in an even halfway decent hotel, you know that the staff are trained to be polite and courteous. And all that politeness increases in direct correlation with the price of their rooms. Trump hotels are luxurious, so expect the staff to be super nice. Don't blame them or dump on them or curse or rant and rave. Thank them for their time and wish them a nice day. Treat them how you would want to be treated. If you email, please follow the same guidelines of respect and manners.

Here's an example:

"Hi, my name is _____________. I don't know if you know this, but President Trump ordered the White House comment line to be disconnected. I wanted to let him know how I feel about the Muslim Ban, so I thought I would call and leave a message with you."

Now, most likely the person will tell you they can't take messages such as this, etc, etc. And that's fine. The point of this action is just to jam their phone lines. People are already doing this, so I'm sure word is traveling up the food chain.

After you've made your call, post on social media using these hashtags: #MuslimBan #CallTrumpHotels #EmailTrumpHotels

And of course, share this post!

Marie Corfield: An Easy Action To Protest #MuslimBan & Annoy #Trump:

CURMUDGUCATION: OR: Protecting the Tests

CURMUDGUCATION: OR: Protecting the Tests:

OR: Protecting the Tests

Oregon has a law-- House Bill 2713-- that directs their Secretary of State to conduct an audit of "use of statewide summative assessment in public schools in this state." It's an audacious, wacky move-- don't just implement the Big Standardized Test, but actually check back and do some studies to see if it's a big waste of money or not.

The audit was actually released back in September of 2016, to what appears to be not very much fanfare or attention. I ran across it only because of an op-ed published earlier this week.So this is definitely Not Breaking News. But I'm always intrigued when  a state actually bothers to see if their reformy measures are doing any good or not, and Oregon has just started out with the Smarter Balanced Assessment folks, so I've decided to take a look at the report.

Here are some of the findings:

The new tests are more expensive. In 2013-2104, Oregon shelled out $5.2 million to run the statewide Big Standardized Test. In 2014-2015, that leapt up to $10.2 million.$8.2 million was for the test and the scoring thereof. $1.8 was for "membership fees." Who knew that belonging to the Smarter Balanced Assessment Consortium was like belonging to a really fancy country club? Also, the assertion is out there that this is a lowball-- it does not account for the inhouse costs for Department of Ed supervision and administration of the test.

The audit declares that "statewide results are a measure of school performance" They say that "organizations" that use test results to "facilitate learning and improvement" can "deliver better outcomes." This is all part of using "measurement information" as part of a "broader performance management framework," and a lot of other baloney that come straight from corporate management consultant boilerplate.

But the audit noted that some people have concerns about the testing, like " how certain student CURMUDGUCATION: OR: Protecting the Tests:

Trump's cruel, illegal refugee executive order - LA Times

Trump's cruel, illegal refugee executive order - LA Times:

Trump's cruel, illegal refugee executive order

Thee new refugee policy announced by President Trump on Friday is unconstitutional and inhumane. It is also completely unnecessary as a way to protect the United States from terrorism.

Trump’s executive order suspends the entry of refugees into the United States for 120 days. The order also indefinitely stops the admission of Syrian refugees and for 90 days bars individuals from seven predominantly Muslim countries:  Iraq, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia and Yemen. Possibly due to poor drafting, the Department of Homeland Security said the order applies to green card holders reentering the United States. It resulted in chaos as travelers were kept off flights to the United States or stranded at airports.

On Saturday night, a federal judge in New York issued a temporary stay, allowing green card or visa holders detained at airports to enter the country. The judge declared that the challengers have a “strong likelihood” of prevailing in showing that the Trump order violates due process and equal protection.

Trump’s action, determining one’s ability to enter the country based on nationality and place of residence, is clearly illegal. The Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 explicitly says that no person can be “discriminated against in the issuance of an immigrant visa because of the person’s race, sex, nationality, place of birth or place of residence.” This act was adopted to eliminate the prior practice of immigration quotas from specific countries.  Indeed, in signing the legislation, President Lyndon Johnson said that “the harsh injustice” of the national-origins quota system had been “abolished.” 

The Trump policy is unconstitutional discrimination based on religion.

Absent a specific authorization by Congress, the government cannot discriminate based on nationality or place of residence, which is exactly what Trump ordered.

Moreover, the Trump policy is unconstitutional discrimination based on religion. The Supreme Court repeatedly has said that above all, the 1st Amendment’s religion clauses forbid the government from favoring some religions over others. Although Trump’s executive order does not expressly exclude Muslims, that was obviously its purpose and its effect as it bans refugees from predominantly Muslim countries. It also instructs Homeland Security, after the 120-day period, to prioritize refugee claims “made by individuals on the basis of religious-based persecution, provided that the religion of the individual is a minority religion in the individual’s country of nationality.” (Emphasis mine.)

What does that mean? Trump told Christian Broadcast News that he intended to give priority to Christians.  The Constitution does not allow such religious discrimination or permit the government to assume that a person is more likely to be dangerous because of his or her religion, national origin or race.

Barring individuals fleeing persecution from entering the United States is simply inhumane. Adding irony to injury, Trump’s executive order was issued on Holocaust Remembrance Day, which should have been an occasion to atone for turning away refugees during the 1930s—some of whom then died in concentration camps.  For example, in 1939, the United States turned away the St. Louis, a boat filled with refugees, many of them German Jews. According to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, 254 passengers from the St. Louis died in the Holocaust.

Like most American Jews, I had relatives die in the Holocaust because they could not get out and no country would take them.

One of the most astounding aspects of Trump’s executive order is that he seems to have singled out countries where he has no business interests, while giving a reprieve to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, among others, where the Trump Organization is active.

The order is also nonsensical in that foreigners from the seven listed nations killed exactly zero Americans in terrorist attacks on U.S. soil between 1975 and the end of 2015, according to the Cato Institute. None of the terrorists from the 9/11 attacks or the Boston Marathon bombing or the San Bernardino shooting or the Orlando, Fla., massacre came from the seven countries listed.  The home countries of those responsible were not included.

There is no indication, moreover, that refugees pose a special threat or that the existing intensive screening procedures before admission to the United States are inadequate.  For example, Syrian refugees in the United States have not been linked to any terrorist acts. 

Syrian refugees are fleeing the violence of a civil war and Islamic State terrorism.  The United States has done far too little to help – having taken only 15,000 refugees so far – and the Trump executive order puts a stop to even that.

Although the president has broad powers in the domain of immigration, he does not have unlimited authority.  The president cannot order removal of those who are lawfully present and cannot violate federal law or the Constitution. Trump’s order does exactly that. The Saturday night stay helps the green card holders immediately affected, but does not undo the action. If the Trump administration does not reverse himself, Congress and the federal courts must step in.

Erwin Chemerinsky is dean and Raymond Pryke Professor of 1st Amendment Law at the UC Irvine School of Law.Trump's cruel, illegal refugee executive order - LA Times: