4LAKids - Children’s Health: IGNORE EVIDENCE. DENY SCIENCE. MINIMIZE PROBLEMS. CRY “FREEDOM!” + smf’s 2¢

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: Children’s Health: IGNORE EVIDENCE. DENY SCIENCE. MINIMIZE PROBLEMS. CRY “FREEDOM!” + smf’s 2¢:

Children’s Health: IGNORE EVIDENCE. DENY SCIENCE. MINIMIZE PROBLEMS. CRY “FREEDOM!” + smf’s 2¢

by smf

Companies Say the Darnedest Things As They Try to Avoid Regulation

BY EMAIL FROM THE PREVENTION INSTITUTE

22 May 2013  ::  Tobacco. Leaded paint. Junk food. Sugar-laced soda. Seems like every time communities or states try to pass laws that would help protect families and children from unhealthy products, a public relations effort is unleashed by the makers of those products and their allies.

Scientists friendly to industry are funded to cast doubt on the consensus of other scientists that say cigarette smoke causes cancer or that sugar-sweetened drinks are a major contributor to diabetes.

Front groups disparage the regulatory efforts and talk about the freedoms that may be taken away — like people's "right" to smoke cigarettes on airplanes or in restaurants, or the "first amendment rights" of companies to advertise junk food to toddlers.

Companies start telling us how much they care about us and our children and create new programs to demonstrate it.

In a two-part series in Forbes Online that began yesterday and concludes today, Prevention Institute's Rob Waters and William L. Haar take a look at Coca-Cola's new "Live Positively" campaign and at the "nanny state" rhetoric raised by so-called independent groups that promote junk science, and can be counted on to oppose any attempt to rein in the marketing of unhealthy products.

We all want a marketplace that supports small businesses to sell healthy products and families to have truly healthy choices in buying 

Who could possibly oppose School Governance Councils? Paul Vallas put your hand down! - Wait, What?

Who could possibly oppose School Governance Councils? Paul Vallas put your hand down! - Wait, What?:

Who could possibly oppose School Governance Councils? Paul Vallas put your hand down!

by jonpelto

For one thing, properly utilizing School Governance Councils is the law in Connecticut!

In addition, even Governor Malloy, at least when he was a candidate, supported the creation of School Governance Councils.  In fact, he promised to expand their use.

In support of the federal government’s Race to the Top program, candidate Dan Malloy backed a 2010 Connecticut law saying that it sought to “engage parents in a meaningful way.”

In a response on the website On the Issues, Dan Malloy wrote, “The bill establishes local school governance councils that include parents and help create a sense of community that can make schooling more relevant to kids, and kids more connected to their 

Doing to Bridgeport what he did to New Orleans

by jonpelto

Paul Vallas has pledged to do to Bridgeport what he did to New Orleans.  However, there is still time to stop him.

Paul Vallas was the CEO of the New Orleans Recovery School District of Louisiana from 2007 to 2011…

According to his resume, Vallas says he was responsible for “developing, implementing and managing reform measures” for post-Katrina New Orleans.  In that capacity Vallas says, among other things, that he:

(1)   “raised test scores three consecutive years, at a growth rate that greatly exceeded that of the state” and

(2)    “Implemented Response to Intervention (RTI) model, a three-tiered approach to 

Diane in the Evening 5-22-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

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

Monica Ratliff Won!

Karen Lewis Reacts to Largest Mass Closure of Public Schools in US History

by dianerav

Karen Lewis reacts to Chicago school board’s decision:
Karen Lewis Reaction to Chicago Board of Education’s Vote to Close the Largest
Number of Schools in an Urban School District in U.S. History
CHICAGO – Today, Chicago Teachers Union Karen Lewis released the following statement on the largest school closings in U.S. history:
“Today is a day of mourning for the children of Chicago. Their education has been hijacked by an unrepresentative, unelected corporate school board, acting at the behest of a mayor who has no vision for 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-22-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Join Discussion of Parent Trigger Hoax by dianerav Please join this important discussion about the corporate attempt to trick parents into handing their public schools over to private corporations: The Parent Trigger from California to Florida Sunday, May 26, 2013 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM Pacific Time We will be hearing from Lori Yuan, a parent in Adelanto who fought the Parent Trigger at her school, and Parents Across America Founding Member Rita Solnet who, alo... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: CPS Board Disgrace

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: CPS Board Disgrace:

CPS Board Disgrace

by Mike Klonsky

Erica Clark is removed from the CPS board meeting after going over on her designated 2:00 minutes and sitting on the ground during the board of education meeting at Chicago Public School headquarters May 22, 2013. | Jessica Koscielniak ~ Sun-Times

“I’m worried all those hearings were a charade,” -- Ald  Fioretti (2nd).

Surprised? No. Outraged at the board's vote to close 50 elementary schools, nearly all in the African-American community? Yes. Rahm's 6 hand-picked toadies did exactly what he told them to do and  each earned a pat on the head.

As for Byrd-Bennett:

In the middle of Byrd-Bennett’s presentation, a woman walked out, saying “I’m sorry. I can’t take 

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts Content Standards - Standards & Frameworks (CA Dept of Education)

Content Standards - Standards & Frameworks (CA Dept of Education):

Content Standards

Content standards were designed to encourage the highest achievement of every student, by defining the knowledge, concepts, and skills that students should acquire at each grade level.

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The content standards adopted by the California State Board of Education are listed below: Printed publications can be purchased from CDE Press Educational Resources Catalog.

Current Standards

• English-Language Arts
  • Common Core State Standards for English Language Arts, Adopted August 2010 (DOC; 3MB) (Updated March 2013 Prepublication Version)
• Mathematics
  • Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, Adopted August 2010 (DOC; 6MB) (Updated January 2013 Prepublication Version)
• English Language Development 2012
• Career Technical Education (Updated January 2013 Prepublication Version)
• Health Education Content Standards March 2008 (PDF; 1MB)
  • Word version of Health Education Content Standards (DOC)
• History-Social Science, Adopted October 1998 (PDF)
  • Word version of History-Social Science Content Standards (DOC)
• Model School Library Standards, Adopted September 2010 (PDF; 1MB)
  • Word version of Model School Library Standards (DOC)
• Physical Education Model Content Standards, Adopted Jan-2005 (PDF; 2MB)
  • Word version of Physical Education Model Content Standards (DOC)
• Science, Adopted October 1998 (PDF)
  • Word version of Science Content Standards (DOC)
• Visual and Performing Arts, Adopted January 2001 (PDF; 2MB)
  • Word version of Visual and Performing Arts Content Standards (DOC)
  • For ease of use and accessibility, the document is also available in parts:
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Dance
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Music
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Theatre
    • Visual and Performing Arts, Visual Arts
• World Language, Adopted January 2009 (PDF; 4MB)
  • Word version of World Language Content Standards (DOC)

Previous Content Standards

• English Language Arts, Adopted December 1997 (PDF)
  • Word version of English Language Arts Content Standards (DOC)
  • Braille version of Reading Standards (PDF)
• Mathematics, Adopted December 1997 (PDF)
  • Word version of Mathematics Content Standards (DOC)
  • Braille version of Mathematics Standards (PDF; 2MB)
• English Language Development, English Version (PDF)
  • Word version of English Language Development (DOC)
  • English Language Development, Spanish Version (PDF; 2MB)
• Career Technical Education, Adopted May 2005 (PDF; 4MB)
  • Word version of Career Technical Education (DOC; 1MB)

Questions: State Board of Education | 916-319-0827 

Curriculum Frameworks

Guidelines for implementing the content standards adopted by the California State Board of Education that are developed by the Instructional Quality Commission.

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Mathematics

Public Review and Comment on the Draft 2013 Revision of the Mathematics Framework
Review and comment on the draft mathematics framework developed to support and incorporate the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics, April 17 to June 17, 2013.

2013 Revision of the Mathematics Framework

Assembly Bill 250 (Chapter 608, Statutes of 2011) calls for the revision of the Mathematics Framework to align with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics.

• Timeline for Revision (DOC)
  In January 2012, the State Board of Education approved the timeline for the revision of the Mathematics Framework.
• Mathematics Framework Development Process (PDF)
  This chart lists the major steps in the development of the Mathematics Framework.
• Mathematics Focus Group Report (DOC)
  A summary of oral comments received at the Mathematics Focus Group Meetings and compilation of written comments received in February and March 2012 regarding the 2013 revision of the Mathematics Framework.
• Mathematics Curriculum Frameworks and Evaluation Criteria Committee List
  The SBE appointed 19 members to the Mathematics CFCC at its July 18-19, 2012, meeting.
• Guidelines (DOC)
  The SBE approved the guidelines for the 2013 revision of the Mathematics Framework at its July 18-19, 2012, meeting.
• Instructional Quality Commission Actions on the Mathematics Framework
  The Instructional Quality Commission (IQC) plays an important role in the revision of the Mathematics Framework. Keep up to date with the work of the commission.
• Mathematics Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee
  Resource page for the Mathematics Curriculum Framework and Evaluation Criteria Committee (CFCC), including meeting dates and agendas.
• Mathematics Framework Focus Group Meetings
  Information regarding the four public focus groups that met in February and March 2012 to gather input on the revision of the Mathematics Framework.

Common Core State Standards for Mathematics (DOC; 6MB) (New 22-Apr-2013)
Links to the standards adopted by the California State Board of Education in August 2010 (Updated January 2013 Prepublication Version).

Public Hearings on the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics
Public hearings on recommended modifications to the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics with California Additions and the Model Courses for Higher Mathematics are scheduled for January 3 and 4, 2013. The State Board of Education will take action on the recommendations at the January 16, 2013, meeting.

Common Core State Standards Initiative 
The multi-state initiative released the CCSS on June 2, 2010. The initiative site includes information about the development and research behind the standards, appendices, the states that have adopted the CCSS, and frequently asked questions.

• Appendix A  (PDF)
  Designing High School Mathematics Courses Based on the CCSS.

Grade Level Curriculum
The grade-level curriculum documents are organized by individual grade levels and include information about the Common Core State Standards.

2005 Mathematics Framework (PDF; 4MB)
The Framework was adopted by the State Board of Education on March 9, 2005.
*To order a copy of this framework please contact CDE Press.

Mathematics Framework Solution Sets - For Sample Problems in Appendix D
Solution sets for the sample standards-aligned problems listed in Appendix D of the Mathematics Framework for grades five, six, seven, and the disciplines of Algebra I and Geometry.

Content Standards
Links to downloads of all Content Standards.

All Curriculum Frameworks
Links to downloads of all Curriculum Frameworks.

NYC Public School Parents: Evidence of the testing-educational complex, with State officials indistinguishable from Pearson flacks

NYC Public School Parents: Evidence of the testing-educational complex, with State officials indistinguishable from Pearson flacks:

Evidence of the testing-educational complex, with State officials indistinguishable from Pearson flacks

by Leonie Haimson

Just in time for tomorrow's rally tomorrow, protesting the NJ state tax giveaways of $80 million to Pearson, today it wasannounced that the company agreed to pay $75 million in damages plus costs to settle a lawsuit over price-fixing e-books.    
This comes after multiple Pearson mis-steps and grievous errors, including mistakes in scoring the NYC Gifted and talented tests not once but twice, creating state exams that were too long, too difficult, full of ambiguous questions that made children cry, and last year, the infamous Pineapple readind passage and at least 30 other errors, with  faulty questions and problems with translation and scoring.  

This year the New York State Pearson exams also featured crass, 

Field Notes: Raising Learning Warriors — Whole Child Education

Field Notes: Raising Learning Warriors — Whole Child Education:

THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG

Field Notes: Raising Learning Warriors

May 22, 2013 by Pam Allyn

Moses was my student in Brooklyn, N.Y. He came from Guyana, was 10 years old, and deaf. His mother, who spoke no English and knew no one in New York, had made the treacherous journey to the United States to give him the opportunity to go to school. He was the skinniest boy I had ever seen, with longer-than-long legs that he sometimes tripped over when he ran. Moses was not getting enough to eat at home, so I started bringing him food. Some days, he did not eat from the time he left me until the next morning at school.

Moses and his mother lived in one tiny room where the heat sometimes did not work. His mother worked two jobs and was rarely home for more than an hour when Moses returned from school. Yet here he was, at long last, in a school for the deaf where he could finally thrive and learn.

ONE OF MANY

Millions of children are like Moses, living on the brink of disaster. I felt his situation was urgent because I knew I had one year to create a sanctuary for him and make sure he could learn to read, write, and learn. More than anything, I wanted Moses to become a learning warrior. Moses' teachers needed to equip him with the right tools so he could set and reach his goals both inside and outside the classroom. In this way, we could beat 

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: PEARSON AGREES TO $75 MILLION SETTLEMENT OF U.S. E-BOOKS CASE + smf’s 2¢

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: PEARSON AGREES TO $75 MILLION SETTLEMENT OF U.S. E-BOOKS CASE + smf’s 2¢:

PEARSON AGREES TO $75 MILLION SETTLEMENT OF U.S. E-BOOKS CASE + smf’s 2¢

by smf

11:43 a.m. CDT, May 22, 2013  ::  LONDON/NEW YORK (Reuters) - British publisher Pearson's Penguin unit said on Wednesday it would pay $75 million in damages plus costs to U.S. states and consumers as part of an agreement over alleged price-fixing in the e-book market.

Pearson, which will take an extra provision on its accounts this year after setting aside $40 million in 2012, had already reached an agreement with the U.S. Justice Department in the e-book pricing case.

The latest deal resolves claims by the attorneys general of 33 states, as well as with consumers who had filed a class-action lawsuit against the British publisher. The settlement is subject to approval by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in New York.

"This proposed settlement is a powerful demonstration of what is possible when federal, state and private class antitrust enforcement lawyers work together," said Steve Berman, a lawyer for the plaintiffs at Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro.

The Justice Department last year accused Apple and five publishers of colluding on prices as part of an effort to fight online retailer Amazon.com Inc's dominance of the e-book market. Apple has not settled and is scheduled to face the U.S. Justice Department in a trial 

Today’s lesson for Mayor Rahm: Doing something is not the same as doing the right thing Parents United for Responsible Education

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Today’s lesson for Mayor Rahm: Doing something is not the same as doing the right thing:

Today’s lesson for Mayor Rahm: Doing something is not the same as doing the right thing

by admin

Regarding closing up to 50 Chicago schools, Mayor Emanuel said that “Not doing anything and allowing 56 percent of African American male adolescents to drop out would be a political concern to me.”
We’re not asking the Mayor to do nothing. And we agree with him that past school leadership decisions have led to severely under-resourced schools in some of our most under-resourced communities.
But the right answer to one set of bad decisions is not another bad decision. Report after report show the folly of the mayor’s mass school closings plan. We have learned that the closed schools are mostly on a par with the receiving schools academically and in terms of maintenance costs. Mental health professionals have stated that CPS transition planning is inadequate to meet students’ emotional needs. Substantial money will not be saved. 

Paul Horton: Will Career Teachers Be Crowded Out by Corporate Reform? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Paul Horton: Will Career Teachers Be Crowded Out by Corporate Reform? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Paul Horton: Will Career Teachers Be Crowded Out by Corporate Reform?

by Anthony Cody

Guest post by Paul Horton.

The most effective way to destroy people is to deny and obliterate their own understanding of their history. 

-- Orwell

I can still remember my Econ 101 Professor define "the Crowding Out Effect." He told us in his endearing urbane twang that the "crowding out effect" prevented long term economic recovery from a recession when too much public investment did not allow private investment to rekindle economic growth. Probably the last LBJ Keynesian at a major Texas university, he defended high levels of public spending during recessions. He was endearingly folksy, someone who knew how to tell stories about New Deal price supports in historical and ethical contexts.
Lately, however, the phrase "crowding out effect" has begun to take on a different meaning for me. I am one of the dwindling breed of early seventies idealists who entered the teaching profession before teacher's unions had any clout, when one who chose to teach had to work one or two extra jobs to pay for auto insurance, a room, and food.
Many teachers who have put in at least thirty years feel as though we have made real sacrifices to remain teachers. My Econ 101 professor would call this an opportunity cost. We thought it was honorable to sacrifice the income potential that a more lucrative profession would afford us. We paid our dues, and apprenticed under 

Action Alert: Green Party opposes AB955. No to Contract Education. Yes to Fair Taxes: Das Williams supported by the University of Phoenix | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News

Action Alert: Green Party opposes AB955. No to Contract Education. Yes to Fair Taxes: Das Williams supported by the University of Phoenix | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News:

Action Alert: Green Party opposes AB955. No to Contract Education. Yes to Fair Taxes: Das Williams supported by the University of Phoenix

by Danny Weil

Readers might have been following the articles I have written on AB955, the two-tiered system of education being proposed by Das Williams, the Assemblyman and corporate democrat from Ventura and Santa Barbara County, in California.  You can ‘Google’ within Dailycensored.com “Das Williams and AB955″ to read more.

What is not well known is that Williams received monies from the Apollo Group in the name of John Sperling the former president (http://rainmaker.apps.cironline.org/donors/john-g-sperling/).  Take a look at the other corporate democratic recipients of Apollo largess.  These coin operated lackies include Governor Jerry Brown, the chief dismantler of free education in California.  Brown appointed Terri Bishop, another corporate democrat, to the California Student Aid Commission in 2011.  Bishop has worked at the Apollo Group since 1997, serving most recently as executive vice president of academic strategy and senior advisor to the chief executive officer 

U of Chicago students disassociate from Students for Ed Reform Parents United for Responsible Education

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » U of Chicago students disassociate from Students for Ed Reform:

Media wrap-up from child mental health press conference

by admin

Thanks to Erin Mason, one of the speakers at the press conference yesterday, you can watch all the statements at our press conference on You Tube.
Chicago Tribune:

On Tuesday, at a news conference held by Parents United for Responsible Education, which opposes the closings, a group of child mental health experts called on CPS to add social and emotional supports for students in closing schools. The experts also said CPS should allow 

U of Chicago students disassociate from Students for Ed Reform

by admin

I heard a few weeks ago that this move was coming – glad to see the formal withdrawal letter here:

We find that we cannot perform the work we wish to perform under the guise of Students for Education Reform.  Instead of feeling more empowered through our association and interaction with the organization and National staff, we feel constrained both in what is expected and what is possible. We are often perceived not as Students for Education Reform at the University of Chicago, an organization with distinct individualities, personalities, and experiences, but a rudimentary extension of the National organization.

Students for Education Reform is, of course, another well-funded attempt by the corporate reformers to fake grass roots support for their agenda, and is a spin-off from Democrats for Education Reform. We first heard of it when SFERs were being bused to see “Won’t Back Down.” Here’s a post from last year from the DePaul SFER Facebook page:

Don’t forget tomorrow 4:30pm in the Loyola Commuter Lounge we have our first session with Stand 

UPDATE: Arts Education in Seattle Schools Community Forum: Corporate Money Can't Buy LA School Board Seats

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Corporate Ed Reform Money Can't Buy LA School Board Seats:

Arts Education in Seattle Schools, Part One

by Melissa Westbrook

I recently had good conversations with both Carri Campbell, Visual&Performing Arts Program Manager for SPS, and Calandra Childers, Communication and Outreach Manager for the Seattle Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs about what is happening in arts education for Seattle Public Schools.

I want to thank them both for their time and efforts.  Both conversations were enlightening and heartening.  (After speaking with Ms. Campbell, I now live in the fear that, like many other really good people who join SPS, she'll leave.  I hope not because she's a gem.)

Part One is about what has happened with the planning.  Part Two will be about what is to come.

Background:
SPS has had a five-year partnership with the City of Seattle - called the Arts Education Partnership - to help build a system and share resources to put arts in all our schools with the understanding that arts are not just a 

Corporate Ed Reform Money Can't Buy LA School Board Seats

by Melissa Westbrook

Monica Ratliff - Fifth Grade Teacher - 

As you may recall, there was a school board election in LA in April that had an odd feature - millions of dollars poured into it by corporate ed reformers from outside the state.  Even in mega-large, uber-urban LA, there was surprise over why this was happening.

Out of three candidates, one ed reformer won, one moderate won (who had been targeted nonetheless by the ed reform crowd) and one seat went to a runoff.

Yesterday that runoff was held.

The ed reform candidate, Antonio Sanchez, had an interesting combo - labor unions and money from the political-action committee formed by outgoing LA mayor, Antonio Villaraigosa (which was more than $1M).

His opponent was Monica Ratliff, a career teacher.  She went out and got newspaper endorsements and relied on small donors.  She raised about $50k.

I don't see that the race has been called but Diane Ravitch is reporting that Ratliff has won, with 52% of the vote.  

UPDATE: FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Wednesday, May 22, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

Monica Ratliff

Board of Education 2013 - District 6

Education Headlines

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Extension for Lodi Unified chief

Lodi Unified Superintendent Cathy Nichols-Washer received a contract extension Tuesday night, a deal that will restore a previous furlough-related pay cut and afford her early retirement benefits if she decides to take them in five years.

Showing expelled students way back

When Civic Pride was established, the purpose was to provide a Lincoln Unified alternative to programs for expelled students that are operated by the San Joaquin County Office of Education.

Pomona Unified school board approves science, technology charter school program

The Pomona Unified School District Board of Education on Tuesday night approved converting an existing elementary school into a charter school where the educational program will emphasize science and technology.

Desert Sands Unified teachers seek to settle union negotiations

t least 300 protesters descended on a Desert Sands Unified school board meeting on Tuesday night, chanting for the school district to settle prolonged negotiations with the teachers union.

Grand Jury report criticizes Grossmont board

The San Diego County Grand Jury released a report Tuesday taking the Grossmont Union High School District Governing Board to task for not coming through on construction of a high school in Alpine despite passage of two bond measures.

San Diego schools sit out lawsuit

San Diego schools have yet to join a whistle-blower lawsuit in Los Angeles claiming that Office Depot overcharged thousands of governments for supplies purchased through a nonprofit co-op that negotiated purchasing agreements.

MORENO VALLEY: Consortium planned to discuss future of adult education

School districts and community colleges statewide plan to form a consortium to find better ways of delivering adult education, said Jesus Holguin, a Moreno Valley school board member and vice president of the California School Boards Association.

Frey: Budget plan makes foster youth a priority, but takes away dedicated funding

Students in foster care will be moving to the front of the class if the new school accountability rules the governor proposed in his budget revision become law.

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Frey: May budget revise offers funding reprieve to some Regional Occupational Centers

Some California Regional Occupational Centers – the primary providers of career technical education for high school students in the state – have been given a reprieve from Gov. Jerry Brown’s original plan to eliminate any future dedicated funding for them.

New form of discipline aims to keep students in school

In the Newport-Mesa Unified School District, hundreds of students are suspended each year under a strict zero-tolerance policy. But this school year, the district is working to reduce its number of suspensions through a new form of discipline called restorative justice.

Transitional Kindergarten is for new kids on the block

Before 2012, children who turned 5 on or before Dec. 2 were eligible to start kindergarten that fall. The Kindergarten Readiness Act rolled that date back to Nov. 1 last fall. It will be Oct. 1 this coming school year, and finally Sept. 1 in 2014. Transitional Kindergarten is offered for those children whose birthdays are caught up in the roll back.