Dr Cintli: Raza Studies Now Conference at Santa Monica College July 13

Dr Cintli: Raza Studies Now Conference at Santa Monica College July 13:

Raza Studies Now Conference at Santa Monica College July 13

Press Release - Please post and forward

The Association of Mexican American Educators in conjunction with local educators and groups will host the second annual Raza Studies Now Conference at Santa Monica College, from 9am to 2pm in the Humanities Complex. Two panels overview the field of Chican@ Studies, its relevance to high school instruction, and one discusses the purpose of Chican@ Studies at the Community College level. Three workshops will address the role of students, family/community participation, and high school-level Raza Studies instruction. Dr. Cintli, an author and professor at the University of Arizona, who has been involved in the struggle to defend the Raza Studies department in Tucson, will deliver a keynote address. The conference, lunch and parking are all free.

The Raza Studies Now Conference comes out of a need to address the achievement gap in local schools and broadly. Students of color historically score well below Anglo and Asian students, and studies show the need for more culturally relevant and responsive curriculum. Locally, the Santa Monica Unified School District revived the Intercultural District Advisory Committee which developed recommendations for an Ethnic Studies Department at the high school level. One Ethnic Studies course is scheduled to be offered to seniors next Fall. The Raza Studies Now group brings together educators, students and community currently teaching Chicano and Ethnic Studies at the high school level and groups hoping to implement such programs at their schools.

The IDAC proposal explains in one section: “Traditionally, students of color are viewed from a deficit perspective in public schools. This historically took the form of Indian boarding schools, segregated schools, Americanization programs, corporal punishment, language discrimination, and exclusion of People of color histories and contributions. Under these conditions, Ethnic 

Wait, What? - Working to educate, persuade and mobilize through "perceptive and acerbic" observations about Connecticut Government and Politics

Wait, What? - Working to educate, persuade and mobilize through "perceptive and acerbic" observations about Connecticut Government and Politics:

Judge Rules Vallas must leave superintendent’s job immediately…

Categories: Bridgeport Paul Vallas Stefan PryorTags: BridgeportPaul VallasStefan PryorAfter Vallas took the stand to explain why he shouldn’t be forced out and after hearing arguments from lawyers for and against a motion to have Paul Vallas removed immediately as superintendent of schools in Bridgeport, Connecticut Superior Court Judge Bellis ruled that Paul Vallas did not have the right to stay

by jonpelto / 7min mark as read  //  save

Malloy tries to pull a fast one on Connecticut teachers

Categories: Gubernatorial Election 2014 Malloy Stefan Pryor Teacher EvaluationsTags: Gubernatorial Election 2014MalloyStefan PryorTeacher EvaluationsWith the 2014 gubernatorial election less than 16 months away and facing growing opposition from school teachers, parents and others who recognize the unfairness of attaching teacher evaluation programs to student’s standardized test scores, Governor

by jonpelto / 7min 

Malloy/Pryor’s Chief Turnaround Officer, Debra Kurshan, bails…

Categories: Alliance Districts Malloy Stefan PryorTags: Alliance DistrictsMallloyStefan PryorDespite pulling down $149,000 a year plus benefits, Connecticut “Chief Turnaround Officer” is on the move after eight months on the job. Commissioner Pryor has announced that Kurshan, who previously served as the head of School Portfolio Development for Mayor Bloomberg’s school privatization efforts and a

by jonpelto / 2h 

NYC Educator: To Bobblehead, or Not to Bobblehead

NYC Educator: To Bobblehead, or Not to Bobblehead:

To Bobblehead, or Not to Bobblehead

Let's be clear. If I were going to get a bobblehead it wouldn't be the one you see to the left. It would be Diane Ravitch, or Leonie Haimson, or maybe Stephen Krashen.

But there are a lot of bobbleheads out there, and that includes the overwhelming majority of UFT chapter leaders. In fact, almost every one has signed an oath to never disagree with leadership in public. They are supposedly permitted to express disagreement within the confines of the Unity Caucus, but a very small minority of teachers are privy to what the hell goes on there. For all I know, anyone who speaks out of turn there gets a pinky cut off.

Yesterday, this blog received a comment from the sole Unity blogger, Ed in the Apple:

Unfortunately the union movement has spent too much time fighting internally rather than concentrating on their enemies...

Actually, I focus a lot on union enemies, like Bill Gates for example.  My union, on the other hand, invited him to keynote the AFT convention while every bobblehead chapter leader wildly applauded. To thank them, Gates went out and said screw them all once they retire. Actually, my life might be a little easier if I went to Seattle and applauded with the chapter leaders. But would I be representing and advocating for teachers if I applauded the man who's 

7-10-13 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online:

Ravitch Friends Randi, Fiorillo and Many Others Object

Randi is just the mirror image of Michelle Rhee.  ... Mike from Texas, comment on Ravitch blog, My Friend, Randi WeingartenRandi Weingarten is no friend of teachers, and has been at the center of virtually every catastrophe that has befallen us and public education in the past fifteen-plus years. ...She is part of the problem, and there will be no effective opposition to the hostile takeover of th

by ed notes online / 22min mark as read  //  save

Protest at Tweed Over Racist Comments Draws a Crowd - and TV Coverage

I got there in time to tape most of Monday's rally at Tweed. I have more to share but here are two MORE members speaking.James Eterno posted these links on the ICE blog.COVERAGE OF PROTEST AT TWEED There is good video and some media coverage of yesterday's protest at Tweed by the Pan American International High School community demanding a fair investigation of allegations that the principal made

by ed notes online / 22min 

Mercedes Schneider on Another Vallas Scam: New Orleans Miracle That Wasn't

It is important for every resistance fighter be aware of the New Orleans story and all the other ed deform scams going on so you are equipped to fight the hype wherever it may come up -- you know, those social occasions with non-educators who see ed miracles touted in the media.Diane Ravitch posted:Schneider on the “New Orleans Miracle” That Wasn’t By dianerav July 6, 2013 Corporate reformers cli

by ed notes online / 22min

Diane in the Evening 7-10-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

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

Vallas Will Fight Judge’s Order to Go

In response to a judge’s ruling that he lacks the proper credentials to be a superintendent in Connecticut, Paul Vallas will fight for the job. The attorney for the city will lodge an immediate appeal. The governor says it is a local issue, but says that if he ran Chicago, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, he must be qualified even if he doesn’t meet the demands of the law.

by dianerav / 7min 

About the Military Coup in Egypt

Lots of interesting things going on about education but I have to say something about what is happening in Egypt. I am a historian by trade, and I care passionately about democracy and the democratic process. I don’t think a modern society can evolve when democracy is stifled. The people are not always right but they should always have the right to participate in choosing their leaders. That is wh

by dianerav / 4min 

Achievement First Responds to Criticism About Boot Camp for Kiddies

This comment was posted today:   Our approach to discipline is just one facet of the structure offered by Achievement First’s 25 non-profit, college-preparatory public charter schools. This structure provides students with a consistent, safe and productive environment in which they can reach their full academic potential. Our system of consequences, which include demerits, acts as a deterrent to m

by dianerav / 2min mark as read  //  save

Astonishing: Judge in CT. Rules Vallas Must Vacate Post Now

Jonathan Pelto reports that the judge who recently ruled that Paul Vallas was not qualified to serve as superintendent of schools in Bridgeport because he did not meet the requirements of state law decided today that he must vacate his position immediately.

by dianerav / 37min 

NY Times: The Destruction of North Carolina’s Progressive Legacy

The New York Times wrote a searing critique of the slash-and-burn policies of North Carolina’s governor and legislature. What was once one of the south’s most forward-looking states is rapidly being decimated into a hard, mean backwater. As we have learned over recent months, the legislature has imposed deep budget cuts on public schools, is taking away salary raises from teachers who get advanced

by dianerav / 55min 

Sorry, You Missed Today’s Symposium about Cashing in on the Charter Sector

If only I had known sooner, I would have posted the announcement of today’s symposium. Yes! There is money to be made by investing in charter schools! It’s all about the children! It’s the civil rights issue of our time! And a great investment too!! “Bonds and Blackboards: Investing in Charter Schools (New York, NY) Symposium – July 10, 2013; 9:30 – 6:30 PM WHAT: A one-day symposium to help Wall

by dianerav / 1h mark as read  //  save

What Einstein Said About Standardization

Robert Shepherd was pleased that Susan Ohanian joined the honor roll of the blog. He wrote this: “Susan Ohanian’s website is a garden of many, many delights. I love this bit she posted from Albert Einstein, who was a pretty bright guy (and who had some truly wonderful ideas about education): “I believe in standardizing automobiles. I do not believe in standardizing human beings. Standardization is

by dianerav / 1h 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-10-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Wendy Davis, a True American HeroThe world knows Wendy Davis as the state senator in Texas who filibustered for 11 hours straight against an bill that would restrict abortion. Unlike Jimmy Stewart in “Mr. Smith Goes to Washington,” she was not allowed to take a drink of water or go off-topic or even lean on the speaker’s desk. What

by mike simpson / 2h 

Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst Beefing Up in Tennessee | Pith in the Wind

Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst Beefing Up in Tennessee | Pith in the Wind:

Failed DC Chancellor Michelle Rhee's StudentsFirst Beefing Up in Tennessee

POSTED BY STEVEN HALE ON WED, JUL 10, 2013 AT 2:54 PM

Michelle Rhee's efforts to shape Tennessee's education policy are well-documented. In particular, her organization StudentsFirst has made it rain on state politicians and local school board members.

But you can't just buy your way to the policy outcomes you prefer. (We're feeling idealistic — just go with it.) You have to give it that personal touch.

And so today, StudentsFirst announces several new additions to its operation in Tennessee. The full press release is after the jump, with our emphasis added to make sure it's clear that Michelle Rhee's grassroots organization, StudentsFirst, is a grassroots organization doing work at the grassroots level in Tennessee.

StudentsFirst, a bipartisan grassroots education reform movement, announced three new hires today as the organization expands grassroots momentum in Tennessee. The new additions include Carter Maxwell, who will serve as the State Outreach Director and Mario King, the Shelby County Field Coordinator. They join Paige Donaldson, who was brought on in February to serve as Field Coordinator for Middle Tennessee.

"We’re lucky to have three passionate individuals who know and love the state leading our grassroots efforts in Tennessee,” said Kellen Arno, VP of Membership 

UPDATE: In the "Huh?" Category for the Alliance Seattle Schools Community Forum: Superintendent Banda Says "Skeptics?"

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Superintendent Banda Says He Has Won Over "Skeptics":


In the "Huh?" Category for the Alliance

So we all know that the district signed a memo of agreement with the Alliance, UW's College of Education and the SEA to form the program, Seattle Teacher Residency.   The fact that this was done very quietly did raise some eyebrows but if the district wants to try to home-grow more teachers to serve low-income students, then it's a lot better than hiring TFA kids.But I happened to take a gander ov

by Melissa Westbrook / 37min 

Following Up on Recent SAO Management Letter

I just wanted to note one thing from this thread about the recent Management Letter from the SAO to the district.  It covered quite a few items like a mysterious $50K salary increase to the Native American program director (now gone) and raises for all the upper management in HR (still no explanation). There was also an issue about a couple of schools that appear to have allowed events at their sc

by Melissa Westbrook / 1min 

Superintendent Banda Says He Has Won Over "Skeptics"

From KPLU:

Taking stock of his first year at the helm of Seattle Public Schools, Banda told KPLU a divided board has a definite effect on how he does his job.

“[That’s the] reason for my taking a very strong stand with the board to say that we need to be able to do that job unimpeded. They need to have trust in the leadership team, that what we’re doing is in the best interests of the district and our children, ultimately,” he said.

Well, yes, but he's new, a lot of the leadership team is new and until everyone has shown some mettle, I'm on the side of Board oversight.

Banda said the job review process took place over several weeks, and that he believes by the end he was able to win over the skeptics.

“I believe that I have the full support of all seven members of the board,” Banda said.

Any change of heart is not reflected in the report produced by the board, and no 

Student Loan Vote Fails Senate Again, Sticking Borrowers With Higher Rates:

Student Loan Vote Fails Senate Again, Sticking Borrowers With Higher Rates

Posted: 07/10/2013 12:40 pm EDT  |  Updated: 07/10/2013 2:12 pm EDT

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) speaks during a press conference after meeting with fellow Democratic Senators, on Capitol Hill, July 9, 2013, in Washington, D.C. Reid fielded questions on student loan legislation. (Photo by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

WASHINGTON -- A vote to restore lower interest rates on some new federal student loans for one year failed Tuesday along mostly party lines, garnering only 51 votes.

The vote comes after a month-long campaign to raise public awareness of the doubling of these rates. On July 1, the rates on some new loans, for about 7 million students, doubled from 3.4 percent to 6.8 percent upon the expiration of a 2007 law that had gradually lowered the rates. Republicans, Democrats and the White House trotted out their own social media hashtags to encourage students to convince lawmakers not to "double my rates," but the advocacy yielded no substantive action.

The politics are muddled because in its 2014 budget, the White House proposed a 

No Mystery Behind Improbable Scholars | InterACT

No Mystery Behind Improbable Scholars | InterACT:

No Mystery Behind Improbable Scholars

JULY 10, 2013

tags: David Kirp, Improbable Scholars, Union City

by David B. Cohen

If we could just fire the bad teachers…

If we had quality teacher evaluations…

If we had vouchers, charter schools, competition…

If we had common, world-class standards… a laptop or tablet for every student… smaller classes… a sharp reduction in poverty…

If you’ve been around education for a while, or if you follow education policy and education reform debates, you know plenty of these potential super-fixes, game changers, the “cage-busting” ideas that supposedly hold the key to transforming schools. Dig a little deeper, and I don’t think most serious thinkers would claim that there are any silver bullets, but still, the intensity around the debates show how firmly we believe in certain tenets of our educational philosophy.

What if we could channel that intensity in a more productive direction, away from speaking and writing and blogging and tweeting, and into some productive work? What if the solutions to our problems are simpler than we think and we just need to roll up our sleeves to implement some basic, common sense 

Teach for America: Down in Minnesota, but up in Wisconsin - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly

Teach for America: Down in Minnesota, but up in Wisconsin - NPQ - Nonprofit Quarterly:

Teach for America: Down in Minnesota, but up in Wisconsin

WRITTEN BY RICK COHEN  

CREATED ON WEDNESDAY, 10 JULY 2013 14:34

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July 8, 2013; Truth-Out

Minnesota’s Democratic Governor Mark Dayton nixed a $1.5 million state earmark for Teach for America in the Gopher State’s budget, but all is not lost for TFA in other states. In nearby Wisconsin, Republican Governor Scott Walker has proposed $1 million for TFA in his biennial budget.

TFA has its critics and its supporters. Among the critics is Diane Ravitch, an education expert, who writes, “Teach for America is a wealthy organization that sends ill-trained recruits to teach in under-resourced districts…These poorly trained young people, with no experience as teachers and no commitment to stay beyond two years, are expected to work wonders. They don’t.”

There are also plenty who think that public schools—and traditional, unionized public school teachers—don’t do a good enough job, and that well-motivated young college graduates from the nation’s top schools armed with five weeks’ worth of training under TFA’s tutelage would do just as well, if not better. That may be the reason why the politically conservative Walton Family Foundation announced in 2011 a $49.5 million grant for TFA.

While there do seem to be the beginnings of a pushback against TFA, centered in Governor Dayton’s veto of the TFA earmark along with Minnesota’s rejection of TFA’s request for a blanket waiver of teacher 

AFT - A Union of Professionals - Ravitch urges unity in the face of threats to education

AFT - A Union of Professionals - Ravitch urges unity in the face of threats to education:

Ravitch urges unity in the face of threats to education

In a new post on her popular blog, education historian Diane Ravitch writes about her long history with AFT president Randi Weingarten and the need to work together to strengthen public education, despite their policy differences.

Ravitch, who has become a leading critic of many so-called education reforms after years as an outspoken conservative, has had frequent interactions with Weingarten and the AFT, including a book release celebration hosted by the union, speeches at major AFT meetings, and, most recently, co-authoring a letter with Weingarten to U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan urging him to intervene to stop the destruction of public education in Philadelphia (see related story).

"We don't agree about every issue," Ravitch writes, but she notes that their agreements far outweigh the disagreements. "Randi was the first one to alert me years ago to the total inappropriateness of the business model in education. She is a lawyer, and she is very smart. Randi was first, in my memory, to talk about 'reform fatigue.' She is courageous."

Weingarten also has been the subject of critical comments from contributors to Ravitch's lively comments section. "It serves no purpose for those of us opposed to teacher-bashing and corporate reform to fight among ourselves," Ravitch says. "We must stand together so that we will one day prevail over those who want to destroy public education and the teaching profession. We can't win if we are divided."

"Today," she continues, "American public education faces an existential threat. … We all need to work together, argue when we must, but maintain our basic unity against the truly radical, truly reactionary threat of privatization. As a nation, as a democracy, we cannot afford to lose this essential democratizing institution." [Dan Gursky, Diane Ravitch's blog]

July 10, 2013

The teachers' contract and its relationship to the District’s financial problems | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

The teachers' contract and its relationship to the District’s financial problems | Philadelphia Public School Notebook:

The teachers' contract and its relationship to the District’s financial problems

by thenotebook on Jul 10 2013 Posted in Commentary

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by James Lytle

In an op-ed piece in the Inquirer on July 7, three Philadelphia civic leaders argued that Philadelphia schools must get help, then went on to support the financial package emerging from Harrisburg and City Hall to address the District’s financial crisis. The largest part of this $273 million package is the “$133 million in projected savings from a new collective bargaining agreement to be negotiated with the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers.”

Why, one might ask, are teachers expected to be the solution for a problem not of their making? Somehow the notion has been put forth and reinforced that Philadelphia teachers are excessively compensated and should rightly make concessions to balance the District’s budget.

So it might be useful to consider the facts. Most important is that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania took control of the District in 2001. The PFT contract now in effect and the two that preceded it were all approved by the state’s agent, the School Reform Commission. To blame the PFT for contract costs and provisions is to overlook the inconvenient fact that the state created the circumstances it now wants to reverse.

In terms of teacher salaries, Philadelphia teachers, on average, earn 15 to 20 percent less than teachers in surrounding counties. (While starting salaries are comparable, salaries for experienced teachers top out at a much lower level.) If the salary reductions being proposed are put in effect, then Philadelphia teachers will be even less competitive with their suburban counterparts.

Then consider that working conditions in Philadelphia schools are more difficult than those in the suburbs. Class size is larger; there are fewer books, materials,