The Truth About St. Marcus (WELS) | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!

The Truth About St. Marcus (WELS) | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!:

The Truth About St. Marcus (WELS)

Filed under: St. Marcus,Vouchers — millerlf @ 3:24 pm 

St. Marcus Lutheran School, located on Milwaukee’s near north side, is once again seeking to buy property from Milwaukee Public Schools. The site is located at 921 W. Meinecke, the site of Lee Elementary school.

Last year, the St. Marcus leadership had elementary school children pounding on the building doors of the Malcolm X site, yelling “let us in.” The St. Marcus leadership and public school privatization supporters claim they have a right to public properties.

St. Marcus Lutheran School is seldom talked about by its superintendent, Henry Tyson, without the descriptor “high performing school.” But the data shows a different picture. This year’s reading results (school year 2013-2014) showed only 19% of St. Marcus students proficient in reading, a 2% decline from the previous year.

This is a school that serves less that 6% special education students with no public oversight while claiming to be a pillar of success.

Even with St. Marcus academic failures, their marketing and political strategies are well funded to gain market share. But the heart of the debate that surrounds them continues to be the funding of private, sectarian schools with public money; vouchers.

St Marcus Lutheran School Superintendent said last year on his blog that “St Marcus is unapologetically Christian and follows the teachings of the Milwaukee-based Wisconsin Evangelical Luther Synod.”

If you go to their official monthly publication, Forward in Christ, you can witness their teachings, unrestrained and unapologetic:

On Equality of Women “In order to avoid exercising leadership over men contrary to “the order of creation,” WELS women do not vote in church meetings.”

On Economic Inequality “It is egregiously impossible if you mean that the state can and should guarantee equality of education, income, or wealth. The only way that there could be equality of wealth is if the state seized all private assets and redistributed them. The only way there could be equality of income is if the state seized control of all businesses and The Truth About St. Marcus (WELS) | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!:

LAUSD'S NEW MATH FOR SCREWING TOP TEACHERS - Superintendent John Deasy - Perdaily.com

LAUSD, Superintendent John Deasy - Perdaily.com:



LAUSD'S NEW MATH FOR SCREWING TOP TEACHERS

 (Mensaje se repite en Español)

As the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) is legally sanctioned for not having turned over photos in the Miramonte child abuse scandal- which can only be viewed as obstruction of justice- hopefully an awareness is finally starting to dawn on people as to what levels of dishonesty the leadership of LAUSD is capable in achieving their goals based exclusively on perceived self-interest, that is clearly diametrically opposed to the exigencies of running a good public education system.

Sigi Siegel is a lifelong teacher who was targeted by LAUSD, not for the fabricated wrong doing that they have charged her with, but rather for being too expensive. Other than making too much money, Ms. Siegel's sole crime was that she did a simple and harmless Type 2 diabetes blood test on one of her students without having previous obtained parent consent. Given that LAUSD is approximately three-quarters Latino- a population that has a 50% higher Type 2 diabetes rate than the general population- one can understand the teachable moment Ms.Siegel was tempted to take advantage of, even if she exhibited poor judgment in not first obtaining prior parent consent for this test. 

The question you must ask is whether her actions should warrant the termination of her otherwise exemplary teaching career and whether in the final analysis, her faux pas really had anything to do with why she was targeted. 

In making this judgment, I would ask you to take into consideration the very typical illegal manner in which Ms. Siegel continues to be treated. She was incarcerated in teacher jail aka the rubber room for an extended period of time, far beyond what would have been necessary to determine her innocence or culpability. It is also worth noting that she has subsequently won her case before the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), which ordered that she be put back to work. However, this judgment was then appealed by LAUSD in their typical actions designed to drag out the process against her- LAUSD, Superintendent John Deasy - Perdaily.com:

Russ on Reading: Five Ways Charter Schools Are Bad for Children and Other Living Things

Russ on Reading: Five Ways Charter Schools Are Bad for Children and Other Living Things:

Five Ways Charter Schools Are Bad for Children and Other Living Things

Charter schools are the darling of the education reform movement. Appealing to the All-American ideal of “choice”, charter schools are sold to struggling communities as a way to improve student learning through competition. Well-funded public relations campaigns, underwritten by the Walton Foundation and other reform minded philanthropic organizations, work overtime to sell Americans on “choice.” Now rock stars, athletes and movie stars are getting in to the act, investing in and opening charters across the country.

The education reformers have stolen the narrative from those who truly care about public education. At any cocktail party or at the sidelines of a soccer game you are likely to hear people discussing “failing schools” and “bad teachers” and how choice, especially in the form of charter schools is the way to insure a child gets a good education.

But this is a false narrative. Research study after research study has shown that charter schools are no panacea, indeed they are simultaneously providing an inferior education, while draining public schools of needed resources. Even a cursory glance at what is happening in Philadelphia, Chicago and New Orleans will reveal the false promise of charter schools.

The next time the topic comes up at a cocktail party you are attending, here are six things you can say in rebuttal to the charter cheerleaders.

1. Failure to Improve Learning – Two consecutive reports from the Center for Research on Education Outcomes (CREDO), 2009 and 2013, have shown that public schools outperform charter schools. In 2009, 83% of charters were the same or worse than public schools. In 2013 the figure was 71-75%, with the slight improvement being due to really bad charters being closed. It is true that some charter schools have been very successful and the Russ on Reading: Five Ways Charter Schools Are Bad for Children and Other Living Things:

Our Missing $200 Million | Yinzercation

Our Missing $200 Million | Yinzercation:

Our Missing $200 Million

1

We’d like our $200 million back, please. That’s how much money charter schools in Pennsylvania collected last year for special education in excess of what they actually spent on special education for students. Charter schools took in over $350 million, but spent only $150 million. (Or $350,562,878 vs. $156,003,034 to be exact.) So where’s our extra $200 million? (OK, $193,559,844 to be exact.)

Our colleague, Mark Spengler, who is a public education advocate in the Lehigh Valley and tracked down this data, points out that, “charter schools are not obligated to spend special education funding for special education purposes. That money can be spent for numerous miscellaneous reasons including billboards and mailer advertisements.” [Lower Macungie Patch, 5-26-14]

Last year, the Pennsylvania legislature created a Special Education Funding Commission to devise a new funding formula. Deplorably, the old formula did not reimburse schools for the actual cost of educating students with special needs, which resulted in great inequities (and under-funding for some of the state’s most vulnerable children). The bi-partisan commission’s recommendations formed the basis for House Bill 2138 and Senate Bill 1316 now under consideration. These bills would create a fair and rational system of funding special education in Pennsylvania based on actual costs. However, Harrisburg lobbyists are threatening to kill the two bills.

Our partner, Education Voters PA, is making it easy for us to help fight back: click here to send an email to your state senator and representative (you can keep the suggested wording on the form, or edit your digital postcards). This took me less than 12 seconds to do. EdVoters explains that our senators and representatives need to hear the following in support of SB 1316 / HB 2138:

• “The current system of funding special education is broken and unfair. It does not provide enough resources for the services children need and it does not ensure that all special education dollars are spent on special education services. 
• “State special education funding should be distributed to both school systems and charter schools based on the level of services that students need. Allocating taxpayer dollars differently to school districts and charter schools doesn’t make sense. All of our public schools should receive funding distributed by the same allocation formula.
• “State special education funding should be spent ONLY on providing students with services. Any excess special Our Missing $200 Million | Yinzercation:

Defend-Ed Action Map | Defend-Ed

Defend-Ed Action Map | Defend-Ed:

Defend-Ed Action Map

POSTED ON MAY 30, 2014 BY THE EDITOR

Resistance is *not* futile!

Marches
Meetings
Workshops
Walk-outs
Pickets
Demonstrations
Protests
Legal actions
Opt-outs
Dual power
Free schools 

All these things are happening in the real world right now in the fight against education commercialization and bureaucratization. People are fighting every day to protect their families and to protect their classrooms. Frankly, it's real-world actions like these that will turn the tide, not the actions of sitting at a computer, or fiddling with a phone, while reading and posting on the Internet (although that has to be done, too - The Editor is doing it right now.)

If you've been involved in a real world action, or you have details on an upcoming event, please stick a pin on the new Defend-Ed Action Map. It's EASY. Just click on the link in the menu bar at the top of the page, and then click on the submission form link. If you have the details, they'll be pinned to the map in short order. Let's fill this map up.

*

Why Are School Administrators Bullying Taxpayers? Stories from Arnold & Otterville, Missouri School Districts. | Missouri Education Watchdog

Why Are School Administrators Bullying Taxpayers? Stories from Arnold & Otterville, Missouri School Districts. | Missouri Education Watchdog:

Why Are School Administrators Bullying Taxpayers? Stories from Arnold & Otterville, Missouri School Districts.

inShare

Have individuals with this watchdog group been libeled by public school administrators?

The Fox-C-6 School District is in Arnold, Missouri, just outside of St. Louis in Jefferson County.  Individuals from the Fox-6 Watchdogs have been investigating and reporting on what it considers nepotism and lack of transparency from the school board, superintendent and administrators.  Computers owned by school administrators (according to ISP addresses revealed via a lawsuit filed by citizens) were found to have been used to make libelous remarks about several individuals questioning administrative and district actions.  The taxpayers were accused of scandalous acts in Topix, an online chat room by then anonymous sources in 2013.  From stltoday and Derisive website comments linked to home of Fox school chief:

JEFFERSON COUNTY • Computers traced to the homes of Fox School District Superintendent Dianne Critchlow and another Fox administrator were used to make nasty allegations about three critics of the district, said an attorney representing those critics in a libel lawsuit.

Dan Herman filed suit in February on behalf of Arnold residents Sam Ferry, Rich Simpson and Michelle Tyler. All have been critical of the Fox School District, which sent them letters in recent years warning them to tone down their behavior or face legal action. They say they have become the victims.

But the defendant in their suit is listed as John Doe because they did not know who made the Why Are School Administrators Bullying Taxpayers? Stories from Arnold & Otterville, Missouri School Districts. | Missouri Education Watchdog:

What’s wrong with standardized testing…this month? Parents United for Responsible Education

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » What’s wrong with standardized testing…this month?:

What’s wrong with standardized testing…this month?

I’m talking with Dick Kay on WCPT this afternoon about standardized testing.

Tune in to 820 AM, or 92.5 FM (west side of Chicago) 92.7 FM (north) or 99.9 FM (south). Apparently you can also live stream the show here:

Here are some of the topics I hope we’ll be able to cover:

Testing fake facts? There’s a new, racist version of the fake test facts scandal that PURE broke last year, when we exposed a Scantron reading question that was obvious, and falsified, propaganda for charter schools.

The reading passage for that question included this statement: “Multimillionaire Charles Mendel sends his children to a charter school because he believes that that charter schools deliver the highest quality education.” Problem is, there is no such person. Other “facts” in the passage about charter schools were also false.

This month, CPS students have been taking REACH performance exams, which are standardized tests used to measure teacher effectiveness. Students were given REACH pre-tests in the fall, and their “progress” – and part of their teachers’ evaluations – will be determined by the results from these spring tests.

REACH tests are supposedly written by teams of CPS teachers. I say supposedly, because it is hard to imagine that any of our teachers had a hand in the poisonous, idiotic test that showed up on the REACH web site for spring administration.

The test asks students to respond to two commentaries on immigration, both rabidly anti-immigrant and both written by “authorities” who don’t exist. Students are asked, among other things, to decide who is the more “authoritative” of the two fake pundits.

CPS has pulled the test off the site, but still allows the test to be used. They have attempted to excuse the bias by explaining that last fall’s “pre-test” consisted of two pro-immigration essays, so this was a “balance.” OK. Sure.

Keeping in mind that “progress” is determined by the change in student performance from the fall to the spring test and that a large percentage of CPS students are immigrants or children of

- See more at: http://pureparents.org/?p=21309#sthash.WIkXVvRo.dpuf

Newark Students Resisting Neoliberal Reforms In Their City | PopularResistance.Org

Newark Students Resisting Neoliberal Reforms In Their City | PopularResistance.Org:

Newark Students Resisting Neoliberal Reforms In Their City

RESIST! EDUCATION, NEOLIBERALISM, NEWARK, STUDENT ACTIVISM, UNIONS 
By Raven Rakia, www.youngist.org
May 31st, 2014

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Now with their own union, Newark students are resisting neoliberal reforms in their city. What can we expect from these powerful young people next?

By Raven Rakia

On Tuesday, May 20, 2014, the Newark Students Union (NSU) called for a rally on 2 Cedar Street, at the Board of Education building. As their supporters rallied outside, nine high school students from the NSU entered the building where the Board of Education was holding a meeting and staged a sit-in. As they slipped Cami Anderson, the superintendent, a list of their demands and sat down on the floor of the meeting, the nine students declared they weren’t leaving until their demands were met. The four demands read as follows: (1) Cami Anderson’s immediate resignation (2) Local control over the education system (3) Public schools to be fairly and fully funded and (4) All schools remain open.

Back in December, the NPS administration issued the “One Newark” plan: a complete restructuring of Newark’s public schools to take place in time for the 2014-2015 school year. Under the slogan, “100 excellent schools,” they describe the plan as a “community-wide agenda to ensure all students are in excellent schools and thriving communities.” In reality, the One Newark plan is a top-down approach orchestrated at the state level, which exercises complete control over public schools. Under the plan, some public schools will be closed, others will be turned into charters, and yet other schools will face a complete staff overhaul with potential layoffs.

On Tuesday, the Newark students and their supporters effectively shut down the Board meeting. Cami Anderson and other individuals from the NPS administration left the building, although Rashon Hassan and Donald Jackson from the Board came back and took the time to speak to the students. The next day, Anderson released an official statement, where she said while she is “supportive of students expressing their opinions,” she accused the sit-in as being “coached by adults” and said the students refused her offer to meet with them. In the Newark Students Union response, they asserted that “autonomy is a really important word to our union and it is something that we all possess. Thus, we were not coached by adults,” and the “shut down and sit in has been planned strategically and has been a Newark Students Resisting Neoliberal Reforms In Their City | PopularResistance.Org:

2nd Banana 5-31-14 Recap of Last Week's Best Post #EDchat #EDreform #RealEdTalk #p2

BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANA

RECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POST

Denver teachers have more classroom, less planning time than those overseas | Chalkbeat

Denver teachers have more classroom, less planning time than those overseas | Chalkbeat: Denver teachers have more classroom, less planning time than those overseas Denver teachers have less time to plan their lessons or collaborate with other teachers than those in high-performing overseas districts — or even others in the United States — a new report finds.The report, which was produced by the C

by mike simpson / 21h 

My End At LAUSD: Now On To A Neutral Forum (Mi Terminar en el LAUSD: Ahora en un foro neutral) - Perdaily.com

(en español después) On Friday, October 8, 2010 LAUSD Chief Academic Officer Judy Elliott sent me a letter saying that she was going to submit my name to the LAUSD Board for dismissal as a teacher. In retrospect and in culmination of more then a year long campaign of harassment against me, the following facts are surprisingly undisputed:

The Power of Parents to Reform a School System | Philly in Focus

The Power of Parents to Reform a School System | Philly in Focus: The Power of Parents to Reform a School SystemPHILLYACTIVE™ (NEWS THAT GETS PHILLY ACTIVE) Felicia Roche, mother an 8th grader, analyzes the School District of Philadelphia and asks: “Do parents care?”By Felicia Roche5.27.14: Philadelphia – (Politics/Education): If you mention the words “School District of Philadelphia” to an active

by mike simpson / 22h

Career Pathways Trust Awardees - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)

Career Pathways Trust Awardees - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Award of Career Pathways Trust Grants Linking Education and CareersOAKLAND—Almost 40 consortia representing hundreds of thousands of students across California are the first recipients of grants under a new $250 million program designed to help students stay in school and move toward coll

by mike simpson / 5h 

The Ripple Effects of Rising Student Debt - NYTimes.com

The Ripple Effects of Rising Student Debt - NYTimes.com: The Ripple Effects of Rising Student DebtWhat are the roads not taken because students must take out loans for college? A collection of studies shows that the burden of student debt may well cause people to make different decisions than they would otherwise — affecting not just individual lives but also the entire economy.For one thing, it a

by mike simpson / 17h

Trafficked Teachers: Neoliberalism’s Latest Labor Source - Working In These Times

Trafficked Teachers: Neoliberalism’s Latest Labor Source - Working In These Times: Trafficked Teachers: Neoliberalism’s Latest Labor SourceRecruiting companies in the U.S. are attracting some of Philippines' best teachers with one-year guest worker visas to teach in American public schools, saddling the teachers with hidden fees and furthering the Philippines' growing teacher shortage. (SuSanA Sec

by mike simpson / 20h 

5-25-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Dr. Walter Mischel, Creator Of Famous Marshmallow Test, Is Writing A BookDr. Walter Mischel, creator of the famous marshmallow test used by many of us in classroom lessons, is writing a book that will be published in September. It’s titled The Marshmallow Test: Mastering Self-Control. I’ve written many posts over the years

by mike simpson / 5h 

What is a SCOE and What They Do for Education

SCOE | About: About SCOEThe Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County.SCOE plays a leadership role in the delivery of quality educ

1 by mike simpson / 4h

5-27-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: “A Teacher-Counselor Partnership Is ‘Essential’ For Student Success”A Teacher-Counselor Partnership Is ‘Essential’ For Student Success is Part Two in my Ed Week Teacher series on teacher-counselor partnerships. Today’s post includes responses from Julie Hartline, the 2009 National Counselor Of The Year; and educator/authors

by mike simpson / 21h 

5 Lessons From My First Year As Site Principal | Connected Principals

5 Lessons From My First Year As Site Principal | Connected Principals: 5 Lessons From My First Year As Site Principalby William Parker • May 30, 2014 • 1 CommentJust a few days ago, we celebrated graduation. The next day we wrapped up with professional development and teacher check-out.When I arrived home that night, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated.It was a few hours later when I received th

by mike simpson / 17h 

BREAKING NEWS!! MULGREW PULLING WFP STRINGS FOR CUOMO!!!.southbronxschool.com

http://www.southbronxschool.com: BREAKING NEWS!! MULGREW PULLING WFP STRINGS FOR CUOMO!!!On March 15, 44 BC the Roman Senate, led by Gaius Cassius Longinus and Marcus Junius Brutusstabbed to death Julius Caesar. Caesar's dying words, according to William Shakespeare upon seeing that Brutus was amongst the conspirators was, "Et tu Brutue?"During the Last Supper, which The Crack Team belie

by mike simpson / 11h hide  //  save

5-30-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Lots Of New World Cup Interactives & InfographicsHere are new interactives and infographics I’m adding to The Best Sites For Learning About The 2014 World Cup In Brazil: Here are three interactives from The Guardian: Brazil 2014: interactive World Cup travel guide The World Cup’s top 100 footballers of all time – intera

by mike simpson / 14h

Nite Cap 5-30-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPJune 2014 ACCS Meeting Agenda - Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (CA Dept of Education)June 2014 ACCS Meeting Agenda - Advisory Commission on Charter Schools (CA Dept of Education): ACCS Live Meeting WebcastMeeting NoticeAdvisory Commission

1 by mike simpson / 17h 

#EduElection: How Grassroots Voices Shaped NYC's Mayoral Election | National Opportunity to Learn Campaign | Education Reform for Equity and Opportunity

#EduElection: How Grassroots Voices Shaped NYC's Mayoral Election | National Opportunity to Learn Campaign | Education Reform for Equity and Opportunity: #EduElection: How Grassroots Voices Shaped NYC's Mayoral ElectionPosted on: Friday May 30th, 2014It seems the tide might finally be turning in the fight for public education. A wonderful new issue of the The Annenberg's Institute's Voices in Urba

by mike simpson / 21h

What is a SCOE and What They Do for Education

SCOE | About: About SCOEThe Sacramento County Office of Education (SCOE) is one of 58 county offices located throughout the state. Approximately 650 regular and more than 950 temporary and substitute SCOE staff work year-round providing services which complement and supplement those offered by public school districts in Sacramento County.SCOE plays a leadership role in the delivery of quality educ

1 by mike simpson / 22h

NYC Public School Parents: NYC Parents: the Tripod survey is being given in 134 schools and you have the right to opt out

NYC Public School Parents: NYC Parents: the Tripod survey is being given in 134 schools and you have the right to opt out: NYC Parents: the Tripod survey is being given in 134 schools and you have the right to opt outWatch out parents!  Whether you know it or not, the DOE is giving a controversial survey to NYC students in 134 schools called the Tripod Survey.  DOE officials say they are allowing

1 by mike simpson / 22h hide  //  save

Career Pathways Trust Awardees - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)

Career Pathways Trust Awardees - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Award of Career Pathways Trust Grants Linking Education and CareersOAKLAND—Almost 40 consortia representing hundreds of thousands of students across California are the first recipients of grants under a new $250 million program designed to help students stay in school and move toward coll

by mike simpson / 22h 

Morning Wink 5-30-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSJackson Rising: People Power and the New Cooperative Movement | NewBlackMan (in Exile)Jackson Rising: People Power and the New Cooperative Movement | NewBlackMan (in Exile): Jackson Rising: People Power and the New Cooperative MovementJackson Rising: People Power and the New Cooperative Movementby Lamont Lilly | special to NewBlackMan (in Exile)Once home t

1 by mike simpson / 1d

5 Lessons From My First Year As Site Principal | Connected Principals

5 Lessons From My First Year As Site Principal | Connected Principals: 5 Lessons From My First Year As Site Principalby William Parker • May 30, 2014 • 1 CommentJust a few days ago, we celebrated graduation. The next day we wrapped up with professional development and teacher check-out.When I arrived home that night, I felt both exhausted and exhilarated.It was a few hours later when I received th

by mike simpson / 1d hide  //  save

Common Core School Standards Face a New Wave of Opposition - NYTimes.com

Common Core School Standards Face a New Wave of Opposition - NYTimes.com: Common Core School Standards Face a New Wave of OppositionGov. Mary Fallin of Oklahoma has not decided whether to sign a bill that would withdraw her state from the Common Core standards. Similar legislation is on governors’ desks in Missouri and South Carolina. CreditSue Ogrocki/Associated PressOpposition to the Common Core

by mike simpson / 1d 

#EducatingGatesRally June 26th | Seattle Education

#EducatingGatesRally June 26th | Seattle Education: #EducatingGatesRally June 26thThere’s a lot of issues about governance, whether its school boards or unions, where you want to allow for experimentation, in terms of pay procedures, management procedures, to really prove out new things. As those things start working on behalf of the students, then I believe the majority of teachers and voters wil

by mike simpson / 1d 

Nite Cap 5-29-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPResponse to Class Action Lawsuit - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)Response to Class Action Lawsuit - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): California Department of Education and State Board of Education Issue Joint Statement on Class Action LawsuitS

by mike simpson / 1d hide  //  save

Response to Class Action Lawsuit - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)

Response to Class Action Lawsuit - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): California Department of Education and State Board of Education Issue Joint Statement on Class Action LawsuitSACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and State Board of Education President Michael Kirst issued the following joint statement in connection with a class action lawsuit, Cruz et al. v. State

by mike simpson / 1d 

Significantly altered transitional kindergarten bill passes in the Senate | EdSource Today

Significantly altered transitional kindergarten bill passes in the Senate | EdSource Today: Significantly altered transitional kindergarten bill passes in the SenateMay 29th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By Lillian MongeauShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing ServicesA bill that would make public pre-kindergarten available at no charge to children from Calif

by mike simpson / 1d 

NYC Public School Parents: 20 million student records put at risk by ConnectEDU's bankruptcy -- & what lessons if any have tech enthusiasts learned from the inBloom debacle?

NYC Public School Parents: 20 million student records put at risk by ConnectEDU's bankruptcy -- & what lessons if any have tech enthusiasts learned from the inBloom debacle?: 20 million student records put at risk by ConnectEDU's bankruptcy -- & what lessons if any have tech enthusiasts learned from the inBloom debacle?ConnectEDU was one of the three data dashboard companies chosen by the

by mike simpson / 1d hide  //  save

solidaridad: Marshall Tuck's legacy of institutional racism at Markham MS so bad, that U.S. Congress expresses concern

solidaridad: Marshall Tuck's legacy of institutional racism at Markham MS so bad, that U.S. Congress expresses concern: Marshall Tuck's legacy of institutional racism at Markham MS so bad, that U.S. Congress expresses concernMarshall Tuck's legacy of institutional racism at Markham MS is so bad, that congresspeople are now concerned. Representative Janice Hahn wrote LAUSD to contact the Partnershi

by mike simpson / 1d 

California Districts Stumble on CORE Waiver, Ed. Dept. Finds - Politics K-12 - Education Week

California Districts Stumble on CORE Waiver, Ed. Dept. Finds - Politics K-12 - Education Week: California Districts Stumble on CORE Waiver, Ed. Dept. FindsBy Lesli A. Maxwell on May 29, 2014 4:34 PMCrossposted from the District Dossier blogBy Lesli A. MaxwellThe California districts that won a special reprieve from portions of the federal No Child Left Behind Act are falling short on several key p

by mike simpson / 1d 

The Dismissive Attitude Toward Parents by Education Reformers is Stunning | Missouri Education Watchdog

The Dismissive Attitude Toward Parents by Education Reformers is Stunning | Missouri Education Watchdog: The Dismissive Attitude Toward Parents by Education Reformers is StunninginShareA 100% rate of stopping “anti-reform” legislation by these special interests (grasstops)The above graphic comes from the Louisiana Department of Education with mention of groups supporting educational reform ideas:

by mike simpson / 1d 

5-29-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday Open ThreadTomorrow sees three Director Community Meetings - if you want something to change in the math adoption, you might want to drop in on one. Patu - 10 am - noon, Cafe VittaMcLaren - 10 am - noon, SW Branch Public LibraryPeters - 11 am - 12:30 pm - Queen Anne library, first hour for students (according to SPS website)I was unable to attend the DPD mee

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5-29-14 Schools Matter -

Schools Matter: Legislators File Open Records Request for Huffman Decision Trail to Delay State Test ResultsOn the day that TCAP scores were to be released in Tennessee, Kevin Huffman's team of TFA lawyers in Nashville called a quick "put down your pencils" timeout just before reporters were ready to write about this year's state test results.  In a scurry to make sure that "post-te

by mike simpson / 2d 

Morning Wink 5-29-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSCommunity engagement is a euphemism for “how to deal with black folk” | Hechinger ReportCommunity engagement is a euphemism for “how to deal with black folk” | Hechinger Report: Community engagement is a euphemism for “how to deal with black folk”By Andre PerryWhat does community engagement mean? In particular, how does community engagement work for a “tak

by mike simpson / 2d 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-29-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Oregon Educator: When Did the Federal Role Change from Equity and Integration to Control?Oregon Educator, a high school principal in that state, poses some hard questions about the federal role in education. The federal government puts up about 12% of the cost of public education but has grown increasingly assertive about exercisin

by mike simpson / 2d 

Nite Cap 5-28-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPSchool Choice Fact Sheet from Statewide StudySchool Choice Fact Sheet from Statewide Study: School Choice Fact Sheet from Statewide StudyLEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA -FACT SHEET-STATEWIDE STUDY ON SCHOOL CHOICEI.  Private School Florida Tax

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School Choice Fact Sheet from Statewide Study

School Choice Fact Sheet from Statewide Study: School Choice Fact Sheet from Statewide StudyLEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS OF FLORIDA -FACT SHEET-STATEWIDE STUDY ON SCHOOL CHOICEI.  Private School Florida Tax Credit (FTC) Scholarships•    In 2012-13, there were 51,075 FTC vouchers awarded state-wide at $4,335 each.  Corporations received tax rebates by contributing to the Step Up for Children Foundation w

by mike simpson / 2d 

Working Families Party eyeing Diane Ravitch as possible challenger against Gov. Cuomo - NY Daily News

Working Families Party eyeing Diane Ravitch as possible challenger against Gov. Cuomo - NY Daily News: Working Families Party eyeing Diane Ravitch as possible challenger against Gov. CuomoBY KEN LOVETT  NEW YORK DAILY NEWS Published: Wednesday, May 28, 2014, 11:38 AM Updated: Wednesday, May 28, 2014, 12:54 PMA  A  A991SHARE THIS URLHANDOUTDiane RavitchThe Working Families Party is eying education

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Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: For immediate release from N.C. NAACP

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: For immediate release from N.C. NAACP: For immediate release from N.C. NAACPFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEMay 28, 2014Contact: Sarah Bufkin, NC NAACP - smbufkin@gmail.com or 404.285.3413Workers and Clergy Members Arrested in Speaker Thom Tillis' Office for Petitioning to Repeal a Flood of Unjust, Destructive Laws Hurting North Carolina We Shall Not Be Moved | Tillis 15RALEIGH

by mike simpson / 2d 

5-28-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Advanced Learning Taskforce UpdateThere is a joint meeting of the Advanced Learning Taskforces tomorrow, Thursday the 29th from 4-8 pm in the JSCEE auditorium.  They will be discussing their recommendations with an eye to presenting a combined recommendation plan to the Superintendent and Board in the future.  The public is invited to attend but no questions or fee

by mike simpson / 2d 

Morning Wink 5-28-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSWe will miss you Maya Angelou | Cloaking InequityWe will miss you Maya Angelou | Cloaking Inequity: We will miss you Maya AngelouI don’t know how much longer I’ll be around. I’ll probably be writing when the Lord says, ‘Maya, Maya Angelou, it’s time.’It is with a sad heart that I learn today of the passing of Maya Angelou. Here are a few select Maya Angelo

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We will miss you Maya Angelou | Cloaking Inequity

We will miss you Maya Angelou | Cloaking Inequity: We will miss you Maya AngelouI don’t know how much longer I’ll be around. I’ll probably be writing when the Lord says, ‘Maya, Maya Angelou, it’s time.’It is with a sad heart that I learn today of the passing of Maya Angelou. Here are a few select Maya Angelou quotes:My task for today…I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will

by mike simpson / 3d 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-28-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Help Sponsor Researchers to Study Failure of Vouchers in ChileProfessor Julian Vasquez Heilig of the University of Texas is trying to raise funding to take a research team to Chile to study the failure of the voucher progr. He needs your help. Tickets cost either $1,000 round trip or 30,000-60,000 frequent flyer miles. Please consi

by mike simpson / 3d 

Massive layoffs in Newark? Never mind. Cami was just joking. | Bob Braun's Ledger

Massive layoffs in Newark? Never mind. Cami was just joking. | Bob Braun's Ledger: Massive layoffs in Newark? Never mind. Cami was just joking.Fooled you, right?State-appointed Newark schools superintendent Cami Anderson sent out an email late yesterday saying she had all but miraculously found a way to prevent massive teacher layoffs that had been predicted earlier. She also promised to stay in h

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John White’s Illegitimate 2013-to-2014 LEAP/iLEAP Comparisons | deutsch29

John White’s Illegitimate 2013-to-2014 LEAP/iLEAP Comparisons | deutsch29: John White’s Illegitimate 2013-to-2014 LEAP/iLEAP ComparisonsMay 27, 2014Whenever Louisiana State Superintendent John White gets his hands on test scores, there will be problems.He withheld release of the 2014 Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (LEAP) and Integrated Louisiana Educational Assessment Program (iLEAP) sco

by mike simpson / 3d

Trafficked Teachers: Neoliberalism’s Latest Labor Source - Working In These Times

Trafficked Teachers: Neoliberalism’s Latest Labor Source - Working In These Times: Trafficked Teachers: Neoliberalism’s Latest Labor SourceRecruiting companies in the U.S. are attracting some of Philippines' best teachers with one-year guest worker visas to teach in American public schools, saddling the teachers with hidden fees and furthering the Philippines' growing teacher shortage. (SuSanA Sec

by mike simpson / 3d 

The Study that Keeps on Giving…(Hopefully) in its Final Round |

The Study that Keeps on Giving…(Hopefully) in its Final Round |: The Study that Keeps on Giving…(Hopefully) in its Final Round In January I wrote a post about “The Study that Keeps on Giving…” Specifically, this post was about the study conducted and authored by Raj Chetty (Economics Professor at Harvard), John Friedman (Assistant Professor of Public Policy at Harvard), and Jonah Rockoff (Associat

by mike simpson / 3d 

5-27-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: “A Teacher-Counselor Partnership Is ‘Essential’ For Student Success”A Teacher-Counselor Partnership Is ‘Essential’ For Student Success is Part Two in my Ed Week Teacher series on teacher-counselor partnerships. Today’s post includes responses from Julie Hartline, the 2009 National Counselor Of The Year; and educator/authors

by mike simpson / 3d 

Why a “fair start” is so important for California’s kids | EdSource Today

Why a “fair start” is so important for California’s kids | EdSource Today: Why a “fair start” is so important for California’s kidsMay 27th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By Jim Steyer / commentaryShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing Services6Jim SteyerNow that Gov. Jerry Brown has introduced his revised budget plan, a month-long negotiation over the state’s

by mike simpson / 3d 

Denver teachers have more classroom, less planning time than those overseas | Chalkbeat

Denver teachers have more classroom, less planning time than those overseas | Chalkbeat: Denver teachers have more classroom, less planning time than those overseas Denver teachers have less time to plan their lessons or collaborate with other teachers than those in high-performing overseas districts — or even others in the United States — a new report finds.The report, which was produced by the C

by mike simpson / 3d 

The Power of Parents to Reform a School System | Philly in Focus

The Power of Parents to Reform a School System | Philly in Focus: The Power of Parents to Reform a School SystemPHILLYACTIVE™ (NEWS THAT GETS PHILLY ACTIVE) Felicia Roche, mother an 8th grader, analyzes the School District of Philadelphia and asks: “Do parents care?”By Felicia Roche5.27.14: Philadelphia – (Politics/Education): If you mention the words “School District of Philadelphia” to an active

by mike simpson / 3d 

Nite Cap 5-27-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPPaul Tough Explains Why 'Rich Kids Graduate; Poor and Working-Class Kids Don't' | John ThompsonPaul Tough Explains Why 'Rich Kids Graduate; Poor and Working-Class Kids Don't' | John Thompson: Paul Tough Explains Why 'Rich Kids Graduate; Poor and

by mike simpson / 3d 

Paul Tough Explains Why 'Rich Kids Graduate; Poor and Working-Class Kids Don't' | John Thompson

Paul Tough Explains Why 'Rich Kids Graduate; Poor and Working-Class Kids Don't' | John Thompson: Paul Tough Explains Why 'Rich Kids Graduate; Poor and Working-Class Kids Don't'Regardless of his subject, Paul Tough's work is directly relevant to teaching and learning in high-poverty schools. Tough's New York Times Magazine article, "Who Gets to Graduate?," is no exception.When teaching hi

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The Answer Sheet 5-27-14

Answer Sheet: Is Boston’s school district eliminating history department as part of Common Core?The Boston public schools district found itself in the position of having to issue a public statement denying that it was eliminating its history and social studies department after someone posted on the Web that it was and the news went viral in the education world. Historians assumed it was true and r

by mike simpson / 3d 

Shanker Blog » The Proportionality Principle In Teacher Evaluations

Shanker Blog » The Proportionality Principle In Teacher Evaluations: The Proportionality Principle In Teacher EvaluationsPosted by Cory Koedel on May 27, 2014Our guest author today is Cory Koedel, Assistant Professor of Economics at the University of Missouri.In a 2012 post on this blog, Dr. Di Carlo reviewed an article that I coauthored with colleagues Mark Ehlert, Eric Parsons and Michael Podgur

by mike simpson / 3d

A day of resistance in Newark | Bob Braun's Ledger

A day of resistance in Newark | Bob Braun's Ledger: A day of resistance in Newark More than 200 students burst out of beleaguered University High School  in Newark this morning to protest last Friday’s firing of the magnet school’s principal and six vice principals.Chanting “Save our school!” and “Cami must go!” the students marched around local blocks and then headed downtown toward 2 Cedar Stree

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5-27-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Tuesday Open ThreadFrom SPS Communications:Officials of the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC) announced the names of two Seattle Public Schools students included in the second group of winners in the annual National Merit Scholarship Program. The National Merit $2,500 Scholarship winners are:• Anthony L. Bencivengo from Nathan Hale High School, whose pr

by mike simpson / 3d 

5-27-14 Schools Matter - TFA Corps: Corporate America's Paris Island

Schools Matter: TFA Corps: Corporate America's Paris Island1 by Jim Horn / 20min  5-26-14 Schools Matter - Jim Crow Rides AgainSchools Matter: Jim Crow Rides AgainFrom Aljazeera America:by Daniel Denvir @danieldenvirThe Supreme Court ruled 60 years ago this May 17 in Brown v. Board of Education that “segregation of white and Negro children in the public schools of a State solely on the basis of ra

by mike simpson / 4d 

Morning Wink 5-27-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-27-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for allDiane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: New Mexico: Another VAM DisasterThus far, the concept of VAM–or value-added measurement–has an unbroken record of failure. Wherever it has been tried, it has proven to be inaccurate and unstable

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LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-27-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: New Mexico: Another VAM DisasterThus far, the concept of VAM–or value-added measurement–has an unbroken record of failure. Wherever it has been tried, it has proven to be inaccurate and unstable. Teacher and student records are erroneous. Teachers are judged based on students they never taught. VAM demoralizes teachers, who underst

by mike simpson / 4d 

School librarians a rare find in California public schools | EdSource Today

School librarians a rare find in California public schools | EdSource Today: School librarians a rare find in California public schoolsMay 26th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By Lillian MongeauShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing Services0School librarian Shannon Englebrecht reminds Tori Reese, 8, that she has several books overdue.Englebrecht allows student

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Unlikely Allies Uniting to Fight School Changes - NYTimes.com

Unlikely Allies Uniting to Fight School Changes - NYTimes.com: Unlikely Allies Uniting to Fight School ChangesRick Womick, a Republican lawmaker, and Emily Mitchell, a teacher, both oppose changes in education policy in Tennessee. CreditJoe Buglewicz for The New York TimesSMYRNA, Tenn. — She is a fan of MSNBC, supports abortion rights and increased government spending in schools, and believes unio

by mike simpson / 4d 

Marie Corfield: Rigor: The death of public education (no really)

Marie Corfield: Rigor: The death of public education (no really): Rigor: The death of public education (no really)Photo CreditWhat's worse than education 'reform'? Educators who drink the reformy Kool-Aid.As a product of 12 years of Catholic education in New Jersey the 60s and 70s I learned a thing or two about the roots of the English language. While I didn't have any art, music, science, PE or h

by mike simpson / 4d 

Anti-Common Core Link Banned by Facebook: We Must be Winning the War | Missouri Education Watchdog

Anti-Common Core Link Banned by Facebook: We Must be Winning the War | Missouri Education Watchdog: Anti-Common Core Link Banned by Facebook: We Must be Winning the WarinShareSee this notice? Plans to eliminate common core and adopt common core standards are detected to be “unsafe” by Facebook security standards.Dr. Sandra Stotsky refused to sign off on the ELA Common Core Standards.  She publishe

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Nite Cap 5-26-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPIf no one is looking at your Twitter account, it could be for a couple of reasons. | Connected PrincipalsIf no one is looking at your Twitter account, it could be for a couple of reasons. | Connected Principals: If no one is looking at your Twitt

by mike simpson / 4d 

If no one is looking at your Twitter account, it could be for a couple of reasons. | Connected Principals

If no one is looking at your Twitter account, it could be for a couple of reasons. | Connected Principals: If no one is looking at your Twitter account, it could be for a couple of reasons.by George Couros • May 26, 2014 • 0 CommentsMost organizations or schools feel that jumping on the social media bandwagon is something that they should do because it is becoming the norm for others.  If you thin

by mike simpson / 4d 

Education in the Age of Globalization » Blog Archive » “Not Interested in Being #1:” Shanghai May Ditch PISA

Education in the Age of Globalization » Blog Archive » “Not Interested in Being #1:” Shanghai May Ditch PISA: “Not Interested in Being #1:” Shanghai May Ditch PISA25 MAY 2014 2,775 ONE COMMENT“Not interested in #1 on International Tests, Focusing on Reducing Academic Burden: Shanghai May Drop Out of PISA” is the headline of a story in Xinmin Wanbao[original story in Chinese], a popular newspaper i

by mike simpson / 4d 

Labor and English Language Teaching | Dissident Voice

Labor and English Language Teaching | Dissident Voice: Labor and English Language Teachingby Myles Hoenig / May 26th, 2014The state of English Language Teaching (ELT) (and teaching content, electives overall) is going through a serious, almost radical, transformation.  Long gone are the days where union chapters, building reps and others who represent a teaching staff have the backing of their aff

by mike simpson / 4d

5-26-14 Ed Notes Online Week

Ed Notes Online: UFT Contract Exit Polls Contradict NY Times Article on ContractAt my school, the xxxxxx, the chapter elected to conduct an "exit poll" to assess how we as a chapter voted on the contract proposal. These are the unofficial results of the xxxx vote.Total UFT members: ....45 Total voting "YES" - ......16Total voting "NO" - ........26Abstentions: ........

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John White’s Journey: Why he decided to ask his Louisiana Department of Education to alter student test scores | Crazy Crawfish's Blog

John White’s Journey: Why he decided to ask his Louisiana Department of Education to alter student test scores | Crazy Crawfish's Blog: Crazy Crawfish's BlogZesty Louisiana Education PoliticsJohn White’s Journey: Why he decided to ask his Louisiana Department of Education to alter student test scoresPosted on May 26, 20141Believe it or not, John White did not start off with the intent of trying to

by mike simpson / 4d 

5-26-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD

the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University): Memorial Day 2014: A ReaderIf we could find a space to honor peace, to honor peace by taking action so that peace was the norm of humanity… 21st century “Children’s Crusade”: A curriculum of peace driven by critical literacy, P. L. Thomas Slaughterhouse-Five, Kurt Vonneg

by mike simpson / 4d

5-26-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Useful Posts & Articles About Education PolicyHere are some recent good posts and articles on education policy issues: Who Gets To Graduate is by Paul Tough and appears in The New York Times. He raises many useful points, but misses others. Those “misses” are pointed out in a good response in T

by mike simpson / 4d 

Marie Corfield: In honor of retiring educators everywhere

Marie Corfield: In honor of retiring educators everywhere: In honor of retiring educators everywhereThe function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.~ Martin Luther King, Jr.I was a little quiet on Facebook and Twitter the past couple of weeks because I was busy planning and hosting the Hunterdo

by mike simpson / 5d 

Top Ten Memorial Day Songs | The Nation

Top Ten Memorial Day Songs | The Nation: Top Ten Memorial Day SongsArmy 1st Sargeant Shelly Jenkins places flags on graves at Arlington National Cemetery ahead of Memorial Day. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)Memorial Day, first known as Decoration Day, originated in the North after the Civil War to commemorate fallen Union soldiers. By the twentieth century the holiday had been extended to honor all A

by mike simpson / 5d 

Morning Wink 5-26-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-26-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for allDiane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: How Rahm Emanuel Favors Campaign Donors Over KidsThis post by Ken Previti directed me to a hugely important story that I had missed. David Sirota of Pando and Ben Joravsky of The Chicago Reader

by mike simpson / 5d 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-26-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: How Rahm Emanuel Favors Campaign Donors Over KidsThis post by Ken Previti directed me to a hugely important story that I had missed. David Sirota of Pando and Ben Joravsky of The Chicago Reader unearthed a story of money, politics , and greed that is startling. The headline is that Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s top donor bought a big bloc o

by mike simpson / 5d 

Hope Makes Teaching More Than A Job - The Jose Vilson

Hope Makes Teaching More Than A Job - The Jose Vilson: Hope Makes Teaching More Than A Jobby JOSE VILSON on MAY 25, 2014in MR. VILSONI Love LucyGoodness, that last EduShyster’s interview was epic. There’s a whole piece that we didn’t even get to share with you because, well, it would hurt some people’s favorite bloggers / heroes / activists’ feelings. Really, the biggest difference between Audrey

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Nite Cap 5-25-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPWhy did so many sacrifice their lives? | Reclaim ReformWhy did so many sacrifice their lives? | Reclaim Reform: Why did so many sacrifice their lives?Posted on May 25, 2014by Ken PrevitiWhy did so many sacrifice their lives?For us. For American i

by mike simpson / 5d 

Stephen Krashen Blog 5-25-14: The problem is not a lack of technology. The problem is poverty.

SKrashen: The problem is not a lack of technology. The problem is poverty.: The problem is not a lack of technology. The problem is poverty.Comment on "Education Needs to Change as Fast as Technology," by Zack Sims. Posted athttp://www.forbes.com/sites/techonomy/2014/05/23/education-needs-to-change-as-fast-as-technology/Mr. Sims hasn't done his homework. He points out that the "US i

by mike simpson / 5d 

5-25-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Dr. Walter Mischel, Creator Of Famous Marshmallow Test, Is Writing A BookDr. Walter Mischel, creator of the famous marshmallow test used by many of us in classroom lessons, is writing a book that will be published in September. It’s titled The Marshmallow Test: Mastering Self-Control. I’ve written many posts over the years

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The Answer Sheet 5-25-14

Answer Sheet: What school reformers can learn from pokerSchool reformers have made student outcomes the big focus of their efforts, targeting teachers for failure to improve student achievement. But teachers say they ignore the inputs — the issues students bring into a classroom and the training/resources of  teachers. Here’s a look about the problem with outcome-based assessment, by Ben Spielberg

by mike simpson / 5d 

The Answer Sheet 5-25-14

Answer Sheet: What school reformers can learn from pokerSchool reformers have made student outcomes the big focus of their efforts, targeting teachers for failure to improve student achievement. But teachers say they ignore the inputs — the issues students bring into a classroom and the training/resources of  teachers. Here’s a look about the problem with outcome-based assessment, by Ben Spielberg

by mike simpson / 5d 

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit 5-25-14

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: From the far side of the pond: EDUCATION’S CULTURE OF OVERWORK IS TURNING CHILDREN AND TEACHERS INTO GHOSTSIf schools slowed down and focused on a deeper kind of flourishing, they might be more productive (if not very Goveian)   by Melissa Benn, The Guardian, http://bit.ly/1lLwrtM ●●smf’s translation: GOVEIAN: of or pertaining to the Rt. Hon. Michael Go

by mike simpson / 6d 

Teacher Education Leaders Speak Out: Kevin Kumashiro on Teacher Preparation, edTPA and Reform - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Teacher Education Leaders Speak Out: Kevin Kumashiro on Teacher Preparation, edTPA and Reform - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: Teacher Education Leaders Speak Out: Kevin Kumashiro on Teacher Preparation, edTPA and ReformBy Anthony Cody on May 25, 2014 9:43 AMTeacher preparation has emerged as a target of those seeking to disrupt and transform the education system in our nation. In th

by mike simpson / 6d 

5-25-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Sunday reads.The Spanish Civil War, 1936. Grit. The new Common Core standard. 29 seconds on pensions and the Koch bros. Tax cheaters Hall of Fame. The hypocrisy of the Illinois Policy Institute. Selective promise keeping.  Dear Parents and Friends of PISD, Next week, you will be receiving your child’s

by mike simpson / 6d 

Morning Wink 5-25-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-25-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for allDiane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Jonathan Lovell: The Magic of Learning to ListenJonathan Lovell has been leading writing workshops for many years. In this delightful post, he describes his struggle to finish his own dissertati

by mike simpson / 6d 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-25-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Jonathan Lovell: The Magic of Learning to ListenJonathan Lovell has been leading writing workshops for many years. In this delightful post, he describes his struggle to finish his own dissertation, and the flights of fancy that kept blocking his path. He uses graphics creatively to reflect his state of mind. You watch his thinking

by mike simpson / 6d 

5-25-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"

Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": Associated Press Feature On “Promise Neighborhoods”I’ve written a lot about Promise Zones & Neighborhoods (see My Best Posts On The Harlem Children’s Zone & Other “Promise Zones”) – both critical and supportive. The Associated Press just published a feature on them in three separate parts: What to know about Promise

by mike simpson / 6d 

5-25-14 Wait What?

Wait What?: Wait What? All WeekA reporter and a teacher highlight why we need new leadership for ConnecticutThe story could be called “Hooray for one hundred thousand dollar pensions” or “How Governor Malloy pulled a fast one on the people of Connecticut.” Hartford Courant investigative reporter Jon Lender lays out the details in his story, “New Law To Restrict Excessive Judges’ Pensions Has Holes

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5-25-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Have we seen this movie before? Did it star Shirley Jones and Robert Preston?Please forgive me, but I'm old, and old people like to natter on about the past. It's just what we do. We like to imagine that our experience has value. We see things and we think "Hey, I've seen this before!" That's bad enough, but then we feel compelled to tell you about it.Bac

by mike simpson / 6d 

How a ‘New Secessionist’ Movement Is Threatening to Worsen School Segregation and Widen Inequalities | The Nation

How a ‘New Secessionist’ Movement Is Threatening to Worsen School Segregation and Widen Inequalities | The Nation: (Photo Courtesy of Don Harder, CC2.0)A new secessionist movement, anchored in the South, provides yet another reminder that “separate” still means “unequal” when it comes to the racial dynamics of the nation’s public schools.The small middle-class town of Gardendale, Alabama, outside

by mike simpson / 6d 

The Ripple Effects of Rising Student Debt - NYTimes.com

The Ripple Effects of Rising Student Debt - NYTimes.com: The Ripple Effects of Rising Student DebtWhat are the roads not taken because students must take out loans for college? A collection of studies shows that the burden of student debt may well cause people to make different decisions than they would otherwise — affecting not just individual lives but also the entire economy.For one thing, it a

by mike simpson / 6d 

Why are Common Core math problems like this? $$$$$$$$$$ | Reclaim Reform

Why are Common Core math problems like this? $$$$$$$$$$ | Reclaim Reform: Why are Common Core math problems like this? $$$$$$$$$$Posted on May 24, 2014by Ken PrevitiWhy are Common Core math problems like this? $$$$$$$$$$2+2=4 cannot be copyrighted, sold, and re-sold.The CCSS formatted math being published in print and online is copyrighted, sold and re-sold.It’s not about kids, parents, teachers o

by mike simpson / 6d 

Looks Like Oklahoma Could Be First to Really Dump Common Core | deutsch29

Looks Like Oklahoma Could Be First to Really Dump Common Core | deutsch29: Looks Like Oklahoma Could Be First to ReallyDump Common CoreMay 24, 2014On May 23, 2014, both the Oklahoma House (71-18) and Senate (31-10) voted to dump the Common Core State Standards (CCSS).All that is left is for Oklahoma Governor Mary Fallin to sign the legislation, HB 3399, into law. (Fallin was not governor when Okla

by mike simpson / 6d 

Nite Cap 5-24-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP5-24-14 Saturday Matinée Special "Corporate ED Reform: Something's Fishy!" News BreakoutSaturday Matinée Special "Corporate ED Reform: Something's Fishy!" News BreakoutThe Problem with Outcome-Oriented Evaluations | InterACTTh

by mike simpson / 6d 

5-24-14 Saturday Matinée Special "Corporate ED Reform: Something's Fishy!" News Breakout

Saturday Matinée Special "Corporate ED Reform: Something's Fishy!" News BreakoutThe Problem with Outcome-Oriented Evaluations | InterACTThe Problem with Outcome-Oriented Evaluations | InterACT: The Problem with Outcome-Oriented EvaluationsMAY 24, 2014by David B. CohenDavid B. Cohen:Teacher evaluation and value-added measures have both been topics of frequent consideration here at InterAC

by mike simpson / 6d 

The Problem with Outcome-Oriented Evaluations | InterACT

The Problem with Outcome-Oriented Evaluations | InterACT: The Problem with Outcome-Oriented EvaluationsMAY 24, 2014by David B. CohenDavid B. Cohen:Teacher evaluation and value-added measures have both been topics of frequent consideration here at InterACT. This re-blogged post by Ben Spielberg makes some excellent points about both, and provides a fine explanation of why we need to be cautious abo

by mike simpson / 6d 

Tensions rise over NC charter school rejections | CharlotteObserver.com

Tensions rise over NC charter school rejections | CharlotteObserver.com: Tensions rise over NC charter school rejectionsBy Ann Doss Helmsahelms@charlotteobserver.comPosted: Friday, May. 23, 2014MORE INFORMATIONBill: Charters must disclose salariesNC panel approves 11 charters; rejects 60 othersTHE PLAYERSFor-profit management companies that applied to open N.C. charter schools in 2015-16. Find all

by mike simpson / 6d 

2nd Banana 5-24-14 Recap of Last Week's Best Post #EDchat #EDreform #RealEdTalk #p2

BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANARECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POSTMy End At LAUSD: Now On To A Neutral Forum (Mi Terminar en el LAUSD: Ahora en un foro neutral) - Perdaily.com(en español después) On Friday, October 8, 2010 LAUSD Chief Academic Officer Judy Elliott sent me a letter saying that she was going to submit my name to the LAUSD Board for dismissal as a teacher. In retrospect and in culmination of

by mike simpson / 6d 

Morning Wink 5-24-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSNYC Educator: Michael Mulgrew Says Bloggers Propagate MythNYC Educator: Michael Mulgrew Says Bloggers Propagate Myth: Michael Mulgrew Says Bloggers Propagate MythUFT President Mike Mulgrew harped on the theme of myth at the DA as he praised the contract and shut down anyone who dared disagree. At one point, he spoke of blogs as though they were loathsome r

by mike simpson / 7d 

NYC Educator: Michael Mulgrew Says Bloggers Propagate Myth

NYC Educator: Michael Mulgrew Says Bloggers Propagate Myth: Michael Mulgrew Says Bloggers Propagate MythUFT President Mike Mulgrew harped on the theme of myth at the DA as he praised the contract and shut down anyone who dared disagree. At one point, he spoke of blogs as though they were loathsome reptiles. He doesn't read them, but he knows they traffic in myths. He was being nice, he said, as he

by mike simpson / 7d 

Cartoons on Digital Natives and Immigrants | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

Cartoons on Digital Natives and Immigrants | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Cartoons on Digital Natives and ImmigrantsThe interactions between technology-wise children and their parents or other adults is raw material for cartoonists. I am not sure whether “digital natives” is a category that I would use but it is popular. After the cartoons, take a look at the at the article

by mike simpson / 7d 

I am now convinced I was right

I am now convinced I was right: I am now convinced I was rightbyteacherkenFollow    Email  20 Comments / 20 Newwhen I decided not to return for another year in my current teaching position, a decision about which I previously wrote here.The senior students in our STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) program were supposed to participate in a poster session where they shared the results

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Jersey Jazzman NJ Ed News Round-up Jammin' All Week

Jersey Jazzman:Jersey Jazzman Jammin' All Week"One Newark": A Market For "Lemons"I've got a new brief over at the NJ Education Policy Forum out today about One Newark. As usual, I present my geekspeak-free (mostly) version of this brief here.Here's the background: Cami Anderson, the state-appointed superintendent of Newark, has put out a plan to restructure the district's schoo

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-13 Curmudgucation Week

CURMUDGUCATION:Ap A-Ok?The US DOE, among its many promotional and marketing activities, has been pushing hard for AP classes. This week they aimed loud praise noises at the state of Colorado for increasing AP participation in the state. The laudatory article declares success because more students take and pass the AP courses.But before parents and students get too excited about the spreading and b

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 NPE News Briefs ← from The Network for Public Education

NPE News Briefs ← from The Network for Public Education:NPE News Briefsfrom The Network for Public EducationFirestorm erupts over teacher’s angry e-mail to legislators about low pay | The Answer SheetBY VALERIE STRAUSS May 23 at 2:28 pm An angry e-mail written by a teacher to North Carolina legislators with a subject line that said, “I am embarrassed to confess: I am a teacher,”  might have been s

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 THE WHOLE WEEK @ The Whole Child Blog — Whole Child Education

The Whole Child Blog — Whole Child Education:THE WHOLE WEEK @ The Whole Child Blog Transforming Schools to Become Innovation ReadyPost written by Laura Varlas Because tests don't require connection and collaboration, classroom education is being driven in one direction, while technology enables creation, curation, and connection. Educators are up against a global achievement gap, Tony Wagner expla

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 This Week in LA - School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD

LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District):Happy Memorial Day!2 15h Stoner parents win, LAUSD removes co-located charterCWC Mar Vista Charter School Parents of students at Stoner Elementary School, who have been fighting to get the co-located Citizens of the World  Charter School Mar Vista (CWC) off their campus, have succeeded in their quest. A le

by mike simpson / 7d 

Stephen Krashen Blog 5-24-14

SKrashen:Free Advertising for DuolingoSent to the Japan Times, May 23, 2014Contrary to the impression given by The Japan Times's free commercial for Duolingo ("Duolingo chief shakes up language learning," May 23), there is no clear evidence that Duolinguo is effective in teaching foreign languages. The only research study done assessing the impact of Duolingo, which was funded by Duoling

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs All Week

With A Brooklyn Accent:With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs All WeekWhy It's Time to Go Green- A Guest Pot By Laurel M. SturtIn the last decade, the Democratic party has become increasingly indistinct from the Republican, both parties in virtually impervious thrall to the siren of money. As exacerbated by the Citizens United and McCutcheon Supreme Court decisions, the--for all intents and purposes--whol

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida ALL Week

Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education:Scathing Purple Musings  Color me purple in Florida ALL WeekHow Vouchers Killed Education Accountability for Florida TaxpayersWrites Scott Maxwell in the Orlando Sentinel: “The Return of the Living Dead” was a hoot. “Shaun of the Dead” and “Zombieland” perfected the conce

by mike simpson / 7d 

All Week @ The Answer Sheet 5-24-14

The Answer Sheet:All Week @ The Answer Sheet‘Let’s stop measuring fish by how well they climb trees’Joshua Katz is a high school math teacher in Orange County, Florida. He gave the following speech about what he calls “the toxic culture of education” today in a TEDx talk this month at the University of Akron. TEDx Talks is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to sha

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Schooling in the Ownership Society All Week

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog:Schooling in the Ownership SocietyMike Klonsky's SmallTalk Schooling in the Ownership SocietyBridging DifferencesAre Prosser teachers 'gaming the system'? Or is this reporter gaming them?"If anyone out there has been in Prosser for more than a second, they would see that you can't make a Prosser teacher do anything they don't believe in." -- Prosser teacher 

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Wait What? All Week

Wait What?:  Wait What? All WeekUnion Leader says Pelto is anti-union?In recent weeks, one political pundit called me a “union stooge,” while the former Democratic Party Chairman, John Droney, referred to me as a “liberal ideologue.” But this morning, in a “What the _____” moment, the President of SEIU 1199NE, the great union that represents 19,000 Connecticut health care workers issued a press re

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum Week

Seattle Schools Community Forum:Seattle Schools Community ForumScience Fairs: Yay or Nay?by Melissa Westbrook / 20h Friday Open ThreadNaturally, in Seattle, the first "summer" holiday and it's raining. At the Columbus College of Art and Design, two anonymous students create art for all to enjoy. Something to show the artist in your home.New names to look for in, say 2019, in SPS classroo

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Ed Notes Online Week

Ed Notes Online: Ed Notes OnlineFinal Performance Tonight of RTC "Moon...I saw the Rockaway Theatre Company Production of "Moon Over Buffalo" last night for the 4th time - and I still laughed at every line -- and there were so many. My column with some cool photos finally appeared in The Wave yesterday, a week late, which doesn't do anything for the box office. Not that my columns e

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Fred All Week Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Fred All Week Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacherBob Peterson. A teacher union movement is rising.- Bob Peterson is President of the Milwaukee Teachers’ Education Association. A revitalized teacher union movement is bubbling up in the midst of relentless attacks on public school

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Perdido Street School Week

Perdido Street School: Perdido Street School WeekMurdoch Company Pays Andrew Cuomo At Least $700,000 For His MemoirOkay, this is absurd:ALBANY—Gov. Andrew Cuomo's book deal with HarperCollins is worth at least $700,000, according to a disclosure form Cuomo filed last week.The publishing house is planning to release Cuomo's autobiography, “All Things Possible: Setbacks and Success in Politics and L

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 the becoming radical EMPATHYEDUCATES! | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD

THE BECOMING RADICALRadical ScholarshipEMPATHYEDUCATES!the becoming radical  A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by Margaret Fuller: “I find no intellect comparable to my own”“Men disappoint me so,” Margaret Fuller shared in a letter (21 February 1841) to Reverend William Henry Channing. Born on May 23, 1810, Fuller was a contemporary of Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau, notable for what

by mike simpson / 7d 

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit 5-24-14

4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit:4LAKIDS - SOME OF THE NEWS THAT DOESN'T FIT  “WE TRUST THAT THE BOARD OF EDUCATION INTENDS TO EXECUTE ITS DUTIES IN A TRANSPARENT AND EQUITABLE MANNER”: Letter of reappointment of Stuart Magruder to the Bond Oversight Committeefrom the AIA/LA “ When the passage of Proposition 39 in 2000 led to the provision of the Education Code that required that the Bo

by mike simpson / 7d 

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Week… 5-24-14 …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EF

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLARRY FERLAZZO’S WEBSITES OF THE DAYMay’s Best Tweets – Part FourEvery month I make a few short lists highlighting my choices of the best resources I through (and learned from) Twitter, but didn’t necessarily include them in posts here on my blog. I’ve already shared in earlier posts several new resources I found on Twitter —

by mike simpson / 7d 

This Week's Education Research Report 5-24-14 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

Education Research ReportTHIS WEEK'S EDUCATION RESEARCH REPORTCould text language and autocorrect technologies have an effect on writing skills?English teacher Carrie Beth Buchanan sees the effects of students' growing up in an age when communication is done in an abbreviated text language and where they depend on autocorrect to automatically solve the "i before e" literary dilemma."

by mike simpson / 7d 

5-24-14 Schools Matter All Week

Schools Matter:  Schools Matter All Week“Putting the 2-Step Over the ISTEP," Doug Martin, Otter Creek Democrat Club, Terre Haute, IN., May 21, 2014Here is the link to the video of my talk in Terre Haute, which is just over 16 minutes in length:  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QlCX-I_m0o Hoosier School Heist author Doug Martin discusses his book and possible strategies Democrats in Vigo Count

by mike simpson / 7d 

All Week 5-24-14 @ THE CHALK FACE

@ THE CHALK FACE : All Week @ THE CHALK FACE NCTQ Gets Caught in a Data Collecting LieThe National Council on Teacher Quality (NCTQ) will be “grading” university-level, traditional teacher training programs again soon. Last year, 2013, they released this report on June 18. They “grade” in a superficial manner, relying upon program artifacts to form skewed judgments– judgments that they publish in 

by mike simpson / 7d 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONG Diane Ravitch's blog 5-24-14 #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2

Diane Ravitch's blogLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONGDIANE RAVITCH'S BLOGGene Glass: This is the BASIS Sales PitchGene Glass, a distinguished researcher, wrote the following about a charter chain that is regularly lauded by U.S. News & World Report: Ever Hear a BASIS Schools Sales Pitch? The Basis charter schools – some ten schools in Arizona and a couple more in places like San Antonio an

by mike simpson / 7d