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Monday, January 27, 2014

Morning Wink 1-27-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2


BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS




LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-27-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Debate about Cost of Pre-K Grows in NYElected officials in NY are debating the cost of universal pre-K. It was a central plank in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign. He won in a landslide. He wants to pay for it by a tiny tax increase on incomes over $500,000. This would add about $1,000 a year in new taxes, less than dinner for 2 at
1-27-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: Paul Vallas Re-cap: A Trail of DestructionTwo weekend Wait, What? blog posts continue the task of revealing the Trail of Destruction that Paul Vallas leaves in his wake. First up is the special education debacle.  Despite repeated warnings that his “initiative” to reduce special education costs would not only violate federal and state laws but would be disastrous for Bridgeport childre
1-27-14 @ The Answer Sheet
The Answer Sheet: How do we know what/when young kids are ready to learn?How do we really know when young children are ready to learn specific material? Here to explain is cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham,  professor and director of graduate studies in psychology at the University of Virginia and author of “Why Don’t Students Like School?” His latest book is “When Can You Trust The Experts? H
1-27-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: Misreading FloridaThe headline appears simple enough:Fla. Pushes Longer Day, More Reading in Some SchoolsGewertz explains:Two years ago, Florida took a step no other state has taken to improve students' reading skills: It required its 100 lowest-performing elementary schools to add an extra hour to their school day and to use that time for reading instruction. Early results suggest
1-27-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education: How Come Florida Legislators Aren’t Talking About VAM and Merit PayMiami-Dade superintendent Alberto Carvalho made  the pitch to the state board of education last week that Florida must pause its multiple accountability systems: Carvalho said the proposal would make it c
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 1-27-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: Happy Cows Come from California... When Its Not In a DroughtAround this time you can see cows freely roaming green pastures from the freeway, however, lack of rain has caused these pastures to die out. Ranchers are selling their cattle and an increasingly fast rate in California. With California being in it's third dry year, the cattle industry has suffered. All of our
1-27-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: My Latest NY Times Post For ELLs: Learn The Progressive Tense & Create A Future Family TreeMy latest New York Times post for English Language Learners helps students learn the progressive tense and family vocabulary. It also includes a teaching idea about creating “future” family trees. A student interactive is included
1-27-14 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.: John Dillon, retired teacher, pension activist and writer.John Dillon. Now we know that SB1 is not enough to cover the crime.  John Dillon, retired teacher and pension activist and writer. John Dillon’s Pension Vocabulary: Prescience: Looking for answers in Illinois. Had the real purpose of SB1 been t
1-27-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": “Parents’ campaign leads to reforms at Cudahy elementary school”Parents’ campaign leads to reforms at Cudahy elementary school is an article in the Los Angeles Time describing a successful effort by parents and teachers to replace an ineffective principal. Here’s an excerpt: United Teachers Los Angeles also worked with pare
Daily Kos: Living with cancer - one year anniversary
Daily Kos: Living with cancer - one year anniversary: Living with cancer - one year anniversarybyteacherkenFollow    Email  9 Comments / 9 NewIt was one year ago today that I posted Quakers ask people to hold them in the lightthrough which I informed people that my beloved wife, Leaves on the Current, had just been diagnosed with cancer.At the time we were preparing to deal with the worst.  The pr
1-27-14 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: Cuomo Rakes In Big Bucks From Eva Moskowitz's Success ChartersGee, I wonder what they want for all this money?Supporters of a charter-school network in Mayor de Blasio’s cross hairs are pouring big bucks into the campaign coffers of Gov. Cuomo, a friend of charter schools. Records show board members at the growing Success Academy, which runs 22 charters in the city, have giv
Using Technology To Nail down What We Know and Don’t Know about Effects of High-Tech on People Today | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice
Using Technology To Nail down What We Know and Don’t Know about Effects of High-Tech on People Today | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Using Technology To Nail down What We Know and Don’t Know about Effects of High-Tech on People TodayDo all the new devices around the world that we now use to get information and communicate separate or bring us together?That either-or question
Eight Problems with the Vergara Lawsuit | InterACT
Eight Problems with the Vergara Lawsuit | InterACT: Eight Problems with the Vergara LawsuitJANUARY 27, 2014tags: edreform, lawsuit, vergaraby David B. CohenHere’s a quick review of why I think Vergara et. al. v. California is a deeply flawed lawsuit and should be rejected at trial (beginning today).  I’ve written about the case before, based on a presentation by the plaintiffs at the Stanford Law
Tired Babysitters, Broken Windows, and the Common Core :: Frederick M. Hess
Tired Babysitters, Broken Windows, and the Common Core :: Frederick M. Hess: Tired Babysitters, Broken Windows, and the Common Coreby Frederick M. Hess  •  Jan 23, 2014 at 8:37 amCross-posted from Education Week Print Send RSS ShareOn Monday, I penned a column for National Review Online titled "What Ever Happened to 'State-Led'" that seemed to frustrate and puzzle a number of Common Core
The Shriver Report – Single Mother in College: Willpower and a Lot of Help
The Shriver Report – Single Mother in College: Willpower and a Lot of Help:  Single Mother in College: Willpower and a Lot of HelpCARA CORTEZ | 01.27.2014© opolja – Fotolia.comGoing back to college at age 25 last year wasn’t an easy decision for me. I went to college at age 18, but took a break to work and earn a living. When I was 20, I became pregnant with my boyfriend’s child. As hard as we tri
If There’s A War On Teachers, It’s Not Working. Why Not? | Paul Bruno
If There’s A War On Teachers, It’s Not Working. Why Not? | Paul Bruno: If There’s A War On Teachers, It’s Not Working. Why Not?By PAUL BRUNO | Published: JANUARY 27, 2014Last week at This Week in Ed I wrote that, contrary to some narratives, many people should still view teaching as an attractive profession:Certainly, the last decade of education reform has substantially changed the work of many t
Will the President Say Something Meaningful in SOTU about Inequality and Public Education? | janresseger
Will the President Say Something Meaningful in SOTU about Inequality and Public Education? | janresseger: Will the President Say Something Meaningful in SOTU about Inequality and Public Education?Posted on January 27, 2014 by janressegerSean Reardon, the Stanford University sociologist has extensively documented the impact of neighborhood inequality on school achievement.In a report released last
empathyeducates – If Fewer or No Tests, Then What?
empathyeducates – If Fewer or No Tests, Then What?: If Fewer or No Tests, Then What?By Paul L. Thomas, Ed.D. | Originally Published at The Becoming Radical. January 25, 2014When I responded to Students Should Be Tested More, Not Less by Jessica Lahey and the related target=new href=http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic951136.files/powerOfTestingMemory-roedigerKarpicke.pdf>study by Henry L. R
NYC Educator: On Reviving Unionism
NYC Educator: On Reviving Unionism: On Reviving UnionismNote: I was asked to write this by the Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association, and it's cross-posted to their blog as well.It's funny to hear people in NYSUT complaining about democracy. I'm chapter leader of one of the largest schools in NYC, and neither I nor anyone in my school gets to vote or participate at all in NYSUT or AFT. Thoug
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTALBES
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTALBES: WEEKEND QUOTALBESFor some reason, I read this as School Choke Week.Maine's Republican Governor Paul LePage“If you want a good education, go to private schools. If you can’t afford it, tough luck. You can go to the public school.” -- NPQ, Republican Gubernatorial Campaigns Play the Charter School CardGeorge Will His latest column attacks Obama's cal

YESTERDAY

New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programs | EdSource Today
New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programs | EdSource Today: New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programsJanuary 26th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By Susan FreyJesus Lupian works on a framing project in a carpentry class at the Central County Occupational Center in San Jose. Credit: Neil HanshawA new report has raised concerns about the future of regional
A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter school | Seattle Education
A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter school | Seattle Education: A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter schoolIs it about the money or spreading a political/religious belief?The Gulen charter chain has submitted a proposal to establish a charter school in Washington State called the Coral Academy of Science. You can read more about the school and the Gulen charter chain at Another charter
Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: MORE Than a Score a Week Away and How One Principal is Dealing With Parent Community on TestingIf there is one event I would urge people who don't ususally do these things to attend it is the More Than a Score event next Saturday, Feb. 1. I'll be blogging about it all week until you get sick of hearing about it. The MORE THAN a SCORE event is in one week! Please help spread the wo
Schooling in the Ownership Society: California corporate 'reformers' file suit so they can fire teachers without due process
Schooling in the Ownership Society: California corporate 'reformers' file suit so they can fire teachers without due process: California corporate 'reformers' file suit so they can fire teachers without due processWelchStudents Matter, a front group for corporate-style school "reformers" has filed suit in Los Angeles in an attempt to undercut statewide collective-bargaining agreements an
MPS and Independent Charters | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
MPS and Independent Charters | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: MPS and Independent ChartersFiled under: Charter Schools — millerlf @ 8:46 pm Larry Miller 1/26/14The historic goal of the right-wing in America, as expressed by Milton Friedman, is vouchers for all. But because the voucher movement has suffered so many defeats, the right-wing has now advanced the independent charter moveme
Common Core and Students with Disabilities (+playlist)
Bianca Tanis speaks at the state of public education forum -- Effects of Education Reform on Students with Disabilities.-- Ardsley, New York. January 23, 2014
Douglas County, CO Parents: Do Not Sign This District Opt Out/Refusal Form | United Opt Out National
Douglas County, CO Parents: Do Not Sign This District Opt Out/Refusal Form | United Opt Out National: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO PARENTS: DO NOT SIGN THIS DISTRICT OPT OUT/REFUSAL FORM Douglas County Parents,There are many reasons not to sign this form, but foremost, we recommend not signing it should you choose to take legal action.  Stay strong. And let us know if we can help. Please remember, we will b
The Latest New Orleans Miracle | Gary Rubinstein's Blog
The Latest New Orleans Miracle | Gary Rubinstein's Blog: The Latest New Orleans MiracleAnytime there is a press release from the Louisiana Department of Education, I know I have some work to do.Two years ago it was how the RSD had the highest percent growth even though that statistic is exaggerated for districts with low baseline scores.  One year ago it was the ‘growth’ of their ACT scores, which
Nite Cap 1-26-14 #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 CAPDCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentristDCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentrist: DCPS IMPACT 3.0?Leave a commentIf DCPS is serious about investing in the 40 lowest performing schools, which I believe it is, then it must reassess current aspects of IMPACT 2.0. During
DCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentrist
DCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentrist: DCPS IMPACT 3.0?Leave a commentIf DCPS is serious about investing in the 40 lowest performing schools, which I believe it is, then it must reassess current aspects of IMPACT 2.0. During the coming negotiation rounds between the Chancellor and the WTU President, the following questions demand discussions: How has IMPACT 2.0 faired in the 40 lowest performing schools?
California Lawsuit Attacks Teacher Rights - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher
California Lawsuit Attacks Teacher Rights - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: California Lawsuit Attacks Teacher RightsBy Anthony Cody on January 26, 2014 5:26 PMBack in 2005, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger placed Proposition 74 on the ballot,  which would have extended the length of time needed to earn tenure from two years to five. But this idea was rejected by a majority o
Principals strike back, file federal suit alleging “conspiracy” to silence critics of “One Newark” | Bob Braun's Ledger
Principals strike back, file federal suit alleging “conspiracy” to silence critics of “One Newark” | Bob Braun's Ledger: Principals strike back, file federal suit alleging “conspiracy” to silence critics of “One Newark”H. Grady James, Hawthorne AvenueThe five Newark school principals and one parent leader punished by state-appointed superintendent Cami Anderson for speaking out against her plan fo
NYC Public School Parents: What privacy protections are there when states share data with the testing consortia or with the feds?
NYC Public School Parents: What privacy protections are there when states share data with the testing consortia or with the feds?: What privacy protections are there when states share data with the testing consortia or with the feds?This year, the issue of student privacy and data sharing has become a huge issue throughout the nation, partly because of the uproar over inBloom Inc., but also as the
All Things Education: My Yeas, Nays, and Maybes: 2014 Virginia Education Legislation
All Things Education: My Yeas, Nays, and Maybes: 2014 Virginia Education Legislation: My Yeas, Nays, and Maybes: 2014 Virginia Education LegislationThe Virginia legislature is, once again, in session. Here is my take on various education-related bills.1. SOL (Standards of Learning) Testing Reform Bill: Unfortunately, I can't locate the legislation for this bill, but I couldn't be happier that this
The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws” by Jonathan Pelto | Reclaim Reform
The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws” by Jonathan Pelto | Reclaim Reform: The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws” by Jonathan PeltoPosted on January 26, 2014by Ken Previti“Late last week, the Connecticut State Department of Education released a report blasting the Paul Vallas’ leadership and the Bridgeport Sc
1-26-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": PTA’s National Standards for Family-School PartnershipsThe PTA has developed National Standards for Family-School Partnerships, which you can find here (along with additional resources). There was also a recent #ptChat on Twitter about the Standards, which I think is particularly useful. You can find the transcript to it he
1-26-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This WeekA fairly quiet week in the district.Tuesday, January 28thCommunity Meeting with Director McLaren from 8:45-10:15 am at Highland Park Elementary.Thursday, January 30thA day to note as the Washington State Charter Commission is to announce who passed muster to become part of the inaugural class of charter schools.  Spokane has already claimed
Teach for America, Inc. at the University of Washington | Seattle Education
Teach for America, Inc. at the University of Washington | Seattle Education: Teach for America, Inc. at the University of WashingtonSomeone posted on Facebook this morning the photo above that is a sign advertising for Teach for America, Inc. (TFA) recruits on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.After reading the thread, I decided to post an article that Sue Peters, our newly elected sc
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 1-26-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: The Sound of MusicIn this generation, everyone has very easy access to their favorite songs but maybe the quality of the sound is not very satisfying. Today the vinyl long-playing records is being re-introduced since the 1930's and apparently it has the best sound quality. Its big and old-fashioned and not portable; it is worth a fortune. Also, if you decide to buy the
1-26-14 Wait What? All Week
Wait What?: The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws”Paul Vallas hasn’t even left Bridgeport…In fact; the taxpayers of Connecticut and Bridgeport are picking up his salary and benefits for another month… But his legacy is already becoming clear. Late last week, the Connecticut State Department of Education released a report blasting the Paul Vallas’ leader
1-26-14 @ The Answer Sheet
The Answer Sheet: Poverty and the education opportunity gap: Will Obama step up in SOTU?President Obama is expected to talk about the issue of wealth inequality in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. The question is whether he will advocate policies that actually address it or continue to push education policies that ignore the real problems facing poor children. The following  was written b
1-26-14 Jersey Jazzman Jammin'
Jersey Jazzman: What Our "One Newark" Report MeansLate Thursday, Bruce Baker and I released our analysis of "One Newark," the plan to restructure schools in the state-run district. I'll admit the report is a bit heavy on technical language, but that's as it should be: we wanted to be clear about how we approached the task of evaluating One Newark, and why we reached the conclus
1-26-14 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.Corporate school reformers are wringing their hands over the Common Core and testing push-back. NY teachers have no confidence in Commissioner John King. The school nobody wanted except the community. “Clearly, all we need is a candidate because I have not heard anyone defend Rahm or his
Morning Wink 1-25-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS1-26-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Around The Web In ESL/EFL/ELLI’ve started a somewhat regular feature where I share a few posts and resources from around the Web related to ESL/EFL or to language in general that have caught my attentio