Latest News and Comment from Education

Friday, June 20, 2014

Nite Cap 6-20-14 #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 CAP



empathyeducates – Instability in the New Orleans Recovery School District – Closing Schools, Opening Schools and Changing School Codes
empathyeducates – Instability in the New Orleans Recovery School District – Closing Schools, Opening Schools and Changing School Codes: Instability in the New Orleans Recovery School District – Closing Schools, Opening Schools and Changing School CodesBy Raynard Sanders, Ed.D. | Originally Published at EmpathyEducates. June 19, 2014Public education in New Orleans has been a nightmare for parents s
Why Did You Become a Teacher? — Whole Child Education
Why Did You Become a Teacher? — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGWhy Did You Become a Teacher?June 20, 2014 by ASCD Whole Child BloggersAsk educators why they went into teaching, and the majority will respond that they wanted to make a difference in the lives of young people. In this video, ASCD authors and leaders Robyn Jackson, Baruti Kafele, Doug Fisher, Jeffrey Benson, Michael Ford,
Torlakson Statement on Budget - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)
Torlakson Statement on Budget - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): SACRAMENTO— State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today offered the following statement regarding the 2014-15 state budget:"This budget is the biggest infusion of funding into California's public school system that we've seen in many years. It is an open-eyed approach to strengthening the system overall, from
President-elect of Holyoke teachers union laid off, claims retaliation for criticizing educational reform; protest planned for school committee meeting | masslive.com
President-elect of Holyoke teachers union laid off, claims retaliation for criticizing educational reform; protest planned for school committee meeting | masslive.com: President-elect of Holyoke teachers union laid off, claims retaliation for criticizing educational reform; protest planned for school committee meetingAgustin Morales, a teacher whose contract was not renewed at Maurice A. Donahue S
Public Education as Workforce Training. Is WorkKeys in Your State? | Missouri Education Watchdog
Public Education as Workforce Training. Is WorkKeys in Your State? | Missouri Education Watchdog: Public Education as Workforce Training. Is WorkKeys in Your State?inShareThe above graphic comes from Holland (Michigan) School District and was provided by  Karen Braun.  She writes at spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com and she believes the P-20 pathway is the path to servitude.  I hope a Holland, Michiga
Sweeney–Christie wannabe–practices bullying on Rutgers. | Bob Braun's Ledger
Sweeney–Christie wannabe–practices bullying on Rutgers. | Bob Braun's Ledger: Sweeney–Christie wannabe–practices bullying on Rutgers.Our leadersWhat sort of state allows a barely literate thug like Steve Sweeney–with aspirations to the governorship–to intimidate, browbeat and extort a nationally respected institution like Rutgers University? The same state, I guess, that allows Chris Christie, a c
Different Brands of CCSS Compliant Tests Fool Only Fools | Reclaim Reform
Different Brands of CCSS Compliant Tests Fool Only Fools | Reclaim Reform: Different Brands of CCSS Compliant Tests Fool Only FoolsPosted on June 20, 2014by Ken PrevitiFlorida and many other states are pulling the same scams. Replacing Common Core State Standards compliant high stakes tests with CCSS compliant high stakes tests of another brand name is a blatant, in-your-face insult to parents, te
6-20-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": Surprise! Study Finds That Chicago Parents Unhappy With School Closures — Moratorium UrgedReport Calls for Moratorium on Chicago School Closures is the headline of an Ed Week article. Here’s an excerpt: A new report from the University of Illinois, Chicago, calls for a moratorium on school closures, turnarounds, and the exp
Seattle Schools Community Forum and others on Superintendent Jose Banda (headed for SCUSD?)
Melissa Westbrook Seattle Schools Community Forum http://bit.ly/KnV0uRSeattle Public Schools Superintendent Jose Banda is a finalist for the schools chief job in Sacramento. If he is offered the position and accepts it, he would be leaving Seattle after two years.Melissa Westbrook and Diane RavitchCharter schools opponent Melissa Westbrook urges the school board to come out against the initiative.
Queering Campuses Prompts Reflection, Reform for Universities
Queering Campuses Prompts Reflection, Reform for Universities: Queering Campuses Prompts Reflection, Reform for UniversitiesThe word ‘queer’ can mean many things. It can be a noun or an adjective, derogatory or empowering, a reference to gender and sexual identity or a departure from normalcy. It can also be a verb. “To queer something,” according to Dr. Charlie Glickman, a sexuality educator of n
The Quest to Eliminate Public Education | educarenow
The Quest to Eliminate Public Education | educarenow: The Quest to Eliminate Public EducationPosted on June 20, 2014 | Leave a commentIt’s summer reading time.So please read David J. Blacker’s book, The Falling Rate of Learning and the Neoliberal EndgameBlacker does a tremendous job of helping us understand the economic background behind what is driving the current mode of corporate education refo
6-20-14 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): Morning Read: Charter schools use 100K to oppose bondCharter schools’ $100,000 opposition helps sink district’s bond measure Earlier this month, and for the first time, the political arm of the California Charter Schools Association campaigned heavily against a proposed school construction bond in a distr
Seattle Schools Chief Jose Banda May Leave For Sacramento | KUOW News and Information
Seattle Schools Chief Jose Banda May Leave For Sacramento | KUOW News and Information: Seattle Schools Chief Jose Banda May Leave For SacramentoShareTweetE-mailPrintBy ANN DORNFELDSeattle Public Schools Superintendent Jose Banda is a finalist for the schools chief job in Sacramento. If he is offered the position and accepts it, he would be leaving Seattle after two years.Credit Seattle Public Scho
Parents United statement on City Council action | Parents United for Public Education
Parents United statement on City Council action | Parents United for Public Education: Parents United statement on City Council actionPosted on June 20, 2014 by PARENTSUNITEDPHILALeave a commentYesterday City Council approved a $27 million borrowing effort and introduced an additional bill for another $30 million in borrowing for the School District for passage in September 2014. These two actions
What Do the Contentious New Teacher Rankings Really Mean? - Emily Richmond - The Atlantic
What Do the Contentious New Teacher Rankings Really Mean? - Emily Richmond - The Atlantic: What Do the Contentious New Teacher Rankings Really Mean?New findings raise concerns over how teachers are being trained—but also over the merit of the ranking system itself. If you’re wondering just how contentious a new set of rankings for the nation’s teacher preparation programs really are, consider this
6-20-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum:  Banda Leaving Seattle SchoolsHe is letting staff know today.I don't know where he is going (I have rumor that it is a district in San Jose, California.)I suspect the Board will make Charles Wright the interim superintendent.by Melissa Westbrook / 13min 6-19-14 Seattle Schools Community ForumSeattle Schools Community Forum: I Must Be BlindI must be blind because I
6-20-14 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: “Both Sides Of The Gun”“Both Sides Of The Gun”.1 by David Greene / 10min6-19-14 @ The Chalk Face@ THE CHALK FACE: U.S. and Education Reform Need a Critical Free PressU.S. and Education Reform Need a Critical Free Press. via U.S. and Education Reform Need a Critical Free Press.2 by plthomasedd / 58min 6-18-14 @ The Chalk Face@ THE CHALK FACE: From A Horse’S Mouth:FROM A HORSE’S MO
6-20-14 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: NYSAPE Parents Outraged at Cuomo/NYSUT Eval Deal, NYC Parents Anger at UFT on Contract Schedule ChangesLook at the 2-year moratorium and when it expires. Right after the 2016 UFT elections. So Mulgrew has some cover before the shit hits the fan. Does anyone think the UFT played NO ROLE in this deal? NYSAPE appears to think so. Or is playing politics by trying not to offend the ele
Pedro Noguera: In Defense of Teacher Tenure - WSJ
Pedro Noguera: In Defense of Teacher Tenure - WSJ: Email Print 108 Comments Facebook Twitter Google+ LinkedInsmaller  LargerBy PEDRO A. NOGUERAJune 18, 2014 7:42 p.m. ETLast week, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Rolf Treu struck down California's teacher-tenure law in Vergara v. State of California. Nine public school students brought the suit, arguing that their teachers were "grossly inade
John Thompson: Time for a Truce in the Battle Over Education? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher
John Thompson: Time for a Truce in the Battle Over Education? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: John Thompson: Time for a Truce in the Battle Over Education?By Anthony Cody on June 20, 2014 10:30 AMGuest post by John Thompson.In my gut, I believe that school improvement is a process of two steps forward and one step back. My brain keeps reminding me that the contemporary school reform
6-20-14 Schools Matter #StopJebNow
Schools Matter: The Gates Effect in Schools: Divisiveness, Inequity, and the Proliferation of Supercilious Know-NothingsWhen Bill Gates left his $90 million calling card in Memphis in 2009, it was plenty to buy the fawning  politicians who lined up for a handout in exchange for pushing the Gates Plan to Memphis schools.Now five years later, the effect has been that of a massive institutional fragm
6-20-14 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: Perhaps It is Republican Cuts to Bright Futures Scholarships Which Provides the Best Argument Against Florida Voucher ExpansionWhile PolitiFact dispatched Nan Rich’s claim that Florida’s new expansion of school vouchers takes $3 billion a way from public education (Scath
PRESS RELEASE: “A Rally to Educate Gates” – Seattle | Educating The Gates Foundation
PRESS RELEASE: “A Rally to Educate Gates” – Seattle | Educating The Gates Foundation: PRESS RELEASE: “A RALLY TO EDUCATE GATES” – SEATTLEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE“A Rally to Educate Gates” Seattle – Washington Badass Teachers Association (WA-BATS) a grassroots group of career educators defending our public education system from private interest groups is holding a public rally on Thursday, June 26, 20
GOP lawmakers demand Tenn. education chief's resignation » Knoxville News Sentinel
GOP lawmakers demand Tenn. education chief's resignation » Knoxville News Sentinel: GOP lawmakers demand Tenn. education chief's resignationERIK SCHELZIG - Associated Press FILE - In this Sept. 26, 2012, file photo, Education Commissioner Kevin Huffman leads a discussion on voucher schools. (AP Photo/Erik Schelzig, file)NASHVILLE — Gov. Bill Haslam's office is dismissing as a "political stunt
Morning Wink 6-20-14 AM Posts #edchat #edreform
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 6-20-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for allDiane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Pedro Noguera Defends Teacher Tenure in Wall Street JournalPedro Noguera went to the lions’ den, the Wall Street Journal, to explain why the corporate reformers’ crusade to eliminate teacher ten
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 6-20-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Pedro Noguera Defends Teacher Tenure in Wall Street JournalPedro Noguera went to the lions’ den, the Wall Street Journal, to explain why the corporate reformers’ crusade to eliminate teacher tenure is wrong-headed (the article is unfortunately behind a paywall). The WSJ, owned by Rupert Murdoch, is a bastion of anti-teacher, anti-p
6-20-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Teaching Complex Texts Requires ‘Getting To Know Your Students’Teaching Complex Texts Requires ‘Getting To Know Your Students’ is my latest Education Week Teacher post. Today’s post features responses from three educators: Wendi Pillars, Amy Benjamin, and Christopher Lehman. I’ll be posting Part Two in a few days, and will
6-20-14 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.: Secret Rahm memo to Clinton: Step up attack on immigrants. Be Nixon on crime.The twelve-year limit on secrecy in the Clinton White House is over. Now we get to see what Rahm told Clinton in the privacy of the Oval Office. It’s not the image he probably wants to have out there leading up to the 2015 el
6-20-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University)
the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University): My Open Letter to Journalists: A Critical Free Press, pt. 2Dear Journalists (especially those who write about education): After posting my U.S. and Education Reform Need a Critical Free Press, which represents a recurring effort in my public work to address the problems
6-20-14 Wait What? - Jonathan Pelto: Gubernatorial Candidate and A Really Nice Guy
Wait What?: Wait What? The Power of Truth (from a Concerned Parent in Windham)“In a time of universal deceit – telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” George Orwell 1984 This blog, like others that have been sent in from parents, shines the light of truth on the corporate education reform industry. Read it and know that the time has come to either fight back or give up.  […] The post The Power
6-20-14 Answer Sheet
Answer Sheet: Special-needs student may be barred from graduating because of two points on standardized testUnless the Rhode Island House of Representatives goes along with a Senate-approved moratorium on the use of a standardized test as a requirement for high school graduation, Molly Coffey won’t be able to get a diploma. On that critical test, the 18-year-old, who has a form of Down syndrome,  
6-20-14 With A Brooklyn Accent - Public School Failure- “The Big Lie” on Which Current Education Policy Rests
With A Brooklyn Accent: Public School Failure- “The Big Lie” on Which Current Education Policy RestsAs someone who has worked in the Bronx for the last 45 years, it drives me crazy to hear business leaders and politicians denounce public schools as the one failed institution in an otherwise thriving society. Hello! During the 1970′s, when factories in the Bronx closed, business districts shuttered
6-20-14 Curmudgucation
CURMUDGUCATION: How Charters Fake SuccessJersey Jazzman is one of the premiere edubloggers out there, and I rarely mention him here because I generally don't have anything to add except, "Yeah. What he said. Read that." But his post from yesterday about a subtle way in which charters can cook the books is extra worth taking another look-- and I think I can add some value for the stats-im
6-20-14 Perdido Street School Week
Perdido Street School: State Assessors Upset Governor Cuomo Refuses To Let Assessor Into His HomeFrom Lohud:The Cuomo administration's manual for municipal assessors instructs them to ask each property owner to allow an interior inspection during the reassessment process.Assessors say such an inspection provides the best opportunity to discern both the condition, quality and extent of a building's
Summer Learning Day - National Summer Learning Association
Summer Learning Day - National Summer Learning Association:  Summer Learning Day is Friday, June 20, 2014!Summer Learning Day is a national advocacy day recognized to spread awareness about the importance of summer learning for our nation’s youth in helping close the achievement gap and support healthy development in communities all across the country.Summer learning programs:Maintain and advance
Five Thoughts on Randi Weingarten's AEI Remarks :: Frederick M. Hess
Five Thoughts on Randi Weingarten's AEI Remarks :: Frederick M. Hess: Five Thoughts on Randi Weingarten's AEI Remarksby Frederick M. Hess  •  Jun 20, 2014 at 8:35 amCross-posted from Education Week Print Send RSS ShareOn Wednesday, AFT president Randi Weingarten joined me over at AEI to share some thoughts about teacher evaluation, tenure, the Common Core, testing, and more. Here, I offer five tho
In Ohio, Political Contributions Yield Budget Gift for White Hat’s David Brennan | janresseger
In Ohio, Political Contributions Yield Budget Gift for White Hat’s David Brennan | janresseger: In Ohio, Political Contributions Yield Budget Gift for White Hat’s David BrennanPosted on June 20, 2014 by janressegerHere’s what happened in Ohio’s mid-biennium budget review bill, signed into law on Monday by Governor John Kasich.  The governor and the legislature rewarded David Brennan, who runs the
Geaux Teacher!: Revisiting LDOE "Crimes and Misdemeanors"
Geaux Teacher!: Revisiting LDOE "Crimes and Misdemeanors": Revisiting LDOE "Crimes and Misdemeanors"In the aftermath of Governor Jindal's proclamation that John White/LDOE/BESE must halt their intention to contract for PARCC assessments, and in light of his additional announcement that LDOE contracts and procedures will be audited, I returned to past concerns that I have expres
NYC Educator: School Rule--Teachers May Not Talk to Parents
NYC Educator: School Rule--Teachers May Not Talk to Parents: School Rule--Teachers May Not Talk to ParentsBy special guest blogger Nouveaux PauvresI am now working at an after school/college prep/tutoring company in a Very Expensive Town in Long Island. To give you an idea of what kind of kids these are, one day I said to one boy, “Pack up, your mom is going to be here soon to pick you up.” The bo
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Is the Gov. From the State of Koch too big to jail?
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Is the Gov. From the State of Koch too big to jail?: Is the Gov. From the State of Koch too big to jail?I wonder why there's no mention of the Koch Bros. in S-T's coverage of Gov. Walker's crooked campaign fundraising tactics. Walker is after all, the Gov. from Koch.Remember when a prankster called Gov. Walker  posing as David Koch and mentioned "special interes
The Gift That Never Stops Giving–Teaching* | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice
The Gift That Never Stops Giving–Teaching* | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: The Gift That Never Stops Giving–Teaching*I wrote this post four years ago. With graduation ceremonies in K-12 and college occurring now and in the next few weeks, and so much in the news about the quality of teaching and how to capture it, I thought I would run the post again. A dear friend and I exc
Sacramento City school district approves charter school plan - Education - The Sacramento Bee
Sacramento City school district approves charter school plan - Education - The Sacramento Bee: Sacramento City school district approves charter school planBy Loretta Kalblkalb@sacbee.comPublished: Thursday, Jun. 19, 2014 - 11:21 pmClose to 100 people backing a charter school at the shuttered Joseph Bonnheim Elementary School were rewarded Thursday night when trustees of the Sacramento City School

YESTERDAY

What passes for News in Sacramento, but it is FOX!
Mayor Slams Sacramento City Unified School Board | KTXL FOX40: Mayor Slams Sacramento City Unified School BoardSACRAMENTO-When Sacramento Unified School District Superintendent Johnathan Raymond resigned his $250,000-a-year job shortly after renewing his contract, FOX40 asked the obvious question: Why?“Ask my wife,” he said.Quips aside, the reason Raymond gave was family- that his wife wanted to l
John White’s PARCC Contract Problems | deutsch29
John White’s PARCC Contract Problems | deutsch29: John White’s PARCC Contract ProblemsJune 19, 2014In January 2005, I bought a house in Muncie, Indiana, to remodel.It was quite the adventure for a number of reasons, one of which was the creative ways that the previous owner managed to dodge making structurally-sound renovations.For example, the electrical system was in chaos. When the electrician
Screwed Out of Retro Pay southbronxschool.com
http://www.southbronxschool.com: Screwed Out of Retro PayDriving in this morning, coming down the Deegan I felt as if there were a disturbance in the force, much as Obi-Won felt when Alderaan was obliterated.I soon became acutely aware of the disturbance in the form of a text message. It read;"Your next blog; Mulgrew fucks over members!"I used my voice activation (Texting and driving is
Charter schools’ $100,000 opposition helps sink district’s bond measure | EdSource Today
Charter schools’ $100,000 opposition helps sink district’s bond measure | EdSource Today: Charter schools’ $100,000 opposition helps sink district’s bond measureJune 19th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By John FensterwaldShare on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on pinterest_shareMore Sharing Services0Earlier this month, and for the first time, the political arm of the California Charter Schoo
The big money and profits behind the push for charter schools | PandoDaily
The big money and profits behind the push for charter schools | PandoDaily: The big money and profits behind the push for charter schoolsBY DAVID SIROTAON JUNE 19, 2014At this point, it should be fairly obvious why the technology industry is so high on so-called education “reform.” More computer-based standardized tests and online learning means more opportunity for the industry to sell its wares
Dr. Val Flores for State Board of Ed
Home | Dr. Val Flores for State Board of Ed: IssuesSupport Early Childhood Education.  The research is in on ECE and every dollar we spend on quality early childhood education saves five dollars down the road in social services, especially if provided to low income children and English second language learners.  Quality ECE programs provide the best preparation and safeguard for our students to su
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Improving as a Teacher: Reflecting on Student Responses to Class End of Year Survey!
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Improving as a Teacher: Reflecting on Student Responses to Class End of Year Survey!: Improving as a Teacher: Reflecting on Student Responses to Class End of Year Survey!I got the idea to create surveys from Pernille Ripp. She is a huge fan of using surveys to help her reflect on how to gauge just about anything. I created a beginning of the year survey based on
6-17-14 Jersey Jazzman - Charter School Reality: TN Edition
Jersey Jazzman: Charter School Reality: TN EditionOK, look...I am not "anti-charter school." I started my career in a charter. I think there is a good case to be made for some -- some -- level of charter proliferation in many communities. I certainly don't think I ought to be telling people in other cities and towns that they shouldn't be able to decide for themselves how much "choi
Dear Union Leaders - Badass Teachers Association
Badass Teachers Association: As you know unions are under attack.  They are being accused of not being there for the children, of having their own personal interests at heart, of making deals, and selling out the public.              BATs have responded with a #unionstrong campaign.  We want to show everyone what unions have done for the students in the past, through the various protections that h
Nite Cap 6-19-14 #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 CAPAfter Thousand of Years, #China Changing Mind on #Testing ? #edreform | Cloaking InequityAfter Thousand of Years, #China Changing Mind on #Testing ? #edreform | Cloaking Inequity: After Thousand of Years, #China Changing Mind on #Testing ? #edref