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Sunday, August 9, 2015

Alright (My Identity in Passing) | The Jose Vilson

Alright (My Identity in Passing) | The Jose Vilson:

Alright (My Identity in Passing)



drdayparade
The last time I went to the Dominican Day Parade, my youthful naivete gave way for a conservatism I didn’t quite understand in myself. The schools of ostensibly hypermasculine Dominican men highlighting their hair and tightening their shirts threw me off. The crowds of voluptuous Dominican women wearing sexier varieties of the Dominican flag strapped across their tops and bottoms were distracting at first, but ultimately uninviting to a younger me who, from a hood lens, saw that sort of energy as plastic and unnecessary in his life. I also hated the obsession with the flags sans any context for the pride by which so many of us held this red, blue, and white rectangle so dear.
But that was me back then. Now, I’m less in my feelings about this.
One of the critical elements of our identities is the cultural signifiers we attach to what we deem to be that culture. In my case, it’s my family, and the three parts I don’t talk about enough: my mother’s side, my father’s side, and my stepfather’s side. My mother’s side had a different version of what it meant to be Dominican than my stepfather’s side, and my father’s side was what I knew about being Haitian. Anything I understood about those cultures were seen through generational lenses of the interactions I had with all of them.
That’s why, with all the opportunities I’ve had this summer to help others explore their identities and develop themselves as teachers, I too had all these synapses that didn’t connect in how I viewed the Alright (My Identity in Passing) | The Jose Vilson:

#SaidNoSchoolEver Teachers Say They Have Too Much Money for Supplies in This Sarcastic Hefty Campaign | Adweek


Teachers Say They Have Too Much Money for Supplies in This Sarcastic Hefty Campaign | Adweek:


"Teachers Say They Have Too Much Money for Supplies in This Sarcastic Hefty Campaign"




h bag company Hefty and Havas Worldwide Chicago tackle a big issue—one that's more powerful than smelly garbage or nondurable bags—for the brand's new #SaidNoSchoolEver campaign.
The new work, which includes two 30-second online spots and a handful of playful memes, aims to raise awareness of the serious lack of funding many public schools and teachers face—but does so in a tongue-in-cheek manner.
The writing in the 30-second spots is both sarcastic and sharp, with teachers delivering lines like "We do not need any more art supplies" and "This map—from 1913. Almost all of the states are there." 
"At no point was this supposed to be polarizing for the brand," Havas group creative director Ecole Weinstein told Adweek. "We wanted to touch the surface of the issue and still do it with a bit of a smile and make [the campaign] culturally relevant and sharable."
Havas also wanted to bring Hefty's involvement with the Box Tops for Education program to light. Hefty, the only trash-bag brand currently supporting the initiative, has donated over $3.5 million to Box Tops over the years. The subject matter also hit close to home for some members of Havas' creative team.
"Myself, as well as a couple members of the creative team, have deep ties to the education system," Weinstein said.
Weinstein, whose mother was an inner-city school teacher in Florida for 29 years, said she grew up knowing all about the challenges teachers and public schools face. She added that the dry, sarcastic humor would share well on social channels, especially among the teacher crowd searching for a little bit of humor. 







CREDITS Teachers Say They Have Too Much Money for Supplies in This Sarcastic Hefty Campaign | Adweek
Client: Hefty
Agency: Havas Worldwide, Chicago
Chief Creative Officer: Jason Peterson
Group Creative Director: Ecole Weinstein
Creative Director: Shelby Georgis
Copywriters: Matt Bush, Ellie Brzezenski
Co-Head of Production: David Evans
Executive Producer: Brigette Whisnant
Producer: Jordan Sider
Business Affairs Manager: Bonnie Hamilton
Group Account Director: Lisa Evia
Account Director: Kevin Passolt
Senior Project Manager: Matt Hartwig
Production Company: Caviar Content
Director: Jeff Bitsack
Executive Producer: Darren Foldes
Producer: Tova Dann
Director of Photography: Giorgio Scali
Editing Company: Studio 6 CHI
Senior Editors: Mike Abrams, Andrew Maggio
Senior Audio Engineers: Todd Bernstein, Studio 6 CHI; Mark Ruff, CRC
Executive Producer: Lauren Shawe
Post Producers: Jordan Sider, Kara Weinert
Colorist: Luke Morrison, The Mill
Assistant Editor: Kelsey Moher
Graphic Artist: Jesse Willis, Studio 6 CHI

New Orleans Recovery District Called a Dismal Failure by the City’s Leading African American Newspaper

New Orleans Recovery District Called a Dismal Failure by the City’s Leading African American Newspaper | Educate All Students: Larry Miller's Blog:

New Orleans Recovery District Called a Dismal Failure by the City’s Leading African American Newspaper 






On August 4th and 5th I attended an education conference in the great city of New Orleans, titled the New Orleans Education Conference. In contrast to the June conference, sponsored by Tulane University, it presented the truth about the New Orleans recovery school district. The amount of information, both from presented data and through parent and academic narratives, was overwhelming.



To start one should go to the website of The New Orleans Tribune, the uncompromising Black newspaper, published in New Orleans. Dr. Louis Charles Roundanez, founded The New Orleans Tribune, circa 1864. The modern Tribune is part of a publishing legacy that began 148 years ago, when Roudanez published the first Black daily newspaper in the United States. Then, as now, The Tribune was dedicated to social justice and civil rights for all Louisiana citizens. Volume 31, Number 5, is dedicated to the recovery school district and presents a major summary of 10 years of “Myth and Lies of The New Orleans Transformation.” (Go to: http://tinyurl.com/pvtgrop)



Following is their May/June editorial from that issue along with the Louisiana report card letter grades for the New Orleans schools:

THE NEW ORLEANS TRIBUNE EDITORIAL ON THE RECOVERY SCHOOL DISTRICT AFTER 10 YEARS

“FOR THE RECORD: YOU AIN’T DONE A THING | A TRIBUNE EDITORIAL”



It’s been a tough several months on the local public education front: Let’s count the ways:

First, Act 543, which captures local sales and property tax dollars for the use of the Recovery School District and charter school boards that do not answer to the voters and tax payers of New Orleans, passed easily late last year with the help of our local elected officials and leaders.



Then, advocates, community members, alumni and friends of John McDonogh High School were dealt a death blow when the historic school site was recently given to Bricolage Academy, a charter school that has close ties with a number of the key players and organizations in the reform movement and that has received significant financial backing from the Walton Foundation and New Schools for New Orleans.



With our offices across the street from John McDonogh, we have watched in disgust as workers have been sent in recent weeks to clean and clear the school. We assume that it is in New Orleans Recovery District Called a Dismal Failure by the City’s Leading African American Newspaper | Educate All Students: Larry Miller's Blog:


Jersey Jazzman: When You Punch Teachers Unions, You're Punching Teachers

Jersey Jazzman: When You Punch Teachers Unions, You're Punching Teachers:

When You Punch Teachers Unions, You're Punching Teachers





Fortunately, I was outside of the country when Chris Christie sank to his latest new low:

The New Jersey governor was on CNN on Sunday, where host Jake Tapper asked, “At the national level, who deserves a punch in the face?” (Why would Christie get that question? Because he has made it known he likes to deal with bullies by punching them in the face, an approach that would work well in the Oval Office, no?) According to this story by my Post colleague Lyndsey Layton, Christie did not hesitate with a response: “Oh the national teachers union, who has already endorsed Hillary Clinton 16, 17 months before the election.” 
If you're at all shocked or surprised by this, you haven't been paying attention to Chris Christie. The man insults teachers as easily as you and I breath. 

A few commenters have suggested that Tapper baited Christie with the question. Keep in mind, however, that Christie's original use of "punch in the face" was back in 2012, when he was referring, once again, to the state's largest teachers union, the NJEA.

It's clear at this point that Christie really doesn't give a damn about New Jersey anymore (assuming he ever did). Two of the most critical problems this state faces -- pension liabilities and school underfunding -- can only be solved through deliberations with the NJEA. It's fine for Christie to get tough and stake out his positions on the issues. But when
- See more at: http://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2015/08/when-you-punch-teachers-unions-youre.html#sthash.ih6qdpGX.dpuf


Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 8/9/15


SPECIAL NITE CAP 

CORPORATE ED REFORM

Back to drawing board for contract negotiations | Catalyst Chicago
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Bay Area schools in a hiring frenzy just days before students return to class - Inside Bay Area
Bay Area schools in a hiring frenzy just days before students return to class - Inside Bay Area: Bay Area schools in a hiring frenzy just days before students return to classAs students start heading back to school -- some as early as this week -- many Bay Area school districts are scrambling to make sure classrooms are complete with one essential thing: a teacher."It has definitely been a ch
CURMUDGUCATION: Another Writing Robo-teacher
CURMUDGUCATION: Another Writing Robo-teacher: Another Writing Robo-teacherThis summer the University of Delaware was happy to unveil yet more research on yet another attempt to argue that computer software has a place in writing instruction.Being up frontAs a high school English teacher, I've thought about this a great deal, and written about it on several occasions (here, here and here, for examp
Ohio’s charter chaos - Toledo Blade
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An Activist Handbook for the Education Revolution
IAP || Book || An Activist Handbook for the Education Revolution: An Activist Handbook for the Education RevolutionUnited Opt Out's Test of Courage Edited by:Morna M. McDermott, United Opt Out NationalPeggy Robertson, United Opt Out NationalRosemarie Jensen, United Opt Out NationalCeresta Smith, United Opt Out NationalPublished 2014Contributions by: Rosemarie Jensen, Shaun Johnson, Morna McDermott
"MORE CHARTER SCHOOLS AHEAD?" MORE ILLUSION OF IMPROVEMENT IN PUBLIC EDUCATION - Perdaily.com
"MORE CHARTER SCHOOLS AHEAD?" MORE ILLUSION OF IMPROVEMENT IN PUBLIC EDUCATION - Perdaily.com: "MORE CHARTER SCHOOLS AHEAD?" MORE ILLUSION OF IMPROVEMENT IN PUBLIC EDUCATIONIn reporting the "Broad Foundation seeks an expansion of L.A. charters to boost student success..," yet again Los Angeles Times "reporter" Howard Blume uncritically swallows the Broad, Ke
For sale: Student ‘hopes and dreams’ - Stephanie Simon - POLITICO.com
For sale: Student ‘hopes and dreams’ - Stephanie Simon - POLITICO.com: For sale: Student ‘hopes and dreams’This story is part of a new POLITICO series examining the unchecked expansion of private-sector data collection and the implications for consumer privacyEach year, more than 2 million middle school and high school students fill out comprehensive surveys for the National Research Center for Co
A Firsthand Report on #BlackLivesMatter and Bernie Sanders - Living in Dialogue
A Firsthand Report on #BlackLivesMatter and Bernie Sanders - Living in Dialogue: A Firsthand Report on #BlackLivesMatter and Bernie SandersBy Susan DuFresne.I was there. I was there to hear Bernie speak at Westlake in Seattle yesterday.To get it out in the open, I am a white ally and still learning, still reflecting, still processing what happened yesterday in Seattle, when Black Lives Matter (BLM
Test scores also measure effects of the opt-out movement - City & Region - The Buffalo News
Test scores also measure effects of the opt-out movement - City & Region - The Buffalo News: Test scores also measure effects of the opt-out movementSchool districts face possible funding lossArea schools were at the epicenter of the opt-out movement for standardized tests earlier this year, and this is the week when districts will learn what effect the large number of students refusing to tak
Master teacher suing New York state over ‘ineffective’ rating is going to court - The Washington Post
Master teacher suing New York state over ‘ineffective’ rating is going to court - The Washington Post: Master teacher suing New York state over ‘ineffective’ rating is going to courtFormer New York state education commissioner John King, who is being sued by a N.Y. teacher over the state’s educator evaluation system. (Mike Groll/AP)A veteran teacher suing New York state education officials over th
Left-Right Alliance for Education: Multi-Partisan Opposition
Left-Right Alliance for Education: Multi-Partisan Opposition: Left-Right Alliance for EducationWe oppose the CCSSI because it continues the failed education reforms of the past and violates privacy rights as it builds a system for centrally managed student training for the future workforce of the “Global Economy.” This central goal will dismantle liberal arts education, which most contributes to t
Stop Privatization in California! | Diane Ravitch's blog
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Hillsborough school district has been dipping into emergency funds to cover MaryEllen Elia's Hole | Tampa Bay Times
Hillsborough school district has been dipping into emergency funds to cover expenses | Tampa Bay Times: Hillsborough school district has been dipping into emergency funds to cover expensesTAMPA — In the last four years of superintendent MaryEllen Elia's administration, the Hillsborough County School District went on a spending jag, tearing through more than half of its $361 million reserve fund, o
CURMUDGUCATION: So, I Have a Book
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Louisiana Educator: New RSD Propaganda Machine Whitewashes Dismal Performance
Louisiana Educator: New RSD Propaganda Machine Whitewashes Dismal Performance: New RSD Propaganda Machine Whitewashes Dismal PerformanceThe latest Recovery District propaganda machine is called theResearch Alliance for New Orleans. It was founded by Tulane University professor of economics, Douglas Harris. In this articleprinted in Education Next, Harris makes an attempt to paint the struggling Lo
Russ on Reading: The Single Most Destructive Force in Public Education
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With A Brooklyn Accent: Next Step for the Opt Out Movement- Demanding Public Schools Exempt from State Tests
With A Brooklyn Accent: Next Step for the Opt Out Movement- Demanding Public Schools Exempt from State Tests: Next Step for the Opt Out Movement- Demanding Public Schools Exempt from State TestsIf you want to restore idealism to the teaching profession, win back the confidence of the nation's parents, and expand the recruitment of teachers of color, one sure fire way to do this is start opening &q
At-Risk Students, Bad Teachers, Failing Schools: Our Blinding Accusatory Finger Pointing | the becoming radical
At-Risk Students, Bad Teachers, Failing Schools: Our Blinding Accusatory Finger Pointing | the becoming radical: At-Risk Students, Bad Teachers, Failing Schools: Our Blinding Accusatory Finger PointingQuestions of science, science and progressDo not speak as loud as my heart“The Scientist,” ColdplayThe absolute greatest gift of being a teacher by profession is accumulating throughout your career t
Schools Matter: Corporate Radio Picks On AFT Indiana
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The consequences for kids when their parents work irregular night shifts — research - The Washington Post
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Teacher Shortages Spur a Nationwide Hiring Scramble (Credentials Optional) - The New York Times
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Harassment allegations, true or not, hurt us all - Marcos Breton - KJ Bromance Relationship Counselling Working ?
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Education reform bill shows compromise still possible in Congress - News Sentinel Story
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YESTERDAY

Oregon Save Our Schools: Increasing Teacher Stress is a Recipe for Disaster!
Oregon Save Our Schools: Increasing Teacher Stress is a Recipe for Disaster!: Increasing Teacher Stress is a Recipe for Disaster!At a recent meeting, it came to my attention that the Oregon Teaching Standards and Practices Commissionhas been receiving an increasing number of complaints about teachers who have engaged in conduct that is extremely out of the ordinary for them as individuals, or who
The Terrible Choice and Other Peoples' Children | Peter Greene
The Terrible Choice and Other Peoples' Children | Peter Greene: The Terrible Choice and Other Peoples' ChildrenFor much of our history, Americans have operated under a simple premise -- we will educate other people's children.Educating your own offspring is an old idea; human beings have done it for most of history. This has had many implications. You can't teach your own children things you don't
Who supports public schools for all? Who opposes high stakes testing and corporate education reform? | Reclaim Reform
Who supports public schools for all? Who opposes high stakes testing and corporate education reform? | Reclaim Reform: Who supports public schools for all? Who opposes high stakes testing and corporate education reform?Which candidate and party to vote for? Who supports public schools for all? Who opposes high stakes testing and corporate education reform? Who supports raising the minimum wage? Wh
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 8/8/15
SPECIAL NITE CAP CORPORATE ED REFORMCharter school board may get rare perk – pay | The Sacramento BeeCharter school board may get rare perk – pay | The Sacramento Bee: Charter school board may get rare perk – payCharter schools, unlike big school districts, don’t usually pay their board members. But trustees of a single charter school in Del Paso Heights will start receiving $600 a month if a prop