Latest News and Comment from Education

Saturday, October 3, 2015

Video and Transcription of John King’s Remarks at Arne Duncan’s Resignation | deutsch29

Video and Transcription of John King’s Remarks at Arne Duncan’s Resignation | deutsch29:

Video and Transcription of John King’s Remarks at Arne Duncan’s Resignation






Below is a Youtube video of the October 02, 2015, White House press conference regarding US Secretary Arne Duncan’s resignation and former New York State Chancellor, John King’s becoming interim secretary for the remaining year that Obama is in the White House.




In my October 03, 2015, post, I transcribed Obama’s and Duncan’s remarks.
Below are John King’s remarks, which I transcribed using the above Youtube video. (King begins speaking at 55:30.)
And now, I offer my readers yet another dose of corporate reform disconnect: John King.
Thank you, Arne, for your very kind words. Thank you, Mr. President, for the opportunity to serve and for your faith that you have placed in me and the team that we have at the Department.
I’m deeply honored by the chance to serve and also deeply humbled by, uh, following in Arne’s footsteps. Arne is an extraordinary leader who I have watched demonstrate tremendous courage in fighting for kids and fighting for what’s best for kids, um, but also as being willing to listen, to listen to folks and to make adjustments, and to make sure everything we do every day is towards the goal of greater equity. Uh, Mr. President, you and Arne and our team at the Department have laid out an ambitious agenda, from 
Video and Transcription of John King’s Remarks at Arne Duncan’s Resignation | deutsch29:

Geaux Teacher!: Broad & Walton Are Betting I Will Lose the BESE Election!

Geaux Teacher!: Broad & Walton Are Betting I Will Lose the BESE Election!:

Broad & Walton Are Betting I Will Lose the BESE Election!

By Mercedes Schneider -










Broad and Walton Contribute a Combined $650,000 to Upcoming Louisiana BESE Election

Billionaires Eli Broad and Alice and Jim Walton have contributed a combined $650,000 to Baton Rouge businessman Lane Grigsby’s PAC, Empower Louisiana, so that Grigsby might use it to try to retain a corporate-reform-bent majority on the state’s education board, BESE, from 2016-19.
The BESE election is scheduled for October 24, 2015.
According to Empower Louisiana’s campaign finance report (07-17-15 to 09-14-15), Jim and Alice Walton each donated $200,000 on August 20, 2015, and Broad contributed $250,000 on September 10, 2015.
The total on the above report is $763,710, which means that as of September 14, 2015, money from two billionaires from Arkansas and one billionaire from California constitutes the principal funding for Grigsby’s efforts to preserve a BESE majority known for supporting charters and vouchers without equally supporting adequate oversight; supporting high-stakes testing without supporting timely, clear, comprehensive reporting of testing results, and for allying with a state superintendent known for hiding and manipulating data, refusing to honor public records requests, and refusing to consistently audit the Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE).
Grigsby considers the above to be the desired course for Louisiana’s state board of education. According to the October 01, 2015, Advocate, he plans to spend his PARC’s predominately Walton and Broad money on 3 of the 11 BESE seats:
Grigsby’s group — it is limited to independent 
Geaux Teacher!: Broad & Walton Are Betting I Will Lose the BESE Election!:


 





Schooling in the Ownership Society: SUPES IS BACK -- New names on the letterhead. Looking for more no-bid contracts from CPS

Schooling in the Ownership Society: SUPES IS BACK -- New names on the letterhead. Looking for more no-bid contracts from CPS:

SUPES IS BACK -- New names on the letterhead. Looking for more no-bid contracts from CPS



“The primary leaders [Somomon & Vranas] of the former SUPES Academy have begun new endeavors and will not be joining us in this work ahead.” -- Joseph Wise


The federal investigation in Chicago of SUPES has obviously been sandbagged. Federal investigators have refused to comment on the investigation. Now, even withBarbara Byrd-Bennett fleeing the scene and a grand just supposedly in session, SUPES is trying to make a comeback.

After all, UNO did it with the feds on their trail, simply by shifting a few culpable leaders into different positions, changing the names on company letterhead, and relying on political powerhouses like Mike Madigan, Eddie Burke, and Rahm Emanuel to provide cover. So reported new SUPES owner, Joseph Wise figures he can pull it off as well, cashing in on the next round of no-bid deals CPS regularly hands out to connected consulting firms. Wise, whose companies have gotten at least $5 million in recent business from CPS, claims to have acquired "the best parts of The SUPES Academy".

Wise who formerly worked for scandalized SUPES leaders Gary Solomon andThomas Vranas, also wants to get more business from CPS by opening alternative Schooling in the Ownership Society: SUPES IS BACK -- New names on the letterhead. Looking for more no-bid contracts from CPS:

Teachers Told They’re Endorsing Hillary Clinton by NEA Leadership. Membership Opinions Unnecessary | gadflyonthewallblog

Teachers Told They’re Endorsing Hillary Clinton by NEA Leadership. Membership Opinions Unnecessary | gadflyonthewallblog:

Teachers Told They’re Endorsing Hillary Clinton by NEA Leadership. Membership Opinions Unnecessary



141231-hillary-clinton-mn-2130_14257f8a4ebbc2bf8806b492060dd415
The decision has been made, teachers.
YOU WILL ENDORSE HILLARY CLINTON IN THE 2016 PRESIDENTIAL PRIMARIES.
Your union has spoken.
Now please donate to the Political Action Committee (PAC).
The National Education Association (NEA) represents 3 million educators. It is the largest labor union in the country. However only about 180 people made the decision to back Clinton.
The NEA Board of Directors voted today 118 to 39 in favor of the endorsement with 8 abstentions and 5 absences.
Thursday the 74 member PAC Council voted to endorse Clinton with 82% in favor, 18% against and some of the largest delegations – California and New Jersey – abstaining.

GREAT NEWS! Anthony Cody has just been chosen as the winner of this year’s George Orwell Award - Garn Press

GREAT NEWS! Anthony Cody has just been chosen as the winner of this year’s George Orwell Award, given by the NCTE Public Language Awards Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English - Garn Press:

GREAT NEWS! Anthony Cody has just been chosen as the winner of this year’s George Orwell Award, given by the NCTE Public Language Awards Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English



GREAT NEWS! Anthony Cody has just been chosen as the winner of this year’s George Orwell Award, given by the NCTE Public Language Awards Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English
Congratulations to Anthony Cody from everyone at Garn Press for being chosen as the winner of this year’s George Orwell Award, given by the NCTE Public Language Awards Committee of the National Council of Teachers of English.
The book Anthony wrote that Garn Press submitted for the award is The Educator and the Oligarch: A Teacher Challenges the Gates Foundation and you can read about it here.
The Orwell Award was established in 1975, to recognize writers who have made outstanding contributions to the critical analysis of public discourse. A list of past recipients can be found on the NCTE WebsitePaul Thomas, who is also a Garn Press author, is on the list and so the Press is doubly proud.
The NCTE Awards Committee writes to Anthony, “congratulations, and thank you for your efforts to promote honesty and clarity in public language”.
Anthony, on behalf of all the parents and teachers who are struggling with the negative impact of Bill Gates and the Gates Foundation on public education we thank you for both The Educator and the Oligarch and your indomitable leadership. We wish you well as you continue to speak truth to power in defense of teachers and children U.S. public schools.

ac-bookThe Educator And The Oligarch: A Teacher Challenges The Gates Foundation

Paperback: Amazon | Barnes & Nobleebook: Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple iBooks | Kobo
Paperback ISBN: 9781942146001
eBook ISBN: 9781942146018
Paperback: $17.99 USD
eBook: $9.99 USD
Garn Press Imprints: People and Society
Genre: Nonfiction
Category: Ed. Policy & Reform; Education & Teaching; Philanthropy & Charity

Time to Unite To Face Addiction | Michael Elliot

Time to Unite To Face Addiction | Michael Elliot:

Time to Unite To Face Addiction



ADDICTION
Today, the health crisis of addiction cuts across so many other issues we face. It's a social justice issue with mass incarcerations overflowing our expanding prison industrial complex. It's an education issue because it affects children in such incredible numbers, and is one of the most profound killers of young people in this country. It's a political crisis because politicians lack the knowledge and courage to take action. Addiction takes a terrible toll on families, on our health care system, on the economy and on the vitality of our youth. Currently we treat addiction like a moral failing, like an issue of personal responsibility rather than treating it like the disease it is.
Addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a public health crisis impacting more than 85 million Americans. Today is the day we begin facing addiction. We stand with thousands of others on the National Mall to #UNITEtoFaceAddiction and end the silence on addiction, along with Joe Walsh, Steven Tyler, Sheryl Crow, The Fray, Jason Isbell, John Rzeznik and more special guests. Watch history unfold live:http://www.ustream.tv/channel/2yJ3N2cjfjp




Time to Unite To Face Addiction | Michael Elliot:

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 10/3/15




CORPORATE ED REFORM





What Has Happened to Teacher Evaluations? We Need Your Help - Living in Dialogue
What Has Happened to Teacher Evaluations? We Need Your Help - Living in Dialogue: What Has Happened to Teacher Evaluations? We Need Your HelpBy Anthony Cody.Under President Obama, the federal Department of Education offered several billion dollars in Race to the Top money and waivers from NCLB to states and school districts across the country in exchange for redesigning teacher evaluation processe
CURMUDGUCATION: An Open Letter to Jerry Oleksiak (PSEA President)
CURMUDGUCATION: An Open Letter to Jerry Oleksiak (PSEA President): An Open Letter to Jerry Oleksiak (PSEA President)Dear Jerry:It has been a disappointing couple of days, what with the announcement of the announcement that the terrible Arne Duncan with the even-worse John King. On top of that, we get the NEA's announcement of the early endorsement of Hillary Clinton. Now, today, on Facebook, I fin
Teachers union endorses Clinton for 2016 Democratic nomination - The Washington Post
Teachers union endorses Clinton for 2016 Democratic nomination - The Washington Post: Teachers union endorses Clinton for 2016 Democratic nominationThe National Education Association, the nation’s largest labor union, endorsed Hillary Rodham Clinton on Saturday for the 2016 Democratic presidential nomination.“We recommended Hillary Clinton on the incredible and lengthy track record she has, that i
Jersey Jazzman: The Faith-Based Education Policies of @ArneDuncan
Jersey Jazzman: The Faith-Based Education Policies of @ArneDuncan: The Faith-Based Education Policies of @ArneDuncanArne Duncan is Barack Obama's worst appointment. Worse than Tim Geithner, worse than Penny Pritzker, worse than Eric Shinseki -- even worse than Rahm Emanuel (OK, maybe that's open to debate...).The havoc Duncan has wreaked upon America's schools will likely take decades to undo:Dunc
Alfie Kohn: The back-to-school-night speech we’d love to hear* - The Washington Post
The back-to-school-night speech we’d love to hear* - The Washington Post: The back-to-school-night speech we’d love to hear**This was inspired by an occasional feature in Mad magazine called “Scenes We’d Like to See” — and counter-inspired by some back-to-school talks we’ve actually heard. It was written by Alfie Kohn, author of 14 books on education, parenting, and human behavior, including, most
Louisiana Educator: BESE Forum Tuesday in Baton Rouge
Louisiana Educator: BESE Forum Tuesday in Baton Rouge:Come One, Come All to Leaders With Vision BESE Board Candidates ForumClick Here to Follow Flip BESE on Facebook LEE P.BARRIOS FOR BESE 1 Web SiteJASON FRANCE FOR BESE 6 Web SiteMIKE KREAMER FOR BESE 7 Web SiteParents, Teachers, and Citizens concerned about our schools are invited to attend L W Vision's BESE Forumon Tuesday, October 6th, 2015 at
What Arne Duncan did to American education and whether it will last - The Hechinger Report
What Arne Duncan did to American education and whether it will last - The Hechinger Report: What Arne Duncan did to American education and whether it will lastWe can’t wait” was Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s frequent refrain. But as he leaves his post this December, his forceful strategy to push dramatic changes to the U.S education system is being tested.The aggressiveness and urgency that de
New boss, same as the old boss. | stopcommoncorenys
New boss, same as the old boss. | stopcommoncorenys: New boss, same as the old boss.The USDOE shuffles the worst people around that are the biggest failures locally. Elia from her failure in Florida, now King, promoted not once but twice, after his failure in New York. Each day you think it can’t get more bizarre, worse, more insulting, and yet you read the morning paper and sit in slack jawed dis
U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan Resigning in December | VAMboozled!
U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan Resigning in December | VAMboozled!: U.S. Secretary Arne Duncan Resigning in DecemberIn case you have not yet heard, U.S. “Education Secretary Arne Duncan [is] stepping down” from his President Obama-appointed post. As per an article in CNN: “President Barack Obama praised Arne Duncan’s service as secretary of education on Friday [October 2, 2015], hours after Duncan sai
The departure of Arne Duncan is irrelevant; the appointment of John King is irrelevant | @ THE CHALKFACE
The departure of Arne Duncan is irrelevant; the appointment of John King is irrelevant | @ THE CHALKFACE: The departure of Arne Duncan is irrelevant; the appointment of John King is irrelevantThe most important thing that teachers must remember is that they have the power, not middle managers or secretaries of education.Despite mandates, there are countless ways individual classroom teachers can s
With A Brooklyn Accent: The Silver Lining in the Appointment of John King
With A Brooklyn Accent: The Silver Lining in the Appointment of John King: The Silver Lining in the Appointment of John KingThese are perfect conditions for revolt!Education Activists! What are you waiting for?It is hard to applaud John King's appointment as Interim Secretary of Education to replace the much hated Arne Duncan. In New York, he was legendary for openly displaying boredom, even conte
Education in NY Headed for an Iceberg | lacetothetop
Education in NY Headed for an Iceberg | lacetothetop: Education in NY Headed for an IcebergJohn King had no intentions of leaving NY. While he deserves the credit for creating some of the worst education reforms in NY history, he should also be applauded for attempting to slow Cuomo’s teacher evaluation plan.As John King was leaving his office in NY, Governor Cuomo sent him a letter.  The letter w
Text of Obama’s Farewell Speech to Duncan, and Duncan’s Response | deutsch29
Text of Obama’s Farewell Speech to Duncan, and Duncan’s Response | deutsch29: Text of Obama’s Farewell Speech to Duncan, and Duncan’s ResponseThe following is my transcription of the October 02, 2015, announcement of US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s resignation, offered by President Obama and followed by a response from Duncan. The transcription is of this 9 1/2-minute video clip provided b
empathyeducates - The Curse of Market Place Fundamentalism and the Challenge of an Insurrectional Pedagogy
empathyeducates - The Curse of Market Place Fundamentalism and the Challenge of an Insurrectional Pedagogy: The Curse of Market Place Fundamentalism and the Challenge of an Insurrectional PedagogyBy Henry Giroux | Originally Published at Counter Punch. September 29, 2015 | Pierre Andrieu/Getty ImagesIntroductionThe forces of free-market fundamentalism are on the march ushering in a terrifying hori
Here Is What We Know About John King, The Next Secretary Of Education
Here Is What We Know About John King, The Next Secretary Of Education: Here Is What We Know About John King, The Next Secretary Of EducationFor one thing, he's a big fan of the Common Core.U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is stepping down from his post in December to spend more time with his family, he announced Friday. President Barack Obama has already tapped John King Jr., former New Yor
Obama vs. teachers unions: It's still on
Obama vs. teachers unions: It's still on: Obama vs. teachers unions: It's still onJohn B. King Jr. might sound like the kind of Secretary of Education who could help repair the Obama administration’s fractured relationship with reliably Democratic teachers unions. Not only is he a child of a teacher and a former teacher himself, he credits his Brooklyn public school teachers with turning his life
Private funding to keep charter schools open ‘uncertain,’ backers say | The News Tribune
Private funding to keep charter schools open ‘uncertain,’ backers say | The News Tribune: Private funding to keep charter schools open ‘uncertain,’ backers sayThe Washington State Charter Schools Association has acknowledged that it has not yet raised enough private money to keep Washington charters running for a full school year.Following a state Supreme Court ruling in September that invalidated
Auditor ‘shocked’ by $71 million grant for charter schools | The Columbus Dispatch
Auditor ‘shocked’ by $71 million grant for charter schools | The Columbus Dispatch: Auditor ‘shocked’ by $71 million grant for charter schoolsOhio Auditor Dave Yost said he’s shocked that the federal Department of Education gave Ohio a $71 million charter-school grant, given the state’s poor track record at ensuring that charters don’t misspend tax dollars.“I figured we would be a couple of years
Court Gets Back to Business | National Law Journal
Court Gets Back to Business | National Law Journal: Court Gets Back to BusinessUnion fees, affirmative action on new docket.With the future of affirmative action, union's agency shop fees, and the counting of one person, one vote in redistricting in the balance, the Roberts Court's conservative majority may return to dominate major rulings in the new term. But will it be conservative with a small
What Will Happen to No Child Left Behind Now That Arne Duncan Is Resigning? - The Atlantic
What Will Happen to No Child Left Behind Now That Arne Duncan Is Resigning? - The Atlantic: Now That Arne Duncan Is Out, Is No Child Left Behind to Stay?The education law’s death is just around the corner.In a weird way, U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s surprising resignation is good news for the people who want the beleaguered No Child Left Behind overhauled as soon as possible.Duncan, one
Who is John King, and Will He Be Even More Controversial Than Arne? | EdSurge News
Who is John King, and Will He Be Even More Controversial Than Arne? | EdSurge News: Who is John King, and Will He Be Even More Controversial Than Arne?In his official press conference on Friday, October 2, President Barack Obama announced that John B. King, Jr. would take over the role of Secretary of Education from Arne Duncan. Obama sang King’s praises, saying “John has been an educator all his
The Arne Duncan era is over — but his noxious policies mean childhood in America is still under threat - Salon.com
The Arne Duncan era is over — but his noxious policies mean childhood in America is still under threat - Salon.com: The Arne Duncan era is over — but his noxious policies mean childhood in America is still under threat"Reforming schools should not be a proxy for reforming society," educator and journalist Megan Erickson tells SalonIn keeping with a long Washington tradition of announcing

YESTERDAY

California Gold Ribbon Schools Program - California School Recognition Program (CA Dept of Education)
California Gold Ribbon Schools Program - California School Recognition Program (CA Dept of Education): California Gold Ribbon Schools ProgramA program for 2015-2016 which honors some of California's outstanding public schools. Schools that are selected demonstrate exemplary achievements in implementing state standards in priority areas.The California Department of Education (CDE) seeks to recogniz
Do Democrats Give a Crap About Public Schools? John King as Next US Secretary of Education | gadflyonthewallblog
Do Democrats Give a Crap About Public Schools? John King as Next US Secretary of Education | gadflyonthewallblog: Do Democrats Give a Crap About Public Schools? John King as Next US Secretary of EducationMeet the New Boss.Same as the Old Boss.Arne Duncan is out. John King is in.It’s the kind of tone deaf decision we’ve come to expect from President Barack Obama on education matters.We’ve put up wi
Arne Duncan’s Exit: Not Unexpected. | deutsch29
Arne Duncan’s Exit: Not Unexpected. | deutsch29: Arne Duncan’s Exit: Not Unexpected.It’s true: US Secretary Arne Duncan has resigned. He will be out of the White House in December. His story is that he is headed back to Chicago to be with his family.What is noteworthy is that Obama has another year in the White House. The Duncans could have stayed in Virginia where they were residing (and where Du
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 10/2/15
CORPORATE ED REFORMNo More School Closures and Charter Takeovers…Time for Community Schools | WeArePCAPSNo More School Closures and Charter Takeovers…Time for Community Schools | WeArePCAPS: No More School Closures and Charter Takeovers…Time for Community SchoolsThe School District, once again, is embarking on a new round of school closures and privatization. This, in spite of clear evidence that