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Monday, January 25, 2016

BustED Pencils Trending News: Tim; Prevent; Charges | BustED Pencils

BustED Pencils Trending News: Tim; Prevent; Charges | BustED Pencils:

BustED Pencils Trending News: Tim; Prevent; Charges

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Tim Slekar deeply cares about the lives of children and teachers, particularly within the public schools.  He is courageous in his writings and interviews as he tells the truth that is not often heard.  He carries the voice of the child and teacher.  He sees the pain, sadness and heartache that has been put in the schools since the NCLB debacle.  Tim ROARS in support.  We at BustED Pencils could not be more proud to stand by this man and his convictions regarding education.  Keep BUSTING Pencils and Happy Birthday from BustED Pencils Tim!

Huffington Post Entries – Tim Slekar – A child and teacher hero

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Data not publicly available.

Only You Can Prevent Charter Cheerleading

BustEDstretch

Another example of why SAT/ACT are not accurate examples of a person abilities.

Florida teachers file age, race discrimination charges against state’s new bonus program


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 BustED Pencils Trending News: Tim; Prevent; Charges | BustED Pencils:

My Blog Is Three Years Old Today :) | deutsch29

My Blog Is Three Years Old Today :) | deutsch29:

My Blog Is Three Years Old Today :) 

I started this blog three years ago today, on January 25, 2013.
I thought I’d write a brief, celebratory post.
But first of all, a bit of financial disclosure is in order:
Here is a comprehensive listing of all of the billionaire-financed, education nonprofits ponying up that luscious, public-ed-annihilating dough to fund my blog:
blank paper
Add to that the comprehensive listing of my alleged, ample union funding for this blog:
blank paper
(Wait, Schneider. Is that the same picture…?)

And now, for some stats:

  • Including this post, over the past three years, I have published 732 posts.
  • Total page views to date: approx. 1,215,000.
  • Total page views in the past year: approx. 535,000.

Here are my top five post for the past year:My Blog Is Three Years Old Today :) | deutsch29:



CURMUDGUCATION: Vouchers: Why Do Conservatives Love 'Em?

CURMUDGUCATION: Vouchers: Why Do Conservatives Love 'Em?:

Vouchers: Why Do Conservatives Love 'Em?


If the plaintiffs in Friedrichs vs. California Teachers (or the people for whom they're sock puppeting) don't like paying union fees (they already don't have to pay dues) because the union will spend their money on activities with which they do not agree, boy, they would really hate school vouchers.

The rhetoric of pro-voucher folks (who at this point are the most long-twitching of the various undead unsuccessful reformster species) is to frame the decision about those tax dollars in a very specific way. "These tax dollars belong to the students and their families, not the bureaucracy of government schools" or some equivalent is the usual construction. This money belongs to the deserving child, not the money-grubbing public school system. It's a clear choice. And it's a false choice.

The tax dollars associated with public schools belong to neither the child nor the school system.

Those tax dollars belong to the tax payers.

The foundation of public education is pretty simple. "Hey," said the members of various communities. "Let's put some money together and get the kids an education, because if they grow up stupid, we'll have to live with and depend on a bunch of stupid adults, and that seems like a bad idea."

Oh, "and we'll elect some of us to keep an eye on the school and the money we pooled to run it."

In fact, one the weird things about voucher-choice systems pushed by conservatives is how very un-conservative these concepts are.

Those communities did not say, "Let's collect a bunch of money, give it to the parents, and they can spend it on their kids however they like." That would be another entitlement, and conservatives are not huge fans of the E word. In fact, conservatives have been pretty vocally unfriendly to the idea of "free" college for any who want to attend, because it would just be another entitlement by which 
CURMUDGUCATION: Vouchers: Why Do Conservatives Love 'Em?:



Two Teachers Attend Friedrichs v. CTA - LA Progressive

Two Teachers Attend Friedrichs v. CTA - LA Progressive:

Two Teachers Attend Friedrichs v. CTA

Teachers Attend Friedrichs


At 6:45 a.m., braving about 30Âş weather, we took a cab down to the Supreme Court building. Although we got there around 7 a.m., we were still 30th in line. We understood clearly that were were in line to witness the case that could destroy the unions that we belong to with pride—Melissa as a member of the National Education Association and Marla a member of the American Federation of Teachers. We have personal involvement in this case, enough that spurred us to spend a better part of our summer co-writing and submitting an Amicus Brief to be read by the Justices.
The date was January 11th; the court case was Friedrichs vs. CTA.
As we stood on the sidewalk, we watched the demonstrators line up. By the end of the morning, the “I stand with Rebecca” crowd numbered about 50 supporters, the union side about 500. We stood in line for about 3 ½. At approximately 10:05 we were let into the Court to witness the entire oral argument.
We were overwhelmed
We were to be witnesses to history
Would it be the history that saves our unions?
or
Would it be the history that destroys our unions?
Here are our thoughts as we listened from the eyes and ears of two teachers.
Here is the full transcript of the oral arguments.
We would like to share what we thought were some of the most poignant moments of this case. At the core of this case is the overturning of the four-decade-old case of AboodAbood is the Supreme Court case that protects agency shop fees and thus holds up the ideals of “collective” bargaining. We would also like to address some of the comments that the Justices, Mr. Carvin, and Two Teachers Attend Friedrichs v. CTA - LA Progressive:


Taking Back Your Name – The Pros and Cons of Political Correctness | gadflyonthewallblog

Taking Back Your Name – The Pros and Cons of Political Correctness | gadflyonthewallblog:

Taking Back Your Name – The Pros and Cons of Political Correctness

introduction
“What I think the political correctness debate is really about is the power to be able to define. The definers want the power to name. And the defined are now taking that power away from them.”
Toni Morrison
“Never trust anyone who says they do not see color. This means to them, you are invisible.”
Nayhyirah Waheed

Call me Steve.
Not Steven. Not Stephen. Certainly not Steveareno.
It’s a preference. My preference. My choice. And if people want to be in my good graces, they’ll comply with my wishes.
There’s nothing strange or unreasonable about this. We do it all the time – usually when we’re being introduced to someone.
“Hi. I’m Steve.”
“Nice to meet you, Steve. I’m Elisha.”

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/25/15



CORPORATE ED REFORM





What Happens When My Student Curses At Me [Teaching Tolerance] | The Jose Vilson
What Happens When My Student Curses At Me [Teaching Tolerance] | The Jose Vilson: What Happens When My Student Curses At Me [Teaching Tolerance] I had the honor of writing for Teaching Tolerance, one of the premiere teacher resources for anything related to social justice. They asked me to write a piece about why I still teach after more than a decade at this, and everything I’ve done to move this
CURMUDGUCATION: Counting on Superman
CURMUDGUCATION: Counting on Superman: Counting on Superman One of the saddest days of my life was when my mother told me Superman did not exist... I was like what do you mean he's not real. And she thought I was crying because it's like Santa Claus is not real and I was crying because there was no one coming with enough power to save us. -- Geoffrey Canada (Harlem Children's Zone)That's the quote
Turkey wants Fremont school board to reject charter school - ContraCostaTimes.com
Turkey wants Fremont school board to reject charter school - ContraCostaTimes.com: Turkey wants Fremont school board to reject charter schoolFILE - In this Sept. 24, 2013 file photo, Turkish Islamic preacher Fethullah Gulen is pictured at his residence in Saylorsburg, Pennsylvania, United States. Police conducted raids in a dozen Turkish cities Sunday, detaining at least 24 people including journa
San Diego Elementary Teacher Pens Powerful Defense of Fair Share - California Teachers Association
San Diego Elementary Teacher Pens Powerful Defense of Fair Share - California Teachers Association: SAN DIEGO ELEMENTARY TEACHER PENS POWERFUL DEFENSE OF FAIR SHARE(Photo) During a recent education conference in Sacramento, Panelist Lindsay Burningham stresses the importance of legislators, school boards, and administrators hearing teachers’ voices, something their unions facilitate.The conservati
Arizona: Strangled By An Organized Minority | Dr. Edward F. Berger
Arizona: Strangled By An Organized Minority | Dr. Edward F. Berger: Arizona: Strangled By An Organized MinorityArizona is run by a well-organized minority. They work to undermine and control representative democracy, elected boards and officials, public schools, environmental regulations, any law that limits the powers of corporations, and interference in their affairs by The People. They believe
Seeks Sponsors for Summer Meals Program - Year 2016 (CA Dept of Education)
Seeks Sponsors for Summer Meals Program - Year 2016 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Seeks Sponsors for Summer Meals ProgramSACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson today urged eligible organizations—schools, camps, nonprofits, Indian tribal governments, and government offices among them—to apply to become Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) spons
Court rules Michigan has no responsibility to provide quality public education | New Pittsburgh Courier
Court rules Michigan has no responsibility to provide quality public education | New Pittsburgh Courier: Court rules Michigan has no responsibility to provide quality public education Highland Park parent Michelle Johnson, a plaintiff in the ACLU lawsuit against the state of Michigan, says students deserve a fair education. (Zenobia Jeffries/The Michigan Citizen)DETROIT — In a blow to schoolchildr
Award-winning teacher: ‘America really doesn’t care what happens to poor people and most black people. There, I said it.’ - The Washington Post
Award-winning teacher: ‘America really doesn’t care what happens to poor people and most black people. There, I said it.’ - The Washington Post: Award-winning teacher: ‘America really doesn’t care what happens to poor people and most black people. There, I said it.’Members of Black Lives Matter DMV participate in the annual Martin Luther King Holiday Peace Walk and Parade on Jan. 18 in Washington,
City of Detroit releases DPS inspections reports, requirements...
City of Detroit releases DPS inspections reports, requirements...: Judge denies order to stop Detroit teacher 'sick-outs'Teachers involved in sick-out head to court MondayJudge denies order to stop Detroit teacher 'sick-outs' http://bit.ly/1KA8TWbDetroit schools sue to try to stop teacher absencesDetroit schools bailout package introduced to lawmakersCourt denies request for temporary restraining
Detroit Teachers Protes Hearing on Sickouts | Al Jazeera America
Detroit Teachers Protes Hearing on Sickouts | Al Jazeera America: Detroit teachers protest hearing that could put an end to sickoutsA judge is hearing a case that could stop teachers from calling in sick en masse to protest deteriorating conditionsAbout 60 Detroit teachers protested Monday outside a court where a judge is to hear arguments in a case that could force teachers to stop calling in sic
National Survey on Opting Out
National Survey on Opting Out: National Survey on Opting Out:Teachers College, Columbia University525 West 120th StreetNew York, NY 10027212 678 3000www.tc.eduNATIONAL SURVEY ON OPTING OUT OF TESTINGInformed Consent StatementNational Survey on Opting Out:You are invited to participate in a research study about the opt-out movement in the United States. We ask that you read this form before agreein
Jersey Jazzman: Once Again: The FACTS On Newark, Charters, and Spending
Jersey Jazzman: Once Again: The FACTS On Newark, Charters, and Spending: Once Again: The FACTS On Newark, Charters, and Spending I see we have to go over this once again. Fine:- TEAM Academy Charter School, the Newark branch of the nation charter chain KIPP, outscored the Montclair School District one year in one grade on one test -- by 0.2 scale score points.The next year, that same cohort of stu
Schools Matter: The Great Schools Partnership, Duke Albanese, and the Gates Foundation
Schools Matter: The Great Schools Partnership, Duke Albanese, and the Gates Foundation: The Great Schools Partnership, Duke Albanese, and the Gates FoundationToday in professional development meetings all over the country teachers are learning the virtues of "proficiency based learning," which is sometimes referred to as "competency based" education (CBE), and sometimes referre
Rick Snyder: HOW DICK CAME TO BE SHORT FOR RICHARD
HOW DICK CAME TO BE SHORT FOR RICHARDDick Or Richard You Decide Today I found out why Dick is short for Richard.The name Richard is thought by most etymologists to derive from the Proto-Germanic ‘Rikharthu’, meaning more or less “hard ruler” (‘Rik-‘ meaning ‘ruler’ and ‘-harthu’ meaning ‘hard’).  This was adopted into Old High German as ‘Ricohard’, and from there to Old French, then Old English as
West Baton Rouge school system taking lead in latest fight over funds lost to charter schools | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana
West Baton Rouge school system taking lead in latest fight over funds lost to charter schools | The Advocate — Baton Rouge, Louisiana: West Baton Rouge school system taking lead in latest fight over funds lost to charter schoolsThe West Baton Rouge Parish school system is looking to lead the charge in the latest battle over the amount of local and state tax dollars the Louisiana Department of Educ
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES: WEEKEND QUOTABLESKaren Lewis"It's just that simple, it's not rocket science, it's negotiations. Nobody's going to be happy, completely happy, with the outcome," she said. "They're going to have to give a little, we have to give a little. That's what contract negotiations are, but we're doing fairly well." --Chicago TribuneForres
An Open Letter to Teachers and Staff at No Excuses Charter Schools | EduShyster
An Open Letter to Teachers and Staff at No Excuses Charter Schools | EduShyster: An Open Letter to Teachers and Staff at No Excuses Charter SchoolsThe former dean of students at a New Orleans charter school urges teachers and staff at No Excuses schools to ask some hard questions about the model’s social and emotional costs…By Ramon GriffinDear You:You were selected to teach at your school because
NY Charter School Diva Defends Harsh Discipline; Parents File Civil Rights Complaint | janresseger
NY Charter School Diva Defends Harsh Discipline; Parents File Civil Rights Complaint | janresseger:NY Charter School Diva Defends Harsh Discipline; Parents File Civil Rights ComplaintLast Wednesday, 13 New York City parents filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights.  The parents claim that New York’s Success Academy Charter Schools have persistently vi
EXCLUSIVE: ESSA and Charter Schools: Part 7 | Diane Ravitch's blog
EXCLUSIVE: ESSA and Charter Schools: Part 7 | Diane Ravitch's blog: EXCLUSIVE: ESSA and Charter Schools: Part 7EXCLUSIVE: Lamar Alexander’s Staff Explains ESSA: PART 1 | Diane Ravitch's blog http://bit.ly/1QlmO8KEXCLUSIVE: Senator Alexander’s Staff: ESSA and Teacher Evaluation, Part 2 | Diane Ravitch's blog http://bit.ly/1RzT9KjEXCLUSIVE: What Does ESSA Say About Bottom 5% of Schools: Part 3 | Dia
Jeb Bush praises Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for ‘stepping up’ response to Flint poisoned-water crisis
Jeb Bush praises Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for ‘stepping up’ response to Flint poisoned-water crisis:Jeb Bush praises Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder for ‘stepping up’ response to Flint poisoned-water crisisJeb Bush on Sunday praised Rick Snyder, the beleaguered governor of Michigan, for “stepping up” in response to the crisis over lead-poisoned drinking water in the city of Flint.Related: Donald Trump
Cartoons on Digital Life | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice
Cartoons on Digital Life | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Cartoons on Digital LifeFor this month, I have selected an array of cartoons that slice-and-dice the influence of digital technologies on our daily lives. Enjoy!Cartoons on Digital Life | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice:
Hostile Charter Takeovers Sideline Communities – Cloaking Inequity
Hostile Charter Takeovers Sideline Communities – Cloaking Inequity: Hostile Charter Takeovers Sideline CommunitiesWhat the education reformers’ policies (charters, vouchers, high-stakes testing, Common Core, VAM etc.) have in common is that they are top-down and focus on private control and privatization. I discussed these common denominators during the Cambridge Forum that was syndicated national
Teacher-Recruitment Challenges: A Special Report - Education Week
Teacher-Recruitment Challenges: A Special Report - Education Week: TEACHER-RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES: A SPECIAL REPORTThis special report explores the factors behind the recent teacher shortages in many areas and highlights initiatives designed to improve district hiring processes and tap new pools of prospective educators. Intended to give education leaders actionable intelligence on the teacher-rec
Fixes for DPS can't come fast enough — literally
Fixes for DPS can't come fast enough — literally: Fixes for DPS can't come fast enough — literallySay this for more than a month of "sick-outs," unofficial strikes staged by Detroit Public Schools teachers — they've brought the district's horrors clearly into focus: a dead mouse in one elementary school, classrooms so cold that children expect to wear coats until noon; pictures from anot
Denver’s unified school enrollments may offer Boston a lesson - The Boston Globe
Denver’s unified school enrollments may offer Boston a lesson - The Boston Globe: Denver’s unified school enrollments may offer Boston a lessonDENVER — A few years ago, parents here faced a bewildering array of options when selecting their children’s schools. There were more than 60 enrollment systems within Denver Public Schools alone, and another set for the city’s charter schools, each with dis
Obama on Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders - Business Insider
Obama on Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders - Business Insider: OBAMA: Bernie Sanders 'tapped into a running thread in Democratic politics'In a Politico interview published Monday morning, President Barack Obama weighed in on the 2016 Democratic presidential primary.Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont) has been surging in the race against former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, whom Obama also waged an
Chicago teachers union leader pledges to enforce austerity - World Socialist Web Site
Chicago teachers union leader pledges to enforce austerity - World Socialist Web Site: Chicago teachers union leader pledges to enforce austerityNegotiations between the Chicago Teachers Union (CTU) and the administration of Mayor Rahm Emanuel continue amid growing resistance from workers to austerity nationwide, including teachers in Detroit. In the face of this, the president of the CTU Karen Le
Detroit teachers face off with EM Earley over legality of 'sick-outs' Monday | MLive
Detroit teachers face off with EM Earley over legality of 'sick-outs' Monday | MLive.com: Detroit teachers face off with EM Earley over legality of 'sick-outs' MondayCheck back with MLive after 11 a.m. for news on the outcome of the court hearing.DETROIT, MI -- On the day President Barack Obama visited Michigan to attend the Detroit auto show, 88 of Detroit's nearly 100 public schools were closed.
Charter schools' rapid growth questioned | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com
San Diego charter schools stir conflicts | SanDiegoUnionTribune.com: Charter schools' rapid growth questionedSan Diego charter school advocate now facing felony charge ignited boom in charters By the time Steve Van Zant left the Mountain Empire School District in 2013, he had overseen the authorization of more than a dozen charter schools to operate in other districts throughout the county — with
Report’s Replete with Points to Consider About Testing of Garden State Students - NJ Spotlight
Report’s Replete with Points to Consider About Testing of Garden State Students - NJ Spotlight: REPORT’S REPLETE WITH POINTS TO CONSIDER ABOUT TESTING OF GARDEN STATE STUDENTSPanel’s review of use of standardized exams stresses need to review goals of all student assessments and to not rush changeLost in the drama over whether New Jersey would drop the Common Core State Standards was a second repo
Counting What Counts: Five Dilemmas Facing Education
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YESTERDAY

Some of Those Gov.-Snyder-Released Emails on the Flint Water Crisis | deutsch29
Some of Those Gov.-Snyder-Released Emails on the Flint Water Crisis | deutsch29: Some of Those Gov.-Snyder-Released Emails on the Flint Water CrisisOn January 20, 2016, Michigan Governor Rick Snyder released a 274-page file of his emails related to the Flint water crisis.The January 20, 2016, Detroit News article references certain emails in Snyder’s release as being key to understanding state cul
Over 200 Educators in New York Receive Erroneous Scores Linked to Student Performance - The New York Times
Over 200 Educators in New York Receive Erroneous Scores Linked to Student Performance - The New York Times: Over 200 Educators in New York Receive Erroneous Scores Linked to Student Performance More than 200 teachers and principals received erroneous scores from New York State on a contentious measurement that ties their performance to how well their students do on tests, according to state docume
The Call to Stand Up For Students
The Call to Stand Up For Students: The Call to Stand Up For StudentsRank and File Teachers Call on NYSUT Leadership to Do MoreWe are a coalition of educators motivated by a desire to provide our students with an authentic, developmentally appropriate, culturally relevant, and child-centered public education. As we near the 2016 testing season, hundreds of thousands of young learners will be asked
Ed Notes Online: Salon on WE CAUCUS: “11,000 smart, committed teachers can change the world”:
Ed Notes Online: Salon on WE CAUCUS: “11,000 smart, committed teachers can change the world”: A group of working Philadelphia teachers is looking to upset the status quo of the teachers union: Salon on WE CAUCUS: “11,000 smart, committed teachers can change the world”: A group of working Philadelphia teachers is looking to upset the status quo of the teachers unionFrom left: Amy Roat, Yaasiyn Muha
Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 1/23/15
CORPORATE ED REFORMHow can Donald Trump be so wrong (and yet so right about middle class anger) - Wait What?How can Donald Trump be so wrong (and yet so right about middle class anger) - Wait What?: How can Donald Trump be so wrong (and yet so right about middle class anger)“With all due respect” to Donald Trump’s supporters, there is absolutely no doubt that Trump is a sociopath, psychopathic, lu