Merry Christmas to All!
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Wherever you are, I wish you a very Merry Christmas. I wish you happiness,
joy, and many reasons to smile in the year ahead. I don’t know about you,
but I ...
Some Christmas Tunery
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Here at the Institute (where the Board of Directors still firmly believe in
Santa Claus), we like our seasonal music, both as consumers and as
producers,...
Finding Light in Winter by Mary Pipher
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The mornings are dark, the late afternoons are dusky, and before we finish
making dinner, the daylight is gone. As we approach the darkest days of the
ye...
Last Minute Gift Ideas!
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We've been bombarded with "last minute" gift idea promotions since at least
mid-November, but now, finally, the last minute is truly upon us. As a
publi...
Cartoons about the Holiday Season
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Here are some cartoons that got me to smile about this time of year. I hope
they will do the same for you. Happy holidays to all of my readers. Enjoy!
HAIRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAIRY HANUKKAH TOO!
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*HAIRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAIRY HANUKKAH TOO!*
* The Big Hairy Education Ape Spreads Holiday Cheer! Ah, December! The time
of year when the air tur...
About the Social Security Fairness Act
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On December 21, 2024, the US Senate passed the Social Security Fairness
Act, otherwise known as HR 82, a bill that restores full Social Security
benefits t...
Apologies to Dan Alicea
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I want to truly apologize to Daniel Alicea. On November 30, Dan wrote a
blog post about how, despite millions of dollars being available, Mulgrew
refused...
The 2024 NPE “Coal in the Stocking” Awards
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At NPE, we know who is naughty and nice when it comes to supporting our
public schools and their students.
The post The 2024 NPE “Coal in the Stocking” A...
Big Lies of Education: Grade Retention
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The Big Lie of grade retention in the US is that it is often hidden within
larger reading legislation and policy, notably since the 2010s: Westall and
Cumm...
Juntos lo haremos
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En el año que viene, tendremos que tomar decisiones difíciles sobre quienes
queremos ser en cada comunidad y como nación. Ha sido un año muy intenso.
Desde...
WTF, Democratic Caucus?
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Why is the failure of this current budget bill being blamed on Republicans
when almost every single Democrat voted against it? If only half of the
Dems had...
Peace through Beauty
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I am and always have been more musical than I have been verbal. I have
always found beauty in sound. Often it can be purely instrumental, such as
playing...
San Diego School Board Election Outcomes
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By Thomas Ultican 12/17/2024 Before the recent election, I wrote
recommendations for several school board seats in San Diego County. The San
Diego County R...
SPI Supports SB 48 to Keep ICE Off School Campuses
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State Superintendent Tony Thurmond sponsors Senate Bill 48 to keep
Immigration and Customs Enforcement off of school campuses, protecting
school attendance...
Schrödinger’s Cat
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Schrödinger’s cat is a famous thought experiment in which the renowned
scientist pondered how a cat in a closed box could be thought of as
simultaneously a...
In Memoriam: Nikki Giovanni
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The literary and cultural world has lost an irreplaceable voice with the
passing of Nikki Giovanni. As one of the most celebrated poets and
activists of ou...
Education Has Failed and What Can We Do Next?
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Education has failed to prepare children for the world today. Despite the
increased investment, impactful reforms, hardworking teachers and school
leaders,...
Defining Productivity, Cost, and Efficiency
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Recycled material here… The central problem with US public schools is often
characterized as an efficiency problem. We spend a lot and don’t get much
for i...
November Parent Engagement Resources
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Greeting a family in their preferred language is a small gesture that
demonstrates respect and eagerness to connect with parents. Creating a
Welcoming Envi...
Try Substack?
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Seems like the popular new thing. Here’s my first try – it’s about
yesterday’s UFT Retired Teachers Chapter meeting – first ever not run by
Unity. (Spoiler...
Number 18 — A barely-hanging-on Blogoversary
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Blogoversary #18 SEPTEMBER 14, 2006 I started this blog while I was still
teaching, in 2006. I had just begun my 31st year as an educator. Just like
in pre...
Student "Growth" Measures Are STILL Biased
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This caught my attention:
New Jersey school districts may soon be evaluated differently, *with a
greater emphasis on student growth* as compared to stud...
AIN’T IT AWFUL
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As the terrible feelings of dread and angst spread across the world the
great majority of the American people feel powerless before the onslaught
of those ...
The Sky is Falling, or is it?
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Well, this is the first anniversary of the introduction of Generative AI in
the form of ChatGPT to the world of education. Before it was a week old,
over o...
Vote NO on the UFT Contract. Here is Why:
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The best reason to vote no on this contract is this: UFT Unity* lied* to us
in 2018. They misrepresented that contract. It was predicated on deals we
wer...
Metaphors in ‘I Have a Dream’ Speech
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In this article, we will explore the powerful use of metaphors in Martin
Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” ...
Read more
Testimony to the CPS Truancy Task Force
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I prepared testimony for one of two public hearings held by the Chicago
Public Schools Truancy Task Force, a body mandated by state legislation.
The meetin...
There Is A Teacher Shortage.Not.
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THERE IS A TEACHER SHORTAGE. And just to be sure you understand, it’s not
that teachers don’t want to teach. It’s not that there aren’t enough
teachers cer...
Book Banning Turns to Dick and Jane
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Breaking News: Dateline February 4, 2022 - Parents in Dimwitty, Alabama
have asked the Dimwitty Board of Education to ban the children's primer *Fun
with...
Have You Heard Has a New Website
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TweetHave You Heard has a new website. Visit us at
www.haveyouheardpodcast.com to find our latest episodes and our entire
archive. And be sure to check out...
Follow me at Substack
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I've moved. Follow me at Substack
I'm now posting regularly at Substack. You can subscribe for free to my new
Edu/Pol blog at michaelklonsky.substack.com
...
Aspiring Teachers Get New Help Paying For College
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[image: colorful classroom pattern]
*; Credit: shuoshu/Getty Images*
Cory Turner | NPR
New rules kick in today that will help aspiring teachers pay for c...
Tips Akses Situs Judi Qq Tanpa Perlu Takut Nawala
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Kegiatan berjudi slot melalui situs judi qq online, sekarang sudah
dilakukan oleh banyak penjudi Indonesia. Tentu, Kamu yang sedang membaca
artikel ini a...
The Threat of Integration
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I have lived in the same house in the Miracle Mile section of Los Angeles
for over 30 years, where up until now I have had little or no interaction
with th...
We fight for a democracy worthy of us all!
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The nation stands at a crossroads, said NEA President Lily Eskelsen García
in her final keynote address to the 2020 NEA Representative Assembly and
it’s up...
The Passing Of Chaz 1951-2020 Age 69
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I am the son of Chaz and like to inform you that he passed away this
afternoon from the COVID virus. My father passed in peace beside his loved
ones. We ar...
The Fight For Our Children
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*The number of suicides among people ages 10 to 24 nationally increased by
56 percent between 2007 and 2017, according to a new federal report showing
the ...
Read to Self: Just a Kid and a Book.
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Date: Monday, January 5, 2020 Place: My classroom Student: Mrs.Mims, could
we start doing Read to Self again because I got this great book for
Christmas an...
Keeping Progressive Schools Alive
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Dear Friends and Colleagues, Happy New Year and a special thanks to those
who respond to past blogs about choice, et al. I always mean to respond to
each c...
Reminiscences
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I just finished dumping the rest of my lesson plans. I guess I held on to
the calculus ones for so long because I spent so much time working on them
an...
Just Asking for some Teachers I know.
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Recently Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers stated, We must … recognize that
part of supporting our kids in the classroom means supporting the educators
who t...
Cara Menang Bermain Judi Bola Online
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Bermain judi bola online tentu saja memiliki kesenangannya tersendiri baik
itu mendapatkan keuntungan maupun ketika menantikan hasil skor pada sebuah
perta...
A Critique of Standards-Based Grading
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It first happened to me about ten years ago. I was beginning my third year
of teaching in a new school in Washington, DC. Social studies teachers were
si...
My First and Last Visit to Hudson Yards
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Figuring I did not need to invite any more darkness and vulgarity into my
head than that provided on a daily basis from Trump’s White House, and
after read...
The World According to Michelle Rhee
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The men behind the curtain fashioning the brave new world of corporate run
education in America! Michelle Rhee is the founder of StudentsFirst, The
New T...
Whose Opinions Matter in Education World?
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It's hard to identify education heroes and sheroes. And perhaps even harder
to pinpoint just whose work is slanted, paid-for and dishonest.
Blockchain: Life on the Ledger
-
Originally posted on Wrench in the Gears:
I created this video as a follow up to the one I prepared last year on
Social Impact Bonds. It is time to examine...
New Local Businesses in Sacramento
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Starting a new local business in Sacramento is a monumental task, but can
be accomplished with footwork, perseverance and knowledge. One must learn
the loc...
Lesson Plan: Rhyme and Rhythm in Poetry
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I’ve started a recent unit on poetry with my class. I’m not a poet, and I’m
not a poetry fan (I don’t hate it, but I’m a prose gal), so this makes it
harde...
The Apotheosis of Betsy DeVos
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Betsy Devos has drawn few headlines in recent months, and that is a good
thing for the Secretary of Education. Her tenure began with Vice President
Mike P...
Education Is a Civic Question
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In their final post to end Bridging Differences' decade-long run, Deborah
Meier and Harry Boyte urge readers to put the energy, talents, wisdom, and
hard w...
Site News: New Home for Education News & Commentary
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Quick! Get over there! The daily education news roundup and education
commentaries that you're probably looking for are now being published over
at The Gra...
Should We Be Grateful?
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In an odd turn of events, and with little explanation, Michigan Governor
Rick Snyder has decided to return the state’s School Reform Office back to
the Dep...
An Open Letter to NC Lawmakers
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An Open Letter to NC State Lawmakers and NC State Superintendent Mark
Johnson: I am a NC native, voter, and public school teacher. I am
addressing you all ...
The Secret to Fixing Schools (My Next Bestseller)
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The Secret to Fixing Schools (My next bestseller) Prologue I just finished
watching a fascinating documentary on Netflix entitled, “The Secret”. The
film p...
Farewell, Sleep
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Today is the official last day of my spring break. I've done a scientific
survey: My natural bedtime is 2 AM, and my natural wake up time is 9:41
AM. Tom...
REPORT: States With the Best and Worst Schools
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States With the Best (and Worst)Schools
By *Evan Comen, Michael B. Sauter, Samuel Stebbins and Thomas C. Frohlich*
January 20, 2017- http://247wallst.com
...
Test Refusal = People Power
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In recent months, social media has been ablaze with talk of regular folk
taking action to resist the Trump agenda. Protests are a daily occurrence,
and ev...
Random Musings and Observations. . . .
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I’ve been gone a while from the blogging scene. Some of my more regular
readers no doubt noticed but did not hassle me about it. Thank you for
that. Sinc...
AB 934: A LEGISLATIVE FIX FOR VERGARA?
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By Michael Stratford | in the Politco Morning Education Report | via email
05/24/2016 10:00 AM EDT :: Two national education groups are backing a
Califor...
MY NEW BLOG
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My new blog will consist of fictitious headlines, meant to be a blend of
humor and satire. I apologize ahead of time if any other satirical site has
simila...
Thank you
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Dear Readers,
Thank you for visiting *The Perimeter Primate*. This blog is being retired
for the time being. Although I no longer post here, I do still s...
I am Retiring
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I have some news: I am retiring from the PBS NewsHour and Learning Matters.
[[ This is a content summary only. Visit my website for full links, other
conte...
New Beginnings: Kickstarter and EdWeek Teacher
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Greetings to InterACT readers one and all! If you’ve been following posts
here recently you might recall that I’m moving my blogging activity to
other loca...
Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School
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*“With Adelaide L. Sanford Charter School closing, Newark families must
move on.”* The Star-Ledger (NJ), 6/25/2013
NEWARK — Bobby and Troy Shanks saw the...
CURMUDGUCATION: Elizabeth Warren's Better Answer On Testing Elizabeth Warren's Better Answer On Testing Yesterday the NEA did quickie interviews with ten of the Democratic candidates, ranging from the front-runners like Sanders and Warren all the way down to (checks notes)-- some guy named Tim Ryan who is apparently also running. There were plenty of fine moment and plenty of pandering, and, it h
Independence Day: Why the Republic Requires Rebellion | The Crucial Voice of the PeopleThe Crucial Voice of the People Independence Day: Why the Republic Requires Rebellion This Independence Day brings with it a new sense of urgency in the fight to save public education. Because Education Secretary Betsy DeVos is continuing to advance her personal agenda —unchecked by Congress—it is our duty to s
The Steaming Turd That is Michigan's Third Grade Reading Law - Teacher Habits The Steaming Turd That is Michigan’s Third Grade Reading Law In October of 2016, after about three years of debate, the then governor of Michigan, Rick Snyder, signed a third grade reading bill into law that called for the retention of any third grader who scored more than one year behind grade level on the state test.
Big Education Ape: WATCH THE VIDEO: Strong Public Schools Presidential Forum #REDFORED #CTA #StrongPublicSchools #ra19 #nea #neara19 #houston MEDIA COVERAGE OF THE STRONG PUBLIC SCHOOLS PRESIDENTIAL FORUM Strong Public Schools Presidential Forum WATCH THE VIDEO Big Education Ape: 2020 Presidential Hopefuls Court Educators at NEA Representative Assembly - NEA Today https://bigeducationape.blogspot
The Country’s Second Largest School District Enters a New Era The Country’s Second Largest School District Enters a New Era We support academic accountability, which is why we want update the renewal criteria. But, additional oversight would be out of line. ” – Cassy Horton California Charter School Association After the forced resignation of former Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) Sup
NYC Educator: Principals' Principles--How Low Can They Go? Principals' Principles--How Low Can They Go? I know principals who'd laugh at that picture. I know others who'd place their noses in the air and feign horror. They're way too important to entertain jokes about their Very Important Work. Of course, those who take themselves uber-seriously have enormous potential to be terrible leaders. The
CURMUDGUCATION: Eight Weeks of Summer: Learning Conditions Eight Weeks of Summer: Learning Conditions This post is week 4 of 8 in the 8 Weeks of Summer Blog Challenge for educators. I'm continuing this challenge, answering the questions from the viewpoint of my old non-retired self. Here's this week's prompt: What are optimal conditions in which to learn, for you, and for students? For me, it's m
Andrea Gabor: The Slow But Steady Decline of the Charter Industry | Diane Ravitch's blog Andrea Gabor: The Slow But Steady Decline of the Charter Industry Andrea Gabor is one of the most interesting education writers around. She holds the Bloomberg Chair in Business Journalism at Baruch College. Her articles appear on sites read by people in the business world. Yet she has a firm grasp of educati
2020 Presidential Hopefuls Court Educators at NEA Representative Assembly - NEA Today 2020 Presidential Hopefuls Court Educators at NEA Representative Assembly NEA President Lily Eskselsen García gets ready to introduce the first candidate at the #StrongPublicSchools presidential forum. “Election 2020 starts right here, right now!” NEA President Lily Eskelsen García announced to the almost 7,000
WaPo Board still loves IMPACT for DCPS | GFBrandenburg's Blog WaPo Board still loves IMPACT for DCPS The Washington Post editorial board has a long history of opposing unions, especially of teachers. They have been steadfast backers of proven liars and cheats such as Michelle Rhee and her hand-picked acolytes and successors. They pretend everything was horrible about publication education in DC b
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Meet the Candidates to Fill Betty Patu's Seat Meet the Candidates to Fill Betty Patu's Seat There are 12(!) people vying for Patu's seat . Clearly, the remaining Board members have their work cut out for them. Of the 12: - 9 are women - 3 are men - At least eight included photos that would indicate that they are people of color. Five appear to be African-American,
CURMUDGUCATION: CAP & Fordham Shoot The Moon CAP & Fordham Shoot The Moon When the Moonshot For Kids competition first crossed my screen, I took a moment to consider it as a topic for commentary, then moved on. But then this tweet popped up today: CAP K-12 Education @EdProgress What is education’s version of the self-driving car? Let @ edprogress and @ educationgadfly know your innovative idea to
Education Research Report THIS WEEK Education Research Report U.S. teachers work second jobs by Jonathan Kantrowitz / 1h Complete Report Classes have ended for the summer at public schools across the United States, but a sizable share of teachers are still hard at work at second jobs outside the classroom. Among all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the U.S., 16% worked non-schoo
Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 This Week With Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... The latest news and resources in education since 2007 Ed Tech Digest by Larry Ferlazzo / 3min Six years ago, in another somewhat futile attempt to reduce the backlog of resources I want to share, I began this occasional “Ed Tech Digest” post where
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all KEEP UP/ CATCH UP WITH DIANE RAVITCH'S BLOG A site to discuss better education for all Big Education Ape: My New Book Was Just Announced! | Diane Ravitch's blog - https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2019/05/my-new-book-was-just-announced-diane.html Big Education Ape: My Favorite Things | Diane Ravitch's blog @dianeravitch - http:/
Strong Public Schools Presidential Forum Strong Public Schools Presidential Forum Join NEA President Lily Eskelsen García as she hosts the Strong Public Schools 2020 Presidential Forum on Friday, July 5! We’ll be sitting down with former Vice President Joe Biden, Former HUD Secretary Julián Castro, Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Sen. Kamala Harris, Gov. Jay Inslee, Sen. Amy Klobuchar, former Rep. Beto O’Ro
The strike that brought teachers unions back from the dead - Vox The strike that brought teachers unions back from the dead When these Chicagoans walked off the job in 2012, they changed the future of organizing. On the morning of September 10, 2012, the bells rang to open Chicago’s public schools, but there were no teachers in the classrooms. The night before, negotiations with Chicago’s reform-
5 Effective Techniques For Improving Student Performance With the Help Of Psychology - Teacher Habits 5 Effective Techniques For Improving Student Performance With the Help Of Psychology Guest Writer: Michael Gorman 5 EFFECTIVE TECHNIQUES FOR IMPROVING STUDENT PERFORMANCE WITH THE HELP OF PSYCHOLOGY There are many different methodologies that exist today that claim to improve learning for the stu
Los Angeles: Did Austin Beutner Clear His Major Policy Speech with the Charter Lobby? | Diane Ravitch's blog Los Angeles: Did Austin Beutner Clear His Major Policy Speech with the Charter Lobby? Blogger MIchael Kohnhaas says that Los Angeles Superintendent Austin Beutner precleared a major policy speech with charter lobbyists. He provides documentation . Critics feared that the charter majority w
“Classrooms and Hope” — Mike Rose’s Reflection for the Holiday Weekend | janresseger “Classrooms and H ope” — Mike Rose’s Reflection for the Holiday Weekend If you care about children, it is pretty easy to get discouraged in a country where state budgets are shorting schools, where we celebrated the 4th of July yesterday with tanks, and where children are being warehoused at the southern border i
The Politics of Art in a San Francisco High School (Bari Weiss) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice The Politics of Art in a San Francisco High School (Bari Weiss) This op-ed column appeared in the New York Times June 28, 2019. Bari Weiss ( @bariweiss ), a staff writer and editor for the Opinion section, is the author of the forthcoming “How to Fight Anti-Semitism.” More than $8
NEA President: "Something Big Is About to Happen" - NEA Today NEA President: “Something Big Is About to Happen” In her keynote address to the 2019 National Education Association Representative Assembly on Thursday, NEA President Lily Eskelsen García told the almost 7,000 delegates that the stakes in 2020 are too high for any educator to disengage from the political process. Eskelsen García delive
It's our time to show the world what democracy looks like - Lily's Blackboard It’s our time to show the world what democracy looks like Lily’s remarks on July 4th, 2019 to the delegates of the 98 th NEA Representative Assembly, in Houston, Texas. (As prepared for delivery) HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!! BIENVENIDOS! Welcome to t he biggest family reunion EVER! This is Red/White and Blue joy! You all look so
An Open Letter to Randi Weingarten and the American Federation of Teachers Regarding the Humanitarian Crisis at the Border | Common Dreams Views An Open Letter to Randi Weingarten and the American Federation of Teachers Regarding the Humanitarian Crisis at the Border Let us carry the torch reignited by the CTU and the UTLA to illuminate the collective imagination and the bold dream for justice Du
Analysis of Poem "Let America Be America Again" by Langston Hughes | Owlcation Langston Hughes and "Let America Be America Again" "Let America Be America Again" focuses on the idea of the American dream and how, for many, attaining freedom, equality, and happiness, which the dream encapsulates, is nigh on impossible. The speaker in the poem outlines the reasons why this ideal America has gone, or
A different kind of school-choice mess in DeVos’s home state of Michigan - The Washington Post A different kind of school-choice mess in DeVos’s home state of Michigan When you think of school choice, it is highly likely you think first, or only, about charter schools as well as voucher and other programs that use public money for private and religious education. But school choice — ways that fam
A True American Patriot and a Hero of Public Education | Diane Ravitch's blog A True American Patriot and a Hero of Public Education Neema Avashia learned that her middle school in Boston was going to close. She decided that she would stand and fight. She did. She is a true patriot. She made a difference. She defeated the powerful. She is a hero of the Resistance. She joins the honor roll of this
Mike Klonsky's Blog: 4th of July Quotables 4th of July Quotables There are lots of good reasons to oppose and resist Trump's ultra-militarization and ultra-politicization of Independence Day, including the cost. But if cost is your only concern, chill out. It's a drop in the bucket when compared to using these same warplanes and tanks to invade or bomb other countries. "The image of America will
Why an 1852 speech by Frederick Douglass should be taught to students today - The Washington Post Why an 1852 speech by Frederick Douglass should be taught to students today “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” offers a window into slavery and the experiences of black Americans. “What to the Slave Is the Fourth of July?” That’s the revelatory title of a speech that black statesman and aboli
Jonetta Rose Barras on July 11 Education Town Hall – Education Town Hall Forum JONETTA ROSE BARRAS ON JULY 11 EDUCATION TOWN HALL We are privileged to have as our guest in studio for the July 11 Education Town Hall Washington, DC, journalist and political analyst Jonetta Rose Barras. She will engage with Thomas Byrd, the show’s creator and host, on a wide-ranging discussion of the state of DC’s p
CURMUDGUCATION: When The Wall Of Separation Comes Down When The Wall Of Separation Comes Down As noted earlier this week, the Supreme Court has decided to hear a case that could blow a hole in the wall separating religion from public schools . Lots of folks are salivating at the prospect, from hard-core libertarians to the Dominionist folks who think the church should take back the school system.
Seeing Stars | educationdc Seeing Stars Last week, on a broadcast of the local (and live!) radio show Education Town Hall, educators from Anacostia High School talked about the Black Lives Matter Week of Action in Schools and connected it to the school’s history and future. As Anacostia HS has only 1 star in our new STAR rating of DC’s publicly funded schools, part of that future includes working
FINALLY DESEGREGATED PUBLIC EDUCATION- THE BEST REPARATION - Perdaily.com FINALLY DESEGREGATED PUBLIC EDUCATION- THE BEST REPARATION The Civil War ended in 1865 with the occupation of the South by Northern troops, which established a Reconstruction plan to try and dismantle the South's several centuries old culture founded on slavery and the institutionalized legal inferiority of African American
Charter School Advocates Try to Downplay Growing Opposition to Charter Schools | Dissident Voice Charter School Advocates Try to Downplay Growing Opposition to Charter Schools Prominent charter school advocates are understandably shaken and worried about the growing tide of opposition to privately-operated nonprofit and for-profit charter schools that have been wreaking havoc across the country f
We asked every Democratic candidate for president about desegregating schools. Here’s what they told us. We asked every Democratic candidate for president about desegregating schools. Here’s what they told us. When California Senator Kamala Harris challenged Joe Biden on his past opposition to school integration programs during a Democratic primary debate, she started a conversation few candidate
Carol Burris Responds to Charter Industry Critique of NPE’s “Asleep At the Wheel” | Diane Ravitch's blog Carol Burris Responds to Charter Industry Critique of NPE’s “Asleep At the Wheel” Last March, the Network for Public Education released a report written and researched by Carol Burris and Jeff Bryant, titled Asleep At the Wheel. It reviewed grants awarded by the federal Charter Schools Program
Neoliberalism Undermines the Common Good by Promoting Vouchers and Charter Schools | janresseger Neoliberalism Undermines the Common Good by Promoting Vouchers and Charter Schools When you read about “neoliberalism,” do you clearly understand the term and what people mean when they talk about neoliberal education reform? It is confusing because “neoliberal” is used to describe policies we typical
Hostile Takeover 2.0 – redqueeninla Hostile Takeover 2.0 Charter schools in California band together as an embattled group, agitating for hostile takeover of the Public Commons. They serially convene, dissolve and reform a plethora of working groups to bombard public schools with “messaging” and disinformation. The groups as well as charters themselves of course, drain resources from schools, nec
Parent Sues over New Orleans Charter High School Grade-fixing Fiasco | deutsch29 Parent Sues over New Orleans Charter High School Grade-fixing Fiasco A New Orleans charter high school operated by New Beginnings Schools, John F. Kennedy High School at Lake Area, is in the throes of a grade-fixing scandal that has resulted in at least 92 out of 177 (that’s 52 percent) of its Class of 2019 deemed in
Success Academy (Again) Takes — And Bombs — The Algebra II Regents | Gary Rubinstein's Blog Success Academy (Again) Takes — And Bombs — The Algebra II Regents Last year I wrote about how the top charter chain in New York City, Success Academy, only managed to have three students get between 52% and 72% of the questions correct on the Algebra II Regents. In New York State, the standardized end of
Bernie Sanders Takes a Sledgehammer to Student Debt Bernie Sanders Takes a Sledgehammer to Student Debt Bottom line is we should not be punishing people for getting a higher education. It is time to hit the reset button. ” – Bernie Sanders Americans currently have about $1.6 Trillion in outstanding student loan debt. This has crushing consequences for our economy as some debtors struggle to pay o
Who is Choosing Who? A Charter School Places Barriers to Entry Who is Choosing Who? A Charter School Places Barriers to Entry “ This is a conditional admission practice contrary to the law requiring charter schools to admit all who wish to attend. ” - LAUSD Charter School Division When the Los Angeles Unified School District’s (LAUSD) Charter School Division recommended that the school board deny
CURMUDGUCATION: Big Brother Is Listening (More Ed Tech From The Surveillance State) Big Brother Is Listening (More Ed Tech From The Surveillance State) We have repeatedly seen examples of ed tech innovations that hinge on surveillance, and not just surveillance, but software to interpret what the surveilled data means. This results in some huge promises. Here's software that says it will read stu
L.A. Charter School Backers Plan to ‘Take Back’ Mayor’s Office, Battle Teachers Union, Internal Email Shows | KTLA L.A. Charter School Backers Plan to ‘Take Back’ Mayor’s Office, Battle Teachers Union, Internal Email Shows In the wake of the Los Angeles teachers strike, a group of key charter school supporters, concerned about political backlash, worked on a plan to stem anti-charter sentiment an
Agenda - 2019 NEA Annual Meeting NATIONAL EDUCATION ASSOCIATION 2019 ANNUAL MEETING SUMMARY OF EVENTS Houston, Texas TENTATIVE MEETING AND EVENT SCHEDULE Dates and Times are Subject to Change Last Updated 7/01/2019 Advance Virtual Policy Hearing Schedule Thursday, June 27 Friday, June 28 Saturday, June 29 Sunday, June 30 Monday, July 1 Tuesday, July 2 Wednesday, July 3 Thursday, July 4 Friday, Ju
A Note to Readers | Diane Ravitch's blog A Note to Readers Jersey Jazzman: Do Test Scores Go Up When Tests Are Harder? by dianeravitch / 44min Jersey Jazzman untangles a simpleminded assertion by New Jersey Reformers: Harder Tests Make kids smarterand Cause scores to go up. We have been hearing this claim since NCLB was enacted. And we must ask, what’s the connection between scores going up and l
New Orleans becomes first major American city without traditional schools | The Lens New Orleans becomes first major American city without traditional schools On a typically hot July 1 in south Louisiana, when many students and educators are enjoying long holiday vacations, New Orleans has quietly become the first major American city without any traditional schools. The Orleans Parish school dist
Cruelty and Chaos 2020 – #CloseTheCamps – with special guest Sandra Cordero of Families Belong Together | Eclectablog Cruelty and Chaos 2020 – #CloseTheCamps – with special guest Sandra Cordero of Families Belong Together Sandra Cordero on Twitter: @Sandipatticee Families Belong Together on Twitter: @Fams2gether Families Belong Together’s website: FamiliesBelongTogether.org Find a #CloseTheCamps
Tech Innovations and School Reform: Blood Cousins | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice Tech Innovations and School Reform: Blood Cousins When asked how I got interested in the uses of technology in schools and classrooms, I answer that I was the target for a quarter-century of high-tech innovations and classroom reforms when I taught high school history and as a district administ
Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 A VERY BUSY DAY Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 “Q&A Collections: Best Ways to Begin the School Year” by Larry Ferlazzo / 2h Q&A Collections: Best Ways to Begin the School Year is the headline of my latest Education Week Teacher column. Al
The Breaststroke (A Reflection on the 2019-2020 School Year) | The Jose Vilson THE BREASTSTROKE (A REFLECTION ON THE 2019-2020 SCHOOL YEAR) The last time I went into a swimming pool, I did my usual routine. I’d put my full right foot in, slowly lean with my left foot, and draft full body into the water. I’d wait a few minutes before doing an accelerated vertical drop so as to wet my shoulders and
Seattle Schools Community Forum: The Strange Case of Tracy Castro-Gill The Strange Case of Tracy Castro-Gill On my way out the door for blogging about Seattle Public Schools, there are two last posts to write. One is about my thoughts on the district we have today and what I see for its future. For those who don't keep up here at the blog, I announced some time back (actually years in the making)
The Matrix and the Failure of Diversity | radical eyes for equity The Matrix and the Failure of Diversity Several years ago, I wrote a confessional and tongue-in-cheek poem about having watched The Matrix a full 13 years after its release. My childhood and adolescence had been fully steeped in science fiction —including my mother’s love of mid-twentieth century B-movies that often blurred science
My All-Time Favorite Movie (and a Few Current Favorites) | Diane Ravitch's blog Today Is My Birthday | Diane Ravitch's blog https://wp.me/p2odLa-mzF THESE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVORITE THINGS Raindrops on roses And whiskers on kittens Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens Brown paper packages tied up with strings These are a few of my favorite things Cream-colored ponies and crisp apple strude
The Education Deserts of Rural America - The Atlantic The Education Deserts of Rural America The college-completion gap between rural and urban residents is widening. One in three Montanans lives more than 60 minutes from the nearest college campus. The tracts of land that separate these individuals and institutions are sometimes called “education deserts,” and they cover many patches of rural Am
CURMUDGUCATION: This Case Could Break The Wall Between Church And School This Case Could Break The Wall Between Church And School Three weeks ago, I wrote about the Espinoza v. Montana Department of Revenue case for Forbes , trying to explain why it would be a big deal if the Supremes decided to hear this case. One thing has changed since then-- the court has decided they will hear the case. This
Charter School Advocates Reject Analysis | Dissident Voice Charter School Advocates Reject Analysis Advocates of privately-operated charter schools that siphon billions of dollars a year from public schools have been a little more defensive and restive than usual in recent months. This is to be expected given the growing number of mainstream and academic reports exposing their long-standing probl
Today Is My Birthday | Diane Ravitch's blog Today Is My Birthday I was born 81 years ago in St. Joseph’s Hospital in Houston, Texas, at 12:01 am. Eighty is the new 60. No, the new 50. Or 40. I am third of eight children. My mother was born in Bessarabia and came to this country when she was 9 years old. She was a very proud graduate of the Houston public schools. My grandfather in Houston was a t
My All-Time Favorite Movie (and a Few Current Favorites) | Diane Ravitch's blog My All-Time Favorite Movie (and a Few Current Favorites) My all-time favorite movie is “ Singin’ in the Rain. ” I have lost track of how many times I have seen it. Every time I see it, I enjoy it all over again. Gene Kelly and Donald O’Connor are a great singing and dancing team. Nineteen-year-old Debbie Reynolds is b
Louisiana Educator: The Common Core Debacle Proves We Can't Educate Kids Better Than a Cave Man. The Common Core Debacle Proves We Can't Educate Kids Better Than a Cave Man. Here is an excellent article describing the real reasons for the teacher shortage happening in other states as well as Louisiana. The following is a quote in the article from a teacher who quit teaching recently partly becaus
As Ohio Budget Negotiations Drag On, Conference Committee Should Leave State School Takeovers Out of the Budget | janresseger As Ohio Budget Negotiations Drag On, Conference Committee Should Leave State School Takeovers Out of the Budget This morning, July 1, marks the beginning of a new fiscal year for Ohio. Yesterday was the deadline for passage of a new budget to pay for the functions of state
The Democratic Presidential Debate: Why Were Education and Labor Ignored (except for busing)? | Ed In The Apple The Democratic Presidential Debate: Why Were Education and Labor Ignored (except for busing)? As soon as the results of the 2018 congressional elections were in the race for the 2020 Democratic nomination for president began. In the era of Facebook and Twitter elections are never-ending
Jersey Jazzman: The Facts About Newark's Schools: An Update The Facts About Newark's Schools: An Update Thanks to, among other things, Cory Booker's presidential campaign, Newark's schools remain in the spotlight. Back in 2017, Bruce Baker and I released Newark’s Schools: The Facts in an attempt to give some context to the topic. The report is admittedly long, but the story of Newark's schools ca
CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Now Where Was I Edition (6/30) CATCH UP WITH CURMUDGUCATION: ICYMI: Now Where Was I Edition (6/30) Last week I was on an actual vacation, so I'm still getting back up to speed. Here's what I've got for you to read on this muggy Sunday. Michigan's School Choice Mess Jennifer Berkshire took a road trip to Michigan for the Have You Heard podcast, to see what she could learn ab
The Candidates: How Will They Solve Society’s Problems Without Great Public Schools? The Candidates: How Will They Solve Society’s Problems Without Great Public Schools? Here we go again. Two nights of Democratic debates and public schools were only mentioned in connection with other issues. The candidates discussed climate change, gun control, health care, foreign policy, free community college,
Jeff Bryant - Independent Media Institute Our Schools Jeff Bryant Chief Correspondent, Writing Fellow for Our Schools Why Many School Districts Are Being Set Up for Fiscal Failure June 25, 2019 - Our Schools Our Schools’ Jeff Bryant in Radio Interview on Charter Schools Fight in West Virginia June 18, 2019 - Our Schools Charter Schools Are a Major Dividing Line for the 2020 Democratic Candidates—
With union backing, D.C. Council introduces proposed overhaul of controversial teacher evaluation system - The Washington Post With union backing, D.C. Council introduces proposed overhaul of controversial teacher evaluation system The District’s controversial teacher evaluation system could face significant changes under proposed legislation that would give the teachers union substantial input i
Mike Klonsky's Blog: Education not an issue for Dem debaters until the Harris/Biden clash over deseg Education not an issue for Dem debaters until the Harris/Biden clash over deseg Demand for School Integration Leads to Massive 1964 New York City School Boycott "Forcing integration upon us is not a nimble concept." -- Alabama Police Chief Eugene "Bull" Connor , 1956 For most of the 20 Democratic
Betsy DeVos' Zombie Voucher Schemes — the Unconstitutional, Undemocratic Tax Scams That Just Won't Die | Eclectablog Betsy DeVos’ Zombie Voucher Schemes — the Unconstitutional, Undemocratic Tax Scams That Just Won’t Die The week ended with yet another excellent article from Peter Greene in Forbes , this time on the dangers of “Tax Credit Scholarships”, one of Betsy DeVos major thrusts as Secreta
Mike Klonsky's Blog: After silence at the debate, Bernie puts out his ed plan and Warren defends Harris. After silence at the debate, Bernie puts out his ed plan and Warren defends Harris. Senator Bernie Sanders unveiled his education plan during a visit to South Carolina on Saturday. (Travis Dove, New York Times) Did Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren read my post from yesterday? You know, the
They called it “forced” bussing for integration. – Fred Klonsky THEY CALLED IT “FORCED” BUSSING FOR INTEGRATION. Boston in the seventies. I remember very well back to the 70s the fight around what they called “forced” bussing to integrate our schools. There were not many of us who supported bussing. To paraphrase Kamala Harris, that twenty-something defending “forced” bussing was me. And with oth
With A Brooklyn Accent: "Thank You Les Bleues"- A Tribute to the French Women's Soccer Team by Fordham Soccer Star Annie Worden "Thank You Les Bleues"- A Tribute to the French Women's Soccer Team by Fordham Soccer Star Annie Worden In the aftermath of the US Women's Soccer Team World Cup victory over France, I refuse to share anything that puts that put the French team in a poor light Those women
CURMUDGUCATION: DeVos Backs Corporate Profits Again DeVos Backs Corporate Profits Again If there is one signature feature of a DeVos doctrine, it's that the government should never, ever stand between a business and its revenue stream. That part of the doctrine was on display yesterday as DeVos officially announced her intention to let for-profit colleges do whatever the hell they want. Okay, tha
Now where do we go from here? Parent Power’s plan to reunite African American families and public education | Parents Across AmericaNow where do we go from here? Parent Power’s plan to reunite Now where do we go from here? Parent Power’s plan to reunite African American families and public education On June 21, the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) selected Teach for America alum and interim super
Big Education Ape Top Posts This Week 6/29/19 NEA Announces #StrongPublicSchools Presidential Forum Seattle Schools Community Forum: Gay Pride Month Starts Today Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle