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Saturday, December 21, 2019

TOP POSTS THIS WEEK 12/21/19 #REDFORED #tbats

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POSTS THIS WEEK 12/21/19 

TODAY

Better Than You Think | Blue Cereal Education

by Mike Simpson / 1h
Better Than You Think 10... 9... 8... 7... It’s almost the end of the semester and – more importantly – the end of another year. I’ve never been one to take on gym memberships I likely won’t use or promise to end habits I’ll probably continue. I do, however, like the idea of fresh starts. They’re rarely total and never complete, but new beginnings – like new school years, new principals, or impe
Mitchell Robinson: ProTips, Holiday Edition: Avoiding the "Corporate-Reform-Agenda-Propaganda" (i.e., CRAP) | Eclectablog

by Mike Simpson / 1h
ProTips, Holiday Edition: Avoiding the "Corporate-Reform-Agenda-Propaganda" (i.e., CRAP) | Eclectablog ProTips, Holiday Edition: Avoiding the “Corporate-Reform-Agenda-Propaganda” (i.e., CRAP) In the aftermath of the recent Public Education Forum in Pittsburgh last week, I’ve noticed an uptick in the number of education reform related posts on social media. Unfortunately, just as with our more str
EdAction in Congress for December 22, 2019 - Education Votes

by Mike Simpson / 1h
EdAction in Congress for December 22, 2019 Educators Score Big End-of-Year Wins NEA’S advocacy continues to make a difference for students and educators across the nation. And your activism and outreach to Members has been an integral part of that process. Last week’s legislative achievements are proof. Below are various funding highlights, but one of our biggest achievements is the full repeal
The Most Important Article Written about Common Core | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 1h
The Most Important Article Written about Common Core Lyndsey Layton of the Washington Post interviewed Bill Gates in 2014 and told the full story of the origin of the Common Core “State” Standards. In case the Washington Post is behind a paywall, the full text of the Layton article is here. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and other friends of the CCSS insisted that the standards were develope
HAPPY SOLSTICE EVERYONE: What is the winter solstice? - Los Angeles Times

by Mike Simpson / 1h
What is the winter solstice? - Los Angeles Times What is the winter solstice? HAPPY SOLSTICE EVERYONE By PAUL DUGINSKI GRAPHICS AND DATA JOURNALIST The December solstice in the Northern Hemisphere occurs when the North Pole reaches its maximum tilt away from the sun, causing the shortest period of daylight and the longest night of the year. In about six months, as Earth travels on its yearlong jo
Four Views: Why Mayoral Control of the NYC Schools Should Be Ended or Modified or…..? | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 2h
Four Views: Why Mayoral Control of the NYC Schools Should Be Ended or Modified or…..? Attached are four statements that were delivered (in person or by email in my case) to the New York State Assembly Education Committee Hearing on Mayoral Control. The hearings won’t result in immediate action since mayoral control was recently renewed for three years. It is hard to believe but there was a time,
The Power of Purpose at Kentucky | Cloaking Inequity

by Mike Simpson / 2h
THE POWER OF PURPOSE AT KENTUCKY This is no ordinary year. In our world, our nation, here in Kentucky and at the University of Kentucky College of Education, we have witnessed change and challenge, as well as inspirational accomplishments. In my first semester as dean, I have been awed by the passion within our students, faculty, and staff as they demonstrate time and again the heart to step up
Is There a 21st Century Report Card? | My Island View

by Mike Simpson / 3h
Is There a 21st Century Report Card? Change is inevitable and with the influence of technology it happens faster today than ever before in history. The first mobile phone call was made 45 years ago April 3, 1973, but the first true smartphone actually made its debut in 1992. In less than three decades we have redefined the purpose of a phone to be a mobile computer and camera with phone capabili
CURMUDGUCATION: OH: Voucher Crisis Looming

by Mike Simpson / 3h
OH: Voucher Crisis Looming When does a voucher program lose support? When it comes for the wealthy white districts. Ohio has quietly been working to become the Florida of North when it comes to education, with an assortment of school choice programs that are like a cancerous growth gnawing away at the health of the public school system. But now, due to a collection of lawmaker choices, the priva
Class Size Presentations of Citywide and District Trends Since 2006 | Class Size Matters

by Mike Simpson / 3h
Class Size Presentations of Citywide and District Trends Since 2006 | A clearinghouse for information on class size & the proven benefits of smaller classes Class Size Presentations of Citywide and District Trends Since 2006 The presentations below discuss citywide and district class size trends. Overall, class sizes are larger than they were in 2006 and continue to be larger than the Contract f
Catch Up With Newblackman (In Exile)

by Mike Simpson / 3h
NewBlackMan (in Exile) Jason Moran on a High Floor at the Whitney Museum by Mark Anthony Neal / 15h 'Since early fall 0f 2019, a corner of the Whitney Museum has been devoted to the sounds, thoughts, and visions of the jazz pianist and composer Jason Moran .' -- Fishko Files Laughing in Color: Headlining the Biggest Sketch Comedy Shows of the 90s by Mark Anthony Neal / 15h 'To kick off the serie
THIS WEEK Education Research Report

by Mike Simpson / 3h
Education Research Report THIS WEEK Education Research Report Homeschoolers’ Experiences by Jonathan Kantrowitz / 1d The National Center for Education Statistics released a new web tables publication today , December 19, entitled Homeschooling in the United States: Results from the 2012 and 2016 Parent and Family Involvement Survey (PFI-NHES: 2012 and 2016) . The publication provides tables and f
This Week With Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... The latest news and resources in education since 2007

by Mike Simpson / 3h
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 SEL Weekly Update by Larry Ferlazzo / 9h I’ve recently begun this weekly post where I’ll be sharing resources I’m adding to The Best Social Emotional Learning (SEL) Resources or other related “B
KEEP UP/ CATCH UP WITH DIANE RAVITCH'S BLOG A site to discuss better education for all

by Mike Simpson / 4h
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 Slaying Goliath: The Passionate Resistance to Privatization and the Fight to Save America's Public Schools CLICK HERE TO Pre-order NOW Nancy Bailey: Students Should Sue Betsy DeVos and the Other “Reformers” Who Ruined or Closed Their Schools 38 b

YESTERDAY

Why is Accountability Too Much to Ask of Charter Schools? | gadflyonthewallblog

by Mike Simpson / 21h
Why is Accountability Too Much to Ask of Charter Schools? NOTE: THIS IS WHAT I HEAR WHEN JEANNE ALLEN SPEAKS :) If you hire someone to buy your groceries, you’ll probably ask for a receipt. That’s really all education advocates want from the charter school industry . Charter schools are bankrolled with tax dollars but often run by private businesses. Is it too much to ask these businesses to acc
Has the Democratic Party reversed its attitude on charters? – Alternet.org

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Has the Democratic Party reversed its attitude on charters? Democratic presidential candidate Michael Bennet wants you to know how much he cares—really cares—about education. Speaking at the Public Education Forum 2020 , Bennet began his remarks by declaring he is “the first school superintendent in the history of America to run for president of the United States.” Bennet led the Denver school d
My Holiday Message - Lily's Blackboard

by Mike Simpson / 1d
My Holiday Message It’s my favorite season! Everywhere I look, people and little dogs are wearing red shirts and sweaters. It’s so wonderful to see their support for # RedforEd ! The holidays can be stressful for so many people. Expectations are high, often too high. As they approach, I want all NEA members to know: I support you . I appreciate you. And I wish for you peace and love and good hea
Gallup: State of America's Schools Report

by Mike Simpson / 1d
State of America's Schools Report State of America's Schools Report The State of America's Schools report presents results from Gallup's research on the conditions that lead to high-quality learning environments and promote student achievement. This report features several data sources, including results from the 2013 Gallup Student Poll, administered to more than 600,000 students in grades 5 thr
Democratic presidential hopefuls are promising to ramp up funding for public schools

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Democratic presidential hopefuls are promising to ramp up funding for public schools Democratic presidential candidates are proposing bold new approaches to the federal government’s role in public education. Former Vice President Joe Biden , Sen. Bernie Sanders and Sen. Cory Booker want to triple the US$15 billion spent annually on Title I , a program that sends federal dollars to high-poverty s
More Cartoons about Teachers and Teaching | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

by Mike Simpson / 1d
More Cartoons about Teachers and Teaching Surely, I have emptied the pool of cartoons on teachers and teaching? Nope. Here is a batch that I have not run before. Enjoy and a happy holiday to all of my viewers. CONTINUE...EVEN: More Cartoons about Teachers and Teaching | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice
The 2020 Black Lives Matter at School Week of Action T-Shirt is Here! – Black Lives Matter At School

by Mike Simpson / 1d
New 2020 Black Lives Matter at School T-Shirts! Order Today! Order your shirt today! The t-shirts are back for Black Lives Matter at School 2020! Congratulations to Fabiha Ahmed was our student-designed logo contest winner! Fabiha is a high school student at Bard High School in Queens, NYC. She writes: “Thanks to my school Bard High School Early College Queens and Dr. Kadison and Ms. Mary Jo Lom
Schools are using facial recognition to try to stop shootings. Here’s why they should think twice. - Vox

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Schools are using facial recognition to try to stop shootings. Here’s why they should think twice. Facial recognition is just one of several AI-powered security tools showing up at schools. For years, the Denver public school system worked with Video Insight, a Houston-based video management software company that centralized the storage of video footage used across its campuses. So when Panasoni
Just Try to Catch Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all Just Try to Catch Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss better education for all Prominent Evangelical Magazine Says It’s Time for Trump to Go by dianeravitch / 4min Christianity Today was founded by the late Reverend Billy Graham, the leading figure in evangelical Christianity. Its publication is Christianity Today. CT published
ProPublica: Donald Trump Jr. Visits Mongolia, Gets Special Treatment, Kills an Endangered Sheep | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 1d
ProPublica: Donald Trump Jr. Visits Mongolia, Gets Special Treatment, Kills an Endangered Sheep Someday we won’t have to think about the Trump family and their misadventures. I look forward to that day. Donald Trump Jr. went to Mongolia in the summer of 2019, and ProPublica explains what he did there. What did you do on your vacation? Did you slaughter a creature who is part of an endangered spe
Eli Broad Spends $100 Million to Buy a Yale Home and the Yale Name for His Education Leadership Center | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Eli Broad Spends $100 Million to Buy a Yale Home and the Yale Name for His Education Leadership Center This blog will take a two week holiday break. Good wishes to you for Christmas and the New Year. Look for a new post on Monday, January 6, 2020. Eli Broad just donated $100 million to Yale University’s School of Management. The gift came with a quid pro quo : Yale University’s School of Managem
Betsy DeVos’ “Backpack Full of Cash” Portable Funding Flop | deutsch29

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Betsy DeVos’ “Backpack Full of Cash” Portable Funding Flop In 2016, Stone Lantern Films released “a film exploring the real cost of privatizating America’s public schools,” Backpack Full of Cash. The movie’s title derives from a comment made by Center for Education Reform (CER) founder Jeanne Allen as Allen was being interviewed for the film: Our children have a backpack full of cash, and the sc
CURMUDGUCATION: Would Medicare-For-All Come With An Education Bonus?

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Would Medicare-For-All Come With An Education Bonus? This is the least-read thing I've ever written for Forbes , but I still wonder about the issue. So let me put it out there again. The expansion of Medicare coverage as a path to universal healthcare for the U.S. has unleashed a great deal of debate from think tanks to water coolers. One of the biggest questions remain—how much would it actuall
Would Parents Win a NYC School Board Election? or, a Billionaire? or, Charter School Supporters? | Ed In The Apple

by Mike Simpson / 1d
Would Parents Win a NYC School Board Election? or, a Billionaire? or, Charter School Supporters? In my last blog post I included my testimony to the Education Committee of the NYS Assembly and showed up bright and early on Monday to wait turn to testify. The mayoral control law is not scheduled to sunset until 6/30/22; however, as Committee Chair Benedetto explained the members wanted to explore

DEC 19

"How will we know how our kids are doing if we don't test them?" Here's how… | Eclectablog

by Mike Simpson / 2d
“How will we know how our kids are doing if we don’t test them?” Here’s how… Attending the recent Public Education Forum in Pittsburgh last weekend was a wonderful experience in many ways…getting a chance to hear what many of the presidential candidates had to say about public education; meeting some of my favorite education reporters bloggers, and activists; and finally seeing public education
LGBTQ Students Need Help, and Philanthropy Needs to Step Up | Schott Foundation for Public Education

by Mike Simpson / 2d
LGBTQ Students Need Help, and Philanthropy Needs to Step Up A new infographic highlights the challenges facing LGBTQ students and analyzes trends, gaps, and opportunities in funding for LGBTQ education issues. Produced in partnership between Funders for LGBTQ Issues and Schott, we hope this infographic will help both those in philanthropy and LGBTQ advocates to chart a better course toward a fut
BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers - POLITICO

by Mike Simpson / 2d
BIRTHDAY OF THE DAY: Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers How/where are you celebrating your birthday and with whom? “I am celebrating with my wife, Rabbi Sharon Kleinbaum, and friends. We always try to do something that neither of us has done yet -- so we’re going to the new MoMA and seeing ‘Fiddler on the Roof’ -- in Yiddish!” How did you get your start in politic
Exclusive: Betsy DeVos' family foundation funnels money to right-wing groups that boost her agenda | Salon.com

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Exclusive: Betsy DeVos' family foundation funnels money to right-wing groups that boost her agenda Trump's education secretary is "effectively funding an outside propaganda operation," says watchdog group The family foundation of Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and her billionaire husband, Dick, gave more than $1 million to purportedly “independent” right-wing groups that have helped boost her a
Seven Reasons Teachers Trust Each Other More Than…Well, Anyone | Teacher in a strange land

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Seven Reasons Teachers Trust Each Other More Than…Well, Anyone When I was a relatively young and inexperienced teacher, it became obvious to me that my school (which I liked and where I wanted to continue teaching) would not ever be providing me with professional learning commensurate with my aspirations—or my intelligence. I wanted to be a better music teacher—better ideas about music literatur
“Democracy Now” on the Public Education Forum | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 2d
“Democracy Now” on the Public Education Forum Amy Goodman, host of “Democracy Now,” interviews Carol Burris, Keron Blair, and Jitu Brown about the Public Education Forum and the fight for equity and justice. We are educating the public about the importance of changing the status quo. Ahead of the last Democratic presidential debate of the year this Thursday, seven candidates appeared Saturday at
Education may be pivotal in the 2020 election. Here’s what you need to know.

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Education may be pivotal in the 2020 election. Here’s what you need to know. Highlights from the Brown Center Chalkboard in 2019 As 2019 winds down, all eyes will soon turn to the 2020 U.S. presidential election. The cycle promises to dominate the news throughout next year, covering everything from the ongoing impeachment proceedings to health-care reform and more. While education traditionally
Can changing school funding formulas help the most vulnerable students?

by Mike Simpson / 2d
“Kids who have less, need more”: The fight over school funding A child who shows promise struggles to make it in middle school as state and national leaders debate if the country is doing enough to educate vulnerable students . WILMINGTON, Del. — Taheem Fennell, 12, loves to ride his bike. He taught himself when he was 4 years old while visiting older cousins in Pennsylvania. He remembers runnin
Andrea Gabor: How Schools Can Help In Getting an Accurate Census Count in 2020 | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Andrea Gabor: How Schools Can Help In Getting an Accurate Census Count in 2020 Andrea Gabor writes here about the importance of an accurate Census in apportioning Congressional representatives and federal resources. She shows that California leads the way in relying on schools to make sure there is an accurate head count of those who live in the state. Fears are running high that the 2020 U.S. c
IDEA Charter Chain Drops Plan to Lease a Private Jet for $2 Million a Year | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 2d
IDEA Charter Chain Drops Plan to Lease a Private Jet for $2 Million a Year Owning a charter chain is very lucrative, especially when it is one of Betsy DeVos’s favorites. Just this year, she gave the Texas-based IDEA chain $116 million from the federal Charter Schools Program to expand in Texas and Louisiana.* Feeling flush, the IDEA board of directors approved a plan to lease a private jet and
The PISA Problem – Have You Heard

by Mike Simpson / 2d
The PISA Problem The sky is falling! The sky is falling! That was the reaction when the PISA results were announced – the global ranking of 15-year-olds. But scholar Oren Pizmony-Levy tells Have You Heard that he thinks it’s time to junk the test, and that the opt-out movement in the US may point the way forward. And Have You Heard announces big plans for 2020. Full transcript of the episode her
Some Thoughts on Math and A Culturally Relevant - Sustaining Education | The Jose Vilson

by Mike Simpson / 2d
SOME THOUGHTS ON MATH AND A CULTURALLY RELEVANT – SUSTAINING EDUCATION In case you missed the news, the NYC Department of Education adopted a definition of culturally responsive / sustaining education inspired by several parts scholarship, stakeholder voice, and surveys done across the city. The writers included a coalition of parents, students, educators, and other concerned citizens, including
Winners & Losers in Pittsburgh | The Merrow Report

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Winners & Losers in Pittsburgh On Saturday seven candidates for the Democratic Presidential nomination came to Pittsburgh to talk about education. Four candidates emerged as winners, as I saw things. Three of the names won’t surprise you: Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, and Joe Biden. After all, this all-day event was organized by the two national teacher unions and other progressive groups. W
NYC Public School Parents: Investigation into DOE's Yeshiva inquiry reveals that the release of an interim report was delayed in return for the extension of mayoral control in 2017

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Investigation into DOE's Yeshiva inquiry reveals that the release of an interim report was delayed in return for the extension of mayoral control in 2017 Update: To th e Daily News , Margaret Garnett, the commissioner of the city Department of Investigations, said that "investigators concluded that since City Hall delayed the report in pursuit of a policy goal — to retain Mayor de Blasio’s contr

DEC 18

State Audit Blames Teachers Ignores Legislatures Responsibility For Sac City Budget Crisis

by Mike Simpson / 2d
Report 2019-108 Sacramento City Unified School District Because It Has Failed to Proactively Address Its Financial Challenges, It May Soon Face Insolvency The Governor of California President pro Tempore of the Senate Speaker of the Assembly State Capitol Sacramento, California 95814 Dear Governor and Legislative Leaders: As directed by the Joint Legislative Audit Committee, my office conducted a
JACKIE HAS A NEW NET HOME - Jackie Goldberg, LAUSD Board Member, District 5

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Home - Jackie Goldberg, LAUSD Board Member, District 5 JACKIE HAS A NEW NET HOME GO TO JACKIE'S NEW WEB SITE GO TO JACKIE'S NEW WEB SITE NEWS FROM JACKIE Board Unanimously Passes Resolution to Transition to 100% Clean, Renewable Energy! December 6, 2019 Last night, the Board unanimously passed a resolution brought by Jackie and two of her fellow Board members, Scott Schmelerson and Dr. George McK
The Accelerated Schools Sued To Compel Compliance With The California Public Records Act – My First CPRA Petition Against A Charter School – But Not The Last – Not – By – Any – Means | Michael Kohlhaas dot org

by Mike Simpson / 3d
THE ACCELERATED SCHOOLS SUED TO COMPEL COMPLIANCE WITH THE CALIFORNIA PUBLIC RECORDS ACT – MY FIRST CPRA PETITION AGAINST A CHARTER SCHOOL – BUT NOT THE LAST – NOT – BY – ANY – MEANS As you may know I have been making requests of charter schools under the California Public Records Act for about a year now. Some of them have been incredibly cooperative while others, well, you know how it goes, ha
Kentucky School Boards Association: In Conversation with … Julian Vasquez Heilig | Cloaking Inequity

by Mike Simpson / 3d
KENTUCKY SCHOOL BOARDS ASSOCIATION: IN CONVERSATION WITH … JULIAN VASQUEZ HEILIG The following Q&A was published by the Kentucky School Board Association in the December 2019 issue of the Kentucky School Advocate . This In Conversation With … features an interview between a leader or figure involved in public education and a representative of the Kentucky School Advocate. Julian Vasquez Heilig b
Ed Johnson: Will the Citizens of Atlanta Allow Their Public Schools to be Transformed into a Business? | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Ed Johnson: Will the Citizens of Atlanta Allow Their Public Schools to be Transformed into a Business? Ed Johnson, a close observer and frequent critic of the Atlanta public schools, writes here about the superintendent’s plans to adopt models developed by Eli Broad and the Waltons to transform the public schools into a business. Johnson is a believer in the collaborative philosophy of W. Edward
"Have To" History: A Wall of Separation | Blue Cereal Education

by Mike Simpson / 3d
"Have To" History: A Wall of Separation NOTE: I've finally completed "Have To" History: Landmark Supreme Court Cases (or at least the initial draft). At the moment, it's available on Teachers Pay Teachers and intended to be an easily affordable resource for pretty much any American History or Government teacher of whatever level – from 8th Grade Civics to APUSH. I'm not looking to make serious m
How the little-known WEP provision hacks educators’ retirement benefits - Education Votes

by Mike Simpson / 3d
How the little-known WEP provision hacks educators’ retirement benefits When educators retire, they rely on benefits they earned over their years of service in public schools to support the next chapter of their lives. However, nearly 2 million retired educators across the country are subject to the heartbreaking impacts of a program that for almost 35 years has threatened or destroyed public em
CURMUDGUCATION: Congress To DeVos: "Nope"

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Congress To DeVos: "Nope" The House has passed a budget , and Betsy DeVos's Education Freedom Tax Dodge is not in it. This is not a big surprise, though both Kellyanne Conwa y and Donald Trump stepped up in recent weeks to try to help sell it. EdWeek reports that the deal struck by federal lawmakers has nary a cent for the Education Freedom Scholarships program. The program was "ignored" and the
Owen Davis: How Pearson and Other Test Makers Made a Killing on the U.S. Testing Mania | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Owen Davis: How Pearson and Other Test Makers Made a Killing on the U.S. Testing Mania Owen Davis writes here about the enrichment of the testing industry by No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top. The testing and accountability craze started before No Child Left Behind, but that federal law turned it into a bonanza for Pearson and other companies and led to a consolidation of the testing indu
CURMUDGUCATION: Word Pedometers: Another Really Dumb Tech Idea

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Word Pedometers: Another Really Dumb Tech Idea You only have to get one "story at a glance" point into this article to know that this is going to be a freakin' disaster panda, and I have so many wuestions. New devices can be worn by babies and toddlers to count the number of words they are exposed to each day. It's a word pedometer, a sensor that you strap onto your child's chest that, well, rec
Mike Klonsky's Blog: CTU leaders take the wrong side in sexual harassment scandal

by Mike Simpson / 3d
CTU leaders take the wrong side in sexual harassment scandal Chicago unions have no choice to work with House Speaker Michael Madigan if they want to get anything done in Springfield. But working with Madigan is one thing. Embedding within what's left of Madigan's political machine and colluding with him to blackball his victims of sexual harassment is something else. And that appears to be exac
At U.S. House Education Committee Hearing, DeVos Defends Cheating Some Defrauded Students by Only Partially Forgiving Loans | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 3d
At U.S. House Education Committee Hearing, DeVos Defends Cheating Some Defrauded Students by Only Partially Forgiving Loans There was a lot going on last week—Judiciary Committee hearings on articles of impeachment, for example. Did you miss learning about Education Secretary Betsy DeVos’s miserable performance before the U.S. House Education Committee? As she defended her new “borrower defense
NYC Educator: Boost Panorama Survey Results, or Teach Children?

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Boost Panorama Survey Results, or Teach Children? That's a choice we're facing, and I'll tell you why. Yesterday I parodied the Panorama Survey , as I've been doing every time they put out a new one. I understand that it's important we treat students with respect, but I'm not at all sure that's what this survey measures. There are a whole lot of questions about whether the teacher is doing an ad
Manufactured Education Crisis Engenders Violence | tultican

by Mike Simpson / 3d
Manufactured Education Crisis Engenders Violence By Thomas Ultican 12/17/2019 On October 23, the regularly scheduled Oakland Unified School District (OUSD) board meeting descended into chaos accompanied by violent reaction from school police. One parent received a broken rib ; two elementary school teachers reported severe bruising and a small mother suffered two torn ligaments and a meniscus te
NYC Public School Parents: What lessons should the Council learn from two of their failed Task forces?

by Mike Simpson / 3d
What lessons should the Council learn from two of their failed Task forces? The City Council likes to create task forces to investigate important policy issues and propose changes, but then leaves them unattended and under the entire control of the Mayor, whose office screws them up. One recent example is Automated Decision System Task force, created by Council Local Law 49 , that was supposed t
In other news. The IFT is given an automatic seat on the TRS board. – Fred Klonsky

by Mike Simpson / 3d
IN OTHER NEWS. THE IFT IS GIVEN AN AUTOMATIC SEAT ON THE TRS BOARD The Illinois Teacher Retirement System is governed by a 13-member Board of Trustees. Trustees include the state superintendent of education, six trustees appointed by the governor, four trustees elected by active teacher or contributing members, and two trustees elected by TRS retirees. The president of the Board of Trustees, by

DEC 17

The Company Behind America's Scariest School Shooter Drills | HuffPost

by Mike Simpson / 4d
The Company Behind America’s Scariest School Shooter Drills The ALICE Training Institute wants teachers and students to confront gunmen. There’s little evidence its approach works. This story was produced in partnership with The Trace , a nonprofit newsroom covering guns in America. In January, a group of teachers knelt against a wall at Meadowlawn Elementary School in Indiana while police posin
“We did not have to stress about our grade but instead we were able to just work”: Student Evaluations of Learning | radical eyes for equity

by Mike Simpson / 4d
“We did not have to stress about our grade but instead we were able to just work”: Student Evaluations of Learning The evidence on student evaluations of teaching (SET) suggests that this sort of feedback is deeply biased in the U.S. against women educators, Black educators, and international educators; in other words, using SETs for evaluation in higher education is a misguided tradition that c
2020 is almost here… and so is the election of a lifetime. - Lily's Blackboard

by Mike Simpson / 4d
2020 is almost here… and so is the election of a lifetime. The end of the year can be a bittersweet time to reflect and celebrate. But I’m feeling a surge of adrenaline, because I cannot wait for 2020 to arrive. Why? Because in 2020 we have a chance to elect a president who’s with us—one who believes in the transformative power of public schools, who will support the real needs of our students,
The Paper Rocket: Thoughts on Improving ‘Hands-On’ Learning (Doug Lemov) | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

by Mike Simpson / 4d
The Paper Rocket: Thoughts on Improving ‘Hands-On’ Learning (Doug Lemov) This piece comes from “Doug Lemov’s Field Notes,” a blog that he writes about current issues and practices in schools. Author of Teach Like a Champion , he is a managing director of Uncommon Schools, a network of over 50 charter schools serving 20,000 students in various cities on the East coast. This post appeared November
NYC Educator: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Pittsburgh

by Mike Simpson / 4d
The Good, the Bad and the Ugly in Pittsburgh Let's get this out of the way first--it's remarkable that a bunch of presidential candidates came to talk education. It's extraordinary that they came to see us this year. There was no doubt that they all though our votes worth pursuing, and came out in hopes of showing us how much they love and respect teachers. Most of them spoke of having teachers
SHOCKER: Indiana Refuses to Give Three Indianapolis Schools to For-Profit Charter Chain | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 4d
SHOCKER: Indiana Refuses to Give Three Indianapolis Schools to For-Profit Charter Chain Indiana is a swamp of school choice corruption. If you read this post, your hair might catch on fire if you are sensitive to things like ethics, honesty, and responsible stewardship of public money. Seven years ago, the state superintendent of Indiana was a school choice firebrand named Tony Bennett. There wa
NYC Educator: Panorama Survey 2019

by Mike Simpson / 4d
Panorama Survey 2019 1. How depressed are you about going to this teacher's class? a. very b. extremely c. very extremely d. 100% e. This will be another ER visit for sure. 2. How often does this teacher ignore your needs? a. usually b. frequently c. constantly d. always e. both in and out of the classroom 24/7 3. In this class, how stifled does the teacher make you feel? a. very b. extremely c.
NYC Public School Parents: Mayoral control hearings - and the consensus that the current system doesn't work

by Mike Simpson / 4d
Mayoral control hearings - and the consensus that the current system doesn't work The NY Assembly Education chair Michael Benedetto and other members of the Education committee held hearings today on Mayoral control which the Legislature renewed with minor changes last spring until June 2022 . Benedetto announced this was to be only the first of many hearings and roundtables they plan to hold to
Special Education Program at Fairfax High School Is Safe For Now

by Mike Simpson / 4d
Special Education Program at Fairfax High School Is Safe For Now I don’t want him to stay in the house, I want him to be happy and independent. ” – Mother of CTC Student facing displacement When the stakeholders at CTC West were first told about Nick Melvoin’s plan to displace their special education school so that an elite middle school could be co-located on the campus of Fairfax High School,
Whatever happened to edTPA? It’s still here and still messed up. – Fred Klonsky

by Mike Simpson / 4d
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO EDTPA? IT’S STILL HERE AND STILL MESSED UP A few years ago I posted tons of stuff on the pre-teaching certification program called edTPA. Here , here, here, here , here , here , here, and you can you can use my blog search feature to find more. edTPA is back, still messed up and in the news. Sort of. From a new article on edTPA in Education Week’s Teacher: The test results a

DEC 16

NANCY BAILEY: 7 Concerns About the MSNBC Public Education Forum

by Mike Simpson / 4d
7 Concerns About the MSNBC Public Education Forum 7 Concerns About the MSNBC Public Education Forum It was nice to watch the MSNBC Public School Forum online. Finally, Democratic candidates answered questions about education. But here are seven concerns. For the record, I was trying to multi-task which I’m rarely good at, so I may have missed something. Corrections are welcome. Billionaire Takeov
Essay: Supervising the sheriff • SN&R Extra

by Mike Simpson / 4d
Supervising the sheriff • SN&R Extra Essay: Supervising the sheriff New Sacramento County inspector general is only a first step By Patrick Kennedy There is no secret in Sacramento County about the controversy surrounding the county’s Inspector General and the Sheriff over the past 16 months. It has been a festering wound ever since Sheriff Scott Jones terminated the then-IG’s access to Sheriff’s
Just in Time for Your Holiday Shopping: Slaying Goliath! | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Just in Time for Your Holiday Shopping: Slaying Goliath! IT WON’T BE OFFICIALLY PUBLISHED UNTIL JANUARY 21, BUT YOU CAN PRE-ORDER YOUR COPY FROM YOUR BOOKSELLER OR AN ONLINE BOOK DEALER (PLEASE PATRONIZE INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORES, IF YOU STILL HAVE ONE NEAR YOU!). I PROMISE YOU WON’T BE DISAPPOINTED! IF YOU COME TO THE ANNUAL MEETING OF THE NETWORK FOR PUBLIC EDUCATION IN PHILADELPHIA MARCH 28-29,
Randi Weingarten on Democrats and Campaign 2020 | C-SPAN.org

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Randi Weingarten on Democrats and Campaign 2020 Randi Weingarten talked about the role her American Federation of Teachers union will play in the Democratic presidential primaries and general election. Randi Weingarten on Democrats and Campaign 2020 | C-SPAN.org
Shawgi Tell: No Justification For The Existence of Any Kind of Charter School | Dissident Voice

by Mike Simpson / 5d
No Justification For The Existence of Any Kind of Charter School | Dissident Voice No Justification For The Existence of Any Kind of Charter School Charter school promoters are skilled at promoting disinformation about charter schools and public schools; they have decades of experience. One of the most worn-out forms of disinformation deployed repeatedly by charter school promoters is to pressure
Mitchell Robinson: Rating the Presidential Candidates at the Public Education Forum…with the Danielson Teacher Evaluation Rubric! | Eclectablog

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Rating the Presidential Candidates at the Public Education Forum…with the Danielson Teacher Evaluation Rubric! | Eclectablog Rating the Presidential Candidates at the Public Education Forum…with the Danielson Teacher Evaluation Rubric! I just got home from Pittsburgh where Chris Savage and I were covering the Public Education Forum for Eclectablog, and have been looking forward to sharing my thou
8 Education Trends and Ideas Worth Leaving Behind in 2019 - NEA Today

by Mike Simpson / 5d
8 Education Trends and Ideas Worth Leaving Behind in 2019 For public education, 2019, like previous years, brought its share of the good, the bad, and the ugly. On balance, there was plenty of good news, made largely possible by the 2018 mid-term elections that swept pro-education candidates into office. Much of that energy was drawn from the #RedforEd movement, which continued to generate momen
NewBlackMan (in Exile) TODAY

by Mike Simpson / 5d
NewBlackMan (in Exile) NBA's Andre Iguodala on Investing, Kaepernick and Legacy by Mark Anthony Neal / 2h 'Former Golden State Warrior Andre Iguodala talks to WSJ 's Lee Hawkins about being an active tech investor, his commitment to opening doors for other athletes and people of color, and the benefits of having a "strict" mother.' -- Wall Street Journal On Sleep, Time, Trauma and Dissent in the
John Thompson: The Danger of Ignoring the Most Important Problems Facing Our Kids and Our Society | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 5d
John Thompson: The Danger of Ignoring the Most Important Problems Facing Our Kids and Our Society John Thompson, historian and retired teacher in Oklahoma, shares his thoughts about what matters most. What matters most for the future is not test scores, yet we have spent an entire generation–now almost two generations of young people who have passed through our schools since 2000–focusing only o
CURMUDGUCATION: What Is A Day Of Learning, Anyway?

by Mike Simpson / 5d
What Is A Day Of Learning, Anyway? The measure crops up frequently in discussions of education policies and, sometimes, products. But what the heck does it even mean? Charter advocates like to point to a CREDO study that shows urban charters giving students an additional 40 days of learning growth in math and 38 in reading (while critics bring up the 2013 CREDO study finding that charter schools
Public Education Forum 2020 Challenges Democratic Presidential Candidates and All of Us to Invest in Equitable Public Schools | janresseger

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Public Education Forum 2020 Challenges Democratic Presidential Candidates and All of Us to Invest in Equitable Public Schools Before I drove to Pittsburgh on Saturday for the Public Education Forum 2020 —where all of the leading Democrats running for President would explain live on MSNBC their plans for supporting public education—I considered what I hoped would happen at this day-long event. Af
Choosing Democracy: Bretón has it wrong- Again

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Bretón has it wrong- Again Bee opinion columnist Bretón has a harsh column about the SCUSD budget crisis. https://www.sacbee.com/opinion/article238321423.html Part of the problem is what he assumes., He argues teachers should take a pay cut, and that they should pay some of their health care. This is the essence of austerity. He assumes that the way to fix the problem is to pay teachers less, (
The Bill of Rights, December 15, 1791 | Live Long and Prosper

by Mike Simpson / 5d
The Bill of Rights, December 15, 1791 (Note: This is an updated version of an earlier post on the Bill of Rights ) The United States Bill of Rights, the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution, was ratified on this date, December 15, in 1791. THE FIRST AMENDMENT: CURRENT CIVIC KNOWLEDGE The First Amendment within the Bill of Rights guarantees freedom of speech, religion, a free press, asse
How Effective is Mayor Control in New York City? Has Mayoral Control Effectively Addressed Inequities and Overall Effectiveness? | Ed In The Apple

by Mike Simpson / 5d
How Effective is Mayor Control in New York City? Has Mayoral Control Effectively Addressed Inequities and Overall Effectiveness? New York City is a mayoral control city; the mayor appoints eight members of the fourteen members Panel for Educational Policy (PEP), each borough president appoints a member. The members may be removed at any time by the appointing auhtority, the mayor or the borough

DEC 15

Sacramento County Board of Education Area 4 Board Member Joanne Ahola 06/07/2016 03/03/2020 Area 5 Board Member Alfred ...

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Sacramento County Board of Education Area 4 Board Member Joanne Ahola 06/07/2016 03/03/2020 Area 5 Board Member Alfred Brown 06/07/2016* 03/03/2020 Area 6 Board Member Heather Davis 06/07/2016 03/03/2020 Area 7 Board Member Harold Fong 06/07/2016 03/03/2020 Sacramento City Unified School District Qualified and Elected by Area Jorge A. Aguilar, District Superintendent 5735 47th Avenue, Sacramento,
Carol Burris Rates the Candidates at the Public Education Forum in Pittsburgh | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 5d
Carol Burris Rates the Candidates at the Public Education Forum in Pittsburgh Carol Burris led the delegation from the Network for Public Education at the Public Education Forum in Pittsburgh. Here are her reflections on the candidates; There were roughly 1000 attendees at yesterday’s Public Education Forum 2020. The group was diverse in both race and age. Students accompanied by parents sat sid
CATCH UP WITH CURMUDGUCATION + ICYMI: Ed Forum Weekend Edition (12/15)

by Mike Simpson / 6d
CURMUDGUCATION Ed Forum Weekend Edition (12/15) Yesterday I spent the day in Pittsburgh at the ed forum, then decorating at my in-laws, then banging out a summary. But I still have a few things for you to read from the week. Remember to share! Common Core: The Rest of the Story Blogger and ed historian Adam Laats fills in some gaps in the NYT history of everyone's favorite standards. GRE Fails To
Sharing the history of Illinois’ pension fight with teachers in Kentucky. We need a national strategy. – Fred Klonsky

by Mike Simpson / 6d
SHARING THE HISTORY OF ILLINOIS’ PENSION FIGHT WITH TEACHERS IN KENTUCKY. WE NEED A NATIONAL STRATEGY I was asked by Randy Wieck of the Kentucky Teacher Retirement Legal Fund to write a brief history of Illinois’ public pension battle, published on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=2583633375065710&id=597407450354989 —————————- National education blogger FRED
EdAction in Congress December 15, 2019 - Education Votes

by Mike Simpson / 6d
EdAction in Congress December 15, 2019 House to vote soon on doubling educator tax deduction The full House could vote this Tuesday on NEA-endorsed legislation that doubles the educator tax deduction and lifts the $10,000 cap on the state and local tax (SALT) deduction for two years to help ensure adequate funding for public education and other essential services. The Restoring Tax Fairness for
Public Education Forum Attracts Seven Democratic Presidential Candidates To Pittsburgh – CBS Pittsburgh

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Public Education Forum Attracts Seven Democratic Presidential Candidates To Pittsburgh PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Pittsburgh hosted a unique presidential forum on Saturday. It was not a debate, but a chance for the Democratic presidential candidates to share their views on public education. The day-long Public Education Forum allowed seven Democrats to answer questions from a diverse audience. Over a t
Educators, parents press top presidential candidates to address equity in education - Education Votes

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Educators, parents press top presidential candidates to address equity in education Seven presidential candidates discussed matters of critical importance to the future of public education and the 51 million students in public schools before an audience of more than 1,300 educators, students, and union members at a forum in Pittsburgh on Saturday. The “Public Education Forum 2020: Equity and Opp
The MSNBC Public Education Forum Was Terrific! | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 6d
The MSNBC Public Education Forum Was Terrific! Hats off to Randi Weingarten and Lily Eskelsen Garcia for organizing today’s MSNBC Public Education Forum! It was a wonderful event, and it was thrilling to see all of the major Democratic candidates competing to win the support of America’s millions of teachers, vowing their love for teachers and their dedication to public schools. Best of all was
Democratic presidential hopefuls detail plans for education at Pittsburgh forum - The Washington Post

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Democratic presidential hopefuls detail plans for education at Pittsburgh forum PITTSBURGH — Candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for president gathered Saturday for a forum on education and described their plans to tackle major challenges besetting U.S. schools: student debt, segregation and teacher pay. Their questioners included teachers, elementary school students, parents and school
CURMUDGUCATION: A Look At The Democratic Education Forum

by Mike Simpson / 6d
A Look At The Democratic Education Forum After live-tweeting the day, I've worked up a summary, which you'll find over at my Forbes spot. Sorry to bait and switch, but that's where you can find my take on the day... CURMUDGUCATION: A Look At The Democratic Education Forum
Top 10 Lessons From the 2020 Public Education Forum | gadflyonthewallblog

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Top 10 Lessons From the 2020 Public Education Forum The school bell chimed and the class shuffled home. But the students weren’t little children. They were Democratic Presidential candidates! And boy-oh-boy did they get sent packing with a ton of homework! Teachers, students, parents and community members from all over the country sat them down with instructions on how to improve the public educ
Can public schools have Christmas trees? What’s true — and not true — about religious expression in public schools. - The Washington Post

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Can public schools have Christmas trees? What’s true — and not true — about religious expression in public schools (Note: This is a revised version of an earlier post on this subject) When Donald Trump was running for president, he complained that liberals were waging a war on Christmas. Nobody says “Merry Christmas” anymore because it wasn’t “politically correct,” he complained, and then declar
NYC Educator: Cameras and Everything

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Cameras and Everything That's what I saw today here in Pittsburgh. Every single candidate loves teachers. They all want us to make more money. Everyone is going to triple Title One, except Elizabeth Warren. (She's going to quadruple it.) Cory Booker was supposed to show up, but didn't. He was sick. He did not send a medical note, so I marked him cutting. Too bad. I wanted to know if he still sup
Listen to the Experts | Live Long and Prosper

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Listen to the Experts Remember that time you called your health insurance company because they denied your claim… You probably thought, “why should an insurance company representative deny or attempt to deny coverage for something prescribed by my family doctor? What expertise do insurance company workers have in the field of medicine?” A recent article in the Washington Post by Dr. William E. B
Teachers Combine Fun with Learning | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Teachers Combine Fun with Learning Here are photos of teachers with a sense of humor who mix learning and laughter. These photos come from Taylor McAdams, “Teachers That Trolled Their Students in Fun and Creative Ways.” Enjoy! Here are MORE Photos: Teachers Combine Fun with Learning | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice
Listen to the truth-tellers - AFT Voices

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Listen to the truth-tellers As the year draws to a close, I am so grateful to the educators, healthcare professionals and public employees we represent for the extraordinary work they do every day to make a difference in our lives. I’ve always encouraged others to thank them, but this year, I’m asking that we go further: Let’s also listen to the teachers and nurses in our lives. They are truth-t

DEC 14



TOP POSTS THIS WEEK 12/14/19 #REDFORED #PublicEdForum @NPEaction @BadassTeachersA @DianeRavitch @J4J_USA #tbats

by Mike Simpson / 6d
Big Education Ape TOP POSTS THIS WEEK 12/14/19 The real story of New Orleans and its charter schools - The Washington Post Bill Gates spent hundreds of millions of dollars to improve teaching. New report says it was a 
Big Education Ape
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