8-18-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum:

Arson at Madrona Elementary School

The Times reports an arson-based fire at Madrona sometime Sunday morning.  It was reported by someone who drove by the school and reported seeing fire.  (Good thing or there might have been more damage.)  According to the report, the damage was about $1,000 to the exterior of the building, $1,000 to a shed and $500 for the contents of the shed.Any Madrona parents/staff who might know what was in t

by Melissa Westbrook / 13min mark as read  //  save

Seattle Schools This Week

One update before I start.  When I check the agendas for various District meetings, I generally only check once for committee meetings.  I check more often for Board meetings because (1) things change quickly and (2) there is notification embedded in those Board agendas to alert me to changes.Sadly, this did not happen for the Operations Committee meeting last Thursday.  When I put up last week's

by Melissa Westbrook / 1h 

Seattle Schools Community Forum 8-17-13

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Friday CommentI don't do this often but because I saw this huge number of hits with a fairly large number of comments on one post, I wanted to put this out there.This week's Tuesday Open Thread has been one of the most read and commented posts we have had in a long time.  The number of hits is so hit as to preclude it being the same 20 people coming back, again and

by mike simpson / 14min 

NYC Educator: Arne Duncan Sics His Flying Monkeys on Diane Ravitch

NYC Educator: Arne Duncan Sics His Flying Monkeys on Diane Ravitch:

Arne Duncan Sics His Flying Monkeys on Diane Ravitch

I'm often shocked by what passes for argument nowadays. I don't suppose it's big news that Diane Ravitch has an impending book release. While I can't wait to read it, I follow her blog, and am well aware of her point of view. So, too, is the White House, as represented by Education Secretary Arne Duncan. Duncanfailed miserably to help Chicago schools, and thus was called upon by our President to work his magic on the rest of the country.

Former Duncan assistant Peter Cunningham tells us how our tax dollars were being used:

...one of my jobs was to monitor criticism of our policies and develop our responses. 

In other words, he sat around reading blogs and news articles. Nice work if you can get it. And the salary surely must beat that of us lowly teachers.

Cunningham saw fit to attack now, rather than bother to actually read the upcoming book. At some point, the administration was actually communicating with Ravitch.

Over the years, her criticism of the administration became more and more strident. It was increasingly clear that she was not interested in a genuine conversation with us but rather was interested in driving her 

Peter Cunningham 

Prisons, Post Offices and Public Schools: Some Things Should Not Be For Profit - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Prisons, Post Offices and Public Schools: Some Things Should Not Be For Profit - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Prisons, Post Offices and Public Schools: Some Things Should Not Be For Profit

By Anthony Cody on August 18, 2013 3:30 PM

Here are some things that should not be turned over to profit-seeking corporations.

Prisons. Postal services. Public Schools.

Here are the problems with prisons for profit: The first is that prisoners are the ultimate disenfranchised citizens, with very little power over their conditions. Corporations that run prisons literally have a captive audience. There is growing evidence that prisons run for profit are even more dangerous for inmates than those run by state agencies.

This article explains that:

Like pretty much all other for-profit enterprises, private prisons make money in part by cutting operating costs wherever possible. In most industries, this can be done by reducing employee hours or buying goods wholesale or any number of other strategies. But when it comes to housing inmates, cutting costs is done in a variety of troubling ways. In the case of the EMCF [East Mississippi Correctional Facility], the lawsuit alleges the facility offered inmates a Spartan diet, grossly reduced access to health care, and essentially eliminated mental health services -- in a facility specifically for patients with mental illness.

Other ways private prisons cut costs are by understaffing guards and other prison employees, leading to increasingly dangerous conditions for both guards and inmates.

The other major problem with private prisons is this. Since taxpayers are now paying more than $2 billion a year to prison corporations, these corporations have the wherewithal to buy influence with politicians. The three largest corporations, Corrections Corporations of America, The GEO Group and Management and Training Corp, have reportedly spent more than $45 million on lobbying over the past decade.

And it was at an ALEC meeting in 2010, attended by a representative of the CCA, thatArizona's harsh immigration law, SB 1070, took shape. This law dramatically increased the role of local law enforcement in apprehending undocumented immigrants, many of whom are 

Why are smart kids more likely to do drugs? | toteachornototeach

Why are smart kids more likely to do drugs? | toteachornototeach:

Why are smart kids more likely to do drugs? 

By Monica Nickelsburg

“Taking LSD was a profound experience, one
of the most important things in my life.” — Steve Jobs

Studies show a correlation between high childhood IQs and getting high

There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that a relationship exists between intelligence and drug use. Some of the greatest thinkers, artists, and musicians openly used illegal substances. Steve Jobs and Bill Gates both admitted to taking LSD in their youth, and Sigmund Freud and Thomas Edison were avid cocaine users.

Now there is mounting scientific evidence of a correlation between genius and getting high as well.

Using data from the 1958 National Child Development Study, researchers published areport last year (PDF) that found children with higher IQs were more likely to use illegal drugs later in life. The study surveyed 17,416 people, expanding on 2011 findings that also indicated that smarter children were significantly more likely than those with lower IQs to use drugs as teens or young adults.

So why do smart kids end up using drugs? James White, the 2011 study’s lead author, believes it has to do with educated decision-making. Research shows that children with higher IQs are more likely to eat well and lead active lifestyles, and less likely to smoke 

Hispanic Parents Protest Demolition of Public School's Fieldhouse in Pilsen | HispanicallySpeakingNews.com

Hispanic Parents Protest Demolition of Public School's Fieldhouse in Pilsen | HispanicallySpeakingNews.com:

Hispanic Parents Protest Demolition of Public School’s Fieldhouse in Pilsen

A gathering of Hispanic parents demonstrated Saturday in protest against the demolition of the fieldhouse of a public school in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood, which for three years they tried to make into a library.

“This is a criminal and violent act on this community. They stormed in at night…and forced everybody out. Three (of our group) were arrested because they did not move as quickly as the police commander wanted them to,” Carolina Gaete, a member of the parents’ group defending the fieldhouse they call “La Casita,” said.

Chicago Public Schools had ordered the demolition of the building, which belongs to Whittier Elementary School with its 400 students, mostly of Mexican origin, because of structural problems that threatened the students’ safety.

But the parents said they could reconstruct the building and make it into a library and educational center for adults by applying the safety measures required by the authorities.

In their protests they managed to occupy the fieldhouse for 40 days in 2010, until the Board of Education postponed the demolition in search of another solution.

“CPS is a liar, nothing but liars. They made a promise, and now they creep in in the middle of the night. Why now? Why at night? So no one sees this betrayal, this hypocrisy,” Chris Gevanis, who 

Big Education Ape: MLK 1-21-13 RETRO #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

Big Education Ape: Big Education Ape Nite Cap 1-21-13 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2:

 

Martin Luther King's Address at March on Washington August 28, 1963. Washington, D.C.

▶ Martin Luther King - I Have A Dream Speech - August 28, 1963 - YouTube:  I Have a Dream SpeechMartin Luther King's Address at March on WashingtonAugust 28, 1963. Washington, D.C. When we let freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gent

3 by mike simpson / 2h 

NYC Public School Parents: Jonathan Kozol on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., poverty and class size

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago

NYC Public School Parents: Jonathan Kozol on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., poverty and class size: Jonathan Kozol on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr., poverty and class size by Leonie Haimson Every year on Martin Luther King Jr. birthday, I try to honor this man’s great memory on this blog. Today I watched Obama’s inauguration; he gave a great speech, particularly on issues like climate change, and probably the most progressive since he was elected; except for a gaping hole when it comes to education. During the last campaign, Obama spoke about cuts to public schools... more »

Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5 and Obama's three education references in inaugural speech

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 4 hours ago

Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5 and other ed facts …: Why MLK was kicked out of school at 5 and other ed facts … Posted by Valerie Strauss on January 21, 2013 at 2:08 pm - [image: Smaller Text] [image: Larger Text] Text Size - Print - Reprints - Share: - - - More » [image: (1963 AP Photo)] (1963 AP Photo) The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. had something of an unusual education. Here are five things you may not know: 1. King was exceptionally bright as a young child and so was enrolled at the age of 5 at the Yonge Street Elementary School in Atlanta. But st... more »

TEACHERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS « Teachers Fight Back

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 5 hours ago

TEACHERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS « Teachers Fight Back: TEACHERS AND CIVIL RIGHTS by alkleen The Presidential Inauguration and the Martin Luther King Jr. festivities are a good time to remind everyone of how the teachers in America have played a huge role in advancing civil rights in this country. I strongly believe that the advancement in civil rights in this country would not have been possible without the efforts of the average teacher in America. The majority of teachers have been advocates for civil rights advancements and have used the classroom as a forum to advance the concept t... more »

President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address full text - Washington Wire - WSJ

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

President Obama’s Second Inaugural Address - Washington Wire - WSJ: Here* is the full text of President Barack Obama’s second inaugural address on Jan. 21, 2013, as prepared for delivery:* Vice President Biden, Mr. Chief Justice, Members of the United States Congress, distinguished guests, and fellow citizens: Each time we gather to inaugurate a president, we bear witness to the enduring strength of our Constitution. We affirm the promise of our democracy. We recall that what binds this nation together is not the colors of our skin or the tenets of our faith or the origins of our... more »

Inaugural speeches through history - The Washington Post

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 6 hours ago

Inaugural speeches through history - The Washington Post: Inaugural speeches have inspired a nation and reaffirmed American ideals. Take a look back at addresses from every president from Franklin Delano Roosevelt to President Obama. Jayne Orenstein/ The Washington Post RELATED - More inauguration coverage - Story: For many presidential inaugurations, the second is not the charm - Photos: Key players at Obama’s second inauguration

Martin Luther King and Meet the Press, 1965 : blue cheddar

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 7 hours ago

Martin Luther King and Meet the Press, 1965 : blue cheddar: Martin Luther King and Meet the Press, 1965 January 21, 2013 By bluecheddar [image: Share] We should celebrate and savor Martin Luther King day. The push to create a national holiday to honor Martin Luther King began in 1968 not long after his assassination. It would take a petition of over 3 million signatures and 20 years to become a reality on paper* and another 14 years before all 50 states would honor the day in the year 2000. To mark the day at blue cheddar, I’ll share this 25 minutes of essential viewing. On March 28,... more »

The Seattle Times | Martin Luther King Jr. Timeline

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

The Seattle Times | Martin Luther King Jr.: Timeline Martin Luther King Jr. The struggle to change conditions in America, and to win equal protection under the law for citizens of all races, formed the backdrop of Martin Luther King's short life. Civil rights It may be hard to believe that less than 50 years ago, America had separate drinking fountains for whites and blacks and "colored balconies" in movie theaters. - January 15. Michael Luther King Jr., later renamed Martin, born to schoolteacher Alberta King and Baptist minister Michael Luther King. Boyhood in Swee... more »

Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School | HispanicallySpeakingNews.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School | HispanicallySpeakingNews.com: Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School [image: Justice Sotomayor: Urges Latinos to Pursue Dreams, Stay in School]Sonia Sotomayor, the first Hispanic justice on the U.S. Supreme Court, said on the weekend here that there’s no part of my heart that’s not from Puerto Rico and encouraged all Latinos to pursue their dreams. “If you don’t see the value of community it’s difficult for you to win,” said the magistrate during a colloquium with journalist Maria Hinojosa... more »

Martin Luther King 2.0, Now with More Excellence | EduShyster

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 hours ago

Martin Luther King 2.0, Now with More Excellence | EduShyster: Martin Luther King 2.0, Now with More Excellence by edushyster2012 *What would the original civil rights leader have to say about the civil rights i$$ue of our time?* No one could lead a civil rights movement like Martin Luther King Jr. But let’s face it: the movement he led was old school. The civil rights issue of our time is the achievement gap, and closing it often requires doing the opposite of what Dr. King stood for. Which raises some important questions: were Dr. King to return today would he be an achievement ga... more »

The Revisionist’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream For Most Of Us” | The Jose Vilson

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

The Revisionist’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream For Most Of Us” | The Jose Vilson: The Revisionist’s Martin Luther King Jr., “I Have A Dream For Most Of Us” by Jose Vilson [image: Martin Luther King Jr.] Martin Luther King Jr. *For some revisionists, MLK Jr. was either one of two things: a staunch conservative who lived patriotically, owned guns, and worked towards self-help, or he was a such a commercial pacifist whose message for peace followed every rule in the book and posed no real threat to the establishment. Then, there are those who, after having recognized MLK’s ... more »

Daily Kos: MLK Day Recommended Reading

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Daily Kos: MLK Day Recommended Reading: MLK Day Recommended Reading by rss@dailykos.com (plthomasEdD) "The Drum Major Instinct," Martin Luther King Jr. [AUDIO] "But this is why we are drifting. And we are drifting there because nations are caught up with the drum major instinct. 'I must be first.' 'I must be supreme.' 'Our nation must rule the world.' (Preach it) And I am sad to say that the nation in which we live is the supreme culprit. And I'm going to continue to say it to America, because I love this country too much to see the drift that it has taken."God didn't call Ameri... more »

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr. - Wait, What?: “Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” – Martin Luther King, Jr. by jonpelto *“Intelligence plus character-that is the goal of true education.” - Martin Luther King, Jr.* The debate in America today is not between those who want to keep our education system as it is and those who want to change it. The “education reformers” are fond of saying that those of us who oppose their initiatives are for the status quo. They are wrong and their rhetoric is... more »

Presidential lessons in education as a civil right | EdSource Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Presidential lessons in education as a civil right | EdSource Today: Presidential lessons in education as a civil right - by Kathryn Baron by Kathryn Baron President Barack Obama’s second term officially began yesterday when he took the oath of office in a private ceremony surrounded by his family, using a Bible given to First Lady Michelle Obama’s grandmother by her father. Today, as he is publicly sworn in on the day the nation also celebrates the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., the president will place his hand on a Bible that belonged to Dr. King, which itself will be ... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The arc of the universe...

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 10 hours ago

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The arc of the universe...: The arc of the universe... by Mike Klonsky Dr. King's funeral, 1968. (Don Hogan Charles/NYT)It's M.L. King Day today. Schools are closed. No b-ball practice. This will be my only post as I'm taking the day off and spending at least some of it contemplating Dr. King's famous statement -- his conviction that the

Noam Chomsky: From the Strategic Mind to the Radical Politics of Imagination | Dissident Voice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

Noam Chomsky: From the Strategic Mind to the Radical Politics of Imagination | Dissident Voice: Noam Chomsky: From the Strategic Mind to the Radical Politics of Imagination by Nozomi Hayase This week marks the beginning of Obama’s second term as US President. His inauguration on January 21st coincides with the day that honors civil rights leader Martin Luther King, who delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech 50 years ago at the Lincoln Memorial. At the dedication of the Martin Luther King Monument in 2011, Obama called to make King’s dream a reality for all. In the last four years,... more »

“Remaining awake through a great revolution.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

“Remaining awake through a great revolution.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr « Fred Klonsky: “Remaining awake through a great revolution.” – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr by Fred Klonsky [image: King]Commencement Address for Oberlin CollegeBy Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, JrJune 1965, Oberlin Ohio“[Oberlin College] President Carr, members of the faculty, and members of the graduating class of this great institution of learning, ladies and gentlemen: I can never come to this campus without a deep sense of appreciation and gratitude for all that this great institution has done f... more »

The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King | toteachornototeach

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 11 hours ago

The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King | toteachornototeach: The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King by aristotlethewise *The Enduring Ideals of Dr. King* by Daniel R. Porterfield, Ph.D. [image: mlk-jr]On Jan. 21, we again reflect upon the meaning of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. For me, this day has always been especially significant because I have memories of Dr. King from my childhood that inspire me today. How did I “know” Dr. King? Born in 1961, I grew up in integrated Baltimore City neighborhoods, where, before and after his assassination in 1968, he was a hero for ... more »

The Educated Reporter: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Should Schools Stay Open?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 18 hours ago

The Educated Reporter: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Should Schools Stay Open?: Martin Luther King Jr. Day: Should Schools Stay Open? by Emily Richmond *It's inauguration day, but it's also the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. Here's my post on the topic from last year.* Today is a federal holiday, which means schools -- and pretty much every office -- is closed here in D.C. However some districts nationwide opt not suspend classes for Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Many schools use the day as an opportunity for special assemblies and workshops, while others simply continue with their... more »

What Right Does the US Department of Education Have to “Monitor” Diane Ravitch ? | Raginghorseblog

What Right Does the US Department of Education Have to “Monitor” Diane Ravitch ? | Raginghorseblog:

What Right Does the US Department of Education Have to “Monitor” Diane Ravitch ?

August 18, 2013

Dr. Diane Ravitch: a dangerous woman

I usually avoid the Huffington Post at all costs and will continue to do so until they begin to actually pay the writers whose labor is making its owners very rich, but I make an exception this morning due to information in an article that came to me in a sideways fashion via a fine post by Paul Thomas. In his post, Thomas eviscerates an adhominen attack on Diane Ravitch by one Peter Cunningham, former Assistant Secretary for Communications and Outreach, U.S. Department of Education under by Arne Duncan. The catalyst of Cunningham’s sophomoric attack is the soon to be published, eagerly anticipated and apparently just as eagerly feared new treatise, Reign of Error. Cunningham’s words are nothing but a preemptive attack on Ravitch’a person, which Thomas handily displays as utterly unfounded and barely meriting a response.
What should merit a response, however, is what Cunningham’s first sentence reveals about how the U.S. government apparently now routinely monitors its critics and

Pepper-Spraying UC Cop Likely to Get Financial Settlement - Police & Fire - Davis, CA Patch

Pepper-Spraying UC Cop Likely to Get Financial Settlement - Police & Fire - Davis, CA Patch:

Pepper-Spraying UC Cop Likely to Get Financial Settlement

Former-Lt. John Pike filed for worker's compensation based on a claim of psychiatric injury.

Posted by Drew Himmelstein (Editor) , August 18, 2013 at 09:12 AM

  Comment   Recommend  

Former UC Davis police officer John Pike will likely get a financial settlement for psychiatric injury.

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The former UC Davis Police officer who was identified as the pepper-sprayer in the 2011 on-campus protest will likely receive compensation in a settlement with the university, reports the Daily Democrat.

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John Pike is seeking compensation based on psychiatric injury. A psychiatrist agreed upon by Pike's attorney and UC Davis diagnosed him with a "moderate" disability and said he should be eligible for worker's compensation, according to the Daily Democrat.

A previously scheduled Aug. 13 hearing on Pike's case has been canceled while UC Davis and Pike's attorney work on a settlement.

In a statement to the press, UC Davis said, "Although the agreement has not been completed, the university expects that,