Reform ABCs | Editorials | PE.com | Southern California News | News for Inland Southern California

Reform ABCs Editorials PE.com Southern California News News for Inland Southern California:

Reform ABCs

"The issues are clear. The various studies portray a school system that is overly regulated and irrationally financed, with muddled lines of authority and conflicting incentives that discourage improvement.
Changing that status quo, however, would require the state to give local districts and schools more power to make decisions, rather than dictating policy from Sacramento. The state would also have to streamline an overgrown education code that puts a higher premium on administrative paperwork than good education practice. And any reform should restructure the state's complex and inefficient financing system, tying funding more closely to need and giving local districts greater budgeting flexibility.
Districts also need to be able to offer differential pay and incentives to good teachers, so that the schools with the biggest challenges do not end up with the worst instructors. And the near impossibility of firing ineffective teachers only obstructs educational improvement.
Given the state's budget mess, focusing reform on hauling down more money is understandable, if misguided. Money will not fix California schools, and it is no substitute for systemic change."

Open Letter to Kenneth Roth

Neoliberalism, Charter Schools and the Chicago ModelObama and Duncan's Education Policy:Like Bush's, Only Worse


Neoliberalism, Charter Schools and the Chicago Model

Obama and Duncan's Education Policy:Like Bush's, Only Worse


"This is deeply troubling, for many states which do not want charter schools or have found the experiment to be less than adequate and in fact damaging to kids and funding, for traditional public schools will now be forced to choose stimulus money over policy, a form of economic extortion and increased federal and corporate control over decision making, especially at a time when many of these states are literally financial insolvent. This is another example of how disaster politics operates, only this time the disaster is not a natural disaster but an economic disaster that threatens public policies."

A $5 Billion Bet on Better Education

Letter From Washington - A $5 Billion Bet on Better Education - NYTimes.com

A recent study by Stanford University found mixed results on charter schools, which began in the 1990s and now number 4,600. In 17 percent of cases, especially in high-poverty areas, charters provided clearly superior education to the traditional public schools. But more than a third of the schools were actually inferior to the public schools, Stanford researchers found.

Teachers and their unions are skeptical about linking instructor evaluations and rewards to student test scores, arguing that it only would encourage teaching to tests, not creating richer learning experiences for children.

The largest teachers’ organization, the National Education Association, finds particular resistance in a number of its state affiliates.

Even Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, which has an urban focus and a history of working with school reformers, says: “By doing this through regulation and not legislation, I worry that Arne will get some short-term results, but he’s not creating long-term educational reform,” she said.

Board Meeting Video

Board Meeting Video:

"Heidi McLean
Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education
Asks the Tough Questions"

A Tribute to
L'eo Bennett Cauchon- Parent
Yearning to be Engaged

Louis Yanez
PTA VP of Thedore Judah Elementary
Honored by SCUSD Board for Outstanding Service

SCUSD Out of the Loop at John Morse

Editorial: Detroit schools, teachers union should follow N.Y.'s lead | detnews.com | The Detroit News

Editorial: Detroit schools, teachers union should follow N.Y.'s lead detnews.com The Detroit News:

"Early this summer, Detroit Federation of Teachers union President Keith Johnson told The Detroit News 'seniority is sacred.' Johnson added that he would do everything possible to protect that clause in the current contract.
But as Weingarten herself pointed out, tenure should never be mistaken for 'lifetime job security.'"


UFT, Green Dot reach tentative contract agreement for Bronx charter - United Federation of Teachers:
"Green Dot salary and benefits at a glance

Runs from Aug. 25, 2008, through Aug. 31, 2011.DUE PROCESS

A just cause standard for discipline and dismissal, which begins for teachers and guidance counselors on the first day of employment [no probationary period].

A four-step grievance procedure which ends in binding arbitration.A professional mediation process for any school-based disagreement or issue.

TEACHER VOICE AND PROFESSIONALISM

School-based policy committees, with UFT member majorities democratically selected by the UFT chapter, for leadership, professional development, budget, calendar and programming, and pay stipends.A professional evaluation system based on the principles of the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards.

COMPENSATION

A 14 percent premium on the New York City Department of Education salary scale, with a maximum teacher salary of over $114,000.Participation in a GHI-HIP Health Plan modeled after those available to New York City municipal employees, in the UFT Welfare Fund and in the pension and Tax-Deferred Annuity program of the Teachers’ Retirement System.

WORK CONDITIONS

An “untimed” professional workday which includes the student day, staff meetings, professional development and preparation time, and the New York City Department of Education school calendar, with eight additional professional development days.Smart boards in every classroom and laptops for all educators.

For links to the entire contract, go to www.edwize.org/uft-green-dot-sign-pioneering-contract-for-nyc-charter-school."
draft

Steiny: Schools shouldn’t use data only as a way to beat up on teachers | Julia Steiny | projo.com | The Providence Journal

Steiny: Schools shouldn’t use data only as a way to beat up on teachers Julia Steiny projo.com The Providence Journal

"By far the best thing No Child Left Behind (NCLB) did was to force states to build robust data systems. The worst thing it did was use a subset of that data, mainly test scores, to jump to ugly conclusions, like schools weren’t “meeting expectations,” a euphemism for failure. NCLB measures everything in the negative. In five years, when all kids in all schools MUST be 100 percent proficient, even the rich kids’ schools will be failures. By then, NCLB will have created equal opportunities for all teachers to resent data."

Rhee Spells Out Teaching Expectations With 200-Page 'Learning Framework' - washingtonpost.com

Rhee Spells Out Teaching Expectations With 200-Page 'Learning Framework' - washingtonpost.com:

"Teachers will be subject to revamped evaluations based in part on the new teaching and learning framework, which will deploy a corps of 'master teachers' to join principals in assessing instructors. The changes are an attempt to make performance reviews more objective and less vulnerable to school politics or personal issues. The new evaluations also are expected to include improvement in student test scores as part of the criteria by which some instructors will be judged.
Students will face a revised disciplinary code, with an emphasis on defusing conflicts before they start and minimizing the use of suspensions that keep students home or on the streets instead of in class."

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/10294037/DC-Public-Schools--Teaching-and-Learning-Framework

Media-Newswire.com - Press Release Distribution - PR Agency

Media-Newswire.com - Press Release Distribution - PR Agency: "(Media-Newswire.com) -

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan issued the following statement today in response to news that California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has called for a special legislative session to address education reform:

When I visited California in May, I challenged the education leaders -- I asked them if their state was going to lead the Race to the Top or if they were going to lead the retreat. I am encouraged by the governor's proposal which appears to be consistent with the reforms the President and I have outlined. I am hopeful the education package the governor has proposed will garner the support it needs to pass ultimately removing a legislative barrier that prohibits the state from distinguishing good teachers from bad teachers. These are tough decisions that will not only require the political will of the governor but also that of the elected officials, unions, legislators and community leaders. California may indeed serve as an example to other states that are facing similar challenges -- this is a step in the right direction."

GOP donors wait as out-of-staters lift Bennet - The Denver Post

GOP donors wait as out-of-staters lift Bennet - The Denver Post:

"A California fundraiser for Bennet attracted Hollywood and education interests. It was hosted by philanthropist Eli Broad, who knows Bennet, the former superintendent of Denver Public Schools, from education-reform efforts, said Bennet's campaign manager Craig Hughes.
Donors included actress Jami Gertz and several Hollywood producers. Bennet also got donations from National Basketball Association commissioner David Stern and Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, a former NBA star."

Charter teaches lesson in stonewalling » Redding Record Searchlight

Charter teaches lesson in stonewalling » Redding Record Searchlight:

"After a recent investigation of the school, the California Financial Crisis and Management Assistance Team stopped short of direct accusations of financial wrongdoing. But it did report conflicts of interest by the superintendent, Henry Bietz, that appear to violate state law, and investigators noted lax financial controls that, as the report delicately put it, 'increase the probability that fraud and/or abuse can occur.'"

Failing California Charter Schools
California Charters Closed by Category (103 Schools)

The Press Republican - Article: Educators endorse community schools

The Press Republican - Article: Educators endorse community schools:

"It's said it takes a community to raise a child.

Educators agree.

So a resurgence in the concept of community schooling is under way as school districts across the country transform academic buildings into one-stop centers for health and dental care, mental-health counseling, social services and family resources — on top of academic offerings."

Get The Community Agenda

New law boosts parental involvement in school activities - Living - ReviewJournal.com

New Nevada law boosts parental involvement in school activities - Living - ReviewJournal.com:

"A new Nevada state law that went into effect Aug. 15 gives parents, guardians and custodians of public and private school students the right to take off four hours of unpaid time per child per school year to participate in school activities.

Parent-teacher conferences. Pitching in as a room mother or father. Such activities likely will be covered under the law, which prohibits employers from firing, demoting, suspending or otherwise discriminating against parents who choose to take advantage of it"

What is the California Family-School Partnership Act law?

The Family-School Partnership Act is a California law that allows parents, grandparents, and guardians to take time off from work to participate in their children's school or child care activities. The law (Labor Code Section 230.8) first took effect in 1995. Its provisions were expanded in 1997 to add licensed child day care facilities to the kindergarten-through-grade-twelve levels included in the original legislation.
What opportunities am I offered under this law?
If the following criteria are met, you may take off up to 40 hours each year (up to eight hours in any calendar month) to participate in activities at your child's school or day care facility:
You are a parent, guardian, or grandparent who has custody of a child enrolled in a California public or private school, kindergarten through grade twelve, or licensed child day care facility.
You work for a business that has 25 or more employees at the same location.
How should I account for my time off work?
The law allows you to use existing vacation time, personal leave, or compensatory time off to account for the time you use participating in your child's school or child care activities. You may also use time off without pay if permitted by your employer. The employee, not the employer, chooses from the options that are available.

http://www.cde.ca.gov/ls/pf/pf/fampartact.asp

Change agent: HISD trustees have put a forceful career educator at the helm | Editorial | Chron.com - Houston Chronicle

Change agent: HISD trustees have put a forceful career educator at the helm Editorial Chron.com - Houston Chronicle:

"As a career superintendent graduating to ever-larger systems, Grier has led eight different public school districts in the past quarter century and been forced out of several by contentious boards. He was fired without explanation by the board of the Sacramento City Unified School District in the mid-'90s."

Announcing JoeSacramento.com format change | Joe Sacramento

Announcing JoeSacramento.com format change Joe Sacramento:

"Effective immediately I’m going to begin devoting my extra curricular time (time aside from family and work), to endeavors that are closer to my heart such as marriage ministry, music composition, screen writing, and book/music/movie reviews. I’ve also enrolled in multiple art classes in the next 6 months, and will need a lot of time to focus on them."

Schwarzenegger's plan would reshape education in California -- latimes.com

Schwarzenegger's plan would reshape education in California -- latimes.com:


"Schwarzenegger's reforms include:

* Adopting a merit pay system that would reward effective teachers and give them incentives to work at low-performing campuses;

* Abolishing the current cap on the number of charter schools that can open every year;

* Forcing school districts to shut down or reconstitute the lowest-performing schools or turn them over to charter schools' independent management;

* Allowing students at low-performing campuses to transfer to a school of their choosing;

* Requiring school districts to consider student test data when evaluating teachers, something the federal government believes is prohibited under state law."

Officials have more questions than answers about teacher pay for student performance -- GazetteXtra

Officials have more questions than answers about teacher pay for student performance -- GazetteXtra:

"Parr and Bill Sodemann, a member of the Janesville School Board, advocate using a system such as the Measures of Academic Progress program instead. Janesville uses the computer-based system to identify student weaknesses. The program tests students early in the year and again later on to see if they’ve made progress.
Milton Superintendent Bernie Nikolay said sometimes progress is more important than test scores.
“Some years you have some really tough kids, and just a small growth is a big achievement,” he said.
He would be in favor of tying teacher pay to student performance but in a subjective way, he said. Individual evaluators should take student progress into account along with factors such as leadership, use of best practices and participation in training activities."

What Teachers Have Learned - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com

What Teachers Have Learned - Room for Debate Blog - NYTimes.com:

"In a Room for Debate forum this week, experts discussed the value of education degrees, which often drive pay and promotion in public school systems. Many readers, who are teachers, offered their views on whether teacher prep programs are necessary for the classroom, or if other factors, like subject-matter expertise and life experience, matter more. Here are excerpts from their comments."

Editorial: - San Jose Mercury News

Editorial: - San Jose Mercury News:

"California is facing financial ruin. Its schools are making devastating cuts that could put a whole generation of children at a competitive disadvantage — and at higher risk of turning to crime. Yet it spends 10 percent of its general fund on prisons, about the same amount as on higher education but still not nearly enough to adequately house its 167,000 prisoners. That would take billions more."

Education Week: Celebrities Lend Weight to Promote Civics Education

Education Week: Celebrities Lend Weight to Promote Civics Education:


"But Mr. Levine says the school climate for effectively teaching civics depends on whether the curriculum has room for discussion of current events. Finding that space in elementary and middle schools has become more challenging since the implementation of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, which emphasizes school accountability for mathematics, reading, and science, but not for social studies, he said. The problem with civics education now, Mr. Levine contends, is that it isn’t usually taught in an interactive way. “What we’re interested in is kids’ developing reasoned opinions,” he said."

Education Week: Openness of Common-Standards Process at Issue

Education Week: Openness of Common-Standards Process at Issue:

"Complaints about lack of transparency are common during the crafting of standards, curricula, and education policy reports at all levels. The criticism of the new standards undertaking—a process in which 46 states, as well as the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands, have agreed to participate—comes after a draft of the documents were leaked on the Web last month; that working version alternately drew praise and censure."

Teachers and public pensions myths | TheUnion.com

Teachers and public pensions myths TheUnion.com:


"The topic of public pensions seems interwoven into most newspapers these days. As a retired teacher, the “educator” in me feels the need to set the record straight on a few key points. Many people seem to think that teachers receive their pensions as a free benefit when, in fact, they pay into their own retirement account.

The average teacher paid into his/her retirement for more that 26 years and receives $2,700 per month in benefits. (Those who retired in the 70s or 80s receive a far smaller monthly benefit). Most do not receive medical benefits following retirement.

Although teachers are eligible to retire at 55, they lose a certain percentage of their benefit for each month between their retirement age and age 60. Unlike corporate workers, teachers are required to contribute to their pensions; most paid eight percent into the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) which is higher than the rate private workers pay for Social Security.

In general, teachers aren't eligible for Social Security so their CalSTRS pension is their only guaranteed income in retirement. Just as private sector retirees rely on Social Security, retired teachers rely on CalSTRS.

Teachers don't enter the profession to get rich. They made contributions in good faith, were promised a pension in return, and should be able to depend on this modest retirement income."

Texas takes another stab at teacher merit pay | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Texas Regional News

Texas takes another stab at teacher merit pay News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Texas Regional News:


"'A good teacher is a good teacher, and all merit pay does is divide and separate us, and create a negative atmosphere on campus where teachers compete for what I consider insignificant amounts of money,' Brothers said."

YouTube - Parents, Schools Make Plans for Swine Flu

YouTube - Parents, Schools Make Plans for Swine Flu:

"Hundreds of schools are heeding the government's call to set up flu-shot clinics this fall, preparing for what could be the most widespread school vaccinations since the days of polio. (Aug. 18)"

Report Says Texas Students Should Study Only Conservatives

Report Says Texas Students Should Study Only Conservatives:

"The first draft of proposed standards for the state’s high school history books says Texas public school students should learn about former Republican U.S. House Speaker Newt Gingrich and other conservative politicians, but not about liberals."

Some California teachers oppose stimulus aid - 8/21/09 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com

Some California teachers oppose stimulus aid - 8/21/09 - San Francisco News - abc7news.com:

"SACRAMENTO, CA (KGO) -- California could lose hundreds of millions of federal stimulus dollars, if the state fails to make changes in education. Now Governor Schwarzenegger is calling for a special legislative session to make sure the state gets that much-needed cash."

Nation Digest: Teachers Union Criticizes Obama's Schools Initiative - washingtonpost.com

Nation Digest: Teachers Union Criticizes Obama's Schools Initiative - washingtonpost.com:


"'Despite growing evidence to the contrary, it appears that the administration has decided that charter schools are the only answer to what ails America's public schools -- urban, suburban, exurban and rural -- and all must comply with that silver bullet.'"

Rocklin schools sue state board over academy's charter - Roseville/Placer County News - sacbee.com

Rocklin schools sue state board over academy's charter - Roseville/Placer County News - sacbee.com:

"The Rocklin district says the state Board of Education approved the public charter school without putting the issue on a meeting agenda. The district also accuses state board members of discussing the matter outside of the meeting, a violation of open meeting laws, and other procedural mistakes."

Imperial Valley News - Governor Schwarzenegger Discusses Education Reform in Weekly Radio Address

Imperial Valley News - Governor Schwarzenegger Discusses Education Reform in Weekly Radio Address:


"Now, let me give you a few highlights of this reform package.

Number 1: Current California law caps the number of charter schools allowed in the state. Not only does this stifle innovation but it’s prohibited under the President’s plan. So I am asking the legislature to lift that cap.

Number 2: The key to excellence in any area, including education, is competition and consumer choice. Yet current law tempers competition and limits choice. Our reforms change that. We will empower students, especially those suffering in our lowest-performing schools, to transfer to a school and a district of their choosing.

Number 3: We must increase accountability and transparency, by collecting and using data more effectively. How can we improve if we don’t know what’s working and what’s not?"

Children and media: Involved parents make informed choices

Children and media: Involved parents make informed choices:

"The media that children are exposed to affects their moods, their ability to get along with other people, their self-image, and how they participate in society."

Connect at Home: School success requires parent involvement

Connect at Home: School success requires parent involvement:

"Parents should be partners with their child's teacher. Introduce yourself to the teacher and talk about goals, communication preferences, concerns you have about your child, etc. Talk with teachers even when things are going well with your child, not just when problems arise. If there are problems, it is easier to work them out if you already have a relationship with the teacher."

Sac City's brand new boss - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Sac City's brand new boss - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:


"The new Sacramento City Unified schools superintendent, Jonathan Raymond, stops by the Matriculation & Orientation Center on Florin Road and chats with supervisor Luda Hedger, left, parent Elvia Patino and translator Leticia Magallan.
The former Charlotte, N.C., schools chief spent his first day on the job Friday visiting schools and centers in the district."

George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science Newsletter Aug 09

George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science Newsletter Aug 09:

"George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science Newsletter Aug 09"

IF YOU ARE CREATIVE AND EXCITED ABOUT LEARNING "OUTSIDE THE BOX;"

IF YOU ARE AN ARTIST, A DREAMER, A CREATOR OR A THINKER,

ENROLL AT

George Washington Carver School of Arts and Science.

How will You Engage the World?

call the office for enrollment materials: 916/228-5751

download forms at http://www.carverartsandscience.org/

become a fan on Facebook

The White House - Blog Post - Ramadan Kareem

The White House - Blog Post - Ramadan Kareem:

"Each Ramadan, the ninth month on the lunar calendar, Muslims fast daily from dawn to sunset for 29 or 30 days. Fasting is a tradition in many religious faiths and is meant to increase spirituality, discipline, thankfulness, and consciousness of God's mercy. Ramadan is also a time of giving and reaching out to those less fortunate, and this summer, American Muslims have joined their fellow citizens in serving communities across the country. Over the course of the month, we will highlight the perspectives of various faiths on fasting and profile faith-based organizations making real impacts in American cities and towns."

Proposed Mayoral Takeover Of MPS Causes Debate - Education News Story - WISN Milwaukee

Proposed Mayoral Takeover Of MPS Causes Debate - Education News Story - WISN Milwaukee:

"'We believe school reform works best when the educators in the classroom as well as the community is involved in shaping that reform,'"

National Forum Notes Model Created by Center for Urban Education - USC News

National Forum Notes Model Created by Center for Urban Education - USC News:

"The Obama administration is particularly interested in innovative methods being used by colleges such as Long Beach City College as the government plans to increase the role of community colleges as conduits to higher education and specialized careers. In July, the administration announced a 10-year, $12-billion initiative to invest in community colleges and has made a goal of five million additional community-college graduates by 2020"

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Blogger for a Day: Holding a Lighted Match Under the Thermostat

voiceofsandiego.org: Schooled... Blogger for a Day: Holding a Lighted Match Under the Thermostat:


"To use another analogy, merit pay is like holding a lighted match under the thermostat in order to claim that the temperature of the room is rising. If the current testing regime becomes even more 'high stakes' for teachers, they will certainly seek out teaching assignments in schools where students are the most likely to score high on tests or to show improvements in test scores from year to year. This means that teachers will avoid schools with the student populations who are most in need of high quality instructors."

Education task force to study local efficiencies - San Jose Mercury News

Education task force to study local efficiencies - San Jose Mercury News:

"SANTA CRUZ -- The county Board of Education on Thursday unanimously approved a request by Superintendent Michael Watkins to form a task force that will study ways local school districts could be more efficient, such as combining some services.
The task force will be made up of a superintendent and trustee from each of the 10 districts, which combined are responsible for educating about 38,000 students. Watkins said the idea is to 'reduce redundancies' in special education, transportation, maintenance, food service, professional development and other spending."

Region's unemployment rate inches up to 11.8% - Sacramento Business Journal:

Region's unemployment rate inches up to 11.8% - Sacramento Business Journal::

"seasonal public and private education cutbacks led regional job declines"

Juan Sepúlveda, Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans—Biography

Dear Parents & Friends:

Juan Sepulveda, executive director of the White House Initiative onEducational Excellence for Hispanic Americans, in collaboration with Dr.Kathryn E. Jeffery, President, Sacramento City College, invites you toparticipate in a White House Initiative Community Conversation from 1 p.m.to 3:30 p.m., Saturday, August 22, in the Student Center on the SCC campus,located at 3835 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento, CA.

This session will provide you with an opportunity to voice your thoughts intwo areas:

1) how Latino education attainment can and should be improved;and

2) what the White House Initiative should be doing. The informationgleaned from these sessions will be recorded and collected and will serve asthe foundation for the new presidential executive order that will govern theWhite House Initiative and will be signed by President Barack Obama.

Please RSVP to Flavia Lara, Sacramento City College, at 916-558-2441 orlaraf@scc.losrios.edu.

For more information about the event, contactGlorimar M. Nosal, marketing-communications manager, White House Initiative,at 202-401-0078 or Glorimar.Nosal@ed.gov.Attached please find the link to the campus map your convenience.

Sac City Map: http://www.scc.losrios.edu/x1092.xml

Mr. Sepulveda bio:http: http://www.ed.gov/news/staff/bios/sepulveda.html

Orange Register Article: http://www.ocregister.com/articles/sepulveda-santa-college-2531795-education-latinoBe the "parent" voice for our school district.Louis YanezParent EducationThird District PTAHome: 916-455-6683Email: learnwisdom@sbcglobal.net




"Juan Sepúlveda, Director, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans—Biography

Juan Sepúlveda was appointed by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on May 19, 2009, to the position of director of the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanic Americans. In this capacity, he is responsible for directing the efforts of the White House Initiative in engaging Hispanic students, parents, families, organizations, and anyone working in or with the education system in communities nationwide as active participants in improving the academic achievement of Hispanic Americans"

Klein showing confidence in state’s Race to the Top chances | GothamSchools

Klein showing confidence in state’s Race to the Top chances GothamSchools:

"New York and California both face a possible shut-out from the Race to the Top Fund because of the grant program’s requirement that states allow teachers to be evaluated based on student test scores. Both states have laws on the books banning such evaluation that would seemingly render the states ineligible for the funds."

Politics K-12: California Lawmakers Racing Back for Race to the Top

Politics K-12: California Lawmakers Racing Back for Race to the Top:


"From Schwarzenegger's statement, it looks like the political positioning has already begun. He's using the Obama administration for political cover. That might help give his proposals a boost with the Democratically controlled legislature and with voters in one of the bluest states in the country."

Commission on No Child Left Behind | The Aspen Institute

Commission on No Child Left Behind The Aspen Institute:

"The Commission on No Child Left Behind is a bipartisan effort to identify and build support for improvements in federal education policy to ensure the Nation has effective tools to spur academic achievement and close the achievement gap. Following a comprehensive review process with extensive public input, the Commission in 2007 released a blueprint for strengthening the landmark No Child Left Behind Act by preserving the law’s core principles and making needed changes to accelerate progress toward achieving its goals, particularly in the areas of teacher and principal effectiveness, robust accountability and data, higher academic standards, stronger high schools, and increased options for students. The Commission will continue to advocate bold reform during the NCLB reauthorization process and consideration of related measures in pursuit of an excellent education for all children."

U.S. Education Secretary Briefs Stakeholders on 'Investing in Innovation Fund' at Symposium held by ACT, Inc. and America's Choice

U.S. Education Secretary Briefs Stakeholders on 'Investing in Innovation Fund' at Symposium held by ACT, Inc. and America's Choice:

"'I want the Department to become an engine of innovation, not a compliance monitor,' said Secretary Duncan. 'We are looking to you - the districts and nonprofits - to unleash your creativity and build the next generation of education reform.'"

Schwarzenegger's plan would reshape education in California -- latimes.com

Schwarzenegger's plan would reshape education in California -- latimes.com:


"Schwarzenegger's reforms include:

* Adopting a merit pay system that would reward effective teachers and give them incentives to work at low-performing campuses;

* Abolishing the current cap on the number of charter schools that can open every year;

* Forcing school districts to shut down or reconstitute the lowest-performing schools or turn them over to charter schools' independent management;

* Allowing students at low-performing campuses to transfer to a school of their choosing;

* Requiring school districts to consider student test data when evaluating teachers, something the federal government believes is prohibited under state law."

Schwarzenegger calls special legislative session to push school reform - Oroville Mercury Register

Schwarzenegger calls special legislative session to push school reform - Oroville Mercury Register:


"On Thursday the governor outlined several reforms he wants the Legislature to pass at a special session that extends its term into October:
Link student achievement data with teacher performance data.
Repeal the state cap on the number of charter schools, which are public schools that run independently of local school boards.
Give parents in the lowest-performing schools freedom to choose another school in the state.
Focus help on the lowest-performing 5 percent of schools.
Reward teachers doing the toughest jobs.
Help identify what works in the classroom."

HometownSource.com - No Child Left Behind message undermines public education

HometownSource.com - No Child Left Behind message undermines public education:

"For example, in the Farmington Middle School West, the school did not make AYP because of low reading test scores among students who have learning disabilities even though the normal students in grades tested above the state average.

Of the 1,048 schools that did not make AYP, 466 missed the mark in one subgroup. A total of 480 schools failed in the learning disabled category, 141 failed in the English as a second language category and 480 failed in the kids in poverty category."

Tough Action Needed to Fix California - California Progress Report

Tough Action Needed to Fix California - California Progress Report:

"End the two-thirds majority requirement in the Legislature to approve budgets. This is an archaic system embraced by only three states. Who honestly believes this serves the best interest of California? When the two-thirds vote was enacted, Franklin Roosevelt was still in his first term as president and five states had more electoral votes than California."

Lassen County school superintendent investigated » Redding Record Searchlight

Lassen County school superintendent investigated » Redding Record Searchlight:

"The audit, performed by the state's Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, found 'violations of California government code ... may have existed regarding the employment of (Bietz) as superintendent in the school district and the concurrent ... superintendency service' he provided the charter school."

NEW YORK'S CHARTER-SCHOOL CHALLENGE - New York Post

NEW YORK'S CHARTER-SCHOOL CHALLENGE - New York Post:

"New York already has a problem in that a law (passed in April 2008) bans the use of student-test data in decisions on granting tenure to teachers. Both Obama and Duncan have condemned such laws -- with Duncan specifically citing New York's, along with California's and Wisconsin's, as a Race to the Top liability.
According to a report at gothamschools.org, Regents Chancellor Merryl Tisch is challenging the president and Secretary Duncan to a 'verbal duel' over this issue. Maybe she can talk them around that one -- but she'll need more luck when it comes to the Race to the Top challenges on charter schools."

CityWatch - An insider look at City Hall - LAUSD Plan Good for the Mayor, Not the Public

CityWatch - An insider look at City Hall - LAUSD Plan Good for the Mayor, Not the Public:


"“Thank you for your article on the resolution before LAUSD,”emailed Zella Knight, a parent of a gifted 16-year-old. “I have found that LAUSD has the tenacity with its varied leaders to author plans for change.... all of which still emphasize that 'Houston we have a problem."

CPR: Story- Senate Approves Prison Bill

CPR: Story- Senate Approves Prison Bill:


"It’s intended to trim a Billion dollars from the state corrections budget. But Senate leader Darrell Steinberg says it’s more than that…

“It’s not just about this year’s budget. It is about how over time we are going to change that awful statistic that has California spending more money on corrections than higher education.”"