Marcos Breton: Our mayor looks sharp -- but what has he done, really? - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Marcos Breton: Our mayor looks sharp -- but what has he done, really? - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"You can't say the Lord Mayor has no clothes because he's quite a dapper man.

It's the suit that sometimes seems empty.

Months into his tenure as mayor, we know what we've always known about KJ: He has connections; he can raise big money; he has adoring followers; and he's often on national television.
If the mayor's job were about mojo, he'd be the Austin Powers of municipal leaders."

Kent teachers' strike pits parent against parent | KOMO News - Seattle, Washington | Local & Regional

Kent teachers' strike pits parent against parent KOMO News - Seattle, Washington Local & Regional:

"COVINGTON, Wash. - With no breakthrough in the Kent teachers' strike and a deadline looming, battle lines are forming between parents in the sprawling district.

Some parents are backing the teachers, while other parents are ready to push them back to school.

The two duelling camps faced off across the street from one another Saturday morning, waving signs and shouting slogans."

District must demand details on concessions | livingstondaily.com | Livingston Daily

District must demand details on concessions livingstondaily.com Livingston Daily:

"Teachers were voting last week on a plan in which they would pay from $1,300 to $1,800 a year for insurance, or about $100 to $150 a month. While that might not seem like a lot to some, the fact is the teachers don't have to make that concession at all, because they have a contract through the end of this school year.

The problem, though, is that this deal extends the contract another year through the summer of 2011. That means that all raises and step increases are still in place. Even with the health-care contribution, the district will still be increasing its compensation package for teachers."

Charter schools: They're not better for our kids - The Denver Post

Charter schools: They're not better for our kids - The Denver Post:

"The claim of privatized school 'innovation' also has not been validated. Both Green Dot and KIPP charter programs have gained notoriety by simply employing well-known academic achievement variables in a highly structured environment, such as requiring parental support; requiring regular attendance; teaching a rigorous curriculum aligned to the requisite tests; and establishing an achievement-oriented school culture. Students failing to meet these expectations drop out or are disenrolled, thus improving the appearance of class post-test performance by the persistent."

Let’s continue to reform alternative teacher licensing | thestarpress.com | The Star Press

Let’s continue to reform alternative teacher licensing thestarpress.com The Star Press:

"• Anyone with a bachelor’s degree could pass a test from the American Board for Certification of Teacher Excellence.

• Administrators could be hired from outside the education field.

• No more than 30 credit hours in teaching methods would be required for elementary education majors.

• Elementary education majors would have to minor in a content area.

• Elementary teachers could move to high school and vice versa by passing a test.

These proposed reforms are in response to “Race to the Top, a federal grant program that will divide $5 billion among schools in states that qualify. But to be considered, states must raise standards and show they’re trying new methods to improve.”"

Writing Your Own Destiny: Obama's Universal Message for Youth - JamaicaObserver.com

Writing Your Own Destiny: Obama's Universal Message for Youth - JamaicaObserver.com:

"In the Caribbean, waking up with the sun's rise to study was a norm for many students in rural areas whose homes had no electricity and whose parents could not afford private schools or extra lessons. In some cases, study in the light of the early-morning sun preceded work in the field before setting off for school.

Many of the professionals in Caribbean life today reached the pinnacles they have by recognising then what Obama, from his own similar experience, could say today: 'Each of you has a responsibility for your education, (It is) a responsibility you have to yourself.'"

Final flurry caps tough session for Legislature : State : Ventura County Star

Final flurry caps tough session for Legislature : State : Ventura County Star:

"By Friday evening, after lawmakers had tackled the prison reform issue and were close to closing deals on the others, Assembly Speaker Karen Bass, D-Los Angeles, was asked if she thought lawmakers had done enough to satisfy Schwarzenegger’s concerns.

“I’m tired of being threatened by the governor,” she responded. “We have been working tirelessly on these issues, and he knows that.”"

Charter schools 101: Charter schools in California's Central Valley

Charter schools 101: Charter schools in California's Central Valley:

"Charter schools are regulated but self-governing tuition-free public schools that tend to utilize innovative approaches in teaching, such as the use of natural and logical consequences, multi-age classrooms, class meetings, life skills education, Montessori principals, appreciation of brain compatibility and multiple intelligences, off-site teaching, community involvement, independent study, technology, and the all-important parent-teacher volunteers. A few charter schools have a focus such as art, music, college-prep or technology."

Where candidates stand on key issues

Where candidates stand on key issues:


"Jerry Brown-Gavin Newsom-Tom Campbell-Steve Poizner-Meg Whitman"

Sacramento teacher selected for Holocaust summit - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento teacher selected for Holocaust summit - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"U.S. teachers will meet in Washington, D.C., with a special envoy from the U.S. State Department, as well as representatives of American Jewish organizations, and cultural and political departments of the Polish Embassy. From there, they will travel to Warsaw and Krakow for a four-day conference organized by the Polish National Teacher's Training Center.
Tillotson has taught in Sacramento for 12 years. She began her career at St. John the Evangelist School in Carmichael. For the past two years, she has taught English and U.S. history at Cristo Rey High School in south Sacramento."

Will schools honor Harvey Milk? It's up to governor - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Will schools honor Harvey Milk? It's up to governor - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"In vetoing a similar measure last year, Schwarzenegger applauded Milk as an 'important community leader and public official.'

'However, I believe his contributions should continue to be recognized at the local level by those who were most impacted by his contributions,' Schwarzenegger's veto message said.

Leno contends that Schwarzenegger recently 'negated his comments' from last year's veto message by noting the extraordinary global impact of this year's California Hall of Fame nominees, who include Milk."

Recent dust-ups may shed light on Kevin Johnson's strong-mayor vision - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Recent dust-ups may shed light on Kevin Johnson's strong-mayor vision - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"The mayor's adversaries aren't impressed. They see a political newbie intent on becoming a 'Boss Johnson' who wants to wield the kind of ax swung by political machines in Chicago or New York.

Either way, Johnson's actions over the past few weeks may offer a glimpse into the kind of mayor – what kind of 'strong' mayor – he might want to be."

The Associated Press: School book ban raises censorship concerns in PR

The Associated Press: School book ban raises censorship concerns in PR:

"SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico — Several university professors in Puerto Rico are protesting a decision to ban five books from the curriculum at public high schools in the U.S. territory because of coarse language.

The Spanish-language books previously were read as part of the 11th grade curriculum, but proofreaders this year alerted education officials about 'coarse' slang, including references to genitalia in 'Mejor te lo cuento: antologia personal,' by Juan Antonio Ramos.

Also among the banned books is the novel 'Aura' by Carlos Fuentes of Mexico, one of Latin America's most prominent contemporary writers. The other four authors affected are from Puerto Rico."

SCUSD Observer: Local AFL-CIO mobilizes against Johnson

SCUSD Observer: Local AFL-CIO mobilizes against Johnson

URGENT MOBILIZATION!

STOP THE POLITICAL VENDETTA AGAINST THE AFL-CIO SUPPORTER
ON THE LAW AND LEGISLATION COMMITTEE!

Tuesday, September 15th @ 6 PM*

This should be one of the first items on the agenda

*Sacramento City Council Meeting

City Hall
915 I Street,
Sacramento

On Tuesday, September 8th, Mayor Kevin Johnson removed Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy as chair of the City’s Law and Legislation Committee.

Sheedy has been an outspoken advocate for workers issues on and off the city council.

Councilmember Sheedy raised questions reflecting the concerns of Labor regarding the potential corruption in the strong mayor proposal advocated by the group Sacramentans for Accountable Government.

D.C. Teachers, Rhee Appear Close to Contract; Both Sides Might Yield Some Ground - washingtonpost.com

D.C. Teachers, Rhee Appear Close to Contract; Both Sides Might Yield Some Ground - washingtonpost.com:

"Under a proposed 'mutual consent' provision, principals would have more power to pick and choose teachers. Teachers who failed to find new assignments would have three options. They could remain on the payroll for a year, accepting at least two spot assignments as substitutes or tutors or in some other support role. If they can't find a permanent job after a year, they would be fired. Teachers could also choose to take a $25,000 buyout or, if they have at least 20 years' service to the city school system, retire with full benefits."

School's Out for Laid-Off L.A. Teacher - Christina Davidson

School's Out for Laid-Off L.A. Teacher - Christina Davidson:

"According to the California Teachers Association, districts across the state have laid off more than 20,000 educators. Los Angeles Unified--the second largest school district in the country--had to cut almost a billion dollars from its budget this year. Nearly 9,000 teachers, counselors, and administrators received layoff notices in the Spring, though an infusion of federal stimulus funds eased budget constraints enough to finance re-hiring around 6,700 of them."

PD Editorial: Teacher pay | PressDemocrat.com | The Press Democrat | Santa Rosa, CA

PD Editorial: Teacher pay PressDemocrat.com The Press Democrat Santa Rosa, CA:

"For 15 years, Long Beach has used data-based systems to track and evaluate students and teachers, while receiving national acclaim for its performance. Among other things, district officials use data to match specialists with students needing extra help and coaches with struggling teachers. Yes, data also could — and should — be a factor in awarding merit raises to deserving teachers, but that’s not the same as a rigid formula linked to test scores.

More schools would benefit from the middle ground championed by Long Beach educators. So would our politics."

Russ Pulliam: Obama's right on this reform | IndyStar.com | The Indianapolis Star

Russ Pulliam: Obama's right on this reform IndyStar.com The Indianapolis Star:

"Democrats are engaged in an internal debate over education -- with unions on one side and reformers like Duncan on the other. The reformers have become better organized in recent years, with groups such as Democrats for Education Reform, a political action committee headed by Kevin Chavous, an Indianapolis native. Chavous practices law in Washington and has served on the City Council there. His group wants teacher performance and pay tied to student test results, along with more charter schools."

The Obama Lecture: Hey Kids, Don't Read This | theledger.com | The Ledger | Lakeland, FL

The Obama Lecture: Hey Kids, Don't Read This theledger.com The Ledger Lakeland, FL:

"It was a speech clearly meant to be one that would draw youngsters in (How often does a president talk about an Xbox?). It made Florida Republican Party Chairman Jim Greer statement last week - he was 'absolutely appalled that taxpayer dollars are being used to spread President Obama's socialist ideology' - seem even more clueless than it was at the time."

Parents flex muscles in Kent teacher strike | Local News | Seattle News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | KING5.com

Parents flex muscles in Kent teacher strike Local News Seattle News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather KING5.com:

"Parents are entering the fight to end the teacher strike that has canceled the first nine days of school in the Kent School District.

The Kent Parents Coalition has collected about 300 signatures and plans to file a petition to recall school board members if a contract isn't agreed on by Sunday night.

'The school board itself is elected by us. If they won't listen to our voice, then we need to make sure to replace them,' said grandparent Pam Buher.

'If they don't, then we're going to do what we can do to remove them from office,' added Charles Allen, group spokesperson."

The Associated Press: Teacher strike in Washington focused on class size

The Associated Press: Teacher strike in Washington focused on class size:

"The strike is not centered on wage and contract issues like most labor disputes. Kent teachers are instead fighting for smaller class sizes, arguing that the district should spend some of the $21 million it has in reserve to alleviate overcrowding.

The district maintains that it needs to hold on to the reserve funds during such poor economic times and that classes are not as crowded as teachers claim. Some teachers complain that they don't have enough desks for students, with more than 30 students in some elementary and middle school classes."

Hopper tries, hits wall in changing school teacher evaluations | thenorthwestern.com | Oshkosh Northwestern

Hopper tries, hits wall in changing school teacher evaluations thenorthwestern.com Oshkosh Northwestern:

"Teachers' unions have long opposed linking test scores with evaluations and teacher pay because they believe it's unfair to judge a teacher's performance on a single test. They also note the tests can be flawed, don't test every subject, and that many students learn from more than one teacher.

But in a statement issued Friday, Wisconsin Education Association Council president Mary Bell said, 'In any legislative changes, we support the use of multiple measures when evaluating educators.'

She also said any reform must be carefully evaluated for fairness to teachers because changes in the law will be applied whether or not the money follows."

Go slow on charter schools, city asks : City & Region : The Buffalo News

Go slow on charter schools, city asks : City & Region : The Buffalo News:

"Buffalo School Superintendent James A. Williams has taken a favorable view of charter schools during the first several years, saying they spawn innovation and provide healthy competition for traditional public schools.

But now, after a series of run-ins with local charter schools, he is asking for a state moratorium on the creation of new charter schools in Buffalo and its adjoining suburbs.
Williams' request is driving the tense relationship between charter and traditional schools to new levels of acrimony."

Feds slap education officials with fine - Salt Lake Tribune

Feds slap education officials with fine - Salt Lake Tribune:

"The federal government imposed a $58,000 penalty on the Utah State Office of Education in August for defying testing rules in order to proceed with an experimental testing program.
Though Utah won't lose the money -- the state office must shift it to school districts instead of use it at the state level -- the U.S. Department of Education doesn't often financially punish states. The sanction came after the state failed to give a certain test in two Utah school districts that are piloting a new testing system for Utah, a system that an independent evaluation shows is yielding mixed results."

Plan would limit charter schools' independence | Philadelphia Daily News | 09/11/2009

Plan would limit charter schools' independence Philadelphia Daily News 09/11/2009:

"If a proposed amendment to the charter-school policy is approved by the School Reform Commission this fall, the city's charter schools will be one step closer to losing their independence, a charter-school official said yesterday at a public hearing."

Labor Union and Students Fight California State University Budget Cuts - Bulatlat

Labor Union and Students Fight California State University Budget Cuts - Bulatlat:

"California prisons have been garnering tax dollars at a vastly higher rate than higher education in the past quarter century. From 1984-1985 to 2009-2010, state spending on postsecondary schools has increased 159 percent versus an increase of 685 percent for incarceration in the same 25-year period, according to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst’s Office."

It's Politics: Sens. Bob Huff, Gloria Romero work together on educational reform bill - Whittier Daily News

It's Politics: Sens. Bob Huff, Gloria Romero work together on educational reform bill - Whittier Daily News:

"You don't usually see Democrats and Republicans working together in Sacramento.

But state Sens. Bob Huff, R-Diamond Bar, and Gloria Romero, D-Los Angeles, have introduced legislation to help California's education system get $4.5 billion in federal grant money.

'Education is not a partisan issue,' Huff said. 'It's about helping our kids excel and compete. We're trying to get things done for the state in spite of the normal political skirmishing we see.'
SB 1-5X would allow the use of student test data to evaluate teacher performance. It also would eliminate a limitation on the number of charter schools in California."

Pattern of government influence in schools

Pattern of government influence in schools:

"There has been much discussion the last week about the President’s decision to speak directly to the students in US schools on September the 8th. Those on the right worried about the “indoctrination” of the youth. The uproar was so great that the U.S. Department of Education even changed the study guide that was made available for the teachers to use. Removed was the question where students were asked what they could do to help the president."

California Chronicle | SCHOOL EDUCATION DATA BILL ENSURES ACCESS TO FEDERAL FUNDS, INCREASES EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY

California Chronicle SCHOOL EDUCATION DATA BILL ENSURES ACCESS TO FEDERAL FUNDS, INCREASES EDUCATION ACCOUNTABILITY:


"SACRAMENTO- The State Legislature has passed SB 19 by State Senator Joe Simitian, (D-Palo Alto). The measure is designed to put to rest a controversy Simitian describes as 'a tempest in a teapot' over California´s eligibility for federal funds for schools.

SB 19 is necessary said Simitian, 'because of a misinterpretation by federal officials over the meaning of California state law; a misinterpretation that has the potential to preclude California access to $4.5 billion in federal education 'Race to the Top' funds.'

Although Simitian and others, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O´Connell, argued that the feds were misreading the state law, Simitian said he quickly concluded it was wiser to simply 'eliminate, rather than prolong the debate.'"

Fitch Downgrades Natomas USD, California's GOs to 'BBB'; Watch Negative

Fitch Downgrades Natomas USD, California's GOs to 'BBB'; Watch Negative

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Fitch Ratings downgrades Natomas Unified School District (USD), California's (the district) $64.6 million of outstanding general obligation (GO) bonds to 'BBB' from 'A-' and places the bonds on Rating Watch Negative.

While the original rating was assigned July 29, 2004, the ratings on the 1999 refunding GO bond was not reflected on Fitch's web site. The full rating history is now available at 'http://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fitchratings.com&esheet=6048430&lan=en_US&anchor=www.fitchratings.com&index=1'.

The downgrade reflects the district's deteriorating financial position, as evidenced by a significant structural imbalance and projected year end deficit balances for fiscals 2010-12. With the weakened financial position brought on largely by misestimates of student enrollment and reduced state funding without commensurate spending cuts, Fitch believes the district's ability to achieve balance and rebuild reserves will be hindered in the future by the area's significantly impacted housing market and a local moratorium on new home building. While the district is working with a consultant and the Sacramento County Office of Education to reduce the budgeted fiscal 2010 deficit, Fitch views the level of actions needed to return reserves to levels consistent with the prior 'A-' rating as unlikely in the near-term. Also, the district's debt amortization is very slow, further reducing financial flexibility.

John Burton: Governor's cuts to child services run deep - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

John Burton: Governor's cuts to child services run deep - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"A child goes to school too weak from hunger to cry, much less learn. A foster child is turned out on the street on her 18th birthday, with no shelter, no job, no health care and no one to turn to. Sound familiar?

These are stories too often reported on the pages of this newspaper and others across the state. They are stories I've spent my entire career trying to prevent."

Bill Maher: New Rule: Float Like Obama, Sting Like Ali

Bill Maher: New Rule: Float Like Obama, Sting Like Ali:

"Tomorrow Glenn Beck's army of zombie retirees are marching on Washington in protest of, well, everything. It's the Million Moron March, although they won't get a million of course, because many will be confused and drive to Washington state -- but they will make news. Because people who take to the streets always do. They're at the town hall screaming at the congressman, we're on the couch screaming at the TV. Especially in this age of electronics and Snuggies, it's a statement to just leave the house. But leave the house we must, because this is our last best shot for a long time to get the sort of serious health care reform that would make the United States the envy of several African nations."

SCUSD Observer: A Letter from the chair of the Black Parallel School Board

SCUSD Observer: A Letter from the chair of the Black Parallel School Board

A Letter from the chair of the Black Parallel School Board

The African American youth in Sacramento are at a state of heightened emergency in relation to their academic pursuit yet, we are not truly outraged about this. With education being one of the fundamental keys to success we must make every effort to ensure the academic key fits correctly once it's placed into the hands of our African American youth.

On Saturday, September 5, 2009, the Black Parallel School Board held its monthly meeting at the Oak Park United Methodist Church in Sacramento. The meeting started promptly at 10 am and adjourned at 12 pm. One of the key items we covered was standardized testing. Readers are you aware that within the Sacramento City Unified School District during the past school year of all the African American students they are serving only 8 children of African descent are in geometry and there are only 9 African Descent youth in Algebra II. African American students overall have made little to none standardized test improvements and the same is occurring with the high school exit exam test results. Our children's ability to articulate themselves in written form is declining astronomically too.

KJ loan flap: Teichert says Mayor is "inaccessible." Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG#BlogPost-1216789

Sacramento News & Review KJ loan flap: Teichert says Mayor is "inaccessible." :

"Just one more thing about Kevin Johnson‘s game of “hide the loan,” then I‘ll shut up about it, for now.

I have still have not heard, despite asking over and over again, a good explanation for why Johnson withheld key information from City Attorney Eileen Teichert and the City Council during a contentious August 25 council meeting."

The Charter School Paradox

The Charter School Paradox:

"' ... authorizers, charter school advocates and policymakers must be willing and able to fulfill their end of the original charter school bargain, which is accountability in exchange for flexibility.' ~CREDO report"

Commentary: Who says public schools need more money? - CNN.com

Commentary: Who says public schools need more money? - CNN.com:

"Teachers unions and politicians are constantly claiming that K-12 public schools need more money in order to produce good academic results. But does the data support the argument that our schools need more money to succeed?

The Oakland Unified School District had a budget of $602 million for the 2008-2009 school year, according to Katy Murphy, an education reporter with the Oakland Tribune. That budget, which includes $77 million spent on consultants, means that the district spends an average of $16,270 per student!"

Capitol Alert: Poll: Californians distrust politicos

Capitol Alert: Poll: Californians distrust politicos:

"Nearly three-fourths of those polled by the Public Policy Institute of California say that state government is run by a few big interests for their benefit, a new high in the 11-year history of PPIC polling. Just 20 percent say it's run for the common benefit.
Californians believe the state wastes too much money, and they are down on both Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Legislature, the PPIC also found."

Teacher Beat: UPDATED: Some Academics Push Back on Teacher-Student Link in 'Race to the Top'

Teacher Beat: UPDATED: Some Academics Push Back on Teacher-Student Link in 'Race to the Top':

"I've been making my way through the thousands of Race to the Top comments, and there are a handful from some academics who argue that there isn't a strong enough research base to support the use of 'value added' data for decisions involving teachers.

The inclusion of such measures in the Race to the Top guidelines appears to fly in the face of the Obama administration's promises to fund research-based approaches in the Race to the Top, these scholars contend.

Helen Ladd, a scholar at Duke University, argues that the proposed criteria would lead teachers to focus even more heavily on standardized tests, and that the value-added measures themselves are not reliable."

Santa Rosa approves advertising in schools | PressDemocrat.com | The Press Democrat | Santa Rosa, CA

Santa Rosa approves advertising in schools PressDemocrat.com The Press Democrat Santa Rosa, CA:

"The policy will also prohibit any deals that are “not in keeping with the goals and purposes” of the district.

All potential sponsors must submit a written proposal to the superintendent. The Board of Education will review every proposal and retains the right to accept or reject any corporate, commercial or promotional sponsorship.

Trustee Wally Lowry successfully lobbied to add religion and politics to the list of off-limits topics."

UC president recommends huge tuition increases

UC president recommends huge tuition increases:

UC President Mark Yudof is recommending a 15 percent increase in in-state undergraduate fees that would take effect next spring, and another 15 percent increase on top of that beginning in fall 2010.
The governing Board of Regents will hear details of the proposal - which also includes graduate-level fee increases of 15 percent - at its meeting Wednesday, but won't vote until November.
If approved, the undergraduate fee increases would be the eighth and ninth in seven years, and would send the price of a year at UC above the $10,000 mark for the first time next fall. Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/c/a/2009/09/11/MNAB19L7Q9.DTL#ixzz0QoU4s4RP

State to face education-funding suit

State to face education-funding suit:

"Arizona's leading advocacy group for charter schools is preparing to file a lawsuit to try to force the state to equalize funding for all public schools.

The lawsuit is expected to be filed next week in Maricopa County Superior Court on behalf of about a dozen families with students in district and charter schools, officials with the Arizona Charter Schools Association said Thursday.

The families will claim the state's funding system violates the Arizona Constitution in several ways, particularly in its mandate to provide all students with a uniform public-school education. Instead, an outdated formula leads to unequal funding of schools, allowing some higher-funded schools to offer students smaller classes and teachers more pay, officials said."

Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow

Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow:

"Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow

By Catherine Rampell
They say there’s only one thing that matters in real estate: location, location, location. A similar mantra could apply to the job market: education, education, education.

That is the theme of a new report, released today by the president’s Council of Economic Advisers, entitled “Preparing the Workers of Today for the Jobs of Tomorrow.”

The report surveys previous research done on which parts of the labor force will grow the most between now and 2016 (answer: health care, and jobs requiring post-secondary education). It then argues for ways to improve the educational system so that American workers can more readily adapt to our ever more skill-based economy.

http://www.whitehouse.gov/assets/documents/Jobs_of_the_Future.pdf"

State mulls linking test scores to teach pay » Redding Record Searchlight

State mulls linking test scores to teach pay » Redding Record Searchlight:

"'It's a bad deal for education,' said Steve Piffero, a history teacher at Red Bluff High School and president of the school's teachers association. He also sits on the California Teachers Association board.

Tying teachers' performance evaluations directly to the test scores of their students is like 'putting all our eggs in one basket,' he said.
Teaching is a yearlong process, he said, and standardized tests are a one-day deal.

If a student is having a bad day or isn't a strong test-taker, then the teacher would be unjustly punished, he said."

Bold risk for teachers union - The Boston Globe

Bold risk for teachers union - The Boston Globe:

"The Boston Teachers Union, an AFT affiliate, has long sent mixed messages on pilot schools, which often feature longer school days, flexible budgeting, more intensive scheduling, and less attention on union work rules. In principle, the union approved the creation of such schools in its contracts, partly to counter competition from state charter schools that take a similar educational approach. But BTU leaders later turned around and blocked specific proposals for new pilot schools. Onlookers would have a right to be confused now that the union is opening a pilot school of its own."

Striking Kent teachers may be fined $200 per day | Local News | Seattle News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather | KING5.com

Striking Kent teachers may be fined $200 per day Local News Seattle News, Local News, Breaking News, Weather KING5.com:

"KENT, Wash. -- A King County Superior Court judge is threatening to fine striking Kent teachers and their union unless they return to work Monday.

King County Superior Court Judge Andrea Darvas ruled Thursday afternoon that the Kent Education Association will be fined $1,500 a day, and teachers who defied the court order will be fined $200 a day for each day they refuse to honor their contract and violate the order."