The Associated Press: WA official: Only US teacher strike nears end

The Associated Press: WA official: Only US teacher strike nears end:


"It is the only teacher strike in the nation taking place this week, and experts said they are becoming rarer across the nation. But that's not necessarily the case in Washington; teachers in a city east of Seattle staged a two-week strike last fall.

Rich Wood, a spokesman for the state's largest teacher's union, said strikes are not that common because most states do not allow them and and some ban collective bargaining.
Longer contracts and accommodating teachers who understand the budget pressures school districts are experiencing are two other reasons strikes are becoming rarer, said Janet Bass, spokeswoman for the American Federation of Teachers, the nation's second-largest teachers union."

School reform is next - Press-Telegram

School reform is next - Press-Telegram:

"Legislators have ended their regular session, but they've got some urgent unfinished business. Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called a special session on education reform — and wants action by Oct. 5, less than three weeks away.

California has had pressing education issues for a long time. Reforms have been discussed and discussed and discussed.

But the dynamic changed with President Barack Obama's challenge to the states — backed by $10 billion in new funds — to move aggressively in improving the nation's public schools. The first round of applications for $4 billion in Race to the Top funds is due in December."

stjoenews.net | Improving schools requires different approach

stjoenews.net Improving schools requires different approach:

"Many educators agree that former President George W. Bush’s No Child Left Behind program sounds nice but causes harmful results. In St. Joseph, three elementary schools didn’t make adequate yearly progress and, thus, parents were able to transfer their kids to other schools.

This complicated an already emotional issue after the St. Joseph School District redrew boundary lines and toughened its transfer policies earlier in the summer."

English-only test leaves some Oregon children behind OregonLive.com

English-only test leaves some Oregon children behind OregonLive.com:

"Forest Grove teacher Lourdes Medina watched two of her third-grade students break into tears of frustration as they tried to complete the state assessment test in reading last spring.
They were excellent readers, but they couldn't comprehend the test, which for the first time in three years was offered only in English."

Schools brace for No Child scores | San Francisco Examiner

Schools brace for No Child scores San Francisco Examiner:

"As part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act, the state will release Adequate Yearly Progress reports for all schools and districts Tuesday.
The data will outline which schools and districts have met required benchmarks for English and math proficiency."

High school newspaper censored | Daily Titan

High school newspaper censored Daily Titan:

"An Orange County principal violated a state education code that provides First Amendment rights to high school journalists when she halted the printing of the school’s newspaper, Evolution, last week, experts say.

“In this case, technically, the principal was out of line,” said Jay Seidel, an instructor and journalism adviser at Fullerton College. “It was illegal what she did according to the California education code. She violated the student (writers’) rights.”"

John Rosemond: Rules for back to school : Don't Miss : The Buffalo News

John Rosemond: Rules for back to school : Don't Miss : The Buffalo News:

"As this school year began, several teachers asked if I would reprint a column that first appeared about 10 years ago.

The subject is my five top back-to- school tips for parents. Before you read, be informed that when I use the term “best students,” I am not necessarily referring to those children who make the best grades. Rather, I mean those students who come to school prepared to pay attention, accept assignment and do their best, whatever their best may be."

The UNICEF report titled ‘Happy Learning’ says

Assessment should be used as a tool for good education: Report:

The UNICEF report titled ‘Happy Learning’ says that students’ assessment should be used as a tool to improve education quality and systems. In other words, assessment of student performance should be used to provide teachers with the information they need to improve student learning.

"The purpose of assessment includes the following aspects.

· To improve the quality of teaching learning inside the classroom;

· To help children to set targets for future learning;

· To report on children’s progress and provide summative information on their achievements to parents, researchers and decision makers; and

· To enable teachers to evaluate their own practice and performance"

Full Report: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/11241763/HAPPY-LEARNING!-A-GUIDE-TO-BEST-PRACTISES-FOR-ACHIEVINGTHE-POTENTIAL-OF-CHILDREN

Education Report: A long view of public education in Oakland - Inside Bay Area

Education Report: A long view of public education in Oakland - Inside Bay Area:

"When I began teaching in 1969, there were students in my regular eighth-grade English classes who could not read 10 words. These were students who entered school before President Johnson's War on Poverty had set up the Head Start Preschool program and Title I funding for schools in low-income areas. Although we still have many students who read far below grade level, the complete nonreader has disappeared from regular classes at the schools where I have worked."

KIPP, union disagree on Baltimore teachers' pay | 89.3 KPCC

KIPP, union disagree on Baltimore teachers' pay 89.3 KPCC:

"In his speech to school children today, President Obama will tell them to study more. Many educators say low income kids, in particular, need to spend more hours per day and more days per week in school. Still, a dispute involving teachers in Baltimore is raising questions about whether the country can afford to pay for extra time. NPR's Larry Abramson reports."

Old School in Virginia - washingtonpost.com

Old School in Virginia - washingtonpost.com:

"Low salaries discourage people from entering, and staying, in teaching. But across-the-board increases to an artificial average are a discredited relic -- the education equivalent of building a gas guzzler when the market has turned to hybrids. For one, systems don't compete nationally for teachers; the ability to be competitive with nearby districts is far more important."

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."