Strong Mayor Initiative Reviewed - Most Popular News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Strong Mayor Initiative Reviewed - Most Popular News Story - KCRA Sacramento:

"Committee member Jo Ann Fuller said so far they see no major changes needed in the way Sacramento's government is run.
'At no time has anyone come before us and said this is not working to where we need some big changes,' Fuller said.

Committee chair William Edgar said there are some changes they would like to see such as allowing the mayor to have appointment power, allowing him to select a city manager, but he said they believe it should be up to the city council excluding the mayor to approve the selection.

Johnson said he was disappointed with the committee's findings so far, saying the committee hasn't taken significant steps to change the way the city is run."

Amato's job may be on line | Recordnet.com#STS=fzww1i4f.1qun

Amato's job may be on line Recordnet.com#STS=fzww1i4f.1qun:

"STOCKTON - The long-running leadership drama in the Stockton Unified School District may reach a decisive final act tonight when trustees meet in closed session to discuss suspending or dismissing Superintendent Tony Amato.

Anti-Amato forces have organized what they say will be a heavily attended rally outside the district office before the meeting. As pressure from union leaders mounted Monday, Amato defended his 14-month tenure, saying the opposition he has faced is the natural result of the arrival of a superintendent working to bring sweeping change. He also acknowledged that his future in Stockton Unified is murky."

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Poll: New York governor not getting job done « - Blogs from CNN.com

CNN Political Ticker: All politics, all the time Blog Archive - Poll: New York governor not getting job done « - Blogs from CNN.com:

"'Voters say Gov. Paterson is well intentioned but ineffective. They say he lacks leadership skills and is off the mark on handling the state's fiscal situation. Voters say he's not too liberal but is not fighting for people like me,' says Siena New York pollster Steven Greenberg. 'While voters overwhelmingly don't believe that Paterson's blindness hinders his ability, they believe his actions – or lack of actions – as Governor define him as ineffective.'

Paterson has even lost his own party, says Greenberg: Democrats, 'by a significant margin,' believe he is well-intentioned but ineffective, bad on fiscal issues and lacking leadership skills."

Teacher Professional Development Sourcebook: The Changing Landscape of Teacher Learning

Teacher Professional Development Sourcebook: The Changing Landscape of Teacher Learning:

"One of the big challenges is just making time for teachers to participate in any type of quality professional development, whether online or face-to-face. That’s especially true if it’s something that requires thought and effort outside the experience itself. It’s one thing to go to a make-and-take session, like a traditional workshop. In that case, you just go to the session and get something that maybe enhances what you are already doing and then hopefully take it back to the classrooms and do it. It’s another thing if you’re part of a professional development experience that essentially challenges you to rethink your pedagogy, your content, and your assessments, and that expects you to go try some things in your classroom and reflect on how well they went, and then come back and discuss them with a community of other teachers doing similar things. That’s a much more substantial commitment."

Chico teachers agree to lesser insurance package - Chico Enterprise Record

Chico teachers agree to lesser insurance package - Chico Enterprise Record:

"In a telephone interview from her office, Combes said the district will continue to pay the full premium for full-time employees for the insurance package until June 30, 2012.
The biggest change in the insurance package has to do with the deductible.

Under the previous contract, the CUTA-covered employees had the 'Silver Plan' offered by the Butte Schools Self Funded Programs. Under the new contract, starting Nov. 1 and continuing through the end of this contract, the employees will have the so-called 'Red Plan.'

According to Christy Patterson, executive director of the Butte Schools Self Funded Programs, the maximum deductible in one year for an employee with two or more dependents under the old plan would have been $300. Under the new plan, the deductible for that same family of three or more will be $1,000 a year."

Bridging Differences: The NCLB Paradox Enters the Twilight Zone

Bridging Differences: The NCLB Paradox Enters the Twilight Zone:

"Behind these promises and threats lies a simple theory: scores are not high enough, because teachers are either lazy, don't work hard, or aren't motivated enough to do a good job. So teachers will work harder and be more successful if they can get more money, and they will work harder and be more successful if their livelihoods and reputations are on the line.

The problem with the incentives and sanctions approach is that it works. It does produce higher scores. We see scores going up in many states, sometimes at rates that defy belief. Some states may actually reach that dreamy goal of 100 percent 'proficiency' by 2014."

At New York City Teachers’ Union Helm, Michael Mulgrew - NYTimes.com

At New York City Teachers’ Union Helm, Michael Mulgrew - NYTimes.com:

"Mr. Mulgrew also differs from his predecessors in one key way: he is the longest-serving classroom teacher ever to head the union, something that could help him earn the respect of veteran members who are often the most active members. (He also happens to be the first non-Jewish leader in the 49-year history of the union.)

Mr. Mulgrew needs to win a unionwide election next spring to secure the presidency. While he is expected to have broad support, the union, which has 228,000 members, also has its share of internal dissent."

Larger classes may mean more dropouts | Oregon Education - OregonLive.com

Larger classes may mean more dropouts Oregon Education - OregonLive.com:

"High school reform research shows that students begin to get lost and left behind when teachers have too many students. The Coalition for Essential Schools, an organization that has successfully reformed some high schools, says teachers must know who they teach and recommends that 'no teacher have direct responsibility for more than 80 students in the high school and middle school and no more than 20 in the elementary school.' Many Oregon high school teachers this year are responsible for more than 200 students, which makes it impossible for them to know and serve all their students well. As the Gate Foundation has discovered, simply making schools small is not sufficient to make them excel, but it is necessary high schools find ways to make personal connections with every student or they will lose some of them."

Phila. schools prepare for cuts as they face budget shortfall | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/22/2009

Phila. schools prepare for cuts as they face budget shortfall Philadelphia Inquirer 09/22/2009:

"Masch said that it was too early to speculate where cuts might be made, but that the district would 'move heaven and earth' to keep in place reforms put forward by Superintendent Arlene Ackerman.

This school year, the district lowered class size in kindergarten through third grade and hired more counselors, particularly in the city's troubled neighborhood high schools.
Will the district commit to keeping those reforms in place, no matter what?

'I can't say that,' Masch said. 'We don't have a plan yet. But we're not going to turn away from making reform. I do not think that Dr. Ackerman will let us rest until we have figured out a way to do everything in our power to make the dollars we do have go as far as possible in helping us enable more students to succeed academically.'"

Patrick Kennedy

Patrick Kennedy:

"Sacramento City Council Member Bonnie Pannell and Council Member Sandy Sheedy have endorsed Patrick Kennedy’s campaign for Sacramento City Council, District 5.

“I am proud to have the support of Council Members Pannell and Sheedy. I have had the great privilege of working with them over the years and look forward to continuing that relationship when I am on the City Council,” said Patrick upon the announcement.

Pannell represents District 8 in South Sacramento and Sheedy represents District 2 in North Sacramento. They join their colleagues, Council Members Ray Tretheway (District 1) and Steve Cohn (District 3) in endorsing Patrick Kennedy for Sacramento City Council."

Failing in many ways | The State Press - An independent daily serving Arizona State University

Failing in many ways The State Press - An independent daily serving Arizona State University:

"I’d like to think that both President Barack Obama and Perry are correct. We’re certainly failing to teach our children the things they need to know, as the No Child Left Behind Act (considered by many pundits to be a colossal failure) narrowly stresses math and reading comprehension and fails to provide a benchmark for students’ broad education. Kids need to get off Facebook and care once again about becoming informed and educated citizens of the world.

And that doesn’t mean passing a test."

Schools miss goals, add to list - MassLive.com

Schools miss goals, add to list - MassLive.com:

"They have plenty of company. When results of the 2009 Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment Systems exam were released last week, officials announced that 937 schools, or 54 percent of all schools in the commonwealth, failed to meet the goals."

'Barack and Michelle' tells story behind domestic tension that nearly ruined the Obamas' marriage

'Barack and Michelle' tells story behind domestic tension that nearly ruined the Obamas' marriage:

"It was a look he had grown accustomed to since the birth of their first daughter, Malia, in 1998. Michelle, like so many other working mothers, was the one expected to bear most of the parenting burden that only intensified with the birth of Sasha.

A nagging concern she wasn't afraid to share with him directly - and repeatedly - was that he seemed willing to put politics ahead of the family."

Colorado Independent » Move toward national education standards goes forward

Colorado Independent » Move toward national education standards goes forward:

"Monday, the Common Core Standards Initiative, a project of the National Council of Governors and the Council of Chief State School Officers, released the first official draft of standards in English language arts and math, standards that it hopes will one day be adopted by every state in the nation. Currently, 48 states have signed on to the project, expressing interest in voluntarily adopting the standards once they are written. (The not-surprising exceptions are Texas and Alaska.)

Colorado appears significantly on board with the project by virtue of the fact that it was one of six states asked to review the standards before they were made public—this, despite the fact that it is currently in the process of revising its own standards."

AdaEveningNews.com - Ada, Oklahoma - No Child Left Behind Act explained

AdaEveningNews.com - Ada, Oklahoma - No Child Left Behind Act explained:

"“A State’s definition of AYP is based on expectations for growth in student achievement that is continuous and substantial, such that all students are proficient in reading and math no later than 2013-2014,” a letter from U.S. Secretary of Education Rod Paige to the schools said. “Accountability systems must establish proficiency goals statewide, based on assessment data from the 2001-02 school year, that progressively increase to reflect 100 percent proficiency for all students by 2013-14.”

While definitions were set by each state, the letter said definitions of AYP were to be, “based primarily on the State’s academic assessments.” After a fourth year of failing to achieve AYP, the school would have to plan for restructuring. This could include replacing staff and state governments taking over the school."

BeyondChron: San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » The Chronicle 's Dangerous Proposal for the UC System

BeyondChron: San Francisco's Alternative Online Daily News » The Chronicle 's Dangerous Proposal for the UC System:

"The editorial proposed several ways of generating more revenue for the UC system. The first suggestion urged UC to implement a three tier tuition system in which students would pay the most money to attend UC’s most prestigious and most popular campuses (Berkeley, UCLA), less to attend the next most popular campuses, (Davis, San Diego Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz) and the least expensive fees would be paid by students attending the Merced, Riverside and Irvine campuses. Such a plan could mean only the rich and well connected can attend the state’s best public universities."

K-State Collegian - Students still finding jobs, despite recession

K-State Collegian - Students still finding jobs, despite recession:

"The unemployment rate for college graduates almost doubled from 2.8 percent last year to most recently 4.7 percent, according to statistics published by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in July.
More recently, employers responding to a National Association of Colleges and Employers’ Job Outlook 2010 Fall Preview survey expect to trim college hiring again this year, following significant cutbacks in hiring that affected the class of 2009."

Students Warned to Prove Texas Residence or Leave - NYTimes.com

Students Warned to Prove Texas Residence or Leave - NYTimes.com:

"DEL RIO, Texas (AP) -- Students living in northern Mexico have skirted residency requirements to attend U.S. public schools for generations, but when the superintendent in one Texas border town got word that about 400 school-age children were crossing the international bridge each day with backpacks but no student visas, he figured he had to do something."

With silent lips. "Give me your tired, your poor,
Your huddled masses yearning to breathe free,
The wretched refuse of your teeming shore.
Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me,
I lift my lamp beside the golden door!"

Rooftop gardens grow among the skyscrapers | csmonitor.com

Rooftop gardens grow among the skyscrapers csmonitor.com:

"In recent years, enthusiasm has grown for green roofs, hailed for harnessing rainwater that can overwhelm urban sewage systems, and keeping buildings warmer in winter and cooler in summer, lowering electricity use.

But amid increasing interest in fresh, local food, this season seems to herald the era of the rooftop farm. It’s as though somewhere someone decreed, “Roofs shall not lie fallow.” And a colony of entrepreneurs, residents, schoolteachers and restaurateurs set to work.

Flanner considered going to the country to farm — only to realize he didn’t want to leave the city, he just wanted to be a farmer. He quit his job at E-Trade and partnered with Annie Novak, 26, who had farming experience. The green-roof design firm Goode Green agreed to do the installation for free and the production company Broadway Stages agreed to pay for it, as an experiment on the roof of its Greenpoint building."

WWJ Newsradio 950 - California IT Firm To Add 1,000-Plus Jobs In Ann Arbor

WWJ Newsradio 950 - California IT Firm To Add 1,000-Plus Jobs In Ann Arbor:

"“A collaboration between state and regional partners to provide Systems in Motion with the training resources, tax incentives and other business-critical support helped the company choose Michigan over competing sites,” said Ken Theis, director, Michigan Department of Information Technology. “Growing companies often need far more resources and support than one entity can provide, so by recognizing shared strengths and coming together to fill the gaps, collaborative efforts, like the one in place to bring Systems in Motion to Michigan, can help grow our economy and bring thriving businesses to our state.”"

“We’re delighted to be able to join with state, county and local agencies, as well as education institutions in Michigan to build a true public-private partnership,” said Neeraj Gupta, CEO, Systems In Motion. “Systems In Motion’s Ann Arbor facilities will drive technology leadership for global enterprises, while providing an important job creation engine for the local community.“

TNJN - Qualms stirred over Obama and education

TNJN - Qualms stirred over Obama and education

"Obama did not encourage a formal education; he encouraged each student to take responsibility for whatever education - formal or technical - that he or she decided to attain. He gave students a dose of realism: most people do not gain success as a rapper or basketball player. A solid education will provide a solid foundation for all dreams. He told students that ultimately, they will fix the issues plaguing the world today. Taking responsibility for the education that teachers and parents try to provide is the only way to gain the knowledge that will help rectify the global problems."

The Associated Press: Census: Recession had sweeping impact on US life

The Associated Press: Census: Recession had sweeping impact on US life:

"The homeownership rate fell to 66.6 percent last year, the lowest in six years, after hitting a peak of 67.3 percent in 2006. Residents in crowded housing jumped to 1.1 percent, the highest since 2004, a sign people were 'doubling up' with relatives or friends to save money.

_ The share of people who carpooled to work rose to 10.7 percent, up from 10.4 percent in the previous year. Commuters who took public transportation increased to 5 percent, the highest in six years, with Washington, D.C., at the top.

_ Women's average pay still lagged men's, but the gap has been narrowing. Women with full-time jobs made 77.9 percent of men's pay, up from 77.5 percent in 2007 and about 64 percent in 2000.

_ More people are getting high school diplomas. Only two states, Texas and Mississippi, had at least 1 in 5 adults without high school diplomas. This is down from 17 states in 2000 and 37 in 1990."

Obama gets personal on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' -- latimes.com

Obama gets personal on the 'Late Show with David Letterman' -- latimes.com:

"In a more personal moment, Obama talked about how tough the homework load is at Sidwell Friends School, the Quaker school his daughters, Sasha and Malia, attend in Washington.

'We decided there weren't going to be any fancy camps during the summer,' Obama said. 'They basically just goofed off during the summer . . . which I couldn't do.'

'Others have,' Letterman said, a possible reference to the previous administration, drawing only a laugh from the president.

Obama also offered some insight into date nights with the first lady when shown a picture of the two of them wearing 3D glasses. They were watching the movie 'Up' at the time, he said."

Obama On Letterman

Watch CBS Videos Online

The Conversation: Education chief wants a transformation - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

The Conversation: Education chief wants a transformation - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan is a man in a hurry. Children, he says, have only one chance to get an education: 'We cannot wait because our children cannot wait.'

And he's a one-man whirlwind in a battle against stifling bureaucracy at all levels – whether at the Department of Education in Washington or in rules and regulations at the local level that get in the way of efforts to improve student achievement."

Tweet-tweet goes Schwarzenegger, a big Twitter user - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Tweet-tweet goes Schwarzenegger, a big Twitter user - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Schwarzenegger still delivers a weekly radio address and sends press releases. But he seems most obsessed with communicating in 140 characters or fewer via Twitter.

Since joining the social networking site last year, the governor has drawn 1.15 million followers. He visited Twitter headquarters in San Francisco last month and started a Web site that solicits ideas via Twitter. He even used it to wish his son Patrick a happy 16th birthday last week, calling him 'a true stud.'"

Survey: Financial worries more common than financial plans | Philly | 09/21/2009

Survey: Financial worries more common than financial plans Philly 09/21/2009:

"'There is no excuse to not have the info you need to get your financial house in order,' Smiley said in an interview this week.

Smiley on Saturday will deliver the keynote speech at a free financial workshop that is part of a five-city tour promoting economic empowerment and financial literacy.

The survey conducted by the Blackstone Group for the Smiley Group found that 31 percent of Sacramentans expect their household situation to be worse a year from now, but only 15 percent say they have written a financial plan, compared with 22 percent nationally. The survey of 1,600 respondents done in January has a margin of error of 7 percentage points."

WireTap Magazine - Black Male Teachers Are a Missing Ingredient

WireTap Magazine - Black Male Teachers Are a Missing Ingredient:

"'I was shocked,' said Alexander 'I had never had a Black male teacher before, except for P.E.' Alexander's experience is remarkably common. Only 2 percent of the nation's 4.8 million teachers are Black men, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The shortage of Black male teachers compounds the difficulties that many African-American boys face in school. About half of Black male students do not complete high school in four years, statistics show. Black males tend to score lower on standardized tests, take fewer Advanced Placement courses and are suspended and expelled at higher rates than other groups officials say."

SCUSD Observer: No child left behind races to the top?

SCUSD Observer: No child left behind races to the top?

No child left behind races to the top?
Last week's release of the AYP Progress report for SCUSD shows that many of the schools in our district are failing to adequately educate Sacramento children according to No Child Left Behind standards.

SCUSD schools in year 1 of program improvement status jumped from 3 in 2008-09 to 15 to 2009-10.

The statistics are troubling. Many of our local high schools are at risk of entering PI status next year.

In last week's Sacramento Bee, Superintendent Raymond describes the vicious cycle of program improvement:

"It's like the Hotel California, you check in but you never check out."

The Common Core State Standards Initiative

The Common Core State Standards Initiative

Common Core State Standards Available for Comment

NGA Center, CCSSO Release First Official Public Draft of the College- and Career-Readiness Standards

Contact: Jodi Omear, 202-624-5346 Office of Communications

WASHINGTON—The National Governors Association Center for Best Practices (NGA Center) and the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) today released the first official public draft of the college- and career-readiness standards in English-language arts and mathematics as part of the Common Core State Standards Initiative, a process being led by governors and chief state school officers in 51 states and territories. These standards define the knowledge and skills students should have to succeed in entry-level, credit-bearing, academic college courses and in workforce training programs.

The NGA Center and CCSSO are encouraging those interested in the standards to provide feedback, which must be supported by research and evidence, by October 21 at www.corestandards.org.

After the feedback period, the standards are subject to review by the expert Validation Committee. The Validation Committee is comprised of national and international experts on standards. This group will review the standards development process and the substance of the standards to ensure they are research- and evidence-based. Members of the committee are being selected by governors and chiefs and will be formally announced in the coming weeks.
The NGA Center and CCSSO will soon begin the process of developing the K-12 standards that will enable students to meet the validated college and career-readiness standards.

"We are pleased to release the college- and career-readiness standards today and to begin receiving comments on them," said Dane Linn, director of the NGA Center's Education Division. "These standards are vital to ensuring our students are prepared to compete and succeed in a global economy. I would also like to thank Delaware Gov. Jack Markell and Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue for serving as the NGA co-leads on this initiative."

"The college- and career-readiness standards are really just the beginning," stated Gene Wilhoit, executive director of CCSSO. "We need this confirmed, validated goal of fewer, clearer, and higher standards to take on the real work of ensuring students have a roadmap from grades K-12 for achieving these standards."

The college- and career-readiness standards have been informed by input from education and content experts and feedback from participating states. They were developed based on the following guiding considerations:
Fewer, clearer, higher: It is critical that any standards document be translatable to and teachable in the classroom. As such, the standards must cover only those areas that are critical for student success.

Evidence: Each document includes sources of evidence for the standards. Evidence informed what was included in the standards.

Internationally benchmarked: These standards are informed by the content, rigor and organization of standards of high-performing countries and states.
Special populations: In the development of these standards, the inclusion of all types of learners was a priority.

Assessment: The standards will ultimately be the basis for a system of high quality assessments.
Standards and curriculum: Standards are not curriculum. The curriculum that follows will continue to be a local responsibility (or state-led, where appropriate).

21st century skills: The draft English-language arts and mathematics standards have incorporated 21st century skills.

For more information, please visit www.corestandards.org.
###

Founded in 1908, the National Governors Association (NGA) is the collective voice of the nation's governors and one of Washington, D.C.'s most respected public policy organizations. Its members are the governors of the 50 states, three territories and two commonwealths. NGA provides governors and their senior staff members with services that range from representing states on Capitol Hill and before the Administration on key federal issues to developing and implementing innovative solutions to public policy challenges through the NGA Center for Best Practices. For more information, visit www.nga.org.

The Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) is a nonpartisan, nationwide, nonprofit organization of public officials who head departments of elementary and secondary education in the states, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity, and five U.S. extra-state jurisdictions. CCSSO provides leadership, advocacy, and technical assistance on major educational issues. The Council seeks member consensus on major educational issues and expresses their views to civic and professional organizations, federal agencies, Congress, and the public. www.ccsso.org.

Expert Objects to Rampant Subjectivity in Grading

Expert Objects to Rampant Subjectivity in Grading:

"These schools overhauled the grading system, in part to make sure that students taking the same classes got the same scores. Some of the changes included:

-- Setting learning targets and linking grades to the achievement of those targets.

-- Giving grades based solely on achievement and separately reporting attendance, effort and participation.

-- Grading only individual achievement, not group work.

-- Giving scores only to certain assignments and choosing carefully which scores should be included in the final grade.

-- Making sure students understand how their grades are being determined.

The first step toward change, Reeves said, is eliminating 'dumb errors.'"

Education | Schools, students see impact of cash crunch | Seattle Times Newspaper

Education Schools, students see impact of cash crunch Seattle Times Newspaper:

"Meredith Westerside loved her work as a Bellevue School District librarian. But this year, for the first time in 20 years, she's back teaching English — part of the fallout from the deepest cuts in public-school funding in decades.

With the new school year under way, parents, students, teachers and staff in many districts across the state are feeling those cuts in ways large and small. Classes are bigger, new textbook orders are on hold, fees to play sports are up, music programs shut down and bus service cut back."

Dallas-Fort Worth school districts calculate different ways to use netbooks in classes | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Latest News

Dallas-Fort Worth school districts calculate different ways to use netbooks in classes News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Latest News:

"More local students are using 'netbooks' at school. The small computers are much lighter and cheaper than traditional laptop computers.

One sign of that shift took place when the Irving school district decided in May to begin replacing aging and bulkier student laptops with about 4,600 netbooks.
'It's a lot easier to carry,' said Luis Hernandez, 11, a Travis Middle School student. 'I like how it looks, and it has a camera.'"

Nation's teachers unions feel squeezed by some former allies - Sacramento Politics - California Politics | Sacramento Bee

Nation's teachers unions feel squeezed by some former allies - Sacramento Politics - California Politics Sacramento Bee:

"David Sanchez, president of the 340,000-member California Teachers Association, said teachers had high hopes for Obama but that so far there has been little change.

Indeed, when it comes to education policies, he said it's hard to distinguish Obama from his predecessor, President George W. Bush, who placed a premium on high-stakes student testing.
'To be perfectly honest, it's disappointing again,' Sanchez said. 'Our perception is it's more of the same, and that's not good, because we thought we were going to be able to change something, make some true reform in public education.'"

State politics could block Detroit's chance for educational progress | detnews.com | The Detroit News

State politics could block Detroit's chance for educational progress detnews.com The Detroit News:

"Another barrier to reform: ideological struggles between state Democrats and Republicans, who both try to write legislation to cater to their constituencies (union teachers for the Dems, charter schools for the GOP) rather than agree to research-based reforms that we know work for children. Then there are Michigan's public universities and colleges, which have not been forthcoming with commitments to adopt a K-16 data system that will allow Michigan to track students' graduation rates and other performance measures through college. The universities have avoided such accountability for years, but we rarely hear about them because they happen behind closed doors. Detroit's failures are on display for the world to see. The public universities' failures are covered up behind pretty ivy curtains."

The two worlds of education in America

The two worlds of education in America:

"Approximately two thousand high schools (about 12 percent of American high schools) produce more than half of the nation‘s dropouts. In these ?dropout factories, the number of seniors enrolled is routinely 60 percent or less than the number of freshmen three years earlier…Dropout factories produce 69 percent of all African American dropouts and 63 percent of all Hispanic dropouts, compared to 30 percent of all white dropouts."

Adjudicating School Reform

Adjudicating School Reform:

"The new policies, which the district plans to fully implement by next year, include eliminating seniority from hiring decisions, revising the teacher evaluation system, and offering financial incentives to teachers in low-performing schools. These reforms may be unpopular with some teachers and principals—though eventually all of Philly’s educators did show up for work—but they are the types of policies that are needed to ensure every student has access to an effective teacher."

Philadelphia’s new policies are remarkable for another reason—the district is required to implement the changes as part of a consent agreement that ends a 39-year old desegregation lawsuit. That suit, filed by the Pennsylvania Human Rights Commission, alleged that Philadelphia schools were unlawfully segregated by race and denied minority students educational opportunities equal to white students. The parties agreed to end the lawsuit in July.

These test-score jitters are a sign of high standards - The Boston Globe

These test-score jitters are a sign of high standards - The Boston Globe:

"The federal No Child Left Behind law sets targets requiring every student to reach “proficiency’’ by 2014. States, which set their own proficiency standards, are expected to reach consistently higher points each year along that federal trajectory. It’s a lot easier for states with lower academic standards and easier tests to hit the annual mark. But that’s not the way of education reform in Massachusetts. State education commissioner Mitchell Chester wisely insists that he is “dead opposed’’ to making the MCAS test easier in order to look good on a federal report card. It’s that attitude that elevates Massachusetts students to the top of comparison charts on national and even international standardized tests."

San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Tests don't tell the whole story - National voices - Merced Sun-Star

San Gabriel Valley Tribune: Tests don't tell the whole story - National voices - Merced Sun-Star:

"Good news doesn't come out of nowhere. Credit goes to teachers, to students and to parents as well. And in Baldwin Park, many in the community -- and we would agree -- are giving credit for the scores improvement to Superintendent Mark Skvarna. In tough budgeting times that are forcing layoffs in many districts, Skvarna and his board did not hand out a single pink slip this past year. He said that fact helped morale along with keeping class sizes small. Both are important in fostering a happy and safe learning environment. Skvarna, who has a background in business, also worked on saving energy costs in schools."

A district under siege: Discord continues in Luther Burbank - San Jose Mercury News

A district under siege: Discord continues in Luther Burbank - San Jose Mercury News:

"In the tiny Luther Burbank School District, the office copy/fax machine is on the fritz, the phones go to voicemail for lack of a district secretary and teachers picket after school to protest stalled contract talks.

And yet, while some things in the central San Jose school district may be falling apart, eager students are tackling synonyms and long division, and the staff is celebrating test scores that indicate solid academic progress.

Three months after a scathing grand jury report questioned its very existence, and seven months after a audit critical of its financial practices, the one-campus district has shakily stayed its course, while the larger political and educational community has responded with a shrug of the shoulders.

'It just seems like the board and district are running amok and no one seems to care,' said Don Kawashima, foreman of the grand jury that in June suggested board President Antonio Perez step down, and the 566-student district merge with a neighbor. After alleging the board engaged in conflicts of interest, secrecy, intimidation, questionable spending and election malfeasance, the grand jury concluded that the district could not fix itself."

Tough times catching up to teacher pay, benefits | Philadelphia Inquirer | 09/21/2009

Tough times catching up to teacher pay, benefits Philadelphia Inquirer 09/21/2009:

"Nevertheless, Garden State teachers are faring better than school workers on average nationally. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, elementary and secondary school salaries averaged a 2.8 percent increase from June 2008 to June 2009.

And even that is better than the paltry 1.5 percent increases on average being handed out nationally to private-industry workers, according to the labor bureau."

William J. Adelman, 1932-2009: Teacher formed a union at school, became labor history expert -- chicagotribune.com

William J. Adelman, 1932-2009: Teacher formed a union at school, became labor history expert -- chicagotribune.com:

"'We wouldn't be here today if it weren't for Bill and his devotion to preserving our history,' said Larry Spivack, president of the society, the oldest organization of its kind in the United States. 'He was for many years the public face of the labor movement in Illinois.'

Mr. Adelman, 77, who died in his Oak Park home Tuesday, Sept. 15, apparently of a heart attack, became such a renowned labor expert that he often was an adviser, writer and narrator of films and documentaries on the labor movement, particularly those dealing with Chicago's history, family members said."


William J. Adelman

“The popular and peripatetic prophet of labor history; teacher, author, lecturer, and tireless tour leader.”

Throughout his career, Adelman has promoted the history of Chicago labor. For twenty-five years he served as professor at the Institute of Labor and Industrial Relations at the University of Illinois. In 1969, he was a co-founder of the ILHS and has published numerous books on labor history: Touring Pullman: Labor Sites in the Chicago Area, Haymarket Revisited, and Pilsen: A Tour Guide. During the 1990s Adelman has lectured on Chicago labor and ethnic history before a variety of unions and community groups.

My vision for a strong MPS - BizTimes

My vision for a strong MPS - BizTimes:

"A strong, reform-minded superintendent - of the caliber that D.C. Mayor Fenty found in Michelle Rhee, New York Mayor Bloomberg identified in Joel Klein and Chicago Mayor Daley (and ultimately President Obama) landed in Arne Duncan - that is looking to come to a district where they can implement real reform.

Such leaders would be frustrated under the current system where they have to cater to the changing directives of board leadership. And they would certainly be frustrated by recent actions by the current school board such as redirecting $300,000 for an office of accountability that shifts key powers away from the administration to an elected board, or redirecting $250,000 to pay private lawyers to support the status quo and resist reform efforts."

Google’s Digitization Gains C.U.’s Support, Despite Suit | The Cornell Daily Sun

Google’s Digitization Gains C.U.’s Support, Despite Suit The Cornell Daily Sun:

"In 2007, Cornell joined five other universities in an agreement with Google to digitize its eight million-volume collection. The goal of the project was to allow Cornell to buy access to Google’s ever-increasing online library. Although copyrighted books — only those published after 1923 — were initially shown in “snippet,” a highly fragmented format, the Association of American Publishers and the Authors Guild filed a lawsuit against Google for copyright violation on Sept. 20, 2005."

An activist turns a page - The Globe and Mail

An activist turns a page - The Globe and Mail:

"Ralph Nader, the consumer activist and corporate scourge, is saying nice things about the kind of folks you'd expect him to despise.
“Never in America have there been more super-rich people with relatively enlightened views,” says Nader, lean and hopeful at age 75, dark eyes aglow as he speaks at the offices of Public Citizen, the progressive research and advocacy group he founded nearly 40 years ago.
“Not all the super-rich are craven greedhounds, dominators and bullies. Some of them take on their counterpart greedhounds, dominators and bullies.”
It's as if Glenn Beck had found the bright side of socialism."

From K-12, students can opt to take their classes in cyberspace | Family | Wichita Eagle

From K-12, students can opt to take their classes in cyberspace Family Wichita Eagle:

"Officials project that 310 public middle and high school students will take all of their classes online this year, with 200 other students choosing to supplement their traditional or home-school studies with virtual courses. Their teachers work for the county's virtual school, based in Davie. Broward Virtual School contracts with Florida Virtual School for its middle and high school courses. Florida Virtual operates out of Orlando."

Wing nuts are too stupid to win their fake Civil War

Wing nuts are too stupid to win their fake Civil War:

"Even so, with a long social history of being looked down upon by the slave owners and valued below their expensive chattel, the so-called white trash class was full of believers quick to identify with those above them in wealth, power and education. The trash was convinced of their rightness, once the mythology got up a good head of steam, to the point of suicidal obnoxiousness. These men actually thought that their constitutional rights would be torn asunder if slavery ended.

But you know how it goes: The rough and ready fighting men were taken into meat grinders like Gettysburg. After three days of battle in that small Pennsylvania town, Robert E. Lee discovered that the men he commanded were far from invincible."

Health Officials: Vaccine is Best Protection against H1N1 - Pravda.Ru

Health Officials: Vaccine is Best Protection against H1N1 - Pravda.Ru:

"The only thing experts can say for sure about this flu season is that it won't be similar to any other. There will be multiple flu viruses circulating, one of which most people are defenseless against. 'This year we are in uncharted territory,' says Centers for Disease Control and Prevention director Thomas Frieden. 'What will happen in the coming weeks and months will only become clear in the weeks and months ahead.' Here is a handy guide to prepare for flu season by USA TODAY's Steve Sternberg, compiled from information provided by the CDC and other sources."

Education Technology News: Verizon Offers Free Online Resources for California Educators

Education Technology News: Verizon Offers Free Online Resources for California Educators:

"A new initiative from the California K-12 High Speed Network, or K12HSN, a state-funded education program, and the Verizon Foundation will reportedly provide free online resources for California teachers, parents and students, through Verizon's (News - Alert) Thinkfinity.org."

Young people should strive for a more complete skill set - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

Young people should strive for a more complete skill set - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"If we are going to educate a new generation of informed, responsible Americans who are ready to work in an increasingly interdependent world, Sorensen says, we must start with a basic grounding in subjects such as history and political science. In addition, she promotes the teaching of foreign languages, so each student reaches a point of fluency in at least one of them. Later, as students move into the university, Sorensen believes they should take one or more courses in economics, and develop as broad a base as possible in world literature and culture.

How does one accommodate such needs in already crowded curricula at the secondary-school level?"

Education: Report forecasts surge of new students for community colleges – North San Francisco Bay Area, Sonoma, Marin, Napa counties - North Bay Business Journal - Archive

Education: Report forecasts surge of new students for community colleges – North San Francisco Bay Area, Sonoma, Marin, Napa counties - North Bay Business Journal - Archive:

"The report, entitled “Ready or Not, Here They Come,” will be presented at the commission’s quarterly meeting to be held later this month in Sacramento.

According to the report, the state’s 110 community colleges will need to increase their capacity over the next decade in order not to turn away the 222,000 additional students who will seek to enroll. It estimates that the number of students during the next decade will increase by 12.3 percent."