Capitol Center To Close - Daily Nexus

Capitol Center To Close - Daily Nexus:

"In late August, the Sacramento Center received a temporary suspension of its funding and stopped accepting applications indefinitely. The Center — which provided graduate and upper-division undergraduate students with a chance to study in the politically-charged Sacramento atmosphere during the academic and summer quarters — had been operating in the state capitol for less than five years when the decision was made to postpone the program. The decision was ultimately made by acting interim UC Provost Lawrence Pitts and will take effect at the conclusion of this quarter."

Editorial: Vote yes on Measures G and H in Acalanes and Walnut Creek school districts - ContraCostaTimes.com

Editorial: Vote yes on Measures G and H in Acalanes and Walnut Creek school districts - ContraCostaTimes.com:

"Unfortunately, we don't live in such a world. School districts are partially funded by the state and then left to make up shortfalls on their own.

For that reason, we support two parcel taxes on the Nov. 3 ballot, Measure G in the Acalanes Union High School District and Measure H in the Walnut Creek School District.

The Acalanes high school district serves students who are funneled through grades K-8 in the Orinda, Moraga, Lafayette and Walnut Creek school districts.

With Measure G, Acalanes voters are being asked to continue paying an existing $189 a year parcel tax. With Measure H, voters in the Walnut Creek district are being asked to continue paying an existing $82 a year parcel tax.

While we back the measures, which require approval of two-thirds of the voters, we do so with some reservations. Voters should be aware that they are being asked to indefinitely extend existing parcel taxes. The current taxes are due to expire in 2011. Measures G and H have no sunset provisions."

Opinion: Dan Walters: Few would object if governor vetoed all bills on his desk - San Jose Mercury News

Opinion: Dan Walters: Few would object if governor vetoed all bills on his desk - San Jose Mercury News:

"That problematic nature is compounded by the fact that there's nothing of cosmic importance sitting on the governor's desk. While there are some measures of note, such as bills to expand California's commitment to solar, wind and other alternative energy forms, almost none of them need to be enacted this year. The alternative energy measures wouldn't take effect for years, for instance.

Given the ideological tilt of the Legislature, it's no surprise that most of the measures now pending are either minor in nature or are important mostly to liberal groups. And that means Republicans and business interests would not be dismayed if Schwarzenegger vetoes every one of the measures now pending, such as those expanding the services that health insurers must offer."

California's Higher Education Needs Transparency - NAM

California's Higher Education Needs Transparency - NAM:

"Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has until Oct. 11 to sign or veto SB 218.

This is a bill introduced by State Senator Leland Yee, D-Calif., following questions raised about the business practices of foundations on California State University campuses from Fresno to San Francisco, Sonoma to Sacramento.

“Taxpayers and students deserve to know how their public universities are run,” Yee said. He cited several cases where a lack of accountability and transparency has paved the way for abuses by public higher education foundations.

A member of a Fresno State foundation received a no-bid contract connected with building a campus entertainment venue in which he had a financial stake. An executive with the San Francisco City Community College Foundation borrowed money from it for personal consumption. A Sonoma State foundation got stuck with repaying money lent to a former board member unable to make the loan payments."

Education Matters: Obama’s Chance to Spark Real School Funding Reform - NAM

Education Matters: Obama’s Chance to Spark Real School Funding Reform - NAM:


"President Barack Obama and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan have an unprecedented opportunity to lead real school funding reform through the federal stimulus package. They can encourage states like California to fund public schools adequately and equitably. The question is, will they?

While much of the $100-plus billion in education stimulus funding is targeted to stave off teacher layoffs and keep class sizes in check, the so-called “Race to the Top” Fund stands apart. This $4.35 billion pot is the largest infusion of discretionary federal dollars ever into the public education system, bigger than the combined discretionary funds provided to all prior education secretaries over the past 29 years. States have to compete for funding, and not all will win. Money will be doled out on a selective basis to a subset of states that demonstrate their commitment to bold, systemic education reform. The idea is to reward innovation and results in public education and push states to undertake serious reform if they want to access to the pot."

Duncan, Holder in Chicago to discuss teen violence - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Duncan, Holder in Chicago to discuss teen violence - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"CHICAGO -- U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan are set to discuss youth violence in Chicago in the wake of the beating death of a 16-year-old honor student whose attack was caught on cell phone video.

Holder and Duncan plan to meet privately Wednesday with students, parents and school officials. They'll hold a news conference later with Ron Huberman, who replaced Duncan as chief executive officer of Chicago Public Schools.

President Barack Obama sent the two federal officials to Chicago after images emerged of the fatal beating of high school sophomore Derrion Albert. Four teenagers have been charged in his death."

Folsom Cordova district sued over teacher rehiring - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Folsom Cordova district sued over teacher rehiring - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Five teachers laid off because of budget cuts and the Folsom Cordova Education Association are suing the Folsom Cordova Unified School District board of trustees."

The suit, filed Sept. 18, contends that jobs that should have gone to laid-off teachers went to others. The California Education Code requires that districts put all laid-off teachers on a rehire list and to hire from it on the basis of seniority, according to the suit.

The teachers said the district did hire some laid-off teachers for temporary jobs, but did not hire them in order of seniority.

Call your doctor to get H1N1 vaccination, California officials say - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Call your doctor to get H1N1 vaccination, California officials say - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Looking to get an H1N1 vaccination soon? Your best bet is to call your doctor.

California's first allotment of 400,000 H1N1 nasal spray vaccine began arriving in doctors' offices Monday, according to the state Department of Public Health. Doses will continue arriving through the end of the week, and go mostly to pediatrician, OB-GYN and family practice offices."

www.KOB.com - Education cuts cause rift

http://www.kob.com/article/stories/S1178553.shtml?cat=516:

"Gov. Bill Richardson now says he is not sure he will be able to see eye-to-eye with key lawmakers before this month's budget-balancing special session.

The growing rift between the governor and some key lawmakers is education cuts—and neither side appears ready to budge. Many of those lawmakers said Monday that school funding is a huge part of the budget and if education money doesn't take a hit, all other departments will face deep cuts."

Chicago teen slayings may have roots in school closings that send students across gang lines

Chicago teen slayings may have roots in school closings that send students across gang lines:

"After images of Albert’s death were widely broadcast last week, President Barack Obama is sending his education secretary back to Chicago where, as head of the city’s schools, he implemented that plan. Attorney General Eric Holder will join Arne Duncan on Wednesday when they meet with school officials and students.

Since 2005, dozens of Chicago’s public schools have been closed and thousands of students reassigned to campuses outside their neighborhoods — and often across gang lines — as part of Renaissance 2010, a program launched by Mayor Richard Daley when Duncan was Chicago Public Schools chief.

While the plan has resulted in replacing failing and low-enrollment schools with charter schools and smaller campuses, it has also led to a surge in violence that has increasingly turned deadly, many activists, parents and students say.

Before the 2006 school year, an average of 10-15 public school students were fatally shot each year. That soared to 24 deadly shootings in the 2006-07 school year, 23 deaths and 211 shootings in the 2007-08 school year and 34 deaths and 290 shootings last school year.

Few deaths have occurred on school grounds, but activists say it’s no coincidence that violence spiked after the school closures."

Local politician advocates for correction reform - News

Local politician advocates for correction reform - News:


"The cost of the corrections system in California, and its effect on the state budget and public safety, are weighing upon Assemblymember Nancy Skinner. The local politician visisted campus last Thursday, October 1.

Skinner is the Assemblymember for California's 14th District which includes Moraga as well as surrounding areas such as Walnut Creek, Berkeley and Oakland."

Curriki Calls on California Teachers to Open, Share and Collaborate « Blogs « Literacy News

Curriki Calls on California Teachers to Open, Share and Collaborate « Blogs « Literacy News: "

Curriki, a leading online community for creating and sharing K-12 open source curricula today called on California teachers to join forces to enhance high school curriculum. In response to Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Free Digital Text Book Initiative, Curriki will work with California teachers to collaboratively improve free digital textbooks for high school earth science and chemistry courses.

The Governor, State Superintendent Jack O’Connell and the State Board of Education announced in May the Free Digital Textbook Initiative (www.gov.ca.gov/press-release/122225/), a project to provide a list of standards-aligned free digital textbooks for high schools that cover course content in math and science."

The White House - Blog Post - White House to Host Star Party

The White House - Blog Post - White House to Host Star Party:

"The White House has announced that on Wednesday, after honoring 13 of the nation’s top innovators and inventors, President Obama will host an Astronomy Night on the White House South Lawn.

OSTP is a proud co-organizer of the event, which will bring the President together with 150 local middle-school students and two students (a middle-schooler and a high school student) who have already made notable astronomical discoveries. The event will highlight this Administration’s commitment to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.

It is also a way to increase awareness of the incredible discoveries, inspiration, and expansion of human knowledge that the field of astronomy can deliver, and we hope that people around the country will take part. The event is to be broadcast on the White House Web site as well as NASA TV, and will be linked with simultaneous events at museums and planetariums across the country."

UC leaders propose state-federal 'hybrid"

UC leaders propose state-federal 'hybrid"

"BERKELEY — The federal government should step in to save chronically underfunded public universities, University of California leaders say.

UC Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau has proposed that top public research schools become state-federal 'hybrids' that receive basic operating funds from the U.S. government. The federal government also should match private funding raised by universities at a 2-1 ratio, Birgeneau and Vice Chancellor Frank Yeary wrote in opinion pieces published in newspapers on both coasts.

The idea has been well received in Washington, they said in an interview this week, but it is unclear when and if the Obama administration would take it on.

'They were enthusiastic,' said Birgeneau, who said he had spoken with Department of Education officials and was told not to expect any movement for at least the next two years. 'But they told me they had no money.'"

Continue reading at: http://www.insidebayarea.com/top-stories/ci_13499464

Health Insurance Reform Forum hosted by Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui

Dear Friend,

The state of our health insurance system impacts all Americans, insured and uninsured alike. Throughout the national debate over health insurance reform, I have listened to and visited with many Sacramentans including community members, families, seniors, doctors, nurses and small business owners. As the debate over health insurance reform continues, I would like to continue hearing from you about your thoughts, recommendations and concerns on this important topic.

This Saturday, October 10th, I will be hosting a public forum to discuss the health insurance reform legislation that is currently pending in Congress. This forum will be held at Sutter Middle School in Sacramento, and will begin promptly at 11:00 AM. Your input will play an important role as I consider the provisions of the proposed legislation.

Health Insurance Reform Forum hosted by Congresswoman Doris O. Matsui

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM

Saturday, October 10th

Sutter Middle School Multipurpose Room

3150 I Street, Sacramento

Public transit is available via bus lines 30 and 34. On-site parking is also available.

I hope to see you on Saturday.

Please contact my office at (916) 498-5600 if you have any questions.
Sincerely,

DORIS O. MATSUI
Member of Congress

PS - If you have not already, please take a minute to answer my health care survey.

To ensure that you continue to receive periodic updates on my work in Congress, please click here.

Sacramento Press / Welcome to The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

Sacramento Press / Welcome to The Sacramento Press Journalism Open!

We're so glad you're interested in The Sacramento Press Journalism Open! Not only can you win some great prizes, you can also have an effect on your community and gain some skills in the bargain! Contributing to our site is quick and easy - we can show you everything you need to know to take the act of making journalism into your own hands!

I'm David Watts Barton, the managing editor of The Sacramento Press, our area's top hyper-local, citizen-written news website, where we focus on up-close, in-depth coverage of neighborhoods like yours. We aim to spread the traditional habits of good journalism - accuracy, fairness and a diversity of opinion - across the Web. We do it with a mix of professional and amateur writing from around the community.

We're hosting this contest because we want you to join us! The future of journalism may depend on you: Your ideas, your questions, and the answers you find will increase the amount of good, local information you and your fellow citizens need to make informed decisions, whether it's about city government or where to go for entertainment. And once you've asked the questions you want answered, we want you to write for The Sacramento Press - because citizens like you are The Sacramento Press!

This contest is a pro-am, where writers of all skill levels and points of view are welcome to write about what you know and about what interests you.

California Budget Crisis Diaries: Costly lawsuits and late payment fees

California Budget Crisis Diaries: Costly lawsuits and late payment fees

The number of lawsuits being filed against state lawmakers and the state offices making late payments show millions of dollars down the drain. But there may be a light at the end of the tunnel as the various gubernatorial candidates put forth their ideas for fixing the budget.

The possibility of unlawful cuts: Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and state lawmakers have been inundated with lawsuits since they reached a budget agreement in July. Even Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) filed a lawsuit against the governor.
If Schwarzenegger and the state lose all the lawsuits filed against them, the state could lose $4.7 billion, the San Jose Mercury News reports.

“While legal battles are common in every budget cycle, the unusually high number this year - and their potential to wreak exceptional fiscal havoc - is a testament to the drastic, even risky, measures employed to solve deficits amounting to some $60 billion,” according to the Mercury News.

“This year’s bevy of lawsuits also is the legacy of an annual budgeting process in which tax increases have become anathema and in which certain spending obligations, such as money for education, are set in stone during boom years, without any provision to pay them when revenues slip.”Read more: http://www.sdnn.com/sandiego/2009-10-06/news/california-budget-crisis-diaries-costly-lawsuits-and-late-payment-fees#ixzz0TBb9s3Vq

Online Sexual Exploitation - Bulletin Board

What is named as the top school trouble of kids 8-15? Homework? Cafeteria food? Neither it's bullying. And with the rapid rise in electronic communications, cyberbullying using the Internet or mobile devices to send or post harmful or cruel text or images has become a serious issue.

The cyberbullying prevention campaign targets 12 and 13-year-olds, particularly girls, urging them to put an end to the cyberbullying chain. Tweens and teens can be lured into such behavior because it takes place in a virtual world. In fact, because they don't realize the tangible consequences, some don't even recognize these hurtful actions as bullying. These new PSAs including viral videos help them realize that if they wouldn't say it in person, they shouldn't say it online.

The bullying prevention campaign, launched in September 2004, features NCPC's beloved crime dog, McGruff. It is designed to counteract bullying at a young age by encouraging victims, witnesses and parents to take action to prevent the problem. Visitors to www.ncpc.org/cyberbullying can learn more about cyberbullying.

The Perimeter Primate: Paving the Way to Privatization of the School Lunch Program

The Perimeter Primate: Paving the Way to Privatization of the School Lunch Program

This is the first guest post on The Perimeter Primate by Caroline Grannan . Grannan was an editor at the San Jose Mercury News for 12 years. Currently she contributes to a number of Internet sites dealing with education and schools. She is a San Francisco public school parent, advocate, and volunteer and has followed education politics locally and nationwide.-- P.P.

On Revolution Foods

I’m a veteran of several years on the frontlines of the battle to improve school food. So of course I read the press coverage, including a sudden explosion of glowing news reports on a company called Revolution Foods -- a progressive-sounding effort to privatize school meals.

Almost all of that coverage is by confused reporters who don’t understand the economics of funding school meals and who buy Revolution’s misleading claim that its meals cost only a little more than the federal funding for school meals. Here’s a quote from a Sept. 30 Washington Post story about Revolution: “The price, between $2.90 and $3 per lunch, is not much higher than the current $2.68 the government pays.” The assumption is that the school district or the student has to come up with a mere 22 to 32 cents. But that’s misleading, because actually, the $2.68 government reimbursement also has to cover labor and other costs of running a school cafeteria.

California’s Civil Rights Heroes: Honoring the Legacies of Cesar Chavez and Harvey Milk - California Progress Report

California’s Civil Rights Heroes: Honoring the Legacies of Cesar Chavez and Harvey Milk - California Progress Report:

"Every year on March 31 Californians celebrate the life and legacy of my grandfather, Cesar E. Chavez. A Mexican-American son of migrant workers, he grew up at time when Latinos were treated as second class citizens. Having personally experienced injustice, he dedicated his life to achieving dignity and equality not only for Latino and farm worker communities but for all who suffered discrimination. He inspired millions to stand with pride in the face of adversity, and lives on in our memories as a figure who changed California and the world for the better."

Harvey Milk was a similar transformative leader at a time when lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people’s most basic humanity was denied. One of the nation’s first openly gay elected officials, he mobilized thousands in the LGBT community to fight against discriminatory policies, including the Briggs Initiative, which would have made it legal to fire school teachers simply because they were gay or supported equal rights. He also authored one of the nation’s first ordinances outlawing discrimination based on sexual orientation.

Schwarzenegger Latest Republican To Back Health Care Reform

Schwarzenegger Latest Republican To Back Health Care Reform:

"California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has joined other prominent Republicans in supporting Democratic health care reform legislation.

'As Governor, I have made significant efforts to advance health reform in California,' he said in a statement. 'As the Obama Administration was launching the current debate on health care reform, I hosted a bipartisan forum in our state because I believe in the vital importance of this issue, and that it should be addressed through bipartisan cooperation.'"

Leveraging Title I & Title IID: Maximizing the Impact of Technology in Education

Leveraging Title I & Title IID: Maximizing the Impact of Technology in Education:

"Leveraging Title I & Title IID: Maximizing the Impact of Technology in Education
The first, Leveraging Title I & Title IID: Maximizing the Impact of Technology in Education, outlines some effective ways schools can use technology to improve learning, and provides specific examples from schools and districts that have displayed best practices.
http://www.nationaltitleiassociation.org/?
http://www.setda.org/"

Steve Barr’s crusade to remake failing schools : The New Yorker

Steve Barr’s crusade to remake failing schools : The New Yorker:

"ABSTRACT: DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION about Steve Barr’s plan to remake failing schools. Two years ago, Steve Barr asked the Los Angeles Unified School District (L.A.U.S.D.) to give his charter-school management group, Green Dot Public Schools, control of Alain Leroy Locke High School, near Watts, California, and let him help the district turn it around. When the district refused, Green Dot became the first charter group in the country to seize a high school, in a hostile takeover. Locke reopened in September, four months after a riot had paralyzed it, as a half-dozen Green Dot schools. “It’s night and day,” said Ramon Cortines, L.A.U.S.D.’s new superintendent."

msnbc.com:KIPP student: We have to earn everything

msnbc.com:KIPP student: We have to earn everything

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

The Colbert Report Full Episode | Monday Oct 5 2009 | Comedy Central

The Colbert Report Full Episode Monday Oct 5 2009 Comedy Central

Missed Secretary Duncan on The Colbert Report last night? Not to worry. Full episdoe here.




http://www.comedycentral.com/colbertreport/full-episodes/index.jhtml?episodeId=250959

Digital Education: SETDA Offers Technology Resource Guide for Title I

Digital Education: SETDA Offers Technology Resource Guide for Title I:

"The State Educational Technology Directors Association teamed up recently with state Title I administrators to create two quick guides for schools to make better use of technology and stretch their money more effectively.

SETDA and the National Association for State Title I Directors worked on the guides, which quickly outline ways that technology can help schools meet their student-achievement goals."

Click here to read Leveraging Title I & Title IID: Maximizing the Impact of Technology in Education: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12674902/Leveraging-Title-I-and-Title-IID-Maximizing-the-Impact-of-Technology-in-Education

Click here to read A Resource Guide Identifying Technology Tools for Schools : http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12674886/Resource-Guide-Identifying-Technology-Tools-for-Schools-SETDA-and-the-National-Association-for-State-Title-I-Directors

Education Week: New Tack on Math Promoted

Education Week: New Tack on Math Promoted:

"Three years after calling for a reordering of elementary and middle school math curricula, the nation’s largest group of math teachers is urging a new approach to high school instruction, one that aims to build students’ ability to choose and apply the most effective problem-solving techniques, in the classroom and in life.

Cultivating those skills will make math more useful, and more meaningful, to students, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics argues in a document scheduled for release this week."

Read Draft Report Here: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/12674770/“Focus-in-High-School-Mathematics-Reasoning-and-Sense-Making”-Draft-Report

International Walk to School Day Celebrates Local Efforts to Increase Safe

International Walk to School Day Celebrates Local Efforts to Increase Safe:

"CHAPEL HILL, N.C., Oct. 5 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- On Wednesday, October 7th, students, parents, teachers and local officials in several thousand communities in each of the 50 states and the District of Columbia will walk to school together to celebrate the 13th annual International Walk to School Day. These events also kick off October as International Walk to School Month, the month when communities in over 40 countries will participate in daily, weekly or monthly events designed to raise awareness about the many benefits of safely walking and bicycling to school.

'International Walk to School Day events held on Wednesday and throughout the month of October highlight an increasingly important global issue,' said Lauren Marchetti, Director of the National Center for Safe Routes to School, a national clearinghouse that provides U.S. programs with information needed to implement safe and successful Safe Routes to School programs and strategies. 'When communities and schools work together to make routes to school safer for their children to walk and bicycle, there is an opportunity for many safety, public health, and environmental benefits to be enjoyed by all community members.'"

WKZO | Saving The Old and the Very Young

WKZO Saving The Old and the Very Young:

"The Kalamazoo City Commission wants state officials to reconsider one of their spending cuts, now that the budget deliberations have gone into extra innings. Last night they approved a resolution asking Lansing lawmakers to restore funding to early childhood education programs.

It came at the request of several citizens groups.Howard Steiner with ISAAC says legislators have lumped Pre-school and K-12 together, which would force districts to choose between them.

The whole K-12 Education budget is still up for grabs after the House refused to approve the conference committee cuts.

Just as there are advocates for the very young, there are also those pulling for funding to protect the very old, who can no longer care for themselves. They say that under current budget proposals, dozens of nursing homes would be forced to cut services, and some could even close, because of cuts to Medicaid."

Tax shortfall means cut in Denver preschool tuition aid - The Denver Post

Tax shortfall means cut in Denver preschool tuition aid - The Denver Post:

"A tax-supported program that helps Denver families pay for preschool will cut its tuition reimbursements by 25 percent next fall — another victim of the economy.

The move could affect the growing enrollment of Denver Public Schools and, ultimately, future student achievement, education officials say.

Early-childhood education advocates also fear greater cuts to the statewide Colorado Preschool Program that pays for preschool for the state's neediest children."

The ACORN doesn’t fall far from the NEA tree : Opinion : The Buffalo News

The ACORN doesn’t fall far from the NEA tree : Opinion : The Buffalo News:

"The California Teacher Empowerment Network was founded by former NEA members who now are educating the educator about how to opt out of paying for union politics. Further, alternative teacher membership organizations such as the Association of American Educators have surfaced, offering educators professional benefits without funding political causes.

While the $400,000 given to ACORN by the NEA represents a mere percentage of members’ dues sent to similar organizations, the ACORN debacle should have NEA leadership rethinking to whom and why they give away their members’ money. Instead we are seeing more of the same from the teacher union as it defended the good work of ACORN in a recent press release."

Monterey County Superintendent Faces Lawsuit - KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-

Monterey County Superintendent Faces Lawsuit - KION - Monterey, Salinas, Santa Cruz - News Weather-:

"There are more problems for schools in King City. Tonight, the California Teachers Association is suing to force the Monterey County School Superintendent to approve a deal reached several months ago.

Teachers say Nancy Kotowski's actions could cost the district more than 5 and a half million dollars. They approved the cost cutting deal in February and the school board approved it in March. But the next day, Kotowski killed the deal. Now, teachers want a judge to do something about it."

Sending children to prison for life - Juneau Empire

Sending children to prison for life - Juneau Empire:

"The tough-on-crime rhetoric of 'lock 'em up and throw away the key' is entirely inappropriate in the case of children. Children's brains, bodies and personalities are still in the process of growing and changing. And many experts in neuroscience and psychology believe that the same changeability that makes young people vulnerable to negative influences and peer pressure also makes them good candidates for reform and rehabilitation.

In all other areas, we recognize their vulnerabilities. Because of the relative immaturity and irresponsibility of minors, every state in the nation restricts them from voting, serving on juries, purchasing alcohol or marrying without parental consent. States further restrict young adolescents from activities that require more mature judgment, such as driving and consenting to sexual activity. In fact, the state of Florida, where Sullivan and Graham are incarcerated for life, does not even permit adolescents to get their ears pierced without parental consent.

So why should minors be treated like adults when it comes to sentencing?"

Education Week: 'Race to Top' Said to Lack Key Science

Education Week: 'Race to Top' Said to Lack Key Science:

"Among education researchers, one complaint about the U.S. Department of Education under former President George W. Bush was that it relentlessly promoted “scientific research in education,” while at the same time endorsing some policies that lacked solid research evidence.

With recently published draft guidelines for federal economic-stimulus money and Title I aid, critics are beginning to ask whether much has changed under the Obama administration."

High turnover among principals | Homeroom

High turnover among principals Homeroom:

"University of Texas researchers have found that about 70 percent of new public high school principals in Texas leave their jobs within the first five years.

Only about half of new principals stay on the job at least three years, College of Education researchers found. And principals in high-poverty schools are leaving the soonest.

Ed Fuller and Michelle Young, both part of the University Council for Educational Administration, studied principal tenure from 1996 to 2008, university officials said in an announcement Monday."

Bullied for Being ‘Gay’ - Consults Blog - NYTimes.com

Bullied for Being ‘Gay’ - Consults Blog - NYTimes.com:

"Unfortunately, your son is not alone in what he’s experiencing. Bullying and being teased for being what others perceive as “different” happens to many children. Lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgendered young people — or those perceived to be L.G.B.T. — have a much higher incidence of harassment at school. In fact, it’s estimated that more than a quarter of L.G.B.T. young people drop out of school because of this very harassment.

Your son is very fortunate to have parents who are so supportive and open to talking about these issues, something that many young people desperately need. In addition, it’s very encouraging that the staff at your son’s school responds to the students who tease him. Unfortunately, this does not occur in many schools, leaving those who are teased to feel that no one cares, that they have no recourse and worse, that they deserve what’s being done to them."

There's less junk food in schools, the CDC says | Booster Shots | Los Angeles Times

There's less junk food in schools, the CDC says Booster Shots Los Angeles Times:

"Soda, chips, candy -- sure, they're everywhere, but in in the nation's schools, they're no longer quite as plentiful as they were, according to a new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (Read it here.)

States with the biggest improvements -- no surprise -- were ones that 'have adopted strong school nutrition standards and policies for foods and beverages sold outside school meal programs,' according to a summary of the report.

The report, which examines changes in 2002 through 2008, also found:

1) Of 34 states that collected data, the average number of secondary schools that didn't sell soda or fruit drinks that weren't 100% juice went from 38% in 2006 to 64% in 2008.
Mississippi and Tennessee did best, increasing to 75% from 22% (Mississippi) and to 74% from 27% (Tennessee)."

Swiftspeech!: As California's Educational System Goes, So Goes the State

Swiftspeech!: As California's Educational System Goes, So Goes the State:

"'It is up to us to argue the case for a public university – for public education -- in a democracy in crisis."

Education Advisory Panel: What do you think about year-round schooling? | Postcrescent.com | Appleton Post-Crescent

Education Advisory Panel: What do you think about year-round schooling? Postcrescent.com Appleton Post-Crescent:

"More than 3,000 schools in at least 46 states, particularly California, Arizona, Hawaii, Nevada and Georgia —and a handful in southern Wisconsin — use a year-round school calendar today.Once they get used to breaking up the long summer vacation with shorter, more frequent breaks during the year, many teachers, students and parents like it. Others don't and have returned to traditional calendars.Advocacy groups like the National Association for Year Round Education point to research indicating a modified calendar makes a difference in student achievement, minimizing 'summer learning loss' in such areas as math and reading."

When State Universities Lose State Support - Economix Blog - NYTimes.com

When State Universities Lose State Support - Economix Blog - NYTimes.com:

"The budget of the public higher education system of California has been slashed by over 20 percent, on top of previous cuts. Faculty and student protests kicked into place the first week of classes, reflecting enormous contention over the best way to respond.

What’s happening in California is both a harbinger of things to come in other states and an amplification of a national trend.

The percentage of total spending at state universities provided by state tax revenue has been sinking for more than 20 years. As Jim Duderstadt, former president of the University of Michigan put it, “We used to be state-supported, then state-assisted, and now we are state-located.”"

Will California become America's first failed state?

Will California become America's first failed state?

The Failed State of California?

By Robert Cruickshank

The #1 article on the Guardian's site (the British newspaper, not the SF alt-weekly) is an article from their Sunday sister paper, the Observer, titled Will California become America's first failed state? As any of you who've read Calitics for the last few months or years know, our answer is likely to be "yes." But it's still worth examining why that's the case, and whether the Observer article really gets to the heart of the problem.

First, I think it is worth defining what the "California Dream" is. I think it is actually a broad and yet deeply fundamental concept. The dream is that anyone can come to California, enjoy its natural beauty, and reinvent/find/embrace themselves here, all enabled by the availability of basic economic security and prosperity. That's really what it's about, the notion that people can create, innovate, dream, and be themselves in this beautiful place, and do so without having to worry about how they'll make ends meet, because the state has backed policies that will ensure such fundamental prosperity.

That dream is now dead. Anyone who says otherwise is either lying, totally unfamiliar with California in 2009, or actively promoting and aiding the death of that dream.

Governor still hopes to get a water deal - Dan Walters - fresnobee.com

Governor still hopes to get a water deal - Dan Walters - fresnobee.com:

"Nobody will say that, of course, but neither is it a secret in the Capitol that Schwarzenegger wants the Legislature to return to Sacramento to deal not only with water but some education reform measures and perhaps an overhaul of the state's much-distorted tax system.

Water, however, is the biggie, as Schwarzenegger attempts to succeed where his predecessors dating back to Ronald Reagan failed, settling the decades-long war over water policy among powerful stakeholder groups."

Tension ripples through City Hall - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com

Tension ripples through City Hall - Sacramento City News - sacbee.com:

"Councilman Ray Tretheway said friction among council members has diverted attention from important issues, including the failure to find 'real-world solutions to the homeless problem.'
Tretheway, who is running for re-election against two challengers, said it's not too late for the council to start getting along.

'The focus of the City Council needs to be on important issues, such as jobs and public safety and flood control,' he said."

Stretching School Dollars: Galt needs to come together on schools - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

Stretching School Dollars: Galt needs to come together on schools - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"California today has 550 elementary school districts, overlapping with 84 high school districts. The state has only 333 unified K-12 districts.

For years, Galt residents have talked about joining the elementary and high school districts. Led by a strong grassroots community effort in 2004, parents collected 1,200 signatures in favor of a K-12 merger. As one parent said at the time, 'There's no reason to have two districts; we're a small town.'"

Who's afraid of the swine flu? - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Who's afraid of the swine flu? - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Compared with survey results the Field Poll expects to soon release on the California state Legislature, DiCamillo said, favorable opinion of state health officials is 'off the charts.'

DiCamillo said he was struck that while 67 percent were confident about the public health system, more than a quarter of respondents � 27 percent � said they were not likely to get an H1N1 vaccine even if their doctors or officials advised it."

re: Garfield High School LAUSD board meeting Sept 8 2009

Maria Guadalupe Mena of Garfield High School:
"Community members stated they were offered monetary compensation [by Green Dot] in exchange for their signature on a petition."
"The day of the 'Public School Choice' vote, Parent Revolution and Parent Union representatives informed us they were court mandated to support the rally to work off their community service".
"We're unhappy that reform decisions have been dictated to our community by billionaire philanthropists [who]...are funding...Inner City Struggle, Parent Revolution, Boyle Heights and East Los Angeles Learning Collaboratives to push their corporate agenda onto the schools."

Sacramento Nestle Waters bottling plant draws fire - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

Sacramento Nestle Waters bottling plant draws fire - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"With California in its third year of drought and Sacramentans facing watering restrictions, Councilman Kevin McCarty thinks the plant needs a closer look.

'It comes at a bizarre time,' said McCarty, whose district includes the project site in the Florin Fruitridge Industrial Park. 'Extreme profits are going to be made with Sacramento water ... as we're trying to conserve' it."

Higher-value education - Press-Telegram

Higher-value education - Press-Telegram:

"Beleaguered taxpayers are inclined to feel like victims these days, but Daniel Weintraub, who expresses his views on today's Comment page, is a refreshing exception.

Weintraub, who writes for the Sacramento Bee, is the parent of a son enrolled at the University of California Santa Barbara. Thanks to the state's financial mess, tuition for his son will be $2,500 higher, and probably will be raised again in months to come.

He could complain, like so many of us, but instead makes the broader point, which is that the UC system still is one of higher education's great values. Also, a third of the tuition increase will go to less privileged families, those with incomes of $60,000 or less, who will pay no tuition at all."

Cash-Strapped University of California Spending Millions on Consultants | NBC Bay Area

Cash-Strapped University of California Spending Millions on Consultants NBC Bay Area:

"The University of California at Berkeley's top boss says you have to spend money to save money.

That’s why Chancellor Robert Birgenau is paying Bain & Company, a consulting firm based out of state, $3 million to analyze the university budget and determine how and where to cut costs.

This move is coming at a time when many employees have been laid off, salaries cut, courses reduced and workers furloughed. Employees and students at University of California campuses across the state staged a walkout last month, leaving their classes and workplaces in protest of increasing tuition fees and decreasing paychecks."