Cavala: Campaign “Reform” Claims Another Victim - California Progress Report

Cavala: Campaign “Reform” Claims Another Victim - California Progress Report

Bowing to realities, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Jack O’Connell announced his withdrawal from the contest for Governor of California. The reason was money.
Under the rules in play through the election of Gray Davis, large contributors could supply the cash needed to run a political campaign to 20,000,000 voters. Now, with a system of contribution limitations in place, no one can run a serious campaign who is not already famous (viz Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jerry Brown) or incredibly rich (Poizner and Whitman).

Was it the intent of the voters to place such limits on their choices for top leadership? I doubt it. The electorate was attempting – as it always does – to limit the influence of big moneyed interests in the process of government. They succeeded only in reducing the total amounts contributed, not the proportions. “Special interests” still contribute disproportionate amounts to candidates for office. But the ability to put the millions behind a favored candidate in a primary election – something the education coalition might have done for O’Connell in a different time – is no more.

O’Connell won his first campaign (for State Assembly) in 1982. His opponent was Brooks Firestone, the heir to the Firestone tire and rubber fortune. With four months before the election, Firestone had already outspent O’Connell 600,000 to 8,000. But the rules of the period allowed the Speaker, Willie Brown, to transfer large sums to candidate’s like O’Connell. He was still outspent by hundreds of thousands, but he had enough wherewithal to make his case – and won.

This Week In Education: Thompson: To Each His Own Evidence

This Week In Education: Thompson: To Each His Own Evidence:

"Claus von Zastrow, recoiling from educational know-nothingism of recent opinion pieces in the Washington Post and the New York Times, suggested 'pay newspaper pundits for their performance. Pay them only for what they get right, or for judgments based on strong evidence'

What would such a grand bargain look like? Merit evaluations would lead to a quick exit of Jonathan Alter’s opinions. Richard Whitmire might avoid burnout and only seeing the worst in educators as a mentor refreshed his memory about journalism's best practices. Also with a little mentoring, Jay Mathews could assess the unhappy sides of stories as well as the uplifting, and I suspect he would rise into the top quintile. But if we evaluate on cold hard accuracy, the top bonuses would go to Gerald Bracey, and think of how blunt Bracey would be after receiving the full recognition he deserves."

Mayor Seeks Input On K Street Blight - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento

Mayor Seeks Input On K Street Blight - Politics News Story - KCRA Sacramento:

"Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson is upset over blight on K Street and wants public input on plans to redevelop the area.

'We just can't have that main strip lay dormant,' Johnson said.

Michael Ault, executive director of the Downtown Sacramento Partnership, acknowledges that corridor has a 'rough' image, but is hoping to see empty storefronts filled and more outdoor cafes open in the area.

'Downtown has got to be unique,' Ault said. 'It's got to be urban.'

Sean Kohmescher, co-owner of the popular Temple coffeehouse near 10th and K streets, said his business struggles to attract foot traffic after state workers go home for the evening."

City schools chief to meet Pocket residents Monday - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee

City schools chief to meet Pocket residents Monday - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News Sacramento Bee:

"Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent Jonathan Raymond will meet with residents of the Pocket-Greenhaven area Monday as part of his 'listening and learning' tour of the district.

Raymond will be hosted by school board President Roy Grimes and Sacramento City Councilman Robbie Waters from 6 to 8 p.m. at John F. Kennedy High School, 6715 Gloria Drive.
Raymond was chief accountability officer for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools in North Carolina before starting as superintendent in Sacramento on Aug. 21."

Education Week: Schools Taking Part in Campaign to Give Swine-Flu Vaccine

Education Week: Schools Taking Part in Campaign to Give Swine-Flu Vaccine:

"Thousands of American schools are mobilizing to ensure that students are vaccinated against swine flu in the coming weeks, a task complicated by parental fears and overlap with vaccine programs for seasonal flu.

Public-health officials say the swine-flu season is in full swing, and in fact has never stopped since the new virus, known as H1N1, was identified in April. Children have been among the groups hardest hit. A total of 76 children in the United States have died from swine flu, the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said last week. Thirty-seven states are reporting widespread swine flu, the Atlanta-based CDC said.

As the first doses of the vaccine are distributed this month, health and school officials are focusing on helping to get children inoculated. People between the ages of 6 months and 24 years are among the “priority groups” recommended to receive the swine-flu vaccine. And health officials say they should also be vaccinated against regular, seasonal flu, which typically is more..."

Connecticut Law Tribune: Justice Souter’s Civics Lessons

Connecticut Law Tribune: Justice Souter’s Civics Lessons:

"Retired Justice David Souter has taken up a cause – better civics education in our schools. His urgings are unlikely to reverse a trend away from the ABCs, particularly in the nation’s urban schools. The justice is concerned that students are not properly educated on the role of the courts in our republic. I’m not sure I want Justice Souter’s view of that role to prevail – but in many ways it already does.

In too many public schools, the curriculum is the product of a politicized teaching establishment with activists controlling the content. Liberals predominate in public school faculties, and the leadership of the National Education Association drives the left-wing agenda. Rather than the core and essential subjects I and my elementary school classmates were made to focus our time on, too many kids today are subjected to a curriculum the gist of which boils down to “I’m a victim, you’re a victim,” and “Everybody’s the same, everybody’s entitled.”"

Treatment for Native American youths begins with building trust | Clackamas County News - - OregonLive.com

Treatment for Native American youths begins with building trust Clackamas County News - - OregonLive.com:

"OREGON CITY -- It's easy to swoop past the fenced facility on tree-lined Clackamas River Road as the pavement bends and curves along the winding river.

But advocates hope it will be harder to miss the import of what Cedar Bough does for Native American youths in Oregon, and beyond.

Cedar Bough, a residential center run by ChristieCare that treats mentally ill Native American and Native Alaskan youths, opened a year ago on the site of a former operator that was shut down by the state.

In that time, the center has treated more than 60 kids from middle through high school. The center, which includes academics, equine therapy, counseling and more, is especially vital for youth who face a high risk of substance abuse, foster placement and juvenile detention.

But for Cedar Bough to even open its doors, administrators at parent ChristieCare first had to close their mouths.

They were, after all, a non-Native organization offering to house and treat the youths of tribes with a long history of abuse from white America. Memories of children being taken from tribes, ordered to cut their hair and prevented from learning their culture remain fresh."

Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG > Hey KJ, see Tapped at the Crest before selling all our water to Nestle > October 18, 2009

Sacramento News & Review > Blogs > SNOG > Hey KJ, see Tapped at the Crest before selling all our water to Nestle > October 18, 2009:

"More recommended viewing for the mayor and city council, as well as the city’s Economic Development department. On Wednesday, the Crest Theater is showing the documentary Tapped, which documents the big business of bottled water.

The screening is being put on by Save Our Water–the organization formed to oppose a new Nestle Waters bottled water plant in South Sacramento, and it will be preceded by a presentation on the Nestle situation here in Sacramento.
Regular SN&R know that Nestle is planning to open a bottled water plant here in Sacramento after the company was basically run out of the town of McCloud, near Mt Shasta. The Nestle deal would allow the multinational company to purchase Sacramento tap water and sell it at profits exceeding 1,000 times what they pay for it. This at a time when Sacramento residents are being asked to follow strict new conservation rules or risk fines.

The plant is supported by Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson, but at least a couple of Sacramento city council members are skeptical. Council member Kevin McCarty is introducing an “urgency ordinance” that would require bottling companies to get special permits before beginning operation, and he wants the council to consider charging bottling plants higher rates that other users, as is the practice in some other cities, like Los Angeles."

Viewpoint: Sacramento 'world-class'? Not with burdens on business - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

Viewpoint: Sacramento 'world-class'? Not with burdens on business - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"When Kevin Johnson was running for mayor, one of the issues on which he ran was boosting economic development and jobs. He also frequently stated that he wanted to make Sacramento a 'world-class city.'

With 450,000 residents in the city of Sacramento, and 1.7 million residents in Sacramento County, Sacramento is a good-sized city, but not a metropolis. The burning question is who really wants Sacramento to become a sizable, 'big' city: politicians or residents?"

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

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

"(Media-Newswire.com) - Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg, Deputy Mayor for Health and Human Services Linda I. Gibbs, Commissioner of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Dr. Thomas Farley and the City’s Chief Service Officer Diahann Billings-Burford today launched Flu Fighters, an NYC Service initiative to help combat the spread of influenza this season. The program will mobilize hundreds of volunteers to conduct outreach at community events, schools, senior centers and houses of worship in New York City to raise awareness about influenza and the importance of getting vaccinated. Flu Fighters is one of the 40 initiatives of NYC Service announced by Mayor Bloomberg in April and is a component of the City’s comprehensive influenza prevention plan outlined by the Mayor in early September.

“Our biggest goal for NYC Service is to strategically and methodically direct volunteers to the areas of our city where they are needed the most – something that had never really been done before,” said Mayor Bloomberg. “Flu Fighters will address a critical area – flu prevention – serving as a needed extension of City efforts to protect the public. The more New Yorkers we can get to take steps to protect themselves against the flu, the better chance we have of containing any outbreak. If you want to make a real difference in this city and possibly save lives, then please sign up to be a Flu Fighter.”"

Starkville Daily News - New CDC study finds unhealthy snacks in schools

Starkville Daily News - New CDC study finds unhealthy snacks in schools:

"The percentage of secondary schools in Mississippi in which students could not purchase less nutritious food and beverages, such as candy and soda, increased significantly between 2006 and 2008, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Mississippi ranked among the 10 best states in the percentage of secondary schools that did not sell less nutritious food and beverages from vending machines or at a school store, canteen, or snack bar in 2008.

“We are gratified that the school health policies and programs in our state have led to impressive improvements in the foods and beverages available to students,” said Shane McNeill, Director Office of Healthy Schools, Mississippi Department of Education. “However, we still have a lot of work to do to ensure that all students learn in a healthy school environment.”

The CDC study found that in 2008, in 62 percent of secondary schools in Mississippi, students could not purchase chocolate candy, other candy, baked goods and salty snacks that are not low in fat, and soda or fruit drinks that are not 100 percent juice.

The percentage of secondary schools in Mississippi in which students could not purchase soda or fruit drinks increased from 22 percent in 2006 to 75 percent in 2008.

The percentage of secondary schools in Mississippi in which students could not purchase candy or salty snacks not low in fat increased from 23 percent in 2006 to 72 percent in 2008."

Read the full report: Availability of Less Nutritious Snack Foods and Beverages in Secondary Schools ---Selected States, 2002--2008

Test That Makes U.S. Look Bad May Not Be So Good - Class Struggle - Jay Mathews on Education

Test That Makes U.S. Look Bad May Not Be So Good - Class Struggle - Jay Mathews on Education:

"A key failing of PISA, Loveless said, is “it does not measure what kids have learned in school.” Why not? Because PISA exams are written by the losing side in a century-old debate over how to teach math. For convenience, call the pro-PISA people progressives and the anti-PISA people traditionalists. Loveless, who taught sixth grade in California for nine years before getting his Ph.D. in education from the University of Chicago, is a traditionalist but appreciates the arguments on both sides. The progressives want to make math instruction more relevant to the real world, and emphasize mathematical reasoning more than calculation. The traditionalists say you can’t reason well without mastering the fundamentals. They dislike their approach being dismissed by progressives as “shopkeeper math,” Loveless said, “like it was old-fashioned to try to compute anything.”"

Ravenna school closed; many sick kids | WOOD TV8

Ravenna school closed; many sick kids WOOD TV8:

"RAVENNA, Mich. (WOOD) - Too many sick students and staff members has forced another West Michigan school to shut down.

North East Education Center in Ravenna is closed on Monday.

Schoolcraft Middle School in Kalamazoo County closed on Friday after a third of its students were absent on Thursday."

New report says black male Dropouts lead nation in incarceration

The St. Louis American

"(NNPA) - On any given day, nearly 23 percent of all young Black men ages 16 to 24 who have dropped out of high school are in jail, prison, or a juvenile justice institution in America, according to a disturbing new national report on the dire economic and social consequences of not graduating from high school.

Dropouts become incarcerated at a shocking rate: 23 of every 100 young Black male dropouts were in jail on any given day in 2006-07 compared to only six to seven of every 100 Asian, Hispanic or white dropouts. While young Black men are disproportionately affected, the report, released Oct. 9, found that this crisis cuts across racial and ethnic lines. Male dropouts of all races were 47 times more likely to be incarcerated than their peers of a similar age who had graduated from a four-year college or university.

The report was released by a coalition of leading national and regional education, advocacy, and social service groups. It is titled, “Consequences of Dropping Out of High School: Joblessness and Jailing for High School Dropouts and the High Cost for Taxpayers — 22 percent Daily Jailing Rate for Young Black Men Who Drop Out of High School”. The report is available online at www.clms.neu.edu."

Tutoring dollars harder to come by The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper

Tutoring dollars harder to come by The Post and Courier - Charleston SC newspaper:

"Competition for millions of federal dollars is getting tough among companies that provide tutoring services to low-income children in struggling schools.

State and local school district leaders said that while many tutoring companies are reputable, others try to lure students with offers of bikes, music players and even computers. Federal law prohibits companies from offering incentives to bring in students, but many still try to do it, said Steve Abbott, Title I director for the state Department of Education. And companies are allowed to offer such rewards to students after they enroll or upon completion of the program.

It's a marketing tool to bring in more students the following year, he said. 'So a kid might ask, 'Where's the provider that will give me a bike?' '

It's recruitment time for companies that offer tutoring services to low-income children in struggling schools. Under the No Child Left Behind act, schools that receive federal money because of the large percentage of low-income students enrolled and that fail to meet all of the law's requirements for three consecutive years must offer tutoring services to those students outside the school day. School districts must set aside a portion of their federal money, known as Title I funds, for such services."

The Smart Set: Small Chinese character reform triggers big controversy - October 19, 2009

The Smart Set: Small Chinese character reform triggers big controversy - October 19, 2009:

"BEIJING (AFP) - More than 50 years after a major overhaul of the way in which Chinese characters are written, a far less ambitious project to simplify just a few dozen ideograms has sparked huge controversy here.
The government has put forward proposals to change 44 characters out of the 3,500 most used, or 1.25 percent of the total, 'to adapt to the requirements of the information era, the evolution of language and the development of society.'"

National League of Cities

National League of Cities:

"Last week, hundreds of municipal leaders and community partners convened in Boston for a one-of-a-kind event sponsored by NLC’s Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) — a biennial two-day summit focused specifically on what cities can do to produce better child and family outcomes in education, health, safety and financial stability.

Altogether, more than 350 local leaders participated in the 2009 National Summit on Your City’s Families over Columbus Day weekend, learning about cutting-edge municipal approaches and strategies to help families during tough economic times.

The summit marked several milestones: the 10-year anniversary of the YEF Institute, which was launched in Boston in January 2000; the first year of the Mayors’ Action Challenge for Children and Families, which has engaged more than 100 mayors; and the release of the institute’s first report on “The State of City Leadership for Children and Families,” a groundbreaking publication that identifies the broad range of municipal innovations and trends to promote child and family well-being."

The White House - Blog Post - Recovery in Focus: Saving and Hiring 250,000 Teachers

The White House - Blog Post - Recovery in Focus: Saving and Hiring 250,000 Teachers:

"The Recovery Act, which the President signed in February, is having positive impacts on almost every conceivable sector of our economy, both in the short term and in terms of creating a new foundation for the future. But one of the areas that might be felt even more directly by families than most – again, in both the short and the long terms -- is in education. A new report out today from the Domestic Policy Council documents just how broad the impact has been."

Read the Report: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/13425480/Educational-Impact-of-the-American-Recovery-and-Reinvestment-Act

From the introduction:

Immediately after President Obama signed ARRA into law on February 17th, the Department acted swiftly to move the first phase of these funds to states in response to drastic budget shortfalls. Over $67 billion in formula grants have been disbursed as of September 30th. As part of the unprecedented transparency requirements of ARRA, the first quarterly public accounting of all expenditures to date will be posted by the Recovery, Accountability, and Transparency Board on October 30th. Initial reporting from states find that the October 30 release will show at least 250,000 education jobs created or saved across the nation that are supporting our students and fueling our economy.
The report meticulously looks at the impact the Recovery Act had on state budgets, which had legislators facing awful choices on how to close massive shortfalls. And as it goes on to explain, the benefits of the Recovery Act ended up going to virtually every student in the schools that were affected, since teacher layoffs effect virtually every student:
Saving and generating jobs for teachers has had clear effects in the classroom. As local school districts are faced with budget shortfalls in a slowing economy, the number of teachers employed may decline.

However, the need to educate students does not decrease. Fewer teacher jobs, without fewer students, may lead to larger and often unacceptable class sizes.
Faced with these circumstances, some school districts have chosen to use ARRA funds to avert such class size expansion. For example, reports indicate that Peoria, IL used ARRA funding to focus on increasing the number of teaching positions and reducing class sizes in kindergarten, and at the first- and second-grade levels. At the Rothschild Middle School in Columbus, GA, the principal was able use ARRA funds to hire more math teachers to deliver individualized attention to students through smaller classes.
ARRA has also provided significant funding for low-income students ($10 billion Title I ARRA appropriation) and for students with disabilities ($12.2 billion under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act). These funds have all been disbursed by the Department and are currently supporting essential special education professionals and programs throughout the nation and bolstering schools in many of our poorest communities.

Along the lines of the aforementioned "new foundation," the Recovery Act funds have also helped our schools move towards the kind of reform that the President has spoken about, and which has been embraced across the political spectrum:

The overall goals for education in the ARRA are to stimulate the economy in the short term and to invest in education advancements to ensure the long-term economic health and success of our nation.

Currently ARRA is, in fact, providing urgent fiscal relief to states and restoring education budgets in school districts, while also advancing the Administration’s four reform priorities:

Rigorous college- and career-ready standards and high-quality assessments that are valid and reliable for all students;
Pre-K-to college and career data systems that track progress and foster continuous improvement;
Improvements in teacher effectiveness and in the equitable distribution of qualified teachers for all students; and
Intensive support and effective interventions for the lowest-performing schools.
Media and direct accounts from districts across the country provide examples of local initiatives that are focusing ARRA funds towards one or more of these reform priorities.
It's always hard to step back and gauge the entire impact of the Recovery Act, but this is one area where the benefits to the country and our children are beyond dispute.

The test is taking me ... and my money

The test is taking me ... and my money:

"Contrary to popular belief, the SAT is not an invention of the devil for the torture of high school students. Nor is it, as the College Board (the company that makes the SAT) promises, the test that 'shows the colleges what you can do.'"

It is a business, and money is its only objective. Applying to college is pricey already, and one of the required parts of the application is an SAT score. Not even just an SAT score, but extra "subject tests," too.

The tests cost money to take. If you want to do well, you can buy the book. Yeah, there is a fee waiver you can get to take the SAT for free. But no matter how low one's income is, you have to pay for the prep books, the classes and the No. 2 pencils. It's almost cruel of the College Board to take stressed-out teenagers and prey upon their fears for money.

And the College Board isn't the only company taking advantage of us. Kaplan, Princeton Review and other SAT prep companies make a bundle selling books and private tutoring

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/18/IN1D1A53J1.DTL&type=education#ixzz0UOOPhfPi

Teaching for a Living | Public Agenda

Teaching for a Living Public Agenda:

Teaching for a Living: How Teachers See the Profession Today

"Introduction

Everyone agrees that you can't have good education without good teachers, but how do teachers see their profession? Why do people become teachers, what are their frustrations, and what reforms do they think would improve their work? Public Agenda's newest research, conducted with Learning Point Associates and released in association with Education Week, is designed to learn more about how to support and retain the most promising teachers. We're following up on many of the issues we explored in our 2003 survey, Stand by Me, and our 2007 Lessons Learned reports on first-year teachers, as well asadding new questions to explore the differences between 'Gen Y' educators and older teachers. This is the first of three reports, funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the Joyce Foundation."

Two out of five of America’s 4 million K-12 teachers appear disheartened and disappointed about their jobs, while others express a variety of reasons for contentment with teaching and their current school environments, new research by Public Agenda and Learning Point Associates shows.

The nationwide study, “Teaching for a Living: How Teachers See the Profession Today,” whose results are being reported here for the first time, offers a comprehensive and nuanced look at how teachers differ in their perspectives on their profession, why they entered teaching, the atmosphere and leadership in their schools, the problems they face, their students and student outcomes, and ideas for reform. Taking a closer look at the nation’s teacher corps based on educators’ attitudes and motivations for teaching provides some notable implications for how to identify, retain, and support the most effective teachers, according to the researchers.

Forty Percent of America's K-12 Teachers Appear Disheartened | Reuters

Forty Percent of America's K-12 Teachers Appear Disheartened Reuters:

"NEW YORK, Oct. 19 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Two out of five American K-12
teachers appear disheartened and disappointed about their jobs, according to
new research by Public Agenda, a New York City-based nonprofit, nonpartisan
research organization, and by Learning Point Associates, a nonprofit education
research and consulting organization based in Chicago, Ill. These results are
being reported for the first time in the October 21 edition of Education Week.


The nationwide study, 'Teaching for a Living: How Teachers See the Profession
Today,' offers a comprehensive and nuanced look at how teachers differ in
their perspectives on their profession, why they entered teaching, the
atmosphere and leadership in their schools, the problems they face, their
students and student outcomes, and ideas for reform."

EDITORIAL: Gov. Granholm should keep Bobb on the job - Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business

EDITORIAL: Gov. Granholm should keep Bobb on the job - Detroit News and Information - Crain's Detroit Business:

"Gov. Jennifer Granholm, who cut her political teeth on the Detroit school reform effort in the early 1990s known as the HOPE team, can make a lasting impact on Detroit's public schools by making sure Robert Bobb stays on the job.

The emergency financial manager has done more in seven months than all the reform efforts of the past 20 years.

Bobb has set a tone of zero tolerance for the kind of corrupt, inbred and self-serving class of crooks who have dined at the public trough for far too long."

Road to reform -- baltimoresun.com

Road to reform -- baltimoresun.com:

"In the last two years, both Baltimore City and the District of Columbia have embarked on ambitious school reform programs led by dynamic new CEOs committed to proving that urban school systems can produce high levels of student achievement. In both cities there's enormous popular and political support for reform, and both have adopted similar strategies for change: Reduce the size of central headquarters staff, give principals more authority over budgets and programs and hold teachers accountable for classrom effectiveness.

Yet today the mood of the two cities couldn't be more different. In Washington, where city public school students recently posted the highest gains in the country on national standardized tests, Schools Chancellor Michelle Rhee is locked in confrontation with the union over contract negotiations and a recent decision to lay off 200 teachers. National labor leaders have called for her ouster, and the city council is holding raucous public hearings on the issue."

WBIR.com | Knoxville, TN | Teacher inequalities still haunt Nashville schools

WBIR.com Knoxville, TN Teacher inequalities still haunt Nashville schools:

"Students attending schools at the center of Metro's controversial rezoning plan are more likely to be taught by inexperienced teachers, despite incentives to attract and retain staff at the high-poverty schools.

Teachers at nine select schools affected by the rezoning were offered a 5 percent pay increase or the chance to earn more money through training sessions, but at every school the average level of teaching experience decreased.

The problem goes beyond schools involved in the rezoning. Across the district, poor students are more likely to be taught by a new teacher than are their wealthier peers. It's a trend that has gotten worse in the past year, according to a Tennessean analysis of teacher profile data.

As a whole, Metro's teachers are less experienced. In 2008, Tennessean data showed that 23.2 percent of the district's 5,000 teachers had fewer than three years of experience, compared with 32.4 percent in 2009."

My Plan for the UC’s Future >>

My Plan for the UC’s Future >>:

"Students are justifiably angry over my recent proposal to raise their fees by nearly a third over the next two years. I’m angry too. As an educator who has dedicated my career to the incredible promise of public education, it pains me to see this uniquely American institution under assault. This country’s land grant institutions – of which UC is the finest – represent a contract between the states and their namesake universities to educate outstanding students, regardless of their ability to pay, so that they may go on to serve the public and advance society’s interests.

We at the University of California have upheld our end of the deal: giving students of all backgrounds a world-class education, generating life-changing knowledge (we earned our 56th and 57th Nobel prizes this month), providing medical care and contributing to our state’s cultural, scientific and economic life. Meanwhile, our partner, the state, has been systematically divesting from the University. In 1990, we received the equivalent of $15,860 in today’s dollars from the state per student: that figure is now $7730. In other words, we have half as much in state funds to spend per student as we did twenty years ago."

Latino churches front line of census battle - LA Daily News

Latino churches front line of census battle - LA Daily News:

"Storefront Latino evangelical churches in the San Fernando Valley and throughout California have become the front line of the 2010 Census battle to count the country's exploding, but elusive, immigrant population.

'We are no longer just about saving souls,' said the Rev. Aaron Morales, pastor of Christian Adonai Church in Van Nuys, 'but about counting them, too.'

Pastors such as Morales have emerged as prominent boosters of the upcoming census as traditional Latino leaders face increasing pressure from large U.S. Latino organizations and other religious clerics who are spearheading a census boycott to force Washington to deal with immigration reform.

Census proponents say millions of dollars in federal aid could be lost if millions of immigrants continue to go uncounted or undercounted."

Endorsement Proves Newsom's Potential as California Governor - Daily Nexus

Endorsement Proves Newsom's Potential as California Governor - Daily Nexus:

"On Monday, Oct. 5, former President Bill Clinton formally endorsed Gavin Newsom, San Francisco’s young and charismatic mayor, for his gubernatorial bid. Newsom first gained national attention when he realized that his constituents were being denied basic rights, like the freedom to marry. In order to correct this rather egregious assault on justice, in February of 2004, then newly-elected Mayor Newsom began issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples in San Francisco. Since 2004, Mayor Newsom has continued the fight for full equality and the same rights and benefits extended to all. Newsom repeatedly said, “Denying certain people the right to marry is wrong and inconsistent with the values this country holds dear.” During the last election cycle, Mayor Newsom actively campaigned against Prop. 8, visiting college campuses to rally young people and raise money for the fight for equality."

D.C. School Vouchers Have a Brighter Outlook in Congress - WSJ.com

D.C. School Vouchers Have a Brighter Outlook in Congress - WSJ.com:

"The District of Columbia's embattled school-voucher program, which lawmakers appeared to have killed earlier this year, looks like it could still survive.

Congress voted in March not to fund the program, which provides certificates to pay for recipients' private-school tuition, after the current school year. But after months of pro-voucher rallies, a television-advertising campaign and statements of support by local political leaders, backers say they are more confident about its prospects. Even some Democrats, many of whom have opposed voucher efforts, have been supportive."

In response to the letter from Executive Vice Chancellor Kliger: : Indybay

In response to the letter from Executive Vice Chancellor Kliger: : Indybay:

"A mass email sent to all ucsc.edu emails in response to the recent propaganda sent out by lying bureaucrat scum Dave Kliger
In response to the letter from Executive Vice Chancellor Kliger:

These are times of crisis. Across the nation, workers are losing their jobs, families are losing their homes, and students are losing access to public education. The administration agrees that these are times of crisis, but they refuse to acknowledge how this affects us all. They ask us to tighten our belts for a year, to take furloughs and budget cuts, to accept massive fee hikes. Now, they tell us that attempts to protest and fight back against this are part of the problem and that they add to the costs placed on students and workers. They accuse us of making worse a situation that they have perpetuated and exploited. This is not the case."

According to EVC Kliger: “When added to cleanup costs following the earlier occupation of the Graduate Student Commons, these efforts will run into tens of thousands of dollars — costs directly borne by taxpayers, students and their families. Those dollars are diverted from educating and supporting students.” We reject this entirely. The figures for repairs they invoke are ridiculous. It is hard to fathom that this “cleanup” should cost “tens of thousands of dollars.” If true, they only indicate the corporate structure of the university and its reliance on inflated costs for services, costs that are indeed “placed on students and workers.” More crucially, these are not dollars “diverted from educating and supporting students.” Kliger, of all people, should know very well that this is not how the university works. These sums that he touts to scare and divide people are only a drop in the bucket compared to the real cuts that the administration has overseen and indeed foisted upon those who depend on the university’s functions and services: students, faculty, and workers alike. To insinuate that it is attempts such as these occupations that are responsible for increased costs is a cynical lie. The funds raised by the proposed fee hike, in addition to the laying off of workers and the slashing of student services, will not be directed to preserving or improving the quality of education or access to jobs. They are directed to preserving the bond rating of the institution so that it can borrow money for unnecessary building projects, and to bolstering the state of California’s credit rating against its own future borrowing. We have no illusion that these actions fully or correctly expressed the discontent felt across the UC system and the state. Many disagree with the tactics, and we encourage those who do to join a wider struggle and to pursue their own ways of fighting against this ongoing trend toward the destruction of our education.

Youth Policy Institute

Youth Policy Institute:

"Empowerment
From preschool to afterschool, charter schools, college preparation, tutoring, and adult literacy, YPI offers education services to help low-income families succeed.

Hope
Preparing Los Angeles residents for high wage jobs in growing fields, such as medical office careers. Offering job placement with area employers, as well as day laborer centers.

Access
Family by family, student by student, YPI provides access to computer technology and the skills needed to excel in school and the workplace."

Thomas Elias: Schwarzenegger's legacy is looking negative | thecalifornian.com | The Salinas Californian

Thomas Elias: Schwarzenegger's legacy is looking negative thecalifornian.com The Salinas Californian:

"A little more than one year from today, Californians will elect a successor to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger. How will they remember him?"

Will he seem a blustery buffoon who caused far more problems than he resolved, a governator who could not govern? Will he look like a hypocrite who preached against accepting special interest campaign donations, then set records for doing so?

Will the verdict on his appeals for "post-partisanship" be that they were mere nostrums doing little or nothing to prevent the state Legislature from sliding into its most divisive era ever?

Will he be remembered as the spark behind efforts to reform taxation, budget and water policies in California? Will he leave behind a sharp reduction for the California dream of unfettered opportunity for those brave enough to settle here?

These questions remain open, and Schwarzenegger will get opportunities over the next year to fix things that have gone wrong and clean up messes made on his watch.

But right now, things don't look good for the Arnold legacy.

Editorial: A turnaround school inspires - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial | Sacramento Bee

Editorial: A turnaround school inspires - Sacramento Opinion - Sacramento Editorial Sacramento Bee:

"What should school districts do when a school fails to meet academic performance targets year after year after year?

Here's one dramatic option: Close the school and reopen it with a new principal, new staff and new curriculum.

That's what San Juan Unified did with its lowest performing school, Jonas Salk Middle School. This was, and remains, a school with 90 percent of the students in poverty. Over the years, the school would launch improvement plans only to be thwarted by high staff turnover (as many as 15 of 34 teachers were new at any given time)."

TeacherTube - Teach the World | Teacher Videos | Lesson Plan Videos | Student Video Lessons | Online Teacher Made Videos | TeacherTube.com

TeacherTube - Teach the World Teacher Videos Lesson Plan Videos Student Video Lessons Online Teacher Made Videos TeacherTube.com:


"After beta testing for almost two months, TeacherTube officially launched on March 6, 2007. Our goal is to provide an online community for sharing instructional videos. We seek to fill a need for a more educationally focused, safe venue for teachers, schools, and home learners. It is a site to provide anytime, anywhere professional development with teachers teaching teachers. As well, it is a site where teachers can post videos designed for students to view in order to learn a concept or skill.

TeacherTube was the idea of Jason Smith, a 14-year veteran educator. Jason has been a teacher, coach, campus administrator and district administrator in public schools. He asked the question, 'Why can't teachers, students, and schools utilize the power of the read/write web for learning?' To overcome barriers, he decided to just create a site and get started trying to help. He turned to his brother, Adam, who is a younger, digital native, with technical skills. Adam used his skills to develop the site and found a web host. Soon, Jason's wife, Jodie, joined the team to start populating the site with videos and help improve the communication. She too has 14 years of experience in education as a classroom teacher, campus technology integrator, and district curriculum coordinator."

Most importantly, TeacherTube community members are a major part of the evolution of the site. Members are encouraged to not only upload educationally relevant videos, but also to make constructive comments and use the rating system to show appreciation for videos of value to one as an educator or learner. Users also have the ability to preserve the integrity of the site by flagging inappropriate videos. TeacherTube staff review flagged sites and will remove any inappropriate posts. With more collegial commentary and discussion through messaging and responses, the quality of this resource will only increase.

The service is free for everyone. We always encourage our users to Contact Us with thoughts, suggestions, or other feedback. We do have a vision for TeacherTube to truly be a better alternative to other video storage sites. With the community's help, it can become more interactive and engaging for all teachers and learners.

School Life & Education - advice videos on Exams, School: Subjects, School Life - For Kids

School Life & Education - advice videos on Exams, School: Subjects, School Life - For Kids:

"School Life & Education For parents, students and teachers alike, education is a critical issue. VideoJug recognizes this. Using professionally made films, and renowned experts, we guide you through all stages of school life, right up to University. We also tackle subjects like students with special needs, preparation for exams and the psychology of learning itself."


Schoolwork: Helping Your Child:
Parental Involvement At School

Dumbing down education weakens U.S. | Detroit Free Press | Freep.com

Dumbing down education weakens U.S. Detroit Free Press Freep.com:

"As if NAFTA's dismantling of America's manufacturing base and corporate destruction of the middle class isn't enough to challenge the needs of the country's national security, now we have a systematic assault on the nation's educational system."

In Michigan, it is the dumbing down of needed math standards to compete globally; at the national level, it is the drying up of funds used to harness the talent of young people who cannot afford an elitist entitlement system that's cost-prohibitive for many.

The common thread of lost manufacturing jobs, a dying middle class and an impaired educational system that promotes inferior curriculum and economic exclusion all serve to undermine the well-being and national security of the country in ways that hostile external elements could never match. The hypocrisy of weakening America while extolling patriotism is a calculated deviousness that, for the sake of the country and the working class, must be challenged.

Method challenges some education myths -- latimes.com

Method challenges some education myths -- latimes.com:

"For years, schools and students have been judged on raw standardized test scores. Experts say this approach is flawed because they tend to reflect socioeconomic levels more than learning.

The 'value-added' approach attempts to level the playing field by focusing on growth rather than achievement. Using a statistical analysis of test scores, it tracks an individual student's improvement year to year, and uses that progress to estimate the effectiveness of teachers, principals and schools.

Academics have also used the approach to test many assumptions about what matters in schools. Scholars are still puzzling over what makes for a great teacher or school, but their results challenge orthodox assumptions like these:"

All teachers are equal.

More money, more learning.

Teachers can't overcome a student's background.

Class size is key.

Bad teachers tend to teach in poor schools.

Teacher experience matters.

Teacher education matters.

Teacher credentials matter.

Special session: Richardson proposes education cut | session, cut, special - News - Clovis News Journal

Special session: Richardson proposes education cut session, cut, special - News - Clovis News Journal:

"SANTA FE (AP) — Gov. Bill Richardson on Saturday proposed a 1.5 percent cut in education spending as New Mexico lawmakers during a special legislative session decide how to backfill a $650 million hole in this year’s state budget.

The proposal to cut public schools and colleges by at least $40 million was a turnabout for the governor, who had previously said he didn’t want to touch education.
He said the revision reflected the state’s “new budget realities.”

The revenue shortfall is now projected at $650 million. Just weeks ago, it was thought to be $400 million for the fiscal year that began July 1.
“Cuts must include safeguards that classrooms, kids and teachers will not be affected,” Richardson said in a statement."

Pérez, Messing honored for gay rights efforts | MyDesert.com | The Desert Sun

Pérez, Messing honored for gay rights efforts MyDesert.com The Desert Sun:

"Equality California honored Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez and Emmy award-winning actress Debra Messing Saturday for their work promoting gay civil rights at the nonprofit organization's annual awards ceremony in Palm Springs."

Saturday night's event drew more than 400 people.

The Palm Springs Equality Awards is one of five statewide events to recognize lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender issues, while raising money for the San Francisco-based nonprofit group.
“This raises the funds that allows us to do the work,” said Geoff Kors, executive director of Equality California and a part-time Palm Springs resident.
Last year's statewide events raised more than $2 million, organizers said.

Gay civil rights is an important issue in the Palm Springs area, which boasts one of the largest gay populations, per capita, in the United States.

Pérez, D-Coachella, was recognized for championing measures important to the gay community, such as supporting the repeal of Proposition 8, a constitutional amendment that defined marriage as between a man and woman, and establishing a day honoring the nation's first elected openly gay person, Harvey Milk.

eChalk Joins Project RED in New Research Aimed at Demonstrating Technology Can Revolutionize Learning and Save Money in Schools

eChalk Joins Project RED in New Research Aimed at Demonstrating Technology Can Revolutionize Learning and Save Money in Schools:

"New York, NY (PRWEB) October 18, 2009 -- eChalk, the instructional technology company that pioneered online communication tools to connect school leaders, teachers, students and parents, recently signed onto Project RED, joining the ranks of Intel, Apple, Pearson and Qwest. The new project's research and advocacy efforts aim to measure the transformative effects of educational technology in ways that better demonstrate impact and cost savings implications for states, districts and schools."

"We're looking closely at schools and districts that have 1:1 initiatives and who provide Internet access to every student to determine best practices. Thirty years, 40,000,000 computers and $60,000,000,000 after microcomputers first entered U.S. classrooms, we're on the hunt for compelling results and secure funding streams for technology," explains Jeanne Hayes, Project RED management team member and CEO and Founder of The Hayes Connection.

"We believe that properly implemented ubiquitous technology schools can produce dramatic improvements in achievement, be revenue positive at the state and federal level and contribute positively to issues of STEM, 21st Century skills and lifelong learning," added Tom Greaves, Project RED management team member and CEO and Founder of The Greaves Group.

"Success depends on new legislation, new state education policies, implementation of identified success factors, strong leadership from classroom to governor, teachers transforming their classrooms and access to appropriate technology," explains Leslie Wilson, Project RED management team member and President of the One-to-One Institute.

Sacramento Press / City Charter Review Committee Final Town Hall Reveals "Gordian Knot"

Sacramento Press / City Charter Review Committee Final Town Hall Reveals "Gordian Knot":

"The City Charter legally and procedurally defines the City of Sacramento and its operations. Kevin Johnson's Strong Mayor Initiative, which would dramatically change the City Charter, will be on the June 2010 ballot.

Sacramento was founded with a City Charter in 1858. In 1921, during the Progressive Era, in response to rampant corruption, Sacramento changed to the current strong manager/council system to achieve more accountability. Ironically, the current Strong Mayor Initiative proponents have campaigned that accountability is not possible under the current system.

In light of Johnson's own proposals for redefining the checks and balances of power, a public process of charter policy analysis is appropriate. The City Council appointed the Charter Review Committee to explore and recommend potential changes to the City Charter."

The Pueblo Chieftain :: Today's preschoolers will become your best employees in 2025

The Pueblo Chieftain :: Today's preschoolers will become your best employees in 2025:

"We learn many of our best skills in pre-school and kindergarten that set the stage for the rest of our lives: sharing and playing well, self-control and self-direction. The importance of early childhood education is more pronounced when we understand the impacts of what kids don’t learn in those critical young years.

By age three, children whose parents are on welfare have vocabularies of about 500 words, children of working class parents have about 700 words, and children of college-educated parents have vocabularies of about 1,200 words. Yet words are the key to how successfully children make their way in the world."

Joan Rentoul: The golden age of education is a myth - John Rentoul, Commentators - The Independent

Joan Rentoul: The golden age of education is a myth - John Rentoul, Commentators - The Independent:

"We don't half like moaning about how awful life is. Take schools, for instance. Dreadful. Children shouldn't go to them. Not until they are at least six, and possibly 16. Most of them leave school unable to read and write, anyway. And testing. That's a load of rubbish. Scrap the SATs. Then all those children who are not at school but presumably roaming the streets will pick up the three Rs by osmosis. Learning by doing.

What we really like is comparisons that tell us that life is worse than in the 19th century. A minor news story a few years ago reported a claim that the health gap between rich and poor in Britain was greater than in Victorian times. Patent nonsense if given a moment's thought, but we haven't time for that before we're on to the next story about our better yesterdays. Last month Lesley Ward, the new president of the Association of Teachers and Lecturers union, had her 15 minutes of name recognition for the claim that a 'small, significant and growing minority' of children endure a level of poverty 'mirroring the times of Dickens'. No, they don't."

University World News - US: Online education's outrageous fortune?

University World News - US: Online education's outrageous fortune?:

"Imagine training to become a Certified Professional Midwife online. You can at Aviva Institute of Duluth, Minnesota. Opportunities like this may seem promising, especially in the context of economic uncertainty or when full-time, on-campus study is not an option. But should traditional brick-and-mortar universities be concerned?

Kevin Carey, Policy Director for Education Center, thinks they should. In a recent article published in the Washington Monthly, he suggests that many universities risk following the recent experience of newspapers against the tide of new media.

The statistics tend to corroborate his observations: more than four million college students or 20% of those in the US took at least one online class in 2008 and, of these, about one in 10 enrolled in exclusively internet-based programmes."

The Shriver Report released, claims it's a woman's nation

The Shriver Report released, claims it's a woman's nation:

"Maria Shriver has teamed with the Center for American Progress to produce the Shriver Report, a look at the changing nature of women’s roles in society, particularly their rise in the workplace. With chapters ranging from “Invisible yet essential: immigrant women in America” to “Where have you gone, Roseanne Barr?”, and an epilogue by Oprah Winfrey, the report locates women in economic and cultural shifts. The report, which includes research and a survey sponsored by the Rockefeller Foundation and Time, also examines how government, businesses, education, faith and media can do a better job of adapting to the increase of working women and the resulting changes in family dynamics."

The “Garden at Eden” grows vegetables, hope for students » Naples Daily News

The “Garden at Eden” grows vegetables, hope for students » Naples Daily News:

"The “Garden at Eden,” taking shape off of County Barn Road in Naples, is expected to bear fruit in a variety of ways. The compact farm, a project of Eden Autism Services Florida, will produce organic vegetables and tropical fruits, giving students at Eden’s Eimerman Education Center food, cash and the opportunity to gain experience selling their crops at local farmers’ markets and restaurants.

Volunteers and friends of Eden Florida gathered on Saturday morning to plant some of the final fruit trees in their new grove and enjoy a light lunch. Rainy skies couldn’t dampen the participants’ enthusiasm; planting continued right through several showers."

Kid's Corner | Learning Computers and Development on MSDN

Kid's Corner Learning Computers and Development on MSDN:

"Are you a cool kid who wants to impress your friends and family with your mad skillz? Check out the Kid's Corner for lots of fun, easy to understand lessons on programming!"

Are you a parent or teacher looking to start your kids learning about computer programming? Start here!

Fake H1N1 Flu Drugs Surface - Health News Story - KPHO Phoenix

Fake H1N1 Flu Drugs Surface - Health News Story - KPHO Phoenix:

"NEW YORK -- A New York congressman has issued a warning about con artists selling fake flu drugs online.

Democrat Anthony Weiner says people may be so worried about the H1N1 flu outbreak and what officials say is a temporary vaccine shortage, that they'll take a risk buying drugs online without thinking about it.

He said his office easily found sites selling fake flu drugs. Weiner says FDA investigators saw some that turned out to be acetominophen, the active ingredient in the over-the-counter pain killer Tylenol.

Weiner said buyers need to be sure an online site is legitimate and requires a prescription."