UC Berkeley to admit more out-of-state students

UC Berkeley to admit more out-of-state students:

"Starting next fall, UC Berkeley will admit hundreds of additional out-of-state residents and international students instead of Californians as a way to make up for state budget cuts."

Chancellor Robert Birgeneau said Tuesday that his campus will be admitting as many as 600 fewer "unfunded" California students a year to offset a 20 percent cut from Sacramento. Those slots will instead go to out-of-staters.

The problem is that the state picks up much of the university's cost of educating California students - only it's not paying for as many students as it used to. Nonresidents, on the other hand, pay their own, higher tuitions that actually cover UC's cost of educating them.

Birgeneau said he understands that people will be angry that Berkeley will be freezing out Californians in favor of students from elsewhere. But, he said, "that upset needs to be directed to Sacramento."

At present, about 14 percent of the 13,000 freshmen who win admission to Berkeley each year are nonresidents. A task force of faculty and administrators recently recommended

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/10/21/BAFI1A89U6.DTL&type=education#ixzz0UgWlFLPM

The Hamburg Express. Local news for an international community. | New Arguments Against School Reform | Daycare, School, Have, Would

The Hamburg Express. Local news for an international community. New Arguments Against School Reform Daycare, School, Have, Would:

"Regional Parents’ Committee criticizes the senate’s daycare plans

The issue of school reform in Hamburg has been settled for the time being. Despite massive protests of parents, teachers and pupils, the city of Hamburg has agreed on the reform. The re-structuring of the city’s school system is on the way.

Its numerous opponents, however, keep arguing against the school reform. The Regional Parents’ Committee (LEA) has now addressed an open letter to Hamburg’s social authority and school authority. The committee suspects that the after-school daycare which the senate plans as part of the school reform does not quite live up to its promises.

Does the school reform pose a risk to after-school daycare?"

Phila. schools, union extend contract | Philadelphia Inquirer | 10/22/2009

Phila. schools, union extend contract Philadelphia Inquirer 10/22/2009:

"Ten days before the contract of 11,000 Philadelphia School District teachers, nurses, librarians, and support staff was set to expire, officials yesterday announced that they extended the pact a second time for an additional month.

In a statement, Philadelphia Federation of Teachers president Jerry Jordan, Superintendent Arlene Ackerman, and School Reform Commission chairman Robert Archie Jr. said the contract would now expire Nov. 30.

Teachers' current salaries, benefits, and working conditions will remain in place.

'The School District and the PFT are continuing to work together to negotiate a multiyear contract that will improve students' academic achievement and create working conditions that help the district recruit and retain the best teachers and staff,' officials said in the statement."

Truthdig - Reports - Blinded by Reform

Truthdig - Reports - Blinded by Reform:

"It’s gotten lost in the splashier news, but big things are going on at the U.S. Department of Education.

Following on the unprecedented federal reach of No Child Left Behind, the Obama administration is extending further and putting serious money behind its education initiatives, inviting states and districts to compete for federal dollars. The department wants to increase the community college graduation rate. For K-12, it wants to stimulate the production of better state standards and tests, measure teacher effectiveness, turn around failing schools and increase the number of charter schools. Through a third initiative it wants to spark innovation and scale up the best of local academic programs."

Parents Design L.A. Parent Involvement Model | Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center

Parents Design L.A. Parent Involvement Model Connect for Kids / Child Advocacy 360 / Youth Policy Action Center:

"Los Angeles parents have a new tool this fall to help them be more active and engaged in their children’s schools. The Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) will be implementing a new model for involving parents in schools that specifically addresses the needs of “parents of colowith kids who struggle in urban schools,” says Mary Johnson, mother of two and executive director of Parent-U-Turn.

The new parent involvement model—developed by Parent-U-Turn, an organization focused on improving parent involvement in schools—aims to “help urban parents advocate for their children, navigate the K-12 system, ask [schools] the right questions, and know about policy,” says Johnson. The LAUSD is implementing the new model this fall—and now schools across California can also adopt it."

Pew Report: Without a Secure Funding Source, Louisiana's Pre-K for All Is Side-Tracked | Reuters

Pew Report: Without a Secure Funding Source, Louisiana's Pre-K for All Is Side-Tracked Reuters:

"WASHINGTON, Oct. 22 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Just a year after they
committed to making voluntary pre-kindergarten available to all children,
Louisiana lawmakers cut pre-k funding by $5.5 million, according to a
state-by-state analysis by Pre-K Now, a campaign of the Pew Center on the
States. The decrease demonstrates an inherent risk in relying on annual
appropriations to expand children's access to early learning programs.


'Louisiana lawmakers have side-tracked state progress,' said Marci Young,
project director for Pre-K Now. 'This setback will affect the state's ability
to prepare young children to enter school ready to succeed. These decisions
will prevent the state from realizing the proven economic benefits associated
with high-quality early education programs.'


The non-partisan annual report, 'Votes Count: Legislative Action on Pre-K
Fiscal Year 2010,' evaluates state budgets to determine which legislatures
count voluntary, high-quality pre-k among their top education reform
strategies. Using this information, Americans can determine whether their
elected leaders are committing the resources necessary to develop the
successful students and workers central to economic recovery."

Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - A Cruel and Unusual Waste of Money

Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - A Cruel and Unusual Waste of Money:

"Executing people is expensive. A new report by the Death Penalty Information Center says California is spending more than 10 times as much on capital punishment—$137 million a year—as it would on an alternative life-without-parole system. New York and New Jersey repealed the death penalty after spending hundreds of millions without an execution to show for it.

Why is it when states look to cut costs, as California has, they go after positive social programs that benefit the poor, kids and seniors? If we’re going to slash education budgets every time we hit a downturn, then we ought to start thinking about execution as a luxury. It may be wildly popular in this country, but we just can’t afford it. —PZS"

Mix It Up | Teaching Tolerance

Mix It Up Teaching Tolerance:
"Is your school Mixing It Up? Add your school to the Mix It Up map today.

Students thrive—socially and academically—in schools that are inclusive. Yet, for far too many students, schools are hotbeds of exclusion. Social scientists have long maintained that contact between diverse groups helps alleviate tensions and reduce prejudice. Mix It Up seeks to break down the barriers between students and improve intergroup relations so there are fewer misunderstandings that can lead to conflicts, bullying, and harassment.

Teaching Tolerance provides Mix It Up activities for teachers to use to organize a successful Mix It Up at Lunch Day and promote social border crossing all year long.
Join this national movement. You could be named our next Mix It Up Model School."

Mix It Up
Search Mix It Up Activities
Model Schools
Mix it Up at Lunch Day
Downloads

California: Too Big Not to Fail? - Fortune Brainstorm Tech

California: Too Big Not to Fail? - Fortune Brainstorm Tech:

"The state of the state? 'A train wreck,' says one official.

If the world’s eighth-largest economy were a member of the proper religious order, it’d be time to call in a priest to administer last rites.

Name almost any serious malady and the state of California has it: the nation’s highest marginal tax rate coupled with an abysmal public education system; the most home foreclosures; a free-falling commercial real estate sector; lame-duck governor with no legislative support and a disdain for an annual budget process that he refers to as kabuki theater; unemployment somewhere between the official number of 12% and the whisper number of 18%; a 20% drop in year-over-year revenue; municipalities that have either declared bankruptcy (Vallejo) or are on the verge (Los Angeles); and a black-box permitting process that scares away business investment even while every week, 3,000 more taxpayers migrate to greener pastures."

The Associated Press: Analysis: Schwarzenegger reversals erode trust

The Associated Press: Analysis: Schwarzenegger reversals erode trust:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has never shied away from changing his mind. Lately, it seems that's all he's been doing, creating confusion in the capital as he tries to tackle an ambitious policy agenda before his time in office runs out.

Earlier this month, he threatened a mass veto if legislative leaders didn't agree to a comprehensive water deal, then backed down at the last minute and signed two-thirds of the 707 bills before him — similar to his annual record on legislation. After twice rejecting bills to honor slain gay rights activist Harvey Milk, he signed a bill giving him a statewide day of recognition without explanation.

He mocked lawmakers over the summer for wasting time debating bills about cows' tails, honey labeling and a blueberry commission, then approved all three."

Texas leads U.S. in child abuse deaths, study says | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | Texas Regional News

Texas leads U.S. in child abuse deaths, study says News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News Texas Regional News:

"A national child advocacy group said in a report released Wednesday that Texas far and away leads the nation in child abuse deaths:

THE NUMBERS: The state had 1,509 children die from abuse and neglect from 2001 through 2007, the years covered by the study, the report from Every Child Matters said. Florida was second with 785. California, the only state larger than Texas in population, had 763. In 2007, Texas had 228 child deaths.

FUNDING: While the report does not directly draw a cause-and-effect correlation, it says that Texas finished close to the bottom among the 50 states in per capita spending to protect children. In recent years, the state has beefed up funding for Child Protective Services in response to reports of children who died despite visits by state"

Chevron Announces California Partnership to Invest in Education and Jobs | Reuters

Chevron Announces California Partnership to Invest in Education and Jobs Reuters:

"Kiva.org, Project Lead the Way and Other Nonprofits Offer Innovative Approaches
to Economic and Social Challenges

SAN RAMON, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
Chevron Corporation (NYSE: CVX) today announced the California Partnership, an
initiative to invest in education and economic development in its home state.
Under the new initiative, Chevron will expand and deepen its partnerships with
nonprofits focused on supporting underserved communities, including
relationships with 18 new nonprofit partners providing programs for education,
entrepreneurs and job training. Additional partners will be introduced
throughout the remainder of 2009.

'Communities in California are facing extraordinary challenges accessing the
resources they need to be successful during these turbulent economic times,'
said Matt Lonner, manager of Global Partnerships and Programs at Chevron.
'Innovative partnerships between private and nonprofit organizations are needed
to invest in opportunities and solutions. Chevron`s California Partnership is a
renewed commitment on the part of our company to work with the organizations
that can deliver the programs that our communities need, and invest in the
future of our home state."

High Value Education Forum to Be Hosted by the Vietnam Consulate General (SF) on November 16th to Explore Cooperation between Vietnam Higher Education and California and U.S. Universities | Reuters

High Value Education Forum to Be Hosted by the Vietnam Consulate General (SF) on November 16th to Explore Cooperation between Vietnam Higher Education and California and U.S. Universities Reuters:

"SAN FRANCISCO--(Business Wire)--
The Government of Vietnam has taken unprecedented steps in the past few years to
modernize and reform the higher education system in Vietnam. H.E. Nguyen Thien
Nhan, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Education and Training, is leading a
high level delegation including top ranking officials from the Ministry of
Education and Training, representatives from more than 40 universities
andseveral Vietnamese businesses investing in education in Vietnam to attend the
Higher Education Forum, a centerpiece of the Meet Vietnam Program. Priority
goals of the Ministry of Education and Training to be discussed include the
development of 23 Advanced Programs and establishment of an American-style
university in Vietnam."

South Bend Tribune: Parents help their children make the grade

South Bend Tribune: Parents help their children make the grade:

"WASHINGTON — 'Why don't you guys study like the kids from Africa?'

In a moment of exasperation last spring, I asked that question to a virtually all-black class of 12th-graders who had done horribly on a test I had just given. A kid who seldom came to class — and was constantly distracting other students when he did — shot back: 'It's because they have fathers who kick their butts and make them study.'

Another student angrily challenged me: 'You ask the class, just ask how many of us have our fathers living with us.' When I did, not one hand went up."

Golden Gate [X]press : Oil tax proposed to fund higher education

Golden Gate [X]press : Oil tax proposed to fund higher education:

"The majority leader for the California State Assembly kicked off his tour of eight California State University schools Oct. 12 to promote a bill that could solve California's public higher education budget crisis.

Assemblyman Alberto Torrico, D-Fremont, kicked off his 'Fair Share for Fair Tuition' tour at Cal State East Bay in support of his bill, AB 656, which would increase tax oil companies 10 percent for oil and gas extraction.

'The oil doesn't belong to the oil companies, it belongs to the people of the state - and if you're going to take it, you're going to pay,' Torrico told the crowd, which consisted of about 200 people, in front of the university's administration building, Warren Hall.

The bill would create the California Higher Education Fund in which 60 percent of the money garnered from the tax would be given to the California State University system. Thirty percent will be given to the University of California system and 10 percent to California Community Colleges."

UPDATE 2-Corinthian to buy Heald Capital for $395 mln | Deals | Mergers & Acquisitions | Reuters

UPDATE 2-Corinthian to buy Heald Capital for $395 mln Deals Mergers & Acquisitions Reuters:

"BANGALORE, Oct 20 (Reuters) - Education provider Corinthian Colleges Inc (COCO.O) said it agreed to acquire Heald Capital, the parent company of Heald Colleges, in a cash deal valued at about $395 million, including debt.

Heald, which is based in San Francisco, California, currently operates 11 campuses and offers courses in healthcare, legal and technology to about 12,300 students.
Corinthian, which provides short-term courses in fields such as healthcare, criminal justice and mechanical, said it would use its $280 million credit facility and available cash to finance the acquisition.

Heald will operate as a separate division after the acquisition is complete, Corinthian said on a conference call with analysts"

Sacramento Press / Safe Ground Now!

Sacramento Press / Safe Ground Now!:

"The homeless are speaking out against the city’s closure of tent city. On Tuesday, Oct.13, The City Council’s weekly meeting was overrun by homeless people calling for safe ground.The first big storm of the season had just hit the Sacramento area. In fact it was still rainingwhen the meeting was taking place.

The City Council meets every week and anyone can attend. At the beginning of every meeting there is an allotted amount time for citizens to address The City Council. The homeless people of Sacramento did just that.There were about 10 homeless people sitting in the front row and each of them addressed The City Council for 2 minutes each.

Many homeless had taken up residence in an open field north west of downtown Sacramento. It was coined tent city. Recently tent city was closed off and the peoplestaying there were told to move."

SN&R > Columns > Bites > Tapped out and boxed up > 10.22.09

SN&R > Columns > Bites > Tapped out and boxed up > 10.22.09:

"City councilman Kevin McCarty is pushing for new rules for bottled-water plants—like the one Nestlé Waters North America wants to open in south Sacramento.

The new plant was promoted by Mayor Kevin Johnson and the city’s Economic Development Department, but has provoked skepticism from the public and some members of the city council.

“Sure, I’ve heard it will create anywhere from 15 to 40 jobs. But at what cost?” McCarty said. “I’m not sure if this makes the most sense for our community in terms of the costs and benefits.”

McCarty is planning to introduce an “urgency ordinance” that would require water-bottling plants like Nestlé’s to have special permits before they begin operation."

Senate Bill That Includes Matthew Shepard’s Act Could Come Thursday « Equality Across America

Senate Bill That Includes Matthew Shepard’s Act Could Come Thursday « Equality Across America:

"Wednesday, October 21st, 2009 by Mark Reed

Rick Maze – Staff writer Navy Times October 21, 2009

Final action on the 2010 defense authorization bill could come Thursday, with a slugfest to decide whether the $681 billion measure will include a controversial hate-crimes provision.
Under procedures set up by Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., the Senate will vote on a cloture motion that would cut off debate and bring the bill to a final vote.

To do that, Reid would have to get 60 votes in favor of his motion. Leadership aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity said they expect more than 60 senators to vote for the bill, even though there is strong Republican opposition to including the hate-crimes provision.

There are two reasons to believe that Reid will succeed. First, when the Senate was debating the defense bill in July, 63 senators voted on a similar cloture vote to keep the hate-crimes provision. Then two weeks ago, a key Republican, Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., said that he supports the bill even though he does not support the inclusion of provisions making sexual abuse, assaults and murder a federal crime if the person committed the act because of the victim’s race, color, religion, national origin or gender identification."

Climate Change Blog Action Day « Barbara Boxer Blog

Climate Change Blog Action Day « Barbara Boxer Blog:

"This past Friday was an international Blog Action Day, with blogs around the world joining to discuss the many ways that climate change impacts our lives. According to organizer Change.org, more than 13,000 blogs from 155 countries took part, taking on the many faces of the climate change issue. This day of action serves as an important reminder of the power of coordinated efforts.

As the chair of the Senate’s Environment and Public Works Committee, Senator Boxer has been a driving force in writing and shepherding the Kerry-Boxer Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act, introduced earlier this month. The United States has an important global leadership role in addressing climate change; so it’s important that we take strong action now."

Early Obama adviser waiting to see on schools strategy | GothamSchools

Early Obama adviser waiting to see on schools strategy GothamSchools:

"An early adviser to President Obama on education issues, Christopher Edley, the dean of the law school at UC-Berkeley, today praised the president for following through on his promise to make schools a priority despite the tough times. But Edley said that whether Obama is pursuing the right education policies is unclear.

“The question is whether he is going to pick the right strategy to advance that,” Edley said, speaking on an education panel at the New York Public Library sponsored by the Wall Street Journal and Intel Corporation."

QEIA shell games amount to further education cuts

QEIA shell games amount to further education cuts

Analysis from CSBA's Governmental Relations Department
Published: October 20, 2009

Since July, when the state budget deal eliminated $450 million for the Quality Education Investment Act in 2009-10, there has been a significant amount of uncertainty regarding QEIA, the new program created to settle the California Teachers Association’s successful lawsuit against Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger over the level of funding owed to schools in 2004-05.
QEIA funding was to come entirely from the state’s general fund, without drawing down any dollars from Proposition 98’s minimum education funding guarantee. But, while QEIA money was zeroed out of the general fund this year, the program itself wasn’t suspended—instead, it’s currently funded with Proposition 98 dollars that should be available for other educational purposes. Lawmakers accomplished this maneuver by redirecting funds from the revenue limits of the nearly 140 districts with schools participating in QEIA and authorizing those districts to apply to the California Department of Education to backfill the revenue limit reduction with federal Title I and school improvement grants.
This provided the false assurance that the cut to QEIA-district revenue limits could be backfilled by federal dollars. In fact, it appears that may not be possible, due both to specific rules tied to those federal dollars and to the lack of sufficient funding from those sources.

As a consequence, there remains a need to backfill approximately $380 million—the amount under QEIA that goes to participating school districts. The Legislature attempted to address this issue in the final days of the regular session through state Senate Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg and Assembly Speaker Karen Bass’s Senate Bill 84. However, the governor vetoed the measure, citing his plan to use State Fiscal Stabilization Funds from the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act to backfill the cut.
In yet another complex shell game to restore the pending cuts to the revenue limits of QEIA districts, Assembly Bill X3 56 by Assembly member Noreen Evans, D-Santa Rosa, would use SFSF and Title I set-aside and carry-over dollars, if available, to pay for QEIA for this year, with any remainder needed to fully fund QEIA likely coming from unspent dollars within Proposition 98. ABX3 56 was approved by the Senate last week and is awaiting approval by the Assembly.

The Title I revenues specified in the bill include $65 million from prior years that wasn’t spent and $100 million that is provided for use at the state level. Assuming this funding is available for this purpose, it would free up $165 million of SFSF dollars that should otherwise be available to all school districts to restore the cuts from 2008-09—but there is some uncertainty as to whether the Title I funds are available and, if they are, whether any savings realized from the SFSF will benefit school districts.
The only reason there is SFSF money available now is because—due to the severity of the education cuts approved in July—the governor asked federal officials to accelerate some of remaining SFSF funds available to California instead of waiting for the second round of SFSF distributions. This has the advantage of making additional money available now under the existing requirements, without the additional conditions or prerequisites that may be imposed on the remaining dollars.

It is important to emphasize that the $355 million now available is not new SFSF money; rather, this is money that all districts were expecting to receive, based on information provided last spring. Should all or part of these funds be redirected to backfill QEIA, it will amount to a further cut to education.

There is some positive news for QEIA districts. It is likely that the revenue limits for QEIA districts will not be cut, as was required by the July budget package. This is important, because some districts with QEIA schools were being required by their county offices of education to reduce their budgets by the amount of the expected revenue limit cut. And, remember, because of the elimination of this year’s general fund support, the program has been extended by one year, to 2014-15, to ensure the full amount owed under the settlement will be paid by the state.

Sen. Roland Burris Demands Public Option : NPR

Sen. Roland Burris Demands Public Option : NPR:

"Thirty Democratic Senators recently signed a letter declaring their support for a public option, as part of a sweeping overhaul to health care in the U.S. Sen. Roland Burris, a Democrat from Illinois, is among those lawmakers and says he will vote against any final bill without it. Burris' comments gained further momentum following a recent Washington Post/ABC News poll, indicating that a clear majority of Americans now support the public option. The Senator explains plans to move his agenda forward."

The DC VOICE Ostrich

The DC VOICE Ostrich:

"D.C. education continues to receive only a fraction of the focus, participation, and public voice necessary at the Council level to ensure student development and success. So, as asked by Council Member Michael Brown during the October 16th Council Hearing on DCPS, is it time to “Reform the reform”?

In 2007 the D.C. Council gave full oversight of DCPS issues to the Mayor and the mayoral appointed Chancellor. An education committee was eliminated and the Committee of the Whole took charge of D.C.’s most pressing issue, public education.

The intentions are understood, but the actual benefits are debatable. While the previous committee consisted of five Council Members, the Committee of the Whole is chaired by the Council Chairperson and consists of all 13 Council Members. The urgency and interest from the full Council appeared to be the first step toward a 13 person commitment for reform, but as seen during the recent Council Hearing on October 16th, only a handful of Council Members are really involved. A mere 5 Council Members were present any significant portion of time during the 18 hour hearing.

With questions about erasures, fluctuating attendance numbers, a teacher union contract in limbo, RIFs, and accountability, at no other time than the present is the need for a proper governing voice on DC education issues more apparent."

Nevada City to host AMGEN prologue - The Sac Rag

Nevada City to host AMGEN prologue - The Sac Rag

As I predicted, Nevada City will be involved in the 2010 AMGEN tour. In fact, the prologue to the 2010 race might start in the wonderful foothill town, News10 reports. The prologue would end here in Sacramento which means lots of two-wheeled action for our fair city as well.

In addition the race has been moved to May. The announcement about the race layout will be made official tomorrow, and it looks like it is still uncertain whether Lance will compete since the Tour of Italy also takes place in May.

SCUSD Observer: Luther Burbank groundbreaking today

SCUSD Observer: Luther Burbank groundbreaking today

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Luther Burbank groundbreaking today
The $24.5 million Luther Burbank Regional Sports Complex will commence groundbreaking ceremonies today at 10:00 a.m., at 3500 Florin Road, Sacramento.

Home | The Root

Home The Root

How the (Dr. Cornel) West Was Won

Cornel West, distinguished professor in the Princeton Center for African American Studies, and author of bestsellers such as Race Matters (Vintage, 1994) Democracy Matters: Winning the Fight Against Imperialism (Penguin, 2004) and Keeping Faith: Philosophy and Faith in America (Routledge, 1994),has a new memoir, Brother West: Living and Loving Out Loud (Smiley Books) in stores now. In it, West describes his journey from “Mama’s child and daddy’s kid” to being one of the preeminent sociologists working today.

In Part 1 of this two-part interview, I sat down with West recently to talk art, politics, the first black President, as well as a memorable New York meeting between West, education activist Geoffrey Canada and Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter. We tried to stick to business, but ended up discussing Curtis Mayfield, Nina Simone, James Brown, Mahalia Jackson, Aretha Franklin, KRS-One and the O’Jays. At least Dr. West didn’t rap.

First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks on Healthy Eating and Obesity to HHS

First Lady Michelle Obama Speaks on Healthy Eating and Obesity to HHS:

"There’s a smart debate going around the internet on food policy, the pleasure principle, and the role that first lady Michelle Obama can play in curbing the obesity epidemic that has swept the United States in recent decades. Obama made a big speech addressing the matter at the Department of Health and Human Services this week.

Her remarks—like her entire approach to food policy since moving to Washington—were casual, yet insistent, speaking not just to the federal employees but to all working families:

[M]any families are starting to feel like the cards are stacked against them. It's really hard to make sure that your children are healthy and happy and safe and well fed. And maybe it's because some of -- some folks are working on a tight budget, and they feel like they just can't afford the kind of nutritious foods that are being recommended. Maybe it's because folks are working long hours. Can I get an 'Amen' from HHS?"

USMayortime with Tom Cochran featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson 10/26/2009 - Tom Cochran on Blog Talk Radio

USMayortime with Tom Cochran featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson 10/26/2009 - Tom Cochran on Blog Talk Radio:

"Call-in Number: (347) 327-9924

Upcoming Show: 10/26/2009 1:30 PM

Host Name: Tom Cochran

Show Name: USMayortime with Tom Cochran featuring Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson

Length: 30 min

Description:
This show will feature Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson who will be discussing his focus on education, homelessness, and flood protection in cities. Listeners will also learn about the challenges of being a state capital city, as well as how Mayor Johnson’s mayoral life differs from his career as a former NBA player."

Listen to Tom Cochran on Blog Talk Radio

Fox News' Hemmer latest to advance made-up charge that Jennings knew of "statutory rape" case and "never reported it" | Media Matters for America

Fox News' Hemmer latest to advance made-up charge that Jennings knew of "statutory rape" case and "never reported it" Media Matters for America:

"Fox News' Bill Hemmer continued his network's attacks on Department of Education official Kevin Jennings by claiming that Jennings knew of a 'statutory rape' case involving a student but 'never reported it.' However, Hemmer ignored that Jennings' attorney wrote in a 2004 letter that the student was 16 years old, which Jennings' book appears to support, and that 16 is -- and was at the time -- the legal age of consent in Massachusetts."

Steve Barr's Answers for School Reform | Edutopia

Steve Barr's Answers for School Reform Edutopia:

"This might be the moment for Green Dot founder Steve Barr.

The Obama administration has set a goal of turning around 5,000 failing schools in the next five years, supported by an expected $3 billion in stimulus funds and $2 billion in the 2009 and 2010 budgets. Known in education circles and beyond as an aggressive agent of change, Barr has been in talks with Secretary of Education Arne Duncan about how to boost failing schools and whether Green Dot's methods can serve as a blueprint for fixing schools across the country.

It was these same failing schools that inspired Barr to start Green Dot. Having known hard times in his youth, including some time as a foster child, Barr was drawn to improving schools for disenfranchised youth."

Perfection may be President Obama's biggest flaw

Perfection may be President Obama's biggest flaw:

"If, as the saying goes, the perfect is the enemy of the good, then Barack Obama is his own worst enemy. That becomes clear in the upcoming HBO documentary 'By the People: The Election of Barack Obama,' which is the product of many months of behind-the-scenes access to Obama during the presidential campaign. It reveals that Barack Obama is pretty close to the most perfect person you will never get to know.

This is what he does not do in the course of the primary and general election campaigns: He does not lose his temper. He does not curse. He does not follow a pretty woman with his eyes or sneak a smoke. He does not dress sloppily. He is always calm and always good-natured and gets emotional only once - the day his grandmother, Madelyn Dunham, the woman who in effect raised him, died in Hawaii. At a campaign event in North Carolina, he expressed his love and gratitude. He cried and, watching, I did, too."

Pleasing Wall Street is a Poor Excuse for Bad Decisions - Is the U.S. Killing Its Innovation Machine? - Harvard Business Review

Pleasing Wall Street is a Poor Excuse for Bad Decisions - Is the U.S. Killing Its Innovation Machine? - Harvard Business Review:

"Outsourcing, in and of itself, isn't responsible for the erosion of America's high tech infrastructure. The short-term thinking that led to a lot of bad outsourcing decisions is the root cause. And short-term thinking isn't a problem confined to the executive suite. It's a problem in Washington and in our society as a whole.

Managers who focus on maximizing short-term profits end up driving out things that generate long-term value — like R&D. They use all sorts of excuses when they make those decisions, including the need to please Wall Street and create shareholder value. But they're just excuses for poor thinking."

Bee argues for disclosure of public service pensions - Local - Modbee.com

Bee argues for disclosure of public service pensions - Local - Modbee.com:

"Attorneys made their arguments Tuesday in The Bee's lawsuit seeking information about the most lucrative public service pensions in Stanislaus County.

The newspaper filed the lawsuit in August after the Stanislaus County Employees' Retirement Association refused a Public Records Act request to disclose the names of retirees receiving more than $100,000 a year. The California Newspaper Publishers Association joined the lawsuit in Stanislaus County Superior Court.
StanCERA manages a pension system for employees of the county, Ceres, the courts and five special districts.

Judge Hurl Johnson presided over Tuesday's hearing and has 90 days to release a decision.
In recent times, public service pension funds such as the California Public Employees Retirement System, the State Teachers' Retirement System and many county associations have agreed to release information about top pensioners."

Sacramento Press / Mayor Johnson - Driving Under the Influence

Sacramento Press / Mayor Johnson - Driving Under the Influence:

"'People ask the difference between a leader and a boss. The leader works in the open, and the boss in covert. The leader leads, and the boss drives.' -- Theodore Roosevelt --
I would love to give Mayor Kevin Johnson the benefit of the doubt and call him a leader. But as time goes by, I see less of a leader and more of a driver.

Heck, with lessons, anyone can drive. With a GPS navigation system of special assistants, a campaign manager, volunteers and a spokesperson it certainly may appear the mayor is leading the way. But even with GPS and a car full of backseat drivers, people have gotten lost."

Parents More Comfortable Talking Drugs Than Science | Reuters

Parents More Comfortable Talking Drugs Than Science Reuters:

"Intel Survey Reveals Majority of Parents of Teens Find It Difficult to Help
Their Kids With Math and Science

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(Business Wire)--
NEWS HIGHLIGHTS:

* The News: A recent Intel Corporation survey found that parents feel more
equipped to talk about drug abuse than math and science with their children.
* The Context: Despite a perceived importance of math and science for success,
and an overwhelming willingness to be involved, the survey results reveal that
parents, particularly those of teenagers, often find themselves with little more
understanding of these subjects than their children and without the necessary
resources to bridge this gap.

* Why It Matters: A strong background in math and science is increasingly
critical for American prosperity, security, health, environment and quality of
life. And yet, according to the National Assessment of Educational Progress
report released last week, less than 40 percent of fourth- and eighth-graders
are proficient in math. Intel believes that to better engage America`s future
innovators, we need to understand and appreciate the role that parents play in
education and help them inspire their children to take an interest in math and
science."

5 US Children Die From Child Abuse Each Day - Family News Story - WSB Atlanta

5 US Children Die From Child Abuse Each Day - Family News Story - WSB Atlanta:

"A new report shows that child abuse and neglect kill more children in the United States than in any other industrialized nation -- five every day.

Deaths By State Faces Of Child Abuse

Every Child Matters Education Fund President Michael Petit wrote that the report should be a wake-up call.

'This is a report sure to sadden -- and perhaps to anger. How could it be otherwise when we look at the innocent faces of children whose lives were cut short by abuse or neglect?' wrote Petit.

The report, We Can Do Better: Child Abuse and Neglect Deaths in America, was released by the Every Child Matters Education Fund. It found that at least 10,440 American children died from abuse or neglect between 2001 and 2007. The report noted that the number of children killed could top 15,660, but poor record keeping could have missed many deaths."

Full Report:

http://www.docstoc.com/docs/13504113/We-Can-Do-BetterChild-Abuse-and-Neglect-Deaths-in-America

Latino in America: Parent and Teacher Discussion Guide - CNN.com

Latino in America: Parent and Teacher Discussion Guide - CNN.com:

"Teachers and Parents: Watch with your students or record 'Latino in America' when it airs on CNN on Wednesday, October 21 at 9 p.m. EDT and Thursday, October 22 at 9 p.m. EDT. By recording the documentaries, you agree that you will use the documentaries for educational viewing purposes for a one-year period only. No other rights of any kind or nature whatsoever are granted, including, without limitation, any rights to sell, publish, distribute, post online or distribute in any other medium or forum, or use for any commercial or promotional purpose.

(CNN Student News) -- We strongly urge teachers and parents to preview this program before showing it to students. The program contains content, language and accounts that may not be appropriate for some students.

Program Description: The Latino population, now America's largest minority, is set to nearly triple by 2050. In fact, the U.S. now has the highest Latino population after Mexico. Their sheer numbers are shaking up America, reshaping schools, churches and neighborhoods and forcing a nation of immigrants to rediscover what it means to be an American. For two nights, CNN's Soledad O'Brien journeys into the homes and hearts of a minority group destined to change America. Is it the ultimate clash of cultures, or the ultimate melting pot? Witness the evolution of a country as Latinos remake America, and in return, America remakes them. Before and after viewing these programs, use our free Discussion Questions and Learning Activities to facilitate a conversation with your students."

theleafchronicle.com | The Leaf-Chronicle | Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN

theleafchronicle.com The Leaf-Chronicle Clarksville and Fort Campbell news, community, entertainment, yellow pages and classifieds. Serving Clarksville, TN:

"Report cards go paperless, School system's robust use of technology helps parents"

Here's a truism of the Internet Age: Time and technology change everything.

So it is with the venerable tradition of the student report card. On Friday, the Clarksville-Montgomery School System will deliver first quarter marks primarily by computer, using the system's Web site and an interactive set of communication tools known as PowerSchool.

Many of us will recall the dutiful carrying home of grades as our first real brush with accountability. We handed them over to mom or dad or guardian with fear or pride, took our punishment or reward, and promised to keep up the good work or to get down to business and improve.

Today, however, schools are going paperless, sharing more information with students and parents via the Internet.

The intimate moment of handing over the report card may be lost forever, along with the charm of a keepsake written artifact carefully prepared by a teacher's hand, but we have to agree with the school system's increasing use of Web-based tools.

‘No Trust’ In DCPS Contract Talks: Loose Lips Daily - City Desk - Washington City Paper

‘No Trust’ In DCPS Contract Talks: Loose Lips Daily - City Desk - Washington City Paper:

"As much local politics as humanly possible. Send your tips, releases, stories, events, etc. to lips@washingtoncitypaper.com. And get LL Daily sent straight to your inbox every morning!

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT—’Is DCPS Continuing to Hire Teachers After Firing 229?‘

Morning all. Surprise, surprise: There’s been no movement on teachers’ contract negotiations for a month, says a WaPo report by Bill Turque. The Oct. 2 layoffs of 229 teachers have brought the nearly two-year process ‘to another standstill,’ he writes. ‘The two sides have not met face to face since Sept. 21, and no bargaining sessions are scheduled.’ WTU President George Parker says his ‘number one priority’ is reversing the layoffs, saying ‘I feel a little indifferent to contract negotiations right now.’ Adds AFT’s Randi Weingarten, ‘There is no trust right now.’

Michelle Rhee’s take: ‘These talks have been at a standstill for two years.’"

Colorado Independent » Shriver Report documents advances but also persisting gender inequalities

Colorado Independent » Shriver Report documents advances but also persisting gender inequalities:

"In a clear-eyed reading of the Shriver Report on U.S. work and family life released this week, former Colorado Independent editor Wendy Norris says the glaring gender inequalities it documents speak at least as loudly as the advances it celebrates. Personal views about gender may have moved toward greater equality, says Norris, but these views have failed to alter policy in the private sector as well as at public institutions. This fact “continues to perpetuate unfair work practices” that create “barriers to true equality between men and women and seriously compromise women’s health.”

The “Shriver Report: A Woman’s Nation Changes Everything” was initiated by California First Lady Maria Shriver and was published after a year of research by the Center for American Progress. It has already generated celebratory media coverage on women’s professional advances, and Shriver has embarked on a media blitz since its publication, including appearing on Meet the Press this past weekend and guest editing an MSNBC blog.

Workplace advances are great and all, says Norris,"

China Education Technology Designed a New Generation of Data Collector and Sensor | Reuters

China Education Technology Designed a New Generation of Data Collector and Sensor Reuters:

"GUANGZHOU, China--(Business Wire)--
China Education Technology Inc. (OTC Bulletin Board: CEDT) ('CEDT'), a Chinese
leader in school lab experiment products, announced it had designed a new
generation of data collector and sensor, and was now applying for 4 utility
model patents, 5 design patents, 2 software copyrights. The new generation of
product is made to improve diversity and accuracy.

'Our products have always been widely recognized by clients,' said Yanbin Guo,
'I believe the new generation will also be quite welcome by the market.'

The newly developed product is specially designed to be in conformity to the new
standard of experimental classes of science courses in China and will mainly be
used by students of grade 7-12. The system uses the advanced technology of data
collection, sensor, wireless control and video image with handy appearance.
There are two secondary schools in Beijing which have the intention to adopt the
lab experiment products in the near future. And they will be fully promoted in
Beijing thereafter. This may bring $7.4 million (RMB 50 million Yuan) of sales
for CEDT with a profit of $2.2 million (RMB 15 million Yuan) in the next two
years. As the only company who`s subsidized by the State Science and Technology,
CEDT has the overwhelming leadership in the industry."

Lamar Alexander to Barack Obama: No 'enemies list' - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com

Lamar Alexander to Barack Obama: No 'enemies list' - Mike Allen - POLITICO.com:

"Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.) accused the White House on Wednesday of 'street-brawling' with opponents, and said the West Wing's strategy of freezing out opponents amounts to a latter-day 'enemies list,' a reference to an infamous practice of President Richard Nixon.

'An 'enemies list' only denigrates the Presidency and the Republic itself,' Alexander said on the Senate floor. 'These are unusually difficult times, with plenty of forces encouraging us to disagree. Let’s not start calling people out and compiling an enemies list. Let’s push the street-brawling out of the White House and work together on the truly presidential issues: creating jobs, reducing health care costs, reducing the debt, creating clean energy.'

Alexander quoted from a POLITICO article headlined 'White House plan: Neuter the Chamber.'"