Early-reading expert Richard Allington believes response to intervention is possibly "our last, best hope" for achieving full literacy in the United States. So why does he sound so unhopeful?
- • Focus on RTI: Teacher PD Sourcebook
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Education Week American Education News Site of Record
The California Majority Report // Valero (VLO) Causing Problems in Texas Too -- For Schools and Local Governments
STEVEN MAVIGLIO
Valero (VLO) Causing Problems in Texas Too -- For Schools and Local Governments
Here's another reason to boycott Valero, the Texas oil company banking the dirty energy proposition. The company is a bad corporate citizen in its home state too.
According to a Houston Chronicle article today, the company is seeking to rob millions from school districts and local governments by claiming tax credits for equipment http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/metropolitan/6959428.html. Staff at the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality are fighting the company, saying it doesn't deserve the credits. But Valero has given thousands of dollars to conservative Republican Governor Rick Perry, and is appointees on the Commission appear to be bucking the recommendation of staff.
If Valero gets the credits, it could wreck local school districts and municipal governments in the communities where its refineries are located. According to the newspaper, In Texas City, where Valero operates a refinery, the school district receives 95 percent of its
Schools Matter: SB 6 Vetoed
SB 6 Vetoed
The Rovian strategy of the neocons is to move policy talk so far right that Bush policies begin to appear mainstream. This is what happened in Florida with SB 6. When corporatists regroup to offer their version of SB 7 for destroying public education and the teaching profession, it will be something that only Margaret Spellings could love, but it will be hailed as a liberal victory and celebrated by Randi Weingarten. From Tampa Bay Online:
TALLAHASSEE - Gov. Charlie Crist has just vetoed SB 6, ending a week of suspense and protests against the controversial teacher tenure bill sponsored by the chairman of Crist's own political party.
Crist's action goes against conservative leaders, including former Gov. Jeb Bush, and will likely spur more speculation that he plans to break from the party and run as an independent for U.S.
NYC to close 'rubber rooms' for teachers - NYPOST.com
NYC to close 'rubber rooms' for teachers
Mayor Bloomberg and the city's teachers' union are set to announce today an agreement that will shutter the controversial teacher reassignment centers known as "rubber rooms," The Post has learned.
The centers won't close until the fall under the deal, sources said.
The centers house more than 600 teachers accused of misbehavior -- ranging from educational incompetence to sexual abuse -- who wait for hearings for months and years on end while doing nothing at full salary.
The Post has campaigned against rubber rooms for months. Columnist Andrea Peyser wrote in February, "Rubber rooms have become the symbol of everything in city government that makes one's head want to explode. These oases of waste and neglect exist in all five boroughs, playing host to a whopping 660 educators who've been accused of everything from sexual abuse and stealing to incompetence."
Under the deal, teachers accused of lesser charges will now report to Department of Education administrative offices or schools to perform clerical duties, sources said.
The city will also hire more arbitrators and set a strict time limit on the length of investigations in order clear up the logjam in disciplinary hearings.
The city's eight rubber rooms cost the city $40 million in salaries alone last year, according to the Department of Education.
Read more: http://www.nypost.com/p/news/local/nyc_to_close_rubber_rooms_for_teachers_4d4KeeM6b2PrKkUdd3cvTK#ixzz0lBfDWATK
Crist Vetoes SB 6, Takes Bold Stand for Florida Schools NEA Today
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Crist Vetoes SB 6, Takes Bold Stand for Florida SchoolsWith a stroke of his pen, Florida Gov. Charlie Crist took a bold stand today for the state’s students, educators and schools. The Republican governor, defying his own party, vetoed the controversial Senate Bill 6, which education experts say would have made Florida one of the most teacher-hostile states in the country, while also leaving counties... [Read more of this review]
A Taxing Story of Big Business Robbing Public SchoolsBy Cynthia McCabe It’s tax day. Time to pay up. But not for everyone. Every day in this country, big businesses are getting a sweetheart deal paid for by our public school children. And no, we’re not talking high-interest lunch money loans. It’s common practice in most states and municipalities to let businesses off the hook for paying taxes,... [Read more of this review]
Ed Secretary, Senators Echo NEA Call for Jobs LegislationBy Samantha Kappalman and Cynthia McCabe Calling it the right thing for the country, the economy and the nation’s children, Education Secretary Arne Duncan on Wednesday threw his support behind the National Education Association’s effort to get through Congress emergency legislation that will help save the jobs of 125,000 educators now... [Read more of this review]
When the Conventional Wisdom on Unions and Teacher Firings is WrongBy Alain Jehlen The conventional wisdom: Unions keep bad teachers from being fired. The unconventional approach: Actually look at the numbers! The belief that unions protect bad teachers is so widely accepted that it’s challenged. But when Bill Maher sounded off against teacher unions on his HBO talk show “Real Time” a few weeks ago, claiming... [Read more of this review]
Today is the birthday of A. Philip Randolph, the civil rights champion and labor leader. | A Long Train Ride by Amy Goodman | ZNet Article
ZCommunications | A Long Train Ride by Amy Goodman | ZNet Article
A Long Train Ride
Source: SF Gate
It started with a train ride. Barack Obama rode to
The train holds a deeper symbolism, though, that undergirds Obama's historic ascension to the White House, harking back to the civil rights struggle, reflecting the unprecedented grassroots activism that formed the core of the Obama campaign and laying out where the nation under the Obama administration might go.
A. Philip Randolph was a legendary labor organizer and civil rights leader. He organized the Brotherhood of Sleeping Car Porters, the men who tended to the overnight guests on the sleeper cars that
Harry Belafonte recalled in an interview with Tavis Smiley recently a story he was told by Eleanor Roosevelt. She related a public event when her husband, FDR, introduced Randolph and asked him, Belafonte recalled, "what he thought of the nation, what he thought of the plight of the Negro people and what did he think ... where the nation was headed." Continuing the story, Belafonte recounted what FDR replied upon hearing
Mass., Colo. Teachers' Union Out of Race to Top - Teacher Beat - Education Week
Mass., Colo. Teachers' Union Out of Race to Top
So reports the Boston Globe and this Denver blog.
Interesting politics going on here. Perhaps the American Federation of Teachers Massachussetts feels emboldened by the fact that the two winning RTTT applications both won support from teachers' unions. But on the other hand, it may cost them some political clout: The story quotes one of the legislature's education committee co-chairs, and a Democrat at that, as being very disappointed in the move.
In the first round, Massachusetts had an unusual requirement that all districts get a union signature in order to participate. State leaders are rethinking that requirement this time around, but they're still worried that the lack of union support will scuttle the state's chances. They are apparently going to move forward with an application with
Interesting politics going on here. Perhaps the American Federation of Teachers Massachussetts feels emboldened by the fact that the two winning RTTT applications both won support from teachers' unions. But on the other hand, it may cost them some political clout: The story quotes one of the legislature's education committee co-chairs, and a Democrat at that, as being very disappointed in the move.
In the first round, Massachusetts had an unusual requirement that all districts get a union signature in order to participate. State leaders are rethinking that requirement this time around, but they're still worried that the lack of union support will scuttle the state's chances. They are apparently going to move forward with an application with
Even Cows Need Care and Feeding :: Frederick M. Hess
Even Cows Need Care and Feeding :: Frederick M. Hess
Frederick M. Hess's Blog
Even Cows Need Care and Feeding
by Frederick M. Hess • Apr 15, 2010 at 9:23 am
Cross-posted from Education Week
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As I noted yesterday, I think my good friend Kevin Carey is mistaken in arguing that vouchers in and of themselves are a recipe for dramatically changing the incentives in education. Look, to take just one example, recognize that non-profits unable to offer discounts to families really have little or no cause to focus on squeezing down the cost of their services. Choice-based reform (vouchers, charters, what-have-you) certainlycan help to profoundly change the incentives in schooling, but that depends entirely upon questions of program design, regulation, and context.
It's a mistake to imagine that choice creates a self-executing change in conditions. Even if one graduated from Milwaukee's "half-measure" program to "full-on" vouchers, it's hardly a given that the ecosystem and scaffolding that underlies dynamic sectors would spring into place. When it comes to innovation and dynamism, the differences between Silicon Valley and Spring Valley, U.S.A., aren't that Silicon Valley is "freer," but that it (like Boston or Austin) has acquired over the decades an ecosystem of researchers, investors, social capital, networks, expertise, and the rest that can help surface, fuel, and sustain high-quality ventures. Experience with school choice (or, say, the AT&T divestiture back in the 1980s) has made clear that these ecosystems and
R.I.P. Rubber Rooms | Intercepts
R.I.P. Rubber Rooms
It’s the end of an era in public education (and end to my hopes to profit from a new TV reality competition show).
The city and the teachers union have come to an agreement to close the so-called “rubber rooms” by the end of the year, the Daily News has learned.
About 550 teachers and 630 school employees report to reassignment centers after being accused
voiceofsandiego.org | Bright and Early: The Education Newsblitz
I was all over the city checking out schools yesterday. Got something interesting to tell me about? Don't be shy -- e-mail me at emily.alpert@voiceofsandiego.org with your tips. Now for the newsblitz:
- San Diego has earthquake on the mind lately. And, as we report, not all local schools are covered by an earthquake safety law that is seen as the gold standard -- including the planned downtown schoobrary. But there are some who are now wondering whether the strict law is really necessary as city codes evolve.
- Del Mar parents who are upset about the ouster of their superintendent say they'll target the school board members in November, the Union-Tribune reports.
- The North County Times reports that an Escondido school on the state list of persistently failing schools will replace its principal to meet state rules and be eligible for grants. Further north, California Watch writes that Santa Ana schools will vie for the money, too.
- San Diego Unified, in contrast, is making changes that the state may or may not like at its failing schools. Check ou
Don’t “Race to the Test” Without College Outcome Data � The Quick and the Ed
Don’t “Race to the Test” Without College Outcome Data
Why does this matter? Think about the variety of things that research shows are necessary for “college-readiness.” And, consider this partial list of what the administration requires from the assessment systems
Foreigners Pay More
Notes from the news, Apr. 15 | Philadelphia Public School Notebook
Notes from the news, Apr. 15
Happy tax day. Also, don't forget to fill out your census form.Ackerman creates new 'chief' position at $180,000 The Notebook blog
Leroy Nunery is a former Edison Schools executive and was a finalist for District superintendent. He'll work on fundraising and outside partnerships.
Parent voices concern over school changes The Inquirer
A Stetson parent testified about the Renaissance Schools overhaul plan that would convert many District schools to charters.
See also: New info on provider interest in schools The Notebook blog
Full Renaissance Schools coverage The Notebook
Charter oversight: failure Daily News (opinion)
Comparing the charter school financial scandals to the California gold rush.
Neighbors to be heard on school building sales Daily News
The District will now include community feedback in decisions to sell closed schools.
See also: Neighbors to be heard on school building sales Urban Direction blog
Students warned on dangers of flash mobs The Inquirer
Students were gathered at Hospitality Education Day.
See also: Head of public safety lectures students on "flash mobs" WHYY
Phila. Students Discuss Flash Mob Tourism Impact KYW
Allegheny: Trying to Improve Schools Philadelphia Neighborhoods
What Do Your Kids Know About Climate Change? Philadelphia Weekly
Five Local Early Childhood Educators to be Honored KYW
School Success Criteria Volume 3: Leadership Philly School Search blog
Please email us if we missed anything today or if you have any suggestions of publications, email lists, or other places for us to check for news.
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Notes from the news
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Essay by Dr. Jill Biden in The Chronicle of Higher Education | The White House
Essay by Dr. Jill Biden in The Chronicle of Higher Education
The following essay penned by Dr. Jill Biden will be featured in the April 23 issue of The Chronicle of Higher Education, and can be found online HERE.
Community Colleges: Our Work Has Just Begun
Jill Biden
Jill Biden
I have been a teacher for almost three decades and a community-college instructor for the past 16 years. Last spring, President Obama asked me to increase awareness about one of the best-kept secrets of higher education: the very sizable and valuable contribution of community colleges. Since then I have been visiting colleges around the country and reporting back to the president about their challenges, innovations, and ideas. This issue is a priority for the Obama-Biden administration. We are committed to making community colleges better and more accessible to students across this nation.
The passage of the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act of 2010 was a substantial victory for community colleges. The final legislation does not contain everything our administration had proposed, but it does include one of the most significant new federal investments in higher education, and in community colleges, since the GI Bill was introduced, over 60 years ago.
Pell Grants had been threatened with a 60-percent funding decrease, but we stabilized the Pell program and ensured that such grants would increase with inflation. The Pell Grant victory will put money in the pockets of millions of full- and part-time community-college students, helping them pay for tuition, books, supplies, and living expenses. This increase in financial aid is coupled with the recently expanded Opportunity Tax Credit, which provides students a tax credit of up to $2,500 per year for up to four years to offset higher-education expenses, including a partial credit for those who owe no taxes. It also sets up income-based repayment of student loans, capping loan repayments at rates based on income and family size. As a lifelong teacher, I am particularly pleased that income-based repayment helps those who choose public-service careers. Graduates who work as teachers, nurses, or in other public-service professions—and those who serve in the military—can have their loans forgiven after 10 years.
The reconciliation bill also sets aside $2-billion ($500-million per year over four years) to develop and improve educational and training programs at community colleges. Throughout the nation, community colleges will receive funds to help them serve students more effectively, and to help form partnerships with regional industry clusters so that graduates will be prepared to excel in the local work force.
This administration's commitment to community colleges is a long-term one. The president has asked me to convene a national summit on community colleges in the fall. We will bring college presidents, instructors, and advocates together with business leaders and other stakeholders to share best practices and successful
Forget allergy season, are your kids (and teachers) ready for testing season? EducationCEO's Blog
Spring brings warm weather, flowers, and Spring Break. If you’re a teacher or school student, you know that spring also signals the beginning of testing season. For elementary and middle school students here in Georgia, that means the Criterion Referenced Competency Test (CRCT) and End-of-Course Tests (EOCT) for high school students.
According to a recent AJC article, this year’s testing season also brings scrutiny and tighter security measures due to the suspicion of testing irregularities surrounding several schools. Schools that had a high number of erasure irregularities, as well as those that did not will see some changes this year. For example, some districts will increase the number of supervisory staff members in schools to watch students as they test. The Atlanta Public School System has received a significant amount of media attention because it had the highest number of schools under investigation, with fifty-eight. I am still upset about the allegations, as the kids’ academic improvements have been called ‘questionable’ and some teachers have been falsely accused of either changing answers or prompting students towards
According to a recent AJC article, this year’s testing season also brings scrutiny and tighter security measures due to the suspicion of testing irregularities surrounding several schools. Schools that had a high number of erasure irregularities, as well as those that did not will see some changes this year. For example, some districts will increase the number of supervisory staff members in schools to watch students as they test. The Atlanta Public School System has received a significant amount of media attention because it had the highest number of schools under investigation, with fifty-eight. I am still upset about the allegations, as the kids’ academic improvements have been called ‘questionable’ and some teachers have been falsely accused of either changing answers or prompting students towards
California's Regressive Tax System | California Progress Report
California's Regressive Tax System
By Robert CruickshankThe California Budget Project is out with answers to the question "Who pays taxes in California?" As their report makes clear, there's another question that is equally important - "who doesn't pay taxes in California?" What the CBP numbers reveal is a state where the tax burden is borne by the poorest, in order to let the richest escape their obligations.
Measured as a share of family income, California's lowest-income families pay the most in taxes. The poorest fifth of the state's non-elderly families, with an average income of $13,200, spent 11.1 percent of their income on state taxes. In comparison, the wealthiest 1 percent, with an average income of $2.2 million, spent 7.8 percent of their income on state taxes.
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Schools Matter: Op-Ed by Houston KIPP Director, Joseph Miller: "KIPP could RIP the fabric of public education in Jacksonville in half"
Op-Ed by Houston KIPP Director, Joseph Miller: "KIPP could RIP the fabric of public education in Jacksonville in half"
All sorts of right-wing opinions show up in the conservative paper, The Jacksonville Observer. But who would expect an executive with KIPP Houston to offer up such red meat to the privatizing faithful! And if you read the entire op-ed, you might be convinced that it was written by a local citizen who is excited beyond words that KIPP is coming to save Jacksonville. It is so full of homespun grits-iness, with a Bible quote from a dead local banker and even this charming good ole boy reference to a scattergram slide by Executive Director, Tom Madjanics:
Displaying a graph that appeared like it had been shot with shotgun birdshot, Tom said that these little dots represented Florida students that were in the group mentioned above and who were failing or performing poorly on standard testing. If a picture is worth a thousand words – this picture
This Week In Education AM News: Harkin Proposes Teacher Bailout
AM News: Harkin Proposes Teacher Bailout
Fund Proposed to Prevent Some Teacher Firings NYT: Senator Tom Harkin, an Iowa Democrat, introduced legislation on Wednesday to create a $23 billion jobs fund to prevent teachers from being fired because of budget shortfalls... Sen. Harkin proposes $23 billion bailout for schools Washington Post: Sen. Harkin proposes $23 billion bailout for schools... 2 more arrested at Hawaii furlough sit-in AP: Two more people protesting Hawaii's shortest-in-the-nation school year were arrested on trespassing charges Wednesday night during their weeklong sit-in at Gov. Linda Lingle's office...Former Gov. Bush: Still in charge at the Capitol? AP: Ease class-size limits -- check. Cut corporate income taxes -- check. End tenure for new teachers and link teacher raises to student performance -- check (for now)... Click below for more headlines....U.S. Falls Short in Measure of Future Math Teachers NYT: American college students earned a C on a new test comparing their skills with their counterparts in 15 other countries...Judge Orders Halt to School Transfer Policy NYT: A judge on Tuesday ordered a south Mississippi school district to stop allowing hundreds of white students to transfer out of majority-black schools, saying the practice violates a desegregation order... Gunman disarmed at Pa. school after striking guard AP: A man with a gun who entered a public school for performing arts students was arrested Wednesday afternoon after he fought with a security guard who confronted him and both men crashed through a large window near the school's entrance....Pa. police: 3rd grader gave heroin to classmates AP: Police say a third-grader in Pennsylvania handed out more than 60 small bags of heroin to his classmates before his teacher discovered them.
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