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Saturday, August 27, 2011

Big Education Ape: 8-27-11 AM Public Education's Dangerous Silence EDition

Big Education Ape: Ed News Now:

Published by Coopmike48 – 6 news spotters today

Essay: Public Education's Dangerous Silence

njspotlight.com - Welcome to New Jersey and to the 18-month street fight waged by Gov. Chris Christie against public education. By this time, the governor's attacks against teachers and their unions, superintendents...

DianeRavitch

Editorial Cartoons

baltimoresun.com - Here's an update to a clichéd philosophical question: If a test is scheduled and no one is around to take it, will this test matter?The new school year for many public school teachers begins weeks ...

DianeRavitch

Study: Wide variation in success of PA charters

thenotebook.org - Students at middle and multi-level charter schools in Pennsylvania perform worse than their peers in traditional public schools in both math and reading, according to a new study published by the C...

DianeRavitch

Department of Education layoffs hit poor areas hardest

nydailynews.com - Galasso/North Jersey Media Group - FILE PHOTO The disparate nature of the cuts - the biggest layoffs at any agency in the Bloomberg era - became apparent yesterday, when officials gave Local 372, w...

DianeRavitch

TEACHERS NOT ENOUGH? WHO KNEW?

theconcordreview.blogspot.com - This situation will persist as long as those funding programs and projects for reform in education pay no attention to the actual academic work of our students... BREAKTHROUGH Will Fitzhugh The C...

DianeRavitch

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coopmike48 Read Damn Good Education Daily ▸ today's top stories via @oklabrett ▸http://t.co/gpb4k5P #SOSMARCH26 seconds ago · reply · retweet · favorite

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coopmike48 Pa. charter bill gets mixed review - Philly.com - http://t.co/UoksKst3 minutes ago · reply · retweet · favorite

EducationSee all

AFT - A Union of Professionals

aft.org - American public schools have a responsibility to prepare all students for the opportunities and challenges that await them, and in so doing, to develop an educated citizenry that strengthens our co...

leoniehaimson

What works in public education?

dailykos.com - We all know what doesn't work in education 'reform': standardized testing, vouchers, merit pay, larger class sizes, over-reliance on charter schools, corporate takeovers, witch hunts to weed out 'b...

DianeRavitch

SocietySee all

Dr. King Weeps From His Grave

nytimes.com - Princeton, N.J. THE Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial was to be dedicated on the National Mall on Sunday — exactly 56 years after the murder of Emmett Till in Mississippi and 48 years aft...

mikeklonsky

PoliticsSee all

Emanuel's former opponents grade his first 100 days

wbez.org - Today we wrap up our coverage of Rahm Emanuel's first 100 days in office. All week we've brought you stories about the new Chicago mayor: what he's accomplished, where he's fallen short.Now we give...

mikeklonsky

Sen. Loni Hancock acts to thwart Amazon referendum

sfgate.com - Paul Sakuma / AP Online retailer Amazon backs a referendum to let voters decide on sales tax collection. Sacramento -- Lawmakers are aiming to torpedo a well-funded referendum that would undo a pie...

coopmike48

EnvironmentSee all

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HedgeFund.net: Public news from HedgeNews

hedgefund.net - Hedge fund manager Leon Cooperman reportedly sold all of his hedge fund’s stocks in Bank of America and Citigroup before shares for the two banks fell drastically. Omega Advisors sold 2.5 million...

mikeklonsky

#eduRead this paperSee all

Rahm vs. The Chicago Teachers « Edumacation Archive

bigeducationape.blogspot.com - Rahm vs. The Chicago Teachers « Edumacation Archive: Rahm vs. The Chicago Teachersby thatsrightnateIt’s been nearly a year since I posted to this blog. I frankly considered it done. I continued t...

coopmike48

#parentsRead this paperSee all

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      Schools Matter: Join In the Opting Out: Make Schools Matter Once More

      Schools Matter: Join In the Opting Out: Make Schools Matter Once More:

      Join In the Opting Out: Make Schools Matter Once More

      by Jim Horn
      From the Baltimore Sun. See below op-ed comments by Monty Neill.
      By Shaun Johnson
      4:14 PM EDT, August 25, 2011

      <a href="http://a.collective-media.net/jump/q1.bmoresun/news;sz=300x250;click0=;ord=4678744?" target="_blank"><img src="http://a.collective-media.net/ad/q1.bmoresun/news;sz=300x250;click0=;ord=4678744?" width="300" height="250" border="0" alt=""></a><a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/jump/trb.baltimoresun/news/opinion/editorial;;ptype=ps;slug=bs-ed-school-testing-20110825;pos=1;sz=300x250,336x280;tile=1;ca=education;en=washingtondc;at=education;at=academicprogress;at=publicschools;at=schools;at=gameplaying;u=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-school-testing-20110825,0,5413264,print.story;ord=3174889?" target="_blank" rel="nofollow"><img scr="http://ad.doubleclick.net/ad/trb.baltimoresun/news/opinion/editorial;;ptype=ps;slug=bs-ed-school-testing-20110825;pos=1;dcopt=ist;sz=300x250,336x280;tile=1;ca=education;en=washingtondc;at=education;at=academicprogress;at=publicschools;at=schools;at=gameplaying;u=http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/opinion/oped/bs-ed-school-testing-20110825,0,5413264,print.story;ord=3174889?" width="336" height="280" border="0" alt=""></a>

      Here's an update to a clichéd philosophical question: If a test is scheduled and no one is around to
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      Fox news guest tells parents: "Beat kids with love" : The Mommy Files

      Fox news guest tells parents: "Beat kids with love" : The Mommy Files:

      Fox news guest tells parents: "Beat kids with love"

      55

      Earlier this week a guest on Fox News basically said that there's nothing wrong with parents physically abusing their kids as long as it's done out of love.

      Bill Cunningham thinks parents should beat their kids with love.

      Bill Cunningham thinks parents should beat their kids with love.

      "I say beat kids appropriately and with love," shouted out Bill Cunningham, a nationally syndicated conservative radio talk show host.

      We can blame this hogwash on Jessica Beagley, aka Hot Sauce Mom, an Alaskan mother who poured hot sauce into the mouth of her adopted 7-year-old Russian son and was convicted of misdemeanor child abuse on Tuesday. The video of the 37-year-old mother punishing her kid aired on "Dr. Phil" and has led news anchors all over the country to talk about what constitutes child abuse--and ask people such as Cunningham what they think about Beagley's conviction. Is this mom really a child abuser?

      Cunningham criticized the state for getting involved in how parents discipline their children. "Because the state is so involved in this, it is one of the reasons, of many, why children today are out of control," Cunningham argued. Parents are afraid to discipline their children because prosecutors may lock them up and throw away the key."

      Cunningham's mother stuck Camay soap in his mouth and made him eat it until bubbles came out



      Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/blogs/sfmoms/detail?entry_id=96234#ixzz1WEdBwXP7
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      Geaux Teacher!: Standardized Tests and Cheating

      Geaux Teacher!: Standardized Tests and Cheating:

      Standardized Tests and Cheating

      by lpbharley@gmail.com (Lee Barrios, M.Ed., NBCT)
      The Times-Picayune today published an editorial "Investigate cheating claims" that addressed charges made in the spring of 2010 that Miller-McCoy Academy staff was providing questions from the state's high-stakes test to prepare students.

      http://www.nola.com/opinions/index.ssf/2011/08/investigate_cheating_claims_in/3743/comments-newest.html

      This is my comment in response to the story and another comment by Oh-Really?

      lbarriosAugust 27, 2011, 12:09AM

      Oh-Really? said: "The schools now seem to only be teaching the answers to the test questions without regard for the actual learning process."

      Your statement is so masterfully worded that it shows clearly the problem with using standardized tests to measure learning, the dichotomy between teaching and testing, and the hypocrisy of expecting teachers to teach and students to learn answers for questions they are not allowed to see. Makes no sense does it? If you


      New Watchdog for Charter Schools

      by lpbharley@gmail.com (Lee Barrios, M.Ed., NBCT)
      The Lens, the first non-profit journalism venture in New Orleans, was launched by co-founders Ariella Cohen and Karen Gadbois in 2009.

      Last night, August 25, the on-line newspaper hosted a gathering called the Summer Salon Focus on NOLA Charter Schools at the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities building on Lafayette Street to announce their newest investigative venture. They will assign a corps of reporters to cover every Charter School Board meeting in New Orleans.

      The Lens admitted that their first hurdle will be obtaining schedules from the schools, which has been a bone of contention for parents and anyone else attempting to lift the "veil of transparency" that hangs over most of these independent charters. Charters are public schools and subject to the Freedom of Information Act, Public Meetings Law and other regulations for public entities. The information should be filed with the Secretary of State's office and The Louisiana Association of Public Charters should have the information regarding their
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      Big Education Ape - PostRank Today's 10


      Big Education Ape - PostRank Today's 10

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      Missouri Education Watchdog: UCLA Professor has the courage to question the moral appropriateness of a gift. Missouri Education Watchdog: UCLA Professor has the courage to question the moral appropriateness of a gift.: UCLA Professor has the courage to question the moral appropriateness of a gift. Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to ...

      Nearly a Century After Suffrage, Women’s Voting Rights Under Attack in the States « MomsRising BlogNearly a Century After Suffrage, Women’s Voting Rights Under Attack in the States « MomsRising Blog: Nearly a Century After Suffrage, Women’s Voting Rights Under Attack in the States by Cristina Francisco-McGuire It has been more than 90 years since ...

      Race to the Top: Florida to seek grant for early-childhood education - OrlandoSentinel.com Race to the Top: Florida to seek grant for early-childhood education - OrlandoSentinel.com: Gov. Rick Scott: Let's compete for $100 million Race to Top grant for young kidsBut lawmakers must accept other federal money before qualifying for Race to ...

      Student’s Spoken Word Gives Voice to Students and Teachers | ED.gov Blog Student’s Spoken Word Gives Voice to Students and Teachers | ED.gov Blog: Student’s Spoken Word Gives Voice to Students and Teachers Posted on August 26, 2011 by Guest Blogger *Classroom Teaching Ambassador Fellow Gamal Sherif sent us this ...

      This Week In Education: Update: Naive To Print Teachers' Scores, Says TFA Founder This Week In Education: Update: Naive To Print Teachers' Scores, Says TFA Founder: Update: Naive To Print Teachers' Scores, Says TFA Founder by Alexander Russo [image: Tumblr_lps78bCXrw1qz6f9yo1_500]#valueadded #vam Just a day after a New York court ...

      Schooling in the Ownership Society: Public schools shouldn't depend on handouts from billionairesSchooling in the Ownership Society: Public schools shouldn't depend on handouts from billionaires: Public schools shouldn't depend on handouts from billionaires by Mike Klonsky From the New York Times: *Although praiseworthy as a matter of personal ...

      Where the Action Is in School Reform - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week TeacherWhere the Action Is in School Reform - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher: Where the Action Is in School Reform by Nancy Flanagan The criticism most frequently leveled at Diane Ravitch's blockbuster book on education reform, *The ...

      THE PERIMETER PRIMATE: The four horsemen of our apocalypse? THE PERIMETER PRIMATE: The four horsemen of our apocalypse?: The four horsemen of our apocalypse? by The Perimeter Primate Racism, Poverty, Militarism, Materialism. The apocalypse reference may sound dramatic, but the current condition (and ...

      Nonprofit writes Florida law for its own program | jacksonville.com Nonprofit writes Florida law for its own program | jacksonville.com: Nonprofit writes Florida law for its own program Scholarship bill shows influence of lobbyists writing legislation. *Posted:* August 23, 2011 - 5:56pm | *Updated:* August 24, 2011 - ...

      Sac City supt. offers insight on coming school year | news10.net Sac City supt. offers insight on coming school year | news10.net: Sac City supt. offers insight on coming school year1:15 PM, Aug 26, 2011 | comments - Twitter - Facebook - Share - Email - Print - - - A - *A* - A - + ...
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      Modern School: Arlene Ackerman: Serial Golden Paratrooper

      Modern School: Arlene Ackerman: Serial Golden Paratrooper:

      Arlene Ackerman: Serial Golden Paratrooper

      by Michael Dunn

      If memory serves, Arlene Ackerman was chased out of San Francisco Unified with her tail between her legs, but also with a hefty golden parachute. Now Philly is set to do the same. This week the Philadelphia School Reform Commission unanimously approved a buyout for former Superintendent Arlene C. Ackerman worth nearly $1 million, according to Philly.com.

      In order to get rid of their excess baggage, Philadelphia will have to pay Ackerman $500,000 in district funds. She will also get health and life insurance through June 2013 and a check for her unused sick and vacation time. The value of the insurance and unpaid leave has not been disclosed. However, she will also receive $405,000 in private, anonymous donations funneled through a nonprofit with ties to the Philadelphia School District. The Kansas City Star reported this week that Pennsylvania State Auditor General Jack Wagner plans to investigate the unusual arrangement. Could Ackerman have a secret admirer in the Billionaire Boys Club?

      Her supporters are calling her ousting a “lynching,” blaming it on racism because she gave a

      Today in Labor History—August 27

      by Michael Dunn

      August 27, 1917 -- The IWW was made illegal in Australia and their membership rolls were made available to employers, leading to widespread repression. Despite all this, the IWW helped lead the General Strike of 1917.(From the Daily Bleed)

      August 27, 1934 – Filipino lettuce cutters and mainly white packing shed workers struck the powerful Salinas Valley growers and shippers, demanding union recognition & improved conditions. (From the Daily Bleed)
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      Before and After a Hurricane « Whole Child Education

      The Whole Child Blog « Whole Child Education:

      Before and After a Hurricane

      August 26th, 2011 by

      The East Coast is busy preparing for this weekend’s hurricane, effects of which are starting to be felt in the Carolinas. With widespread power outages, downed trees, flooding, and evacuations expected, Hurricane Irene has the makings of an economic and social as well as natural disaster. Ready.govand the NOAA National Hurricane Center offer steps you can take to prepare, resources, and updated storm information.

      Sesame Street offers a hurricane tool kit for parents, families, and caregivers to help young children feel safe and cope with their emotions. You’ll find videos sharing how Big Bird and other characters prepare for the storm, clean up afterward, deal with being displaced from homes, and work together as a community to support each other. There are links to activities, resources, and these quick tips:

      • Give children the facts
      • Comfort your children
      • Listen and talk to your children
      • Try to keep a normal routine
      • Spend time with your children
      • Pay attention to signs of stress
      • Monitor children’s TV viewing
      • Empower your children
      • Take care of yourself
      • Inspire a sense of hope

      The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s FEMA for Kids website recommends putting together anactivity survival kit to take with you if evacuation does become necessary. Suggested items include:

      • A few favorite books
      • Crayons, pencils, or marking pens and plenty of paper
      • A deck of cards
      • Small people figures and toy vehicles to play out what is happening
      • A favorite blanket or pillow
      • Pictures of the family and pet

      After the storm, Weather Wiz Kids, National Geographic, and Discovery Education offer lesson plans (and science fair project ideas!) on hurricanes to help explain what happened and engage students in learning more.

      If the damage in your area is severe or you would like to learn more about preparing responses to future unplanned events, ASCD has a series of workshops that focus on helping educators meet displaced

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      Daily Kos: Teach For America goes after teachers unions - in a new way

      Daily Kos: Teach For America goes after teachers unions - in a new way:

      Teach For America goes after teachers unions - in a new way

      by rss@dailykos.com (teacherken)

      A TFA alum who has stayed in public school teaching and gotten increasingly turned off to TFA, and who follows my work, forwarded to me an email that demonstrates a new tactic by TFA, perhaps as s/he notes, in response to the criticisms of TFA this past summer by the National Education Association, the larger of the two main teachers unions.

      I offer this for informational purposes only, but have made sure that BOTH NEA and AFT are aware of this new tactic.

      Peace.

      From: Arroyo, Tamara
      Date: Fri, Aug 26, 2011 at 8:30 PM
      Subject: Back to school webinar on union leadership

      As you head back to the classroom this year, we’d like to invite you to join our partner, Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) and other Teach For America alumni teachers and LEE members on September 8 from 8-9 pm ET/5-6 pm PT for a special webinar to help you consider new leadership opportunities as a teacher in your classroom and community.

      This webinar is specifically designed for you - TFA alumni teachers - to explore and reflect on ways

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      Diane Ravitch on Democracy Now: “Poverty is the Problem” | Seattle Education

      Diane Ravitch on Democracy Now: “Poverty is the Problem” | Seattle Education:

      Diane Ravitch on Democracy Now: “Poverty is the Problem”

      by seattleducation2011

      “Poverty is the Problem”

      Check out Diane Ravitch and Brian Jones, narrator of the movie The Inconvenient Truth Behind Waiting for Superman, on Democracy Now.

      The following is the introduction to this interview:

      As millions of students prepare to go back to school, budget cuts are resulting in teacher layoffs and larger classes across the country. This comes as the drive toward more standardized testing increases despite a string of cheating scandals in New York, Atlanta, Washington, D.C., and other

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