Today's Big Education Ape - PostRank Top Late Nite Posts 2-6 #edreform #ows

California Honors Teachers of the Year « InterACT

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

California Honors Teachers of the Year « InterACT:California Honors Teachers of the YearFEBRUARY 6, 2012tags: CATOY, CDE, teacher of the yearby David B. CohenIn my work with Accomplished California Teachers, it has been my good fortune to collaborate with some true leaders in our field, who found their way to the spotlight by being named California Teachers of the Year. Alex Kajitani was the first: a rappin’ mathematician from San Diego, Alex represented our state in the national Teacher of ... more »

Jack Hassard: We Have Low Expectations for American Students in Math & Science - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

Jack Hassard: We Have Low Expectations for American Students in Math Science - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:Jack Hassard: We Have Low Expectations for American Students in Math Scienceby Anthony CodyGuest post by Jack HassardWho the #@!% would make such a statement? Why would such a statement be made about America's youth?If you go the Broad Foundation Education page you will find the answer to the first question. This is the first of four statements about American youth, ... more »

Model Continuation High Schools for 2012 - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education)

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

Model Continuation High Schools for 2012 - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education):State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Selects 25 CaliforniaContinuation High Schools for Model StatusSACRAMENTO—Twenty-five outstanding California schools were named today by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson as 2012 Model Continuation High Schools for their programs designed to help struggling students stay in school."Every student comes to school with a different set of needs, and our job is to provide them with the best chance to succeed," said ... more »

Parents: make your voice heard on your state’s NCLB waiver! « Parents Across America

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

Parents: make your voice heard on your state’s NCLB waiver! « Parents Across America:Parents: make your voice heard on your state’s NCLB waiver!by leoniehaimsonDear all:As you know, the U.S. Department of Education is offering a “waiver” of NCLB requirements (ESEA flexibility) to those states that agree to specific requirements.Unfortunately, these new requirements may be as onerous and expensive, if not more so, than NCLB itself. States must adopt new curricula, new tests, new sanctions/supports for the 15 percent lowest scoring ... more »

New legislation seeks to lessen FHSAA's power, allow charter schools to operate like private schools

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

Florida high school sports | New legislation seeks to lessen FHSAA's power, allow charter schools to operate like private schools:New legislation seeks to lessen FHSAA's power, allow charter schools to operate like private schoolsTALLAHASSEE — Lawmakers last week battled over a pair of proposals that would make sweeping changes to the Florida High School Athletic Association, which has governed public and private school sports for nearly a century.The most dramatic — allowing private and charter schools to have their own ... more »

Today's Big Education Ape - PostRank Top 2-6 Early Evening Posts #ows #edreform

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

RheeFirst! » Michelle Rhee comes to Alabama #edchat #edreformBig Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All)-9 minutes agoRheeFirst! » Michelle Rhee comes to Alabama:Michelle Rhee comes to Alabamaby adminOriginally posted on Blue in Alabama. Read the entire post here.“It was recently announced, and not very publicly, that Michelle Rhee, the HIGHLY controversial ex-Washington, D.C. superintendent was coming to the state of Alabama at the request of Dr. Bentley (yes the Michelle Rhee from the Waiting for Superman documentary). It’s still unclear ... more »

SEPARATE AND Digital | In some cash-strapped schools, kids bring their own tech devices

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 6 minutes ago

Digital | In some cash-strapped schools, kids bring their own tech devices:In some cash-strapped schools, kids bring their own tech devicesby Jennifer RolandPhoto by Lexie FlickingerAt Mankato Public School System in Minnesota, students bring their homework, their lunches, and books to school like most students across the country. But they also bring whatever tech devices they own — and they don’t have to hide it or turn it off when they walk into class.Mankato has joined the growing Bring Your ... more »

Why REALDemocrats Are Opposed to Charter Schools

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Seattle Schools Community Forum: Charter Discussion at the 32nd Democrats:Charter Discussion at the 32nd Democratsby Melissa WestbrookSeveral Democratic districts have taken up the issue of charter schools; of those that have, most have come out against them. Here is a program from the 32nd Dems happening this week.32nd District Democrats Program February 8, Wednesday 7pm Masonic Hall Shoreline, 753 N 185th St, Shoreline (map) Why Democrats Are Opposed to Charter SchoolsIt would be hard not to notice the intense lobbying ... more »

Michael Winerip Exposes the Flaw in One-Size-Fits-All | Truth in American Education

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Michael Winerip Exposes the Flaw in One-Size-Fits-All | Truth in American Education:Michael Winerip Exposes the Flaw in One-Size-Fits-Allby James BellMichael Winerip, writing in the New York Times, analyzes what went comically wrong in the education system of New York state. He says:State officials have instead chosen to use one English test to assess every high school student in the state, which has caused another fairly gigantic problem: How do you create a single graduation exam for 200,000 seniors when some ... more »

RheeFirst! » Michelle Rhee comes to Alabama #edchat #edreform

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 4 hours ago

RheeFirst! » Michelle Rhee comes to Alabama:Michelle Rhee comes to Alabamaby adminOriginally posted on Blue in Alabama. Read the entire post here.“It was recently announced, and not very publicly, that Michelle Rhee, the HIGHLY controversial ex-Washington, D.C. superintendent was coming to the state of Alabama at the request of Dr. Bentley (yes the Michelle Rhee from the Waiting for Superman documentary). It’s still unclear who’s going to be footing the bill for her visit. Apparently she and her group StudentFirst ... more »

WTF Analysis: Why a charter school trumped a neighborhood school for space | school, charter, schools - News - The Orange County Register

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 4 hours ago

Analysis: Why a charter school trumped a neighborhood school for space | school, charter, schools - News - The Orange County Register:District: Charter law forced school's closureMission Viejo’s award-winning Barcelona Hills Elementary School will close in June to allow the 5-month-old Oxford Preparatory Academy charter school to grow.By SCOTT MARTINDALE / THE ORANGE COUNTY REGISTERMISSION VIEJO – Barcelona Hills Elementary is closing in June, but not because it's an underperforming school or because neighborhood parents are demanding sweeping changes.The 34-year-old ... more »

TEMECULA: Board surrenders charter to district

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 4 hours ago

TEMECULA: Board surrenders charter to district:TEMECULA: Board surrenders charter to districtStoryDiscussionBy JENNIFER KABBANY For The Californian | Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2012 6:00 pm | 1 CommentFont Size:Default font sizeLarger font sizeRelated StoriesTEMECULA: Context founder wonders what's nextTEMECULA: Context charter school to closeThe remaining three members of Context Middle School's board voted to surrender the embattled school's charter to the Temecula school district at a short but fiery meeting Friday night.After the 3-0 vote, which came without discussion, sever... more »

Lost Malcolm X Speech Heard Again 50 Years Later : NPR

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 4 hours ago

Lost Malcolm X Speech Heard Again 50 Years Later : NPR:Lost Malcolm X Speech Heard Again 50 Years Laterby GUY RAZ Last semester, Brown senior Malcolm Burnley took a narrative writing course. One of the assignments was to write a fictional story based on something true — and that true event had to be found inside the university archives."So I went to the archives and started flipping through dusty compilations of student newspapers, and there was this old black-and-white photo ... more »

Issue: Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

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Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress:S.2051A bill to amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the reduced interest rate for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.Introduced Jan 31, 201260 ViewsH.R.3845 - Growth to Excellence Act of 2012To establish an alternative accountability model.Introduced Jan 31, 201261 ViewsS.2047 - Student-to-School Nurse Ratio Improvement Act of 2012A bill to authorize the Secretary of Education to make demonstration grants to eligible local educational agencies for the purpose of reducing...Introduced Jan 31, 2012135 ViewsS.Res.364A resolution ... more »

School choice: Don't choose to rob even more money from education - phillyBurbs.com : Guest Opinions: guest opinion, senate bill 1, education funding, pennsylvania schools,

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 4 hours ago

School choice: Don't choose to rob even more money from education - phillyBurbs.com : Guest Opinions: guest opinion, senate bill 1, education funding, pennsylvania schools,:School choice: Don't choose to rob even more money from educationStoryComments (3)ShareSharePrintCreate a hardcopy of this pageFont Size:Default font sizeLarger font sizePosted: Monday, February 6, 2012 6:00 am | Updated: 6:46 pm, Fri Feb 3, 2012.By JANE K. CURRY | 3 commentsGov. Tom Corbett and the Legislature have a legal obligation to support public schools. They ... more »

Arizona judge rules for teachers in pension suit. « Fred Klonsky

Big Education Ape - PostRank (PostRank: All) - 4 hours ago

Arizona judge rules for teachers in pension suit. « Fred Klonsky:Arizona judge rules for teachers in pension suit.by Fred KlonskyIn a ruling that has implications for teachers in Illinois, an Arizona lower court judge ruled in favor of teachers and their pensions.The Arizona Times:A judge has struck down an Arizona law that increased the amount state employees must contribute toward their pensions as unconstitutional.Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Eileen Willett wrote in a Friday ruling that a state law that ... more »

Schooling in the Ownership Society: AUSL's clout-heavy "turnaround" schools among city's worst

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Schooling in the Ownership Society: AUSL's clout-heavy "turnaround" schools among city's worst:AUSL's clout-heavy "turnaround" schools among city's worstby Mike KlonskyClout-heavy banker David Vitale, former AUSL board chairman, now runs the Board of EducationFounded and run by Chicago venture capitalist, Martin Koldyke, the Academy for Urban School Leadership (AUS) has used its connections and political clout to become a powerhouse in the school turnaround business. Despite its schools ranking at or near the bottom of the system, AUSL has benefited from ... more »

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES

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Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES:WEEKEND QUOTABLESby Mike KlonskyChicago Mayor (right) with Krupp CEO Torsten GessnerRahm Emanuel“By combining transportation, infrastructure, and the best workforce in the world, Chicago is a destination for the greatest companies around the globe, and ThyssenKrupp is a perfect example of this.” -- City of Chicago press releaseBrian Jackson, ThyssenKrupp's lawyer"We look forward to having our day in court." --Chicago TribuneDeborah Meier "As we once reminded colleagues, Nazi Germany had a successful school system—so what?" --Bridging ... more »

Jerry Brown's call for fewer school tests conflicts with state's new education blueprint - Sacramento Bee

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Jerry Brown's call for fewer school tests conflicts with state's new education blueprint - Sacramento News - Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee:Jerry Brown's call for fewer school tests conflicts with state's new education blueprintShareBy Diana Lambertdlambert@sacbee.comPublished: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 - 12:00 am | Page 1BLast Modified: Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012 - 2:12 pmWant to make a public school teacher cringe? Say the words high-stakes testing.Tests, test and more tests.Teachers unions rail against them. Parents complain about ... more »

Schools Matter: Jeff McQuillan: Books before bytes

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Schools Matter: Jeff McQuillan: Books before bytes:Jeff McQuillan: Books before bytesby skrashenJeff McQuillan: "Books before bytes"re (Michael Hiltzik)Sent to the Los Angeles Times, Feb. 5, 2012To the Editor:Kudos to Michael Hiltzik for his column ("Hyping tech will not help students," February 5) criticizing federal officials for overselling the benefits of technology to K-12 schools. As co-producer of the most popular educational podcast in the world (ESLPod.com's English as a Second Language Podcast), I'm no enemy of new technology.But our students ... more »

Write On! My Kids WANT to Write! « Diary of a Public School Teacher!

Write On! My Kids WANT to Write! « Diary of a Public School Teacher!:

Write On! My Kids WANT to Write!

Posted February 6, 2012 by Oldschoolteach in Integrating Technology in the Classroom, Student Issues, Teacher Resources. Tagged: Daily Writing prompts, how to get kids to write, writing daily, writing in the classroom, writing that kids enjoy. Leave a Comment

I have to admit, as much as I love to write, trying to squeeze it into my school day for my kids, was just not working. I mean, yes, we wrote in a variety of subjects. And yes, we had our Writing block, but…something was missing, and I couldn’t put my finger on it. The principal requested that we have our kids write every day, nonfiction writing. Why? Because research shows… Okaaay, that wasn’t working for me either. I don’t know about you, but I would not want to write about nonfiction topics every day.

What to do? What to do? Hmmm…

About two weeks ago, I decided I was going to stop watching the clock, my schedule, the

School Tech Connect: Cussing at the Key

School Tech Connect: Cussing at the Key:

Cussing at the Key

by noreply@blogger.com (Tim)

I have some wonderful writers on my blogroll. Did you see The Dayton Street Shuffle over at Science Teacher? She's writing about the shut-er-down mentality that's taken hold there in Newark, as it has everywhere poor people are congregated.

I don't know enough about the specifics today to comment cogently, so I won't. We'd all be better off if others would abide the same advice.

I do know enough that some jackass is going to say I'm defending the status quo.Then I will be told that zip code is not destiny by some pale person who has never thought twice about the cost of a cup of coffee.

I don't defend the staus quo--that's why I made housecalls in the projects. That's why I've

Texas Ed Chief Calls Testing “a Perversion of its Original Intent” and Testing Corporations a “Military Industrial Complex” | Scathing Purple Musings

Texas Ed Chief Calls Testing “a Perversion of its Original Intent” and Testing Corporations a “Military Industrial Complex” | Scathing Purple Musings:

Texas Ed Chief Calls Testing “a Perversion of its Original Intent” and Testing Corporations a “Military Industrial Complex”

by Bob Sikes

Texas Education Commissioner Robert Scott sure wandered off the ed reform reservation. A link this morning from Gradebook’s Jeff Solocheck pointed to a NY Times article which attributed this to Scott:

“In a high-level turnaround, Robert Scott, the commissioner of the Texas Education Agency, said Tuesday that student testing in the state had become a ‘perversion of its original intent’ and that he looked forward to ‘reeling it back’ in the future. Earning a standing ovation from an annual gathering of 4,000 educators that has given him chillier receptions in the past, Mr. Scott called for an accountability process that measured ‘every other day of a school’s life besides testing day.’”

Its not the first time Robert Scott has demonstrated an independent streak. In June of 2011 he snatched Texas

California Honors Teachers of the Year « InterACT

California Honors Teachers of the Year « InterACT:

California Honors Teachers of the Year

FEBRUARY 6, 2012

tags: CATOY, CDE, teacher of the year

by David B. Cohen

In my work with Accomplished California Teachers, it has been my good fortune to collaborate with some true leaders in our field, who found their way to the spotlight by being named California Teachers of the Year. Alex Kajitani was the first: a rappin’ mathematician from San Diego, Alex represented our state in the national Teacher of the Year functions and activities, where I was lucky to have Cindi Rigsbee helping me make some California connections. Alex encouraged me to attend the annual dinner to honor our state teachers of the year, and that advice put me in contact with 2010 Teacher of the Year Kelly Kovacic, who became a fellowblogger here at InterACT. Valerie Ziegler was also part of the 2010 cohort; she also

Jack Hassard: We Have Low Expectations for American Students in Math & Science - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Jack Hassard: We Have Low Expectations for American Students in Math & Science - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Jack Hassard: We Have Low Expectations for American Students in Math & Science

by Anthony Cody

Guest post by Jack Hassard

Who the #@!% would make such a statement? Why would such a statement be made about America's youth?

If you go the Broad Foundation Education page you will find the answer to the first question. This is the first of four statements about American youth, followed by "stark" statistics. The Broad Foundation says:

"We have low expectations for American students."

Shame on them!

This is the foundation that has channeled over $400 million into education, primarily in charter schools, training of administrators, and online education. It's a very good time to be in the business of influencing and undermining

Model Continuation High Schools for 2012 - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education)

Model Continuation High Schools for 2012 - Year 2012 (CA Dept of Education):

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Selects 25 California
Continuation High Schools for Model Status

SACRAMENTO—Twenty-five outstanding California schools were named today by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson as 2012 Model Continuation High Schools for their programs designed to help struggling students stay in school.

"Every student comes to school with a different set of needs, and our job is to provide them with the best chance to succeed," said Torlakson. "That's why it's so important to provide students who are having trouble staying in school with great continuation high schools. The schools we are recognizing today have gone the extra mile to help kids get the education they deserve and need to succeed in life and careers. Congratulations to them all."

Continuation high schools meet the needs of students aged 16 years or older who lack sufficient school credits, are still required to attend school, and are at risk of not graduating. Many of these students have jobs outside of school because of family problems or other circumstances. Continuation high schools offer these students an alternative high school diploma program that focuses on school-to-career education, individualized instructional strategies, intensive guidance and counseling, and flexible school schedules.

More than 69,000 students attended the state's 504 continuation high schools in the 2010–11 school year.

The Model Continuation High School Recognition Program is a partnership of the California Department of Education (CDE) and the California Continuation Education Association (CCEA). The goal of the partnership is to identify and recognize outstanding programs and create a resource list of quality programs other schools can visit and emulate.

To be eligible for the recognition program, applicants must be accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and demonstrate exemplary program effectiveness in school management, curriculum, instructional strategies, educational climate, and guidance and counseling. As part of the application for recognition, parents, students, and community members are required to submit written statements in support of their schools.

A total of 27 continuation high schools applied for the recognition and were visited by a review team. Based on their evaluations, 25 were recommended for model school status.

The selected schools retain their title for three years and must file an annual assurance statement of compliance with model school guidelines in order to maintain the designation. With the addition of the new Model Continuation High Schools, there are now 64 Model Continuation High Schools in California.

For information on continuation education, please visit the CDE Continuation Education Web page at Continuation Education - Educational Options. For information on the CCEA, please visit the CCEA Web site at California Continuation Education Association (Outside Source).

# # # #

Attachment

2012 Model Continuation High Schools

1. Allan F. Daily High School, 220 North Kenwood Street, Glendale, CA 91206, Christopher Coulter, Principal, 818-247-4805.
2. Alta Vista High School, 1325 Bryant Avenue, Mountain View, CA 94040, Bill Pierce, Principal, 650-691-2433.
3. Apollo High School, 3150 School Street, Simi Valley, CA 93065, Dean May, Principal, 805-520-6150.
4. Calaveras Hills High School, 1331 East Calaveras Boulevard, Milpitas, CA 95035, Alecia Myers, Principal, 408-635-2690.
5. Canyon Oaks High School, 930 Royal Oaks Drive, Monrovia, CA 91016, Flint Fertig, Principal, 626-471-3000.
6. Conejo Valley High School, 1872 Newbury Road, Newbury Park, CA 91320-3495, Martin Manzer, Principal, 805-498-6646.
7. Del Mar High School, 312 South Del Mar Avenue, San Gabriel, CA 91776, Lon Sellers, Principal, 626-291-5723.
8. Glen View High School, 905 Michigan Avenue, Beaumont, CA 92223, Matt Russo, Principal, 951-845-1133.
9. Ivy High School, 1056 Winterhaven Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028-4500, Melissa Marovich, Principal, 760-723-6395.
10. John R. Wooden High School, 18741 Elkwood Street, Reseda, CA 91335-1802, Jason Garrison, Principal, 818-345-0203.
11. La Vista High School, 909 North State College Boulevard, Fullerton, CA 92831-3013, Sandi Layana, Principal, 714-447-7821.
12. Lincoln High School, 2600 Teagarden Street, San Leandro, CA 94579-1222, Alexander Harp, Principal, 510-618-4460.
13. Marin Oaks High School, 720 Diablo Avenue, Novato, CA 94947-4004, Kessa Early, Principal, 415-892-8733.
14. Mesquite High School, 140 West Drummond Avenue, Ridgecrest, CA 93555, Shirley Kennedy, Principal, 760-446-4561.
15. Monroe High School, 126 South Snyder Street, Tehachapi, CA 93561-1513, Paul Press, Principal, 661-822-2124.
16. Monterey High School, 1915 Monterey Avenue, Burbank, CA 91506-1107, Ann Brooks, Principal, 818-558-5455.
17. Orangewood High School, 515 Texas Street, Redlands, CA 92374-3071, Carol Ruhm, Principal, 909-307-5380.
18. Redwood High School, 18400 Clifton Way, Castro Valley, CA 94546-0146, Suzy Williams, Principal, 510-537-3193.
19. Ruben Salazar High School, 9115 Balfour Street, Pico Rivera, CA 90660, Reynaldo Reyes, Principal, 562-801-5021.
20. San Antonio High School, 125 West San Jose Avenue, Claremont, CA 91711-5205, Steven Boyd, Principal, 909-398-0316.
21. Santana High School, 1006 Otterbein Street, Rowland Heights, CA 91748-1408, Guillermo Muñoz, Principal, 626-965-5971.
22. Sierra High School, 1134 South Barranca Avenue, Glendora, CA 91740-4916, Mari Bordona, Principal, 626-852-8300.
23. Silverado High School, 25632 Peter A. Hartman Way, Mission Viejo, CA 92691, David Gordon, Principal, 949-586-8800.
24. Valley Alternative School, 15430 Shadybend Drive, Hacienda Heights, CA 91745, Priscilla Tam, Principal, 626-933-3400.
25. Windsor Oaks Academy, 8681 Windsor Road, Windsor, CA 95492-9511, Patricia Law, Principal, 707-837-7771.

# # # #

Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Parents: make your voice heard on your state’s NCLB waiver! « Parents Across America

Parents: make your voice heard on your state’s NCLB waiver! « Parents Across America:

Parents: make your voice heard on your state’s NCLB waiver!

by leoniehaimson

Dear all:

As you know, the U.S. Department of Education is offering a “waiver” of NCLB requirements (ESEA flexibility) to those states that agree to specific requirements.

Unfortunately, these new requirements may be as onerous and expensive, if not more so, than NCLB itself. States must adopt new curricula, new tests, new sanctions/supports for the 15 percent lowest scoring schools, must link teacher and principal evaluations to standardized test scores, and instead of all students being “proficient” by 2014, all students must be “college ready” by 2020.

California has estimated that it will cost the state over $2 billion to implement the mandates attached to this “flexibility.”

Montana found that the requirements would cost the state millions of extra dollars and the “reforms” required were not in students’ best educational interests. Montana declined this