First Interim Status Reports for 2012-13 - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education)

First Interim Status Reports for 2012-13 - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education):

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Reports
Smaller Number of Districts in Financial Jeopardy 

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson reported today that 500,000 fewer California students attend school districts in financial jeopardy now than last May, though an unacceptably high number of districts still face deep fiscal challenges.

The state's First Interim Status Report for 2012-13 shows that 124 local educational agencies (LEAs) serving 2.1 million students are in either a negative or qualified certification, down from the 188 LEAs serving 2.6 million students reported in Second Interim Status Report for 2011-12 issued in May 2012.

"I can say with growing confidence that the worst of California's school funding crisis is behind us," Torlakson said. "As this report demonstrates, it will take years to restore our education system to financial health. No one was happy to see California slip to 49th in per-pupil funding, and no one should be satisfied when we move up to 46th or 47th."

The new report shows seven LEAs received a negative certification, and 117 received a qualified certification.

Twice a year, the California Department of Education receives Notice of Interim Certifications on the financial status of the state's 1,043 LEAs comprising school districts, county offices of education, and joint powers agencies. The certifications are classified as either positive, qualified, or negative.

A positive certification is assigned when a LEA will meet its financial obligations for the current and two subsequent fiscal years.

A qualified certification is assigned when a LEA may not meet its financial obligations for the current or two subsequent fiscal years. This certification allows the LEA's county office of education to provide assistance to the district.

A negative certification—the most serious of the classifications—is assigned when a LEA will be unable to meet its financial obligations for the remainder of the current year or for the subsequent fiscal year. This certification means the LEA's county office of education may intervene in the district's finances.

The assistance or intervention by the county office of education may include assigning external consultants, requiring a district fiscal recovery plan, or even disallowing certain district expenditures.

This new list is a compilation of the certifications by LEAs that were due December 15, 2012, and which cover the financial and budgetary status of the LEAs for the period ending October 31, 2012. The certifications reflect whether the LEAs are able to meet their financial obligations for the remainder of the current fiscal year and subsequent two fiscal years, based on projections at that point in time.

Because these Interim Status Reports are snapshots in time, the LEAs' financial status may have changed since these certifications were collected.

For more information on the school funding crisis, please visit the California Department of Education's School Financial Emergency Web page.

# # # #

Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

National School Breakfast Week 2013 — Whole Child Education

National School Breakfast Week 2013 — Whole Child Education:

THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG

National School Breakfast Week 2013

March 4, 2013 by Kristen Pekarek

This week, the W.K. Kellogg Foundation and the School Nutrition Association are co-sponsoring National School Breakfast Week!

Launched in 1989, the event is used to educate students, parents, and the community across the U.S. about the benefits of a healthy school breakfast. A recent study titled Ending Childhood Hunger: A Social Impact Analysis by whole child partner Share our Strength, in collaboration with Deloitte, confirmed the benefits of a healthy, balanced breakfast at school—showing school breakfasts are associated with positive, large-scale outcomes in education, economics, and health—giving us even more reason to celebrate this week's events.

This year's celebration theme, "Be a Star with School Breakfast," will highlight how eating a healthy, balanced breakfast at school helps students shine bright. The week-long celebration uses themed contests and promotions to put school breakfast programs on display. Learn more and access free resources.

People can be awesome - Facing History and Ourselves at Palo Alto High School

Facing History and Ourselves at Palo Alto High School:

People can be awesome

In discussion of such a satanic topic, it becomes hard not to assume a somber attitude. There is such unwritten devastation, such disgusting injustice, such grotesque images that we can sometimes forget that people are willing to do good, too. A recent article in the New York Times reminds me that people can be awesome! A recent demonstration in Dresden had Neo-Nazis outnumbered 12:1 by counter-demonstrators consisting of police and anti-fascists. Over 10,000 people attended the anti-Nazi march, reaffirming the message that was broadcast worldwide after the Holocaust: “Never again”.

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After hours of preparation, we are finally approaching the event. As I write this, the room is buzzing with peripatetic students making the last touches to their work. Myself, I am excited for this evening’s events: a great deal of effort has been contributed by my peers to ensure quality presentations tonight.

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"Never Again"

One of the worst things about the Holocaust is that we allowed it to happen again. In Rwanda and eastern Europe, genocide continued to happen while the rest of the world stood by. Elie Wiesel said in an interview “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim. Silence encourages the tormentor, never the tormented.” Elie Wiesel says this both reflectively, and about the genocide in Rwanda. He believed that the US should have sent out a radio broadcast to warn the Jews about the trains and where they were headed, so they could have avoided getting on them at all costs. Although, some experts believe that this could have encouraged the Nazis to speed up the process and openly killing more Jews and other groups. Many people in the US also did not know to what extent the Holocaust was happening. The Rwandan genocide, on the other hand, was much more open, which is one of the reasons it was controversial that we did not get involved. The world thought the holocaust was the end of all genocide, but superpowers need to be less tentative to intervene when it comes to innocent civilians being killed.

It can get worse

Here is a link to a New York Times article that claims to have found records that prove the Holocaust was far greater than we ever knew.

What does this mean for us? For many people, the Holocaust is easily the most horrifying event in human history. It is already a struggle for us to cope with it. And now? What if this is true, and it was even more shocking than we already think? Does it matter, if we already find it the worst scenario 

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he misspoke concerning pink slips - The Washington Post

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he misspoke concerning pink slips - The Washington Post:

Education Secretary Arne Duncan says he misspoke concerning pink slips

Chris Usher/CBS News via Getty Images - Secretary of Education Arne Duncan on "Face the Nation" on Feb. 24.

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By Lyndsey Layton, Monday, March 4, 10:37 AM

Education Secretary Arne Duncan offered a mea culpa of sorts Monday, saying that hemisspoke on national television last week when he said that teachers were already losing jobs as a result of the budget sequester.

“When I said ‘pink slips’ that was probably the wrong word,” Duncan told reporters at a news conference related to the sequester. “Language matters, and I need to be very, very clear.”

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Study says KIPP student gains are substantial

Jay Mathews MAR 3

Many doubt the frequent raves about the KIPP charter school network, but a new study says praise is deserved.

More D.C. area high schools consider letting teenagers snooze longer

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Children in D.C. and across the country are gaga over a patty-cake pastime with 19th-century roots.

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In discussing the cuts to federal aid to schools on “Face the Nation” last Sunday, Duncan said “there are literally teachers now who are getting pink slips, who are getting notices that they can’t come back this fall.”

Most of the country’s 15,000 school districts will not feel the effects of the cuts, which 

Family: Slain Alabama mayoral candidate beaten, burned : page 1 - NorthJersey.com

Family: Slain Alabama mayoral candidate beaten, burned : page 1 - NorthJersey.com:

Family: Slain Alabama mayoral candidate beaten, burned

MONDAY MARCH 4, 2013, 1:37 PM

ASSOCIATED PRESS

PAGES: 1 2 > DISPLAY ON ONE PAGE | PRINT | E-MAIL

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — The body of a slain Mississippi mayoral candidate was beaten and burned, a family member said Monday.

Marco McMillian's godfather, Carter Womack, said McMillian's family received the information from the Coahoma County coroner. Coroner Scotty Meredith declined to comment Monday, and a spokesman for the Coahoma County Sheriff's Department had no immediate comment.
But a person with direct knowledge of the investigation confirmed to The Associated Press that McMillian had some bruises and there were burns on at least one area of his body. The person wasn't authorized to publicly comment and spoke on condition of anonymity.
The cause of death has not been released. An autopsy was performed, but toxicology tests are pending, and authorities say it could take 

Schooling in the Ownership Society: The Language of the Ownership Society

Schooling in the Ownership Society: The Language of the Ownership Society:

The Language of the Ownership Society

by Mike Klonsky

I'm always taken by the language of the Ownership Society. I'm dazzled by how it's used and misused to obfuscate and mystify. For example, I love the word sequestration. For one thing, as a blogger, I've gone about as far as I can go with the fiscal cliff, as in: "We're not afraid of the fiscal cliff. Many of us are already over it."  I even had the term banned as own of my New Year's resolutions. You've never heard it since then. Have you?

Of course, sequestration is nothing new. The working poor and the rapidly disintegrating middle class have been the targets of sequestration for the past three decades or more. 

You could say it began with the dismantling of the labor unions during the Reagan years. Or maybe in the '90s with Clinton's so-called "welfare reform." Sequestration  currently takes the form of 

States Fighting Back | Truth in American Education

States Fighting Back | Truth in American Education:

States Fighting Back

by Shane Vander Hart

James Wilson has updated our map.

Below is the list of bills and stories outlining the battle currently underway.
Alabama

• SB 190
• Alabama Exists National Common Core Tests

Colorado

• Common Core’s Race to the Middle in Colorado Dec. 6, 2012

Florida

• HB 377 SB 524
• Should Florida postpone implementation of the Common Core?
• Florida Lawmakers Might Delay New Education Standards, Testing for some Grades.
• Lawmakers, commissioner sow seeds to delay Common Core in Florida
• Florida Contemplates ‘Backup’ Tests for Common Core

Georgia

• SB 167

Idaho

• Common core ed standards face hearing in House committee

Indiana

• Senate Bill No. 193

Kansas

• HB 2289

Michigan

• HB 4276

Missouri

• HB 616
• SB 210

Oklahoma

• HB 1907

South Carolina

• SC Gov Nikki Haley Backs Bill to Block Common Core Standards 2012
• S. 604

South Dakota

• House Bill 1204

Utah

• Utah drops out of consortium developing Common Core tests
• Legislature questions common core standards 2012

**Minnesota appears on the map as having rejected the CCSS. MN did not adopt the CCSS for Mathematics.
Check here for links to groups actively working to stop the Common Core State Standards implementation and related issues.

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Sequestration: The language of the ownership society

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Sequestration: The language of the ownership society:

Sequestration: The language of the ownership society

by Mike Klonsky

I'm always taken by the language of the Ownership Society. I'm dazzled by how it's used and misused to obfuscate and mystify. For example, I love the wordsequestration. For one thing, as a blogger, I've gone about as far as I can go with the fiscal cliff, as in:"We're not afraid of the fiscal cliff. Many of us are already over it."  I even had the term banned as own of my New Year's resolutions. You've never heard it since then. Have you?

Of course, sequestration is nothing new. The working poor and the rapidly disintegrating middle class have been the targets of sequestration for the past three decades or more. 

You could say it began with the dismantling of the labor unions during the Reagan years. Or maybe in the '90s 

State auditors call for better oversight of migrant worker ed program SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources

SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources:

State auditors call for better oversight of migrant worker ed program
By Kimberly Beltran
Monday, March 04, 2013

Despite recent efforts to improve its oversight of the federally-funded migrant education program, the California Department of Education has not provided adequate guidance to the regional offices that administer the services, says a report from the state auditor released late last week.

Instead, CDE has relied largely on the judgment of regional administrators and its individual program staff for decisions about allowable expenses and financial codes used to categorize these expenses, the report said. This lack of formal guidance has created inconsistencies and controversy regarding allowable expenses and how they are classified, resulting in a “flawed and inaccurate” accounting of regional administrative costs.

“These calculations, as well as recent decisions related to vehicle purchases, have continued to sow discord between Education and the regions,” the auditor wrote. “Because of a lack of trust, [CDE] also has had difficulty making productive use of a state parent council whose purpose is to advise and assist the migrant program. Partly because of its past inaction and lack of communication, [CDE] now faces numerous grant conditions and reporting requirements imposed by the federal agency overseeing the migrant program.”

The migrant program, fully funded by the federal government, provides supplemental education services to migrant children, who can receive services if they or their parents or guardians are migrant workers in the agriculture or fishing 

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Monday, March 4, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

Election 2013: Reform at center of LA Unified race

Education Headlines

Monday, March 4, 2013

Too much candy at school? Not everyone agrees

Classroom snacks, incentive prizes and the goodies parents provide for holidays and birthdays are at the discretion of individual school districts, and there are very different rules among school boards about how to handle them.

Sacramento region rural schools see rapid enrollment declines

Sacramento City Unified captured headlines last month with its decision to close seven schools because of declining enrollment, but it's not the fastest-shrinking district in the region. It's not even in the top 20.

Sacramento Unified likely to grant Tahoe, Twain schools reprieve from closure

The last of two Sacramento City Unified schools slated for closure this year are likely to remain open. Superintendent Jonathan Raymond is no longer recommending school board members decide this Thursday night between closing either Tahoe Elementary or Mark Twain Elementary.

Templeton School District cuts to help fill nearly $1 million deficit

Templeton students may feel fewer budget cuts this fall compared to previous years after the school district’s leaders hashed out ways to buffer state shortfalls.

Schools chief became citywide advocate

The San Diego school board looked no further than its own backyard last week when it plucked principal Cindy Marten from her inner-city campus to succeed Bill Kowba as superintendent of California’s second-largest school district.

Faith, church/state at heart of yoga case

After a week of national media exposure that brought condemnation, accusations and some old-fashioned name calling, Escondido attorney Dean Broyles half-jokingly said he feels like the most hated man in the country. The “vicious and nasty” comments began after he filed a lawsuit against the Encinitas Union School District.

Salida Union to weigh election shift

At a special meeting Tuesday, Salida Union School District board members will vote on extending their terms by a year to lower election costs and accommodate a switch to voting by trustee areas.

Election 2013: Reform at center of LA Unified race

The race for three seats on the LAUSD board has shaped up into a pitched battle for control of the city's public schools, with reform-minded candidates hoping to maintain the momentum of Superintendent John Deasy and union-backed rivals trying to halt it.

Schools must set up fee complaint systems

California school districts must have procedures in place by Friday for students and parents to file complaints if they feel their schools are improperly charging fees for educational activities.

Sacramento focuses on school security

California lawmakers have introduced nearly two dozen school safety measures that have been largely overshadowed by the more divisive debate on gun control.

California's ban on fees for school supplies causes confusion

A new state law banning public school fees has teachers scrambling for supplies, parents in a tizzy over suddenly unaffordable activities and PTAs confused about how to help families.

Goldrick: Keep promise to California’s new teachers and their students

California’s recognized national leadership on developing and supporting new teachers is at risk. That’s bad news for beginning teachers—and for the students they teach. Here’s why—and how we can fix it.

Frey: Cities and schools collaborate on summer programs

It may still be chilly outside, but that’s not stopping school districts from planning for summer. Some districts that want to increase their summer offerings are stretching their dollars through collaborations with cities, corporate funders and foundations.

Standardized testing becomes the great divide in schools policy

The growing use of standardized tests to assess students and teachers is sparking a push-back nationwide in what has become one of the greatest divides in educational policy. Even as the federal government and major school districts in Chicago, New York and elsewhere continue to promote testing, counter-pressure is growing to step back from it.

Candidates for mayor take different tacks on education

Eric Garcetti has the backing of the teachers union and wants to unite the union and reformers. Wendy Greuel wants local decision-making. Jan Perry wants a non-voting seat on the board.

Friday, March 1, 2013

Oxnard Union board approves site near Camarillo Library for new school

Oxnard Union High School District trustees are in agreement that a piece of land near the Camarillo Library is the best spot to build a new high school.

Lincoln bond refinance will save $1.9M in taxes

Lincoln Unified announced late Wednesday it has refinanced $21.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, a move officials say will save district property owners $1.9 million in taxes.

STOCKTON - Lincoln Unified announced late Wednesday it has refinanced $21.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, a move officials say will save district property owners $1.9 million in taxes. - See more at: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/A_NEWS/303010320#sthash.Z2QYPO7G.dpuf

Lincoln Unified announced late Wednesday it has refinanced $21.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, a move officials say will save district property owners $1.9 million in taxes. - See more at: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/A_NEWS/303010320#sthash.Z2QYPO7G.dpuf

Lincoln Unified announced late Wednesday it has refinanced $21.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, a move officials say will save district property owners $1.9 million in taxes. - See more at: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/A_NEWS/303010320#sthash.Z2QYPO7G.dpuf

Lincoln Unified announced late Wednesday it has refinanced $21.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, a move officials say will save district property owners $1.9 million in taxes. - See more at: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/A_NEWS/303010320#sthash.Z2QYPO7G.dpuf

Lincoln Unified announced late Wednesday it has refinanced $21.4 million in outstanding general obligation bonds, a move officials say will save district property owners $1.9 million in taxes. - See more at: http://www.recordnet.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130301/A_NEWS/303010320#sthash.Z2QYPO7G.dpuf

Audit slams migrant education oversight

A state audit report released Thursday takes the California Department of Education to task for inadequate oversight of its Migrant Education system.

UPDATE: It gets worse….Bridgeport: Finch puts Deputy Mayor Thompson in attack mode to protect Paul Vallas… - Wait, What?

Bridgeport: Finch puts Deputy Mayor Thompson in attack mode to protect Paul Vallas… - Wait, What?:

It gets worse….

by jonpelto

One of the votes in favor of extending Paul Vallas’ contract as Superintendent of Bridgeport Schools tonight will certainly be Democrat Reverend Kenneth Moales, Jr.

Unlike the spectacular “It Gets Better Project” which communicates to youth around the world that it gets better, and seeks to create and inspire the changes needed to make it better for them, Kenneth Moales Jr. is a sad reminder that when it comes to politics, sometimes it actually gets worse.

In August 2011, Kenneth Moales was appointed by the Malloy Administration to Bridgeport’s illegal Board of Education.  At the time, he was serving as Mayor Bill Finch’s campaign treasurer.  As a member of the Democratic slate, Moales later won a seat on the democratically elected board.

Less than a year later, when Governor Malloy increased funding for early education slots in the state, Kenneth Moales and his family jumped at the opportunity to expand their 

Bridgeport: Finch puts Deputy Mayor Thompson in attack mode to protect Paul Vallas…

by jonpelto

Call this one a reminder of the old adage; “People who live in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones.”

Tonight, five of the nine member of the Bridgeport Board of Education are expected to extend education reformer extraordinaire, Superintendent Paul Vallas’ contract for another year.

On Friday, in preparation for the move, Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch sent his aide, Joshua Thompson, the “Director of Education and Youth Policy and the Deputy Mayor for Education for the city of Bridgeport, CT” out to blast the Board of Education members who 

Happy CMT Day – Connecticut Mastery Test Day!

by jonpelto

All across Connecticut, today – and for much of the next two weeks – educational activities will come to a halt for Connecticut’s 570,000 students.  In the state’s more than 1,100 schools, teachers will stop teaching and children will stop learning.  Instead, the attention of teachers and children will turn to the Connecticut Mastery Tests [...] (Read more...)