Nite Cap 9-18-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4Change

James Baldwin said it best: 

"For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."

A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP

TODAY

Teachers association to call for Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ termination at news conference | Dallas Morning News

Teachers association to call for Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ termination at news conference | Dallas Morning News:Teachers association to call for Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ termination at news conferenceBy Tawnell Hobbsthobbs@dallasnews.com5:04 pm on September 18, 2013 | Permalink5501Another Broadie, Mike Miles class of 2011, bites the dust?The Alliance-AFT teachers associati

by mike simpson / 7min 

No “Hand-Holding” in Yemeni Education - Student Voice

Student Voice: No “Hand-Holding” in Yemeni Education Katebah Alolefi is currently a student in Oakland California but has just this past summer returned to her home in Yemen to visit and re-explore the education system. When I went to Yemen I had a lot of goals in mind: relax, eat a lot, hang out with family who I miss dearly, try new food, stay with my sweet grandma, and learn about new things

by mike simpson / 23min 

“Reign of Error” by Diane Ravitch: A Review | Parents Across America

“Reign of Error” by Diane Ravitch: A Review | Parents Across America: “Reign of Error” by Diane Ravitch: A ReviewReign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public SchoolsDr. Ravitch shatters one corporate reform myth after another with clarity providing excellent background information in the Notes and Appendix of this book.Because of her courageousness and

by mike simpson / 26min 

Dear Mr. Colbert, about that interview with Arne Duncan …

Dear Mr. Colbert, about that interview with Arne Duncan …: Dear Mr. Colbert, about that interview with Arne Duncan …By Valerie Strauss, Published: September 18 at 3:57 pmE-mail the writerStephen Colbert in 2010. (Scott Gries/PictureGroup)Dear Mr. Colbert,You have proved time and again that you are second to none as a satirical interviewer. I wrote back in 2011 about your brilliant skewering of the

by mike simpson / 2h 

9-18-13 Wait What?

Wait What?: Vallas’ Supreme Court Strategy: Brag, whine and insult the Judge and plaintiffThis coming Monday, September 23, 2013, the case of Carmen Lopez vs. Paul Vallas will be heard by the Connecticut Supreme Court. As readers know, a Connecticut Superior Court ruled earlier this summer that Paul Vallas lacks the credentials necessary to serve as a superintendent of schools in the state of Conn

by mike simpson / 3h 

Diane in the Evening 9-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Jersey Jazzman Reviews “Reign of Error”Jersey Jazzman connects the dots in his review of “Reign of Error.” He sees the connection between school and society. He writes: “There is one chapter in this part of the book that caught me by surprise: “The Toxic Mix,” as frank a discussion of race, inequality, and segregation as I have rea

by mike simpson / 3h 

The Classroom of the Future is a hotel room with an overhead projector! Motel 6- we’ll leave the classroom on for ya!” | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News

The Classroom of the Future is a hotel room with an overhead projector! Motel 6- we’ll leave the classroom on for ya!” | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News: The Classroom of the Future is a hotel room with an overhead projector! Motel 6- we’ll leave the classroom on for ya!”By Danny Weil on September 18, 2013 7:21 pm / no comments Backstage view of the Uni

by mike simpson / 3h 

Schools Matter: George Schmidt's Review of The Mismeasure of Education

Schools Matter: George Schmidt's Review of The Mismeasure of Education: George Schmidt's Review of The Mismeasure of EducationWe are back home!, and I have to say it feels pretty good.  The folks over at Chalkface are great, and we had a great time there, but you know there's no place like home, right?  So we will be here at SM until we win, and then we will continue to be here to defend democrati

by mike simpson / 3h 

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Billionaire charter supporter Ty Warner, busted for tax evasion.

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Billionaire charter supporter Ty Warner, busted for tax evasion.: Billionaire charter supporter Ty Warner, busted for tax evasion.Ty WarnerTy Warner, the Beanie Babies billionaire who's fond of driving his white Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow convertible and arriving for appointments wearing a fur coat, a top hat and carrying a cane, has been busted for tax evasion.

by mike simpson / 4h 

Teachers 2 Hollywood: We Know How 2 Fix Ur Failing Films | EduShyster

Teachers 2 Hollywood: We Know How 2 Fix Ur Failing Films | EduShyster: Teachers 2 Hollywood: We Know How 2 Fix Ur Failing FilmsWhen a teacher came across arecent interview on MSNBC with Hollywood director M. Night Shyamalan about his new book, I Got Schooled: 5 Keys to Unlocking Quality Education, he was struck by a thunderbolt of an idea. If Shyamalan, whose last film was a box office bomb, could

by mike simpson / 4h 

Is Teach for America experience a help or hindrance in Atlanta... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

Is Teach for America experience a help or hindrance in Atlanta... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Is Teach for America experience a help or hindrance in Atlanta school board race?  COMMENT(5) 0 2 0 20View Larger Count 'em folks: 27 people running for school board in Atlanta.Previous PostsIntegrating sorority row: University of Alabama student journalists expose racial segregationSeptember 17, 2013Th

by mike simpson / 4h 

Diane Ravitch Launched, Yinzer-Style | Yinzercation

Diane Ravitch Launched, Yinzer-Style | Yinzercation: Diane Ravitch Launched, Yinzer-StyleOn Monday, Yinzers were the first in the country to see Diane Ravitch’s new book, The Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools. Released nationally on Tuesday, the book is already #1 in public policy and has moved up to #104 on the Amazon top-sellers lis

by mike simpson / 4h 

9-18-13 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online: Flying Monkey AlertToday's the day! Diane Ravitch and Education Bloggers: A discussion about Reign of Error and the battle for our public schoolsThe event will take place Wednesday, September 18, 2013 from 7:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT) TO ATTEND:At the time of the event please go to:http://shindig.com/event/diane-ravitchPlease Note: Shindig is a video chat platform where you can see ev

by mike simpson / 6h 

A Magic Partnership: Disney, ESPN, and Special Olympics Partner in a World-Wide Initiative | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

A Magic Partnership: Disney, ESPN, and Special Olympics Partner in a World-Wide Initiative | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: A Magic Partnership: Disney, ESPN, and Special Olympics Partner in a World-Wide InitiativeBy Special Olympics Project UNIFY on September 18, 2013By Haylie Bernacki, Specialist of Unified Sports School and College Growth, Special Olympics North America Pr

by mike simpson / 6h 

9-18-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Growth Boundaries PlanFirst, the headlines:The big winner is K-5 at Boren, soon to be K-8 STEM at Boren.The big loser is Pinehurst K-8, soon to be closed and clearly treated with bad faith.APP breaks even, getting everything expected, most of it where expected, some of it in difficult spaces but with an extraordinary accommodation that should prove very beneficial

by mike simpson / 6h 

Mother Crusader: Which Came First, The Charter Or The Philanthropy? Let's Ask Michael Steinhardt!

Mother Crusader: Which Came First, The Charter Or The Philanthropy? Let's Ask Michael Steinhardt!: Which Came First, The Charter Or The Philanthropy? Let's Ask Michael Steinhardt!Wednesday, September 18, 2013Which Came First, The Charter Or The Philanthropy? Let's Ask Michael Steinhardt!Another day, another ridiculous anonymous comment on my blog.  Here's the latest.So is Mother Crusader willing t

by mike simpson / 6h 

Cali Education Headlines Wednesday, September 18, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Fensterwald: Feds elaborate on the requirements California can’t meet for testing waiverEducation HeadlinesWednesday, September 18, 2013Last-minute proposal may keep Tokay Colony openLodi Unified will research the possibility of transforming the rural Tokay Colony Elementary School into a technology-themed magnet school, an eleventh-hour effo

by mike simpson / 6h 

Alert: Flying Monkeys Sighted over L.A.

The Raspberry Blog — Truth in Education Reform: REIGN OF ERROR: OUR SCHOOLS ARE AT RISK (CHAPTER 1)Dr. Ravitch devotes the seven or so pages of her opening salvo to the rhetorical establishment of an "us vs. the rest of the world" public education conflict between education reformers ("the rest") and those who believe public education is not broken ("us" led by Dr. Ra

3 by mike simpson / 6h 

The Common Core money war - Stephanie Simon and Nirvi Shah - POLITICO.com

The Common Core money war - Stephanie Simon and Nirvi Shah - POLITICO.com: The Common Core money war833  Common Core backers acknowledge that they didn’t do things right the first time around. | ReutersCloseBy STEPHANIE SIMON and NIRVI SHAH | 9/18/13 10:31 AM EDT Updated: 9/18/13 10:48 AM EDTOne of the most expensive political fights in America this year isn’t over a Senate seat or a governor’s ma

by mike simpson / 7h 

Diane Ravitch: Testing and vouchers hurt our schools. Here’s what works - Salon.com

Diane Ravitch: Testing and vouchers hurt our schools. Here’s what works - Salon.com: Diane Ravitch: Testing and vouchers hurt our schools. Here’s what worksEducation reformers have it all wrong, Diane Ravitch tells Salon, and keep pushing policies that make schools worseBY SARA SCRIBNER   307   120   1        more    TOPICS: BOOKS, DIANE RAVITCH, EDITOR'S PICKS, EDUCATION, RACE TO THE TOP, COMMON

by mike simpson / 7h 

Higher Ed Data Central: Federal Financial Aid Recipients by Income

The Quick and the Ed » Higher Ed Data Central: Federal Financial Aid Recipients by Income: Higher Ed Data Central: Federal Financial Aid Recipients by Income018 Sep 2013by Andrew GillenCategories: College Costs and Student Debt, For-Profit Higher Education, Higher EducationThe new data on federal financial aid recipients that we explored last week continues to yield new insight. Recall that the da

by mike simpson / 7h 

Teacher Tom: No Matter What Happened Tuesday

Teacher Tom: No Matter What Happened Tuesday: No Matter What Happened TuesdayShare on facebookShare on gmailShare on twitterShare on tumblrMore Sharing Services1He believes the same thing Wednesday that he believed on Monday, no matter what happened on Tuesday. ~Stephen ColbertYesterday, I wrote about Diane Ravitch's important new book,Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the

by mike simpson / 7h 

With A Brooklyn Accent: The "School Choice" Reformers Never Promote

With A Brooklyn Accent: The "School Choice" Reformers Never Promote: The "School Choice" Reformers Never PromoteIn the third chapter of Diane Ravitch's new book "Reign of Error" she points out that what Reformers call "Choice" is really privatization. The measures they promote- vouchers and charters schools, all work toward undermining public schools systems

by mike simpson / 7h 

What Can We Do? Bias, Bullying, and Bystanders | Welcoming Schools

What Can We Do? Bias, Bullying, and Bystanders | Welcoming Schools: What Can We Do? Bias, Bullying, and BystandersNew Professional Development Film Premiering in Washington D.C. Sept. 25th!              Join Us for the Premiere of What Can We Do? in Washington D.C.Wednesday, September 25th at 4:00pm at Cleveland Elementary SchoolFeaturing:David Esquith, U.S. Dept. of Education, Director of the Off

by mike simpson / 7h 

Morning Wink 9-18-13 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4Change

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSTODAYThe Power of 3: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Dial Down Reaction — Whole Child EducationThe Power of 3: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Dial Down Reaction — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGThe Power of 3: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Dial Down ReactionSeptember 18, 2013 by Mary FowlerRead the first and second posts in this series."The m

1 by mike simpson / 7h 

The Power of 3: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Dial Down Reaction — Whole Child Education

The Power of 3: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Dial Down Reaction — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGThe Power of 3: a Trauma-Informed Approach to Dial Down ReactionSeptember 18, 2013 by Mary FowlerRead the first and second posts in this series."The more mindful we are the more choices we have and the less reactive we become." —Ellen LangerIn my workshops, I often invite partici

by mike simpson / 8h 

DC’s Plan to Assess Early Childhood Programs: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?

DC’s Plan to Assess Early Childhood Programs: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?: DC’s Plan to Assess Early Childhood Programs: Thumbs Up or Thumbs Down?WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18TH, 2013 AT 9:28 AMIn case you missed it, the Public Charter School Board (PCSB) of DC has proposed a common framework for assessing the quality of all preschool and lower elementary programs. The original proposal sparked arguments 

by mike simpson / 8h 

Education scholar Diane Ravitch critiques charters, standardized tests in Philly | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

Education scholar Diane Ravitch critiques charters, standardized tests in Philly | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: Education scholar Diane Ravitch critiques charters, standardized tests in Phillyby thenotebook on Sep 18 2013 Posted in Latest news="" style="color: rgb(76, 153, 72); cursor: pointer; float: left; padding: 0px 2px;">Share on emailCOMMENTS (0)PRINTby Holly Otte

by mike simpson / 8h 

NYC Public School Parents: Reign of Error: why you must read this book and share it with family and friends!

NYC Public School Parents: Reign of Error: why you must read this book and share it with family and friends!: Reign of Error: why you must read this book and share it with family and friends!First a disclaimer:  Diane Ravitch sits on the board of my organization,Class Size Matters, and I serve on the board of her new national organization, Network for Public Education.  Even more importantly, she

by mike simpson / 9h 

Competency-Based Grading and Common Core Math: A Perfect Match? | Connected Principals

Competency-Based Grading and Common Core Math: A Perfect Match? | Connected Principals: Competency-Based Grading and Common Core Math: A Perfect Match?September 18, 2013By Brian StackMy Uh-Huh MomentOver the summer I spent the day with my math team as we prepared for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics into our school. We were working on an intense math problem wh

by mike simpson / 9h 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 9-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mayoral Race in Boston: A Champion of Public Education!One candidate in the crowded field running for mayor in Boston has emerged as a clear-headed supporter of public schools: Rob Consalvo. His statement outlining his plans to support the children in Boston’s schools is coherent, thoughtful, and realistic. Consalvo has taken a pri

by mike simpson / 10h 

9-18-13 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online: Will the UFT Endorse Real Reformer Leticia James for Public Advocate in Runoff Against Well-Funded Squadron?Ed Notes Online: Why Leticia James for Public Advocate? Watch this ... Aug 20, 2013Leticia James in Strong Showing But Faces a Runoff...   Kevin Francis ‏@KFrancisKearns 18m @PSulliv @TishJames I really don't understand @UFT staying out of this one. Their support could def b

by mike simpson / 10h 

Corporate Interests Change Lexicon for School Privatization into “Education Reform”

We Party Patriots » Corporate Interests Change Lexicon for School Privatization into “Education Reform”: Corporate Interests Change Lexicon for School Privatization into “Education Reform”Diane Ravitch   Salon recently ran an insightful excerpt from the book, Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools, written by former U.S. Assistant Secretar

by mike simpson / 10h 

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The politics of fear. The path of least resistance.

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The politics of fear. The path of least resistance.: The politics of fear. The path of least resistance.On my fridge today.The politics of fear sweep Ventura Cty schools. Takes me back to '50s duck-and-cover days when they made us practice hiding under our desks in case the Russians nuked us. Definitely a downward press on test scores. Don't you think?Good news for C

by mike simpson / 10h 

9-18-13 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL

Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: “So, You Want To Be A Principal?”So, You Want To Be A Principal? is Part Two of my Education Week Teacher series providing advice to educators who are considering becoming a principal. Justin Baeder, Allan R. Bonilla and Josh Stumpenhorst are share their reflections2 by Larry Ferlazzo / 6h A Collection Of Useful Infographic

by mike simpson / 10h 

9-18-13 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: The race for governor and local primaries.Back in the Spring we were once again engaged in a fight to protect our contractual and constitutionally guaranteed pension rights. In the Illinois House legislators, mostly Democrats, were voting for Senate Bill 1. It was a bill that would break our pension c

by mike simpson / 10h 

Feds elaborate on the requirements California can’t meet for testing waiver | EdSource Today

Feds elaborate on the requirements California can’t meet for testing waiver | EdSource Today: Feds elaborate on the requirements California can’t meet for testing waiver - by John FensterwaldThe federal Department of Education specified for the first time Tuesday what states would have to do to receive a waiver from giving state standardized tests next spring in the one-year transition to implemen

by mike simpson / 10h 

Gates Money and Common Core– Part IV | deutsch29

Gates Money and Common Core– Part IV | deutsch29: Gates Money and Common Core– Part IVSeptember 17, 2013This post is a continuation of a series I am writing on Bill Gates’ funding specifically for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). In my first post, I examined the Gates bankroll of the CCSS foundation organizations and to both national teachers’ unions and other influent

by mike simpson / 10h 

Schools Matter @ The Chalk Face

SCHOOLS MATTER @ THE CHALK FACE: Gates Money and Common Core– Part IVThis post is a continuation of a series I am writing on Bill Gates’ funding specifically for the implementation of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). In my first post, I examined the Gates bankroll of the CCSS foundation organizations and to both national teachers’ unions and other influential groups. In the second post, I [

by mike simpson / 10h 

9-18-13 Perdido Street School

Perdido Street School: New York Daily News Gets Nearly EVERYTHING Wrong On Navy Yard Shooter StoryMore classic DN journalism - just about everything wrong:The cover of Tuesday's New York Daily News about Monday's Navy Yard shooting is now almost entirely wrong.The cover features a large AR-15 gun with the headline "Same Gun, Different Slay," and a photo widely circulated on Monday of peo

by mike simpson / 10h 

Diane Ravitch’s new education book — an excerpt

Diane Ravitch’s new education book — an excerpt: Diane Ravitch’s new education book — an excerptBy Valerie Strauss, Published: September 18 at 5:00 amE-mail the writer2CommentsMoreEducation historian and activist Diane Ravitch’s new book, “Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools,” just went on sale and it’s bound to be the biggest — and mos

by mike simpson / 11h 

YESTERDAY

Special Reigny Day Nite Cap UPDATE 9-17-13 #ReignofError #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2

Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMNite Cap 9-17-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4ChangeJames Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPTODAYFederal Double Testing Waiver Guidance - Year 2013Federal Double Testing Waiver Guidance - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Edu

2 by mike simpson / 19h 

I'm Diane Ravitch and I'm Tired of Your Shit (A Review of Reign of Error) - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson

I'm Diane Ravitch and I'm Tired of Your Shit (A Review of Reign of Error) - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson: I’m Diane Ravitch and I’m Tired of Your Shit (A Review of Reign of Error)by JOSE VILSON on SEPTEMBER 17, 2013in JOSEDiane RavitchPardon my flippancy, but didn’t NYU professor Diane Ravitch already tell you what to do in The Death and Life of the Great American School System?When I was ask

4 by mike simpson / 22h 

Education historian Diane Ravitch counters the testing and privatization of public schools - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Education historian Diane Ravitch counters the testing and privatization of public schools - Pittsburgh Post-Gazette: Education historian Diane Ravitch counters the testing and privatization of public schoolsAs for cyber charter schools: 'They're scams'September 17, 2013 12:03 amLarry Roberts/Post-GazetteDiane Ravitch -- Tries to dispel myths that maintain American public schools and their student

by mike simpson / 23h 

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Forbes piece pounds charters

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Forbes piece pounds charters: Forbes piece pounds chartersAbout the only thing charters do well is limit the influence of teachers’ unions. And fatten their investors’ portfolios.An article appearing in the Sept. 10th issue of Forbes, gives a swift kick in the rear end to charter schools. According to Forbes contributor Addison Wiggin, charter schools have selec

by mike simpson / 1d 

Nite Cap 9-17-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4Change

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPTODAYFederal Double Testing Waiver Guidance - Year 2013Federal Double Testing Waiver Guidance - Year 2013 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Torlakson and State Board of Education President Kirst Issue Statement on Federal "Double T

1 by mike simpson / 1d 

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Teachers association to call for Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ termination at news conference | Dallas Morning News

Teachers association to call for Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ termination at news conference | Dallas Morning News:

Teachers association to call for Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles’ termination at news conference

By Tawnell Hobbs
thobbs@dallasnews.com
5:04 pm on September 18, 2013 | Permalink

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Another Broadie, Mike Miles class of 2011, bites the dust?

The Alliance-AFT teachers association in Dallas is planning a news conference on Thursday to formally call for the firing of Dallas ISD Superintendent Mike Miles.

The announcement will come the day that trustees meet to discuss an investigation that found Miles had violated district policy and worked to publicly disparage the school board. Trustees also will discuss any possible disciplinary action against Miles, who is expected to give his side at the meeting.

Rena Honea, Alliance-AFT president, called Miles’ leadership “seriously flawed” in a statement.

“Dallas needs a school superintendent who fights for public schools that are laser-focused on teaching, learning, and providing social and health services to meet kids’ needs,” Honea said. “To reclaim the promise of public education in Dallas, the most immediate and best option is to replace Miles with someone willing to 

No “Hand-Holding” in Yemeni Education - Student Voice

Student Voice:

No “Hand-Holding” in Yemeni Education

Katebah Alolefi is currently a student in Oakland California but has just this past summer returned to her home in Yemen to visit and re-explore the education system. 

When I went to Yemen I had a lot of goals in mind: relax, eat a lot, hang out with family who I miss dearly, try new food, stay with my sweet grandma, and learn about new things including the education system.

I didn’t get a chance to interview many different students about their experiences in the education system nor did I get a chance to get a tour by a staff member at my old elementary school because the schools were closed for Ramadan and the Eid holiday. Despite these setbacks I learned about how the education system works in Yemen and It was a bit of shock on how it works. The fact that they didn’t consider 9th grade as the first year of high school didn’t surprise me but the way students attend college definitely did.

In Yemen there is no such thing as a 4 Year university before graduate school. When I talked about how that is and how it works in the USA they all let me know that I was wasting my time because I should already have an idea of what I want to become by the time I graduate. That’s definitely something different than what I was used to hearing. Here in the USA, we students are usually told that we don’t have to know in high school what we aspire to be in the future. It helps that when it comes to senior year applications for the university of our choosing that we can apply undecided for the major. Or we have the chance to take many different classes in freshmen year of college until we find what major we plan to pursue.

In Yemen it is a totally different story. There is no Undergrad where you can try different classes until you find the career that you want to pursue. As soon as you graduate you have to wait one year (if you are attending

- See more at: http://stuvoice.org/blog/2013/09/18/no-hand-holding-in-yemeni-education/?utm_source=feedly#sthash.LLwn9XvH.dpuf

“Reign of Error” by Diane Ravitch: A Review | Parents Across America

“Reign of Error” by Diane Ravitch: A Review | Parents Across America:

“Reign of Error” by Diane Ravitch: A Review

Reign of Error: The Hoax of the Privatization Movement and the Danger to America’s Public Schools

Dr. Ravitch shatters one corporate reform myth after another with clarity providing excellent background information in the Notes and Appendix of this book.

Because of her courageousness and direct approach, expect the corporate media to attack her because no one is left standing in this book, at least on the reform side, from President Obama’s support of school privatization to the machinations of Michelle Rhee.

This book is a perfect reference guide to all things ed reform. Don’t understand much about test scores? Check out the chapters “The Facts About Test Scores” and “The Facts About International Test Scores”. Don’t know the history of Michelle Rhee? Go to “The Mystery of Michele Rhee”. How about the Parent Trigger? Read the chapter “Parent Trigger or Parent Tricker”. (Love the title).

The best part is that after Dr. Ravitch explains all things corporate reform, she provides real solutions to the challenges of public education. The answers aren’t easy, there is no silver bullet as she explains, but the solutions are based on a wide range and depth of knowledge, history, experience and good old-fashion common sense.

And the cover? You can’t miss it. A marketing ploy? Possibly. This book will stand out in bookstores and in

- See more at: http://parentsacrossamerica.org/reign-error-diane-ravitch-review/?utm_source=feedly#sthash.vxILWmlG.dpuf

Dear Mr. Colbert, about that interview with Arne Duncan …:

Dear Mr. Colbert, about that interview with Arne Duncan …

By Valerie Strauss, Published: September 18 at 3:57 pmE-mail the writer

Stephen Colbert in 2010. (Scott Gries/PictureGroup)

Dear Mr. Colbert,

You have proved time and again that you are second to none as a satirical interviewer. I wrote back in 2011 about your brilliant skewering of the Wake County (Raleigh, N.C.) Board of Education’s decision to scrap a successful school diversity plan.

But next time you invite Education Secretary Arne Duncan on your show, like you did Tuesday night, could you please talk to your friend Jon Stewart beforehand for some interviewing tips?

Stewart welcomed Duncan on his show in 2012, and while his interview wouldn’t have won any awards for toughness, he at least tried, politely, to get the education secretary to explain policies that many teachers and parents believe are indefensible. And he did it without sacrificing laughs.

You threw fluffballs to Duncan. When you brought up President Obama’s Race to the Top — a contest for states and school districts to win federal dollars in exchange for implementing Duncan-approved reform — you got a deserved laugh by saying, “Why does everything have to be about race with this guy?” But I wished that you had then asked Duncan why the Obama administration is running a contest for funding (based on untested reform) instead of insisting on school funding equity.

You might, too, have asked him about a revolt around the country among teachers and parents against standardized-test based accountability systems, which in some states means teachers get evaluated in part on 

9-18-13 Wait What?

Wait What?:

Vallas’ Supreme Court Strategy: Brag, whine and insult the Judge and plaintiff

This coming Monday, September 23, 2013, the case of Carmen Lopez vs. Paul Vallas will be heard by the Connecticut Supreme Court. As readers know, a Connecticut Superior Court ruled earlier this summer that Paul Vallas lacks the credentials necessary to serve as a superintendent of schools in the state of Connecticut and must leave […]The post Vallas’ Supreme Court Strategy: Brag, whine and insult

by jonpelto / 6min 

 

9-17-13 Wait What?

Wait What?: Update on the most important Connecticut school funding lawsuit in modern times…Starting this year and next, Connecticut public school teachers will be judged, in no small part, by factors beyond their control such as their student’s standardized test results.  Some will lose their jobs after two years under Governor Malloy’s “education reform” bill.  But as reported in yesterday’s CT

by mike simpson / 2h 

Diane in the Evening 9-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:

Walton Foundation Hires Bloomberg Deputy

With the likely election of Democrat Bill de Blasio as mayor of Néw York City, the educrats at Bloomberg’s Department of Education are updating their resumes and starting to pack their bags. First to jump ship is Deputy Chancellor Marc Sternberg, who is moving to Arkansas to help the Walton Family Foundation in its quest to replace public schools with vouchers and charter schools. This article,

2 by dianerav / 9min 

Jersey Jazzman Reviews “Reign of Error”

Jersey Jazzman connects the dots in his review of “Reign of Error.” He sees the connection between school and society. He writes: “There is one chapter in this part of the book that caught me by surprise: “The Toxic Mix,” as frank a discussion of race, inequality, and segregation as I have read in some time. Ravitch’s candor stands in stark contrast to the bromides of the corporate reformers, who

by dianerav / 8min 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 9-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mayoral Race in Boston: A Champion of Public Education!One candidate in the crowded field running for mayor in Boston has emerged as a clear-headed supporter of public schools: Rob Consalvo. His statement outlining his plans to support the children in Boston’s schools is coherent, thoughtful, and realistic. Consalvo has taken a pri

by mike simpson / 2h 

The Classroom of the Future is a hotel room with an overhead projector! Motel 6- we’ll leave the classroom on for ya!” | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News

The Classroom of the Future is a hotel room with an overhead projector! Motel 6- we’ll leave the classroom on for ya!” | DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News:

The Classroom of the Future is a hotel room with an overhead projector! Motel 6- we’ll leave the classroom on for ya!”

By Danny Weil on September 18, 2013 7:21 pm / no comments

 

Backstage view of the University of Phoenix as workers discuss slow-motion mass layoffs.

The putridity of the for-profit college criminal enterprise is beyond comprehension;  unless one talks to the actual workers and former workers who understand the seedy side of the ‘racket’ we call drive-by predatory colleges.  The public who provides the funds for these debt cancer colleges should be privy to how these profit centers operate and what employees are saying.

Take a look:  Here’s one backstage view at theUniversity of Phoenix campuses as the school slowly downsizes, campuses are closed, assets are sold, and workers are fired. The website is available to employees or former employees to discuss layoffs and working conditions. The layoff website for University of Phoenix has been active since December 2010.

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Many of the posts are offensive and hateful: racist, sexist, homophobic, and anti-Semitic. You can check them out yourselves at http://www.thelayoff.com/university-phoenix

These posts serve as a window into employee thoughts about University of Phoenix and about the for profit education industry. While a few believe that the school is excellent, this is not the norm.