Monday, September 30, 2013

Why Poverty and Mass Incarceration Do Not Matter in the U.S. | the becoming radical

Why Poverty and Mass Incarceration Do Not Matter in the U.S. | the becoming radical:

WHY POVERTY AND MASS INCARCERATION DO NOT MATTER IN THE U.S.

Ever wonder why poverty and mass incarceration do not matter in the U.S.?
Poverty disproportionately impacts women and children (see p. 15):
Povertygenderage
[click image to enlarge]
Mass incarceration disproportionately impacts African American males. While white males outnumber AA males about 5 to 1 in society, AA males outnumber white makes about 6 to 1 in prison:
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Government and business in the U.S. remains dominated either by privileged white males or the 

Improving Schools: The Integration of Health and Education — Whole Child Education

Improving Schools: The Integration of Health and Education — Whole Child Education:

Sean Slade

Improving Schools: The Integration of Health and Education

Earlier this year KnowledgeWorks, a social enterprise in the field of education, released its latest glimpse into the future of learning: Forecast 3.0 (PDF). Among other key points, the report stated that schools in the not so distant future will play the role of community learning hub and be required to become centers of resilience. These learning centers will still serve students educationally—more often acting as a center or gateway to various forms of learning and also required to become "critical sites for promoting health, well-being, academic growth, environmental vitality, and connections across their communities."
This is similar to and very much in line with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) 2001 report What Schools for the Future and the "re-schooling scenarios" from its Centre for Educational Research and Innovation. These scenarios posited that schools in the future will likely be combinations of core social centers and focused learning environments that address the health, education,and social needs of youth and serve as a hub for the community.
ASCD has made the case for meshing these sectors for several years now under the umbrella of focusing on the whole child—not just because it's better for the health and well-being of the child, but because it's better 

Parents + Schools Working Together = Healthy Kids « MomsRising Blog

Parents + Schools Working Together = Healthy Kids « MomsRising Blog:

Diana Limongi

Parents + Schools Working Together = Healthy Kids

Posted September 30th, 2013 by 
When I started doing research on schools in my area, I was a bit troubled about the kind of snacks and food I saw on the lunch menu. (These included hot dogs, bagels and ice cream.) In schools where parents could send in their own snacks, I was concerned because there seemed to be no guidelines. In addition, there weren’t any guidelines for celebrations. In the beginning, I didn’t want to be seen as “that annoying mom” who didn’t want to give her kid (too many) cupcakes. But, I am that mom, and I’m ok with that. Enzo at daycare | MomsRising.orgI’m the mom who brought in fruit for celebrations. The teacher saw the fruit and said “What a great idea!”
As parents, sometimes we’re intimidated. We don’t want to interfere with school policies. Or, don’t think that we can change things. But, the thing is– WE CAN!  We should never be intimidated or afraid to voice our concerns and opinions. They are our kids!
Interested in bringing change to your school? 
If you have a question, don’t be afraid to ask! Our tax dollars pay for schools, and we have a right to know what our children are eating!
Here are some practical tips to help you:
  • Talk to other parents. Maybe other parents want to initiate change but don’t know how to do so!  Administrators and schools might be more open to discussion if many parents are voicing the same concerns.
  • Work with teachers to establish rules about celebration treats (about type of food


Read more: http://www.momsrising.org/blog/parents-schools-working-together-healthy-kids/#ixzz2gPDUZI7z

9-30-13 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online:





MORE Fundraising Brunch, Saturday, Oct. 5

Help counter the massive Unity machine. Can't make it? Donate anyway.




M. O. R. E. FUNDRAISING BRUNCH
Join us for a Brunch Cocktail
Saturday, October 5
11:30am to 1:00pm
at
Church of St. Luke and St. Matthew
520 Clinton Avenue Brooklyn, NY
Homemade food
Brunch cocktail, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options available
Meet MORE’s educator activists
                                         Learn about our movement
                                                      Support our work to improve teaching and learning conditions

RSVP online to reserve your place at the table:
http://morebrunch.eventbrite.com/
Suggested Donations: Adult: $20 Youth 10-20: $10


MORE Fundraising Brunch, Saturday, Oct. 5
Help counter the massive Unity machine. Can't make it? Donate anyway. M. O. R. E. FUNDRAISING BRUNCHJoin us for a Brunch CocktailSaturday, October 511:30am to 1:00pmatChurch of St. Luke and St. Matthew 520 Clinton Avenue Brooklyn, NYHomemade foodBrunch cocktail, gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian options availableMeet MORE’s educator activists                                          Learn about


TODAY: Portelos Hearing, Protest Eva Invasion of Seth Low, High Stakes Test Forum at PS 51K
Oy! On a beautiful day that I would love to be spending in my backyard contemplating my little garden construction project that has become my obsession (contemplate, not do actual work on it -- but look for a photo soon to show where I am at with it) I am about to leave for the Portelos hearing -- where I hear the slimy investigators will testify. I know Portelos did talk to them and no matter how

9-29-13 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: Parent Calls for Support of Oct. 9 "Win Back Wednesday"Janine Sopp issues a call to her network. There are links to the Toolkit prepared by MORE for use in your schools, plus a great video prepared by MORE Media. The day will culminate with a rally outside the UFT Delegate Assembly (52 Broadway) on Oct. 9 at 4PM with a focus on the evaluation system the UFT leadership is

A Day of Action Against Corporate Greed in Education | WeArePCAPS

A Day of Action Against Corporate Greed in Education | WeArePCAPS:

A Day of Action Against Corporate Greed in Education

 union_league
Philadelphia School Partnership, Gates Foundation, Mastery Charter School and other advocates of corporate education reform will gather at the Union League, long time symbol of rule by upper class elites.
On Monday the corporate school reform crowd are holding a closed door assembly of rich people and their foundations to further their aim of unfettered charter school growth, privatization and union busting.   Meanwhile our public schools are being systematically starved of resources.
The connections between the condition of our public schools and the growth of corporate influence in public education are becoming clearer to more and more people.   And their fighting back.   On Monday four things are happening.
Fight For Philly Action at 12:30pm at Grover Cleveland Mastery Charter (19th and Erie Ave)  The conference participants will be touring this school at this time and an “unwelcome” is planned.   For more information visit the Facebook event page:http://www.facebook.com/events/1383118675256438/
Support Khepera Charter School Teachers in Their Fight for a Fair Contract
Assemble at 3:30, Bargaining Session at 4:00
Khepera Middle School Campus (144 

Why urban education is a rigged game

Why urban education is a rigged game:

Why urban education is a rigged game

According to Dylan Garity, who breaks it down at the National Poetry Slam. Listen up.
Categories: LearningBookmark the permalink. Post a comment or leave a trackback:Trackback URL.

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Three reasons to stop drinking...

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Three reasons to stop drinking...:

Three reasons to stop drinking...



So let me get this straight.

Ted Cruz is a "Leninist."

Tea Party Republican are "anarchists."

And Eric Cantor "gushes effusively about Paulo Freire."

I've really got to stop drinking.


Look who's running the Lab School
I must have conjured her up. I no sooner did I post  about the new, private GEMS Academy opening in Chicago with a tuition of about $30K ("Good News Rich People"), than their competition over at Lab School, hires a new director. Guess who?It's none other than Robin Appleby. Who's that, you ask?Before coming to Lab,  Appleby lived in Dubai, where she ran four campuses of the Global Educat

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Monday, September 30, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:


17th Annual BBQ - Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction 2014
17th Annual BBQ - Tom Torlakson for State Superintendent of Public Instruction 2014: 17th Annual BBQ & Healthy Chili Cook-OffPosted by Craig Cheslog 242pc on September 15, 2013 · FlagIt's almost time for one of my favorite events of the year: my Annual BBQ and Healthy Chili Cook-Off! It's amazing to think we've been doing this great event for 17 years now.I hope you will join me and Team Torla




Education Headlines

Monday, September 30, 2013

In nation's richest farmland, some workers' kids get no education at all

Kern County is an American agricultural giant whose soil produced more than $6 billion worth of grapes, almonds and other farm products last year. Yet some of its workers' children, after being disciplined for relatively minor offenses, are getting zero education.

Stockton USD, police force sued over arrest

A 32-year-old Stockton man filed a $10 million battery lawsuit this week against Stockton Unified and its police force, which has been buffeted in recent days by controversial leadership issues.

Eco education with an eye toward jobs

The event was a celebration not only of the new, green facility, but of career-focused training increasing numbers of Manteca Unified students are opting for at the site that includes the district's main offices.

Rural schools legislation advances

The U.S. Senate passed a bill Thursday that will bring more than $1 million to the Mother Lode for public schools and county roads.

Homeschooling families growing in San Gabriel Valley, create classes and support groups

Amber Heydel of Upland leads a class of second- and third-graders as they learn about the water cycle in a small room in a Glendora church Friday morning.

School districts look to new curriculum to boost dismal proficiency rates

Most Coachella Valley students struggle with math more than any other subject, beginning a downward slide in middle school that extends through graduation and leaves them woefully unprepared for college-level classes.

Pete Mehas, longtime Valley education leader, dies

Pete Mehas, long-time civic and education leader and a former Fresno County schools superintendent known for his commitment to scholarship and bettering the Central Valley, has died.

Residents call for reforms at heated Bassett board meeting

Parents and students at Bassett Unified called for a revolution at a heated board meeting that at one point turned into a screaming match between the board’s vice president and a speaker.

CA report says truancy may cost state billions

California must act to reduce rampant truancy that saw an estimated 1 million elementary students absent in the last school year and may cost the state billions of dollars through increased crime and poverty, according to a study released Monday by the state attorney general's office.

Juvenile Court schools welcome new leaders in North County

The start of a new school year often means new faces among leadership, and that’s true for the San Diego County Office of Education’s North Network of Juvenile Court and Community Schools.

Governor signs bill reducing interest rate for King City school district

Sen. Anthony Cannella, R-Ceres, today announced Gov. Jerry Brown has signed Senate Bill 97, a budget trailer bill to reduce the interest rate on King City’s high school district emergency loan.

Stronger messages needed for student athletes, experts say

Sex-crime charges against two former members of Vista Murrieta High School’s football team are the most recent in a string of cases nationwide this year in which authorities say male athletes assaulted younger classmates. Experts said stronger messages are needed to make student athletes aware they could cause great and lasting harm to others and face life-changing criminal charges and possible incarceration when their actions cross the line.

Long teacher absences can cost more than money, research shows

Modesto City Schools shelled out millions of dollars in paid leaves to teachers over the last three years, but that wasn’t the only cost. While some were for medical reasons and not at full salary, long teacher absences still mean classrooms are often led by a succession of substitutes. Research shows teacher absences can prove costly to student performance.

Tuolumne schools balk at merger idea

There’s a move afoot in the foothills to consolidate Tuolumne County’s 17 regular schools under a single administration instead of a dozen, a move proposed by a group of local taxpayers and staunchly opposed by many trustees and community stalwarts.

Modesto board weighs diving into pool construction

The Enochs High School swimming pool will go out to bid soon if the plan gets a thumbs-up from the Modesto City Schools board tonight. Special taxes, most paid by Village I homeowners, will cover the cost of building the $3 million pool. No estimate of ongoing cost for heating and maintenance, which will be paid from district operating funds, was included. The agenda report simply says it does not affect the general fund “at this time.”

Home school no longer just for the deeply religious

Once primarily the domain of the Christian right or the far left, home schooling is increasingly appealing to families that don’t consider themselves deeply religious or ideological.

Modern-day home schooling is more social than it sounds

Mention the words “home schooling” and people might envision the stereotype of siblings poring over textbooks at the dining room table or completing worksheets with the help of their mom.In reality, though, home-schoolers are out in the world — attending specialized classes, taking field trips, going to proms and just hanging out with other kids.

Monterey County school district to ask voters to OK technology bonds

A small Monterey County school district has come up with what it considers a novel approach to paying for classroom technology: voter-approved, short-term bonds.

Adams: Free lunch sign ups crucial for accurate count of low-income students

With millions of dollars available under the new finance formula for schools with large numbers of low-income students, districts are pulling out all the stops to make sure they get an accurate count of their high-needs students.

Berkeley schools chief has eye on achievement gap

Taped to the wall in a long line across Donald Evans' office are the latest academic test scores of schools here, so the new superintendent knows just how each one is doing. Evans, who started the job three months ago, knows from those scores that if the city and school district are to meet their goal of closing the academic achievement gap between white students and students of color by 2020, they're going to have to work a lot harder.
Friday, September 27, 2013

San Diego County teachers caught cheating on state tests

Three San Diego County schools are among more than two dozen in California to get stripped of their state test rankings over allegations that teachers blatantly cheated or violated protocols for administering assessments.

Downey Unified takes action against bullying

Hoping to set the stage for the rest of the school year, Downey educators are raising awareness about bullying right from the start.

Drug testing at H.B. High set to begin in October

A new random drug-testing program begins in October at Huntington Beach High School for students who sign up voluntarily – or are signed up by their parents.

San Jose teacher helped second-graders cheat on STAR test

A teacher at the Berryessa Union School District's highest-scoring school in the spring helped second-graders cheat on the STAR test by erasing errors, causing the school's test results to be invalidated and incurring state and federal sanctions.

East Bay high school targeted by racist, hate-filled letters

Students at De Anza High School have been going to class amid extra security and a renewed emphasis on wearing their student IDs after someone sent two racially charged letters to the school earlier this month, police and school officials said.

Arne Duncan: Why I am optimistic about education in America - CSMonitor.com

Arne Duncan: Why I am optimistic about education in America - CSMonitor.com:

Arne Duncan: Why I am optimistic about education in America

During the past 4-1/2 years, and on my recent bus tour of the Southwest, I saw great principals and teachers; courageous leaders from the business, faith, and nonprofit sectors; engaged parents; and communities pulling together to serve students. Education is a shared responsibility.

By Arne Duncan, Op-ed contributor / September 30, 2013
Education Secretary Arne Duncan, center, answers students' questions during a tour of Emerson Elementary in Albuquerque, N.M., on Sept. 9. In his op-ed, Mr. Duncan writes: 'I am optimistic about our capacity to elevate and strengthen education in America – despite serious challenges....because I have seen students whose grit and passion for getting an education persist under even trying circumstances.'
Susan Montoya Bryan/AP
Enlarge
WASHINGTON
Earlier this month, my colleagues and I wrapped up a five-day, 1,100-mile back-to-school bus tour of the Southwest. It was exciting, occasionally exhausting, and often exhilarating. But most of all, it was enlightening.
From New Mexico to Texas, from Arizona to California, we saw firsthand how courageous educators, committed parents, and caring communities can work together to tackle tough educational challenges.
Along the way, we saw states that failed to provide sufficient early-learning opportunities, school districts that lacked access to high-speed broadband Internet service, and families that struggled to pay for college. In one border town, some elementary school students had never held a pencil or book until they started school.
Yet for every challenge, I also saw communities, schools, and visionary leaders pulling together to meet those challenges.
In Arizona, the state is funding preschool in part through tobacco taxes. It’s an innovative idea. In fact, it is the funding model for President Obama’s historic Preschool for All proposal, which would use increased cigarette taxes to extend high-quality preschool to all 4-year-olds from low- and moderate-income families.
In rural Socorro, N.M., the school district solved the problem of broadband Internet access by 

The Educated Reporter: Male Minorities Succeed in School, But Few Notice

The Educated Reporter: Male Minorities Succeed in School, But Few Notice:

Male Minorities Succeed in School, But Few Notice

Professor Sean Harper of University of Pennsylvania
 (Credit: Mikhail Zinshteyn, EWA)
Why aren’t the best and brightest minority students landing at elite colleges? Anew study suggests we’re asking the wrong question.

In his research onachievement by black males in higher education, University of Pennsylvania Prof. Shaun Harper – director of the Center for the Study of Race and Equity in Education – didn't try to answer why their college failure rate is so high. Instead, he set out to see what could be learned from the students who were succeeding. As a follow-up to that work, Harper has focused on young men poised to make the leap into higher education.

Harper and his team of research assistants recently interviewed 350 New York City high school students of color – just over half were black, and 43 percent were Latino. Roughly half the students came from single-parent homes, and close to three-quarters of them would be the first in their family to attend college. Most of