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Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Morning Wink 1-7-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2


BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS



LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-7-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Will Fight Against Common Core Encourage Charters, Vouchers?As readers of the blog know, critics of the Common Core span the political and ideological spectrum. So do supporters. Many who consider themselves liberals oppose the imposition of grade-by-grade standards that are inflexible and take away teachers’ ability to tailor inst
What I’ve Learned: Classrooms Need Technology But Nothing Beats a Great Teacher | NEA Today
What I’ve Learned: Classrooms Need Technology But Nothing Beats a Great Teacher | NEA Today: What I’ve Learned: Classrooms Need Technology But Nothing Beats a Great TeacherJanuary 7, 2014 by twalker  Filed under Featured News, Top StoriesLeave a CommentEducators may spend their careers preparing lessons, but often the most memorable are those they learn themselves.  With that in mind, NEA Today as
1-7-14 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: Alan Singer, Mixed Feelings on Fariña, de Blasio.... as far as I can see, Carmen Fariña has closer ties to the top 2% income bracket than the other 98% of the population and has always been willing to play political games... It remains unclear to me what Fariña has to offer the working class and poor Black and Latino students who have been left behind in the Bloomberg years....Ala
1-7-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: Vallas resigns as Bridgeport School Superintendent… Again!It is all pretty simple.  The contract between Paul Vallas and the Bridgeport Board of Education states that if the Bridgeport Board of Education fires Vallas, they must pay him a full year’s salary of $234,000 plus benefits.  If on the other hand Vallas decides to leave his position all he need to is provide […]The post Vallas
Who's Who in the California Ed Reform Business | The Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education
Who's Who in the California Ed Reform Business | The Sacramento Coalition to Save Public Education: Who's Who in the California Ed Reform Businesspublished by Kate_Lenox on Mon, 01/06/2014 - 1:16pmFrom Washington D.C. to Sacramento school districts, California politicians are influencing education policy. California is such a blue state, that many a person espousing views once formerly held only b
His Teacher Decided He's Not Worth the Effort - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher
His Teacher Decided He's Not Worth the Effort - Teacher in a Strange Land - Education Week Teacher: His Teacher Decided He's Not Worth the EffortBy Nancy Flanagan on January 6, 2014 7:52 PMOn the day after Christmas, I received a heart-wounding message from a cherished teacher-buddy, catching up during the holidays by e-mail. She began by sharing a wonderful story: her 5th grader was asked to cant
1-7-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: Quantitative Research of 2013 that Reflects Reality, Part IIThe inherent flaws of attaching stakes to value-added estimates of teacher effectiveness were obvious from the beginning. Even if a statistical model magically found a way to control for poverty, race, and other factors, there was no guarantee that systems would adopt the model that was most fair. Even if an algorithm was
1-7-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education: The Republican Bill to Stop Common Core in FloridaThe Orlando Sentinel‘s  Leslie Postal reports that opponents of Common Core are beginning an advertising campaign in southwest Florida: Opponents of Common Core in Florida today launched radio ads they hope will spread th
1-7-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Weingarten trashes value added measures. What do we do now?Good news. Diane Ravitch’s blog yesterday reported that AFT President Randi Weingarten has changed her mind about value added measures in teacher evaluation. VAM uses test student test scores to measure teacher effectiveness. It is junk scienc
teacherken at Daily Kos 1-7-14: : Putting students at risk for testing?
Daily Kos: Putting students at risk for testing?:  Putting students at risk for testing?The weather in the Washington DC Metro area is dangerous this morning - temperatures at best in the single digits, with the wind having wind chills below zero. If you check the list of school closings, in Virginia the vast majority of the school systems are closed, with several (notably Arlington and Alexandria
1-7-14 4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: LA SCHOOL BOARD TO DEBATE FILLING LAMOTTE’S SEAT – Tonight at 6:15/Live on KLCS  Annie Gilbertson | | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC http://bit.ly/K1BGJP January 6th, 2014, 6:15am  ::  The board of the Los Angeles Unified School District on Tuesday will discuss how to fill the seat left vacant after the death of Marguerite LaMotte. They'll weigh two options: a
1-7-14 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: Evidence Refutes TFA ExpansionTeach for America: A Return to the Evidence, by Julian Vasquez Heilig and Su Jin Jez, may be too optimistic in its subtitle (not sure we’ve ever lingered at all with the evidence in order to return to it), but that aside, this report offers yet another clear message that TFA is far more agenda- than evidence- […]1 by plthomasedd / 1h hide  //  saveSh
1-7-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD
the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University): Behind the Advocacy: TFA Remains Mostly Spin, DistractionSchools Matter: Behind the Advocacy: TFA Remains Mostly Spin, Distraction1 by plthomasedd / 1h 1-6-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdDthe becoming radical | A Place for
1-7-14 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: De Blasio Vs. CuomoInevitable that Sheriff Andy would want to make sure Bill de Blasio knows he's the boss.Cuomo says he can get an extra $250 million for full-day pre-k funding without raising taxes - a kind of one year windfall in the budget.De Blasio says the funding needs to be sustainable and over a period of years - in short, taxes need to be raised on individuals maki
Report: LA Schools' wifi networks may not be ready for tests | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC
Report: LA Schools' wifi networks may not be ready for tests | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: Report: LA Schools' wifi networks may not be ready for testsAnnie Gilbertson | January 7th, 2014, 6:00amMaya Sugarman/KPCCAs the board of the Los Angeles Unified School District considers a request by Superintendent John Deasy to buy 67,500 more iPads so students can take new digital state tests in the spring,
1-7-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Infographics About The World’s Different CulturesHere are new additions to The Best Sites For Learning About The World’s Different Cultures: Are you middle class? Defining the middle class around the world is from The Christian Science Monitor. by Lemon.ly. Explore more infographics like this one on the web’s largest inform
On Small School Networks & Democracy - Bridging Differences - Education Week
On Small School Networks & Democracy - Bridging Differences - Education Week: On Small School Networks & DemocracyBy Deborah Meier on January 7, 2014 9:44 AMDear Robert,Happy New Year!I've been trying to imagine a "system" that could work for the kind of liberty within the context of democracy that we both seek. What kind of compromise is possible that meets each of our minimum r
1-7-13 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": “Listening To Parents With Our Heads And Hearts”Listening To Parents With Our Heads And Hearts is my latest Education Week Teacher post. This is the first post in a three-part series on parent engagement. Today, Katy Ridnouer, Janice Fialka, and Joe Mazza provide their guest responsesby Larry Ferlazzo / 1h The Best Articles
1-7-13 Education Research Report Report Examines Teach For America
Education Research Report: Report Examines Teach For AmericaTeach For America (TFA) is almost a quarter-century old. Since its launch, the program has experienced phenomenal growth, both in the numbers of participants and in the financial support it has received, and it has enjoyed extensive favorable publicity. Teach For America: A Return to the Evidence, a report authored by professors Julian Va
New performance rules for charter schools raise risks of... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com
New performance rules for charter schools raise risks of... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: New performance rules for charter schools raise risks of revocation Previous PostsForget the Finns. Listen to the Swedes: There is no bad weather, only bad clothing.January 6, 2014Barge to Gov. Deal: We aren't funding education at the same rates we did nearly 30 years agoJanuary 6, 2014Public school magnet lo
Should California Embrace Common Core? My Response to Bill Honig | deutsch29
Should California Embrace Common Core? My Response to Bill Honig | deutsch29: Should California Embrace Common Core? My Response to Bill HonigJanuary 7, 2014On January 7, 2014, California Instructional Quality Chair Bill Honig published a letter on Diane Ravitch’s blog in which he carefully details his reasons for supporting the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) in California. (Copy of letter )In
Preschool, teacher training and student health funding needed to offset child poverty, report says | EdSource Today
Preschool, teacher training and student health funding needed to offset child poverty, report says | EdSource Today: Preschool, teacher training and student health funding needed to offset child poverty, report saysJanuary 6th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By Jane Meredith Adams2It’s far too soon to tell if the state’s new education law will improve outcomes for the neediest students, but more investmen
empathyeducates – Dumbing America Down
empathyeducates – Dumbing America Down: Dumbing America DownPhotograph; Graduating students at commencement ceremony at Ohio State University on May 5, 2013.The Right wants us to think higher education has no value.By Susan J. Douglas | Originally Published at In These Times. January 3, 2014Among the many visionary goals of our nation’s right wing—impoverish older people, starve the poor, deny cli
Well-being of California children lags, according to new study - Inside Bay Area
Well-being of California children lags, according to new study - Inside Bay Area: Well-being of California children lags, according to new studyBy Theresa Harrington Contra Costa TimesPOSTED:   01/07/2014 12:00:00 AM PST OAKLAND -- California has much room for improvement as it strives to provide for the education, health care and welfare of children, particularly in making sure each child has aff
NY Principal Raises Alarm about Infringement of Children’s Rights by inBloom | janresseger
NY Principal Raises Alarm about Infringement of Children’s Rights by inBloom | janresseger: NY Principal Raises Alarm about Infringement of Children’s Rights by inBloomPosted on January 7, 2014 by janressegerIf you are my age and clearly remember 1971, you’ll likely have watched the fascinating video posted on the NY Times website this morning—the story of the burglars who stole—and shared with th
Two Kids That Are So Much Smarter Than E4E's Little Evan Stone southbronxschool.com
http://www.southbronxschool.com: Two Kids That Are So Much Smarter Than E4E's Little Evan StoneI participated in the picketing of statewide news organizations today, showing my moxie along withmy educational brethren at News12 headquarters in Yonkers.A goodly amount of educators, parents, and most importantly---children---were out in the near Arctic conditions letting those employed by News12 how
Shanker Blog » Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools And Special Education Students
Shanker Blog » Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools And Special Education Students: Revisiting The Issue Of Charter Schools And Special Education StudentsPosted by Matthew Di Carlo on January 7, 2014One of the most common claims against charter schools is that they “push out” special education students. The basic idea is that charter operators, who are obsessed with being able to show strong te
Teaching within a low SES school is bittersweet. | Ward 8 DC Teacher
Teaching within a low SES school is bittersweet. | Ward 8 DC Teacher: Teaching within a low SES school is bittersweet.Leave a commentTeaching is a demanding profession. The average teacher, regardless of his or her assignment, overcomes many obstacles throughout the school year. With that said, teaching within an economically disadvantaged neighborhood school is physically, mentally and emotionall
Loyalty is not accomplished by fawning sycophants. | Reclaim Reform
Loyalty is not accomplished by fawning sycophants. | Reclaim Reform: Loyalty is not accomplished by fawning sycophants.Posted on January 6, 2014by Ken PrevitiSeveral bloggers who seek to improve what public education is all about are under attack by those who demand “loyalty” to a leader who is weakly going in the wrong direction.Specifically, Fred Klonsky and others have pointed out the errors of
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Byrd-Bennett: 'It may have seemed like last minute, but it wasn't'
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Byrd-Bennett: 'It may have seemed like last minute, but it wasn't': Byrd-Bennett: 'It may have seemed like last minute, but it wasn't'Yesterday's press conference.That kind of exotic travel can only enhance Emanuel’s cartoon-like reputation among his harshest critics as “Mayor 1 Percent.” Which is apparently why Emanuel got a bit defensive when asked why he chose not
Is Bill Gates a hypocrite? | The Raw Story
Is Bill Gates a hypocrite? | The Raw Story: Is Bill Gates a hypocrite?By Ian Birrell, The GuardianTuesday, January 7, 2014 6:08 ESTTopics: MicrosoftThe world’s richest man is seen as a secular saint. But he should question the example Microsoft is setting by avoiding taxHe made his name as a sharp-elbowed businessman who rode the technology revolution with such style. But these days he is far more

YESTERDAY

Portland Public Schools and its teachers union must work out eight issues | OregonLive.com
Portland Public Schools and its teachers union must work out eight issues | OregonLive.com: Beaverton School District offers college planning nights to parents and studentsThe first college night gathering is January 21 at 7 p.m. at Southridge Highby Wendy Owen | wowe... / 8min Portland Public Schools teachers contract: Parents in NE Portland hope for smaller class sizes, better teacher pay as cla
Nite Cap 1-6-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
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 CAPGrants to Create Advanced Learning Opportunities - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)Grants to Create Advanced Learning Opportunities - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Grantsto Create Advanced Learning
Grants to Create Advanced Learning Opportunities - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)
Grants to Create Advanced Learning Opportunities - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education): State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Announces Grantsto Create Advanced Learning Opportunities for StudentsSACRAMENTO—Sixty-seven California school districts will receive more than $3.3 million in Specialized Secondary Programs (SSP) grants to help them develop innovative programs to help high school students learn,
What Great Teachers Have in Common | Gatsby In L.A.
What Great Teachers Have in Common | Gatsby In L.A.: What Great Teachers Have in Common Happy new year!  This post marks the second half of my search to learn about education by watching great teachers in the classroom. Four months in, with the opportunity to reflect, I’m realizing that despite my epiphany in October that great teachers are not alike, the teachers I’m following do share five commo
solidaridad: The Zinn Education Project goes where Corporate Core (CCSS) refuses to go
solidaridad: The Zinn Education Project goes where Corporate Core (CCSS) refuses to go: The Zinn Education Project goes where Corporate Core (CCSS) refuses to goIn memory of Hugh Thompson, Jr. who died #tdih2006 (age 62.) On March 16, 1968, during the My Lai Massacre, Chief Warrant Officer Hugh Thompson blocked fellow U.S. troops with his helicopter, had his crew train machine guns on them, and re
1-6-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education: Are There Really Military Families Desperate For Charter Schools?The proposal by Charter Schools USA to open a building on MacDill AFB has featured the “needs of military families” which supposed aren’t being met by local public schools. Sen. John Legg (R-Lutz) who it sh
Duncan Seeks Feedback During #StuVoice Twitter Chat Student Voice
Student Voice: Duncan Seeks Feedback During #StuVoice Twitter ChatJanuary 6, 2014Twitter Chats #stuvoiceNo Comments The voice of students has never been more critical to education than it is today. We know that our young people’s capacity to influence society cannot be underestimated, which is why Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and his team are dedicated to listening to students’ ideas and con
1-6-14 THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG ASCD's Whole Child Initiative Switches to a New Twitter Handle — Whole Child Education
ASCD's Whole Child Initiative Switches to a New Twitter Handle — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGASCD’s Whole Child Initiative Switches to a New Twitter HandleJanuary 6, 2014 by ASCD Whole Child BloggersToday ASCD's Whole Child Initiative switched its official Twitter handle to @WholeChildASCD. The 15,000+ followers of the old @WholeChildAdv do not have to take any action to continue to
empathyeducates – Be the Change Charter School: Questions and Answers
empathyeducates – Be the Change Charter School: Questions and Answers: Be the Change Charter School: Questions and AnswersPhotograph; Sonia Wang, a founding member of the prospective Be the Change Charter School, said some local parents support the school’s bid to open in Bridgeport. [Facebook/Be the Change]“Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.” It happens without a w
States Struggle To Overhaul Schools After No Child Left Behind
States Struggle To Overhaul Schools After No Child Left Behind: States Struggle To Overhaul Schools After No Child Left BehindPosted: 01/06/2014 3:46 pm ESTSome states are having trouble keeping the promises they made to get out from under the cumbersome No Child Left Behind Act, according to the Education Department.The department on Monday released results from audits of the way six states -- Ne
Reflect with Humility | Connected Principals
Reflect with Humility | Connected Principals: Reflect with Humilityby Sam LeDeaux • January 6, 2014 • 0 CommentsIt takes a lot from us educators to provide our kids, communities, and each other with the learning experiences we deserve. Two qualities that are near the top are reflection and humility, and the relationship between the two. I am growing to think reflection is a skill, and like all ski
Barge to Gov. Deal: We aren't funding education at the same... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com
Barge to Gov. Deal: We aren't funding education at the same... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Barge to Gov. Deal: We aren't funding education at the same rates we did nearly 30 years ago COMMENT(8) 0 13 0 13View Larger CURTIS COMPTON / AJCSuperintendent John Barge kicks off his gubernatorial run encouraging supporters with a rally at Smyrna City Hall on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2013, in Smyrna.Previous Po
Independent Charter Schools: Siphoning off Public Money to Private Interests | Uppity Wisconsin
Independent Charter Schools: Siphoning off Public Money to Private Interests | Uppity Wisconsin: Independent Charter Schools: Siphoning off Public Money to Private InterestsSubmitted by Sen. K. Vinehout on Mon, 01/06/2014 - 3:59pm“Will the Legislature allow statewide expansion of charter schools and how will that affect my local public school?” This question is one I hear so often particularly in
Temple prof: Pa. cyber charters turning huge profits, sending tax dollars out of state | Philadelphia Public School Notebook
Temple prof: Pa. cyber charters turning huge profits, sending tax dollars out of state | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: Temple prof: Pa. cyber charters turning huge profits, sending tax dollars out of stateby thenotebook on Jan 06 2014 Posted in Latest news="" style="cursor: pointer; float: left; padding: 0px 2px;">Share on emailMore Sharing ServicesCOMMENTS (1)PRINTPhoto
NYC Educator: Governor Andy Makes Another Principled Stand
NYC Educator: Governor Andy Makes Another Principled Stand: Governor Andy Makes Another Principled StandOur illustrious governor, Andrew "I am the government" Cuomo, has unveiled a plan designed specifically to take the wind out of new mayor Bill de Blasio's sails. To wit, he wants to fund pre-K statewidewithout tax increases on the wealthy. As you may know, Governor Andy strives to emul
Mark-Viverito was for charters before she was against them | New York Post
Mark-Viverito was for charters before she was against them | New York Post: Mark-Viverito was for charters before she was against themBy Carl CampanileJanuary 6, 2014 | 2:14amModal TriggerKEEP SHOVELING: Melissa Mark-Viverito (second from right) and Yankee Mark Teixeira (second from left) help break ground for an East Harlem charter last year. Now she’s signed on to an anti-charter suit.Photo: Wil
Dallas ISD trustees to hear alternatives to traditional public schools; Harllee Elementary could reopen | Dallas Morning News
Dallas ISD trustees to hear alternatives to traditional public schools; Harllee Elementary could reopen | Dallas Morning News: Dallas ISD trustees to hear alternatives to traditional public schools; Harllee Elementary could reopenBy Tawnell Hobbsthobbs@dallasnews.com12:43 pm on January 6, 2014 | Permalink120A protest in support of using Texas' Rainy Day Fund to help keep schools fully funded was h
V.A.M.: Value Added Measure: In the Classroom (based on "In the Ghetto," written by Mac Davis, sung by Elvis)
V.A.M.: Value Added Measure: In the Classroom (based on "In the Ghetto," written by Mac Davis, sung by Elvis): In the Classroom (based on "In the Ghetto," written by Mac Davis, sung by Elvis)As the tests flyWith a cold and grayish Common Corin',A poor little baby child is boredIn the classroom.And his teacher cries'Cause if there's one thing that she don't needIts another eager
The Appointment Imperative In Ms. LaMotte’s Wake – redqueeninla
The Appointment Imperative In Ms. LaMotte’s Wake – redqueeninla: The Appointment Imperative In Ms. LaMotte’s WakeWritten by redqueeninla in LAUSD The immediate crisis following LAUSD board member Marguerite LaMotte’s untimely death involves deciding whether to name her replacement through an election or via school board appointment.  Current board member Bennett Kayser has articulated the issues a
EdWatch 2014: Top 12 education issues in the new year | EdSource Today
EdWatch 2014: Top 12 education issues in the new year | EdSource Today: EdWatch 2014: Top 12 education issues in the new yearJanuary 6th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By EdSource staffJump to sectionBudget battlesFunding change in actionCommon CoreThe changing face of testingNew voter initiatives on the horizonCORE district reformsEarly educationTeacher salariesTeacher tenure challengeStudent discipline
The Case for Nagging Kids About Their Homework - Lisa Endlich Heffernan - The Atlantic
The Case for Nagging Kids About Their Homework - Lisa Endlich Heffernan - The Atlantic: The Case for Nagging Kids About Their HomeworkThe backlash against "helicopter parenting" may have gone too far. The helicopter parent has crashed and burned.  With millennials reaching adulthood it has become clear that this hovering style of parenting results in overly dependent young adults, plague
1-6-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum: Speaking out at the School Board Meeting
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Speaking out at the School Board Meeting: Speaking out at the School Board MeetingI am urging you to speak out - either via e-mail or via public testimony - to the Board about two subjects.One, student data privacy.  We see from the agenda the RTTT item, some of which is about helping PreK-3rd grade students.  It's a fine idea but again, that's exactly the starting
Thoughts on Elite Private Independent Schools and Public Education Reforms | School Finance 101
Thoughts on Elite Private Independent Schools and Public Education Reforms | School Finance 101: Thoughts on Elite Private Independent Schools and Public Education ReformsPosted on January 6, 20140       Rate ThisI was informed by my brilliant and thoughtful cousin Bill the other day that today and tomorrow in Washington, DC., John Chubb, the new head of the National Association of Independent Sch
Public school magnet lotteries: Why do we have winners and... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com
Public school magnet lotteries: Why do we have winners and... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Public school magnet lotteries: Why do we have winners and losers?  COMMENT(2) 0 2 0 2View Larger Shouldn't all kids have the same chances? Why should luck play a role?Previous PostsIndifferent, distracted students. Frustrated and disengaged faculty. Welcome to college.January 5, 2014Do you have 5 minutes?
FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Monday, January 6, 2014
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Education HeadlinesMonday, January 6, 2014FCMAT provides links to California K-12 news stories as a service to the industry. However, some stories may not be accessible because of newspapers' subscription policies.Palm Desert elementary principal apologizes for not calling 911A Palm Desert elementary school principal apologized Friday for not
1-6-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: A Reality-Based Review of 2013 Market-Driven ResearchTeachers unions exist to protect teachers and to do so they must work collaboratively within the system so it will better serve all stakeholders. The Shanker Istitute's Matt DiCarlo exemplifies our unions' willingness to listen to all sides.But, where is the Matt DiCarlo of corporate reform? Where is a reformer who is will break
Morning Wink 1-6-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS15 Months in Virtual Charter Hell: A Teacher's Tale - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher15 Months in Virtual Charter Hell: A Teacher's Tale - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: 15 Months in Virtual Charter Hell: A Teacher's TaleBy Anthony Cody on January 6, 2014 6:12 AMGuest post by Darcy Bedortha.In late August, 2012, I took a job in a


LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-7-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

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

Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch


To Be a Hero
Our dear friend and frequent commentator KrazyTA writes: What times we live in when— “One must think like a hero to behave like a merely decent human being.” [May Sarton]  

San Diego’s Cindy Marten is No Hero Superintendent
On the very day that I posted my view that San Diego is the best urban district in the nation, Mario Koran wrote in Voices of San Diego that Cindy Marten does not believe in hero superintendents. He writes: Spoiler alert, San Diegans: Cindy Marten isn’t a hero who has swooped in to save your children. If that sounds a little bristly, consider this: She doesn’t think students need saving. “The idea

Anthony Cody: Who Are the Critics of Common Core?
The news earlier today that the Koch brothers are joining the fight against Common Core complicates the political calculus surrounding the controversial standards. The Politico article gives the impression that the rightwingers are the main critics of Common Core by failing to mention that the most zealous advocates for Common Core are Jeb Bush, Michelle Rhee, Joel Klein, the Business Roundtable,


Arthur Camins on Bill Honig’s Post: Is This the Way Forward?
Arthur Camins is  director of the Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, New Jersey. After reading Bill Honig’s post about Common Core in California, he wrote the following comment:   Bill Honig makes an argument to consider: Maybe there is a potential alternative to having to choose between accepting tight linkage between the
Burris: We Must Protect Our Students’ Personal Data, Not Store It on a Cloud
Carol Burris, the articulate and prolific principal of South Side High School in Rockville Center, Long Island, New York, here responds to state officials about the importance of student privacy. New York is one of the few–perhaps the only–state that has stubbornly insisted that all student data will be uploaded to the inBloom website funded by the Gates Foundation and the Carnegie Corporation, en


Why San Diego Is the Best Urban District in the Nation
Something magical is happening in San Diego. It is a good school district. Teachers and administrators and the school board are working towards common goals. San Diego, in my view, is the best urban district in the nation. I say this not based on test scores but on the climate for teaching and learning that I have observed in San Diego. It’s not the weather, which of course is usually magnificent.

Will Fight Against Common Core Encourage Charters, Vouchers?
As readers of the blog know, critics of the Common Core span the political and ideological spectrum. So do supporters. Many who consider themselves liberals oppose the imposition of grade-by-grade standards that are inflexible and take away teachers’ ability to tailor instruction to the needs of their students. Early childhood advocates are critical of CC’s demand to force academic instruction in
North Carolina: The Puzzling Silence of Governor Jim Hunt
When Governor Jim Hunt was in office, he was a national leader on behalf of improving education. He advocated for higher teacher salaries, he advocated for early childhood education, and he took pride in the steady improvement in North Carolina during his tenure. Now he runs the Hunt Institute, which has been active in teaching governors across the nation about education issues. I was a member of
Anthony Cody: Confessions of a Teacher in “Virtual Charter School Hell”
Darcy Bedortha is a guest writer for Anthony Cody’s blog. She tells her story as a Lead Teacher for a K12 virtual charter school. She confirms all the worst fears of critics of virtual charters. They make a lot of money. They are passionate about profits, not students. Students need one-to-one contact with a human being. They don’t get it. In a long and heartbreaking post, she writes: I was an Eng
Stop Reckless Charter Expansion in This Small Town in California
On January 15, there will be a crucial vote to allow the expansion of charter schools in Morgan Hill, California. As the post below points out, Morgan Hill is a small town of 40,000 with only 8 elementary schools. Rocketship wants to open 2 new charters in this small community, which will effectively destroy public education. Please read this post and send an email to the Santa Clara Office of Edu
Bill Honig: Why California Likes the Common Core Standards
Many people who post on this blog–including me–have expressed grave doubts about the Common Core standards–about how they were created, funded, evaluated, and promoted, as well as their connection to high-stakes testing and evaluation of teachers by test scores. Others, including me, worry about the Common Core testing and the fact that the two federally-funded testing consortia decided to long th

YESTERDAY

Two Teachers, Father and Son, Chastise Arne Duncan for His Constant Sniping at Public Education
The Weintraubs, Robert and David, call out Arne Duncan in this article in Education Week. They sharply chastise him for his constant refrain that American schools are failing, stagnating, falling behind. He is like an abusive basketball coach who kicks his players and shrieks at them: LOSERS! You are LOSERS! You should ALL be FIRED! He lacks the leadership skills–or for that matter, the knowledge
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-6-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: What Educators in North Carolina Say About Recent Legislative ChangesThis last year, the legislature and governor in North Carolina enacted legislation affecting the teaching profession in North Carolina. Scott Imig and Robert Smith at the University of North Carolina in Wilmington decided that it was important to hear how the legi


What I’ve Learned: Classrooms Need Technology But Nothing Beats a Great Teacher | NEA Today

What I’ve Learned: Classrooms Need Technology But Nothing Beats a Great Teacher | NEA Today:

What I’ve Learned: Classrooms Need Technology But Nothing Beats a Great Teacher

January 7, 2014 by twalker  
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Educators may spend their careers preparing lessons, but often the most memorable are those they learn themselves.  With that in mind, NEA Today asked school staff –  everyone from classroom teachers and bus drivers to guidance counselors and school nurses – to share the everyday lessons they’ve picked up along the way in a series called “What I’ve Learned.”
Tracey Matt is a Language Arts educator at Albia Community High School in Albia, Iowa, where she teaches 11th grade English and Contemporary Literature for 10-12th graders.   Over the course of her 19 years in the classroom, she says she learns something new every week, if not every day. Following are some of her lessons learned.
I have learned that, in an ever changing world of technology, nothing can take the place of a great teacher.  Students need the personal connection of a well-versed instructor to guide them through their learning.  The role of a teacher is no longer to disseminate information that kids regurgitate back for a grade – a teacher should be there to help students maximize technology, and to nurture, guide, and encourage kids to explore, research, create, and develop their skills to allow them to compete in a global world and economy.   It takes a great teacher to foster independent learners.  This must be done with the use of technology on the forefront, but it should not supersede the importance of an instructor.
Language arts teacher Tracey Matt
Today more than ever, teachers have to make profound connections with students to keep them engaged in the classroom.  Kids today have so many distractions to their learning that didn’t exist even five years ago.  If a teacher isn’t a dynamic presenter of instruction with compelling real world activities, students will tune out very quickly.  I’ve learned that the best way to engage them is to always listen to their 

1-7-14 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online:





Farina Salary Plus Pension Still Less than Charter Operators Eva Moskowitz and Deborah Kenny
Above headline is something you won't see in NY Post. Eva we all know about. More on Kennyhttp://garyrubinstein.teachforus.org/2012/06/12/it-takes-a-village/From Capital Pro City HallDe Blasio: Fariña salary 'absolutely appropriate'In response to questions over new schools chancellor Carmen Fariña's salary--a combination of her D.O.E. salary and her pension--de Blasio said Monday that the arrangem

Alan Singer, Mixed Feelings on Fariña, de Blasio
.... as far as I can see, Carmen Fariña has closer ties to the top 2% income bracket than the other 98% of the population and has always been willing to play political games... It remains unclear to me what Fariña has to offer the working class and poor Black and Latino students who have been left behind in the Bloomberg years....Alan Springer, HufPoI've been presenting a variety of views on Farin


1-6-14 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: Advice for de Blasio: ASAP - Make Patrick Sullivan Your First PEP Appointment...here is a chance for Patrick Sullivan to bring his considerable talents in service of NYC parents, students and teachers by working with the majority at long last. What a shame to deny Patrick this opportunity. ... EdNotesOnlineScott Stringer also deserves a lot of thanks for sticking by Patrick and le

1-7-14 Wait What?

Wait What?:






Vallas resigns as Bridgeport School Superintendent… Again!
It is all pretty simple.  The contract between Paul Vallas and the Bridgeport Board of Education states that if the Bridgeport Board of Education fires Vallas, they must pay him a full year’s salary of $234,000 plus benefits.  If on the other hand Vallas decides to leave his position all he need to is provide […]The post Vallas resigns as Bridgeport School Superintendent… Again! appeared first on
Malloy/Pryor Common Core Strategy – Hey, but we’ve got some computers!
Governor Malloy’s budget provides no additional state funding for major local educational expenses like special education and school transportation.  Meanwhile, Connecticut’s Education Funding Formula (ECS) is approximately $2 billion underfunded meaning the costs of funding local schools are being unfairly, and arguably illegally,  shifted on to the backs of local property taxpayers.  The result

1-6-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: A Pro-Public Education Party for Connecticut?The Connecticut Mirror leads with a story today about Governor Malloy’s PR campaign to “appease” Connecticut’s teachers in the hopes of getting active and retired teachers to support his 2014 gubernatorial re-election aspirations. The article, which is entitled “Malloy works to appease teachers in 2014,” reviews some of the turbulent history