Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 2/10/16

CORPORATE ED REFORM

Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special Contracts

Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special Contracts: Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special ContractsCelebrating its 25th anniversary this past weekend, Teach For America (TFA) marked a milestone. Over the past 25 years, the organization has not only expanded, but also shifted their mission and approach. With seemingly good, albeit naive and arrogant, intentions, TFA originated

by mike simpson / 5min 

Ms. Katie's Ramblings: The Dangers of Teach For America Indoctrination

Ms. Katie's Ramblings: The Dangers of Teach For America Indoctrination:The Dangers of Teach For America IndoctrinationNow, I have a lot of gripes with Teach For America. (You don't say, Ms. Katie!) I think their 5 week training stinks, and is bad for kids. I think their ties to the neoliberal education reform movement are dangerous and impossible to decouple from all that TFA is. I think their fun

by mike simpson / 36min 

Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention | Diane Ravitch's blog

Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention | Diane Ravitch's blog: Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention Many readers were upset to learn that Randi Weingarten was speaking at the Teach for America 25th reunion at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C., last weekend.Randi appeared on a panel with Howard Fuller, who advocates for charters and vouchers. Fuller founded the BAEO, the Black Allia

by mike simpson / 56min 

Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda February 24-25, 2016

ACSE Agenda February 24-25, 2016 - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education): ACSE Agenda February 24-25, 2016Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda.Agenda Times Are Approximate and Are Provided for Convenience OnlyItems may be re-ordered to be heard on any day of the noticed meeting. The order of business may be changed without notice. Every effort will be made t

by mike simpson / 1h 

L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public education - LA Times

L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public education - LA Times: L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public educationAlex Caputo-PearlL.A. teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl greets people after a 2014 news conference calling for smaller class sizes, fully staffed schools and higher pay for educators. On Wednesday

by mike simpson / 1h 

Why We Must Believe (Our Formation) | The Jose Vilson

Why We Must Believe (Our Formation) | The Jose Vilson: Why We Must Believe (Our Formation)“Come on, let’s get this done, I believe in you.”“Why do you always say that, Mr. Vilson, like …”“Um, because I believe in you.”“Oh my God, this is, like, the only class I hear a teacher say that …”It was a weird moment for me. I promised this school year I would change my vibe. I promised myself that I would

by mike simpson / 1h 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter Schools

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter Schools:Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter SchoolsAs I have previously stated, I have had public disclosure requests in for some time to various groups including former charter schools in Washington State, OSPI, and the Charter Commission.  I am still awaiti

by mike simpson / 1h 

A California superintendent speaks out on charter schools | Parents Across America

A California superintendent speaks out on charter schools | Parents Across America: A California superintendent speaks out on charter schools The following was shared with us by our newest chapter, PAA-Marin (CA):18 months into a highly contentious local battle over the conversion of a “district-wide program of choice” into a charter school, which included two unanimous denials by the local school

by mike simpson / 2h 

What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?

What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?: What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?Imagine children in public schools today, who do not read well, but who are undiscovered, gifted artists. They are continually drilled in reading and get few opportunities to express themselves artistically.In some schools, if a student does not test well in reading they do not get to be in the band,

by mike simpson / 2h 

Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super Bowl | gadflyonthewallblog

Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super Bowl | gadflyonthewallblog: Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super BowlSANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Beyonce performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)Black women’s bodies are scary.That’s the lesson we learned this Super Bowl Su

by mike simpson / 2h 

Charters schools see mixed results after complaining about treatment by L.A. Unified - LA Times

Charters schools see mixed results after complaining about treatment by L.A. Unified - LA Times: Charter school groups complain to LAUSD, then score some new schoolsAfter formally complaining that the Los Angeles Unified School District is treating them with increasing unfairness, charter school operators caught a few breaks at Tuesday's school board meeting.The Board of Education did reject one p

by mike simpson / 2h 

The Ohio Department of Education has a lot of explaining to do about its charter school grant: editorial | cleveland.com

The Ohio Department of Education has a lot of explaining to do about its charter school grant: editorial | cleveland.com:The Ohio Department of Education has a lot of explaining to do about its charter school grant: editorial At this point, it's nearly impossible to trust anything the Ohio Department of Education has to say on charter school performance, the subject of so much chicanery last year

by mike simpson / 4h 

James Kirylo: The Selling of Teacher Education (And Why We Should Resist) | deutsch29

James Kirylo: The Selling of Teacher Education (And Why We Should Resist) | deutsch29: James Kirylo: The Selling of Teacher Education (And Why We Should Resist)The following is a guest post by Dr. James Kirylo, professor of teaching and learning at Southeastern Louisiana University. Kirylo’s research interests include critical pedagogy, curriculum theory, teacher leadership, and literacy developme

by mike simpson / 4h 

CURMUDGUCATION: Citizens United vs. Friedrich

CURMUDGUCATION: Citizens United vs. Friedrich: "Citizens United vs. Friedrich"Citizens United vs. FriedrichMark Joseph Stern, writing for Slate about Hillary Clinton's NH concession speech, notes in passing a looming contradiction between the Friedrich vs. California Teachers case and the terrible Citizen's United decision.Folks tend to remember the bizarre reasoning that corporations ar

by mike simpson / 4h 

Where do the 2016 presidential candidates stand on education? | Parents Across America

Where do the 2016 presidential candidates stand on education? | Parents Across America: Where do the 2016 presidential candidates stand on education?PAA does not endorse any candidate, but we are committed to educating parents and the general public about where the candidates and parties stand on education issues. The information in the following table was retrieved on Feb. 10. 2016 from www.onthe

by mike simpson / 4h 

In Schools, Teacher Quality Matters Most | VAMboozled!

In Schools, Teacher Quality Matters Most | VAMboozled!: In Schools, Teacher Quality Matters MostEducation Next — a non peer-reviewed journal with a mission to “steer a steady course, presenting the facts as best they can be determined…[while]…partak[ing] of no program, campaign, or ideology,” although these last claims are certainly of controversy (see, for example, here and here) — just published

by mike simpson / 4h 

Christine Campbell, Randi Weingarten: Don’t be fooled by charter school bill (Gazette)

Charleston Gazette-Mail | Christine Campbell, Randi Weingarten: Don’t be fooled by charter school bill (Gazette):Christine Campbell, Randi Weingarten: Don’t be fooled by charter school bill (Gazette) When it comes to our neighborhood schools, we need to ensure they are places where parents want to send their children, educators want to teach and students thrive. This takes resources, hard work and

by mike simpson / 6h 

The education mess in Ohio under Gov. John Kasich - The Washington Post

The education mess in Ohio under Gov. John Kasich - The Washington Post: The education mess in Ohio under Gov. John KasichOhio Gov. John Kasich is campaigning for the 2016 Republican presidential nomination by touting “successes” in his state, including his education record. But a look at that record offers a somewhat different picture than the one he paints. In fact, some see a real education mes

by mike simpson / 6h 

Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo Testifies in Support of DPS Teachers - YouTube

Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo Testifies in Support of DPS Teachers - YouTube: Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo Testifies in Support of DPS Teachers  Rep. Sherry Gay-Dagnogo testifies in the Michigan Senate Committee. She is a former Detroit public school science teacher, and knows first hand the reality that Detroit teachers face everyday. The package of bills would impose stricter penalties for teachers and uni

by mike simpson / 6h 

Breaking laws or breaking children? A list of data and the laws. – Missouri Education Watchdog

Breaking laws or breaking children? A list of data and the laws. – Missouri Education Watchdog: Breaking laws or breaking children? A list of data and the laws.Are secret algorithms and mandated data collection violating basic human rights and existing law?  A list of each: data and law.The data:Secret data collecting and predictive algorithms happening to school children here.Data badges, micro-c

by mike simpson / 6h 

Not a Second To Waste | EduShyster

Not a Second To Waste | EduShyster: Not a Second To WasteFast-growing UP Education Network has an innovative approach to educating low-income students that starts with not wasting a second of valuable learning time…Editor’s note: UP Education Network operates five schools in Massachusetts, including two in Lawrence, where the author of this piece taught. While the school she describes is operated

by mike simpson / 6h 

ICE agents won't be going onto Los Angeles public school campuses - LA Times

ICE agents won't be going onto Los Angeles public school campuses - LA Times: ICE agents won't be going onto Los Angeles public school campusesImmigrant rights activists protest in front of the White House in December ahead of deportation sweeps. (Shawn Thew / EPA)Immigration agents won’t be allowed onto the campuses of the Los Angeles Unified School District to look for undocumented students, the

by mike simpson / 6h 

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: More evidence that PARCC test is bogus. Parents were smart to opt-out.

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: More evidence that PARCC test is bogus. Parents were smart to opt-out.: More evidence that PARCC test is bogus. Parents were smart to opt-out. PARCC officials are still working to determine the full scope and causes of last year’s score discrepancies, which may partly result from demographic and academic differences between the students who took the tests on computer

by mike simpson / 6h 

The wounded beast heads home |

The wounded beast heads home |: The wounded beast heads homeChristie: Living and dying by the smirkChris Christie’s political persona lived by the smirk–and, this past week in New Hampshire, it died by the smirk. His relentless attack on Marco Rubio on what was, after all, a meaningless point, more than just damaged the Florida senator’s standing, it put an inglorious end to Christie’s hopeless cr

by mike simpson / 7h 

LOOK OUT!  If parents opt their children out, the Malloy administration will cut funding for poor children - Wait What?

LOOK OUT!  If parents opt their children out, the Malloy administration will cut funding for poor children - Wait What?: LOOK OUT!  If parents opt their children out, the Malloy administration will cut funding for poor children Wait, What?Just when it seemed that Governor Dannel Malloy’s arrogance and bullying couldn’t get any worse, Connecticut school officials have been told to instruct parents

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

Despite problems charter schools could get more state money | Miami Herald

Despite problems charter schools could get more state money | Miami Herald: Despite problems charter schools could get more state moneyTALLAHASSEE, FLA. Setting up a potential tug-of-war over millions in taxpayer money, the Florida House is rushing ahead with a plan that would force school districts across the state to share local property taxes with charter schools.Some legislators are pushing to

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

Small Schools: The Edu-Reform Failure That Wasn't - Education Week

Small Schools: The Edu-Reform Failure That Wasn't - Education Week: Small Schools: The Edu-Reform Failure That Wasn't What ever happened to the small-schools craze? A little over a decade ago, philanthropists and policy leaders, believing they had identified the key to student performance, threw their collective weight behind an effort to redesign the nation's large high schools. They spent over a

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

CURMUDGUCATION: NY: Those Peoples' Kids

CURMUDGUCATION: NY: Those Peoples' Kids: NY: Those Peoples' KidsIt doesn't get much plainer than this. The headline of the New York Chalkbeat piece is "Hoping to attract gentrifiers, a troubled school gets a makeover and new admissions policy."The story is about Satellite West Middle School, a school redesigned to focus on science and art, renamed the Dock Street School for STEAM Studies

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

Wraparound Community Schools Are Long Term Investment, Not Quick Turnaround | janresseger

Wraparound Community Schools Are Long Term Investment, Not Quick Turnaround | janresseger: Wraparound Community Schools Are Long Term Investment, Not Quick Turnaround A little more than a year ago, New York’s Mayor Bill de Blasio launched a massive program of support for 94 public Renew Schools, identified as those where children’s test scores have been chronically low. All of the Renew Schools ar

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

Ed Notes Online: Learning From Lois (Weiner): Social Justice Unions, Restorative Justice, and Caucus Building

Ed Notes Online: Learning From Lois (Weiner): Social Justice Unions, Restorative Justice, and Caucus Building: Learning From Lois (Weiner): Social Justice Unions, Restorative Justice, and Caucus BuildingLois talked about how Restorative Justice can only work in a democratically run, collaborative school environment with a non-abusive, instead of a top-down principal.  ... AMEN I was at Lois Weiner

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

Embedding Leadership in the Teaching Profession - NEA Today

Embedding Leadership in the Teaching Profession - NEA Today: Embedding Leadership in the Teaching ProfessionFour leading education groups brought some of the best and brightest minds from around the country to the 2016 National Summit on Teacher Leadership in Washington, D.C. on Feb. 5-6 to turn ideas into action and empower more educators to lead their professions.The National Education Associati

1 by mike simpson / 9h 

'failing at 15' - Helping the weakest students essential for society and the economy, says OECD - OECD

Helping the weakest students essential for society and the economy, says OECD - OECD: Helping the weakest students essential for society and the economy, says OECD 10/02/2016 - Most countries have made little progress helping their weakest students improve their performance in reading, mathematics and science over the past decade. This means too many young people are still leaving school without t

1 by mike simpson / 10h 

Educators Unite Behind Dan Wolk for Assembly | Davis Vanguard

Educators Unite Behind Dan Wolk for Assembly | Davis Vanguard: Educators Unite Behind Dan Wolk for Assembly Dan Wolk for State Assembly http://bit.ly/20Vtqhe Educators from around the region and state are uniting behind Davis Mayor Dan Wolk’s campaign for Assembly, adding to his growing momentum. Today, both the California Teachers Association (CTA) and California School Employees Association (CSE

2 by mike simpson / 10h 

L.A. teachers union seeks to raise dues as it fights a charter school push - LA Times

L.A. teachers union seeks to raise dues as it fights a charter school push - LA Times:L.A. teachers union seeks to raise dues as it fights a charter school push The Los Angeles teachers union has long been the most powerful player in local education.But with the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation and other well-heeled nonprofits pushing hard to fundamentally change the nature of public education in L

by mike simpson / 10h 

Initiative That Would Shut Down Charter Schools In California Cleared To Gather Signatures « CBS Sacramento

Initiative That Would Shut Down Charter Schools In California Cleared To Gather Signatures « CBS Sacramento: Initiative That Would Shut Down Charter Schools In California Cleared To Gather Signatures SACRAMENTO (CBS13) — A movement in California could shut down the state’s charter schools and return students to public schools.A grassroots coalition is calling California charter schools discriminat

by mike simpson / 10h 

School Busing No More: Obama Wants to Promote Integration on the Basis of Income - The Atlantic

School Busing No More: Obama Wants to Promote Integration on the Basis of Income - The Atlantic: School Integration’s ComebackPresident Obama’s budget includes a new $120 million grant to support school integration.   For decades, researchers have found that integrating schools by race and economic status is one of the most powerful levers available for improving opportunities for kids. And for de

by mike simpson / 10h 

YESTERDAY

Choosing Democracy: Support Sacramento Schools and Teachers

Choosing Democracy: Support Sacramento Schools and Teachers: Support Sacramento Schools and TeachersChoosing Democracy: Support Sacramento Schools and Teachers:

2 by mike simpson / 20h 

A conversation about a path forward at #TFA25 — Medium

A conversation about a path forward at #TFA25 — Medium: A conversation about a path forward at #TFA25Politics and religion have long been known for their potential to turn a conversation into a conflagration. In the last decade, education joined that short list of touchy issues. That’s no wonder, since many self-described “reformers” frame the debate around false dichotomies, such as their claim t

1 by mike simpson / 21h 

Special Nite Cap: Catch Up on Today's Post 2/9/16

CORPORATE ED REFORML.A. teachers union seeks to re-negotiate evaluation system | 89.3 KPCCL.A. teachers union seeks to re-negotiate evaluation system | 89.3 KPCC: L.A. teachers union seeks to re-negotiate evaluation system​​The union representing teachers in the Los Angeles Unified School District wants to re-work how the district rates teachers' job performance.It's one of two portions of the lab

45 by mike simpson / 23h 

Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special Contracts

Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special Contracts:

Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special Contracts

Celebrating its 25th anniversary this past weekend, Teach For America (TFA) marked a milestone. Over the past 25 years, the organization has not only expanded, but also shifted their mission and approach. With seemingly good, albeit naive and arrogant, intentions, TFA originated as a solution to the national teacher shortage by recruiting college graduates from "elite universities" to serve as supplemental faculty in hard to staff districts. Founder Wendy Kopp claimed that TFA "would bill itself as an emergency response to a shortage of experienced, qualified teachers and would therefore not be telling the nation that its inexperienced members were preferable to, or as qualified as, experienced teachers." Fully departing from that description, TFA now claims that their corps members are superior to traditionally trained teachers and the organization has effectively changed its mission to "enlist, develop, and mobilize as many as possible of our nation's most promising future leaders to grow and strengthen the movement for educational equity and excellence."

Over the last quarter-century, TFA has been taken to task, for example, for their;inadequate training, demographics of corps members, connection to charter schools and corporate philanthropists, development of leaders with a market-oriented "brand" of education reform, attempts to undercut unions, and their generalarrogance and hubris in ignoring those critiques.

Among these critiques, there has been much anecdotal evidence that TFA displaces other, more qualified teachers. TFA vehemently refutes this, claiming on their website that;

Corps members do not have special contracts with school districts. They apply for open jobs, and they go through the same interview and hiring process as any candidate. Our approach is to bring the best possible people into the field, but no one is obligated to hire our teachers.

Until now, this issue has been an anecdotal back-and-forth and had not been Teach for America: Lies, Damned Lies, and Special Contracts:

Ms. Katie's Ramblings: The Dangers of Teach For America Indoctrination

Ms. Katie's Ramblings: The Dangers of Teach For America Indoctrination:
The Dangers of Teach For America Indoctrination

Now, I have a lot of gripes with Teach For America. (You don't say, Ms. Katie!) I think their 5 week training stinks, and is bad for kids. I think their ties to the neoliberal education reform movement are dangerous and impossible to decouple from all that TFA is. I think their funding, their lobbying efforts, their twisted PR "research" are all crap. I want to strangle every expansion effort they push through even as veteran educators are laid off. They are anti-union. Ridiculously so.

Yet, one effect of TFA that does not get enough coverage, although it's often referenced tangentially, is the power of TFA indoctrination. (But oh! was it in effect at the #TFA25 celebration held over the weekend! Another post, perhaps...)

No one wants to admit that they have been indoctrinated. And we all have to some extent. For the most part, we do not even know that we don't know much of what has been spoon fed to us through the media, cultural norms, or existing power structures. None of us is immune, including myself.

However, what TFA does is something unique. And it's measurable. Think of any encounter you've had with an edreform "true believer". How many times have you thought to yourself, "must have been TFA", then after doing a quick Google search been right! This has happened to me too many times. Way too many times.

Let's take an example. A few weeks back, there was a truly shocking commentary in our Chicago education magazine Catalyst Chicago that was titled How Bailey Reimer's Ms. Katie's Ramblings: The Dangers of Teach For America Indoctrination:

Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention | Diane Ravitch's blog

Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention | Diane Ravitch's blog:

Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention 

Many readers were upset to learn that Randi Weingarten was speaking at the Teach for America 25th reunion at the Convention Center in Washington, D.C., last weekend.

Randi appeared on a panel with Howard Fuller, who advocates for charters and vouchers. Fuller founded the BAEO, the Black Alliance for Educational Options. He goes around the country promoting school choice to black leaders and communities. Many years ago, he was the superintendent in Milwaukee. When he became a choice advocate, he was funded by the rightwing Bradley Foundation, the Walton Family Foundation, and others.

Randi points out in her article that vouchers have been a failure in Milwaukee, but she wasn’t there to debate Fuller. She explains here whyshe decided to appear at the TFA event.

My purpose was not to debate Fuller; it was to have a conversation about a path forward, to end the ridiculous debate in reform circles that poverty and greater economic issues don’t matter, and to debunk the notion that individual teachers can do it all.

I caught some flack on Twitter and Facebook for even attending a TFA event. The AFT and TFA disagree on a number of fundamental issues regarding education. I believe that teacher preparation should reflect the complexity and importance of this work, and that a crash course simply doesn’t cut it — it’s not fair to corps members or their students. Further, I think that TFA’s model of inadequately prepared teachers and high turnover deprofessionalizes teaching by design. And it’s dead wrong when districts use austerity as the excuse to hire TFA recruits as replacements for experienced teachers.

Read on.Why Randi Spoke at the TFA #25 Convention | Diane Ravitch's blog:

Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda February 24-25, 2016

ACSE Agenda February 24-25, 2016 - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education):

ACSE Agenda February 24-25, 2016

Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE) meeting agenda.

Agenda Times Are Approximate and Are Provided for Convenience Only

Items may be re-ordered to be heard on any day of the noticed meeting. The order of business may be changed without notice. Every effort will be made to Webcast this meeting in its entirety, but some portions may not be Webcast due to logistical constraints.

Advisory Commission on Special Education

Schedule of Meeting	Location
Wednesday, February 24, 2016 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Pacific Time ±	California Department of Education 1430 N Street, Room 1101 Sacramento, California 916-445-4602
Thursday, February 25, 2016 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. Pacific Time ±	California Department of Education  1430 N Street, Room 1101  Sacramento, California  916-445-4602

Please see the detailed agenda for more information about the items to be considered and acted upon. The public is welcome.

Guidelines for Public Input Sessions

The Commission welcomes public involvement. Opportunities for public comment are provided at every Commission meeting.

Reasonable Accommodation for Any Individual With a Disability

Pursuant to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, any individual with a disability who requires reasonable accommodation to attend or participate in a meeting or function of the Advisory Commission on Special Education (ACSE), may request assistance by contacting the Special Education Division, 1430 N Street, Suite 2401, Sacramento, CA, 95814; telephone, 916-445-4602; fax, 916-327-3706.

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Advisory Commission on Special Education
Agenda, Wednesday, February 24, 2016, 10:00 a.m. Pacific Time
California Department of Education
1430 N Street, Room 1101
Sacramento, California 

NOTE: Items not heard or completed on February 24, 2016, may be carried over to February 25, 2016.

10:00–10:30 a.m.

• Call to Order–Roll Call
• Salute to the Flag
• Welcome and Recognize New Commissioners: Michele Auon; Christina Mills; Keila Rodriguez; Pablo Gonzalez, Jr.
• Communication and Announcements
• Meeting Survey for Public Input
• Review of Agenda and Meeting Standards

10:30–11 a.m.

Item 1–Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Update: Cynthia Gunderson, Interim Administrator, Curriculum Frameworks Unit, Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resources Division, California Department of Education (CDE), will provide an overview of resources. The curriculum and instructional resources can be found on the CDE, Curriculum Frameworks & Instructional Materials Web page. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

11–11:45 p.m.

Item 2–Assessment Update: Jessica Barr, Administrator II, Assessment Development and Administration Division, CDE, will provide an update on the California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress Systems. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

11:45 a.m.–Noon

Item 3–ACSE Commissioner Work Specific to Priority Areas: The ACSE is committed to furthering initiatives and policies that promote one education system that is designed to serve all students. To accomplish this, the Commissioners have developed strategic priorities and disability equity considerations to be used to guide policymakers and those in the field as they evaluate all initiatives through the lens of achieving one education system. Commissioners will review the final version of the Disability Rubric document (PDF), and vote on its adoption. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

Noon–12:15 p.m.

Item 4–Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning Award Recommendation: Mariano Sanz, ACSE Commissioner and Chair of the Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning (GOAL) Award Committee, will share the review process for GOAL applications, highlights of the process, and the Committee's recommendation for the 2015–16 GOAL award recipient. Additional information on the GOAL award can be found on the CDE, Grazer Outstanding Achievement in Learning Web page. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

12:15–1:15 p.m. LUNCH

1:15–1:30 p.m.

Item 5–Selection of the Chair of the Nominations and Elections Committee (NEC). The Commission will select the Chair for the 2015–16 NEC, to oversee the process to elect ACSE officers, and a brief overview of the upcoming election process will be provided. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

1:30–2 p.m.

Item 6–Capital Region Academies for the Next Economy Consortium (CRANE) Training and Transition Presentation: Brendan Peacock, Coordinator, CRANE Training and Transition, will discuss the CRANE Initiative. This program helps Capitol region school districts improve and expand Linked Learning Pathways for students with disabilities by analyzing the local context through a needs assessment, and collaborating in designing an action plan to improve Linked Learning Pathways. For more information, visit the CRANE Web site . (Item type: Information, discussion)

2–2:30 p.m.

Item 7–Blueprint 2.0: Glen Price, Chief Deputy Superintendent of Public Instruction, CDE, will provide an overview of the Blueprint 2.0 program, specifically how special education has been woven through the various initiatives. For more information, visit the CDE, A Blueprint for Great Schools Version 2.0 Web page. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

2:30–3:15 p.m.

Item 8–Born This Way Presentation: Mariano Sanz, ACSE Commissioner; and his daughter, Cristina Sanz, will discuss the new reality show, Born This Way, which stars Cristina. The show follows a group of seven young adults who were each born with Down syndrome. Throughout this docu-series, each cast member pursues their dreams, navigates work, and explores relationships. Mr. Sanz and Cristina will share experiences from her kindergarten through grade twelve (K–12) education, as well as her top recommendations to the field now that she has finished school. For more information, please visit the Born This Way program on the A&E Web site  . (Item type: Information, discussion)

3:15–3:30 p.m.

Item 9–General Public Comment and Organizational Input: Public comment and organizational input is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to a future meeting agenda. Depending on the number of individuals wishing to address the ACSE, the Chair may establish time limits on presentations. (Item type: Information)

Teleconference details:

• Wednesday, February 24, 2016
• 3:15 to 3:30 p.m.
• Call in number: 641-715-3865
• Participant passcode: 595570#

3:30–3:45 p.m.

Item 10–Family Voice: Family Empowerment Centers (FECs) and Parent Training and Information Centers (PTIs) participants will present issues of importance to families. Stakeholders wishing to give public comment via teleconference may contact their local FEC or PTI prior to the meeting to arrange in person comment at the FEC or PTI. A listing of California’s federally funded FECs and PTIs can be found on the CDE, California Parent Organizations Web page or at theCalifornia Family Empowerment Centers on Disability  (PDF). (Item type: Information, discussion)

3:45–4 p.m. BREAK

4–4:30 p.m.

Item 11–Budget Update: Ian Johnson, Principal Program Budget Analyst, California Department of Finance, Education Systems Unit, will provide an update on the Governor’s 2016–17 budget proposal for K–12 education. The budget summary is available on the California Budget Web page  (PDF). The section related to K–12 education begins on page 19. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

4:30–4:45 p.m.

Item 12–State Special Schools Director’s Report: Scott Kerby, Director, State Special Schools and Services Division, CDE. (Item type: Information, discussion)

4:45–5 p.m.

Item 13–Discussion of Day’s Session: Commissioners will discuss the day’s presentations and outcomes (Item type: Information, discussion)

Adjournment of day's session.

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Advisory Commission on Special Education 
Agenda, Thursday, February 25, 2016, 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time 
California Department of Education 
1430 N Street, Room 1101 
Sacramento, California

9–9:15 a.m.

• Call to Order–Roll Call
• Salute to the Flag
• Communication and Announcements
• Review of Agenda

9:15–9:45 a.m.

Item 14–Local Control Funding Formula Update: Jeff Breshears, Director of the Local Agency Systems Support Office, will provide an update on the local control funding formula (LCFF). For details, visit the LCFF Overview Web page and theState Priority Related Resources Web page. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

9:45–10:45 a.m.

Item 15–ACSE Commissioner Work Specific to Priority Areas: Commissioners will meet to discuss items specific to the proposed accountability system, to include the following questions:

• As it relates to students with disabilities, what suggestions does ACSE have related to LCFF Priority 3? For additional information, visit the CDE, Local Control Funding Formula Web page.
• As it relates to middle and high school grades, are there additional indicators that are missing related to students with disabilities, or does the existing data need to be disaggregated more specifically?
• How does ACSE want local educational agencies (LEAs) to disaggregate and use the data?

(Item type: Information, discussion, action)

10:45–11:15 a.m.

Item 16–Special Education in Correctional Facilities Steering Committee Update: James Johnson III, Education Administrator, Focused Monitoring and Technical Assistance Unit Three, SED, CDE, and Chair of the Special Education in Correctional Facilities Steering Committee, will discuss the work of the committee to date. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

11:15–11:30 a.m.

Item 17–Liaison Reports: Updates by ACSE liaisons, SBE liaison, and legislative liaisons. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

11:30–11:45 a.m.

Item 18–General Public Comment and Organizational Input: Public comment and organizational input is invited on any matter, including items not on the agenda. The ACSE is precluded from discussing matters not on the agenda; however, questions may be asked for clarification purposes. Issues raised by the public may be referred to a future meeting agenda. Depending on the number of individuals wishing to address the ACSE, the Chair may establish time limits on presentations. (Item type: Information)

Teleconference details:

• Thursday, February 25, 2016
• 11:30 to 11:45 a.m.
• Call in number: 641-715-3865
• Participant passcode: 595570#

11:45 a.m.–1 p.m. LUNCH

1–1:15 p.m.

Item 19–California’s Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B Application: Jeffrey Reyes, Education Programs Consultant, Quality Assurance Unit, SED, CDE, will report on the federal IDEA application process, including the required 60 day public comment period during which stakeholders are invited to provide verbal or written comment. (Item type: Information)

1:15–2:30 p.m.

Item 20–State Systemic Improvement Plan Update: Chris Drouin, Interim Director, SED, CDE, will provide an update on the development of Indicator 17 of the State Systemic Improvement Plan, Phase II. To view Phase I of the State Systemic Improvement Plan, visit the CDE, SBE Agenda for March 2015 Web page, agenda item one. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

2:30–2:45 p.m.

Item 21–State Special Education Director’s Report: Chris Drouin, Interim Director, SED, CDE. (Item type: Information, discussion)

2:45–3 p.m.

Item 22–Agenda Building for Upcoming ACSE Meeting: Commissioners will discuss potential items to be included on future ACSE meeting agendas. (Item type: Information, discussion, action)

Adjournment of day's session.
Adjournment of meeting. 

Questions: Venetia Davis | vdavis@cde.ca.gov | 916-323-9773 

Last Reviewed: Wednesday, February 10, 2016

 ACSE Agenda February 24-25, 2016 - Administration & Support (CA Dept of Education):

L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public education - LA Times

L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public education - LA Times:

L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public education

Alex Caputo-Pearl

L.A. teachers union President Alex Caputo-Pearl greets people after a 2014 news conference calling for smaller class sizes, fully staffed schools and higher pay for educators. On Wednesday, the union won an internal election over raising dues to pursue these goals. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times)

  Angeles teachers have overwhelmingly agreed to raise their membership duesafter union leaders said they needed more money to battle the growth of non-union charter schools and other challenges to the traditional public education system.

The votes were tallied Wednesday at United Teachers Los Angeles headquarters in Koreatown after members mailed in ballots and cast votes online. Eighty-two percent of those who cast ballots supported the dues increase.

See the most-read stories this hour >>

Union President Alex Caputo Pearl said the 30% increase in dues is needed, in part, to fight well-funded opponents, including foundations and wealthy donors who have bankrolled efforts to limit teacher job protections and spur the growth of charter schools.

Charters are independently operated and currently enroll about 101,000 students in Los Angeles. Because funding is tied to student attendance, a panel of independent experts recently concluded that charter growth could push the L.A. Unified School District into insolvency or force severe cutbacks.

The union and other critics also have asserted that charters serve fewer of the types of public school students who may be more difficult or more expensive to educate because of disabilities, a lack of English language skills or other learning issues.

Charter supporters say their schools provide options that are popular with parents and helpful to students.

Most of the union’s 32,000 members are teachers, but UTLA also represents school nurses, counselor and psychologists. Teachers will now pay nearly $1,000 per year in L.A. teachers union wins dues increase, vows to battle foes of traditional public education - LA Times:

Why We Must Believe (Our Formation) | The Jose Vilson

Why We Must Believe (Our Formation) | The Jose Vilson:

Why We Must Believe (Our Formation)

“Come on, let’s get this done, I believe in you.”

“Why do you always say that, Mr. Vilson, like …”

“Um, because I believe in you.”

“Oh my God, this is, like, the only class I hear a teacher say that …”

It was a weird moment for me. I promised this school year I would change my vibe. I promised myself that I would be more affirmative, more caring, more relaxed, more forgiving. This worked well until December 1st, when my program changed from 90 students to 145 students with no breathing room. I was asked to redistribute the energy I once gave to 3 classes and push myself towards 5. That put a dent in my spirits that didn’t fully heal until Christmas break.

Because this is often the work of alchemists, those who had to make base metals into gold. Or in this Why We Must Believe (Our Formation) | The Jose Vilson:

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter Schools

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter Schools:
Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter Schools

As I have previously stated, I have had public disclosure requests in for some time to various groups including former charter schools in Washington State, OSPI, and the Charter Commission.  I am still awaiting yet another drop from OSPI.

I had a very difficult time getting ahold of anyone from couple of former charters and gave up.  But, if they ARE public schools, there should be no mystery of who is their public disclosure officer and how to contact that person.

The former charter schools I did finally reach?  All told me "March or April" for my requests.  That is interesting that school that had been open less than four months at the time of my narrow request can't get the documentation to me for at least three months.  One of the them, Green Dot, sent my request to their CFO (?) and he okayed it to at least four other people.

It's this kind of subterfuge that gives charters a bad name. 

Here's what I think happened when the Supreme Court came down with their Seattle Schools Community Forum: Finding Out about What Happened During Lull of Washington State Charter Schools:

A California superintendent speaks out on charter schools | Parents Across America

A California superintendent speaks out on charter schools | Parents Across America:

A California superintendent speaks out on charter schools

 The following was shared with us by our newest chapter, PAA-Marin (CA):

18 months into a highly contentious local battle over the conversion of a “district-wide program of choice” into a charter school, which included two unanimous denials by the local school board, and a unanimous denial by our county office of education, the Ross Valley Charter was approved by the CA State Board of Education.

During its twenty year history, the district program had received many critiques, perhaps the most stinging came after a discrimination complaint was investigated by a third party investigator, who found proof that the program had “unintentionally discriminated” against English Language Learners, low-income, and special needs students.

The charter petitioners currently have no location, and are making thinly veiled threats to file a “Prop 39 Request,” which will entitle them to a district school facility which is “reasonably equivalent” to other school sites. Our district may have to close one of its schools to house the charter.

Proposition 39 was a Trojan Horse, which ostensibly made the process for approval of school bonds easier, but which contained the aforementioned provision for charter schools. Proposition 39 was funded by 4 billionaires in the year 2000, including Reed Hastings (Netflix), John Walton (WalMart heir), and two other tech execs.

https://ballotpedia.org/California_Proposition_39,_Supermajority_of_55%25_for_School_Bond_Votes_(2000)

Read more in the local paper here: http://www.marinij.com/general-news/20160120/ross-valley-school-board-ends-multi-age-program

And here: www.saverossvalleyschools.com

They shared the remarks their Superintendent made at the State Board of Ed when the Ross Valley Charter

- See more at: http://parentsacrossamerica.org/california-superintendent-speaks-charter-schools/#sthash.Sx59fzDL.dpuf

What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?

What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?:

What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?

Imagine children in public schools today, who do not read well, but who are undiscovered, gifted artists. They are continually drilled in reading and get few opportunities to express themselves artistically.

In some schools, if a student does not test well in reading they do not get to be in the band, or they are not permitted to sign up for art.

If a student does not test well in reading, their fate is usually sealed. They get repetitive reading remediation–reading drill–to prepare for the tests.

In fact, often struggling schools no longer offer the arts because administrators and state officials are obsessed with testing.

But students with reading difficulties need the arts!

Jane Piirto in her wonderful book Understanding Those Who Create, writes about the What Happens to Artists Who Aren’t Good Readers?:

Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super Bowl | gadflyonthewallblog

Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super Bowl | gadflyonthewallblog:

Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super Bowl

SANTA CLARA, CA – FEBRUARY 07: Beyonce performs during the Pepsi Super Bowl 50 Halftime Show at Levi’s Stadium on February 7, 2016 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Black women’s bodies are scary.

That’s the lesson we learned this Super Bowl Sunday.

When Beyoncé and 30 backup dancers performed a brief rendition of her new song, “Formation” during the halftime show, talking heads all over the countryexploded.

Oh my God! Are those pro-black lyrics!? Are they making an allusion to the Black Panthers!? Was the music video to this song critical of overzealous police murdering black folks!?

Turn off the TV! This is too political for family entertainment!

When did we become so squeamish in this country? Can’t we all just sit back and enjoy seductive women gyrating in unison anymore?

I guess not. Not if they’re black.

Sleek female bodies in tight leather outfits displaying every curve of their Beyoncé Upstaged by White Fragility at the Super Bowl | gadflyonthewallblog: