CUNY's got math problem: Report shows many freshmen from city HS fail at basic algebra

CUNY's got math problem: Report shows many freshmen from city HS fail at basic algebra:

"More city kids are graduating from high school, but that doesn't mean they can do college math.

Basic algebra involving fractions and decimals stumped a group of City University of New York freshmen - suggesting city schools aren't preparing them, a CUNY report shows.

'These results are shocking,' said City College Prof. Stanley Ocken, who co-wrote the report on CUNY kids' skills. 'They show that a disturbing proportion of New York City high school graduates lack basic skills.'"

8th-graders' shot at elite high schools better :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Education

8th-graders' shot at elite high schools better :: CHICAGO SUN-TIMES :: Education:

"Poring over data about eighth-graders who applied to the city's elite college preps, Chicago Public Schools officials discovered an alarming pattern.
High-scoring kids were being rejected simply because of the order in which they listed their college prep preferences."

"I couldn't believe it,'' schools CEO Ron Huberman said. "It's terrible.''

CPS officials said Wednesday they have decided to let any eighth-grader who applied to a college prep for fall 2010 admission re-rank their preferences to better conform with a new selection system.

Previously, some eighth-graders were listing the most competitive college preps as their top choice, forgoing their chances of getting into other schools that would have accepted them if they had ranked those schools higher, official said.

Under the new policy, Huberman said, a computer will assign applicants to the highest-ranked school they qualify for on their list.

The merit-pay test

The merit-pay test:

"With Election Day behind him, Mayor Bloomberg is politically free to drive a much tougher bargain in negotiations on the city's teacher-union contract than he did four years ago.

The current contract expired Oct. 31, and City Hall has already warned that it won't feel bound by the 'pattern' of recent municipal-labor deals, which saw pay hikes of 4 percent. With state and city finances deteriorating by the day, salary raises should be offset by gains elsewhere in the contract, the Citizens Budget Commission recommends.

In tight economic times, real reforms become a must. A 'go along to get along' contract can't be justified."

Dallas-Fort Worth programs helping Hispanic mothers find teaching moments | News for Dallas, Texas | Dallas Morning News | News: Education

Dallas-Fort Worth programs helping Hispanic mothers find teaching moments News for Dallas, Texas Dallas Morning News News: Education

Dallas-Fort Worth programs helping Hispanic mothers find teaching moments


Catalina Vazquez had to become a student herself to learn how to be her child's first teacher.

Jovita Torres wants to help keep her daughter Karen, 3, learning and is doing so with the help of Avance, a program that teaches mothers how to engage their children and prepare them for school. Jovita Torres wants to help keep her daughter Karen, 3, learning and is doing so with the help of Avance, a program that teaches mothers how to engage their children and prepare them for school.

With help from the Dallas nonprofit program Avance, she and other Hispanic mothers are taking a more active role preparing their children for school.
"At school, he likes to read and participate in class," Vazquez said of her 4-year-old son, Angel. "The teacher asked, 'Who taught him this?'

China’s Tough Measures on Flu Appear to Pay Off - NYTimes.com

China’s Tough Measures on Flu Appear to Pay Off - NYTimes.com:

"CHANGGANG, China — Few farmers in this southern village gave much thought to the epidemic that had begun spreading rapidly in the United States early this summer until the authorities sealed its 100 residents off from the outside world for about a week. It turned out that a visitor from California had shown symptoms of the swine flu virus, or H1N1, when he arrived for a funeral."

Quarantines and medical detentions are among the aggressive measures that Chinese officials have taken to slow the transmission of H1N1, which quickly spread worldwide after being diagnosed first in North America.

To protests from around the world, China isolated entire planeloads of people entering the country if anyone on the plane exhibited flulike symptoms. Local authorities canceled school classes at the slightest hint of the disease and ordered students and teachers to stay home. China was virtually alone in taking such harsh measures, which continued throughout most of the summer.

Author will speak about multicultural education - News

Author will speak about multicultural education - News:

"This year's multicultural education conference will feature Brian D. Schultz, author of 'Spectacular Things Happen Along the Way,' an acclaimed and widely read book by Sacramento State education students.

The 16th Annual Multicultural Education Conference entitled 'Social Justice Through Civic Engagement and Action' will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 14 at the University Union.

It will include a panel forum by the candidates for California State Superintendent of Public Instruction and multiple presentations by faculty and graduate students from the department. Schultz will also have a book signing after the candidates' forum."

Editorial: State must stop destruction of higher education - San Jose Mercury News

Editorial: State must stop destruction of higher education - San Jose Mercury News:

"Faced with a $42 million budget cut, San Jose State University is making the best of a terrible situation.

It will cut enrollment by 2,500 students next year, on top of the 3,000 slots eliminated last year, and give priority to applicants from Santa Clara County. The strategy will help preserve the quality of instruction, and it's the fairest way to choose who will get a coveted spot at SJSU.

Some rejected applicants may be admitted to another California State University campus. But given that the system is shrinking overall enrollment by 40,000, many will end up on the doorsteps of community colleges. These schools are dealing with catastrophic budget cuts of their own."

Michigan will be among the poorest states for years, study says | freep.com | Detroit Free Press

Michigan will be among the poorest states for years, study says freep.com Detroit Free Press:

"Reliance on a shrinking automotive industry, the loss of 1 million jobs, outmoded taxes and lack of government reforms will make Michigan one of the nation's 10 poorest states for the foreseeable future, according to a study released Wednesday."

Michigan's state government -- trailing just Rhode Island and Arizona -- was amid nine states in danger of following California into an even deeper financial crisis, the report by the Pew Center on the States said.

"Michigan is adjusting to a new normal, where the state may just have to deal with a permanent set of pared-back services," said Susan Urahn, managing director for the Washington-based think tank.

Michigan suffers because of chronic deficits fed in part by generous tax exemptions to businesses and retirees and no tax on services, the report says. People 65 and older are the only segment of Michigan's population that's growing.

"In 20 years, we're going to look like Florida if the demographic trends continue, and no one's going to be paying taxes except those ... working," Mitch Bean of the House Fiscal Agency told researchers.

Schwarzenegger estimates another $17 billion budget shortfall -- will education pay again?

Schwarzenegger estimates another $17 billion budget shortfall -- will education pay again?:

"Governor Schwarzenegger is predicting a $17 billion dollar budget shortfall and stated that he will once again propose cuts across the board as the choice method for balancing the budget; however there are only two things that the State of California is constitutionally obligated to pay: for education and for the debts it incurs.

School districts across the State have made unprecedented cuts already. Minimum guarantees have fallen victim to the Sacramento game of smoke and mirrors and the original intent of safeguards, such as Prop 98, have been manipulated and distorted under the guise of not “hurting” education."

After Criticism, the Administration Is Praised for Final Rules on Education Grants - NYTimes.com

After Criticism, the Administration Is Praised for Final Rules on Education Grants - NYTimes.com:

"Three months after provoking an outpouring of criticism with preliminary plans for the nation’s largest competitive education grant program, the Obama administration has added flexibility in the final rules, released Wednesday, drawing praise from a state governor who was initially critical and from leaders of the national teachers’ unions.

But the Race to the Top program, which will reward some states undertaking bold school improvement initiatives with awards totaling $4 billion, retains politically volatile elements."

California could get up to $700 million in U.S. education funds -- latimes.com

California could get up to $700 million in U.S. education funds -- latimes.com:

"California could be eligible for up to $700 million in federal education stimulus funds under guidelines scheduled to be released today by the U.S. Department of Education.

Earlier this year, the Obama administration proposed a series of reforms, including abolishing charter school caps and using student test score data to evaluate educators, as part of a $4.35-billion competitive grant known as Race to the Top. The administration accepted public comment for several months before finalizing the regulations."

Report: 10 states face looming budget disasters | digitalBURG.com

Report: 10 states face looming budget disasters digitalBURG.com:

"SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)--In Arizona, the budget has grown so gloomy that lawmakers are considering mortgaging Capitol buildings. In Michigan, state officials dealing with the nation's highest unemployment rate are slashing spending on schools and health care.

Drastic financial remedies are no longer limited to California, where a historic budget crisis earlier this year grew so bad that state agencies issued IOUs to pay bills.

A study released Wednesday warned that at least nine other big states are also barreling toward economic disaster, raising the likelihood of higher taxes, more government layoffs and deep cuts in services"

Faculty works to better SCUSD middle schools - News

Faculty works to better SCUSD middle schools - News:

"Four Sacramento State faculty members have teamed together to work with the Sacramento City Unified School District to improve middle school teaching in science, mathematics and English.

Their professional development project is funded by a four-year Improving Teacher Quality grant, recently awarded by the California Postsecondary Education Commission. The $986,120 grant is part of the federal No Child Left Behind Act.

Led by Pia Wong, professor of bilingual and multicultural education, the project will focus on improving teaching skills and boosting student achievement.

The other faculty members involved are Scott Farrand, professor of mathematics, Judi Kusnick, professor of geology and Debbie Stetson, project director for the CSUS Mathematics Project."

Education Week: For $20, Kids Can Buy a Better Grade

Education Week: For $20, Kids Can Buy a Better Grade:

"Selling candy didn't raise much money last year, so a North Carolina middle school is selling grades.

A $20 donation to Rosewood Middle School in Goldsboro, N.C., will get a student 20 test points—10 extra points on two tests of the student's choosing. That could raise a B to an A, or a failing grade to a D.

Susie Shepherd, the principal, said a parent advisory council came up with the idea, and she endorsed it. She said the council was looking for a new way to raise money."

"Last year they did chocolates, and it didn't generate anything," Shepherd said.

Shepherd rejected the suggestion that the school is selling grades. Extra points on two tests won't make a difference in a student's final grade, she said.

It's wrong to think that "one particular grade could change the entire focus of nine weeks," Shepherd said.

Patrick Kennedy: November 10th Campaign Update

Patrick Kennedy

November 10th Campaign Update

Oktoberfest Celebration was a Great Success!

Last month, we held our Oktoberfest Celebration at Sierra 2. The event was a great success with over $25,000 raised. This brings us even closer to our fundraising goals. It was a fun evening with friends and neighbors new and old. I was grateful to see a number of community leaders like County Supervisor Roger Dickinson, City Council Member Sandy Sheedy, SMUD Board Member Nancy Bui and Sacramento City School Board Members Ellyne Bell and Donald Terry stop by to enjoy the sauerbraten and beer.

Reaching out to Neighbors

Our outreach to neighbors continues to gain momentum. We recently kicked off our coffee program with a goal of holding a coffee one night every week throughout the District. If you are interested in scheduling a coffee in your home or place of business, please contact Judy at 446-4434. We supply the refreshments and all we ask of you is to invite your neighbors and friends with questions and concerns about your neighborhood and the City. We try to make it very little work for our hosts, plus we always have a good time.

Walking Your Neighborhood

We continue to walk our neighborhoods reaching out to voters throughout the district. Walking door-to-door has shown our neighbors to be engaged and ready to share their opinions – input that will serve me well when on the Council. As always, contact us through our website (www.patrick-kennedy.com) if you want to join us on a neighborhood walk.

And speaking of the website, we recently had our 15,000th visitor! I encourage everybody to sign up through the website (www.patrick-kennedy.com) and our Facebook fan page to ensure you are getting up to date information on the campaign.

Finally, please feel free to contact me personally at patrick@patrick-kennedy.com

or call me at 446-4434 if you have questions of me or if you have information you think would be helpful to the campaign.

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Asks School Paper to 'Tidy Up' Remarks - NYTimes.com

Justice Anthony M. Kennedy Asks School Paper to 'Tidy Up' Remarks - NYTimes.com:

"WASHINGTON — The school newspaper at Dalton, a private school in Manhattan, contained a cryptic note from its editors last Friday."

“We are not able to cover the recent visit by a Supreme Court justice due to numerous publication constraints,” the note said. It promised “an explanation of the regrettable delay” in the next issue.

It turns out that Justice Anthony M. Kennedy, widely regarded as one of the court’s most vigilant defenders of First Amendment values, had provided the newspaper, The Daltonian, with a lesson about journalistic independence. Justice Kennedy’s office had insisted on approving any article about a talk he gave to an assembly of Dalton high school students on Oct. 28.

A Parent’s Unemployment Stress Trickles Down to the Children - NYTimes.com

A Parent’s Unemployment Stress Trickles Down to the Children - NYTimes.com:

"THE WOODLANDS, Tex. — Paul Bachmuth’s 9-year-old daughter, Rebecca, began pulling out strands of her hair over the summer. His older child, Hannah, 12, has become noticeably angrier, more prone to throwing tantrums."

Initially, Mr. Bachmuth, 45, did not think his children were terribly affected when he lost his job nearly a year ago. But now he cannot ignore the mounting evidence.
“I’m starting to think it’s all my fault,” Mr. Bachmuth said.

As the months have worn on, his job search travails have consumed the family, even though the Bachmuths were outwardly holding up on unemployment benefits, their savings and the income from the part-time job held by Mr. Bachmuth’s wife, Amanda. But beneath the surface, they have been a family on the brink. They have watched their children struggle with behavioral issues and a stress-induced disorder. He finally got a job offer last week, but not before the couple began seeing a therapist to save their marriage

Holiday meal: Nov. 30 sign-up for volunteers - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health | Sacramento Bee

Holiday meal: 30 sign-up for volunteers - Sacramento Living - Sacramento Food and Wine, Home, Health Sacramento Bee:

"One of the hottest seasonal banquets around doesn't cost money and isn't taking reservations: It's the annual holiday meal held Dec. 24 at the Veterans Memorial Center in Davis.
Hundreds of diners line up for the chance to enjoy a free buffet and celebrate the season with community members from all walks of life. As Americans focus on enjoying simpler things this holiday season, this Davis tradition stands out like a beacon."

"Everyone is welcome and everyone comes," says Ellen Pontac, a longtime holiday meal volunteer. "Homeless people come, and people who really need a meal, but mostly people who want to get together as a community."

The holiday meal turns 24 this year. Originally begun by two Davis Food Co-op employees far from home at Christmas, the event has grown to gigantic proportions.

Calitics:: Bad: Bonds Sold at 4%, Worse: We Just Put $11 Billion More on the Ballot

Calitics:: Bad: Bonds Sold at 4%, Worse: We Just Put $11 Billion More on the Ballot:

"In a rather disheartening statement about the status of California's debt, the state was forced to pay a shockingly high 4% (tax-free) for about $1.9 Billion in bonds sold this week:

Borrowing $1.9 billion on Tuesday via bonds that mature in June 2013, the state was forced to pay a 4% annualized tax-free yield to lure investors. As recently as Friday the brokerages underwriting the deal, led by Goldman Sachs, had estimated that the bonds could be sold at a yield of 3%.

The boost in the yield demanded by investors reflects the 'saturation' of the market with California debt over the last seven weeks, said George Strickland, a bond fund manager at Thornburg Investment Management in Santa Fe, N.M. Since Sept. 23 the state has sold more than $21 billion in short- and long-term debt for budget-related reasons and to fund infrastructure projects. (LA Times 11/11/09)"

Moving On | California Progress Report

Moving On California Progress Report:

"Tuesday as the California Progress Report ushered in its new site, I am moving on. It was just a year ago in December that I took over as Editor of the California Progress Report as Frank Russo the founder, took a position as Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Nancy Skinner.

This has been an interesting but tough year for California. We have had multiple budget crises that have seen our school, our social services, and other critical funding cut to the bone. We have seen furloughs and other cuts impact our state workers. And we have been crippled the shortcomings of our legislative process that has on more than one occasion seen the process ground to a halt and real reform fleeting."

David Greenwald is a contributing writer for the California Progress Report. His online journal The People’s Vanguard of Davis uncovers the news in and around the city of Davis.