Missouri Education Watchdog: This is Why We Are Against Common Core Standards

Missouri Education Watchdog: This is Why We Are Against Common Core Standards:

This is Why We Are Against Common Core Standards

by stlgretchen

But I'm too young to read informational text.  I'm only in kindergarten.

Is this scenario coming soon to a kindergarten class in your school district?  Teachers are mandated to teach developmentally inappropriate standards, assessments and curricula to district students.  What do you think will happen?  Will endlessly assessing students in kindergarten make them more ready for the global workforce or will they dissolve in tears and view school as something to avoid at all costs? 

THIS is what teachers, parents, school board members and legislators need to understand about Common Core standards.  When students implode, there is nothing your school can do.  Schools can't subtract 

Jeb Bush’s “Shaky Success Record” | Scathing Purple Musings

Jeb Bush’s “Shaky Success Record” | Scathing Purple Musings:

Jeb Bush’s “Shaky Success Record”

by Bob Sikes

Jeb Bush’s recent hyperbole is that of a man who knows he’s under fire. Consider this from Metro Pulse reporter Cari Wade Gervin:

On Monday, former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush came to Nashville for a press event with Gov. Bill Haslam.
“This is a time of great importance for our country, and this is the single most important thing we can be doing,” Bush stated at one point.
What was this matter of such urgency? Did it involve national security? A fiscal crisis? The battle over gun control?
None of the above. Bush was referring to school vouchers (and, by default, education reform in general). In a brief media avail after the event, Haslam announced that he would indeed be 

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTABLES:

WEEKEND QUOTABLES

by Mike Klonsky

The Seattle Times/Associated Press"We've been raising our voices about this deeply flawed test for a long time," said Jesse Hagopian, who teaches history at Garfield High School,  But now that the district is using the test for evaluations, we've drawn our line in the sand." -- WSJ

Valerie Strauss, Wash. Post

Here’s a question: Has anybody told President Obama  that his education policies have resulted in a growing revolt against standardized testing? -- The Answer Sheet

Bill Gates

In the past year, I have been struck by how important measurement is to improving the human 

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE LAYS OUT THREE PRONGS OF THE PRIVATIZATION BATTLE PLAN (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE LAYS OUT THREE PRONGS OF THE PRIVATIZATION BATTLE PLAN (VIDEO) - Perdaily.com:

SAN FRANCISCO PUBLIC EDUCATION CONFERENCE LAYS OUT THREE PRONGS OF THE PRIVATIZATION BATTLE PLAN (VIDEO)

by Leonard Isenberg

On January 19, 2013 I went up to San Francisco for a conference on the privatization of public education. My part of the presentation at the conference had to do with the nationwide witch hunt to rid LAUSD and districts like it around the country of teachers at the top of the salary scale, about to vest in lifetime health benefits, or who run afoul of their administrator for not following orders, no matter how illegal or irrational they are.

In addition to my presentation public education veterans Danny Weil and Jack Gershon made incredibly insightful presentations. Take the time to watch the following videos, share them with your friends, network, and give us some feedback.

Rubber Rooms, Teacher Bullying, Privatization and The LAUSD and...

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The Corporate Privatization Raiders Destroying Public Education & ... 

NYC Educator: Negotiation, New York Style

NYC Educator: Negotiation, New York Style:

Negotiation, New York Style

by NYC Educator

There was a monster hit song by some guy named Psy, who I never heard of. It was called Gangnam Style. As far as I could determine, understanding no Korean whatsoever, in Gangnam everyone jumps up and down like a horse when they dance. Everyone was talking about it. A music teacher I know was horrified. It was garbage, he said. But most people seemed to like it.

On the other hand, New York is a tough town. Our style is completely different. Frank Sinatra said if you could make it here, you could make it anywhere. Governor Andrew Cuomo doesn't dance. It would probably be dangerous for him, as he lives with Sandra Lee. I've seen her cook, and that food looks toxic at 

Newark Parents and Activists Take School Closure Complaint to D.C. for Civil Rights Hearing - NJ Spotlight

Newark Parents and Activists Take School Closure Complaint to D.C. for Civil Rights Hearing - NJ Spotlight:

Newark Parents and Activists Take School Closure Complaint to D.C. for Civil Rights Hearing

Complaint contends that Christie's school turnaround plan does nothing for poor black and Hispanic students

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By John Mooney, January 28, 2013 in Education |Post a Comment

Sharon Smith, activist and mother of three, who filed the Newark civil rights complaint.

Forty Newark parents and activists boarded a charter bus to Washington, D.C., late yesterday to join in what is becoming a growing backlash to public school closures in cities across the country.

Related Links

Newark Title VI Complaint

The contingent is headed to a hearing at the U.S. Department of Education on Tuesday to deal with civil rights complaints filed in Newark and nearly a dozen other cities against the increasing use of closures as part of so-called school turnaround efforts.

The state-run Newark Public Schools last year closed six facilities that were deemed underperforming and underenrolled. Some were then reopened or rented out to charters. More public schools are expected to be evaluated for the coming academic year.

As in other states, the Newark closures have been criticized as destabilizing to neighborhoods and not offering any improvement for students, who are predominantly poor and African-American or Hispanic.

That was the gist of the complaint filed by a Newark mother and student to the U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights last July, part of what is becoming a well-organized and funded nationwide effort pushing back against the closures.

The Office of Civil Rights accepted the Newark complaint and said in a letter this month that the 

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: I'm Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll!

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: I'm Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll!:

I'm Not That Super Teacher: When Teaching Takes Its Toll!

by Lisa M

My eyes are burning.

My blood pressure is high for the first time in 53 years.
My doctor swears that I have mild arthritis in my knees.

"Faster than a speeding bullet, more powerful than a locomotive, and able to leap tall buildings in a single bound"

Nope, not me, I'm not that Super Teacher. 


I think it's all getting to me.

No, I am not quitting. Withstanding all the crap stuff that comes with the job, I still love teaching.

But, I wonder...

Do my eyes bur

Davos Considers Learning’s Next Wave - NYTimes.com

Davos Considers Learning’s Next Wave - NYTimes.com:

Davos Forum Considers Learning’s Next Wave

By ALISON SMALE

Published: January 27, 201

DAVOS, Switzerland — She may not have been the youngest speaker ever at the World Economic Forum in Davos, but Khadija Niazi, 12, was certainly captivating.

Hundreds of the conference’s well-heeled attendees listened intently as Ms. Niazi, of Lahore, Pakistan, described her experience with massive open online courses, known as MOOCs, that are spreading rapidly around the globe.

MOOCs are vastly extending the reach of professors at some of the world’s best universities, particularly at Stanford, Harvard, M.I.T., Yale, Princeton, the University of Pennsylvania and Duke.

Ms. Niazi has been taking courses, free so far, from Udacity and Coursera, two of the earliest providers of this new form of instruction. Her latest enthusiasm is for astrobiology, because she is fascinated by U.F.O.’s and wants to become 

One Teacher's Perspective: Far Right, But Far From Right

One Teacher's Perspective: Far Right, But Far From Right:

Far Right, But Far From Right

by Imagine Wisconsin

What’s right for public education is complicated. Opinions on what’s right are as diverse as the variables that affect school performance. My opinion of what’s right for public schools includes a Broader, Bolder Approach to Education, a culture of collaboration, teacher leadership, integration (racially and economically), respect for the teacher’s voice, ongoing professional development, student-centered learning, school-led community partnerships, recognition that learning is beyond measure, differentiated instruction, and, above all, extensive social and academic support for our neediest students.  My opinion alone is complicated.

In formulating comprehensive education ideas, I lean on the thoughts of model teachers (like Dwain

Pension Panic Fueled by Anti-Worker Politics? | MyFDL

Pension Panic Fueled by Anti-Worker Politics? | MyFDL:

Pension Panic Fueled by Anti-Worker Politics?
By: Michelle Chen Friday January 25, 2013 8:50 pm	Tweet5

Pew Center on the States

Originally posted at In These Times

It’s a common refrain in local papers: State faces pension funding crisis! Retiree benefits out of control! Public pensions bog down taxpayers! Pension costs seem to loom over so many state and local budget battles like a sinister sword of Damocles, a dark reminder of Big Government’s tyrannical profligacy.

Should we panic? Well, according to a new report by the Pew Center on the States, 61 cities face a collective fiscal retirement burden of more than $210 billion, in part because consistent underfunding of benefits leaves yawning gaps in long-term cost projections. The report surveyed all U.S. cities with populations over 500,000, along with the most populous city in each state. Some cities are doing better than others in maintaining funds, but gaps persist, according to Pew’s estimates for fiscal years 2007-

Defend public schools, our children, our democracy « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!

Defend public schools, our children, our democracy « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!:

Defend public schools, our children, our democracy

by millerlf

Jan. 26, 2013

This op-ed was submitted by 11 leaders of community and education organizations in Milwaukee.
We need communitywide discussion and action to protect the future of the Milwaukee Public Schools.
We welcome input from all who believe in and support quality public education for all children.
We represent thousands of parents, community members and educators who have been working – and will continue to work – to ensure that all children receive a first-class education comparable to anywhere else in the state.
A Jan. 20 Crossroads op-ed by the executive board of Milwaukee Succeeds highlights the need to secure a 

Students Last: Infraction Transaction: City To Fine Students For Misbehaving

Students Last: Infraction Transaction: City To Fine Students For Misbehaving:

Infraction Transaction: City To Fine Students

by Students Last

New York City - Facing a shortfall of almost half a billion dollars because his administration has failed to reach an agreement with city teachers over an evaluation system, Mayor Bloomberg has devised a new way to raise funds for education. He's going to allow schools to begin fining students for violating Department of Education policies.

"The idea of there being consequences for actions is not a new one," said hizzoner on Friday at a press conference announcing the new program entitled "Infraction Transaction." "It's just that this time, the consequences will contain a financial pinch. Beginning next year, students will be fined if they break school rules. While the amounts will be minimal, anywhere from a quarter to $5.00 per infraction, we expect the results 

Engaging Parents In School… » This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter

Engaging Parents In School… » This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter:

This Week’s #PTchat On Twitter

by Larry Ferlazzo

Guest post by Gwen Pescatore

This Week’s #PTchat on Twitter – 9PM EDT – Wed, Jan 30th
Tweetchat Link (for non-twitterers)

Image credit: 25.media.tumblr.com

Literacy is defined as the ability to read for knowledge and interest, write coherently, and think critically about the written word.  The importance of good reading and writing skills will never disappear, and they cannot be achieved at school alone. 

This week on #ptchat we’ll share ideas on how can we encourage kids to take the time to read beyond what’s required; for their own personal satisfaction, outside of school assignments, amidst busy schedules and technology distractions?  What are some ways to encourage deeper thought so students can make the connection between what they’ve read and their experiences (both in the past and future)?

Joining us for the chat are two great literacy minds: Aliscia Lee (@AlisciaLee), Title 1 Reading Specialist at Knapp Elementary in Lansdale PA; and Penny Kittle (@PennyKittle), author, English teacher and literacy coach at Kennett High School in Conway, NH and in the summer at University of New Hampshire Literacy Institutes in Durham, NH.

Thanks to moderator Gwen Pescatore for facilitating this week’s #ptchat!

Harris-Perry: Schools targeted for closure have ‘predominantly minority kids’ | The Raw Story

Harris-Perry: Schools targeted for closure have ‘predominantly minority kids’ | The Raw Story:

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Harris-Perry: Schools targeted for closure have ‘predominantly minority kids’

By Samantha Kimmey Sunday, January 27, 2013 20:21 EST

Share on facebookShare on redditShare on diggShare on twitterShare on farkShare on stumbleupon2

 

Topics: Alliance for Quality Education ♦ D.C. ♦ Melissa Harris-Perry ♦ U.S. Department of Education in Washington

 

On Melissa Harris-Perry on Sunday, she and a panel of journalists and advocates discussed the closure of underperforming schools in the country.

Harris-Perry said that there were discussions of closing “17 in NYC, 37 in Philadelphia, 15 in Washington, D.C., and possibly as many as 15 or more in Chicago.”

“The catch?” she asked. “The vast majority of them are filled with children who are predominantly minority kids and from low-income families.”

Harris-Perry is referring to the movement to close

On Tuesday, “students, parents, and advocacy representatives from 18 major cities are taking their case to the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, D.C. Their argument: those who decide which schools to close are unfairly targeting poor and mostly African American schools. And that constitutes a civil rights violation.”

Zakiyah Ansari, advocacy director for Alliance for Quality Education, called it an “epidemic.”

The coalition wants a national moratorium on school closings and colocations, to meet with 

SI&A Cabinet Report – Teachers get hands-on instructing algebra to at risk middle school students

SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources:

Teachers get hands-on instructing algebra to at risk middle school students
By Tom Chorneau
Monday, January 28, 2013

There was a time when Mike Moser’s math classes at Park Middle School in Antioch would probably have looked a lot like every other in America.

Students sitting in straight rows; eyes up front. No talking to neighbors and, certainly, everyone does their own work. Moser, too, would have led the room in a conventional manner, with his back mostly to the kids, scribbling on the board while explaining the problem that some students would understand and other might not.

Things are different today.

The students huddle in groups of two’s and three’s, quietly comparing notes; struggling; challenging; collaborating.

Moser’ role has also been recast. No longer standing static at the front of the room, he roams about. Engaging some, pushing others; providing hints with a nod or a shrug. The burden is clearly on the kids.

There’s unfamiliar stuff too. Construction paper, sometimes folded neatly into cubes that resemble pieces in a Tetris 

New federal athletic guidance calls for equal opportunity for disabled

Few would deny that athletics are an integral part of school activities in the United States. Yet for many students with disabilities full participation in these programs has often been blocked if not overtly denied.