6-9-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER:

A new one from @mornamcdermott, is it the blue or the red pill? #highered

by Chalk Face, PhD

Once again, a well-researched and detailed piece from Educational Alchemy. Quick question, and this is for higher ed: why the hell would college syllabi need to be aligned to common core? I thought being college and career ready meant you were, you know, ready for college and we could move on?  Whose ridiculous idea is […]

Another experiment: #edreform news briefs as WW2 propaganda reels

by Chalk Face, PhD

As if I don’t have other things to think about, I wanted to experiment with providing perhaps bi-monthly news reels sort of summarizing what’s been happening. And I wanted to try a different format. Let’s see where this one goes until I’m tired of it. Or, if folks like it, it’ll stay. So, enjoy the […]

Next Chapter Begins Tomorrow.

from @ the chalk face by Timothy D. Slekar

In 1985 I went to a state University and majored in elementary education. In 1989 I taught 32 second graders in Virginia In 1991 I moved to Pennsylvania and taught fifth graders In 1995 I finished my Master’s Degree and began work on my PhD at the University of Maryland at College Park. From 1996-1999 […]

Common Resistance to Common Core

by Jim Horn

Common Resistance to Common Core Jim Horn The New York Times has an opinion piece today that suggests that opposition to Common Core State [sic] Standards is mostly from the Far Right.  That’s simply wrong.  Long before the Tea Party noticed that opposition to CCSS could be another cudgel to use on Team Obama, and […]

On the Art of Ignorance and Other Stories

by plthomasedd

In Kurt Vonnegut‘s Cat’s Cradle, The Book of Bokonon appears to be prescient about David Coleman, Bill Gates, Michelle Rhee, or Arne Duncan: “Beware of the man who works hard to learn something, learns it, and finds himself no wiser than before,” Bokonon tells us. “He is full of murderous resentment of people who are […]

Reflections on the One Voice Rally in Albany

by Kris Nielsen

If you’ve ever wondered where you can find the biggest collection of superheroes, find a place where there are lots and lots of public school teachers.  Find a place that looks like Albany’s Empire State Plaza on June 8, 2013.  This is the day when almost 20,000 educators, parents, and citizens showed up to tell […]

All Week 6-8-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 38 minutes ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: [image: gears] A Revenue First Agenda: Open Commentary to Triggermen Ben Austin and Bruce William Smith rdsathene * Robert D. Skeels at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 6 hours ago These myths falsely portrayed desegregation’s failures as the product of autonomous individual choice. Meanwhile, these myths obscured inequalities in desegregation. A new, but parallel, kind of mythmaking about choice is underway in today’s charter school efforts. — Ansley T. Erickson Parent Revolution’s executive director, wealthy white Beverly Hills lawyer... more »

6-8-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 9 hours ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: [image: gears] A Revenue First Agenda: Open Commentary to Triggermen Ben Austin and Bruce William Smith by rdsathene * Robert D. Skeels These myths falsely portrayed desegregation’s failures as the product of autonomous individual choice. Meanwhile, these myths obscured inequalities in desegregation. A new, but parallel, kind of mythmaking about choice is underway in today’s charter school efforts. — Ansley T. Erickson Parent Revolution’s executive director, wealthy white Beverly Hills lawyer Ben Austin, has made himself out […] *All Wee... more »

How to survive our education battles - Class Struggle - The Washington Post

How to survive our education battles - Class Struggle - The Washington Post:

How to survive our education battles

By Jay Mathews E-mail the writer

The latest fashions in the American education system are, as usual, inspiring raucous debate. I try to take sides in these arguments. Isn’t it my job to explain who’s right? But I wonder.

There is much chatter, for instance, over education historian Diane Ravitch’s fiery assault on Ben Austin, founder of the Parent Revolution organization. The California “parent trigger law” Austin sponsored just cost a Los Angeles principal her job. Fifty-three percent of parents at the Weigand Avenue Elementary School in the city’s Watts neighborhood signed a petition to fire Irma Cobian after three years of low scores. The school board obeyed the law and let Cobian go.

But 21 of the 22 teachers at the school said they were so upset at the firing that they would seek transfers to other schools. Ravitch called Austin “loathsome” for ruining “the life and career of a dedicated educator.” Ravitch said “there is a special place in hell” for those who administer and support Austin’s “revolting organization.”

We are also embroiled in a national argument over the new Common Core standards — and associated curricula — being installed in 45 states and the District. It would take at least a semester course to 

Ed Notes Online: Baby, I'm Crazy While a NYC Parent Says I May Not Be

Ed Notes Online: Baby, I'm Crazy While a NYC Parent Says I May Not Be:

Baby, I'm Crazy While a NYC Parent Says I May Not Be

by ed notes online

People -- some even in MORE -- have branded me as a "crazy" due to my constant assault on the UFT leadership.

Thus I was surprised to get this email from a parent activist, fairly newly minted (a year) activist -- someone who is enormously respected on so many levels -- who I had no idea read this blog who sent this.

Norm, I have to confess that when I first read your writings (only a little over a year ago), I was impressed but thought you might be a little bit of a wild-eyed radical. Now I see you as a paragon of reason and common sense and have absolute faith in your vision. I wish you were a wild-eyed radical, because that would mean the world we're actually in made more sense than it does. Thank you and keep writing always!

Glad to have another "crazy" on board. 

Albany Rally on Testing Draws 25,000 and some Pineapples and Hares

by ed notes online

I didn't go because I ain't a-marching anymore -- this week.*

Leonie has some reports, the first with text of her speech and a video.

http://bcove.me/ltvtqi55

Video of massive rally in Albany today and my speech

The rally in Albany was massive today; with estimates of 25,000.  You can get a sense of the size from the video 

Black Agenda Report - Bill Thompson: The powerful lobbyists and their clients are making sure that Bloombergism will continue without Bloomberg

by ed notes online

Freedom Rider: Et tu Bill Thompson?

Wed, 06/05/2013 - 00:03 — Margaret Kimberley

Gates Foundation looking to make nice with teachers | Education | The Seattle Times

Gates Foundation looking to make nice with teachers | Education | The Seattle Times:

Gates Foundation looking to make nice with teachers

Five years into the second phase of its mission to overhaul America’s public schools, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is moving to work more closely with teachers, generating interest but also wariness because of past hostilities.

By Linda Shaw

Seattle Times education reporter

Bill Gates, tempering his views on teachers?

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On a cool, February morning in Scottsdale, Ariz., last year, 250 teachers gathered in a hotel ballroom at the biggest conference for teachers the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation had likely ever held.

A few principals and superintendents were in the room, too, along with people from advocacy groups, but the vast majority were classroom teachers, mostly from Tampa, Pittsburgh, Memphis and other school districts with big Gates grants.

Many felt a little out of place in such a fancy hotel, 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Hamilton for Next Year from Superintendent Banda

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Hamilton for Next Year from Superintendent Banda:

Hamilton for Next Year from Superintendent Banda

by Melissa Westbrook

Thank you to Grey Watch for putting this up (bold mine).  I would say, from the Superintendent's statements, that Hamilton is going to be a lot like Eckstein for next year. 

June 7, 2013

Dear Hamilton International Middle School community,

As many of you are aware, enrollment is on the rise throughout our school district, including at Hamilton International Middle School. At every school we must balance the safety and security of our students with the need to ensure all of our students receive a high quality education.

For the 2013-14 school year, we are planning for 1,100 students at HIMS – an increase over our current enrollment of 975. We believe we can serve this number of students in our current space. We are not 

Peg with Pen: Get the Message Clear re: #commoncore #highstakestesting

Peg with Pen: Get the Message Clear re: #commoncore #highstakestesting:

Get the Message Clear re: #commoncore #highstakestesting

by Peggy

The common core and high stakes testing must both go down. It cannot be one or the other. Very concerned that the message I hear today is asking for more time to implement the core, more time to make better tests, more time for teachers to get accustomed to the common core. This is not good enough for our children. This is exactly what the corp. ed. reformers want us to say. We have an opportunity to end this - but if we accept any part of their equation we lose. Our children lose. Do not believe - for one second - that the common core is manageable - it is developmentally inappropriate, it is not field-tested, and it is going to encourage lockstep curriculum in our most needy schools - and - if you think they will give you the CC without the HST think again. They need them both to privatize our public schools. We must get our message clear. Teachers know how to 

THE 99 CENTS STORE EDUCATION FOR THE 99% - Perdaily.com

THE 99 CENTS STORE EDUCATION FOR THE 99% - Perdaily.com:

THE 99 CENTS STORE EDUCATION FOR THE 99%

by Leonard Isenberg

(Mensaje se repite en Español)

In the old world from which most of our ancestors came, America served as a beacon, because unlike the stratified world of our origin, America was a place where if you worked hard both you and your family could prosper. 

Fundamental to this ability to prosper was the availability of having your children educated at public expense to their highest potential. This gave access to the same high level of critical thinking skills education that in the old country had been reserved only to the rich and upper class. Vindication of this revolutionary idea has been the unparalleled economic and intellectual achievement that the United States has been able to attain up until now, which has made us the leading society- both economically and 

Special Episode of At the Chalk Face w. Sara Wottawa 06/08 by Chalk Face | Blog Talk Radio

Special Episode of At the Chalk Face w. Sara Wottawa 06/08 by Chalk Face | Blog Talk Radio:

Special Episode of At the Chalk Face w. Sara Wottawa

Chalk Face

3 hours ago

Listen to internet radio with Chalk Face on BlogTalkRadio

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6.8.13: Before we go on a brief hiatus, we're going out with a bang. Parent activist Sara Wottawa is going to join us and tell us all how she keeps it real. Come and get some advice on parent activism, Saturday, 6PM EST. Chat's open, live tweet @thechalkface, and call ins welcome and encouraged.

Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress

Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress:

Bill Introduced: H.R.2237 DIPLOMA Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To strengthen student achievement and graduation rates and prepare young people for college, careers, and citizenship through innovative partnerships that meet the comprehensive needs of children and youth.

Bill Introduced: S.1062 Educator Preparation Reform Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to improve quality and accountability for educator preparation programs.

Bill Introduced: S.1052 Growing Education Achievement Training Academies for Teachers and Principals Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to create and expand innovative teacher and principal preparation programs known as teacher and principal preparation academies.

Bill Introduced: S.1033 Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to authorize a grant program to promote physical education, activity, and fitness and nutrition, and to ensure healthy students, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: S.1063 Effective Teaching and Leading Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to improve teacher quality, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2196 Growing Education Achievement Training Academies for Teachers and Principals Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To create and expand innovative teacher and principal preparation programs known as teacher and principal preparation academies.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2159 21st Century STEM Competitive Jobs Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to direct the Secretary of Education to carry out a STEM grant program.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2172 Educator Preparation Reform Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To improve quality and accountability for educator preparation programs.

Bill Introduced: S.1036 Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a partnership program in foreign languages.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2195 Promise Neighborhoods Act of 2013

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To support Promise Neighborhoods.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2161 Assisting Students with Loans Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To amend the Higher Education Act of 1965 to extend the reduced interest rates for Federal Direct Stafford Loans.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2178 Fitness Integrated with Teaching Kids Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To authorize a grant program to promote physical education, activity, and fitness and nutrition, and to ensure healthy students, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: S.1067 Innovation Inspiration School Grant Program Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to establish within the Department of Education the Innovation Inspiration school grant program, and for other purposes.

Bill Introduced: S.1043 English Learning and Innovation Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

A bill to promote innovative practices for the education of English learners and to help States and local educational agencies with English learner populations build capacity to ensure that English learners receive high-quality instruction that enables them to become proficient in English, access the academic content knowledge needed to meet State challenging academic content standards, and be prepared for postsecondary education and careers.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2160 Promoting Health as Youth Skills In Classrooms And Life Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 10 minutes ago

To support and encourage the health and well-being of elementary school and secondary school students by enhancing school physical education and health education.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2170 Foreign Language Education Partnership Program Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 1 day ago

To amend the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 to establish a partnership program in foreign languages.

Bill Introduced: H.R.2173 Effective Teaching and Leading Act

Open Congress : Major Bill Actions in Education - 1 day ago

To improve teacher quality, and for other purposes.

Examining My Core Values | Connected Principals

Examining My Core Values | Connected Principals:

Examining My Core Values

by Dave Meister

I sometimes become frustrated about administrating in a public school. I guess it is especially easy to be frustrated at the end of a school year. The students are burnt out. The teachers are ready for some time off to recharge. People get testy at the end of a school year. In these austere times, school personnel wonder about next year as it looms on the horizon. There are openings to fill, school program changes to be made, and assignments to be given. The end of this year is different though. Not only are there positions to fill, and life changing decisions to be made, along with those, Board members and administration are being forced to make tough decisions about our new school building as our budget is not big enough to cover everything we want. A quote that runs through my mind in times like these comes from John Kennedy when he examined his authorization of the failed Bay of Pigs invasion, “Victory has a thousand fathers but defeat is an orphan.” When things go well and there are not tough messages to give to people, it is easy to take credit. 

NYC Public School Parents: Video of massive rally in Albany today and my speech

NYC Public School Parents: Video of massive rally in Albany today and my speech:

Video of massive rally in Albany today and my speech

by Leonie Haimson

The rally in Albany was massive today; with estimates of 25,000.  You can get a sense of the size from the video below.  I was honored and
excited to be a part of it.  Let's hope it is just the beginning of a real movement to rescue public education, led by teachers, parents, administrators and students, to take back our schools.  Here is my speech:

We are here today to call upon the Governor and the Legislature to do what is right for the children of New York. 

Children need good schools. Children need small class sizes.  Children need experienced and caring teachers…But instead of giving New York's children what they need, the Governor, the Legislature and the Regents are intent on giving our kids more tests.

Nikhil Goyal on fire at One Voice rally in Albany today

by Leonie Haimson

Here was one of the best speeches in Albany today, by teenage rock star/pundit Nikhil Goyal, announcing he will lead a statewide boycott of testing next year.

Good afternoon. My name is Nikhil Goyal. In January 2013, I graduated from Syosset High School on Long Island. I am a member of the No Child Left Behind and Race to the Top generation. My generation has been tested to an extent that is unprecedented in the history of this country, many experts have said. My entire school career has dominated by endless testing and a culture of "drill, kill, bubble fill."

My friend and educator Marion Brady once said, "Even if standardized tests didn’t cost billions, even if they hadn’t narrowed the curriculum down to joke level, even if they weren’t driving the best teachers out of the profession, they should be abandoned because they measure the wrong thing."

My fellow peers, from Portland to Seattle to Providence to Chicago to Newark to Philadelphia, have been walking out of school, protesting, and rallying against high-stakes testing, budget cuts, and the assault on public education. Whether it is gay rights, voting rights, civil rights, women's rights, in every successful social movement, it is always young people taking charge, leading the way, lighting the fire out of 

Revisiting the Chetty, Rockoff & Friedman Mole Hill | School Finance 101

Revisiting the Chetty, Rockoff & Friedman Mole Hill | School Finance 101:

Revisiting the Chetty, Rockoff & Friedman Mole Hill

by schoolfinance101

My kids and I don’t watch enough Phineas and Ferb anymore. Awesome show. I was reminded just yesterday ofthis great device!

This… is the Mountain-Out-Of-A-Molehill-INATOR!  The name is rather self-explanatory – but here’s the official explanation anyway:

The Mountain-out-of-a-molehill-inator turns molehills into big mountains. It uses energy pellets to do so. It was created because all his life he was told “Don’t make mountains out of molehills”.

Now, I don’t mean to belittle the famed Chetty, Rockoff and Friedman study from a while back, which was quite the hit among policy wonks. As I explained in both my first, and second posts on this study, it’s a heck of a study, with lots of interesting stuff… and one hell of a data set!
What irked me then, and has all along is the spin that was put on the study, and that the spin was not just a matter of interpretation by politicos and the media, but that the spin was being fed by the study’s authors.
I figured that would eventually die down. I figured eventually cooler heads would prevail. But alas, I was wrong.  Worst of all, we still have at least some of the study’s authors prancing around like Doofenschmirtz (pictured above) with their very own Mountain-out-of-a-molehill-inator!
So what the heck am I talking about? This! is what I’m talking about. This graph provides the basis for the oft-