Friday, June 21, 2013

by Richard Long

Quick: List the most important jobs in America. Odds are “teacher” made that list.

According to a Harris Interactive Poll, teachers ranked among the five most prestigious jobs in America. That is why Lee Iacocca, former president and CEO of Chrysler said, “In a completely rational society, the best of us would be teachers and the rest of us would have to settle for something less, because passing civilization along from one generation to the next ought to be the highest honor and the highest responsibility anyone could have.”

Yet today we face a struggle in recruiting and keeping our best and brightest into the teaching profession.After I graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2011, I was a City Year Corps Member in Washington, D.C. public schools. I have been on the ground in these schools, I have seen the teachers and befriended them, and I know their struggles. From my experience, the most pertinent issues that might deter college students from being teachers and keeping quality young teachers in that field are the cost of their degrees compared to the financial benefits and the constant barrage of testing that they will face and be judged upon.

With the rising costs of college and the current state of the jobs market, potential pay

NYC Educator: Ms. Tisch and the Brilliant Innovation

NYC Educator: Ms. Tisch and the Brilliant Innovation:

Ms. Tisch and the Brilliant Innovation

by NYC Educator

Thank goodness we have Meryl Tisch making policy for us. In the old days, we would have students taking Regents exams, and kids would give the exams to their teachers. Then, the teachers would grade them. This was a terrible system. First of all, no technology was involved. Secondly, no corporations made money from this. And worst of all, every single teacher in the world is a lying, worthless, conniving. self-serving fraud who cares about nothing but appearance.

Because of this, we now have a far better system. First of all, we've paid McGraw-Hill 8 million bucks to scan all the tests. That's a huge improvement. Not only have we given a corporation millions of dollars, but we've also managed to add the element of scanning thousands and thousands of papers. This, clearly, is a great improvement.

Unfortunately, the parents, students and teachers are failing to get on board with this, simply because it's taking an inordinate amount of time for them to get their grades. When are they gonna sit down and figure this isn't about their selfish needs, but about business? We're finally able to take the money we used to fritter away on teacher salaries and classroom supplies and invest it in America's lifeblood--corporations.

The only real drawbacks are that the scanning is taking a long, long time, that teachers are sitting in front of

National PTA installing first African American male president

National PTA installing first African American male president:

National PTA installing first African American male president

By Valerie Strauss, Published: June 21, 2013 at 1:10 pmE-mail the writer

Otha Thornton (PTA)

The National PTA is installing its first African American male and a veteran of the Iraq war as its president this weekend.

Otha Thornton, a senior operations analyst with General Dynamics in Fort Stewart, Ga., and a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel, will become the leader of the National Parent Teacher Association after years of being involved with the organization in Georgia, Maryland, Michigan, Texas and Germany.

The PTA is holding its annual convention in Cincinnati, where Thornton will be installed Sunday. He earned the Bronze Star Medal for exceptional performance in combat operations during Operation Iraqi Freedom 2009-2010.

Thornton once served as vice president and president of the Parent Teacher Student Association at Fort Meade in Maryland and has been a volunteer at other schools.

The PTA is the country’s largest parent involvement organization, with nearly 26,000 local units in every state as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Puerto Rico and the Department of Defense Schools overseas.

The ‘neovoucher strategy’ (and why it didn’t work in New Hampshire)

The ‘neovoucher strategy’ (and why it didn’t work in New Hampshire):

The ‘neovoucher strategy’ (and why it didn’t work in New Hampshire)

By Valerie Strauss, Published: June 21, 2013 at 12:15 pmE-mail the writer

“Neovouchers” is the term that Kevin Welner, director of the National Education Policy Center at the University of Colorado Boulder School of Education, has given to private school tax credit programs. Earlier this week, a judge in New Hampshire ruled that the part of tax-credit program that allows public money to be used for religious school education violates the state constitution. Here’s a piece by Welner on what happened in New Hampshire that has ramifications beyond that state’s borders.

By Kevin Welner

If I wrote a lousy screenplay, I probably shouldn’t then complain about how awful the play is as I watched the actors reciting their lines. So I was amused to see advocates complaining about how a judge in New Hampshire this week struck down that state’sneovoucher law insofar as it funds religious schools.

Here’s what happened. A year ago, then-governor John Lynch of New Hampshire vetoed a bill (Senate Bill 372) that set up a system whereby money that businesses owe to the state in taxes could be diverted to private organizations that would repackage the money and

Teachers' union ad rips Corbett for building prison amid schools crisis | Philadelphia Public School Notebook

Teachers' union ad rips Corbett for building prison amid schools crisis | Philadelphia Public School Notebook:

Teachers' union ad rips Corbett for building prison amid schools crisis

by thenotebook

Popout
by Sonia Giebel
Philadelphia Federation of Teachers has been airing a radio ad criticizing Gov. Corbett and his fellow politicians for building a $400 million prison – complete with air-conditioned cells, classrooms, and a librarian – at a time when Philadelphia's schools are being cut to the bone.
read more

UPDATE Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Juneteenth Mayoral Forum and talk of Seattle Schools

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Juneteenth Mayoral Forum and talk of Seattle Schools:

Start Time Petition

by Charlie Mas

There are lots and lots of great reasons for Seattle Public Schools to swap around the start times for school so that elementary school starts earlier and middle and high school starts later.

A group called Start School Later Seattle has is looking for a resounding show of support for moving secondary schools to a later start time. They have created a petition. You can express your support for the effort by signing the petition at: http://petitions.moveon.org/sign/later-start-time-for?mailing_id=13345

Good Stuff for Kids this Weekend

by Melissa Westbrook

Honk! Fest West.

HONK! Fest West is a free, three-day, community-supported music festival devoted to marching bands, drum corps, samba lines, and anything acoustic and mobile that makes a ruckus. We revel in celebration of street band culture by taking mirth and music to the streets and parks of Seattle.
Always family-friendly, always free :: fanciful costumery and audience participation are *highly* encouraged!

HONK! Fest West 2013, Seattle’s free festiva

When to Talk to Kids about (Gulp!) Porn

by Melissa Westbrook

Seattle's Child has a worthwhile article on this topic. You can say, "Well, I haven't even talked about sex, no less porn."

My reaction is that we are growing up in a very different time than when we grew up vis a vis the access to these kinds of media. There is a good chance that if your child has access to a computer, they may accidentally (or on purpose) view porn. (Did you know that whitehouse.com is a porn site? Yeah, your child is doing research, puts in the wrong letters and there you are.)

Seattle Juneteenth Mayoral Forum and talk of Seattle Schools

by Melissa Westbrook

From the Times:

The candidates who were there had some tough talk for Seattle Public Schools. State Sen. Ed Murray said if he were mayor, he would forge a new partnership with the school district to increase the graduation rate.

“The school district has to change,” he said, vowing to make improvements in the graduation rate and how money is targeted — or, he said, “Please yell at me and vote me out of office.”

Usually, the school district blames the state Legislature for district problems, so it was interesting to hear that.

Ed Murray is my senator and yes, I am a bit surprised to hear him say this. He hasn't said a lot about Seattle schools in any pre-mayor bid venue. His advocacy has been limited (and appreciated) to the Legislature. Without specifics, this isn't much (and I'm still waiting to interview him so we'll see).

Also, note to the Times, the district does not blame the Legislature for all its problems; just the funding ones.

NAESP's 92nd Annual Convention & Exposition 2013

NAESP's 92nd Annual Convention & Exposition 2013:

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This summer, join some of the smartest thinkers in elementary school education and stay ahead of the dynamic changes taking place at the national level. With more than 100 sessions to choose from, this is where you’ll find engaging speakers and like-minded colleagues eager to share solutions on areas such as:

Teacher recruitment and retention
Integration of the new Common Core Standards
Leading school change and improving student learning
Running the best possible building – from the cafeteria to the parking lot

Baltimore will be a magnet for the most inspired and motivated elementary school principals, assistant principals, teachers, superintendents, and experts in the nation. And that includes you.


	Freeman Hrabowski Opening Keynote Speaker Creating a Climate of Success for All Students
	Adam Sáenz Closing Keynote Speaker The Power of a Teacher

Pre-Conference Workshops (July 10)
Three educational superstars present dynamic half-day workshops. These are limited to 150 attendees, so sign up now!

Robert Marzano: Measuring and Developing Teacher Effectiveness
Alan November: Figuring out the Pieces of the Common Core
Daniel Pink: Powering Student Learning Through Arts-Infused Education


Community Service Day On July 10, help build a playground at a local elementary school.
Jeans & Jerseys On July 10, You're invited to wear your favorite team jersey, enjoy live music, food, silent auction and more at this festive NAESP Foundation fundraiser that benefits student leadership programs!
Welcome to Baltimore Bash On July 11, at the Renaissance Harborplace Hotel (our welcome receptions are legendary!).
Teacher Leader Day This special program on July 13 provides a full day of focused professional development to inspire and improve the skills of teacher leaders. School and district team discounts are available.

When Students Own the "Why" — Whole Child Education

When Students Own the "Why" — Whole Child Education:

THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG

When Students Own the “Why”

June 21, 2013 by Klea Scharberg

This clip presents several ways teachers have structured learning around big ideas and conceptual patterns so that students can connect to a compelling "why," or reason for doing something. Students design the criteria for assignments and take roles and responsibilities within each assignment to see it to its completion. Students or teachers can identify a real-world problem to work on, and technology can provide new avenues for students to collaborate and express their thinking. Learn more with ASCD Express.

Source: 21st Century Skills: Promoting Creativity and Innovation in the Classroom (DVD), 2009, Alexandria, VA: ASCD.

Common Core, common politics: Can someone throw a bucket of... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

Common Core, common politics: Can someone throw a bucket of... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com:

Get Schooled: Common Core, common politics: Can someone throw a bucket of water on Cobb board?

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Georgia math standards align fully with Common Core

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June 20, 2013
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June 19, 2013
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June 19, 2013

By Maureen Downey

Can someone please fill a bucket with cold water and throw it on the Cobb County school board?

During a time of furloughs and larger classes, Cobb is considering squandering $2 million to redesign middle and middle and high school math books to eliminate all icons that reference the "Common Core Georgia Performance Standards."

The AJC reports that it's one of three proposals by administrators to get the board past a political stalemate.

Let me say it again: At a time when school districts are scouring under sofa cushions to find pennies to pay their bills, the Cobb Board of Education is weighing spending $2 million for a symbolic rejection of the Common Core State Standards.

I use the word “symbolic” because the math standards in Common Core are the same ones adopted by Georgia in its own performance standards. In objective reviews, including one I

Thinking About Schools: Graduation Gift - An Insurance Policy

Thinking About Schools: Graduation Gift - An Insurance Policy:

Graduation Gift - An Insurance Policy

They say – you know – the infamous “they” say that most people won’t remember a graduation speech a few days or weeks after hearing it. “Sorry” (to the speakers behind me on the stage). As for me, that is perfectly ok if you don’t remember this speech because I expect there will be a time when you will in the future.

You see, in about ten or twenty years, when you are filming a compelling but controversial documentary – arguing a case in front of the Supreme Court – saving a life from a burning building – writing a letter to the editor - filing a patent for your latest invention – or teaching middle school social studies - - and when all of you are pursuing your dreams there will be a moment when you recall this speech.

Why? Because this speech is about the insurance policy included in your envelope with your diploma - the most valuable insurance policy you will ever acquire, require or aspire.

What does it insure? It promotes domestic tranquility. It establishes justice. It

6-21-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER:

Good friend “Teacher Nicole” from WI explains common in #commoncore

by Chalk Face, PhD

Here’s her post on CCSS, as an actual educator for ELL/ESL students. We’ve interviewed her on At the Chalk Face, I need to dig those up. Look back here later. She’s great.

education activists gather, talk, strategize: reclaim the conversation

by Barbara Madeloni

On May 4, 2013 a group of educators, parents, students, and community activists gathered at Barnard College to share their experiences within the assault on public education, draw connections of understanding, strengthen ties, and plan actions. One of our first actions was to create the video linked below. In it organizers and participants talk about […]

Did Arne Duncan Give “Reformers” Enough Rope to Hang Themselves?

by John Thompson

The Huffington Post’s Joy Resmovits reports that Secretary of Education Duncan announced a voluntary pause in using test scores in teacher evaluations during the transition to Common Core. She explains that the new policy is seen by some as a “tacit recognition of the Obama administration’s overreach into nitty-gritty management of America’s schools.” Of course, I […]

6-20-13 @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: [image: gears] At the Chalk Face is back, this Sunday, June 23rd, 6PM EST by Chalk Face, PhD At the Chalk Face is back, this Sunday, June 23rd at 6PM EST. Educated educators talking education, this time on the recent NCTQ report on teacher preparation. Remember, we are at the helm in the BTR chatroom, live tweeting @thechalkface, and you can always call in to speak with us live, 805-727-7111. Tagged: at the […] Does this qualify as “intimidation” from NCTQ? Watch out #highered and #teacherprep by Chalk Face, PhD I received an email message ... more »

Teach for America: What do you mean were not exceptional?! Public Education Justice Alliance of Minnesota(PEJAM)

Public Education Justice Alliance of Minnesota(PEJAM): Teach for America: What do you mean were not exceptional?!:

Teach for America: What do you mean were not exceptional?!

What do You Mean We are Not Exceptional?

June 14, 2013 was a dark day for Teach for America-Twin Cities and its neo-liberal backers. It marked the second time in three weeks in Minnesota that TFA was rejected after having demanded that it be treated as the exceptional organization it pretends to be.

This photo includes some of Minnesota's most active corporate education reformers and was taken by Beth Hawkins of Minnpost. Hawkins continually sings the praises of these reforms and used this photo in a story that laments their rejection by the Minnesota Board of Teaching.

On Friday, May 24th, Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton signed into law a higher education bill only after he line-item vetoed $1.5 million earmarked for TFA. Crystal Brakke, the Executive Director of TFA-Twin Cities, claimed they needed the funding to train additional TFA corps members in the next two years. Those corps members would have attended a five-week training before being put in front of classrooms full of students with the highest needs. Of course that same $1.5 million

UPDATE FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Friday, June 21, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team:

Fensterwald: Duncan grants relief to some schools facing two sets of standardized tests next year

Education Headlines

Friday, June 21, 2013

Upland school district, employees to discuss health plan cuts

Negotiations will continue Thursday between the Upland Unified School District and its classified employees, who are protesting proposed increases to their health care contributions.

Lodi Unified School District denies conflict of interest

A consulting firm that employs the spouse of Lodi Unified School District’s top business officer has been hired to audit aspects of the district’s special education program, leading some parents to question whether the contract presents a conflict of interest.

River Delta Unified chooses superintendent from Woodland

River Delta Unified named Don Beno superintendent at its regular board meeting Tuesday night. Beno was assistant superintendent of human resources for Woodland Joint Unified. He will replace River Delta Superintendent Rick Hennes, who is retiring.

Fountain Valley school bond election committee fined $5,000

The state's political watchdog on Thursday fined a Fountain Valley school bond campaign committee $5,000 for failing to report who gave it money before last year's bond election.

Charter school, Capo Unified sign facilities agreement

Oxford Preparatory Academy will get an upgraded science laboratory and more books for middle school students in deal with Capistrano Unified School District.

Cops called after board member, citizen clash over sign

A Sweetwater Union High School District board meeting was disrupted Monday when Trustee John McCann abruptly left the dais to call police, alleging a citizen stole his private property. The item: A 2010 campaign sign.

Hayward school trustees approve contract with Stanley Dobbs as interim superintendent

Hayward school trustees early Thursday took the final step to hire Stanley Dobbs as interim superintendent, after a discussion prolonged by one trustee's repeated questioning of the candidate's qualifications.

After-school programs hit hard by cuts

One after-school program in San Andreas will close later this year and another in Rail Road Flat will be trimmed due to cuts in state funding.

West Contra Costa schools ponder next move on property values

In the wake of county Assessor Gus Kramer canceling a scheduled appearance at a special West Contra Costa school board meeting Wednesday night, district trustees began looking into strategies to encourage Kramer to reassess properties to reflect a rebounding housing market.

LAUSD studying new curriculum plans

Los Angeles Unified's incoming freshmen class will be the first that will have to pass a rigorous college-prep curriculum with a "C" in order to get a diploma, which has district officials scrambling to identify and replicate successful programs that can get and keep students on track to graduation, Superintendent John Deasy said Thursday.

Fensterwald: Duncan grants relief to some schools facing two sets of standardized tests next year

U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan has just made the challenge of transitioning to the Common Core standards less burdensome for about one in five schools in California.

Adams: Task force recommends including mental health training in teacher credential

Sweeping national reforms in children’s mental health care have yet to materialize in the wake of the Newtown, Conn., school shootings, but a group of high-profile educators and policy analysts in California is mapping a plan to transform student mental health services in the state.

Freedbug: After passage of school finance plan, focus shifts to implementation

Less than a week after the state Legislature approved a sweeping school finance reform plan that will funnel additional funds to low-income students and English learners, the state’s finance chief says school districts will have to spend the extra funds in a way “that shows improved outcomes” among their students.

Thursday, June 20, 2013

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Friday, June 21, 2013

When Students Own the “Why”

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Graduation Gift - An Insurance Policy

Teach for America: What do you mean were not exceptional?!

Education Headlines