Morning Wink 7-26-13 AM Posts #BATsACT #edreform #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

TODAY

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-26-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mark Naison: How TFA Is DestructiveMark Naison sent the following thoughts about Teach for America: Why Teach for America is Seductive to Mayors and Legislators and Destructive to Everyone Else Teach for America offers states and municipalities the opportunity to subcontract their teaching to non-union workers, saving large expense

by mike simpson / 3min 

For Any Working Mom, Child Care Is Essential | California Progress Report

For Any Working Mom, Child Care Is Essential | California Progress Report: For Any Working Mom, Child Care Is EssentialPosted on 26 July 2013Printer-friendly versionSend by emailBy Mary Kay HenryService Employees International UnionIf 2012 was the year of the woman, 2013 is the year of the working mom. And that's why I'm headed to California.Last week, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi along with

by mike simpson / 7min 

“Corporate Reform” or Failed, Desperate Corporate Management? | School Finance 101

“Corporate Reform” or Failed, Desperate Corporate Management? | School Finance 101: “Corporate Reform” or Failed, Desperate Corporate Management?Posted on July 26, 20132       1 VotesI suspect there are a lot of readers of my blog and twitter followers who frequently use the phrase “corporate reform” to characterize the current heavily privately financed movement to push specific “reforms” to publ

by mike simpson / 10min 

A Conservative Take Down of the Florida Five’s Common Core Spin | Scathing Purple Musings

A Conservative Take Down of the Florida Five’s Common Core Spin | Scathing Purple Musings: A Conservative Take Down of the Florida Five’s Common Core SpinPosted on July 26, 2013by Bob Sikes      Rate ThisHarvard Law School grad Jane Robbins has penned a blistering dismissal of the Common Core Standards defense published by five former Florida state GOP chairs. Writing forAmerican Principles Projec

by mike simpson / 12min 

Obscure state law requires all students be taught the arts | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC

Obscure state law requires all students be taught the arts | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: Obscure state law requires all students be taught the artsMary Plummer | July 26th, 2013, 6:00amMary Plummer/KPCCCalabasas High School musical theater students perform "Cool" from their production of West Side Story at the Pantages Theater.As budgets worsened over the past several years, schools throughout Califo

by mike simpson / 15min 

NYC Educator: Gotham Schools Exercises Its Psychic Powers to Hype Astroturfer Teacher Bashing

NYC Educator: Gotham Schools Exercises Its Psychic Powers to Hype Astroturfer Teacher Bashing: Gotham Schools Exercises Its Psychic Powers to Hype Astroturfer Teacher Bashing“So how can Anthony run for Mayor, when a teacher for the same conduct would be fired,” Weingarten said in a tweet yesterday.She was referring to a push to tighten punishments for teachers foundguilty of inappropriate behavior

by mike simpson / 16min 

Schools Must Warn Students, Families If Big Brother Is Watching - NJ Spotlight

Schools Must Warn Students, Families If Big Brother Is Watching - NJ Spotlight: SCHOOLS MUST WARN STUDENTS, FAMILIES IF BIG BROTHER IS WATCHINGJOHN MOONEY | JULY 26, 2013New guidelines require districts to notify parents, kids that software and built-in camera can monitor use.The provocatively named Anti-Big Brother Act arose out of a situation in Pennsylvania in which a school district was accuse

by mike simpson / 17min 

Missouri Education Watchdog: MAJOR ALERT for Private School and Homeschool Parents. The Plan: Your Child WILL be Taught Common Core.

Missouri Education Watchdog: MAJOR ALERT for Private School and Homeschool Parents. The Plan: Your Child WILL be Taught Common Core.: MAJOR ALERT for Private School and Homeschool Parents. The Plan: Your Child WILL be Taught Common Core.Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookState education departments can gain control of private education and homeschooling through more regulations, o

by mike simpson / 18min 

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: After being ousted as Bridgeport Supt., Vallas gets schools to pay his legal fees

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: After being ousted as Bridgeport Supt., Vallas gets schools to pay his legal fees: After being ousted as Bridgeport Supt., Vallas gets schools to pay his legal fees “We thought we had a good guy,” said Tammy Boyle, a parent leader and mother of two children. “But at each and every turn, he has ignored the wishes and the voices of the people of Bridgeport.” -- New Yor

by mike simpson / 19min 

Is School Enough? Of Course Not, But Its Role Is Important | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

Is School Enough? Of Course Not, But Its Role Is Important | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: Is School Enough? Of Course Not, But Its Role Is ImportantBy Cheryl S. Williams on July 26, 2013I recently attended a screening of a documentary titled Is School Enough? that’s scheduled to air on local PBS stations in early September.  The film profiled four project based learning act

by mike simpson / 20min 

Cartoons from Robert Rendo | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

Cartoons from Robert Rendo | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice: Cartoons from Robert RendoFor this month’s feature on cartoons*, I chose a selection from Robert Rendo. We met through my blog and he sent along a sampling of his cartoons from which I selected some  on students and testing. He sent me the following description of himself.Robert Rendo grew up in New Hyde Park, New Yo

by mike simpson / 21min 

Jersey Jazzman: How the Newark Teachers Union Shot Itself In the Foot

Jersey Jazzman: How the Newark Teachers Union Shot Itself In the Foot: How the Newark Teachers Union Shot Itself In the FootBy now, those of us in Jersey are well aware of the construction trade unions' endorsement of Chris Christie, the biggest foe of public worker unions in the Northeast. I guess these supposed "allies" of teachers and cops think Christie's "pro-business" policies will lead to m

by mike simpson / 23min 

Reflection on GLSEN/UNESCO Convening on Global Safe Schools for LGBT Youth

Reflection on GLSEN/UNESCO Convening on Global Safe Schools for LGBT Youth « Feminist Teacher: Reflection on GLSEN/UNESCO Convening on Global Safe Schools for LGBT YouthDuring the World Congress on Comparative Education in Buenos Aires, I presented my Fulbright research on LGBT youth in Mexico City’s schools (photo: Steven Toledo/GLSEN).Last month, I had the honor of attending a convening in Bueno

by mike simpson / 26min 

‘Run, hide, fight’ new mantra for schools in post-Newtown environment | EdSource Today

‘Run, hide, fight’ new mantra for schools in post-Newtown environment | EdSource Today: ‘Run, hide, fight’ new mantra for schools in post-Newtown environmentJuly 26th, 2013 | Add a Comment | By Jane Meredith AdamsShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing ServicesIn an “active shooter” simulation at Alhambra High School in June, a staff member plays the role of an ar

by mike simpson / 28min 

7-26-13 teacherken at Daily Kos

teacherken at Daily Kos: Lincoln Memorial vandalized and shut downNot too many details, but the local all-news station, WTOP, including this story as the lead in their daily news email. Green paint was splashed at the base of the statue. Park Police believe the event occurred at about 1:30 AM this morning. The link I have provided will provide what details WTOP has in their story, as well as a bat

by mike simpson / 29min 

Georgia school chief explains Common Core test retreat: We... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com

Georgia school chief explains Common Core test retreat: We... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Georgia school chief explains Common Core test retreat: We couldn't afford it. We will have similar test. COMMENT(16) 2 24 29 55View Larger JOHNNY CRAWFORD / JCRAWFORD@AJC.State School Superintendent Dr. John Barge listens to questions about Common Core on Wednesday, June 10, 2013 in Fayeville.Previous Post

by mike simpson / 34min 

YESTERDAY

7-25-13 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online: Today 4-7PM - MORE Summer Series: How Should We View the UFT/AFT Leadership?I helped organize this discussion based on what I see as various points of view regarding the union leadership in the UFT/AFT. It will take place at Local 138 (138 Ludlow St, a block and a half north of Delancey.)There have been internal debates for years in ICE, GEM and MORE on this issue. How far does an

by mike simpson / 9h 

Supreme Court leaves Vallas in place during appeal process… (updated with statement from plaintiffs) - Wait, What?

Supreme Court leaves Vallas in place during appeal process… (updated with statement from plaintiffs) - Wait, What?: Supreme Court leaves Vallas in place during appeal process… (updated with statement from plaintiffs)  Last Friday lawyers for Paul Vallas filed a brief arguing why Paul Vallas should stay “on the job” during the Supreme Court’s review of Judge Bellis’ ruling that Vallas cannot serv

by mike simpson / 10h 

Missouri Education Watchdog: Why Are Some Florida Former GOP Leaders Supporting Common Core? Are They Really Republicans?

Missouri Education Watchdog: Why Are Some Florida Former GOP Leaders Supporting Common Core? Are They Really Republicans?: Why Are Some Florida Former GOP Leaders Supporting Common Core? Are They Really Republicans?From Truth in American Education and Countering Florida GOP Leaders Defense of the Common Core:Five former Florida Republican Party leaders have urged the state GOP to ignore the parent

by mike simpson / 10h 

7-25-13 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.

Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Road Trip Week 2Ken Davis’ Chicago Newsroom on Rahm and pensions.[ youtube=http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4J-00iHqDM&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DY4J-00iHqDM]by Fred Klonsky / 1h  7-24-13 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.Fred Klonsky | Da

by mike simpson / 10h 

Ty Fahner of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago admits to rigging the Illinois bond rating. | Reclaim Reform

Ty Fahner of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago admits to rigging the Illinois bond rating. | Reclaim Reform: Ty Fahner of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago admits to rigging the Illinois bond rating.Posted on July 25, 2013by kenprevitiTy Fahner of the Civic Committee of the Commercial Club of Chicago admits to rigging the Illinois bond rating. Hundreds of mi

by mike simpson / 11h 

#ASKARNE What'sup? with SEC. 1118. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT in the New ESEA?

SEC. 1118. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT.(a) LOCAL EDUCATIONAL AGENCY POLICY-(1) IN GENERAL- A local educational agency may receive funds under this part only if such agency implements programs, activities, and procedures for the involvement of parents in programs assisted under this part consistent with this section. Such programs, activities, and procedures shall be planned and implemented with meaningfu

by mike simpson / 12h 

solidaridad: Ethnic Cleansing Illustrated: The Echo Parque Gang Injunction. Join the resistance!

solidaridad: Ethnic Cleansing Illustrated: The Echo Parque Gang Injunction. Join the resistance!: Ethnic Cleansing Illustrated: The Echo Parque Gang Injunction. Join the resistance!Robert D. Skeels @rdsatheneEthnic Cleansing Illustrated: The Echo Parque Gang Injunction. Join the resistance! http://j.mp/12njtiv  pic.twitter.com/eAhm27E1A63:41 PM - 25 Jul 2013 from Los Angeles, CA, United States

by mike simpson / 15h 

Study finds musical interaction cultivates empathy in children | The Raw Story

Study finds musical interaction cultivates empathy in children | The Raw Story: Study finds musical interaction cultivates empathy in childrenSchools could one day add “empathy education” to their curriculum. New research suggests that understanding the emotional state of others is something that can be learned and practiced.According to a study published in the July issue of Psychology of Music,

by mike simpson / 15h 

Nite Cap 7-25-13 #BATsACT #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2

James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPTODAYPat Buchanan, Trayvon Martin, And Why Racism Isn't Going Away - The Jose Vilson | The Jose VilsonPat Buchanan, Trayvon Martin, And Why Racism Isn't Going Away - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson: Pat Buchanan, Trayvon Martin, And Why Racism Isn’t Goin

by mike simpson / 16h 

Pat Buchanan, Trayvon Martin, And Why Racism Isn't Going Away - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson

Pat Buchanan, Trayvon Martin, And Why Racism Isn't Going Away - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson: Pat Buchanan, Trayvon Martin, And Why Racism Isn’t Going Awayby JOSE VILSON on JULY 25, 2013Animal FarmWhen Scott McLeod sent me this tweet, I said, “What?”No way. I know this was written back in 2008, but it’s worth re-reading because of the recent conversations about race, and specifically, the Tra

by mike simpson / 16h 

Chicago Students Speak Out and 'Mic Check' the Chicago Board of Education

I dare you to watch this without tearing up. http://youtu.be/jw_oJNx42MABackground from Common Dreams:Student after student on Wednesday took to the podium at a public board meeting of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) to deliver a unified message against efforts by Mayor Rahm Emanuel which they say are systematically dismantling the public education in the city.Their immediate demand: Listen to us

by mike simpson / 17h 

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Votes in Budgets

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle School Board Votes in Budgets: Seattle School Board Votes in BudgetsI wouldn't call yesterday's work by the School Board especially stellar.  (I think the staff did a pretty good job on the budget but, as usual, what was left out is just as important as what was put in.)First came the Audit&Finance Committee meeting of the Whole to discuss the budget.It

by mike simpson / 17h 

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm -- 'Let them eat chaos.'

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm -- 'Let them eat chaos.': Rahm -- 'Let them eat chaos.'While protesting teachers marched outside, parent Chitunda Tillman Sr, who has 3 kids who are CPS students, protests tells the board exactly what he thinks about their school budget cuts. (Alex Wroblewski~Sun-Times) “With a historic billion-dollar deficit, we are taking every step we can to minimize any impa

by mike simpson / 18h 

Black student achievement doesn’t look any better 10 years after a federal court ended its oversight of Dallas ISD’s desegregation plan | Education Blog

Black student achievement doesn’t look any better 10 years after a federal court ended its oversight of Dallas ISD’s desegregation plan | Education Blog: Black student achievement doesn’t look any better 10 years after a federal court ended its oversight of Dallas ISD’s desegregation planBy Scott K. Parkssparks@dallasnews.com2:04 pm on July 25, 2013 | Permalink4101U.S. District Judge Barefoot Sand

by mike simpson / 18h 

GIMBY | Blog | Top ten problems facing public education in America

GIMBY | Blog | Top ten problems facing public education in America: Top ten problems facing public education in AmericaU.S. first lady Michelle Obama visits a fifth-grade art class at Savoy School, a public elementary school in Anacostia, a neighborhood in D.C. (Photo: Jonathan Ernst, Reuters)Brooks HaysThe most essential problems with public education in America are seldom addressed in plain lang

by mike simpson / 18h 

If the Ladder Is Leaning on the Wrong Structure — Whole Child Education

If the Ladder Is Leaning on the Wrong Structure — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGIf the Ladder Is Leaning on the Wrong StructureJuly 25, 2013 by Leader to LeaderAt the the recent ASCD Leader to Leader (L2L) conference, attendees had a series of passionateunconference conversations. Several groups refined their thoughts into a series of presentations to share with other attendees in an

by mike simpson / 19h 

Congress: Listen to parents! | Parents Across America

Congress: Listen to parents! | Parents Across America:  Please share this fax with your Congressional representatives and senators (downloadable pdf)Listen to Parents!Parent Voices Weekly Education FaxJuly 25, 2013 Survey: Parents oppose testing, school closings and “choice”American Federation of Teachers survey shows most parents want less testing, charter schools and school closings and more sup

by mike simpson / 19h 

Truth in American Education

Truth in American Education: Arizona Is Not Concerned About Cost of Common Core Testing?Georgia pulled out of PARCC due largely because of the cost of the test.  Other states have withdrawn from their testing consortiums, but not Arizona.  Their Department of Education said that the cost is less than they anticipated.From the Arizona Daily Independent:The Arizona Department of Education is committ

by mike simpson / 19h 

The Science Behind How We Learn New Skills | toteachornototeach

The Science Behind How We Learn New Skills | toteachornototeach: The Science Behind How We Learn New SkillsLearning new skills is one of the best ways to make yourself both marketable and happy, but actually doing so isn’t as easy as it sounds. The science behind how we learn is the foundation for teaching yourself new skills. Here’s what we know about learning a new skill.Our brains are still a b

by mike simpson / 19h 

A former KIPP teacher comments on her experience | Seattle Education

A former KIPP teacher comments on her experience | Seattle Education: A former KIPP teacher comments on her experienceKIPP is one of the charter school franchises that’s been tossed around in Seattle  by ed reformers as an option if charter schools were to be legalized in our state. I’ve been following KIPP and several articles that I have come across are listed in the right column of this blog un

by mike simpson / 19h 

What to do if CPS threatens to flunk your child after summer school Parents United for Responsible Education

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » What to do if CPS threatens to flunk your child after summer school: What to do if CPS threatens to flunk your child after summer schoolA PURE tip sheet. Download here to share,How to help your child move upto the next grade after summer schoolIf CPS sent your child to summer school this year, how can you be sure he or she will be promoted

by mike simpson / 19h 

7-25-13 Jersey Jazzman

Jersey Jazzman: Why "Libtards" Need TenureI'm sure that by now you've all heard about the police chief of Gilberton, PA, who enjoys firing automatic firearms on YouTube: One of the details of this story that hasn't gotten as much play is that Mark Kessler is a member of the North Schuylkill Board of Education and, as such, is charged with formulating district policy and approving staff hirings. Th

by mike simpson / 19h 

Cali Education Headlines Thursday, July 25, 2013

FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: State education officials: We’re sticking with Common CoreEducation HeadlinesThursday, July 25, 2013Columbia Elementary School board answers grand juryColumbia Union School District trustees and Superintendent John Pendley approved a response to the 2013 Tuolumne County Grand Jury report Tuesday that indicated they agree with most of the repo

by mike simpson / 19h 

How much time do school districts spend on standardized testing? This much.

How much time do school districts spend on standardized testing? This much.: How much time do school districts spend on standardized testing? This much.By Valerie Strauss, Published: July 25 at 11:30 amE-mail the writerExactly how much standardized testing are school districts subjecting students to these days? A nearly staggering amount, according to a new analysis.“Testing More, Teaching Less: W

by mike simpson / 19h 

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: SmileMakers: They Enjoy Making Teachers Smile!

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: SmileMakers: They Enjoy Making Teachers Smile!: SmileMakers: They Enjoy Making Teachers Smile!I was planning on ordering a new mailbox for my classroom this year. As a matter of fact I had ripped out a couple of pages from various teacher catalogs. I had them stockpiled on the desk in my study. I figured I would finally make my choice as we got closer to school.S

by mike simpson / 19h 

Diane in the Evening 7-25-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Crazy Crawfish Investigates the Recovery School District in St. Helena’s ParishAre you in the mood for a demonstration of investigative scholarship written in journalistic style? If so, curl up in a comfy chair and read this saga, wherein the LouisianaRecovery School District makes claims that cannot be substantiated. If this is tr

by mike simpson / 19h 

Daily Kos: Charles M. Blow on Standing Our Ground

Daily Kos: Charles M. Blow on Standing Our Ground: Charles M. Blow on Standing Our GroundbyteacherkenFollowIn this New York Times column, he begins by telling usThis is not the time for evanescent anger, which is America’s wontThen after a paragraph in which he sets up the scene, including our fawning over the royal baby than we pay attention to the gunning down of American children, he offers thi

by mike simpson / 19h 

Local Control Funding Formula - Allocations & Apportionments

Local Control Funding Formula - Allocations & Apportionments (CA Dept of Education): Local Control Funding FormulaCalifornia's new school funding formula, enacted in 2013. Actual funding allocations, when available, will be available via the Principal Apportionment page.LCFF OverviewThe Local Control Funding Formula Overview provides information about LCFF funding and accountability provisions

by mike simpson / 19h 

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center

Best of the Ed Blogs | National Education Policy Center: Best of the Ed BlogsBest of the Ed Blogs features a frequently updated selection of interesting and insightful blog posts on education policy. The views expressed by the bloggers on our blog roll are thoughtful, original, and entirely their own. We hope you make Best of the Ed Blogs your first stop for concise takes on today's most important

by mike simpson / 19h 

Still no word that Justice Andrew McDonald has recused himself from the Vallas Case… - Wait, What?

Still no word that Justice Andrew McDonald has recused himself from the Vallas Case… - Wait, What?: Still no word that Justice Andrew McDonald has recused himself from the Vallas Case…  Andrew McDonald was Governor Malloy’s Chief Counsel for two years.  As we know, he played a pivotal role in the Malloy Administration’s failed attempt to take over the Bridgeport School System.And when the Supreme

by mike simpson / 23h 

Morning Wink 7-25-13 AM Posts #BATsACT #edreform #EDCHAT #P2

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSTODAYStudy: career-based teaching leads to more motivated students | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCCStudy: career-based teaching leads to more motivated students | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: Study: career-based teaching leads to more motivated studentsJed Kim | July 25th, 2013, 6:00amThe James Irvine Foundation released an interactive infographic on Linked Learning

by mike simpson / 23h

2nd Banana 7-20-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post

2nd Banana 7-13-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post

2nd Banana 7-6-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post 

2nd Banana 6-29-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post 

2nd Banana 6-22-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post 

2nd Banana 6-15-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post

2nd Banana 6-8-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post

2nd Banana 6-1-13 Recap of Last Week's Best Post

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Big Education Ape Nite Cap 7-2-13

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LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 7-26-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all:

NC: Schools Lose, Corporation$ Win

A reader explains the logic behind North Carolina’s budget cuts and other school “reforms”: “They cut millions in education in NC to give corporations $365 Million in tax cuts. “So with Citizens United, they have financed their own re-election campaigns for next year by giving the corporations the money to donate. See how Teabagastan Politics work?”

by dianerav / 14min 

End of Jeb Bush Miracle? Florida Grades Collapse

Jeb Bush has toured the country boasting of the Florida miracle. Central to the miracle is the letter grades for schools. But the state just reported that the proportion of A-rated schools fell from 48% to 29%. Is the Jeb miracle over? The schools didn’t suddenly get worse. The grading system is arbitrary, capricious, and meaningless. As Fairtest points out, the state has changed the formula at

by dianerav / 9min 

Anthony Weiner and the Politics of Shamelessness

The most amazing thing about Anthony Weiner is that he is still running for mayor of New York City despite the revelations about his tawdry behavior. Maybe he will drop out because his poll numbers have plummeted in the last few days. Maybe he already has, and I haven’t heard the news. It is upsetting to hear the “man on the street” say that he doesn’t care about Weiner’s behavior because it is pe

by dianerav / 13min 

Mark Naison: How TFA Is Destructive

Mark Naison sent the following thoughts about Teach for America: Why Teach for America is Seductive to Mayors and Legislators and Destructive to Everyone Else Teach for America offers states and municipalities the opportunity to subcontract their teaching to non-union workers, saving large expenses in pensions and health care. Such a policy saves money, as subcontracting usually does; but it destr

by dianerav / 53min 

Teacher: Ripping Off Taxpayers Is Easy in Arizona

A teacher in Arizona sent this comment: “I live in Arizona, am a certified teacher who came from a civilized state, and have taught in four different charter schools here. These are public schools often being run like private schools. There is an infamous one here that gets away with having an entrance exam in order to weed out all but the best of the best. Consequently, this school is consistentl

by dianerav / 1h 

TFA: We Won’t Be Scabs in Chicago

The TFA director in Chicago said that corps members would not take the jobs of teachers who were laid off. He said the positions were being eliminated and would not be offered to TFA. TFA members were Los affected by the layoffs, he said. However, in late June, “Chicago Public Schools agreed to support up to 325 new teachers and 245 second-year teachers for a cost of nearly $1.6 million — more tha

by dianerav / 1h mark as read  //  save

Is Corporate Reform a “House of Cards”?

This is a clever, sharp video about corporate reform. It comes with the endorsement of the notorious BAT teachers. It is the first of a series explaining the nefarious role of the privatization movement and its pretense to be “for the kids” as it destroys their community public schools. If this is a sample of the BAT work, we can expect that the house of cards will be toppling soon. The reformers

by dianerav / 3h 

Diane in the Evening 7-25-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Crazy Crawfish Investigates the Recovery School District in St. Helena’s ParishAre you in the mood for a demonstration of investigative scholarship written in journalistic style? If so, curl up in a comfy chair and read this saga, wherein the LouisianaRecovery School District makes claims that cannot be substantiated. If this is tr

by mike simpson / 3h 

For Any Working Mom, Child Care Is Essential | California Progress Report

For Any Working Mom, Child Care Is Essential | California Progress Report:

For Any Working Mom, Child Care Is Essential

Posted on 26 July 2013

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By Mary Kay Henry

Service Employees International Union

If 2012 was the year of the woman, 2013 is the year of the working mom. And that's why I'm headed to California.

Last week, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi along with Reps. DeLauro, Matsui and other women leaders announced a new Women's Economic Agenda, built on three key pillars for driving women's economic advancement: 1) equal pay for equal work, 2) work-family balance, including paid sick leave and a livable minimum wage, and 3) access to quality, affordable child care.

As many have noted, these priorities are not new ideas. Women have been advocating for decades for these policies, because they work, they are fair and they are critical to the success of our nation. What is new is the momentum behind putting these practical solutions to work so that we can kick-start an economy that continues to languish and 

“Corporate Reform” or Failed, Desperate Corporate Management? | School Finance 101

“Corporate Reform” or Failed, Desperate Corporate Management? | School Finance 101:

“Corporate Reform” or Failed, Desperate Corporate Management?

Posted on July 26, 2013

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I suspect there are a lot of readers of my blog and twitter followers who frequently use the phrase “corporate reform” to characterize the current heavily privately financed movement to push specific “reforms” to public education systems.  My readers may not have noticed, but I tend not to use this phrase. I have a few reasons for my avoidance of this term.  First, it’s my impression that the term necessarily implies corporate to mean “evil.” That a corporate mindset – meaning private sector for profit business mindset can do no good. I’m cynical, but not that cynical.  I actually do think there are good, for profit corporations out there. Perhaps they are dwindling in their numbers and power base, but I still think they exist.

But here are my main reasons why I don’t roll with the whole “corporate reform” lingo. That the education reforms being pushed – that are cast as “corporate reforms” – a) really aren’t that common in private sector for profit business and b) they suck – even in (perhaps especially in) private for profit business. The supposed “corporate reforms” being advocated for the takeover of public education are reasonably well understood among analysts of private for profit business to be failed models. Models of desperation forcibly implemented by CEOs of businesses in decline – 

A Conservative Take Down of the Florida Five’s Common Core Spin | Scathing Purple Musings

A Conservative Take Down of the Florida Five’s Common Core Spin | Scathing Purple Musings:

A Conservative Take Down of the Florida Five’s Common Core Spin

Posted on July 26, 2013by Bob Sikes

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Harvard Law School grad Jane Robbins has penned a blistering dismissal of the Common Core Standards defense published by five former Florida state GOP chairs. Writing forAmerican Principles Project, Robbins effectively dispatches with seven false assertions the republican power brokers make in the letter they wrote to Florida republican legislators.

Five former Florida Republican Party leaders have urged the state GOP to ignore the parents and teachers who object to the centralization of education through the Common Core State (sic) Standards. Like other Common Core proponents, they repeat the talking points; like the others, they fail to produce evidence to support their statements. Below is a point-by-point response to their claims:

The nation’s Governors recognized this [education] problem almost 15 years ago and began a process that eventually led to states collaborating on the Common Core State (sic) Standards.

The claim that the Standards resulted from a “state-led” process is misleading at best. In 2007, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and the 

Obscure state law requires all students be taught the arts | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC

Obscure state law requires all students be taught the arts | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC:

Obscure state law requires all students be taught the arts

Mary Plummer | July 26th, 2013, 6:00am

Mary Plummer/KPCC

Calabasas High School musical theater students perform "Cool" from their production of West Side Story at the Pantages Theater.

As budgets worsened over the past several years, schools throughout California cut where they could, slashing arts budgets so deeply some students have been left with no arts education at all.

Arts educator Carl Schafer of Upland, has been on a campaign to increase that instruction for a year. And in his effort, he found a line in the California education code that shocked him: the state requires arts to be taught to California students.

He'd been advocating for arts education for decades without realizing the state has a law requiring things like dance, music and theater be taught in schools. 

He recently wrote about his discovery for the website Zocalo Public Square.

While browsing through the state Education Code online, I learned (embarrassingly late in my career) that the law couldn’t be clearer. Since 1995, the teaching of the arts has been mandatory in California for grades one to 12.

Section 51210(e) mandates the Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA), which includes music, dance, visual art, and theater, be included in the school curriculum for all 

NYC Educator: Gotham Schools Exercises Its Psychic Powers to Hype Astroturfer Teacher Bashing

NYC Educator: Gotham Schools Exercises Its Psychic Powers to Hype Astroturfer Teacher Bashing:

Gotham Schools Exercises Its Psychic Powers to Hype Astroturfer Teacher Bashing

“So how can Anthony run for Mayor, when a teacher for the same conduct would be fired,” Weingarten said in a tweet yesterday.

She was referring to a push to tighten punishments for teachers found
guilty of inappropriate behavior that the union here has opposed.

Gotham Schools has improved its reporting by adding the element of mind-reading. Apparently it knows what AFT Prez Randi Weingarten is thinking when she tweets. According to Gotham's crystal ball, Weingarten is thinking about legal expert Campbell Brown's campaign when she muses on the double standard between Anthony Weiner and working school teachers. She couldn't possibly be referring to the fact that teachersactually get fired sometimes.

Because in the world of legal expert Campbell Brown and Gotham Schools, teachers never get fired. Never mind that Brown and her regular partner, the New York Daily News, regularly write of some group of 128 teachers and 

Schools Must Warn Students, Families If Big Brother Is Watching - NJ Spotlight

Schools Must Warn Students, Families If Big Brother Is Watching - NJ Spotlight:

SCHOOLS MUST WARN STUDENTS, FAMILIES IF BIG BROTHER IS WATCHING

JOHN MOONEY | JULY 26, 2013

New guidelines require districts to notify parents, kids that software and built-in camera can monitor use.

The provocatively named Anti-Big Brother Act arose out of a situation in Pennsylvania in which a school district was accused of spying on students through their school-issued laptops, including taking literally thousands of pictures.

New Jersey legislators seeking to prevent such incidents here passed the new law this past spring. It requires districts to notify students and their families that computers issued to them may be equipped to record their locations and use. It also says that such information will not be used “in a manner that would violate the privacy rights of the student or any individual residing with the student.”

But that’s where things can get murky, so the state Department of Education this week released additional guidelines about what the law covers and what other 

Missouri Education Watchdog: MAJOR ALERT for Private School and Homeschool Parents. The Plan: Your Child WILL be Taught Common Core.

Missouri Education Watchdog: MAJOR ALERT for Private School and Homeschool Parents. The Plan: Your Child WILL be Taught Common Core.:

MAJOR ALERT for Private School and Homeschool Parents. The Plan: Your Child WILL be Taught Common Core.

State education departments can gain control of private education and homeschooling through more regulations, oversight, reporting requirements, teacher licensure mandates

Do you think you have freedom to educate your child as you, the parent, sees fit?  Do you look to the State for educational development/delivery for your child or have you selected private/homeschool options?  If you have chosen private/homeschool options, it may not be  much different than the public school education offered by the state of Alabama.   The state not only controls the public development/direction of education, it will also control both private/homeschool educational development/direction.  

Watch this Alabama Department of Education Private School Licensure Meeting athttp://www.ustream.tv/recorded/35665549.


 A reader contacted me and wrote:

This video of the Alabama State Department Education meeting with private, church, and home school representatives will make your blood boil.  They are creating a new department, charging new fees, implementing unprecedented oversight and reporting requirements, and monitoring the list of those schools that do not register with the State Department of Education.  If you do not register, your students are unable to attend a postsecondary institution (2-or 4-year).  Home schoolers MUST report attendance, grades, coursework, etc. to the local school superintendent on a regular basis.  I could go on and on.  Please take the time to watch it!  Please share this with everyone in our group and others...

You can scroll down on this link and read the Facebook comments.  Common Core will be adhered to through these new regulations for private schools and homeschooled students.  From a reader:

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: After being ousted as Bridgeport Supt., Vallas gets schools to pay his legal fees

Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: After being ousted as Bridgeport Supt., Vallas gets schools to pay his legal fees:

After being ousted as Bridgeport Supt., Vallas gets schools to pay his legal fees

 “We thought we had a good guy,” said Tammy Boyle, a parent leader and mother of two children. “But at each and every turn, he has ignored the wishes and the voices of the people of Bridgeport.” -- New York Times

The great education hustler and architect of top-down "reform", Paul Vallas, has pulled off yet another great hustle. After being ousted from his job as Bridgeport's superintendent by a superior court judge, Vallas has the cash-strapped school district paying his legal fees.Vallas must have learned the tactic from Chicago's torturing cop, Jon Burge who soaked the city for millions in legal fees before finally being put away. Of course, I'm not comparing Vallas' to Burge. Just saying.

I received this statement from Taylor Leake, Communications Director of the Connecticut 

Is School Enough? Of Course Not, But Its Role Is Important | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

Is School Enough? Of Course Not, But Its Role Is Important | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights:

Is School Enough? Of Course Not, But Its Role Is Important

By Cheryl S. Williams on July 26, 2013

I recently attended a screening of a documentary titled Is School Enough? that’s scheduled to air on local PBS stations in early September.  The film profiled four project based learning activities that took students outside the classroom to identify real life challenges, propose solutions, and work together as a team under the guidance of their teacher to solve the problem and learn while doing. (View a preview)
The projects were exciting and impressive, and the students involved were either economically disadvantaged or in an alternative education program.  In one program a group of students became “citizen scientists,” using their smart phones to photograph plants and trees in an area that was to house a couple of elephants who were retiring from a circus.  These students gathered data on the plants, shared the information with a scientist at Cornell University, and then convened with the scientist using Skype so he could answer their questions and provide suggestions for removing or replacing those plants that could prove toxic to the soon to arrive elephants.
Another project involved inner city students whose class had been given a vacant lot between two warring churches.  The students had to evaluate what was needed in the neighborhood where the lot was located; gather information from the community on suggested uses for the space; and plan, design, and build the space into something that would contribute a positive resource to a blighted spot in the city.  The students named their space “Switzerland” to indicate it was neutral ground that was open to all input and points of view.
A third project showcased the “Harry Potter Alliance” that drew fans of the Potter series 

Cartoons from Robert Rendo | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice

Cartoons from Robert Rendo | Larry Cuban on School Reform and Classroom Practice:

Cartoons from Robert Rendo

For this month’s feature on cartoons*, I chose a selection from Robert Rendo. We met through my blog and he sent along a sampling of his cartoons from which I selected some  on students and testing. He sent me the following description of himself.

Robert Rendo grew up in New Hyde Park, New York. He lives in New York City and in Massachusetts with his wife Rachel, an educator and children’s clothing designer.

Robert Rendo is an editorial illustrator and president of PoliticalCartoonsOnline.com. A native New Yorker, Mr. Rendo’s  work has earned him publication in the Op/Ed section of the New York Times, the Chicago Tribune, and the Sacramento Bee. Recently, Rendo designed the logo, masthead, and branding for educational historian Diane Ravitch’s Network for Public Education. His images can also be found on Stephen Krashen’s blog, Education Notes Online, and the blog “Susan Ohanian Speaks Out”.

“I hope to provoke all readers,” says Rendo. “Editorial art is a precise genre.”

When asked how he foresees illustration in media, Rendo said, “I think it’ll be shared more equally between hardcopy and the internet. For me, It’s more satisfying to hold a periodical in your fingers and turn the pages. Whatever the format, illustration will always help chronicle the follies of man. And we humans screwing up never seems to be out of vogue. “

Jersey Jazzman: How the Newark Teachers Union Shot Itself In the Foot

Jersey Jazzman: How the Newark Teachers Union Shot Itself In the Foot:

How the Newark Teachers Union Shot Itself In the Foot

By now, those of us in Jersey are well aware of the construction trade unions' endorsement of Chris Christie, the biggest foe of public worker unions in the Northeast. I guess these supposed "allies" of teachers and cops think Christie's "pro-business" policies will lead to more jobs, even though the evidence suggests Christie is very bad for economic growth and job development.

Whatever: it still stings mightily when, as a teacher, I see my union "brothers and sisters" out there shilling for a man who has done more to take money out of my family's budget than any other politician in the state, and who is gearing up for a run at national office. Weren't we all supposed to be sticking together as a united labor movement? After all, the leaders of New Jersey's public worker unions have happily stood up and endorsed public works programs when they meant creating union construction jobs.

Take, for example, the president of the Newark Teachers Union, Joe Del Grosso [annotation mine]:

Here's Del Grosso supporting the Teachers Village project in Newark that, apparently, 

- See more at: http://jerseyjazzman.blogspot.com/2013/07/how-newark-teachers-union-shot-itself.html

Reflection on GLSEN/UNESCO Convening on Global Safe Schools for LGBT Youth « Feminist Teacher

Reflection on GLSEN/UNESCO Convening on Global Safe Schools for LGBT Youth « Feminist Teacher:

Reflection on GLSEN/UNESCO Convening on Global Safe Schools for LGBT Youth

During the World Congress on Comparative Education in Buenos Aires, I presented my Fulbright research on LGBT youth in Mexico City’s schools (photo: Steven Toledo/GLSEN).

Last month, I had the honor of attending a convening in Buenos Aires hosted byGLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network) and UNESCO to launch a global network of activists and researchers to support LGBT youth in schools. Our daylong meeting created the foundation of a strategic plan for providing LGBT students and their teachers the resources, research, and advocacy they need to create safe schools for all.

Surrounded by advocates and scholars from over 20 countries, I learned how much global queer groups care about teachers and the work we do in supporting LGBT students. From Brazil to China to Slovenia and South Africa, the diverse contexts that students and teachers learn and teach in are being accounted for in the current research and activism of the global safe schools movement.

As the only teacher-researcher at the convening, I came knowing that my voice as a practicing educator was one that is rarely heard in these urgent conversations. I had been selected to join the convening due to my Distinguished Fulbright research on