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Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Morning Wink 8-14-13 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4Change

BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS



TODAY

Is your student 'competent'? A new education yardstick takes the measure. - CSMonitor.com
Is your student 'competent'? A new education yardstick takes the measure. - CSMonitor.com: Is your student 'competent'? A new education yardstick takes the measure.A new learning regimen requires pupils to show proficiency in 'core competencies' for each subject – with no exceptions. It's called competency-based education. Here's who's trying it and what it entails.By Stacy Teicher Khadaroo, Staff
by mike simpson / 6min 
Building a Strong Teacher Work Force | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights
Building a Strong Teacher Work Force | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights: Building a Strong Teacher Work ForceBy Cheryl S. Williams on August 14, 2013I recently attended an information-rich meeting sponsored by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), at which Dylan Wiliam, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment at the University of London, addressed the topic of Teache
by mike simpson / 18min 
First California public school falls to “parent trigger law” - World Socialist Web Site
First California public school falls to “parent trigger law” - World Socialist Web Site: First California public school falls to “parent trigger law”By Jack Cody 14 August 2013Elementary school students in the small California town of Adelanto came back to a different school in late July than they left at the end of the last school year. Over the truncated summer break, Desert Trails Elementary Sc
by mike simpson / 28min 
Seattle teachers union protests proposal to raise class sizes | The Today File | Seattle Times
Seattle teachers union protests proposal to raise class sizes | The Today File | Seattle Times: Seattle teachers union protests proposal to raise class sizesPosted by Linda ShawAbout three months into negotiations over a new contract for Seattle’s teachers, the union is breaking the usual silence around those talks to protest a district proposal to increase class size.The Seattle Education Associa
by mike simpson / 31min 
National teachers union leader points to St. Louis as model : News
National teachers union leader points to St. Louis as model : News: National teachers union leader points to St. Louis as model3Print Email9 hours ago  •  By Elisa Crouch ecrouch@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8119INPUT August 15, 2008 - Randi Weingarten - New union president of the American Federation of Teachers who was a Wall Street lawyer prior to her current position.Enlarge PhotoIn St. Louis, t
by mike simpson / 32min 
4 Ways to Get Free College Textbooks - US News and World Report
4 Ways to Get Free College Textbooks - US News and World Report: 4 Ways to Get Free College TextbooksCollege students can find free textbooks via university libraries or sites such as Project Gutenberg.By KELSEY SHEEHYAugust 14, 2013 RSS Feed PrintTextbooks can set college students back hundreds of dollars each semester, but free options may be available.College can be a shock to the senses for ma
by mike simpson / 40min 
Is ‘Willful Defiance’ Still Grounds for Suspension? NEA Today
NEA Today: Is ‘Willful Defiance’ Still Grounds for Suspension?By Edward Graham As more educators, administrators and educational experts around the country join the growing chorus of those questioning the effectiveness of suspensions, one school district has already decided to suspend the practice for minor infractions altogether. Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), the largest school dis
by mike simpson / 42min 
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Byrd-Bennett's sleight-of-hand on charter schools?
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Byrd-Bennett's sleight-of-hand on charter schools?: Byrd-Bennett's sleight-of-hand on charter schools?Barbara Byrd-Bennett has promised that no school closed this year will be handed over to a charter. -- Chicago Tribune (April 23, 2013)When Byrd-Bennett was first pushing her plan to close hundreds of public schools, she promised angry parents and community groups th
by mike simpson / 1h 
Louisiana Educator: Our Rubber Stamp BESE
Louisiana Educator: Our Rubber Stamp BESE: Our Rubber Stamp BESEBESE continued to rubber stamp Superintendent White's recommendations in committee actions yesterday, even when such actions seemed ridiculous by any reasonable standard. BESE members Carolyn Hill, Lottie Beebie, educators and others in the audience repeatedly questioned the logic of the continued moves toward privatization of our pub
by mike simpson / 1h 
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.: Losing seniority rights means running schools on the cheap. The CPS budget means winners and losers.  Graphic: Catalyst. The always ridiculous CPS spokesperson Becky Carroll admitted there are winners and losers in the CPS budget. The losers are students and families in district run schools. No surpri
by mike simpson / 1h 
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 8-14-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Chile: The Most Pro-Market School System in the World, Part 3This is the third and final post about Education in Chile by Professor Mario Waissbluth, which he wrote for this blog to help us understand a system that took Milton Friedman’s advice and relied heavily on testing and choice.   Chile´s Education (III): A necessary change
by mike simpson / 2h 
8-14-13 teacherken at Daily Kos
teacherken at Daily Kos: Please bear with us as we mournWhen Leaves on the Current met him in a gas station in the southside of Virginia, they called him Midnight. She renamed him Cielito he looked like the heavens at night, with a splash of white He joined our household in May 2005, when we already had four rescued felines. He was only 9.  Last week he had some problems and we took him to the vet
by mike simpson / 2h 
Head Start limiting enrollment, cutting programs as sequester kicks in | EdSource Today
Head Start limiting enrollment, cutting programs as sequester kicks in | EdSource Today: Head Start limiting enrollment, cutting programs as sequester kicks inAugust 14th, 2013 | Add a Comment | By Lillian MongeauShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing ServicesCredit: EdSource TodayHundreds of children across the state will be shut out of preschool in September as
by mike simpson / 2h 
NYC Educator: Common Sense Says Reformy John King Must Go
NYC Educator: Common Sense Says Reformy John King Must Go (Diane Ravitch Says So Too): Common Sense Says Reformy John King Must Go (Diane Ravitch Says So Too)If you haven't read Diane Ravitch today, it's time. She's calling for the resignation of NYS Education Commissioner Reformy John King. Ravitch is a voice in the education wilderness demanding we base decisions on research and practice. This f
by mike simpson / 2h 
8-14-13 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: Teen's Bad Grades Used As One Reason To Not Place Him On Heart Transplant ListThis doesn't seem like a real story, but it is:Doctors at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta estimate that without a heart transplant, 15-year-old Anthony Stokes will die within three to six months from heart failure. Yet despite his prognosis, they refuse to put Anthony on the transplant list, telli
by mike simpson / 2h 
Read the Common Core standards for kindergarteners
Read the Common Core standards for kindergarteners: Read the Common Core standards for kindergartenersBy Valerie Strauss, Published: August 14 at 4:00 amE-mail the writer2CommentsMoreThe new Common Core State Standardsare being implemented — with a lot of controversy — in most states, and there’s a great deal of discussion about them. But it is unclear whether everybody who is opining for or again
by mike simpson / 3h 

YESTERDAY

Despite closings and budget cuts, CPS calls for new charter schools - Chicago Sun-Times
Despite closings and budget cuts, CPS calls for new charter schools - Chicago Sun-Times: Despite closings and budget cuts, CPS calls for new charter schoolsBY LAUREN FITZPATRICK Education Reporter August 13, 2013 7:50PM00Share173RELATED DOCUMENTS Request for Proposals for New Charter Schools MAP: Expanding the charter school footprintRELATED STORIESJudge denies injunction to stop closure of Trumbu
by mike simpson / 11h 
Kendrick Lamar's Control (Happy Birthday, Hip-Hop) - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson
Kendrick Lamar's Control (Happy Birthday, Hip-Hop) - The Jose Vilson | The Jose Vilson: Kendrick Lamar’s Control (Happy Birthday, Hip-Hop)by JOSE VILSON on AUGUST 13, 2013Kendrick Lamar as MLK Jr.“What are you listening to?”I know. I’m not supposed to have kids listening to their iPods in school. It was after the ELA state test, and they needed to decompress after another long period of little to
3 by mike simpson / 13h 
Nite Cap 8-13-13 #BATsACT #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4Change
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 CAPTODAYASCD Leaders on Reflection: Christina Yuknis — Whole Child EducationASCD Leaders on Reflection: Christina Yuknis — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGASCD Leaders on Reflection: Christina YuknisAugust 13, 2013 by ASCD Whole Child BloggersA def
1 by mike simpson / 15h 
ASCD Leaders on Reflection: Christina Yuknis — Whole Child Education
ASCD Leaders on Reflection: Christina Yuknis — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGASCD Leaders on Reflection: Christina YuknisAugust 13, 2013 by ASCD Whole Child BloggersA defining trait of leadership is a passion for success and continuous improvement. With progress comes new vistas and new goals, as well as new challenges to overcome in our never-ending quest for knowledge and excellence
by mike simpson / 15h 
Accrediting commission threatened with possible withdrawal of federal recognition | EdSource Today
Accrediting commission threatened with possible withdrawal of federal recognition | EdSource Today: Accrediting commission threatened with possible withdrawal of federal recognitionAugust 13th, 2013 | Add a Comment | By Louis FreedbergIn an unexpected turn of events, the U.S. Department of Education is threatening to “limit, suspend or terminate” federal recognition of the accrediting commission t
3 by mike simpson / 15h 
Capitol Weekly: Senate leader’s online education bill draws fire*
Capitol Weekly: Senate leader’s online education bill draws fire*: Senate leader’s online education bill draws fire*By Robert Thompson | 08/13/13 12:00 AM PST Email PrintA bill closely watched by Coursera, a high-flying online education company, that would extend academic credit opportunities for California public university students is likely to be put on hold, the bill author’s office says.On a
2 by mike simpson / 16h 
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Organizing the disorganized
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Organizing the disorganized: Organizing the disorganizedThe cover of USA Weekend says it all. Doesn't it. Organizing the beleagueredWord is that CTU organizers are kicking around the idea of organizing beleaguered CPS staff. BBB's non-union minions lately have been bombarded with memos and directives ordering them to work off hours for the mayor's political projects.
by mike simpson / 17h 
Where Education Is ‘Sold to the Highest Bidder’ | toteachornototeach
Where Education Is ‘Sold to the Highest Bidder’ | toteachornototeach: Where Education Is ‘Sold to the Highest Bidder’by Alexander Reed KellyThe attack on the spirit of higher education is exemplified in the installation of former Indiana Gov. Mitch Daniels, a neoliberal archfiend of public schooling, as president of Purdue University.Daniels is the Republican sweetheart who made waves two weeks ag
by mike simpson / 18h 
Teachers For Social Justice: Help restore the CPS budget cuts. Two things you can do this week to get Mayor Emanuel to return money to CPS Schools.
Teachers For Social Justice: Help restore the CPS budget cuts. Two things you can do this week to get Mayor Emanuel to return money to CPS Schools.: Help restore the CPS budget cuts. Two things you can do this week to get Mayor Emanuel to return money to CPS Schools.AUGUST 13, 2013 LEAVE A COMMENTCall the Mayor and Demand TIF Restoration-Rally Sunday, Logan SquareCall Mayor Emanuel's office to dem
by mike simpson / 18h 
Statement on Philadelphia delegation call for $45 million: It’s not enough | Parents United for Public Education
Statement on Philadelphia delegation call for $45 million: It’s not enough | Parents United for Public Education: Statement on Philadelphia delegation call for $45 million: It’s not enoughPosted on August 13, 2013 by PARENTSUNITEDPHILALeave a comment“It’s not enough.”Parents United for Public Education supports the call of the Philadelphia delegation for the state to immediately release the $45 m
by mike simpson / 18h 
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Fort Wayne School Board Votes to Disregard Bennett A-F GradesThe Fort Wayne Community School Board passed a resolution by a vote o 6-1 to discontinue using the A-F grading system created by disgraced former State Superintendent Tony Bennett. The South Bend, Indiana, school board is considering the same resolution:   RESOLUTION OF T
by mike simpson / 18h 
How To Define ‘Success’? | Gary Rubinstein's Blog
How To Define ‘Success’? | Gary Rubinstein's Blog: How To Define ‘Success’?The new and improved New York State tests have arrived and the higher standards have taken much of the air out of many charter chain’s balloons.  Schools, in particular, from KIPP and Democracy Prep have seen their status change from ‘above average’ to ‘below average’ overnight, at least based on the ‘reform’ definition of
by mike simpson / 19h 
WATCH: Common Core State Standards: Part 1 - Teaching | Learning Matters
WATCH: Common Core State Standards: Part 1 - Teaching | Learning Matters: WATCH: Common Core State Standards: Part 1 - TeachingProduced by: Cat McGrathStandards only describe what students should know by the end of each grade level. How these standards are taught–what happens in the classroom–is the curriculum, and that is the responsibility of states and school districts. In this segment we see h
by mike simpson / 20h 
Missionary Zeal and the Paradox of Paternalism | the becoming radical
Missionary Zeal and the Paradox of Paternalism | the becoming radical: Missionary Zeal and the Paradox of PaternalismPosted on August 13, 2013 by plthomaseddThe United States of America fails Allie Fox, pushing him to abandon his homeland and to drag his family to the coast of Honduras in Paul Theroux’sMosquito Coast, popularized by the Harrison Ford and River Phoenix film adaptation:“That’s busin
by mike simpson / 20h 
Failing To The Top
Failing To The Top: Failing To The TopI have this recurring nightmare – one that, I fear, is about to become reality for most of America’s school children.In my dream, I’m back in elementary school. It’s testing day and I’m struggling to remember my locker combination and get to class on time. My backpack implausibly opens and spills its contents into the hallway. Indifferent schoolmates rush by.F
by mike simpson / 20h 
“I See Bad Teachers…” | EduShyster
“I See Bad Teachers…” | EduShyster: “I See Bad Teachers…”Posted on August 13, 2013“I see bad teachers…. Walking around like excellent teachers….”Reader: when viewing the latest blockbuster at my local megaplex, I often find myself wondering whether the director of said film has any ideas for reforming our failed and failing public schools. That’s why I was so pleased to learn that M. Night Shyamal
by mike simpson / 20h 
Court ruling limits fees schools can collect for replacement housing SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources
SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources: Court ruling limits fees schools can collect for replacement housingBy Kimberly BeltranTuesday, August 13, 2013California districts may not impose school-impact fees on new projects built to replace existing housing, a California appeals court ruled late last month.A recent analysis of the decision in developer Cresta Bella’s lawsuit against Poway Un
by mike simpson / 20h 
Comfortable Baby Steps? | My Island View
Comfortable Baby Steps? | My Island View: Comfortable Baby Steps?August 13, 2013 by tomwhitbyI think everyone has certain phrases, or catchwords that tend to set them off. Some of us, of the more passionate persuasion, have phrases that send us over the edge. I am not talking about the conference clichés like “that’s where the tire meets the road” or “Let’s not kick that can down the road” and the
by mike simpson / 20h 
8-13-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum:  Washington State Charter Law Case UpdateThe charter school law case has been assigned to King County and to Judge Jean Rietschel.  I was amused to read elsewhere that the lawyers for the plaintiffs were accused of going "court and judge shopping."For the record, most cases involving statewide issues are either heard in Olympia (state capital) or Seattle (largest c
by mike simpson / 21h 
8-13-13 Schools Matter @ The Chalk Face
SCHOOLS MATTER @ THE CHALK FACE: Paul Toner, MA TURNcoat, Leads Charge for Common Core and PARCCLawyer, corporate stooge, and MTA President, Paul Toner has sold teachers down the river in Massachusetts with support for test score based teacher evaluations, more segregated corporate reform schools, and now the Common Core testing delivery system. Toner has a propaganda piece at the MTA site that on
by mike simpson / 21h 
Stephen Colbert adds new subject to science education
Stephen Colbert adds new subject to science education: Stephen Colbert adds new subject to science educationBy Valerie Strauss, Published: August 13 at 11:48 amE-mail the writerStephen Colbert (By Mark Wilson / The Washington Post)Stephen Colbert had some fun Monday night talking about science education with guest Rep. Rush Holt. The New Jersey  congressman and Jeopardy winner is one of four candi
by mike simpson / 22h 
8-13-13 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: A Weekend (not with Bernie) in ChicagoMoi, Yelena, AJ, James, Camille, Megan, Julie, Gloria, Jia (Sean caught a flight)I have so much to say about the trip to Chicago I made with a big crew from MORE this past weekend but so much of it would be boring -- like you don't really want to know just how much beer I drank. And how much fun it was to hang out with year old Jack who can no
by mike simpson / 22h 
Empathy? An Ethos Born in the Staffroom — Whole Child Education
Empathy? An Ethos Born in the Staffroom — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGEmpathy? An Ethos Born in the StaffroomAugust 13, 2013 by Start EmpathyPost written by Vinciane Rycroft for Ashoka's Start Empathy Initiative, a whole child partner organization. Originally published in The Times Educational Supplement Pro.Ian, aged 8, throws his younger brother Robin on the ground. Tears and scre
by mike simpson / 22h 
8-13-13 Jersey Jazzman
Jersey Jazzman: NY State Tests: Misguided Mixing of Norms and CriteriaBefore I go any further, I think I need to regroup. Most of you probably have a good familiarity with what I'm going to discuss; however, I think it may be helpful to step back for a moment and think about some of the basics before we proceed. I know it will be helpful to me. When we last left our discussion of the crashing of N
by mike simpson / 22h 
Parent trigger laws divide communities: Opposing view
Parent trigger laws divide communities: Opposing view: "Parent trigger laws divide communities"Parent trigger laws divide communitiesToxic tactic allows parent petition drives to close schools, fire staff members or allow takeover by private charter operators.Parental involvement plays a critical role in student success. Teachers know that students whose parents take an active part in their educat
3 by mike simpson / 22h 
Education Grants - Fall 2013 | The Pollination ProjectThe Pollination Project
Education Grants - Fall 2013 | The Pollination ProjectThe Pollination Project: Education Grants – Fall 2013The Pollination Project, in partnership with the Institute for Humane Education, is offering up to 20 grant awards in Fall, 2013, for educators to create projects that support their students in making a positive difference in the world.We are seeking educators who are committed to bringing fo
by mike simpson / 23h 
Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Schools don't need licensed nurses to give medications, court rulesEducation HeadlinesTuesday, August 13, 2013Back to school means big changes, challenges at LAUSDThe start of classes Tuesday will launch a watershed year for Los Angeles Unified as it rolls out a new curriculum, toughens its graduation requirements and launches an innovative s
by mike simpson / 23h 
A question about (the change in) testing | JD2718
A question about (the change in) testing | JD2718: A question about (the change in) testingAUGUST 13, 2013 AM31 11:19 AMtags: education reform, hypocrisyThe frequency of tests in schools probably hasn’t changed much in the last few generations… but the type of tests, their nature, duration, consequences… those have changed.“Was your education harmed by the lack of today’s testing program?”When I w
by mike simpson / 23h 
Selective Schools Select Experience | InterACT
Selective Schools Select Experience | InterACT: Selective Schools Select ExperienceAUGUST 13, 2013by David B. CohenExperienced teachers in a stable school, working as a team to promote student learning in a positive environment (photo by the author).One of my favorite parts of a new school year is meeting new colleagues. I’m always impressed at the variety of experience and talent added to the roo
by mike simpson / 23h 
Morning Wink 8-13-13 AM Posts #BATsACT #edreform #EDCHAT #P2 #Cheats4Change
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSTODAYCommon Core Tests are Not Good for Children or Other Living Things - Living in Dialogue - Education Week TeacherCommon Core Tests are Not Good for Children or Other Living Things - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: Common Core Tests are Not Good for Children or Other Living ThingsBy Anthony Cody on August 13, 2013 10:09 AMLast week I wrote
1 by mike simpson / 23h 



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Is your student 'competent'? A new education yardstick takes the measure. - CSMonitor.com

Is your student 'competent'? A new education yardstick takes the measure. - CSMonitor.com:

Is your student 'competent'? A new education yardstick takes the measure.

A new learning regimen requires pupils to show proficiency in 'core competencies' for each subject – with no exceptions. It's called competency-based education. Here's who's trying it and what it entails.

By , Staff writer / August 14, 2013
From left, students Ryan Gersbach, Joe Lacroix, and Brianna DeRosier join in a World War I simulation game at Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, N.H.
Ann Hermes/Staff

KINGSTON, N.H.
Grading at Sanborn Regional High School in Kingston, N.H., is not influenced by some of the more traditional factors, such as turning in homework on time or doing "extra credit." Instead, each class defines a set of about four "competencies" – central concepts and skills – and a student must be proficient in each one to pass. Stellar performance in one can't make up for lack in another.
At Making Community Connections Charter School in Manchester, N.H., student Nick Malette prepares for his presentation before a panel of volunteers.
Ann Hermes/Staff
Students here have multiple opportunities along the way to show teachers what they know: There are quizzes and tests, yes, but also projects, individual portfolios, and class performances.
Spelling out what students need to demonstrate to earn passing or high grades "takes the subjectivity out of it," says Sanborn English teacher Aaron Wiles. A student tripping over one math concept gets pinpointed help, rather than accumulating gaps in understanding and having to take the entire course again. Students reflect on and revise their work until they meet expectations. "They take ownership of it," Mr. Wiles says.
RECOMMENDED: Are you as well-read as a 10th grader? Take our quiz.
This approach to learning is known as competency-based education, and New Hampshire is among the pioneers. As it gains momentum around the United States, the expectation is that it will deepen learning and tie education more explicitly to skills that will equip students for the workplace and college-level studies – everything from accurate math and writing to creative problem-solving. Competency education can be done in a variety of ways and across all subjects, but it takes a different mind-set than simply marching through a textbook-based curriculum.
Sixty-five percent of jobs in America will require some college-level study by 2020, according to the Georgetown University Center on Education and the Workforce. The majority of states have signed on to Common Core State Standards in English and math as a way to ensure that successful students won't have to do remedial work in college. Student tests being developed to go along with these standards aim to probe more deeply than traditional multiple-choice standardized tests by giving students tasks that require them to solve problems and apply what 

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Building a Strong Teacher Work Force | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights

Building a Strong Teacher Work Force | LFA: Join The Conversation - Public School Insights:

Building a Strong Teacher Work Force

Cheryl S. Williams's picture
By Cheryl S. Williams on August 14, 2013
I recently attended an information-rich meeting sponsored by the Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA), at which Dylan Wiliam, Emeritus Professor of Educational Assessment at the University of London, addressed the topic of Teacher Expertise: What It Is, Why It Matters, and How We Can Get More of It.  The results of Dr. Wiliam’s research are fascinating and important as we work collectively towards improving our public education system.  The first thing that came to mind after listening to his talk was the old humorous adage, “How do you get to Carnegie Hall?  Practice, Practice, Practice.”
What Dr. Wiliam’s work has uncovered is that only investing in existing teachers produces enough improvement to result in the changes we need in our education system and that this is not happening systematically in most schools and districts…but that it could be.  As context for his research findings, he asserts that “What works?” is rarely the right question because 
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First California public school falls to “parent trigger law” - World Socialist Web Site

First California public school falls to “parent trigger law” - World Socialist Web Site:

First California public school falls to “parent trigger law”

By Jack Cody 
14 August 2013

Elementary school students in the small California town of Adelanto came back to a different school in late July than they left at the end of the last school year. Over the truncated summer break, Desert Trails Elementary School, the neighborhood public school, was taken over by a charter and re-opened under a new name, Desert Trails Preparatory Academy. The completed conversion makes Desert Trails Elementary the first public school in California to fall to the controversial Parent Trigger law.
Under the so-called Parent Trigger law, first passed by the California state legislature in 2010, a group or organization gathering signatures from 51 percent of parents can seize an underperforming public school and transfer control to a private operator, called a charter. The campaign to convert Desert Trails began in 2011, when an organization called Parent Revolution began circulating petitions.

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Although Parent Revolution claimed to have gathered the requisite number of signatures, their effort stalled in court when a group of concerned local parents successfully challenged the validity of most of the signatures. Many original signers asked to have their signatures rescinded, claiming Parent Revolution had misled them into signing something that they did not understand (see: Adelanto, California: Parents defeat effort to privatize local school).
Despite the fact that the rescinded signatures brought the total well 

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Seattle teachers union protests proposal to raise class sizes | The Today File | Seattle Times

Seattle teachers union protests proposal to raise class sizes | The Today File | Seattle Times:

Seattle teachers union protests proposal to raise class sizes

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About three months into negotiations over a new contract for Seattle’s teachers, the union is breaking the usual silence around those talks to protest a district proposal to increase class size.
The Seattle Education Association has scheduled a rally Wednesday afternoon to denounce the district’s desire to raise the number of students  that can be in each classroom before the district must provide help for the teacher, and pay the teacher more money.  The rally is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. outside Franklin High School.
Starting in fall 2014, district officials want to be able to add two additional students to classes in grades 4-12.  That would mean that fourth- and fifth-grade classrooms could have 30 students before help or extra money would be required, and high school teachers could see 160 students instead of 150 per day.
District officials have told the union that raising class sizes is a short-term solution to the district’s space problems, given its growing enrollment.  A district spokeswoman said Wednesday that she couldn’t confirm that’s the full reason for the proposal.
In the long term, the district is building a handful of new schools and expanding others with money from the capital levy voters approved in February.
Union leaders say the district should find a better, more creative way to deal with its space crunch.
“Any way we try to slice and dice it, raising class sizes doesn’t make any sense to us,” said SEA 
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National teachers union leader points to St. Louis as model : News

National teachers union leader points to St. Louis as model : News:

National teachers union leader points to St. Louis as model

9 hours ago  •  By Elisa Crouch ecrouch@post-dispatch.com > 314-340-8119
2
ST. LOUIS • The head of the nation’s second-largest teachers union said Tuesday that school districts and unions should aim to solve problems rather than win arguments, and she pointed to St. Louis as a model.
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, met with early childhood educators, toured classrooms and observed a special education class inside Gateway Elementary School west of downtown St. Louis. She later told reporters that public education nationwide is on the ropes and that the unusual working relationship between the city’s teachers union and the St. Louis Public Schools was an important ingredient to help save it.
That relationship involves a union-district effort to remove ineffective teachers from city classrooms, including teachers with tenure, but only after providing them training to improve. It also involves mentoring first-year teachers to help them get off on a better foot. It’s called the St. Louis Plan.
“We’re better together than apart,” Superintendent Kelvin Adams said of the union.
“This should be the model and not the exception,” Weingarten said.
Earlier in the day, she addressed a United Mine Workers of America rally at Kiener Plaza.
Since Adams began leading St. Louis Public Schools in 2008, 
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4 Ways to Get Free College Textbooks - US News and World Report

4 Ways to Get Free College Textbooks - US News and World Report:

4 Ways to Get Free College Textbooks

College students can find free textbooks via university libraries or sites such as Project Gutenberg.

By 
August 14, 2013 RSS Feed Print
Textbooks can set college students back hundreds of dollars each semester, but free options may be available.
Textbooks can set college students back hundreds of dollars each semester, but free options may be available.
College can be a shock to the senses for many students. It can also be ashock to the wallet. Students can easily drop $200 on a single textbook – and that's just one book, for one class.
Arizona State University estimates full-time students will spend $1,000 on books this school year. Ohio State University suggests students budget nearly $1,250 for books and supplies, and the University of Southern California bumps that figure up to $1,500 for full-time undergrads.
Buying used instead of new can help students cut their book bill. Renting in lieu of buying can help students save, too. Budget-savvy students can go a step further by scoring free textbooks.
[Find out how to minimize your college costs.]
Finding no-cost options for all of the books on your list may not be 
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