Latest News and Comment from Education

Show All

Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Nite Cap 8-27-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #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 CAP


TODAY

TEACHERS – DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE OLD “DIVIDE AND CONQUER” TRICK | Teachers Fight Back
TEACHERS – DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE OLD “DIVIDE AND CONQUER” TRICK | Teachers Fight Back: TEACHERS – DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE OLD “DIVIDE AND CONQUER” TRICKleave a comment »The pension reform ideas being studied by the Illinois legislative committee have been leaked to the public.  Many teachers I talk to are happy about the committee”s idea to allow active teachers to put 1% LESS of their paycheck in
by mike simpson / 28min 
Partnership for 21st Century Skills - Career Readiness Campaign
Partnership for 21st Century Skills - Career Readiness Campaign (CA Dept of Education): Partnership for 21st Century SkillsThis page contains resources that promote career readiness and 21st century skills for all students.Partnership for 21st Century SkillsCalifornia joins Partnership for 21st Century State Leadership Network to help prepare students for Common Core State Standards and Career Rea
by mike simpson / 33min 
Chicago united in fight for a better school system – CSMonitor Parents United for Responsible Education
Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Chicago united in fight for a better school system – CSMonitor: Chicago united in fight for a better school system – CSMonitorTribune’s Brian Casella photo of closed Stewart School signThe Christian Science Monitor offered an excellent report on the year ahead in Chicago schools, “Chicago opens new school year: Will it be less testy than th
by mike simpson / 35min 
Top 10 Worst Back-To-School Ice Breakers | Mr. Teachbad
Top 10 Worst Back-To-School Ice Breakers | Mr. Teachbad: Top 10 Worst Back-To-School Ice Breakers10. Raise your hand if you think you’re not fat. We’ll go around the room and when we get to you, say your name nice and loud and we’ll see what the class thinks.9. Get your name tags out for a quick round of Who’s Dad Drinks The Most?8. Now you’ll have to get to know the members of your group as you w
by mike simpson / 39min 
Mayor Mike Rawlings: Dallas ISD board needs to make decision on whether Mike Miles stays or goes | Education Blog
Mayor Mike Rawlings: Dallas ISD board needs to make decision on whether Mike Miles stays or goes | Education Blog: Mayor Mike Rawlings: Dallas ISD board needs to make decision on whether Mike Miles stays or goesBy Tawnell Hobbsthobbs@dallasnews.com2:39 pm on August 27, 2013 | Permalink110DISD Superintendent Mike Miles (left) listened to Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings speak at the Commit! meeting held
by mike simpson / 42min 
8-27-13 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Pinehurst: Up in the AirFrom the Superintendent to Pinehurst families:Seattle Public Schools is considering the possibility of closing Pinehurst K-8 School after the 2013-14 school year. No decision has been made at this time. The schedule of events shown below has been created in order to determine whether the school is to be closed. The Superintendent will make a
by mike simpson / 44min 
Waivers to No Child Left Behind Law Threatens At-Risk Students, Study Says | TheLedger.com
Waivers to No Child Left Behind Law Threatens At-Risk Students, Study Says | TheLedger.com: Waivers to No Child Left Behind Law Threatens At-Risk Students, Study SaysBy PHILIP ELLIOTTThe Associated PressPublished: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 9:54 a.m.Last Modified: Tuesday, August 27, 2013 at 9:54 a.m.WASHINGTON | Millions of at-risk students could fall through the cracks as the Education Departme
by mike simpson / 2h 
Why I Decided to Endorse Bill de Blasio for Mayor of New York City | Diane Ravitch
Why I Decided to Endorse Bill de Blasio for Mayor of New York City | Diane Ravitch: Why I Decided to Endorse Bill de Blasio for Mayor of New York CityPosted: 08/27/2013 9:00 amAfter much deliberation, I have decided to support Bill de Blasio for mayor of New York City.I thought long and hard, because I know and respect some of the other candidates.I issued the following statement to the de Blasio
by mike simpson / 2h 
Major League Baseball and Educators Team Up to Promote Student Success | NEA Today
Major League Baseball and Educators Team Up to Promote Student Success | NEA Today: Major League Baseball and Educators Team Up to Promote Student SuccessAugust 27, 2013 by twalker  Filed under Featured News, Top StoriesLeave a CommentBy Edward GrahamAs fans of professional baseball prepare for an exciting finish to the regular season and look forward to the playoffs, Major League Baseball (MLB) a
by mike simpson / 2h 
Attacks on public education include attacks on pensions: Mind the Constitution on pensions | Reclaim Reform
Attacks on public education include attacks on pensions: Mind the Constitution on pensions | Reclaim Reform: Attacks on public education include attacks on pensions: Mind the Constitution on pensionsPosted on August 27, 2013by Ken PrevitiThe attacks on public education include attempts to destroy the incomes of active and retired teachers and other public employees. The pillage of public pensions
by mike simpson / 2h 
Reflecting on How We Learn, Teach, and Lead — Whole Child Education
Reflecting on How We Learn, Teach, and Lead — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGReflecting on How We Learn, Teach, and LeadAugust 27, 2013 by Klea ScharbergTo me, summer has always seemed to be filled with opportunities. The weather gets warmer, the days are longer, children are on break from school, holidays are celebrated, and families and friends gather and go on vacation. Summer, part
by mike simpson / 3h 
Poll Shows Highest Level of Public Disapproval for Vouchers Ever | FDL News Desk
Poll Shows Highest Level of Public Disapproval for Vouchers Ever | FDL News Desk: Poll Shows Highest Level of Public Disapproval for Vouchers EverBy: DSWright Tuesday August 27, 2013 10:43 am Tweet11   A new PDK/Gallup Poll reveals bad news for the corporate education reform movement to privatize public education. According to the poll vouchers, previously considered a useful wedge weapon against
by mike simpson / 3h 
8-27-13 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: NY Times to Adopt TFA Model: Will Fire all Reporters With More than 2 Years Experience"Strong newspapers can withstand the turnover of their reporters," declared the Times on its editorial page. "Experienced reporters grow tired and less effective."Ed Notes satireNew reporters will undergo two and a half weeks of training before being sent to locations like Syria and Egypt. An ext
by mike simpson / 3h 
Magic – We all Have the Power | Connected Principals
Magic – We all Have the Power | Connected Principals: Magic – We all Have the PowerAugust 27, 2013By John Marschhausen“Write the way you talk.”That was what she said to me, and I never forgot it.Her name was Nancy Peterson (Mrs. Peterson to the seventh-grade version of me) and in that moment – for me – I felt it: magic.The light bulb went off; the lesson made sense; my confidence grew.In that mome
by mike simpson / 4h 
High teacher turnover in charters: Does student achievement... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com
High teacher turnover in charters: Does student achievement... | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: High teacher turnover in charters: Does student achievement suffer?  Previous PostsWondering where your kids can hide in a school shootingAugust 27, 2013Feds block vouchers in Louisiana districts under deseg ordersAugust 26, 2013Guns in schools: Best way to protect students is to arm their teachersAugust 2
by mike simpson / 4h 
--Schools Matter @ The Chalk Face
SCHOOLS MATTER @ THE CHALK FACE: Obama’s Failed Hope and Change: “Forget the politicians. They are irrelevant” | the becoming radicalAbout three decades later, I joined the majority of voters in the U.S., electing the first bi-racial (often called simply African American) president in the country’s history. At the time, however, I voted for Barack Obama primarily because I believed his election wa
by mike simpson / 4h 
Choosing Democracy: Charter networks push 2-4 years and out for teachers- that is a career.
Choosing Democracy: Charter networks push 2-4 years and out for teachers- that is a career.: Charter networks push 2-4 years and out for teachers- that is a career. Motoko Rich.  NYTimes.Studies have shown that on average, teacher turnover diminishes student achievement. Advocates who argue that teaching should become more like medicine or law say that while programs like Teach for America fill a
by mike simpson / 4h 
8-27-Wait What?
Wait What?: Ring bells, but ignore Sheff!!!Governor Malloy’s shocking approach to the 50th Anniversary of MLK Jr.’s speech:  Ring Bells, but ignore Sheff.  In preparation for the 50th Anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have A Dream” speech, Governor Malloy’s PR operation has kicked into high gear issuing a press release in which he asks “Residents & Organizations To Ring […]The pos
by mike simpson / 4h 
Suspended Sacramento teacher admits to biting special ed student to stop fight | news10.net
Suspended Sacramento teacher admits to biting special ed student to stop fight | news10.net: Suspended Sacramento teacher admits to biting special ed student to stop fight
by mike simpson / 4h 
Plans emerge to replace decile ranking system SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources
SI&A Cabinet Report – News & Resources: Plans emerge to replace decile ranking systemBy Kimberly BeltranTuesday, August 27, 2013In what might be the next step in revising California’s system for evaluating student performance, the state board of education is scheduled to consider next week two options for replacing the existing decile ranking system.Legislation approved last year requires
by mike simpson / 4h 
Schooling in the Ownership Society: The great TFA/charter scam -- Drive-by Teachers
Schooling in the Ownership Society: The great TFA/charter scam -- Drive-by Teachers: The great TFA/charter scam -- Drive-by TeachersA TFAer in Birmingham, AL.Today's NYT carries a piece,  "At Charter Schools, Short Careers by Choice" by Mokoto Rich. The notion that young, inexperienced short-timers, many with only 5 weeks of TFA training, should form the backbone of the nation's teaching core, has
by mike simpson / 4h 
NYC Public School Parents: MDRC report on NYC small schools and gaming graduation rates
NYC Public School Parents: MDRC report on NYC small schools and gaming graduation rates: MDRC report on NYC small schools and gaming graduation rates The latest version of the Gates-funded reports from MDRC has been released, showing graduation rates for NYC students who were assigned to the new small schools through the supposedly random HS admissions process were 6 to 9.5 percent higher compared
by mike simpson / 4h 
NYC Educator: How to Stop UFT from Asking You to Make Phone Calls
NYC Educator: How to Stop UFT from Asking You to Make Phone Calls: How to Stop UFT from Asking You to Make Phone CallsA few weeks ago, I got a series of phone calls asking me to work for Bill Thompson for mayor. Several UFT reps made these calls, and one was pretty persistent. With Bill de Blasio as a serious contender, I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to do so. I might reconsider if he's in a run
by mike simpson / 4h 
8-27-13 Education : NPR
Education : NPR:  Twitter Education Feedback: Good Sentiments But...Tell Me More Editor Ammad Omar highlights some of the Twitter education conversations going on at #NPREdChat.» E-Mail This     » Add to Del.icio.us2 1h Youth Wish List For Changing EducationHost Michel Martin gets perspective from two recent high school grads on what's working, and what isn't in schools. She speaks with Elijah Mil
by mike simpson / 4h 
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm ecstatic. Nobody killed on Day 1
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm ecstatic. Nobody killed on Day 1: Rahm ecstatic. Nobody killed on Day 1"This is true community policing." -- Chief Garry McCarthyThe Mayor's troops held the line on Immoral Monday.Nobody was killed, at least between the hours of 7-8 a.m. and 3-4 p.m. when thousands of cops, fire fighters, Streets & San crews, yellow-vested $10/hr. new hires, and $85K/yr. bus
by mike simpson / 4h 
5 myths of educational innovators, part I: disruption, digital natives, and learning styles | Hechinger Report
5 myths of educational innovators, part I: disruption, digital natives, and learning styles | Hechinger Report: 5 myths of educational innovators, part I: disruption, digital natives, and learning stylesBy Anya KamenetzIt’s almost back to school–a good time to clear out the cobwebs and challenge some conventional wisdom. Hype is seductive, and an enemy of clear thought. Luckily, I’ve recently come
by mike simpson / 4h 
Cali Education Headlines Tuesday, August 27, 2013
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Adams: Exercise in, junk food out at nation’s schools, CDC study findsEducation HeadlinesTuesday, August 27, 2013Questions about new school funding formula remainAs schools start up again this week, local officials are learning more about a funding system passed by the Legislature in June. But because the Local Control Funding Formula is so d
by mike simpson / 5h 
Nite Cap 8-27-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #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 CAPTODAYPerdido Street SchoolPerdido Street School: DNAinfo: Eva Moskowitz Plans To Open 100 News Success Academy Charter SchoolsFrom DNAinfo:WILLIAMSBURG — The controversial charter network Success Academy plans to open 100 New York schools in the next decad
1 by mike simpson / 7h 
Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: DNAinfo: Eva Moskowitz Plans To Open 100 News Success Academy Charter SchoolsFrom DNAinfo:WILLIAMSBURG — The controversial charter network Success Academy plans to open 100 New York schools in the next decade, DNAinfo New York has learned.The charter chain already has 20 schools in the city with another seven slated to open next year, despite fierce opposition from public sc
by mike simpson / 9h 
Corruption at Pennsylvania’s largest cyber-charter school as founder charged with funneling $8 million into private account | The Raw Story
Corruption at Pennsylvania’s largest cyber-charter school as founder charged with funneling $8 million into private account | The Raw Story: Corruption at Pennsylvania’s largest cyber-charter school as founder charged with funneling $8 million into private accountBy Pando DailyTuesday, August 27, 2013 8:17 EDTFor the last decade, cyber charter schools have been springing up all over the country. C
by mike simpson / 10h 
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 8-27-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Congratulations, John Owen, “Bad Teacher” of the Year!A terrific interview in USA Today with John Owen, who patiently explains what is really happening today in education.   A sample:   Q: You call yourself a “bad” teacher. When did this idea first occur to you? A: I was a bad teacher because I was a teacher. Today, “bad teacher” a
by mike simpson / 10h 
8-27-13 MomsRising Blog
MomsRising Blog: Fifty Years On: Toward a Politics of InclusivityMy 5 year-old son and I have had two conversations about the police — or “la policia,” as we call them – already this week.  In the first, he declared to me that “all police are not bad.”  That’s part of a larger and ongoing post-Trayvon talk we’ve been having this summer (more on that here).  Then yesterday morning, he pointed out t
by mike simpson / 10h 
Arne Duncan Wants Special Education Students To Take General Exams
Arne Duncan Wants Special Education Students To Take General Exams: Arne Duncan Wants Special Education Students To Take General ExamsShould students with disabilities be held to the same academic standards as their peers? And should schools and teachers be held accountable for their progress?U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan answered that question with a resounding yes, proposing a seemingl
by mike simpson / 10h 
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.: The progressive South rises again.  North Carolina NAACP legal chair Al McSurely, Rev. William Barber and the Klonsky brothers. It wasn’t their plan, but the Republicans and Tea Party folks in North Carolina have created a progressive, multi-racial movement that has rocked the state over the past few
by mike simpson / 10h 
Teachers deserve a shot at running their schools | EdSource Today
Teachers deserve a shot at running their schools | EdSource Today: Teachers deserve a shot at running their schoolsAugust 27th, 2013 | 1 Comment | By Charles Taylor Kerchner / commentaryShare on twitterShare on facebookShare on emailShare on printMore Sharing ServicesTed Kolderie, the Minnesotan who had a large hand in drafting the nation’s first charter school law, is selling ideas again. This ti
by mike simpson / 10h 
How the public is deceived about ‘highly qualified teachers’
How the public is deceived about ‘highly qualified teachers’: How the public is deceived about ‘highly qualified teachers’By Valerie Strauss, Published: August 27 at 7:00 amE-mail the writer0CommentsMoreFor years now a charade has been perpetuated on the public by politicians in Washington and school reformers about the definition of a “highly qualified teacher” — an issue that has real-life conse
by mike simpson / 10h 
Wondering where your kids can hide in a school shooting | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com
Wondering where your kids can hide in a school shooting | Get Schooled | www.ajc.com: Wondering where your kids can hide in a school shooting COMMENT(12) 0 1 0 6View Larger In the last 10 years since my twins started school, school safety has become an issue of greater concern to parents.By Maureen DowneyWhen my children began elementary school, not only could parents stroll into the building, wil
by mike simpson / 10h 

YESTERDAY

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 8-26-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMRedemption for Educators!Redemption for Educators! August 26, 2013 by Melanie Olmstead Educators may bear the brunt of school performance criticisms, but the public's opinion of educators is on the rise, with the majority of Americans believing that educators teach students well and keep them safe. This post has been generated by Page2RS
1 by mike simpson / 18h mark as read  //  save
Nite Cap 8-26-13 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #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 CAPTODAYRedemption for Educators! — Whole Child EducationRedemption for Educators! — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGRedemption for Educators!August 26, 2013 by Melanie OlmsteadEducators may bear the brunt of school performance criticisms, but the
1 by mike simpson / 23h 

Posted by at

TEACHERS – DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE OLD “DIVIDE AND CONQUER” TRICK | Teachers Fight Back

TEACHERS – DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE OLD “DIVIDE AND CONQUER” TRICK | Teachers Fight Back:

TEACHERS – DON’T BE FOOLED BY THE OLD “DIVIDE AND CONQUER” TRICK

leave a comment »


The pension reform ideas being studied by the Illinois legislative committee have been leaked to the public.  Many teachers I talk to are happy about the committee”s idea to allow active teachers to put 1% LESS of their paycheck into the pension fund. While retired teachers are going to be hammered by a great reduction in the “cost of living” and in other ways, active teachers will benefit from the 1% idea. I hear many retired teachers saying that they are fine with the 1% idea because the teachers had to be “tossed a bone of some sort”. They believe committee members were trying to reach out to teachers and retirees  by giving them the 1% bonus.
NO, NO NO !  My fellow teachers, do not fall for this old “divide and conquer technique”.  Don’t you see what’s going on here ?  This is similar to what school boards tried to do in teacher contract negotiations. The school boards often tried to divide the union by offering large raises to teachers with less experience, and smaller raises to those with more time in the system. The tactic tried to divide the union and save money at the same time. Teachers on the low-end of the salary scale were thrilled to possibly get a large raise while the older teachers were irate at their small raise offer. That is why we always negotiated for a uniform pay raise, the same percentage for everyone.
Do you actually think that the committee members are doing this 1% to make teachers feel less hostile about “pension reform” ?  What this committee and the legislature really fears is a completely united group of 

Yesterday was the first day that policemen and “safety patrol” adults in Chicago escorted students to their new schools as they crossed into gang territories where they previously would not have ventured.  The newspaper had a front page picture of a policeman escorting a third-grader as the student walked on the sidewalk to school. ONE POLICEMEN FOR ONE STUDENT !  How pathetic.  I assume there was
by alkleen / 15min 
Posted by at

Partnership for 21st Century Skills - Career Readiness Campaign (CA Dept of Education)

Partnership for 21st Century Skills - Career Readiness Campaign (CA Dept of Education):

Partnership for 21st Century Skills

This page contains resources that promote career readiness and 21st century skills for all students.



Partnership for 21st Century Skills

California joins Partnership for 21st Century State Leadership Network to help prepare students for Common Core State Standards and Career Readiness Standards
California is one of the 19 States that are working together with the Partnership for 21st Century Skills (P21) to promote real world 21st Century learning.
Founded in 2001, P21 is a national organization based in Washington, D.C. It serves as a catalyst in the 21st Century Education movement, working with business, educators, parents, and government to insure that all students are prepared with the rigorous content knowledge and broad curricula they will need for college and career readiness and global citizenship.
Link to Press Release - Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson Announces California Joins National Partnership to Teach 21st Century Skills.

Partnership for 21st Century Skills Framework Definitions

The P21 Framework was developed to help practitioners integrate skills into the teaching of core academic subjects. The Partnership has developed a unified, collective vision for learning known as the Framework for 21st Century Learning.
This Framework describes the skills, knowledge, and expertise students must master to succeed in work and life: it is a blend of content knowledge specific skills, expertise and literacies.  The essential skills for success in today’s world include the following:
  • Learning and Innovation Skills (The Four C’s: Critical thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity
  • Life and Career Skills
  • Information, Media, and Technological Skills
These skills are learned across the expanded core subjects, essential for all students in the 21st Century.  These include
  • English, Reading or Language Arts
  • World Languages
  • Arts
  • Mathematics
  • Economics
  • Science
  • Geography
  • History
  • Government and Civics
In addition to these subjects, the Partnership for 21st Century Skills believes schools must move to include not only a focus on mastery of core skills, but also promote understanding of academic content at much higher levels by weaving 21st Century interdisciplinary themes into core subjects.
21st Century Themes include:
  • Global Awareness
  • Financial, Economic, Business, and Entrepreneurial Literacy
  • Civic Literacy
  • Health Literacy
  • Environmental Literacy

Further Information:

Posted by at

Chicago united in fight for a better school system – CSMonitor Parents United for Responsible Education

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Chicago united in fight for a better school system – CSMonitor:

Chicago united in fight for a better school system – CSMonitor

Tribune's Brian Casella photo of closed Stewart School sign
Tribune’s Brian Casella photo of closed Stewart School sign
The Christian Science Monitor offered an excellent report on the year ahead in Chicago schools, “Chicago opens new school year: Will it be less testy than the last?”
Reporter Amanda Paulson interviewed me and some other Chicago activists and got a strong, unified message:
The district’s critics are focused not only on the school closures, but also on budget cuts, a profusion of standardized tests, large class sizes, and a governance system that includes a mayor-selected school board rather than an elected one.
“It is looking to be our worst year ever,” says Julie Woestehoff, executive director of the parent group PURE, assessing the state of the public schools. But she is hopeful that the problems will be a catalyst for change. “Sometimes you have to bottom out in order to make the changes that really need to be made,” she says. “That will begin
- See more at: http://pureparents.org/?p=20841#sthash.jeZ1h44n.dpuf
Posted by at

Top 10 Worst Back-To-School Ice Breakers | Mr. Teachbad

Top 10 Worst Back-To-School Ice Breakers | Mr. Teachbad:

Top 10 Worst Back-To-School Ice Breakers



10. Raise your hand if you think you’re not fat. We’ll go around the room and when we get to you, say your name nice and loud and we’ll see what the class thinks.
9. Get your name tags out for a quick round of Who’s Dad Drinks The Most?
8. Now you’ll have to get to know the members of your group as you work together to make important decisions in Oh, No!! There Aren’t Enough Life Jackets!!
7. If you were in the slow group last year, the Dumbbells or whatever, go to the front of the room and we’ll do a round of timed out-loud readings. Then we’ll let the smart kids try!
6. The first round of guessing for Summer: Awesome or Bummer? will be from the Laid, Arrested, or Neither category.
5. Good morning! My name is Mr. Teachbad. Let’s get on our feet! If you know somebody who has had an abortion, go 
Posted by at
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)