Tuesday, February 23, 2021

THE TOP BANANA: TODAY'S EDUCATION HEADLINES Tuesday, February 23, 202 #REDFORED #tbats #BLM #BLACKLIVESMATTER #BLACKHISTORYMONTH #openonlywhensafe

THE TOP BANANA
TODAY'S EDUCATION HEADLINES

LAUSD to launch COVID-tracking app that generates a code for students to enter campus http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/lanowblog/~3/ykQGRzOVPkI/lausd-launches-daily-pass-app-track-covid-schools

Schools must still give standardized tests this year, Biden administration says https://www.chalkbeat.org/2021/2/22/22296173/biden-administration-state-tests via @Chalkbeat

We Are Not Superheroes, We Are TEACHERS!(Poem dedicated to teachers) | DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER - https://wp.me/p10yrH-10a via @BriteEyes49

Robert Lyons: Our teacher pension. – Fred Klonsky - https://wp.me/p4C3g-qao via @fklonsky

Very Good Video On “Text Engineering” To Make It More Accessible To ELLs & Everybody Else | Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... - https://larryferlazzo.edublogs.org/?p=115776 on @Larryferlazzo

Jersey Jazzman: The Fiscal Impact of Charter Schools on School Districts: Thoughts on My New Report | National Education Policy Center - https://nepc.colorado.edu/node/10784 on @NEPCtweet

glen brown: Re: The Illinois Teachers Retirement System (by Bob Lyons) - https://teacherpoetmusicianglenbrown.blogspot.com/2021/02/re-illinois-teachers-retirement-system.html

On teacher pensions, wrong said Fred. https://preaprez.wordpress.com/2021/02/23/on-teacher-pensions-wrong-said-fred/

OPINION: How the racism of ‘good’ teachers can hurt kids https://hechingerreport.org/opinion-how-the-racism-of-good-teachers-can-hurt-kids/

L.A. parents demand schools reopen, saying science and improved conditions are on their side http://feeds.latimes.com/~r/lanowblog/~3/gIldBWt5O1Q/parents-protest-covid-closures-demand-la-schools-reopen

Young People Struggle To Keep Friends Close As Pandemic Pulls Them Apart https://www.npr.org/2021/02/23/968712893/young-people-struggle-to-keep-friends-close-as-pandemic-pulls-them-apart

CDC Guidelines For In-Person Learning Prove To Be An Impossible Task For Many Schools https://www.npr.org/2021/02/22/970278593/cdc-guidelines-for-in-person-learning-prove-to-be-an-impossible-task-for-many-sc

NYC Educator: UFT Executive Board February 22, 2021--Shortest Meeting Ever - http://nyceducator.com/2021/02/uft-executive-board-february-22-2021.html

Student debt is causing a mental health crisis. Forgiving it would ease distress for millions https://www.salon.com/2021/02/22/student-debt-is-causing-a-mental-health-crisis-forgiving-it-would-ease-distress-for-millions/

NOLA Public Schools COVID-19 cases drop after holiday as high school students return to campus https://thelensnola.org/2021/02/22/nola-public-schools-covid-19-cases-drop-after-holiday-as-high-school-students-return-to-campus/

The Cry Of The Mothers – At Wharton Business School – Wrench in the Gears - https://wp.me/p7SU8W-1Xv

Homeroom: How Can I Teach My Kid to Love Reading? http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/TheAtlantic/~3/GjTBaPJp5DM/

U.S. Department of Education Releases Guidance to States on Assessing Student Learning During the Pandemic https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/us-department-education-releases-guidance-states-assessing-student-learning-during-pandemic

Epic asks SVCSB to dismiss charter termination hearing https://nondoc.com/2021/02/23/epic-asks-svcsb-dismiss-termination-hearing/ via @nondocmedia

CNN's Jake Tapper gets into Twitter spat with DC teachers' union over COVID 'grim milestone' - https://www.bizpacreview.com/2021/02/22/cnns-jake-tapper-gets-into-twitter-spat-with-dc-teachers-union-over-covid-grim-milestone-1033370/ via @bizpacreview

COVID-19 school outbreak study by CDC ties spread to teachers - https://bayareane.ws/3ukPk2l on @mercnews

Peter Greene: Six Reasons Not to Rely on the Big Standardized Tests | Diane Ravitch's blog - https://wp.me/p2odLa-tCP via @dianeravitch

Pastors for Texas Children to the Texas Legislature: “Make Suitable Provision!” | Diane Ravitch's blog - https://wp.me/p2odLa-tCp via @dianeravitch

The Takedown with Amy Frogge – Tennessee Education Report - http://tnedreport.com/?p=5174 via @TNEdReport

Learn About Litigating Against Vouchers | Diane Ravitch's blog - https://wp.me/p2odLa-tBw via @dianeravitch

Oak Ridge, Tenn., Will Teach History Of Its Black Students Who Helped End Segregation https://www.npr.org/2021/02/23/970555503/oak-ridge-tenn-will-teach-history-of-its-black-students-who-helped-end-segregati

Education Department Amplifies USDA Expansion of SNAP Benefits to Help Students Pursuing Postsecondary Education During Pandemic https://www.ed.gov/news/press-releases/education-department-amplifies-usda-expansion-snap-benefits-help-students-pursuing-postsecondary-education-during-pandemic

CPS teachers may be required to disclose whether they’ve been vaccinated - Chicago Sun-Times - https://chicago.suntimes.com/education/2021/2/22/22295492/cps-teachers-may-be-required-to-disclose-whether-theyve-been-vaccinated#new_tab

Survey: NM teachers want students vaccinated before returning to in-person learning | KRQE News 13 - https://www.krqe.com/?p=823916

KUOW - Seattle Public Schools delays reopening plans as teachers union agreement stalls - https://www.kuow.org/stories/seattle-public-schools-delays-reopening-plans-due-to-lack-of-union-agreement#new_tab

State sets teacher diversity goals for school districts - Memphis Local, Sports, Business & Food News | Daily Memphian - https://dailymemphian.com/article/19822/tennessee-board-education-sets-teacher-diversity-goals#new_tab on @dailymemphian

COVID-19 vaccine for teachers: Can schools require staff to get shots? - https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/education/2021/02/19/covid-19-vaccine-teachers-can-schools-require-staff-get-shots/4490894001/#new_tab via @usatoday

Oakland teacher points finger at 'rich white parents' in reopening debate - https://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/All-the-rich-white-parents-suddenly-concerned-15970678.php#new_tab on @SFGate

K-12 Public Education Won't Be the Same After Covid-19 - Bloomberg - https://www.bloomberg.com/opinion/articles/2021-02-22/k-12-public-education-won-t-be-the-same-after-covid-19#new_tab on @bopinion

West Virginia GOP introduces bill seeking to prohibit 'divisive acts' in schools, workforce | TheHill - https://thehill.com/node/539893

Montgomery, Alabama schools moves forward with plans to convert public schools into privately-operated charter schools - World Socialist Web Site - https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2021/02/23/alab-f23.html#new_tab on @WSWS_Updates

Don't be fooled: Florida school voucher bill has dark side | Opinion - https://www.tallahassee.com/story/opinion/2021/02/21/dont-fooled-florida-school-voucher-bill-has-dark-side-opinion/6790458002/#new_tab via @tdonline

School vouchers are just a distraction from the real problem - funding - https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/op-ed/2021/02/22/school-vouchers-just-distraction-real-problem-funding/6717363002/#new_tab via @usatoday

NJ Reveals Plan to Address Learning Gap, Mental Health Impact of Pandemic on Students https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/coronavirus/nj-reveals-plan-to-address-learning-gap-mental-health-impact-of-pandemic-on-students/2899510/?_osource=db_npd_nbc_wnbc_twt_shr

K-12 Redesign: A Financial Overhaul | American Center for Transforming Education - https://www.discovery.org/education/2021/02/22/k-12-redesign-a-financial-overhaul/#new_tab

Education commissioner calls for Mass. elementary students to be in school five days a week in April http://a.msn.com/01/en-us/BB1dW7I1?ocid=st

Big Education Ape: What Will Happen When All The Teachers Are Gone? | Eclectablog - https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/what-will-happen-when-all-teachers-are.html

Big Education Ape: Los Angeles Teachers, Parents Stand Up Against Politicians' Threats - LA Progressive - https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/los-angeles-teachers-parents-stand-up.html

Big Education Ape: Elizabeth Jennings Graham, Black Educator Hall of Fame - Philly's 7th Ward - https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/elizabeth-jennings-graham-black.html

Big Education Ape: We Must Do Something About “Tennis Loss”!! | The Merrow Report - https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/we-must-do-something-about-tennis-loss.html

Big Education Ape: Considering Opting Out Your Child from High-Stakes Testing? – Parents United for Public Education - https://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/considering-opting-out-your-child-from.html

Teacher Tom: If the World Disappears When I Close My Eyes

by Mike Simpson / 1h

If the World Disappears When I Close My Eyes Two-year-old Jonathan put a blanket over his head. "Where did Jonathan go?" His parents pretended to look for him. "Where is he?" Jonathan giggled under his blanket. He had played this game before. A couple months earlier, he had played the game the other way. He had "discovered" that when he closed his eyes, the world disappeared. It had frightened h

NYC Educator: Big Lie on Testing from Biden

by Mike Simpson / 1h

Big Lie on Testing from Biden The Biden administration is insisting on standardized testing for traumatized students this year. This is a huge disappointment. I remember the awful education policies of the Obama administration, and I remember Diane Ravitch writing that Obama gave Bush a third term on education. Don't get me wrong--I certainly don't miss Big Orange at all. I was wary of Biden bec

Biden Admin Wants “to Focus on Assessments” in 2020-21 | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog

by Mike Simpson / 1h

Biden Admin Wants “to Focus on Assessments” in 2020-21 On February 22, 2021, acting ed secretary Ian Rosenblum ( formerly of testing-friendly ed reform org, Education Trust ) sent this letter to state school superintendents informing them that standardized testing must happen in the 2020-21 school year “to understand the impact COVID-19 has had on learning and identify what resources and support

Jersey Jazzman: We Don't Need Standardized Testing In a Pandemic

by Mike Simpson / 1h

We Don't Need Standardized Testing In a Pandemic UPDATE: Just as I was finishing this post, I caught a glimpse of this news : The U.S. Department of Education extended flexibility to states today in how and when they administer mandated end-of-the-year assessments, including allowing shorter tests that can be given remotely and, in the summer, or even in the fall. The federal agency advised stat

Leonie Haimson: Biden’s Absurd Decision to Impose the Tests: Opt Out! | Diane Ravitch's blog

by Mike Simpson / 1h

Leonie Haimson: Biden’s Absurd Decision to Impose the Tests: Opt Out! Leonie Haimson, executive director of Class Size Matters and board member of the Network for Public Education, responded to Biden’s broken promise about suspending the testing. She wrote: Today, Ian Rosenblum acting Asst. Sec. of the US Dept. of Education announced that states would NOT be given a waiver from administering sta

NewBlackMan (in Exile) TODAY #BLM #BLACKLIVESMATTER #BLACKHISTORYMONTH

by Mike Simpson / 1h

NewBlackMan (in Exile) NewBlackMan (in Exile) TODAY Big Education Ape: THIS WEEK WITH NEWBLACKMAN (IN EXILE) - http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/this-week-with-newblackman-in-exile-blm_20.html GIVĒON: Tiny Desk (Home) Concert by Mark Anthony Neal / 4h '"Just bear with me while I just enjoy this and soak in it," GIVĒON admits with a laugh. Switching between the demeanors of a seasoned, n

A VERY BUSY DAY Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... The latest news and resources in education since 2007 #BLM #BLACKLIVESMATTER #BLACKHISTORYMONTH

by Mike Simpson / 1h

Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... | The latest news and resources in education since 2007 A VERY BUSY DAY Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... The latest news and resources in education since 2007 Larry Ferlazzo's Websites of the Day... The latest news and resources in education since 2007 - http://bigeducationape.blogspot.com/2021/02/this-week-in-education-larry-ferlazzos_20.html Very G

Education Matters: Biden is off to a real slow education start.

by Mike Simpson / 3h

Biden is off to a real slow education start. You know you want to give the new guy some time, but how long does it take to do what is right? Well, since Biden just punted on high stakes standardized tests during a pandemic, it will be at least another year. However, since Obama's education policies were truly dreadful and destructive, I wouldn't hold out much hope that Biden will be different. T

CURMUDGUCATION: Biden Administration Won't Waive Big Standardized Test. Dammit.

by Mike Simpson / 3h

Biden Administration Won't Waive Big Standardized Test. Dammit. The Biden administration has offered its first flat-out wrong decision in the education sphere. Today Acting Ed Secretary Ian Rosenblum sent a letter out to state education chiefs . The news was not good, outlining the bad reasons for its bad decision. To be successful once schools have re-opened, we need to understand the impact CO

Grading Guidance for Progress in Distance Learning - Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

by Mike Simpson / 3h

State Superintendent Thurmond Announces New Grading Guidance for Student Progress in Distance Learning SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today the release of guidelines that address grading student progress and the ongoing issue of equity in distance and hybrid learning environments. Resources that support local control are included in the new guidance

Diane Ravitch in Conversation with Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler - Network For Public Education

by Mike Simpson / 3h

Diane Ravitch in Conversation with Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler The Network for Public Education invites you to join us for a video conference with NPE President Diane Ravitch. Diane's guests will be Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler. Berkshire is the the co-author of the recent book, A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door and Siler is an anti-racist, equity, and pro-public education consulta

TIME FOR THE NEXT PHASE – Dad Gone Wild

by Mike Simpson / 3h

TIME FOR THE NEXT PHASE “For convenience, history is often viewed as a conflict between the instinct for order and the impulse toward chaos. Both are necessary: both are manifestations of the need to survive. Without order, nothing exists: without chaos, nothing grows. And yet the struggle between them sheds more blood than any other war.” ― Stephen R. Donaldson, The Gap Into Vision: Forbidden K

2021 Medley #4 – Indiana Still Hates Public Ed | Live Long and Prosper

by Mike Simpson / 3h

2021 Medley #4 – Indiana Still Hates Public Ed School “reform” in Indiana In April of 2019, I wrote , This year, just like in the past, the state of Indiana, ruled by one party with a supermajority in the legislature, has worked to disrespect public schools and public school teachers. The only way to fight this, aside from the daily grind of contacting legislators about every single damaging pie

NYC Public School Parents: More wasteful DOE spending on busing, devices, and possibly School Safety Agents to come

by Mike Simpson / 3h

More wasteful DOE spending on busing, devices, and possibly School Safety Agents to come The Panel for Educational Policy will vote on a new batch of DOE contracts this Wed. on February 24 . As an elected official wrote me over the weekend, “Am looking at PEP Contracts – some are questionable .” I replied, “ Always! Which ones now ?” Here are some: There are retroactive contracts totaling more t

YESTERDAY

THE TOP BANANA: TODAY'S EDUCATION HEADLINES Monday, February 22, 2021 #REDFORED #tbats #BLM #BLACKLIVESMATTER #BLACKHISTORYMONTH #openonlywhensafe

by Mike Simpson / 22h

Big Education Ape THE TOP BANANA TODAY'S EDUCATION HEADLINES LAUSD to resume limited in-person classes, hoping for wider elementary school reopening in April

Big Education Ape

What Will Happen When All The Teachers Are Gone? | Eclectablog

What Will Happen When All The Teachers Are Gone?

I really tried to see “both sides” of this “reopen the schools” debate for the longest time…I know how hard it is to try to get anything done with little kids at home in normal times–multiply that by 100 during this pandemic. And I get the frustration that comes with trying to juggle work, bills, child care, and all the other responsibilities of day-to-day life, and then have big pieces and chunks of your “support system” just torn away–and not for a day or two, but for months, with seemingly no end in sight.

And add to that the stress and tension of uncertain income streams, business shutdowns, work from home arrangements, not being able to see your family…it’s bleak out there right now.

So I get it…

That is, until a school reopening advocate told me that teachers who were working virtually were nothing more than “curriculum couriers,” and if we weren’t careful we’d work ourselves right out of our jobs–that schools would just put kids in big rooms with “facilitators” and our lesson plans, and get rid of all the teachers who weren’t “willing” to “get back to work”.

That really shook me, on multiple levels.

1. The carefully constructed “mask” worn by so many in this camp (“we love our child’s teachers, but doctors and nurses are working…”, or “I’m trying to be patient with my community’s teachers, but I’m losing my patience…”) came crashing down–and despite their objections when called out, CONTINUE READING: What Will Happen When All The Teachers Are Gone? | Eclectablog

Los Angeles Teachers, Parents Stand Up Against Politicians' Threats - LA Progressive

Los Angeles Teachers, Parents Stand Up Against Politicians’ Threats

Despite pressure from local politicians, businesses, Gov. Gavin Newsom, Mayor Eric Garcetti, and the Los Angeles Times, teachers throughout California—and especially in Los Angeles—have mobilized to demand vaccinations before school reopening.

The teachers, backed by parents, have actively responded to this attack on their United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) union for demanding a full complement of safety measures. They note that this is the same lineup of forces who opposed the teachers strike 18 months ago that transformed UTLA into a much stronger union and won important victories.

On Saturday, February 20, a 100-car caravan stretched through downtown Los Angeles—sponsored by Students Deserve, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment, Los Angeles Alliance for New Economy, Eastside Padres Contra Privatization, Reclaim Our Schools, and UTLA.

Cars were adorned with bilingual signs saying Not My Child, Schools Are Not Safe; End Educational Racism; Teachers Lives Matter; AND Don’t Save the Economy by Risking a Child’s Life.

Teachers, backed by parents, have actively responded to this attack on their UTLA union for demanding a full complement of safety measures.

The February 17 Los Angeles Times editorial denounced the teachers for not returning to work without vaccinations and also attacked LA school superintendent Austin Buettner for not forcing the teachers back.

The editorial also said “the union is jeopardizing its own popularity. If it continues to put the needs of students and families last.” Such hypocrisy from a newspaper that attacked the strike by teachers for improved conditions and reduce class size in the schools.

As a 17-year veteran teacher, I agree with other teachers by saying that we shall not lose our CONTINUE READING: Los Angeles Teachers, Parents Stand Up Against Politicians' Threats - LA Progressive

Elizabeth Jennings Graham, Black Educator Hall of Fame - Philly's 7th Ward

ELIZABETH JENNINGS GRAHAM, BLACK EDUCATOR HALL OF FAME

E’ry day this month, the Center for Black Educator Development, in partnership with Phillys7thWard.org, will highlight a Black Educator Hall of Famer.

But, don’t forget, e’ry month is Black History Month…February is just the Blackest.

Today, our featured Black Educator is Elizabeth Jennings Graham.

#BlackEducatorsHoF #BlackTeacherPipeline

Elizabeth Jennings Graham was known as the first freedom rider. She was born in New York in 1827. Her father, Thomas Jennings, was an inventor and was the first Black person to hold a patent. He was also a founder of the historic Abyssinian Baptist Church. Her mother was a speech writer and member of a well-known literary society in New York. The family was well-to-do members of Black society in New York City.

After graduating from school, Graham became a teacher, teaching at the city’s private African Free School. The school, which was founded by abolitionists, was for children of enslaved people and free Black people. Graduates often became influential members of New York’s Black community, including Alexander Crummell and Henry Highland Garnet. Later, Graham opened a CONTINUE READING: Elizabeth Jennings Graham, Black Educator Hall of Fame - Philly's 7th Ward

We Must Do Something About “Tennis Loss”!! | The Merrow Report

We Must Do Something About “Tennis Loss”!!

Imagine for a moment that you are an excellent tennis player who regularly ranks in the Top Ten in your age group and in your state. You have an excellent first serve that you can place with pinpoint accuracy, a reliable second serve, a devastating two-hand backhand, and a well-disguised drop shot that befuddles opponents. What’s more, you cover the court with surprising speed and agility and have developed an impressive deep topspin lob. You invariably bring home some silver in local tournaments, and in state tournaments you are a good bet to reach–at minimum– the quarterfinals.

Then came the pandemic. You haven’t been able to play tennis since March, 2020, because all the courts and public clubs were shut down. Some of your wealthy competitors have their own courts or have been able to play on private courts belonging to friends. Not you…..

Now the ban has been lifted, and you and your coach have just begun to work on all aspects of your game–your first serve, second serve, drop shot, two-hand backhand, and topspin lob–because a weakness in any one aspect of your game will invariably mean defeat. At this level, opponents are quick to sniff out deficiencies and take advantage of them.

However, on the very day that you and your coach begin working in earnest, a directive comes from from the state office that coordinates tournaments and–critically–determines rankings. It says that, out of concern for “Tennis Loss” and in the absence of tournament results, rankings will be determined by a performance test that will be administered state-wide in one month. Players CONTINUE READING: We Must Do Something About “Tennis Loss”!! | The Merrow Report

Considering Opting Out Your Child from High-Stakes Testing? – Parents United for Public Education

Considering Opting Out Your Child from High-Stakes Testing?

With the recent guidance issued from the Department of Education that says that states must give standardized tests this school year (despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and the many other reasons testing should be cancelled), we’ve decided to republish this post about opting out of testing.

We will continue to update the post and resources as more information becomes available about adjustments to the processes for this school year.

Data on teacher’s perceptions of the PSSA’s effectiveness as an indicator of student achievement from the June 2019 “Standardized Tests in Public Education” report by the PA General Assembly’s Legislative Budget and Finance Committee

Over recent years, there have been a handful of parents, district wide, who contentiously objected to the high stakes attached to the state’s standardized tests: PSSA and Keystones. In some years, there have been more organized efforts, like those in 2014-15 that lead to over 17% of families from Feltonville School of Arts and Science opting out of the PSSAs.

We fully support the right for parents to opt their children out of high stakes standardized tests. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania is one of a few states that has a legal provision for parents to opt their children out of the PSSA and Keystone exams.

Standardized testing has been at the forefront of what is going wrong in public CONTINUE READING: Considering Opting Out Your Child from High-Stakes Testing? – Parents United for Public Education

Teacher Tom: If the World Disappears When I Close My Eyes

If the World Disappears When I Close My Eyes

Two-year-old Jonathan put a blanket over his head.

"Where did Jonathan go?" His parents pretended to look for him. "Where is he?"

Jonathan giggled under his blanket. He had played this game before.

A couple months earlier, he had played the game the other way. He had "discovered" that when he closed his eyes, the world disappeared. It had frightened him at first. He would blink quickly, not wanting, I reckon, to risk losing the world forever, but as he became more confident that the world would return, he took to closing his eyes for minutes at a time. "Everything is gone," he would say, at first with awe, but then matter-of-factually. This hiding under a blanket was a new game for him, an extension of the old one: if the world disappears when I close my eyes, maybe I can disappear as well.

As adults we find his mistaken understanding to be cute, one CONTINUE READING: Teacher Tom: If the World Disappears When I Close My Eyes

NYC Educator: Big Lie on Testing from Biden

Big Lie on Testing from Biden

The Biden administration is insisting on standardized testing for traumatized students this year. This is a huge disappointment. I remember the awful education policies of the Obama administration, and I remember Diane Ravitch writing that Obama gave Bush a third term on education. Don't get me wrong--I certainly don't miss Big Orange at all.

I was wary of Biden because of Obama's awful policies. I remember Arne Duncan making us all Race to the Top. I remember the insistence on evaluation teachers based at least somewhat on test scores. Despite the fact that it mitigates the judgment of insane supervisors, it was and is junk science. It's not best policy to judge working teachers by junk science.

But Joe Biden came to Pittsburgh to speak to educators, and painted us a very different portrait of himself. Biden was low on my list of Democratic candidates. He wasn't the worst of the bunch. I would not have voted for anti-public education candidates Corey Booker or Mike Bloomberg under any circumstance. Biden got my vote, but I was very concerned he'd enable the sort of reforminess that Obama did.

The forum in Pittsburgh was really interesting, but when I got there I found no way to ask a question. I tried really CONTINUE READING: NYC Educator: Big Lie on Testing from Biden

Biden Admin Wants “to Focus on Assessments” in 2020-21 | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog

Biden Admin Wants “to Focus on Assessments” in 2020-21

On February 22, 2021, acting ed secretary Ian Rosenblum (formerly of testing-friendly ed reform org, Education Trust) sent this letter to state school superintendents informing them that standardized testing must happen in the 2020-21 school year “to understand the impact COVID-19 has had on learning and identify what resources and supports students need” and “to address the educational inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.”

Anyone with a smidge of critical thought and modest powers of observation could easily make a short list of the impact that COVID-19 has had on learning. Furthermore, the biggest support public schools have needed for years is adequate (equitable) funding not tied to property taxes and not tied to any federal competition.

Surveying district and state superintendents about what they need in order to provide equitable education opportunities for their students would be a much better use of US Dept of Ed time and money than spending multiple millions on standardized tests.

But, but, but, according to Rosenblum, as a last-thought, tacked-on reason for administering tests during a pandemic, “parents need information on how their children are doing.”

I have been teaching the better part of three decades, and I have yet for any CONTINUE READING: Biden Admin Wants “to Focus on Assessments” in 2020-21 | deutsch29: Mercedes Schneider's Blog

Jersey Jazzman: We Don't Need Standardized Testing In a Pandemic

We Don't Need Standardized Testing In a Pandemic

UPDATE: Just as I was finishing this post, I caught a glimpse of this news:

The U.S. Department of Education extended flexibility to states today in how and when they administer mandated end-of-the-year assessments, including allowing shorter tests that can be given remotely and, in the summer, or even in the fall. The federal agency advised states to blunt the impact of the tests, suggesting the scores not be used in final grades and grade promotion decisions.

However, despite the disruption to schools from the pandemic, the federal agency did not liberate states from administering standardized tests; it will continue to require statewide assessments. Some states, including Georgia, requested waivers that would allow them to forgo standardized testing altogether this year.

As I argue below, this is a bad idea. I really hope the Biden administration can be persuaded to reconsider.

* * *

A notable bit of education policy news in New Jersey last week:

New Jersey will apply to the federal government to waive standardized testing for the current school year as districts across the state continue to cope with the constraints of the coronavirus pandemic, Gov. Phil Murphy announced Friday.

Murphy said the state has not yet received word from President Joe Biden’s administration as to whether it will accept its application to waive the federal CONTINUE READING: Jersey Jazzman: We Don't Need Standardized Testing In a Pandemic

Leonie Haimson: Biden’s Absurd Decision to Impose the Tests: Opt Out! | Diane Ravitch's blog

Leonie Haimson: Biden’s Absurd Decision to Impose the Tests: Opt Out!

Leonie Haimson, executive director of Class Size Matters and board member of the Network for Public Education, responded to Biden’s broken promise about suspending the testing.

She wrote:

Today, Ian Rosenblum acting Asst. Sec. of the US Dept. of Education announced that states would NOT be given a waiver from administering standardized exams – though ten had already requested them, including New York. Rosenblum is the formerly the Ed Asst. to Cuomo, and then worked at the pro-testing outfit Ed Trust, headed by John King.

His letter is here; article in Chalkbeat here. The letter does say that the tests could be shortened, given over the summer (!) or even next fall.

Surprising and depressing that they would make this announcement before Miguel Cardona, appointed as CONTINUE READING: Leonie Haimson: Biden’s Absurd Decision to Impose the Tests: Opt Out! | Diane Ravitch's blog

Education Matters: Biden is off to a real slow education start.

Biden is off to a real slow education start.

You know you want to give the new guy some time, but how long does it take to do what is right? Well, since Biden just punted on high stakes standardized tests during a pandemic, it will be at least another year. However, since Obama's education policies were truly dreadful and destructive, I wouldn't hold out much hope that Biden will be different.

The Biden administration showed a real lack of leadership today when it punted to the states on high-stakes testing.

From the letter the acting secretary of ed sent to the states.

To be successful once schools have re-opened, we need to understand the impact COVID-19 has had on learning and identify what resources and supports students need. We must also specifically be prepared to address the educational inequities that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, including by using student learning data to enable states, school districts, and schools to target resources and supports to the students with the greatest needs. In addition, parents need information on how their children are doing

https://www2.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/stateletters/dcl-assessments-and-acct-022221.pdf

I love how it finishes, you know, because we can't trust teachers to tell parents, and be honest, so since we CONTINUE READING: Education Matters: Biden is off to a real slow education start.

CURMUDGUCATION: Biden Administration Won't Waive Big Standardized Test. Dammit.

Biden Administration Won't Waive Big Standardized Test. Dammit.

The Biden administration has offered its first flat-out wrong decision in the education sphere.

Today Acting Ed Secretary Ian Rosenblum sent a letter out to state education chiefs. The news was not good, outlining the bad reasons for its bad decision.

Who is this "we"? That's not entirely clear. But, as I've said before, the "we need information so we can address needs" argument is baloney for at least two reasons.

First, if you need information, ask the teachers. Ask the teachers. Ask the teachers. Ask. The. Teachers. They have been doing steady, daily assessment, both formal and informal, every day since this mess started. They know far more than the Big Standardized Test will ever tell anyone, and they know it today, not months from now when BS Test results come back. Parents can certainly learn far CONTINUE READING: CURMUDGUCATION: Biden Administration Won't Waive Big Standardized Test. Dammit.

Grading Guidance for Progress in Distance Learning - Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

State Superintendent Thurmond Announces New Grading Guidance for Student Progress in Distance Learning

SACRAMENTO—State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond announced today the release of guidelines that address grading student progress and the ongoing issue of equity in distance and hybrid learning environments. Resources that support local control are included in the new guidance, allowing schools to make the best decisions for their respective student populations.

“As the majority of California’s public schools continue to respond to distance learning needs, we should reflect on how student progress is measured and consider how to shift to more equitable grading systems and policies, whether the instructional setting is in-person, virtual, or hybrid,” Thurmond said. “This is an opportunity to make a significant change.”

The new guidance includes research-based approaches to grading that may be especially helpful if students are not in class and access to technology and learning supports may be unequal. These include replacing grading quantities, such as the extent to which students have completed assignments, with grading qualities in student work that reflect students’ current achievement level at the time, and using flexibility in timing the collection of evidence for grading decisions so students are graded on the learning they do, not when they do it.

Resources for Making Local Decisions Regarding Grading Student Progress is located on the CDE Support tab on the CDE Distance Learning web page under “Grading and Graduation.” Contact the CDE Curriculum Frameworks and Instructional Resource Division at CFIRD@cde.ca.gov with any questions regarding the grading guidance and resources.

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Tony Thurmond — State Superintendent of Public Instruction
Communications Division, Room 5602, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Grading Guidance for Progress in Distance Learning - Year 2021 (CA Dept of Education)

Diane Ravitch in Conversation with Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler - Network For Public Education

Diane Ravitch in Conversation with Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler

The Network for Public Education invites you to join us for a video conference with NPE President Diane Ravitch. Diane's guests will be Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler. Berkshire is the the co-author of the recent book, A Wolf at the Schoolhouse Door and Siler is an anti-racist, equity, and pro-public education consultant. Join Diane, Jennifer and Charles in conversation about how public education advocates can win the messaging wars vs. those who seek to privatize public education.

Diane Ravitch in Conversation with Jennifer Berkshire and Charles Siler - Network For Public Education

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Tuesday, February 23, 2021