Wednesday, December 28, 2011

New Youth Laws for 2012 - Year 2011 (CA Dept of Education)

New Youth Laws for 2012 - Year 2011 (CA Dept of Education):

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Spotlights New Youth Laws for 2012

SACRAMENTO—As Californians close out 2011 and welcome in the New Year, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson highlights some of the new education and child safety laws that go into effect in 2012.

“Our goal for the new year and every year is to make education accessible and effective for all children,” said Torlakson. “These new laws will help ensure children are safer, enter kindergarten at the appropriate age, learn what they need to know to succeed in life and careers, and fulfill the dream of a college education.”

Assembly Bill AB 130 (Cedillo) (PDF; Outside Source) is the California Dream Act of 2011. This measure exempts California nonresidents who qualify for the AB 540 (Firebaugh, 2001) (PDF; Outside Source) tuition waiver from paying nonresidential tuition at the University of California, California State University, and California Community College institutions of higher education.

AB 131 (Cedillo) (PDF; Outside Source) expands the state-administered student financial aid that is available for AB 540 waiver eligible students. For AB 540 waiver students, acquiring federally issued financial aid is prohibited, and opportunities for state-issued financial aid are limited.

“Traditionally, nonresidents who qualify for AB 540 waivers are persons without lawful immigration status or U.S. citizenship, or are permanent residents of another state,” said Torlakson. “However, these persons also have demonstrated a strong commitment to and investment in California personally, economically, and intellectually. Because these students will undoubtedly reinvest their education into California, it is important that our institutions of higher education support their endeavors.”

As part of Torlakson’s Blueprint for Great Schools Initiative to better prepare young students for kindergarten and beyond, he supported Senate Bill SB 1381 (Simitian, 2010) (PDF; Outside Source), also known as the Kindergarten Readiness Act of 2010, which begins in the 2012-13 school year. This measure changes the required birthday for admission to kindergarten and first grade and establishes a transitional kindergarten program.

Torlakson sponsored the following three measures to help implement the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). CCSS is a voluntary, state-led effort to develop a national set of standards for mathematics, English-language arts, and literacy in various content areas for students in kindergarten through grade twelve. The effort started in 2009 and is being coordinated by the Council of Chief State School Officers and the National Governors Association Center for Best Practices. Participants include 45 states, two territories, and the District of Columbia.

AB 124 (Fuentes) (PDF; Outside Source) establishes a process to update, revise, and align the English-Language Development Standards to the CCSS in English-language arts, and would require the State Superintendent and the State Board of Education to present lawmakers with a schedule and implementation plan for integrating the revised English-Language Development Standards into the education system.

AB 250 (Brownley) (PDF; Outside Source) establishes a structure for the implementation of the CCSS by developing and adopting curriculum frameworks and professional development opportunities that are aligned to the CCSS and are appropriate for all pupils. The bill also requires the State Superintendent, the State Board of Education, and others to develop criteria to guide the development of model professional development programs for teachers and administrators that deepen their understanding of the CCSS.

SB 140 (Lowenthal) (PDF; Outside Source) requires the California Department of Education to develop a list of supplemental instructional materials for use in kindergarten through seventh grade that are aligned with the CCSS in mathematics, and language arts for kindergarten through eighth grade. This bill also allows governing boards of school districts to approve supplemental instructional materials, other than those approved by the State Board of Education, if the materials are aligned with the CCSS.

Under SB 929 (Evans) (PDF; Outside Source), children under the age of eight must be properly buckled into a car seat or booster seat in the back seat. In addition, children aged eight or older who are not tall enough for the seat belt to fit properly must ride in a booster or car seat.

The previous law required that children remain in a booster seat until the age of six or until they weighed 60 pounds. The fine for violating this law is significant. For each child under the age of 16 who is not properly secured, parents (if in the car) or the driver can be fined a minimum of $475 and get a point on their driving record.

For more information about car seats, the new law, or help in determining if your child still needs a booster seat, call your local health department or go to the California Department of Public Health’s Web site at http://www.cdph.ca.gov/vosp (Outside Source).

# # # #

Tom Torlakson — State Superintendent of Public Instruction

Communications Division, Room 5206, 916-319-0818, Fax 916-319-0100

Jersey Jazzman: "Teachers Under Attack," New Book About NJ Ed Wars

Jersey Jazzman: "Teachers Under Attack," New Book About NJ Ed Wars:

"Teachers Under Attack," New Book About NJ Ed Wars

by Duke

I just downloaded the ebook version of "Teachers Under Attack" by Mike Spina. So far, it's a very good analysis of the education wars we've endured here in New Jersey. Mike gives a nice summary of Christie's personal vendetta with the NJEA in Chapter One - well worth reading for any NJ teacher who wants to know why we are where we are.

And I'm grateful for the shout out he gives to this blog, especially my work on ACTING DOE Commissioner Chris Cerf's background.

I'll have a full review when I finish, but for right now: it's a good read. Check it out

Playing a Game Is the Voluntary Attempt to Overcome Unnecessary Obstacles « The Whole Child Blog « Whole Child Education

Playing a Game Is the Voluntary Attempt to Overcome Unnecessary Obstacles « The Whole Child Blog « Whole Child Education:

Playing a Game Is the Voluntary Attempt to Overcome Unnecessary Obstacles

by Sean Slade

Last month we ran the theme of integrating movement throughout the school day (and outside of physical education classes). Obviously one place where this should be a no-brainer is recess. But it’s been scary seeing how many schools and districts have been cutting back on recess time in order to either provide enrichment classes or to add additional academic study time into the school day. In fact, the reason given why many of these schools are adding “enrichment classes” into recess time is because they have been pushed out of the daily schedule by academic cuts. And this is even though there have been countless studies showing and editorials discussing the benefits of play, whether it be for physical health, social and emotional health, all of the above, and even academic development.

One reason some principals give for eliminating recess is the lack of time in the school day to cover everything

Union president Lewis is a Chicago winner. « Fred Klonsky

Union president Lewis is a Chicago winner. « Fred Klonsky:

Union president Lewis is a Chicago winner.

by Fred Klonsky

NBC’s Ward Room picks Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis as a winner of the year.

Had you ever heard of the Chicago Teachers’ Union president before this year? Neither had I. By fighting Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s attempt to impose a longer

Does the 10th Congressional District swing?
by Fred Klonsky
Ilya Sheyman is a true progressive running for congress in the 10th CD. Teachers should support him.
In the previous post I described the Illinois 10th Congressional District as a swing district.
My reader, Matt, suggested otherwise, pointing out that it had consistently elected Republican congressmen for decades.

2011 at InterACT – Martha Infante « InterACT

2011 at InterACT – Martha Infante « InterACT:

2011 at InterACT – Martha Infante

by David B. Cohen

Martha Infante preparing to speak to the USDOE Equity and Excellence Commission, ( San Jose, CA; 4/21/11)

I’m going to take some liberties in putting together an end-of-year page for Martha Infante, because I think the most significant blogging she did on InterACT was a series of posts that started in 2010 and ran well into 2011 before concluding. Back in the fall of 2010, Martha’s school was slapped with a label and declared a “failing school.” Such labels are gross over-simplifications, and as I wrote about earlier this year, when the term “failure” is linked to adequate yearly progress (AYP) under No Child Left Behind, it’s becoming an increasingly useless distinction. Martha’s posts on this topic have allowed readers to see behind the label, to look at the

Presidential Proclamation -- National Mentoring Month, 2012 | The White House

Presidential Proclamation -- National Mentoring Month, 2012 | The White House:

Presidential Proclamation -- National Mentoring Month, 2012

by The White House

Release Time:

For Immediate Release

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

A PROCLAMATION

Every day, mentors help young Americans face the challenges of growing into adulthood. By setting a positive example and sharing their time, knowledge, and experience, mentors play an essential role in preparing our Nation's youth for a bright future. During National Mentoring Month, we celebrate the contributions of all those who cultivate a supportive environment for the next generation, and we recommit to expanding mentorship opportunities across our country.

At school and at home, in the library and on the field, mentors lift our youth toward their goals and ambitions. As a teacher, a relative, or a trusted friend, a mentor's steady and dependable support can inspire a child to strive for success and instill in them the confidence to achieve their full potential. Mentorship strengthens our American family, and by teaching enduring values like diligence and self-discipline, we make a powerful and lasting investment in our youth, our communities, and our Nation.

Across the Federal Government, we are working to ensure more young people have the opportunity to connect with a mentor. Last January, we partnered with businesses across America to launch the Corporate Mentoring Challenge, which calls on corporations to begin or expand mentoring programs that pair children with positive role models, foster leadership skills, and put them on the path to success in school and beyond. As part of our steadfast commitment to support our service members and their loved ones, we are funding new mentorship opportunities for children from military families. And we are continuing to engage faith and community groups to help recruit mentors who can guide our youth in education, employment, and engaged citizenship. For information and resources about mentoring opportunities, I encourage all Americans to visit: www.Serve.gov/Mentor.

By lending a hand and serving as a mentor, countless individuals have empowered young Americans with the confidence, inspiration, and tools to lead rich and fulfilling lives. This month, I encourage adults to make an investment in our Nation's future by helping a child discover the best in themselves.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim January 2012 as National Mentoring Month. I call upon public officials, business and community leaders, educators, and Americans across the country to observe this month with appropriate ceremonies, activities, and programs.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this twenty eighth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand eleven, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sixth.

BARACK OBAMA

Missouri Education Watchdog: The Department of Education Just Won The Data Jackpot

Missouri Education Watchdog: The Department of Education Just Won The Data Jackpot:

The Department of Education Just Won The Data Jackpot

by Anngie

Emmett McGroarty, executive director of the Preserve Innocence Initiative of the American Principles Project and Jane Robbins, a senior fellow with the APP, wrote a great opinion piece that was featured in today's New York Post regarding the new access the Federal Dept of Education just granted itself to a wide range of data about your children. We are including it here in its entirety for your convenience.

Would it bother you to know that the federal Centers for Disease Control had been shown your daughter’s health records to see how she responded to an STD/teen-pregnancy-prevention program? How about if the federal Department of Education and Department of Labor scrutinized your son’s academic performance to see if he should be “encouraged” to leave high school early to learn a trade? Would you think the government was intruding on your territory as a parent?

The government will have the ability to look at
any data they want to regarding your child.

Under regulations the Obama Department of

Schools Matter: When Bribes Don't Buy Buy-In, New York Ed Commish Tries the Extortion Route

Schools Matter: When Bribes Don't Buy Buy-In, New York Ed Commish Tries the Extortion Route:

When Bribes Don't Buy Buy-In, New York Ed Commish Tries the Extortion Route

by Jim Horn

From the NY Times, by Fernanda Santos:

New York State’s education commissioner threatened on Tuesday to withhold tens of millions of dollars in federal grants to struggling schools in New York City and nine other districts statewide if they do not prove by Saturday that they will carry out new evaluation systems for teachers and principals.

Officials and union leaders in each district must first agree on the details of the evaluation systems, like how much weight students’ standardized test scores will have on the annual ratings

Jersey Jazzman: Great Miami Herald Series on Charters

Jersey Jazzman: Great Miami Herald Series on Charters:

Great Miami Herald Series on Charters

by Duke

The Miami Herald did a terrific series about charter schools this month; if you haven't read it, you really should.

Here's a little something for those of you who think the talk of Wall Street making money off of the charter movement is worthy of a tin-foil hat:

Despite the criticism, the Zuluetas have repeated this business strategy across Miami-Dade and Broward counties. Through similar arrangements, the Zuluetas control more than 20 land companies doing business with Academica schools. These companies received about $19 million in lease payments in 2010, records show.

Zulueta said he and his brother hold a controlling interest in the land companies. The businesses also

Let’s Admit It – Education is Not the Most Important Thing in Life « Cooperative Catalyst

Let’s Admit It – Education is Not the Most Important Thing in Life « Cooperative Catalyst:

Let’s Admit It – Education is Not the Most Important Thing in Life

by Pernille Ripp

Aah Christmas break, or winter break, as we call it in my district so as not to offend anyone with our secularism. The students eagerly awaiting when I would drop the bomb; the homework bomb. How much would I require to make them do during their break, what projects would they have to cram in the final night of vacation? I could tell they were anxious, I could tell they worried, and yet I waited. After all, we had things to do. So on the very last day before break, I stood by our assignmet board and I told them the news; You have no homework. You can

Digitized Quotes – Susan Ohanian on NCLB… how about no child left in poverty

Digitized Quotes – Susan Ohanian on NCLB… how about no child left in poverty ?? @susanoha Florida activists still going strong ! Wear Red for Ed ! Keep Public Schools Public ! « Continuing Change:

Digitized Quotes – Susan Ohanian on NCLB… how about no child left in poverty ?? @susanoha Florida activists still going strong ! Wear Red for Ed ! Keep Public Schools Public !

by gatorbonbc

My Favorite Quotes Digitized = Susan Ohanian

I always have loved Susan Ohanian … such an insightful, informed woman ! Thanks @susanoha !!!

Thanks also for covering our Wear Red for Ed campaign last January… we are hitting the year

The Moneychangers: How Florida’s Education Reform Movement Uses Religion to Manipulate the Public | Scathing Purple Musings

The Moneychangers: How Florida’s Education Reform Movement Uses Religion to Manipulate the Public | Scathing Purple Musings:

The Moneychangers: How Florida’s Education Reform Movement Uses Religion to Manipulate the Public

by Bob Sikes

Jacksonville writer, parent and public education advocate Julie Delegal closely follows Florida education policy. She offers this in response to legislative efforts to expand vouchers through repeal of the Blaine Amendment.

In the wake of a recent circuit court decision, Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi has rewritten a legislatively composed ballot initiative that would, critics say, allow state money to go directly to private, religious school vouchers.

Floridians may be surprised to learn that we already have private school vouchers, and that they are already redeemable at various religious schools. (See http://www.folioweekly.com/documents/folio0901main_000.pdf.) Lawmakers call these vouchers “tax credit scholarships.” Tragically, Florida’s religious voucher schools don’t

Design Team Updates - Sacramento City Unified School District

Design Team Updates - Sacramento City Unified School District:

Design Team Updates

Latest information on Design Teams

This web page is a resource for all information regarding SCUSD schools recommended for a Design Team process. Please click on each individual school below for information about upcoming meetings, responses and comments from previous meetings, minutes from Design Team meetings and other useful information. Also to the right, you will find links to full reports issued by the 7-11 Committee and the Superintendent regarding these important issues.

Latest News and Comment from Education

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Spotlights New Youth Laws for 2012

Had you ever heard of the Chicago Teachers’ Union president before this year? Neither had I. By fighting Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s attempt to impose a longer

Design Team Updates