Don’t miss this Chicago video. Repost widely. | Fred Klonsky

Don’t miss this Chicago video. Repost widely. | Fred Klonsky:

Don’t miss this Chicago video. Repost widely.

by Fred Klonsky

Chicago: Time to End the Billionaires' Experiments With Mayoral Control? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher

Chicago: Time to End the Billionaires' Experiments With Mayoral Control? - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher:

Chicago: Time to End the Billionaires' Experiments With Mayoral Control?

by Anthony Cody

Yesterday the Chicago Board of Education voted four to two to move ahead with the largest wave of school closures in history. Mayor Richard M. Daley took control of that city's schools back in 1995, and they have been under mayoral control ever since. In the wake of the hugely unpopular school closures, many are calling this system into question. Meanwhile Mayor Rahm Emanuel is seeking to invest $55 million into building a new sports arena and hotel complex.
Mayoral control has been very popular with education philanthropists and the Department of Education as well. In 2009, Arne Duncan spoke out on the subject:

"At the end of my tenure, if only seven mayors are in control, I think I will have failed," Duncan said.

He offered to do whatever he can to make the case. "I'll come to your cities," Duncan said. "I'll 

Blue Jersey:: AFT President: "Barbara Buono is us."

Blue Jersey:: AFT President: "Barbara Buono is us.":

AFT President: "Barbara Buono is us."

by Rosi Efthim

From a membership meeting of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) at Thomas Edison State College in Trenton, with guests senators Shirley Turner, Linda Greenstein and Democratic nominee for governor Sen. Barbara Buono. This is AFT president Donna M. Chiera on how to win New Jersey back from Chris Christie:

"This election is about us. This election is about our students and our communities."[snip]
"They're going to be throwing money at this man [Christie]. And we can't match the money, but we have something money can't buy. We have people power. We have boots on the ground."

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Diane in the Evening 5-23-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

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

Rahm: No Money for Schools But Millions for….

by dianerav

Even as Rahm Emanuel says he has no money for schools, none at all, the cupboard is bare….. He somehow managed to find $55 million to build a private basketball stadium. Now, this is a mayor with priorities!

Scott Walker Determined to Privatize Wisconsin Schools

by dianerav

Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker is following the ALEC script:
More charters
More vouchers
Lower standards for entry into teaching
Did he ask the voters if they want to get rid of public education? No.

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 5-23-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

mike simpson at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago

Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Chicago: Most Disgusting Editorial on Mass Closings by dianerav The Chicago Tribune would have advised American troops to lay down their arms when defeat seemed certain. They would have advised appeasement in the 1930s. This is an editorial board that cares not a whit for 40,000 children (not their children, after all) or for public education. The Chicago Tribune editorial board is composed of Quislings. This is their advice to teachers: **********************... more »

Two LSCs sign on to the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing! Parents United for Responsible Education

Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Two LSCs sign on to the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing!:

Two LSCs sign on to the National Resolution on High-Stakes Testing!

by admin

Congratulations to the Kelly HS and the Drummond Montessori Local School Councils for signing on to theNational Resolution on High-Stakes Testing. You can see their sign-on at the bottom below. The Kelly faculty also signed on.
The More Than a Score group has been working to include LSCs in the important work of educating parents and others around the problems with high-stakes standardized testing.
We created this LSC Testing Toolkit which provides useful fact and tip sheets as well as sample local resolutions to go along with the national resolution. We hope to get more LSCs to sign on and to bring this valuable information to their schools.

Reasoning with and Resisting Arne Duncan's Education Reform Agenda: Scribbling Lines in the Sand

Reasoning with and Resisting Arne Duncan's Education Reform Agenda: Scribbling Lines in the Sand:

Reasoning with and Resisting Arne Duncan's Education Reform Agenda: Scribbling Lines in the Sand

Wednesday, 22 May 2013 13:48By Tobey Steeves, SpeakOut | Op-Ed

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There are times when a line in the sand can shift the course of a life – or of history. At other times a line in the sand may push us towards a common vision – or act as an incitement to trespass. In some instances a line in the sand may be narrow and thin – easily crossed or bridged. Or, alternatively, a line in the sand may be wide and deep – betraying no easy paths or footholds, and leaving travellers vulnerable to unforeseen dangers. And, of course, there are times when a line in the sand is no more than a line in the sand.

A line in the sand is no uncommon sight, and might be drawn by a friend, lover, or stranger. More broadly, lines in the sand may be wielded as technologies or tactics of power by politicians, police, and educators. Teachers, for instance, can employ lines in the sand as tactics for teaching values or understandings. This happens, for example, when teachers disallow certain behaviours (e.g., bullying, plagiarism, 

NYC Educator: Bill Thompson Is Unacceptable for Working Teachers

NYC Educator: Bill Thompson Is Unacceptable for Working Teachers:

Bill Thompson Is Unacceptable for Working Teachers

by NYC Educator

It's more than a little depressing to read that AFT President Randi Weingarten has seen fit to endorse Bill Thompson for NYC Mayor. First of all, she's got enormous sway over the UFT. It's possible that UFT could go its own way, but I wouldn't bank on it. More to the point, we've got history with Thompson, and it's not good at all.

It's certainly true that UFT worked closely with Thompson before billionaire Bloomberg decided to buy that third term. In fact, I recall his saying things that could just as easily have come out of Weingarten's mouth. But Thompson must surely have been disappointed when, after all that happy camping, the UFT declined to select a candidate against Emperor Mike.

I recall being at a chapter leader training where I complained about that. A UFT rep told me that we could only sway the electorate about five points, and that Bloomberg was so far ahead this would have been futile. At another training session, after Bloomberg won by five points, a more senior UFT rep announced to a room full of chapter leaders that we could only have swayed the electorate about three points, and that this would have been futile. He added, however, that had Hitler been running, the UFT would have taken a principled stand against him.

This was a little bit shocking to me. I did not feel any compunction to wait for Hitler to run before taking a principled stand. It was obvious to me then, and even more obvious now, that Reformy Mike's cherished goal is to break our union and privatize education. In fact, my principled stand has an even lower standard. Mayoral 

A Film That Can Help Reform School Food Programs « MomsRising Blog

A Film That Can Help Reform School Food Programs « MomsRising Blog:

A Film That Can Help Reform School Food Programs

by Margaret Poindexter

We all know that childhood obesity numbers are staggering. But just how staggering are they?
One out of every three kids in the U.S are now classified as overweight or obese!  And one of the most astonishing contributors is the food served in many school cafeterias.
What does it take to reform school meals so that they are more nutritious and tasty for our kids, and also more sustainable for our communities? 
Cafeteria Man is a 65-minute documentary about one school district’s move toward a healthier and more sustainable food program. The film is an inspiring portrayal of the possibilities, as well as a realistic view of the challenges of transforming school food, and the importance of local leadership from parents, students and others to overcome these challenges.

Cafeteria Man follows chef Tony Geraci’s ambitious efforts in Baltimore City Public Schools, a large urban

Roaring our terrible roars, gnashing our terrible teeth

by Gloria Pan

Ever felt like a wild thing? Last month, I found myself “roaring my terrible roar and gnashing my terrible teeth and rolling my terrible eyes and showing my terrible claws,” because the Senate failed to pass the Manchin-Toomey Amendment, which would have expanded background checks for gun purchases and is a measure that 90% of the public supports.
Lawmakers take heed!
The failure to pass background checks provoked a wild rumpus across the land, in some places directly against the lawmakers who voted against background checks. For example, in New Hampshire, Sen. Kelly Ayotte faced

Missouri Education Watchdog: Binoculars or Common Core. Which Choice Will Allow Creativity to Flourish and Allow School Districts to Operate on Budget?

Missouri Education Watchdog: Binoculars or Common Core. Which Choice Will Allow Creativity to Flourish and Allow School Districts to Operate on Budget?:

Binoculars or Common Core. Which Choice Will Allow Creativity to Flourish and Allow School Districts to Operate on Budget?

by stlgretchen

The video "Give Your Kids Binoculars and Get Out of the Way" with Neil deGrasse Tyson contains advice on how to get kids interested in science.

Spoiler Alert.  It has NOTHING to do with the implementation/adoption of Common Core standards or more federal involvement in education. He believes parents (and maybe teachers, too?) should be getting "out of the way" and encouraging children's curiosity.  He contends children create disorder in the lives of the adults around them and what do adults do?  They stifle the child's curiosity. 

Will Common Core will help kids explore and feed their curiosity...or just put them in a common box like everybody else?

From the video transcript:

********************************************

Neil deGrasse Tyson: I'm often asked by parents what advice can I give them to help get 

UPDATE: Teacher-led organization that gives teachers a meaningful voice + How could a real challenge to Governor Malloy develop? - Wait, What?

How could a real challenge to Governor Malloy develop? - Wait, What?:

Teacher-led organization that gives teachers a meaningful voice in policy is expanding in CT!

by jonpelto

Now here is some good news for Connecticut teachers… (For those of you who like irony).

A relatively new organization dedicated to giving YOU (teachers) a voice is expanding in Connecticut.

Just take a look.

They call themselves Educators 4 Excellence.

Their statement of purpose is based on their belief that, “For far too long, education policy has been created without a critical voice at the table: the voice of classroom teachers.”

So a group of dedicated individuals formed a new, “teacher-led” advocacy organization that “elevates the profession by giving teachers a meaningful voice in the policies that shape 

How could a real challenge to Governor Malloy develop?

by jonpelto

Questions about whether a serious challenge to Governor Malloy could develop during next year’s gubernatorial election have been coming in on an almost a daily basis.

Readers have asked for some additional background on Connecticut’s election law.

When it comes to a potential challenge, there are two key issues.  One is the law related to getting on the election ballot.  The other is the law related to public financing of campaigns.  Here is a quick response to the ballot question.

Running for governor in 2014;

One possibility is that a challenger takes on Governor Malloy for the nomination of the Democratic Party.  That candidate would need to receive the support of 15 percent of the delegates to next spring’s Democratic State Convention or collect a sufficient number of petition signatures (of registered Democrats) to force an August primary.  Considering the power of incumbency, it is difficult to imagine that such a challenge would be successful.  That said, since Governor Malloy and his Administration have consistently alienated many of the most important constituencies within the Democratic Party, a successful challenge 

The Kabuki Theater of the Absurd presents “The House of Representatives versus The Senate | Reclaim Reform

The Kabuki Theater of the Absurd presents “The House of Representatives versus The Senate | Reclaim Reform:

The Kabuki Theater of the Absurd presents “The House of Representatives versus The Senate

by kenpreviti

The Kabuki Theater of the Absurd presents yet another performance of “The House of Representatives versus The Senate.”
The subtitle is “How Much in Billions of Dollars?”

Background: Having stolen and pillaged public employee pension funds for years, the Illinois legislature has blamed the victims and will punish the victims of this massive theft by stealing even more while singling out the oldest and neediest to choose between healthcare or paying for food and shelter. Since the vast majority of the Illinois teacher retirees are elderly women, often widows, now the amount of blood-money must be decided. This pillaging is referred to by legislators as “saving tax funds for education.”
OK. But, HOW MUCH?
Rep. Nekritz and her cronies talk about tax savings of $190,000,000,000.00 to a mere $150,000,000,000.00 for the length of the plan. Let’s make things easier to say – $190 billion to a mere $150 billion.
SB1 promises to steal – oops – save the taxpayer between $46 billion to a mere $44 billion in its first year – 

Your Last Standardized Test Ever | Taking Note

Your Last Standardized Test Ever | Taking Note:

Your Last Standardized Test Ever

by John Merrow

Are you upset about all the tests—State tests, the new Common Core tests, the SAT and the ACT and on and on?  Well, if you answer every question on this test correctly, this will be the last standardized test you will ever have to take in your life. You will never have to take another one of these tests. Imagine that.

However, the stakes are high. Question #19 requires you to name the last place in the world that you would ever want to live. If you do not answer every question correctly, you will have to move there.

You will have just 10 minutes to complete the test. That’s right, only 10 minutes. That’s not a lot of time, but don’t panic. Staying calm is absolutely essential.

Follow these directions carefully: Read the entire test through completely before answering any questions.  Then take the test.  For questions #2-18 and question #20, cross out the incorrect answers completely, leaving only the correct answer. Because our machines will be scoring your paper, we suggest using a #2 pencil.  You may use a #3 or #4 pencil if you wish. Using a #1 or a #6 pencil is no

UPDATE: Faculty Association rejects Madigan’s SB1 + Tony at the Red Line Tap. | Fred Klonsky

Tony at the Red Line Tap. | Fred Klonsky:

University of Illinois Campus Faculty Association rejects Madigan’s SB1 and the We Are One/Cullerton SB2404.

by Fred Klonsky

From the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Campus Faculty Association:
The following resolutions were passed by the CFA Executive Committee on May 21, 2013 and posted at our website cfaillinois.org.
1. The Campus Faculty Association opposes the Cullerton and Madigan pension bills (SB2404, SB 1, respectively), and affirms the constitutionally protected right for all Illinois state employees and retirees to receive their full pension benefits. If either bill becomes law, the CFA supports litigation to challenge the constitutionality of the law.
2. The Campus Faculty Association opposes the recent legislation that will charge long-term state retirees for 

Tony at the Red Line Tap.

by Fred Klonsky

“Where you been, Klonsky?” said Marty.
“He fell into the black hole of school reform,” mumbled Tony.
“True that,” I replied. Turning to Marty, I asked, “Can I get a Paulaner Salvator Doppel Bock?”
Marty answered, “Can’t you always?”
“Did you get arrested yesterday?” asked Tony. “Or ticketed?”
“Neither. I was teaching my weekly class of kindergarten and first graders how to play You Are My Sunshine on the uke.”
“I love that song. My mother always sang that to me when I went to bed as a kid.”
I furrowed my brow. “It’s kind of hard for me to picture that.”
“Yes. Well. I need to talk to you about my theory about the mayor.”

Outside after the vote. No comment needed.

by Fred Klonsky

Photo credit: Sarah Jane Rhee/loveandstrugglephotos.com.

Angeles Amongst Us | Lily's Blackboard

Angeles Amongst Us | Lily's Blackboard:

Angeles Amongst Us

May 23rd, 2013 

by Lily.

“Take me instead. They’re just babies.”

That was the prayer of those babies’ teacher, Anna Canaday. When the Oklahoma tornado hit Plaza Towers Elementary School Monday, she and her colleague, Jessica Simonds, tried to get the kindergartners to shelter. There was no time. She shielded her babies with her body, saving them when a black Ford blew into the school hallway and fell on top of her. When rescuers removed the car, they found the two teachers badly hurt. The children were under them had minor scratches.

Anna was not alone in a spontaneous combustion of courage. So many others acted with no thought of their own safety – they only thought of their babies.They calmed frightened children so that they were able to march them into closets and bathrooms and under desks. They hugged them and comforted them. They loved them.

Second-grade teacher, Tammy Glasgow, led her babies into the bathroom. She held on to her babies and kept saying, “I love you. You know I love you.” The babies all kept saying, “I love you, too.” When it was all over, they looked up, and could see sky. The tornado had blown the roof off the bathroom. Tammy 

Our interview with John Merrow @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER

@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER:

“There is a Problem Here” – Journalist John Merrow

by freetoteach

“There is a problem here” (Houston, We have a problem)

John Merrow on what his wife’s response to the what is going on in this test driven, punish the teachers education deform. 

Thank you Shaun and Tim for bringing us some real journalism and journalist John Merrow on Rhee, DC and High Stakes Testing Testinghttp://www.blogtalkradio.com/chalkface/2013/05/23/special-episode-of-at-the-chalk-face-w-john-merrow

The investigation begins 

Our interview with John Merrow: Everything you need to know

by Chalk Face, PhD

Sorry to keep reminding everyone, but this story needs to continue getting coverage. It’s the lynchpin, I believe, to this entire iteration of “education reform” we are experiencing at present. Remember, 7PM EST, right here. Once we’ve heard from Mr. Merrow, we’ll take some calls. Now, here’s a link to a comprehensive PDF of Merrow’s entire […]

Innovator (n.)

plthomasedd at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 51 minutes ago

Innovator (n.) – A person with no experience, expertise, education, or training in a field, but an abundance of ideas and an endless compulsion to share those ideas. See also entrepreneur.

I have a question for all of the media concerning #cpsclosings

Chalk Face, PhD at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 1 hour ago

So many questions about yesterday’s stunning example of disaster capitalism in Chicago. Remember when CTU went on strike in September and the media blamed the greedy teachers of harming the children? Yes, much pearl clutching ensued. Where is the media on this one? Who’s the real threat to “the children” in this case? Yeah, that’s what […]

Mayor Rahm Expands Corporate Footprint on Chicago Children and Parents

Jim Horn at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 2 hours ago

Well, it worked like it was supposed to work: the mayor’s appointed stooges on the “Board of Education” voted to close 50 Chicago public schools to make way for corporate charter reform schools. Never mind that communities barely held together will lose their lifelines, never mind that violence is almost guaranteed to increase (as it […]

Nashville KIPP Caught Dumping Problem Students at Test Time

Jim Horn at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 2 hours ago

We have known for a long time that what former students refer to as the Kids in Prison Program (KIPP) has used various machinations to reach those high test scores–from menacing management styles, to constant test prep, longer hours, behavioral sterilization, burning through teachers who leave with mental and physical health problems, to dumping problem […]

Signs of the Coming Revolution in America’s Education System

freetoteach at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 13 hours ago

Alternet publishes “real” education news for those who still remember what a “real” education is. Signs of the Coming Revolution in America’s Education System The recent revolt against standardized tests as well as legislative concern over testing corruption are just some of the of the signs of an approaching education “revolution.” http://www.alternet.org/signs-coming-revolution-americas-education-system

NZ Government to introduce charter hospitals

Activism in paradise - Voices from down under at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 14 hours ago

Reposted from this brilliant NZ satirical website The Civilian. This beautifully captures the ideological nonsense behind charter schools. ————– These minimum wage surgeons may be unsure what to do next, but with enough private funding, the Government is confident they’ll figure it out. The National Government has today announced plans to introduce a number of […]

New Zealand’s national standards in education are not national or standard.

Activism in paradise - Voices from down under at @ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER - 14 hours ago

By Allan Alach Reposted from The Daily Blog At the end of this month the New Zealand government will release the national standards data that will a) ‘prove’ that their education policies are ‘raising achievement’ and b) ‘prove’ that there is a wide variation of school effectiveness and that teachers’ performance is therefore deficient. All […]