Diane in the Evening 6-18-13 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all

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

Michael Feuer: The Flaws of the NCTQ Report

by dianerav

Some in the mainstream media have given credence to the report of the Nationsl Council on Teacher Education about teacher preparation. They should have talked to some of the institutions that were graded before venturing an opinion.
In this post, Dean Michael Feuer of the George Washington University School of Education explains how far wrong the report was about his school, its programs, and its students.

Robert Skeels Attends a pRev Meet and Greet

by dianerav

Robert Skeels attended a “meet and greet” sponsored by pRev (the organization formerly known as Parent Revolution). Read what he learned as he socialized with those who are prepared to close down 50 public schools in Los Angeles. Why? Well, firing people makes better schools. Or does it?

The New BTA Association: Are You One?

by dianerav

I received the following communication and think it will appeal to some readers of this blog.
Your move.

Dr. Ravitch – Dr. Mark Naison began a Facebook page as a “joke” a few weeks ago of Teachers he felt were “badasses” in fighting corporate reform.  He invited me to join right away   I did.  When I joined we had 70 Badass Teachers.  We did a recruiting day beginning on Sunday as a joke for Badass Teacher of the Month.  We conducted the recruiting for 1 hour on Sunday beginning at 4.  We went from 200 members at 2:00 to 1000 

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 6-18-13 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] How Pennsylvania Betrayed Its Schools by dianerav This commentary was written by a retired superintendent of schools. Pennsylvania’s Tragic Betrayal of its Public Schools By Joseph Batory, Former Superintendent of Schools, Upper Darby School District, Drexel Hill, PA With regard to the inadequate funding of Philadelphia Public Schools, the city’s politicians have been and continue to lacking in political courage and moral fiber. Far too many of them are much too se... more »

Big Education Ape - SPECIAL Mid Day Banana Break 6-18-13 #soschat #edreform

Big Education Ape - Mid Day Banana Break

Testing reform in the news: June 6-12, 2013

by ed notes online

From Fair Test:

Many major stories about assessment reform progress this week -- Texas significantly reduces standardized exam mandates; a rally in Albany opposes testing overkill, and major national groups call for a moratorium on Common Core tests.

All our weekly newsblasts are posted on the web at http://www.fairtest.org/news/other - this one will be up shortly.

Texas Governor Signs Bill Eliminating Two-Thirds of Required High-Stakes Exams

http://blog.chron.com/texaspolitics/2013/06/perry-signs-bill-to-reduce-high-stakes-testing/
http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/answer-sheet/wp/2013/06/10/texas-governor-signs-legislation-to-reduce-standardized-testing/
Rebellion Against a Culture of T

Newsela Provides “Leveled” News Articles & Quizzes

by Larry Ferlazzo

Newsela provides several “levels” of the same newspaper articles, along with accompanying online quizzes, that students can read and take. Teachers can create a virtual classroom, assign articles and monitor student progress.
I wouldn’t say it promotes higher-level thinking but, of course, I would say the same thing about most (if not all) of the sites on

U.S. Lets States Delay Using Tests to Rate Teachers

by By MOTOKO RICH

Responding to complaints, Education Secretary Arne Duncan said states could postpone for a year using more rigorous tests to make career decisions about teachers.

Labor Seeks Influence in New York’s Mayoral Race

by By JAVIER C. HERNÁNDEZ

After years of low morale, unions across the city are roaring back to life this election season, excited by the prospect of installing a friend in City Hall.

The Lesson We Never Learn

by A New Jersey Farmer

promoted by Rosi
Cross-posted at A New Jersey FarmerAfter 29 years in the classroom, and with a pretty savvy political sense, if I may be so bold, I consider myself a keen observer of most things educational, but this story about Philadelphia's schools made me shiver with anger from the first paragraph:

Andrew Jackson School too agitated to eat breakfast on Friday, an aide alerted the school counselor, who engaged him in an art project in her office. When he was still overwrought at 11, a secretary called the boy's family, and soon a monitor at the front door buzzed in an older brother to take him home.Under a draconian budget passed by the Philadelphia School District last month, none of these 

Dallas ISD executive suing former school district for alleged racial discrimination

by Tawnell Hobbs

Dallas ISD executive director Jennifer Span filed a lawsuit last June against the Enlarged City School District of Troy, her former employer in New York, and its school board.
Span, who is over DISD’s Roosevelt High School feeder pattern, contends in an original filing in the U.S. District Court of New York that her civil rights were violated after facing discrimination and retaliation because she is black. The suit was filed a month before Span began work in DISD and seeks monetary … [visit site to read more]

Step Right Up For Phase Two Of The New Jersey Charter Circus!! | Mother Crusader

by NPE News Briefs

by Darcoe Cimarusti – Step right up ladies and gentlemen! The NJDOE announced yesterday which charter applications will move on in the application process! Thirteen have been invited to submit Phase Two applications in July, including the two I wrote about back in April. FOC Pastor McDuffie Former Assemblyman Gerald Luongo’s Creative Visions Charter School ...read more
The post Step Right Up For Phase Two Of The New Jersey Charter Circus!! | Mother Crusader appeared first onNPE News Briefs.

School Turnaround: Calling the Bluff of Accountability? | Cloaking Inequity

by NPE News Briefs

by Julian Vasquez Heilig – After a decade of trials and changes, a growing number of schools face the threat of organizational approaches such as permanent school closure (Duke, 2012). Turnaround policies and sanctions are unique to each state, as some appear to be more likely to take over and/or close schools relative to the ...read more
The post School Turnaround: Calling the Bluff of Accountability? | Cloaking Inequity appeared first on NPE News Briefs.

The Common Core Loses This Teacher’s Support | Living in Dialogue – Education Week

by NPE News Briefs

by Katie Lapham; posted by Anthony Cody – In April I carried a guest post written by New York City elementary teacher Katie Lapham, expressing support for the Common Core standards, but opposing the tests attached to them. Since then, Ms. Lapham has shifted her views. She explains: When I first learned about the Common ...read more
The post The Common Core Loses This Teacher’s Support | Living in Dialogue – Education Week appeared first on NPE News Briefs.

Philly Residents Fighting Back Against Draconian School Cuts With Hunger Strike

Four hunger strikers are fighting back against Philadelphia's plans to close 23 schools, fire nearly 4,000 district employees, and leave the remaining campuses without counselors, aides or sports programs. They're camping out in front of Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett’s office, "where they say they will remain without food until the city and state governments do something to reduce layoffs and improve student safety."

The 1% Rules Through Corporations

by Steven Mller

NSA’s PRISM                                  The 1% Rules Through Corporations   Edward [...] The post The 1% Rules Through Corporations appeared first on DailyCensored.com - Breaking Censored News, World, Independent, Liberal News.

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Perry was right to veto HB 2824, which would have created a two-tiered system of accountability

by Bill McKenzie / Editorial Columnist

Rick Perry made the right call Friday in vetoing HB 2824. The legislation would have exempted 23 school … [visit site to read more]

Education Department listens to (some) reason

by Valerie Strauss

Education Secretary Arne Duncan bowed to (some) reason Tuesday and announced that he was giving states some flexibility in regard to when they had to use student scores from new Common Core-aligned standardized tests to evaluate teachers.
Read full article >>

The New BTA Association: Are You One?

by dianerav

I received the following communication and think it will appeal to some readers of this blog.
Your move.

Dr. Ravitch – Dr. Mark Naison began a Facebook page as a “joke” a few weeks ago of Teachers he felt were “badasses” in fighting corporate reform.  He invited me to join right away   I did.  When I joined we had 70 Badass Teachers.  We did a recruiting day beginning on Sunday as a joke for Badass Teacher of the Month.  We conducted the recruiting for 1 hour on Sunday beginning at 4.  We went from 200 members at 2:00 to 1000 

Reflecting on Technology — Whole Child Education

Reflecting on Technology — Whole Child Education:

THE WHOLE CHILD BLOG

Reflecting on Technology

June 18, 2013 by Chuck Bloch

I am a school principal. And I turned 50 recently. I know, it's just a number, but on watershed moments like these I find myself a bit more reflective than normal. Among many things, I have been thinking about how things have changed in my working life. I taught in the classroom for 11 years and have been in administration for 15 years now, and I can honestly say that it has been a great career so far. So many great people to work with and for, so many great kids and families, so many successes ... and an ever-increasing supply of technology to help me do my job. Technology has allowed me to enjoy access to support, instant and improved communication systems, information and professional development, motivating teaching strategies, etc.

However, as I have paused to reflect, I am becoming aware of the way technology has allowed my job to encroach on every moment of my life. Think about it.You're just like me; you work a full, long day. You do not take a regular coffee break, and you spend your lunchtime on the move, interacting with kids, parents, volunteers, and staff members. You work hard to make your school the best, warmest, highest-achieving school in the district. You coach, lead a club, have district responsibilities, etc. You go home in the evening feeling a little guilty because you are conscious of the many things you could still be doing at school. And so 

AFT - NCTQ’s Review of Teacher Preparation Programs Needs Improvement

AFT - A Union of Professionals - NCTQ’s Review of Teacher Preparation Programs Needs Improvement:

NCTQ's Review of Teacher Preparation Programs Needs Improvement

AFT's Weingarten: "It's disappointing that for something as important as strengthening teacher preparation programs, NCTQ chose to use the gimmick of a four-star rating system without using professionally accepted standards, visiting any of the institutions or talking with any of the graduates."

WASHINGTON—Statement by American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten on the National Council on Teacher Quality's "Teacher Prep Review":

"It's disappointing that for something as important as strengthening teacher preparation programs, NCTQ chose to use the gimmick of a four-star rating system without using professionally accepted standards, visiting any of the institutions or talking with any of the graduates. Best-of and worst-of lists always garner attention, so we understand why NCTQ would use that device. While its 'do not enter' consumer alerts will make the intended splash, it's hard to see how it will help strengthen teacher preparation programs or elevate the teaching profession.

"We need a systemic approach to improving teacher preparation programs and ensuring that every teacher is ready to teach. The AFT has called for, and is working to advance, this vision, including a rigorous entry assessment, or bar-like exam, centered on subject and pedagogical knowledge and demonstration of teaching performance.

"NCTQ's report identifies areas that the AFT agrees need attention and improvement, including helping prospective educators implement early reading instruction in the context of the Common Core State Standards, work effectively with English language learners, and become proficient in assessment literacy. However, we would prefer to collaborate on professional ownership of, and solutions to, these problems instead of talking about a punitive approach to shame and blame institutions.

"While we agree with NCTQ on the need to improve teacher preparation, it would be more productive to focus on developing a consistent, systemic approach to lifting the teaching profession instead of resorting to attention-grabbing consumer alerts based on incomplete standards."

View the AFT's December 2012 report, "Raising the Bar: Aligning and Elevating Teacher Preparation and the Teaching Profession."

Follow AFT President Randi Weingarten: http://twitter.com/rweingarten

Arne Duncan: Common Core Transition Will Give States More Time To Make Evaluations Count

Arne Duncan: Common Core Transition Will Give States More Time To Make Evaluations Count:

Arne Duncan: Common Core Transition Will Give States More Time To Make Evaluations Count

by Joy Resmovits

In what some see as a tacit recognition of the Obama administration's overreach into nitty-gritty management of America's schools, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will give states a reprieve from certain aspects of teacher evaluations' consequences and the new wave of testing tied to the Common Core.

Duncan said Tuesday that he will allow the first two groups of states that received waivers from the No Child Left Behind Act to seek an extra year, until the academic year 2016-2017, before they give their teacher evaluations teeth by applying them to personnel decisions.

"Ensuring that educators are well prepared to implement those new standards is critically important," Duncan said. "After listening to teachers and education leaders, we are providing additional flexibility to states." He added that this will allow reforms to continue "on pace," but that states will "have some flexibility" in when they start "using student growth data for high-stakes decisions."

The announcement comes smack between the U.S. Senate and House hearings on clashing bills that would 

Don’t just test … Don’t just teach #BeABadAss | Continuing Change

Don’t just test … Don’t just teach #BeABadAss | Continuing Change:

Don’t just test … Don’t just teach #BeABadAss

by gatorbonbc

Popout
Back in 67, the year I was born, there were some bad ass young folks speaking up all around the streets of America – this song represented the resistance.
Today, those same bad asses are not just kids anymore; they are wiser and stronger. And, they have joined 

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Another attack aimed at colleges of education

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Another attack aimed at colleges of education:

Another attack aimed at colleges of education

by Mike Klonsky

That great "revolutionary" thinker Arne Duncan, set the stage back in '09, when he discredited all colleges of education, labeling them as "mediocre" and calling for "revolutionary change—not evolutionary tinkering."

Now the National Council on Teacher Quality has taken Duncan's cue and has come out with what it's calling "the first comprehensive review" of university-based teacher ed programs, which it labels as "an industry of mediocrity," that churns out teachers ill-prepared to work in elementary and high-school classrooms.

But a look at who's running NCTQ should raise flags about the political intent of the study and who such degrading language really serves. A brief scan of the board of directors and advisers brings up a host of names associated with current corporate-style "reform" efforts, ownership-society politics and privately-run charter schools, with the likes of Chester Finn, Joel Klein, Wendy Kopp, Eric Hanushek, and Michael Feinberg on board. Bankrolling the study are some of the major anti-teacher, pro-privatization foundations, like the William Penn Foundation, Broad, Dell, Kaiser, Anschutz, Bradley and on and on.

If Kopp's 5-week-wonder program at Teach For America is the standard-setter, it's no wonder that 99% fail to 

NYC Educator: UFT on Evaluation System

NYC Educator: UFT on Evaluation System:

UFT on Evaluation System

by NYC Educator

On Sunday I posted about the new evaluation system, and about how effective ratings started at 9 according to NYS statute, but started at 15 in Reformy John's decree.

Today I spoke to a UFT source, who told be this was not accurate, because we start with 13. When I asked what that meant, he said if we reached the target, which was 60%, we would get the 13 points. My source was not able to answer my question---60% of what. My source was also unaware whether this 13-point head start applied to state, local or both junk science measures.

However, my source stated that Syracuse only received 3% to start on whatever it was they did there. 

My source promised to have a better-informed source get back to me. I will share whatever I hear with you, faithful readers.

If you aren't busy tonight, come see me, Diane Ravitch, Leonie Haimson, Carol 

Parents United statement on proposed education funds from City Council | Parents United for Public Education

Parents United statement on proposed education funds from City Council | Parents United for Public Education:

Parents United statement on proposed education funds from City Council

by parentsunitedphila

This is a defining moment for public education in the City of Philadelphia. Never has so much been on the line – from thousands of essential jobs for Philadelphians to fundamental educational programs and services. In the past month, thousands of Philadelphians have marched at City Hall and lobbied City Council on behalf of supporting Philadelphia public schools and the children who attend them. Because of that we expected City Council to do everything possible to guarantee the maximum amount of school funds to the District – not to scoot by with the least they can get away with.
While we acknowledge the yeoman’s work some Council members have launched on behalf of Philadelphia public schools, the proposal announced today by City Council President Darrell Clarke is simply not enough. The cigarette tax still relies on Harrisburg approval. Delinquent taxes are not a source of emergency funding. Delinquent taxes are what we are due and in fact long overdue thanks to City’s lack of a real collections mechanism. Where is the school funding guarantee?
We are particularly disappointed that City Council refuses to issue a vote on the Use & Occupancy tax put forward by Council members Quinones-Sanchez and Reynolds-Brown, which was voted out of committee. The 

CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS, STUDENTS RALLY AT STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF SUMMER LEARNING FOR NATIONAL SUMMER LEARNING DAY

Home | Summer Matters:

 CALIFORNIA LAWMAKERS, STUDENTS RALLY AT STATE CAPITOL IN SUPPORT OF SUMMER LEARNING FOR NATIONAL SUMMER LEARNING DAY

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, California Legislators, School District Leaders, Students and Civic Leaders Rally for Expanded Access to High Quality Summer Learning Programs at “Reading Rocks! National Summer Learning Day Read-In @ the California State Capitol”

Media & VIP Event

WHAT:  Hundreds of California students, educators, parents and school district and civic leaders will take to the steps of the California State Capitol together with state lawmakers to call for expanding access to high quality summer learning opportunities for all California students as part of “Reading Rocks! National Summer Learning Day Read-In @ the California State Capitol”.  

This flagship Summer Learning Day event is being spearheaded by “Summer Matters” – the statewide campaign chaired by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson working to combat “summer learning loss” and expand access to high quality summer learning opportunities for all California students.

WHEN: Thursday, June 20 – 10am – 12pm

WHERE: California State Capitol North Steps – 1100 L Street 

WHO: More than 400 California students, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, state legislators, school superintendents, educators, mayors, Give Something Back CEO Sean Marx and leading literacy organizations including Youth Speaks Sacramento.

Media & Interview Opportunities include:

10:30am – 11am

Kick-Off Rally & “Read-In” at the Capitol, led by State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson and state legislators with special student performances.  State Capitol North Steps.

11am – 12pm

Reading Rocks! Summer Learning Literacy Fair – More than 400 students take part in engaging and educational literacy-themed activities in Capitol Park.  

12pm – 1pm

“Lunch with Your Legislator” – Students discuss their favorite summertime books with California lawmakers over picnic lunch.

“Give Something Back – Summer Matters Video Booth” – Legislators, school district leaders, students and civic leaders go “on the record” about why summer learning matters more than ever at interview station courtesy of Give Something Back Office Supplies.

“Rethink Your Drink” – Healthy beverage booth, courtesy of Kaiser Permanente.

Participating Lawmakers & Other Speakers Include:

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson

State Senator Kevin de León

State Senator Mark DeSaulnier

Assemblymember Susan Bonilla

Assemblymember Richard Pan

Assemblymember Henry Perea

Sacramento City Unified School District Superintendent Jonathan Raymond California

Give Something Back CEO Sean Marx

KCRA3 News Producer & Summer Matters summer learning program alumn America Arias

Acting State Librarian, Gerald Maginnity

Sacramento Library Director, Rivkah Sass

Spoken Word Performance by award-winning Sacramento Area Youth Speaks

A vast body of research shows that a lack of summer learning and enrichment opportunities leads to “summer learning loss” – a loss in students’ academic skills and knowledge during the summer months that sets students behind academically and leads to increased drop-out rates and unhealthy weight gain.

Findings in a new California study – Summer Matters: How Summer Learning Strengthens Students’ Success – show that students taking part in high quality summer learning programssubstantially increased their academic and socials skills and improved their work habits and confidence in their abilities as learners.

Learn more about Summer Matters at: www.summermatters2you.net

# # #

ABOUT SUMMER MATTERS

Summer Matters is the first-ever statewide campaign focused on creating and expanding access to summer learning opportunities for all California students. A diverse coalition of education leaders, elected officials, parents, and business, civic and philanthropic leaders, the Summer Matters campaign is raising public awareness about the devastating effects of summer learning loss and the beneficial impact of summer learning programs. Summer Matters is also working to increase the number of students served by summer learning programs and providing thought leadership, expertise and hands-on support to help schools, cities and community-based organizations deliver high quality summer learning programs that are changing students’ lives. Learn more about Summer Matters at www.summermatters2you.net.