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Thursday, August 9, 2012

Big Education Ape - Morning Wink 8-9 AM Posts #soschat #edreform



BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS

RheeFirst! » DC OIG whitewashes ErasureGate in narrow report

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 8 minutes ago
RheeFirst! » DC OIG whitewashes ErasureGate in narrow report: DC OIG whitewashes ErasureGate in narrow report by admin The DC Inspector General has concluded its investigation into widespread test cheating during Rhee’s reign at DCPS. A 14-page report, focused on only one of the 103 schools flagged for possible cheating, surfaced yesterday. The report concludes—based on the findings at one of the 103 schools—that there is no evidence that cheating was widespread. Veteran DC schools reporter Jay Mathews wrote two months ago that he was expecting a cover-up. By all accounts, ... more »

Illinois’ Constitutional amendment. « Fred Klonsky

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 32 minutes ago
Illinois’ Constitutional amendment. « Fred Klonsky: Illinois’ Constitutional amendment. by Fred Klonsky In a presidential election year most of the attention is at the top of the ballot. Then voters will pay some attention to contested congressional elections. Who in Illinois will know what they are voting on when they get a separate ballot for Constitutional Amendment 49? Not many. Speaker of the House Michael Madigan knew what he was doing when he had the House vote unanimously to put this on the ballot, joined by a three fifths of the Senate. Even so-called progressives, like nor... more »

BTU Welcomes Randi Weingarten on Vimeo

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 47 minutes ago
BTU Welcomes Randi Weingarten on Vimeo: BTU Welcomes Randi Weingarten from BTU Communications on Vimeo. BTU Welcomes Randi Weingarten by BTU Communications 4 months ago The Broward Teachers Union proudly welcomed American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten to Broward Schools on March 5, 2012. Although her visit was short and she would have loved to visit more schools, BTU Administrator John Tarka and First Vice President Bernie Schultz had the pleasure of introducing her to many members and students at Village Elementary, McFatter Technical School and BECON. The BTU would lik... more »

What Are You Going to Do to Prevent Bullying? | ED.gov Blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 50 minutes ago
What Are You Going to Do to Prevent Bullying? | ED.gov Blog: What Are You Going to Do to Prevent Bullying? Posted on August 9, 2012 by Guest Blogger [image: Official Department of Education photo by Paul Wood] Secretary Duncan speaks at the Bullying Prevention Summit When I helped close the third annual Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit on Tuesday, my colleagues and I gave attendees a simple charge: what are you going to do to further bullying prevention in the next year? At the summit we heard about the diverse and expansive efforts of many different organizations – fro... more »

Children's Budget 2012 | First Focus

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 53 minutes ago
Home | First Focus: [image: Description: In Focus Masthead] *Big Ideas: Children in the Southwest* [image: Big Ideas: Children in the Southwest]First Focus will begin releasing in August papers from *Big Ideas: Children in the Southwest*. The Southwest is home to more than one-fourth of America's children. This unique set of publications brings some of America's most innovative thinkers together to examine the distinct needs of children in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, and Utah, and offer game-changing ideas to meet those needs.The complete report will ... more »

UC report on anti-Semitism draws ire - SFGate

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 55 minutes ago
UC report on anti-Semitism draws ire - SFGate: UC report on anti-Semitism draws ireNanette AsimovUpdated 11:06 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2012 1 of 3 VIEW: LARGER | HIDE - [image: Liz Jackson (left) and UC Berkeley students Roi Bachmutsky and Tom Pessah oppose the report's recommendations. Although many Jews identify with Israel, "that does not mean that any criticism of Israel is a criticism of Jews," Jackson said. Photo: Paul Chinn, The Chronicle / SF] Liz Jackson (left) and UC Berkeley students Roi Bachmutsky and Tom Pessah oppose the report's recommendations. ... more »

Pass / Fail : Follow KPCC's live blog of LAUSD Supt. John Deasy's key speech | 89.3 KPCC

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Pass / Fail : Follow KPCC's live blog of LAUSD Supt. John Deasy's key speech | 89.3 KPCC: Follow KPCC's live blog of LAUSD Supt. John Deasy's key speech by By Vanessa Romo [image: Los Angeles schools Supt. John Deasy sp] *Los Angeles schools Supt. John Deasy speaks during a press conference at South Region High School #2 in Los Angeles, California February 6, 2012. Credit: AFP/AFP/Getty Images* The first day of school for LAUSD is less than a week away – the bell rings on August 14 – and Superintendent John Deasy has a few words for school principals and administrators. Deasy will ... more »

Daily Kos: Blaming the Mirror: Lolo Jone and U.S. Public Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 hour ago
Daily Kos: Blaming the Mirror: Lolo Jone and U.S. Public Education: Blaming the Mirror: Lolo Jone and U.S. Public Education byplthomasEdDFollow 8 PERMALINK4 COMMENTS "For Lolo Jones, Everything Is Image" claimed Jere Longman for *The New York Times*. In part, Longman focused a scathing gaze at Jones herself as a prominent face (and body) put on the entire Olympics for Americans: "Women have struggled for decades to be appreciated as athletes. For the first time at these Games, every competing nation has sent a female participant. But Jones is not assured enough with her hurdling... more »

The lessons in Michelle Rhee’s misguided leadership - The Washington Post

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
The lessons in Michelle Rhee’s misguided leadership - The Washington Post: The lessons in Michelle Rhee’s misguided leadership - [image: Smaller Text] [image: Larger Text] Text Size - Print - E-mail - Reprints Published: August 8 Regarding Richard Whitmire’s Aug. 5 Local Opinions piece, “What if Rhee had stayed?”: Mr. Whitmire missed the point in his expression of nostalgia for former D.C. schools chancellor Michelle Rhee. Whatever opinions one might have about Ms. Rhee’s impact, she unnecessarily created the dynamics of her own demise. Mr. Whitmire suggested that “ki... more »

Do charter schools bring the right reform to New Jersey education? — NewsWorks

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Do charter schools bring the right reform to New Jersey education? — NewsWorks: Do charter schools bring the right reform to New Jersey education? August 9, 2012 By Eric Walter .. Rate This: - - 1 - 2 - 3 - 4 - 5 (0 votes) Ask a question [image: In this August, 1974 photo, then President of the American Federation of Teachers, Albert Shanker, talks with reporters. (JH/AP Photo, file)] In this August, 1974 photo, then President of the American Federation of Teachers, Albert Shanker, talks with reporters. (JH/AP Photo, file) Last month, a NewsWorks New Jersey... more »

Mr. and Mrs. Rhee Lecture on Ethics « Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Mr. and Mrs. Rhee Lecture on Ethics « Diane Ravitch's blog: Mr. and Mrs. Rhee Lecture on Ethics by dianerav I received the following description of the appearance of Michelle Rhee and her husband at the University of Hawaii, where they lectured on “Ethics and Education.” Rhee paused briefly from her national campaign to raise $1 billion to remove teachers’ collective bargaining rights, to strip them of tenure and seniority, and to promote vouchers and charters, to share her wisdom about American education. One may assume that the issue of the cheating scandals in the District of ... more »

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 8-9-12 Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Diane Ravitch's blog: [image: Click on picture to Listen to Diane Ravitch] Michelle Rhee Is Wrong and Misinformed by dianerav My article with the title above appeared this morning on CNN.com. They heard from you. They invited me to respond and this is the article I wrote. I think that if we all speak up again and again and again and again, and tell the truth, supported by facts and experience, our voices will be heard. Write letters to the editor, comment on blogs, speak up at public meetings, do what you can, when you can, After Ten Years of Reform in New York City…. by dianerav ... more »

Even More Problems with No Bid Contracts! - Wait, What?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 2 hours ago
Even More Problems with No Bid Contracts! - Wait, What?: Even More Problems with No Bid Contracts! by jonpelto Earlier this year, Stefan Pryor, Governor Malloy’s Commissioner of Education, used a series of no bid contracts to retain outside consultants to help him develop and implement Governor Malloy’s “education reform bill.” More recently we learned that Paul Vallas, Bridgeport’s $229,000 interim Superintendent of Schools, signed multiple no-bid contracts to hire more than a dozen consultants, many of them who work for Vallas’ private consulting business, The Vallas Group. The... more »

NJ Spotlight | Cerf to Lose Two Top Aides -- Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
NJ Spotlight | Cerf to Lose Two Top Aides -- Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff: Cerf to Lose Two Top Aides -- Deputy Commissioner and Chief of Staff Departure comes when education department is starting to enjoy some stability print | email | share By John Mooney, August 9, 2012 in Education |1 Comment Education Commissioner Chris Cerf Credit: Amanda Brown Just as education commissioner Chris Cerf is settling into his title, if not the job itself, two of his top lieutenants are leaving his side at the department. Last week, Andrew Smarick announced he would be leaving the pos... more »

NYC Educator: Students First NY Campaigns for Justice

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
NYC Educator: Students First NY Campaigns for Justice: Students First NY Campaigns for Justice by NYC Educator We met with Micah Lasher, the voice of Students First NY on Twitter. Lasher angrily denied the UFT charge that Campbell Brown issued a "blood libel" by saying UFT wanted sexual offenders in the classroom. "This is clearly a garden-variety libel," said an angry Lasher. "It's our policy to mischaracterize union positions, but to do so in a straightforward fashion. We strongly object to the hyperbolic statements issued by the union, and demand an immediate retraction." "Furt... more »

A dozen-plus bills would reduce barriers to success for boys of color | EdSource Today

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
A dozen-plus bills would reduce barriers to success for boys of color | EdSource Today: A dozen-plus bills would reduce barriers to success for boys of color August 9th, 2012 | Add a Comment | By Kathryn Baron The chairman of the Assembly Select Committee on Boys and Men of Color is confident that the bulk of legislation supported by the panel this session will become law. Oakland Democrat Sandré Swanson wrapped up the committee’s first two years yesterday, presiding over a hearing in the Capitol that laid out current and future proposals for creating a path to success for African... more »

A delicate dance: When parents ask for specific teachers | Get Schooled

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
A delicate dance: When parents ask for specific teachers | Get Schooled: A delicate dance: When parents ask for specific teachers by Maureen Downey [image: Should you be able to request a specific teacher for your child? (AJC file photo)]Should you be able to request a specific teacher for your child? (AJC file photo) One of the most controversial elements of teacher assignments is whether schools will consider parent requests for specific teachers. While most systems say they don’t honor parent requests, many principals over the years have told me that they will do so when they can.... more »

New school year: doubling down on failed ed policy - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
New school year: doubling down on failed ed policy - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: New school year: doubling down on failed ed policy By Valerie Strauss This *was written by Lisa Guisbond, a policy analyst for the National Center for Fair and Open Testing, known as FairTest, a Boston-based organization that aims to improve standardized testing practices and evaluations of students, teachers and schools.* ** By Lisa Guisbond Olympic gold medalist Usain Bolt credited his teammate, Jamaican runner Yohan “The Beast,” Blake, with helping him improve by beating him in earlier r... more »

Indiana Charter Schools USA Asks Students to Spell Out Curse Words in Lesson | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Indiana Charter Schools USA Asks Students to Spell Out Curse Words in Lesson | Scathing Purple Musings: Indiana Charter Schools USA Asks Students to Spell Out Curse Words in Lesson by Bob Sikes Perhaps this is what they mean by innovation. From *CTVNews*: In a case of the devil you know, an Indiana high school is trying to teach students what not to say by having them write it down. In a lesson on cursing, students at the Thomas Carr Howe High School in Indianapolis were asked to spell out the curse words they know. “And everyone was nervous about it and uncomfortable about it, to... more »

Young Philadelphia family's choice reflects faith in its public school - Philly.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 3 hours ago
Young Philadelphia family's choice reflects faith in its public school - Philly.com: Young Philadelphia family's choice reflects faith in its public school August 08, 2012|By Kristen A. Graham, Inquirer Staff Writer - - - Share on emailShare on printShare on redditMore Sharing Services - - - - Image 1 of 2 View Gallery - [image: Mark Scott and son Henry at E.M. Stanton Elementary, where Henry will start this year. (ELISE WRABETZ / Staff Photographer)] Mark Scott and son Henry at E.M. Stanton Elementary, where Henry will sta... more »

Won’t Back Down | ruralteacher

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Won’t Back Down | ruralteacher: Won’t Back Down Posted on August 8, 2012 WARNING: This is NOT an endorsement for the movie of the same name that will be in theaters in September and that Wal-Mart is celebrating with a deceitful “Teachers Rock” Concert. So, if you landed here looking for a teacher to wholeheartedly support parent triggers, you can stop reading now. It’s not that I don’t welcome and encourage parent involvement, I do wholeheartedly! I send a weekly newsletter home and encourage questions and comments. Parents are free to visit my classroom to help or observe or join... more »

Pass / Fail : State auditor to look at how schools use anti-bullying laws to protect gay students | 89.3 KPCC

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
Pass / Fail : State auditor to look at how schools use anti-bullying laws to protect gay students | 89.3 KPCC: State auditor to look at how schools use anti-bullying laws to protect gay students by By Tami Abdollah [image: Bully] *Students from middle and high schools across LAUSD line up at the Nokia Theatre to watch the documentary "Bully." California lawmakers have requested the state auditor examine how schools implement anti-bullying and harassment laws to protect students targeted for their sexual orientation. Credit: Mae Ryan/KPCC* California lawmakers today approved a requ... more »

DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Happy New (School) Year! I Resolve...

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
DIARY OF A PUBLIC SCHOOL TEACHER!: Happy New (School) Year! I Resolve...: Happy New (School) Year! I Resolve... by Lisa M *Have a wonderful 2012-2013!* * I resolve to:* 1. treat all students fairly, regardless of race, gender, age, behavior, a parent's nasty attitude, the comments from last year's teachers, or seemingly lack of interest in learning 2. to realize that all children can learn, but not always at the same pace 3. stop using sarcasm as a disciplinary tool, no matter how effective it may seem. 4. speak in a quiet, even,tone, even when

David Gelernter: The Friendly, Neighborhood Internet School - WSJ.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 13 hours ago
David Gelernter: The Friendly, Neighborhood Internet School - WSJ.com: The Friendly, Neighborhood Internet SchoolWe have the technology, the people and the institutions we need to usher an online-education revolution. BY DAVID GELERNTER We have big problems with our schools—and need new ideas about how to fix them. Deep changes are needed in our attitude toward teaching, leading education scholar Diane Ravitch wrote recently in the New York Review of Books. We need smarter, better-educated recruits to the profession. We need to value a teacher's experience properly and discard the ... more »

Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges | Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges | Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day…: ' *Helping Students Motivate Themselves: Practical Answers To Classroom Challenges* February 19, 2011 by Larry Ferlazzo | 11 Comments 26 *You can now order the book. Just go to the book’s page on their website. The cost is $29.95.* [image: ferlazzo12final_front (2)]*You can also order it on Amazon.* (You can read the book’s introduction here) *You can read an excerpt from the first chapter here* Transcript Of My Ed Week Chat On Motivation Online First Chapter of My B... more »

17-year-old boy crowned America’s fastest texter | The Raw Story

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
17-year-old boy crowned America’s fastest texter | The Raw Story: 17-year-old boy crowned America’s fastest texter [image: textingcellphone-commons] Topics: America ♦ Austin Weirschke ♦ texting shorthand NEW YORK — A 17-year-old boy retained his title as America’s fastest texter Wednesday in a duel of the thumbs staged before yelling fans in New York’s Times Square. Austin Weirschke took home $50,000 in prize money for the second time in two years when he bested 10 other texting demons in feats of thumb speed, memory and fluency in texting shorthand. One round was performed with c... more »

Parent and Student Activists – Get Ready. | United Opt Out National

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
Parent and Student Activists – Get Ready. | United Opt Out National: Parent and Student Activists – Get Ready. by admin *The public school year has either begun or will begin shortly for families everywhere. We have an assessment calendar which includes high stakes testing information for each state, allowing students and parents to make informed decisions as they begin to prepare for a year of opting out of corporate education reform by opting out of the state tests, as well as any other tests which do not improve student achievement and take away from authentic learning and te... more »

U.S. student wrongly denied N.J. tuition grant because of mom's immigration status, court says | NJ.com

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
U.S. student wrongly denied N.J. tuition grant because of mom's immigration status, court says | NJ.com: U.S. student wrongly denied N.J. tuition grant because of mom's immigration status, court saysPublished: Wednesday, August 08, 2012, 8:06 PM Updated: Wednesday, August 08, 2012, 8:08 PM [image: teresa-ruiz.JPG]Tim Farrell/The Star-LedgerTwo Democratic state senators, Teresa Ruiz, right, of Essex County, who is chairwoman of the Senate Education Committee, and Sandra Cunningham of Hudson County, chairwoman of the Senate Higher Education Committee, said the ruling reflected... more »

Jersey Jazzman: Someone Tell Rhee America Doesn't Suck!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 14 hours ago
Jersey Jazzman: Someone Tell Rhee America Doesn't Suck!: Someone Tell Rhee America Doesn't Suck! by Duke Jon Stewart points out that Americans are kicking ass in both the Olympics and in space exploration. The Daily Show with Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10cLive at Red Rocks www.thedailyshow.comPopout Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogThe Daily Show on Facebook Gosh, this doesn't sound right. I mean, Michelle Rhee told us in her obnoxious, denigrating, and borderline homophobic ad that America sucks so badly at math and science. Yet here we are, landing rovers on... more »

Campaign Launched To Assist Students Applying for Deferred Action - Hispanically Speaking News

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 15 hours ago
Campaign Launched To Assist Students Applying for Deferred Action - Hispanically Speaking News: Campaign Launched To Assist Students Applying for Deferred Action [image: Campaign Launched To Assist Students Applying for Deferred Action]A coalition of civic groups launched Tuesday in Washington a national campaign to help thousands of undocumented students avoid deportation by means of a process known as “deferred action.” The idea of the campaign, activists told a press conference, is to help potential beneficiaries apply for a suspension of their deportation and for temporary work... more »

Leading innovative & transformative change: 5 key considerations | Connected Principals

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 15 hours ago
Leading innovative & transformative change: 5 key considerations | Connected Principals: Leading innovative & transformative change: 5 key considerations by sharris This blog follows closely on the back of my colleague’s recent blogpost (http://anneknock.com/2012/08/05/becoming-an-innovative-school-my-top-10-ideas/) as I consider her thoughts and some recent consultancy experience. What are five of the key considerations I can see in leading a learning community down fresh pathways? 1. Cast vision as clearly, concisely and strongly as you can When it comes down to it, vision become... more »

Tragedy that brought police to city schools inspired 1958 series | GothamSchools

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 15 hours ago
Tragedy that brought police to city schools inspired 1958 series | GothamSchools: Tragedy that brought police to city schools inspired 1958 seriesby Philissa Cramer, at 6:58 pm Some city principals would like to see schools reduce their police presence. But in 1958, principals couldn’t even get the police to swing by — a policy that might have driven one school leader to suicide. That’s the story behind a series that appeared that year in the New York World Telegram & Sun. Masquerading as a teacher-hopeful, reporter George Allen landed a job at John Marshall Junior High School in Br... more »

Duncan on the Common Core: “Huge Step in the Right Direction” | Truth in American Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago
Duncan on the Common Core: “Huge Step in the Right Direction” | Truth in American Education: Duncan on the Common Core: “Huge Step in the Right Direction” by Shane Vander Hart U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan was recently interviewed by AP on recent education reforms that has been implemented. A couple of excerpts: For those in states where the Common Core standards are being implemented, students could see more emphasis on critical thinking and spending a longer time gaining a deeper understanding of a more limited range of concepts in math. *The standards were independentl... more »

Modern School: Another UTLA Sellout—Evaluations Can Include Test Scores

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago
Modern School: Another UTLA Sellout—Evaluations Can Include Test Scores: Another UTLA Sellout—Evaluations Can Include Test Scores by Michael Dunn Huck/Konopacki Labor Cartoons The United Teachers of Los Angeles (UTLA) recently agreed with the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) to allow the use of student test scores as part of performance reviews beginning this fall, the Los Angeles Times reported, though a UTLA attorney later said the commitment was contingent on whether the union and LAUSD could negotiate an agreement

Students Last: "Bagel Summit" for Randi and Campbell?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 16 hours ago
Students Last: "Bagel Summit" for Randi and Campbell?: "Bagel Summit" for Randi and Campbell? *Washington D.C.* - American Federation of Teachers President Randi Weingarten and former CNN journalist Campbell Brown received an unexpected invitation today from President Barack Obama. At a press conference, Obama invited both women to the White House for “some bagels and lox” (a nod to the fact that both women are Jews or have lived in New York City we don’t know which). He expressed his hope that the “Bagel Summit” would "cool things off between the two." The women have been digita... more »

Teachers Are Still Leading NBPTS « Diane Ravitch's blog

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago
Teachers Are Still Leading NBPTS « Diane Ravitch's blog: Teachers Are Still Leading NBPTS by dianerav A reader writes to set the record straight: *My comments are simply to state facts and correct the misconceptions in the responses.**I was a founding member of the National Board in 1987–a classroom special education teacher from Michigan. (Yes, serving with 62 other board members like Deborah Meier, Al Shanker and Mary Futrell but mostly, a majority of teachers) In 1990, I joined the National Board as staff–the first teacher hired by the start up organization. I worked as a Vice ... more »

Common Core Standards Developers Hired to Help Failing Schools in New Jersey | Truth in American Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago
Common Core Standards Developers Hired to Help Failing Schools in New Jersey | Truth in American Education: Common Core Standards Developers Hired to Help Failing Schools in New Jersey by Shane Vander Hart The Christie Administration just hired the Council of Chief State School Officers to help the New Jersey Department of Education develop school turnaround strategies. They are being paid $1.55 million to do this. The project will be two-pronged: First, help with the establishment of the state’s still-evolving Regional Achievement Centers (RACs), the immediate hubs for school im... more »

Jersey Jazzman: The Incoherent World of Arne Duncan, Part V

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago
Jersey Jazzman: The Incoherent World of Arne Duncan, Part V: The Incoherent World of Arne Duncan, Part V by Duke Arne Duncan's interview with Tom Moran of the Star-Ledger is a fascinating - and dispiriting - journey into the brain of the US Secretary of Education. I'm breaking down this fantastic voyage into a series of posts: - Part I: Duncan's signature program, Race To The Top, has little evidence to back it up. - Part II: The real legacy of Duncan, Rhee, and Klein. - Part III: Arne has a lot to learn about what makes teachers tick. - Part IV: Duncan's totally be... more »

Jersey Jazzman: Is Computer-Based Instruction Making the Digital Divide WORSE?

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 17 hours ago
Jersey Jazzman: Is Computer-Based Instruction Making the Digital Divide WORSE?: Is Computer-Based Instruction Making the Digital Divide WORSE? by Duke Yesterday, I outlined the back story of how an expensive, computer-based math instruction program is finding its way to the Perth Amboy district in New Jersey. I'm always watching the connections between public, for-profit, and non-profit interests in this brave new world the reformyists are creating - and there were quite a few *interesting*, shall we say, connections in this particular tale. What I didn't discuss very much were ... more »

This Week In Education: Thompson: Reflections On Save Our Schools 2012

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
This Week In Education: Thompson: Reflections On Save Our Schools 2012: Thompson: Reflections On Save Our Schools 2012 by john thompson [image: Saveourschool]I am so disappointed that I couldn't make the Save Our Schools conference, but James Boutin's blog *An Urban Teacher's Education* gives a great summary of the event. A parent activist, Karran Harper Royal, explained that, "teaching, in and of itself, is necessarily a political act." Dr. James Martinez criticized "deficit thinking." Martinez's and other SOS discussions about race were especially profound, as was Boutin's obser... more »

Seattle Schools Community Forum: Competition and the Public Sector

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Competition and the Public Sector: Competition and the Public Sector by Charlie Mas I often hear folks say that the root problem with public education is that it is a monopoly and that, as such, has no incentive to provide better service. This statement reflects not only a gross misunderstanding of the difference between the private sector and the public sector, but a gross ignorance of the facts. I'm really tired of this foolish talk and I'd like to put an end to it now. You can help by exposing the thoughtlessness of this idea every time the ide... more »

August 14 Election: Crucial to Milwaukee’s Future « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
August 14 Election: Crucial to Milwaukee’s Future « Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: August 14 Election: Crucial to Milwaukee’s Future by millerlf By Larry Miller There are crucial elections occurring on August 14. Private school vouchers are a central issue facing the candidates. While the Republican Party stands firmly behind voucher privatization, too many Democrats stand with them. I hear Democrats say this or that person is good on most issues, just not vouchers. We can no longer say that vouchers and privatization of public education is a secondary or side issue.... more »

Louisiana school voucher program allows kids to learn creationist non-science and pro-slavery revisionism | Pam's House Blend

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 19 hours ago
Louisiana school voucher program allows kids to learn creationist non-science and pro-slavery revisionism | Pam's House Blend: Louisiana School Voucher Program Allows Kids to Learn Creationist Non-Science and Pro-Slavery Revisionism by Pam Spaulding The Education Governor (photo: Gage Skidmore / flickr) You can thank Republican Veep prospect, Governor Bobby “the exorcist” Jindal for this development. Millions of tax dollars under his voucher program will go to “save” the low-wealth and middle class kids from Louisiana’s horrible public schools to private schools run by fundies teac... more »

Jeb Bush Covers ZZ Top on His US Ed Reform Rock Tour Show in Mississippi | Scathing Purple Musings

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 21 hours ago
Jeb Bush Covers ZZ Top on His US Ed Reform Rock Tour Show in Mississippi | Scathing Purple Musings: Jeb Bush Covers ZZ Top on His US Ed Reform Rock Tour Show in Mississippi by Bob Sikes ZZ Top’s tribute to Mississippi blues icon Howlin’ Wolf, *My Heads in Mississippi *opens thus: I’m shufflin’ thru the Texas sand, But my head’s in Mississippi. I’m shufflin’ thru the Texas sand, But my head’s in Mississippi. The blues has got a hold of me. I believe I’m gettin’ dizzy. (Spoken: Help me now.) Who can blame another rock legend, Jeb Bush, he of the education reform rock genre, had thes... more »

Three core values of science, engineering and how ed reform contradicts them - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
Three core values of science, engineering and how ed reform contradicts them - The Answer Sheet - The Washington Post: [image: Answer Sheet] Three core values of science, engineering and how ed reform contradicts them By Valerie Strauss This *was written by Arthur H. Camins, director of the Center for Innovation in Engineering and Science Education at the Stevens Institute of Technology in Hoboken, NJ.* By Arthur H. Camins President Obama and countless reports all says that improving scienceand engineering literacy and ensuring a next generation of U.S. scientists and engineers a... more »

FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Wednesday, August 8, 2012

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: *UC Berkeley* Education Headlines *Wednesday, August 8, 2012* Education roundup: Greenfield poised to borrow money to pay billsThe Greenfield Union School District board on Wednesday is expected to approve a resolution to borrow $15 million from the Kern County Board of Education to help make ends meet, and also review a new board policy that will have trustees pay 10 percent of their medical benefits. Lodi Unified secures energy fundsLodi Unified will take on a $1 million loan from Pacific Gas & Electric Co. to pay for energy-s... more »

NYC Educator: The Teacher Olympics

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 23 hours ago
NYC Educator: The Teacher Olympics: The Teacher Olympics by Miss Eyre Like many of you, no doubt, I have been enjoying the Olympics for the past week or so, marveling at the feats of strength on display, the hideous interesting choices of uniforms on some of the athletes, and the raw, beautiful power of the human spirit. Which got me thinking, naturally, of another class of superhumans: Teachers. Of course, we'd need our *own* Olympics. It wouldn't be fair to put us up against the Usain Bolts and Gabby Douglases of the world. They would lose and be sad. I propose the following... more »

Private Student Loan Issues Examined in New Report - Student Loan Ranger (usnews.com)

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
Private Student Loan Issues Examined in New Report - Student Loan Ranger (usnews.com): Private Student Loan Issues Examined in New Report By EQUAL JUSTICE WORKS August 8, 2012 RSS Feed Print [image: When borrowing for college, it's important to weigh all your student loan options.] When borrowing for college, it's important to weigh all your student loan options. *Private Student Loans*, the July 20th report from the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) to Congress, is data-driven and understated. It is also compelling and holds the feet of the private loan industry to the fi... more »

White House to Host PTA Day and Honor 12 PTA Members as "Champions of Change" | U.S. Department of Education

coopmike48 at Big Education Ape - 1 day ago
White House to Host PTA Day and Honor 12 PTA Members as "Champions of Change" | U.S. Department of Education: White House to Host PTA Day and Honor 12 PTA Members as "Champions of Change" AUGUST 8, 2012 *Contact: * Press Office, (202) 401-1576, press@ed.gov *Washington, DC* — On Friday, August 10th, the White House will welcome over 150 Parent Teacher Association (PTA) leaders from 41 states, DC, and US military bases overseas for a day-long briefing. PTA comprises millions of families, students, teachers, administrators, and business and community leaders devoted to the educa... more »




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