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Saturday, February 1, 2014

2nd Banana 2-1-14 Recap of Last Week's Best Post #EDchat #EDreform #RealEdTalk #p2 #1u



BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANA


RECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POST


How to Steal Public Schools for Dummies (excerpts)



Corporate Ed Reformers Want To Own Your School - Let'S Check Their Record #Edreform #Choice
CHARTER SCHOOL SCANDALS WEBSITEA compilation of news articles about charter schools which have been charged with, or are highly suspected of, tampering with admissions, grades, attendance and testing; misuse of funds and embezzlement; engaging in nepotism and conflicts of interest; engaging in complicated and shady real estate deals; and/or have been engaging in other questionable, unethical, bord

The State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for All | The White House
The State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for All | The White House: The State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for AllThe State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for All can be found HERE and below.Opportunity for All: Key Executive Actions the President Will Take in 2014The President’s top priority remains ensuring middle class Americans feel secure in their jobs, homes and budgets. 
Morning Wink 1-28-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-28-14 Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Houston Learned from Los Angeles What NOT to Do with TechnologyThe Los Angeles iPad program has become a national lesson in what NOT to do. Other districts, watching the slow-motion di

The 20 Richest Americans Are Greedy Takers — Not Inspirational 'Makers' | Alternet
The 20 Richest Americans Are Greedy Takers — Not Inspirational 'Makers' | Alternet: The 20 Richest Americans Are Greedy Takers — Not Inspirational 'Makers'They have all taken from the public or from employees, or through taxes or untaxed inheritances.PrintPhoto Credit: By Kees de Vos from The Hague, The Netherlands (Bill Gates delivering key note) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses


Video and Full Text of President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union Speech | The Raw Story
Full Text of President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union Speech | The Raw Story: Full Text of President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union Speech Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans:Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it, and did her part to lift America’s graduation rate to its highest level in more than three decades


A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter school | Seattle Education
A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter school | Seattle Education: A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter schoolIs it about the money or spreading a political/religious belief?The Gulen charter chain has submitted a proposal to establish a charter school in Washington State called the Coral Academy of Science. You can read more about the school and the Gulen charter chain at Another charter



Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 1-29-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMAllegations that Orr Principal Berates Pregnant Parent and Student After Flotus VisitFlotus visit to Orr ElementaryBy Candi PetersonAn elementary school principal, Niyeka Wilson of Benjamin Orr elementary school located at 2200 Minnesota Avenue SE Washington, DC 20020 202/671-6240 may be in hot water and under investigation for disparagi
Nite Cap 1-27-14 4 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPSummer Food Service Applications - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)Summer Food Service Applications - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education):State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Urges Agencies to Apply to Become Summer Food Service Program SponsorsSACRAME

Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 1-27-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMRewards for reading aloud?To be published in the School Library JournalShould we provide rewards if parents read 1000 books aloud to their children ("Vivacious vocabulary," Jan. 2014)? Read-alouds are very pleasant for both parents and children. The vast majority of children say that they enjoy being read to: 97% in Walker and



How to Steal Public Schools for Dummies (excerpts)
How to Steal Public Schools for Dummies (excerpts)Learn how to "Encourage" your local and state representative withlow upfront investments Learn Astroturf lobbyingto Beat Taxes and the IRSJust Like Michelle Rhee's Students first only BETTERAstroturf lobbying refers to political organizations or campaigns that appear to be made up of grassroots activists but are actually organized and run



LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-29-14 Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Breaking News: The Hero Parents of NewarkLast night, the parents of Newark spoke out in unison against the bullying tactics of the Christie administration. As veteran journalist Bob Braun reported, state-appointed superintendent Cami Anderson stormed out of the meeting after a parent accused her of not caring as much about Newark’s

Gates Is Funding USDOE Conferences and “Innovations” | deutsch29
Gates Is Funding USDOE Conferences and “Innovations” | deutsch29: Gates Is Funding USDOE Conferences and “Innovations”January 31, 2014What corporate reformers manage to devise continues to amaze me.I know. It shouldn’t. But it does.During my perusal of the latest Gates grants, I stumbled across a find that makes me tilt my head slightly to the right in contemplation of its creepy import:The US Dep
Fight Over Effective Teachers Shifts to Courtroom - NYTimes.com
Fight Over Effective Teachers Shifts to Courtroom - NYTimes.com: Fight Over Effective Teachers Shifts to CourtroomBy JENNIFER MEDINAJAN. 31, 2014Some of the students who are suing the State of California over tenure for teachers walked to a news conference this week outside Superior Court in Los Angeles. Monica Almeida/The New York Times LOS ANGELES — They have tried and failed to loosen tenure ru

Nite Cap 1-31-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP1-31-14 The Whole Child Blog - What Does It Mean to Be an iCitizen? — Whole Child EducationWhat Does It Mean to Be an iCitizen? — Whole Child Education: THE WHOLE CHILD BLOGWhat Does It Mean to Be an iCitizen?January 31, 2014 by Klea ScharbergWha


¿qué demonios? Chicago Public Schools CEO announces Latino Advisory Committee–with no Latino teachers « NewsTaco
Chicago Public Schools CEO announces Latino Advisory Committee–with no Latino teachers « NewsTaco: Chicago Public Schools CEO announces Latino Advisory Committee–with no Latino teachersBy Ray Salazar, NewsTacoIn her January newsletter to teachers, Chicago Public Schools CEO Barbara Byrd-Bennett announced a Latino Advisory Committee designed to “provide counsel in the following focus areas in parti
The 20 Richest Americans Are Greedy Takers — Not Inspirational 'Makers' | Alternet
The 20 Richest Americans Are Greedy Takers — Not Inspirational 'Makers' | Alternet: The 20 Richest Americans Are Greedy Takers — Not Inspirational 'Makers'They have all taken from the public or from employees, or through taxes or untaxed inheritances.PrintPhoto Credit: By Kees de Vos from The Hague, The Netherlands (Bill Gates delivering key note) [CC-BY-SA-2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses
Can Governor Cuomo Do New York Students’ Common Core Homework? | Truth in American Education
Can Governor Cuomo Do New York Students’ Common Core Homework? | Truth in American Education: Can Governor Cuomo Do New York Students’ Common Core Homework?Filed in Common Core State Standards, Education at State Level by Shane Vander Hart on January 31, 2014• 0 Comments21Can New York Governor Andrew Cuomo do the homework that is being assigned to students across his state?That’s exactly what Stop
New Jersey’s Education Cerf-dumb » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names
New Jersey’s Education Cerf-dumb » CounterPunch: Tells the Facts, Names the Names: New Jersey’s Education Cerf-dumbby MICHELLE RENEE MATISONS and SETH SANDRONSKYIn this class bludgeoning era of public education, when repression is used to silence dissent and school employee and student displacement is the new normal, anyone following predatory education reform tactics knows private money is trying
Louisiana Progress Social Media videos available | Crazy Crawfish's Blog
Louisiana Progress Social Media videos available | Crazy Crawfish's Blog: Crazy Crawfish's BlogZesty Louisiana Education PoliticsLouisiana Progress Social Media videos availablePosted on January 31, 20140For those of you who missed the Social Media Summit put by Louisiana Progress this past weekend during our Louisiana Blizzard:  Here’s the link to all the footage in smaller byte-sized YouTube chu
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit 1-31-14
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: The State Of Education In The State Of The Union + The State Of Adult Ed In LausdFrom the Associated Administrators of Los Angeles Weekly Update Week of February 3, 2014 | http://bit.ly/1igKGaE Thursday, January 30, 2014 :: In President Barack Obama’s State of the Union speech on January 28, 2014, he referenced education less often than in previous year
FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Friday, January 31, 2014
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Baron: NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsessionEducation HeadlinesFriday, January 31, 2014FCMAT provides links to California K-12 news stories as a service to the industry. However, some stories may not be accessible because of newspapers' subscription policies.Finance director at fiscally fragile dis

Morning Wink 1-31-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-31-14 Diane Ravitch's blog #EDCHAT #P2Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: New York Plans Cradle-to-Grave Data Tracking of StudentsHere is another reason to opt your children out of state testing. The state plans to collect data on every student throughout their lives, on the nutty belief that someone
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-31-14 Diane Ravitch's blog #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: New York Plans Cradle-to-Grave Data Tracking of StudentsHere is another reason to opt your children out of state testing. The state plans to collect data on every student throughout their lives, on the nutty belief that someone somewhere will figure out from this Big Data “what works.” This massive collection of data reflects the N
1-31-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: From The Archives: “Getting students to engage — not just comply”I’ve recently re-started an effort I’ve tried to do previously by regularly highlighting previous posts and articles I’ve shared in previous years that I think might be worth a second look. Getting students to engage — not just comply is a piece I wrote for Th
NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsession | EdSource Today
NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsession | EdSource Today: NCLB co-author says he never anticipated federal law would force testing obsessionJanuary 30th, 2014 | 3 Comments | By Kathryn BaronRep. George Miller, D-Martinez, visited with EdSource Today staff shortly after announcing his retirement after 40 years in Congress. Credit: Lillian Mongeau, EdSource

Schools Matter: Kaya Henderson Implicated in Rhee Cheating Scandal that Will Not Die
Schools Matter: Kaya Henderson Implicated in Rhee Cheating Scandal that Will Not Die: Kaya Henderson Implicated in Rhee Cheating Scandal that Will Not DieFrom CBS WASHINGTON — An elementary school principal’s claim that she saw teachers erasing answers on students’ test sheets had reached District of Columbia Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s desk within 24 hours of the alleged incident in late


Nite Cap 1-30-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPNew report highlights stagnation for early childhood programs | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCCNew report highlights stagnation for early childhood programs | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC: New report highlights stagnation for early childhood programsDeepa Fer


Education Revelation and President Obama’s State of the Union Address | Reclaim Reform
Education Revelation and President Obama’s State of the Union Address | Reclaim Reform: Education Revelation and President Obama’s State of the Union AddressPosted on January 30, 2014by Ken PrevitiBURST OF LIGHT! A sudden jolt of revelation struck at the precise moment that I watched President Obama’s State of the Union Address. “Today in America. Teacher. Extra time. Student. Graduation rate. Hig
NYC Educator: Whither Gotham Schools?
NYC Educator: Whither Gotham Schools?: Whither Gotham Schools?I don't know about you, but I used to read Gotham Schools religiously, no matter how much they disappointed me with their reformy crap. Sure, half of it was about the adventures of Eva Moskowitz and her gang of privatizers, and they linked to every inane piece of nonsense mustered by Murdoch. But Rise and Shine often featured interestin
THE PERIMETER PRIMATE: Webinar video of Gulen Movement 101: Session One
THE PERIMETER PRIMATE: Webinar video of Gulen Movement 101: Session One: Webinar video of Gulen Movement 101: Session OneGulen 101 Session One With Sharon Higgins from Tim Furman on Vimeo.Some of the videos shown during the presentation have been deleted from this video, but you will find them online.Portion of Gulen sermonPortion of scholar Joshua Hendrick's talk at conference sponsored by the Ru
Standardized movie shown to 400 in Orlando | Parents Across America
Standardized movie shown to 400 in Orlando | Parents Across America: Standardized movie shown to 400 in OrlandoAn eye-opener: Orlando’s showingof Standardized: Lies, Money, andCivil Rights documentaryBy Lourdes Pérez Ramírez, founder of PAA affiliate HispanEducaMore than 400 people and a nine-member panel made up of teachers, school board members, education advocates, and legislators gathered at H
1-30-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": Newark Parents RevoltI’ve been posting about some wild stuff happening in Newark recently. It got even wilder last night when hundreds of parents and educators protested actions being taken by the state-appointed school superintendent. Read about what happened here and here. It sounds like the superintendent is being very s
1-30-14 LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD
LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District): New report says CA shows little improvement on teacher policiesA new report from the National Council on Teachers Quality finds that California has made marginal, if any, progress on improving state policies that shape effective teachers. For the third straight time, California was given an overall grade

1-30-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: WA State Charter Commission Mtg - Part TwoFirst application - CAL Elementary - is denied, 8-0.  Commissioners cited the evaluators' "deny" and noted not financially ready with little community support/input.Second application - Cedar River - is denied, 8-0. Third application - Coral Academy of Science - the probable Gulen-based charter - is denied, 8-0.Cy


MOOC platform Coursera falls afoul of US sanctions | Digital
MOOC platform Coursera falls afoul of US sanctions | Digital: MOOC platform Coursera falls afoul of US sanctionsAt least since MIT Open Courseware started in 2001, users around the world have been enjoying free and open digital educational resources. It’s consistently reported that around three-quarters or more of users of MOOC platforms Udacity, Coursera and edX come from outside the US, from nea
Morning Wink 1-30-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS1-30-14 Schools MatterSchools Matter: Philadelphia Ritz East Theater Feb. 6 8 PM STANDARDIZED Lies, Money & Civil Rights: How Testing Is Ruining Public Education: A DocumentaryBy Daniel HornbergerJanuary 28, 2014Philadelphia, PA – Reading-based Rockfish Productions’ documentary STANDARDIZED will make its Philadelphia debut at 6PM onThursday, February 6

LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-30-14 Diane Ravitch's blog #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Mercedes Schneider and Peter Greene Offer Timely Help to Dennis Van RoekelDennis Van Roekel is a supporter of the Common Core standards. He recently said in an article in Education Week that no one has really set out their specific objections to the standards or offered a better alternative. Two teacher-bloggers here offer help to
1-30-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: Malloy says “stay the course” on Common Core and Teacher Evaluation (after election)The Hartford Courant has what could very well be the clearest portrayal of Governor Malloy’s real intent when it comes to his corporate education reform industry initiatives. With the latest flurry of press conferences, letters and meetings behind him, the Hartford Courant notes; “After the meeting the


Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 1-29-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMAllegations that Orr Principal Berates Pregnant Parent and Student After Flotus VisitFlotus visit to Orr ElementaryBy Candi PetersonAn elementary school principal, Niyeka Wilson of Benjamin Orr elementary school located at 2200 Minnesota Avenue SE Washington, DC 20020 202/671-6240 may be in hot water and under investigation for disparagi
The Charter School Bill 1040 and the 1%: An Analysis | Seattle Education
The Charter School Bill 1040 and the 1%: An Analysis | Seattle Education: The Charter School Bill 1040 and the 1%: An AnalysisIf only they had channeled all of the money represented above into our public schools in Seattle rather than into financing the corporate takeover of our educational system…we would have full time librarians, nurses, career counselors, enough teaching assistants to handle t

Social Studies isn’t English Language Arts’ Annoying Relative. | EdCentrist
Social Studies isn’t English Language Arts’ Annoying Relative. | EdCentrist: Social Studies isn’t English Language Arts’ Annoying Relative.Leave a commentMore and more, it seems that educational resources support two core courses: English Language Arts and Mathematics. In my opinion, this is a dangerous trend in education, today. At a time when students must prepare to live within global society,

Alert: “Accountability” Bill Could Turn to Nuclear Option | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
Alert: “Accountability” Bill Could Turn to Nuclear Option | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: Alert: “Accountability” Bill Could Turn to Nuclear OptionFiled under: Charter Schools,Low Performing Schools,Vouchers — millerlf @ 6:04 pm The following article from today’s Journal Sentinel states that Democrats are part of the problem in advancing an “accountability” bill through Wisconsin’s l
Newark superintendent storms out of tumultuous school board meeting after parent refers to Anderson’s “brown baby” | Bob Braun's Ledger
Newark superintendent storms out of tumultuous school board meeting after parent refers to Anderson’s “brown baby” | Bob Braun's Ledger: Newark superintendent storms out of tumultuous school board meeting after parent refers to Anderson’s “brown baby”Natasha AllenThe state-appointed Newark school superintendent stormed out of an angry,  tumultuous School Advisory Board (SAB) meeting a few hours ag
Nite Cap 1-29-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPOp-Ed: Education Policy Without a Plan Is Asking for Problems - NJ SpotlightOp-Ed: Education Policy Without a Plan Is Asking for Problems - NJ Spotlight: OP-ED: EDUCATION POLICY WITHOUT A PLAN IS ASKING FOR PROBLEMSASSEMBLYWOMAN MILA JASEY | JANU
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm sputters through defense of new charters
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Rahm sputters through defense of new charters: Rahm sputters through defense of new chartersThe Mayor sounds downright goofy as he tries to defend his hand-picked school board's vote to open new charter schools in the vicinity of the 50 schools they closed.From the Tribune:“That’s not how this city in the past has looked at it, and in the future, and this is in areas
1-29-14 @ The Answer Sheet
The Answer Sheet: Why snow days matter: Kids forced to sleep in schools because class wasn’t cancelled in timeNext time you think a school district is being overly cautious about cancelling school because of bad weather, remember this: Thousands of students in Georgia and Alabama were forced to spend the night  Tuesday in their schools — and some on buses — while their parents got stuck in traffic
Obama’s approach to education in the 2014 State of the Union | Cloaking Inequity
Obama’s approach to education in the 2014 State of the Union | Cloaking Inequity: Obama’s approach to education in the 2014 State of the UnionWith bated breath, last evening I watched the 2014 State of the Union (SOTU) address.  I wondered if Barack Obama would propose anything controversial for our nation’s schools… or even go in a new direction…I was asked by The Conversation to cover the 2014 S
Blindsided by universal enrollment plan. How did we get here? | Philadelphia Public School Notebook
Blindsided by universal enrollment plan. How did we get here? | Philadelphia Public School Notebook: Blindsided by universal enrollment plan. How did we get here?by Christine Carlson on Jan 29 2014 Posted in CommentaryIt came in like a wrecking ball ...I’ve been subjected to hearing my 10-year-old daughter play Miley Cyrus’ song "Wrecking Ball" many times.  Some parents hear this song an
1-29-14 LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD
LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District): Obama on education: ‘Some of this change is hard’President Obama last night President Obama had a few words to say about education in his State of the Union speech last night. Here’s what he told us: “Of course, it’s not enough to train today’s workforce. We also have to prepare tomorrow’s workforce, by g
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 1-29-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: Hydrogen fuel cell carThe Japanese automaker’s fuel-cell car hits the market next year despite all the doubt.  Toyota Motor is getting set to defy naysayers. Toyota’s initiative is the first commercial hydrogen-powered fuel-cell car, which the Japanese automaker said it will sell starting next year.Toyota showed a prototype it calls FCV at the North American Internation
1-29-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Kid President Gives Us All a Pep TalkThis kid is great - listen up students (and everybody's a teacher). Get your learn on!by Melissa Westbrook / 4min 1-28-14 Seattle Schools Community ForumSeattle Schools Community Forum: Tuesday Open ThreadComing up on Thursday is the one-year anniversary of the MAP test boycott.  It's also the day that SEE (Social Equality Educa
1-29-14 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: An Open Apology, with Explanations: Math, Behaviorism, and “Grit”While I haven’t really made any sort of public declaration, I have begun in 2014 to address in my public work something with which I have become more uncomfortable throughout 2013: The antagonism in the education reform debate. Thus, I want to address a series of tensions that have been created by recent blogs of […
AFT - A Union of Professionals - AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Obama’s State of the Union Address
AFT - A Union of Professionals - AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Obama’s State of the Union Address: AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Obama's State of the Union AddressWASHINGTON— Statement of AFT President Randi Weingarten on President Obama's State of the Union address. Two AFT members joined first lady Michelle Obama to watch the address: Washington, D.C. Teacher of the Y
Aging School Kitchens Undermine Healthy Meal Preparation | NEA Today
Aging School Kitchens Undermine Healthy Meal Preparation | NEA Today: Aging School Kitchens Undermine Healthy Meal PreparationJanuary 29, 2014 by twalker  By John RosalesIt was food delivery day at Glen Landing Middle School in Blackwood, New Jersey, and the 42-year-old walk-in freezer went kaput. Again.“The food delivery we were supposed to receive that Thursday had to be delivered to another sch
The first-ever Grammy Award for a Music Educator goes to... | Lily's Blackboard
The first-ever Grammy Award for a Music Educator goes to... | Lily's Blackboard: And the Grammy Goes to…Jan 28th, 2014by Lily.And the Award goes to….It is always with a divided heart that I agree to serve on award panels. It dates back to my year as Utah Teacher of the Year.  It was so amazing to be recognized for the things you did for your students; things you loved doing; things that you weren’
1-29-14 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: TESTIMONY OF NYC SCHOOLS CHANCELLOR CARMEN FARIñA BEFORE THE STATE ASSEMBLY WAYS & MEANS AND STATE SENATE FINANCE COMMITTEES ON THE PROPOSED 2014-2015 EXECUTIVE BUDGETThis is frightening. Very disappointing.She supports common core for IEPs. Unbelievable.---- Parent comments on Farina testimony.Take this for what it is - I don't have the patience to read it. But when I sent it
Morning Wink 1-29-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSTwo Visions of the Federal Role :: Frederick M. HessTwo Visions of the Federal Role :: Frederick M. Hess: Two Visions of the Federal Roleby Frederick M. Hess  •  Jan 29, 2014 at 9:57 amCross-posted from Education WeekLast night, in the State of the Union, President Obama played it pretty safe when it came to education. He was for more college affordability
Two Visions of the Federal Role :: Frederick M. Hess
Two Visions of the Federal Role :: Frederick M. Hess: Two Visions of the Federal Roleby Frederick M. Hess  •  Jan 29, 2014 at 9:57 amCross-posted from Education WeekLast night, in the State of the Union, President Obama played it pretty safe when it came to education. He was for more college affordability, higher expectations and performance for K-12, and more pre-K. Not much that anyone is going
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-29-14 Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Breaking News: The Hero Parents of NewarkLast night, the parents of Newark spoke out in unison against the bullying tactics of the Christie administration. As veteran journalist Bob Braun reported, state-appointed superintendent Cami Anderson stormed out of the meeting after a parent accused her of not caring as much about Newark’s
1-29-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: In Case You Have Forgotten Why Common Core Is a Bad IdeaKnoxville, TN, November 2013:by Jim Horn / 2min 1-28-14 Schools MatterSchools Matter: SKrashen: The Common Core: A Disaster for Libraries, A Disaster for Language Arts, a Disaster for American EducationSKrashen: The Common Core: A Disaster for Libraries, A Disaster for Language Arts, a Disaster for American Education: Stephen
1-29-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: In bizarre political ploy: Malloy says Delay Teacher Evaluations; Set up task force on Common CoreWith the 2014 gubernatorial election ten months away, Governor Dannel Malloy held a press conference yesterday that would have made Saturday Night Live or the satirical website, The Onion, proud. Malloy removed his blinders and took out his ear plugs long enough to announce that the unfair
1-29-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education: What It’s Like For States Not Burdened by Common CoreFlorida wisely dropped the legislature’s bad idea to require Algebra II last year only to have its education commissioner tweak Common Core by putting in Calculus standards, a math domain two levels above the course th
1-29-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: ‘Teaching Character Is Not A Program Or Curriculum’‘Teaching Character Is Not A Program Or Curriculum’ is Part Two in my Ed Week Teacher series on teaching character. Here are some excerpts:by Larry Ferlazzo / 1h   1-28-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of
1-29-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: The President on education. Waist deep in the big muddy.“Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, members of Congress, my fellow Americans, today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it and did her part to lift America’s graduation rate to its highest levels in more than three deca
1-29-14 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: Two State of the Union TweetsBecause I knew there would @#$% like this: Not just how well they can fill in a bubble on a test...wait whose policy was Race to the TOp? #SOTU— Liza Featherstone (@lfeatherz) January 29, 2014I decided this:Couldn't decide - watch the SOTU or paint dry? Decided to go w/ the paint. Drying paint doesn't lie or bull@#$% you...— realitybasededucator
1-29-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD
the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness (the public and scholarly writing by P. L. Thomas, Furman University): SOTU 2014: Orwellian Educational Change under Obama ContinuesOrwellian Educational Change under Obama: Crisis Discourse, Utopian Expectations, and Accountability Failures Paul L. Thomas Furman University “It is rather the same thing that is happening to the English langu
How California’s Growing Income Gap Affects Our Schools | California Progress Report
How California’s Growing Income Gap Affects Our Schools | California Progress Report: How California’s Growing Income Gap Affects Our SchoolsPosted on 29 January 2014By Peter MathewsAn American child’s chance of acquiring a quality education depends more on the parents’ income than on almost anything else, including ethnicity.Because property taxes are a key source for K-12 funding, affluent distr
The Shriver Report – The Gender Wage Gap: What To Do If You Think You Aren’t Being Paid Fairly
The Shriver Report – The Gender Wage Gap: What To Do If You Think You Aren’t Being Paid Fairly: The Gender Wage Gap: What To Do If You Think You Aren’t Being Paid FairlyCARA P. LEMIEUX | 01.29.2014Credit: © fotomek – Fotolia.comWe have read the stories and statistics about the gender wage gap, and that despite the many strides women have made in the workforce,women only make 77 cents for every dol
School Choice Undermines Urban School Districts | janresseger
School Choice Undermines Urban School Districts | janresseger: School Choice Undermines Urban School DistrictsPosted on January 29, 2014 by janressegerProponents of school choice have dubbed this week School Choice Week.  In honor of  School Choice Week, Tennessee Senator Lamar Alexander, the Secretary of Education under the first George Bush and today the top Republican on the Senate Health, Educ
What Could Be Wrong With ‘School Choice’?
What Could Be Wrong With ‘School Choice’?: What Could Be Wrong With ‘School Choice’?How to Steal Public Schools for Dummies (excerpts) Everyone loves “choice,” right?In a country where in a single year there are more than 100 new choices for what to use to brush your teeth, it stands to reason that maximizing “choice” might be a goal for all kinds of enterprises.With that in mind, this week brough
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Obama calls for even more testing madness
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: Obama calls for even more testing madness: Obama calls for even more testing madnessThe maddening Race To The Top continuesNot much for educators to get excited about in last night's speech. It's that time again when Dems give us a slight head-fake to the left-center to keep their base in line. I did like the focus on income inequality and the promise to raise the mi
The State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for All | The White House
The State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for All | The White House: The State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for AllThe State of the Union Fact Sheet: Opportunity for All can be found HERE and below.Opportunity for All: Key Executive Actions the President Will Take in 2014The President’s top priority remains ensuring middle class Americans feel secure in their jobs, homes and budgets. 

The Forgotten Story of Japanese American Zoot Suiters | Nikkei Chicago
The Forgotten Story of Japanese American Zoot Suiters | Nikkei Chicago: The Forgotten Story of Japanese American Zoot SuitersBy Ellen D. WuSus Kaminaka was a zoot suiter: one of the many young people in 1940s America who embraced a distinctive, working-class urban aesthetic characterized by flamboyant fashions and irreverent comportment. Kaminaka and other hipsters sported pompadours and ducktail

Video and Full Text of President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union Speech | The Raw Story
Full Text of President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union Speech | The Raw Story: Full Text of President Barack Obama’s 5th State of the Union Speech Mr. Speaker, Mr. Vice President, Members of Congress, my fellow Americans:Today in America, a teacher spent extra time with a student who needed it, and did her part to lift America’s graduation rate to its highest level in more than three decades

Nite Cap 1-28-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPHow “School Choice” Has Failed Louisiana (Especially New Orleans) Parents | deutsch29How “School Choice” Has Failed Louisiana (Especially New Orleans) Parents | deutsch29: How “School Choice” Has Failed Louisiana (Especially New Orleans) ParentsJ


Some Noble charter school students are “turning to suicide as a way out” Parents United for Responsible Education
Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Some Noble charter school students are “turning to suicide as a way out”: Some Noble charter school students are “turning to suicide as a way out”Katie Osgood at the BOE meeting. Substance photo by George SchmidtAt the January Board of Education meeting, teacher Katie Osgood called out the Noble charter school network for its extreme discip
SPECIAL Mid Day Banana Break 1-28-14 #RealEdTalk #edreform
Big Education Ape - Mid Day Banana BreakRich Kids of Northern VirginiaIts’ that time of year, when the feds, state, and local government’s prepare their budgets for the coming fiscal year.  Each year we hear different claims about the relative wealth and tax burden borne by residents in our jurisdictions, with the statistic cited generally the one that supports the argument of whomever is asking f

Send Arne Duncan to Mars!: A State of the Union wish list for liberals - Salon.com
Send Arne Duncan to Mars!: A State of the Union wish list for liberals - Salon.com: Send Arne Duncan to Mars!: A State of the Union wish list for liberalsWe asked left-of-center groups what they hope to hear in the president's speech tonight. Here are the best repliesPresident Obama’s address tonight will be closely watched by advocates on a wide range of issues, including some progressives who’ve
How to Steal Public Schools for Dummies (excerpts)
How to Steal Public Schools for Dummies (excerpts)Learn how to "Encourage" your local and state representative withlow upfront investments Learn Astroturf lobbyingto Beat Taxes and the IRSJust Like Michelle Rhee's Students first only BETTERAstroturf lobbying refers to political organizations or campaigns that appear to be made up of grassroots activists but are actually organized and run
1-28-14 LA School Report - USC Rossier offers new program for LA Unified charter teachers - LA School Report
USC Rossier offers new program for LA Unified charter teachers - LA School Report: USC Rossier offers new program for LA Unified charter teachersThe debate over what makes a good teacher can be, at best subjective and at worst litigious. (See Vergara v California, which got underway yesterday.) But USC’s Rossier School of Education may have cracked the code and is now partnering with Los Angeles U
GO RANDI: National teachers union leader joins protest of Newark school makeover | NJ.com
National teachers union leader joins protest of Newark school makeover | NJ.com: National teachers union leader joins protest of Newark school makeoverNEWARK — American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten returns to Newark tonight to join community members, parents and teachers to protest Superintendent Cami Anderson’s reorganization plan for the city’s schools.The protest will coinc
Morning Wink 1-28-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-28-14 Diane Ravitch's blog A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Houston Learned from Los Angeles What NOT to Do with TechnologyThe Los Angeles iPad program has become a national lesson in what NOT to do. Other districts, watching the slow-motion di
Special Late Nite Cap EXTRA 1-27-14 #EDCHAT #P2 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk
Nite Cap EXTRAEXTRA EXTRA EXTRA EXTRAUnion to hit Olney Charter with unfair labor practice chargePHILADELPHIA A union that has been involved in organizing teachers at Olney Charter High School is set to file an unfair labor practice charge Monday over a new social-media policy the union said was an attempt to silence staff.1min Portland teachers union supporters pack meeting, blast Superintendent
Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 1-27-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMRewards for reading aloud?To be published in the School Library JournalShould we provide rewards if parents read 1000 books aloud to their children ("Vivacious vocabulary," Jan. 2014)? Read-alouds are very pleasant for both parents and children. The vast majority of children say that they enjoy being read to: 97% in Walker and
Nite Cap 1-26-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPSummer Food Service Applications - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)Summer Food Service Applications - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education):State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Urges Agencies to Apply to Become Summer Food Service Program SponsorsSACRAME
Summer Food Service Applications - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education)
Summer Food Service Applications - Year 2014 (CA Dept of Education):State Schools Chief Tom Torlakson Urges Agencies to Apply to Become Summer Food Service Program SponsorsSACRAMENTO—Helping students get enough nutritious food during the summer recess will help them succeed in school in the fall, according to State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson, who today urged eligible organi
The White Choice | EduShyster
The White Choice | EduShyster: The White Choice A growing number of choosy choosers are choosing the white choice for their childrenIt’s hard to believe but National School Choice Week is here again. This year’s choicetacular celebration started off with a bang—make that a bell—as students fromNewark Prep Charter School, operated by K12 (NYSE: LRN), rang the New York Stock Exchange opening bell, s


SPECIAL Mid Day Banana Break 1-27-14 #RealEdTalk #edreform
Big Education Ape - Mid Day Banana BreakWe Can't Do It Alone Anymore A session with AFT president Randi ...The blare of trumpets signaled the Valley's official welcome to American Federation of Teachers president Randi Weingarten last Tuesday afternoon.35min Welner Writes a Message to the President: Are We Serious About Reducing Inequality? | Diane Ravitch’s blogKevin Welner, director of the Natio

Obama's Empty Rhetoric on Education - Stephen Lurie - The Atlantic
Obama's Empty Rhetoric on Education - Stephen Lurie - The Atlantic: Obama's Empty Rhetoric on EducationIn his State of the Union addresses, the president has talked about schooling in very superficial ways. Charles Dharapak/AP PhotoAs the crescendo of his first Address to a Join Session of Congress in January 2009, newly elected President Barack Obama decided to share a story of a school. That sch
The First-Ever Virtual "Big Block of Cheese Day" – The White House is Open for Questions | The White House
The First-Ever Virtual "Big Block of Cheese Day" – The White House is Open for Questions | The White House: The First-Ever Virtual "Big Block of Cheese Day" – The White House is Open for QuestionsPresident Obama has always been dedicated to the idea that the White House is truly "The People's House" and has worked to make 1600 Pennsylvania and his administration open

Morning Wink 1-27-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-27-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Debate about Cost of Pre-K Grows in NYElected officials in NY are debating the cost of universal pre-K. It was a central plank in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign. He won in a landsli


LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-27-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Debate about Cost of Pre-K Grows in NYElected officials in NY are debating the cost of universal pre-K. It was a central plank in Mayor Bill de Blasio’s campaign. He won in a landslide. He wants to pay for it by a tiny tax increase on incomes over $500,000. This would add about $1,000 a year in new taxes, less than dinner for 2 at
1-27-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: Paul Vallas Re-cap: A Trail of DestructionTwo weekend Wait, What? blog posts continue the task of revealing the Trail of Destruction that Paul Vallas leaves in his wake. First up is the special education debacle.  Despite repeated warnings that his “initiative” to reduce special education costs would not only violate federal and state laws but would be disastrous for Bridgeport childre
1-27-14 @ The Answer Sheet
The Answer Sheet: How do we know what/when young kids are ready to learn?How do we really know when young children are ready to learn specific material? Here to explain is cognitive scientist Daniel Willingham,  professor and director of graduate studies in psychology at the University of Virginia and author of “Why Don’t Students Like School?” His latest book is “When Can You Trust The Experts? H
1-27-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: Misreading FloridaThe headline appears simple enough:Fla. Pushes Longer Day, More Reading in Some SchoolsGewertz explains:Two years ago, Florida took a step no other state has taken to improve students' reading skills: It required its 100 lowest-performing elementary schools to add an extra hour to their school day and to use that time for reading instruction. Early results suggest
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 1-27-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: Happy Cows Come from California... When Its Not In a DroughtAround this time you can see cows freely roaming green pastures from the freeway, however, lack of rain has caused these pastures to die out. Ranchers are selling their cattle and an increasingly fast rate in California. With California being in it's third dry year, the cattle industry has suffered. All of our
1-27-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: My Latest NY Times Post For ELLs: Learn The Progressive Tense & Create A Future Family TreeMy latest New York Times post for English Language Learners helps students learn the progressive tense and family vocabulary. It also includes a teaching idea about creating “future” family trees. A student interactive is included
1-27-14 Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: John Dillon, retired teacher, pension activist and writer.John Dillon. Now we know that SB1 is not enough to cover the crime.  John Dillon, retired teacher and pension activist and writer. John Dillon’s Pension Vocabulary: Prescience: Looking for answers in Illinois. Had the real purpose of SB1 been t
The Shriver Report – Single Mother in College: Willpower and a Lot of Help
The Shriver Report – Single Mother in College: Willpower and a Lot of Help:  Single Mother in College: Willpower and a Lot of HelpCARA CORTEZ | 01.27.2014© opolja – Fotolia.comGoing back to college at age 25 last year wasn’t an easy decision for me. I went to college at age 18, but took a break to work and earn a living. When I was 20, I became pregnant with my boyfriend’s child. As hard as we tri
If There’s A War On Teachers, It’s Not Working. Why Not? | Paul Bruno
If There’s A War On Teachers, It’s Not Working. Why Not? | Paul Bruno: If There’s A War On Teachers, It’s Not Working. Why Not?By PAUL BRUNO | Published: JANUARY 27, 2014Last week at This Week in Ed I wrote that, contrary to some narratives, many people should still view teaching as an attractive profession:Certainly, the last decade of education reform has substantially changed the work of many t
Will the President Say Something Meaningful in SOTU about Inequality and Public Education? | janresseger
Will the President Say Something Meaningful in SOTU about Inequality and Public Education? | janresseger: Will the President Say Something Meaningful in SOTU about Inequality and Public Education?Posted on January 27, 2014 by janressegerSean Reardon, the Stanford University sociologist has extensively documented the impact of neighborhood inequality on school achievement.In a report released last
empathyeducates – If Fewer or No Tests, Then What?
empathyeducates – If Fewer or No Tests, Then What?: If Fewer or No Tests, Then What?By Paul L. Thomas, Ed.D. | Originally Published at The Becoming Radical. January 25, 2014When I responded to Students Should Be Tested More, Not Less by Jessica Lahey and the related target=new href=http://isites.harvard.edu/fs/docs/icb.topic951136.files/powerOfTestingMemory-roedigerKarpicke.pdf>study by Henry L. R
NYC Educator: On Reviving Unionism
NYC Educator: On Reviving Unionism: On Reviving UnionismNote: I was asked to write this by the Port Jefferson Station Teachers Association, and it's cross-posted to their blog as well.It's funny to hear people in NYSUT complaining about democracy. I'm chapter leader of one of the largest schools in NYC, and neither I nor anyone in my school gets to vote or participate at all in NYSUT or AFT. Thoug
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTALBES
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: WEEKEND QUOTALBES: WEEKEND QUOTALBESFor some reason, I read this as School Choke Week.Maine's Republican Governor Paul LePage“If you want a good education, go to private schools. If you can’t afford it, tough luck. You can go to the public school.” -- NPQ, Republican Gubernatorial Campaigns Play the Charter School CardGeorge Will His latest column attacks Obama's cal

JAN 26

New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programs | EdSource Today
New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programs | EdSource Today: New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programsJanuary 26th, 2014 | Add a Comment | By Susan FreyJesus Lupian works on a framing project in a carpentry class at the Central County Occupational Center in San Jose. Credit: Neil HanshawA new report has raised concerns about the future of regional
A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter school | Seattle Education
A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter school | Seattle Education: A teacher’s experience in a Gulen charter schoolIs it about the money or spreading a political/religious belief?The Gulen charter chain has submitted a proposal to establish a charter school in Washington State called the Coral Academy of Science. You can read more about the school and the Gulen charter chain at Another charter
Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: MORE Than a Score a Week Away and How One Principal is Dealing With Parent Community on TestingIf there is one event I would urge people who don't ususally do these things to attend it is the More Than a Score event next Saturday, Feb. 1. I'll be blogging about it all week until you get sick of hearing about it. The MORE THAN a SCORE event is in one week! Please help spread the wo
Schooling in the Ownership Society: California corporate 'reformers' file suit so they can fire teachers without due process
Schooling in the Ownership Society: California corporate 'reformers' file suit so they can fire teachers without due process: California corporate 'reformers' file suit so they can fire teachers without due processWelchStudents Matter, a front group for corporate-style school "reformers" has filed suit in Los Angeles in an attempt to undercut statewide collective-bargaining agreements an
MPS and Independent Charters | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
MPS and Independent Charters | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: MPS and Independent ChartersFiled under: Charter Schools — millerlf @ 8:46 pm Larry Miller 1/26/14The historic goal of the right-wing in America, as expressed by Milton Friedman, is vouchers for all. But because the voucher movement has suffered so many defeats, the right-wing has now advanced the independent charter moveme
Common Core and Students with Disabilities (+playlist)
Bianca Tanis speaks at the state of public education forum -- Effects of Education Reform on Students with Disabilities.-- Ardsley, New York. January 23, 2014
Douglas County, CO Parents: Do Not Sign This District Opt Out/Refusal Form | United Opt Out National
Douglas County, CO Parents: Do Not Sign This District Opt Out/Refusal Form | United Opt Out National: DOUGLAS COUNTY, CO PARENTS: DO NOT SIGN THIS DISTRICT OPT OUT/REFUSAL FORM Douglas County Parents,There are many reasons not to sign this form, but foremost, we recommend not signing it should you choose to take legal action.  Stay strong. And let us know if we can help. Please remember, we will b
The Latest New Orleans Miracle | Gary Rubinstein's Blog
The Latest New Orleans Miracle | Gary Rubinstein's Blog: The Latest New Orleans MiracleAnytime there is a press release from the Louisiana Department of Education, I know I have some work to do.Two years ago it was how the RSD had the highest percent growth even though that statistic is exaggerated for districts with low baseline scores.  One year ago it was the ‘growth’ of their ACT scores, which
Nite Cap 1-26-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAPDCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentristDCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentrist: DCPS IMPACT 3.0?Leave a commentIf DCPS is serious about investing in the 40 lowest performing schools, which I believe it is, then it must reassess current aspects of IMPACT 2.0. During
DCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentrist
DCPS IMPACT 3.0? | EdCentrist: DCPS IMPACT 3.0?Leave a commentIf DCPS is serious about investing in the 40 lowest performing schools, which I believe it is, then it must reassess current aspects of IMPACT 2.0. During the coming negotiation rounds between the Chancellor and the WTU President, the following questions demand discussions: How has IMPACT 2.0 faired in the 40 lowest performing schools?
California Lawsuit Attacks Teacher Rights - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher
California Lawsuit Attacks Teacher Rights - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: California Lawsuit Attacks Teacher RightsBy Anthony Cody on January 26, 2014 5:26 PMBack in 2005, California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger placed Proposition 74 on the ballot,  which would have extended the length of time needed to earn tenure from two years to five. But this idea was rejected by a majority o
Principals strike back, file federal suit alleging “conspiracy” to silence critics of “One Newark” | Bob Braun's Ledger
Principals strike back, file federal suit alleging “conspiracy” to silence critics of “One Newark” | Bob Braun's Ledger: Principals strike back, file federal suit alleging “conspiracy” to silence critics of “One Newark”H. Grady James, Hawthorne AvenueThe five Newark school principals and one parent leader punished by state-appointed superintendent Cami Anderson for speaking out against her plan fo
NYC Public School Parents: What privacy protections are there when states share data with the testing consortia or with the feds?
NYC Public School Parents: What privacy protections are there when states share data with the testing consortia or with the feds?: What privacy protections are there when states share data with the testing consortia or with the feds?This year, the issue of student privacy and data sharing has become a huge issue throughout the nation, partly because of the uproar over inBloom Inc., but also as the
All Things Education: My Yeas, Nays, and Maybes: 2014 Virginia Education Legislation
All Things Education: My Yeas, Nays, and Maybes: 2014 Virginia Education Legislation: My Yeas, Nays, and Maybes: 2014 Virginia Education LegislationThe Virginia legislature is, once again, in session. Here is my take on various education-related bills.1. SOL (Standards of Learning) Testing Reform Bill: Unfortunately, I can't locate the legislation for this bill, but I couldn't be happier that this
The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws” by Jonathan Pelto | Reclaim Reform
The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws” by Jonathan Pelto | Reclaim Reform: The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws” by Jonathan PeltoPosted on January 26, 2014by Ken Previti“Late last week, the Connecticut State Department of Education released a report blasting the Paul Vallas’ leadership and the Bridgeport Sc
1-26-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": PTA’s National Standards for Family-School PartnershipsThe PTA has developed National Standards for Family-School Partnerships, which you can find here (along with additional resources). There was also a recent #ptChat on Twitter about the Standards, which I think is particularly useful. You can find the transcript to it he
1-26-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Seattle Schools This WeekA fairly quiet week in the district.Tuesday, January 28thCommunity Meeting with Director McLaren from 8:45-10:15 am at Highland Park Elementary.Thursday, January 30thA day to note as the Washington State Charter Commission is to announce who passed muster to become part of the inaugural class of charter schools.  Spokane has already claimed
Teach for America, Inc. at the University of Washington | Seattle Education
Teach for America, Inc. at the University of Washington | Seattle Education: Teach for America, Inc. at the University of WashingtonSomeone posted on Facebook this morning the photo above that is a sign advertising for Teach for America, Inc. (TFA) recruits on the University of Washington campus in Seattle.After reading the thread, I decided to post an article that Sue Peters, our newly elected sc
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 1-26-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: The Sound of MusicIn this generation, everyone has very easy access to their favorite songs but maybe the quality of the sound is not very satisfying. Today the vinyl long-playing records is being re-introduced since the 1930's and apparently it has the best sound quality. Its big and old-fashioned and not portable; it is worth a fortune. Also, if you decide to buy the
1-26-14 @ The Answer Sheet
The Answer Sheet: Poverty and the education opportunity gap: Will Obama step up in SOTU?President Obama is expected to talk about the issue of wealth inequality in his State of the Union speech on Tuesday. The question is whether he will advocate policies that actually address it or continue to push education policies that ignore the real problems facing poor children. The following  was written b

Morning Wink 1-25-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS1-26-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Around The Web In ESL/EFL/ELLI’ve started a somewhat regular feature where I share a few posts and resources from around the Web related to ESL/EFL or to language in general that have caught my attentio
1-26-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Around The Web In ESL/EFL/ELLI’ve started a somewhat regular feature where I share a few posts and resources from around the Web related to ESL/EFL or to language in general that have caught my attention: Teaching English at The British Council has greatly expanded the number of bloggers who are writing monthly posts on dif
1-26-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education: The “Reguatory Creep” and “Bureaucratization” of Florida’s Education SystemWhile Education Commissioner Pam Stewart is trying to save Jeb Bush’s school grade system with plaintive wails like “it’s not good for students,” she won’t have the final word if the legislature c
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 1-26-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: Defending the Early Years Against Adult DemandsAre you concerned about current efforts to force academic standards onto little children? Are you concerned about the movement to stamp out play? Do you think that little children should experience childhood before they are subjected to the academic treadmill? Do you think that school

Schooling in the Ownership Society: Why was Pearson invited?
Schooling in the Ownership Society: Why was Pearson invited?: Why was Pearson invited?Mixed in with the college presidents and philanthropists at the WH Ed Summitt were a handful of business leaders, including executives from Chegg, iMentor, Khan Academy, Pacific Gas and Electric Company, and Pearson. Other businesses, like the textbook publisher McGraw-Hill Education, said they were aware of the
NYC Educator: Rick Hess Chides Corporate Reformers for Too Much Reforminess
NYC Educator: Rick Hess Chides Corporate Reformers for Too Much Reforminess: Rick Hess Chides Corporate Reformers for Too Much ReforminessToday's Daily News features reformy Rick writing of regrettable ramifications of uber-reforminess. Unfortunately, and perhaps even deliberately, he misses the point altogether.There’s good reason to regularly test students in reading and math, and to use those r
Special Late Nite Cap UPDATE 1-25-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
Nite Cap UPDATEUPDATE UPDATE UPDATE UPDATECORPORATE ED REFORMPlease Support Lew Frederick’s HB 4062 on Student PrivacyState Legislator Lew Frederick, a real champion for education, is sponsoring a bill in the coming legislative session protecting student records and privacy. We urge you to contact legislators in support of this bill.  BACKGROUND: Recent administrative decisions by  the U.S. Depart
Lecker: Opting out, parents answer to a higher authority - StamfordAdvocate
Lecker: Opting out, parents answer to a higher authority - StamfordAdvocate: Lecker: Opting out, parents answer to a higher authority Opt-Out/Refusal Guides for each State | United Opt Out NationalOpt-Out/Refusal Guides for each State | United Opt Out National: OPT-OUT/REFUSAL GUIDES FOR EACH STATEAll documents are for informational purposes only and do not substitute as legal advice or legal coun

Bill Gates' Viral Video: GatesLetter.com
Bill Gates wants to promote his website, GatesLetter.com, with a viral video, but Jimmy doesn't think they have time to make one.http://www.GatesLetter.comSubscribe NOW to Late Night with Jimmy Fallon: http://full.sc/IcjtXJWatch Late Night With Jimmy Fallon Weeknights 12:35/11:35c
Nite Cap 1-25-14 #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
James Baldwin said it best: "For these are all our children, and we will profit by or pay for whatever they become."A BIG EDUCATION APE NITE CAP1-25-14 Saturday Matinée Special Double Feature Corporate Reform News BreakoutSaturday Matinée Special Corporate Reform School Girls News BreakoutSpecial  Sneak Preview - Witch Hunter starring Campbell Brown  News BreakComing to a theater near yo
1-25-14 Saturday Matinée Special Double Feature Corporate Reform News Breakout
Saturday Matinée Special Corporate Reform School Girls News BreakoutSpecial  Sneak Preview - Witch Hunter starring Campbell Brown  News BreakComing to a theater near you!For Arne Duncan, the Buck Stops Over There - Living in Dialogue - Education Week TeacherFor Arne Duncan, the Buck Stops Over There - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: For Arne Duncan, the Buck Stops Over ThereBy Anthony
For Arne Duncan, the Buck Stops Over There - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher
For Arne Duncan, the Buck Stops Over There - Living in Dialogue - Education Week Teacher: For Arne Duncan, the Buck Stops Over ThereBy Anthony Cody on January 25, 2014 12:34 PMGuest post by Jake Cooper.President Truman famously kept a sign in the oval office that read, "The buck stops here." Leadership leads, in large part, by owning the outcomes of its actions both good and bad, and by

The Daily Censored » More in for-profit college news: The University of Phoenix
The Daily Censored » More in for-profit college news: The University of Phoenix: More in for-profit college news: The University of PhoenixUniversity of Phoenix employees, former employees, and students continue to speak out about the unethical conduct of this corporate school.  Here are some recent entries at thelayoff.com.  Here. One can find many grievances not only about UoP, but about for-pro


LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District)
LA School Report - What's Really Going on Inside LAUSD (Los Angeles Unified School District): API scores to vanish for 2 years, and maybe foreverVia the Daily Breeze | By Rob Kuznia Real estate agents use them to tout the desirability of neighborhoods. Parents monitor them to choose schools. Principals live and die by them. But Academic Performance Index scores, the cornerstone of the state’s acco
2nd Banana 1-25-14 Recap of Last Week's Best Post #EDchat #EDreform #RealEdTalk #p2 #1u
BIG EDUCATION APE 2ND BANANARECAP OF LAST WEEK'S BEST POST1-20-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: This Week’s “Round-Up” Of Good Posts & Articles on Education PolicyHere are some recent useful posts and articles on educational policy issues: Everything you need to know about Comm
Morning Wink 1-25-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSThe NSPRA Alerts School Districts to Our “Sophisticated” Website | United Opt Out NationalThe NSPRA Alerts School Districts to Our “Sophisticated” Website | United Opt Out National: THE NSPRA ALERTS SCHOOL DISTRICTS TO OUR “SOPHISTICATED” WEBSITE Our first question, and perhaps yours, was – who is the NSPRA?From their website:Q. What is the National School

1-25-14 empathyeducates All Week
empathyeducates:  State Chiefs to Arne Duncan: We Won’t Share Student DataGraphic by Betsy L. Angert | AngertAesthetics By Catherine Gewertz | Originally Published atby empathy / 6h YESTERDAYTurnarounds Face Challenges In Keeping Top Leaders In PlaceIn every child’s life there is a parent and for most school age children, a Principal. Being either is significant. While styles may be different ther
1-25-14 Engaging Parents In School All Week… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement":“‘Fining parents of schoolchildren who are late for class is wrong’”‘Fining parents of schoolchildren who are late for class is wrong’ is a commentary from the British newspaper “The Telegraph” about a new strategy some public schools are taking over there, and I tend to agree with the writer. You can read an article, and wa
Stephen Krashen Blog 1-25-14
SKrashen:The Common Core: A Disaster for Libraries, A Disaster for Language Arts, a Disaster for American EducationStephen KrashenKnowledge Quest 42(3): 37-45 (2014). There never has been a need for the common core and there is no evidence that it will do students any good. The common core ignores the real problem in American education: Poverty. The common core will continue the process of turning
1-25-14 With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs All Week
With A Brooklyn Accent:With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs All WeekA Program for Urban Schools- Do Mayoral Candidates in Your City Support These?1. Stop School Closings Immediately- Fix Troubled Schools Don't Close Them.2. End all Contracts with Teacher of America.3. Three year moratorium on new Charter Schools. Evaluate existing ones.4. Make Recess Sacred! No test prep during recess or physical educat
1-25-14 Open Congress : Major Bill Actions Education This Week - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress
Education - U.S. Congress - OpenCongress:Bill Introduced: S. 1909: Creating Hope and Opportunity for Individuals and Communities through Education ActA bill to expand opportunity through greater choice in education, and for other purposes.6h YESTERDAYBill Introduced: S.Res. 334: A resolution recognizing the goals of Catholic Schools Week and honoring the valuable contributions of Catholic schools
1-25-14 Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida ALL Week
Scathing Purple Musings | Color me purple in Florida, red in Washington, dark sky-blue in Israel and public school in Education:Scathing Purple Musings  Color me purple in Florida ALL WeekMichelle Malkin Rips the Common Core – Chamber of Commerce – Pearson Triumvirate of “Venture Socialism”Columnist Michelle Malkin was one of the first conservative voices to raise the alarm on Common Core. Now she
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 1-25-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog:Medical Marijuana and FootballNFL Commissioner Roger Goodwell said, according to Daniel Kaplan of the Sports Business Journal, that he would consider letting his NFL players to use marijuana for concussion issues. Goodwell believe that since medical doctors say that medical marijuana helps then it would be alright if his players uses marijuana accordingly. But does Goodw
teacherken at Daily Kos This Week 1-25-14
teacherken at Daily Kos:teacherken at Daily Kos This Weekimportant op ed on food by Mark Bittmanin today's New York Times, titled Abundance Doesn't Mean Health. Consider the following information, derived from Oxfam's "Good Enough to Eat" index rating of 125 nations: The results for the United States make a fine case for American exceptionalism, though not in the way chauvinists will fin
All Week @ The Answer Sheet 1-25-14
The Answer Sheet:All Week @ The Answer SheetStarr to Duncan: ‘I resent implication that we lifelong public educators are liars’U.S. Education Secretary Arne Duncan wrote an op-ed in The Washington Post on Friday that talked about school reforms and praised both Tennessee and D.C. Public Schools for increased test scores. He wrote: We don’t know all the reasons why students did better in Tennessee
1-25-14 Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Schooling in the Ownership Society All Week
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog:Schooling in the Ownership SocietyMike Klonsky's SmallTalk Schooling in the Ownership SocietyWhy Ames should stay a neighborhood school and why we haven't given up.January 24, 2014Contact: Joanna Brown, Save Ames Commttee, 773-744-1655Press release:  Referendum campaign starts Saturday at Ames.Come and find out why Ames should stay a neighborhood school and why we hav
1-25-14 Wait What? All Week
Wait What?:  Wait What? All WeekDon’t let them fool you: You can and should consider opting your child out of standardized testing frenzyThis week’s commentary piece from fellow education advocate and commentator Wendy Lecker is a message that should be distributed to every parent in Connecticut. As Wendy Lecker explains in her column entitled, “Opting out, parents answer to a higher authority,” t
1-25-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum Week
Seattle Schools Community Forum:Seattle Schools Community ForumPlease Take this PTA SurveyFrom the Seattle Council PTSA:Dear Seattle Council PTSA Members, As you probably know, our state constitution requires ample funding for education.  The Washington Supreme court has directed the legislature to show real and measurable progress by 2018--the McCleary Decision--, and yet, our schools are still u
1-25-14 Ed Notes Online Week
Ed Notes Online: Ed Notes OnlineNYC Teachers at PS 8X Jump Into NYSUT FrayIt is time for NYSUT’s locals to unite against the useless behemoth of a local called the UFT and take steps to protect the hardworking teachers of NYS... A group of teachers at PS 8 in the Bronx.I spoke with Andy this past summer and expressed my frustration with the lack of leadership on tackling Albany and the DOE head on
1-25-14 Jersey Jazzman Jammin' All Week
Jersey Jazzman:Jersey Jazzman Jammin' All WeekJazzman Extracurricular ActivitiesLet's get this out of the way:This brief about One Newark -- the controversial plan to restructure the Newark Public Schools -- is coauthored by me. I am one of the authors of the brief. And I'm not Bruce Baker.So there you have it. Frankly, I don't think it's a big deal... but it seems like some others do.I have not b
1-25-14 Fred All Week Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher
Fred Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacher who is just looking at the data.: Fred All Week Klonsky | Daily posts from a retired public school teacherUnsafe weather conditions on Tuesday delay Soup Kitchen and half a cola.by Fred Klonsky / 9h Tony at the Red Line Tap.“Dragon Stout?” Sean looks up from his worn copy of Etienne de La Boétie’s Discours de la servitude volontaire.
1-25-14 Perdido Street School Week
Perdido Street School: Perdido Street School WeekWho Made The NYSED Commissioner King?As I posted yesterday, NYSED Commissioner John King told members of the New York State Senate Education Committee that the Legislature does not have the power to pull the state out of the Common Core.The exchange showed up in a Capital NY piece by Jessica Bakeman:Some legislators have suggested ditching the Commo
1-25-14 the becoming radical | A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by P. L. Thomas, EdD
THE BECOMING RADICALRadical Scholarshipthe becoming radical  A Place for a Pedagogy of Kindness by Duncan’s Bizarro World, Where Lie Is Truth and Truth Is LieDuncan’s Bizarro World, Where Lie Is Truth and Truth Is Lie.1 by plthomasedd / 1h Shooting Ourselves in the FootShooting Ourselves in the Foot.1 by plthomasedd / 1h JAN 23Masquerading (1931)Masquerading (1931).1 by plthomasedd / 1d Differenti
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Week… 1-25-14 …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EF
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Week… 1-18-14 …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLARRY FERLAZZO’S WEBSITES OF THE DAYMore Resources On The Sochi OlympicsHere are more additions to my already massive The Best Sites For Learning About The Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games: The many, many problems of the Sochi Olympics is from The W
This Week's Education Research Report 1-25-14 #SOSCHAT #EDCHAT #P2
Education Research ReportTHIS WEEK'S EDUCATION RESEARCH REPORTAcademic Success of Hispanic Youth Improve as Ability to Speak English and Connect with non-Hispanics GrowsHispanic teenagers who learn English well enough to engage in friendships and activities with members of mainstream U.S. culture are more likely to succeed in school and feel better about themselves and their futures, according to
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit 1-25-14
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit:4LAKIDS - SOME OF THE NEWS THAT DOESN'T FIT  HOUSTON LAUNCHES AMBITIOUS 1-to-1 COMPUTING INITIATIVEHouston's PowerUp initiative appears to be the polar opposite of L.A. Unified's Common Core Technology Project By Benjamin Herold  Digital Education - Education Week | http://bit.ly/1ccIjEG January 23, 2014 12:13 PM  ::  Undeterred by the high-profile probl
NPE News Briefs ← from The Network for Public Education 1-25-14
NPE News Briefs ← from The Network for Public Education:NPE News Briefs ← from The Network for Public EducationNPE News BriefsKasich vows education reform – Governor says 1st graders to be introduced to employment ideas | Toledo BladeBY TOM TROY Gov. John Kasich speaks with supporters in Findlay before he addressed the Wood County GOP’s Lincoln Day Dinner. THE BLADE/JEREMY WADSWORTH Enlarge | Buy
1-25-14 Schools Matter All Week
Schools Matter:  Schools Matter All WeekShooting Ourselves in the FootNo one, myself included, expects a profession to hold lockstep to only one voice—including teachers.But Help teachers improve their craft, an Op-Ed by a public school teacher, calls for helping teachers become better educators, but in fact, perpetuates the worst aspects of the education reform movement.In the end, this piece rep
All Week 1-25-14 @ THE CHALK FACE
@ THE CHALK FACE knows SCHOOLS MATTER: All Week @ THE CHALK FACE Duncan’s Bizarro World, Where Lie Is Truth and Truth Is LieSuperintendent of Montgomery County (MD) Joshua Starr is rightfully disturbed by Secretary of Education Arne Duncan’s recent comment: What these two places also had in common was a succession of leaders who told educators, parents and the public the truth about educational un
LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONG Diane Ravitch's blog 1-25-14 #thankateacher #EDCHAT #P2
Diane Ravitch's blogLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH ALL WEEK LONGDIANE RAVITCH'S BLOGPearson Redefines Its Goal as “Efficacy”Who owns American public education? Until a decade ago, we might have answered: the public. Or the states. Or the local school boards. Now, the likely answer is: the U.S. Department of Education. Or the Gates Foundation, which seems to own the U.S. Department of Education. But there