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Friday, April 4, 2014

Morning Wink 4-4-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2


BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTS




LISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 4-4-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all
Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: David Berliner on Early Childhood EducationAs the debate about universal pre-kindergarten heats up, it bears listening to one of our nation’s pre-eminent researchers, David Berliner. He writes:   There are some European citations about early childhood education that are often left out of the debate in the USA. But we use them in 50
Russ on Reading: The Common Core’s Dead Poets Society
Russ on Reading: The Common Core’s Dead Poets Society: The Common Core’s Dead Poets SocietyI decided to celebrate National Poetry Month by closely reading the Common Core recommended poetry list from Appendix B of the Common CoreStandards in English/Language Arts. Altogether, the lists offer a selection of 80 poems that I think we would all find fairly representative across the broad spectrum of p
4-4-14 Wait What?
Wait What?: “Corporate tables available” — a sign of the timesToday’s CTMirror.org features an article entitled, “Corporate tables available for “Small State, Big Debate.” As CT Mirror advertises it upcoming conference – “Small State, Big Debate:  Inequality” – the headline isn’t “Tables available” or “Packages available” but “Corporate” tables are available. According to the story, Corporate tabl
The Answer Sheet 4-4-14
The Answer Sheet: Teachers refuse to administer standardized testsThree teachers from P.S. 364 Earth School in New York have informed their administration and Chancellor Carmen Fariña that they will not proctor Common Core state standardized tests this year — or ever — saying in a letter (see below) that they “can no longer implement policies that seek to transform the broad promises of […]    by
4-4-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL
Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Frazz Comic Shows One Way To Make Language-Learning Easier…by Larry Ferlazzo / 2h  4-3-14 Larry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFLLarry Ferlazzo’s Websites of the Day… | …For Teaching ELL, ESL, & EFL: Free Resources From All My BooksI have many free resources, including excerpts and stud
4-4-14 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.: Rahm’s pension theft. Republicans run. Quinn hides. SEIU splits with CTU and We Aren One.The State Senate went home yesterday. Madigan tried a rewrite of Rahm’s pension theft. The Republicans weren’t buying it. Meanwhile Squeezy went all amnesia, saying he didn’t know anything about the bill. And SEIU
4-4-14 Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": A Parent-Teacher Conference Without NumbersTwo recent posts by parents at other blogs both made the point that they are tired of having the focus of their conversations on measuring their children by numbers. In What parents don’t want to hear at parent-teacher conferences, Journo Adviser says: When my wife and I sat down a
4-4-14 Ed Notes Online
Ed Notes Online: NYC Parent Urges Farina and King to Cancel Upcoming Math ExamThere was no rigor applied to the development of these tests, nor does the practice of high-stakes testing in general stand up to critical analysis....I was offended by your remarks earlier this week to the effect that while parents' opinions should be respected, children should come to school prepared to meet challenges
Governor Cuomo Orchestrated Charter School Deal at Behest of Campaign Supporters | janresseger
Governor Cuomo Orchestrated Charter School Deal at Behest of Campaign Supporters | janresseger: Governor Cuomo Orchestrated Charter School Deal at Behest of Campaign SupportersPosted on April 4, 2014 by janressegerIn New York last month there appeared to be a welling up of concern by parents because the new mayor, Bill de Blasio, had threatened to change course.  He planned to turn away from Mayor
Shanker Blog » What Is Implicit Bias, And How Might It Affect Teachers And Students? (Part One)
Shanker Blog » What Is Implicit Bias, And How Might It Affect Teachers And Students? (Part One): What Is Implicit Bias, And How Might It Affect Teachers And Students? (Part One)Posted by Esther Quintero on April 4, 2014The research on implicit bias both fascinates and disturbs people. It’s pretty cool to realize that many everyday mental processes happen so quickly as to be imperceptible. But the
A remarkable op ed on gay marriage
A remarkable op ed on gay marriage: A remarkable op ed on gay marriageI slept with a gay man for six months in Afghanistan. No one asked. He did not tell. So begins A Marine silent no longer on gay marriage, a Washington Post op ed by Roger Dean Huffstetler, a former Marine Corps sergeant, who is also a serious Southern Baptist. He talks about TWO men who he thought he knew well who are gay, a fel
4-4-14 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: Skepticism or Cynicism for Obama Education Agenda?Skepticism or Cynicism for Obama Education Agenda?. via Skepticism or Cynicism for Obama Education Agenda?.Filed under: PAUL THOMAS: Becoming Radical2 by plthomasedd / 1h 4-3-14 @ The Chalk Face@ THE CHALK FACE: National Poetry Month: “What is the message when some children are not represented in those books?”National Poetry Month
4-4-14 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): Skepticism or Cynicism for Obama Education Agenda?One response to my Relaxing zero tolerance in schools could be Obama’s boldest civil rights reform is worth highlighting: Readers adamant that the Obama education agenda is beyond such hope. Let me note here that I have l
4-4-14 Perdido Street School
Perdido Street School: UFT Contract Negotiations UpdateBill de Blasio in an interview with Chris Smith of New York:It’s obviously incredibly complicated, and there’s a lot on the line, and we want to get it right. So the conversations over the last weeks have been quite good, and substantive, and collegial. But it’s impossible at this moment to determine whether it’s enough to get us done by that
Who is the right-wing American Federation for Children? | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
Who is the right-wing American Federation for Children? | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: Who is the right-wing American Federation for Children?Filed under: American Federation for Children,MMAC — millerlf @ 7:07 am Right-Wing Alert: “American Federation for Children” and MMAC Organizing for ElectionsThe American Federation for Children (AFC), led by Betty DeVos, is allying with the M
Newark, NJ Students Walk Out For Underserved Schools | PopularResistance Org #NPSWalkOut2014
Newark, NJ Students Walk Out For Underserved Schools | PopularResistance.Org: Newark, NJ Students Walk Out For Underserved SchoolsRESIST! BUDGET CUTS, EDUCATION, PROTEST By The Stream Team, www.america.aljazeera.comAbout 1,000 Newark, New Jersey public school students walked out of school for today in response to a number of issues, including what many say is insufficient funding and proposed plan
OPTING OUT ALL OVER NEW YORK CITY...Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública: OPTING OUT ALL OVER NEW YORK CITY...
Coalition for Public Education/Coalición por la Educación Pública: OPTING OUT ALL OVER NEW YORK CITY...: OPTING OUT ALL OVER NEW YORK CITY...Black Brooklyn School Teacher Opt Out Her SonVIDEO: Takiema Bunche-Smith, the director of curriculum and instruction at Brooklyn Kindergarten Society, allowed her 8-year-old son to opt out of standardized tests based on new Common Core standards. Bunche-Smith
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The kids are alright
Mike Klonsky's SmallTalk Blog: The kids are alright: The kids are alrightSam Spitz met Teddy Williams at a barber shop, and they documented their story in a film, "The Greens."I couldn't be prouder of my friend Sam Spitz, a budding young film maker with a good camera eye and a strong social conscience. With film-making activist parents like Jeff and Jennifer Amdur Spitz, neither is any s
Table for 3: The Story Behind Dinner with Linda Darling-Hammond and Diane Ravitch | Cloaking Inequity
Table for 3: The Story Behind Dinner with Linda Darling-Hammond and Diane Ravitch | Cloaking Inequity: Table for 3: The Story Behind Dinner with Linda Darling-Hammond and Diane RavitchThis past Wednesday I hatched an idea. Why not invite Linda Darling-Hammond and Diane Ravitch to dinner, two of my mentors, and the most notable and influential voices in education? Let me first start with the academ
Charters seek compromise on governance transparency :: SI&A Cabinet Report :: The Essential Resource for Superintendents and the Cabinet
Charters seek compromise on governance transparency :: SI&A Cabinet Report :: The Essential Resource for Superintendents and the Cabinet: APRIL 04, 2014Charters seek compromise on governance transparencyby Tom Chorneau(Calif.) Charter schools, which often operate as both a private non-profit and a publicly-funded agency, reside in a sort of legal no-man’s land as it relates to the state’s open

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Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog 4-3-14
Ms. Jablonski's Class Blog: Brazil attempts to end childhood prostitutionThe Brazilian government has allocated $3.3 million to implement new laws, in the attempt to end childhood prostitution and human trafficking. In preparation for the 2014 World Cup, Brazil is cracking down on childhood prostitution and teaming up with world class professional players David Luiz, Frank Lampard, and the coach o
NYC Public School Parents: NSA Snoops on ELA Test
NYC Public School Parents: NSA Snoops on ELA Test: NSA Snoops on ELA TestApril 4, 2014 (GBN News): Pearson’s vaunted security was put to the test, so to speak, when the NSA reportedly spied on NY City schoolchildren taking this week's ELA exams. While Pearson, who designed theCommon Core tests, forbids teachers and principals from revealing any details, sources told GBN News that NSA agents have c
Teachers Cleared of Heroin in Fallsburg NY southbronxschool.com
http://www.southbronxschool.com: Teachers Cleared of Heroin in Fallsburg NYLast month we reported here on SBSB how 6 teachers and an aide in Fallsburg NY were accused of being heroin users while on school time.On two separate occasions heroin was found in the teachers rest room at the Benjamin Cosor Elementary School. The teachers and aide were accused because the video surveillance equipment set
“Listen: The Movie” challenging the culture of standardized testing | Seattle Education
“Listen: The Movie” challenging the culture of standardized testing | Seattle Education: “Listen: The Movie” challenging the culture of standardized testingOn TV, we have Bill Gates, Michelle Rhee, Arne Duncan and “Waiting for ‘Superman’” talking about failing schools, low standards, and China, but rarely do they ever talk about students.Who is going to tell the story of public education? Is it go
Milwaukee: MMAC Uniting with Right-Wing to Run School Board Candidates | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!
Milwaukee: MMAC Uniting with Right-Wing to Run School Board Candidates | Larry Miller's Blog: Educate All Students!: Milwaukee: MMAC Uniting with Right-Wing to Run School Board CandidatesFiled under: American Federation for Children,MMAC — millerlf @ 9:17 pm The MMAC and the right-wing American Federation for Children and Democrats for Education Reform are holding an all day training in an effort
Education Hackers: They’re Heeere | educationalchemy
Education Hackers: They’re Heeere | educationalchemy: Education Hackers: They’re HeeerePosted: April 3, 2014 in Uncategorized 0Here’s the basic rule of practice for reformers. When the truth is no longer is their favor, they resort to silencing and fear tactics to win their battle. After all, if you knew the truth, you might do something about it. Case in point: sometime over the weekend of March
4-3-14 Seattle Schools Community Forum
Seattle Schools Community Forum: Common Core Testing: How's that Going?For some, not well.There's a new site, Testing Talk, that allows teachers and principals to talk about how it went and what they observed. (No, they don't give away any deep, dark test questions or secrets.)From the NYC Public School Parents blog:Liz Phillips, principal of PS 321 in Brooklyn, who was scathing about the 2012 exa
Nite Cap 4-3-14 #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 CAPPlease share this testing survey with 5th-6th grade parents/students Parents United for Responsible EducationParents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Please share this testing survey with 5th-6th grade parents/students: Please sh
Please share this testing survey with 5th-6th grade parents/students Parents United for Responsible Education
Parents United for Responsible Education » Blog Archive » Please share this testing survey with 5th-6th grade parents/students: Please share this testing survey with 5th-6th grade parents/studentsPLEASE SHARE THIS IMPORTANT SURVEY WITH CPS 5th and 6th grade PARENTS AND STUDENTS!Deadline April 23.Dear Parent or Guardian,I am conducting a research study entitled “High-Stakes Testing: The Student Voi
Schooling in the Ownership Society: My memo to Sheldon Adelson
Schooling in the Ownership Society: My memo to Sheldon Adelson: My memo to Sheldon AdelsonThe wing-nut billionaire is in the market for a few good Republican pols. I guess his stable is running low on horses. He's got a few old nags but no winners in his gold-plated paddock. So when they read his want ads, GOPers sprinted as fast as their hooves would carry them, out to Vegas to kiss Adelson's ass
Superintendent Search Survey - Sacramento City Unified School District
Superintendent Search Survey - Sacramento City Unified School District: Superintendent Search SurveyThe Sacramento City Unified School District Governing Board has contracted with Leadership Associates to assist in the recruitment and selection of the District’s next superintendent. This survey will be used to collect input from all stakeholders about the desired characteristics to be used in the
Why the Education Reformers Worry about Special Education | Nancy Bailey's Education Website
Why the Education Reformers Worry about Special Education | Nancy Bailey's Education Website: Posted on March 30, 2014 by Nancy BaileyPosted on November 12, 2013 with updated changes by Nancy BaileyI heard someone, a parent or teacher, blurt out at an informal education meeting that education reformers are afraid of special education. I think that person is right. Many of those currently in charge
NYC Public School Parents: Liz Phillips, Brooklyn principal: I have never seen a worse ELA exam. Other principals agree.
NYC Public School Parents: Liz Phillips, Brooklyn principal: I have never seen a worse ELA exam. Other principals agree.: Liz Phillips, Brooklyn principal: I have never seen a worse ELA exam. Other principals agree.See below comment from Liz Phillips, principal of PS 321 in Brooklyn, who was scathing about the 2012 exam as well, last year's exam but says this one was as bad or worse.  One would th
Lois Weiner at Denver Opt Out conference - Substance News
Lois Weiner at Denver Opt Out conference - Substance News: Lois Weiner keynotes United Opt Out in Denver with historical perspective on corporate attack on public schools... 'Merrill Lynch, April 2009, described schools as retail outlets with the school board being the customer service department...'Kati Gilson - April 03, 2014Lois Weiner, Professor of New Jersey City University and author of The
NYC Educator: For Most Improved Union Leader--Richard Iannuzzi
NYC Educator: For Most Improved Union Leader--Richard Iannuzzi: For Most Improved Union Leader--Richard IannuzziI've been reading and hearing a lot about the "Iannuzzi APPR." To me, that's remarkable. Here in NYC, Michael Mulgrew couldn't wait to claim it. It was the best thing since sliced bread, said UFT leadership. I didn't believe it at all. Diane Ravitch has consistently said VAM is
4-3-13 Curmudgucation
CURMUDGUCATION: Keeping up AppearancesThe one thing we Americans like better than solving problems is to look like we're solving problems.Take, for example, our desire for air traffic safety. After 9/11, we had a national rational urge to beef up security, to do something so that we would never experience such a terrible assault on our nation again. But because every national security issue is als
Don’t drive the barge, steer your sailboat! | Connected Principals
Don’t drive the barge, steer your sailboat! | Connected Principals: Don’t drive the barge, steer your sailboat!by Amber Teamann • April 3, 2014 • 0 CommentsThe large barge of the educational system is viewed as flawed by many. There are theoretical discussions that take place lamenting grades, schedules, and pedagogy. Terminology, vocabulary, & semantic sludge, left and right. These conversati
D.C. primary results raise questions about Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s future - The Washington Post
D.C. primary results raise questions about Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s future - The Washington Post: D.C. primary results raise questions about Schools Chancellor Kaya Henderson’s future The day after Vincent C. Gray defeated Mayor Adrian M. Fenty in 2010, then-Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee said that the election results would be “devastating for the schoolchildren of Washington, D.C.” Not l
Mistreating Teachers and Students in the Name of Higher Test Scores | Taking Note
Mistreating Teachers and Students in the Name of Higher Test Scores | Taking Note: Mistreating Teachers and Students in the Name of Higher Test Scoresby JOHN MERROW on 03. APR, 2014 in 2014 BLOGS, TESTING, TEACHINGA few days ago I received a letter from an experienced teacher in an eastern state that recalled Yogi Berra’s observation, “Deja vu all over again.” Her story brought to mind the treatme
Sacramento BEE MIA? Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s election as president of NCBM affirmed by judge.. - LA Sentinel
Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s election as president of NCBM affirmed by judge.. - LA Sentinel: Sacramento Mayor Kevin Johnson’s election as president of NCBM affirmed by judge..Published on Thursday, 03 April 2014 02:39Written by George E. Curry NNPA Editor-in-Chief 0 0 0 AFFIRMED: Kevin Johnson’s term as president of the National Conference of Black Mayors since last May, his first month in of
New York's Dumb State Budget | Diane Ravitch
New York's Dumb State Budget | Diane Ravitch: New York's Dumb State BudgetPosted: 04/02/2014 8:49 am EDT Updated: 04/02/2014 11:59 am EDT In writing the state budget, New York legislators totally capitulated to the billionaire-funded charter industry. Of course, they were egged on by Governor Cuomo, who now sees himself as a national leader of the school privatization movement. (He is even leading
Common Core Debate Update: 100 State Bills Try to Slow, Stop, or Reverse the Federal Standards | TakePart
Common Core Debate Update: 100 State Bills Try to Slow, Stop, or Reverse the Federal Standards | TakePart: Common Core Debate Update: 100 State Bills Try to Slow, Stop, or Reverse the Federal StandardsWith an election around the corner, legislation is moving fast.Anita Stapleton, an opponent of Common Core educational standards, holds up a sign in front of the Colorado Department of Education offi
Common Core, DESE and Right Wing Activists: An Occupy Wallstreet Activist Responds | Missouri Education Watchdog
Common Core, DESE and Right Wing Activists: An Occupy Wallstreet Activist Responds | Missouri Education Watchdog: Common Core, DESE and Right Wing Activists: An Occupy Wallstreet Activist RespondsinShareA lesson for Shaun Bates at DESE in Venn Diagrams. Not all anti-Common Corites are right wing activists.Missouri taxpayers and citizens, take note.  This is how The Department of Elementary and Sec
Scandal of Ohio Charter School Governance Finally Gets Some Attention | janresseger
Scandal of Ohio Charter School Governance Finally Gets Some Attention | janresseger: Scandal of Ohio Charter School Governance Finally Gets Some AttentionPosted on April 3, 2014 by janressegerNearly a billion dollars flowing out of the state’s public education budget every year.  Scandals brought to light years after a charter school closes, money not recoverable because it’s been so long, no news
4-3-14 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): Commentary: An extraordinary effort for extraordinary needBen Austin LAUSD School Board Member Steve Zimmer’s recent commentary “Standing with Beatriz” hit the nail on the head on one key issue: for our children, the stakes are high. Let me acknowledge first that Mr. Zimmer is a good person who is doing w
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement"
Engaging Parents In School… | Going Beyond Parent "Involvement": “Principal Connection / Tips for Better Parent-Teacher Conferences”Principal Connection / Tips for Better Parent-Teacher Conferences is a nice article by Thomas R. Hoerr in ASCD Educational Leadership. Here’s an excerpt: Too often, parent-teacher conferences are seen as one-way reports from teacher to parent, but a parent-t
The Credibility Gap | EduShyster
The Credibility Gap | EduShyster: The Credibility Gap What if the *solution* turns out to be a big part of the problem?By Sarah LahmFriends, we have a problem on our hands. It turns out that experienced teachers—otherwise known as LIFO lifers—may not be causing the chasm of the achievement gap all by their lazy little selves. Now you’re probably thinking to yourself at this point: *color me confus
FCMAT » Cali Education Headlines Thursday, April 3, 2014
FCMAT » Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team: Solutions sought to reduce food waste at schoolsEducation HeadlinesThursday, April 3, 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.Sweetwater-inspired reform bill advancesA bill that seeks to ban school and commun
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit 4-3-14
4LAKids - some of the news that doesn't fit: Report: FOUNDATION FUNDING WIDENS THE GAP BETWEEN CALIFORNIA’S ‘RICH’ AND ‘POOR’ SCHOOLS + smf’s 2¢Adolfo Guzman-Lopez | Pass / Fail | 89.3 KPCC http://bit.ly/QIkpd5 Adolfo Guzman-Lopez/KPCC April 3rd, 2014, 5:30am  ::  The Irvine Public Schools Foundation raises money to pay for all K-3 music classes, and covers some of the costs of music classes for 4
Morning Wink 4-3-14 AM Posts #BATsACT #RealEdTalk #EDCHAT #P2
BIG EDUCATION APE - MORNING WINK  AM POSTSLISTEN TO DIANE RAVITCH 4-3-14 Diane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for allDiane Ravitch's blog | A site to discuss better education for all: UCLA Report: New York Has the Nation’s Most Segregated SchoolsAccording to the UCLA Civil Rights Project, New York State has the most segregated public schools in the nation. Nearly three-quarter