Latest News and Comment from Education

Sunday, January 26, 2014

New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programs | EdSource Today

New report fuels fears of decline of regional occupational programs | EdSource Today:



Jesus Lupian works on a framing project in his carpentry class in San Jose. Photo by Neil Hanshaw.
Jesus Lupian works on a framing project in a carpentry class at the Central County Occupational Center in San Jose. Credit: Neil Hanshaw
new report has raised concerns about the future of regional occupational programs that are geared to helping high school students explore career options and be prepared to enter the workforce after graduation.
The report, released this month by the California Department of Education, shows a 20 percent drop in the number of career technical high school teachers between 2011-12 and 2012-13. And only 38 percent of the state’s high school students took career tech courses in 2012-13, about 12 percent fewer students than the year before.
The decline “is staggering,” said Lloyd McCabe, author of the report and an education administrator for the education department’s Career Technical Education Leadership and Instructional Support Office. “You look at it and think it can’t be right. But I did the data twice.”

Shifting priorities

The decline reflects a shift in the state’s priorities away from traditional occupational classes such as auto shop or carpentry to career-oriented programs that put students on a college track. Some contend this shift is needed to ensure that students have as many options as possible when they graduate from high school. Others argue that the state has gone too far, overlooking students who are not college-bound and who need to be prepared to enter the work force or a short-term training program directly out of high school.
Career tech includes a broad range of courses from the basic high school automotive shop class to 

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 school

Gulen Question Mark-resized-600
Is 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 school applicant: Coral Academy of Science… and the Gulen Movement.
To follow is a description written by a teacher at a Gulen charter school about his experiences and observations about a Gulen  school where he taught, its philosophy and approach to education.
If you do not want to see these schools in our state or have strong reservations, contact joshua.halsey@charterschool.wa.gov. Mr. Halsey is responsible for sending on to the charter commission all communications from the public about the charter school proposals.
Matt Blair, a Ohio teacher, with experience in a Turkish Gulen charter school, provides 

1-26-14 Ed Notes Online

Ed Notes Online:






Newark NEW Caucus Update: The Mis-Adventures of Cami Anderson
After working for Joel Klein in New York, Newark Supt hand-picked by those paragon of virtues, the 2 Chrises -- Christie and Cerf -- continues her path of destruction.Once again, there was LOTS of news this week.   The BEST news of the week.  We warn you, it's 35 pages, but, we urge ALL concerned about public education in Newark to read it word for word.  It's a thorough analysis from Rutgers Prof
Alan Lubin Consultants: Total Received from American Federation of Teachers: $96,028.00
The incestuous relationship of the UFT/AFT/NYSUT Edu-industrial complex. I guess "retirement" as NYSUT VP is only a temporary thing.http://www.unionfacts.com/payeeDetail/American_Federation_of_Teachers/1176975AMERICAN FEDERATION OF TEACHERSRECEIPTS FOR: ALAN LUBIN CONSULTINGType: Professional ServicesLocation: 81 Pico RoadClifton Park, NY 12065Total Received from American Federation of T


MORE Than a Score a Week Away and How One Principal is Dealing With Parent Community on Testing
If 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 word at your school and community events by printing out this black and white version of the flyer and distributin


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


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 process

Welch
Students Matter, a front group for corporate-style school "reformers" has filed suit in Los Angeles in an attempt to undercut statewide collective-bargaining agreements and to make it easier to fire teachers without due process.

The L.A. Times describes Students Matter as a group founded by Silicon Valley entrepreneur David F. Welch, a research scientist who went on to co-found Infinera, a manufacturer of optical telecommunications systems based in Sunnyvale, Calif. Welch is also a founder of the New Schools Venture Fund, a powerful force behind the growth of privately-run charter schools.
The suit, Vergara v. California, provides a way for the reformers to do an end run around the State Legislature where their moves would probably meet with strong opposition from labor-friendly Democrats.
The group is partly funded by organizations known for battling teachers unions. The foundation of Los Angeles philanthropist Eli Broad, which has backed numerous education initiatives, also supports it.
The group hired a high-profile legal team to argue its case. It includes Boutrous, a partner at Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher, and Theodore B. Olson, a former U.S. solicitor general in the George W. Bush administration. Olson argued Bush v. Gore, over the contested 

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 Charters

Filed under: Charter Schools — millerlf @ 8:46 pm 
Larry Miller 1/26/14

Charter Schools - Dividing Communities since 1991

The 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 movement as its main strategy to privatize and destroy public education.
I have sat on the New Charter Review Committee of MPS for years. We have rejected most proposals while advancing some. The original intention of charters, to infuse innovation and creativity into education, has been lost. Charters have become the main tactic of the so-called education “reform” movement, along with their Tea Party allies in government, to destroy public education.
The goal of the independent charter movement is to create and establish a dual school system, which will be separate and unequal: charter schools for the most motivated and able students and public schools as a repository for those unable to get into the charter system (special-ed, ELL, behavior problem students, low performing students—the list goes on).
The right wing’s goal is to create a new and separate school system — clearly stated by the CEOs of Rocketship and Kipp — through the use of nonprofit CMOs, charter management organizations.
This is privatization. A private organization/company running an independent school without public sector workers and few regulations is pretty much as private as you can get.
Some say these entities are nonprofit, therefore it’s not privatization. Would anyone say that Froedert Hospital or Aurora or the Catholic Church are public institutions? Hardly! They are all nonprofit organizations.
By the way, these nonprofit CMOs are not unprofitable for their CEOs and upper level management. Eva Moskawitz of Success Academy Charter Schools in Harlem earns $500,000/yr. Geoffrey Canada of 

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 be in Denver, along with activists from all over the country this March 28th – 30th  to support you in taking back your schools. Join us – more information found here.
dougco opt out district form
Opt-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 counsel. The information contained in these documents and this website may or may not reflect the most current developments in education policy within our nation or within each state. Information share

The Latest New Orleans Miracle | Gary Rubinstein's Blog

The Latest New Orleans Miracle | Gary Rubinstein's Blog:



The Latest New Orleans Miracle

Anytime 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 was flawed for similar reasons.  A few months ago it was the increased AP participation despite awful pass rates.
Today they announced the latest district and school ratings and, guess what? — the miracles keep on happening.  Some highlights from the press release on their website:
  • the percentage of students attending a failing public school is less than 6 percent, down from 65 percent in 2008.
  • Only 9 of the 88 public schools in New Orleans are failing
  • For 2013, the RSD New Orleans DPS was 71.9, earning the district a C letter grade for the first time.
Louisiana changed their method of calculation their scores this year to make them ‘simpler.’  Under the new system, out of 100 points, under 50 is considered ‘failing’ while under the old system, out of 150 points under 75 was considered ‘failing.’  How the scores are calculated has also changed so it is difficult to tell if the plummeting number of ‘failing’ schools is genuine or one of lowering the standards.  John White, in what may be a Freudian slip, is quoted on his ownLouisiana Department of Education website as saying “Changes made to the formula have led to real increases in student achievement.”  But changes to a formula can’t lead to ‘real’ increases 

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 CAP




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 Wait What? All Week
Wait What?: The Paul Vallas Legacy: “Bridgeport systematically violated special education laws”Paul Vallas hasn’t even left Bridgeport…In fact; the taxpayers of Connecticut and Bridgeport are picking up his salary and benefits for another month… But his legacy is already becoming clear. Late last week, the Connecticut State Department of Education released a report blasting the Paul Vallas’ leader
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
1-26-14 Jersey Jazzman Jammin'
Jersey Jazzman: What Our "One Newark" Report MeansLate Thursday, Bruce Baker and I released our analysis of "One Newark," the plan to restructure schools in the state-run district. I'll admit the report is a bit heavy on technical language, but that's as it should be: we wanted to be clear about how we approached the task of evaluating One Newark, and why we reached the conclus
1-26-14 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.: Sunday reads.Corporate school reformers are wringing their hands over the Common Core and testing push-back. NY teachers have no confidence in Commissioner John King. The school nobody wanted except the community. “Clearly, all we need is a candidate because I have not heard anyone defend Rahm or his
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
1-26-14 Schools Matter
Schools Matter: Indiana HB1320: The ALEC, Bill Gates, Rupert Murdoch Plan for Student DataBy Doug MartinYou would think with many more Hoosiers finding out each and every day about the complete scam known as Indiana school reform, the legislators in Indianapolis would be smart enough to give it a rest.  But no, instead of doing damage control on the eve of the release of my book Hoosier School Hei
1-26-14 @ The Chalk Face
@ THE CHALK FACE: Richard Sherman’s GPA and “Thug” Label: The Codes that BlindRichard Sherman\’s GPA and \”Thug\” Label: The Codes that Blind. via Richard Sherman’s GPA and “Thug” Label: The Codes that Blind.1 by plthomasedd / 21min Doge Duncan, without comment.Much reforms!Filed under: SHAUN JOHNSON, PHD: Musings from the Chalk Face Tagged: doge, Duncan, reform1 by Shaun Johnson / 1h  All Week 1-
1-26-14 With A Brooklyn Accent Go BATs
With A Brooklyn Accent: Critique of Shael Suransky Policies at NYC DOECorporate Reform versus Child-Centered Progressby Avi Tropper Recent years have seen the growth in influence and power of the corporate reform approach, part of GERM (the Global Education Reform Movement), on education policy-making. It principles include a focus on closing schools, test-based accountability, and building portfo
1-26-14 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): Richard Sherman’s GPA and “Thug” Label: The Codes that BlindThree aspects of the public and media focus on Richard Sherman after the NFC championship game on January 19, 2014, are notable. First, the images of Sherman tend to be like this one: Cornerback Richard Sherman
Stephen Krashen Blog 1-26-14
SKrashen: The never-ending common core boondoggleSent to USA Today, January 25, 2014.I was happy to read that "Some states get cold feet as Common Core testing draws near," (Jan. 24). As Theodor Rebarber noted, estimates of costs should include technology. All common core tests must be delivered online, on up-to-date computers, which many schools do not have. This will cost billions, and
1-26-14 Perdido Street School Week
Perdido Street School: Rick Hess: Ed Reformers Overreached, Reform Backlash ResultedRick Hess in the Daily News today: Those who follow New York City schools have been witnessing a time-honored ritual — pro-testing school reformers have mightily overreached, inviting pushback that’s now poised to dismantle much of their useful handiwork. Mayor de Blasio has said that he and his new chancellor, Car
Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs
Lisa Nielsen: The Innovative Educator: Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNs: Educator Ann S. Michaelsen explains the power of student PLNsWhile it is no longer unusual for teachers to embrace and understand the value of personal learning networks, few are supporting their students in doing the same. I went on a search for educators involved in this work as part of a chapte
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

YESTERDAY

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
V.A.M.: Value Added Measure
V.A.M.: Value Added Measure: Education in the U.S. and South Korea: Why Would We Want a Hagwon Hell?Test scores are not a good measure of the value of an individual or of an education.    In a speech on January 14th, Arne Duncan praised Korean parents and the Korean educational system for producing strong test results and high college completion rates.  He qualified his statements by stating, &quo
The School Nobody Wanted - Except the Community | Alternet
The School Nobody Wanted - Except the Community | Alternet: The School Nobody Wanted - Except the CommunityThe closure of Sarah T. Reed Senior High School in New Orleans will usher in the first school district in the country with no publicly-run schools.COMMENT NOW!  A  A  AEmailPrintPhoto Credit: Infrogmation via Wikimedia CommonsJanuary 20, 2014  |   The recently announced closure of Sarah T. Re
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