Teresa Watanabe
Dual-Language Immersion Programs Growing in Popularity (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-bilingual-20110508,0,3841220.story)
LA Times
May 8th, 2011
Summary: Nearly twenty years after California pushed dual-language learning out of the public school system, the method is quickly growing in popularity. The sudden change of face is based on a growing mass of research that indicates English-only learning may not work as well--despite Proposition 227s assertion. California's dual-language programs have grown in number from about 200 a few years ago to over 1,000 today.
Key Points: Dual-language students are out performing their English-only counterparts.
Relevance: I wish this article would have been around a few months ago when we read the chapter about dual-language education. The research overwhelmingly shows that dual-language is better. Will be interesting to see how Californians respond. They did, after all, mandate by law that classes should be taught in English. We should not confuse majority opinion with the truth.
Showing posts with label Posted by Jeff. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Posted by Jeff. Show all posts
Monday, May 9, 2011
The Union Fights Back Against Value-Added Assessments (Jeff, Topic Twenty-Five)
Howard Blume
Teachers Union Challenges LA Unified's New Evaluation Process (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-utla-challenge-20110508,0,3954012.story)
LA Times
May 8th, 2011
Summary: The union is accusing the school district of violating contractual language by failing to "engage in good faith negotiation" regarding evaluation methods. They have filed a grievance with the board that oversees public employees. This is the latest development in what has become a bitterly divisive battle over teaching and testing standards in LA.
Key Points: Union attempting legal challenge to what they see as "unfair" assessment methods.
Relevance: An update on the evolving assessment situation in LA. Will have broader implications for national standards of assessment--LA Unified is one of the largest districts in the nation.
Teachers Union Challenges LA Unified's New Evaluation Process (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-utla-challenge-20110508,0,3954012.story)
LA Times
May 8th, 2011
Summary: The union is accusing the school district of violating contractual language by failing to "engage in good faith negotiation" regarding evaluation methods. They have filed a grievance with the board that oversees public employees. This is the latest development in what has become a bitterly divisive battle over teaching and testing standards in LA.
Key Points: Union attempting legal challenge to what they see as "unfair" assessment methods.
Relevance: An update on the evolving assessment situation in LA. Will have broader implications for national standards of assessment--LA Unified is one of the largest districts in the nation.
Trying to Change School Diets (Jeff, Topic Twenty-Four)
Jamie Oliver on Jimmy Kimmel Live (http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=u4OC1a2JSS4)
April 26th, 2011
Summary: An short and interesting video of Jamie Oliver talking with Jimmy Kimmel about school lunches and attempting to make a change.
Key Points: 1) US school food is terrible for our students, 2) We need to make a change
Relevance: It is good to see the food revolution coming to our schools. The class I observe at Cleveland High School watched Food, Inc. a few weeks ago. It is really great to see this sort of education make its way into public schools.
April 26th, 2011
Summary: An short and interesting video of Jamie Oliver talking with Jimmy Kimmel about school lunches and attempting to make a change.
Key Points: 1) US school food is terrible for our students, 2) We need to make a change
Relevance: It is good to see the food revolution coming to our schools. The class I observe at Cleveland High School watched Food, Inc. a few weeks ago. It is really great to see this sort of education make its way into public schools.
Interactive Budget Map for California School Funding (Jeff, Topic Twenty-Three)
A California School Funding Map Tool (http://www.k12newsnetwork.com/2011/05/ca-school-funding-map-tool/)
Linked from LA Times
May 4th, 2011
Summary: Cool map that lets you scroll around California seeing the funding situation of the state's districts.
Key Points: Most of the state is underfunded, but there is a lot of disparity between districts.
Relevance: Another, more interactive, way to see the current budget crisis.
Linked from LA Times
May 4th, 2011
Summary: Cool map that lets you scroll around California seeing the funding situation of the state's districts.
Key Points: Most of the state is underfunded, but there is a lot of disparity between districts.
Relevance: Another, more interactive, way to see the current budget crisis.
Administrators and Salary (Jeff, Topic Twenty-Two)
Howard Blume
High-Level Salaries Approved for new top Administrators at Cash=Strapped LA Unified School District (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/05/high-level-salaries-approved-for-new-top-administrators-at-cash-strapped-la-unified.html)
LA Times
May 5th, 2011
Summary: A new administrator position has been created in the district with a pay-scale that begins at well over $137,000. The positions pay would increase to approximately $170,000 over five steps. Other LA administrators are currently making close to $200,000.
Key Points: 1) Administrators are making a lot of money.
Relevance: It is absurd to me that a new admin. position can be created out of thin air with a starting salary four times as high as that of a teacher. Teachers are being let go and admin. is expanding?
High-Level Salaries Approved for new top Administrators at Cash=Strapped LA Unified School District (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/05/high-level-salaries-approved-for-new-top-administrators-at-cash-strapped-la-unified.html)
LA Times
May 5th, 2011
Summary: A new administrator position has been created in the district with a pay-scale that begins at well over $137,000. The positions pay would increase to approximately $170,000 over five steps. Other LA administrators are currently making close to $200,000.
Key Points: 1) Administrators are making a lot of money.
Relevance: It is absurd to me that a new admin. position can be created out of thin air with a starting salary four times as high as that of a teacher. Teachers are being let go and admin. is expanding?
Monday, April 18, 2011
Jealousy Amongst Colleagues because of Reported Test Scores (Jeff, Topic Twenty-One)
Jason Felch
Singled-out LA Unified Teacher Shares Skills With Colleagues (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-broadous-teachers-20110403,0,4961288.story?page=1)
LA Times
March 18th, 2011
Summary: More or less a carefully constructed propaganda piece by the LA Times meant to provide proof of the value of the value-added analysis (which they created). The highlights: This guy is a good teacher (probably true), the other teachers were jealous and hated him for "winning" at the test taking teaching (probably true), and, see because of these stupid unions and what they have done to our budget, this teacher is going to be fired.
Key Points: 1) A defense of the value-added analysis, 2) The test creates issues between colleagues, 3) The budgets are messed up, 4) Good teachers collaborate.
Intended Audience: Those who hate on the value-added analysis
Relevance: This is a very interesting take on the divide between unions, teachers, and testing, and what problems said divide creates in the working environment.
Singled-out LA Unified Teacher Shares Skills With Colleagues (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-broadous-teachers-20110403,0,4961288.story?page=1)
LA Times
March 18th, 2011
Summary: More or less a carefully constructed propaganda piece by the LA Times meant to provide proof of the value of the value-added analysis (which they created). The highlights: This guy is a good teacher (probably true), the other teachers were jealous and hated him for "winning" at the test taking teaching (probably true), and, see because of these stupid unions and what they have done to our budget, this teacher is going to be fired.
Key Points: 1) A defense of the value-added analysis, 2) The test creates issues between colleagues, 3) The budgets are messed up, 4) Good teachers collaborate.
Intended Audience: Those who hate on the value-added analysis
Relevance: This is a very interesting take on the divide between unions, teachers, and testing, and what problems said divide creates in the working environment.
Is too Much "Information" Hazardous to Our Sanity? (Jeff, Topic Twenty)
California Dept. of Public Health
Map: High Risk Schools in Southern California (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-immunization29-2009mar29-map,0,426776.htmlstory)
LA Times
2011
Summary: An interactive map of southern California. The map allows users to explore local schools by their reported immunization rate. Interesting map.
Audience: Parents of So Cal students.
Key Points: 1) You must get your children the flu shot! 2) If you don't, and if they go to one of the bad colored schools, they will get sick and die! 3) Aren't you worried about this?!?
Relevance: We have been talking about technology and its impact on education, and I have been noticing an increasing amount of more or less useless technological information on the LA Times website. Interactive maps for flue shot rates, school ratings, teacher ratings, etc. and I have to wonder, despite the merits of any of this information, are we overloading ourselves with reasons to pointlessly worry?
Take for example the American diet: since 1977, the US government has actively attempted to influence our nutrition by preaching a particular food pyramid (the one with carbs on the bottom: http://web.mit.edu/athletics/sportsmedicine/wcrfoodpyr.html). This was supported by a bunch of well intentioned scientists who had a bunch of new tools at their disposal (the ability to isolate nutrients) and wanted to make a positive difference. It turns out, however, that they were incredibly off the mark, and Americans have done nothing but become fatter since 1977.
I look at some of the ridiculous but well intentioned information available to parents today and wonder how far off the mark it is and what the consequences for its constant availability will be.
Map: High Risk Schools in Southern California (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-immunization29-2009mar29-map,0,426776.htmlstory)
LA Times
2011
Summary: An interactive map of southern California. The map allows users to explore local schools by their reported immunization rate. Interesting map.
Audience: Parents of So Cal students.
Key Points: 1) You must get your children the flu shot! 2) If you don't, and if they go to one of the bad colored schools, they will get sick and die! 3) Aren't you worried about this?!?
Relevance: We have been talking about technology and its impact on education, and I have been noticing an increasing amount of more or less useless technological information on the LA Times website. Interactive maps for flue shot rates, school ratings, teacher ratings, etc. and I have to wonder, despite the merits of any of this information, are we overloading ourselves with reasons to pointlessly worry?
Take for example the American diet: since 1977, the US government has actively attempted to influence our nutrition by preaching a particular food pyramid (the one with carbs on the bottom: http://web.mit.edu/athletics/sportsmedicine/wcrfoodpyr.html). This was supported by a bunch of well intentioned scientists who had a bunch of new tools at their disposal (the ability to isolate nutrients) and wanted to make a positive difference. It turns out, however, that they were incredibly off the mark, and Americans have done nothing but become fatter since 1977.
I look at some of the ridiculous but well intentioned information available to parents today and wonder how far off the mark it is and what the consequences for its constant availability will be.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
We Can Haz GOOD NEWS!?! (Jeff, Topic Nineteen)
First of all: http://www.lolcats.com/
Less importantly:
Howard Blume
Local Schools Honored for Education of Students from Low-Income Families (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/03/local-schools-honored-for-education-students-from-low-income-families.html#more)
LA Times
March 31, 2011
Summary: A short report on an award given to a group of schools in California for improving the education of students from low-income families.
Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Not all news on education is bad, 2) Schools who are performing well are being rewarded (or at least awarded).
Relevance: As we discussed last Saturday, education can be a real downer right now.This is especially true in the state of California. It was nice to run across a little bit of good information, recharge my "yeah, I can make a difference" batteries, and I wanted to share it with y'all.
Less importantly:
Howard Blume
Local Schools Honored for Education of Students from Low-Income Families (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/03/local-schools-honored-for-education-students-from-low-income-families.html#more)
LA Times
March 31, 2011
Summary: A short report on an award given to a group of schools in California for improving the education of students from low-income families.
Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Not all news on education is bad, 2) Schools who are performing well are being rewarded (or at least awarded).
Relevance: As we discussed last Saturday, education can be a real downer right now.This is especially true in the state of California. It was nice to run across a little bit of good information, recharge my "yeah, I can make a difference" batteries, and I wanted to share it with y'all.
Are Magnet Schools the Answer to Test Score Woes? (Jeff, Topic Eighteen)
Howard Blume
Westchester High to Become Magnet School Amid Cost, Ethnicity Concerns (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/04/westchester-high-to-become-a-magnet-school-raising-concerns-about-cost-and-ethnic-make-up.html#more)
LA Times
April 13, 2011
Summary: One of the predominantly black schools in Los Angeles has proposed a move away from traditional education. The proposal would turn the school into a magnet school with a focus on science. The article is a brief discussion of the implications of such a move.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) The school, while improving, is still struggling to break out of the bottom %20 of schools--in terms of test scores, 2) The new principle believes that a focus on math and science creates the best opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students, 3) Opposition comes from those scared of both the budget situation and a possible shift in the school's demographics.
Relevance: Perhaps magnet schools, like trade schools, can be one answer to providing students with diverse educations. Maybe we do not all need to know the same things, and maybe providing more freedom of choice as to is available will lead to better education in general.
Westchester High to Become Magnet School Amid Cost, Ethnicity Concerns (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2011/04/westchester-high-to-become-a-magnet-school-raising-concerns-about-cost-and-ethnic-make-up.html#more)
LA Times
April 13, 2011
Summary: One of the predominantly black schools in Los Angeles has proposed a move away from traditional education. The proposal would turn the school into a magnet school with a focus on science. The article is a brief discussion of the implications of such a move.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) The school, while improving, is still struggling to break out of the bottom %20 of schools--in terms of test scores, 2) The new principle believes that a focus on math and science creates the best opportunity to make a difference in the lives of the students, 3) Opposition comes from those scared of both the budget situation and a possible shift in the school's demographics.
Relevance: Perhaps magnet schools, like trade schools, can be one answer to providing students with diverse educations. Maybe we do not all need to know the same things, and maybe providing more freedom of choice as to is available will lead to better education in general.
Education Battle at Compton Unified Schools (Jeff, Topic Seventeen)
Jim Newton
Education Battle at Compton Unified School (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-newton-compton-20110418,0,5430463.column)
LA Times
April 18th 2011
Summary: "The struggle for equal educational opportunity is the great civil rights imperative of our time. It pits those who demand a decent education against an educational establishment that often blithely ignores them." This quote from the article should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect from it. The article talks about a group of parents who are attempting to advocate for their children's educations, but are being opposed by the local school board.
Audience: Clear bias for the side of the parents
Key Points: 1) Education is a civil rights issue, 2) Minority schools are often ignored, 3) Even when parents in minority schools try to use the law to their advantage, it is an up hill battle.
Relevance: This hearkens back to our discussions about race a few months back. I have had a couple of discussions with one of my mentor teachers about parent advocacy and how it is generally lacking in struggling schools--especially in PPS. It is interesting to see an example of a group of parents attempting to advocate but being stonewalled in return.
Education Battle at Compton Unified School (http://www.latimes.com/news/opinion/commentary/la-oe-newton-compton-20110418,0,5430463.column)
LA Times
April 18th 2011
Summary: "The struggle for equal educational opportunity is the great civil rights imperative of our time. It pits those who demand a decent education against an educational establishment that often blithely ignores them." This quote from the article should give you a pretty good idea of what to expect from it. The article talks about a group of parents who are attempting to advocate for their children's educations, but are being opposed by the local school board.
Audience: Clear bias for the side of the parents
Key Points: 1) Education is a civil rights issue, 2) Minority schools are often ignored, 3) Even when parents in minority schools try to use the law to their advantage, it is an up hill battle.
Relevance: This hearkens back to our discussions about race a few months back. I have had a couple of discussions with one of my mentor teachers about parent advocacy and how it is generally lacking in struggling schools--especially in PPS. It is interesting to see an example of a group of parents attempting to advocate but being stonewalled in return.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Awesome Video for Social Studies Teachers (Jeff, Topic Sixteen)
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Alexander Hamilton Rap (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNFf7nMIGnE)
Youtube clip from the official White House channel.
Summary: Alexander Hamilton overcome incredible hardship in his life to become the Treasury Secretary of the United States and one of our founding fathers. This rap, performed at a White House dinner, recounts his bravery and tenacity.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Alexander Hamilton was not born with a silver spoon in his hand, 2) You can make something of yourself if you have the will to do so.
Relevance: I had to post this. It is directly relevant to social studies education. I wonder how many young, immigrant students, who have no family, or extreme family issues, believe that they have nothing in common with any of our founding fathers? I was inspired by this video. To be honest, I knew very little about the details of Hamilton's life until I watched it (all I knew was his utterly deplorable stance on the national bank, but that is beside the point).
Really, Hamilton was an immigrant, who was born to a prostitute, dealt with family death and suicide, and overcame extreme poverty to become one of the most influential men in our country's history. He practically invented the American Dream, and his story could be used to hook young and disinterested students into history. A video like this says, "Hey, look! Alexander Hamilton was a lot like you. Don't you want to make a difference too?"
Value-Added In Depth (Jeff, Topic Fifteen)
Teresa Watanabe
'Value-Added' Teacher Evaluations: L.A. Unified Tackles a Tough Formula (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-value-add-20110328,0,3903343.story?page=1)
LA Times
March 28th, 2011
Summary: An in depth look at the ins and outs, criticisms and arguments in support, and the math behind the value-added analysis we have discussed a few times in passing. It turns out, fun fact, that the formula used is PhD level math.
Audience: Those interested in standardized testing on either side of the argument
Key Points: 1) There are issues with value-added analysis, including inconsistencies, and apparent racial biases; 2) Supporters insist that it is the most objective method of evaluating teachers.
Relevance: It was very interesting to hear some debate on the issue. It was even more interesting to look at a formula and spend 20 minutes on google trying to figure out exactly what all the variables and numbers actually mean.The fact is that we WILL have to deal with testing as a part of our evaluation as teachers. It will be good to have a more in depth understanding of the issues regarding the specifics of how we will be evaluated.
'Value-Added' Teacher Evaluations: L.A. Unified Tackles a Tough Formula (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-adv-value-add-20110328,0,3903343.story?page=1)
LA Times
March 28th, 2011
Summary: An in depth look at the ins and outs, criticisms and arguments in support, and the math behind the value-added analysis we have discussed a few times in passing. It turns out, fun fact, that the formula used is PhD level math.
Audience: Those interested in standardized testing on either side of the argument
Key Points: 1) There are issues with value-added analysis, including inconsistencies, and apparent racial biases; 2) Supporters insist that it is the most objective method of evaluating teachers.
Relevance: It was very interesting to hear some debate on the issue. It was even more interesting to look at a formula and spend 20 minutes on google trying to figure out exactly what all the variables and numbers actually mean.The fact is that we WILL have to deal with testing as a part of our evaluation as teachers. It will be good to have a more in depth understanding of the issues regarding the specifics of how we will be evaluated.
Worst Case Budget for LA (Jeff, Topic 14)
Howard Blume
L.A. Unified OKs 'Doomsday Budget' (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0216-lausd-budget-20110216,0,6332766.story)
LA Times
February 16th, 2011
Summary: The school board has passed a worst-case scenario budget that would result in some 5,000 employee layoffs. The board is careful to state that this is not what will happen but what could happen if funding is continued to be bled dry by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Intended Audience: Parents, Students, Teachers
Key Points: Nothing new here, more of the same in terms of 1) Budget is in a bad place; 2) it could get worse before it gets better; 3) it may not even get better.
Relevance: As new teachers in a terrible job market we will not only have to deal with less available jobs, but we will also be faced with THOUSANDS of qualified and experienced teachers vying for the few jobs that are available. The profession is in trouble.
L.A. Unified OKs 'Doomsday Budget' (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0216-lausd-budget-20110216,0,6332766.story)
LA Times
February 16th, 2011
Summary: The school board has passed a worst-case scenario budget that would result in some 5,000 employee layoffs. The board is careful to state that this is not what will happen but what could happen if funding is continued to be bled dry by Gov. Jerry Brown.
Intended Audience: Parents, Students, Teachers
Key Points: Nothing new here, more of the same in terms of 1) Budget is in a bad place; 2) it could get worse before it gets better; 3) it may not even get better.
Relevance: As new teachers in a terrible job market we will not only have to deal with less available jobs, but we will also be faced with THOUSANDS of qualified and experienced teachers vying for the few jobs that are available. The profession is in trouble.
Revoked Charters because of "Cheating" (Jeff, Topic 13)
Howard Blume
L.A. School Board to Close Six Charter Schools Caught Cheating (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0302-lausd-charters-20110302,0,1573991.story)
L.A. Times
March 2nd, 2011
Summary: Six LA schools used actual test questions to prepare students for standardized tests. They are now at risk of being closed down. The issue is still up in the air and the article covers the possible outcomes of the fiasco.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Despite wide support for charter schools in LA, they are not above the rule, 2) Punishment for charter schools will be swift and harsh
Relevance: I may be wrong, but I am not convinced that what these teachers did was "cheating." It may not have been the best or most honest method of instruction, but is using actual test question as preparation for the test cheating? I had a sociology course in college that did precisely this. We knew exactly which questions were going to be on the test because the teacher told us. It wasn't a very good class, and I did feel "cheated" but did not feel that I was "cheating." Of course, if the district has precise language regarding this, then a policy has been broken and the teachers should be reprimanded. Still, I am not convinced that "cheating" is the proper language to describe what the teachers were doing. Simply labeling the teachers as cheaters fails to address the conversation honestly and directly. Why were the teachers doing this? What were their motives? Did they believe it was cheating? Why or why not? There is a great big discussion to have here, and I hope that they had it.
L.A. School Board to Close Six Charter Schools Caught Cheating (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0302-lausd-charters-20110302,0,1573991.story)
L.A. Times
March 2nd, 2011
Summary: Six LA schools used actual test questions to prepare students for standardized tests. They are now at risk of being closed down. The issue is still up in the air and the article covers the possible outcomes of the fiasco.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Despite wide support for charter schools in LA, they are not above the rule, 2) Punishment for charter schools will be swift and harsh
Relevance: I may be wrong, but I am not convinced that what these teachers did was "cheating." It may not have been the best or most honest method of instruction, but is using actual test question as preparation for the test cheating? I had a sociology course in college that did precisely this. We knew exactly which questions were going to be on the test because the teacher told us. It wasn't a very good class, and I did feel "cheated" but did not feel that I was "cheating." Of course, if the district has precise language regarding this, then a policy has been broken and the teachers should be reprimanded. Still, I am not convinced that "cheating" is the proper language to describe what the teachers were doing. Simply labeling the teachers as cheaters fails to address the conversation honestly and directly. Why were the teachers doing this? What were their motives? Did they believe it was cheating? Why or why not? There is a great big discussion to have here, and I hope that they had it.
Charter School Support in LA Unified (Jeff, Topic 12)
Howard Blume
Charter School Operators to run 7 More L.A. Unified Campuses (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0316-lausd-schools-20110316,0,4697862.story)
L.A. Times
March 15th, 2011
Summary: The L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD) is trying to find innovative solutions to decreasing school quality and increasing budgets. One method that they have pursued is to cede control of new or struggling schools to bidders. Among those who have bid to take control of the schools are teachers, administrators and charter schools. Charter schools have been especially successful in taking control of schools and wield an immense amount of power in the LAUSD.
Intended Audience: General Public, Parents and teachers will be especially interested.
Key Points: 1) The LAUSD is struggling financially and academically, 2) They are taking the risk of diversifying their curriculum by ceding control of state schools to interest groups, 3) Many of the schools are being turned into charter schools.
Relevance: We have all talked to the point of nausea about the current issues in education. Most of which center on the budget and decreasing quality of schools due to rigidity in curriculum and inept teachers and administration. In many ways, the LAUSD is the epitome of these problems. They have an enormous amount of students, many of whom are struggling academically, and and they have a budget problem worse than most districts. What is interesting is how they are beginning to respond to the problems--by innovating curriculum and school design. This article touches on what may become a trend in US education: a unique blend of public and private education.
Charter School Operators to run 7 More L.A. Unified Campuses (http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0316-lausd-schools-20110316,0,4697862.story)
L.A. Times
March 15th, 2011
Summary: The L.A. Unified School District (LAUSD) is trying to find innovative solutions to decreasing school quality and increasing budgets. One method that they have pursued is to cede control of new or struggling schools to bidders. Among those who have bid to take control of the schools are teachers, administrators and charter schools. Charter schools have been especially successful in taking control of schools and wield an immense amount of power in the LAUSD.
Intended Audience: General Public, Parents and teachers will be especially interested.
Key Points: 1) The LAUSD is struggling financially and academically, 2) They are taking the risk of diversifying their curriculum by ceding control of state schools to interest groups, 3) Many of the schools are being turned into charter schools.
Relevance: We have all talked to the point of nausea about the current issues in education. Most of which center on the budget and decreasing quality of schools due to rigidity in curriculum and inept teachers and administration. In many ways, the LAUSD is the epitome of these problems. They have an enormous amount of students, many of whom are struggling academically, and and they have a budget problem worse than most districts. What is interesting is how they are beginning to respond to the problems--by innovating curriculum and school design. This article touches on what may become a trend in US education: a unique blend of public and private education.
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Private Money,Public Education and Winning the Future (Jeff, Topic Eleven)
Christi Parsons
Obama, Bill and Melinda Gates: Education Boosters (http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-obama-boston-20110309,0,3705721.story)
L.A. Times via The Washington Bureau
March 8, 2011
Summary: An overview of President Obama's push to fund education and the criticisms that he faces in a time of tight state budgets. It is noted that the phrase "Win the Future" is becoming increasing partisan. There is a strange disconnect between the title of the article and its contents. The contents are more or less objectively stated facts about Obama's campaign and the oposition it faces, while the title would lead one to believe that Obama et al are the saviors of education. Interesting to note, though I am not sure what it means (if anything).
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) The President is intent on throwing more money at the education system and furthering its reform. "It's not either more money or more reform, it's both more money and more reform." 2) Republicans are skeptical about the proposed budget (not surprising)
Relevance: More content regarding the push for educational reform, the budget deficit, and the increasing flow of private money into the education system.
Obama, Bill and Melinda Gates: Education Boosters (http://www.latimes.com/news/politics/la-pn-obama-boston-20110309,0,3705721.story)
L.A. Times via The Washington Bureau
March 8, 2011
Summary: An overview of President Obama's push to fund education and the criticisms that he faces in a time of tight state budgets. It is noted that the phrase "Win the Future" is becoming increasing partisan. There is a strange disconnect between the title of the article and its contents. The contents are more or less objectively stated facts about Obama's campaign and the oposition it faces, while the title would lead one to believe that Obama et al are the saviors of education. Interesting to note, though I am not sure what it means (if anything).
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) The President is intent on throwing more money at the education system and furthering its reform. "It's not either more money or more reform, it's both more money and more reform." 2) Republicans are skeptical about the proposed budget (not surprising)
Relevance: More content regarding the push for educational reform, the budget deficit, and the increasing flow of private money into the education system.
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Better off Bakrupt (Jeff, Topic Ten)
Jeb Bush and Newt Gingrich
Better off Bankrupt (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/27/opinion/la-oe-gingrich-bankruptcy-20110127)
L.A. Times
January 27, 2011
Summary: A proposal to alleviate budget issues by allowing entire states to declare bankruptcy, thereby eliminating their outstanding debts and union contractual obligations. This would directly lead to the loss of pensions for tens of thousands of teachers.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) State budgets are being choked by decades of irresponsible concessions to employee unions, namely in the form of pension plans; 2) A mass of former state employees are cashing in (California owes 12,000 former employees over $100,000 each in pension payments this year); 3) Bankruptcy would provide a mechanism to avoid tax increases and eliminate debt.
Relevance: We are entering this profession at an interesting time. For the last forty-five years teacher unions have deferred better annual salary for the promises of repayment in the form of pensions. This has proved, however, to be unsustainable. During an interview on OPB Radio yesterday, an author (I forgot her name entirely) reported that the annual salary of a first year teacher in 1970 plus inflation would be approximately $70,000 today. First year teachers are lucky to earn half of that. The idea has been that teachers make up for what they are not payed in benefits and pension plans. Now a proposal has been made that would eliminate the carrot. Personally, I am not banking on Social Security or company or state pensions, and feel other young people would be wise to do the same. It is high time that we take an active stake in our own retirements, make our own investments, and save our money in places that draw more than %0.5 APY. I would much rather take a higher salary up front and use an IRA than hope that our government can fulfill its financial obligations.
Better off Bankrupt (http://articles.latimes.com/2011/jan/27/opinion/la-oe-gingrich-bankruptcy-20110127)
L.A. Times
January 27, 2011
Summary: A proposal to alleviate budget issues by allowing entire states to declare bankruptcy, thereby eliminating their outstanding debts and union contractual obligations. This would directly lead to the loss of pensions for tens of thousands of teachers.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) State budgets are being choked by decades of irresponsible concessions to employee unions, namely in the form of pension plans; 2) A mass of former state employees are cashing in (California owes 12,000 former employees over $100,000 each in pension payments this year); 3) Bankruptcy would provide a mechanism to avoid tax increases and eliminate debt.
Relevance: We are entering this profession at an interesting time. For the last forty-five years teacher unions have deferred better annual salary for the promises of repayment in the form of pensions. This has proved, however, to be unsustainable. During an interview on OPB Radio yesterday, an author (I forgot her name entirely) reported that the annual salary of a first year teacher in 1970 plus inflation would be approximately $70,000 today. First year teachers are lucky to earn half of that. The idea has been that teachers make up for what they are not payed in benefits and pension plans. Now a proposal has been made that would eliminate the carrot. Personally, I am not banking on Social Security or company or state pensions, and feel other young people would be wise to do the same. It is high time that we take an active stake in our own retirements, make our own investments, and save our money in places that draw more than %0.5 APY. I would much rather take a higher salary up front and use an IRA than hope that our government can fulfill its financial obligations.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Conflict Between Budgets and Standardized Testing (Jeff, Topic Nine)
Jason Song
State Education Officials Decry Funding Veto (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/10/state-education-officials-decry-veto-of-funding-.html)
L.A. Times
October 28, 2010
Summary: The Governator vetoed approximately $7 million that was supposed to go to a "student data tracking system" called CALPADS. Opponents of the veto claim that it could hurt California's ability to comply with federal regulations and create difficulties implementing the fan favorite value-added analysis at a state-wide level.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) The Governor vetoed a large sum of money intended to go toward the creation of an objective system of student assessment; 2) There is some debate over the proper way assess both students and teachers.
Relevance: Funding is a huge issue right now and so is teacher and student assessment. This article serves as an example of how the two interests can conflict with one another. Implementing systems of data tracking of student scores costs money. States must pay for servers, software engineers, test developers, etc. This all costs money--something that most states are in an extreme shortage of right now. It will be interesting to see how all of this plays itself out over the next few years. Do we go with more standardized tests, more "objective" assessment methods, and spend more money, or do we continue to cut funding for all areas of education?
State Education Officials Decry Funding Veto (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2010/10/state-education-officials-decry-veto-of-funding-.html)
L.A. Times
October 28, 2010
Summary: The Governator vetoed approximately $7 million that was supposed to go to a "student data tracking system" called CALPADS. Opponents of the veto claim that it could hurt California's ability to comply with federal regulations and create difficulties implementing the fan favorite value-added analysis at a state-wide level.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) The Governor vetoed a large sum of money intended to go toward the creation of an objective system of student assessment; 2) There is some debate over the proper way assess both students and teachers.
Relevance: Funding is a huge issue right now and so is teacher and student assessment. This article serves as an example of how the two interests can conflict with one another. Implementing systems of data tracking of student scores costs money. States must pay for servers, software engineers, test developers, etc. This all costs money--something that most states are in an extreme shortage of right now. It will be interesting to see how all of this plays itself out over the next few years. Do we go with more standardized tests, more "objective" assessment methods, and spend more money, or do we continue to cut funding for all areas of education?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Making Sense of the Cloud
The tag cloud has become somewhat of a mess. I took it upon myself to try to make a little more sense of it by picking out the most used tags (subject tags with three or more) that were not names of people or publishers.
I thought that I would share my information with you all. I have not gone over the whole list to see if any terms or phrases could be consolidated to clean it up at all; that is something we all may want to consider.
Anyway, here is what I found in terms of hot topic subjects:
5) What is a Good Teacher? (3)
Not a whole lot of surprises here. We live in a politically charged time, the budget is tight, and the role of the teacher is evolving--causing questions about how they should be evaluated and what their responsibilities are. A big, catch-all tied for fifth, including: the role of testing, teacher evaluation (again), diversity and English language issues, and AP classes.
A little analysis was needed so that I could make sense of the growing blue blob at the top of the blog and I thought I would share it.
I thought that I would share my information with you all. I have not gone over the whole list to see if any terms or phrases could be consolidated to clean it up at all; that is something we all may want to consider.
Anyway, here is what I found in terms of hot topic subjects:
Making Sense of the Cloud:
2) Education Budget (6)
3) Teacher Evaluation (5)
4) Teacher Responsibilities (4)
5) Advanced Placement (3)
5) Diversity (3)
5) English Language Learning (3)
5) No Child Left Behind (3)
5) Value-Added Analysis (3)
5) What is a Good Teacher? (3)
Not a whole lot of surprises here. We live in a politically charged time, the budget is tight, and the role of the teacher is evolving--causing questions about how they should be evaluated and what their responsibilities are. A big, catch-all tied for fifth, including: the role of testing, teacher evaluation (again), diversity and English language issues, and AP classes.
A little analysis was needed so that I could make sense of the growing blue blob at the top of the blog and I thought I would share it.
Egyptian Extremism and Curricula (Jeff, Topic Eight)
Amro Hassan
Egypt: School Curricula Inciting Extremism to be Changed (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2010/04/egypt-ministry-to-modify-school-curriculums-inciting-extremism.html)
L.A. Times
April 27, 2010
Summary: Note that this article is from a year ago. Egypt's education minister has proposed changes to the curricula that would promote peace and understanding between Egypt's Christian and Muslim populations. Previously, some Muslim educators have sought to encourage confrontations between the groups.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Religious courses are required in Egypt, both Christian and Muslim depending on beliefs; 2) The education minister wants to alter the curricula to encourage cooperation and understanding between groups (we saw some of this cooperation during the recent revolution).
Relevance: Education shapes society. The decisions that are made regarding what to teach and how to teach it has real life implications in society. This is an example of not so much changing what is taught (religious studies will still be taught), but how it is taught. I continue to ask myself about the political implications of what and how we teach in the United States--specifically in relation to my discipline (history, social studies).
Egypt: School Curricula Inciting Extremism to be Changed (http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/babylonbeyond/2010/04/egypt-ministry-to-modify-school-curriculums-inciting-extremism.html)
L.A. Times
April 27, 2010
Summary: Note that this article is from a year ago. Egypt's education minister has proposed changes to the curricula that would promote peace and understanding between Egypt's Christian and Muslim populations. Previously, some Muslim educators have sought to encourage confrontations between the groups.
Intended Audience: General Public
Key Points: 1) Religious courses are required in Egypt, both Christian and Muslim depending on beliefs; 2) The education minister wants to alter the curricula to encourage cooperation and understanding between groups (we saw some of this cooperation during the recent revolution).
Relevance: Education shapes society. The decisions that are made regarding what to teach and how to teach it has real life implications in society. This is an example of not so much changing what is taught (religious studies will still be taught), but how it is taught. I continue to ask myself about the political implications of what and how we teach in the United States--specifically in relation to my discipline (history, social studies).
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