Daily Headlines: March 12, 2012
Ranking Good and Bad Teachers
Wall Street Journal, March 12, 2012
Teach For America founder and CEO Wendy Kopp is right about the institutionalized nature of public school failure and the unproductive nature of blame-game politics, but she may be wrong about the harmful effects of posting value-added rankings of teacher performance online (“The Trouble With Humiliating Teachers,” op-ed, March 7). Few parents want to see teachers humiliated, but most want to see bad teachers exposed.
What About the Kids Who Behave?
Wall Street Journal, March 10, 2012
A new Education Department study reveals disturbing sensibilities on the left when it comes to education in general and black education in particular.
Georgia Charter School Decision Could Set National Precedent
Fox News, March 11, 2012
The Georgia Legislature is hotly debating a bill that would allow the state to cover the costs of charter schools even if local school boards reject them, setting up a case that could set national precedent on educational reform.
Federal Ideologues Flout Laws They Don’t Like
Columbus Dispatch, OH, March 12, 2012
The 1965 Elementary and Secondary Education Act (No Child Left Behind is its ninth iteration), which intruded the federal government into this traditionally state and local responsibility, said “ nothing in this act” shall authorize any federal official to “mandate, direct, or control” a state’s , local educational agency’s or school’s curriculum.
FROM THE STATES
Charters Also Lose Students
Arizona Daily Sun, AZ, March 11, 2012
Like their traditional district counterpart, charter schools in Flagstaff are not necessarily immune to shrinking enrollment. Some are holding steady or growing, while others are dropping at close to the same overall rate as Flagstaff Unified School District.
Support Reform; Don’t Go Backward — School Board In Adelanto Needs To Aid Parents For The Good Of All
Long Beach Press-Telegram , CA, March 11, 2012
Adelanto is a rather fitting name for this town of about 28,000 people, as the name means “forward.” That’s the direction the community has been heading ever since a group of parents organized and used a new law to push for change at a failed school. The only obstacles now are the five people who sit on the Adelanto School Board.
Financial Problems, Mismanagement Doomed Charter School
Press-Enterprise, CA, March 11, 2012
Temecula’s Context Middle School was billed as a small learning environment where teachers would emphasize how lessons related to the real world. When it opened in August, the charter school set out to focus on technology and the arts, with dozens of laptops for students and music lessons during and after school. Less than six months and more than $800,000 in taxpayer dollars later, Context was gone.
East Grand School Board Reverses Decision On Charter School Construction Grant
Denver Post, CO, March 10, 2012
The Indian Peaks Charter School application for a $6 million construction grant from the state to build a new school will not be incomplete after all, a 180-degree decision from the East Grand Board of Education’s Feb. 21 decision.
Tenure Changes Only One Piece of School Reform
Hartford Courant , CT, March 10, 2012
In public discussion about complex issues, there is an unfortunate tendency to reduce the conversation to just one or two of the more controversial aspects. As a result, other components and the integral relationship between all of the components are often ignored. This is precisely what is happening with the statewide conversation about education reform and Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s legislative proposals for fixing public education. People are talking only about tenure and certification.
Pines Charter Schools Hope Parent Donations Can Close Budget Gap
Sun Sentinel, FL, March 10, 2012
The Pembroke Pines charter school system has more smarts than cash.
The four consistently A-rated schools are struggling to close a $1 million shortfall before June 1, when the budget year ends. They’re turning to the parents, most of whom worked to get their children off the schools’ long waiting lists and into the charter classrooms, to raise the funds.
Relationship With Charter System Questioned
News Chief, FL, March 10, 2012
A business relationship between School Board Chairwoman Lori Cunningham and Lake Wales High School could be a conflict of interest, and that relationship should have been disclosed when she voted on matters involving the Lake Wales Charter System, according to a university professor.
Senate Votes Down Proposed ‘Parent Trigger’ Legislation
Tallahassee Democrat, FL, March 10, 2012
The Florida Senate Friday defeated a controversial proposal to allow parents to vote for charter-company takeovers of failing schools on a bipartisan 20-20 vote.
Charter School Backers Find Little Support in Tallahassee
Bradenton Herald, FL, March 12, 2012
The charter school lobby came to Tallahassee this year with an ambitious agenda: in a share of school districts’ construction dollars. Create a separate high school sports association. Empower parents to demand charter-school conversions.
Thousands Spent In Charter School Debate
Cherokee Tribune, GA, March 11, 2012
Lobbyists on both sides of the charter school debate have spent thousands trying to woo Republican and Democratic lawmakers alike, shelling out for a documentary film screening, coffee and pricey meals, some topping $100 a person.
Bill Could Cost Gainesville Schools $650K in Funding
Gainesville Times, GA, March 11, 2012
A bill that would repeal a special grant giving enrollment-based funding to charter school systems has passed the House and moves on to the Senate.
Lawmakers Tweak Idaho’s New Education Laws
Idaho Press-Tribune, ID, March 12, 2012
The public school reforms face a test in November, with measures on the ballot asking voters to reject changes that limit teacher collective bargaining, introduce merit pay and make online courses a requirement for high school students to graduate.
Indiana’s Massive Education Reform Will Create ‘A Culture Shift’
Indianapolis Star, IN, March 11, 2012
Next school year, educators will be evaluated in a new way. The goal: Get rid of bad teachers.
Education Reform Plan Places Focus On Quality of Teachers
Indianapolis Star, IN, March 10, 2012
Teacher quality would play a greater role in determining who gets to remain in the classroom under a reform package backed by the governor and House Republicans, with student scores used in part to weigh an educator’s effectiveness.
What Education Reform Misses: A Big Share Of Kids Are In Poverty
Des Moines Register, IA, March 11, 2012
Suppose a deadly epidemic were to break out in Iowa. Would the smart response be to let the disease rage while launching a protracted debate on how doctors are licensed? Of course not. The smart response would be to attack the disease and leave the licensure debate for later. Now suppose an epidemic were to cause many children to miss school and fail their courses. Would the smart response be to launch a debate on how teachers are evaluated?
Don’t Weaken Louisiana’s School Voucher Rules
Times-Picayune, LA, March 10, 2012
Deep in House Bill 976, the school choice bill in the governor’s education reform package, is what might seem like a minor provision. It adds an exception to the current law limiting the number of public voucher students a brand new private or parochial school can take to no more than 20 percent of its student population.
Education Reform Too Vital To Rush Through
Kennebec Journal, ME, March 12, 2012
A month ago, we welcomed the news that Gov. Paul LePage and Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen had rolled out their education reform agenda.
Education Committee To Hold Public Hearings On Lepage’s Controversial Reform Bills
Bangor Daily News, ME, March 11, 2012
Four controversial education reform bills announced more than a month ago by Gov. Paul LePage and education commissioner Stephen Bowen face public hearings this week before the Legislature’s education committee.
Montgomery Teachers Redefine Image of Unionism
Washington Post, DC, March 11, 2012
Like any union boss, Chris Lloyd pushes for pay raises and better working conditions for the nearly 12,000 Montgomery County teachers he represents. But unlike most, he also helps decide whether low performers should be fired.
The Need for Charter Schools
The Diamondback, MD, March 11, 2012
However, the reality is that children live in those areas. They and their families are trapped, and without access to a quality education, their chances of having better futures are slim to none.
Md. Budget Would Tip Balance Of Power, Giving State More Say In Education
Washington Post, DC, March 10, 2012
Following a directive set out by Gov. Martin O’Malley (D) to protect school funding, the spending plan would consolidate power in the hands of the state’s chief executive and legislature.
Charter School’s Layoffs Raise Ire
Boston Globe, MA, March 12, 2012
Several parents at a Dorchester charter school are calling for the ouster of the executive director and the chairman of the school’s trustees, following a firestorm over the layoffs of the principal and five other employees.
Detroit Parents Explore Options As Charter, Private And Public Schools Woo Students
Grand Rapids Press, MI, March 11, 2012
Chiquita Hall has purchased her first home in the city of Detroit and wants to support her surroundings as much as she can.
Report Reveals Trend of Segregation In Charter Schools
CBS Local, MI, March 10, 2012
The expansion of charter schools has led to classrooms being more segregated today than they were 30 years ago, according to a recent report that provides policymakers with detailed recommendations on how to ensure all students have access to a quality education.
School Reform Free-For-All Has The Cash Flying
Star Tribune, MN, March 10, 2012
Education reform has all the hallmarks of a parent-led, grass-roots movement to fix failing public schools. But it’s become a big business, too. Nonprofits and interests from both ends of the political spectrum are pouring hundreds of millions of dollars into reform initiatives, and hundreds of companies — for profit and nonprofit alike — are scrambling for a share of the hundreds of billions spent annually educating students in kindergarten through grade 12.
Commissioner Cassellius: Education Reform
Star Tribune, MN, March 10, 2012
When it comes to education, we all want what is best for our children. You would be hard-pressed to find anyone in Minnesota who does not agree.
Jackson Public Schools Could Lose Accreditation
Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, MS, March 11, 2012
Jackson Public Schools officials may get one more chance to convince state officials that the district should keep its accreditation. Loss of accreditation would mean, among other things, canceling sports and other extra-curricular competition to focus on academics.
Nashua Takes A Step Back On District Plans For Charter School
Nashua Telegraph, NH, March 11, 2012
The School District is putting the brakes on plans to open a charter school.
The initial timeline was to have a charter school proposal before the Board of Education in June, but Superintendent Mark Conrad said last week the district will take the summer to further develop the instructional aspects of the program and seek feedback in the fall.
Education Tax Credits Would Hurt Our Public Schools
Nashua Telegraph, NH, March 11, 2012
New Hampshire has a long tradition of citizens coming together to overcome whatever challenges we face. Whether it is the economy or education, we have always found it within ourselves to collaborate on solutions to put our state on a positive course.
N.J. School Boards Want Voter Choice On Charters, Not School Budgets
The Trenton, NJ, March 11, 2012
Opponents of public charter schools are wasting obscene amounts money, much of it taxpayer funds, on lobbyists, lawyers and political advisors to fight public charter schools. Their mission: Preserve the current education establishment and ways of doing business by preventing parents from creating better and more innovative educational opportunities in their towns with public charter schools.
N.J. Education Reform Bill Moves In The Right Direction
Star-Ledger, NJ, March 11, 2012
New Jersey has suffered under the same antiquated tenure system for a century. But now, finally, it faces an epic overhaul: State Sen. Teresa Ruiz (D-Essex) has proposed a reform bill that has set the most important debate of the year in Trenton, one that will affect kids for the next generation.
Newark Charter Expansion Reviewed by State Charter School Board
Newark Post, NJ, March 11, 2012
The Newark Charter School (NCS) faced another hurdle this past Wednesday when it presented its expansion proposal to the Delaware Charter Schools Accountability Board in Dover.
Charter Schools Focus On Themes
Jersey Journal, NJ, March 12, 2012
When a group of parents asked retired Wayne schools superintendent Dr. John Sico if he’d consider founding a charter school dedicated to math, science and technology in Jersey City, the veteran educator didn’t hesitate.
Early Feedback About New Teacher Evaluation System Generally Positive
New Jersey Spotlight, NJ, March 12, 2012
It’s still very early days for New Jersey ‘s controversial teacher evaluation system — now in limited pilot projects across the state — but reports from the front lines are starting to filter in.
Harlem Charter School Recruits Autistic Students
New York Daily News, NY, March 11, 2012
THE founders of a new Harlem charter school for students with high-functioning autism are hitting neighborhood streets to recruit undiagnosed children.
Bronx Transfer High Schools Feel Bullied Into Sharing Space With New Charter School For Troubled Youth
New York Daily News, NY, March 12, 2012
Teachers and students at a Bronx complex that houses two transfer high schools fear a turf war will break out when a new school for troubled youth moves in.
Ads To Back Change To Teacher-Rating Plan
Newsday, NY, March 11, 2012
Public school principals opposed to New York’s teacher evaluation system are contributing to buy full-page ads in an Albany publication asking lawmakers to reconsider the plan, according to Long Island educators leading the charge.
Appraisals of School Choice Vary in Wake
News & Observer, NC, March 10, 2012
Wake County officials say their new choice-based assignment plan is a success based on a high level of participation, but some community groups and parents say the approach has produced confusion and reluctance to take part.
Charter School Has Worked Hard To Become A Valuable Asset
Gaston Gazette, NC, March 11, 2012
There has been so much criticism about Mountain Island Charter School recently, and the perception that the school does nothing but “take” from the community. This is just not accurate. I want to address these complaints by reminding people of some of the things that MICS does bring to Mount Holly and the surrounding community.
Initiative Will Change Teacher Evaluations
Hamilton Journal News, OH, March 11, 2012
With increased public interest in school accountability, area school districts are trying to come up with ways to adjust their teacher evaluation plans to keep up with changing state laws.
Mayor Frank Jackson’s Plan to Revamp Cleveland Schools Still Needs Legislative Support
Cleveland Plain Dealer, OH, March 12, 2012
Mayor Frank Jackson wants to make it easier for the city’s public school brass to fire or re-assign ineffective teachers to help turn around low-performing buildings.
Parent Power: Oregon ‘S Open Enrollment Law Puts Parents, Children First
Statesman Journal, OR, March 11, 2012
The new law (HB 3681) allows Oregon parents to enroll their kids in any Oregon public school district, as long as the receiving district is accepting transfers. This will stop local districts from holding students captive to their local school, as currently often happens throughout the state.
Chester Upland: State Special Ed Formula Drains Millions From District
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, March 11, 2012
As Delaware County’s financially troubled Chester Upland School District struggles to stay afloat, officials there say they are paying millions more than they should on special-education students who attend charter schools.
Stimulus Gone, Schools In Bind
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, March 12, 2012
Federal stimulus money warped Pennsylvania’s education budget both upward and downward during the last three years, and the state’s 500 school districts and 12.6 million taxpayers are beginning to see the consequences.
Pennsylvania State Education Association’s Report Says Schools Are at Risk of Bankruptcy
Patriot-News, PA, March 12, 2012
The Chester-Upland School Districts is in such dire financial straits that administrators are worried about having enough cash on hand to make payroll and keep schools open through the rest of this school year.
The Price of Battle
Philadelphia Inquirer, PA, March 11, 2012
That’s what Gov. Christie’s chief nemesis, the New Jersey Education Association teachers union, spent last year for “communications” lobbying: an anti-Christie campaign that featured TV ads, radio spots, and a plane that flew up and down the Jersey Shore proclaiming Christie’s love for millionaires.
Pa. Teachers Union Calls For Funding From Taxes, Drilling
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, PA, March 12, 2012
The state’s largest teachers union is calling for lawmakers to increase funding for public schools and pay for it through heightened fees for drilling and new taxes.
End the Court Fight Over Charter School
Island Packet, SC, March 11, 2012
The Beaufort County Board of Education has a legitimate desire for clarity regarding Riverview Charter School’s future enrollment. However, that clarity should be sought through good-faith negotiation or binding arbitration. Instead, the board has decided it will take the matter back to court — that is, unless the Riverview board accepts an offer that looks just like the one it declined before it won a lawsuit against the school district.
Teacher Ratings in the Public Eye
Commercial Appeal, TN, March 10, 2012
The public has a right to know the evaluation ratings of the men and women teaching our children.
KIPP Memphis To Expand To Almost 10 Times Current Size
WKNOFM, TN, March 12, 2012
The Knowledge Is Power Program, or KIPP, is a national network of charter schools that have extended school days and a relentless focus on college.
Washington County Schools Offer Parents New Choices
The Spectrum, UT, March 11, 2012
The word “choice” in education is traditionally associated with private schools, home schooling or other alternatives to the public school system, but the Washington County School District is pursuing its own version of choice starting next school year.
Here’s An Idea For Rich School Reformers: Listen To Teachers
News Tribune, WA, March 11, 2012
Do I need a million dollars to be heard? Washington Education Association (WEA) President Mary Lindquist recently responded to a venture capitalist’s criticisms of public education and the union with the statement, “We do not have the luxury of theorizing from behind locked doors of high-rise office buildings in downtown Seattle. We work with students every day.” (“Donors critical of school bills,” TNT, 2-27)
W.Va. Teacher Evaluation Bill Includes Principals
Charleston Daily Mail, WV, March 10, 2012
Teachers and principals will be evaluated based on student growth and school-wide test scores under a deal struck during the final day of the West Virginia legislative session.
Appleton School Officials Not Sold on Voucher Bill
Appleton Post-Crescent, WI, March 12, 2012
The state Assembly will vote on a bill Tuesday that would offset the cost of private school tuition for special needs students.
New Teachers Getting Ready To Be Graded On Classroom Work
Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, WI, March 11, 2012
Before he could start student teaching in January at Sennette Middle School in Madison, Andrew Johnson had to pass a multiple-choice test.
VIRTUAL LEARNING
Online School Builds Catholic Education While Trimming Tuition
Sunshine State News, FL, Mach 10, 2012
Catholic Schools K12 Virtual at St. Andrew’s School is attracting students from 19 states, Belize , Venezuela and even China with low tuition costs, wide course offerings and student-teacher ratios that few brick-and-mortar campuses can match.
Iowa View: Virtual Schools Raise Concerns
Des Moines Register, IA, March 10, 2012
I am probably gaining a reputation as someone who opposes online learning and the opportunities it presents students. I have been critical of both Connections Academy and K12 Inc., for-profit companies that have partnered with Iowa school districts.
DOE Plans to Offer More Online Classes
Honolulu Star-Advertiser, HI, March 11, 2012
Enrollment in online courses by public school students could grow by as many as 1,000 students next school year, to 2,500, when the state expands its online Advanced Placement offerings and for the first time provides web-only middle-school classes.