ADMS707

Spokesperson from the Broad Superintendents Academy. So... tell me again why someone who has a track record as a strong leader in diverse and large organizations; surrounds her/himself (as a strong leader would do) with and listens to functional/discipline experts; and has more experience addressing financial, organizational, and HR issues than traditional superintendents should not be considered a viable (and maybe even preferable) candidate than someone who is a practitioner whose paradigm is a well run classroom rather than effective (not efficiency at the expense of the core mission and values) organizations?

So the school boards and their constituents know that consolidation would reduce costs and the people don't want to pay higher taxes... yet there is reluctance to consolidate small districts (those with approx 500 students) because of unique needs (hmmm is this "code" for something?) and because the constituencies don't like the idea of a state mandate. So, let's see... whose interests are they protecting?

Some interesting numbers and ideas to consider, although it is important to consider the source... The NY Post.

Here is VEA's take on the possibility that educators will be making VRS contributions.

Check out where education falls in the public trust.

Tea party candidates are getting on the ballots for local elections.

So...I guess they are protected by the First Amendment of the Constitution, and there is nothing the school can do about it...

This is an easy to read breakdown of the types of special interest groups in Virginia...was helpful to me!

Apparently, this is the first time in 15years that the Feds have "reformed" school lunch rules. All the special interest groups are have their hands in the school lunch kitchens. Our district has made changes in the caf. selections, already. Honestly, I like being able to choose hummus, salads, and soy beans over "deep-fried everything" and pizza. However, I'm not sure if the students agree.

More on the Kahn Academy and its successes. Gates is now investing in this movement.

Is she really public enemy number ONE? Wow.

NEA biased article - but some damn good points.

Schwartz makes a very VALUED POINT! When will stop debating and really address the issue at HAND. The future of our children are at STAKE here!! He makes 5 points: 1. Stop talking and writing 2. Read and listen to opposing and alternative viewpoints from diverse groups of stakeholders including teachers, students, parents, communities other than your own, union leaders, business leaders, administrators, superintendents, et. al. 3. Process it all in continued silence. This is not about writing comments to a blog post or releasing a study to counter what that other study you read found or even a quick retort with your rehearsed line. Really take it in and think about where it fits within your framework for what it's going to take to help our teachers help our students. 4. Think about how your experiences as a student and perhaps your experiences as a parent of a student have shaped and even biased your views on what our schools need. 5. Resume your writing and speaking being mindful to take time-outs to listen and think.

This fits into our Week 11 --- really thinking. This opinion piece states exactly how I feel right now....and I bet a bunch of others, as well.

We are One Rallies - to stop the corporate takeover of our government, our schools, and our services.

So Florida is privatizing its public sector jobs to private industry which has not proven reliable in the past. Go figure.

"Judge Maryann Sumi delayed the implementation of the anti-union law in Wisconsin that would strip most collective bargaining rights from public employees. Sumi is ruling on whether the conference committee for the bill violated state open meetings requirements. In addition, Madison-area unions have filed suit over whether or not the bill passed had fiscal elements, meaning it would require a quorum of state Senators to consider it, which it did not receive. And a third lawsuit, filed late last week, alleges that the legislation is unconstitutional, "infringing on employees' equal protection rights and their rights to freedom of speech and association."

How to create a corporate plutocracy: eliminate the power of the unions, destroy their Democratic rivals creating a one-party system, sell off all services (including education) to the private sector, and watch the rise of fascism.

Another huffpost....but...love the comparison of military funding to educational funding...shows where are REAL priorities are for this nation.

Dr. Stager recommends you read this prior to the webinar this week...

How sad that the big beasts just keep getting bigger. Perhaps KIPP schools serve their population well, but what about reaching other populations! Truly David vs Goliath.

This goes hand in hand with the article from the NY Times posted by Dr. Becker.