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Maria Mahon

Obama Puts Spotlight on Education Grants - The Caucus Blog - NYTimes.com - 1 views

thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/...-spotlight-on-education-grants

grants obama resources

shared by Maria Mahon on 09 Nov 09 - Cached
  • Under the draft criteria for the competition, states must not prohibit the use of student achievement data in evaluating teacher performance.
    • Maria Mahon
      Maria Mahon on 09 Nov 09
       
      With such huge amounts of money at stake, schools will be forced to use student achievement data in evaluating teacher performance.... how much more will this lead to "teaching to the tests"?
  • Maria Mahon on 09 Nov 09
     
    Obama gave a speach on Wednesday to talk about the Race to the Top competition - a competition in which states compete for $4.35 billion in education grant money.
Lindsay Andreas

Association for the Study of African American Life and History - 1 views

www.asalh.org

black history month carter g. woodson themes

shared by Lindsay Andreas on 08 Oct 09 - Cached
  • Journal of African American History
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 08 Oct 09
       
      This is an important scholarly journal for African American history and a great resource to keep in mind.
  • Barack Obama and the 2009Black History Theme
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 08 Oct 09
       
      The other great thing about having this website, every year they set the official theme. At my after-school program we use the ASALH theme for our own Gallery of Black History every year, this year's theme will be "The history of Black Economic Empowerment." I think the themes are helpful to focus study because there is so many different people and ideas you could potentially cover, it can be overwhelming. Last year I liked that they incorporated Obama and the centennial of the NAACP.
  • Order your 2009 Black History Theme Products Now!
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 08 Oct 09
       
      It is always helpful to see what books and other kinds of classroom resources are available. Particularly, these kinds of resources are approved by the organization, so you know that they are quality. Even if you don't want to buy them, getting the names of the books, so you can get them from the library for free is always useful.
Julian Hipkins, III

Fiscal Year 2010 budget - 0 views

www.whitehouse.gov/budget

shared by Julian Hipkins, III on 02 Mar 09 - No Cached
  • Julian Hipkins, III on 02 Mar 09
     
    Considering our focus on economics for this week, I thought it would be prudent to take a look a the budget President Obama has laid out for the United States. The section on education could be used in our classes to discuss the impact it will have students.
Joellen Kriss

'Race to the Top' - we expected better - 0 views

www.sfgate.com/...article.cgi

Reforms Race to the Top Obama Policy

shared by Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09 - Cached
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09
       
      Strong start, right out of the gate!
  • From the perspective of a classroom teacher, reform must be rooted in classroom practice and supported by research.
  • Public education faces complex problems and won't be fixed by simplistic solutions. Standardized tests can be a useful tool among others to assess student learning. But it is too narrow of a measure on which to base a student's grade, let alone gauge a teacher's performance.
  • ...9 more annotations...
  • States must enact a laundry list of federally mandated "reforms" to qualify for the competition. Duncan and Obama call this initiative "Race to the Top."
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09
       
      Hittleman talks about how they'd looked forward to education law that helped, and race to the top doesn't look that much different from NCLB
  • funding mandates are controversial because they have never been shown to improve student learning.
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09
       
      Totally on target with the fact that there's so much more to education than tests and standards.
  • No Child Left Behind, an education law that focused on one-size-fits-all standardized testing.
  • A portfolio that includes multiple-choice tests but also essays, research projects, homework and classroom presentations gives a much more complete picture of student achievement.
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09
       
      A very well rounded argument, bringing in all of the factors outside of the classroom that affect learning.
  • Likewise, to judge teacher effectiveness solely on student test scores ignores a range of factors outside a teacher's control, including support (or lack of it) in the home, changes in the student's situation from year to year, or even whether the student happened to be sick on the day of the test.
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09
       
      At the end of the day, teachers want reforms that WORK, made by people who know about teaching from first hand experience.
  • We are for reforms that work, which include standards-based and common curricula that have multiple source assessments; student data available for classroom teacher use based on a comprehensive approach; smaller class sizes; new teacher mentoring; and peer assistance and review. What we oppose are reforms based on the latest bright idea that has caught the eye of a politician or pundit with no experience teaching.
  • Joellen Kriss on 18 Sep 09
     
    Marty Hittelman offers one of the most comprehensive, well rounded opinions on the current policy reforms being enacted. It covers everything, which might be something I think because I agree with it all, but just read it. It's pretty good.
Samantha Greenwald

The American Presidency: A Glorious Burden - 1 views

americanhistory.si.edu/...home.html

presidents primary sources exhibits

shared by Samantha Greenwald on 03 Oct 10 - Cached
    • Samantha Greenwald
      Samantha Greenwald on 03 Oct 10
       
      This timeline gives a brief description of all of the presidents as well what era they lived during and what that era consisted of. This can be used by teachers to give an introduction to the American presidents but students can use this to do further research.
    • Samantha Greenwald
      Samantha Greenwald on 03 Oct 10
       
      One thing is that this seems to be a bit out of date (the latest timeline did not include President Obama) so it is good to look at the past presidents but wouldn't be helpful for understanding the current presidency.
  • Samantha Greenwald on 03 Oct 10
     
    This exhibit from the Smithsonian Museum of American History looks at the American Presidents from how they got elected, life in the White House, and how they communicated with the public. There are primary source artifacts that can be seen for each president.
Kenneth O'Regan

War and Terrorism | National Council for the Social Studies - 3 views

www.socialstudies.org/...moments

war history geography resources september 9_11 terrorism bin laden saddam iraq afghanistan bush obama world trade center taliban iraqi IED

shared by Kenneth O'Regan on 20 Sep 10 - Cached
  • Kenneth O'Regan on 20 Sep 10
     
    This section of the National Council for the Social Studies website appears to be a little bit dated, but the materials that are presented seem to be a useful resource. It must be difficult for social studies teachers to tackle the tough subjects of current global conflict, terrorism, Afghanistan, Iraq, and September 11, 2001. I am sure many school districts are still using textbooks that were printed prior to 2001 or 2002, and just don't cover this relevant information. Some of the items listed on this page are basic and practical (maps, etc.) and others are a bit more engaging and dynamic, aiming to help students develop an emotional connection to the subject matter.
  • Adrea Lawrence on 04 Oct 10
     
    How might teachers use what's there, even if it is dated?
  • Kenneth O'Regan on 04 Oct 10
     
    Global issues classes in high schools will probably cover this subject matter; mine did in-depth. Some of the resources could be useful as hand outs, especially the maps. As an example, maybe over the course of a week or so of instruction, a teacher using this site as a resource could put together a lesson that stretches over the 5 class meetings, chronologically examining the roots of the second War in Iraq, stemming from the Persian-Gulf war, through Clinton's involvement, to 9/11, terrorism, Al-Qaeda being used as a pretext for war, concluding with an examination of the anti-war movement and the short course of the "traditional" war against the Iraqi military. The following week could move in to the insurgency or another related topic. Basically, I see this website as a place where a teacher looking to present the outlined events can find some extra resources that won't be in most textbooks.
Lindsay Andreas

National Governors Association - 0 views

www.nga.org/...58ec82f5b198d18a278110501010a0

state education policy secondary postsecondary NGA National Governors Association

shared by Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09 - Cached
  • increase student participation in rigorous college preparatory courses, better align expectations between high school and postsecondary education, hold these systems accountable, and ensure students graduate from high school ready for college or the workplace in the global economy.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      An important part of our mission as secondary educators is to prepare students for either post-secondary work and the workplace.
  • While states invest significant resources in education programs, governors also recognize and appreciate the federal government’s contribution to provide additional resources or assistance for those most in need.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      It is important to remember the break-down in financing, and therefore, where real power lies. If we want policy change, we need to know the most effective avenues for lobbying. We may think Obama sets the education policy agenda but the reality is, governors have a lot of power and persuasion in the field. For example, it always amazes me how different public higher education systems are, and this is because certain states have made it a priority to fund higher education greatly.
  • In this new economy and era of education reform, now is the time to reform postsecondary education by increasing relevance and rigor, accountability, and linkages with kindergarten-12th grade (K-12) education and the workplace, and by expanding financial aid to students of all ages.
  • ...11 more annotations...
  • Provide capacity-building incentives to states to increase teacher supply and retention, as well as education research.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      On the national level, you only seem to hear about accountability but it is refreshing to see that the NGA takes a lot more into account. I really feel like they are better in touch with the realities of education policy.
  • Authorize states to provide diverse learning options and assessment options, including the option for growth models, determined at the state level.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      Again, they are concerned with other models of assessment for accountability. I think it is safe to say no one disagrees that there should be accountability but the approach varies greatly and I am more aligned with NGA approaches.
  • Congress should refrain from establishing any federal mandates to ensure maximum state and local flexibility to create aligned systems.
  • A one-size-fits all approach to high school learning is outdated and does not support the diverse needs of students. Governors encourage Congress to support state and local policies and programs that expand the availability of learning opportunities for students of all ages including, but not limited to, virtual school options, service learning, internships, apprenticeships, programs addressing out-of-school-youth, alternative learning programs, and the availability of financial aid.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      Thank you! School choices and meeting diverse needs. I really like their recommendations, they want to leave room for discretion.
  • Maximum flexibility in designing state accountability systems, including testing and other indicators of achievement, is critical to preserve the unique balance involving federal funding, local control of education, and state responsibility for system-wide reform. Maximum flexibility in state testing will help improve how students are assessed for academic proficiency and postsecondary readiness. Flexibility should include the option for states to utilize growth measures to assess student performance.
  • Teachers and school leaders must receive the professional support and training needed to provide students with the skills necessary to compete in a global society, particularly in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), literacy, and international and language studies.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      I think the support issue is very relevant because of my experience at McKinley. They are in the process of introducing AP and a STEM program but the teachers are confused about how it should work, I think if they were given more support and guidance, things would run much more smoothly.
  • High schools must compete with other more highly compensated professions for teachers and school leaders, especially in the areas of mathematics and science. Congress should continue to support and expand state-administered pilot projects on performance pay, especially in critical shortage areas or hard-to-staff schools.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      There are a lot of bright young people that don't think about getting into the education profession because it doesn't pay enough and doesn't get enough respect. I really do believe we must make the profession more attractive in order to get the best pool of professionals.
  • Federal policies should encourage—not discourage—promising state efforts in dual enrollment programs that permit students to obtain high quality college-level credits or provide the opportunity to earn an industry-recognized credential while still in secondary school.
  • Congress also should support state efforts that encourage more students to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) or International Baccalaureate (IB) coursework and pay for student AP testing.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      I don't necessarily know if I believe in these programs, I'm undecided. I did AP in H.S. and I don't know if I get the point exactly, however, if you are going to do these programs, make sure it is clear the goal of having such programs.
  • The use of a high school graduation rate in any accountability framework must serve as an incentive to promote state and local innovation to better engage and educate every student, and count all students who graduate from high school. Congress and the Administration should work closely with governors to ensure the proper use and application of the NGA Voluntary High School Graduation Rate.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      I think this is so on point, sometimes we do all this testing and numbers/stats but don't even know why we are using them. If we use them to better innovate, that seems like a good thing to me.
  • Governors believe that career and technical education programs and career and technical education teacher certification requirements should reflect the need to better integrate career and academic curriculum and integrate career professionals into the career and technical education teaching corps.
    • Lindsay Andreas
      Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
       
      Amen! I believe in a balance between theory and practice, you need both! Let's invest in prep, it's not the most popular thing because it takes time to see the results but I think it is important and worth the wait.
  • Lindsay Andreas on 25 Sep 09
     
    This is the National Governors Association, education policy website, specifically, I have selected the policy position on High School Reform, as it is most pertinent to us, the end goes into higher education but that is for another time. The NGA is one of the best education policy sites. As we know, the states are the primary forces in setting education agendas and it is important to see what bi-partisan work they are doing. Governors are usually very influential in education politics.
Lindsay Andreas

Some Schools Will Block or Delay Obama's Live Pep Talk for Students - washingtonpost.com - 0 views

www.washingtonpost.com/...AR2009090300965.html

Obama education policy

shared by Lindsay Andreas on 04 Sep 09 - Cached
  • The speech, which will be broadcast live from Wakefield High School in Arlington County, was planned as an inspirational message "entirely about encouraging kids to work hard and stay in school," said White House spokesman Tommy Vietor. Education Secretary Arne Duncan sent a letter to principals nationwide encouraging them to show it.
Joellen Kriss

Education chief calls for teacher prep overhaul - Yahoo! News - 1 views

news.yahoo.com/...us_obama_teachers

education policy Arne Duncan

shared by Joellen Kriss on 01 Nov 09 - Cached
  • The Obama administration is calling for an overhaul of college programs that prepare teachers, saying they are cash cows that do a mediocre job of preparing teachers for the classroom.
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 01 Nov 09
       
      Anre Duncan scores in my book once again! He's getting his information from young TEACHERS who've gone through teacher schools!
  • Duncan said he has talked to hundreds of great young teachers while serving as Chicago schools chief and later as President Barack Obama's schools chief. The teachers have two complaints about education schools, he said.
  • ...10 more annotations...
  • most of them say they did not get the hands-on teacher training about managing the classroom that they needed, especially for high-needs students
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 01 Nov 09
       
      These are both interesting points. I think the AU program does a lot to give you hands-on training but the second point, is true. We get told a lot about the data and everything, but never really what it means to us and what we can do with it.
  • second, they say there were not taught how to use data to improve instruction and boost student learning
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 01 Nov 09
       
      Teacher schools make money, but the money they make is spent on different areas of the college...interesting.
  • Their large enrollment and low overhead makes education schools cash cows for their universities
  • profits have been diverted to smaller, more prestigious graduate departments such as physics and have not been spent on research and training for would-be teachers
  • most states and school districts don't link the performance of teachers to their education schools to identify which programs prepare their teachers and which don't
  • administration is using stimulus dollars to reward states that tie student achievement data to the education schools where their teachers had credentials
    • Joellen Kriss
      Joellen Kriss on 01 Nov 09
       
      We might get jobs after all everyone!!
  • A third of veteran teachers and principals are Baby Boomers who are poised to retire, which could create a milllion new teaching positions in the next four years, according to the Department of Education.
  • Joellen Kriss on 01 Nov 09
     
    This article is about a speech Arne Duncan gave about the reevaluation of teacher programs in the country. Every time I read something else he's said or written, I like Arne Duncan more. He knows his stuff from a practical standpoint and goes where it matters to get his information: right to teachers and students. This article is small but pretty interesting.
Alan Edwards

Op-Ed Columnist - More Schools, Not Troops - NYTimes.com - 0 views

www.nytimes.com/...29kristof.html

Afghanistan education schools

shared by Alan Edwards on 07 Nov 09 - Cached
  • Dispatching more troops to Afghanistan would be a monumental bet and probably a bad one, most likely a waste of lives and resources that might simply empower the Taliban. In particular, one of the most compelling ar
    • Alan Edwards
      Alan Edwards on 07 Nov 09
       
      I botched this quote up with the highlighter, but the jist is that instead of considering deploying 40,000 more troops to Afghanistan, Obama should consider building 40,000 more schools in Afghanistan.
  • a single additional soldier stationed in Afghanistan for one year, we could build roughly 20 schools there.
  • guments against more troops rests on this stunning trade-off: For the cost o
  • ...3 more annotations...
  • guments against more troops rests on this stunning trade-off:
  • Matthew P. Hoh, an American military veteran who was the top civilian officer in Zabul Province, resigned over Afghan policy, as The Washington Post reported this week. Mr. Hoh argues that our military presence is feeding the insurgency, not quelling it.
  • Education isn’t a panacea, and no policy in Afghanistan is a sure bet. But all in all, the evidence suggests that education can help foster a virtuous cycle that promotes stability and moderation.
  • Lindsay Andreas on 07 Nov 09
     
    The author mentions the book "Three Cups of Tea." It is a really awesome book. I own it, if anyone wants to borrow it.
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