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From the website; please post your thoughts about this effort:
July 28-31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. and around the country
We’re putting the Public back in public schools!
We, a collection of people from all walks of life and every corner of this nation, embody a mixture of ideas and opinions regarding how we can improve educational opportunities for all children. We stand united by one belief – it’s time for teachers and parents to organize and reclaim control of our schools.
As concerned citizens, we demand an end to the destructive policies and rhetoric that have eroded confidence in our public schools, demoralized teachers, and reduced the education of too many of our children to nothing more than test preparation.
A well-educated society is essential to the future of the United States of America. Our students must have access to a fully funded, world-class public education system, and it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable for providing the means to achieve it. Please join us!
July 30: DC Rally & March
The rally will officially begin at noon at the Ellipse, but arrive early to enjoy performances, art, and more!
At 1:30 p.m., we will march to the White House, where the demands will be read, we’ll demonstrate, and engage in a call for continued action to reclaim schools as places of learning, joy, and democracy.
If you can’t make it to DC, follow the site to find out more about ways to participate in or plan actions in your local area!
As long as you have and keep putting republicans in positions of power, you'll have turmoil in public education. One would think that after 8 years of the worst presidency in American history, people would be loathe to vote for any republican, but just look at the carpetbagger we have in Harrisburg. Destroy public education, empower charter schools and line your pockets with energy drillers coming to PA. Corruption? Naw.
Interesting Tribune-Review article today on the Summer Dreamers Camp.
If the study showing that the campers picked a full grade of reading in last years' camp is valid, you would expect to see a dramatic spike in this year's 8th grade scores.
I saw a homemade sign in a yard today asking the question, "Why don't democrats want to balance the budget?" Then I glanced at the house. I don't want to politicize the current troubles in education because truly, Obama and Duncan are just as much as fault as Bush and his cronies were. But doesn't it alarm any parent that this governor is literally hitting you over the head and saying "I don't care about you." In raping public education--and especially urban public education--this governor has made it clear that his own personal desires override the public good. So yes, let's let all the gas companies drill, baby, drill...and let's allow the situation to be 100% profit, at least until re-election time.
We all should be cautious when discussing politics here.
In my humble opinion, our goal should be to do what we can to improve the PPS, without alienating each other.
Sure, Republican leaders have made mistakes. But when you harshly attack Republican policies, you alienate the Republicans here who should be your allies.
Same goes when attacking Democratic policies.
Well, some might say, tell the truth and let the chips fall where the may. To that I would say: remember, your version of the truth is just that, your version.
And it's not like any political attacks here will change any minds. More likely these comments will just split us apart.
11:25 - It would be difficult to attribute reading in a July, 2010 summer camp to March, 2011 PSSA scores.
Can you discount the work of teacher, et al, from September, 1010 to March, 2011? That's seven months of school; hopefully, that will be the reason for 8th grade decline or improvement. And, the PSSA scores came in on June 10th, for individual students and those are the scores that tell the tale. Not grade levels, or schools; but individual scores of students who participated in summer camp. (!?!?!?!)
After 8 years of Bush, I told myself that I would never vote for a republican again. Whether that alienates anyone or not, I could care less. What he and Cheney did to this country, well, if FDR was alive and in power, he couldn't bring us back in one term, either. Thanks to what I see in Wisconsin, in Maine, in New Jersey and now here in Pennsylvania, I'm convinced: we need a revolution.
I have to say it's amazing how people are so blinded by their politics that they are far more guilty in casting aspersions and judgments on people of the opposite political persuasion than those they castigate. Bottom line is they are nothing more than hypocritical, brainwashed, kool aid drinkers. Kool aid drinkers looking for a scapegoat at any and all costs to mask the realities of their own kind being at the root of their ills. If we give any credence at alll to people like Old Timer, then let's have a reality check shall we. Take bill gates or eli broad for example. BILLIONAIRES (READ RICH PEOPLE) who are NOT republican and who obviously care SO MUCH about black kids and urban education that they are doing something about it. For those of you in the trenches, you know the rest of the story...
For the record, I made comment that Obama and Duncan have not been any great friends to public education. And while I love the reference to "philanthropists" like Gates and Broad being tossed into the discussion, I truly enjoy the modern republican tactic of calling those who remember clearly what took place during 8 years of Bush as being "blinded". To people of intellect, the effort to revise history just won't work. When you put together the incomprehensible laundry list of offenses against the American people perpetrated by the republicans, you can only surmised that an apathetic populace is the reason we are in the state we find ourselves in today. "Blinded"? A war based upon lies resulting in over 4000 US troops killed and hundreds of thousands injured? "Blinded"? An economic meltdown of almost catastrophic proportions thanks to republican economic policies that rewarded the upper class. "Blinded"? Oil profiteering that was used in Kuwait, Iraq and allowed BP to do its bidding after closed door sessions? "Blinded"? By incredible inaction in the days following Katrina? "Blinded"? By the current destruction of public education in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New Jersey? The list is endless. No "aspersions" or "judgments" were being made, "friend", just the simple rendering of the fact that there is one political party at the root of our problems today. And as far as needing your credence, I forgot more about politics and teaching than you will ever know, "friend."
Old Timer you illustrated my points perfectly. Thank you. And, who said I was your "friend?" Do I know you? Now that you have that off your chest, let's stick with the present and with education. As I said, people are blinded by their rage and their hatred and can't see the forest from the trees.
While no child left behind tightened the screws on student performance and has created a ridiculous culture of testing at every turn, the main driver of all of the changes we are seeing in this district has been a direct result of going after grant money from gates, which amounted to roughly 7% of last year's budget and has no direct impact on students. Going after race to the top funding, which the district did not qualify for and is at the heart of states around the country trying to eliminate teacher tenure laws. Incorporating broad-trained administrators into your beloved ivory tower and into the schools. And, of course Corbett's budget cuts for education. Except for the latter, who did or was responsible for all of those things? Republicans? Har, har, har.
Naturally funding cuts are going to affect the bottom line in anyone's budget, but ask yourself how the district got themselves into this budget mess in the first place. How is it that the state has a $20 billion dollar deficit? How is it that Philadelphia public schools is running a projected $650 million dollar deficit this year? If tarka is right in the latest PG article, how is it that our district might be running a $100 million dollar deficit in 2012? Where did all the money go? Can you say just about everyone has been spending money like drunken sailors (no offense to drunken sailors ;) ) with money no one really has? Can you say millions have been wasted on everything BUT kids in the classroom? While some school districts like ours are gnashing their teeth over the budget cuts, Corbett is obviously fully aware of the malfeasance and wasteful spending that's been going on for YEARS in some school districts, including ours. Hence, the cuts for public education. Can you blame him? Those districts who have been good stewards of state funding are having to make only minor sacrifices in their bottom line.
Again, let's not lose sight of why the major changes are happening in this district and at the national level. Gates, broad, race to the top, and other current educational policies. None of which is having any impact whatsoever on student performance. Unless your in Atlanta where student performance is "through the roof." Chuckle, chuckle...
11 comments:
From the website; please post your thoughts about this effort:
July 28-31, 2011 in Washington, D.C. and around the country
We’re putting the Public back in public schools!
We, a collection of people from all walks of life and every corner of this nation, embody a mixture of ideas and opinions regarding how we can improve educational opportunities for all children. We stand united by one belief – it’s time for teachers and parents to organize and reclaim control of our schools.
As concerned citizens, we demand an end to the destructive policies and rhetoric that have eroded confidence in our public schools, demoralized teachers, and reduced the education of too many of our children to nothing more than test preparation.
A well-educated society is essential to the future of the United States of America. Our students must have access to a fully funded, world-class public education system, and it is our responsibility to hold our government accountable for providing the means to achieve it. Please join us!
July 30: DC Rally & March
The rally will officially begin at noon at the Ellipse, but arrive early to enjoy performances, art, and more!
At noon, Diane Ravitch, Jonathan Kozol, José Vilson, Deborah Meier, Monty Neill, and other speakers, musicians, performance poets, and more will encourage, educate, and support this movement and the Save Our Schools March demands.
At 1:30 p.m., we will march to the White House, where the demands will be read, we’ll demonstrate, and engage in a call for continued action to reclaim schools as places of learning, joy, and democracy.
If you can’t make it to DC, follow the site to find out more about ways to participate in or plan actions in your local area!
* * *
Here’s the website:
http://www.saveourschoolsmarch.org/
At noon, Diane Ravitch, Jonathan Kozol, José Vilson, Deborah Meier, Monty Neill, and other speakers, musicians, performance poets, and more will encourage, educate, and support this movement and the Save Our Schools March demands.
Also, please check the webinar with Dr. Pedro Noguera, He is excellent!!!
As long as you have and keep putting republicans in positions of power, you'll have turmoil in public education. One would think that after 8 years of the worst presidency in American history, people would be loathe to vote for any republican, but just look at the carpetbagger we have in Harrisburg. Destroy public education, empower charter schools and line your pockets with energy drillers coming to PA.
Corruption?
Naw.
Interesting Tribune-Review article today on the Summer Dreamers Camp.
If the study showing that the campers picked a full grade of reading in last years' camp is valid, you would expect to see a dramatic spike in this year's 8th grade scores.
I saw a homemade sign in a yard today asking the question, "Why don't democrats want to balance the budget?"
Then I glanced at the house.
I don't want to politicize the current troubles in education because truly, Obama and Duncan are just as much as fault as Bush and his cronies were. But doesn't it alarm any parent that this governor is literally hitting you over the head and saying "I don't care about you."
In raping public education--and especially urban public education--this governor has made it clear that his own personal desires override the public good.
So yes, let's let all the gas companies drill, baby, drill...and let's allow the situation to be 100% profit, at least until re-election time.
We all should be cautious when discussing politics here.
In my humble opinion, our goal should be to do what we can to improve the PPS, without alienating each other.
Sure, Republican leaders have made mistakes. But when you harshly attack Republican policies, you alienate the Republicans here who should be your allies.
Same goes when attacking Democratic policies.
Well, some might say, tell the truth and let the chips fall where the may. To that I would say: remember, your version of the truth is just that, your version.
And it's not like any political attacks here will change any minds. More likely these comments will just split us apart.
11:25 - It would be difficult to attribute reading in a July, 2010 summer camp to March, 2011 PSSA scores.
Can you discount the work of teacher, et al, from September, 1010 to March, 2011? That's seven months of school; hopefully, that will be the reason for 8th grade decline or improvement. And, the PSSA scores came in on June 10th, for individual students and those are the scores that tell the tale. Not grade levels, or schools; but individual scores of students who participated in summer camp. (!?!?!?!)
After 8 years of Bush, I told myself that I would never vote for a republican again. Whether that alienates anyone or not, I could care less. What he and Cheney did to this country, well, if FDR was alive and in power, he couldn't bring us back in one term, either.
Thanks to what I see in Wisconsin, in Maine, in New Jersey and now here in Pennsylvania, I'm convinced: we need a revolution.
I have to say it's amazing how people are so blinded by their politics that they are far more guilty in casting aspersions and judgments on people of the opposite political persuasion than those they castigate. Bottom line is they are nothing more than hypocritical, brainwashed, kool aid drinkers. Kool aid drinkers looking for a scapegoat at any and all costs to mask the realities of their own kind being at the root of their ills. If we give any credence at alll to people like Old Timer, then let's have a reality check shall we. Take bill gates or eli broad for example. BILLIONAIRES (READ RICH PEOPLE) who are NOT republican and who obviously care SO MUCH about black kids and urban education that they are doing something about it. For those of you in the trenches, you know the rest of the story...
For the record, I made comment that Obama and Duncan have not been any great friends to public education. And while I love the reference to "philanthropists" like Gates and Broad being tossed into the discussion, I truly enjoy the modern republican tactic of calling those who remember clearly what took place during 8 years of Bush as being "blinded". To people of intellect, the effort to revise history just won't work.
When you put together the incomprehensible laundry list of offenses against the American people perpetrated by the republicans, you can only surmised that an apathetic populace is the reason we are in the state we find ourselves in today.
"Blinded"? A war based upon lies resulting in over 4000 US troops killed and hundreds of thousands injured?
"Blinded"? An economic meltdown of almost catastrophic proportions thanks to republican economic policies that rewarded the upper class.
"Blinded"? Oil profiteering that was used in Kuwait, Iraq and allowed BP to do its bidding after closed door sessions?
"Blinded"? By incredible inaction in the days following Katrina?
"Blinded"? By the current destruction of public education in Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and New Jersey?
The list is endless.
No "aspersions" or "judgments" were being made, "friend", just the simple rendering of the fact that there is one political party at the root of our problems today.
And as far as needing your credence, I forgot more about politics and teaching than you will ever know, "friend."
Old Timer you illustrated my points perfectly. Thank you. And, who said I was your "friend?" Do I know you? Now that you have that off your chest, let's stick with the present and with education. As I said, people are blinded by their rage and their hatred and can't see the forest from the trees.
While no child left behind tightened the screws on student performance and has created a ridiculous culture of testing at every turn, the main driver of all of the changes we are seeing in this district has been a direct result of going after grant money from gates, which amounted to roughly 7% of last year's budget and has no direct impact on students. Going after race to the top funding, which the district did not qualify for and is at the heart of states around the
country trying to eliminate teacher tenure laws. Incorporating broad-trained administrators into your beloved ivory tower and into the schools. And, of course Corbett's budget cuts for education. Except for the latter, who did or was responsible for all of those things? Republicans? Har, har, har.
Naturally funding cuts are going to affect the bottom line in anyone's budget, but ask yourself how the district got themselves into this budget mess in the first place. How is it that the state has a $20 billion dollar deficit? How is it that Philadelphia public schools is running a projected $650 million dollar deficit this year? If tarka is right in the latest PG article, how is it that our district might be running a $100 million dollar deficit in 2012? Where did all the money go? Can you say just about everyone has been spending money like drunken sailors (no offense to drunken sailors ;) ) with money no one really has? Can you say millions have been wasted on everything BUT kids in the classroom? While some school districts like ours are gnashing their teeth over the budget cuts, Corbett is obviously fully aware of the malfeasance and wasteful spending that's been going on for YEARS in some school districts, including ours. Hence, the cuts for public education. Can you blame him? Those districts who have been good stewards of state funding are having to make only minor sacrifices in their bottom line.
Again, let's not lose sight of why the major changes are happening in this district and at the national level. Gates, broad, race to the top, and other current educational policies. None of which is having any impact whatsoever on student performance. Unless your in Atlanta where student performance is "through the roof." Chuckle, chuckle...
Thanks for the laughs, "friend."
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