#164 May 11, 2014- Politics Matter

Politics Matter. . .

Wisconsin has been a political battlefield since 2011 when the first efforts to recall state senators began.  The conflicts have continued nearly non-stop since that tumultuous year and have divided a state that has historically been one where clean politics and bi-partisan cooperation have usually been considered the norm.  This is especially true when we compare Wisconsin politics to those of neighboring states like Illinois, and with the bitter conflicts that have divided other places in America.

The election of Scott Walker changed Wisconsin politically, socially and economically, and the change was not for the better.  We see the evidence of the divisive nature of our current climate in many ways.  Whether it is in the massive number of lawmakers deciding to leave office in order to escape the toxic environment, or the struggles to balance local and school budgets, or the fact that friends, family and neighbors find it difficult to talk about important issues with each other, the end result is the same.  We are more divided now than we were just a few years ago. 

Dividing Lines | Special Report - Democratic, Republican voters worlds apart in divided Wisconsin

There may be no more polarized place in swing-state America as national trends are amplified by fierce campaigns, an impassioned electorate, and a...

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|By Craig Gilbert

The Curious Case of Milwaukee’s Suburban Voters

Democrats have made huge gains in the suburbs since the Reagan years, but they haven’t made any progress in the areas around Milwaukee.

The New York Times|By Nate Cohn

Wisconsinites have learned the hard way that elections really do matter.  For too long we failed in our duties as citizens to hold our elected officials accountable by exercising our voice at the ballot box.  Scott Walker was elected by a significant minority of eligible voters, yet has not hesitated to govern as though he speaks for the majority.  Once gaining power, Walker and his supporters quickly worked to attempt to solidify their control of all aspects of our state government.  Progressives and those who speak for more moderate policies found themselves fighting to maintain a voice in state government. 

Voter ID ruling was right for Wisconsin

Ray Ciszewski, of St. Benedict the Moor in Milwaukee, understands all too well the burdens that voter ID laws create.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|By Judith Browne Dianis

In about six months we will have another opportunity to speak out against the policies that have divided and damaged our state.  The campaign will be difficult and it will be bitterly contested.  We've already seen the attack ads begin, and that was only the opening salvo in what promises to be a vicious, no-hold barred struggle to reclaim our state.  A struggle that will test the resolve and the strength of those who rose against Walker's policies in 2011.  Despite a few challengers it seems clear that the November election will feature Walker vs. Mary Burke.   

After Walker's failures, it's Burke's turn

Scott Walker's had four years to do it his way. From the 250,000 jobs broken promise to the disastrous WEDC, Walker has stumbled badly. Yet he blindly touts his '

Green Bay Press-Gazette

Meet Mary Burke, the Woman Who Could Beat Scott Walker

She’s a political novice—and that may be what it takes to knock off Wisconsin’s governor, of whose jobs plan she says: ‘I’ve seen eighth-graders’...

The Daily Beast

Burke says voters should fire Walker, backs minimum wage hike

Calling herself “a fiscal conservative,” Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke broke bread with Milwaukee business leaders Tuesday and pitched her ideas on jobs, education and the...

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|By Bill Glauber

The November 2014 election is of huge significance for Wisconsin Progressives.  Walker is a strong candidate in the state, but his strength lies in his ability to mask the reality that his policies create for a majority of citizens.  This election provides the potential to begin the push back to changing the debate about a number of issues of great importance to the health and well-being of the citizens of our state and of our nation.  The fight may have begun in 2011, but it is continuing to escalate as we move forward.

The key issues in the conflict revolve around the role of government in our society, and the type of community that we want to be a part of.  On one side you have the Conservative, austerity movement that seeks to privatize as much as possible and leave individuals isolated and divided.  This vision of economics hasn't worked, doesn't work and won't work here or anywhere else.  The idea that we need to support the wealthy and the corporations while letting the common citizen struggle is inherently flawed and runs counter to the values espoused in our founding documents.  Documents that speak of "liberty and justice for all," not just the privileged few. 

Tax Breaks Abound in Wisconsin, but Job Growth Remains Slow

Wisconsin lawmakers have cut taxes 43 times since 2011, reducing revenue by $1.9 billion over that period and limiting investments in Wisconsin’s...

wisconsinbudgetproject.org

Surprise! 'Pro-business' policies hurt state economic growth

Conservative economic pundits just love to justify "business-friendly"...

Los Angeles Times

Inequality Has Been Going On Forever . . . But That Doesn’t Mean It’s Inevitable

Don’t be too depressed by Thomas Piketty’s arguments. Inequality is a choice.

The New York Times|By David Leonhardt

There is a certain amount of irony in the data that shows the "liberal bastion" of Dane County is actually one of the most successful areas in economic terms.  

Dane County responsible for more than 100% of Wisconsin's job growth

I oppose the idea of Dane County seceding from Wisconsin and becoming its own state, but, if Dane County, which is regarded as Wisconsin's...

prairiebadger.wordpress.com

This privatization effort has centered around public education.  The idea that all students, from all backgrounds should receive a quality publicly funded education is one that should be supported by all who value our democratic traditions. 

Assembly Speaker Robin Vos promises further voucher school expansion : Ct

Vos promised GOP delegates that he and fellow conservatives were ready to fight the party moderates on an array of issues in coming years.

madison.com|By Lee Enterprises

Charter Schools: Study Finds Widespread Fraud, Mismanagement and Waste

A new report reveals widespread fraud and mismanagement in our...

Bill Moyers

Yet, we see a continual effort by those in power, Democrat or Republican, to undermine our public schools and to restrict the power of those who work and learn in them.  Educators, students, family and invested community members find themselves struggling to make their voices heard over the powerful lobbying efforts of school privatizers and privateers. 

"It's poverty stupid!"

What follows below is nothing original. It's simply another reminder. I know this is an unpopular thing to say in certain education circles but someone has to say it: Common Core State Standards a...

atthechalkface.com

Chicago Union Passes Resolution Opposing Common Core

The Chicago Teachers Union passed a resolution opposing the Common Core State Standards, in what may have implications for its parent union.

blogs.edweek.org

Along with education, health care has become a venue where the differences between political ideologies is clearly demonstrated.  Access to health care should be a basic right and should be promoted by anyone who wants to have a government that insures the "general welfare" for its citizens.  Yet, we have seen a concerted effort to limit the availability of health care for our most at-risk citizens.  These efforts have been disguised as "good economic policy", "limiting government", or "letting the market decide," but in reality are simply another example of profiting from the needs of others.   

Murphy’s Law: Scott Walker’s Health Care Dilemma

His rejection of federal Medicaid dollars either costs Wisconsin lots of money or lots of lives.

urbanmilwaukee.com

Republicans have begun to see the effects that their policies have had on different demographic groups, but their efforts are often motivated by political, not social justice goals.  While the same argument can be made against the Democrats in many ways, the choice between parties is still quite clear when we look at policies and intent.  

Republicans emphasize efforts to diversify

Leaders at the state Republican convention tried to send a message that the party was broadening beyond its overwhelmingly white voter base.

madison.com|By Lee Enterprises

When we put all of these things together it becomes clear that 2014 could be a turning point in Wisconsin politics.  We can either continue on the path of divisiveness and inequality, or we can change course and work to chart a path towards a more socially just society.  In order for this to happen we will need to communicate our ideals and hold all candidates responsible for upholding our values.  We can't trust in any party or candidate, but must remember that in a democracy, the people have a choice in what their government looks and acts like.  We can't allow ourselves to get the government we deserve through apathy or ignorance.    

The Good, The Bad and

The Ugly. . .

The Good . . While I find myself constantly at odds with President Obama on issues involving education I applaud a majority of his work.  Those on the right have been attempting to undermine his presidency from day 1.  The American people need to get some honest facts in order to be able to make reasoned decisions about the policies that our president has fought to implement.

A Big Sign of Obamacare Success

Hey, Obamacare Truthers: Gallup just found the number of uninsured Americans is the lowest its found since 2008, when it started polling.

newrepublic.com

Rand Paul Tells A Blatant Lie About Obamacare, Gets Fact-Checked

Senator Paul proclaims that more Kentuckians have lost their insurance under Obamacare than had insurance to begin with. - Math Fail!

Addicting Info

There is a local movement to attempt to change the way that public money is invested in building projects.  Currently we are seeing companies exercise their political influence to gain access to public money.  This movement seeks to put the people in charge of how tax dollars are spent and what projects are approved in Madison.  

Madison Common Council members peeved by the call for a vote on Judge Doyle Square - Isthmus |...

Ald. Mark Clear is no fan of referendums.

isthmus.com

Download Petition Here: Stop Hotel Boondoggle | CA$H – Citizens Against Subsidized Hotels

nocashsubsidy.org

The Bad . . . Only one bidder, and one that has been among the biggest education profiteers?  Monopolies rarely, if ever, work to benefit the majority of people, and this one has harmed too many students, schools, communities and educators.

Pearson Wins Major Contract From Common-Core Testing Consortium

The global education company Pearson has won a contract from the Partnership for the Assessment of Readiness for College and Careers to develop test items, deliver tests, report results, and analyze...

blogs.edweek.org

Justice is supposed to be blind, but we all know that judges are human beings, and as such will have some bias when making decisions.  The key is that they must reference the law, and that there are processes to appeal and challenge rulings.  

In Justices’ Votes, Free Speech Often Means ‘Speech I Agree With’

A study covering 1953 to 2011 found that “the votes of both liberal and conservative justices tend to reflect their preferences toward the...

The New York Times|By Adam Liptak

Walker supporters, and defenders of the "Money is speech" line of reasoning are enjoying this ruling.  However, the fight is not over yet. 

Federal judge halts John Doe probe into Walker recall

U.S. District Judge Rudolf Randa issued the 26-page decision late Tuesday, calling on prosecutors to immediately stop the long-running investigation into possible illegal coordination between the various groups.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|By Bill Glauber

Prosecutors seek stay of ruling halting John Doe probe

Less than a day after a federal judge halted a probe into conservative groups and the campaign of Gov. Scott Walker, prosecutors filed an emergency appeal Wednesday of the unprecedented decision.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel|By Jason Stein

FEC Commissioner: Wisconsin Judge Went Way Beyond Citizens United And McCutcheon

There are two things to know about the federal court decision this week...

Talking Points Memo

The Ugly . . . Too often I hear people talk about how racism is a historical problem, but not a problem in modern America.  The message that we would like to believe is that racism is a problem that existed in America, but that we overcame it.  The reality is quite different.  Progress has been made, but we certainly have a long way to go.      

SOS: Why were we followed while shopping at Hobby Lobby?

LaTonya Smith is upset with the personal attention she got at Hobby Lobby recently. She was being watched, closely.

madison.com|By Lee Enterprises

Hundreds of School Districts Have Been Ignoring Desegregation Orders

The federal government’s vigilance in enforcing the court-backed desegregation of the country’s schools is a shadow of what it once was.

psmag.com

#156 March 16, 2014- Educational Identity and Political News

Who Are We. . .

Defining who we are is an important part all of us as humans.  As social creatures we need to establish our identities and work hard to get others to see us in positive ways.  This is true for individuals, and it is also true for larger groups of people as well.  We spend a lot of time and energy working to create perceptions of who we are and what we stand for.  Some of these perceptions are accurate and others are more "PR" that we create, or perceptions, accurate or not, that others create for us.  As Machiavelli stated, “Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.”

For most individuals, how we are perceived by others is a matter of personal interest, but is of little importance outside our immediate circle of friends, colleagues and associates.  However, for those who have greater societal influence, or for groups of people the impacts of public perception are of more significance.  This is why advertising and public relations departments become so important in creating an image of major political, social and economic figures and groups.  There is a need to influence public opinion in order to sell a product, whether that product is an item, an idea or a specific individual.  This is especially true in a society like America's where choice and freedom are held in such high esteem.

There is a constant balancing act that goes on in our public debates here between convincing people and coercing people.  Our idealism tells us that we can use facts and sound arguments to convince others that our viewpoints and ideas are correct.  If our argument is sound, or our product is good then others will buy into our way of thinking, or literally buy what we are selling.  We see efforts to convince others in many places in our society.

Yet, there is another side to public perception and gaining the support of others in our efforts to promote ideas and things that we value.  Coercion is always a part of the human experience.  Once again turning to Machiavelli, “it is much safer to be feared than loved because ...love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.”  In other words, since people can't be trusted we need to have some type of mechanism in place to make others do as we want, and fear or punishment is the most effective way to insure cooperation and compliance. 

The more important the "product" is to us, the more likely it is that we will turn to coercion over cooperation.  This is very logical, after all, in matters that are considered important we should do everything possible to make sure that everyone does what is necessary for the survival and prosperity of our society as a whole.  Even in a "free" society like America's we use a number of different mechanisms to insure the compliance of members of our society.  We use physical force and maintain our police and military forces.  We use economic force.  We also use social forces to control the thinking and actions of people in our society.

This may all sound a little heavy handed and bleak.  Yet, it is part of human nature and doesn't have to become Machiavellian in nature.  Human interactions are complex and we rely on a number of different mechanisms to get the things that we want and to promote our ways of thinking.  The language of our founding documents is filled with these conflicts.  On one hand we have the hope and optimism expressed in the power of the people and their efforts to create a just and free society, and on the other hand we see the constant fear of the misuse of power by people. 

In the end, what really matters is our view of humanity and our ability to tolerate our imperfections and our trust in our ability to resolve the problems that we face.  Either we, as a collective whole are able to work together to create a better society, or we must rely on outside forces or strong individuals to control our less positive traits.  The questions of where the power to make decisions lies and who should be responsible for the directions that our society takes are not simple ones, nor are they ones that should be taken lightly.  They also are not as ideologically simple as we would like them to be.   

These are conflicts that have been ongoing throughout human history and that are often masked by other factors.  It is here that our ability to present ourselves in a variety of different ways comes into play.  Honesty isn't something that we have come to expect in our politicians or other prominent public figures.  In recent years we have been conditioned to mistrust those in power, while at the same time we find ourselves turning to new leaders (who frequently end up failing us in the end).  There is a significant amount of irony in hearing candidates tell us that we should trust them and not their opponent, when in reality they are closer in thoughts and actions to each other than they are to the people they are supposed to represent.

It all comes down to the ability of the people to discern what is reality and what is a façade, manufactured to generate support for an ideology or candidate.  However, we live in a complex world, one where fact and fiction often seem interchangeable.  We need an educated, constructively suspicious population that participates in all processes involved in decision making and governing our society.  Education is the key to this, and is vital to the survival of our ideals and our democratic institutions.  No wonder that public education has become a central battleground in the conflict for control of our society. 

Our public education system is a reflection of our society and where we are headed.  How we treat our children and how we choose to educate them reflects on our core values.  It is also a place where we see public perception manipulated and an effort made to control the debate in a variety of ways.  If this premise is true, than what do our stances on public education tell us about the direction our society is moving in?                  

As individuals and as a society, we spend our money on the things that value and express our ideals through our use of financial resources.  In other words, we put our money where our mouth is.  The question becomes, who owns and controls our rights to an education?  Is it the citizens, students and their families, educators, or some other interest?  

Rural schools ask Wisconsin lawmakers for more cash

If one employee leaves Cuba City High School for a higher-paying position elsewhere in Wisconsin, it can leave the school short of instructors in two or more subjects.

Green Bay Press-Gazette

Visualized - How Bill Gates Bought the Common Core

Like so many people, when I read Mercedes Schneider's posts on Bill Gates and the Common Core I struggled with a jumble of emotions. Surprise. Disgust. Awe. Anger. I'm a visual learner which meant ...

honestpracticum.com

What we choose to spend our financial resources on reflects many things, but we should be making decisions about technology and curriculum purchases based on best practices for our students.

10 Reasons Why Handheld Devices Should Be Banned for Children Under the Age of 12

s a pediatric occupational therapist, I'm calling on parents, teachers and governments to ban the use of all handheld devices for children under the...

The Huffington Post|By Cris Rowan

At Waldorf School in Silicon Valley, Technology Can Wait

The Waldorf School’s computer-free environment has become a draw for parents at high-tech companies like Google.

How we measure our school systems' successes or struggles also helps define our views on education.  We measure what we value and analyze the results using ideological filters.  We continue to measure educational achievement in ways that are misleading at best and harmful at worst. 

Assembly Republicans make final push for broad school accountability reform : Wsj

The Senate and Assembly remain at odds over how to reform the state's new school report card.

madison.com|By Lee Enterprises

NEA Pushes Legislation to Reduce Testing

The federal footprint on standardized testing would shrink under a bill set to be introduced by Reps. Chris Gibson, R-N.Y, and Kyrsten Sinema, D-Ariz., that has major backing from the largest...

blogs.edweek.org

College President: SAT Is Part Hoax, Part Fraud | TIME

The president of Bard College says recent changes to the SAT are motivated by the competition that College Board has experienced with its arch rival, the ACT, rather than any serious soul searching

TIME

Top GOP Lawmaker Says State Not Ready For Number Of Failing Third Graders

One top Republican lawmaker predicts a "tough year" ahead.

WBNS-10TV - Columbus, Ohio

How we treat those who are at risk or in need tells a lot about us as individuals and as a collective whole.    

Jon Stewart Shreds Paul Ryan's Free School Lunch Fib (VIDEO)

There was a lot of "crazy" for comedian Jon Stewart to review after last weekend's Conservative Political Action Conference, or as he calls it,...

Talking Points Memo

Monologues of Dissent: Lunch of Shame: Waterloo's School Lunch Policy & Wisconsin's Equity Issue

monologuesofdissent.blogspot.com

How we treat those who work in our schools also reflects the value that we place on education in general.  

There's Not One Home for Sale in San Francisco That an Average Teacher Can Afford - DailyFinance

Between San Francisco's hot real estate market and its dwindling teacher pay, not one home or apartment is listed on the market there at a price a...

DailyFinance

A couple of comments from this article. 

"So what ? Who gives a S_ _T about them or any other public sector worker."

"Teachers work 9.5 months a year (180 days to be exact), so yes, it might be difficult to make 12 months of mortgage payments on 9.5 months of salary. The math makes perfect sense to me .I have to work 250 days a year. (5 days x 50 weeks). So, they can either get a career working 12 months a year or get a summer/second job. I appreciate what they are doing for our children, but don't complain about your salary being 75% of the rest of us if you only work 75% as much. I'd love to have your year round health benefit package also."

Whether we see attacks on individual educators, or on the unions that serve and protect educators the message is the same, education is a  "lesser" profession.

“Wisconsin is the model”: Grover Norquist’s Tea Party scheme to crush his union enemies

At CPAC panel, RNC Chair Priebus touts "total and complete unity" between GOP, Tea Party, and Glenn Beck acolytes

Salon

DOE's Workplace Bullying Continues - My 33 hrs Behind Bars

I didn't think that I would have to update my "Allegations Against Mr. Portelos" list again, but unfortunately I did. Those who have been working tirelessly to end my career hit a new low. A new...

wp.me

San Diego Charter Teachers: Bullying Contributed to Death of Colleague

At a San Diego school board meeting on Tuesday, dramatic testimony from teachers and parents uncovered serious questions about the way their...

blogs.edweek.org

At one time our public schools were valued and respected, but now. . .

GOP Lawmaker: 'Public Education In America Is Socialism'

Well, this is not something you hear every day. Ohio state Rep. Andrew Brenner (R-Powell) has raised some eyebrows with a blog post titled "Public...

The Huffington Post|By Rebecca Klein

The problem is that we are allowing our society to be defined by those who would seek to profit as individuals from our collective efforts.  Public education is a bulwark that stands in the way of oligarchy and other non-democratic forms of government.  We need to change the discussion and move forward, building on the strengths of our existing system and utilizing the talents and skills of the professionals who work in our schools.  

The Good, The Bad and

The Ugly. . .

The Good . . . It's still a long way to November, but not too early to hope.

Rasmussen poll has Mary Burke, Scott Walker tied in Wisconsin governor's race : Ct

A great piece of news for Mary Burke supporters and a troubling wake-up call for Gov. Scott Walker's campaign.

madison.com|By Lee Enterprises

If we can weather this current storm of Conservatism, maybe the future will look a little brighter.

New Report Shows Young Liberals Own the Future -- Daily Intelligencer

Get off America's lawn, you punks.

New York Magazine|By Jonathan Chait

The outpouring of love and support from the community was tremendous, and events like this would further honor someone who worked hard to bring different parts of our community together.

Community-building dinner planned to honor Bruce Dahmen, strengthen cultural relationships : Ct

Michael Johnson and Ed Hughes are planning a potluck dinner to strengthen community and honor the former Memorial High School principal who...

madison.com|By Lee Enterprises

The Bad . . . It's still long way to November, and the quality and "integrity" of the campaign will probably not rise to a higher level.

Couple shown in group’s anti-Burke ad aren’t really poor

The Republican Governors Association was running a TV ad linking Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mary Burke to the state’s economic woes under former Gov. Jim Doyle.

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

We have to stay vigilant and remember that our opposition is willing, and able to do just about anything to maintain political power here in Wisconsin, and around the U.S.

Koch Group Has Ambitions in Small Races

Backed by the billionaire Koch brothers, Americans for Prosperity has campaigned against taxes and spending in Coralville, Iowa, but some voters are skeptical of its motives.

The New York Times|By JOHN ELIGON

State Senate moves to pass bill limiting voting hours

In-person absentee voting would no longer be allowed past 7 p.m. or on weekends in Wisconsin under a bill the Republican-controlled state Senate moved closer to passing Tuesday, despite objections from those who say it's...

Green Bay Press-Gazette

Editorial: Republicans put up more obstacles to voting

The problem with elections in Wisconsin — as it is across the nation — is that not enough people vote.

postcrescent.com

The Ugly . . . No explanation needed.

George Zimmerman signs autographs at Orlando gun show

George Zimmerman was shaking hands, smiling and signing autographs at a central Florida gun show Saturday.

WESH 2 News|By WESH

#140 November 24, 2013- Ed. Reform and More Good, Bad and Ugly in Wisconsin

Stretched to the Breaking Point. . .

Public educators often feel pulled in many directions.  We hear the messages that our schools are failing, but more importantly we see students in our classrooms who are struggling.  We know that we can always try new strategies and work just a little harder to try and meet the needs of our students.  At the same time, we are given solutions to these challenges that are too often questionable in validity and frequently coming from sources that don't have our student's best interests at heart. 

Can We Rescue the Common Core Standards From the Testing Machine?

blogs.edweek.org

Many of us feel compelled to try to implement these "reforms", even though, at the same time we question them.  Those educators who try to resist face penalties, harsh criticism and are identified as barriers to student achievement.  The propaganda machine of the "reformers" has created an atmosphere where trying to teach students in any manner outside of the prescribed methods is viewed as obstructionist and anti-achievement.

One of the most common attacks on educators comes in a seemingly neutral and logical question, "Don't you want what's best for your students?"  Of course the answer to this question is a resounding "YES".  I have yet to meet an educator who doesn't want their students to succeed, to be safe, and to be happily engaged in learning.  Educators devote a significant portion of their day, both in and out of school, doing everything possible to make this happen.  Yet, we are constantly reminded of our failures and our successes are minimized.   

Educators who try to stand up for themselves either individually, or collectively are vilified as selfish and lazy.  Yet, we are asked to go above and beyond the expectations in our contracts or job descriptions on a regular basis, and we do so willingly and with a constant eye on the welfare of our students.  Those who criticize educators for being concerned about our working conditions often do so, not out of concern for students, but rather because of a desire to undermine a group that they consider their political, social or economic enemies.

How Our Public Schools Became a "Communist Threat"

www.commondreams.org

There are real problems in our school systems that need to be addressed.  Yet, because of the political conflicts the causes and potential solutions to these problems are often misidentified.

http://www.salon.com/2013/11/07/we_need_a_war_on_poverty_not_teachers/

Why Shoud We Rank and Rate Schools?

dianeravitch.net

We need to have some real debate and discussion about how to make our system of public education better for all students.  Yet, in a climate of crisis, open dialog and proactive problem solving are some of the first things to disappear.  The debates become confrontations, and "solutions" are more geared towards punishing opponents than resolving problems.   

Arne Duncan isn’t just mean. He’s wrong.

www.sabrinajoystevens.com

For Some States, Education Cuts and Tax Cuts Go Hand in Hand

www.offthechartsblog.org

The debates around the best practices for educating students have been going on for a long time.  We need to continue these discussions and find the best possible strategies for teaching students.  At the same time we can't forget that every student is an individual and a "one size fits all" approach simply isn't realistic if we want students to succeed.

The Reading Wars: Why Natural Learning Fails in Classrooms

psychologytoday.com

Paul Horton: Common Core and the Gettysburg Address

blogs.edweek.org

We also must emphasize the needs of students to grow and develop their skills in natural and developmentally appropriate ways.  Hearing an article about a potential "savior" of education say, "'My B.A. in economics was zero help in my profession today.” Instead, he says that countless hours playing games during his school years–poker, chess, backgammon–were the experiences that 'prepared me for what I do today.')" is troubling when the reforms that are proposed eliminate much of the potential to play and learn at the same time.  We can't set up a dual level school system where the wealthy learn in student friendly ways and the rest of the population is stuck in a system based on drills, fundamentals and assessment. 

  

Can Hedge Fund Billionaire Paul Tudor Jones Save America's Public Education System?

www.forbes.com

Educators need to start taking back our  schools and the systems that we work with students in.  We've put too much trust in leaders from outside of our ranks, and are paying the price in policies that are not student or educator friendly.  The question of how to grow educator leaders, while not removing them from the place they are most needed, the classroom, is challenging.  We also need to work together to find ways to resist the "reforms" and implement real positive change in our schools.  

Great Teachers Don't Always Want to Become Principals

www.theatlantic.com

Diane Ravitch calls for Common Core boycott, refusal to give tests

newsday.com

Peg with Pen: A Quick Guide to Resisting from Within for Educators

pegwithpen.com

The Good, The Bad, The Ugly. . .

The Good

Senator John Lehman will be running for Lieutenant Governor in 2014.  He is the only announced candidate on the Democrat ticket to date.  He will be giving up his Senate seat, which he won in a 2012 recall election to pursue the office.  While it is unfortunate to for an incumbent to give up their seat in the closely contested Wisconsin Senate, the reality is that the redistricting of Senate boundaries done by the Republican controlled legislature would make his re-election extremely difficult and having a viable candidate for Lt. Governor is very important in the upcoming election.   

 

Democrat Lehman to run for lieutenant governor

www.postcrescent.com

John Lehman: A Serious Leader and a Strong Progressive Voice

wisdems.org

The Democrats are beginning to campaign on issues that will challenge Scott Walker to defend his record.

Mary Burke says Wisconsin has gone from $700 million surplus to a $750 million deficit

politifact.com

As we gear up for the 2014 campaign, other organizations are beginning to gear up to help unseat Walker.  Considering the amount of financial backing that Walker will enjoy, any and all support from different places will be needed.

Russ Feingold group starts PAC to defeat Scott Walker

host.madison.com

The Bad

The only reason that this isn’t in the ugly category is that it should come as no surprise that our Chief Executive in the state regards public employees as a collective enemy of the state.

Walker "Joke": Teachers, Public Servants are Lazy, Overpaid Heathens

uppitywis.org

This item has the potential to move quickly into the “Ugly” category depending on the decision handed down by the Wisconsin Supreme Court.  The Court is going to rule on Wisconsin’s Photo ID Law that has been called one of the most restrictive pieces of legislation in the nation.  What makes this particularly troubling for many Wisconsinites is the fact that our state is looking more and more like a state in the deep South and not a Progressive Midwestern state.

The Voting Rights Case African-Americans Must Watch

bit.ly

This article gets at the heart of the problems that we currently face in education.  While it might appear that an article trumpeting an improved quality in American educators would be a welcome bit of news in this climate that is so hostile to education, the reality is that the way that “improved quality” is defined is problematic.  Their major measure of quality is the fact that the current crop of educators has a high concentration of individuals who scored in the top quartile of SAT scores.

Apparently the insecurity of the private-sector labor market has driven some individuals into the public sector in search of stability instead of higher wages.  While it isn’t hard to make the argument that the stability and security in educational occupations isn’t what it used to be, it seems that some students are viewing the public sector as preferable to the private sector.

What is especially troubling is that a source like Mother Jones can run a headline about the improved quality of teachers when the article gives little information that supports this beyond test scores and grades.  It should be clear to anyone involved in education that, while knowledge may be important, there are many factors that are more important in determining the quality of any individual educator.  Do we really want to have a crop of new educators who are entering the profession based on economic criteria?  What will happen when the job market improves, will they stay in education?  Doesn’t this definition of quality feed into the education “reformers” ideas that teaching shouldn’t be a career, but rather a stepping stone to  “better” more “valuable” positions.     

The quality of American teachers seems to be getting better

www.motherjones.com

Another one for the mixed “good” and “bad” category.  The fact that we are continuing to look at the Walker regime’s record of questionable ethics is important.  However, considering the way that the previous John Doe investigation fizzled out, it is difficult to find much hope that more will come of this one.  Anything less than specific charges against Walker will give the Republicans ammunition for their defense of their leader.  They are already calling this a “witch hunt” and trying to reap political capital from the investigation.   

WI Club for Growth, Target of Walker Recall Probe, at Center of Dark Money Web

www.prwatch.org

Appeals Court declines to stop secret probe into campaign fundraising, spending

jsonline.com

Most of us already knew this.

A Nonpartisan Ethics Organization Just Named the Worst Governor in America. The Contest Wasn’t...

blog.workingamerica.org

The economic policies of the Republican Party are geared, not for sustainable economic recovery, but rather for the profit of a small number of citizens.  This fact is clearly demonstrated in economic data, and makes the support of candidates like Walker by working and middle class citizens more troubling.  There is a real need to educate the voters about the economic realities that our society faces before too much more damage is done to our economy and to individuals/families. 

The Middle Class Is Disappearing Despite The Economic Recovery

thinkprogress.org

A Permanent Slump?

www.nytimes.com

The Ugly

Wisconsin’s Supreme Court has been a source of embarrassment for many of us over the past few years.  The elections have been marred by outside money, mudslinging and highly partisan races.  We’ve seen bitter, sometimes physical, confrontations between Justices, and rulings that appear politically, not legally motivated.  Given the highly charged atmosphere in Wisconsin recently, the judicial system needs to be a non-partisan venue where key issues can be debated and neutral and legally consistent decisions can be reached.   

     

A more activist, partisan high court?

host.madison.com

The Supreme Court is currently playing a huge role in the ongoing conflict over Act 10 and the rights of public employees to unionize in the state.  However, given the partisan nature of the current Court, the fairness and even legality of the rulings on this and similar issues will be called into question.  

State high court overturns contempt orders against state labor commissioners

jsonline.com

Why do the Court's rulings matter so much?  Given Act 10's onerous requirements for unions and burdensome regulations the immediate future of unions in Wisconsin hangs in the balance.   

AFSCME Council 24's recertification vote was approved 329-15, but that was not enough to meet the requirements of Scott Walker's Act 10.

2 Wis. unions fail certification elections : Madisondotcom

host.madison.com

This is happening at the time when employees have significant needs for representation in the workplace.

Which Ten Companies Pay Their Employees The Least?

theeverlastinggopstoppers.com

For those who don't understand why derogatory and offensive mascots need to be changed, here's a concrete example.  We can't minimize the pain and suffering that these supposedly harmless symbols cause. 

Alabama School Takes Heat for ‘Trail of Tears’ Banner

indiancountrytodaymedianetwork.com