In the last year, during my first year as President of the Walled Lake Education Association, I can not think of ONE issue we have had to deal with that wasn't in some way connected to decisions made by our State's legislature and governor!
Examples:
The LOSS of funding - 20J and per pupil funding.
RACE TO THE TOP and legislation that is going to change the way you are evaluated and paid.
The 3% TAX you pay above and beyond your regular state taxes.
LAYOFFS due to funding.
CLASS SIZES due to funding!
Giving back pay raises!
Increased health care co-pays!
Fill in the blanks: _____ ______ ______ _____ ______ ______ _____
Thursday, October 28, 2010
A Chance to Win an iPad!!!
Sign up for MEA text messages -- you could win an iPad!
Take a moment to sign up for important text message updates from MEA
-- simply text the letters "MEA" to 69866 and you'll begin receiving messages when we need you to act on behalf of Michigan's public schools, school employees, and students.
Everyone who signs up to receive text messages from MEA before Dec. 1 will be in the running to win a new Apple iPad!
So don't delay -- text "MEA" to 69866 today!
Take a moment to sign up for important text message updates from MEA
-- simply text the letters "MEA" to 69866 and you'll begin receiving messages when we need you to act on behalf of Michigan's public schools, school employees, and students.
Everyone who signs up to receive text messages from MEA before Dec. 1 will be in the running to win a new Apple iPad!
So don't delay -- text "MEA" to 69866 today!
Sunday, October 17, 2010
A former advocate of the No Child Left Behind Act concludes the policy was wrong!
I thought EA Members everywhere might find this interesting!!!!! Just to remind you, Diane Ravitch was the Assistant Secretary of Education during George H.W. Bush's presidency!
FROM: Salon.com - "The Year in Sanity" - This group is "celebrating great acts of clear thinking".
Commentary by Emily Holleman
It's hard to admit you were wrong. It's even harder to admit you were wrong in publicly backing the largest educational reform bill in a generation. So, it's all the more impressive that Diane Ravitch not only acknowledged that she had made a mistake by advocating the No Child Left Behind Act, but also wrote an entire book, "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education," about just how misguided that policy was.
Ravitch, who served as the assistant secretary of education under President George H.W. Bush and became an early and vocal supporter of his son's 2001 plan, made a name for herself touting the conservative pillars of educational reform: choice and testing. As recently as 2005, she praised the No Child Left Behind Act, writing, "All this attention and focus is paying off for younger students, who are reading and solving mathematics problems better than their parents' generation."
But then Ravitch did something few of us ever bother to do -- she researched the issue in depth and came to the realization that her views were incorrect. Earlier this year, Ravitch said on NPR, "I was known as a conservative advocate of many of these policies. But I've looked at the evidence and I've concluded they're wrong. They've put us on the wrong track. I feel passionately about the improvement of public education, and I don't think any of this is going to improve public education."
When she spoke to Salon's Mary Elizabeth Williams in March, Ravitch explained why those appealing ideas of "choice" (vouchers and charter schools) and "standards" (testing) are bad things: "You create a mentality that private education is good, and public education is bad. What's the long-term result? Look at New Orleans, where over 60 percent of the kids are in charter schools. The schools are basically in the hands of private entrepreneurs, who may or may not have the best interests of kids at heart."
By admitting her mistakes and fighting against the now-popular concepts she long championed, Ravitch displays a quality rarely seen in public life: a true dedication to education that trumps allegiance to any particular ideology.
Click on the following phrase to read Ravitch's commentary on NPR and her book:
"The Death and Life of the Great American School System"
FROM: Salon.com - "The Year in Sanity" - This group is "celebrating great acts of clear thinking".
Commentary by Emily Holleman
It's hard to admit you were wrong. It's even harder to admit you were wrong in publicly backing the largest educational reform bill in a generation. So, it's all the more impressive that Diane Ravitch not only acknowledged that she had made a mistake by advocating the No Child Left Behind Act, but also wrote an entire book, "The Death and Life of the Great American School System: How Testing and Choice Are Undermining Education," about just how misguided that policy was.
Ravitch, who served as the assistant secretary of education under President George H.W. Bush and became an early and vocal supporter of his son's 2001 plan, made a name for herself touting the conservative pillars of educational reform: choice and testing. As recently as 2005, she praised the No Child Left Behind Act, writing, "All this attention and focus is paying off for younger students, who are reading and solving mathematics problems better than their parents' generation."
But then Ravitch did something few of us ever bother to do -- she researched the issue in depth and came to the realization that her views were incorrect. Earlier this year, Ravitch said on NPR, "I was known as a conservative advocate of many of these policies. But I've looked at the evidence and I've concluded they're wrong. They've put us on the wrong track. I feel passionately about the improvement of public education, and I don't think any of this is going to improve public education."
When she spoke to Salon's Mary Elizabeth Williams in March, Ravitch explained why those appealing ideas of "choice" (vouchers and charter schools) and "standards" (testing) are bad things: "You create a mentality that private education is good, and public education is bad. What's the long-term result? Look at New Orleans, where over 60 percent of the kids are in charter schools. The schools are basically in the hands of private entrepreneurs, who may or may not have the best interests of kids at heart."
By admitting her mistakes and fighting against the now-popular concepts she long championed, Ravitch displays a quality rarely seen in public life: a true dedication to education that trumps allegiance to any particular ideology.
Click on the following phrase to read Ravitch's commentary on NPR and her book:
"The Death and Life of the Great American School System"
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
"Waiting for Superman" - NEA Response
"Waiting for Superman", the movie, examines the state of education. It is being shown at a special invitation only screening at the Main Art Theater in Royal Oak tonight. It will open to the general public on Friday.
The National Education Association’s reaction to the Film -
Who: This film was made by “Inconvenient Truth” producer Davis Guggenheim. It features footage of NEA President Dennis Van Roekel from NEA’s Representative Assembly, as well as extensive interviews with AFT President Randi Weingarten.
Why: Guggenheim says he made “Waiting for Superman” to encourage the same level of national discourse on public education that “An Inconvenient Truth” generated on climate change. NEA and its state and local affiliates welcome others to the same discussion we’ve been having for years. In an effort to encourage a more thoughtful and thorough discussion, Association leaders have agreed to participate in panel discussions following film screenings.
Thoughts and General Comments from the NEA: ( I will paraphrase the entire report. )
The NEA contends that the film over simplifies complex issues. It lacks depth and factual, research-based analysis. It has also missed the opportunity to shed light on the good that is happening in our public schools. Waiting for Superman says important things about the challenges of public education, but it over simplifieses complicated issues by saying “charters are good” and “teachers unions are bad”. It lumps all schools together. ALL SCHOOLS are NOT the same. Public education is a shared responsibility, but this film is divisive rather than collaborative.
The film glosses over the negative effects of the Bush-era reforms (NCLB), ignoring the impact on students with disabilities and any negative effects of the testing mania. It promotes charter schools as the “silver bullet” to improve public education, even as it admits that only one charter school in five is more effective than a traditional public school.
The NEA says “Waiting for Superman” has SUPER MYTHS:
Super Myth #1: Teacher unions are “bad”, but teachers are “good”. Teacher unions are made up of members who are educators and the film doesn’t interview any superintendents that have a collaborative relationship with their union.
Super Myth #2: Charter Schools are a magic, silver bullet solution. Charter schools are one solution, but schools across the country are benefitting from a range of exciting, new ideas. Rick Hess, education commentator, American Enterprise Institute says, “These flicks accelerate the troubling trend of turning every good idea into a moral crusade, so that retooling K-12 becomes a question of moral rectitude in which we choose sides and “reformers” are supposed to smother questions about policy or practice. They also wildly romanticize charters, charter school teachers, and the kids and families, making it harder to speak honestly or bluntly.”
To read the NEA’s entire reaction to the film, CLICK HERE:
The National Education Association’s reaction to the Film -
Who: This film was made by “Inconvenient Truth” producer Davis Guggenheim. It features footage of NEA President Dennis Van Roekel from NEA’s Representative Assembly, as well as extensive interviews with AFT President Randi Weingarten.
Why: Guggenheim says he made “Waiting for Superman” to encourage the same level of national discourse on public education that “An Inconvenient Truth” generated on climate change. NEA and its state and local affiliates welcome others to the same discussion we’ve been having for years. In an effort to encourage a more thoughtful and thorough discussion, Association leaders have agreed to participate in panel discussions following film screenings.
Thoughts and General Comments from the NEA: ( I will paraphrase the entire report. )
The NEA contends that the film over simplifies complex issues. It lacks depth and factual, research-based analysis. It has also missed the opportunity to shed light on the good that is happening in our public schools. Waiting for Superman says important things about the challenges of public education, but it over simplifieses complicated issues by saying “charters are good” and “teachers unions are bad”. It lumps all schools together. ALL SCHOOLS are NOT the same. Public education is a shared responsibility, but this film is divisive rather than collaborative.
The film glosses over the negative effects of the Bush-era reforms (NCLB), ignoring the impact on students with disabilities and any negative effects of the testing mania. It promotes charter schools as the “silver bullet” to improve public education, even as it admits that only one charter school in five is more effective than a traditional public school.
The NEA says “Waiting for Superman” has SUPER MYTHS:
Super Myth #1: Teacher unions are “bad”, but teachers are “good”. Teacher unions are made up of members who are educators and the film doesn’t interview any superintendents that have a collaborative relationship with their union.
Super Myth #2: Charter Schools are a magic, silver bullet solution. Charter schools are one solution, but schools across the country are benefitting from a range of exciting, new ideas. Rick Hess, education commentator, American Enterprise Institute says, “These flicks accelerate the troubling trend of turning every good idea into a moral crusade, so that retooling K-12 becomes a question of moral rectitude in which we choose sides and “reformers” are supposed to smother questions about policy or practice. They also wildly romanticize charters, charter school teachers, and the kids and families, making it harder to speak honestly or bluntly.”
To read the NEA’s entire reaction to the film, CLICK HERE:
Saturday, September 25, 2010
NEA Town Hall Meeting; Questions for the President and new websites to check out!
I am forwarding you today a message from the NEA regarding a media push that will begin this Sunday and Monday (September 26th & 27th). There are also opportunities to PARTICIPATE in the town hall meeting and submit questions to President Obama. Check out the new connections on Twitter and Facebook!
FROM THE NEA (National Education Association):
We expect a great deal of national focus on education as NBC hosts its Education Nation initiative (www.educationnation.com) across all its properties and Waiting for Superman is released. We appreciate the collaboration with affiliates to challenge wrong ideas. and advance a pro-public education message. Here are just some of the actions underway. And see below how you can join the effort to Speak Up! to make sure your voice and the voices of our members are heard.
· Participate in MSNBC’s virtual Teacher Town Hall on Sunday September 26th from 12 -2p EST To sign up, click on this link - TEACHER TOWN HALL
· Ask President Obama a question about how we can make a great public school for every student on the Today Show Monday, September 27th. To submit a question for President Obama, click on SUBMIT A QUESTION
· Watch President Van Roekel during his LIVE MSNBC interview with Contessa Brewer at noon EST on Monday, September 27
· Watch President Van Roekel during his LIVE CNBC Power Lunch interview at 1:30 pm EST
· Watch President Van Roekel’s panel during Education Nation: 4:45-6 pm EST “Good Apples: How do we keep the good ones, throw out the bad ones and put a new shine on the profession” broadcast LIVE on www.msnbc.com
· Watch President Van Roekel on Monday evening during his 7:30 pm EST LIVE interview on New York’s Evening News with Chuck Scarborough
· Follow us on Twitter and tweet using the hashtag “#stopteacherbashing". Click on NEA TWITTER
· Become a “fan” of Speak up for Education and Kids on Facebook – a community of educators and concerned citizens – now more than 37,000 strong. Click on SPEAK UP FOR EDUCATION AND KIDS ON FACEBOOK
FROM THE NEA (National Education Association):
We expect a great deal of national focus on education as NBC hosts its Education Nation initiative (www.educationnation.com) across all its properties and Waiting for Superman is released. We appreciate the collaboration with affiliates to challenge wrong ideas. and advance a pro-public education message. Here are just some of the actions underway. And see below how you can join the effort to Speak Up! to make sure your voice and the voices of our members are heard.
· Participate in MSNBC’s virtual Teacher Town Hall on Sunday September 26th from 12 -2p EST To sign up, click on this link - TEACHER TOWN HALL
· Ask President Obama a question about how we can make a great public school for every student on the Today Show Monday, September 27th. To submit a question for President Obama, click on SUBMIT A QUESTION
· Watch President Van Roekel during his LIVE MSNBC interview with Contessa Brewer at noon EST on Monday, September 27
· Watch President Van Roekel during his LIVE CNBC Power Lunch interview at 1:30 pm EST
· Watch President Van Roekel’s panel during Education Nation: 4:45-6 pm EST “Good Apples: How do we keep the good ones, throw out the bad ones and put a new shine on the profession” broadcast LIVE on www.msnbc.com
· Watch President Van Roekel on Monday evening during his 7:30 pm EST LIVE interview on New York’s Evening News with Chuck Scarborough
· Follow us on Twitter and tweet using the hashtag “#stopteacherbashing". Click on NEA TWITTER
· Become a “fan” of Speak up for Education and Kids on Facebook – a community of educators and concerned citizens – now more than 37,000 strong. Click on SPEAK UP FOR EDUCATION AND KIDS ON FACEBOOK
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
"Budget Move Shortchanges Our Children"
"Budget Move Shortchanges Our Children" -
The title from today's editorial in the Livingston County Press......Livingston County tends to be pretty conservative and almost wholly Republican (except for a few of us), and THEY even get that the Legislature's and the governor's (notice I don't call her "our" governor anymore) actions were a total disservice to the children in Michigan.
I've reprinted part of the editorial below and have provided a link to the entire editorial at the bottom of today's posting.
"..........If that sounds cynical, then what else to make of the state's so-called budget solution that is crafted by transferring — swiping — $208 million from the state's K-12 education fund?
The only reason the education fund has a surplus is because some state revenue came in higher this year than projected, a rarity in light of the cuts that have been forced on K-12 education funding. Rather than give the money to schools already adjusting to budget restrictions, the state decided to hold on to the surplus to provide a cushion against further cuts as the state's downtrodden economy refuses to recover.
It wasn't a bad idea, until the state's dysfunctional government hijacked the money to help cover up the fact that it has continually failed to effectively balance the state's budget. This, despite the fact that the federal government has poured into state coffers hundreds of millions of dollars that it doesn't have.
Swiping the money from the education fund might even violate the state's constitution, although it is unlikely anyone in Lansing has the backbone to tackle that fight."
For the entire editorial click below:
The entire Livingston County Press Editorial
The title from today's editorial in the Livingston County Press......Livingston County tends to be pretty conservative and almost wholly Republican (except for a few of us), and THEY even get that the Legislature's and the governor's (notice I don't call her "our" governor anymore) actions were a total disservice to the children in Michigan.
I've reprinted part of the editorial below and have provided a link to the entire editorial at the bottom of today's posting.
"..........If that sounds cynical, then what else to make of the state's so-called budget solution that is crafted by transferring — swiping — $208 million from the state's K-12 education fund?
The only reason the education fund has a surplus is because some state revenue came in higher this year than projected, a rarity in light of the cuts that have been forced on K-12 education funding. Rather than give the money to schools already adjusting to budget restrictions, the state decided to hold on to the surplus to provide a cushion against further cuts as the state's downtrodden economy refuses to recover.
It wasn't a bad idea, until the state's dysfunctional government hijacked the money to help cover up the fact that it has continually failed to effectively balance the state's budget. This, despite the fact that the federal government has poured into state coffers hundreds of millions of dollars that it doesn't have.
Swiping the money from the education fund might even violate the state's constitution, although it is unlikely anyone in Lansing has the backbone to tackle that fight."
For the entire editorial click below:
The entire Livingston County Press Editorial
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
On Your Next Pay Check......
As Walled Lake Educators you will be receiving your first paycheck on September 10th, 2010. When you do you will notice the new/additional 3% retirement tax being taken from your pay. It will be listed after the title, “Health Care Fund” at the bottom right corner of your pay stub.
Below is a summary of the MEA’s lawsuit against MPSERS drafted by the MEA general counsel. This was sent today by Lu Battaglieri, the Executive Director of the MEA.
MEA is pursuing a lawsuit challenging the legality of the additional 3% contribution that school employees must make to the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) on wages earned beginning July 1, 2010. This additional contribution, which is going to be used to pay for the retiree health insurance of current retirees, was included in legislation passed earlier this year. The lawsuit, brought by five MEA members in the Michigan Court of Claims, alleges that the legislation breaches contractual rights of school employees and violates various provisions of the Michigan and United States constitutions.
At the beginning of the lawsuit, Court of Claims Judge James Giddings issued a preliminary injunction requiring that MPSERS place the 3% contribution in a separate interest-bearing escrow account and stopping MPSERS from using that money until further order of the court. By issuing the preliminary injunction, the court is ensuring that school employees will be able to receive a refund of the additional 3% contribution, if the lawsuit is ultimately successful.
Both sides agree that the lawsuit does not present factual disputes that would require a trial. On August 26, Judge Giddings heard oral arguments on the case. He will be issuing a written decision on the legal issues raised in the lawsuit. While a decision is pending, MEA is proceeding with the court procedure for having this case certified as a class action lawsuit.
Although a decision from Judge Giddings is expected in the near future, it is also anticipated that the case will be appealed by the losing party, so the case will most likely continue for a considerable period of time.
Below is a summary of the MEA’s lawsuit against MPSERS drafted by the MEA general counsel. This was sent today by Lu Battaglieri, the Executive Director of the MEA.
MEA is pursuing a lawsuit challenging the legality of the additional 3% contribution that school employees must make to the Michigan Public Schools Employees Retirement System (MPSERS) on wages earned beginning July 1, 2010. This additional contribution, which is going to be used to pay for the retiree health insurance of current retirees, was included in legislation passed earlier this year. The lawsuit, brought by five MEA members in the Michigan Court of Claims, alleges that the legislation breaches contractual rights of school employees and violates various provisions of the Michigan and United States constitutions.
At the beginning of the lawsuit, Court of Claims Judge James Giddings issued a preliminary injunction requiring that MPSERS place the 3% contribution in a separate interest-bearing escrow account and stopping MPSERS from using that money until further order of the court. By issuing the preliminary injunction, the court is ensuring that school employees will be able to receive a refund of the additional 3% contribution, if the lawsuit is ultimately successful.
Both sides agree that the lawsuit does not present factual disputes that would require a trial. On August 26, Judge Giddings heard oral arguments on the case. He will be issuing a written decision on the legal issues raised in the lawsuit. While a decision is pending, MEA is proceeding with the court procedure for having this case certified as a class action lawsuit.
Although a decision from Judge Giddings is expected in the near future, it is also anticipated that the case will be appealed by the losing party, so the case will most likely continue for a considerable period of time.
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