Confusion Over State Budget and Race to the Top Funding
How will the state will reconcile the budget bill’s wording and Race to the Top's (RttT) requirements so that RttT funds are not sacrificed — particularly if SB 5 is not repealed? As it stands, OEA...
View ArticleMore Than Just a History Lesson
Many of our students do not know life as it was before 9/11. September 11th is a day that they’ve heard about but neither remember nor fully understand. Because 9/11 falls on a Sunday, you will need to...
View ArticleBanned Books Week: Celebrate the Right to Read
Judith Krug2011 © American Library Association Another school year has begun and before you know it will be time to celebrate Banned Books Week (BBW), Sept 24-Oct 1. BBW was started in 1982 by American...
View ArticleCollective bargaining is democracy for educators!
Debate is good—it often yields innovation. Debate is the cornerstone of an educated modern society. Collective bargaining is just that—a debate. Collective bargaining allows educators to have a...
View ArticleStand up for students and public education
For three decades, I worked in public education—dedicated to making a difference in the lives of my students. As a 30-year classroom veteran, I know what it takes to help our children achieve and...
View ArticleSchools too quick to cut fine arts courses
In tough economic times, fine arts education courses are among the first on the chopping block. For some of my at-risk students, the arts sometimes are the sole reason they come to school. My students...
View ArticleEarly Literacy: Making It Happen
There is no doubt that literacy is important in today’s world, yet we still live in a nation where more than 20 percent of adults read below a fifth grade level. The statistics in our correctional...
View ArticleMentorvention and Student Success
Despite the attacks on public education over the past year, teachers are still as committed as ever to helping all their students succeed. Read how one teachers shows his commitment through his lessons...
View ArticleLow Morale Equals Early Retirement for Some
Thirty two of my colleagues will box up their personal items this June. Even though Issue 2 was defeated, the toll it has taken on teachers is evident. We get into the profession because of the noble...
View ArticleThe Puppet Masters
ALEC, which stands for American Legislative Exchange Council, is the most influential corporate-funded political force operating in America today, one that has worked to dilute collective bargaining...
View ArticleReport uncovers underperforming virtual schools
There has been a significant shift toward expanding online schooling and modifying existing regulations, and the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) has played a major role in this effort....
View ArticleThe Education Spring
Earlier this month I traveled to Austin, Texas for the Network for Public Education (NPE) National Conference. Spring was definitely in the air in Austin, but it had less to do with the weather than...
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