Daily postings from the Keystone State Education Coalition now
reach more than 4050 Pennsylvania education policymakers – school directors,
administrators, legislators, legislative and congressional staffers, Governor's
staff, current/former PA Secretaries of Education, Wolf education transition
team members, superintendents, school solicitors, principals, charter school
leaders, PTO/PTA officers, parent advocates, teacher leaders, business leaders,
faith-based organizations, labor organizations, education professors, members
of the press and a broad array of P-16 regulatory agencies, professional
associations and education advocacy organizations via emails, website,
Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn.
These daily emails are archived and searchable at http://keystonestateeducationcoalition.org
Follow us on Twitter at @lfeinberg
Judges revise ruling, still side with Boyertown school bathroom policy
Delco Times POSTED: 07/27/18, 4:29 AM EDT | UPDATED: 10 SECS AGO
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A federal appeals court denied a request Thursday for a full court to rehear a challenge to a Pennsylvania school district’s policy allowing transgender students to use bathrooms and locker rooms that correspond with their sexual identity. A three-judge panel of the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia ruled in May that the Boyertown School District, about 45 miles (72 kilometers) northeast of Philadelphia, could continue to allow transgender students the choice of what facilities to use. The students arguing against the policy said allowing transgender students to use the same facilities violated their right to privacy. The 12 justices said Thursday that they supported the decision of the three-judge panel that the policy did not violate the students’ right to privacy, but several justices argued the panel’s opinion should not have delved into whether Title IX would constitutionally require the district to maintain its current policy. The three-judge panel vacated its previous decision and replaced it with an opinion that still discussed Title IX but toned down its reliance on the law for the opinion.
http://www.delcotimes.com/general-news/20180727/judges-revise-ruling-still-side-with-boyertown-school-bathroom-policy
Philadelphia school principals roundtable
WHYY Radio Times Air Date: July 26, 2018 Listen 48:57
Guests: Richard Gordon, Jeannine Payne, Jodan Floyd
What makes an excellent principal? Today we’re going to host a roundtable of school principals in Philadelphia to hear about their schools, their management styles, and how to keep students engaged and learning. RICHARD GORDON is principal at Paul Robeson High School, and was named national top administrator by Education Drive journal for his work changing a troubled school into a thriving one. JEANNINE PAYNE, principal of Richard Wright Elementary School, won a 2017 Lindback award for Distinguished Principal Leadership. JODAN FLOYD, principal of AMY Northwest Middle School, who was also awarded with a Lindback Award.
https://whyy.org/episodes/philadelphia-school-principals-roundtable/
REPORT: SUPPORTING EARLY READERS
A Scan of K-3 Literacy Practices in Philadelphia Charter Schools
Philadelphia Education Research Consortium
Authors: Rachel Comly, Ryan Fink, Monica Mielke, and Adrianne Flack • July 2018
Summary: In Philadelphia, civic and education leaders have identified early literacy programming as critical for overall education improvement. Charter schools enroll about one third of all public school students in Philadelphia. This study seeks to understand how Philadelphia charter schools support their early readers and writers, in order to contribute to knowledge-sharing across schools and identify areas for investment. Researchers invited Philadelphia charter schools and charter management organizations serving kindergarten to third grade students to identify a single representative to participate in a 30- minute interview. We interviewed 38 school representatives and charter management organization (CMO) leaders about K-3 literacy practices in their school(s). We asked these school representatives to describe their literacy programming, the strengths and challenges of their chosen program, and the additional resources that would most help their school’s literacy program. These representatives may not have listed all of their literacy practices within the interviews, and the interviews do not provide full evidence of the practices as they are implemented. However, findings from these interviews provide a view of the landscape of early literacy instructional practices in Philadelphia charter schools.
http://files.constantcontact.com/f7d1e6c8101/b277d937-8188-4db1-870c-97b81bfc71cf.pdf
This teacher is staying in his job, after all | Opinion
by Quamiir Trice, For the Inquirer Updated: JULY 26, 2018 — 12:38 PM EDT
“A former drug dealer made good and became a Philly teacher. So why is he thinking of leaving the profession?” This was the headline of a recent article featuring me in the Philadelphia Inquirer. While the headline surprised me, (I wondered why I was still being referred to as a former drug dealer), I kept reading. After a few paragraphs, it became clear to me that one could be led to think that I up and decided to quit teaching after my first year because it was just too hard. These few sentences really jumped out at me. “Despite the frustrations, he loves teaching. But, he’s not sure about the nation’s public education system in its current form. So, like scores of first-year teachers, Trice is mulling plan B; he’s decided to go to law school in 2019. And instead of being a shining example of a step in the right direction for the school system, he’s headed toward becoming emblematic of a long, worrisome trend.” My phone was really blowing up at this point. What was worrisome for me is that my friends, colleagues, and likely complete strangers were left wondering how I could have let my first year of teaching get me down so much that I suddenly decided not to return next year. What they didn’t understand is that attending law school has always been part of my plan. And when I was asked what my plans were for the fall, I thought it best to be honest about that. I just felt now would be the best time to pursue it.
http://www.philly.com/philly/opinion/commentary/this-teacher-is-staying-in-his-job-after-all-opinion-20180726.html
Possible key to black boys' academic success: Hire black men as elementary school teachers
Ted Gregory Contact Reporter Chicago Tribune July 25, 2018
Near the end of his freshman year at the University of Illinois at Chicago, Ja’Waun Williams heard that a dean there had been a member of the fraternity Williams was pledging. After bonding over their shared affection for Alpha Phi Alpha, Dean Alfred Tatum persuaded Williams to shift his academic focus. Instead of preparing to teach high school math, Tatum suggested, why not major in urban elementary education? Modest as it may seem, that change is an example of what supporters say could help solve daunting challenges confronting African-American students, particularly boys, across the country. Spurred by Tatum, UIC’s dean of the College of Education, the school aims to invest about $1 million in an initiative to recruit and train male elementary education majors of color, similar to how universities recruit and train star athletes. “I felt that it was great that they were pinpointing that demographic,” said Williams, a 19-year-old Chicagoan and graduate of Hillcrest High School in Country Club Hills. “It’s amazing. There’s definitely a need for them.” Nationwide, 2 percent of public school teachers are African-American males and 2 percent are Hispanic males, while students of color make up about half the nation’s public school enrollment from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade, according to the U.S. Department of Education.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-met-recruiting-male-black-elementary-teachers-20180724-story.html
Black teachers leave schools at higher rates — but why?
Chalkbeat BY MATT BARNUM July 25, 2018
In recent years, there’s been an increased push to get more teachers of color into the classroom, often highlighting large gaps between student and teacher demographics National data shows the problem isn’t just recruiting those teachers, but retaining them as well. Now a new paper offers a detailed look at the reasons why in one state, and hints at potential solutions. That’s important because a spate of recent research has linked teachers of color to better outcomes for students of color; some advocates point to inherent and democratic benefits for all students of a more diverse teaching profession. “With the increasing diversity of student populations and a societal striving to achieve educational equity, the issue of developing a diverse and effective teaching workforce remains urgent and pressing,” writes researcher Min Sun of the University of Washington. Sun’s paper, published in the peer-reviewed journal AERA Open, uses detailed data from 2004 to 2015 to focus on black teachers in North Carolina. First, the study documents higher turnover rates — meaning leaving one’s school either for a different one or departing teaching altogether — among black North Carolina teachers. The gap was around four percentage points, although it fluctuated somewhat between years and grade levels. In a given year, about 12 percent of black teachers left public school teaching in North Carolina, compared to 10 percent of white teachers. Another 10 percent of black teachers switched between schools; eight percent of white teachers did. National data points to a somewhat larger overall turnover disparity of about seven percentage points between black and white teachers (22 versus 15 percent, respectively).
https://www.chalkbeat.org/posts/us/2018/07/25/black-teachers-leave-schools-at-higher-rates-but-why/
“There's nothing in state law that requires candidates to release their tax returns. But for the last two decades, gubernatorial candidates of both parties, recognizing the importance of the gesture, have made their returns public.”
GOP governor candidate Scott Wagner should release his tax returns | Editorial
By PennLive Editorial Board penned@pennlive.com July 26, 2018
In his campaign ads, Republican governor candidate Scott Wagner likes to brag about his skills as a businessman and his ability to stretch a buck. And he's vowed to bring that same kind of financial acumen to state government if voters elect him in November. But Wagner owes Pennsylvanians more than just asking them to take his word for it. One of the surest ways voters can ascertain Wagner's ability to manage a $32 billion state government is to open his tax returns to public inspection - something he has, unfortunately, declined to do so far. If Wagner can adequately manage his own finances - something his tax returns would make clear by showing that he's paid his taxes on time - then perhaps voters could rest easier with him at the helm. But that's not what he's doing. And he should. Let's be clear:
https://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2018/07/scott_wagner_should_release_hi.html#incart_river_index
Trump School Safety Commission Explores Privacy Laws, School Resource Officers
Education Week Politics K12 Blog By Alyson Klein on July 26, 2018 5:26 PM
Educators' fear of overstepping federal student privacy laws can make it tougher for law enforcement and schools to share information that could prevent a potential school shooting, advocates told President Donald Trump's School Safety Commission at the panel's latest hearing, held in Washington on Thursday. Clarence Cox III, the president of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Officers, told the commission that fear of overstepping privacy laws can be impediment to information sharing. "For law enforcement, this is one of the greatest hindrances facing intelligence gathering," he said. And Francisco Negrón, the chief legal officer at the National School Boards Association, argued that local districts would benefit from being able to use their discretion in deciding when to share information. "Collaboration and communication with local law enforcement agencies is an essential part of these efforts. That is why school boards would benefit from eliminating barriers that hinder the collaboration of agencies providing services to children," Negrón said. He added that: "Local educators know and care about their students and their school communities. They know the school climate, community concerns, the history of student interactions, and their needs. They are in a unique position to share information when necessary to maintain a safe school environment."
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/campaign-k-12/2018/07/trump_safety_privacy_commission_school_resource_officers.html
Become a PSBA Advocacy Ambassador
PSBA Website July 18, 2018
PSBA is seeking applications for three open Advocacy Ambassador positions. This is a part-time, 9-month (September 2018-May 2019) independent contractor position with a monthly stipend and potential renewal for a second year. The individuals should have previous experience in day-to-day functions of a school district — on the school board or in a school leadership position. The purpose of the PSBA Advocacy Ambassador program is to facilitate the education and engagement of local school directors and public education stakeholders. Each Advocacy Ambassador will be an active leader in an assigned section of the state and is kept up to date on current legislation and PSBA positions based on the association’s Legislative Platform and Priority Issues to accomplish advocacy goals. The current open positions are for PSBA Section 1; Sections 3 and 4; and Section 8. (see map). Advocacy Ambassadors are independent contractors who serve as liaisons between PSBA and their state legislators, and who also work with local school officials in their section to advance PSBA’s public education advocacy mission. To complete the application process and upload required documents go to PSBA’s Career Gateway to create an account and apply. Career Gateway questions can be directed to Michelle Kunkel at 717-506-2450, x-3365. Questions and information regarding the specific duties of the Advocacy Ambassador position should be directed to Jamie Zuvich at 717-506-2450, x-3375. The deadline to submit cover letter, resume and application is August 10, 2018.
All other required documents must be submitted upon successful application.
https://www.psba.org/2018/07/become-an-advocacy-ambassador/
Apply Now for EPLC's 2018-2019 PA Education Policy Fellowship Program!
Applications are available now for the 2018-2019 Education Policy Fellowship Program (EPFP). The Education Policy Fellowship Program is sponsored in Pennsylvania by The Education Policy and Leadership Center (EPLC).
With more than 500 graduates in its first eighteen years, this Program is a premier professional development opportunity for educators, state and local policymakers, advocates, and community leaders. State Board of Accountancy (SBA) credits are available to certified public accountants.
Past participants include state policymakers, district superintendents and principals, school business officers, school board members, education deans/chairs, statewide association leaders, parent leaders, education advocates, and other education and community leaders. Fellows are typically sponsored by their employer or another organization. The Fellowship Program begins with a two-day retreat on September 13-14, 2018 and continues to graduation in June 2019.
Applications are being accepted now.
Click here to read more about the Education Policy Fellowship Program.
The application may be copied from the EPLC web site, but must be submitted by mail or scanned and e-mailed, with the necessary signatures of applicant and sponsor.
If you would like to discuss any aspect of the Fellowship Program and its requirements, please contact EPLC Executive Director Ron Cowell at 717-260-9900 or cowell@eplc.org.
SAVE THE DATE for the 2018
PA Educational Leadership Summit - July 29-31 - State College, PA sponsored by
the PA Principals Association, PASA, PAMLE and PASCD.
This year's Summit will be held from July 29-31, 2018 at the Penn Stater
Conference Center Hotel, State College, PA.
2nd Annual National Black Male Educators Convening, Oct. 12-14,
Philly
Teacher diversity works. Increasing the number of Black
male educators in our nation’s teacher corps will improve education for all our
students, especially for African-American boys.Today Black men represent only
two percent of teachers nationwide. This is a national problem that demands a
national response. Come participate in the 2nd National Black Male Educators
Convening to advance policy solutions, learn from one another, and fight for
social justice. All are welcome. Register to attend. Nominate a speaker.
Propose a workshop. Sponsor the event.
Save the Dates PASA/PSBA School Leadership Conference –
Hershey, Oct. 17-19, 2018
Mark your calendar! The Delegate Assembly will take place Friday, Oct. 19, 2018, at 2:30 p.m.
Housing now open!
Housing now open!
“Not only do we have a superstar lineup of keynote speakers including Diane Ravitch, Jesse Hagopian, Pasi Sahlberg, Derrick Johnson and Helen Gym, but there will be countless sessions to choose from on the issues you care about the most. We will cover all bases from testing, charters, vouchers and school funding, to issues of student privacy and social justice in schools.”
Our Public Schools Our Democracy: Our Fight for the Future
NPE / NPE Action 5th Annual National Conference
October 20th - 21st, 2018 Indianapolis, Indiana
We are delighted to let you know that you can purchase your discounted Early Bird ticket to register for our annual conference starting today. Purchase your ticket here.
Early Bird tickets will be on sale until May 30 or until all are sold out, so don't wait. These tickets are a great price--$135. Not only do they offer conference admission, they also include breakfast and lunch on Saturday, and brunch on Sunday. Please don't forget to register for your hotel room. We have secured discounted rates on a limited basis. You can find that link here. Finally, if you require additional financial support to attend, we do offer some scholarships based on need. Go here and fill in an application. We will get back to you as soon as we can. Please join us in Indianapolis as we fight for the public schools that our children and communities deserve. Don't forget to get your Early Bird ticket here. We can't wait to see you.
Any comments contained herein are my comments, alone, and
do not necessarily reflect the opinions of any other person or organization
that I may be affiliated with.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.