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NASSP Reasserts Opposition to Arming Educators in Response to Safety Commission Meeting
National Association of Secondary School Principals August 2, 2018
Contact: Bob Farrace, NASSP Director of Public Affairs farraceb@nassp.org
Reston, VA – NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti issued the following statement in response to the August 1 Federal Commission on School Safety meeting in Arkansas:
“Proposals to arm educators are borne of a desperate concern for the safety of students. As educators in rural Arkansas pointed out yesterday, delayed law-enforcement response to remote areas adds a layer of urgency to the concern. But arming educators is the too-simple default response to a complex issue that will put students at greater risk, not make them safer. “The only gun in a school should be in the hands of a school resource officer (SRO), a law enforcement officer who is highly and specifically trained to work as a member of the school community both to protect the students and educators and contribute to overall school goals. And any policymaker—from Attorney General Jeff Sessions to the local school board—who advocates for arming school officials should both find the will and identify the resources to place an SRO in each school.” The Case Against Arming Teachers: Consider the concrete realities of school shootings. They happen quickly — anywhere from 12 seconds to six minutes in incidents since 1997. We would be asking a teacher to quickly transition to SWAT member, arrive on the scene, assess the situation, overcome the severe nervousness that naturally accompanies a deadly-force incident, and take immediate action before blood is shed—including their own or their students’. Meanwhile, schools would endure the daily risk that accompanies more guns in schools, as evidenced by the 30+ cases of accidental discharge of approved guns in schools since 2014. Not surprisingly, a leading school insurance company was aware of the risk when they refused to cover any Kansas schools that allowed teachers to carry firearms. More broadly, however, the excessive hardening of schools compromises the very purpose of a school. Making the school a fortress only creates a fortress mentality for both teachers and students. Training teachers as SWAT members forces their focus to shift from a student’s potential for achievement to their potential for violence.
https://www.nassp.org/2018/08/02/nassp-reasserts-opposition-to-arming-educators-in-response-to-safety-commission-meeting/
How much do Pennsylvania educators get paid? Search teacher salaries for 2017-18
Ed Mahon, York Daily Record 2:16 p.m. ET Aug. 2, 2018 | Updated 3:20 p.m. ET Aug. 2, 2018
The Pennsylvania Department of Education keeps a database of educators' salaries around the state. The searchable data above is for the 2017-18 school year, the most recent available. The salary numbers reported are only base salary, excluding any additional duties, PDE said. The numbers don't represent take-home pay, because the amounts teachers pay for health care or other benefits would still be subtracted. If you believe there is an error in the data, please email news@ydr.com. Important to know:
·
The database
includes classroom teachers as well as administrators.
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Some names might
appear more than once, if that person splits time between multiple duties. The
salary listed for those entries is the total earned, according to the education
department.
·
If the search
widget does not appear at the top of this page, hit the refresh button. (If you
don't get the search widget to load or have problems, click here to go directly to the search page.)
https://www.ydr.com/story/news/2018/08/02/pennsylvania-teacher-salaries-2017-18-see-what-educators-paid/825022002/LNP's journalists are part of the community and are committed to the truth
Lancaster Online by THE LNP EDITORIAL BOARD Aug 1, 2018
THE ISSUE: President Donald Trump fired off a series of tweets Sunday blasting the media for what he called their “Trump Derangement Syndrome.” He said the media, in revealing “internal deliberations of our government,” put the lives of Americans at risk. He called the media “Very unpatriotic!” and said, “Freedom of the press also comes with a responsibility to report the news accurately.” He asserted that most of the media coverage of his administration is negative, and said: “I will not allow our great country to be sold out by anti-Trump haters in the dying newspaper industry.” We agree with one thing the president said in his Sunday tweets: Freedom of the press does indeed come with a responsibility to report the news accurately. We take that responsibility very seriously. When we make a mistake, we publish a correction. This isn’t an easy thing to do, and when LNP staff members have to do it, many of us lose sleep over it. We’re deeply upset when we get something wrong. Getting at the truth is what drives journalists. It’s the very reason journalism exists. The press is meant to be the watchdog of government — at all levels, from municipal to federal. The First Amendment strictly forbids the government from seeking to interfere in the exercise of that role. These terms — the press, the media — tend to get bandied around. We’d like to make a few necessary distinctions.
https://lancasteronline.com/opinion/editorials/lnp-s-journalists-are-part-of-the-community-and-are/article_8ab915ec-950d-11e8-ba2b-c367b784ec86.html
EDUCATING OUT LOUD
ENHANCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT THROUGH INTERACTIVE READING.
Published July 30, 2018 by Kiwanis Magazine Words Julie Saetre
As a pediatrician, Dr. Perri Klass has long been attuned to the medical needs of children. So it’s not surprising that when she learned about the important role reading aloud to children plays in their brain development, she found a way to use her area of expertise to help kids develop strong minds as well as healthy bodies. Klass is national medical director for Reach Out and Read, a nonprofit launched by Boston Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts, nearly three decades ago. Reach Out and Read uses pediatric well-visit appointments as a means to ensure that children have access to books and that parents know how to help those books make the most impact. “One very important part of that,” Klass says, “is to send (children) into preschool and the early grades of school as children who know books, who’ve been read to, who’ve read with adults.” That’s because reading to a child does far more than provide a way for a busy parent to find a moment of seated peace in the midst of a chaotic day of play. It turns out that reading sessions done early and often give that child a big boost in the skills needed to succeed in school and at life.
https://kiwanismagazine.org/2018/07/30/educating-out-loud/
Reach Out and Read Website
Reach Out and Read gives young children a foundation for success by incorporating books into pediatric care and encouraging families to read aloud together.
http://www.reachoutandread.org/our-story/why-reach-out-and-read/
Are girls’ sports being shortchanged in Philly schools?
A legendary coach questions Title IX compliance.
The notebook by Hannah Melville August 2 — 4:02 pm, 2018
At the first meeting of the new Philadelphia Board of Education, Dr. Lurline Jones was one of 41 names on the speaker’s list. She introduced herself as the “champion of girls’ sports,” referring to her 42 years in the District, during which she earned a 647-202 record as a basketball coach, primarily at University City High School. More than a decade after her retirement, she has continued her advocacy. During her three-minute allotted speaking time, Jones outlined a variety of problems with Title IX – the federal provision requiring equity in boys’ and girls’ sports – that have persisted in the District and in Philadelphia over the years. In 1979, just seven years after Title IX passed, Jones filed a lawsuit against the District because the city did not have a title game for girls’ basketball. To avoid a court mandate, the powers-that-be at the time eliminated the boys’ championship game (the Catholic League vs. the Public League) rather than add a girls’ game. Jones acknowledged the progress that the District has made since then, but voiced extreme frustration with disparities that, she said, still exist.
http://thenotebook.org/articles/2018/08/02/are-girls-sports-being-shortchanged-in-philly-schools/
Is LeBron James' New School Really the First of Its Kind?
Education Week Charters & Choice Blog By Arianna Prothero on August 2, 2018 1:05 PM
The opening of LeBron James' public school in Akron, Ohio, has lots of people in education circles swooning. The school in the the NBA star's hometown has been described in national media as daring, cutting-edge, and the first of its kind. But is the school, spearheaded by the NBA titan to serve at-risk students with a STEM-focused curriculum and extensive wrap-around services, really unlike any other school? Its principal, Brandi Davis, thinks so. As she told NPR: "[T]he I Promise School is unique because not only are we a STEM-designated school by the state of Ohio, but we have trauma-informed support because we are truly into educating the entire child, the whole child, focusing not just on their academics, but also on their social, emotional needs, as well. And then I feel the missing link in public education is family wraparound support." Advocates of traditional public schools are cheering the fact that the new school is part of Akron Public Schools, and not an independent charter. "LeBron James could have followed the well-worn path of other celebrities by putting money into a charter school," wrote Diane Ravitch, an education historian and staunch advocate of traditional schools, on her blog. "But, no, he partnered with the Akron public schools to open a public school. Good on LeBron!"
http://blogs.edweek.org/edweek/charterschoice/2018/08/is_lebron_james_new_i_promise_school_really_the_first_of_its_kind.html?cmp=eml-enl-eu-news2&M=58567714&U=113180
700,000 English-Language Learners Have a Disability. We Have to Do Better by Them
Teachers should focus on ELL students' strengths, not their deficits
Education Week Commentary By Rochelle Verstaendig August 1, 2018
A Pakistani 2nd grader with dyslexia, a South American girl suffering from a benign brain tumor, and a Japanese teenager experiencing symptoms of attention deficit disorder might not have a lot in common at first glance. However, they are all English-language learners who have also been identified as having an intellectual, psychological, or physical disability. I have taught students much like these—and countless others—during my 28 years as an English-as-a-new-language teacher in New York. Recent figures from the National Center for Educational Statistics indicate that more than 700,000 English-language learners with disabilities are currently enrolled in the nation’s public elementary and secondary schools. This comprises 14.7 percent of the total ELL population in U.S. public schools. Throughout my career, I have taught countless students who have struggled to overcome their learning differences, while also trying to learn English and master the content in their academic subjects. Many of these students have surprised their parents, teachers, and administrators by achieving success despite formidable odds. Despite their obstacles, English-language learners with disabilities can thrive with the help of specific teaching strategies. Teachers must also adopt a positive attitude to help ELLs with disabilities reach their full potential.
https://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2018/08/01/700000-english-language-learners-have-a-disability-we.html
DeVos Family Money Is All Over The News Right Now
NPR by ANYA KAMENETZ August 2, 20186:01 AM ET
From the policy of separating immigrant families, to limiting the power of labor unions, to naming the next justice of the U.S. Supreme Court, this summer the DeVos family name has been all over the news. Over the years, the parents, in-laws and husband of U.S. Education Secretary Betsy DeVos have given hundreds of millions of dollars to conservative causes. And many of those causes are front and center of policy initiatives and goals of the Trump administration right now. Those foundations include: the Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation (founded by the education secretary and her husband); the DeVos Urban Leadership Initiative (formerly the Richard and Helen DeVos Foundation), founded by Betsy DeVos' in-laws; and the Edgar and Elsa Prince Foundation, founded by her parents. Betsy and Dick DeVos support free-market conservative organizations "because of their mainstream, common commitment to freedom, the most universal civil liberty," said Greg McNeilly of the Windquest investment group, one of the family's for-profit financial holdings, in response to inquiries about Betsy DeVos' giving. "This commitment to protecting and promoting freedom is an animating core of their worldview."
https://www.npr.org/2018/08/02/630112697/devos-family-money-is-all-over-the-news-right-now?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter
More Schools Are Buying ‘Active-Shooter’ Insurance Policies
Districts are buying the coverage, also called “active-assailant” insurance, for legal costs and other expenses in the event of a shooting
Wall Street Journal By Tawnell D. Hobbs Aug. 2, 2018 5:30 a.m. ET
School administrators consider the likelihood of a shooting real enough that some districts are buying active-shooter insurance. The coverage, also called “active-assailant” insurance, gained traction in the past year, following several mass shootings. Schools use it in hopes of avoiding litigation and offsetting costs for counseling services, crisis management and added security after an attack. “It at least gives us some peace of mind that, in the event of horrible tragedy, we can begin to put things in place,” said Lance Erlwein, treasurer of Belpre City Schools, a district of 1,000 students in southeastern Ohio, which purchased a plan last year that includes a $25,000 death benefit per victim and trauma counseling. “Fifteen years ago who would have ever thought you would need something like this. It’s awful that schools have become the target.” After a mass shooting at a school, it isn’t unusual for victims and grieving family members to file lawsuits against a school district alleging negligence, including for matters such as failing to provide adequate security or missing warning signs of a would-be-shooter.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/more-schools-are-buying-active-shooter-insurance-policies-1533202200?mod=e2tw
“The inflammatory performance came just hours after White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders refused to distance herself from Trump’s previous assertions that the media is the “enemy” of the American people. Pressed during a White House briefing on the issue, Sanders said Trump “has made his position known.” In a heated exchange with reporters, she recited a litany of complaints against the press and blamed the media for inflaming tensions in the country.”
Trump trashes media as 'fake, fake disgusting news' at rally
Trib Live by THE ASSOCIATED PRESS | Thursday, Aug. 2, 2018, 9:18 p.m.
WILKES-BARRE, Pa. — Thundering that the media is the “fake, fake disgusting news,” President Trump unleashed a torrent of grievances Thursday at a Pennsylvania campaign rally in which he cast journalists as his true political opponent. Trump barnstormed in a state that he swiped from the Democrats in 2016 and that is home to a Senate seat he is trying to place in the Republicans’ column this fall. But the race between GOP U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta and two-term incumbent Democratic Sen. Bob Casey took a back seat to Trump’s invectives against the media, which came amid a backdrop of antagonism to journalists from the White House and hostility from the thousands packed into a loud, overheated Wilkes-Barre arena. “Whatever happened to the free press? Whatever happened to honest reporting?” Trump asked, pointing to the media in the back of the hall. “They don’t report it. They only make up stories.” Time and time again, Trump denounced the press for underselling his accomplishments and doubting his political rise.
https://triblive.com/politics/politicalheadlines/13932656-74/trump-trashes-media-as-fake-fake-disgusting-news-at-rally
PSBA Officer Elections: Slate of Candidates
PSBA members seeking election to office for the association were required to submit a nomination form no later than June 1, 2018, to be considered. All candidates who properly completed applications by the deadline are included on the slate of candidates below. In addition, the Leadership Development Committee met on June 17 at PSBA headquarters in Mechanicsburg to interview candidates. According to bylaws, the Leadership Development Committee may determine candidates highly qualified for the office they seek. This is noted next to each person's name with an asterisk (*). Voting procedure: Each school entity will have one vote for each officer. This will require boards of the various school entities to come to a consensus on each candidate and cast their vote electronically during the open voting period (Aug. 24-Oct. 11, 2018). Voting will be accomplished through a secure third-party, web-based voting site that will require a password login. One person from each member school entity will be authorized as the official person to register the vote on behalf of his or her school entity. In the case of school districts, it will be the board secretary who will cast votes on behalf of the school board. A full packet of instructions and a printed slate will be sent to authorized vote registrars the week of August 7. Special note: Boards should be sure to add discussion and voting on candidates to their agenda during one of their meetings in August, September or October before the open voting period ends.
https://www.psba.org/2018/07/psba-officer-elections-slate-candidates/
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.
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.
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