Tuesday, May 3, 2011

Less than 8% of SB1 vouchers expected to go to “poor kids in 144 failing schools”

Less than 8% of SB1 vouchers expected to go to "poor kids in 144 failing schools"
Letter faxed to all members of the General Assembly today.
Despite continuing statements in the press by Senate leadership to the contrary (see next post), SB1 is no longer a bill about poor kids trapped in violent or failing schools.  It is a bill that will use public money to pay tuition for middle class children who are already attending private or parochial schools.  See the attached analysis of the SB1 Fiscal Note prepared by the Education Law Center – less than 8% of all vouchers are expected to go to kids from those 144 "failing schools".

Pittsburgh's NPR STATION WDUQ MONDAY, MAY 2, 2011

Adjustments to Vouchers Measure

Pennsylvania Senate Republicans and Governor Tom Corbett have agreed on a framework for a school vouchers bill. The understanding, reached earlier this week, puts the GOP priority back on track for a spring vote.  "The changes have more to do with the timing and the method of expression of the cap on spending in some of the out years," said Pileggi. "But the basic structure of the bill remains intact. It is a bill that's designed to help poor kids trapped in persistently failing schools."

The Shock Doctrine Case Study: Pennsylvania Public Schools

Huffington Post 05/ 2/11 01:52 PM ET
Head of the Division of Education, Human Development and Social Sciences, Penn State Altoona
In The Shock Doctrine, Naomi Klein pushes the concept of how the public can be manipulated during times of catastrophe or perceived crisis. Lately, it has been argued that the "financial crisis" is being used by market-driven reformers to undermine the public services sector. Specifically, if we look at public education, lawmakers are explicitly telling public schools that they will need to deal with less in the future because of state budget deficits.

Published Online: May 2, 2011
EDUCATION WEEK COMMENTARY

An Open Letter From Arne Duncan to America's Teachers

In Honor of Teacher Appreciation Week

By Arne Duncan
I have worked in education for much of my life. I have met with thousands of teachers in great schools and struggling schools, in big cities and small towns, and I have a deep and genuine appreciation for the work you do. I know that most teachers did not enter the profession for the money. You became teachers to make a difference in the lives of children, and for the hard work you do each day, you deserve to be respected, valued, and supported.

Concerned about the Education Budget? Let Governor Corbett Know
Governor Tom Corbett Phone: 717-787-2500, Fax: 717-772-8284, Email: governor@state.pa.us



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