Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Is all "reform" good?

Reform is the new "it" word in education, but is all reform good? It is important to stay up to date about the different reform ideas and how they may actually affect your child's education. The following articles talk about some of the problems/issues with different reform ideas. Check them out.

How Finland emerged from recession with the best education system in Europe, The Irish Times, March 1, 2011
One of the big ideas in reform is to emulate Finland. However, Dr. Pasi Sahlberg, a senior education consultant to the Finnish Government, points out that, "Finland has not employed any of the market-based educational reform ideas in the ways that they have been accepted within education policies of many other nations, United States and England among them. By contrast, a typical feature of teaching and learning in Finland is high confidence in teachers and principals as respected professionals."
Read More>>


There Are No Silver-Bullets in Education Reform, Forbes, February 28, 2011
E.D. Kain discusses the reform efforts led by Michelle Rhee in Washington, D.C., the impact of the Gates and Broad foundations and teacher assessments. Kain concludes that, "[t]he accountability movement has shifted the focus away from American ingenuity and creativity in favor of strict testing regimes in an attempt to compete with Japan and Finland."
Read More>>


Finally there are two pieces by Diane Ravitch,
Why America's teachers are enraged, CNN, February 20, 2011 and
Ravitch:'A moment of national insanity', The Washington Post, March 1, 2011
In the articles Ravitch discusses the "corporate" reform movement and its untested ideas. She also laments the organized attacks against teachers in the name of reform.
Read more CNN>>
Read more Washington Post>>
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A Message for Teachers from Jon Stewart

The Daily Show With Jon StewartMon - Thurs 11p / 10c
Crisis in Dairyland - Message for Teachers
www.thedailyshow.com
Daily Show Full EpisodesPolitical Humor & Satire BlogThe Daily Show on Facebook
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Brewer Discusses $500 Million Tax Cut Deal on Sunday Square Off

Governor Jan Brewer appeared on Phoenix Channel 12's "Sunday Square Off" to discuss the tax cuts for businesses she signed into law last week.

Governor Brewer called the legislature into special session to vote on and pass a $500 million tax cut package. It isn't clear how soon, if ever, businesses and jobs will return to Arizona as a result, nor how education and vital state programs will be sustained after punching such a substantial hole into the state's already depleted revenue collections.

When asked by commentator Brahm Resnik if it was fair for businesses to get this large tax cut package when universities and patients on AHCCCS are left to face further cuts in funding, Governor Brewer replied, "Absolutely. Absolutely."

Why?

According to Governor Brewer, "It's the business that drives the economy." Not education. Not patients.

Watch below:

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Civility Breaks Out In Tucson

The cause of civility is being advanced in Tucson, Arizona.

Today, the University of Arizona announced that Presidents George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton will co-chair a new National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona.  According to a press release by the University of Arizona,
One of the key goals for the institute is to connect people with diverse viewpoints and to offer a venue for vigorous and respectful debate. Among the institute's first events will be an executive forum with media, foundation, academic, government and corporate leaders regarding moving forward the national conversation about civil discourse and proceeding with constructive solutions.

Last week, Gabrielle Gifford's aid Ron Barber announced the formation of The Fund for Civility, Respect, and Understanding.  The Community Foundation for Southern Arizona, which will administer the fund announced that,
The fund, created by the Barber family, will support nonprofit programs or organizations that work to heal the wounds inflicted on January 8, 2011. It will honor those who lost their lives or were injured that day, and will pay tribute to the first responders, citizens and medical personnel who came to their aid. The fund will support nonprofit activities in public schools, faith communities, and mental health. Concerts will play an important role in building the fund and in healing and unifying our community.
An all star fundraising concert, featuring  Jackson Browne, Alice Cooper, and many other musical acts will kick off the fund on March 10, 2011.  Tickets are on now sale at Ticketmaster.

To read more about The National Institute for Civil Discourse and The Fund for Civility, Respect, and Understanding, see below:

Bush, Clinton to Chair New National Institute for Civil Discourse at the University of Arizona, UANEWS, 2/21/11.

University of Arizona Sets Up Civility Institute, New York Times, 2/21/11.

The National Institute for Civil Discourse Website

The Fund for Civility, Respect, and Understanding, Community Foundation for Southern Arizona

Shooting victim Barber launches fund for Civility, Respect and Understanding, FOX11AZ.com, 2/17/11.

Browne, Cooper to play benefit in Tucson, Ariz, Arizona Daily Star, 2/17/11.
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Are all parents ready to help their students?

We came across a great opinion piece in The Christian Science Monitor, Want better students? Teach their parents. Author Jerome Kagan, a professor at Harvard, discusses the importance of parents in the preparation of children for school. The article highlights problems faced by children raised in families with limited education. Kagan points to a Tufts program of early intervention using ten, two hour home visits to work with the parents of economically disadvantaged two-year-olds. Low-cost limited interventions with parents seems to have an effect. We encourage you to take a look at the article.


Fortunately this past November, Arizona voters rescued our First Things First Program, which targets funds to early childhood development.  Sadly, parents who need services to improve their educational potential were not so lucky; all state funding for GED was eliminated in the last legislative session. This seems counterproductive if you are trying to encourage families with limited education to prepare their children for school.

To learn more about preparing adults to help their children go to these web sites: Tucson Area Literacy Coalition, TucsonLiteracy.org and Pima Community College Adult Education. You may also want to check out a program that has had success in Arizona and other states, Parents as Teachers. You can find out if they are in a location near you by putting in your zip code here.
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Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Kotterman v. Huppenthal: Superintendent of Public Instruction

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Two candidates have emerged from the Arizona primary election for Superintendent of Public Instruction. They are Penny Kotterman and John Huppenthal. The Superintendent of Public Instruction is the top education official in the state, and acts as the Chairman of the State Board of Education and is the head of the Department of Education. The Superintendent of Public Instruction influences policy in the legislature, is responsible for the implementation of education legislation and is in charge of the Department of Education and its interactions with school districts. Further, the Superintendent of Public Instruction commands the bully pulpit on education issues and has a great deal of influence on the direction the state takes regarding educational issues like school funding. Because of the importance of this officeholder, we have gathered information to help you make an informed decision on November 2 when you elect the next Superintendent of Public Instruction. To read why you should pay attention to the office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, click here.


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SURVEYS

Each candidate was offered the opportunity to fill out a survey about public education that the Arizona Education Network wrote. To read their views on this 13 question survey, click the pdf links below.

Kotterman's Survey on Superintendent of Public Instruction


Still awaiting Mr. Huppenthal's survey that was emailed to him on 9/13, 9/14 and 9/18.


VIDEO

The office of Clean Elections held a 30 minute debate between the two candidates. Hear what they have to say about how they would lead the public education system in Arizona.


Huppenthal v Kotterman Clean Elections Debate


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For related links, visit:

Arizona Superintendent of Public Education: Why You Should Pay Attention to This Office


Penny Kotterman: http://www.pennykotterman.com

John Huppenthal: http://www.johnhuppenthal.com

Quick Facts: Public Education Funding in Arizona

Are Your Candidates Education-Friendly, a guide on voting records and surveys.


First Things First: Prop 302 Your Questions Answered

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Monday, July 19, 2010

Survey: 2010 Arizona State Legislative Candidates

Survey: 2010 Arizona State Legislators Election


Click here to find your District
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View the original post on our website here: http://www.arizonaeducationnetwork.com/2010/07/survey-2010-az-legislator-election/
 
For information about facts on school choice, funding, taxes, as well as our protocol and a blank copy of the survey, please see below. If a candidate did not submit a survey, it is noted by their name.
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For a bar graph overview on how each question was answered by all candidates, click Overview of Survey 2010.


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District 1: General Area: North-Central AZ; Cottonwood, Prescott, Sedona, Williams

District 2: General Area: Northeast AZ/Grand Canyon; Flagstaff, Hopi Reservation, and Navajo Nation

District 3: General Area: West & NW AZ; Bullhead City, Fredonia, Kingman, Lake Havasu City, Page

District 4: General Area: West-Central AZ; Black Canyon City, Sun City West, Northern Surprise

District 5: General Area: Eastern AZ; Clifton, Globe, Holbrook, Payson, Safford, Show Low, St. Johns, Winslow

District 6: General Area: Phoenix N of Thunderbird Rd, Between 51st Ave and 16th St

District 7: General Area: Phoenix N of Thunderbird Rd, between 16th St and Pima Rd

District 8: General Area: Scottsdale, Fountain Hills

  • Senate: Michele Reagan
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (480) 922-7370
    Email: VoteReagan@cox.net
  • Senate: Stuart Turnansky
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (480) 809-8000
    Email: s1tur@aol.com

District 9: General Area: Peoria, Sun City, Nort-Central Glendale, Youngtown

District 10: General Area: Phoenix and part of Glendale between Northern& Bell Rd, 51st Ave and Cave Creek Rd

District 11: General Area: Paradise Valley, North-Central Phoenix

District 12: General Area: Buckeye, El Mirage, Glendale, Goodyear, Litchfield Park, Surprise

District 13: General Area: Phoenix West of Grand Ave, South of Camelback Rd, to Tolleson and Avondale

District 14: General Area: Phoenix West-Central, North of Van Buren to Glendale

  • Senate: Robert Meza
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (602) 326-4432
    Email: elizmf@yahoo.com

District 15: General Area: Central Phoenix

District 16: General Area: Phoenix South of Van Buren to South Mountain

District 17: General Area: Tempe

District 18: General Area: West Mesa

District 19: General Area: East Mesa

  • House: Kirk Adams
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (480) 505-9009
    Email: kirk@kirkadams.org
  • House: Kit Filbey
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (480) 981-5300
    Email: kit@maxion.us
  • House: Justin Olson
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (602) 677-2643
    Email: jolson2010@gmail.com
  • House: Scott Perkinson
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (602) 818-4710
    Email: sperkinson@pri.us

District 20: General Area: Ahwatukee, West Chandler, South Tempe

  • Senate: John McComish
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (480) 496-6943
    Email: jpmccomish@cox.net

District 21: General Area: East Chandler, Queen Creek, Sun Lakes

  • Senate: Steve Yarbrough
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (480) 897-1060
    Email: sby@acsto.org

District 22: General Area: Gilbert, South Mesa


District 23: General Area: Central AZ, Apache Junction, Casa Grande, Coolidge, Eloy, Florence, Maricopa, Oracle

District 24: General Area: Southwest AZ, Ehrenberg, Parker, San Luis, Yuma


District 25: General Area: South-Border AZ, Bisbee, Douglas, Gila Bend, Marana, Nogales, Rio Rico, Tonopah

District 26: General Area: North Tucson, Catalina, Oro Valley


District 27: General Area: Central and West Tucson

  • Senate: Olivia Cajero Bedford
    Did not submit survey
    Phone: (602)926-5835
    Email: ocajerob@yahoo.com

District 28: General Area: North and Central Tucson


District 29: General Area: Southeast-Central Tucson, South Tucson

District 30: General Area: Green Valley, Patagonia, Northeast Tucson, East Tucson, Sierra Vista, Southern Tucson, Vail

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Some facts to keep in mind when reading the surveys:
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School Choice:
Arizona already has a robust school-choice environment. In fact, we are a leader nationwide in the school-choice movement. In addition to traditional public schools, Arizona has approximately 500 charter schools, provides public tax credits for private schools, and allows home schooling. However, with all this choice, nearly 90% of the parents still choose to send their children to public schools.
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Taxes:
Our state general fund spending hasn’t varied much when it is compared to the total personal income of Arizona citizens each year. The highest income to state spending ratio in the last 16 years was 5.2% in 1995 – it was 4.7% in 2008.
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What has changed dramatically is our tax structure. Corporate income tax rates have declined from 9.3% in 1990 to 6.98% in 2008. The JLBC reports that our yearly corporate tax revenue was actually lower between 1998-2004 than it was in FY 1997.
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Personal income taxes have dropped from a range of 3.80-7.00% in 1990 to 2.59-4.54% in 2008, and the number of tax credits and loopholes introduced during that time means that many individuals and businesses pay less than their actual published tax rate.
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For more information about taxes, see:
AEN & ASBA--Your Questions Answered, pdf
Arizona Indicators, Public Finance, Arizona Tax Burden : May 2009
Historical Perspective on Arizona's Tax Structure: Past, Present, and Future, Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

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Funding: According to most national sources, Arizona ranks near the bottom of all states in per-pupil funding. The latest figures from the 2007-2008 Census Bureau [1] show Arizona at $7, 608 per pupil compared to the national average of $10, 259 per pupil. (New York led the funding at $17, 173 per pupil.)

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It is worth noting that these figures do not include the steep cuts to public education legislators made during the last two years. The Arizona legislature cut $2.2 billion from K-12 and university/community college funding since 2008 [2]. These cuts have crippled many school districts, especially in rural areas. The cuts have resulted in class size increases; the loss of specialist teachers and programs like music, P.E. and gifted services; even the loss of basic necessities like paper. While some point to high administrative costs to justify these cuts, administrative costs in Arizona for public schools average nearly 2% less than the national average of 9.0%.
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To read more about funding issues, see:
AZ School--Examination of the Facts ,
Arizona Auditor General Report on Classroom Spending 2009: A Closer Look
Per Pupil Spending by State 2007-2008 [1]
Education Reductions, Plus Rollovers, January 2009 [2] (This entailed cuts of over $1 billion to K-12 education in the last 18 months plus the additional borrowing of nearly $1 billion from the schools to help fill the deficit.)
Budget Cuts JLBC July 2010

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Survey Protocol:
All candidates running for the state Senate or House of Representatives in the 2010 primary were asked to complete our survey on issues surrounding public education in Arizona. The survey consists of 12 multiple-choice questions. A comment section follows each section allowing candidates the opportunity to clarify or elaborate upon their answers. Per our protocol, candidates were emailed the survey on on June 22 and sent two reminder emails prior to the July 16 deadline. If a candidate did not submit a survey, it is noted by their name.
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You may wish to take the survey yourself to help you identify your own educational priorities; or, you may want to mail a copy to a candidate who did not return a survey to AEN. Click Blank Survey 2010, pdf to get a copy of the survey for your use.

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