Sunday, November 2, 2008
Maximum Disruption and Minimal Regard
I've received a few emails suggesting that a school closure is on the horizon in Morrisville, and that the students will be moved to the remaining two schools.
Apparently a rather disruptive personal survey tour was performed last week by the Emperor and Bill Farrell when they personally interrupted every class in session to find out how many teachers they were paying for and how many students were in the class.
Does anyone have any extra info on the Emperor's fact-finding mission they would like to share?
I'm sure that there's an overall plan of strategery out there. Anyone care to publicise it?
Apparently a rather disruptive personal survey tour was performed last week by the Emperor and Bill Farrell when they personally interrupted every class in session to find out how many teachers they were paying for and how many students were in the class.
Does anyone have any extra info on the Emperor's fact-finding mission they would like to share?
I'm sure that there's an overall plan of strategery out there. Anyone care to publicise it?
One Mom's Fight for Special Education
Seems like the Emperor's lawyer up and fight strategy is being abandoned by at least one other school district, where they realized that it just builds acrimony and bitterness. Not to mention the pockets of the lawyers.
Special Education: infiltrating the system
Special Education is always a touchy subject for the school district due to the ever shrinking funding pie. Frankly, it is a huge drain on the budget. This puts the district in a perpetual "defensive crouch". Anytime a parent is searching for more help, the school district must see dollar signs flying out the window. Alas, this is the result of an unfunded mandate.
IDEA is our nation's special education law. IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
"The IDEA was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 to make sure that children with disabilities had the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. The law has been revised many times over the years."
As a parent of a special needs child, it is your responsibility to be an advocate. Read up, inform yourself about what your child needs, learn the vocabulary and fight, fight, fight. But, I have found that being armed with knowledge may not be enough unless you are a lawyer willing to file suit against the school district. As a tax payer and a community member, the last thing I want to do is strangle the public education budget any more with a lawsuit. Although, in some cases that may be the only way to effect change.
But in this post, I want to focus on a more insidious strategy; infiltration. Most school districts have Special Education Committees or advisory groups. If not; they should. Large districts probably do have some sort of group just because of the volatile nature of Special Ed. Parents should be able to access and approach these groups for information, updates and to express specific concerns. Small districts may not have a group yet for no other reason than it hasn't been pulled together yet. Somebody needs to push for it, maybe that is you?
That is what I am dealing with here on my little island. Over the years, a lot of animosity has grown concerning the issue. Many frustrated parents have just pulled their kids from public school or have moved out of district. Some are threatening to sue. The school district has finally realized that open communication and dialog is a lot better than paying for and dealing with lawyers.
Welcome; the brand new Special Education Standing Committee represented by staff, specialists and parents. Meetings, of course, are in the evenings on a monthly basis. It is still being determined what this group will actually do but the fact that it has been started is a big step forward. I have been asked to be on this committee and the first meeting was last week and I learned something interesting. There are approximately 1,600 students spread out over our 3 schools. Just a tad over 10% have IEPs and are getting services. I guess this is about normal. In fact, if the IEP population goes higher than 12.9%, the state does not reimburse the cost because they feel the district is over-identifying! I expect I will learn a lot being part of this group and will share details on my blog as it comes.
But, let me conclude by talking a little about "squeaky wheels get the grease." No where is this more true than Special Ed. and working with your public school on your child's behalf. I realize we have all been taught manners and politeness and those should not go away. But, assertiveness, laser beam focus and exhaustive repetition are the weapons that the special parent will need and find useful. I am not advocating being an jerk, in fact, please don't be a jerk. Don't give them any reason not to deal with you. Incivility or "jerkiness" could be seen as a valid reason to not deal with you and your child will suffer because of it. Your job as a special parent is to push and push and push some more for the appropriate services for your child. If you keep at it, they can't ignore you. If you squeak, you will get the grease.
And, sometimes that grease could come in the form of being asked to populate a Special Ed. advisory committee. Consider it a battle won in a long war.
Special Education: infiltrating the system
Special Education is always a touchy subject for the school district due to the ever shrinking funding pie. Frankly, it is a huge drain on the budget. This puts the district in a perpetual "defensive crouch". Anytime a parent is searching for more help, the school district must see dollar signs flying out the window. Alas, this is the result of an unfunded mandate.
IDEA is our nation's special education law. IDEA stands for Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
"The IDEA was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 to make sure that children with disabilities had the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education, just like other children. The law has been revised many times over the years."
As a parent of a special needs child, it is your responsibility to be an advocate. Read up, inform yourself about what your child needs, learn the vocabulary and fight, fight, fight. But, I have found that being armed with knowledge may not be enough unless you are a lawyer willing to file suit against the school district. As a tax payer and a community member, the last thing I want to do is strangle the public education budget any more with a lawsuit. Although, in some cases that may be the only way to effect change.
But in this post, I want to focus on a more insidious strategy; infiltration. Most school districts have Special Education Committees or advisory groups. If not; they should. Large districts probably do have some sort of group just because of the volatile nature of Special Ed. Parents should be able to access and approach these groups for information, updates and to express specific concerns. Small districts may not have a group yet for no other reason than it hasn't been pulled together yet. Somebody needs to push for it, maybe that is you?
That is what I am dealing with here on my little island. Over the years, a lot of animosity has grown concerning the issue. Many frustrated parents have just pulled their kids from public school or have moved out of district. Some are threatening to sue. The school district has finally realized that open communication and dialog is a lot better than paying for and dealing with lawyers.
Welcome; the brand new Special Education Standing Committee represented by staff, specialists and parents. Meetings, of course, are in the evenings on a monthly basis. It is still being determined what this group will actually do but the fact that it has been started is a big step forward. I have been asked to be on this committee and the first meeting was last week and I learned something interesting. There are approximately 1,600 students spread out over our 3 schools. Just a tad over 10% have IEPs and are getting services. I guess this is about normal. In fact, if the IEP population goes higher than 12.9%, the state does not reimburse the cost because they feel the district is over-identifying! I expect I will learn a lot being part of this group and will share details on my blog as it comes.
But, let me conclude by talking a little about "squeaky wheels get the grease." No where is this more true than Special Ed. and working with your public school on your child's behalf. I realize we have all been taught manners and politeness and those should not go away. But, assertiveness, laser beam focus and exhaustive repetition are the weapons that the special parent will need and find useful. I am not advocating being an jerk, in fact, please don't be a jerk. Don't give them any reason not to deal with you. Incivility or "jerkiness" could be seen as a valid reason to not deal with you and your child will suffer because of it. Your job as a special parent is to push and push and push some more for the appropriate services for your child. If you keep at it, they can't ignore you. If you squeak, you will get the grease.
And, sometimes that grease could come in the form of being asked to populate a Special Ed. advisory committee. Consider it a battle won in a long war.
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Schools News Around the Blogosphere
Graduation exams raise special-needs concerns
Washington Times
State schools superintendent calls critics' fears overblown
HARWOOD, Md. | Maryland will this year become the 24th state to require an exit exam for graduation. As the state has slowly phased in its tests, known as the High School Assessments, the national debate continues about them in part because the federal No Child Left Behind law punishes schools that fail to raise test scores.
How NCLB Ignored the Elephant in America's Classroom -- POVERTY
by Jim Trelease
As politician after politician and CEO after CEO have pontificated for 20 years about what is wrong in American schools, all the while offering simple-minded solutions (higher expectations girded by more high-stakes testing), nearly all have ignored the great elephant in the classroom: poverty. Their behavior said, "If we pretend it isn't there, either it will go away or cease to exist." The inherent suggestion in NCLB is that all of that will go away if we just expect more of our teachers and students. That is an insult to both of them and it diminishes the enormity of the problem while doing nothing to solve it.
Under 'No Child' Law, Even Solid Schools Falter
New York Times
By SAM DILLON
Fawzia Keval, the principal of Prairie Elementary in Sacramento, which had not missed a testing target since the No Child Left Behind law took effect. "I'm spending sleepless nights," she said. Required to make a gigantic leap in improving students' test scores, many previously successful schools in California have been sinking.
Washington Times
State schools superintendent calls critics' fears overblown
HARWOOD, Md. | Maryland will this year become the 24th state to require an exit exam for graduation. As the state has slowly phased in its tests, known as the High School Assessments, the national debate continues about them in part because the federal No Child Left Behind law punishes schools that fail to raise test scores.
How NCLB Ignored the Elephant in America's Classroom -- POVERTY
by Jim Trelease
As politician after politician and CEO after CEO have pontificated for 20 years about what is wrong in American schools, all the while offering simple-minded solutions (higher expectations girded by more high-stakes testing), nearly all have ignored the great elephant in the classroom: poverty. Their behavior said, "If we pretend it isn't there, either it will go away or cease to exist." The inherent suggestion in NCLB is that all of that will go away if we just expect more of our teachers and students. That is an insult to both of them and it diminishes the enormity of the problem while doing nothing to solve it.
Under 'No Child' Law, Even Solid Schools Falter
New York Times
By SAM DILLON
Fawzia Keval, the principal of Prairie Elementary in Sacramento, which had not missed a testing target since the No Child Left Behind law took effect. "I'm spending sleepless nights," she said. Required to make a gigantic leap in improving students' test scores, many previously successful schools in California have been sinking.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Voters Guide
Don't forget that Election Day is Tuesday. The polls are open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM
It doesn't work unless YOU get out, and VOTE. This is a link to a video from Steven Spielberg and a large group of very recognizable Hollywood stars.
Not sure how this works? BucksCounty.org has a "Voting 101" website.
Not sure how to use the machines? Check out the explanation and video from BucksCounty.org.
Not sure who is running? There's more than the Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin fight for the White House. Here's a sample ballot for Morrisville residents, including the ambulance company tax hike. [Page 3 of the PDF file.]
Not sure where to vote? VotesPA.com can show you the way. Enter your address, and one of the four Morrisville ward polling places will appear.
Morrisville 1st, Morrisville Senior Citizens Center, 31 E Cleveland Ave
Morrisville 2nd, Morrisville Library Building, 300 N Pennsylvania Ave
Morrisville 3rd, Capitol View Fire Company, 528 N Pennsylvania Ave
Morrisville 4th, Grandview Elementary School, Grandview Ave
What should I bring with me? All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include:
* Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card
* ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
* ID issued by the U.S. Government
* U.S. Passport
* U.S. Armed Forces ID
* Student ID
* Employee ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include:
* Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
* Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
* Non-photo ID issued by U.S. Government
* Firearm Permit
* Current utility bill
* Current bank statement
* Current paycheck
* Government check
If you do not bring your ID on Election Day, vote with a provisional ballot.
Don't leave without voting!
In addition to proper identification, you may choose to bring the following items with you to the polls:
* A list of the candidates on the ballot and who you plan to vote for
What NOT to Bring:
* Weapons or firearms
* Alcohol or drugs
Having problems? Ghostbusters can't help, but here's where you can get assistance:
Bucks County Board of Elections
55 E. Court St.
Doylestown, PA 18901
Board of Elections - 215-348-6154
elections@co.bucks.pa.us
Lower Bucks County
7321 New Falls Road
Levittown, PA 19055
Phone: 215-949-5800
Now the only thing missing is you.
It doesn't work unless YOU get out, and VOTE. This is a link to a video from Steven Spielberg and a large group of very recognizable Hollywood stars.
Not sure how this works? BucksCounty.org has a "Voting 101" website.
Not sure how to use the machines? Check out the explanation and video from BucksCounty.org.
Not sure who is running? There's more than the Obama/Biden vs. McCain/Palin fight for the White House. Here's a sample ballot for Morrisville residents, including the ambulance company tax hike. [Page 3 of the PDF file.]
Not sure where to vote? VotesPA.com can show you the way. Enter your address, and one of the four Morrisville ward polling places will appear.
Morrisville 1st, Morrisville Senior Citizens Center, 31 E Cleveland Ave
Morrisville 2nd, Morrisville Library Building, 300 N Pennsylvania Ave
Morrisville 3rd, Capitol View Fire Company, 528 N Pennsylvania Ave
Morrisville 4th, Grandview Elementary School, Grandview Ave
What should I bring with me? All voters who appear at a polling place for the first time must show proof of identification. Approved forms of photo identification include:
* Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card
* ID issued by any Commonwealth agency
* ID issued by the U.S. Government
* U.S. Passport
* U.S. Armed Forces ID
* Student ID
* Employee ID
If you do not have a photo ID, you can use a non-photo identification that includes your name and address. Approved forms of non-photo identification include:
* Confirmation issued by the County Voter Registration Office
* Non-photo ID issued by the Commonwealth
* Non-photo ID issued by U.S. Government
* Firearm Permit
* Current utility bill
* Current bank statement
* Current paycheck
* Government check
If you do not bring your ID on Election Day, vote with a provisional ballot.
Don't leave without voting!
In addition to proper identification, you may choose to bring the following items with you to the polls:
* A list of the candidates on the ballot and who you plan to vote for
What NOT to Bring:
* Weapons or firearms
* Alcohol or drugs
Having problems? Ghostbusters can't help, but here's where you can get assistance:
Bucks County Board of Elections
55 E. Court St.
Doylestown, PA 18901
Board of Elections - 215-348-6154
elections@co.bucks.pa.us
Lower Bucks County
7321 New Falls Road
Levittown, PA 19055
Phone: 215-949-5800
Now the only thing missing is you.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Ambulance Squad Tax Hike Vote Next Week
From the BCCT. We've mentioned the referendum here and here previously. Next week, we get to decide to tax ourselves for necessary services.
Check out the BCCT story comments. They are pretty interesting.
Referendum could raise taxes $30 for ambulance squad
By DANNY ADLER, Bucks County Courier Times
Voters in Morrisville will have a say on whether to increase the borough's EMS fund to support the Morrisville Ambulance Squad.
If approved, the borough can increase the EMS fund to 2 mills, which is 1.5 mills more than permitted by the borough code without being approved by voters in a referendum, officials said. The millage for the EMS fund is maxed-out at a half mill.
The millage increase would raise property taxes for the average homeowner by about $30 a year. That translates to about $90,000 more for the EMS fund.
If the referendum fails, the ambulance squad would have to find other ways to raise funds, officials said.
Borough officials said the ambulance squad, with its roughly $450,000 annual budget, entered 2008 with a $14,000 deficit.
Danny Adler can be reached at 215-949-4205 or dadler@phillyBurbs.com.
Ballot question: Shall Morrisville Borough levy an annual tax of two mills for the support of Ambulance and Rescue Squads serving the Borough of Morrisville? YES or NO
Plain English: The ballot question asks the voters of Morrisville whether the borough should assess an annual tax of 2 mills for the purpose of funding ambulance and rescue services serving Morrisville.
A vote of yes approves the levying of a tax of 2 mills for this purpose.
Check out the BCCT story comments. They are pretty interesting.
Referendum could raise taxes $30 for ambulance squad
By DANNY ADLER, Bucks County Courier Times
Voters in Morrisville will have a say on whether to increase the borough's EMS fund to support the Morrisville Ambulance Squad.
If approved, the borough can increase the EMS fund to 2 mills, which is 1.5 mills more than permitted by the borough code without being approved by voters in a referendum, officials said. The millage for the EMS fund is maxed-out at a half mill.
The millage increase would raise property taxes for the average homeowner by about $30 a year. That translates to about $90,000 more for the EMS fund.
If the referendum fails, the ambulance squad would have to find other ways to raise funds, officials said.
Borough officials said the ambulance squad, with its roughly $450,000 annual budget, entered 2008 with a $14,000 deficit.
Danny Adler can be reached at 215-949-4205 or dadler@phillyBurbs.com.
Ballot question: Shall Morrisville Borough levy an annual tax of two mills for the support of Ambulance and Rescue Squads serving the Borough of Morrisville? YES or NO
Plain English: The ballot question asks the voters of Morrisville whether the borough should assess an annual tax of 2 mills for the purpose of funding ambulance and rescue services serving Morrisville.
A vote of yes approves the levying of a tax of 2 mills for this purpose.
Business administrator named
From the BCCT.
Business administrator named
BY MANASEE WAGH
The Morrisville School Board voted to make Paul DeAngelo the district’s new business administrator Wednesday.
DeAngelo will assume the role on Nov. 17 at an annual salary of $102,000. He replaces Reba Dunford, who served in the position for about three and a half years. She left on Oct. 18 to become business administrator at North Montgomery County Vocational Technical High School. An interim business administrator is now filling the job.
DeAngelo has been the business administrator at the approximately 10,000-student Coatesville Area School District for four years. In comparison, Morrisville’s public schools teach about 1,040 students.
“The district is very lucky to have Mr. Paul DeAngelo as our new business administrator. His experience with the Coatesville School District will serve him well in his new capacity. He also has experience in the business world prior to Coatesville. He’ll be able to bring both perspectives to the job,” said Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson.
Board member Robin Reithmeyer was also pleased with the pick.
“I think he’s a good guy. He brings good ideas to the table,” she said.
The board interviewed eight candidates for the job.
Business administrator named
BY MANASEE WAGH
The Morrisville School Board voted to make Paul DeAngelo the district’s new business administrator Wednesday.
DeAngelo will assume the role on Nov. 17 at an annual salary of $102,000. He replaces Reba Dunford, who served in the position for about three and a half years. She left on Oct. 18 to become business administrator at North Montgomery County Vocational Technical High School. An interim business administrator is now filling the job.
DeAngelo has been the business administrator at the approximately 10,000-student Coatesville Area School District for four years. In comparison, Morrisville’s public schools teach about 1,040 students.
“The district is very lucky to have Mr. Paul DeAngelo as our new business administrator. His experience with the Coatesville School District will serve him well in his new capacity. He also has experience in the business world prior to Coatesville. He’ll be able to bring both perspectives to the job,” said Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson.
Board member Robin Reithmeyer was also pleased with the pick.
“I think he’s a good guy. He brings good ideas to the table,” she said.
The board interviewed eight candidates for the job.
Go Phils!
Congratulations to the Phillies, 2008 World Champions.
Just how long WAS the 6th inning anyway? Something like 47 hours?
Just how long WAS the 6th inning anyway? Something like 47 hours?
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
From the UK: Education and US Presidential Elections
Here's a view of the US presidential race from the UK side of the pond from the Guardian. Education and critical thinking skills are the basis we use for choosing the leaders we deserve, not the leaders we need.
I'm not completely convinced by his theory. It's very much biased to a liberal point of view, but there's no denying that he hit on the problem: "Ignorant politicians are elected by ignorant people. US education, like the US health system, is notorious for its failures."
How these gibbering numbskulls came to dominate Washington
The degradation of intelligence and learning in American politics results from a series of interlocking tragedies
George Monbiot, The Guardian, Tuesday October 28 2008
How was it allowed to happen? How did politics in the US come to be dominated by people who make a virtue out of ignorance? Was it charity that has permitted mankind's closest living relative to spend two terms as president? How did Sarah Palin, Dan Quayle and other such gibbering numbskulls get to where they are? How could Republican rallies in 2008 be drowned out by screaming ignoramuses insisting that Barack Obama was a Muslim and a terrorist?
Like most people on my side of the Atlantic, I have for many years been mystified by American politics. The US has the world's best universities and attracts the world's finest minds. It dominates discoveries in science and medicine. Its wealth and power depend on the application of knowledge. Yet, uniquely among the developed nations (with the possible exception of Australia), learning is a grave political disadvantage.
There have been exceptions over the past century - Franklin Roosevelt, JF Kennedy and Bill Clinton tempered their intellectualism with the common touch and survived - but Adlai Stevenson, Al Gore and John Kerry were successfully tarred by their opponents as members of a cerebral elite (as if this were not a qualification for the presidency). Perhaps the defining moment in the collapse of intelligent politics was Ronald Reagan's response to Jimmy Carter during the 1980 presidential debate. Carter - stumbling a little, using long words - carefully enumerated the benefits of national health insurance. Reagan smiled and said: "There you go again." His own health programme would have appalled most Americans, had he explained it as carefully as Carter had done, but he had found a formula for avoiding tough political issues and making his opponents look like wonks.
It wasn't always like this. The founding fathers of the republic - Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and others - were among the greatest thinkers of their age. They felt no need to make a secret of it. How did the project they launched degenerate into George W Bush and Sarah Palin?
On one level, this is easy to answer. Ignorant politicians are elected by ignorant people. US education, like the US health system, is notorious for its failures. In the most powerful nation on earth, one adult in five believes the sun revolves round the earth; only 26% accept that evolution takes place by means of natural selection; two-thirds of young adults are unable to find Iraq on a map; two-thirds of US voters cannot name the three branches of government; the maths skills of 15-year-olds in the US are ranked 24th out of the 29 countries of the OECD. But this merely extends the mystery: how did so many US citizens become so stupid, and so suspicious of intelligence? Susan Jacoby's book The Age of American Unreason provides the fullest explanation I have read so far. She shows that the degradation of US politics results from a series of interlocking tragedies.
One theme is both familiar and clear: religion - in particular fundamentalist religion - makes you stupid. The US is the only rich country in which Christian fundamentalism is vast and growing.
Jacoby shows that there was once a certain logic to its anti-rationalism. During the first few decades after the publication of The Origin of Species, for instance, Americans had good reason to reject the theory of natural selection and to treat public intellectuals with suspicion. From the beginning, Darwin's theory was mixed up in the US with the brutal philosophy - now known as social Darwinism - of the British writer Herbert Spencer. Spencer's doctrine, promoted in the popular press with the help of funding from Andrew Carnegie, John D Rockefeller and Thomas Edison, suggested that millionaires stood at the top of a scala natura established by evolution. By preventing unfit people being weeded out, government intervention weakened the nation. Gross economic inequalities were both justifiable and necessary.
Darwinism, in other words, became indistinguishable from the most bestial form of laissez-faire economics. Many Christians responded with revulsion. It is profoundly ironic that the doctrine rejected a century ago by such prominent fundamentalists as William Jennings Bryan is now central to the economic thinking of the Christian right. Modern fundamentalists reject the science of Darwinian evolution and accept the pseudoscience of social Darwinism.
But there were other, more powerful, reasons for the intellectual isolation of the fundamentalists. The US is peculiar in devolving the control of education to local authorities. Teaching in the southern states was dominated by the views of an ignorant aristocracy of planters, and a great educational gulf opened up. "In the south", Jacoby writes, "what can only be described as an intellectual blockade was imposed in order to keep out any ideas that might threaten the social order."
The Southern Baptist Convention, now the biggest denomination in the US, was to slavery and segregation what the Dutch Reformed Church was to apartheid in South Africa. It has done more than any other force to keep the south stupid. In the 1960s it tried to stave off desegregation by establishing a system of private Christian schools and universities. A student can now progress from kindergarten to a higher degree without any exposure to secular teaching. Southern Baptist beliefs pass intact through the public school system as well. A survey by researchers at the University of Texas in 1998 found that one in four of the state's state school biology teachers believed humans and dinosaurs lived on earth at the same time.
This tragedy has been assisted by the American fetishisation of self-education. Though he greatly regretted his lack of formal teaching, Abraham Lincoln's career is repeatedly cited as evidence that good education, provided by the state, is unnecessary: all that is required to succeed is determination and rugged individualism. This might have served people well when genuine self-education movements, like the one built around the Little Blue Books in the first half of the 20th century, were in vogue. In the age of infotainment, it is a recipe for confusion.
Besides fundamentalist religion, perhaps the most potent reason intellectuals struggle in elections is that intellectualism has been equated with subversion. The brief flirtation of some thinkers with communism a long time ago has been used to create an impression in the public mind that all intellectuals are communists. Almost every day men such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly rage against the "liberal elites" destroying America.
The spectre of pointy-headed alien subversives was crucial to the election of Reagan and Bush. A genuine intellectual elite - like the neocons (some of them former communists) surrounding Bush - has managed to pitch the political conflict as a battle between ordinary Americans and an over-educated pinko establishment. Any attempt to challenge the ideas of the rightwing elite has been successfully branded as elitism.
Obama has a lot to offer the US, but none of this will stop if he wins. Until the great failures of the US education system are reversed or religious fundamentalism withers, there will be political opportunities for people, like Bush and Palin, who flaunt their ignorance.
I'm not completely convinced by his theory. It's very much biased to a liberal point of view, but there's no denying that he hit on the problem: "Ignorant politicians are elected by ignorant people. US education, like the US health system, is notorious for its failures."
How these gibbering numbskulls came to dominate Washington
The degradation of intelligence and learning in American politics results from a series of interlocking tragedies
George Monbiot, The Guardian, Tuesday October 28 2008
How was it allowed to happen? How did politics in the US come to be dominated by people who make a virtue out of ignorance? Was it charity that has permitted mankind's closest living relative to spend two terms as president? How did Sarah Palin, Dan Quayle and other such gibbering numbskulls get to where they are? How could Republican rallies in 2008 be drowned out by screaming ignoramuses insisting that Barack Obama was a Muslim and a terrorist?
Like most people on my side of the Atlantic, I have for many years been mystified by American politics. The US has the world's best universities and attracts the world's finest minds. It dominates discoveries in science and medicine. Its wealth and power depend on the application of knowledge. Yet, uniquely among the developed nations (with the possible exception of Australia), learning is a grave political disadvantage.
There have been exceptions over the past century - Franklin Roosevelt, JF Kennedy and Bill Clinton tempered their intellectualism with the common touch and survived - but Adlai Stevenson, Al Gore and John Kerry were successfully tarred by their opponents as members of a cerebral elite (as if this were not a qualification for the presidency). Perhaps the defining moment in the collapse of intelligent politics was Ronald Reagan's response to Jimmy Carter during the 1980 presidential debate. Carter - stumbling a little, using long words - carefully enumerated the benefits of national health insurance. Reagan smiled and said: "There you go again." His own health programme would have appalled most Americans, had he explained it as carefully as Carter had done, but he had found a formula for avoiding tough political issues and making his opponents look like wonks.
It wasn't always like this. The founding fathers of the republic - Benjamin Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison, John Adams, Alexander Hamilton and others - were among the greatest thinkers of their age. They felt no need to make a secret of it. How did the project they launched degenerate into George W Bush and Sarah Palin?
On one level, this is easy to answer. Ignorant politicians are elected by ignorant people. US education, like the US health system, is notorious for its failures. In the most powerful nation on earth, one adult in five believes the sun revolves round the earth; only 26% accept that evolution takes place by means of natural selection; two-thirds of young adults are unable to find Iraq on a map; two-thirds of US voters cannot name the three branches of government; the maths skills of 15-year-olds in the US are ranked 24th out of the 29 countries of the OECD. But this merely extends the mystery: how did so many US citizens become so stupid, and so suspicious of intelligence? Susan Jacoby's book The Age of American Unreason provides the fullest explanation I have read so far. She shows that the degradation of US politics results from a series of interlocking tragedies.
One theme is both familiar and clear: religion - in particular fundamentalist religion - makes you stupid. The US is the only rich country in which Christian fundamentalism is vast and growing.
Jacoby shows that there was once a certain logic to its anti-rationalism. During the first few decades after the publication of The Origin of Species, for instance, Americans had good reason to reject the theory of natural selection and to treat public intellectuals with suspicion. From the beginning, Darwin's theory was mixed up in the US with the brutal philosophy - now known as social Darwinism - of the British writer Herbert Spencer. Spencer's doctrine, promoted in the popular press with the help of funding from Andrew Carnegie, John D Rockefeller and Thomas Edison, suggested that millionaires stood at the top of a scala natura established by evolution. By preventing unfit people being weeded out, government intervention weakened the nation. Gross economic inequalities were both justifiable and necessary.
Darwinism, in other words, became indistinguishable from the most bestial form of laissez-faire economics. Many Christians responded with revulsion. It is profoundly ironic that the doctrine rejected a century ago by such prominent fundamentalists as William Jennings Bryan is now central to the economic thinking of the Christian right. Modern fundamentalists reject the science of Darwinian evolution and accept the pseudoscience of social Darwinism.
But there were other, more powerful, reasons for the intellectual isolation of the fundamentalists. The US is peculiar in devolving the control of education to local authorities. Teaching in the southern states was dominated by the views of an ignorant aristocracy of planters, and a great educational gulf opened up. "In the south", Jacoby writes, "what can only be described as an intellectual blockade was imposed in order to keep out any ideas that might threaten the social order."
The Southern Baptist Convention, now the biggest denomination in the US, was to slavery and segregation what the Dutch Reformed Church was to apartheid in South Africa. It has done more than any other force to keep the south stupid. In the 1960s it tried to stave off desegregation by establishing a system of private Christian schools and universities. A student can now progress from kindergarten to a higher degree without any exposure to secular teaching. Southern Baptist beliefs pass intact through the public school system as well. A survey by researchers at the University of Texas in 1998 found that one in four of the state's state school biology teachers believed humans and dinosaurs lived on earth at the same time.
This tragedy has been assisted by the American fetishisation of self-education. Though he greatly regretted his lack of formal teaching, Abraham Lincoln's career is repeatedly cited as evidence that good education, provided by the state, is unnecessary: all that is required to succeed is determination and rugged individualism. This might have served people well when genuine self-education movements, like the one built around the Little Blue Books in the first half of the 20th century, were in vogue. In the age of infotainment, it is a recipe for confusion.
Besides fundamentalist religion, perhaps the most potent reason intellectuals struggle in elections is that intellectualism has been equated with subversion. The brief flirtation of some thinkers with communism a long time ago has been used to create an impression in the public mind that all intellectuals are communists. Almost every day men such as Rush Limbaugh and Bill O'Reilly rage against the "liberal elites" destroying America.
The spectre of pointy-headed alien subversives was crucial to the election of Reagan and Bush. A genuine intellectual elite - like the neocons (some of them former communists) surrounding Bush - has managed to pitch the political conflict as a battle between ordinary Americans and an over-educated pinko establishment. Any attempt to challenge the ideas of the rightwing elite has been successfully branded as elitism.
Obama has a lot to offer the US, but none of this will stop if he wins. Until the great failures of the US education system are reversed or religious fundamentalism withers, there will be political opportunities for people, like Bush and Palin, who flaunt their ignorance.
Phillies in the Classroom
From the BCCT. As we endure a second delay in game 5, area businesses and schools run Phillie red in support of the almost World Series champs.
Schools put Phillies to work in classroom
By HILARY BENTMAN
The Intelligencer
With Phillies phever reaching epidemic proportions, it's no surprise that the excitement has infiltrated the classrooms.
Local school children have been sporting their caps, T-shirts and jerseys, and rallying and cheering for their home team.
But some schools are taking it a step further, incorporating the Phillies and their World Series run into the curriculum.
There is perhaps no better place to do this than in the Souderton Area School District, which helped turn a lanky teenage boy into a World Series superstar.
Last week, fifth graders at Lower Salford Elementary School wrote letters to Phillies southpaw and Souderton alum, Jamie Moyer, offering the veteran athlete some advice for his start against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three on Saturday.
Some of the advice was just sound baseball. Lena wrote, “Keep throwing strikes — they are the key.”
Others, like Cole, offered encouragement. “Do your best and what my coach tells me is "every pitch is a new pitch.' So if you walk one batter, focus on the next.”
And still other advice was just good-old fashioned fun. “Get black makeup and put two lines on your cheeks so you look tough. Pitch very fast and in the middle,” offered Taylor.
School principal Donna Huff compiled the advice and on Friday hand-delivered it to Moyer's mom, who still lives in Souderton. Huff is not sure if Moyer read it, but judging by his commanding performance Saturday, which ended in the Phillies' 5-4 win, Moyer certainly heeded their wisdom.
Nearby at Indian Valley Middle School, teachers were using Moyer's local status to talk to students about the four pillars of character — caring, honesty, responsibility and respect — qualities they say are inherent in their famous graduate, who is known for his extensive humanitarian work off the diamond.
“I know of no one in professional sports that exemplifies (those traits like) Jamie Moyer,” said Doug Henning, dean of students for the school, who said the kids have other sports heroes but see Moyer as a role model.
Souderton students were not the only ones enjoying their Phillies in school.
More than 100 fifth-graders at Quarry Hill Elementary School in the Pennsbury School District had a Phillies Problem Solving Tailgate Party last week.
Complete with hot dogs, banners and Phillies gear, the students had to solve baseball-related math, word and logic problems, and tackle Phillies-inspired word scrambles. Students also ran relay races, featuring multiplication problems and the old spin around on a bat until you're too dizzy to stand.
“We wanted to be able to celebrate the Phillies going into the World Series but we wanted to include academics as well,” said Jen Wodotinsky, one of the fifth-grade teachers involved with the event. “Even though it was educational it was still fun.”
Schools put Phillies to work in classroom
By HILARY BENTMAN
The Intelligencer
With Phillies phever reaching epidemic proportions, it's no surprise that the excitement has infiltrated the classrooms.
Local school children have been sporting their caps, T-shirts and jerseys, and rallying and cheering for their home team.
But some schools are taking it a step further, incorporating the Phillies and their World Series run into the curriculum.
There is perhaps no better place to do this than in the Souderton Area School District, which helped turn a lanky teenage boy into a World Series superstar.
Last week, fifth graders at Lower Salford Elementary School wrote letters to Phillies southpaw and Souderton alum, Jamie Moyer, offering the veteran athlete some advice for his start against the Tampa Bay Rays in game three on Saturday.
Some of the advice was just sound baseball. Lena wrote, “Keep throwing strikes — they are the key.”
Others, like Cole, offered encouragement. “Do your best and what my coach tells me is "every pitch is a new pitch.' So if you walk one batter, focus on the next.”
And still other advice was just good-old fashioned fun. “Get black makeup and put two lines on your cheeks so you look tough. Pitch very fast and in the middle,” offered Taylor.
School principal Donna Huff compiled the advice and on Friday hand-delivered it to Moyer's mom, who still lives in Souderton. Huff is not sure if Moyer read it, but judging by his commanding performance Saturday, which ended in the Phillies' 5-4 win, Moyer certainly heeded their wisdom.
Nearby at Indian Valley Middle School, teachers were using Moyer's local status to talk to students about the four pillars of character — caring, honesty, responsibility and respect — qualities they say are inherent in their famous graduate, who is known for his extensive humanitarian work off the diamond.
“I know of no one in professional sports that exemplifies (those traits like) Jamie Moyer,” said Doug Henning, dean of students for the school, who said the kids have other sports heroes but see Moyer as a role model.
Souderton students were not the only ones enjoying their Phillies in school.
More than 100 fifth-graders at Quarry Hill Elementary School in the Pennsbury School District had a Phillies Problem Solving Tailgate Party last week.
Complete with hot dogs, banners and Phillies gear, the students had to solve baseball-related math, word and logic problems, and tackle Phillies-inspired word scrambles. Students also ran relay races, featuring multiplication problems and the old spin around on a bat until you're too dizzy to stand.
“We wanted to be able to celebrate the Phillies going into the World Series but we wanted to include academics as well,” said Jen Wodotinsky, one of the fifth-grade teachers involved with the event. “Even though it was educational it was still fun.”
Special Meeting Tonight
Come on out for the fun tonight at the LGI. Meeting starts at 7:30 and you can be home in time to see the baseball game.
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Politician Keeps Promise
From the Inquirer.
Pa. governor keeps '04 World Series promise to boy
The Associated Press Posted on Mon, Oct. 27, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - Jake Lancianese is a 10-year-old who knows the two things you need when calling in a promise from a politician: a good memory and rock-solid documentation.
That's how the fifth-grader from Aston got to attend Game 4 of the World Series with Gov. Ed Rendell on Sunday.
Rendell visited Hilltop Elementary School in 2004, when Jake was in first grade, and asked students why early childhood education was important. What would happen, he asked, if a strong building was built on a weak foundation?
Jake raised his hand. "It would fall down."
Rendell told the boy he was right, and added that the next time the Phillies made it to the World Series he would get him a ticket.
The governor promptly forgot. Not Jake.
When the Phillies took a two-game lead on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National Division Championship Series earlier this month, Jake composed a letter to Rendell , in cursive. That's how you write to a governor, he said.
"Well, it took us four years, but we're almost there," he wrote. "I was hoping you'd still be the governor when they made it and lucky for me you are."
The 4-foot-9, 80-pound first baseman included his baseball card from last summer at the Phillies Baseball Academy and a copy of an article in the Delaware County Daily Times about Rendell's visit to his school.
Jake highlighted the lines about the Phillies ticket.
After receiving the boy's letter , sent by certified mail , Rendell told his wife, Midge, an appellate court judge, that they'd be attending the game with a guest.
"I got the letter (and) it blew me away," Rendell said. "What blew me away was first of all, he remembered. Secondly, he was a such a great Phillies fan. And thirdly, he did such a great job in building his case."
Rendell called the package "a better presentation than I get from members of my own staff when making a point, or lawyers making a case."
From their seats 23 rows behind the visitor's dugout, the Rendells, Jake and his father, Pat, a third-shift Amtrak maintenance foreman, watched the Phillies rout the Rays 10-2.
Jake wore his Phillies cap and hooded sweat shirt, and brought his mitt in case of foul balls. A politician's promise was fulfilled.
"I thought I had a pretty good chance of getting the ticket," Jake said, "because he's a pretty good guy."
Rendell said: "I always believe with young people, you have to reward boldness. Any kid who has guts to do that and build a case so carefully, I had no choice. It was such a remarkable thing."
Pa. governor keeps '04 World Series promise to boy
The Associated Press Posted on Mon, Oct. 27, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - Jake Lancianese is a 10-year-old who knows the two things you need when calling in a promise from a politician: a good memory and rock-solid documentation.
That's how the fifth-grader from Aston got to attend Game 4 of the World Series with Gov. Ed Rendell on Sunday.
Rendell visited Hilltop Elementary School in 2004, when Jake was in first grade, and asked students why early childhood education was important. What would happen, he asked, if a strong building was built on a weak foundation?
Jake raised his hand. "It would fall down."
Rendell told the boy he was right, and added that the next time the Phillies made it to the World Series he would get him a ticket.
The governor promptly forgot. Not Jake.
When the Phillies took a two-game lead on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National Division Championship Series earlier this month, Jake composed a letter to Rendell , in cursive. That's how you write to a governor, he said.
"Well, it took us four years, but we're almost there," he wrote. "I was hoping you'd still be the governor when they made it and lucky for me you are."
The 4-foot-9, 80-pound first baseman included his baseball card from last summer at the Phillies Baseball Academy and a copy of an article in the Delaware County Daily Times about Rendell's visit to his school.
Jake highlighted the lines about the Phillies ticket.
After receiving the boy's letter , sent by certified mail , Rendell told his wife, Midge, an appellate court judge, that they'd be attending the game with a guest.
"I got the letter (and) it blew me away," Rendell said. "What blew me away was first of all, he remembered. Secondly, he was a such a great Phillies fan. And thirdly, he did such a great job in building his case."
Rendell called the package "a better presentation than I get from members of my own staff when making a point, or lawyers making a case."
From their seats 23 rows behind the visitor's dugout, the Rendells, Jake and his father, Pat, a third-shift Amtrak maintenance foreman, watched the Phillies rout the Rays 10-2.
Jake wore his Phillies cap and hooded sweat shirt, and brought his mitt in case of foul balls. A politician's promise was fulfilled.
"I thought I had a pretty good chance of getting the ticket," Jake said, "because he's a pretty good guy."
Rendell said: "I always believe with young people, you have to reward boldness. Any kid who has guts to do that and build a case so carefully, I had no choice. It was such a remarkable thing."
Steil describes bill to end teacher strikes
From the BCCT.
Steil describes bill to end teacher strikes
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Parents and teachers recently listened to state Rep. Dave Steil describe the workings of a bill to end teacher strikes.
Strike-Free Education Act House Bill 1369, if passed by the state Legislature, would make strikes illegal and add several mediation steps to the bargaining process between teachers unions and school districts. If those steps still result in a stalemate, the new law ultimately would require four negotiating sessions a month until an agreement is reached. It would make each step of the process transparent to the public.
Steil, R-31, plans to retire shortly. He urged listeners to ask their state representatives to support the bill.
“It happens when a mass of people get behind it and say, "We want this done,' ” he said.
The meeting last week at the Yardley Community Center and attended by about 35 people who wanted to know more about the legislation, was organized by local teacher strikes opponent Simon Campbell of Lower Makefield.
Jill Basile, the parent of a child in the Souderton School District, also spoke at the meeting.
The Souderton district was shut down recently for 13 school days during a strike. Basile's anger propelled her into action, she said. She made fliers, called the local media and is meeting with local politicians to garner more support for strike-free legislation.
Lower Makefield resident Rafe Schach thought it would be good for Pennsylvania to study the contract negotiation practices of the 37 states that already make teacher strikes illegal. Shach's children go to private school but he is interested in ending strikes, he said.
Campbell's concern with ending strikes began after Pennsbury School District teachers went on strike for 21 days during a contract dispute in 2005. He organized StopTeacherStrikes.com, a group of parents and teachers who support the strike-free bill.
“A private organization should not have the right to shut down a public learning facility,” said Campbell at the meeting.
Pennsbury teachers union vice president Michelle Marcinkus attended the first half-hour of the meeting. She said she wanted to see how many interested people would show up.
Steil describes bill to end teacher strikes
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Parents and teachers recently listened to state Rep. Dave Steil describe the workings of a bill to end teacher strikes.
Strike-Free Education Act House Bill 1369, if passed by the state Legislature, would make strikes illegal and add several mediation steps to the bargaining process between teachers unions and school districts. If those steps still result in a stalemate, the new law ultimately would require four negotiating sessions a month until an agreement is reached. It would make each step of the process transparent to the public.
Steil, R-31, plans to retire shortly. He urged listeners to ask their state representatives to support the bill.
“It happens when a mass of people get behind it and say, "We want this done,' ” he said.
The meeting last week at the Yardley Community Center and attended by about 35 people who wanted to know more about the legislation, was organized by local teacher strikes opponent Simon Campbell of Lower Makefield.
Jill Basile, the parent of a child in the Souderton School District, also spoke at the meeting.
The Souderton district was shut down recently for 13 school days during a strike. Basile's anger propelled her into action, she said. She made fliers, called the local media and is meeting with local politicians to garner more support for strike-free legislation.
Lower Makefield resident Rafe Schach thought it would be good for Pennsylvania to study the contract negotiation practices of the 37 states that already make teacher strikes illegal. Shach's children go to private school but he is interested in ending strikes, he said.
Campbell's concern with ending strikes began after Pennsbury School District teachers went on strike for 21 days during a contract dispute in 2005. He organized StopTeacherStrikes.com, a group of parents and teachers who support the strike-free bill.
“A private organization should not have the right to shut down a public learning facility,” said Campbell at the meeting.
Pennsbury teachers union vice president Michelle Marcinkus attended the first half-hour of the meeting. She said she wanted to see how many interested people would show up.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Special Meeting Reminder
From the BCCT.
FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
NOTICE, it is hereby given that the Morrisville Borough School District Board of School Directors shall hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the LGI Room at the School District's Middle/Senior High School, 550 West Palmer Street, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the special meeting is to appoint a Business Manager, review and consider the award of electrical bids, and any other business that comes before the board.
Marlys Mihok, Secretary
Appeared in: Bucks County Courier Times on Sunday, 10/26/2008
FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
NOTICE, it is hereby given that the Morrisville Borough School District Board of School Directors shall hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the LGI Room at the School District's Middle/Senior High School, 550 West Palmer Street, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the special meeting is to appoint a Business Manager, review and consider the award of electrical bids, and any other business that comes before the board.
Marlys Mihok, Secretary
Appeared in: Bucks County Courier Times on Sunday, 10/26/2008
School-Business Chemistry in Bristol Township
From the BCCT.
Experimental education
By JOHN ANASTASI
Staff Writer
Scientists at Rhodia’s Bristol Township research and development center took a “chemistry is cool” message and some hands-on experiments to four elementary schools in Lower Bucks and Burlington counties last week.
Reaching out to young people is vital at a time when schools are churning out fewer American scientists and the country is “losing its intellectual property prowess” through expiring patents, said John Cherkauskas Jr., vice president of research and development at the Bristol Township facility.
“Of the scientists training in the United States, my feeling is that a third to half of them are from other countries,” Cherkauskas said, referring to postgraduate training. “The more interesting we make science to students, the better off it is.”
As part of National Chemistry Week, 20 scientists visited Snyder-Girotti Elementary School in Bristol, Lafayette Elementary School in Bristol Township, Fountain Woods Elementary School in the Burlington Township School District and St. Paul’s School in Burlington.
“We try to promote science on both sides of the river,” Cherkauskas said.
Headquartered in France, Rhodia has a presence in 25 countries. Its North American headquarters is in Middlesex County, N.J. Rhodia boasts a diverse portfolio of chemicals used in everything from automobiles and electronics to home care and health and beauty products.
Its market diversity has helped the company weather financial troubles in certain industries, while its far-reaching geographic footprint has helped insulate it from economic slowdowns in certain counties. But it also came with a drawback.
“We were more diverse, but that made it difficult for Wall Street to understand our strategy,” said Cherkauskas, who added that realization prompted the company to pull back and sharpen its focus.
The company sold off some of its business and, in 2005, moved its research and development activity to a smaller property that had previously belonged to Rohm and Haas in Bristol Township.
There Rhodia and about 140 of its permanent and temporary research and development employees worked on several key products segments.
The company produces chemicals used in personal care products like body washes. It also makes a pesticide additive that helps the liquid coat a surface rather than bounce off, a chemical that makes paint easier to apply and a product used in automobile catalytic converters.
“Chemistry is important in everything we do,” Cherkauskas said of society. “We need to instill awareness of the importance of chemistry and show chemistry in a positive light. That can stimulate young people to a career.”
Kati Bryson, sixth-grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary School, said that after Rhodia’s scientists appeared at the Bristol Township school during last year’s National Chemistry Week she noticed that the students seemed more excited about the possibility of a career in science after taking part in some experiments.
“I think their eyes were opened,” said Bryson. “I think it’s a wonderful program. … It lets the kids meet scientists and know they are real people. It gives them a good impression of scientists.”
Experimental education
By JOHN ANASTASI
Staff Writer
Scientists at Rhodia’s Bristol Township research and development center took a “chemistry is cool” message and some hands-on experiments to four elementary schools in Lower Bucks and Burlington counties last week.
Reaching out to young people is vital at a time when schools are churning out fewer American scientists and the country is “losing its intellectual property prowess” through expiring patents, said John Cherkauskas Jr., vice president of research and development at the Bristol Township facility.
“Of the scientists training in the United States, my feeling is that a third to half of them are from other countries,” Cherkauskas said, referring to postgraduate training. “The more interesting we make science to students, the better off it is.”
As part of National Chemistry Week, 20 scientists visited Snyder-Girotti Elementary School in Bristol, Lafayette Elementary School in Bristol Township, Fountain Woods Elementary School in the Burlington Township School District and St. Paul’s School in Burlington.
“We try to promote science on both sides of the river,” Cherkauskas said.
Headquartered in France, Rhodia has a presence in 25 countries. Its North American headquarters is in Middlesex County, N.J. Rhodia boasts a diverse portfolio of chemicals used in everything from automobiles and electronics to home care and health and beauty products.
Its market diversity has helped the company weather financial troubles in certain industries, while its far-reaching geographic footprint has helped insulate it from economic slowdowns in certain counties. But it also came with a drawback.
“We were more diverse, but that made it difficult for Wall Street to understand our strategy,” said Cherkauskas, who added that realization prompted the company to pull back and sharpen its focus.
The company sold off some of its business and, in 2005, moved its research and development activity to a smaller property that had previously belonged to Rohm and Haas in Bristol Township.
There Rhodia and about 140 of its permanent and temporary research and development employees worked on several key products segments.
The company produces chemicals used in personal care products like body washes. It also makes a pesticide additive that helps the liquid coat a surface rather than bounce off, a chemical that makes paint easier to apply and a product used in automobile catalytic converters.
“Chemistry is important in everything we do,” Cherkauskas said of society. “We need to instill awareness of the importance of chemistry and show chemistry in a positive light. That can stimulate young people to a career.”
Kati Bryson, sixth-grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary School, said that after Rhodia’s scientists appeared at the Bristol Township school during last year’s National Chemistry Week she noticed that the students seemed more excited about the possibility of a career in science after taking part in some experiments.
“I think their eyes were opened,” said Bryson. “I think it’s a wonderful program. … It lets the kids meet scientists and know they are real people. It gives them a good impression of scientists.”
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Borough Council Recap
From the BCCT
PUBLIC MEETING WRAP
Morrisville Council
215-295-8181
When: Monday, Oct. 20
Issue: Nominate Edward Albertson to fill council vacancy.
Vote: Approved 4-3 by Jane Burger, Eileen Dreisbach, Rita Ledger and Stephen Worob. Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted to nominate Fred Kerner.
Issue: Appoint Albertson to the council.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Accept Aug. 18 meeting minutes.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Pay bills; acknowledge receipt of $64,835.24 from Department of the Auditor General and distribute 100 percent to the Morrisville Fire Co.; award the 2008-09 consortium salt bid; pay $172,402.10 for curb and sidewalk project; pay $79,005.01 for median island and traffic signal installation project; approve change order for curb and sidewalk project and library boiler replacement; pay $8,892 for boiler replacement project; award bid for storm sewer construction to L.C. Costa Contractors for $30,700; award contract for library slate roof repairs to Alper Enterprises for $2,700.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Acknowledge 2009 community development block grant application for the Morrisville Library air conditioning installation for $194,500; accept state Department of Community and Economic Development grant for $44,500 for an emergency generator for borough hall.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Lillian Piscopo to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 6-1-1. Ledger voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Appoint Patricia Brofman to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 5-2-1. Ledger and Panzitta voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Approve 2008 Halloween policy; appoint borough manager George Mount as the borough’s open records officer; set an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policy; accept resignation of Andy Thompson from the Landmark Towns of Bucks County steering committee.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Deny the preliminary plan for Penn Jersey Real Properties because applicant withdrew plans.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Authorize borough manager to submit grant to DCED in the amount of $5,000 for replacement handguns for the borough police department.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Advertise rental registration ordinance.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
PUBLIC MEETING WRAP
Morrisville Council
215-295-8181
When: Monday, Oct. 20
Issue: Nominate Edward Albertson to fill council vacancy.
Vote: Approved 4-3 by Jane Burger, Eileen Dreisbach, Rita Ledger and Stephen Worob. Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted to nominate Fred Kerner.
Issue: Appoint Albertson to the council.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Accept Aug. 18 meeting minutes.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Pay bills; acknowledge receipt of $64,835.24 from Department of the Auditor General and distribute 100 percent to the Morrisville Fire Co.; award the 2008-09 consortium salt bid; pay $172,402.10 for curb and sidewalk project; pay $79,005.01 for median island and traffic signal installation project; approve change order for curb and sidewalk project and library boiler replacement; pay $8,892 for boiler replacement project; award bid for storm sewer construction to L.C. Costa Contractors for $30,700; award contract for library slate roof repairs to Alper Enterprises for $2,700.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Acknowledge 2009 community development block grant application for the Morrisville Library air conditioning installation for $194,500; accept state Department of Community and Economic Development grant for $44,500 for an emergency generator for borough hall.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Lillian Piscopo to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 6-1-1. Ledger voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Appoint Patricia Brofman to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 5-2-1. Ledger and Panzitta voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Approve 2008 Halloween policy; appoint borough manager George Mount as the borough’s open records officer; set an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policy; accept resignation of Andy Thompson from the Landmark Towns of Bucks County steering committee.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Deny the preliminary plan for Penn Jersey Real Properties because applicant withdrew plans.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Authorize borough manager to submit grant to DCED in the amount of $5,000 for replacement handguns for the borough police department.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Advertise rental registration ordinance.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Will Pa. graduation exams improve public education?
A press release from the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Will Pa. graduation exams improve public education?
Gov. Rendell has been pushing the idea of a statewide graduation requirement that all students pass a test (his latest gives one of four options) before graduating. Rendell's plans are taking heat from both lawmakers and education interest groups.
Almost half (47 percent) of Pennsylvania's 11th-grade students don't meet proficiency standards on the PSSA in math, while 35 percent underachieve in reading. Yet, most of these students graduate anyway. The Commonwealth Foundation's examination of student performance results -- given that the state's standards are far below the national standards -- indicates that our public schools are worse than we thought they were.
So is a graduation exam the answer?
Some think that graduation rates are already too low in Pennsylvania (only 60 percent of black males graduate, according to one analysis). Others think too many graduate when they aren't adequately prepared. Last year, 23 states (representing 64 percent of students) had some sort of graduation exam. And at least one study shows that graduation exams do not reduce graduation rates -- though some question whether the exams are meaningful at all.
We don't have any problem with high-stakes testing. After all, "teaching to the test" isn't a problem, if a test adequately measures what children should have learned. But is the State Board of Education the proper entity to create the test?
On the one hand, we like the idea of local control, rather than standards set by a state bureaucracy. On the other hand, it is clear that local government isn't always committed to excellence - see, for instance, the Pittsburgh School District's decision to make 50 percent the lowest possible score on any test.
One thing is certain: Pennsylvania has a long way to go to improve the quality of our public education system, and as our recent experience has shown, simply spending more isn't going to improve the quality of our schools.
Instead, Pennsylvania could look to Florida, which implemented high academic standards and tests, held schools and students accountable, ended social promotion (both before graduation and at earlier grades), and offered an array of school-choice options for families.
Will a graduation exam requirement improve our schools? If so, who should craft it? If not, what should the state do to improve its public schools?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Will Pa. graduation exams improve public education?
Gov. Rendell has been pushing the idea of a statewide graduation requirement that all students pass a test (his latest gives one of four options) before graduating. Rendell's plans are taking heat from both lawmakers and education interest groups.
Almost half (47 percent) of Pennsylvania's 11th-grade students don't meet proficiency standards on the PSSA in math, while 35 percent underachieve in reading. Yet, most of these students graduate anyway. The Commonwealth Foundation's examination of student performance results -- given that the state's standards are far below the national standards -- indicates that our public schools are worse than we thought they were.
So is a graduation exam the answer?
Some think that graduation rates are already too low in Pennsylvania (only 60 percent of black males graduate, according to one analysis). Others think too many graduate when they aren't adequately prepared. Last year, 23 states (representing 64 percent of students) had some sort of graduation exam. And at least one study shows that graduation exams do not reduce graduation rates -- though some question whether the exams are meaningful at all.
We don't have any problem with high-stakes testing. After all, "teaching to the test" isn't a problem, if a test adequately measures what children should have learned. But is the State Board of Education the proper entity to create the test?
On the one hand, we like the idea of local control, rather than standards set by a state bureaucracy. On the other hand, it is clear that local government isn't always committed to excellence - see, for instance, the Pittsburgh School District's decision to make 50 percent the lowest possible score on any test.
One thing is certain: Pennsylvania has a long way to go to improve the quality of our public education system, and as our recent experience has shown, simply spending more isn't going to improve the quality of our schools.
Instead, Pennsylvania could look to Florida, which implemented high academic standards and tests, held schools and students accountable, ended social promotion (both before graduation and at earlier grades), and offered an array of school-choice options for families.
Will a graduation exam requirement improve our schools? If so, who should craft it? If not, what should the state do to improve its public schools?
SchoolBoardTransparency.org: Transparency in Teacher Strikes and Negotiations
A press release from the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
10/23/08
Pennsylvania school boards get a hand-up
#1 in the nation for teacher strikes
Today, the Commonwealth Foundation announced the launch of a new project engaging in an effort to provide greater transparency in negotiations between school boards and labor unions.
As part of a year-long campaign to provide greater transparency in school district labor negotiations, the Commonwealth Foundation has unveiled a new website and blog, SchoolBoardTransparency.org. SchoolBoardTransparency.org will offer insight and advice in the labor negotiations process for school boards and citizens. The site will provide regular posts on issues, news, and best practices in school district labor negotiations, and allows users to comment and create posts on a moderated blog.
The project will also include a "how-to" manual for school board members looking to provide greater transparency during union negotiations and a resource for media covering public school labor negotiations. The guides will provide the important questions to ask and explain the key issues typically involved in labor negotiation contracts.
Fred D. Baldwin, a school board member of the Carlisle Area School District in Pennsylvania for 14 years and board president for 12 years, is spearheading the project. "Bringing transparency to the board-union bargaining process would encourage both boards and unions to make more realistic proposals," Mr. Baldwin said. "When both sides tell the public what they're proposing and why, the result will be fewer misleading rumors, shorter bargaining periods and fewer teacher strikes. This doesn't require changing the law, just school boards acting on the principle of 'no taxation without information.'"
"The frequency of teacher strikes and long-unresolved labor negotiations in Pennsylvania is partly the result of a lack of openness and public understanding of the underlying issues," said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation and a former teacher and public school board member. "Transparency in the negotiation process is crucial if we are seriously committed to improving education and safeguarding taxpayers."
Transparent school labor negotiations and openness in how school districts spend taxpayer money will provide for a more informed debate during contract negotiations, teacher strikes, and school budget discussions. The Commonwealth Foundation's goal is to ensure that citizens have the tools they need to evaluate how their property taxes are spent and to decide on future property tax increases. More transparency in labor negotiations will also make sure the public has adequate information to help school boards and unions set spending priorities during contract negotiations and their annual budget setting.
# # #
The Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org) is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA. For more, visit SchoolBoardTransparency.org.
10/23/08
Pennsylvania school boards get a hand-up
#1 in the nation for teacher strikes
Today, the Commonwealth Foundation announced the launch of a new project engaging in an effort to provide greater transparency in negotiations between school boards and labor unions.
As part of a year-long campaign to provide greater transparency in school district labor negotiations, the Commonwealth Foundation has unveiled a new website and blog, SchoolBoardTransparency.org. SchoolBoardTransparency.org will offer insight and advice in the labor negotiations process for school boards and citizens. The site will provide regular posts on issues, news, and best practices in school district labor negotiations, and allows users to comment and create posts on a moderated blog.
The project will also include a "how-to" manual for school board members looking to provide greater transparency during union negotiations and a resource for media covering public school labor negotiations. The guides will provide the important questions to ask and explain the key issues typically involved in labor negotiation contracts.
Fred D. Baldwin, a school board member of the Carlisle Area School District in Pennsylvania for 14 years and board president for 12 years, is spearheading the project. "Bringing transparency to the board-union bargaining process would encourage both boards and unions to make more realistic proposals," Mr. Baldwin said. "When both sides tell the public what they're proposing and why, the result will be fewer misleading rumors, shorter bargaining periods and fewer teacher strikes. This doesn't require changing the law, just school boards acting on the principle of 'no taxation without information.'"
"The frequency of teacher strikes and long-unresolved labor negotiations in Pennsylvania is partly the result of a lack of openness and public understanding of the underlying issues," said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation and a former teacher and public school board member. "Transparency in the negotiation process is crucial if we are seriously committed to improving education and safeguarding taxpayers."
Transparent school labor negotiations and openness in how school districts spend taxpayer money will provide for a more informed debate during contract negotiations, teacher strikes, and school budget discussions. The Commonwealth Foundation's goal is to ensure that citizens have the tools they need to evaluate how their property taxes are spent and to decide on future property tax increases. More transparency in labor negotiations will also make sure the public has adequate information to help school boards and unions set spending priorities during contract negotiations and their annual budget setting.
# # #
The Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org) is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA. For more, visit SchoolBoardTransparency.org.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Mailbag 2: Check the Checks
Here's an email from a sharp eyed parent who apparently had some time to look over the October business meeting minutes.
Anyone have any answers?
Thank you Marlys Mihok! Now each month we can look over the check register and see exactly where our money goes.
Does anyone know why the PSBA conference expenses for Dr Yonson and Mrs Mihok are different? In check 35075, entry 1888 for Dr Yonson is for $199.00. Entry 1887 for Mrs Mihok is $315.00. Why is there a $116.00 difference?
Then there's the entries for legal services. In check 35133, entry 2038 is for $108.00 to Begley, Carlin marked "bond issue defasance". Ignoring the spelling error, I thought defeasance was a done deal. Why are we incurring any more expenses?
Then there's check 35202 to Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams for special education legal fees for $878.11. Was that in the original budget? What services were cut to pay for this?
How about check 35120? That's twenty lunches for the pre-K students for twenty days. That's 400 lunches for $1000.00, or $2.50 per lunch. I'm told the high school lunches are $2.50 each. Are the elementary lunches the same price? Even if they are .25 cents cheaper, that would save $100.00
Anyone have any answers?
Thank you Marlys Mihok! Now each month we can look over the check register and see exactly where our money goes.
Does anyone know why the PSBA conference expenses for Dr Yonson and Mrs Mihok are different? In check 35075, entry 1888 for Dr Yonson is for $199.00. Entry 1887 for Mrs Mihok is $315.00. Why is there a $116.00 difference?
Then there's the entries for legal services. In check 35133, entry 2038 is for $108.00 to Begley, Carlin marked "bond issue defasance". Ignoring the spelling error, I thought defeasance was a done deal. Why are we incurring any more expenses?
Then there's check 35202 to Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams for special education legal fees for $878.11. Was that in the original budget? What services were cut to pay for this?
How about check 35120? That's twenty lunches for the pre-K students for twenty days. That's 400 lunches for $1000.00, or $2.50 per lunch. I'm told the high school lunches are $2.50 each. Are the elementary lunches the same price? Even if they are .25 cents cheaper, that would save $100.00
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)