Strauss: The Disaster California Schools Face...

[YvonneCa]

...and a Teacher's Call to Action, by Anthony Cody.

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/answer-sheet/anthony-cody/the-disaster-california-school.html


Also, the link to Jerry Brown's 2009 letter to Duncan, here:


http://blogs.edweek.org/teachers/living-in-dialogue/2009/09/jerry_brown_to_arne_duncan_thi.html

[madrchsod]

1. this is going to take the students,parents,and teachers...

this fall students in madison wisconsin protested and i think just recently in new york city.

gee, i never thought that "power to the people" would have to be resurrected

[YvonneCa]

2. In Los Angeles, too. LA mayor supports...

...Obama ed. reform. Brown and newly elected SPI ...we'll see. It will take ALL of us to do this right.

[AC_Mem]

3. My grandchildren are in an "Obama School"

And we LOVE LOVE LOVE it. The theme of the school is Environmental Science and Community Service. Fantastic teachers, each classroom is a "community". No child goes hungry or goes without supplies if they are less fortunate. Parents are involved and we donate supplies when needed/requested. Classrooms have computers, interactive boards, and a huge science/environment lab. The kids work together on their own rules, goals and consequences.

It's a lot of work because we are trying to bring the kids up to national standards so there is quite a bit of homework and it requires the parents to work with the teachers and to work with the children, but I have to say it is the best experience I have seen at an elementary school in my entire life. The teachers are outstanding and every time I go to the school the kids are quiet, orderly and most of all, happy.

I see my grandchildren (who live with me) thrive in this atmosphere. I wish every city could have a school like this. Oh, and this is a suburb of Memphis - which is known for the problems we have in our educational system.

Annette

[YvonneCa]

4. Thanks for the reply. FWIW, I am an...

...Obama fan. The school you describe sounds like one where I taught...lots of good things happening for kids. It was a Title I school. I have a question for you, if you are willing. :) Can you tell me what you mean when you say 'Obama School'?

[AC_Mem]

5. "Obama School"

When I said that I meant it. This school is a public, optional school with a focus on community stewardship, global awareness, science, mathmatics, reading, music, space and the universe, and nurturing talent in the students - and its an elementary (K-6) school!

When I listened to President Obama talk about his vision for the future of education for our children, it perfectly matched what this new school (just opened in August) offers.

So, I call it an "Obama School" - my term. Maybe I should also call it a "Bill and Melinda Gates School" because their funding is also helping our school system.. :)