Issue 1: EDUCATION September 9, 2008
Posted by Jennifer in : A JOURNEY: political posts and ponderings , 4 commentsWhat better issue to examine first, than the issue that is nearest to my heart and my daily work. This entire journey towards political conviction is about learning after all. What’s more, this journey is about being willing to question what I know, and what I believe, and what others tell me they know and they believe. The term floating around these days to qualify that notion is critical literacy. Fascinating topic, but off topic.
As a director of a non-profit education program that provides direct services to hundreds of schools in New York and across the country, I see what’s happening. I hear from educators in the schools who are friends and colleagues and I work with the school administrators who battle/enforce/abide by/tolerate the existing governance of the system. I, in fact, battle/enforce/abide by/tolerate the existing governance of the system.
WE ALL AGREE: With regard to EDUCATION, this country must do better. The need statements are all around us.
PREPARE:
- Find fast facts at the National Center for Education, a federal entity of the US Dept. of Education.
- Visit the National Education Association who offers blogs and data on issues in education…the NEA traditionally backs democratic candidates.
- Spend a great deal of time in the Knowledge Center at the Wallace Foundation who offers unprecedented studies on school performance improvement initiatives.
- Check out The Chronicles of Higher Education for views from current leadership in the field.
- Spend time reviewing press releases from the Center on Education Policy who offers a wealth of data from a distinct perspective.
EXPLORE:
OBAMA
- Read his policy, his preK-12 statement, and his college affordability statement)
McCAIN
- Read his policy, and his plan for strengthening schools)
EXAMINE:
My examination of the position of each candidate on EDUCATION will be influenced by both first and second hand exposure to 21st Century Education in America.
If anyone really knew the solution, well, wouldn’t that be peachy. But here’s a quick and first-round comparison on the subjects garnering most attention. After this step, I’ll need help. I need diverse perspectives, additional resources, hard data, opinions, questions…bring it on.
To start, EdWeek.org presents post-convention stories and blogs on each candidate’s positions: Obama according to edweek.org and McCain according to edweek.org. Here’s another helpful article followed by comparison links on the fourth page from education.com. I’m excited by the thorough responses and the comments from educators that follow each article.
FIRST ROUND FINDINGS
A pervasive theme among my colleagues, educators, and a world wide web of those in the field is that of exhaustion. We all know that even if some things get “shaken up” it’ll just be another few years ’til another “change” will come. As I read everything I can find in this short amount of time on their respective positions, I can conclude, confidently, that they are both playing it safe. One study shows 89% of Americans wish they would talk about this issue more. To be fair, I’ll take what we can get and then put the pressure on to see that it happens, as long as they can get it funded appropriately. I’m not blown away by anything I see. This list will grow and evolve with continued research and your input, but in the simplest (probably too simple) terms possible here is what I see.
No Child Left Behind (NCLB)
I’m starting here because it’s where we are. NCLB very, very real in spite of not being supported in all states and lacking the provision of adequate resources to meet expectations. NCLB’s the policy in place, and not many folks, myself included, fully understand what it’s all about, but we sure know the name and the stigma attached. I feel fortunate to have recently received a decent amount of exposure to the language and Titles through my professional studies. Of note, a 2004-2007 bipartisan evaluation has been commissioned and is expected at the end of 2008; this study could be very influential when it comes to reauthorization of the bill. It’s important to remember, I think, that NCLB is as much about how to spend money, as how to govern schools and teachers.
Obama:
~wasn’t yet in office when the bill was passed
~thinks it is underfunded
~believes the goals are right, but the implementation is wrong
~didn’t reference it by name in his convention speech
~proposes alternate plans outside of the framework of the bill.
McCain:
~voted for the bill
~proposes no new funding
~believes the goals are right but wants to “improve it, not discard it”
~didn’t reference it by name in his convention speech
~is interested in reauthorization of the bill, maintaining accountability but allowing for more choice
I’m curious: Who will be on each of their reauthorization teams? Who will be the players deciding how to make it work? Is Obama for total removal of NCLB, or for reauthorization? I’ve heard from leaders in the field that there is no chance of it going away, just evolving. I think the minds behind the reauthorization are key. Thoughts?
Teacher Pay
Obama:
~proposes pay raises derived from new sources based on:
student mentorship
~new teacher mentorship
~boosts in student achievement
~acquisition of new skills
~service in under-served areas
McCain:
~proposes pay raises derived from 60% Title II of NCLB based on:
~student improvement
~service in low performing schools
Professional Development for Teachers
Obama:
~proposes Professional Development Schools and $100 million to stimulate teacher education reforms built on school-university partnerships.
McCain:
~proposes 35% of Title II funds be put towards Professional Development at the principal’s and school’s discretion
School Choice
Obama:
~believes in public school choice
~proposes a charter school policy
McCain:
~believes in choice
~advocates for growth of the D.C. voucher program
Accountability and Assessment
Obama:
~believes the goal of accountability should serve to improve rather than punish
~believes in varying standards based on the student
~seeks to broaden assessment practices beyond standardized tests; he provides indicators of learning but not yet methods
McCain:
~believes in standards and accountibility at the individual level rather than averages
~believes in holding all students to a common standard
~proposes to invest in teachers, reward achievement, and empower parents and students to make meaningful choices
College Affordability
Obama:
Enhanced by the newly proposed American Opportunities Tax Credit…
~proposes reduced tuition at colleges and universities
~proposes free community college for most students
~proposes streamlined financial aid
McCain:
~proposes simplifying existing tax benefits
~proposes consolidating existing financial aid
~will place attention to the private loan “lender of last resort” problem
Pre-K Programs
Obama:
~proposes a “Zero to Five” plan which includes Early Learning Challenge Grants for voluntary universal pre-school
~will expand early Head Start
~will provide affordable child care
McCain:
~proposes Centers for Excellence in Head Start
~proposes federal funding for the neediest children
~believes much finding is already earmarked for early ed, but proposes better organization of programs to make them more successful
Special initiatives
Read detail on candidates’ special initiatives in the links at the top of this post; this is the fun stuff after all, these (at least a little bit) outside of the box ideas.
Obama:
~Teacher Residency Programs for learning and job placement
~Science, Math and Technology as a primary focus of education
McCain:
~Virtual Schools as a new approach to teaching
~Teacher Credentials made accessible to non-traditional teachers
Candidates Experience and Influence
Obama:
~wasn’t in office when NCLB was passed
~advocated for the 2007 vote for legislation that Bush signed into law cutting student loan rates and increasing pell grants from $4310 to $5100
~missed the vote on the above
~Education Advisor is Linda Darling-Hammond
~Democrats not universally behind the policy, but behind Obama
McCain:
~voted for NCLB
~dedicated little time to Educational Policy
~missed the 2007 vote for legislation that Bush signed into law cutting student loan rates and increasing pell grants from $4310 to $5100
~Chief Education Advisory is Lisa Graham Keegan
~Republicans overwhelming behind the policy
Funding
Obama:
~Obama estimates expenses for his education plan at $18 billion.”According to his campaign web site, he plans to delay a NASA project for five years, auction surplus federal property, close tax loopholes for executives, and use “a small portion of the savings associated with fighting the war in Iraq,” among other sources.”
(source: education.com “Election Fever 2008″)
McCain:
~McCain has proposed no new funding, but has proposed reauthorization of NCLB to include changes to the allocation of funds through the bill.
I’m curious: Running a single school, much less a system, region, or country of schools, requires an incredible amount of talent and time, beyond that of the teachers and principals. Why is more attention not placed on networks, or communities of administrators and educators, people in the field and in the office who COMMUNICATE, CREATE, DEVISE, ASSESS, and GROW as part of a “dream team” of leadership to better schools? Can all the administrative responsibility be placed on the Principal and teachers without new funding? If no new funding is found, how will reorganization to cut wasteful spending be managed? I’m curious about the top tier management of the DOE…
RSVP September 8, 2008
Posted by Jennifer in : A JOURNEY: political posts and ponderings , 1 comment so farWhat a response. I never expected so many emails today from so many people across the country, from so many different vantage points. As my project was forwarded to friends of friends, colleagues of colleagues, two distinct reactions emerged. Many responses were of readiness to come along…whether as fellow conviction seekers or as conviction wielders ready to impart a stance. From some, however, I found a sense of distance from the purpose of my mission. There is, from some, a sentiment that political affiliation rules over these candidate’s proposed administrations and issues. I could buy that, but not just yet, not until I give this process a fighting chance. I’m just not ready to give into the idea that this is a tennis match between the same two folks every set. I’m not ready to loose hope that everyone really has set out in this election to make things better, even if they do use different maps.
(Go ahead, laugh if you want.)
So until tomorrow, when hundreds of episodes of Meet the Press (et al), 30 years of politics over dinner/in the classroom/at the office, 12 years of voting, 4 sets of televised conventions, 2 contrasting bodies of believers in my circle of loved ones, and one prevailing sense that I can’t agree with everyone all comes to a pause. And I stop. And I read. And I listen. And I believe. And I doubt. And hopefully, if all goes well, I decide, for myself, with conviction.
Tomorrow’s Issue…
Posted by Jennifer in : A JOURNEY: political posts and ponderings , 1 comment so farEDUCATION.
A very good place to start. I can’t wait.
A Journey Towards Political Conviction
Posted by Jennifer in : A JOURNEY: political posts and ponderings , 25 commentsDear Friends and Family,
These days folks are tossing the word out so much, it seems there is an abundance of spare “change” lying about. I decided to pick some of it up and put it to good use.
As many of you know, I’m set to begin a personal journey of political exploration. It begins today and you are each invited to join me. Actually, I’m begging you to join me, for without a community, I may not be able to get where I’m trying to go.
“WE LIVE IN TWO DIFFERENT WORLDS, DEAR”
I registered to vote when I turned 18. I just turned 30. I moved to New York City 6 years ago which means exactly one half of my political influence while of voting age happened in the conservative South, and one half in the liberal North. Marry that statistic with this personality flaw/trait(?): I am ever reticent to voice an opinion, especially about politics, without sincere conviction. During political discourse of any persuasion, I am the one listening, full of conscious curiosity, challenging mean-spirited remarks, but almost never taking a clear stance. Perspective is one of my personal virtues, but seeing both sides of an issue sure does make voting arduous.
“I GOTTA CHANGE MY WAY OF LIVING”
Today I’m announcing a wholly unbiased, naive, and disciplined journey towards political conviction!
Every couple of days, starting tomorrow, I’ll enter into a deep exploration of an issue at hand in this Election 2008: from Education to Iraq, Healthcare to Energy. I’ll begin with a study of each potential administration’s position on the issue, along with simple research on the topic from outside sources. By the time I post, I’ll have wrapped my head around the topic from both perspectives, but I’ll then need to open up the dialogue face-to-face with my community throughout the day and online. I invite (eh hem, beg) you to add your two cents (since you all have spare change lying about, too) and post comments with links to additional research, sources of info, professional opinion or even witty banter. The only rules are to attempt to keep the dialogue geared towards the stance of the candidate’s campaign not the overarching party; Obama and McCain rather than generalizations about democrats’ and republicans’ historical views. And please, please refrain from mean-spirited participation.
“COME ALONG AND RIDE THIS RAIN”
Whether you are left or right, whether you vote for politicians or for parties, whether you’ve made up your mind or your mind is not yet made, you’re cordially invited along for this ride. And just maybe it’ll be as worthwhile for one of you as I’m certain it will be for me.
WILL YOU JOIN ME?
See you along way,
Jennifer
Somebody Give Ovation an Ovation! November 26, 2007
Posted by Jennifer in : that's entertainment , 5 commentsWhat better to be running on the small screen (Ovation Channel) during your Christmas Eve festivities than 4, count ‘em FOUR, dualing Nutcrackers! From the traditional Balanchine with Darci Kistler and Macaulay Culkin to Mark Morris’s vintage contemporary spin, each one is sure to please. And not because you love dancing so much, or because the story is that transcendent, or because of the rich history of the score and origins. The love of it is in the work’s maleability and proliforation in communities large and small, in dance companies meager and grand, and with audiences both callow and discerning.
They’ll fight to the end for your votes, may the best creepy uncle and royal rodent win!
How great are these…cookie cutters! November 21, 2007
Posted by Jennifer in : worldly goods , 1 comment so farTake a bite outta crime - McRuff would be proud.
Walnut Cookies October 23, 2007
Posted by Jennifer in : dairy free (sort of) , 1 comment so farA heart healthy walnut cookie. No butter! Whaaa?? Paula would be disappointed. That is, until she tasted these chewy delights.
Walnut Cookies
2 cups finely chopped walnuts
1 cup dark brown sugar
2 large eggs
3 tbs all purpose flour
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/4 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
Hand beat eggs until yolk and whites combine. Add sugar and stir until the consistency of caramel. Stir in remaining ingredients. Bake at 350 on parchment-lined cookie sheets, 10-12 minutes until edges brown. Allow to cool completely on baking sheets before removing.
Please note, if you don’t use parchment, these cookies will stick to your trays like Romney on Reagan. Which I’m so over by the way…
Read about Reading… October 18, 2007
Posted by Jennifer in : that's entertainment , 1 comment so farI remembered I had this blog the other day. Uninspired to keep it too personal, I’m going to let it evolve into more of an online magazine. First up will be a series that will spit in the face of subway etiquette and reveal what New Yorkers are reading whilst they dream of consistently-air conditioned, sitting-room-only commutes.
But first, my own reviews.
You know that book that you can’t put down? The one you not just recommend, but on which you actually spend your hard earned play-money to buy ten copies for your closest friends? And nothing’s more frustrating then when friend/sis/mom doesn’t like your pick. This year more than ever I’ve felt the disapproval on some could be/should be bed-side classics. Take Cormac McCarthy’s recent The Road (Alfred A. Knoph, 2006). I think McCarthy’s specificity of language is brilliant, but more than one discerning book pals found it boring and plotless. Go figure.
Happily, my fears over the loss of all critical ability are disabused with the charming, chick-lit gone literary memoir, Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert (Penguin, 2007). Earlier last summer I went to trendy Burgers & Cupcakes in NYC with a friend of a friend from Birmingham…five minutes into the conversation we both pulled out a dog-eared copy of the #1 New York Times bestseller to recommend to one another. Then I sat next to a “this is not a plastic bag” toting stranger on the subway…yep, she was hunched forward with her nose in the center binding ’til I caught her eye with a “that is not crappy chick lit” look and we started talking. Then I passed it onto a co-worker and she actually swooned in my office upon return. Inevitably, each encounter included praise-filled chatter about how Elizabeth’s personal discoveries hit home. (You’ll be on a first name basis, too, just a few pages in.) Elizabeth invites all of us on her journey to search for everything across Italy, India, and Indonesia. Symbolic and spiritual happenings literally carry her, and the reader, away from grief and towards the ability to control one’s reactions to life’s events. Elizabeth is a writer bringing real literary talent to her familiar struggle for happiness.
I am charmed and inspired, as are all I meet, by how she dares to find answers in such an unconventional way. And if you have read it, or do read it, and if you do love it, get set for Penguin’s new edition of her first book–a collection of short stories, Pilgrims, layed out on shelves this month.
Save Jericho, Save the World! June 7, 2007
Posted by Jennifer in : pun and harmony , add a commentYippeee! For those of you who haven’t ever seen it, please give Jericho a chance this summer when CBS replays the first season. It is such great TV. And the story of its comeback is just nutty!
It’s all over the news, but here’s a link to the NY TIMES article on it.
A Good Enough Post for the Holidays December 18, 2006
Posted by Jennifer in : that's entertainment , 2 commentsI worry that if I don’t write and post this missive today (just two weeks before the new year) my blog may go the way of home milk delivery, telegrams, and snap bracelets. But the longer I’ve waited since the last post to repost, the harder it has gotten. I guess it boils down to fear. Will my post be good enough?
Last Tuesday, in spite of recovering from pneumonia, I went to see Garrison Keillor’s holiday concert with the New York Philharmonic. He entitled the program, “A Good Enough Christmas Concert”, and I was inspired. What a concept: it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough. Now apply that to other things.
1) The present for your grandmother: it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough.
2) The salutation in your Christmas card: it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough.
3) The cost of your airfare home: it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough.
4) Your make-up application on the night of your big event, in spite of being too sick to go: it doesn’t have to be perfect, just good enough.
The concert was convivial for all, especially the 8 or 10 of us there who were under 30. My humor is so far off from the mainstream 20-something’s that I often wonder if my birth certificate is accurate. I just loved his storytelling techniques layered with symphonic paragon. He offered a captivating tribute to the late Robert Altman by way of Guy Noir. He had a sing-a-long of “Silent Night” in both Norwegian and English, which made remembering the harmony too challenging for my taste and I longed for short, white candles with paper finger protectors. My favorite part was the seemless transition from a jolly lymeric to Mendelssohn’s “Wedding March” in its fully orchestrated glory. To my future husband: I’ve always sworn I’ll never return down the aisle to that predictable diddy, but if you can promise me the complete New York Philharmonic to accompany us, I take it back.
Is the above good enough? It will have to do, I can’t think of anything else to say.
Merry Christmas!
