Say It Ain't So!

From Education Week

Elimination of ‘Reading First’ Funding Advances
By Alyson Klein

The full Senate Appropriations Committee yesterday approved a fiscal 2009 spending measure that would eliminate funding for the controversial Reading First program, while providing modest increases for other programs serving disadvantaged students and those in special education.

The bill, which was approved on a 26-3 vote, would provide about $61.8 billion for the U.S. Department of Education for fiscal 2009, which begins Oct. 1. That would be a 4.2 percent increase over the current fiscal year.

On June 19, a House Appropriations subcommittee also voted to scrap the Reading First state grants program as part of a similar 2009 spending bill financing education, labor, health, and other programs.

U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings urged lawmakers to reconsider their decision. State-reported performance data for the program “indicates impressive gains in reading comprehension,” she wrote in a June 25 letter to leaders of both chambers’ committees on appropriations and education.

“Zeroing out Reading First would endanger our academic progress, send the wrong message to teachers, and, worst of all, do a disservice to our nation’s neediest students,” Secretary Spellings wrote.

Created as part of the No Child Left Behind Act, which became law in 2002, the Reading First program was financed at about $1 billion annually until this fiscal year. Congress slashed the funding to $393 million for fiscal 2008, after a series of reports by the Education Department’s inspector general suggested that conflicts of interest had occurred among officials and contractors who helped implement the program in its early years.

The Senate panel did not discuss the decision to kill funding for Reading First during debate over the fiscal 2009 education spending bill. But in the House, Rep. David R. Obey, D-Wis., the chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, cited the results of a preliminary federal evaluation of Reading First, released May 1, which found that the program has had no impact on students’ reading comprehension.

Emergency Spending Bill
The Senate Appropriations Committee also approved $14.5 billion for Title I grants for districts, a 4.3 percent increase over fiscal 2008. And it voted to hike spending to help states cover the cost of educating students in special education, under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, to $11.4 billion, a 4.1 percent increase over this fiscal year.

Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, who chairs the Appropriations subcommittee that deals with education, called the proposed bottom line for the IDEA “woefully inadequate, but better than what we’ve done.”

Meanwhile, the full Senate yesterday, on a 92-6 vote, gave final approval to an emergency-spending bill financing the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan that would also permit the federal government to continue reimbursing schools for administrative and most student-transportation costs covered by Medicaid, until at least next spring. A Bush administration directive sought to halt the practice.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, an arm of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, issued a final rule in December that sought to eliminate the reimbursements that school districts receive for certain administrative and transportation expenses from the Medicaid program. Districts receive such payments to cover the costs of transporting some students in special education, for instance.

But, also in December, Congress approved legislation that keeps any school-related changes to Medicaid from taking effect until July 1. The spending bills would extend the moratorium on changes to the school reimbursements until April 1 of next year. Lawmakers who support the moratorium hope that by that point they can negotiate potential changes with the next administration—or just leave the reimbursement program in place, lobbyists said.

The emergency-spending measure would also create a “new GI bill” to expand education benefits for veterans of the armed forces who have served since Sept. 11, 2001. It would provide more than $62 billion over 10 years to help cover the cost of books and tuition, and a monthly living stipend.

But the bill does not include $400 million to provide a one-year extension of the Secure Rural Schools and Community Self-Determination Act of 2000, a program that gives federal aid to make up for diminished timber revenues in counties that are home to national forests.

A version of the legislation initially passed by the Senate last month had included the money, but it was stripped out as part of a compromise between Democratic leaders in Congress and President Bush, who had threatened to veto the bill if it contained too much domestic spending.

Without the money, some districts will be forced to make dramatic budget cuts, including laying off employees, supporters of the provision said.

The House of Representatives approved the emergency-spending bill June 19 by a vote of 416-12. President Bush is expected to sign it.

Vol. 27

Missing Matt

I'm already missing Matt. He was such a great partner, such a great confident, and tremendous support for me and really for everyone. I'm really happy about his promotion, but I'm sad for our loss. Not only is he good at his job, but he's one of the nicest and most sincere people I've ever met in my life. With all honesty, I can't say that I'm thrilled about doing my job and half of his. I appreciate that Glenda and Cheryl will also take over some of his duties. We have a GREAT support team. Next year is going to be tough. We'll make it work. I'm remembering what Dewitt Jones says, "Celebrate what's right with the world." Ok, Dewitt...I'll celebrate in a couple days. Let me wallow in my sorrow until at least Friday.

Celebrate What's Right With the World

There's so much right with the world. Lately, my days have been so hectic, so stressful, so negative that I forget that there is so much right with MY world. I need to celebrate what's right with MY world. There's so much to celebrate...like Edwin's letter and all the other wonderful Tribes letters I get. Like the hugs I get at lunch. Like the compliments the kids give me on my shirt and shoes. Yes, they pay attention to those things. Like kindergartener Jovan who shared his wonderful story with me today. He was so proud of his writing. And so was I. MY world is worth celebrating.

My inspiration for celebrating what's right with the world comes from Dewitt Jones. His wonderful video challenges us to "recognize the possibilities and find solutions for the challenges before us." Take a few minutes to watch the video. Let's celebrate!

Tribes Letter of the Week

I LOVE getting Tribes letters! They definitely bring me joy. I wish I could post all the letters I get. Some of them are so cute. Like this one... (I'm sure Edwin wouldn't mind me posting his letter.)

Shout Outs!

I'm sure Mr. C had no idea his field trip to the Getty would end up in the back seat of my car listening to my rants against Hillary Clinton and gushing praise for Barack Obama. Poor guy. One of his students fainted at the Getty and had to be taken to the UCLA Medical Center Emergency Room. Mr. C didn't hesitate to jump in the back of the ambulance to be with his student! That's dedication. Luckily, the student is fine. I'm not sure how Mr. C is doing. He looked kind of pale when he got out of my car. Another shout out to his mom for taking care of the rest of his students! Lots of heroes in the "C" family!

LA Times

Last week I wrote a letter to the Times praising the fine education I received at CSU Dominguez Hills. The letter was published on Monday. Check it out.

Interesting...

From Education Week

Senate Panel Also Votes to Kill Funds for 'Reading First'
By Alyson Klein

Washington
A Senate Appropriations subcommittee voted today to eliminate all funding for the Reading First program, as part of a fiscal 2009 spending bill that would provide modest increases for other education programs.

Last week, a House Appropriations subcommittee also approved a fiscal 2009 spending measure that would scrap funding for the controversial reading program, which was authorized as part of the No Child Left Behind Act.

In explaining his panel's decision to zero out the program, Rep. David R. Obey, D-Wis., the chairman of the House Appropriations panel, had cited the results of a preliminary federal evaluation of Reading First, released May 1, which found that the program has had no impact on students' reading comprehension.

But Sen. Tom Harkin, D-Iowa, the chairman of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies, gave no reason today for his panel’s plan to end funding for the program.

Richard Long, the director of government relations for the Newark, Del.-based International Reading Association, called the actions by the House and Senate panels “unfortunate.”

“We hope this doesn’t mean that the emphasis on reading improvement and professional development is dropped,” Mr. Long said.

Speaking last week in response to the House subcommittee’s action, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings said, “it would be tragic to cut the nation’s only reading program when so many policymakers and teachers know it’s working to increase achievement.”

The Department of Education has just released an analysis of state test-score data showing that a majority of states have seen gains in reading fluency and comprehension in Reading First schools. ("Keep ‘Reading First’ Funds, Advisory Group Urges Congress", June 24, 2008.)

Slight Increase for Some Programs
Reading First, a major initiative of the Bush administration, received about $1 billion annually until Congress slashed the program’s budget to $393 million for fiscal 2008, the current year.

Lawmakers acted after a series of reports by the U.S. Department of Education’s inspector general that suggested conflicts of interest had occurred among officials and contractors who helped implement the program in its early years.

The Senate bill would provide $61.8 billion in discretionary spending for the Education Department in fiscal 2009, which begins Oct. 1. That would be a 4.3 percent increase over the $59.2 billion appropriated for 2008.

Sen. Arlen Specter of Pennsylvania, the top Republican on the Appropriations subcommittee, said he wished the panel had more money to work with.

“I don’t think it is a good bill—I think it is the best we can do,” Sen. Specter said during the subcommittee meeting. “There’s so much that could be done if we simply had the funding.”

The measure, which the subcommittee approved by a voice vote, would provide $154 billion in discretionary spending for education, health, and labor programs, a $7.6 billion increase over last year.

It would boost funding for Title I grants for the education of disadvantaged students to $14.5 billion, compared with this year’s $13.9 billion. The new total would be $225 million more than President Bush’s fiscal 2009 budget request of $14.3 billion.

Sen. Harkin said that even with the increase for Title I, the appropriations would fall “well short of the funds authorized by the No Child Left Behind Act.”

The bill would hike spending to help states cover the cost of students in special education, increasing spending for grants to states under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act from $11.28 billion in fiscal 2008 to about $11.4 billion next year.

“We wish the numbers could be higher than they are,” said Mary L. Kusler, a lobbyist with the American Association of School Administrators. “But we are encouraged by the increases for [special education] and Title I.”

The Senate subcommittee released few other details about the Labor-HHS-Education spending bill, which the full Appropriations Committee is scheduled to consider Thursday. On the same day, the full House Appropriations Committee is schedule to take up its Labor-HHS-Education bill.

Vol. 27, Issue 43

Graduation? Promotion?

There's an interesting article in today's LA Times about middle schools toning down their eighth grade "graduation" ceremonies. Many elementary schools are doing the same. I have to come out on the side of those who believe in toning down such celebrations. I say this as a former fifth grade teacher and organizer of many promotion ceremonies. I totally understand the need for people to celebrate. Celebration is great! I'm a true believer in celebrating success. I believe recognition and celebration for the completion of elementary school is appropriate. Are long, flowing, strapless gowns, suits, flowers, balloons, stuffed animals, hooting and hollering families, candy leis, etc. really necessary or appropriate for sending our fifth graders off to middle school? I'm not so sure. I think it's important to remind fifth graders they are not graduating, but rather being promoted to the next grade level. Graduation happens in high school and college. High school and college graduations are milestones that deserve huge celebrations...not going from fifth to sixth grade. We need to remind kids that they still have 7 more years to go. Seven more years of studying and hard work. We send mixed messages when promotion celebrations resemble graduation ceremonies. I'm not sure what an "appropriate" promotion ceremony looks like. I have a few ideas, but I'll leave the decision making to the fifth grade team. I'm thrilled that so many kids have been telling me about the colleges that they'll be going to and what they'll be studying. The other day, third grader Toni told me she was going to Stanford. I told her she made an excellent choice. I also told her she needed to keep working hard to get there. She told me she knew that. I asked her if I could go to her graduation. With a HUGE smile on her face, she said "of course." I hope in 2021, I'm in Palo Alto hooting and hollering for Toni!

Today's List of Activities

Today was a busy day. I forgot to write down everything I did today. I'm going to try to remember everything.

I went to a meeting at the TRC about service learning. I drove back to school. I made a pot of coffee. I stared at the naughty boy and naughty girl in the office. I moved the recycling containers out of the office into the hallway. I checked email. I listened to a voice message on the phone. I took the mail out of my box. I went to guard the milk. I asked Kentae, Gary, and Adrian why they were wearing hoodies in 90 degree weather. I went outside to set up the putting green. I putted. I missed. I watched the kids play golf for awhile. I said hi to Bishop. I waved at Cheryl. I checked email again. I talked to Glenda S about the new online payroll system. I talked to Ruselle about something. Don't remember what it was. I told Kathy we need to correct something that had been copied because it had incorrect information. I bought a water and a diet dr. pepper from the vending machine. I checked email. I talked to Bishop about the new playground hours. I talked to Cheryl about the new playground hours. Ruselle and I delivered the new recycling containers. I checked email. I typed up a flyer to send home to parents about the new playground hours. I talked to Kristi a couple times. I waved at Leticia and Robin in the hallway. I talked to Ruselle about something. I talked with Leticia. I talked with Stephanie. I ate almonds while I was talking to her. I returned a call to HRS. Darn, I forgot to return another call. I talked to Outey in the hallway. I unpacked the Grade 4 Science end of course exams. I moved the planters around in the front of the school. I got mad because someone moved the planter that's located near the elevator room. I talked to Ruselle about something. I talked to Erika about Kindergarten diplomas. I checked email. I talked to Ruselle about something. I called the parent of a kid who hadn't been picked up on time. I wiped down the phone and counter. I cleaned the white board. I wrote Thursday's events on the white board. I turned off my computer. I talked to Ruselle about something. I turned my computer back on. I emailed Glenda and Ruselle the revised 08-09 bell schedule. I told Laura I could talk to her on Thursday. I turned off my computer. I left.

I'm sure I've forgotten a bunch of other stuff...like going to the bathroom...but I'm sure you don't want to know about that. Right?

From My Email Buddy

D'Hills

There's a great article in today's LA Times about how the new President of Cal State Dominguez Hills is trying to change the university's image. Apparently, it has been known as a "remedial university." Really? I didn't realize that I spent all those years (got my bachelors, teaching credential, and masters at d'hills) at a "remedial university." I thought I was getting a first class education at a small, ethnically diverse university. I really enjoyed not spending hours trying to find parking. I also enjoyed the professors actually knowing my name and actually caring about me. I'm proud to be a graduate of D'Hills. I enjoyed every moment I spent there. I really hope the new president is able to change the university's image. It's a great school.

The Book Whisperer, Donalyn Miller

The Book Whisperer
By Donalyn Miller

Donalyn Miller is a 6th grade language arts and social studies teacher in Texas who is said to have a "gift": She can turn even the most reluctant (or in her words "dormant") readers into students who can't put their books down. After responding to reader questions in her popular, "Creating Readers" Ask The Mentor column, Donalyn has returned to blog. She will write about how to inspire and motivate student readers, and respond to issues facing teachers and other leaders in the literacy field.

June 16, 2008

Out of the Box

I just finished reading Airman by Eoin Colfer, and today’s obsession is flying. I spent an hour on the Internet investigating the invention of kites, balloons, gliders, and airplanes. It is clear that Colfer researched early flying machines and the brave, crazy men who dared to build and fly them. After reading this adventure, I know that the invention of the gas-powered engine was a pivotal link in creating a working plane, and that balsa wood and canvas make a good, light frame for one, but let’s face it, I did not pick up this book because I needed research on planes, and it won’t be the reason the boys in my class will clamor to read the book next year. They will read Airman because they want to fly.

While surfing To Fly is Everything, a virtual museum on the history of human flight, I smiled thinking about the random information I have picked up from a lifetime of reading fiction. Thirty years ago this summer, I impressed my counselor at Girl Scout camp when I approached my horse from the side, not the back, like most novice riders. She asked me if I had ridden before, and I told her, no, I had just read every book Marguerite Henry had written. I got a basic primer on cloning in a college genetics course, but I learned about the ramifications of cloning from Jurassic Park. Unlike Crichton’s thriller, though, the only time I felt white-knuckled terror in that class was the day of the final.

I think reading popular fiction gets a bad rap. In many classrooms, reading books that are “good for you” supplants reading books that are just good. Every book has the potential to teach readers. Reading is the best way to build background knowledge about an endless list of topics. All teachers know that readers outperform non-readers, not only in English class, but in science and social studies classes, too. And those powerhouse readers are not just reading nonfiction.

One discovery I made while working with young readers is that a fiction book often sparks curiosity in a nonfiction topic. Last year, I had a student who knew staggering amounts of information about medieval architecture, armaments, and chivalry. He read fantasy books constantly. From sea turtle migration, to Mount Everest’s summit, to Frank Lloyd Wright, I can trace many of my students’ tangential interests back to a great fiction story they enjoyed.

Nonfiction reading feeds the flames for fiction reading, as well. Fascinated with the bombing of Pearl Harbor? Read Under the Blood Red Sun and witness the event through the eyes of Japanese-Americans. Intrigued by puzzles and riddles? Read Chasing Vermeer and solve the mystery right alongside the protagonists (you can pick up an art lesson, too).

When we, as educators, denounce reading fiction as escapism, and claim that reading nonfiction is the only place for learning and inquiry, we unnaturally compartmentalize the reading experience. What readers gain from reading does not fit into neat little boxes, any more than life does. Reading is complex because readers are.

Do I read for entertainment? enlightenment? education? Yes, yes, and yes. I read for all of these reasons, often at the same time. Ultimately, I think there is only one reason to read—to get answers to our questions—be they emotional, spiritual or intellectual. In this way, every act of reading is an act of inquiry, even when all we want to know is, "What happens?"

from: edweek.org

Stress

Last week was one of the most stressful weeks of the year. It was pretty bad. So, I decided to take Sunday off. No school work at all. Nothing. Although I did buy something that was for school. Does that count? Anyway, I decided to spend the day shopping. Spending money on stuff I absolutely don't need always seems to calm me down. I bought a few things at Cost Plus. Love that store. I was using a gift card that a friend gave me for my birthday. I bought a rug at Bed, Bath and Beyond. I used a 20% off coupon I got in the mail. I browsed Barnes and Noble. Well, I did more than browse...I bought a couple books. While I was standing on line, there was a little boy, maybe 6 years old who kept asking his mom what stress was. I think he saw a little book that had stress in the title. The mom told him it's when you're frustrated, angry. I thought how great it is that this little boy has absolutely no idea what stress is. I hope he doesn't know its evilness for a very long time. After Barnes, I went over to Macys to walk around. I bought a couple shirts. One of the shirts was 50% off, PLUS I had a 15% off coupon. Check me out with all my coupons! I checked out the new Vons in Seal Beach. I got lunch. I chilled out at home for a little bit. I ended the day with a walk along the beach. I try to walk the beach at least twice a week. I walk the bike path from Granada to Junipero. Hmmm, maybe I shouldn't have written that in case one of you want to kidnap me or something. Aha, but you don't know what days I walk! Wait! You know one of them is Sunday. Guess I'll have to mix up the days now. Anyway, walking isn't exactly something I enjoy doing. It's definitely a chore...but a necessary one. Overall, it was a pretty good day.

More David Sedaris

If you haven't read Holidays on Ice, you absolutely must! If you don't listen to This American Life, you absolutely must! One of my favorite David Sedaris stories is "Santaland Diaries." David chronicles his adventures as a Macy's Santaland elf. The link will take you to the This American Life website where you can listen to David tell the story. Click on "full episode." Great stuff!

Odd Jobs

I'm not sure if most people realize the very mundane things I have to do as part of my "job." I'm supposed to be the "principle teacher," the "instructional leader." A lot of the stuff I do has nothing to do with that. I'm sure many think my job is glamorous, full of perks and privileges. Guess again. Here's a list of the not so glamorous things I have to do (most very important and some not):

Sign a bazillion forms a day.

Walk the playground to make sure the architect's drawing of the playground lines are in the correct location. Make editions/revisions to the drawing.

Rewrite the school page for the School of Choice Options book.

Beg (literally) city officials to not tear up Walnut until we're off track.

Call/email the city numerous times to make sure we get purple recycling bins. (I'm still waiting for the classroom containers.)

Check and approve payroll.

Check the substitute website to see who's absent. Forward the info to the secretary and support team.

Write a bazillion letters of recommendation.

Attend meetings that are boring and a waste of my time.

Shoo corn vendors away from the school.

Bag trash.

Guard milk.

Open ketchup and hot sauce packets.

Listen to the district's pest control guy tell me that the ants invading our building are from Argentina.

Shoo skateboarders away from the school on weekends.

This is just a partial list. There's a lot more. I think I'm going to start writing down everything I do. Geez, I hope I can remember to do that.

75 Posts!

Congratulations to me! Year-3 had over 120 posts. I'm not sure if I'm going to be able to beat that. I'll try.

Any David Sedaris Fans?

I've been trying to read David Sedaris' new book before I go to sleep. I've read about four chapters so far. The man is a literary genius. Great stuff. Check it out!

Head Start

One of this week's enjoyable moments (probably this week's ONLY enjoyable moment) was attending the Head Start "graduation." It was pure delight to see the kids sing, dance, read, and play. The parents in attendance were so proud of their little ones. The Head Start kids are so smart...they are so ready for kindergarten. Our Head Start teachers need to be thanked for their very hard work preparing the kids for kindergarten. Thank you Rebecca, Jasmin, and Yanira! I wish EVERY single kid could attend Head Start. I'm a proud "graduate" of Harbor Hills Head Start(Lomita, CA) Class of '73. Yes, I'm a South Bay boy!

Obama and McCain on NCLB

We know who the two candidates for president will be. How do they feel about NCLB? Both Obama and McCain believe the NCLB goals are good things. You can read more about the candidates' views on NCLB in a current Education Week article. Check it out.

Toy District

Today, Ruselle and I took a trip to the Toy District. It's always an adventure hitting the streets of downtown L.A., especially the Toy District. Ahh, the crowds, the smells, the deals. We hit about four or five stores, I'm not quite sure. We bought a bunch of toys for the testing raffle, stickers for the student store, and stuffed animals for the carnival. One funny thing happened. In the sticker store, I heard a cell phone ring, but I didn't see a cell phone. I noticed the ring was coming from the sales lady's chest. She pulled the cell phone out of her bra. I wanted to laugh, but I refrained. We hadn't paid yet. I guess it's a good use of personal storage space. I guess. We ended the trip with lunch at Olvera Street. It was a good day.

A personal letter from Barack Obama

I just checked my verizon email account and guess what I found? A personal letter to me from the presumptive Democratic nominee for President of the United States. Let me share. (notice he signed it Barack?) Oh yeah, I'm in...

Edward--

I'm about to take the stage in St. Paul and announce that we have won the Democratic nomination for President of the United States. It's been a long journey, and we should all pause to thank Hillary Clinton, who made history in this campaign. Our party and our country are better off because of her. I want to make sure you understand what's ahead of us. Earlier tonight, John McCain outlined a vision of America that's very different from ours -- a vision that continues the disastrous policies of George W. Bush. But this is our moment. This is our time. Our time to turn the page on the policies of the past and bring new energy and new ideas to the challenges we face. Our time to offer a new direction for the country we love. It's going to take hard work, but thanks to you and millions of other donors and volunteers, no one has ever been more prepared for such a challenge.
Thank you for everything you've done to get us here. Let's keep making history.

Barack

And the winner is...

Finally, Democrats have selected a candidate for president. Let the race begin. I'm not sure if Obama should pick Clinton as his VP. What do you think?

The End is Near?

For those of you politically inclined, it looks like Obama v. Clinton will soon be over. I hope someone calls Hillary (not at 3:00 AM) to let her know. I wonder if it's too early to send in my resume for a possible job in an Obama Department of Education???

Monday

Compared to the last couple of weeks, today was extremely calm. A few issues here and there. I actually managed to get nine evaluations written. Nice. I have three more to go. I'll finish those tomorrow morning. I'm really enjoying reading blog summaries. I'm glad that so many bloggers are enjoying the reflective aspect of maintaining the blog. One teacher wrote in his blog summary that the constant reflection of his practice has definitely made him a better teacher. That's fantastic! I've found that my constant reflection of my practice has made me bitter, mean, and at times extremely depressed/ing...just kidding!!!! (sort of) I'm so sad that American Idol is over. I'm pretty much down to watching one tv show a week...the Tudors. I love that show. So sad, Queen Anne got her head chopped off. Talk about a quickie divorce! Dexter and Weeds will start soon, so that will increase my TV viewing by 50%. Not bad.