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Welcome to the May 11th edition of the HML POST
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(Editorials and research articles are selected by Dr.
Jack McKay, Executive director of the HML. Suggested editorials and related research are always welcomed. McKay is Professor Emeritus from the University of Nebraska-Omaha in the Department of Educational Administration and a former superintendent in Washington state.)
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| Hear Our Teachers 2 Minute Trailer |
Why waste money on profiteers with no classroom experience when the experts are already on salary? Hear the dangers of corporate / government control. Hear the solutions from those in the know. HEAR OUR TEACHERS.
 Most Americans agree that public school teachers should get paid more money and treated with more respect, according to a new HuffPost/YouGov poll.
In light of National Teacher Appreciation Week this week, The Huffington Post, in collaboration with YouGov, conducted a nationally representative poll on the topic of teacher appreciation. The survey results suggest most Americans think teachers deserve a week dedicated to appreciating them, if only because this group does not get enough respect the other 51 weeks of the year. Most of the 1,000 survey participants indicated that they feel positively about the public school teachers in their community. This held true no matter the respondents' age, income or region.
Research: Teacher-Retention Rates Higher Than Previously Thought
 A lot of research has examined teacher attrition and retention, but even still, findings can be inconsistent or narrow. A new federal report out today tries to address shortcomings in teacher retention research. The Institute for Education Sciences, the U.S. Department of Education's statistical wing, conducted a longitudinal study between 2007 and 2012 to help determine teacher attrition, retention, and mobility. Studying a cohort of 1,990 first-year public school teachers beginning in the 2007-08 school year, the study found that after five years of teaching, roughly 70 percent of the original cohort remained in their original schools, 10 percent had moved schools, three percent had returned to teaching, and only 17 percent had exited the profession.
 As charter schools have proliferated New Orleans and the country, many schools, including Success Prep, have largely relied on young, inexperienced teachers who tend to leave the classroom sooner than their peers at traditional public schools-an approach to hiring sometimes described as "churn and burn." Charter supporters like Teach for America founder Wendy Kopp have even insisted that strong schools with an emphasis on good training can survive the constant loss of teachers.
 The latest interview with Bill Gates on CNBC has the world's richest man discussing education with little evidence that he has learned much over the past six years. Is he paying attention? In a bubble? What the heck is going on?
As readers of this blog know, I have been attending to the words and deeds of Bill Gates for several years. The man is highly intelligent, and describes himself as a "technocrat." He speaks as if he were a scientist, citing research and statistics to support his views, and even calling the work his foundation sponsors "experimental." But I have worked closely with scientists before, and one thing I have noticed is how carefully they attend to the results of their experiments. And in medical science, great care is taken to monitor potential adverse effects on human subjects. If there are signs that harm is occurring, experiments must be discontinued, even if they are not complete. Gates has used billions of dollars to promote an experimental course of reforms which are making huge impacts on the lives of students and educators across the country, yet he seems remarkably incurious about the results we are already seeing.
What, Exactly, Are We Celebrating About Charter Schools? by Paul Thomas on the AlterNet site
 The latest interview with Bill Gates on CNBC has the world's richest man discussing education with little evidence that he has learned much over the past six years. Is he paying attention? In a bubble? What the heck is going on?
As readers of this blog know, I have been attending to the words and deeds of Bill Gates for several years. The man is highly intelligent, and describes himself as a "technocrat." He speaks as if he were a scientist, citing research and statistics to support his views, and even calling the work his foundation sponsors "experimental." But I have worked closely with scientists before, and one thing I have noticed is how carefully they attend to the results of their experiments. And in medical science, great care is taken to monitor potential adverse effects on human subjects. If there are signs that harm is occurring, experiments must be discontinued, even if they are not complete. Gates has used billions of dollars to promote an experimental course of reforms which are making huge impacts on the lives of students and educators across the country, yet he seems remarkably incurious about the results we are already seeing.
Survey Reveals That America's Teachers Are Seriously Stressed Out
by Joseph Williams on the TakePart.com site
 It sounds like the worst job ever. Employees complain about little autonomy, constant stress, being forced to implement new workplace demands without adequate training or institutional support to carry them out. As new recruits, nearly 90 percent were eager to get to work; by the time they're veterans, more than three-quarters of them say the thrill is gone.
Welcome to the world of your child's classroom teacher. (See video)
The Day of Three Miracles (Education Realist) by Larry Cuban on the LarryCuban site.  For over thirty years, market-driven policies to improve schooling in the U.S. such as standards, testing and accountability have had at their core the belief that both academic excellence and equity-two prized values in this culture-can be achieved at the same time. From No Child Left Behind to Core Curriculum standards, these values advance this belief that both are simultaneously achievable. What Jack Schneider calls "excellence for all" approach to school reform. When value-driven policies meet school and classroom practice, when resources are limited and choices have to be made, however, dilemmas occur because values often conflict and resources are limited. Choices have to be made. Education Realist describes such tensions when academic excellence and equity collide in this story about a high school math department.
Good News! We Can Cancel The Tests Now! by Peter Greene on the Curmudgucation site (video)
Tienken's research hasn't just shown the Big Standardized Tests to be frauds; he's shown that they are unnecessary.
In "
Predictable Results,
" one of his most recent posts, he lays out again what his team has managed to do over the past few years. Using US Census data linked to social capital and demographics, Tienken has been able to predict the percentage of students who will score proficient or better on the tests.
Let me repeat that. Using data that has nothing to do with grades, teaching techniques, pedagogical approaches, teacher training, textbook series, administrative style, curriculum evaluation--- in short, data that has nothing to do with what goes on inside the school building-- Tiemken has been able to predict the proficiency rate for a school.
 Connecticut currently mandates the testing of public school students in grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 11 with standardized tests produced by the Smarter Balance Assessment Consortium (SBAC). I am opposed to SBAC testing for English language arts because those tests neither measure authentic achievement nor foster students' growth as readers, writers, and thinkers. Here are 10 reasons to STOP the harmful SBAC testing:
Two national education organizations are seeking additional feedback from the public on revised DRAFT ISLLC STANDARDS for educational leaders that aim to ensure district and school leaders are able to improve student learning and achievement and meet new, higher expectations. The first public comment period last fall resulted in suggested changes that have been incorporated into this draft of the standards. For the past 16 months, the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) and the National Policy Board for Educational Administration (NPBEA) have led an effort to refresh the standards to reflect research-based evidence, practitioner input and experience gained since the last update of the standards in 2008.
Judge Rules Against Abstinence-Only Sex Ed Program by Mollie Reilly on the Huffington Post site
 A judge in Fresno County, California, has ruled against an abstinence-only sex education program, saying a school district violated state law by failing to provide adequate instruction on sexual health and HIV prevention.
Fresno County Superior Court Judge Donald Black said a lawsuit against Clovis Unified School District was justified because the district failed to offer "comprehensive, medically accurate, objective and bias-free" education, in violation of the California Comprehensive Sexual Health & HIV/AIDS Prevention Act, adopted in 2003. The law requires public schools to "provide a pupil with the knowledge and skills necessary to protect his or her sexual and reproductive health from unintended pregnancy and STDs."
We Can Be Better Than the Audacity of Small Hopes by Arthur Camins on the Huffington Post site
 The United States is suffering through the audacity of small hopes. In the shadow of the Great Recession and after several decades of increasing wealth disparity in the United States, the politically and financially powerful have the audacity to call upon the nation to accept small dreams. Nowhere is this more evident than in the pathetically small hope that consequential testing and competition -- among parents for entry into charter schools, among schools for students, and among teachers for pay increases -- can lead to substantial education improvement and be a solution to poverty.
 Everyone in American education hears the relentless and consistent criticism of our schools: Compared to schools in other nations, we come up short. But the evidence on which that judgment rests is narrow and very thin.
A January study released by the Horace Mann League and the National Superintendents Roundtable, "School Performance in Context: The Iceberg Effect," challenges the practice of ranking nations by educational test scores and questions conventional wisdom that the U.S. educational system has fallen badly behind school systems abroad.
Body language affects how others see us, but it may also change how we see ourselves. Social psychologist Amy Cuddy shows how "power posing" -- standing in a posture of confidence, even when we don't feel confident -- can affect testosterone and cortisol levels in the brain, and might even have an impact on our chances for success.
In a culture where being social and outgoing are prized above all else, it can be difficult, even shameful, to be an introvert. But, as Susan Cain argues in this passionate talk, introverts bring extraordinary talents and abilities to the world, and should be encouraged and celebrated.
Former Horace Mann League President Recognized by Kappa Delta Pi: Lifetime Membership in Eleanor Roosevelt Honor Chapter
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| Art Stellar presenting an award to Ken Bird |
Former Horace Mann League President, Dr. Art Stellar, has been selected to lifetime membership in the honorary chapter of Kappa Delta Pi. The Eleanor Roosevelt Chapter is named after the former First Lady due to her belief in human rights, her energy and compassion in serving people, her involvement in community service and her commitment to educating youth. Kappa Delta Pi (KDP) is an International Honor Society in Education. Dr. Stellar will be recognized at the Kappa Delta Pi annual convocation in Orlando, Florida next October.
The National Education Foundation employs Dr. Stellar as Vice-President of the Foundation and its subsidiary, CyberLearning. His role is to help superintendents acquire funds through a Federal program called Qualified Zone Academy Bonds (QZAB). He has helped superintendents acquire over $120 million. Educators interested in applying for QZAB funds may reach Dr. Stellar at [email protected] or 828-764-1785.
Top 100 Inspirational Quotes by Kevin Kruse on the Region 10 ESC site
 Inspirational quotes and motivational quotes have the power to get us through a bad week, and can even give us the courage to pursue our life's dreams. In my book, 4 Keys to Happiness and Fulfillment at Work, I share surprising research into the true triggers of workplace motivation. So in the spirit of self motivation, here are 100 inspirational quotes.
To download the full or summary report,
Summary Report, Click here
Full Report, click here
To view in an electronic magazine format,
Summary Report, click here.
Full Report, click here
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A Few Political Cartoon for the Week
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Superintendent Vacancies
Multnomah Education Service District, Portland, Oregon, Contact
Dennis Ray
Waterford, Public Schools, Waterford, CT, Contact
Joseph Wood
Horace Mann Prints
The 11 * 18 inch print is available for individual or bulk purchase. Individual prints are $4.00. Discount with orders of 50 or more.
For additional information about this or other prints, please check here.
 In 1840 Mann wrote On the Art of Teaching. Some of HML members present
On the Art of Teaching to new teachers as part of their orientation program. On the inside cover, some write a personal welcome message to the recipient. Other HML members present the book to school board members and parental organizations as a token of appreciation for becoming involved in their schools. The book cover can be designed with the organization's name. For more information, contact the HML (
Jack McKay)
All the past issues of the HML Posts are available for review and search purposes.
Finally, 7 links that may be of interest to you.
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About Us
The
Horace Mann League
of the USA is an honorary society that promotes the ideals of Horace Mann by advocating for public education as the cornerstone of our democracy.
Officers:
President: Dr. Charles Fowler, Exec. Director, Suburban School Administrators, Exeter, HN
President-elect: Dr. Christine Johns-Haines, Superintendent, Utica Community Schools, MI
Vice President: Dr. Martha Bruckner, Superintendent, Council Bluffs Community Schools, IA
1st Past President: Mr. Gary Marx, President for Public Outreach, Vienna, VA
2nd Past President: Dr. Joe Hairston, President, Vision Unlimited, Reisterstown, MD
Directors:
Dr. Laurie Barron, Supt. of Schools, Evergreen School District, Kalispell , MT
Dr. Evelyn Blose-Holman, (ret.) Superintendent, Bay Shore Schools, NY
Mr. Jeffery Charbonneau, Science Coordinator, ESD 105 and Zillah HS, WA
Dr. Carol Choye, Instructor, (ret.) Superintendent, Scotch Plains Schools, NJ
Dr. Brent Clark, Executive Director, Illinois Assoc. of School Admin. IL
Dr. Linda Darling Hammond, Professor of Education, Stanford U. CA
Dr. James Harvey, Exec. Dir., Superintendents Roundtable, WA
Dr. Eric King, Superintendent, (ret.) Muncie Public Schools, IN
Dr. Steven Ladd, Superintendent, (ret.) Elk Grove Unified School District, Elk Grove, CA
Dr. Barry Lynn, Exec. Dir., Americans United, Washington, DC
Dr. Kevin Maxwell, CEO, Prince George's County Schools, Upper Marlboro, MD
Dr. Stan Olson, President, Silverback Learning, (former supt. of Boise Schools, ID)
Dr. Steven Webb, Supt. of Schools, Vancouver School District, WA
Executive Director:
Dr. Jack McKay, Professor Emeritus, University of Nebraska at Omaha,
560 Rainier Lane, Port Ludlow, WA 98365 (360) 821 9877
To become a member of the HML, click here to download an application.
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