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RELEASE: Bill Providing Oversight to Every Student Succeeds Act Education Plan Passes Ohio House

COLUMBUS—State Representative Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green) today announced that the Ohio House has passed legislation that would give the legislature additional oversight regarding the state’s education plan under the federal Every Student Succeeds Act of 2015 (ESSA).

House Bill 235, sponsored by Rep. Gavarone, requires the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) to submit a written copy of the state plan required by ESSA to each member of the House and Senate education committees. This plan must be submitted no later than 30 days before it is implemented.

“Giving the legislature more oversight over something as important as the state’s education plan is one of the best things we can do for our constituents,” Gavarone said. “This will allow the people of Wood County and the rest of Ohio to play an even bigger role in the state’s education policy and I applaud my colleagues for passing this legislation out of the House.”

The bill also includes a measure that would prohibit ODE from putting the plan into effect should the legislature disapprove the plan through a concurrent resolution.

House Bill 235 now awaits consideration by the Ohio Senate.

ADVISORY: Senator Hite Tours State to Hear from Ohioans About Fees for Co-Curricular School Activities

COLUMBUS — State Senator Cliff Hite (R-Findlay) will be holding informal public hearings across Ohio on co-curricular school activities as it relates to pay-to-participate fees, student athlete health concerns and school start dates. The hearings will be held in Columbus, Findlay, Cleveland and Dayton during the month of November, and Hite will be joined by other members of the legislature.

"Co-curricular activities are important to the educational and social development of our young people and often give them a pathway to thrive and succeed at school," said Hite, a former educator and coach. "Requiring outrageous fees to participate limits students who might not be afforded those opportunities otherwise."

In addition to discussing the costs of co-curricular school activities, Senator Hite will hear from interested parties and experts on the topics of youth concussions and sudden cardiac arrest, as well as yearly school start dates.

Dates and locations for each hearing are below, and additional details will be forthcoming. For more information, please contact Senator Hite's office at (614) 466-8150 or Hite@OhioSenate.gov.
 

COLUMBUS
Thursday, November 12
2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Ohio Statehouse | Grant Hearing Room
1 Capitol Square, Columbus 43215

FINDLAY
Monday, November 16
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
University of Findlay | Alumni Memorial Union, Endly Room
225 Frazer Street, Findlay 45840

CLEVELAND
Thursday, November 19
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Lorain County Community College
1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria 44035

DAYTON
Monday, November 23
5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Salvation Army Kroc Community Center
1000 North Keowee Street, Dayton 45404

Kasich Hates Your Republican Values -- He Wants to "Redfine" Them For You

...but don't take my word for it, he said it:

Republican presidential contender John Kasich has split from other conservatives in his party on issues like immigration and same-sex marriage, but he's not denouncing the GOP's values just yet.

"I think I have right to define what the party is, Charlie," Kasich told "CBS This Morning" host Charlie Rose early Thursday. "Look, if I win, I have a right to define what the party is, and along the way I'm defining what it is."

How gracious of the governor not to denounce our values...just yet.

• He's for illegal immigration with absolutely no consequences. (I've seen no statement or policy from him or attributed to him that would lead me to believe otherwise.)

• He's for allowing ISIS to operate in Syria (His policy is a no-fly zone that Russia is currently "violating" by CRUSHING ISIS in Syria.)

• He's pro-Common Core

• He's pro Obamacare (even though he claims he wants repeal, his actions tell a different story/  See: Medicaid expansion) 

• He's opposed to cheap oil (See: Fracking taxes)

• He's a tyrant.  When he doesn't get his way, he goes around the legislature and takes "executive" action (Sound familiar?)

 There are reasons why people like Joy Behar and Rachel Maddow like him.  He's NOT one of us.  He is one of THEM.

My favorite bit is about the Trans-Pacific Partnership:

Kasich said that he believes "it's good for the U.S. not only in terms of economics but in terms of foreign policy. Trade can make a difference in strengthening us around the world."

He added that while he hasn't read the full details of the trade bill, he does support it.

He doesn't need to read the bill to know that he likes it.  Obama likes it and that's good enough for him.

Lastly, there's this:

When questioned about his differing stance on same-sex marriage, Kasich said, "Look, I believe in traditional marriage, but the court has ruled."

The Court ruled on slavery, segregation and women's suffrage too.....  Kasich doesn't really believe in traditional marriage or he'd recognize that the decision doesn't hold up to the values of his party and would insist that the party continue to fight.

Instead, he wants to "redefine" Republican values just as he has "redefined" conservatism in Ohio.  How'd THAT work out for us?

STATEMENT: Senate President Faber on College Affordability and Efficiency

COLUMBUS - Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) issued the following statement in response to the report released today by the Governor's Task Force on College Affordability and Efficiency: 

"I'm encouraged by the work this task force was able to accomplish in identifying opportunities for our universities and colleges to reduce costs for students.

"College affordability continues to be a major priority of the Ohio Senate, and these recommendations today reflect the commitment of both university and legislative leadership to relieve the financial burden of a college tuition through increased efficiency and productivity in our institutions.

"I appreciate the time, expertise and focus that my fellow task force members devoted to this study. I look forward to working with our colleges and universities as we review and implement changes to help our students obtain an affordable, quality education and be successful as they enter the workforce."

RELEASE: Rep. Brenner Applauds ODE's Adopting Changes As Suggested in His HB 74

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- State Representative Andrew O. Brenner (R-Powell) commends the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) today for their reduction of testing time for state assessments. Representative Brenner previously introduced House Bill 74, which called for the reduction of state tests and limiting the time to three hours per year per subject. Fortunately, the ODE has made adjustments that are very similar to those recommended by Representative Brenner in HB 74. Brenner has continued to push for the changes outlined in HB 74. 

 

Representative Brenner said he was "ecstatic" when he learned that the ODE was making changes that would mean testing lengths will be close to what he sought in HB 74. He noted that the ODE “is doing what they need to be doing” in order to remedy the problems with testing lengths. 

HB 74 was introduced on February 19, 2015, well before the testing hour reduction announcement recently made by the ODE. Representative Brenner has been on record urging the administration and the ODE to remedy the issues with PARCC, the length of state assessments, and other policy issues. 

 

ODE announced in July the elimination of the PARCC assessments, another policy Representative Brenner has been supporting through legislation. He welcomes "the positive policy changes at ODE" and looks forward to continuing to work with the leaders at ODE to encourage necessary adjustments.

Banning Pay-to-Play Sports

I took notice of an interesting article in the Columbus Dispatch about a new committee being formed by Cliff Hite to look at the possibility of banning "pay-to-play" sports in schools.

Some districts have chosen to implement a fee for student participation in extra-curricular activities including sports and music. For some districts, this is a fine way to deal with exploding budgets and dwindling funds; but in other districts, pay-to-play fees are limiting participation of the less fortunate.

I look forward to hearing what Hite and company come up with as paying for all of these activities is surely going to come up. With the school funding formula fiasco being what it is already, this will surely be controversial.

I'm intrigued and unless something comes up that would cause me to change my mind, at this point I'm a supporter of the idea. It is certainly worth exploring.

Ohio House Sends State Operating Budget to Governor

Release:

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today voted to pass Amended Substitute House Bill 59, the state operating budget designed to improve Ohio’s business climate, invest in schools, help Ohioans access the care and services they need, give Ohioans greater ability to obtain higher education, and put more money back in the pockets of hardworking Ohioans.

Am. Sub. H.B. 59 makes comprehensive reforms to Ohio’s state government structure in an effort to create a more attractive and jobs-friendly environment for Ohioans. The budget builds upon Governor Kasich’s strategic vision that he proposed to the legislature in February.

“We have made a concerted effort to help Ohioans get back on their feet while also investing in our schools, job training and community services,” said Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder (R-Medina). “I am very proud of the work that the legislature has done, alongside our governor, to set our state back on course toward long-term growth and prosperity. Just two years ago we filled an $8 billion budget deficit without raising taxes—and today, we are providing all Ohioans with a significant tax reduction and investing in the things that matter most.”

“Ohio's taxpayers will receive a lower tax burden and improved funding for education and health care services from the state budget,” said Chairman of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee Ron Amstutz (R-Wooster). “I believe this budget will help our state grow stronger in many ways than would otherwise be the case because of the $2.7 billion tax reduction over these next three years and the improvements in basic services delivered primarily by our community partners.”

The budget enacts reforms and efficiency measures in numerous components of state government, particularly in the following key areas:

Reducing the Ohioans’ Tax Burden Through Common-sense Reforms

Working with Governor Kasich and the Ohio Senate, the Ohio House of Representatives crafted a series of meaningful tax reforms to allow Ohioans to keep more of their hard-earned money and to make Ohio more conducive to business growth. To accomplish these goals, Am. Sub. H.B. 59:

Provides nearly $2.7 billion in tax relief to small businesses and taxpayers by instituting a 50 percent small business tax cut for Ohio businesses and a 10 percent personal income tax reduction over the next three years.

Moves Ohio away from the income tax—which punishes success—and toward consumption-based taxes by adjusting the base sales tax rate from 5.5 percent to 5.75 percent.

Simplifies Ohio’s overall tax structure by equalizing sales taxes on Internet goods, goods purchased through a catalog, and digital goods.

Reforms the Commercial Activity Tax by establishing a tiered minimum tax structure based on gross receipts.

Helps seniors remain in their homes by authorizing the Homestead Tax Exemption for low-income seniors as well as those who currently receive the exemption.

Eliminating a flawed taxpayer subsidy that paid a portion of homeowners’ property tax, ensuring that the homeowners themselves—not seniors or low-income Ohioans—pay their own property taxes.

Strengthening Services that Ohioans Rely On

Am. Sub. H.B. 59 prioritizes community services and resources to help Ohioans with the unique circumstances they face. Members of the Ohio House believe in helping those who need assistance the most and giving families additional options for overcoming their personal challenges. Among other provisions, Am. Sub. H.B. 59:

Allocates $33 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding to assist the unemployed in getting back to work.

Increases funding to local governments for addiction services by $20 million annually and for mental health by $30 million annually.

Restores funding for Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) so they can continue to serve those Ohioans who are most in need.

Increases funding for the PASSPORT program, allowing more senior citizens to receive vital care within the comfort of their homes.

Increases funding for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank by $2 million over the biennium.

Providing Vital Resources for Primary and Secondary Education

Education has continued to be a priority for the Ohio House, and the biennial budget includes numerous provisions to provide a competitive education for Ohio’s students. Am. Sub. H.B. 59 provides per pupil funding for economically disadvantaged aid particularly to rural and lower wealth school districts and ensures that all of Ohio’s more than 600 school districts receive at least the same amount of state aid that they received in fiscal year 2013. Furthermore, more than 70 percent of school districts will receive an increase in state aid. Am. Sub. H.B. 59 also:

Increases funding for special education, disadvantaged aide, and school transportation

Provides additional funding for school districts for every child in grades K-3 to implement the Third Grade Reading Guarantee through the “K-3 Literacy” program.

Increases funding for career-technical education by more than $200,000 over the biennium

Creates the “Straight A Fund” to provide schools with grants to implement their best reform ideas

Making Higher Education More Accessible, More Affordable

The state budget takes significant strides to ensure that those who seek advanced degrees are able to afford an education and receive the tools they need to be successful. Am. Sub. H.B. 59:

Caps tuition increases at 2 percent annually for all state schools

Permits schools to participate in a “cohort plan,” which allows universities to institute a stable, four-year cost of education, capped at a one-time increase of the tuition cap plus the five-year CPI average.

Increases funding for co-op internships by $6 million in fiscal year 2015

Provides more than $2.2 million in additional funding for the Ohio College Opportunity Grant, which provides grants to Ohio residents with the highest levels of financial need

Increases the Adult Basic Literacy Education (ABLE) Fund by $125,000 over the biennium to help Ohioans who are preparing for their GED exam.

“Chairman Amstutz, Vice Chairman McClain and the members of the Finance and Appropriations Committee did a fine job crafting this budget, and I am very grateful for the time they put into this effort,” said Speaker Batchelder. “Rest assured that the benefits of this forward-thinking budget will be reflected for years to come within Ohio’s communities, in Ohio’s schools, and in the paychecks of Ohioans.”

Kasich Appoints John Carey to Serve as Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents

Release:

COLUMBUS – Today Gov. John R. Kasich appointed John Carey to serve as Chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents. As Chancellor, Carey will lead the University System of Ohio – the largest comprehensive system of public higher education in the nation – and will further the Administration’s efforts to better integrate higher education into the state’s job creation and workforce development efforts.

Carey’s appointment is effective April 29, and is subject to the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. Carey replaces Jim Petro who retired effective February 1. Dr. Stephanie Davidson has been serving the Board as Interim Chancellor since Petro’s retirement.

Said Kasich, "John Carey can help to continue to transform Ohio's system of universities into a university system, and in doing so, higher education can become a stronger partner in Ohio's job creation efforts. As Chancellor, Carey will work with businesses to ensure that coursework and curricula give students the skills they need to meet the needs of employers. The reforms we've made to date have led to greater collaboration among the universities, an increased emphasis on research commercialization, and a funding plan that focuses on improving graduation rates. As a result, universities can better control their costs and help more Ohioans get their degrees so they are better prepared for the jobs that exist. John Carey is a thoughtful, devoted public servant who focused on job creation throughout his legislative career, and I am excited to see him inject this job creation mentality into the Ohio Board of Regents."

John Carey served 9 years in the Ohio House of Representatives, where he served as Chairman of the Primary and Secondary Education Subcommittee, and 8 years in the Ohio Senate, where he served as Chairman of the Senate Finance and Financial Institutions Committee. Most recently, Carey was Assistant to the President for Government Relations and Strategic Initiatives for Shawnee State University in Portsmouth (Scioto Co.). Prior to his work as a legislator, Carey was mayor of the City of Wellston (Jackson Co.).

Carey is a graduate of Ohio University with a degree in political science. He was born in Chillicothe (Ross Co.) and currently resides in Wellston with his wife and two sons.

In Memoriam: Jeff Hardin, State Board of Education

A dedicated conservative and a lifelong servant to the state of Ohio and the GOP passed away yesterday. Jeff Hardin, just starting his second term as a member of the Ohio State Board of Education, died from an apparent heart attack at age 58. Hardin, of Clermont County, also represented Adams, Brown, Clark, Clermont, Fayette, Gallia, Greene, Highland, Jackson, Lawrence, Madison, Pike, Ross, Scioto, and Vinton counties, and part of Pickaway County. From State Board of Education President Debe Terhar:

“I am truly saddened to hear about the passing of my fellow State Board of Education member and my friend, Jeff Hardin. Jeff was a dedicated public servant who understood the importance of serving not only the children and schools in his district, but throughout Ohio. Just yesterday, less than 24 hours before his passing, he made a special trip to Columbus with his son to participate in our board meeting. I join with so many others who knew Jeff in offering my deepest sympathy on his passing to his family and friends.”

Jeff took his job very seriously. From Governor John Kasich:

“Saddened by the news of State School Board Member Jeff Hardin’s death. Prayers for his family as they struggle through this challenging time.”

From State Impact:

During his time on the board, Hardin advocated for rural schools, paying teachers for their performance and holding schools accountable. This is how he described his job in our November 2012 voter guide: This job pays about $4,400 a year on average. I spend time to read about 3,000 pages of research each month just to prepare for board meetings. Our board meetings are 2-3 days per month. This is a thankless job but one I am willing to serve in because someone must commit themselves to doing the job right the first time. I speak for the values of my district and expect schools to teach and not make excuses for failures.

Jeff was also a lifelong Republican and was willing to fight for the cause. In this story, he criticizes that jackarse Jerid Kurtz for using a facebook posting kerfluffle as a fundraising scheme against John Kasich's reelection:

Board member Jeff Hardin of Milford, whose district includes Clermont County, and others criticized the Democratic Party for using the flap as a fundraising effort to defeat Kasich’s re-election bid in 2014.

From the Columbus Dispatch:

Ohio Board of Education member Jeff Hardin died yesterday after a lengthy illness. Hardin, 58, of Milford, Ohio, died of a heart attack just hours after making a brief appearance at a board meeting on Tuesday in Columbus. He had recently received a pacemaker for heart ailments and was awaiting a kidney transplant. He had been receiving dialysis for some time. Hardin was ill on Tuesday, and the board moved up its vote for the new state superintendent of public instruction so he could participate. He joined a majority of board members to elect Gov. John Kasich’s top education adviser, Richard Ross, to the post. Immediately after the vote, Hardin left the meeting with his 26-year-old son Ross Hardin, who had been driving him to board meetings for the past few months. “Jeff was a dedicated public servant who understood the importance of serving not only the children and schools in his district, but throughout Ohio,” board President Debe Terhar said in a statement released by the Ohio Department of Education. “Less than 24 hours before his passing, he made a special trip to Columbus with his son to participate in our board meeting.” Mary Rose Oakar, a board member from Cleveland who sat next to Hardin at the meeting, said he did not feel well but wanted to vote for the new superintendent.

I met Jeff at some county events through the years and supported his crusade to get on the state board of education. He was tireless, even though he had several health problems which most people would have just sat back and taken it easy with. Not Jeff. He worked toward every parade, every town hall, every event he could to get the word out that we could finally get some conservative voices on the state board of education. He waged battle against the entire OEA/Ohio Democratic Party machine and achieved victory not once, but twice. He was tirelessly advocating for the rural schools, who seem to get forgotten because typically they are not trouble spots for the state. He advocated for more accountability and local flexibility. He was a fan of this blog as well as our radio shows. It was my hope many times to get him on the show, but scheduling and circumstances always got in the way. Personally, Jeff was a friend. He always encouraged me in my quixotic quest to get back into public education and teach again. He said I could use him as a reference anytime, and that he was keeping eyes out for me for openings and was talking to people about me. He always was interested in my opinion, and he really loved his work. He was also a devoted family man and a man of faith. I will miss his fire and devotion to the cause, his sense of humor, and his knowledge of the issues. As the headline at the Dispatch said, "State school board member loyal to last" Godspeed, Jeff. You will be missed. Thoughts and prayers go out to his family, friends, and all those touched by the life of this great man, gone too soon.

Ohio Senate Committee Chairs Announce School Safety Hearing Schedule

Release:

STATEHOUSE- Senate Education Chair Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering) and Senate Public Safety, Local Government & Veterans Affairs Chair Frank LaRose (R-Copley) today announced the schedule for the Senate school safety hearings. The panel will be comprised of both of the Senate Standing Committees chaired by Senators Lehner and LaRose.

The joint hearings were announced on January 30, 2013 by Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina). You can view President Faber's announcement here.

The schedule will be as follows:

Hearings focusing on prevention and mental health will be chaired by Senator Lehner. The hearings will be held at the following times:

February 12, 2013 at 7:00pm
February 26, 2013 at 7:00pm

Hearings focusing on security, school infrastructure, law enforcement response, training, and all aspects pertaining to protection will be chaired by Senator LaRose. The hearings will be held at the following times:

March 5, 2013 at 7:00pm
March 12, 2013 at 7:00pm

Professionals in the fields of education, public safety, and mental health as well as parents and all interested Ohioans are encouraged to participate and share ideas. The committee is seeking the input from a wide range of individuals who would like to share their ideas and expertise. If you would like to participate in the hearings, or if you would simply like to share your ideas, you can contact SchoolSafety@OhioSenate.gov or join the conversation on Twitter by using hashtag #OHSafeSchools.

All hearings will be held in the Senate Finance Hearing Room. Audio and video recording as well as photography will be permitted at the discretion of the Co-Chairs. Please contact their offices prior to the hearing.

Ohio Senate President Faber Announces Joint Committee on School Safety

Release:

(Columbus) - Senate President Keith Faber (R-Celina) today announced the establishment of a joint committee to address school safety and the prevention of violent acts in public spaces.

The bipartisan Committee on Safe and Secure Schools will include members of the Senate Public Safety and Education committees and will be co-chaired by Senator Frank LaRose (R-Copley Twp) and Senator Peggy Lehner (R-Kettering).

“Our only agenda is to make sure our children are as safe as they can be and that we deter those who have violent intentions,” said President Faber. “This committee will engage safety experts and the public in a thoughtful discussion to find reasonable solutions to the problem of violence in public spaces.”

The recent mass violence incidents in places such as Chardon, Ohio, Newtown, Connecticut, and Aurora, Colorado have heightened awareness of the need to protect our communities and recognize the warning signs of potential danger. The committee will take a broad approach and discuss issues including mental health standards, successful programs on bullying, and safety plans for first responders.

“This committee will have two priorities – protection and prevention,” said Senator LaRose. “We want to make schools a safe place to learn and ensure professionals have the tools they need to identify those likely to commit offenses.”

Senator Lehner says mental health will be a major focus of the committee. “We hope to better identify the potential for this type of violent act and get help for those at risk,” said Lehner. “This is a very challenging and complicated issue, but there is a very strong will within the Senate to tackle the problem.”

The Committee will announce meeting dates within the next few days, as well as opportunities for the general public to provide feedback and ideas to the committee.

Ohio House Passes Legislation to Give School Districts More Local Flexibility

Release:

COLUMBUS—In an effort to provide more flexibility at the local level and allow school districts to customize their annual school calendars, the Ohio House of Representatives today passed House Bill 191 with bipartisan support.

House Bill 191 changes the minimum school year for districts and chartered nonpublic schools from 182 days to a requirement of 455 hours for half-day kindergarten, 910 hours for grades 1 through 6, and 1001 hours for grades 7 through 12. The change would go into effect during the 2013-2014 school year.

“This legislation will give school districts the tools they need to provide students with a competitive education and tailor the school year to fit their communities’ needs,” said State Representative Bill Hayes (R-Harrison Township), who sponsored House Bill 191 with State Representative Bill Patmon (D-Cleveland).

The legislation makes other improvements that aim to increase flexibility for school districts, including a measure to eliminate excused calamity days but retain the option of “blizzard bags” and online lessons to make up the equivalent of three school days.

Additionally, House Bill 191 requires districts to hold public hearings on the school calendar 30 days prior to adoption, and requires consultation between districts, community schools and chartered nonpublic schools regarding the impact of any change on transportation and scheduling.

“In the past, we have constructed the school day around the industrial age,” said Representative Patmon. “The work day is eight hours long with a lunch in the middle of the day. Bells ring to identify for workers a change in movement, and so on. However, we are no longer in the industrial age. Ohio’s education system now has E-Classrooms and a lot of flexibility with the exception of the school day. House Bill 191 will help us to move from the industrial age to the information age and show children how today’s current world works.”

House Bill 191 will now be sent to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Lessons in Tolerance from A University: Destroy Marriage or Else

From our friends at Family Research Council:

So far, the best argument for protecting marriage may be sitting in the President's office of Gallaudet University. There, voters got a unique view of the real-life persecution that awaits anyone who opposes same-sex "marriage." Last week, when Gallaudet's Dr. Angela McCaskill was outed for signing a petition in favor of a public vote on marriage, she was exiled from the University she called home for 23 years. Now, instead of sitting in her office helping students, she's meeting with attorneys, trying to come to grips with President Alan Hurwitz's decision to banish her from campus. Calling McCaskill's actions "inappropriate," Hurwitz is putting a face on the intolerance that FRC and other marriage advocates have warned about for years. By all reports, his ruthlessness is already taking its toll. According to her pastor, Rev. Dr. Lee Washington, Dr. McCaskill and her family have been the targets of threats and intimidation ever since the story broke. "As her church family, we stand firmly by her side and welcome all persons of good faith regardless of their ideological views to denounce these actions of cowardice and bullying." Even the Washington Post warns that Gallaudet's overreaction could seriously "undermine" the effort to redefine marriage. "The surest way to repel voters--and to vitiate the marriage movement's broader goals and values--would be to say, or even seem to say, 'Agree with us or else.'" Unfortunately, that's always been the underlying, totalitarian message of the homosexual movement. The only difference here is that Maryland voters have been warned: public dissent will not be tolerated. Not surprisingly, liberals are racing to cover up Gallaudet's mess, insisting that they believe in free speech as much as the next guy. Tell that to the wedding cake bakers, the T-shirt makers, the bed and breakfast owners, the military chaplains, the high school teachers, the restaurant owners, the photographers, the churches, the Massachusetts parents, and others who were fired, sued, harassed, fined, and suspended. Like Angela, their biggest crime was having an opinion contrary to the radical Left

It's Not All About the Children: Failing Teachers Leave Illiterate Kids in Lurch in Chicago

To hear the teachers on strike tell it in Chicago, this strike is all about protecting our children. It is all about wanting children to have competent teachers in the classroom. Well, the kids now have no competent teachers and aren't in the classrooms. Teachers in Chicago are walking out and going on strike, despite their very generous pension plans. They want more. And no, it is not about competency nor your children. They want to protect their incompetent brethren, which there appears to be a lot of in the Language Arts and Reading areas from this story:

Seventy-nine percent of the 8th graders in the Chicago Public Schools are not grade-level proficient in reading, according to the U.S. Department of Education, and 80 percent are not grade-level proficient in math.

Chicago public school teachers went on strike on Monday and one of the major issues behind the strike is a new system Chicago plans to use for evaluating public school teachers in which student improvement on standardized tests will count for 40 percent of a teacher’s evaluation. Until now, the evaluations of Chicago public school teachers have been based on what a Chicago Sun Times editorial called a “meaningless checklist.”

What, holding teachers accountable for improvement? We can't have that! I know. I am a teacher on the outside looking in trying to get work, and the teachers unions are working on keeping me out because due to my lack of tenure, they won't be able to take as high amounts of money from me as they do my more experienced people, some of whom are just going through the motions. So, they protect the unmotivated. Even the Uber Liberal Sun Times called the former eval instrument a meaningless checklist. Read further for how these selfish teachers haven't been doing their jobs:

Nationally, public school 8th graders scored an average of 264 on the NAEP reading test. Statewide in Illinois, the 8th graders did a little better, scoring an average of 266. But in the Chicago Public Schools, 8th graders scored an average of only 253 in reading. That was lower even than the nationwide average of 255 among 8th graders in “large city” public schools.

With these NAEP test results, only 19 percent of Chicago public school 8th graders rated proficient in reading while another 2 percent rated advanced—for a total of 21 percent who rated proficient or better.

79 percent of Chicago public school 8th graders were not grade-level proficient in reading. According to the U.S. Department of Education, this included 43 percent who rated “basic” and 36 percent who rated “below basic.”

In the 8th grade math test, Chicago public school 8th graders scored an average of 270 out of 500, compared to an average of 274 for 8th graders in “large city” public schools, and 283 for 8th graders nationally as well as statewide in Illinois.

With these NAEP test results, only 17 percent of Chicago public school 8th graders rated proficient in math while another 3 percent rated advanced—for a total of 20 percent who rated proficient or better.

Thus, 80 percent of Chicago public school 8th graders were not grade-level proficient in math. According to the U.S. Department of Education, this included 40 percent who rated “basic” in math and 40 percent who rated “below basic.”

So, Chicago 8th graders, 70-80% of whom can't do grade level math, are somehow being benefitted by missing more days of school. And paying teachers more and giving them less stringent standards is supposed to make the kids' lives and education better. Seriously?

And if some of you out there buy the lame excuse it is about helping get better teachers and it is about the kids, check this out:

Maldonado blamed the union as he walked into the briefing room with his 7-year-old son, Roberto II, carrying a backpack.

“This is the effect of the union right now,” Maldonado, whose wife had the couple’s two other children Monday.

“We’re lucky enough that is not that much of a hardship on us, But it’s a hardship on the kids.”

“The reason that they decided to go on strike is a stretch,” he continued. “If there are no challenges in terms of the financial aspects of the negotiations and the only hang-up is the thing about imposing upon principals to hire laid-off teachers — I mean if I’m going to hold accountable my principal at the school where my kids go for the education of my kids...I need to give (the principal) the flexibility to hire who they perceive to be the best teachers. That’s just logical.”

Those sticking points, though, caused teachers to show up in large numbers early Monday morning, picketing at local schools. “We do not intend to sign an agreement until all matters of our contract are addressed,” Lewis said. “We are committed to staying at the table.”

The school board’s last offer included a 3 percent raise the first year and 2 percent raises the next three years — a slight increase from an earlier offer of two percent raises in each of the next four years.

The package, which would cost $400 million, keeps increases for experience and credentials with some modifications.

Vitale said the contract amounted to a 16 percent raise over four years for the average teacher when factoring other increases. And the raises could not be rescinded for lack of funds — which is what happened this past school year, angering teachers and helping to set the stage for Monday’s strike.

“This is not a small commitment we’re making at a time when your fiscal situation is really challenged,” Vitale said. A $1 billion deficit awaits the system at the end of this school year, officials have estimated. And the district drained its reserve funds to plug this year’s budget.

Do you get a 16% raise over four years? Why should failing teachers?

L.A. Teachers Get Free Insurance...Not One Dime do They Pay...

And some people wonder how California can be so miserably broke. Here's how :http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif

LOS ANGELES – Union-funded hacks like those at the Economic Policy Institute tell us public employees have it rough. Their pay is so low they resort to eating dog food at night. Their pensions are terrible and no one – and we mean no one – should be subjected to such poor health care coverage.

It baffles the mind, then, to look at the honest numbers. Because when one does, it shows that the people at EPI are little more than union shills spewing cooked up numbers to satisfy the paymaster.

In the latest in a series of reports issued by EAGnews.org focused on labor spending in metropolitan school districts across the country, it’s revealed that members of United Teachers Los Angeles (the local teachers union) didn’t pay one thin dime toward health insurance premiums in 2010-11. That cost fell to taxpayers, who parted with a whopping $416 million.
The school district’s budget deficit entering the 2010-11 fiscal year was $640 million. Employees were laid off by the thousands and five instructional days were cancelled, yet union employees were allowed to maintain their free and very costly health coverage.

And the problem in Los Angeles persists. According to media reports, teachers are still not required to contribute toward health insurance premiums.

Just imagine if members of the UTLA were required to pay 20 percent toward insurance, which would still be well below the national private sector average. Schools could reap the savings and put them toward their mission: educating children.

That would equal $83.2 million that could go toward recalling laid off teachers and restoring instructional days to the school calendar. According to media reports, the Los Angeles district has eliminated 18 days of instruction over the past four years due to budget constraints.

Instead, unions and their apologists insist that schools are desperate for cash and taxes must be raised.

They don't give a damn about the children, just themselves....and we wonder why we continue to fall further behind. Between dumbing down the curriculum, producing poorer teachers, allowing ineffective teachers to continue, as well as throwing money down the insurance glory hole, our schools are a joke....but don't tell that to the unions...you simply aren't paying enough for them. You should pay more so they can get FREE HEALTHCARE, so they can have FREE pensions. So much for skin in the game and fair share....

Suicide Prevention Legislation Passes Ohio House

Release: <blockquote>

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed legislation that focuses on training teachers and certain school staff members in youth suicide awareness and prevention

 

Designated the “Jason Flatt Act, Ohio, in honor of Joseph Anielski,” House Bill 543 requires public schools, as well as community (charter) schools and science, technology, engineering and math schools to train teachers and staff in areas regarding suicide prevention.

 

“Experiencing a child commit suicide is one of the most painful things a family can go through,” Speaker Batchelder said. “It is important that people know the warning signs and be ready to help someone going through a difficult time in life. This bill helps raise suicide awareness and prevention and will hopefully save lives in the future.”

 

Under the bill, each school board and other school governing authority would be required to either adopt or adapt to the standards developed by the Ohio Department of Education or develop its own suicide awareness standards in consultation with public or private agencies or persons involved in youth suicide prevention programs.

 

In its 2011 Youth Risk Behavioral Report for Ohio, the Center for Disease Control reported that one in seven Ohio students said they had “seriously considered suicide” in the past 12 months. Slightly more than one in seven had actually “made a plan to commit suicide” in that time. Additionally, one in 11 Ohio students reported “attempting suicide one or more times in the past 12 months,” nearly 50 percent higher than the national average.

 

If signed into law, Ohio would become the 11th state in the nation to pass the Jason Flatt Act. Founded in 1997, The Jason Foundation, Inc. is a national non-profit organization with 87 Regional Affiliate Offices in 34 states. Last year, the foundation trained more than 150,000 educators in youth suicide awareness and prevention.

 

HB 543 passed the House unanimously and will now be sent to the Senate for further consideration.

</blockquote>

Stalag High School: Liberal Teachers Keep Jobs, Conservatives Can't Get a Foot in the Door

This really hacks me off. As a teacher myself, much less one trained in the area of Social Studies, I find the behavior of this teacher offensive. When I taught, I allowed for classroom debate. I even played devil's advocate for both sides so as not to bias the debates. I tried, even when pressed, to keep my personal politics out of teaching history and the government. How was I rewarded? Due to the fact that I was politically active as a conservative, despite my positive yearly assessments, I was shown the door after two years of instruction. Since then, I have substituted, put in applications, had interviews. Have not been able to get my foot in the door again. I have even subbed in social studies classes where the students say I know more and am a better teacher than their regular one. But still, I can't get in because I am not a kool aid drinker. Well, here is what our educational system has come to when we don't allow for diversity of opinion and we just let liberal ideology decide who should have a job:



This type of ignorance and blind hatred are what causes our society to crumble. It further illustrates that liberals are the intolerant ones. When I had debates, I listened to the points, and then argued my position. I didn't scream down students or show my own lack of knowledge about my subject by saying things like people were arrested for talking about this President or that one. That hasn't happened since John Adams. Sad and pathetic, but this is the type of stalag/gulag we are putting our kids in, because the establishment of education is liberal indoctrinators who are trying to turn our children into quiet little robots, and not truly free thinkers. The local media is picking up the story in NC:

The teacher at the center of a controversy over a classroom video has now been suspended with pay, according to the Rowan Salisbury School System.

Tonya Dixon-Neely teaches Social Studies at North Rowan High. She is heard on the video telling a student that he could get arrested for being critical of President Obama, and that people were arrested for being critical of President Bush.

"Effective today, Tanya Dixon-Neely has been suspended with pay while a thorough investigation is being conducted," school officials told WBTV when asked about Dixon-Neely's status.

The link to the video first showed up at WBTV on Tuesday of last week.

It came from a man who said he was a former teacher in the Rowan Salisbury School System. He claimed that a student inside a classroom at North Rowan High School was being verbally abused in a debate over President Obama and Republican candidate Mitt Romney.

"This video is circulating the internet. It is about a North Rowan High School social studies teacher that is verbally abusing a student regarding a question about the President and Mitt Romney," he told WBTV in his email.

"Please watch and listen to the actions of the teacher in this video and bring this type of bullying of students by the staff of RSS to light. As a former social studies teacher in the RSS system, I can tell you that this type of behavior is commonplace," his email continued. "This should not be allowed to be covered up by RSS, as they nearly always do."

The video was shot on the student's cell phone as it sits on a desk, staring up at the fluorescent light on the ceiling, capturing the often out of control conversation between the teacher and several students.

When one student begins criticizing President Obama, the teacher seems to go on the defensive, telling the student at one point that he can be arrested for being critical of the President.

WBTV contacted the Rowan Salisbury School System last week about the video.

Public Information Officer Rita Foil said she was not aware of it and WBTV forwarded the video to her.



On Thursday, the video was discussed on WSTP Radio, generating several angry calls over the teacher's handling of the situation.

The Rowan-Salisbury School System expects all students and employees to be respectful in the school environment and for all teachers to maintain their professionalism in the classroom," a statement from the school system stated on Friday. "This incident should serve as an education for all teachers to stop and reflect on their interaction with students. Due to personnel and student confidentiality, we cannot discuss the matter publicly."

I can tell you that this is commonplace among students. Obama stickers by teachers are ok, but if a student wears something political they are told to turn it inside out or to get rid of it. I have witnessed it. Also, many social studies teachers engage in this type of indoctrination and then get quiet when students show they have been paying attention to the lessons on rights and responsibilities. Listen to what this school board member says:

School board member Kay Wright Norman calls the incident "unfortunate." She says that educators have an obligation to speak fact. Norman feels the teacher was baited from the beginning but said a teacher can't let let personal interest interfere with classroom discussions.

No, the student tried telling his parents about the situation, tried telling others. They didn't believe him. So he did this to prove his point. Baiting? Give me a break. If a teacher can be so easily baited by a student, they are in the wrong business.

Completely pathetic that this indoctrinator still is getting paid.

Teachers who actually teach and not indoctrinate (like me) are left out in the cold because we engage in our freedom of expression. However, that expression is unacceptable if it is not liberal. This teacher got schooled by the student. The student should be teaching the class. And the teacher needs to put the kool aid, bong, or dirty pictures of Obama down and get a clue.

Gov. Kasich Voices Concern With Sen. Education Committee Changes

Release:

COLUMBUS—Gov. John R. Kasich today expressed concern with changes to his education reform proposal approved today by the Ohio Senate Education Committee and released the following statement: “I’m troubled by moves underway in the Senate that, I believe, would weaken efforts to improve education for Ohio’s children. “The legislation being considered in the Senate would let principals promote kids even if they’re struggling with reading, micromanage how struggling readers are helped, strip parents of the chance to seek outside reading help for their kids and simply lower reading standards. “In the early grades kids learn to read so that in their later grades they can read to learn. We can’t do anything to undermine that, because if we do we’re only hurting kids, and in three meetings with the Senate in just the past week my staff has expressed that. I’m hopeful we can work things out in the Senate but if not I’ll appeal to the House for the improvements our kids need—and deserve.”

Tom Niehaus can't get out of politics fast enough...

St. Rep. Huffman Introduces Legislation to Revise the Ohio School Facilities Commission Equity Funding List

Release:

COLUMBUS—House Majority Floor Leader Matt Huffman (R-Lima) introduced legislation earlier this month that would revise the Ohio School Facilities Commission Equity List. The legislation, House Bill 504, would eliminate the inclusion of rapidly phasing out Tangible Personal Property (TPP) in the calculation for Ohio School Facilities Commission (OSFC) projects. Additionally, it gives schools in the Expedited Local Partner Program a chance to sign the best deal for the district, saving the school districts local money. “At a point where school districts need to think of how they conserve funds, it just wasn’t practical to continue to use a “ghost” number in calculating a school’s wealth,” said Representative Huffman. “This will lower the cost to local taxpayers in the Bath School district and shift more of the burden to the state. We have schools eager to start construction, bringing jobs to their area, and there is a fund set up for this. Superintendents and school boards are ready to build so we should get these projects going.” Representative Huffman has been working closely with the Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio School Facilities Commission and his local superintendents to craft this legislation so that projects can commence as soon as possible, infusing construction projects with OSFC monies. He hopes to have the legislation go into effect for the upcoming school year. Superintendent Dale Lewellen of Bath School District supports the legislation. “I want to thank you (Representative Huffman) for sponsoring HB 504 that would adjust the Ohio School Facilities formula to reflect a more accurate representation of school district valuations as they stand today. The Bath school community has graciously stepped forward in this difficult economy to fund a new elementary building within the guidelines of the Expedited Local Partnership Program. This legislation would recognize recent reductions to our district's funding and give us a needed boost to our facility improvement funding. Without it, our children would certainly be deprived of needed improvements that enable them to become prepared with a 21st century education.”