Federal Update - January 16, 2009
Brought
to you by your voice at the national level,
the Association of American
Educators.
Three States Named to Use Differentiated Accountability Under NCLB
Arne Duncan One Step Closer to Education Post
Two New York City KIPP Charter Schools Move to Unionize
Teachers File FEC Complaint against NEA for Illegal PAC Money Laundering Scheme
Funding Opportunities from the Department of Education
Three States Named to Use Differentiated Accountability Under NCLB
"U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced the approval of three additional states-Arkansas, Louisiana and New York-to use the Differentiated Accountability Pilot aimed at helping states develop a more nuanced system of accountability to distinguish between underperforming schools in need of dramatic interventions and those that are closer to meeting the goals of No Child Left Behind.
"As a condition of participation, the states must share data, participate in an evaluation and provide timely information to the Department regarding how the Differentiated Accountability model is implemented and its effects on student achievement."
For more information:
http://www.ed.gov/news/pressreleases/2009/01/01082009b.html
Arne Duncan One Step Closer to Education Post
Arne Duncan, President-elect Obama's choice for Secretary of Education, won broad bi-partisan support at his Senate confirmation hearing on January 13:
"Duncan's warm reception before the Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee indicated that he will be confirmed without a hitch.
"Duncan, 44, was applauded for embracing an array of measures to boost achievement in the diverse and high-poverty Chicago schools during his seven years as chief executive. He has supported innovations and tough accountability while finding common ground with the teachers union and reaching out to the community."
For more information:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/01/13/AR2009011301651.html
Two New York City KIPP Charter Schools Move to Unionize
"The United Federation of Teachers announced that it has organized teachers at two respected New York City charter schools, making inroads in a movement that has long sold itself as an alternative that is not hamstrung by union contracts and work rules.
"Several teachers at the two schools - KIPP Amp, a middle school in Crown Heights, Brooklyn, and KIPP Infinity, a middle school in Harlem - said the union organizing drive came about because they wanted a stronger voice on the job and because the demands on them were so rigorous. They also said that they wanted to insure a fair discipline and evaluation system."
For more information:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/14/education/14charter.html
?_r=1&ref=education
Teachers File FEC Complaint against NEA for Illegal PAC Money Laundering Scheme
With the assistance of the National Right to Work Legal Defense Foundation, two Alabama educators, Claire Waites and Dr. Jeanne Fox, filed a formal complaint with the Federal Election Commission regarding a union scheme to divert their money into the National Education Association's (NEA) political action committee (PAC).
"[NEA local affiliate] Baldwin County Education Association (BCEA) union president Saadia Hunter informed Waites and Fox that contributions to a 'children's fund' in their names were made from money included in their expense reimbursements for their trip to the convention.
"Later, Hunter admitted that the money would be contributed to Barack Obama's presidential campaign. Sworn statements by Waites and Fox indicate that the AEA union boss also admitted that the PAC contributions were paid with BCEA members' dues. However, it is illegal for unions to contribute to political candidates using dues, fees, or other moneys required as a condition of membership in a labor organization."
For more information:
http://www.nrtw.org/en/press/2009/01/teachers-file-fec-complaint-against-
Funding Opportunities from the Department of Education
Partnerships in Character Education Program (closes 2/24). This program supports the design and implementation of character education programs that can be integrated into classroom instruction and that are consistent with state academic content standards. Such programs may be carried out in conjunction with other educational reform efforts and must take into consideration the views of the parents of the students to be taught under the program and the views of the students. Estimated awards: 2. Eligible: states, school districts, and non-profit organizations (in partnership with districts).
For more information:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/charactered/
Safe Schools/Healthy Students Program (closes 3/4). This unique initiative (supported by three agencies: Education, Health and Human Services, and Justice) supports the implementation and enhancement of comprehensive, community-wide plans that focus on multiple elements, including safe school environments, mental health treatment services, and early childhood learning programs. Successful applicants propose plans that address these issues with a well-coordinated strategy that links services in a systematic and effective manner. Estimated awards: 28. Eligible: school districts.
For more information:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/dvpsafeschools/
Teaching American History Grant Program (closes 3/9). This program supports projects that aim to raise student achievement by improving teachers' knowledge, understanding, and appreciation of traditional American history. Awards assist districts, in partnership with entities that have extensive content expertise (colleges and universities, history and humanities organizations, and libraries and museums) to develop, implement, document, evaluate, and disseminate innovative, cohesive models of professional development. Estimated awards: 52-65.
For more information:
http://www.ed.gov/programs/teachinghistory/