Common Core Watch Website

Despite all of her nutty racially-charged rhetoric, Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis commands attention.

So people should be interested in her views about the national Common Core initiative.

Lewis is a vice president of the American Federation of Teachers and a member of its executive council. Despite the AFT’s solid support for Common Core national standards, Lewis says she’s “not a personal fan.”

Speaking to the City Club of Chicago, Lewis said, “We’re flying the [Common Core] airplane as we’re building it. So we’ll see. Who knows what that will bring?”

She also said Common Core was never “field tested,” which is an indisputable fact that worries many education experts around the nation.

And yet billions of dollars are being spent to implement the national standards as we speak. 

Lewis’ statements should cause much concern among state leaders who have no real idea what they’ve signed their schools and students up for.

There’s serious doubt about the potential success of Common Core. There are concerns about what it might do to state and local control of public schools. There are worries about student privacy and parental control of their children’s education.

That’s why the “Common Core Watch” website has been created and launched. It’s dedicated to monitoring the important news and developments related to state-by-state efforts to repeal Common Core.

Half Million and Growing - This Says It All

Common Bore?  
Grates Grant?
Henry Fords Assembly Line? "Any color as long as it's black."
"All in all you're just another brick in the wall"

COLLEGE - YOU DON'T HAVE TO GO NOW

Why are you going to college if you MUST borrow money to do it? 

Why do you want to be like your parents who got caught up in the "sub-prime" mortgage tsunami? 

Why do you want to be a credit slave to the Federal Government for the rest of your life?  How do you like a $2000 a month loan payment for a $32000 a year job?  

The loan can not be bankrupted away. Maybe you can get some forgiven by working in a government labelled hell-hole.  You might have to - as a credit slave to the government.  

Any money that is forgiven will be collected back with increased taxes.

Learn something that you can make money doing.  I'm tired of whining Philosophers with Masters Degree getting me my coffee and you should know about it.

Our school system is making money seducing you to college.  You guidance counselors are equally complicit in this scam.  There is nothing wrong with waiting a while, getting a job and staying alert for opportunity.

Don't go to college to become a credit slave.

Dear Susie

I can't believe you are so close to graduation! You have truly earned the right to walk the stage for your diploma and continue your walk of life into the great wide open. I am confident in your ability and tenaciousness to achieve what you set out to do. It helps that your outside is as beautiful as your heart and soul.

This also concerns me since Mom told me you want to be a teacher like Mom and me. As my favorite I have an obligation to share theses thoughts.

Specialize: Major in Reading or Math. Stay away from Special Ed, ESE, Music, Art, etc.

Have a fall back plan/major: Business, Fashion, Art, Media...you have demonstrated a talent in each of these areas.

Go elementary: no higher than 4th grade. Less ground to make up. Kids still motivated and willing to learn. Those parents who paid you extra to "tutor" their kids you babysat got a deal.

Stay local: your family name is respected based upon our work ethic and our community's recognition. This is important since it will provide you with a positive established reputation. You'll still have to earn YOUR reputation but it won't be an uphill battle. (You're welcome.) It is also easier when you work in the culture you are used to. It was hard for me to imagine why some parents behaved so contrary to their child's best interest. This can really wear you down especially when those above you (admin) won't acknowledge the fact and support your efforts.

Never be alone anywhere with only one student. Always have a reliable witness watching in the wings. Direct any guidance issues to the guidance counselor. It's their job and they are trained to do it. Fight that urge to advocate. Never, ever promise "not to tell", agree not to "say something" or give up your right to decide what course of action to take if a student confides in you.

If you must move to get a job work in a right-to-work state, join the union but only for your first 2 years. Get a copy of the contract and read it . Then pay attention. You will notice that some of those around you get paid the same or more for doing less than you do - that's just the way it is. Don't fight it but don't pay for it either. A good effective teacher is a welcome addition to any faculty. You don't need an organization to promote mediocrity. The money you save should be put aside for a lawyer that will be used just in case. He must be willing to sue for costs and defamation. Ask and make sure he isn't connected to the school board.

Explore Department Of Defense teaching positions here and abroad.

Join a credit union. This is an echo from your grandfather. He worked in finance and knew how favorable they treated their customer/owners. Save for retirement like no one else because no one else will.

Save your money and pay off any school debt. Pay yourself first, pay cash and live below your means. Being free of debt is very liberating. No one will care more about you than you. Don't rely on the governor or government. Vote smart every time.

Don't have a baby until you are married at least a year. Notice the implied time line - it's there for a reason. We can discuss this further - in private.

Don't post or email ANYTHING you wouldn't want the world to misinterpret. Facebook, Twitter, MySpace, blogs, etc. Watch who takes your picture and the texts you send. This stuff doesn't go away and is available to anyone with or without critical thinking skills. Remember how we laughed when your brother insisted "it's true! I saw it on the internet!!!". Assume any prospective employer thinks the same way.

I'm sure I forgot some things but there is time for us to talk this summer.

Always with you.

Love,

CTA Presidential Election

Go Joe!

I look forward to the fray. This election season is gonna get good. Please make sure to vote!

Think about it: Anyone first elected to the CTA Presidential spot has had no experience in that position. The executive director and board provide the transitional support.

I rejoined to vote for Joe. I'll resign in June - and play wait and see.

HOORAY FOR JOE

We support where you stand!

Whatcha doing?

Hey Joe


A middle school teacher can not teach at a high school unless certified and yet that same non-certified teacher can go into a high school class and EVALUATE the high school teacher? And vice-versa.

There's a reason professional football TV analyst/commentators don't work NASCAR races.

We are sewing the parachute during free fall.

see comment 3