March 4, 2009

Rhode Island Politics

Re: By Virtual Campaign Announcement, I Think He Means the Real Announcement of a Virtual Campaign, and Not the Virtual Announcement of a Real Campaign...

Monique Chartier

Further to Andrew's post, a couple of questions pose themselves for virtual gubernatorial candidate Bob Walsh and his

progressive, pro-public education, pro-labor, pro-job creation and economic development, pro-choice, pro-environment, pro-marriage equality, and supportive of a fair tax policy for our state

perspective.

1.) Does he agree with the NEA's Resolution D-20, passed in 2007, which opposes student achievement as a measure of teacher competency/effectiveness?

The Association also believes that the use of student achievement measures such as standardized test scores or grades to determine the competency, quality, or effectiveness of any professional educator is inappropriate and is not a valid measure.

2.) In his prior post as the Superintendent of schools in Chicago, President Obama's new Secretary of Education, Arne Duncan, implemented a level of merit-pay incentives for teachers, closed down failing schools, replaced entire school staffs and rejected the blame the parent/blame the child mentality. In view of Rhode Island's academic achievement ranking (forty first out of fifty), would the virtual candidate advocate that Rhode Island implement some of these approaches - in particular, merit pay - and philosophies?

To quote Matt Jerzyk in these circumstances: "Thank you".

12:49 PM
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The awkward silence in response to your questions is likely to be deafening.

On the other hand, Mr. Caprio should immediately respond with a definitive, "YES" and dare the other potential candidates to similarly tell the long-suffering RI electorate where they stand.

Posted by: John at March 4, 2009 1:30 PM

This is a joke meant to flatter a sick, if not dying, man.
Maybe next will be a knightship.

Posted by: Mike at March 4, 2009 7:10 PM

Is it true the theme song for Walshie's "candidacy" will be chirping crickets??
Well I suppose we should look on the bright side. At least Bob Healey will have someone to keep him company this time around.

Posted by: Tim at March 5, 2009 7:20 AM


Obama Names Arne Duncan Next Education Secretary
Duncan has called for doubling NCLB funding and adding more flexibility into the law

WASHINGTON - December 15, 2008 - President-elect Barack Obama has named Arne Duncan, the superintendent of Chicago Public Schools, as the next secretary of education according to reports by The New York Times and Washington Post Monday night. Duncan has called for doubling funding for No Child Left Behind, and tempering the law's teach-to-the-test rigidity with more flexibility.

"This could be the beginning of a promising new period for public education in this country," said NEA President Dennis Van Roekel. "Arne Duncan has said before Congress that funding for NCLB should be doubled within five years, and that the law must be amended to give schools the maximum amount of flexibility possible. For too long, federal education policy has been about teaching to the test, and Duncan could use his new position to move beyond those failed policies, and provide every child with 21st century skills."

In Chicago, Duncan set his sights on reducing the dropout rate, reducing school violence and creating successful new schools. His efforts have shown his commitment to quality public schools, Van Roekel said, and willingness to make decisive, bold changes.

"We applaud President-Elect Obama's choice of Arne Duncan to be the next Secretary of Education," said Jo Anderson, Executive Director of the Illinois Education Association. "In IEA-NEA, we have worked collaboratively with Arne Duncan on a number of ways to improve all Illinois public schools, including increased funding. In our experience, Arne Duncan is committed to working with others including the unions to promote excellence and equity in public education."

Duncan will inherit significant baggage from the failed policies of the Bush administration. NCLB is underfunded by $71 billion, and in economic downturns, school funding suffers.

"This is a challenging time for President Obama and for Secretary Duncan," Van Roekel said. "We look forward to working together, along with parents and community leaders, to create great public schools for every student."

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The National Education Association is the nation's largest professional employee organization, representing 3.2 million elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty, education support professionals, school administrators, retired educators and students preparing to become teachers.

Posted by: NEA at March 6, 2009 3:02 PM