SPPS IN THE NEWS:
Minnesota teachers invite business leaders into St. Paul schools, elsewhere
The Education Minnesota teachers union is inviting business and civic leaders to spend a day in school classrooms.
10/6/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/education/ci_13489024.html
OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEWS:
District Schools Lay Off Teachers
In one of the most turbulent days in its recent history, the D.C. public schools system laid off more than 200 teachers Friday
10/3/2009
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/02/AR2009100202289.html
New Tack on Math Promoted
Problem-Solving Is Focus of High School Guide
10/6/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/07/06nctm_ep.h29.html?tkn=LVXFFSaUQhID7ImnU%2BrQANLte8ExfpPe0MG5
Tight Focus on Instruction Wins Texas District Prize
At a time when hard-charging superintendents, controversial teacher-pay plans, and pressure for school “turnarounds” dominate headlines, Aldine won the 2009 prize with a steady approach focused squarely on teaching and learning.
10/6/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/07/06aldine.h29.html?tkn=VPRF%2F9YwibWMsNi%2FSavExECRO4Ewu%2BlrSDky
A Crackdown on Bake Sales in City Schools
In an effort to limit how much sugar and fat students put in their bellies at school, the Education Department has effectively banned most bake sales, the lucrative if not quite healthy fund-raising tool for generations of teams and clubs.
10/6/2009
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/03/nyregion/03bakesale.html?_r=1&ref=education
Boy's death deepens H1N1 worry
The state epidemiologist urged parents to seek urgent care if children's symptoms worsen.
10/6/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/lifestyle/health/virus/63531287.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
EPA to brief Senate staff on schools' toxic drinking water supplies following AP story
A California senator called on the head of the Environmental Protection Agency on Monday to disclose how the agency plans to address the widespread problem of toxic drinking water in the nation's schools.
10/6/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/nation/63564082.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU
In lean times, teachers part of belt tightening
The first contract settlements reported by Twin Cities school districts show that teachers are getting stingier deals this year.
10/6/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/63571302.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
New life for a long-struggling Minneapolis Washburn
The school has new staff, new curriculum and new energy: 'The soul has changed in the building. The spirit has returned.'
10/6/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/stpaul/63572327.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr
A Chance To Teach Beyond the Classroom
Fellowship Offers Federal Experience
10/6/2009
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/04/AR2009100403074.html
Students Protest Teacher Layoffs
D.C. Schools Chancellor Michelle A. Rhee faced mounting pressure Monday from teachers, students and elected officials to provide a more detailed justification for Friday's layoff of almost 400 staff members, including 229 teachers.
10/6/2009
Washington Post
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/10/05/AR2009100501426.html
MISC. NEWS:
'Race to Top' Said to Lack Key Science
Among education researchers, one complaint about the U.S. Department of Education under former President George W. Bush was that it relentlessly promoted “scientific research in education,” while at the same time endorsing some policies that lacked solid research evidence.
10/6/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/07/06research_ep.h29.html?tkn=LTWFa%2FDn0I5teo4WD97bXjtOP8JcVbnhXT1G
Pawlenty's empty gesture
He opposed antibullying legislation
10/6/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentary/63563202.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUHK:uUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUU
Bachmann warns of sex clinics, abortion in schools
On the House floor Wednesday night, Rep. Michele Bachmann warned that the health insurance reform package currently being debated by Congress would set up “sex clinics” in schools where students “taken away” to have abortions.
10/6/2009
Twin Cities Daily Planet
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2009/10/01/bachmann-warns-sex-clinics-abortion-schools
Schools to pay millions to cover Governor's IOU
School districts statewide stand to lose $58 million in interest and reserve revenue over the next two years to cover Governor Pawlenty's billion dollar IOU. This is money Minnesota's already cash-strapped schools can't afford and didn't account for before the Governor's June shift. According to calculations, this interest and reserve revenue could amount to $23 million in 2010 and $35 million in 2011, and that's if interest rates stay low.
10/6/2009
Twin Cities Daily Planet
http://www.tcdailyplanet.net/news/2009/10/01/schools-pay-millions-cover-governors-iou