Dishonorable discharge

STORY: St. John's Military School Sued For 'Disciplinarians,' Allegedly Let Students Punish Each Other Through Gagging, Urination

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDRt1pJMZPp_Z1yIJ-q0T5hyGhZ_o0VIU3Z_C4VP-nv2yZyo2B" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSDRt1pJMZPp_Z1yIJ-q0T5hyGhZ_o0VIU3Z_C4VP-nv2yZyo2B" width="400" /></a></div> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/st-johns-military-school-_n_1339494.html">St. John's Military School Sued For 'Disciplinarians,' Allegedly Let Students Punish Each Other Through Gagging, Urination</a>

Penis envy

STORY: Utah Sex Education Bill To Teach Abstinence-Only Vetoed By Governor

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDsOpgvrxIzDMtkdXdPyi6XVYO47LZvNgq91ZMc7_9Oos4jPJb" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQDsOpgvrxIzDMtkdXdPyi6XVYO47LZvNgq91ZMc7_9Oos4jPJb" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/17/utah-governor-vetoes-bill_n_1355053.html?ref=topbar">Utah Sex Education Bill To Teach Abstinence-Only Vetoed By Governor</a>

VIC TOE REE

We wrote about this district in an earlier post, and are heartened to see they have seen the light. Minnesota's largest school district has developed a model to address harassment and bullying of GLBT students that may serve as a national template. Stay tuned and see if this momentum even carries into the deep south bastions of homophobia.

STORY: Anoka-Hennepin School District Settles Lawsuits Over Gay Bullying, Gender Neutral Policy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSL7ay2tTgWmsP50zpQwFutqMCqv9plN_7qWSkEBxEPKPAJ9KHn" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSL7ay2tTgWmsP50zpQwFutqMCqv9plN_7qWSkEBxEPKPAJ9KHn" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We wrote about this district in an earlier post, and are heartened to see they have seen the light. Minnesota's largest school district has developed a model to address harassment and bullying of GLBT students that may serve as a national template. Stay tuned and see if this momentum even carries into the deep south bastions of homophobia.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/minn-school-district-sett_n_1323791.html?ref=education">Anoka-Hennepin School District Settles Lawsuits Over Gay Bullying, Gender Neutral Policy</a>

So cool its hot

 How this girls T-shirt disrupts the orderly operation of the school is beyond our comprehension. Supreme Court rulings put the burden of proof on the school district...not left to the whim of some misguided school administrator. Lynn High School VICE Principal (vice...that explains it!) Joe O'Hagan told the girl that the shirt was political and offended some people. WE find Gingrich for President buttons highly offensive and obviously political, but support the right to wear them. Say it ain't so Joe!

STORY: 'All The Cool Girls Are Lesbians' T-Shirt Sparks Controversy At Massachusetts School (VIDEO) (POLL)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <br /></div> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHCsBWH_u33MYQeFzr06v-u4KrCwfNyF-xt8Qv4oXtegQIrvCBlw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSHCsBWH_u33MYQeFzr06v-u4KrCwfNyF-xt8Qv4oXtegQIrvCBlw" width="400" /></a></div>  How this girls T-shirt disrupts the orderly operation of the school is beyond our comprehension. Supreme Court rulings put the burden of proof on the school district...not left to the whim of some misguided school administrator. Lynn High School VICE Principal (vice...that explains it!) Joe O'Hagan told the girl that the shirt was political and offended some people. WE find Gingrich for President buttons highly offensive and obviously political, but support the right to wear them. Say it ain't so Joe!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/13/all-the-cool-girls-are-lesbians-shirt--causes-controversy_n_1342431.html?ref=education">'All The Cool Girls Are Lesbians' T-Shirt Sparks Controversy At Massachusetts School (VIDEO) (POLL)</a>

Yes massa

We see this as deeply rooted racism that is institutional and endemic to public education policy. Another way to maintain an uneducated and underemployed population of workers for generations.

STORY: Minority Students Face Harsher Discipline, Fewer Options, New Federal Data Shows

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSD3lUxCPRioqLt2xnmvCGkWOh3cHVtqGedf5_O6UFKk_orj-wfDw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSD3lUxCPRioqLt2xnmvCGkWOh3cHVtqGedf5_O6UFKk_orj-wfDw" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We see this as deeply rooted racism that is institutional and endemic to public education policy. Another way to maintain an uneducated and underemployed population of workers for generations.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/minority-students-education-study_n_1322594.html?ref=education">Minority Students Face Harsher Discipline, Fewer Options, New Federal Data Shows</a>

Cash for clunkers

We have commented about this issue before...nothing new except that college students are rightfully ticked off at higher costs, debt, and no professional jobs in sight. We hope that college students will unite and engage in protests around the country. Cuts to education are the worst case scenario pre-K through post graduate.

STORY: Occupy Education: Dozens Of Protesters Demonstrating In State Capitol Arrested (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6WDusz26kqXTfd-qWsoEyyEB9FDLv648aR8TqhYPzDpoa0x8qYg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR6WDusz26kqXTfd-qWsoEyyEB9FDLv648aR8TqhYPzDpoa0x8qYg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> We have commented about this issue before...nothing new except that college students are rightfully ticked off at higher costs, debt, and no professional jobs in sight. We hope that college students will unite and engage in protests around the country. Cuts to education are the worst case scenario pre-K through post graduate.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/protesters-arrested-sacrament-ows_n_1323122.html?ref=education">Occupy Education: Dozens Of Protesters Demonstrating In State Capitol Arrested (VIDEO)</a>

y'all a good man charlie brown

Finally...Alabama has exposed the crew of Peanuts for what they are...illegal immigrants. We say round up Linus, Lucy, Charlie Brown, Schroeder, and Pig Pen and deport them. These are clearly a bunch of illegals brought to the US by Charles Schultz. They never seem to age either which suggests an alien like quality!
Actually, the get tough Alabama law requires that all companies doing business with the state provide documentation that no illegals work for them. The company in NYC that holds the rights to the play was reluctant to provide the required paperwork to Pelham High School, holding up production. The show must go on! This will be the most important theatrical performance ever in the state of Alabama! We also think that the use of a football requires approval by Crimson Tide coach Nick Sayban.

STORY: Alabama Immigration Law Puts Pelham High School's 'Charlie Brown' Play On Hold

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4Zz_mUW-M2BnxcwQokf8f8bSC3nXUxe_OuETi1yk-fKLPB_IN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ4Zz_mUW-M2BnxcwQokf8f8bSC3nXUxe_OuETi1yk-fKLPB_IN" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Finally...Alabama has exposed the crew of Peanuts for what they are...illegal immigrants. We say round up Linus, Lucy, Charlie Brown, Schroeder, and Pig Pen and deport them. These are clearly a bunch of illegals brought to the US by Charles Schultz. They never seem to age either which suggests an alien like quality!<br /> Actually, the get tough Alabama law requires that all companies doing business with the state provide documentation that no illegals work for them. The company in NYC that holds the rights to the play was reluctant to provide the required paperwork to Pelham High School, holding up production. The show must go on! This will be the most important theatrical performance ever in the state of Alabama! We also think that the use of a football requires approval by Crimson Tide coach Nick Sayban.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/09/ala-immigration-law-puts-_n_1335845.html?ref=education">Alabama Immigration Law Puts Pelham High School's 'Charlie Brown' Play On Hold</a>

Wrath of Khan

For anyone who has not explored the Khan Academy offering of courses, free, on-line, interactive and highly effective...get moving on this. We are fully behind this project and note the rapid expansion of courses beyond the sciences and math. School districts need to take note as well...beats sitting in lectures with limited and untimely corrective feedback and lack of student engagement. Get on the Khan and leave no child behind!

STORY: Khan Academy iPad App Launches With Free, Educational Videos On Apple Tablet

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsMyvZVyHyVr2M-IRWnSVnqoh1U7g5GOVv9tVu1lMj04CPLJsC" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRsMyvZVyHyVr2M-IRWnSVnqoh1U7g5GOVv9tVu1lMj04CPLJsC" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> For anyone who has not explored the Khan Academy offering of courses, free, on-line, interactive and highly effective...get moving on this. We are fully behind this project and note the rapid expansion of courses beyond the sciences and math. School districts need to take note as well...beats sitting in lectures with limited and untimely corrective feedback and lack of student engagement. Get on the Khan and leave no child behind!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/khan-academy-ipad-app-education-educational-videos-apple-tablet_n_1340135.html?ref=education">Khan Academy iPad App Launches With Free, Educational Videos On Apple Tablet</a>

Meaner than a junkyard dog

Looks like the old bait and switch to us! Minnesota-based Junkyard Prophet, a Christian youth ministry promised an anti-bullying and anti-drug message at the assembly in Dunkerton, Iowa. Instead, the kids got lectured on the evils of homosexuality and pre-marital sex. The group told the high school students that "anyone who is gay will die before they reach age 42." The students are pissed and the superintendent promised that this will never happen again. We hope these Christian prophets did not get paid for the shameless performance and that they will actually deliver on what a youth ministry should promise...lots of religious bullshit! Oh wait, they did deliver!
STORY: 'Junkyard Prophet' Shocks Iowa School With Anti-Gay Messages At Assembly (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrg3D6dCr0N_Pqk7Cd6Fr7LoUX71mjfEPpRq58zR6j4mcn69ppEA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTrg3D6dCr0N_Pqk7Cd6Fr7LoUX71mjfEPpRq58zR6j4mcn69ppEA" width="400" /></a></div> Looks like the old bait and switch to us! Minnesota-based Junkyard Prophet, a Christian youth ministry promised an anti-bullying and anti-drug message at the assembly in Dunkerton, Iowa. Instead, the kids got lectured on the evils of homosexuality and pre-marital sex. The group told the high school students that "anyone who is gay will die before they reach age 42." The students are pissed and the superintendent promised that this will never happen again. We hope these Christian prophets did not get paid for the shameless performance and that they will actually deliver on what a youth ministry should promise...lots of religious bullshit! Oh wait, they did deliver!<br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/12/junkyard-prophet-anti-gay-iowa-high-school_n_1340228.html?ref=education">'Junkyard Prophet' Shocks Iowa School With Anti-Gay Messages At Assembly (VIDEO)</a>

Bummer camp

Given the overwhelming body of evidence that points to the power or high quality early childhood education, it saddens us to think that there are "coveted spots" and that parents have to pitch tents to get kids into kindergarten classrooms. This investment pays high dividends and the folks in Sacramento need to be provided with unfettered access. We would advocate that all of the parents "occupy" the school grounds until all children are registered.

STORY: Parents Camp For Kindergarten Registration At Lincoln Crossing Elementary School In California (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcbfarzZNhs0mXR5KnYjZlu2U3u8764tHEWCF8QmowOC5jtXCWww" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="299" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTcbfarzZNhs0mXR5KnYjZlu2U3u8764tHEWCF8QmowOC5jtXCWww" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Given the overwhelming body of evidence that points to the power or high quality early childhood education, it saddens us to think that there are "coveted spots" and that parents have to pitch tents to get kids into kindergarten classrooms. This investment pays high dividends and the folks in Sacramento need to be provided with unfettered access. We would advocate that all of the parents "occupy" the school grounds until all children are registered.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/13/parents-camp-kindergarten-registration-lincoln-crossing-elementary_n_1341675.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Parents Camp For Kindergarten Registration At Lincoln Crossing Elementary School In California (VIDEO)</a>

And the truth shall set you free

Jada's controversial essay made "comparisons between a slavemaster discouraging Frederick Douglass from learning to read and modern education struggles in her district." Her voice joins the thousands who have studied unequal access to education based on race and socio-economic status...but she was summarily harassed at school, transferred to another school where her parents saw little difference and an unsafe environment. While the superintendent admits they didn't handle her free speech very well (no kidding) he at least recognizes her right to dissent. The issue here is not only that the school does not seem to welcome free speech...they don't seem to like students to tell it like it is either!

STORY: Jada Williams, Student, Allegedly Harassed For Award-Winning Essay Comparing School To Modern Slavery (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8cGwiIouGoVtgAPLt6VO-JPm80mh3Uvcp8Dd-0ViF-65MuTol" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="367" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR8cGwiIouGoVtgAPLt6VO-JPm80mh3Uvcp8Dd-0ViF-65MuTol" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Jada's controversial essay made "comparisons between a slavemaster discouraging Frederick Douglass from learning to read and modern education struggles in her district." Her voice joins the thousands who have studied unequal access to education based on race and socio-economic status...but she was summarily harassed at school, transferred to another school where her parents saw little difference and an unsafe environment. While the superintendent admits they didn't handle her free speech very well (no kidding) he at least recognizes her right to dissent. The issue here is not only that the school does not seem to welcome free speech...they don't seem to like students to tell it like it is either!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/jada-williams-student-allegedly-harassed-for-essay_n_1321926.html?ref=education">Jada Williams, Student, Allegedly Harassed For Award-Winning Essay Comparing School To Modern Slavery (VIDEO)</a>

Sledge hammered!

Brother (not sister) Sledge is one of a dirty dozen individuals under a federal investigation. The former assistant superintendent of Pontiac Schools has been indicted for money laundering and theft of $236,000 of school funds. The district is 24 million in debt and it looks like they have misspent or spent without proper authorization ten's of millions. Now that's educational leadership at its best! Is this why GM no longer manufactures Pontiacs?

STORY: Jumanne Sledge, Former Pontiac Schools Official Charged WIth Stealing $236,000 From District

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQXBzpIQf4-luIP1FCMCEVr3vGigc2d6BhjNzyyfRJE9PGuBO8qSg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQXBzpIQf4-luIP1FCMCEVr3vGigc2d6BhjNzyyfRJE9PGuBO8qSg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Brother (not sister) Sledge is one of a dirty dozen individuals under a federal investigation. The former assistant superintendent of Pontiac Schools has been indicted for money laundering and theft of $236,000 of school funds. The district is 24 million in debt and it looks like they have misspent or spent without proper authorization ten's of millions. Now that's educational leadership at its best! Is this why GM no longer manufactures Pontiacs?<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/06/jumanne-sledge-former-pontiac-schools-official_n_1324434.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Jumanne Sledge, Former Pontiac Schools Official Charged WIth Stealing $236,000 From District</a>