Pale face speak with forked tongue

Well, now that the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has solved all of the sexual abuse cases, they can turn their attention to more pressing matters. Sacred Heart Catholic School teacher Julie Gurta asked that Miranda be punished for committing what must be a mortal sin at Our Lady of Perpetual Motion...saying "Thank you" and "I Love You" in her native tongue, Menominee Indian. This must not be one of the "speaking in tongues" recognized by the RCC! Miranda was barred from playing in  the girls basketball game and we are guessing was given a few Hail Marys and Our Fathers as well. Gurta and the basketball coach have since apologized, but Miranda's folks are questioning their sincerity after the fact.

STORY: Miranda Washinawatok, Wisconsin Student Punished For Using Native Tongue, Receives Apology From School (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKtCytx4KYygUMX0EfgaFL2t1Q5Qi666TMsE-Vil83CBedaLDDsg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSKtCytx4KYygUMX0EfgaFL2t1Q5Qi666TMsE-Vil83CBedaLDDsg" width="325" /></a></div> <br /> Well, now that the Roman Catholic Church (RCC) has solved all of the sexual abuse cases, they can turn their attention to more pressing matters. Sacred Heart Catholic School teacher Julie Gurta asked that Miranda be punished for committing what must be a mortal sin at Our Lady of Perpetual Motion...saying "Thank you" and "I Love You" in her native tongue, Menominee Indian. This must not be one of the "speaking in tongues" recognized by the RCC! Miranda was barred from playing in  the girls basketball game and we are guessing was given a few Hail Marys and Our Fathers as well. Gurta and the basketball coach have since apologized, but Miranda's folks are questioning their sincerity after the fact.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/02/miranda-washinawatok-student-receives-apology-from-school-_n_1316407.html?ref=education">Miranda Washinawatok, Wisconsin Student Punished For Using Native Tongue, Receives Apology From School (VIDEO)</a>

Import, export...deport

With all of the vitriol spewed forth by the far right in this year's GOP campaign, this story does not come as a surprise. Daniela came to the US from Columbia at age 4 along with her family. She has a 6.7GPA in the international baccalaureate program and dreams of being a heart surgeon after completing studies at an Ivy League school. Damn...another illegal deadbeat sucking at the tit of public welfare! Kudos to School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho who voiced his opposition to the judges rejection of her application for a green card and issuance of the deportation order..."over his dead body!" And, kudos to the overwhelming outpouring of support from her classmates. As for the judge and the whole "get tough on immigration" policy...you are just another brick in the wall.

STORY: Daniela Pelaez, Valedictorian At North Miami Senior High School, Faces Deportation Order (PHOTOS)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRvx9Q7AqX-B7ZlIVaGGR15dgbLpy8aMMAb47NKNNjXdL32_4lYfQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRvx9Q7AqX-B7ZlIVaGGR15dgbLpy8aMMAb47NKNNjXdL32_4lYfQ" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> With all of the vitriol spewed forth by the far right in this year's GOP campaign, this story does not come as a surprise. Daniela came to the US from Columbia at age 4 along with her family. She has a 6.7GPA in the international baccalaureate program and dreams of being a heart surgeon after completing studies at an Ivy League school. Damn...another illegal deadbeat sucking at the tit of public welfare! Kudos to School Superintendent Alberto Carvalho who voiced his opposition to the judges rejection of her application for a green card and issuance of the deportation order..."over his dead body!" And, kudos to the overwhelming outpouring of support from her classmates. As for the judge and the whole "get tough on immigration" policy...you are just another brick in the wall.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/02/daniela-pelaez-miami-valedictorian-deportation_n_1316114.html?ref=education&ir=Education#s748235&title=Carvalho_I_can">Daniela Pelaez, Valedictorian At North Miami Senior High School, Faces Deportation Order (PHOTOS)</a>

I can't believe its not butter

The more we read about the sex abuse scandal at Miramonte Elementary School, the sicker we get. In a hyper-vigilant mode, the school now must ban the use of blindfolds for non-visual sense reading lessons, and the science experiment in which kids get to make butter. Why? Accused perp Mark Berndt allegedly blindfolded children and fed them his semen on cookies. The school is drawing a correlation of science class manufactured butter on crackers to Berndt's actions. Not sure how the school will survive this but our hearts go out to all in this troubled school community.

STORY: Miramonte School Scandal: Blindfolding Banned From LAUSD Lesson Plans (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQt6IBIdb0EcRB-FEgKvLhP_16BKf_-AeqK8wSCCQMJiZHrZI0x" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn3.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQt6IBIdb0EcRB-FEgKvLhP_16BKf_-AeqK8wSCCQMJiZHrZI0x" width="387" /></a></div> <br /> The more we read about the sex abuse scandal at Miramonte Elementary School, the sicker we get. In a hyper-vigilant mode, the school now must ban the use of blindfolds for non-visual sense reading lessons, and the science experiment in which kids get to make butter. Why? Accused perp Mark Berndt allegedly blindfolded children and fed them his semen on cookies. The school is drawing a correlation of science class manufactured butter on crackers to Berndt's actions. Not sure how the school will survive this but our hearts go out to all in this troubled school community.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/02/miramonte-school-scandal-blindfolding_n_1316555.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Miramonte School Scandal: Blindfolding Banned From LAUSD Lesson Plans (VIDEO)</a>

Jersey jokesters

They was just funnin' don't ya know! Two janitors at Gregory Elementary School in Long Beach, New Jersey, are under investigation for binding and gagging two 10-year old students in the school lav. Their defense...just a little joke. We are hoping that the full force of the law will be exercised here, and that the kids will not suffer any long term harm. In the meantime, these two geniuses are on paid leave. We are wondering if they are behind Hoffa's mysterious disappearance.....no joke!

STORY: New Jersey Janitors Accused Of Binding And Gagging Students In Bathroom (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTuPabzBV7AEIK0sv8rKvH-dJ9LswTuVpqLmRJt3iN3PSju8yDN" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn1.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTuPabzBV7AEIK0sv8rKvH-dJ9LswTuVpqLmRJt3iN3PSju8yDN" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> They was just funnin' don't ya know! Two janitors at Gregory Elementary School in Long Beach, New Jersey, are under investigation for binding and gagging two 10-year old students in the school lav. Their defense...just a little joke. We are hoping that the full force of the law will be exercised here, and that the kids will not suffer any long term harm. In the meantime, these two geniuses are on paid leave. We are wondering if they are behind Hoffa's mysterious disappearance.....no joke!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/03/05/new-jersey-janitors-accused-binding-gagging-students_n_1321091.html">New Jersey Janitors Accused Of Binding And Gagging Students In Bathroom (VIDEO)</a>

Weeding them out

Another teenage crush has turned sour in south Florida. Honor student Justin Laboy fell in love with a 25 year- old undercover cop posing as a high school senior coed. She asked him to buy her some weed, which he did, and...love hurts. Justin was busted along with several others in the sting operation in Palm Beach. Looks like entrapment to us. After all, as Meatloaf profoundly put it..."I'll do anything for love." The kid just didn't listen to the rest of the lyric!

STORY: Teen Falls In Love With Undercover Cop In Marijuana Sting, Gets Arrested

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkI2EkxXxBvqBD0kQnTmTFLpCCkfiiUuZ-i8wAiUYzoAsRr6_9" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQkI2EkxXxBvqBD0kQnTmTFLpCCkfiiUuZ-i8wAiUYzoAsRr6_9" width="286" /></a></div> <br /> Another teenage crush has turned sour in south Florida. Honor student Justin Laboy fell in love with a 25 year- old undercover cop posing as a high school senior coed. She asked him to buy her some weed, which he did, and...love hurts. Justin was busted along with several others in the sting operation in Palm Beach. Looks like entrapment to us. After all, as Meatloaf profoundly put it..."I'll do anything for love." The kid just didn't listen to the rest of the lyric!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/21/teen-falls-in-love-undercover-cop-marijuana-operation_n_1291823.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Teen Falls In Love With Undercover Cop In Marijuana Sting, Gets Arrested</a>

Driven to drink

Hey, if you didn't bring enough to share with everyone... Anne teaches at Bayshore High School in Manatee, Florida, and was tested at 0.112% blood alcohol level during the school day. Not sure if there was a kegger going on in the teachers lounge, or if she just had a five martini lunch! She was busted by the principal who smelled booze on the breath. Either Anne needs to get into the 12 steps or should switch to vodka and orange juice. Bottoms up!

STORY: Anne Wampole, Florida Teacher, Breathalyzed At 40 Percent Above Legal Alcohol Limit At School, Put On Leave

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgxsZeuN1r3JNgBS4lqWsRzvJcWdgNQtjv-cB1utD3pNKGvGiPTg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQgxsZeuN1r3JNgBS4lqWsRzvJcWdgNQtjv-cB1utD3pNKGvGiPTg" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Hey, if you didn't bring enough to share with everyone... Anne teaches at Bayshore High School in Manatee, Florida, and was tested at 0.112% blood alcohol level during the school day. Not sure if there was a kegger going on in the teachers lounge, or if she just had a five martini lunch! She was busted by the principal who smelled booze on the breath. Either Anne needs to get into the 12 steps or should switch to vodka and orange juice. Bottoms up!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/21/anne-wampole-florida-teac_n_1291877.html?ref=education">Anne Wampole, Florida Teacher, Breathalyzed At 40 Percent Above Legal Alcohol Limit At School, Put On Leave</a>

Silly putty

Talk about getting perky with a health care perk! Buffalo public school teachers have a sweet health care rider that provides any plastic surgery procedure, including botox and tummy tucks at a cost of nearly 5.2 million dollars to the school district last year alone. The teacher's union is not really interested in negotiating on this coverage, even though budgets are tough and teachers have been laid off. While we fully support health care coverage, this has morphed into a ridiculous burden on taxpayers and the millions of dollars going to a booming cosmetic surgery industry in Buffalo ought to be invested in the students.

STORY: Buffalo, New York Teachers Get Free Plastic Surgery (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQscvTRqiB3BcNfc14QjyFd7rM5uU2znSKF5JBftaFGkGKkeH5r-Q" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQscvTRqiB3BcNfc14QjyFd7rM5uU2znSKF5JBftaFGkGKkeH5r-Q" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> Talk about getting perky with a health care perk! Buffalo public school teachers have a sweet health care rider that provides any plastic surgery procedure, including botox and tummy tucks at a cost of nearly 5.2 million dollars to the school district last year alone. The teacher's union is not really interested in negotiating on this coverage, even though budgets are tough and teachers have been laid off. While we fully support health care coverage, this has morphed into a ridiculous burden on taxpayers and the millions of dollars going to a booming cosmetic surgery industry in Buffalo ought to be invested in the students.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/28/buffalo-new-york-teachers-get-free-plastic-surgery_n_1306896.html">Buffalo, New York Teachers Get Free Plastic Surgery (VIDEO)</a>

No early out

You can stick that retirement option! Congrats to Olivia who has been teaching since 1935. Imagine all the dizzying pendulum swings she has seen in education. She currently teaches reading to Kindergarten and Pre-K children at Ashburn Lutheran School in Chicago. Considering that half of today's crop of teachers leave the classroom within five years, this is an incredible accomplishment.

STORY: Olivia Neubauer: 100 Years Old In 2 Weeks And Still Teaching At Chicago School (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjUwUSz85eRy1_9-a6T2InaSWok1-enr2-2pnODyBq19tr9IYZKw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRjUwUSz85eRy1_9-a6T2InaSWok1-enr2-2pnODyBq19tr9IYZKw" width="253" /></a></div> <br /> You can stick that retirement option! Congrats to Olivia who has been teaching since 1935. Imagine all the dizzying pendulum swings she has seen in education. She currently teaches reading to Kindergarten and Pre-K children at Ashburn Lutheran School in Chicago. Considering that half of today's crop of teachers leave the classroom within five years, this is an incredible accomplishment.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/olivia-neubauer-100-years_n_1296660.html?ref=education&ir=Education">Olivia Neubauer: 100 Years Old In 2 Weeks And Still Teaching At Chicago School (VIDEO)</a>

Value-subtracted analysis in NYC

More misguided folks blindly following shoddy research that supports value-added analysis in education.
Grounded in the Tennessee STAR Study, which has been essentially discredited, the political attack on public schools pretends to use data and statistical analysis, now to rate teachers. Here is the direction we would like to go...have all elected officials submit to value added analysis and publish the results to the electorate. Better yet...base their salary on the value they have added to the economy. For example, once unemployment reaches 7% or lower, start paying them 50%. When it hits 6%, up the salary to 70%. Once it dips below 5%, full salary. And as a bonus (merit pay) when we stop going to war for one year, throw in health care....but no contraception!

STORY: New York City Teacher Ratings: Teacher Data Reports Publicly Released Amid Controversy

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSqUHwAa9NZHD0D1iA41iblrQF3xR7dO9h3wpG-AjyRJvsHiamk" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn2.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSqUHwAa9NZHD0D1iA41iblrQF3xR7dO9h3wpG-AjyRJvsHiamk" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> More misguided folks blindly following shoddy research that supports value-added analysis in education.<br /> Grounded in the Tennessee STAR Study, which has been essentially discredited, the political attack on public schools pretends to use data and statistical analysis, now to rate teachers. Here is the direction we would like to go...have all elected officials submit to value added analysis and publish the results to the electorate. Better yet...base their salary on the value they have added to the economy. For example, once unemployment reaches 7% or lower, start paying them 50%. When it hits 6%, up the salary to 70%. Once it dips below 5%, full salary. And as a bonus (merit pay) when we stop going to war for one year, throw in health care....but no contraception!<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/24/new-york-city-teacher-rat_n_1299837.html">New York City Teacher Ratings: Teacher Data Reports Publicly Released Amid Controversy</a>

Immigrants need not apply...to college

Georgia lawmakers are tough on undocumented immigrants. They want all members of the University System of Georgia to ferret out these students from the total enrollment of 318,000 to make room for "real Americans." A recent audit reveals that there are about 300 undocumented students enrolled (about .09%). We are guessing that Georgia will have to search far and wide to fill those 300 seats with "real Americans" (whatever that means). Ludicrous way to spend legislative effort but Georgia wants to follow Arizona in getting tough on these folks. Red meat for the red states.

STORY: Georgia’s immigration law targets universities

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOPiw8VGi0nkr2htJuBBwO_aggBwzn2nUPI4vveCCTXimL7doQ" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQOPiw8VGi0nkr2htJuBBwO_aggBwzn2nUPI4vveCCTXimL7doQ" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Georgia lawmakers are tough on undocumented immigrants. They want all members of the University System of Georgia to ferret out these students from the total enrollment of 318,000 to make room for "real Americans." A recent audit reveals that there are about 300 undocumented students enrolled (about .09%). We are guessing that Georgia will have to search far and wide to fill those 300 seats with "real Americans" (whatever that means). Ludicrous way to spend legislative effort but Georgia wants to follow Arizona in getting tough on these folks. Red meat for the red states.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.salon.com/2012/02/24/georgias_immigration_law_targets_universities/singleton/">Georgia’s immigration law targets universities</a>

Chicago joins South Africa

Likening the closing of under-performing schools in Chicago to apartheid is gross hyperbole and does little to advance what will be done to improve the education of the nearly 7500 students impacted. Will they be moved to high performing schools? What metrics are being used to determine performance levels of the schools themselves? Is funding being shifted with them or to some for-profits that will operate the schools? This debate is political and to suggest that education and politics are not necessarily intertwined is naive.

STORY: CPS Board Approves 17 School Closings, Overhauls, Teachers Union Calls Vote 'Education Apartheid' (VIDEO)

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJ_XhDYGwB1P5fpWfXkWCA2TBwOoOKFlR83coCym9fZMYM1MQw" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQJ_XhDYGwB1P5fpWfXkWCA2TBwOoOKFlR83coCym9fZMYM1MQw" width="278" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> Likening the closing of under-performing schools in Chicago to apartheid is gross hyperbole and does little to advance what will be done to improve the education of the nearly 7500 students impacted. Will they be moved to high performing schools? What metrics are being used to determine performance levels of the schools themselves? Is funding being shifted with them or to some for-profits that will operate the schools? This debate is political and to suggest that education and politics are not necessarily intertwined is naive.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/cps-board-approves-17-sch_n_1296300.html?ir=Education">CPS Board Approves 17 School Closings, Overhauls, Teachers Union Calls Vote 'Education Apartheid' (VIDEO)</a><br /> <h1 class="title-news" style="background-color: white; border-bottom-style: none; border-color: initial; border-image: initial; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; border-width: initial; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 32px; line-height: 36px; list-style-image: initial; list-style-position: initial; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;"> </h1>

Slash and burn

The Michigan budget surplus was highly touted by GOP presidential hopeful and Flip-flopper in Chief Mitt Romney. Mitt not only likes the size of the trees in Michigan...he loves the down-sized education budget pushed through by Governor Rick Snyder. We can expect the same under Romney...cut education funding at a time when we need to invest more heavily in public education.

STORY: As Michigan Primary Nears, Mitt Romney, Gov. Rick Snyder Praise Budget -- Despite Education Cuts

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjWuGkvEvI616Uq98CYYtx3CmGgyJiaOYrPy2Zv3MZZM8V4EUUBA" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.google.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTjWuGkvEvI616Uq98CYYtx3CmGgyJiaOYrPy2Zv3MZZM8V4EUUBA" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <br /> The Michigan budget surplus was highly touted by GOP presidential hopeful and Flip-flopper in Chief Mitt Romney. Mitt not only likes the size of the trees in Michigan...he loves the down-sized education budget pushed through by Governor Rick Snyder. We can expect the same under Romney...cut education funding at a time when we need to invest more heavily in public education.<br /> <br /> STORY: <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/02/23/michigan-primary-mitt-romney-rick-snyder-education_n_1297554.html">As Michigan Primary Nears, Mitt Romney, Gov. Rick Snyder Praise Budget -- Despite Education Cuts</a>