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Education News 11/29-12/1:
Standing in the Doorway of College Bound Californians
Walters: Schwazenegger Plan Splits Education Coalition -- It got almost no media attention at the time, but when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unveiled an array of new taxes and spending cuts to deal with a severe budget crisis, he also proposed a revolution in how schools are financed. Dan Walters in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/1/08
Students Stressing Out Over Enrollment Cuts In State University System -- A succession of bad news over the past two weeks has turned the college plans of California high school seniors upside down. The Community College League of California announced that proposed state budget cuts at community colleges could drive away 262,000 students. WALTER YOST in the Modesto Bee -- 12/1/08
Chaminade Students Learn To Fight Intolerance -- Nine years ago, Julie La Belle counseled distraught students at Columbine. Now at Chaminade College Preparatory, she is trying to help the West Hills students build trust. CORINA KNOLL in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/1/08
Educators, Academics Hopeful Obama Administration Will Make Changes To NCLB -- One of President-elect Barack Obama's big challenges next year will be to restructure the No Child Left Behind Act, a bipartisan effort launched six years ago as a way to improve America's struggling public schools. KIMBERLY S. WETZEL in the Oakland Tribune -- 12/1/08
Editorial: University system shouldn't increase pay and cut admission, mercedsunstar.com, 12/1/08
Parents under pressure to keep schools running
OCRegister, CA - 15 hours ago
By SCOTT MARTINDALE With California bogged down by economic woes and public schools possibly facing more than $2 billion in mid-year cuts, local parent ...
CSUis wrong to give raises at this time
Daily Democrat, CA - Nov 30, 2008
California State University trustees tell us that, like many other services in this state, money is going to be tight over the next two years thanks to that ...
College cuts likely to backfire
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, CA - Nov 30, 2008
Signs that the state budget cuts are reaching bone - not just fat - became painfully evident when the CSU trustees opted to accept 10000 fewer students next ...
Another View: Column's too rosy in its view of CSUS
Sacramento Bee, USA - Nov 30, 2008
By Stan Oden and Lila Jacobs As members of the faculty, staff and student body at California State University, Sacramento, we are appalled at Marcos ...
Pound foolish in CSU system
Lompoc Record, CA - Nov 29, 2008
Unfortunately, the decision makers in the Cal State University system don't seem to have captured the spirit of Measure A. Despite this state's economic and ...
Promise Of College For All Californians Shrinking -- In 1959, as California enjoyed the fruits of more than a decade of post-World War II prosperity, state leaders created the Higher Education Master Plan to make sure every Californian had access to college. CONNIE LLANOS in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 11/30/08
Uncertain Future For UC Estate -- The mansion sits atop a hill at 70 Rincon Road, Kensington. It's a Mediterranean-style manor built at the turn of the century and surrounded by exquisite gardens. The mansion's location affords impressive views of the Bay and has been home to five presidents of the University of California system. MARTA YAMAMOTO in the Oakland Tribune -- 11/30/08
I'm Not A Terrorist, Says San Jose State Professor Who Puts His Life Online -- Hasan Elahi has spent most of the past six years trying to prove that he isn't a terrorist. This is odd in a way, because during that time no one has ever said publicly that the San Jose State University assistant professor is a terrorist. Except Hasan Elahi. BRUCE NEWMAN in the San Jose Mercury -- 11/30/08
State News 11/29-12/1:
Last Week's California Budget Vote: Failure or First Step Toward Solutions?
From the New Publishers of the California Progress Report
Welcome To Sacramento, And Good Luck -- A new two-year session of the California Legislature will be gaveled in today, with lawmakers facing one of the worst budget crises in state history and a sinking economy that will limit their ability to enact new programs. PATRICK MCGREEVY in the Los Angeles Times -- 12/1/08
Legislative Lessons -- The 2009-10 version of the California Legislature convenes today, with a bunch of new members set to take over for the class of 2007-08. They'll have some, uh, interesting shoes to fill. - Like the assemblywoman whom Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger described as "hot," and who returned the compliment by saying she wouldn't kick the governor out of bed. STEVE WIEGAND in the Sacramento Bee -- 12/1/08
California Has A New Clout In Congress -- Many lawmakers are in key positions to act on environmental and other measures that could benefit the state. RICHARD SIMON in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/30/08
Arnold Schwarzenegger Weighing Political Future -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger still has two years left in his term, but the former actor already appears to be preparing for his next role - likely on the world stage. In January, he will address the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Switzerland. That event follows an international summit on reducing greenhouse gas emissions he convened earlier this month in Beverly Hills JULIET WILLIAMS AP -- 11/30/08
Darrell Steinberg Has His Work Cut Out For Him In California Senate -- The Democrat has ambitious goals and a can-do reputation, but the state's fiscal mess and polarized Legislature present huge challenges for the incoming president pro tem. JORDAN RAU in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/30/08
CFT In the News 11/25/08:
To better accommodate their programs, two East San Jose school districts have been quietly exploring a site swap, with the Alum Rock Union School District trading Pala Middle School for East Side Union High School District's Independence Adult Center. ...CFT represents the Adult Education faculty at East Side High School District. Valli, quoted, is one of the leaders of the union.
Education News 11/25/08:
LAUSD Cuts May Be Even Deeper -- Already facing massive cuts this year, Los Angeles Unified School District officials have now been told to brace for reductions of up to $140 million next year. GEORGE B. SÁNCHEZ in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 11/25/08
4 Shut Schools Could Be Charters -- The Los Angeles Unified School District board will vote this afternoon on whether to allow charter programs to convert three elementary school buildings in Woodland Hills - Collins Street, Oso Avenue and Platt Ranch schools - as well as Highlander Road Elementary in West Hills. GEORGE B. SÁNCHEZ in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 11/25/08
San Francisco Teacher Wins National Milken Award -- San Francisco teacher Mindy Yip sat cross-legged on the floor of the Visitacion Valley Elementary School multipurpose room with her first-grade students Monday morning, consoling a crying boy. JILL TUCKER in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/25/08
Schrag: Give Up The Lie That All UC Campuses Are Equal -- Berkeley Chancellor Robert Birgeneau's proposal for a University of California tuition policy that would allow Berkeley to charge nearly $2,000 a year more than other campuses is another reminder of the worst-kept secret in California education: Some UC campuses are more equal than others. PETER SCHRAG in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/25/08
Dan Walters: How California's schools busted the state budget
Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA - 12 hours ago
K-12 schools, which consume more than 40 percent of the state's general fund, are obviously a big chunk of its fiscal dilemma, as the history of education ...
Feds Withhold $1M Linked to CA Algebra Mandate
KPBS, CA - 16 hours ago
California's Department of Education stands to lose about $1 million in federal funding because its eighth-grade Algebra mandate is tied up in court. ...
Students, faculty rally at Merced College
Merced Sun-Star, CA - 3 hours ago
By DANIELLE GAINES SUN-STAR PHOTO BY MARCI STENBERG A college funding rally was held at Merced College in the quad area. Students and faculty alike joined ...
Enrollment growth at Ohlone tempered by state economic slide
Tri Valley Herald, CA - 13 hours ago
"We are the safety net of higher education," said Scott Lay, president and chief executive officer of the nonprofit Community College League of California, ...
State News 11/25/08:
State Lawmakers Gloomy On Cutting Deficit -- The state Legislature will make a last-ditch effort this afternoon to deal with California's looming two-year deficit, estimated to be as high as $28 billion, but party leaders were not optimistic after meeting with Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Monday. JOHN WILDERMUTH in the San Francisco Chronicle KEVIN YAMAMURA in the Sacramento Bee MIKE ZAPLER in the San Jose Mercury -- 11/25/08
CFT In the News 11/24/08:
To better accommodate their programs, two East San Jose school districts have been quietly exploring a site swap, with the Alum Rock Union School District trading Pala Middle School for East Side Union High School District's Independence Adult Center. ...CFT represents the Adult Education faculty at East Side High School District. Valli, quoted, is one of the leaders of the union.
Education News 11/23-24:
US Education Dept. withholds $1M from Calif.
San Jose Mercury News, USA - 2 hours ago
AP SACRAMENTO-The US Department of Education says it will withhold $1 million from California for failing to meet math-testing requirements for ...
UC Students Protest Proposed Funding Cuts -- The undocumented student from Peru recounted a gloomy tale: She had to quit UCLA this fall because her family fell on hard times. She needed to earn enough money to re-enroll in her political science courses. ARI B. BLOOMEKATZ in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/24/08
UC To Review Rehired But Pensioned Retirees -- The university's use of retirees drew attention in April after UC Berkeley Police Chief Victoria Harrison left with a lump sum $2.1 million retirement package and then was immediately rehired for her old job - with a pay raise. Some months later, UC's governing Board of Regents adopted stricter regulations on who may be rehired and for how long. TANYA SCHEVITZ in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/24/08
Regents Drop Fee Increase From Budget Proposal
The UCSD Guardian Online, CA - 1 hour ago
If the Legislature refuses the regents' request for extra funding, or if the state continues to cut from higher education, the university will likely ...
The college crisis La Opinión 11/24/08
11/23/08:
State News:
Walters: 3 California Budget Approaches Fall Short -- California's politicians - and the political media - are engaged in a great debate over whether closing a yawning budget deficit should entail new taxes, deep spending cuts or some combination of the two. DAN WALTERS in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/24/08
It's official: Florez tapped as majority leader
As Capitol Alert reported on Friday, Sen. Dean Florez will ascend to the number two slot in the Senate, incoming Senate leader Darrell Steinberg told Florez's hometown paper, the Bakersfield Californian. - 11/24/08
11/23/08:
Schwarzenegger's Frosty Relationship With GOP Lawmakers Adds To Budget Battle -- In five years, Schwarzenegger has gone from a glad-handing governor hosting lawmakers in his smoking tent to one whose appearance at an Assembly Republican caucus in September prompted legislators to wear name tags. KEVIN YAMAMURA in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/23/08
Lawmakers Deadlocked Over Car Tax, Budget Cuts -- Not even fiscal crisis trumps partisan politics in California, where lawmakers remained sharply divided on a budget rescue plan Friday with time running out in this year's session. JIM SANDERS in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/23/08
Calbreath: Sales Taxes Not Best Way To Balance State Budget -- When Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger unseated Gray Davis five years ago, one of his rallying cries was his pledge to cut taxes. Just last month, the governor called Barack Obama a "socialist" for his plan to raise taxes on the rich to cut taxes for the middle class. DEAN CALBREATH in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 11/23/08
CFT News 11/231/08:
Stanford professor leads Obama transition team
San Francisco Chronicle, USA - Nov 21, 2008"It's such a clear change from what we've had," said Marty Hittelman, president of the California Federation of Teachers. "Someone who's friendly to labor. ...
Education News 11/21/08:
Walters: $1.8 Billion For Schools Boomerangs -- Eight years ago, the California Teachers Association, arguably one of the Capitol's three most influential interest groups, leveraged an extra $1.8 billion a year in school money from Gov. Gray Davis. The state was rolling in money in 2000, thanks to a one-time infusion of income taxes on stock options and capital gains as the dot-com bubble began to burst and techies cashed in their stock options. But Davis was reluctant to use it for permanent tax cuts and/or spending. DAN WALTERS in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/21/08
UC Regents Drop Fee Increases From Budget Plan -- The University of California Board of Regents decided on Thursday to remove student fee and tuition increases from its budget proposal for the 2009-10 school year. It was a decision that now puts the burden on the state Legislature to either provide funding that would avert the need for such increases or force those enrolled in the UC system to come up with the money themselves. PATRICIA YOLLIN in the San Francisco Chronicle JAMES P. SWEENEY in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 11/21/08
UC Asks State For Bigger Budget To Avoid Fee Hikes -- University of California seeks a far bigger budget this year, hoping to avoid a nearly 10% increase in student costs. Some say the request is futile, given the state's grim economic outlook. LARRY GORDON in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/21/08
San Francisco Schools Chief Wants Higher Bar For Grads -- San Francisco schools Superintendent Carlos Garcia wants to raise the bar for earning a high school diploma - requiring every graduating senior, starting with the class of 2014, to pass all the college prep classes required for admission to the University of California and California State University systems. JILL TUCKER in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/21/08
CSUN Must Cut 1,100 Students -- Faced with an increasingly bleak financial outlook, California State University officials said Thursday that they would have to slash enrollment at the 23-campus system by up to 10,000 students next year - the first-ever cut of its type. CONNIE LLANOS in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 11/21/08
Want to attend Chico State next fall? Enrollment may be cut off ...
Enterprise-Record, CA - 11/21/08
California's 2008-2009 budget is for $2.97 billion for the CSU, the same amount as last year. The rest of the funding comes from student fees. ...
LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES PREPARING FOR CUTS
1590 KLIV Silicon Valley News, CA - 11/21/08
This comes after the state budget deficit is expected to results in a slashing of funding for the education systems. Foothill-De Anza Chancellor Martha ...
Sacramento, Beware: Our Pockets Aren't Bottomless
The UCSD Guardian Online, CA - 11/21/08
With a governor set on continually slashing state funding for higher education, a Board of Regents with nowhere to turn but the already barren pockets of ...
California State Budget Solution Could Affect Fullerton College ...
The Hornet, CA - 11/21/08
As funding for education decreases, the number of applicants continues to rise. "Applications for fall 2009 are up almost 20 percent from last year," Reed ...
For Sonoma Valley schools big budget cuts still loom
Sonoma Valley Sun, CA - 11/21/08
... Application Part I, for FY 2008-2009, which is required by the California Department of Education in order to receive related categorical funding. ...
SJ: SOUTH BAY EDUCATION LEADERS RALLY IN OPPOSITION OF MIDYEAR ...
CBS 5, CA - 11/21/08
She called the future of public education "devastating." The University of California and California State University systems will consider reducing ...
Budget still a burden for schools
Pleasanton Weekly, USA - 18 hours ago
As California's deficit climbs to an estimated $11.2 billion, educational funding will likely take a hit as Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has proposed a ...
State News - 11/21/08:
Budget Discussion Yields Little Movement -- The state Senate has cancelled its Sunday floor session, and Senate President Pro Tem Don Perata said that next Tuesday is the absolute latest lawmakers can meet before December because of logistical issues in preparing for the next two-year session. KEVIN YAMAMURA SacBee Capitol Alert -- 11/21/08
Education News 11/20/08:
UC To Trim Freshman Enrollment If Budget Nixed -- Pie in the sky or reality test? That was the question the University of California Board of Regents debated Wednesday before its finance committee approved a budget proposal for the 2009-10 school year that would increase its core operating funds by $815 million, or 15 percent. PATRICIA YOLLIN in the San Francisco Chronicle LARRY GORDON in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/20/08
CSU To Impose Enrollment Caps In Budget Crisis -- Chancellor Charles Reed of the California State University received the green light on Wednesday to turn away at least 10,000 students who apply for admission next fall to the 23-campus system. JIM DOYLE in the San Francisco Chronicle JENIFER GOODWIN in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 11/20/08
Garamendi Pushes UC Regents to Pass a Budget Without Crippling ...
California Chronicle, CA - 11/20/08
"The great tradition of California, the free higher education system is being thrown out the door, it is being abandoned. We may as well be Stanford, ...
SF: UPDATE: UC REGENTS COMMITTEE APPROVES PROPOSED BUDGET
CBS 5, CA - 11/20/08
According to a statement put out by his office, Garamendi said, "The great tradition of California, the free higher education system, is being thrown out ...
Parents and teachers react to CUSD budget cuts
OCRegister, CA - 11/20/08
School districts across California were notified in late October that public education could face a $2 billion to $4 billion shortfall before the end of the ...
Should California cut funding for education?
Redlands Daily Facts, CA - 11/20/08
"California ranks about 46 out of 50 states in its spending per student," Christakos said. "The average funding per student in 2007-08 in California was ...
San Bernardino City School District preparing for possible funding ... Press-Enterprise 11/20/08
Expect A Mess: OUSD in Pain
Oakbook, CA - 11/20/08
On Wednesday, school district officials will present their plan for scraping by if the Legislature passes the governor's proposal to cut school funding by ...
Latinos And Blacks Improve Test Scores -- San Diego County schools are making progress in bridging the achievement gap. CHRIS MORAN in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 11/20/08
Time Online Teaches Kids Important Skills, Study Finds -- Hear that clicking sound? It's the wired generation forwarding a new study to their peers and parents that suggests always-online digital kids aren't wasting time and deadening brain cells - they're actually engaged in important work. SHARON NOGUCHI in the San Jose Mercury -- 11/20/08
State News Highlights:
Assembly Leader Pushes Idea Of State Budget Bailout From D.C. -- Assembly Speaker Karen Bass touted Uncle Sam as a realistic savior Wednesday for California's multibillion-dollar budget shortfall - but critics say the tactic could backfire by raising false hopes. JIM SANDERS in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/20/08
Top California GOP Legislator Holds The Line On Taxes -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Democrats who dominate the California legislature agree the state needs to raise taxes to help stave off billions in budgetary red ink. But the governor faces a roadblock in his own party, Republican Assemblyman Mike Villines. JIM CARLTON in the Wall Street Journal -- 11/20/08
CFT News 11/19/08:
Berkeley teachers working without contract rally Tuesday
Oakland Tribune, CA - 11/19/08
The Berkeley Federation of Teachers "Day of Teacher Action" started off slow with just a few teachers on Ashby Avenue, but as morning turned to afternoon ...
Berkeley Teachers Demonstrate as Contract Negotiations Continue
Daily Californian, CA - 11/19/08
By Keena Batti Members of the Berkeley Federation of Teachers attempted to raise the profile of their contract negotiations Tuesday by passing out fliers to ...
Teachers to picket at district office today
Morgan Hill Times, CA - 11/18/08
By Natalie Everett - Staff Writer Teachers will picket outside the school district office this afternoon, before and during the scheduled trustee meeting. ...
Fed urged to address Cal budget crisis
IndiaPost.com, CA - Nov 18, 2008
... SEIU Local 721, the State Building and Construction Trades Council of California, Sony Pictures, the
Education News 11/19/08:
California Education Cuts in the Year After the "Year of Education" California Progress Report - 11/19/08
California Universities Will Cut Enrollment Unless State Increases ...
New York Times, United States - 11/19/08
By TAMAR LEWIN Hard hit by budget cuts, the California State University system is planning to cut its enrollment by 10000 students for the 2009-10 academic ...
California State University to cut enrollment The Associated Press - 11/19/08
UC May Cut Some Admission Requirements -- Thousands of high school seniors are racing this month to complete their applications to the University of California in hopes of becoming freshmen next fall. HUDSON SANGREE in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/19/08
Cal State Students, Faculty Protest Proposed Cuts In Admission, Budget -- To ease uncertainty among students who would otherwise qualify, advisors tell prospective freshman to apply to several universities or plan to attend community college for two years. SEEMA MEHTA and GALE HOLLAND in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/19/08
Regents Mull More Fee Hikes
Daily Nexus, CA - 11/19/08
The UC is not the only public school system in the state that is affected by the budget deficit. On Monday, California State University Chancellor Charles ...
CSU cuts may alter Tulare County students' plans
BY VICTOR GARCIA AND KIMBERLINA ROCHA • NOVEMBER 19, 2008
Tulare County students planning to attend California State University campuses outside the Valley may find it difficult because of budget cuts proposed this week.
Hefty Pay Raises In Troubled Times On Campus -- The chancellor and governing Board of Trustees of the California State University system have continued to award hefty pay raises to top administrators this year even as the university moves toward capping student enrollment and slashing campus budgets. JIM DOYLE in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/19/08
Teacher Takes Student Gains Personally -- He plays tug-of-war to explain America's bloody fight for independence, brings the Industrial Revolution to life with plays and card games, and hangs graffiti art by students to illustrate freedom of speech. CONNIE LLANOS in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 11/19/08
School Districts Fight Possible Midyear Cuts -- Local schools Superintendent David Gomez flew to Sacramento last week to try to convince state officials that cutting $2.2 billion from public education halfway through the school year would be disastrous for kids. CHERI CARLSON in the Ventura Star -- 11/19/08
Financial Aid Calculator
Los Angeles Times, CA - 11/19/08
Recognizing that, University of California officials unveiled a new on-line calculator to help students and their parents plan for the costs of attending a ...
Shooting outside California high school
USA Today - 11/19/08
Police say a student was shot last night outside Central Valley High School in Ceres, Calif. The 19-year-old victim, a night-school student, ...
State News 11/19/08:
Herdt: Budget woes leave lawmakers only bad choices
Ventura County Star, CA - 11/19/08
All those cuts would leave the state with about $75 billion - roughly what it spends on K-12 education ($38 billion), healthcare ($21 billion), ...
Schwarzenegger Budget Plan Faces Dim Prospects In Weekend Vote -- Democratic legislative leaders in the Assembly and Senate have called back lawmakers for rare floor sessions this Sunday to tackle California's ever-deepening budget hole. But what lawmakers will be voting on is anyone's guess, even the leaders themselves. MIKE ZAPLER in the San Jose Mercury -- 11/19/08
State Lawmakers Overseas During Budget Crisis -- More than a dozen state lawmakers have missed much of the special legislative session called to tackle the state's fiscal mess, instead traveling to India, China and Hawaii to learn about education, high-speed rail and dams. MATTHEW YI in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/19/08
Legislature set to vote this weekend, but not clear on what
San Jose Mercury News, USA - 11/19/08
Technically the special session expires at the end of November, but legislative leaders have set Sunday as the working deadline to vote on a budget package. ...
Balancing state budget requires spending cuts, revenue increases Oakland Tribune - 11/19/08
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AFT/CFT 11/17/08:
Spending cuts and tax increases
Signal, CA - Nov 17, 2008
Fred Glass, spokesman for the California Federation of Teachers, said, "Before the budget disaster of last summer, California was already 46th in the nation ...
Negotiations Commence Over Librarian Salaries
The UCSD Guardian Online, CA - Nov 17, 2008 By Deepak Seeni The American Federation of Teachers, on behalf of University of California librarians, began talks Nov. 5 over librarian salaries and the ...
Education:
Californians Would Pay for Real Education Reform
New America Media, CA - 11/18/08
Significant education reform seems impossible. But don't underestimate Californians' willingness to back significant, long-term reforms to California's K-12 ...
Peter Schrag: True leadership needed for 'loyal opposition'
Sacramento Bee, USA - 11/18/08
Ditto for CBEE, California Business for Education Excellence, which has always been quick to demand tougher standards but which has been silent as existing ...
State Budget Crisis Balloons
Valley Post, CA - 11/18/08
The governor's plan calls for a $2.5 billion reduction this year in Proposition 98 spending, the voter-passed guarantee that schools receive at least 40 ...
CSU To Turn Away 10,000 Students -- About 10,000 fewer students will be allowed to enroll next fall in the California State University system than are currently attending its 23 campuses, Chancellor Charles Reed said Monday. The total number of full-time and part-time students at CSU campuses is about 460,000. The chancellor said he plans to cap enrollment at about 450,000. Each campus will have a set total. JIM DOYLE in the San Francisco Chronicle GALE HOLLAND in the Los Angeles Times, San Jose Mercury -- 11/18/08
SSU must cut admissions by 500
Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA - 11/18/08
While several over-enrolled schools in the 23-campus CSU system are already affected, Reed said Monday's announcement will affect most campuses. ...
Fiscal woes impact admissions
The UCLA Daily Bruin, CA - 11/18/08
This year, the committee, which is comprised of administration and student leaders, will make suggestions facing decline in state funding. ...
Cal State Plan Startles Community College Leaders -- Community college leaders are worried a California State University plan to turn away as many as 10,000 students next year could inundate two-year schools that already can't handle spiking enrollment. MATT KRUPNICK in the Contra Costa Times -- 11/18/08
EDITORIAL: Schools must cash tech check: Unspent Microsoft ...
TMCnet - 11/18/08
But two years later, nearly 80 percent of the money is still in the vault, unclaimed by California schools. Only a few Kern County school districts have ...MSFT
Why is my PTA being told not to worry parents about the big cuts ...
OCRegister, CA - 11/18/08
There are tough times ahead for our country, our state and our schools. I am not sure why the PTA leaders at your school told you not to worry your ...
Berkeley High Reforms: Money Well Spent?
Berkeley Daily Planet, CA - 11/18/08
During 2008, BayCES was paid an additional $178000 by BUSD for small schools coaching and consulting services out of the BUSD general fund, the California ...
Budget cuts mean Pierce could be out $2.5 million
The Roundup, CA - 11/18/08
Garber admitted "there was always a chance" Pierce's surplus money could be used to bail out other schools, but he feels confident LACCD Chancellor Marshall ...
Amgen Tour Of California Aims At Education
KHTS Radio, CA - 11/18/08
Starting this week, elementary schools throughout California will receive the 2009 Amgen Tour of California education curriculum booklet in preparation for ...
State News:
Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert -November 18, 2008
No silver lining on economic clouds
The Schwarzenegger administration's latest survey of the California economy and state revenues doesn't look any brighter, describing the employment picture and continued declines in housing construction as "unwelcome news."
The administration has warned that the state will run out of cash by early next year unless the Legislature agrees on a package of spending cuts and tax increases to close a yawning budget deficit, thus allowing the state treasurer to float more short-term "revenue anticipation notes."
Without a revised budget, state officials fear, they will be unable to persuade lenders that the notes will be repaid by June. Overall state revenues during October did not change that forecast, with revenues running even with the much-revised estimates the administration made as it urged the Legislature to act quickly on spending cuts and new taxes.
So far, the Legislature has continued to be stalemated, with time running out on a special lameduck session. Both legislative houses have scheduled floor sessions on Sunday, the last day legislative leaders say they could act. But there are no signs of a political breakthrough, and those sessions are expected to be nothing more than what Capitol insiders call a "drill" - many speeches but no action.
The full Department of Finance monthly bulletin is available here
Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert - November 18, 2008
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is going to be a busy man the next couple of days.
Schwarzenegger will play host to two simultaneous two-day conferences in Southern California, one on greenhouse gas emissions and another on small business and entrepreneurship.
The climate summit in Beverly Hills is co-hosted by a bipartisan crowd of governors from across the country. Government officials from around the globe are expected to attend, as those officials and environmental experts will discuss how to limit emissions.
The summit comes a month before a United Nations meeting in Poland next month, where climate change is on the agenda.
In a pre-summit move, Schwarzenegger signed an executive order on Monday to raise the state's goal to produce 33 percent of its power from renewable resources by 2020. The governor hailed the new, higher bar as "the most aggressive target in the nation."
But the state's utility companies already are lagging behind the current statuatory target of 20 percent renewables by 2010.
Then, there's that pesky budget.
Time is ticking down for termed-out state lawmakers to do something to address California's budget deficit - which the nonpartisan LAO has pegged at $27.8 billion over the next 19 months.
The impact of funding troubles is being felt. On Monday, Charles B. Reed, chancellor of the California State University system, announced the universities will eliminate 10,000 admission spots for the 2009-10 school year due to the financial pinch.
The CSU trustees meet today in Long Beach to discuss the state of the state school system.
Both houses of the Legislatur have scheduled floor sessions for this coming Sunday, though few signs of progress have emerged from the Capitol.
The California Teachers Association, meanwhile, has launched a month-long radio ad campaign.
"It's hard to give kids what they need for their future when California ranks forty sixth among all states for public school funding," says a teacher in the ad. "We've got to do better."
11/17/08:
California Federation of Teachers:
Not Everyone Wants to Move Toward Rating Educators by Student Progress
Washington Post, United States - 11/17/08
Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers, told me that she wanted teachers to learn how to use growth data "and then see where we ...
Education News:
Dan Walters: California tax hike bid touches off lobbying war
Oakland Tribune, CA - 11/17/08
Groups that would be affected by proposed cuts - the powerful Education Coalition most prominently - began beating the drums of resistance. ...
Doug Ose: What We're Not Being Told about Changing UC's Admissions ...
Santa Cruz Sentinel, CA - 11/17/08
A closer look tells a different story, one the regents and the UC Board of Admissions and Relations with Schools BOARS, which proposed the changes, ...
CSU Eyes Admission Cuts At All Campuses -- High school seniors in San Diego County and elsewhere might soon have a tougher time getting into a California State University school for fall 2009. LINDA LOU in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 11/17/08
California is cutting education funding at its own peril, latimes.com, 9:03 a.m.
Los Angeles Times, CA - 11/17/08
Even before the budget cuts, the state planned to spend $5900 a student in California's higher-education system this year (including community college ...
Bailing Out the States?
California Progress Report, CA - 11/17/08
The alternative is massive and crippling cuts to schools like that described in today's LA Times: "District officials -- already in the process of ...
L.A. Unified Considers Stark Midyear Budget Cuts -- The Los Angeles Unified School District has developed stark new plans including larger class sizes, layoffs and early retirement incentives to deal with a worsening state budget situation. District officials -- already in the process of identifying $400 million in cuts for next year -- almost certainly will have to reopen this year's budget and find about $200 million to $400 million to meet an anticipated shortfall. The budget-cutting is becoming a painfully familiar routine: Officials had to eliminate 680 jobs just to balance the books last June. JASON SONG and HOWARD BLUME in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/17/08
Enrollments Drop At Modesto-Area Schools As Foreclosures, Unemployment Rise -- Musical instruments go unused and counselor offices are vacant. Middle schools don't offer many electives -- woodshop was eliminated long ago. These schools have seen enrollment drop by 20 percent in recent years and with it several programs. MICHELLE HATFIELD in the Modesto Bee -- 11/17/08
Sixth sense
Victorville Daily Press, CA - 11/17/08
... is the 10th highest-performing school serving children in poverty within the state, according to a report by the California Charter Schools Association. ...
11/16/08:
Compton College Benefiting From Takeover By El Camino -- After the campus was stripped of accreditation, many were skeptical of nearby school's plan to step in. But students, staff and the community are excited by the ensuing changes, and enrollment is up. ALICIA LOZANO in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/16/08
Give schools leeway on using funds
Los Angeles Times, CA - Nov 16, 2008
If state and federal authorities can't give California schools extra money, they might look at providing flexibility in letting schools allocate what they ...
California's children deserve better Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - 11/16/08
State education needs a bailout San Gabriel Valley Tribune 11/16/08
11/15/08:
Editorial: Unshackle schools - Riverside Press Enterprise pe.com 11/15/08
State News:
Editorial: Lawmakers have work to do--In Washington and Sacramento, latimes.com, 11/17/08
11/16/08:
Deficit Is Clear, Remedy Is Not -- It's a deceptively simple problem: Match how much money state government takes in with how much it spends. But the devil, as the saying goes, is in the details. And if there's one thing California government abounds in, it's devilish details: more than 150 agencies and departments populated by more than 200,000 employees carrying out uncounted programs that serve more than 37 million people. STEVE WIEGAND in the Sacramento Bee -- 11/16/08
CFT News:
Financial Crisis Socks California
AlterNet, CA - Nov 14, 2008
The California Federation of Teachers says much of the budget hole could be fixed by reinstating vehicle registration fees and raising income tax rates 2 ...
Changes are coming to MHUSD
Morgan Hill Times, CA - 11/14/08
Contract negotiations continue with our two employee unions - the Service Employees International Union and the Morgan Hill Federation of Teachers. ...
California Teachers of the Year:
CALIFORNIA BRIEFING - Los Angeles Times, CA - 11/14/08
Five educators have been named California Teachers of the Year, the state Department of Education announced Thursday. Chosen from among 60 applicants, ...
Sylmar High history teacher picked one of state's Teachers of the Year Contra Costa Times 11/14/08
Cypress claims Teacher of the Year
Long Beach Press-Telegram, CA - 11/14/08
... education and the needs of industry." "Alastair Inman teaches a subject essential to the future of our students and of California," O'Connell said. ...
A hit with numbers
San Diego Union Tribune, United States - 11/14/08
The California Department of Education also named instructors from Anaheim, Corona, Los Angeles and Napa as teachers of the year. ...
Education News:
State schools chief hopes for change
The Desert Sun, CA - 11/14/08
It's day-to-day hard work preparing students for the future. The budget situation hasn't helped us. The budget shortchanged education ... and now you have ...
UC And Cal State Warn That Fees May Increase -- UC plans a 9.4% hike, not including books and housing. Cal State seeks to avoid a 10% increase by obtaining more public funding. LARRY GORDON in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/14/08
Students' class load limited
Santa Rosa Press Democrat, CA - 11/14/08
It's all because the state is cutting back on its commitment to higher education," Ochoa said. The California State University system already is seeing up ...
California Budget Crisis Has Residents Worrying About State College Costs -- A Public Policy Institute of California survey finds that more than 80% of respondents fear higher education funding cuts -- but most don't want to pay taxes to prevent them. GALE HOLLAND in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/14/08
Final fall enrollment data shows increase in students
UC Berkeley, CA - 11/14/08
... Media Relations | 13 November 2008 BERKELEY - More than 35400 undergraduate and graduate students are currently enrolled at the University of California ...
Community College Next on Chopping Block
KHSL - 11/14/08
This as enrollment climbs at community colleges throughout California because of the sagging economy. At Butte College in Oroville, enrollment is up by 1000 ...
KC High district in crisis
The Salinas Californian, 11/14/08
The California Department of Education said Thursday a local legislator must author a bill requesting financial assistance, and that bill must be approved ...
LAUSD Halts Most Spending In Effort To Save $300 Million -- Facing a midyear budget cut of up to $300 million, the Los Angeles Unified School District has issued an immediate halt on filling open positions, using district credit cards and spending on a variety of contracts. GEORGE B. SÁNCHEZ in the Los Angeles Daily News -- 11/14/08
Testing One, Two, Three, Four ... Sixteen?
Voice of San Diego, CA - 11/14/08
San Diego Unified has long required its own set of standardized tests for students from kindergarten to high school in addition to the California tests ...
Calif. Wildfire Sweeps Across Westmont College Campus
Chronicle of Higher Education (subscription) - 11/14/08
The fire, in Montecito in the coastal foothills east of Santa Barbara, reached the wooded campus early Thursday evening, interrupting some students during ...
EDITORIAL: ACLU right to sue over student rights
North County Times, CA - 11/14/08
... that California law allows censorship of students only when the written matter "... is obscene, libelous, or slanderous" (Education Code section 48907). ...
EDUCATION MATTERS: Facing a crisis, we must give back
Glendale News Press, CA - 11/14/08
By DAN KIMBER I must say that the greatest lessons of history that I have imparted to a generation of students have more to do with the redemption of ...
State News:
Sacramento Bee Capitol Alert - November 14, 2008
"Laird quacks back at Schwarzenegger
One of the benefits of being a lame-duck legislator with half a month left is the freedom to speak your mind.
After being routinely diplomatic during the regular session, termed-out Democratic Assemblyman John Laird got downright snarky in a reference to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger in an op-ed that ran Thursday in the Monterey County Herald:
"I don't think it is fully understood how severe this crisis is. Everyone is going to have to move out of their comfort zone to fix this problem. Democrats will have to accept cuts. Republicans will have to accept taxes. The governor will have to do more than just hold news conferences."
The knock on Schwarzenegger holding press conferences is a line oft-whispered by legislators and aides around the Capitol but rarely said publicly.
This might be one time Schwarzenegger has a legitimate defense, having just outlined a major tax-and-cut proposal commended by the Legislative Analyst. But Democratic legislative leaders feel his job isn't done because they think it's Schwarzenegger's job to persuade Republicans to approve tax increases.
Laird isn't done, either. He's chairing the Assembly Budget Committee today when it reviews Schwarzenegger's plan."
The Ultimate Betrayal of California's Future
By Robert Cruickshank
In 1960 the state of California made a promise. All students who met eligibility requirements would be given a place in the state's higher education system, and that education would be provided free of charge (although students would be responsible for room and board and books, they were not to be charged for the cost of instruction).
The California Budget: Assembly Hearing This Morning-No Senate Hearings Scheduled-No Agreement From Leaders
Will Hear Legislative Analyst Office Report on Crisis
Will Review Governor's Special Session Proposals Calling for Mid-Year Spending Cuts and Revenue Increases
By Marty D. Omoto, Director/Organizer
California Disability Community Action Network
With California's budget crisis growing worse, the Assembly Budget Committee is scheduled to meet at 10:00 AM (instead of 1:30 PM - note time change) on Friday morning , November 14, 2008, in the State Capitol, Room 4202 to review the Governor's proposals released last week, to close the State budget deficit, and to also hear an overview of the crisis by the Legislature's non-partisan budget analyst. The committee hearing agenda available contains no details, analysis or recommendations.
CFT News:
Four women vie for City College post
Fresno Bee (subscription), CA - 11/13/08
... to hear from the finalists, said Zwi Resnik, a City College math instructor and president of State Center Federation of Teachers, the faculty union. ...
Education News:
California budget crisis has residents worrying about state ...
Los Angeles Times, 11/13/08
A Public Policy Institute of California survey finds that more than 80% of respondents fear higher education funding cuts -- but most don't want to pay ...
Budget battle begins with student, faculty sit-in
Golden Gate [X]Press 11/13/08
There is another casualty in the struggle over funding, says anthropology chair Bailey: lecturers. "Lecturers are getting the worst part of the deal," ...
Californians say state's public higher education offers quality ...
Central Valley Business Times, 11/13/08
Californians give the state's higher education system high marks for quality but see college costs and a lack of government funding as top issues, ...
School District Threatened By Mid-Year Budget Cuts
Berkeley Daily Planet, 11/13/08
98 is a voter-approved statute that establishes a minimum level of funding for California schools. The proposal, which district officials said the governor ...
Austerity plan might not affect Cal State East Bay
Daily Review Online, 11/13/08
The California State Education code states that Cal State's open policy depends upon adequate funding. Cal State's financial stresses come at a time when ...
CSULB will cut student enrollment Long Beach Press-Telegram 11/13/08
The move is needed because CSU this year committed to growing its enrollment by as many as 10000 students even though the system receives no funding from ...
LAUSD Budget Woes
NBC Los Angeles, 11/13/08
... at ways to balance its budget, which could be half a billion dollars in the red if the governor's proposed cuts to state education funding go through. ...
School district left in budget holding pattern
Valley Sun, 11/13/08
Hodgson added that since the budget was late to arrive, 51 days overdue, the details of what exactly will be cut in education has not been clear. ...
Governor proposes $2.7 billion education cuts
Laney Tower, 11/13/08
On Nov 10, 2008 students lined the State Capital to protest the proposed mid-year cuts to education. This was their call to action. California Community ...
Orcutt Union School District delays union salary contract talks
Santa Maria Times, 11/13/08
The governor's proposed cuts would reduce education funding by around $2.5 billion. That's on top of the $4 billion hit schools already took earlier this ...
State budget woes could hew deep cuts in schools Record-Searchlight
Redding 11/13/08
Majority In Survey Say College Cost Big Problem -- Robert Studdiford of El Cerrito knows how important a college education is because he never had one. NANETTE ASIMOV in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/13/08
UC's Endowment Plunged $1 Billion -- The University of California endowment lost $1 billion in the first nine months of 2008, with $700 million of the loss coming in the latest quarter. TANYA SCHEVITZ in the San Francisco Chronicle -- 11/13/08
Teen's Suicide Prompts Effort To Monitor Bullying In Acton Schools -- Jeremiah Lasater's father creates Project 51, a nonprofit named for the boy's number on the football team. It will offer a toll-free number to report on-campus harassment. CATHERINE SAILLANT in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/13/08
State News:
Legislative Leaders Show Signs Of Cooperation -- Incoming Senate leader Darrell Steinberg took it as welcome news Wednesday that a Republican lawmaker is hinting at breaking ranks with his party's opposition to taxes, though he stopped short of predicting a breakthrough on a deal to close the $11.2 billion budget deficit in the last two weeks of the November special session. STEVEN HARMON in the Contra Costa Times -- 11/13/08
Governor Isn't Wed To Sales Tax Hike -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wants a temporary sales tax increase to help close the state's projected $11.2 billion budget deficit, but isn't wedded to it and is open to other suggestions, he said Wednesday. JOHN ELLIS in the Fresno Bee -- 11/13/08
Who Will Be Hurt in the California Budget Fight-And Has the Groundwork Been Laid for a Solution? California Progress Report, 11/13/08
A Depression-Style California State Budget
Dick Meister: the other SF State Strike
San Francisco Bay Guardian, CA - November 12, 2008
The eight-week-long walkout led by the American Federation of Teachers was one of the longest and most bitter teacher strikes in California history. ...
Higher education bracing for possible $464M hit
San Jose Mercury News, USA - November 12, 2008
essentially flat funding the governor and lawmakers agreed upon in September for K-12 and higher education, which together make up roughly half of the state ...
University officials expect steep cuts
Monterey County Herald, November 12, 2008
The community college system, which would be hardest hit by the cuts, would lose about 10 percent of its state funding under the governor's plan. ...
ACLU Sues District Over Student Paper -- The American Civil Liberties Union has sued the Fallbrook Union High School District, saying that Fallbrook High's principal violated the free speech of students when he censored two articles, eliminated the newspaper's faculty adviser position, cut the journalism class and killed publication of the Tomahawk newspaper. BRUCE LIEBERMAN in the San Diego Union-Trib -- 11/12/08
Charters Lead State's Traditional Schools In Achievement For Poor Children, Survey Finds -- The burgeoning charter school movement in California has largely made its mark as an alternative to low-performing inner-city schools. An analysis being issued today suggests that, at their best, charters are doing that job well, outperforming most traditional public schools that serve children in poverty. MITCHELL LANDSBERG in the Los Angeles Times -- 11/12/08
CSU plan would turn away many B students
San Francisco Chronicle, USA - Nov 11, 2008
For the first time, California high school seniors face the prospect that a B average and completion of required college preparatory classes might not be ...
Students may have tougher time getting into favorite state university
Bakersfield Californian, November 11, 2008
Higher education bracing for possible $464M hit San
Jose Mercury News, November 11, 2008
Analyst Says State Deficit May Near $28 Billion -- California's budget deficit could reach nearly $28 billion over the next two years unless drastic steps - including raising new taxes - are taken to stem the fiscal bleeding, the nonpartisan legislative analyst's office said Tuesday. MATTHEW YI in the San Francisco Chronicle KEVIN YAMAMURA in the Sacramento Bee JUDY LIN AP JAMES P. SWEENEY and MICHAEL GARDNER in the San Diego Union-Trib TIMM HERDT in the Ventura Star -- 11/12/08
Governor: Tax hikes, spending cuts to fix the budget
San Francisco Chronicle, November 7, 2008
Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger called Thursday for the Legislature to convene a special session to approve his plan to overcome the state's projected $11.2 billion revenue shortfall by raising billions of dollars in new taxes and making major spending cuts.
Buchanan beats out Wilson, steals Houston seat
Valley Times, November 5, 2008
In a costly upset for the Republicans, Democrat Joan Buchanan has won the race for the Bay Area's last remaining GOP-held seat in the state legislature.
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