ASBO International's Economic Recovery Blog

Duncan’s “Quiet Revolution”

 “The American story is all about extraordinary people who meet the challenges of their times with determination, courage and vision. From the heroes of the American Revolution to the heroes of our transformative social movements -- our nation was shaped by bold men and women who overcome resistance, fear and dissent to build alliances that advance our collective welfare. …

…Today, in the field of public education, this moment is upon us and I am not the first to say it. From journalists and educators to politicians and parents -- there is a growing sense that a quiet revolution is underway in our homes and schools, classrooms and communities. …

…It is driven by great educators and administrators who are challenging the defeatism and inertia that has trapped generations of children in second-rate schools. They know that every child can learn in a school culture where parents are engaged, teachers are respected and principals are empowered.”

Read the full version Education Secretary Arne Duncan’s speech about education reform and the Race to the Top finalists or watch the video on C-SPAN.

Win, Lose, or Draw

Or can we all win when it comes to education? That's what many civil rights organizations are advocating. And they're not sure that's what's happening with Race to the Top because many minority students are in "losing" states.

The Department of Education is listening. Secretary Duncan met with eight civil rights organizations earlier this week.

"I think [federal officials] really need to look at what we say about Race to the Top and competitive grants,” said Barbara R. Arnwine, the executive director of the Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law, one of the groups behind the new education framework. “We believe education is a civil right, and that means that everybody should have that right. There shouldn’t be winners and losers. That whole concept should be out of that discussion.”

Find out more about the education reform framework these organizations propose.

L is for Layoffs

We’re all familiar with layoffs going on in our schools as the stimulus money reaches the funding cliff. But how is your district approaching the process?

While it might be natural to let go the less effective employees, that’s not what’s happening. Instead, most districts are saying goodbye to the newest employees. Dubbed a “dark cloud on the horizon” for education reformers in this Newsweek article, this old school process could undermine the impact of Race to the Top.

But the Windy City is breaking from tradition and proposing to fire the most incompetent teachers first. Read more about the city’s plan and what other schools are doing.

Need Mo’ Money

This coming school year, a whopping 75% of the nation’s school districts are expected to cut teaching job. That’s up from 45% last year, even with the stimulus money.

Before you send students out with cans to collect money, read Center for Education Policy’s report, School Districts’ Perspectives on the Economic Stimulus Package. This report covers the successes and the challenges districts are experiencing.

Or do you have any creative ways to bring more funding that you want to share?

Warning! Funding Cliff Ahead! Don't Jump (yet)!

Remember that $10 billion dollars to save teacher jobs we told you about earlier?   Are you curious just what your state might get if the $10B goes through?  Well don't go spending it just yet, but preliminary numbers are out. Download Projected Education Jobs Fund Allocations-20100706.

Dot Your “I’s” and Cross Your “T’s” on ARRA Equipment and Property

If you purchased equipment or property with your district’s ARRA funds, you’ll want to tune in to this Department of Education webinar, “Equipment and Property Management,”  on Monday, July 26 at 2:00 p.m.

This presentation will  outline federal guidance and requirements for the oversight and management of equipment and property purchased using ARRA funds.  Other topics to be discussed will include:

• Requirements for retaining documentation related to equipment and property purchases,
• The importance of ongoing monitoring of the use and disposition of the equipment and property, and
• Conducting a regular inventory of items purchased with federal funds.  

Register now.

Go On, Take the Money and Run

The House of Representatives voted to take $800 million from key administration initiatives to help avert teacher layoffs. So are they robbing the Race to the Top bank, or doing what must be done to save jobs?

Read more about the recent vote that the White House threatens to veto in this Education Week article.

Let’s Play "Would You Rather"

Have you ever played “Would You Rather,” a game where you are presented with an impossible situation and have to choose between equally awful options? Well, we all might be playing that game with education now. Instead of choosing between losing an arm or a leg, politicians are trying to make us choose between jobs and quality education.

According to the Washington Post, Rep. David R. Obey (D), chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, wants to funnel money away from Race to the Top to save education jobs.

The Department of Education wants both. The same Post article quotes ED assistant secretary Peter Cunningham: "We think that jobs and reform are both needed to keep our economy strong -- short term and long term."

So what's it going to be--an arm or a leg?